

The House
CBC
New government. New PM. New priorities. And no one’s taking a break for the summer. Catherine Cullen & CBC’s best political journalists cut through the noise and make politics make sense.Every Saturday, join Catherine and her guest hosts on The House for in-depth explorations of the biggest issues facing Canada: negotiating with Donald Trump, Canada's climate goals, military readiness, and more.We’ll be out on location, we'll speak to decision makers, we'll check in on how the political parties are gearing up for the Fall sitting… and, as usual, hear analysis of the week’s news from across the political spectrum.Because democracy is a conversation, and we’re here for it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 49min
Canada’s landmark decision to recognize a Palestinian state | As It Happens
If you want to stay up to date this summer on everything going on in the world, The House is recommending As It Happens. Meet people at the centre of the day’s most hard-hitting, hilarious, and heartbreaking stories – powerful leaders, proud eccentrics, and ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. And plenty of puns too.In this episode:One day after the UK makes a similar statement, Ottawa announces plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September. We'll reach Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations. The head of the Stephen Lewis Foundation tells us what a new million-dollar donation will mean for organizations whose capacity to help was suddenly slashed when the Trump Administration cut billions in USAID funding.A Maui resident tells us he and his neighbours were lucky to avoid any major damage after living through a tsunami warning last night. But that doesn't mean they should be any less prepared next time.A St. John's fire chief tells us about the fires that destroyed two historic fishing stages last night and how it felt to watch them burn, helpless to stop the flames.Canada's 18-year-old swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is chasing five individual golds this week at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Her mother, a former Olympic swimmer herself, tells us what it's like to watch her daughter lean all the way in.A man in Argentina was shocked, outraged and then really, really embarrassed after a Google Street View camera captured him in his yard – fully naked with his bottom on full display.As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that imagines he'll be happy when the whole incident is in the rearview.You can find As It Happens wherever you get your podcasts: https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/cqSNA1

Jul 26, 2025 • 50min
Is Trudeau’s reformed Senate working? Here’s what senators say
Over the past 10 years, the Senate has witnessed extraordinary change — namely a radical overhaul to do away with formal partisanship. The driver behind that? Former prime minister Justin Trudeau. But now that he’s gone, will those changes stick?In a special documentary edition of The House, guest host J.P. Tasker carves out some frank and revealing conversations with Senators Andrew Cardozo, Marc Gold, Leo Housakos, Paul Prosper, Paula Simons and Pamela Wallin about their place of work. Professor and author Jonathan Malloy also weighs in on representation in the Senate and whether reform is realistic, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon explains the new government’s strategy when it comes to dealing with the chamber of sober second thought.This episode features the voices of:Marc Gold, former senator & government representative in the SenateSenator Andrew CardozoSenator Leo HousakosSenator Paul ProsperSenator Paula SimonsSenator Pamela WallinJonathan Malloy, political science professor at Carleton UniversitySteven MacKinnon, government House leader

Jul 19, 2025 • 49min
Carney's big building dreams meet First Nations' reality
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with First Nations leaders this week to get their support for his nation-building plans — but some right-holders left with more questions than answers or outright blasted the meeting. Host Catherine Cullen checks in with Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand and Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Terry Teegee on the sidelines of the summit in Gatineau, Que.Then, ahead of next week’s premiers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ont., Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe explains why he believes a deal with Trump on tariffs is likely, but he doesn’t think “elbows up” is the right way to get there.Plus, as federal data shows inequality is widening and the federal government is going big on military spending and national projects, two economists offer their views on the most pressing priorities for Canadians and whether Ottawa’s spending matches their needs.Finally, two Hill watchers weigh in on the uphill path Carney faces on trade and energy projects, as well as the Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's shift in tone.This episode features the voices of:Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic AffairsTerry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First NationsScott Moe, Premier of SaskatchewanDon Drummond, economist and fellow-in-residence at C.D. Howe InstituteArmine Yalnizyan, economist and Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of WorkersChristopher Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National PostStephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau

Jul 12, 2025 • 49min
Exclusive: Pierre Poilievre talks trade, Alberta byelection
Once again, U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to slap more tariffs on Canada — and Pierre Poilievre has thoughts. The Conservative leader speaks with Catherine Cullen in his first national English interview with CBC since becoming party leader to discuss how he’d tackle the Canada-U.S. trade war differently and why he thinks he deserves a second shot at holding a seat in the House of Commons.Then, national security expert Wesley Wark explains why Trump’s latest move should elicit a bigger response from north of the border.Plus, the new head of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, tells The House her priorities for the new role in a “volatile and uncertain” time.Finally, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s chief of staff and the new Clerk of the Privy Council officially take the reins of the federal government, Janice Charette, a former clerk who assisted with the Carney transition, and Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, lift the curtain on the high-pressure roles and examine the challenges of executing the prime minister’s ambitious agenda.This episode features the voices of:Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaWesley Wark, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance InnovationLt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, commander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceJanice Charette, former Clerk of the Privy CouncilIan Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Jul 5, 2025 • 57min
Canada’s long hot trade summer, explained
Inu Manak, a Trade Policy Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, and Dimitry Grozoubinkski, Australian trade consultant and author, to unpack Canada’s trade challenges. They discuss the ramifications of retracting the digital services tax amidst U.S. pressures. Insights are shared on the impact of tariffs on Canadian dairy and beef industries. Lastly, Grozoubinkski critiques political misinformation in trade discussions, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating current global trade dynamics.

Jun 28, 2025 • 50min
Trump's cut off Canada-U.S. trade talks. Now what?
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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 33min
House Party: What needs to get done in this hot political summer?
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.

Jun 21, 2025 • 50min
Is Carney's need for speed a problem?
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.

Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
House Party: Did Canada get ahead when Trump left the G7 early?
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.

7 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 50min
Trump returns: High stakes as Canada hosts the G7
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.