The House

World leaders gathered at the United Nations HQ this week in New York to discuss a wide-ranging set of issues — and Canada made headlines by announcing it now recognizes the state of Palestine. Ambassador Bob Rae joins The House to talk about the federal government’s decision, Trump’s change of heart over Ukraine and what to make of the U.S. president’s hour-long, combative address to the world. Plus, Canada and Greenland already had plenty in common before facing threats of annexation from the White House — but all that attention could make for a timely reason to strengthen a key relationship. CBC's Emma Godmere travels to Greenland’s capital of Nuuk to hear from residents about being in the international spotlight and pursuing stronger ties with Canada. Her reporting was made possible by the R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship.Then, two Hill watchers discuss how Prime Minister Mark Carney is managing the fallout from the leaked audio recording of his public safety minister appearing to undermine the Liberals’ long-promised gun buyback program.Finally, as a group of federal and provincial privacy commissioners raise alarms over how much information TikTok collects from Canadian users, Vass Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute, explains why these concerns matter and how Canada should manage the social media powerhouse.This episode features the voices of:Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United NationsMiilu Gehlert and Hans Peter Leibhardt, Nuuk boat tour operatorsJoint Arctic Command Deputy Commander Lars NielsenChristian Keldsen, director of the Greenland Business AssociationCarolyn Bennett, Canada’s ambassador to DenmarkSara Olsvig, international chair of the Inuit Circumpolar CouncilNikoline Ziemer, biologist and resident of Nuuk, GreenlandFrederik Fuuja Larsen, curator at the Greenland National Museum and ArchivesShannon Proudfoot, columnist for The Globe and MailPaul Wells, author and podcasterVess Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute

The U.S. Ambassador to Canada says he’s disappointed in what he calls the “anti-American” sentiment of the elbows up campaign. So this week on House Party, we’re asking: are those hurt feelings getting in the way of Prime Minister Mark Carney being able to strike a trade deal with President Donald Trump? Was the ambassador warning Canada’s politicians to stand down? And what does the business community — to whom Ambassador Pete Hoekstra was speaking — make of the ambassador’s message? Co-hosts and political nerds Catherine Cullen, Daniel Thibeault and Jason Markusoff talk about all of that… and whether there’s a good alternative to U.S. bourbon for your party cocktails.

This week, Donald Trump enjoyed a second state visit to the United Kingdom and was feted by King Charles and the royal family at Windsor Castle — a move some Brits saw as the United Kingdom sucking up to the U.S. president. Canadian podcaster and author Stephen Marche and former Mexican politician Agustín Barrios Gómez discuss whether their countries should suck up or stand up to Donald Trump.Plus, this week has seen high-profile Liberals from the Trudeau era announce their departure from Parliament Hill to take on diplomatic roles, including Chrystia Freeland and David Lametti — and there’s rumours of more on the way. Catherine Cullen sits down with Lametti Then, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson talks about major projects, oil pipelines, and whether Canada — in the midst of this push to build big — can meet its upcoming emissions reduction targets.Finally, political strategists Mitch Heimpel and Carlene Variyan go into sportscaster mode to review the tape from the first-ever Mark Carney/Pierre Poilievre question period faceoff in the House of Commons this week.This episode features the voices of:David Lametti, Canada’s incoming ambassador to the United NationsStephen Marche, author and host of “Gloves Off”Agustín Barrios Gómez, former Mexican congressmanTim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resourcesMitch Heimpel, Conservative strategistCarlene Variyan, former chief of staff to Liberal ministers

Parliament is back. And so is House Party. As Prime Minister Mark Carney faces off against newly re-elected Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre while grappling with the trade war, the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, the climate crisis, a budget that ain’t gonna be pretty, two overseas wars, a possible national unity crisis or two… need we go on? Sure, because co-hosts and political nerds Catherine Cullen, Daniel Thibeault and Jason Markusoff have got the party started and are here to talk about how Mark Carney is handling it all.

Ahead of MPs returning to the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre joins The House for a sit-down interview in studio to discuss the federal government’s major projects list, his views on climate change and his worries about his family’s security in a time of growing political violence.Then, Catherine Cullen talks to Dan Myerson, CEO of the Foran copper mine in Saskatchewan that made the top tier of Carney’s projects list, and Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto, the high-speed rail project connecting Toronto to Quebec City that still has work to do before moving up to the A-list.Plus, Tonda MacCharles of the Toronto Star and Stuart Thomson of the National Post evaluate whether Carney can walk the political tightrope and keep provinces and territories happy. Finally, former federal environment minister Catherine McKenna discusses her new memoir, Run Like A Girl, and explains how she coped with sexist attacks and the increasingly toxic nature of political life in Canada.This episode features the voices of:Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaDan Myerson, CEO of Foran MiningMartin Imbleau, CEO of AltoTonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto StarStuart Thomson, parliamentary bureau chief for the National PostCatherine McKenna, former federal environment minister and author of Run Like A Girl

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced billions of dollars in funding and a new Buy Canadian policy to help Canadians fight back against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Does that mean we’re in it for the long haul with this trade war? Industry Minister Mélanie Joly joins The House to answer that question and more about whether Canada is straying away from international free trade.Then, as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre demands the federal government axe the temporary foreign worker program, Catherine Cullen speaks to industry leaders and an immigration lawyer about the impact this proposal could have.Plus, the Public Health Agency of Canada is shaving roughly 10 per cent of its employees as it continues to shrink in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Globe and Mail health columnist André Picard explains what those cuts will mean for Canada’s ability to counter vaccine misinformation as skepticism rises in Canada and the United States.Finally, some of Canada’s NATO allies have been preparing their citizens for war or natural disasters for decades. Alex Wilner, director of Carleton University’s Infrastructure Protection and International Security program and Eva Cohen of Civil Protection Youth Canada join the show to discuss whether Canada too should ask ordinary citizens to be ready to help in the event of everything from weather-related emergencies to terror attacks.This episode features the voices of:Mélanie Joly, Minister of IndustryKelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants CanadaGabriel Miller, CEO of Universities CanadaMark Holthe, immigration lawyerAndré Picard, health columnist for the Globe and MailAlex Wilner, director of Carleton University’s Infrastructure Protection and National Security programEva Cohen, Founder of Civil Protection Youth Canada

NATO’s secretary general has warned Russia could launch an attack on the alliance within the next five years. Talk to NATO’s two newest members, Finland and Sweden, and they’ll tell you preparation involves a lot more than just boosting military spending. As Canada seeks to strengthen ties with both countries, what can we learn from our newest NATO allies about preparing for the worst?Supported by the R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship, CBC's Emma Godmere travelled to the two Nordic countries to visit bomb shelters, the Russian border and military training grounds north of the Arctic Circle to see and hear how Finns and Swedes are steeling themselves for whatever the future may bring.This episode features the voices of: Elina Valtonen, Finland’s minister of foreign affairsViktoria Hjort Malmer, defence policy director at Sweden’s Ministry of DefenceJanne Kuusela, director general, defence policy department at Finland’s Ministry of DefenceAntti Virta, deputy commander, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictSamuel Siljanen, head of operations, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictLt.-Col. Mikael Dalin, Swedish ArmyLt.-Col. Jukka Vuorisalmi, Finnish ArmyNina Järvenkylä, Helsinki City Rescue DepartmentHarri Mikkola, programme director for Finnish foreign policy, northern European security and NATO at the Finnish Institute of International AffairsNiklas Granholm, deputy director of studies, Swedish Defence Research AgencySara Myrdal, director of international affairs, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agencyand residents of Lappeenranta, Rovaniemi, and Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden

Pierre Poilievre is returning to the House of Commons after winning an Alberta byelection this week — and he’s already laid out his priorities for the fall, including tackling crime, increasing affordability and making Canada self-reliant. But despite these goals, the Conservative Party of Canada has lost the last four federal elections — and some party insiders worry it may be difficult to ever win again. Political reporter Kate McKenna covers the Conservative Party for CBC News, and in this special episode of The House, she hears from party insiders who offer their frank analysis of how to move forward if they want to return to government.This episode features the voices of:Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and former Conservative cabinet ministerSean Speer, editor-at-large for The Hub and former adviser to Prime Minister Stephen HarperBen Woodfinden, former director of communications for Pierre PoilievreRob Batherson, former president of the Conservative Party of CanadaDimitri Soudas, former director of communications to Prime Minister Stephen Harper Daniel Allain, former New Brunswick Progressive Conservative MLAShachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid InstituteRob Russo, Canada correspondent for The EconomistShannon Proudfoot, feature writer for the Globe and Mail

What did the Trump-Putin summit achieve — and what comes next for Ukraine? CBC senior defence reporter Murray Brewster helms this security-focused episode of The House, featuring a debrief with former U.S. diplomat Michael Carpenter on what came out of the sit-down between the U.S. and Russian presidents late Friday in Alaska. Then, two Canadian experts — a former NATO assistant secretary general and a former naval commander — dive deep into whether Canada can realistically reduce its dependence on U.S. military equipment and support.Also: as global leaders watch closely for what could happen next in Ukraine, Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan discusses what possible role Canada could have in any ceasefire — and whether armed forces have the bench strength for a prolonged engagement.Finally, Canadian researcher and author Alicia Wanless joins The House to explain why she believes the world’s democracies should look to the past — the far past — as governments continue to fight against disinformation.This episode features the voices of:Michael Carpenter, former U.S. ambassador and permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, now senior fellow for transatlantic affairs at the International Institute for Strategic StudiesWendy Gilmour, former NATO assistant secretary general for defence investment Mark Norman, retired vice-admiral of the Royal Canadian NavyGeneral Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staffAlicia Wanless, author and director of the Information Environment Project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 

Canada has just five years to meet its 2030 climate target: a 40 per cent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels. CBC’s David Thurton covers climate change and the environment for the Parliamentary Bureau, and this week guest hosts a special edition of The House to take stock of why climate experts fear the 2030 goal will not be met. In an age of weakening interest in climate change as other crises take centre stage — is there even the political will to get it done?This episode features the voices of:Mikyla Tacilauskas, Salvation Army outreach and housing services managerSimon Donner, co-chair of the Net-Zero Advisory BodyNichole Dusyk, senior policy advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable DevelopmentDave Sawyer, principal economist at the Canadian Climate InstituteSerge Dupont, head of Bennett Jones’ Public Policy GroupEulalie Reesink-Babillon, with the climate action group Last GenerationBenjamin Welchner, with the climate action group Last GenerationShannon Joseph, chair of Energy for a Secure FutureOliver Anderson, vice-president of communications and growth for water charity AquaAction

A new nuclear reactor. A natural gas pipeline extension. Thousands of offshore wind turbines. Atlantic provinces have ambitious ideas to generate and transmit more energy across Canada, all under one banner. As Prime Minister Mark Carney renews his call for nation-building projects to strengthen the Canadian economy, will this network of ideas, the Eastern Energy Partnership, make the cut? And how realistic – and expensive – are these plans? CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick Jacques Poitras speaks to New Brunswick's premier and the federal minister in charge of the Atlantic, Sean Fraser, as well as First Nations leaders, experts and stakeholders about what it could mean for power in eastern Canada for generations to come.This episode features the voices of:John Herron, New Brunswick Minister of Natural ResourcesJoanna Bernard, New Brunswick Regional Chief for the Assembly of First NationsChief Terry Richardson, Pabineau First NationBrad Coady, vice-president of business development for NB PowerLori Clark, President and CEO of NB PowerDavid Coon, leader of the Green Party of New BrunswickHeidi Leslie, CEO of Crux Energy ConsultingScott Urquhart, CEO of Aegir InsightsLarry Hughes, energy expert at Dalhousie UniversitySusan Holt, premier of New BrunswickSean Fraser, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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

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

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

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

Canada-U.S. trade once again became the hottest topic in town after Donald Trump said he was walking away from the negotiating table over the federal government’s digital services tax. Just a few days later, Prime Minister Mark Carney rescinded the tax. Was that a smart move? Two trade experts join The House, guest hosted by CBC’s trade reporter Janyce McGregor, to discuss the retreat and the looming July 21 deadline for a deal.Plus, The House talks to cheesemakers at a festival in Kingston, Ont. about concerns Trump’s tariff threat will spell the end of Canada’s protection of its dairy industry. Then, a Saskatchewan cattle rancher explains why she’s frustrated over a recently passed bill that protects that supply management system from Canada-U.S. trade talks.Next, as Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. remains uncertain, it needs other allies more than ever. In his first broadcast interview since being named to cabinet, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu explains why making up for lost trade with the U.S. is hard to do.Finally, trade policy and negotiations used to be dominated by economic data, legal rules and a ton of fine print — until Donald Trump flipped the table. Dmitry Grozoubinski, an Australian trade consultant, discusses his book, Why Politicians Lie About Trade, and how to spot the misformation to be able to make sense of (and even poke fun at?) the current state of trade debates.This episode features the voices of:Inu Manak, fellow for trade policy at the Council of Foreign RelationsJulian Ovens, former chief of staff for two international trade ministersRoxanne Renwick, cheesemakerShep Ysselstein, cheesemakerHans Weber, cheesemakerKarla Hicks, board member of the Canadian Cattle AssociationManinder Sidhu, Minister of International TradeDmitry Grozoubinski, author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade

It was all going well — until it wasn’t. On Friday afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was ending all trade discussions with Canada and blamed the federal government’s digital services tax, set to take effect June 30. So what now? Former deputy prime minister John Manley joins The House to discuss what Ottawa can do next.After that, as federal parties hit the summer barbecue circuit and prepare for the fall session of Parliament, Liberal strategist Marci Surkes, Conservative strategist Kate Harrison and NDP strategist George Soule reflect on what’s changed for their parties and look at the political road ahead.Plus, some disabled Canadians will be able to receive up to $200 a month from the new Canada Disability Benefit — but not everyone qualifies. B.C. resident Shauna Milne explains how she tries to make ends meet. Then Heather McCain, Executive Director of Live Educate Transform Society, weighs in on how Ottawa can make it easier to apply for the benefit.Finally, Catherine Cullen asks politicians about the best political advice they’ve ever received and hears a wide range of tips and tricks. For starters: don’t eat the free cookies.This episode features the voices of:John Manley, former deputy prime ministerMarci Surkes, Liberal strategistKate Harrison, Conservative strategistGeorge Soule, NDP strategistShauna Milne, B.C. residentHeather McCain, executive director of Live Educate Transform Society

The House of Commons has risen for summer break, but political leaders won’t be poolside for very long. For this season's final episode of House Party, Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault sort through the to-do lists of the major parties – from PM Mark Carney’s deadline to get a U.S.-Canada trade deal done, to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s task of getting himself elected.

After a flurry of amendments and a series of Friday evening votes, Prime Minister Mark Carney has passed his One Canadian Economy Act through the House of Commons. The bill accelerates approvals for projects deemed in Canada’s national interest, but not everyone is pleased with the Liberals fast-tracking the legislation. Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta joins The House to explain why some First Nations are concerned about the government’s need for speed. Plus, Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon argues for why Ottawa needs to move fast. Then, Toronto Star Ottawa bureau chief Tonda MacCharles and La Presse Ottawa bureau chief Joel-Denis Bellavance discuss whether Carney is right to rush his major projects bill through Parliament — and how long the Liberal-Conservative alliance on the legislation can last.Finally, As Prime Minister Mark Carney gets set to meet NATO leaders next week, Catherine Cullen talks to former Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment at NATO Wendy Gilmour and former Canadian Military Representative to NATO, retired Vice-Admiral Bob Davidson, for insight into how the alliance will seek to find unity in an age of war and U.S. President Donald Trump. This episode features the voices of:Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of AlbertaSteven MacKinnon, Government House LeaderTonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto StarJoel-Denis Bellavance, Ottawa bureau chief for La PresseWendy Gilmour, former assistant secretary general for defence investment at NATOBob Davidson, retired vice-admiral and former Canadian military representative at NATO

Despite all the nail biting about how U.S. President Trump would show up at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, relief descended Monday after a reportedly jovial and productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. But by Monday night, Trump was gone – bailing from the G7 early to deal with the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran. Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault analyze the effect Trump had on his fellow leaders – and whether Canada actually had more space to get more done on day two without him.