The House

4.5 (21)
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.

3d ago

Why some Alberta MPs are 'nervous' about the referendum vote

With only days left until Albertans vote on whether they want a referendum to separate from Canada, concerns are swirling around the vote itself and broader questions about possible American foreign interference. Catherine Cullen sits down with three Alberta MPs, Liberal Corey Hogan, Conservative Dane Lloyd and the NDP’s Heather McPherson to talk about those concerns. Also, the federal government has withdrawn sponsorship of a European disinformation conference — and pulled participation in a panel — citing concerns about the “framing” of some conversations. The House speaks to a panelist on the ground about whether pressure from the Trump administration was at play. Plus, the federal government says it will allow provinces to decide whether patients should be allowed to make advanced requests for medical assistance in dying. Catherine Cullen talks to Mark Breslaw, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, about his fears that the framework will be uneven across the country, and then to former Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard about his concerns over how many people now access MAID. This episode features the voices of: • Corey Hogan, Liberal MP • Dane Lloyd, Conservative MP • Heather McPherson, NDP MP • Ben Shultz, The American Sunlight Project • Mark Breslaw • Philippe Couillard, Former Quebec Premier
Oct 3

Is Carney ready for another separatist showdown in Quebec?

On Monday, Quebecers will head to the polls for a pivotal election that could see a sovereigntist party running the province. Catherine Cullen brings you up to speed on all the key players with The Writ’s Éric Grenier. Then, the House Party crew — Radio-Canada’s Daniel Thibeault and CBC’s Jason Markusoff — discuss how big a challenge Carney could face with a sovereigntist premier, and whether his pipeline push will tamp down the other separatist flames in Alberta. Plus, the government has designated Alberta's proposed west coast pipeline — Pacific Link — as a project of "national interest." What does that mean, and how much money will Canadian taxpayers need to pay to move this project forward? Energy Minister Tim Hodgson joins The House to explain what's in store and address concerns about the pipeline harming killer whales. And, Carney is vowing legal action against Stelco's American parent company after it announced it would idle production at a Hamilton steel plant, resulting in up to 500 layoffs. Local Conservative MP Ned Kuruc weighs in on the brewing fight — and LNG Canada's decision to once again use Chinese steel for its expansion project in B.C. This episode features the voices of: Éric Grenier, founder of The WritDaniel Thibeault, host of Radio-Canada’s Les Coulisses du PouvoirJason Markusoff, CBC CalgaryTim Hodgson, Minister of EnergyNed Kuruc, Conservative MP
Sep 26

Is Carney gambling Canada's environment for the economy?

This week, the Liberals introduced their new “Building Canada Strong Act," which is generating controversy over its proposed changes to environmental reviews and workers' ability to strike. Environmental Defence’s Julia Levin explains her worries that the plan will “steamroll” nature and communities, while Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon argues the bill will respect labour rights and environmental concerns, while getting the country building faster. Plus, heads turned when Prime Minister Mark Carney told The New York Times that Canada had prepared for the "extreme tail risk” of U.S. military action. The NYT’s Ottawa bureau chief Matina Stevis-Gridneff and CBC’s senior defence correspondent Murray Brewster discuss whether this is a cause for alarm, or run of the mill. And, B.C. Premier David Eby called a snap election this week, but his main opponents — the B.C. Conservatives — are officially leaderless after months of infighting. Former NDP cabinet minister Nathan Cullen and Conservative strategist Rachael Segal discuss whether Eby could face the voters' wrath, and how big a fight the B.C. Conservatives can mount on short notice. This episode features the voices of: Julia Levin, associate director of national climate for Environmental DefenceSteven MacKinnon, Minister of TransportMatina Stevis-Gridneff, Canada bureau chief for the New York TimesMurray Brewster, senior defence correspondent for CBC NewsNathan Cullen, former BC NDP cabinet minister and vice-president with StrategyCorpRachael Segal, former senior director for BC Liberals and founder of Beyond A Ballot
Sep 19

What exactly is Mark Carney pitching with the EU?

This week’s show begins with breaking news: U.S. President Donald Trump says there’s a new deal with Denmark and Greenland. Rob Huebert, director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies and fellow at the CDA Institute, discusses what it could mean for Canada. And, as the prime minister works to boost Canada's international profile, he's pitching what could be his biggest move yet: A 'unique alliance' with the European Union, but not full membership. Thomas Byrne, Ireland's minister of state for European affairs and defence and Arash Saeidi, a member of European Parliament representing France, share their expectations and concerns about this potential partnership. Then Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's ambassador-designate to the European Union, explains why Canada is interested in the idea and what it could mean in terms of tax dollars and immigration policies. Plus, top AI companies are sounding the alarm about existential risks after a researcher at Anthropic claimed there is a more than 10 per cent chance AI could kill all humans. At Canada's largest AI and technology conference, host Catherine Cullen moderates a panel with AI Minister Evan Solomon, Germany's federal minister for digital transformation and government modernization Karsten Wildberger, Cohere's CEO Aidan Gomez and Aleph Alpha's co-founder Samuel Weinbach about whether they share these concerns and what middle powers like Canada and Germany can do about the issue. Finally, Gomez and Bell CEO Mirko Bibic sit down for a separate panel on Canada's data centre development, why a greater buildout is needed and their response to Canadians' concerns about their environmental and local impacts. Finally, Murad Hemmadi, an AI reporter for The Logic, breaks down both discussions and what they tell us about the current state of Canadian AI. This episode features the voices of: Rob Huebert, director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies and fellow at the CDA InstituteThomas Byrne, Ireland's minister of state for European affairs and defenceJonathan Wilkinson, Canada's ambassador-designate to the European UnionArash Saeidi, member of European Parliament representing FranceEvan Solomon, Minister of AIKarsten Wildberger, Germany's federal minister for digital transformation and government modernizationAidan Gomez, CEO of CohereSamuel Weinbach, co-founder of Aleph AlphaMirko Bibic, CEO of Bell Canada
Sep 12

Why separatists still think they can win Alberta's referendum

The prime minister's inner circle is gathering in Banff, Alta. to discuss their plans for the upcoming sitting of Parliament — where U.S. President Donald Trump's trade actions will loom large. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne joins The House to discuss whether Canada should retaliate again, and what to expect from Carney's investment summit next week. Plus, Albertans are one month away from deciding whether they actually want to pursue a referendum on separating from Canada, and campaigns on both sides of the debate are in full force. Host Catherine Cullen follows federalist campaigner Stephen Carter as he gives out lawn signs and tries to persuade people in Calgary’s Confederation Park to choose Canada. Then The House travels to Red Deer to meet separatist leader Keith Wilson and his supporters to hear why they're voting to trigger a formal referendum on leaving Canada. Plus, top Alberta pollster Janet Brown explains why voter turnout could be the key factor in this pivotal referendum. This episode features the voices of: François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of FinanceStephen Carter, Alberta federalist and member of Alberta's VoiceKeith Wilson, Alberta separatist and leader of Let Alberta DecideJanet Brown, founder of Janet Brown Opinion Research
Sep 5

A view of Lake Ontario from 'Lake America'

As the trade war heats up and the Trump administration continues to lob insults at Canada, Catherine Cullen travels across the border to a village built around an American 1812 battle site to talk to Sackets Harbor Mayor Alex Morgia, as well as the owner of the Lake Ontario Gift Shop and a marketer for the Thousand Islands International Tourism Council about what the escalating conflict means to them. Then, The House travels to Ogdensburg, NY to hear what voters in the solidly Republican county think about Canada these days. Finally, Cullen talks to the Republican state assemblyman for the area, Scott Gray, about the volley of insults from the Trump administration and what they mean for the future of the Can-Am relationship. And, Prime Minister Mark Carney scored a hat trick of byelection wins this week, and by wide margins to boot. But six more are coming. The National Post's Christopher Nardi and The Economist's Rob Russo discuss what the wins say about the popularity of the Liberals and Conservatives, and if the momentum will change as the trade war continues. This episode features the voices of: Alex Morgia, mayor of Sackets HarborAmanda Miller, owner of the Lake Ontario Gift ShopCorey Fram, director of the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development CorporationAnthony Adamcyzk, executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port AuthorityScott Gray, New York State Assemblyman for the 116th DistrictChristopher Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National PostRob Russo, Ottawa bureau chief for the Economist
Aug 29

Canada's chief negotiator reveals why U.S. talks failed

In an exclusive interview with The House and her first since talks collapsed, Canada’s chief trade negotiator to the U.S. Janice Charette sits down with host Catherine Cullen to lift the curtain on last week’s abrupt end to the talks and what it will take for both sides to return to the table. Then, Vermont Senator Peter Welch discusses his latest legislative attempt to walk back tariffs on Canada and how the nearing U.S. midterms may help or hamper efforts to resolve an escalating trade war. Plus, author Paul Wells and the Globe and Mail’s Shannon Proudfoot review Canada's planned counterattack, what's at stake for Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec's pivotal provincial election. And, they're an unlikely duo, but longtime political rivals and former premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney are setting aside their adversarial history to join forces at a high-stakes political moment. The two new co-chairs of a Canadian Chamber of Commerce pro-unity campaign discuss making their economic case for an Alberta that remains in Canada, and the challenges involved with reaching an electorate they previously led. This episode features the voices of: Janice Charette, Canada's chief negotiator to the United StatesPeter Welch, U.S. Senator for VermontPaul Wells, author and podcasterShannon Proudfoot, feature writer for The Globe and MailRachel Notley, former premier of AlbertaJason Kenney, former premier of Alberta
Aug 22

U.S. talks collapse, trade war escalates

Fifty per cent U.S. tariffs on billions of dollars of Canadian goods have now taken effect and Prime Minister Mark Carney is vowing dollar-for-dollar retaliation after trade talks collapsed late Friday night. CBC’s Peter Armstrong lays out what we know about the breakdown at the table. Then, two former federal cabinet ministers, Canada-U.S. advisory committee member Lisa Raitt and Carney’s former chief of staff Marco Mendicino, discuss what another trade war escalation could mean for Canada’s economy and the future of free trade. Plus, the Prairies are known as Canada's breadbasket. But could Canada boost its global agri-food exports to become the world's breadbasket? Guest host Leisha Grebinski travels to Coleville, Sask. to speak with lentil and grain farmer Dean Roberts about the technological, infrastructure and labour barriers he faces in getting more of his crops to global markets. Evan Shout — president and CEO of financial consulting firm Maverick Ag — explains how often he hears Roberts' concerns among other farmers he coaches and why Canada's agriculture industry needs a bigger seat at the federal decision-making table. Then, Evan Fraser, executive director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph and Jennifer Clapp, a professor and Canada Research Chair in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, discuss whether boosting exports is the right goal for Canada, or if it should focus on food security at home. This episode features the voices of: Lisa Raitt, former Conservative cabinet minister and member of the Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic RelationsMarco Mendicino, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Mark Carney and senior counsel at CasselsDean Roberts, owner of Oakdale Farms and chair of SaskOilseedsEvan Shout, president and CEO of Maverick AgEvan Fraser, executive director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of GuelphJennifer Clapp, professor and Canada Research Chair in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo

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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.

Catherine Cullen

Host

4.5

out of 5

21 Ratings

Democracy

11/10/2024

Banjoq

The last time I checked, there are 9 definitions for Democracy. Most of the 9 state: a Government selected by a majority of the people. The 9th reads as follows: “The principles and policy of the Democratic Party, so called." It seems to me if you are going to have an honest discussion about “Is the US losing its democracy?” you should 1) define the word and 2) Interview people who are not in academia and have written books on eroding US democracy while living in another country. The question arises from the recent campaign for president where the Democratic Party desperately alleged that voting for Trump was a vote against democracy. On its face, an absurd notion. Yet one of the commentators rightfully described “loosing democracy” as policies that undermine Democratic Party policies and programs. Which, by extension, allows the Democratic Party to call anyone opposing their policy as facist and un-democratic. You could do better on this PodCast if you just try harder.
Too Bad

02/25/2015

Bourne Fan

I used to enjoy listening to The House from CBC Radio. It is no longer available in the iTune Store. It will be missed.
feedback from a Canadian living in the US

07/26/2009

warren r

An outstanding overview and analysis of the Canadian political scene. No question period

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.