The House

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 Just a few days later, Prime Minister Mark Carney rescinded the tax.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. Dimitry Grozoubinkski, 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:

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:

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:

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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is gearing up for a critical G7 meeting with leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies on his home turf in Alberta — but the renewed conflict between Iran and Israel could shake up the agenda. Catherine Cullen sits down with Anita Anand for her first interview as foreign affairs minister to discuss the airstrikes, the upcoming meeting and how close Canada is to reaching a deal with the United States. Plus, Jason Stanley, an American facism expert who’s moving to Canada over concerns about the Trump administration, joins The House to argue why he thinks the U.S. is no longer a democracy — and how world leaders should treat the U.S. president. Then, former G7 sherpa Senator Peter Boehm pulls back the curtain on what Trump is like in world meetings. After that, former Conservative leader and officer in the Canadian Armed Forces Erin O’Toole comments on Mark Carney’s plans for military spending. Finally, as a number of Conservatives have applauded the Carney government’s moves, writer Paul Wells and Globe and Mail columnist Shannon Proudfoot discuss: Is Mark Carney a C(c)onservative? This episode features the voices of:

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced Canada will increase defence spending to 2% of GDP, meeting our NATO commitment 5 years earlier than expected. After a decade of nudging, foreign allies are celebrating the military investment. But where exactly will the extra $9.3 billion come from? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault analyze the strategy behind the sudden funding increase, the government’s capacity to move quickly, and what might end up getting left behind.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

A fast-paced, hard-fought federal election is over — and the Liberals mounted a remarkable comeback to win a fourth mandate, this time with Mark Carney as prime minister. But, his to-do list shows there’s no time to rest. Host Catherine Cullen breaks down Carney’s packed schedule and what it tells us about Canada’s future. Then, a senior writer for CBC’s parliamentary bureau answers audience questions about this third minority government. Plus, party strategists discuss the thin margins of victory, the stunning losses and the new makeup of the House of Commons that will once again require parties to work together to get anything done. Finally, incoming Liberal, Conservative and NDP MPs each discuss what comes next for their respective caucuses — from governing priorities, to leadership questions, to figuring out what’s next for the Canada-U.S. relationship. This episode features the voices of:

This is it: House Party has been building up to the Canadian federal election for weeks, and now it’s actually happened! On just an hour or two of sleep, Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault react to the news that it’ll be a Liberal minority government in the House, and share what they think are the biggest surprises of the day.

House Party has a new episode coming up, but first we bring you the latest election results from our colleagues at Power & Politics. Liberal MP-elect Bruce Fanjoy explains how he beat Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in his own riding, and Conservative MP-elect Scott Aitchison explains why he thinks Poilievre should remain leader. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discusses what she needs to see from Prime Minister Mark Carney to heal a divide between Ottawa and western provinces. Plus, former Conservative deputy leader Peter MacKay and former Conservative chief of staff David McLaughlin discuss the party's future after failing to capitalize on an over-20-point polling lead. More from Power & Politics here: https://link.mgln.ai/PcUbqE