

The House
CBC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2026 • 52min
Is the NDP ready to win?
Loyal Dippers are gathering in Winnipeg this weekend to decide their next leader — and the direction of the party. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi joins The House to explain why he told frontrunners to not do anything that could affect his party's electoral fortunes. Then, political strategists Marci Surkes, Kate Harrison and Jordan Leichnitz weigh in on who the Liberals and Conservatives want to see win the race, and whether there could be an NDP rupture after the votes are tallied.And this week, Canada's top court heard arguments challenging Quebec's Bill 21 — a law that prevents some civil servants from wearing religious symbols at work. Quebec pre-emptively used the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from court challenges, and that is what has caught the attention of governments across the country. Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey breaks down why his province supports Quebec's use of the notwithstanding clause and how transformational the court's decision will be.Plus, as Middle East oil shipments dry up, Canadian officials are touting the country's stable supply at one of the world's biggest energy conferences in Texas. CBC Business reporter Kyle Bakx explains how energy executives are feeling right now amid deep uncertainty, and whether Canada's pitch is landing.This episode features the voices of:Naheed Nenshi, Alberta NDP LeaderMarci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass RoseKate Harrison, Conservative strategist and vice chair at Summa StrategiesJordan Leichnitz, NDP strategist and Canada Director for the Friedrich Ebert FoundationDoug Downey, Ontario Attorney GeneralKyle Bakx, CBC Business reporter

Mar 21, 2026 • 49min
Joe Rogan gets the Pierre Poilievre experience
In a marathon interview, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre discussed tariffs, 51st-state threats, mixed martial arts and kettlebells with popular and controversial podcast host Joe Rogan. Author Paul Wells and Globe and Mail senior reporter Stephanie Levitz break down Poilievre's performance and whether his appearance helps — or hurts — his push to reach more voters.Next, the federal government says it's ready to help ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the war in Iran continues and oil prices rise. Former Canadian envoy to Iran Dennis Horak and Middle East expert Thomas Juneau discuss what the government actually means to contribute — and what Ottawa is prepared to do over concerns about Iranian state officials living in Canada.Plus, for many Canadians, getting alcohol delivered from another province or territory right to their doorsteps is either expensive, or impossible. A Conservative bill wants to change that by allowing Canada Post to ship alcohol anywhere in the country. Chris Holler of Poplar Grove Winery in B.C. explains the shipping restrictions he faces, then Conservative MP Dan Albas, the author of the bill, explains why he believes his push will finally solve this trade barrier.Then, the number of people experiencing homelessness at emergency shelters in Canada is climbing — but not everywhere. Mike Lethby, executive director of The Raft youth shelter, and Sandra Clarkson, CEO of the Calgary Drop-in Centre, outline why their shelters are bucking the trend. This episode features the voices of:Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for The Globe and MailPaul Wells, author and podcaster Dennis Horak, Former Canadian chargé d'affaires in IranThomas Juneau, former analyst at the Department of National DefenceChris Holler, vice-president of Poplar Grove WineryDan Albas, Conservative MP for Okanagan Lake West—South KelownaMike Lethby, executive director of The Raft youth shelterSandra Clarkson, president and CEO of the Calgary Drop-in Centre

Mar 14, 2026 • 49min
How Carney attracts Conservative and NDP floor-crossers
Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO secretary general and Norway finance minister, discusses Middle East conflict, energy markets and Arctic/NATO security. Steven MacKinnon, Liberal House Leader and Transport Minister, defends recent floor crossings and hints at more Conservative defections. Multiple short conversations cover political shifts, oil and geopolitical fallout, allied cooperation and rising northern tensions.

Mar 7, 2026 • 51min
What is Canada's stance on Iran?
More than a week has passed since Israel and the United States launched a massive attack on Iran — a move the prime minister says Canada supports "with regret." How does that stance square with the vision Carney laid out in Davos? Former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae weighs in on the Canadian view and shares concerns around how the conflict may end. Plus, tanker traffic in one of the world's key oil passageways in the Middle East has ground to a halt, leaving some countries calling on Canada to ramp up its energy exports. Liberal MP Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to the energy minister, explains what Ottawa is telling these eager nations; then Adam Chambers, the Conservatives' international trade critic, explains his party's vision to meet rising energy demands.Next, Mark Carney addressed Australia’s parliament this week, reiterating his theory that middle powers must work together as the international rules-based order crumbles around them. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull joins The House to discuss how Carney's pitch is being received Down Under and how the two countries can work together in an increasingly uncertain world.Then, new data shows that almost half of Canadians polled are in favour of their country becoming a member state of the European Union — despite its physical distance from the continent. CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier hears the arguments for and against membership from the Global Governance Forum’s Augusto Lopez Claros, former deputy prime minister John Manley, trade expert Meredith Lilly, Canada-U.S. expert Fen Hampson and pollster David Coletto.This episode features the voices of:Bob Rae, former Canadian ambassador to the United NationsCorey Hogan, Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to the energy ministerAdam Chambers, Conservative international trade criticMalcolm Turnbull, former prime minister of AustraliaAugusto Lopez Claros, executive director of the Global Governance ForumJohn Manley, former deputy prime minister under Jean ChrétienMeredith Lilley, international economic policy professor at Carleton UniversityFen Osler Hampson, co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. RelationsDavid Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data

Feb 28, 2026 • 51min
Why Carney and Poilievre are each going global
Anne-Marie Slaughter, former U.S. State Department director and New America CEO, offers expertise on middle-power diplomacy and global balance. Kate Harrison, Conservative strategist and Summa Strategies vice chair, analyzes Pierre Poilievre’s European trip and messaging. They discuss Carney’s outreach to India, Japan and Australia, tensions with the U.S. and strategies for diversified international partnerships.

Feb 21, 2026 • 49min
Why is Mark Carney attracting so many floor-crossers?
Nathan Cullen, former NDP MP from Northwest BC, offers perspective on party rebuilding. Stephen Fuhr, ministerial lead on defence procurement, outlines industrial strategy goals. Murray Brewster, CBC defence correspondent, assesses procurement and readiness. Shannon Proudfoot, Globe feature writer, and Stuart Thomson, National Post bureau chief, analyze recent floor-crossings and party dynamics. Multiple short discussions on defence plans, trade risks, and political manoeuvres.

Feb 14, 2026 • 51min
MPs unite to help Tumbler Ridge heal
Katie Telford, long-serving chief of staff to Justin Trudeau, reflects on the demands and daily grind of leading PMO operations. Brig.-Gen. Christopher Horner, commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, warns about threats to satellites, GPS and the need for Canadian space resilience. Nathalie Provost, MP and École Polytechnique survivor, urges warmth and long-term support for children and communities after mass violence.

Feb 7, 2026 • 49min
Carney shifts gears to get more EVs on Canada's roads
Mélanie Joly, federal Industry Minister steering a new auto strategy to boost Canadian EV production. Kathleen Petty, political commentator with deep Alberta insight, on Premier Danielle Smith’s push for judicial influence and rising separatist activity. They discuss new incentives for automakers, trade and supply rules, Alberta’s political maneuvering, and whether national unity can be preserved amid western unrest.

8 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 29min
Is Trump trolling Canada? | Analysis from Washington
A lively look at renewed U.S. threats over Canadian aircraft and potential 50% tariffs. Conversation about who really controls plane certification and the market fallout for Bombardier. Debate over Canada’s F-35 dilemma and whether switching suppliers makes sense. Discussion on whether repeated provocative remarks are trolling or serious signals ahead of trade talks.

Jan 31, 2026 • 49min
Where do the Conservatives go from here?
Steve Outhouse, Conservative campaign manager, explains plans to soften messaging and broaden appeal. Stephanie Levitz, Globe and Mail senior politics reporter, analyzes the leadership review result and Poilievre’s toned-down speech. John Paul Tasker, CBC parliamentary reporter, reports from the Calgary convention on unity, separatism, and whether the party can win over new voters.


