The House

4.2 (548)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Politics these days can seem like one big shouting match. Catherine Cullen cuts through the noise. Every Saturday she makes politics make sense, taking you to Parliament Hill and across Canada for in-depth interviews, documentaries and analysis of the week’s news — from across the political spectrum. Because democracy is a conversation, and we’re here for it.

2D AGO

Carney's got a trade deal with China. What's under the hood?

Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China has sent a jolt through Canada and beyond. In exchange for allowing more Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market, Beijing has agreed to lower duties on some agricultural and seafood products. Catherine Cullen first speaks with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about what the deal means for his province; then former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole discusses the risks of a closer relationship with China; and Business Council of Canada CEO Goldy Hyder discusses the PM’s possible calculus behind the deal. Plus, Carney is not the first prime minister to try to improve Canada’s relationship with China. From Trudeau Sr. to Trudeau Jr., Jia Wang of the University of Alberta’s China Institute and former ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques chart the highs and lows of bilateral relations and tensions; then Politico’s Phelim Kine breaks down the Trump administration’s reaction to Carney calling China a “more predictable partner” than the U.S. Also: François Legault is stepping down as premier of Quebec mere months ahead of a provincial election that polls suggest could be won by the separatist Parti Québécois. Philip Authier of the Montreal Gazette and Daniel Thibeault, Ottawa bureau chief for Radio-Canada, discuss whether Legault's decision throws a wrench in the PQ's plans for a referendum. This episode features the voices of: Wab Kinew, Premier of ManitobaErin O'Toole, former leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaGoldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of CanadaJia Wang, senior fellow at the China Institute at the University of CalgaryGuy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to ChinaPhelim Kine, Washington-based China correspondent for POLITICOPhilip Authier, National Assembly reporter for the Montreal GazetteDaniel Thibeault, parliamentary bureau chief for Radio-Canada and host of Les Coulisses du Pouvoir

56 min
JAN 10

Venezuela, Greenland, an emboldened Trump: What should Canada do?

We're less than two weeks into 2026, and Canada is starting the year staring down sudden new threats to its economy — and its security. After a surprise operation to establish a foothold in oil-rich Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump is now emphasizing his aspirations for Greenland. Host Catherine Cullen speaks with two national security veterans — Jody Thomas, former national security adviser to the prime minister, and Retired Gen. Wayne Eyre, former chief of defence staff — about their concerns for Canada’s sovereignty and security in this new chapter of the Trump era. Plus, The same day the U.S. launched its military operation in Venezuela, the wife of one of Trump's top advisers warned on social media that "the U.S. doesn't need anything from Canada. Free trade is over." How true is that, ahead of critical trade negotiations? House producer Jennifer Chevalier speaks to former officials and trade experts to understand the rocky road ahead. Finally, why did it take Chrystia Freeland days to announce her resignation as an MP, after news broke she’d be advising the Ukrainian government? And does her exit from the Hill finally set the stage for a slew of anticipated byelections? Political insiders Marci Surkes and Kate Harrison weigh in on the state of play. This episode features the voices of: Jody Thomas, former national security adviser to Justin TrudeauRetired general Wayne Eyre, formerly Canada's chief of the defence staffFen Osler Hampson, co-chair of Expert Group of Canada-U.S. RelationsLaura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders CoalitionRJ Johnston, director of energy and natural resources policy at the University of CalgaryKate Kalutkiewicz, former U.S. trade negotiatorMarci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass RoseKate Harrison, Conservative strategist and vice chair at Summa Strategies

52 min
JAN 3

The threat next door: How NATO’s newest members are preparing to defend against Russia

This week, The House revisits an in-depth documentary from the summer, as NATO’s secretary general has warned Russia could launch an attack on the alliance within the next five years. Talk to NATO’s two newest members, Finland and Sweden, and they’ll tell you preparation involves a lot more than just boosting military spending. As Canada seeks to strengthen ties with both countries, what can we learn from our newest NATO allies about preparing for the worst? Supported by the R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship, CBC's Emma Godmere travelled to the two Nordic countries to visit bomb shelters, the Russian border and military training grounds north of the Arctic Circle to see and hear how Finns and Swedes are steeling themselves for whatever the future may bring. This episode features the voices of: Elina Valtonen, Finland’s minister of foreign affairsViktoria Hjort Malmer, defence policy director at Sweden’s Ministry of DefenceJanne Kuusela, director general, defence policy department at Finland’s Ministry of DefenceAntti Virta, deputy commander, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictSamuel Siljanen, head of operations, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictLt.-Col. Mikael Dalin, Swedish ArmyLt.-Col. Jukka Vuorisalmi, Finnish ArmyNina Järvenkylä, Helsinki City Rescue DepartmentHarri Mikkola, programme director for Finnish foreign policy, northern European security and NATO at the Finnish Institute of International AffairsNiklas Granholm, deputy director of studies, Swedish Defence Research AgencySara Myrdal, director of international affairs, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agencyand residents of Lappeenranta, Rovaniemi, and Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden

49 min
2025-12-27

Quiz time! How many 2025 political headlines do you remember?

This week on The House: Three Parliament Hill watchers square off against each other to see who can remember the most from a very eventful and consequential year in Canadian politics.

52 min
2025-12-20

Canada’s woman in Washington opens up before her departure

After eight years in Washington, Canada's U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman is coming home. Over that time, she has seen Canada's relationship with the United States transform, for better and for worse. As she prepares to step down from her ambassadorship, she explains in an extended interview with host Catherine Cullen how she’s built critical connections in the U.S. capital — and whether she believes there’s a limit to what Trump can do. Plus, author and former presidential speechwriter David Frum believes the American empire is in decline. He reflects on what Canadian democracy can learn from this moment and why he believes a stronger sense of national pride is critical for Canada’s future. This episode features the voices of: Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United StatesDavid Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic

49 min
2025-12-13

Conservatives lose another MP — and a Secret Santa gift

'Twas the evening before the Liberal holiday party, when all through the House… Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And then, a Christmas surprise that sent the Conservatives awry: Markham—Unionville MP Michael Ma announced he was crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney. His move brings the Liberal government within one seat of a majority. Are the Conservatives sweating this? Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman joins The House to discuss whether Pierre Poilievre's leadership is under threat. Then, as some provinces flirt with giving the private sector a greater role in health care, will the federal government push back? Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel joins host Catherine Cullen to discuss — and weighs in on the impact the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is having in this country. Plus, the Liberals introduced yet another tough-on-crime bill — this time aimed at stronger penalties for crimes against women and children. Lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professor Kate Kehoe digs into whether the proposed law will actually make women safer. Finally, from possible pipelines to potential referendums, there’s a lot stirring in the federation lately. The House checks in with former premiers Jason Kenney and Andrew Furey to get their take on the state of our nation. This episode features the voices of: Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaDr. Mundeesh Kaur, a foreign trained physician from IndiaMarjorie Michel, Minister of HealthKate Kehoe, lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professorJason Kenney, former premier of AlbertaAndrew Furey, former premier of Newfoundland & Labrador.

49 min
2025-12-06

Did Trump and Carney’s FIFA meetup move the ball on trade?

Canadians got to see their 2026 World Cup opponents during the group draw this week in Washington — and Prime Minister Mark Carney got to see U.S. President Donald Trump in-person once again as trade talks remain frozen. Did their meeting give any indication of progress? Parliament Hill Watchers Stephanie Levitz and Joël-Denis Bellavance dig into the rendezvous and other simmering political challenges for the prime minister, like what to do next with his cabinet. After that, housing experts Mike Moffat and Carolyn Whitzman join The House to discuss whether the Liberals are meeting their election promises after a new report says Carney’s marquee housing initiative won’t amount to many new homes. Plus, Conservative housing critic Scott Aitchison breaks down his party’s point of view on the issue. Finally, fresh off his time as Canada’s representative to the United Nations, Bob Rae tells Catherine Cullen about his decades-long political career, his views on Trump’s lasting impact and the parallels he sees between this geopolitical moment and George Orwell’s 1984. This episode features the voices of: Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and MailJoël-Denis Bellavance, Ottawa bureau chief for La PressePeter Davoust, Vancouver residentMike Moffat, founding director of the University of Ottawa’s “Missing Middle Initiative”Carolyn Whitzman, adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s School of CitiesBob Rae, Canada’s former UN ambassador

53 min
2025-11-29

Would a new pipeline cure or crush national unity?

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed an agreement this week paving a path for an oil pipeline — a move that ended up costing Carney a cabinet minister and key ally in Quebec. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc joins The House to discuss Steven Guilbeault’s resignation and how Canada plans to address the frustrated B.C. government and coastal First Nations. Then, Catherine Cullen asks B.C. Premier David Eby whether he believes this pipeline will really happen without his province’s consent. Plus, as the dust settles on the Alberta agreement, political strategists Marci Surkes, Erika Barootes and Matthew Dubé discuss the political fallout of the deal and what it means for the fortunes of the Conservatives and the NDP. Finally, Canada is the latest country to cut back on foreign aid. Recently back from Afghanistan, War Child Canada President Dr. Samantha Nutt describes seeing an “unprecedented” level of global suffering and whether she believes the Liberals are giving up on feminist foreign policy. This episode features the voices of: Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsMarci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass RoseErika Barootes, Conservative commentator and former principal secretary to Alberta Premier Danielle SmithMatthew Dubé, former Quebec NDP MP and vice-president of Proof StrategiesDavid Eby, Premier of B.C.Samantha Nutt, president of War Child Canada

50 min

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TRAILER

New to The House? Start here.

Democracy is a conversation, and we're here for it. Every Saturday, Catherine Cullen makes politics make sense, taking you to Parliament Hill and across Canada for in-depth interviews, documentaries, and analysis of the week’s news — from across the political spectrum.

2022-11-30

•

2 min

Catherine Cullen

Host

4.2

out of 5

548 Ratings

More House Party

2025-06-11

beccaroob2b

Finally commentary I can actually enjoy listening to Catherine and the boys are so good at providing informative relevant analysis from differing perspectives without sounding like they are campaigning or being high handed or snarky I LOVE the ease they all have at being together whether they agree with each or political actors or not. Can you do this daily?🤭 💕
What David Frum gets right

2025-12-20

YEG_Mari

Catherine’s interview with David Frum related to Build Canada really brings to light the truth. Mr. Frum got this narrative right. The federal government is finally focusing on the need to focus on a united path that will allow us to build projects of national interest. This takes courage and discipline. I agree with Mr. Frum. Small groups should never be given a veto on the initiatives that will bring a better life to the majority of Canadians.
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2025-11-29

Island Kate

Advertisements from Fortis BC - please NO!! I appreciate that CBC is underfunded but it’s really distasteful to hear this program reporting on the climate crisis, interrupted by an ad from a dirty fossil fuel company like Fortis. LNG is dirty - make no mistake, and contributing to the climate crisis. I hope you can find funding from elsewhere
I want to like the show but

2025-11-16

Joey Joe Joe shabadoo junior

Catherine asks incredibly leading questions in her interviews. I’d ask her to use more open ended questions and get the interviewee to be more specific if they dodge. With the leading questions, the guest will almost inevitably dodge the question.

Politics these days can seem like one big shouting match. Catherine Cullen cuts through the noise. Every Saturday she makes politics make sense, taking you to Parliament Hill and across Canada for in-depth interviews, documentaries and analysis of the week’s news — from across the political spectrum. Because democracy is a conversation, and we’re here for it.