The House - podcast cover

The House

The stakes are high. The campaign is on. Canadians have some big choices to make this federal election. We're here to help with two episodes each week.


On Saturdays, "The House" makes politics make sense. Host Catherine Cullen takes you across Canada for in-depth interviews, reports from the closest contests, and analysis of the week's news — from across the political spectrum.


And on Wednesdays, "House Party" brings you sharp analysis and spirited debate on one big, burning election question. Catherine is joined by CBC political journalists Jason Markusoff, and Daniel Thibeault. They promise their weekly chat is not (only) for politics nerds.


See you at the polls, April 28, 2025.

Episodes

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 ...

May 31, 202552 min

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? Catherin...

May 28, 202529 min

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...

May 24, 202549 min

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.

May 21, 202528 min

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 i...

May 17, 202549 min

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.

May 14, 202530 min

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 crit...

May 10, 202549 min

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 w...

May 07, 202527 min

Trump, King Charles, and everything else on Carney’s calendar

This episode of The House analyzes the results of the Canadian federal election, focusing on Mark Carney's agenda and the implications for the new Parliament. The strategist panel discusses the election outcomes, challenges facing the Conservative and NDP parties, and the Liberal government's path forward. MPs discuss their priorities and the potential for cross-party collaboration.

May 03, 202549 min

House Party: What surprised us the most about the election results?

The House Party team discusses the surprising results of the Canadian federal election, focusing on the Liberal minority government and the implications for various parties. They analyze Conservative gains, NDP losses, and the Bloc Québécois' role, while also pondering the future of party leadership and the dynamics of a minority parliament. The conversation explores the potential longevity of the new government and key factors influencing its stability.

Apr 30, 202531 min

Catch up on the latest election results from Power & Politics

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, for...

Apr 29, 202555 min

Get election results in 10 minutes with World Report

We'll be back with post-election episodes of House Party and The House soon, but in the meantime -- for a quick catchup on what you missed from election night, our friends at World Report have you covered. World Report is a daily news podcast that brings you the biggest stories happening in Canada and around the world, in just 10 minutes. Make World Report your daily quick hit of news by following it here: https://link.mgln.ai/6LAFCv

Apr 29, 202510 min

The final days of Canada’s critical election campaign

It’s the final countdown to election night. On Monday, millions of Canadians will cast their ballots and choose their next federal government at a critical moment for Canada. Catherine Cullen sits down with David Coletto to find out what pollsters will be watching as results roll in from coast to coast. Next, CBC reporters on the road send us their final audio postcards from the campaign trail — with analysis on the Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Bloc Québécois campaigns so far. Plus, our panel ...

Apr 26, 202551 min

House Party: Are election platforms passé?

The political nerds hosting this podcast eagerly await the ritual release of costed party platforms during an election campaign: those line-by-line expenses and revenues that detail how much each party plans to spend on – and how they’ll fund – their promises. But, with so few days to go until the end of this campaign, is there much room to actually sway a voter with a fully-costed deficit strategy? And what are the most important promises in these platforms, especially those by the Liberals and...

Apr 23, 202526 min

Sunday listen: How Safe is Your Vote?

A special Sunday offer from our friends at World Report: As Canadians prepare to head to the ballot box, the integrity of this vote matters more than ever. From foreign agents to fake influencers... how serious are the risks to Canada's democracy? And what are officials doing about these threats? Parliamentary reporter Janyce McGregor will tell you where we're most vulnerable, why meddling keeps happening, and what you need to know in this season of spin.

Apr 20, 202552 min

Clashes and controversy at the leaders’ debates

This episode analyzes the Canadian federal election debates, featuring insights from political strategists on key clashes, controversies, and policy discussions. It explores the impact of Trump, party platforms, and regional dynamics. The episode also examines foreign interference in Canadian elections.

Apr 19, 202556 min

House Party: Could these debates decide the election?

For Canadian political nerds, election debates are like the Stanley Cup finals - the one chance to see leaders from all the major parties face off in real time, and maybe even land a few blows against their opponents. But how much power do these debates have to actually change how people vote? In the lead up to the French and English federal leaders’ debates this week, hosts Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault unpack the debate moments that make a difference, and the strategy ...

Apr 15, 202529 min

Election pipe dreams: Will parties’ pipeline pitches pan out?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are spurring renewed interest in Canada for oil and gas development and a possible national energy corridor — with the Liberals and Conservatives promising action. Are these pledges realistic? And what about climate change? Host Catherine Cullen talks to a pollster, a political scientist and an oil market researcher about pipeline politics. Then, Kitchener Centre Green candidate Mike Morrice joins the program to discuss how big a challenge his party is facin...

Apr 12, 202551 min

House Party: Will this election bring Canada together or tear us apart?

The West wants out, Quebec wants in, and Canadian unity turned into a campaign issue this week after former Reform Party and opposition leader Preston Manning claimed increasing numbers of Westerners – particularly Albertans – may see secession as the only option if the Liberals win. Yet in Quebec, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet took the opposite tack, downplaying separatist sentiment and arguing Canada needs to be united in its response to Donald Trump’s tariffs. So is separatism ...

Apr 09, 202528 min

Is Canadian unity on the ballot this election?

An elder statesman to many Conservatives is warning the country: a Liberal victory could fuel western secession. What’s the appetite for that message? Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning joins The House to explain why Canadian unity is on the ballot. Next, as union leaders say more pain from U.S. tariffs is likely around the corner, NDP candidate for Hamilton Centre Matthew Green shares his party’s vision for a path forward.  Then, CBC’s Jacques Poitras profiles the riding of Saint J...

Apr 05, 202549 min

House Party: Which party's talking to the TikTok generation?

If votes were based on social media stats, the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh would be on top with his latest “get ready with me” TikTok – racking up nearly 5 million views. But when it comes to polling, something is lost in translation, with Liberals and Conservatives pulling way ahead in securing support from the under-40 voters. So how are the parties targeting these voters, and who is doing the best job of campaigning on what matters to Gen Z and Millennials? “Elder millennials” Jason Markusoff an...

Apr 02, 202527 min

Trump crashes onto the campaign trail

There’s been no shortage of drama one week into this sprint election campaign, which is already affected by U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump spoke with each other for the first time ever, the day after Carney said Canada's old economic and military relationship with the U.S. is “over.”  Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, explains the impact of Trump’s tariffs and the bigger economic risk of retaliatory tariffs that could drop...

Mar 29, 202551 min

House Party: Is Pierre Poilievre really “in sync” with Donald Trump?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is catching heat for what she said to Americans about Canada's federal election. In a resurfaced March interview with right-wing media outlet Breitbart, Smith suggested the U.S. pause tariffs to avoid hurting Canadian Conservatives’ electoral chances. She also said Pierre Poilievre is the best leader for Canada because he’s more “in sync” with U.S. President Donald Trump.  Today on House Party, journalists Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault...

Mar 26, 202528 min

It's campaign time! Here's everything you need to know

We’ve waited a long time for this. On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election — thrusting the parties into what is certain to be a dynamic, historic campaign. For starters, let’s get with you up to speed with a starter guide to campaign 2025, courtesy of CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton. Then, Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer joins the show to discuss his party’s response to U.S. Presi...

Mar 22, 202550 min

House Party: Was the new PM’s Euro trip a smart move?

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was sworn in Friday, and by Sunday night was on a plane to meet the leaders of France & the U.K.. It was a stark contrast to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre & NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who both stayed closer to home, unveiling platform promises in smaller cities across Canada.  With an election call imminent, which strategy was smarter? And what did Carney’s overseas trip accomplish? Catherine Cullen, Daniel Thibeault and Jason Markusoff pick...

Mar 19, 202531 min

New PM, new cabinet: The Carney era begins

It’s official: Canada has a new prime minister. Former central banker Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada’s new leader and will immediately take on the challenge of U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs. To do so, he’s got a new, slimmed-down cabinet. Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith joins the show to discuss the new crew, and Carney’s move to scrap the consumer carbon tax. Then, a panel of party strategists digs deeper into Carney’s road ahead. Plus, Carney could be Canada’s s...

Mar 15, 202549 min

House Party: Can Mark Carney ditch Justin Trudeau’s baggage?

Mark Carney won the Liberal leadership as polls for the party were surging. But will the momentum last? Or will voters revisit feelings of being fed-up with the decade-old government? On this episode of the election weekly House Party, Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault dig into the differences between Mark Carney and outgoing prime minister Justin Trudeau, and whether the change is enough to win an election.

Mar 12, 202529 min

Elbows up, Canada

Canada’s trade battle with the United States is officially underway. But since it kicked off on Tuesday, there have been near-constant twists and turns as U.S. President Donald Trump switches up his motives, his tariffs and his exemptions for Canadian trade.  So how big a hit is Canada’s economy taking in this fight? Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand joins the program to discuss the federal government’s response and her work dismantling interprovincial trade barriers. Then, business owner...

Mar 08, 202549 min

House Party: How will this "dumb" trade war disrupt Canada's next election?

The “dumb” tariffs are on. The federal government has responded — but with Prime Minister Trudeau about to step down and a new Liberal leader being crowned on the weekend, a federal election could be mere days later. So what does all this mean for how people will vote and the parties’ campaign strategy? Is Carney becoming the popular anti-tariff choice? Or will Poilievre hold onto his lead in the polls? On this new, weekly election-focused podcast, three veteran political reporters — Catherine C...

Mar 05, 202528 min

Inside Canada’s last-ditch efforts to stave off tariffs

Once again, Canada is staring down the barrel of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on almost all Canadian goods. After a month-long pause, the tariffs are slated to go into effect on March 4 — as Trump continues to claim fentanyl and illegal immigrants are pouring into his country from Canada. In a special episode of The House, host Catherine Cullen walks Washington’s corridors of power with Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman as she tries to save the Canadian economy...

Mar 01, 202554 min
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