The House

Join former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley as he analyzes the fallout from Trump ending trade talks with Canada, emphasizing negotiation strategies needed in this complex landscape. Political strategist George Soule discusses the NDP's challenges and opportunities in a two-party system. The conversation also touches on the new Canada Disability Benefit, with personal stories highlighting the struggles and bureaucratic hurdles faced by disabled Canadians. Lastly, hear funny yet impactful political advice from seasoned veterans on navigating the political arena.

As summer break begins, political leaders are gearing up for a busy season ahead. Discussions revolve around PM Mark Carney's urgent U.S.-Canada trade deal and Pierre Poilievre's strategy for a crucial by-election. The complexities of Canadian politics unfold—from addressing Indigenous consultation to tackling economic sentiments. Authentic messaging becomes key for upcoming elections, as leaders navigate internal dynamics and shifting voter expectations. Unique insights into Quebec's landscape and humorous cultural interludes enrich the analysis.

Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations, raises flags about the government's fast-paced infrastructure bill, citing concerns over Indigenous rights. Steven MacKinnon, Government House Leader, defends the urgency, emphasizing national interests. They delve into the geopolitical implications of Canada's military stance, especially in light of upcoming NATO discussions. Experts dissect the balance between rapid project approvals and essential environmental safeguards, while also addressing the political dynamics between Liberals and Conservatives that could impact future governance.

President Trump's early exit from the G7 sparked debate about its impact on multilateral dialogue. Without him, did Canada seize the opportunity to push its agenda? The podcast dives into the dynamics of the summit, discussing critical issues like climate change and trade tensions. Trudeau's remarks intensified the atmosphere, while the looming 30-day trade deadline added pressure. Finally, the hosts mix serious international politics with light-hearted banter about pronunciation debates, making for an engaging discussion on global leadership.

Anita Anand, Canada's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, discusses the critical G7 meeting and the implications of the Israel-Iran conflict. Jason Stanley, a philosophy expert on fascism, argues the U.S. is drifting away from democracy and suggests how world leaders should approach Trump. Peter Boehm, a seasoned G7 sherpa, provides insights into Trump's behavior at international summits. The conversation also touches on Canada's military spending and its role in navigating the complexities of global diplomacy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced Canada will increase defence spending to 2% of GDP, meeting our NATO commitment 5 years earlier than expected. After a decade of nudging, foreign allies are celebrating the military investment. But where exactly will the extra $9.3 billion come from? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault analyze the strategy behind the sudden funding increase, the government’s capacity to move quickly, and what might end up getting left behind.Correction: At the 25:45 mark in this episode, Catherine Cullen says the government has to spend money on programs such as the Canada Pension Plan. The CPP is in fact funded not by the government but by employers and employees who pay into it.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberals unveiled several new pieces of legislation to boost Canada’s economy and strengthen its security. Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland joins the show to explain the government’s plan to scrap federal interprovincial trade barriers — and if it will really be that easy to create ‘one Canadian economy.’Plus, after Carney met with Canada’s premiers to chart out major national projects, Yiota Kokkinos, a former director general at Natural Resources Canada and Andrew Leach, an energy economist discuss which projects should be prioritized.Then, David Reevely, an Ottawa correspondent for The Logic, breaks down concerns over the Liberal government’s proposed legislation that would give federal authorities sweeping new border security powers.After that, young Canadian jobseekers Riley Locke and Mel Purchase tell The House why it’s hard for young people to find jobs these days. Then, Ilona Dougherty, co-creator of the Youth & Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, explains why and what it means for Canada’s economy. Finally, Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu explains what the government is doing to respond.Finally, former cabinet minister and first Canadian in space Marc Garneau died this week after a brief illness. The House delves into the archives to replay part of his last interview with the program, recorded on location last year in the Canadian Space and Aviation Museum.This episode features the voices of:Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal TradeYiota Kokkinos, former director general of Natural Resources CanadaAndrew Leach, energy economist at the University of AlbertaDavid Reevely, Ottawa correspondent for The LogicRiley Locke, young jobseekerMel Purchase, young jobseekerIlona Dougherty, co-creator and managing director of the Youth & Innovation Project at the University of WaterlooPatty Hajdu, Minister of JobsMarc Garneau, former cabinet minister and first Canadian in space

It was a love-in at the First Ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon this week, with the premiers and territorial leaders saying “it felt like Christmas” as they discussed national infrastructure projects – as a group – for the first time in years. But despite all the good vibes, the meeting ended without a clear project list. So what’s next? How much will actually get built, and how long will this unity among the first ministers last? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault parse out the possible nation-building presents to come.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal is government is planning to speed up approvals for resource projects deemed to be in the national interest — but there are already concerns over the environment and Indigenous treaty rights. Host Catherine Cullen talks to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO and two First Nations chiefs about Carney’s plan and who’s at risk of getting left behind.Then, provincial and territorial premiers gear up up for a key meeting with Carney in Saskatoon. Can this meeting reset the federal-provincial relationship? Two legislature reporters from Ontario and Alberta weigh in.Finally, The House delves into what we know about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to get the federal government back into the business of building homes with housing experts Mike Moffat and Steve Pomeroy, then Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow weighs in on whether the Liberal goal of building a half a million homes a year is realistic.This episode features the voices of:Shauna Feth, president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of CommerceChief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in AlbertaChief Gary Quisess of Neskantaga First NationRobert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto StarRyan Jespersen, host of Real TalkMike Moffat, founding director of the University of Ottawa's "Missing Middle Initiative"Steve Pomeroy, housing research policy consultantOlivia Chow, mayor of Toronto

King Charles spent a whirlwind 24 hours in Ottawa at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, capped off by his delivery of the Speech from the Throne. It was the first time a sovereign had delivered the throne speech in nearly 5 decades, and many saw this as a chance for the King to affirm Canada’s sovereignty and independence, in the face of 51st-state threats from Donald Trump. But could one speech possibly deliver on that hope? And what did the King’s visit actually accomplish? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault wade through the pomp and circumstance for some answers of substance.