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The House

The House

Written by: CBC
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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.

Copyright © CBC 2026
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why is Mark Carney attracting so many floor-crossers?
    Feb 21 2026

    Once again, Prime Minister Mark Carney has convinced a Conservative to cross the floor and join his Liberal Party — the third MP to do so in just a few months. And it comes as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tries to manage the fallout from a caucus member’s trip to Washington. The National Post's Stuart Thomson and the Globe and Mail's Shannon Proudfoot take a look at Poilievre’s mounting challenges and how close the Liberals may be to a majority.


    Plus, the U.S Supreme Court ruled this week that Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping emergency tariffs on trading partners, but the president says he won't back down. Brian Clow, former deputy chief of staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joins Catherine Cullen to discuss whether the ruling will help — or hurt — Canada.


    Next, the government announced its long-awaited defence industrial strategy this week, with ambitious goals to boost exports, create 125,000 jobs and award 70 per cent of defence contracts to Canadian companies. But will it mean Canadian troops get the equipment they need? The House visits a local Ottawa defence tech company for their take; CBC’s senior defence writer Murray Brewster breaks down the government’s plans; and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr discusses the road ahead.


    And New Democrats are entering the final stretch of their federal leadership race as five contenders took the stage in B.C. Thursday for one last candidates’ debate. Former NDP MPs Nathan Cullen and Matthew Green join The House to weigh in on their pitches, the tensions and the contrasting visions for a party hoping to build back after winning just seven seats in the last election.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Brian Clow, former deputy chief of staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
    • Stuart Thomson, parliamentary bureau chief for the National Post
    • Shannon Proudfoot, feature writer for The Globe and Mail
    • Micah Grinstead, senior director of operations at Calian
    • Chris Pogue, president of defence and space at Calian
    • Murray Brewster, CBC News’ senior defence correspondent
    • Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state for defence procurement
    • Nathan Cullen, former NDP MP
    • Matthew Green, former NDP MP
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    49 mins
  • MPs unite to help Tumbler Ridge heal
    Feb 14 2026

    The small community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. is in mourning after an attack that left eight people dead, including children, an educator and the shooter's mother and half-brother.


    Conservative MP for northeastern B.C. Bob Zimmer speaks to The House about supporting people in Tumbler Ridge as they grapple with the tragedy and devastation of Tuesday’s violence. Then, Liberal MP and École Polytechnique shooting survivor Nathalie Provost joins the program to share why the children affected don’t necessarily need words, “they need warmth.”


    Plus, as Canada gets ready to send its first astronaut all the way around the moon, some are warning of challenges ahead in maintaining peace in space. The commander of the military’s 3 Canadian Space Division Brigadier General Christopher Horner explains what’s at stake for this country — and how he believes Canada can assert more sovereignty among the stars.


    Finally, they're essential to the accomplishments of world leaders, but it’s rare to hear much about a prime minister or president’s chief of staff. Host Catherine Cullen sits down with Justin Trudeau’s former chief of staff, Katie Telford, and Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, author of The Right Hand: Conversations with the Chiefs of Staff of the World's Most Powerful People, to talk about this critical role and how much power a chief wields.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Bob Zimmer, Conservative MP for Prince George–Peace River–Northern Rockies
    • Nathalie Provost, Liberal MP and École Polytechnique shooting survivor
    • Brig.-Gen. Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division
    • Katie Telford, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
    • Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, author of The Right Hand: Conversations with the Chiefs of Staff of the World's Most Powerful People


    If you're affected by this story, you can find mental health support through resources in your province or territory.

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    51 mins
  • Carney shifts gears to get more EVs on Canada's roads
    Feb 7 2026

    Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled the government's new auto strategy – which pulls the plug on the EV sales mandate, but includes measures to encourage Canadians to buy EVs and companies to build and sell those cars here.


    Host Catherine Cullen asks Industry Minister Mélanie Joly why taxpayers should continue to spend money to help automakers. Then, auto industry expert Greig Mordue explains how auto makers may react, and climate scientist Simon Donner weighs in on whether the policy will result in more EVs on Canadian roads.


    After that, Kathleen Petty, the host of CBC political podcast West of Centre, explains why Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is demanding more say over judicial appointments as concerns grow over Alberta's separatist movement — and its leaders meeting with Trump Republicans in Washington.


    Plus, hundreds of politicos gathered in Ottawa this week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of former prime minister Stephen Harper forming government. Harper’s official portrait artist Phil Richards, as well as Harper biographer John Ibbitson and Toronto Star bureau chief Tonda MacCharles discuss what the painting tells us about Harper, his legacy and whether he might return to public life as separatism brews in his home province, Alberta.


    Finally, the federal government has said it is gearing up to revive online harms legislation which could include Australia-like age restrictions on social media use. Josephine Maharaj, a 12th grader who testified at a parliamentary committee on online safety this week, and law professor Suzie Dunn tell host Catherine Cullen what they think the government should do to make the internet safer.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry
    • Greig Mordue, associate professor at W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University
    • Simon Donner, climate scientist and professor at the University of British Columbia
    • Kathleen Petty, host of CBC political podcast West of Centre
    • Phil Richards, Canadian artist
    • John Ibbitson, journalist and author of "Stephen Harper"
    • Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star
    • Josephine Maharaj, youth rights advocate with Children First Canada.
    • Suzie Dunn, interim director of the Law & Technology Institute at Dalhousie University
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    49 mins
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