The House

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, discusses the Alberta memorandum on a new pipeline amid climate and Indigenous concerns. British Columbia's Premier David Eby shares his doubts about provincial consent and the implications for First Nations. Samantha Nutt, founder of War Child Canada, unveils the devastating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and critiques the recent cuts to foreign aid. Together, they explore the delicate balance between national unity and environmental responsibility.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a pro-democracy activist and survivor of Kremlin oppression, discusses his relentless fight for political prisoners and the prospects of a democratic Russia after Putin. Garry Kasparov draws parallels between authoritarianism in Russia and America, warning against the normalization of threats. Jonathan Wilkinson addresses concerns over pipeline negotiations and climate commitments, stressing the importance of Indigenous support. Finally, Benjamin Roebuck shares insights on the systemic failings faced by sexual assault survivors in Canada.

Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, discusses Canada’s climate competitiveness strategy and the challenges it faces at the UN climate conference in Brazil. Dr. Natasha Crowcroft, from the Public Health Agency of Canada, delves into the nation’s loss of measles elimination status and necessary steps for recovery. Historian J.D.M. Stewart provides an engaging tour of Canada’s prime ministerial statues, highlighting the legacies—both inspiring and controversial—of past leaders and prompting a reflection on their impact on Canadian identity.

François-Philippe Champagne, the Federal Minister of Finance, defends his government's ambitious budget plan amid a surprising shift in the Conservative Party, with members crossing the floor and resigning. Andrew Scheer, the Conservative House Leader, outlines the party's staunch opposition to the budget, questioning its impact on affordability. Discussion includes whether the budget can stimulate business investment without aggravating economic concerns, as well as its broader implications for leadership and party morale within the Conservatives.

Peter Armstrong, CBC's Senior Business Correspondent, delves into the implications of the federal budget. He discusses the alarming $78 billion deficit and the $70 billion allocated for defense and infrastructure. Armstrong highlights the government's shift towards capital projects and corporate investment, assessing the potential risks of recession. He also examines tax incentives aimed at boosting productivity and critiques the long timeline for industrial strategy benefits. The insights into how these changes will affect various sectors make for a compelling listen.

Join Jean Chrétien, former Prime Minister of Canada, as he shares insights from his illustrious political career and discusses pressing national issues. At 91, he reflects on his hometown Shawinigan, emphasizing its influence on his leadership. Chrétien offers a humorous take on how he'd interact with Trump, critiques Alberta's separatist sentiments, and defends Canada's interests in trade wars. He also highlights the importance of unity during external pressures, recalling the legacy of his late wife Aline, which shaped his public service.

Once again, Canada finds itself in a deep hole in its push to get a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. This time, an advertisement by Ontario that used Ronald Reagan’s own words criticizing tariffs annoyed Trump so much he cut off negotiations entirely. Derek Burney, who worked with former prime minister Brian Mulroney as he hammered out a Canada-U.S. free trade deal with Reagan, weighs in on the latest upset, then Tonda MacCharles of the Toronto Star and Stuart Thomson of the National Post discuss where this leaves Canada now.Then, Michael Kovrig, the former diplomat who spent more than 1,000 days detained by China, tells host Catherine Cullen how he feels about Canada’s growing “strategic partnership” with Beijing and what advice he’d offer the Prime Minister before meeting China’s president.Plus, the government is adjusting the rules around bail again, making it harder for some repeat offenders and those charged with serious offences to be released. A victim’s family and a criminal defence lawyer weigh in, and Justice Minister Sean Fraser defends the new legislation.Finally, as Liberals and Conservatives spar over what continues to drive up food costs, economist Christina Caron argues it’s not price gouging or the industrial carbon tax — it’s climate change that’s costing you more at the grocery store.This episode features the voices of:Derek Burney, former ambassador and chief of staff to prime minister Brian MulroneyTonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto StarStuart Thomson, parliamentary bureau chief for the National PostMichael Kovrig, former Canadian diplomat detained by ChinaMeechelle Best, mother of Kellie VerweyJay Herbert, Ontario criminal defence lawyer and member of Rama First NationSean Fraser, Minister of JusticeChristina Caron, economist

As Canada seeks to land a trade deal with the United States, cracks began to emerge this week over whether some sectors — and corresponding provinces — are getting more attention than others. David Paterson, Ontario’s representative in Washington, joins the show to discuss whether Ottawa is too focused on Canada’s auto industry as B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba ask for more help with their lumber and canola sectors.Plus, while the trade war continues to bubble, Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting a plan to get tougher on crime — and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called RCMP leadership “despicable.” Political strategists Kate Harrison, Marci Surkes and Jordan Leichnitz join The House to dig into some of the biggest headlines of the week.Then, Catherine Cullen speaks with former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell, who’s been tapped by the B.C. government to improve the city’s Downtown Eastside amid ongoing complex problems surrounding drugs, crime and homelessness.And: even with cuts to government spending on the horizon, Carney says he’s making the Trudeau-era National School Food Program permanent. Debbie Field, national coordinator for Coalition for Healthy School Food, discusses the state of the program and whether the funding is still far from hitting the mark.This episode features the voices of:David Paterson, Ontario’s representative in Washington, D.C.Kate Harrison, Conservative strategist and vice chair at Summa StrategiesMarci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass RoseJordan Leichnitz, NDP strategist and Canada Director at the Friedrich Ebert FoundationLarry Campbell, B.C.’s new adviser on Vancouver’s Downtown EastsideDebbie Field, national coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food

Valérie Pisano, CEO of Mila, emphasizes the need for responsible AI governance to protect Canadians while harnessing research strength. Hamish van der Ven highlights the environmental impacts of AI, urging for caution and sustainable practices in tech development. Evan Solomon discusses Canada's national AI strategy, focusing on privacy legislation and the balance between innovation and safety. The conversation navigates the risks of AI on jobs, societal relationships, and the urgent need for robust regulatory measures.

Mark Carney and Donald Trump met Tuesday in the White House to try and hammer out a resolution to the U.S. trade war that has wreaked havoc on critical Canadian sectors like steel, aluminum, auto manufacturing and forestry. Later in the day, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters that the talks were "substantive," but made no announcement on a deal or tariff relief — saying conversations with his American counterparts will continue. So was Carney’s visit to Washington a win, a waste of time or a wash? Co-hosts and political nerds Catherine Cullen, Daniel Thibeault and Jason Markusoff tackle the big meeting in this last — for now — episode of House Party.