The House

This summer, The House is talking to some of the smartest writers in Canada about some of the most urgent issues of our time. To kick off our Book Smart Summer series, host Catherine Cullen sits down with Cree writer Michelle Good for a conversation in front of a live audience at the Regina Public Library about her book of essays, Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada.

Farmers are not feeling the love from Ottawa, these days. Some in Saskatchewan told The House this week about feeling alienated and misunderstood by the federal government or urban Canadians.We also speak with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe about how he sees the state of the federation and how he’s handled some tricky run-ins with conspiracy theories recently. The NDP opposition leader, Carla Beck, also weighs in on her party’s positions.Then, two experts in provincial politics join the show to break down the political dynamics that are animating the conversation in Saskatchewan ahead of this fall’s election.This episode features the voices of: Saskatchewan Premier Scott MoeSask. NDP Leader Carla Beck The CBC’s Adam Hunter Jim Farney, professor, University of Regina

The world is grappling with a migration issue, and Canada’s immigration minister says we’re not immune. Provinces, meanwhile, are arguing over resources and who’s responsible for asylum seekers. Marc Miller joins The House to talk about what should be done to make the system more fair, and how Canada should approach undocumented people in this country.Then — Canada’s top soldier is retiring after four decades in the military. He speaks with Catherine Cullen about his experience of service, and how Canada needs to prepare for the challenges of the future.Finally, it really was another busy week on the Hill. Two keen-eyed journalists join the show to break down the developments in foreign interference and capital gains this week.This episode features the voices of: Immigration Minister Marc MillerChief of the Defence Staff Wayne EyreTonda MacCharles, Toronto Star Murad Hemmadi, The Logic

A stunning report from a cross-party group of parliamentarians alleges that some Canadian politicians are wittingly or unwittingly aiding foreign powers. With the members who wrote the report sworn to secrecy, The House digs into what we know so far — and if we can ever get to the bottom of the allegations.

For too many Canadians, justice delayed is justice denied. It’s not just annoying — delays in the system are causing some cases to be thrown out. The House digs deep into the issue — and the federal minister responsible sits down to discuss possible solutions.But first, two keen Hill watchers will help break down the whirlwind of political news that swept the country this week, from a pesky PBO report that muddied the carbon tax debate, to former president Donald Trump’s conviction, to why Nicaragua is suddenly in the minds of politicos.Plus — two youth activists sit down to talk about why they think it’s time for 16-year-olds to get the vote.This episode features the voices of: Shannon Proudfoot, Globe and Mail Stuart Thomson, National Post The CBC’s Kristen EversonJustice Minister Arif Virani Jayden Paquet Noiseux, Vote16 CanadaCaeden Tipler, Make It 16 New Zealand.

They’re working late, because they want your attention. The Liberals and Conservatives are locked in a political battle for the attention and support of Canada’s youth, with the government looking to win back support of a key demographic that helped launch them to power in 2015. The House digs into the issue, hearing from some MPs trying to shakeup their communication style, and some strategists on whether it will work.First, though, the federal minister for international development sits down with host Catherine Cullen to talk about the government’s position on Palestinian statehood and the status of Canadian aid in Gaza.Also — we’ll speak with the head of a government think tank that put out a report listing dozens of potential crises that could change life as we know it.And then, we’ll hear about a Supreme Court case that could have implications for the way that third party groups — non-political parties — are able to advertise in future elections.Finally: The head of an organization who supports victims of domestic abuse discusses the concept of coercive control, and Canadian legislators’ efforts to fight it.This episode features the voices of: Ahmed Hussen, minister of international development Kristel Van der Elst, director general, Policy Horizons CanadaRandy Boissonnault, federal employment ministerJulie Dzerowicz, Liberal MPDan Arnold, chief strategy officer, Pollara Strategic InsightsDennis Matthews, president, Creative CurrencyDanica Nelson, personal finance influencerThe CBC’s Christian Paas-LangAndrea Silverstone, CEO, Sagesse

Canada’s spies have been busy this year. There have been accusations of foreign interference, industrial espionage — and of course the killing of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil. And don’t forget a few looming issues, like whether Canadians can trust TikTok with their data. David Vigneault, the head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, sits down in a rare interview to talk through it all.Then, CBC has found itself in the news a few times this year, amid declining revenues, job losses and a pledge by the Conservatives to defund at least part of the Crown corporation. Host Catherine Cullen talks with CBC head Catherine Tait about the president and CEO’s plans to shepherd the public broadcaster through a turbulent time in the media world.Plus — two journalists talk about their new books chronicling the prime minister.This episode features the voices of:David Vigneault, director of CSISCatherine Tait, president and CEO of the CBCPaul Wells, journalist and author Stephen Maher, journalist and author

Conservatives this week hammered the government on drug decriminalization, but Liberals countered with another hot-button issue: abortion. The House digs into both of those issues, hearing from an addictions doctor about what the heated political rhetoric means for people on the ground, and then weighing whether the Liberals’ claims on reproductive rights have any substance.Then, we’ll sit down with Canada’s top diplomat in Moscow for her first interview since taking on that role. She says Canada-Russia relations might never have been worse — we ask what it’s like dealing with Putin’s regime.Plus, Canada Post is losing money — a lot of it. Two experts sit down to talk through the options for saving, selling or changing the postal service.This episode features the voices of: Dr. Vincent Lam, addictions doctor and authorShachi Kurl, president, Angus Reid InstituteSarah Taylor, ambassador to RussiaIan Lee, associate professor, Carleton University Marvin Ryder, associate professor, McMaster University

A dramatic development in a shocking case: police on Friday arrested three men in connection with the killing of the pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. We’ll break down what led to the arrest and what we know so far. The public safety minister also joins the program to discuss the situation, as well as the foreign interference inquiry’s first report.Then, two of Ottawa’s keenest Hill-watchers break down a wild week in the House of Commons, which featured more than its fair share of theatrics.Politicians were fighting over B.C. drug decriminalization policy, which the province is looking to partially roll back. The co-founder of an anti-overdose advocacy group, and a Richmond, B.C. city councillor, both discuss that proposal.Finally, Pierre Poilievre suggested this week that he’d use the notwithstanding clause to pass some criminal justice reforms if he’s elected prime minister. The House takes an in-depth look at what that could mean.This episode features the voices of: The CBC’s Evan DyerPublic Safety Minister Dominic LeBlancShannon Proudfoot, Globe and MailChristopher Nardi, The National Post Leslie McBain, co-founder, Moms Stop the HarmAlexa Loo, city councillor, RichmondSujit Choudhry, constitutional lawyer, Haki ChambersLindsay Board, partner, Daniel Brown Law Geoffrey Sigalet, associate professor, UBC Okanagan

There’s a lot of garbage talk happening in the nation’s capital, as representatives from 176 countries try to hammer out a global deal on plastic pollution — one of the planet’s most significant and growing environmental issues. We speak with some of the participants at the conference — from officials, to advocates, to industry members — about the stakes of the negotiations and the odds of success.But first: The federal government, Ontario government and Honda came to a major agreement this week that will see billions of dollars worth of investment poured into new EV manufacturing facilities in this country. The minister responsible talks about why it’s worth taxpayer dollars, then Honda’s head in Canada discusses the road ahead for electric vehicles — and the jobs that come with them.This episode features the voices of: Industry Minister François-Philippe ChampagneJean Marc Leclerc, president and CEO, Honda CanadaRufino Varea, Scientist Coalition for an Effective Plastic TreatyMarian Ledesma, Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, president of Inuit Circumpolar Council CanadaAllen Langdon, CEO, Circular MaterialsEli Browne, director of corporate sustainability, Sobeys; Inger Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme

It may sound boring, it might be confusing, but the federal government’s new capital gains tax change could just become a major political sticking point. The House hears from tax experts and others about what the change could accomplish and whether everyday Canadians might be affected. Then, the federal budget unveiled this week failed to meet the moment when it comes to a new disability benefit, an advocate tells The House. A Liberal official also joins the program to respond.Plus — six years and tens of billions of dollars later, the Trans Mountain expansion is about to begin operation. In a special report, The House investigates how communities along the mega-project’s route feel now that oil is finally set to flow.Finally: The lifetime ban handed out to Raptors player Jontay Porter is raising questions about legal gambling’s influence on the integrity of sport. An MP who pushed for the legalization of single event sports betting weighs in, and an expert urges more regulation.This episode features the voices of: Allison Christians, professor, McGill UniversityBarry Schwartz, executive vice president, Baskin Wealth Management Edward Faruzel, executive director, KW AccessAbilitySameer Zuberi, parliamentary secretary to the minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilitiesThe CBC’s Allison DempsterConservative MP Kevin WaughJeremy Luke, president and CEO, Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

Everyone agrees that Canada has a housing crisis, but coming to consensus — and executing on — solutions is not quite so easy. Alberta looked to put up a wall between the federal government and municipalities this week, and Premier Danielle Smith joins The House to talk about why. Then, the federal housing minister responds.The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections also had some big-name witnesses this week — not least the prime minister. Canada’s former top spy sits down to walk through what we learned.Plus — some of the top movers and shakers from the Canadian political right gathered in Ottawa for a conference this week. Two journalists break down what they focused on, and what it could mean for a future Conservative government.This episode features the voices of: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Housing Minister Sean Fraser Richard Fadden, former NSIA, former head of CSISCampbell Clark, The Globe and Mail Jen Gerson, The Line

We’ve already had a few glimpses at the next federal budget, thanks to a flurry of announcements this week and last. The finance minister joins The House to talk about those pledges and what more to expect.Then, it’s clear that Pierre Poilievre hates the carbon tax. But if the Conservatives gain power, what will they do instead? Two experts sit down to discuss.And — 75 years after the founding of NATO, is the alliance ready for a second Trump term? The House speaks to representatives from some of Canada’s most important allies.Plus — the CBC’s expert foreign interference inquiry watcher walks us through what exactly happened in the hearing room this week.This episode features the voices of:Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia FreelandMichael Bernstein, executive director, Clean ProsperityNicholas Rivers, associate professor, University of OttawaU.S. Ambassador David CohenU.K. High Commissioner Susannah GoshkoThe CBC’s Janyce McGregor

The federal government has promised to plant two billion trees by 2031 as part of the fight against climate change. But it’s not quite going to plan. This special edition of The House digs into the real-world challenges of planting so many trees — and whether the promise can live up to the hype.Host Catherine Cullen visits a seed orchard to speak with Kerry McLaven, CEO of the Forest Gene Conservation Association, about how many seeds will be needed — and why it’s so hard to get them. Then, The House travels to Somerville Nurseries, where manager Brent Forbes shows us his extensive operation, and Rob Keen of the Canadian Tree Nursery Association underscores the need for a long-term approach to tree planting. Plus, Doug Hevenor of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority explains the challenges around finding land and Susan Antler talks about why she turned some of her farmland into forest. Kerdo Deer shows us how one Indigenous community is using funding from the 2 Billion Trees program to expand operations and apply Indigenous knowledge to its work. Akaash Maharaj of Nature Canada and forestry expert Christian Messier from the Université du Quebec à Montreal take a critical look at whether the program is working as intended. Finally, we ask Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson if planting two billion trees is just a slogan — or a real stab at climate salvation?

It’s certainly feeling the heat. The Liberal government’s landmark climate policy, the carbon tax, has long been the target of the opposition Conservatives’ ire. But the Conservatives have allies, now — provincial premiers chief among them. The House hears from former premiers Jason Kenney and Kathleen Wynne about what’s gone wrong with the policy and how best to move forward.Then, we’ll also investigate an alternative energy source that is making waves in Newfoundland.And two keen-eyed journalists will break down a very busy week back on the Hill, featuring everything from tension over the Israel-Hamas war to scaling back the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada.Plus — two political history experts will break down Brian Mulroney’s legacy, ahead of his state funeral Saturday.This episode features the voices of: Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario premier The CBC’s Kenny SharpeChristopher Nardi, The National PostShannon Proudfoot, Globe and MailDaniel Béland, professor, McGill UniversityRaymond Blake, professor, University of Regina

Let’s face it: politics doesn’t have a great reputation. It can be frustrating — especially when it feels like you don’t really know what’s going on. On this special edition of The House, host Catherine Cullen takes you inside the halls of Parliament Hill to better understand how the place actually works. She’s joined by five Carleton University students who pitch their burning questions to members of Parliament, including Lori Idlout, Gerard Deltell, John McKay, Peter Julian, Ali Ehsassi, and more.

The federal government changed course on funding for a key agency helping Palestinians in Gaza, saying the humanitarian crisis there was increasingly dire. Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, talks about that decision.Then, we break down how ready Canada is for both military operations and natural disasters. The answer? The armed forces are struggling, and there’s more work to do when it comes to things like wildfires.We’ll also take a look at why the government announced it’s going to keep a close eye on foreign investments in the video game industry — with foreign interference in mind.Plus — British political activist Lady Phyll sits down to discuss anti-gay laws across the globe and what the Commonwealth should be doing about them.This episode features the voices of: Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United NationsThe CBC’s Murray BrewsterRebecca Alty, mayor of YellowknifeVictoria Salinas, deputy administrator, FEMARyan Black, lawyerPhyll Opoku-Gyimah, Secretary of the Commonwealth Equality Network

Brian Mulroney will leave a legacy as one of Canada’s most consequential prime ministers, who in a time of great global change also transformed Canadian politics. The House digs deep on Mulroney’s legacy, hearing from a former prime minister, senior Conservatives and politicians from across the political spectrum.Then, two national security experts explain what we learned from digging through hundreds of pages of documents surrounding the firing of two scientists from a major infectious diseases lab in Canada.Plus — an analysis of the government’s new legislation meant to help protect Canadians from harmful content online.This episode features the voices of: Joe Clark, former prime ministerErin O’Toole, former Conservative leader John Baird, former Conservative minister Dan Stanton, former CSIS officialWesley Wark, professor, national security expert Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, executive director, Canadian Civil Liberties AssociationJustice Minister Arif ViraniJohannes Bahrke, spokesperson, European CommissionMichael McKell, Republican state senator for Utah

It sounds surprising, but baby eels, or elvers, have become big business in Canada. And along with the profits have come poachers — and some serious threats. The House digs into why the government is convinced they need to shut the whole thing down.But first: It’s been two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war is still going, but has Canada’s attention wavered? Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada discusses that question and more.Plus — the federal international development minister weighs in on the question of how best to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.This episode features the voices of: Yulia Kovaliv, Ukrainian ambassador to Canada Ahmed Hussen, minister of international development Matt Delong, commercial elver fisherRick Perkins, Conservative MP Michael McDonald, Mi’kmaw lawyerMike Kelloway, Liberal MP

The Liberals and NDP are in intense negotiations over the shape of a pharmacare deal. At stake? The possibility of free birth control, diabetes medications or other drugs for Canadians. The House looks at what the policy could mean.But first, we break down Donald Trump’s comments about NATO, and what it could mean for the alliance.Then, too little government spending? Apparently, there’s an app for that. A reporter who has led the way on uncovering the story of ArriveCAN joins the program to break it all down.And it’s been 10 years since the Liberal Senators became just the Senate Liberals. That shift kickstarted Senate reform — but the chamber may be in store for yet more transformation.Plus — two MPs come together to talk about how they can co-operate across the aisle on cancer policy.This episode features the voices of: Defence Minister Bill BlairNavdeep Singh, pharmacy ownerMarc-André Gagnon, associate professor, Carleton UniversityBill Curry, Globe and MailDan Albas, Conservative MP Peter Schiefke, Liberal MP