The House

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

A car was stolen in Canada every five minutes in 2022. Some Canadians are unlucky enough to have it happen to them multiple times — the federal justice minister, for instance. It’s a growing problem, and this week The House takes a look at how the Liberals and Conservatives are vying to present the best solution. Then, a year after a major national summit on health care, has the state of the system improved? The head of one of Canada’s most important health associations says there’s still a lot of work to do. Plus — potential legislation on online harms has long been in the works, and there are certainly plenty of issues to tackle. Two experts break down the dizzying array of digital problems that require attention. This episode features the voices of: - Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc - Joël-Denis Bellavance, LaPresse - Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press - Dr. Kathleen Ross, president, Canadian Medical Association - Health Minister Mark Holland - Emily Laidlaw, associate professor, University of Calgary - Matt Hatfield, executive director, OpenMedia

Sweeping new rules on gender-related medical procedures, sex-ed and more have landed Alberta in the spotlight again this week. Two journalists break down the politics of Premier Danielle Smith’s controversial move. Then, the federal government announced a three-year delay on the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those suffering solely from a mental illness. The House hears from someone who is deeply affected by the decision, and from politicians on both sides of the issue. And — the prime minister’s traditional residence at 24 Sussex is in disrepair. But the organization responsible for maintaining the house says there’s been some progress — asbestos abated, mould removed and rodents evicted. But, as the CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier reports, there is no real plan for what comes next. Plus — B.C.'s public health officer releases her assessment of the province's prescribed safer supply program. The province’s minister of mental health and addictions joins the program to discuss. This episode features the voices of: - Graham Thomson, freelance columnist - Tonda MacCharles, parliamentary bureau chief, Toronto Star - Ed Fast, Conservative MP - Arif Virani, federal justice minister - The CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier - Jennifer Whiteside, B.C. mental health and addictions minister

If you thought you’d heard the end of convoy politics, think again. The federal government’s argument that it was justified in using the Emergencies Act to dispel the convoy protests in early 2022 was dealt a blow this week. We speak with the former attorney general who helped invoke the act — and find out why he’s now leaving politics. Then, two journalists dissect the politics of Tucker Carlson’s controversial tour of Alberta, where he sat down with Premier Danielle Smith. We’ll also take a look at the government’s decision to cap study permits for international students — and the waves that will make in both the education community and provincial economies. Plus — Ed Broadbent’s death has sparked some reflection over the NDP’s past, present and future. Two party strategists sit down to discuss where the party goes from here. This episode features the voices of: - David Lametti, Liberal MP and former minister of justice - The CBC’s Jason Markusoff - Shannon Proudfoot, Globe and Mail - Alain Roy, vice-president, Colleges and Institutes of Canada - Theo Argitis, Compass Rose Group - Mike McKinnon, senior consultant, Enterprise Canada - Melanie Richer, senior consultant, Earnscliffe Strategies

Canada’s relationship with China has been tense for years. Can it be salvaged? And while diplomats are hard at work on that question, another major challenge looms: a potential second Trump term. The House tackles both those issues this week. Then, freezing cold temperatures have sparked a renewed conversation on how Canada will keep the lights on in the future. We take an in-depth look at what role nuclear energy might play. Plus — Canada’s political conversation is squarely focused on immigration and housing. Two journalists break down the political implications of this week’s developments. This episode features: - Jennifer May, Canada’s ambassador to China - Rob Goodman, political science professor and author - Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition - The CBC’s Emma Godmere - Stephanie Levitz, Toronto Star - Laura Osman, The Canadian Press

A lot of questions surround the new special immigration program for some people stuck in Gaza: Why is Canada demanding such personal details? And can Canada actually get anyone out of the warzone, even if they’re approved to come here? The House will ask the immigration minister for answers. Plus, we’ll also dive deep into the issue of delays around family reunification programs. Small businesses are anxiously facing a deadline to repay some pandemic-era loans — and some are wishing that the federal government will show more compassion. Two business owners — and then the minister responsible — sit down to discuss. Finally, a bid by Florida to start bulk imports of Canadian prescription drugs has been described as a “raid” on this country’s drug supply. We’ll investigate how serious the threat is and what might happen next. This episode includes the voices of: - Marc Miller, federal immigration minister - Angela O’Brien and Sara Anne Mailhot, small business owners - The CBC’s Craig Desson - Rechie Valdez, federal minister of small business - Larry Levitt, health policy expert

This week, The House brings you the most compelling interviews from this fall’s coverage of the toxic drug crisis: from recovering drug users, to mothers who’ve lost children to opioid overdoses, to law enforcement trying to keep up as politicians struggle for solutions.

Parliament can be confusing. Here to help is The House’s guided tour of Parliament, where you’ll hear politicians of all stripes answering some questions about how the place actually works. Five Carleton political science students joined host Catherine Cullen to wander the halls and learn about everything from Question Period to committees, from the people who live in that world every day.

As another very busy and consequential year in Canadian politics wraps up, test how much you remember with our year-end quiz. This year, host Catherine Cullen will gather a crack team of political wonks to see how they fare. Murad Hemmadi of The Logic is back to defend his title of champion from last year, but he faces stiff competition from Shannon Proudfoot of The Globe and Mail and the National Post’s Christopher Nardi.

After weeks of debate and political fighting, Canada has made a major vote in favour of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The House digs into Canada’s position on the Israel-Hamas war, as well as the situation in Ukraine, in an interview with Defence Minister Bill Blair. We’ll also hear from a CBC reporter who had the chance to sit down with the head of Canada’s spy agency, which has had a challenging year. Plus — the issue of a complex and concerning scam that has seen homeowners pay out thousands of dollars over the years, and is now getting some attention from the Ontario government. Two Hill journalists will also talk about the fracas over House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus and the question of whether he should resign — and what it all means about the state of politics right now. Finally, The House will take a look at the issue of rising food bank usage and the question of whether government aid can solve the problem. This episode features interview with: - Bill Blair, minister of defence - Catharine Tunney, CBC senior reporter - Todd McCarthy, Ontario minister of public and business service delivery - Tom Rakocevic, Ontario NDP consumer protection critic - Dennis Crawford, lawyer - Rob Russo, journalist, The Economist - Susan Delacourt, journalist, Toronto Star - Dianne Mcleod, executive director, Cambridge Food Bank - Marjorie Bencz, executive director, Edmonton Gleaners Association Food Bank

The federal government hopes it will put Canada on track to meeting its climate targets. Some provinces say it’s needlessly harmful. The House digs into Canada’s new proposed oil and gas emissions cap to find out what government, environmentalists and industry have to say. Then, we’ll analyze the Poilievre housing video that has re-energized the national conversation around housing — two experts on political communication will weigh in. And finally, the author of two books on the toxic drug crisis in the United States will join the program to talk about what’s going on south of the border, and what Canada can learn from the U.S. This episode features interviews with: - Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources - Dale Beugin, executive vice president, Canadian Climate Institute - Tristan Goodman, president and CEO of the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada - Dave Sommer, vice president, Enterprise Canada - Melanie Paradis, president, Texture Communications - Beth Macy, author, Dopesick and Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis

It’s rarely an easy ride with the Alberta-Ottawa relationship, and this rollercoaster week was no different. Starting with Alberta playing the sovereignty act card for the first time, then hugging it out over a big announcement … it may result soon in more fireworks over the emissions cap. The House breaks down what it all means for the federation. Then, a man who once advised former prime minister Stephen Harper on his approach to criminal justice talks about his about-face on the toxic drug crisis. Plus, the former head of this country’s spy agency breaks down the significance of a U.S. indictment alleging India is linked to multiple assassination plots — including three targets in Canada. This episode features interviews with: - Randy Boissonnault, Employment minister and Liberal MP - Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star Ottawa bureau chief - Stuart Thomson, National Post Ottawa bureau chief - Benjamin Perrin, author and former Conservative adviser - Alex Panetta, CBC Washington correspondent - Dick Fadden, former head of CSIS