New government. New PM. New priorities. Can Canada avoid the same old shouting match? Catherine Cullen cuts through noise with two weekly shows that make politics make sense.
On Saturdays, join Catherine on The House as she takes you to Parliament Hill and across Canada for in-depth interviews, documentaries, and analysis of the week’s news – from across the political spectrum.
And on Wednesdays, join Catherine and her friends and fellow political nerds Jason Markusoff from Alberta and Daniel Thibeault from Quebec for the pop-up podcast House Party – a chatty deep-dive into one big question about this new government.
Because democracy is a conversation, and we’re here for it.
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 str...
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, Go...
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...
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...
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. Correction...
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 Ca...
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 th...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 i...
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.
<p>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.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p&...
<p>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-togeth...
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.
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.
<p>House Party has a new episode coming up, but first we bring you the latest election results from our colleagues at Power &amp; Politics. </p><p><br></p><p>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 ...
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>World Report is a daily news podcast that brings you the biggest stories happening in Canada and around the world, in just 10 minutes.</p><p><br></p><p>Make World Report your daily quick hit of news by follow...
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Next, CBC reporters on the road send us their final audio postcards from the campaign trail — with analysis on the Liberal, Conservative, N...
<p>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 Lib...
<p>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.</p>
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.
<p>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 ...
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Then, Kitchener Centre Green candidate Mike Morrice joins the p...
<p>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 se...
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.&nbsp...
<p>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 –&nbsp;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...
<p>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.”&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, explains the impact of Trump’s tariffs and the...
