The House CBC News & Politics

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