The House

After eight years in Washington, Canada's U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman is coming home. Over that time, she has seen Canada's relationship with the United States transform, for better and for worse. As she prepares to step down from her ambassadorship, she explains in an extended interview with host Catherine Cullen how she’s built critical connections in the U.S. capital — and whether she believes there’s a limit to what Trump can do.Plus, author and former presidential speechwriter David Frum believes the American empire is in decline. He reflects on what Canadian democracy can learn from this moment and why he believes a stronger sense of national pride is critical for Canada’s future.This episode features the voices of:Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United StatesDavid Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic

'Twas the evening before the Liberal holiday party, when all through the House… Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And then, a Christmas surprise that sent the Conservatives awry: Markham—Unionville MP Michael Ma announced he was crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney. His move brings the Liberal government within one seat of a majority. Are the Conservatives sweating this? Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman joins The House to discuss whether Pierre Poilievre's leadership is under threat.Then, as some provinces flirt with giving the private sector a greater role in health care, will the federal government push back? Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel joins host Catherine Cullen to discuss — and weighs in on the impact the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is having in this country.Plus, the Liberals introduced yet another tough-on-crime bill — this time aimed at stronger penalties for crimes against women and children. Lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professor Kate Kehoe digs into whether the proposed law will actually make women safer.Finally, from possible pipelines to potential referendums, there’s a lot stirring in the federation lately. The House checks in with former premiers Jason Kenney and Andrew Furey to get their take on the state of our nation.This episode features the voices of:Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaDr. Mundeesh Kaur, a foreign trained physician from IndiaMarjorie Michel, Minister of HealthKate Kehoe, lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professorJason Kenney, former premier of AlbertaAndrew Furey, former premier of Newfoundland & Labrador.

Canadians got to see their 2026 World Cup opponents during the group draw this week in Washington — and Prime Minister Mark Carney got to see U.S. President Donald Trump in-person once again as trade talks remain frozen. Did their meeting give any indication of progress? Parliament Hill Watchers Stephanie Levitz and Joël-Denis Bellavance dig into the rendezvous and other simmering political challenges for the prime minister, like what to do next with his cabinet.After that, housing experts Mike Moffat and Carolyn Whitzman join The House to discuss whether the Liberals are meeting their election promises after a new report says Carney’s marquee housing initiative won’t amount to many new homes. Plus, Conservative housing critic Scott Aitchison breaks down his party’s point of view on the issue.Finally, fresh off his time as Canada’s representative to the United Nations, Bob Rae tells Catherine Cullen about his decades-long political career, his views on Trump’s lasting impact and the parallels he sees between this geopolitical moment and George Orwell’s 1984.This episode features the voices of:Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and MailJoël-Denis Bellavance, Ottawa bureau chief for La PressePeter Davoust, Vancouver residentMike Moffat, founding director of the University of Ottawa’s “Missing Middle Initiative”Carolyn Whitzman, adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s School of CitiesBob Rae, Canada’s former UN ambassador

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