

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

Jun 7, 2025 • 54min
Can Carney keep his elbows up while texting Donald Trump?
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

Jun 4, 2025 • 33min
House Party: Can Canada make “build baby build” more than a slogan?
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.
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May 31, 2025 • 52min
Carney's big ambitions get put to the test
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

May 28, 2025 • 29min
House Party: Did the King’s visit help Canada?
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.
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May 24, 2025 • 49min
Can the King stop Trump's 51st state threats?
There’s an air of excitement in Ottawa as it prepares for King Charles III to arrive and deliver the speech from the throne, which lays out the Liberal government’s plan and priorities. His visit is also widely seen as pushback against U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to turn Canada into the 51st state. But according to the new U.S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, that saga is over and Canada should move on. He sits with Catherine Cullent to discuss that and the next steps in the Canada-U.S. relationship.Plus, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Canada of emboldening Hamas, a Middle East expert joins The House to talk about if there’s been a shift in Canadian-Israeli relations. Then, a constitutional expert, a royal watcher, an Indigenous leader and members of Quebec’s sovereignty parties talk about what message King Charles’ speech will send to Trump — or whether the whole thing ultimately means nothing to the U.S. president.Finally, the parliamentary bureau chief of the National Post and the Ottawa bureau chief of La Presse explain what to look for in the government’s to-do list.This episode features the voices of:Pete Hoekstra, U.S. ambassador to CanadaThomas Juneau, University of Ottawa political science professorPatricia Treble, royal watcherPhilippe Lagassé, Carleton University political science professorPerry Bellegarde, former national chief of the Assembly of First NationsPascal Bérubé, Parti Québécois MNACatherine Gentilcore, Parti Québécois MNARuba Ghazal, Québec solidaire MNAStuart Thomson, National Post parliamentary bureau chiefJoel-Denis Bellavance, La Presse Ottawa bureau chief

May 21, 2025 • 28min
House Party: Is taming Trump still PM Carney’s top priority?
Mark Carney won the Canadian election on a promise to deal with Donald Trump – to quash his tariffs and threats about the 51st state. But with big domestic issues rearing their heads, from a looming Canada Post strike to threats of an Alberta succession referendum and growing demands from premiers – should Trump still top the PM’s to-do list? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault debate what issues Carney should tackle first.
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May 17, 2025 • 49min
New cabinet… No budget?
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new cabinet this week, but he won’t be unveiling a budget this year — a move that drew plenty of criticism from his opponents. Newly appointed Industry Minister Melanie Joly joins The House to discuss the decision and weighs in on the new government’s other economic priorities. Then, two Hill watchers offer their takes on whether Carney’s cabinet picks deliver on his promise for change.Plus, weeks after the election, dramatic recounts are still underway in a handful of ridings, and those results could shake up the House of Commons even further. An elections expert explains what’s happening and whether the flip-flopping risks undermining confidence in elections.Finally, measles cases are rising in some parts of the country and provinces are under fire for not doing enough to keep the public better informed. Two doctors talk to Catherine Cullen about what can happen when politics and a deadly disease collide.This episode features the voices of:Melanie Joly, Minister of IndustryShannon Proudfoot, writer for The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa bureauPaul Wells, author and podcasterHolly Ann Garnett, associate professor of the Royal Military College of CanadaDr. James Talbot, former Chief Medical Officer of Health for AlbertaDr. Kumanan Wilson, Chief Scientific Officer of Bruyère Health Research Institute

May 14, 2025 • 30min
House Party: Can this new cabinet deliver on Carney’s promises?
When Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his cabinet Tuesday morning, many political watchers were looking for evidence of change. And while a handful of high-profile MPs stayed put, there are 24 new names at the cabinet table, 13 of whom are also new to Parliament. The mantra from the PM is “fresh perspectives”. But is it the right team to deliver on Carney’s big promises? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault dive into who’s in and who’s out, and why it matters.
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May 10, 2025 • 49min
Was the Trump-Carney meeting 'transformational'?
The long-awaited Carney-Trump summit in the Oval Office left the Canadian delegation feeling encouraged, though the U.S. president still taunted the prime minister over Canada becoming the 51st American state. Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, also a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, joins the show to explain why he believes Canada could ultimately have reason to thank the president.Then, two former top political staffers share their thoughts on the critical meeting and discuss the future of the Canada-U.S. trade and security relationship and how it could influence Carney’s cabinet picks.Plus, as the Conservative Party asks itself tough questions about what to do next following a stinging election loss, Globe and Mail senior reporter Stephanie Levitz compares notes with Catherine Cullen on what she’s hearing inside the Conservative caucus and whether Pierre Poilievre is safe as party leader.Finally, MPs who lose their seats in the election are quietly packing up and saying goodbye. Liberal Marc Serré, Conservative Rick Perkins, New Democrat Peter Julian and the Bloc’s Julie Vignola share the lessons they’ve learned from hard losses, and the joys and sacrifices of political life.This episode features the voices of:Jean Charest, former Quebec premier and former deputy prime ministerBrian Clow, former deputy chief of staff to Justin TrudeauGerry Keller, chief of staff to former foreign affairs John BairdStephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and MailJulie Vignola, former Bloc Québécois MP Rick Perkins, former Conservative MPPeter Julian, former NDP MPMarc Serré, former Liberal MP

May 7, 2025 • 27min
House Party: Did PM Carney win over Donald Trump?
On Tuesday, Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney had his first face-to-face with U.S. President Trump. On the surface, it was pretty cordial – with Trump declaring his desire to be “friends” with Canada, yet he continued to repeat his wish for Canada to become the 51st state, and the meeting ended with no concrete outcomes on pressing issues like tariffs. Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault break down what they saw on that televised Oval Office get-together, and whether Carney made any inroads into winning Trump over.