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The House

The House

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
  • Canada vs. Social Media
    Jun 13 2026

    The federal government has unveiled the newest iteration of its online harms bill — legislation that proposes to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts, as well as putting new regulations on social media platforms and AI chatbots. When should Canadians expect to see changes? Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller joins The House to explain.


    Plus, the Gordie Howe bridge between Windsor, Ont and Detroit, Michigan was supposed to open this week, until American officials wanted a few more details sorted out. Is it just another pawn in the CUSMA negotiations? Should Canada make concessions to get the bridge open? Political Strategists Marci Surkes and Kate Harrison talk about the latest drama with the United States.


    And, before the iconic chamber of the Supreme Court of Canada closes for over a decade of renovations, The House sits down with Chief Justice Richard Wagner to talk about the court, politicization of the justice system and the impact of AI on Canada’s courtrooms.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Minister
    • Marci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass Rose
    • Kate Harrison, Conservative strategist and vice chair at Summa Strategies
    • Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
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    49 mins
  • Is Carney's strategy truly 'AI For All'?
    Jun 6 2026

    After a long wait, Canada's AI strategy has arrived — a document that encourages people to learn and adopt the technology in the hopes of creating 250,000 new jobs. Host Catherine Cullen speaks with AI experts and skeptics Jake Hirsch-Allen, Kristen Thomasen and Hamish van der Ven about what it means for employment, children’s safety and the environment. Then, Minister of AI Evan Solomon joins the program to explain why Canadians need to understand this technology despite their low trust in it.


    Plus, there seemed to be a little bit of movement in trade negotiations with the United States this week – despite more trolling from President Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state. Lisa Raitt is on the advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations and tells The House what progress has been made as the July 1st deadline inches closer.


    And, in a wide ranging exit interview at Rideau Hall, outgoing Governor General Mary Simon tells Catherine Cullen why she wasn’t sure she would be able to finish her five years in the role and reflects on how Canada is doing on reconciliation and national unity.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Sumaiya Ahmed, librarian at the Toronto Public Library
    • Prachi Salvi, director and marketing consultant
    • Jake Hirsch-Allen, director of partnerships at The Dais
    • Hamish van der Ven, associate professor at the University of British Columbia
    • Kristen Thomasen, chair in Law, Robotics, and Society at the University of Windsor
    • Evan Solomon, Minister of AI
    • Lisa Raitt, member of the Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations
    • Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Canada's making it rain on defence. Who gets the money?
    May 30 2026

    The House is on the ground at the country’s biggest defence and security show, for an in-depth look at Canada’s plan to spend big on the military. Catherine Cullen meets Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, former Defence Minister Peter MacKay, New Brunswick premier Susan Holt, as well as defence contractors to hear about unmanned fighter jets, AI in warfare, and whether Canada is prepared to tick off Donald Trump with some of its military purchases.


    Plus, former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced his resignation from Parliament over concerns about Carney’s climate commitments. Parliament Hill watchers Paul Wells and Shannon Proudfoot discuss whether Guilbeault’s departure will hurt — or possibly help — the Prime Minister.


    And, in the days before the World Cup begins across North America, president of the Canada Border Services Agency Erin O’Gorman joins The House to discuss Canada’s new entry requirements over Ebola, and whether an increase in spending on the Canada-U.S. border has made it harder to get into the country.


    This episode features the voices of:

    • Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement
    • Peter MacKay, former defence minister
    • Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick
    • Paul Wells, author and podcaster
    • Shannon Proudfoot, feature writer for the Globe and Mail
    • Erin O'Gorman, president of the Canada Border Services Agency
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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