The House from CBC Radio

World leaders are gathering in Germany this weekend to discuss threats to international security, including Russia’s war on Ukraine. But for some countries — Canada included — the latest threat is coming from U.S. President Donald Trump. CBC’s defence correspondent Murray Brewster guest hosts The House to look at international crises unfolding in real time.

We start with Oleksandra Matviichuk — head of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize — who shares her reaction to Donald Trump’s conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine.

Then, as Trump continues to taunt Canada about not being a “viable” country, The House asks: where are our allies? Former NATO representatives, a former British Conservative MP and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former national security advisor discuss whether Canada’s friends will stand up to the U.S. president.

Plus, one man definitely knows what it's like to be under Trump’s microscope — and that’s former Illinois Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He joins the program to share his advice for Canada on tackling Trump.

Finally, Canada’s five living former prime ministers have come together to encourage Canadians to rally behind the flag this weekend — but there was a time when the great flag debate was among the most divisive Parliament has seen. House producer Emma Godmere takes a trip back into the archives.

This episode features the voices of:
Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties Sveinn Helgason, former strategic communications officer at NATO Headquarters Fabrice Pothier, CEO of Rasmussen Global Andrew Percy, former MP and UK trade envoy to Canada Vincent Rigby, former national security and intelligence advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Adam Kinzinger, former Illinois Republican congressman Emma Godmere, producer for CBC’s The House

Canada got a temporary reprieve from Donald Trump’s tariffs, but the fight is far from over — and may be more existential than we thought. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau now says the U.S. president’s threat to turn Canada into the 51st state ‘is a real thing.’

Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, joins The House to discuss if Trump is actually a threat to Canadian sovereignty and whether Canada’s new border measures — including a “fentanyl czar” — are enough to appease Trump.

Then, with all the chaos coming out of the United States right now, is there even a playbook for Canadian leaders to follow anymore? How should political parties adjust as Parliament remains prorogued? Two former key staffers weigh in on how politicians can respond to Washington whiplash.

Plus, Trump’s tariff threats are getting Canadians officials to reexamine Canada’s economy, including whether to revive discussions on building a west-east oil pipeline. A CBC provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick explains the history of the failed Energy East pipeline and whether it could be brought back to life.

Finally, world leaders will gather in France next week to discuss taking action on risks associated with AI — including the threat of disinformation. A Finnish scholar stops by the studio to share his experience monitoring and combatting disinformation next door to Russia.

This episode features the voices of:
David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety Supt. Marc Cochlin, CEO of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Marci Surkes, former policy director for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Garry Keller, former chief of staff to Rona Ambrose Jacques Poitras, provincial affairs reporter for CBC New Brunswick Pekka Kallioniemi, Finnish disinformation scholar and author of “Vatnik Soup”

We’ve been waiting weeks for this, and even now — we’re still not exactly sure what to expect. But today, we may finally see U.S. President Donald Trump level punishing tariffs on Canada. The White House has told reporters tariffs are happening this weekend, and Trump himself has said there’s nothing Canada can do to avoid them. 

One of CBC’s foreign correspondents in Washington joins the program to unpack the details from the White House. We then hear from a Canada-U.S. expert about what’s in store for both countries, and small businesses from both sides of the border share how they’re bracing for impact.

Plus, the final report from the public inquiry into foreign interference says there are no traitors in Parliament, but there are still concerns about threats to Canada’s democracy. A national security expert sifts through the findings and an NDP MP details the questions she is left with.

Finally, some Liberal leadership candidates are trotting out policy proposals while others are dropping out or being disqualified altogether. Two Hill watchers explain the latest in the contest.

This episode features the voices of:
Katie Simpson, CBC News Laura Dawson, Executive Director of the Canada-U.S. Future Borders Coalition Maggie Ori, Frankor Hydraulics Bill Butcher, Port City Brewing Company Wesley Wark, senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation  Jenny Kwan, NDP MP for Vancouver East Stuart Thomson, Parliamentary bureau chief for the National Post Stephanie Levitz, senior politics reporter for The Globe and Mail

Time's up for anyone mulling a bid to lead the Liberal Party. With the deadline to enter behind them, candidates have just a few days left to sign up new members, and a little over a month to drum up support. One of the frontrunners joins The House in studio: former finance minister Chrystia Freeland sits down with host Catherine Cullen to make her case for running the country

Then: Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed he’ll call a snap election next week and send Ontarians to the polls at the end of February. The Toronto Star’s Queen’s Park bureau chief discusses whether voters will reward Ford, or if they’ll be turned off by the timing.

After that, we take a close look at an ongoing economic headache that doesn't involve Donald Trump: trade between provinces. Premiers hope that breaking through interprovincial barriers can in fact better protect against Trump's tariffs. But experts and former officials say getting rid of those barriers is a tall order — and there hasn’t been much success in the past.

Finally, as several Liberal leadership candidates distance themselves from the carbon tax, and as Donald Trump continues to threaten Canada's economy, do the Conservatives need to shift their campaign focus? Two strategists weigh in on how their party is reacting to recent events.

This episode features the voices of:

Chrystia Freeland, Liberal leadership candidate Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park bureau chief for the Toronto Star Philippe Couillard, former Quebec premier Perrin Beatty, former federal cabinet minister Carlo Dade, director of trade infrastructure at the Canada West Foundation Chad Rogers, Conservative strategist Fred DeLorey, Conservative strategist

Donald Trump is headed back to the White House on Monday, meaning his tariff threats could become a reality and wreak havoc on the Canadian economy. So what’s Canada’s opening move if Trump charges forward? Host Catherine Cullen checks in with premiers at their important meeting in Ottawa this week to strategize a response, but not everyone is on the same page. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. joins the show to discuss the federal government’s plan, and an economics professor explains which provinces are the most at risk.

Next, an author and staff writer for The Atlantic explains why, of all the policies Trump has flirted with over the years, the incoming president is so wedded to the idea of tariffs and how Canada should prepare itself for a possible trade war.

Finally, as more candidates step up or step back from the Liberal leadership race, two Parliament Hill watchers break down the contest so far and the questions the candidates will need to address.

This episode features the voices of:

Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States. Trevor Tombe, economics professor at the University of Calgary David Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star Christopher Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National Post

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday he will step down from his job once the Liberals find someone to replace him. Now, the leadership race is on, with all sorts of politicians in the Liberal caucus and beyond feeling out whether they’ve got a shot to succeed Trudeau.

The backdrop to all of this is U.S. president-elect Donald Trump claiming he’ll use economic force to absorb Canada as a new American state. On today’s episode, a top leadership contender discusses why she’s considering a leadership bid.

Then, a White House correspondent for the New York Times explains why China and Russia are watching the brewing fight between Canada and the United States and shares his thoughts on how Canadian officials can respond to Trump’s ongoing threats.

Finally, Trudeau’s planned resignation will cap off a long tenure that transformed Canada on several fronts. How big were those transformations? Catherine Cullen speaks to experts and analysts from several areas about Trudeau’s legacy and whether his policies will outlast his time in office.

This episode features the voices of:

Christy Clark, former B.C. premier David E. Sanger, New York Times correspondent and author of New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West Paul McCarthy, President of the Cannabis Council of Canada Perry Bellegarde, former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Lisa Young, political science professor at the University of Calgary Sahir Khan, vice-president of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub Thomas Juneau, former analyst at the Department of National Defence Mireille Paquet, director of the Institute for Research on Migration and Society at Concordia University Nicole Myers, criminologist at Queen’s University

This week, The House brings you some of the most compelling interviews from our coverage of immigration issues in Canada — from ministers who’ve overseen major policy changes to experts who say Ottawa’s recent clampdown will shake up the Canadian economy and post-secondary institutions. Plus, rare access to Toronto’s immigration holding centre, where migrants are locked up while waiting to hear if they’ll be deported.

This episode features the voices of: 

Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney, former Conservative immigration minister Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Catherine Connelly, McMaster University professor Meti Basiri, CEO and co-founder of ApplyBoard Pari Johnston, president and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada Sajjad Bhatti, Canada Border Services Agency Minley Lloyd, Canada Border Services Agency

It ended with a shocking cabinet resignation — but 2024 was packed with plenty more political ups and downs. How many headlines do you remember? Listen along and test your smarts as host Catherine Cullen quizzes three keen Parliament Hill watchers who battle it out in The House's annual showdown, featuring Brian Platt of Bloomberg News, Nojoud Al Mallees of The Canadian Press, J.P. Tasker from CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau — and a very special American media guest.

This week in politics has been so massive, one MP’s stunned response summed it up: “WTF?” In the span of five days, the finance minister resigned; a growing list of Liberal MPs called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to quit; the federal cabinet got shuffled; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh vowed to bring down the government; and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wrote to the Governor General to ask her to reconvene Parliament.

On today’s pod, a longtime Liberal MP calls for Trudeau to go. A minister explains why he thinks Trudeau should stay. Then, two columnists dissect whether Trudeau — and the country — can survive the turmoil. 

Finally, as Donald Trump and his supporters taunt Canada about becoming the 51st state, Catherine Cullen sits down with the departing American ambassador to Canada to discuss whether Canadians need to loosen up — or whether we deserve a little more respect.

This episode features the voices of:

Rob Oliphant, Liberal MP for Don Valley West Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Shannon Proudfoot, columnist for The Globe and Mail Paul Wells, author and podcaster David Cohen, U.S. ambassador to Canada

Ontario premier Doug Ford made a splash this week when he suggested his province could withhold energy exports to the United States if president-elect Donald Trump slaps steep tariffs on Canadian goods. Is Ontario gearing up for a trade war with the U.S? Ontario’s energy minister explains how far the province is willing to go on the issue.

Then, the CEO of Abacus Data joins the program to discuss his new poll that shows Trump is more popular in Canada than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and what it means for Trudeau’s tariff negotiations with the Trump administration.

Plus, with days to go until Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presents her fall economic update, two economists debate the deficit, which fiscal anchors matter the most and what Canada should do about Trump’s concerns on trade.

Finally, the Liberals have tightened rules around the temporary foreign worker program, but why is it so susceptible to abuse? The House does a deep dive into the program to understand the problems and benefits for businesses and workers.

This episode features the voices of: 

Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data Armine Yalnizyan, economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers Goldy Hyder, president of the Business Council of Canada Catherine Connelly, professor of human resources and management at McMaster University Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for interparty unity in the face of Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods. But it didn’t take long for the Liberal-Conservative divisions to appear. So is it still realistic to talk about Team Canada? Two Ottawa bureau chiefs weigh in on Canada’s attempt to show a united front against the incoming U.S. president.

Next, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly joins Catherine Cullen to discuss Canada’s new Arctic foreign policy, the crisis in the Middle East and whether there’s a way to stop Trump’s tariff threat before the president-elect takes office in January.

Then, representatives and experts of Canadian universities and colleges explain how the federal government’s dramatic cut in international student visas will affect their institutions, including whether they need to shave programs. Minister of Immigration Marc Miller and Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy also share their thoughts on who’s to blame for the funding crisis facing Canadian post-secondary institutions.

This episode features the voices of:

Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star Stuart Thomson, parliamentary bureau chief for the National Post Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Meti Basiri, CEO and co-founder of ApplyBoard Alan Shepard, president of Western University Pari Johnston, president and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance

First up, Trudeau makes a surprise visit to see Donald Trump the same week the president-elect promised to slam Canada with 25% tariffs on all goods. Then, Canada’s former ambassador to the U.S. discusses whether the threat is real, and what Canada should do about it. 

Next, it’s a building that very few Canadians ever get to go inside. The Immigration Holding Centre in Toronto detains migrants who are either considered a flight risk, a danger to the public, or can’t be identified. The House gets an exclusive tour of this centre to understand the conditions they face and how their fates are determined. 

Also, an immigration lawyer shares his concerns with Canada’s deportation process; and a top Canadian border official discusses Canada’s approach to deportation and whether his agency is prepared for Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

This episode features the voices of:

Alexander Panetta, CBC Washington correspondent David MacNaughton, former Canadian ambassador to the United States Sajjad Bhatti, acting director of immigration enforcement operations division at the Canada Border Services Agency for the GTA Minley Lloyd, acting assistant director of immigration enforcement operations division at the Canada Border Services Agency for the GTA Jared Will, immigration and refugee lawyer Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency

The Liberals are planning to make Christmas shopping a little less expensive this year — they announced a tax holiday starting mid-December on top of rebate cheques set to roll out in the spring. Who comes out on top from this decision? CBC’s chief political correspondent joins The House to break down the politics behind the move. Then, a former Bank of Canada governor explains the economic consequences of the proposal and whether it will affect Canada’s inflation rate.

Plus, The House travels to Halifax, where international security officials are meeting each other at an important conference, and speaks to a Republican senator about what Donald Trump means for the war in Ukraine and Canada’s border security. A Google executive also comes on the show for an exclusive interview about the risks and rewards of AI development as several countries race to become the dominant power in evolving the technology.

Finally, a Canadian civil servant who was falsely accused of terrorism in the Indian media joins the program with his lawyer to share his story and discuss how foreign governments are working to sow doubt in Canada’s institutions.

This episode features the voices of: 

Rosemary Barton, CBC’s chief political correspondent Stephen Poloz, former Bank of Canada governor Jim Risch, Republican senator from Idaho Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google Sunny Sidhu, a Canadian civil servant Jeffrey Kroeker, Sidhu’s lawyer

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his inner circle and making some cabinet nominations that are sending shockwaves around the world. As officials here prepare for tough talks on trade and border security – what could those picks mean for Canada? Two journalists in Washington and Ottawa to weigh in. Then, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew joins the program to talk U.S. trade, tariffs and the border.

Plus, Palestinian Canadians who are trying to bring family members from Gaza into Canada explain why they’re frustrated – and losing hope – over a special visa program. An immigration and refugee lawyer also details what she sees as the program’s main problems.

Finally, former B.C. premier John Horgan died this week at the age of 65. A former colleague shares memories of his leadership and kindness.

This episode features the voices of: 

Alex Panetta, CBC Washington Rob Russo, Canadian correspondent for The Economist Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba Omar Omar, Palestinian Canadian Ahmed Badah, Palestinian Canadian Debbie Rachlis, immigration and refugee lawyer Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Housing

Donald Trump’s decisive election win has Canadian officials wondering what comes next for the two countries. He’s promised mass deportations, a global tariff and an end to the war in Ukraine — all of which have implications for Canada. So what are the next steps? The House hears from a variety of Canadians who could be affected by a second Trump administration. Then, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland joins the program to discuss the federal government’s approach to Trump’s incoming presidency.

Plus, after an election campaign rife with claims that Donald Trump is a fascist and voters expressing concern about the state of American democracy, two authors discuss whether the United States can withstand another Trump presidency and if any instability could have an impact on Canadian politics.

This episode features the voices of: 

Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister Rob Goodman, author of Not Here: Why American Democracy Is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself Alasdair Roberts, author of The Adaptable Country: How Canada Can Survive the Twenty-First Century

It’s an election abroad — with serious impacts for Canada. Millions of Americans will be casting their ballots on Tuesday, sending either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris to the White House. Is one candidate better for Canada than the other? The House talks to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former top aide to get his insights on what a Trump or Harris presidency will mean for our country. Then, a couple from Pennsylvania who are voting for Trump and Harris share how they get along despite their political differences.

Plus, a former immigration minister discusses why he thinks Trump’s promise of mass deportation of migrants should be taken ‘very, very seriously’ and how such a move could affect the Canadian border.

And finally, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to cut the GST on new homes sold for under $1 million dollars — a promise that he says he’ll keep by cutting other key housing programs. Two housing experts join The House and weigh in on whether this is the right way to tackle Canada’s ongoing housing crisis.

This episode features the voices of: 

Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Justin Trudeau Melissa Muhly, a Harris voter Conrad Muhly, a Trump voter Jason Kenney, former Conservative immigration minister Carolyn Whitzman, professor at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities Andy Yan, director of The City Program at Simon Fraser University

That long-awaited Liberal caucus meeting where a group of MPs asked Trudeau to step down as party leader came — and went. In less than 24 hours after hearing their concerns, Trudeau told reporters that he would continue as Liberal leader. So… Now what? And where does this leave the Liberal Party? The House goes behind closed doors and breaks down the tense caucus meeting, then two political strategists talk about what comes next.

Plus, as the federal government announces a steep cut to immigration over the next three years, minister Marc Miller sits down with The House to explain the major policy change and what message he says it sends to prospective newcomers who want to enter Canada.

And finally, after a slate of back-to-back-to-back provincial elections in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, CBC reporters in all three provinces join The House to discuss what federal parties can learn from the results as a national campaign looms.

This episode features the voices of: 

Vandana Katter, political strategist Fred DeLorey, political strategist Alicia Backman-Beharry, an immigration lawyer with Holthe Immigration Law Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Meera Bains, CBC News Jacques Poitras, CBC News Adam Hunter, CBC News

On Monday, RCMP officials dropped bombshell allegations that Indian government agents are working with mobsters to target Sikhs separatists in Canada — followed quickly by both countries expelling diplomats. The House visits a Sikh temple where a Khalistani activist was gunned down to hear how the community is reacting to this week’s developments. Then the assistant RCMP commissioner explains why the Mounties decided to suddenly go public and responds to India’s fierce denials.

Plus, CBC’s top political hosts sit down together to discuss a secret plot by some Liberal MPs who want to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign as party leader.

Then, The House meets up with former cabinet minister and astronaut Marc Garneau at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum to chat about his long career, Trudeau’s leadership and the growing rift with India.

And finally, as British Columbians prepare to go to the polls on Saturday in an NDP-Conservative showdown, The House dives into the riding of Richmond-Centre to speak with candidates and find out what issues are motivating voters.

This episode features the voices of: 

Gurkeerat Singh, youth leader at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Brigitte Gauvin, RCMP Assistant Commissioner David Cochrane, host of CBC’s Power and Politics. Rosemary Barton, CBC’s chief political correspondent and host of Rosemary Barton Live. Marc Garneau, former astronaut and cabinet minister. Hon Chan, B.C. Conservative Party candidate for Richmond-Centre. Henry Yao, NDP candidate for Richmond-Centre Wendy Yuan, unaffiliated candidate for Richmond-Centre

It’s almost part of Canadian lore that as a nation, across the political spectrum, we recognize the value of immigration. Now, as provinces demand Ottawa curb the number of newcomers, is that consensus breaking down? The House visits an Ottawa shelter to hear how they’re doing their best to keep up with demand as more newcomers turn to them for help. 

A pollster then details Canadians’ changing attitudes toward immigration. Then, host Catherine Cullen runs through key moments in nine years of Liberal policy decisions.

Plus, a research chair on the politics of immigration discusses the growing tensions between the federal government and provinces over asylum seekers.

And finally, two politics reporters explain why the House of Commons has been stuck going in circles over a debate concerning parliamentary privilege and documents related to a now-defunct green technology fund.

This episode features the voices of: 

Ashley Potter, frontline services manager at the Ottawa Mission Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute Mireille Paquet, Concordia University research chair on the politics of immigration Aaron Wherry, senior writer for CBC Politics Laura Osman, politics reporter for The Canadian Press

The Bloc Québécois is ramping up pressure on the Liberal government to meet its demands over more money for seniors – or face an election. But that would cost a lot. Like, billions. The House sits down with Daniel Thibeault, host of Radio-Canada’s politics program Les Coulisses du Pouvoir to understand whether the Bloc is angling for an election. 

Then, as the world prepares to mark one year since Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel, The House has the highlights of an emergency debate in the House of Commons about the crisis. Then, two Middle East experts discuss what can be done to prevent a wider war from breaking out.

Plus, fish harvesters in Newfoundland’s northern peninsula say politics is getting in the way of them making a living. The House hears the fishermen’s frustrations, then asks Liberal and Conservative MPs about concerns over the lifting of the decades-old cod moratorium.

This episode features the voices of: 

Daniel Thibeault, host of Radio Canada’s Coulisses de Pouvoir Thomas Juneau, University of Ottawa professor Dennis Horak, Former Canadian head of mission in Iran CBC's Caroline Hillier  Liberal MP Mike Kelloway Conservative MP Rick Perkins

Heckling’s pretty common during House of Commons debates. But with tensions running high as the Liberals fight to keep the government afloat, one stray quip can set off a barrage of accusations and criticism. The House sits down with two Hill watchers to discuss Conservative MP Garnett Genuis’ allegedly homophobic comment and what it tells us about civility in Parliament.

Then, as the Middle East remains on the brink of all-out war, Canada’s national defence minister tells The House how the government has been preparing over the summer to possibly evacuate tens of thousands of people with Canadian connections stuck in Lebanon.

Plus — Chinese dissidents living in Canada share their stories of alleged harassment and intimidation by Beijing. Canada’s former ambassador to China listens in and tells us what steps should be taken to protect free speech and assembly rights for all students across Canadian campuses.

This episode features the voices of: 

Shannon Proudfoot, writer for The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa bureau Paul Wells, author and podcaster Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence Craig Desson, CBC News Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to China

The House. Is. Back! And everyone’s flexing their muscles. 

Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet joins the show to talk about how his party might use its strength to get what they want from the government.

Plus, after NDP leader Jagmeet Singh had a standoff with protesters who’d hurled insults at him, MPs talk about just how much harassment they’ve faced in politics. 

Then we’ll hear from a panel of political strategists about whose flex was best over an upcoming attempt to bring the government down.  

Finally, the second phase of the foreign interference inquiry kicked off on Monday. CBC’s Marina von Stackleberg will bring us up to speed. 

This episode features the voices of: 

Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois

Lori Idlout, NDP MP

Gord Johns, NDP MP

Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal MP 

Yasir Naqvi, Liberal MP

Kate Harrison, Conservative strategist

Vandana Kattar, Liberal strategist

George Soule, former NDP communications director

Marina von Stackleberg, CBC News

Liberal MPs met this week in Nanaimo, B.C., quick to tell reporters they’ve got full confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The House is on the ground, taking the temperature, talking to Liberals about how they think they can turn their fortunes — even as one of Trudeau’s own MPs says people are “tired of his face.”

We also hear from Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer about how his party hopes to force a non-confidence motion to bring down the government as soon as possible.

Then, we head up Vancouver Island to Campbell River, which is likely to become a battleground between the Conservatives and the NDP. The CBC’s Emma Godmere speaks with voters there about the issues that matter most to them.

Finally, with British Columbians going to the polls next month, Premier David Eby said he’d scrap the carbon tax if Ottawa removes the requirement to have it. The Toronto Star’s Tonda MacCharles, and the National Post’s Stuart Thomson break down what to expect ahead of Parliament resuming on Monday.

This episode features the voices of: 

John McKay, Liberal MP for Scarborough—Guildwood Francis Drouin, Liberal MP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell Hedy Fry, Liberal MP for Vancouver Centre Andrew Scheer, Conservative House leader CBC’s Emma Godmere Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star. Stuart Thomson, Parliamentary bureau chief for the National Post

Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. The NDP’s decision to end its deal with the Liberals — which for two years brought stability to the minority government — has raised the spectre of a snap federal election. The House sits down with one of the NDP architects of the deal to find out why the party chose to back out now, and what comes next.

Then, months after a Toronto byelection loss that rocked the governing Liberals, another test is on the way later this month in a Montreal race. We travel to LaSalle-Émard-Verdun to find out how the campaign — with national implications — is playing out on the ground.

Also, a Liberal minister and national campaign committee co-chair sits down with Catherine Cullen to talk through her party’s plan to regain their mojo and win — they hope — a fourth term.

Plus — Germany has embraced a novel diplomatic arrangement: two ambassadors for the price of one. A married couple who will rotate in and out of the posting in Ottawa explain what’s behind the arrangement.

This episode features the voices of: 

Anne McGrath, principal secretary to Jagmeet Singh Craig Sauvé, NDP candidate Louis-Philippe Sauvé, Bloc Québécois candidate Philippe J. Fournier, founder, 338canada.com Soraya Martinez Ferrada, tourism minister, Liberal campaign committee co-chair Matthias Lüttenberg and Tjorven Bellmann, German ambassadors-designate

A show about nothing: that’s at least how some are cheekily describing the Liberals’ last few months. Host Catherine Cullen sits down with a panel of former top political advisers to discuss what moves the Liberals have left to make, with two weeks to go until Parliament returns and two more byelections arrive.

Plus — we revisit our conversation with Pulitzer Prize finalist John Valliant about his book Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast , and why our brains struggle to accept the reality of climate change.

And 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 returns to a documentary digging deep into the issue.

This episode features the voices of: 

Marci Surkes, chief strategy officer at Compass Rose and former Liberal adviser Garry Keller, vice president at StrategyCorp and former Conservative adviser John Vailliant, author of Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast CBC’s Kristen Everson

Ontario’s premier says “the worst thing” that can happen to a neighbourhood is a supervised drug consumption site. He’s closing nearly half the centers in the province — and wants to ban new ones. We talk to one centre about what this means for drug users and a mayor who wishes the premier had gone further.

Also — a rail work stoppage that threatened the Canadian economy is … almost resolved? Some trains are rolling, but there’s still risk. The House digs into the political forces at play in the complex case.

Finally, the last instalment of our Book Smart Summer Series is here. Jane Philpott sits down with Catherine Cullen to talk about her book Health for All: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthier Canada and how she thinks primary care in this country can be fixed.

This episode features the voices of:

CBC’s Janyce McGregor Juanita Lawson, CEO, NorWest Community Health Centres Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton Jane Philpott, former federal health minister, author, Health for All: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthier Canada