Retired vice-admiral Mark Norman discusses why he’s called on the government to take military matters more seriously, then Defence Minister Anita Anand responds. MPs Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Michelle Rempel Garner discuss proposed regulations on AI in Canada and whether the government is ready for the rapidly evolving technology. Plus — The House hears from federal workers who have walked off the job and Larry Savage, professor of labour studies at Brock University, outlines the political dynamics of the major strike.

The House takes an in-depth look at Canada’s efforts to become a leader in the development of critical minerals. Hugues Jacquemin and Kirsty Liddicoat, executives of Northern Graphite, explain their efforts to expand. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson explains how the government is responding. Mark Podlasly talks about his efforts to help First Nations secure their interests, and experts Nate Wallace, Alisha Hiyate and Ian London weigh in on what Canada should be doing to respond to what some are calling the new gold rush.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault speaks to host Catherine Cullen about whether he and Smith can get on the same page when it comes to climate policy, then Emily Croft, a captain with the Hubbards, N.S. volunteer fire department, describes her team’s experience fighting the blaze in her province. Kieran Oudshoorn of the CBC’s Audio Doc Unit speaks with protesters and the logging company about the fallout from the Fairy Creek blockades, two years later. Plus — Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, vice president of corporate relations at Innergex and Jeff Cyr, CEO of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, talk about why they believe government must subsidize the green revolution.

The controversial transfer of Paul Bernardo to a medium security prisoner has landed the federal public safety minister in hot water — the CBC’s Aaron Wherry breaks down the political implications. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Richard Wagner weighs in on the state of Canada’s justice system. Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole talks about his legacy and warns of the threat posed by social media in politics. Plus — the CBC’s Kate McKenna takes an in-depth look at how new language laws are playing a role in an upcoming byelection in Montreal.

In this special edition of The House, guest host Murray Brewster brings you to a humanitarian aid centre in liberated Kherson, Ukraine. Then, two Ukrainian MPs lay out what they hope to see from NATO allies at next week’s summit. Ben Hodges, the former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, discusses the state of the war right now — and how it might end. Plus, Kerry Buck, former Canadian ambassador to NATO, and Orysia Lutsevych, a Russia and Eurasia expert at UK’s Chatham House, discuss the high stakes heading into the alliance’s meeting in Lithuania.

After a month in which the planet was scorched by record- setting heat, the federal government released its plans for ending “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies and will soon unveil an emissions cap for the oil and gas industry. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has pushed back on those efforts, she joins The House to discuss her perspective. Journalists Tonda MacCharles and Christopher Nardi break down the massive cabinet shuffle in Ottawa. Sean Fraser, the new minister of housing, infrastructure and communities talks about how he plans to solve a severe housing crisis in Canada. Plus — Catherine Cullen tours a Montreal riding with Liberal MP Sameer Zuberi to find out how his upbringing and identity shapes how he represents his diverse district.

This week on The House: Two longtime Hill watchers — former CBC parliamentary bureau chief Rob Russo and Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt — break down the significance of the news of the separation between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Canada’s new sport integrity commissioner, Sarah-Ève Pelletier, talks about the kinds of complaints she’s received and whether a public inquiry into abuse in sport is needed. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the UN special rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, describes her harrowing trip to prisons and camps in Syria — and what the Canadian government must do to bring its citizens home. Plus — the CBC’s Mary-Catherine McIntosh heads to the riding of Cumberland-Colchester to meet Conservative MP Stephen Ellis as part of our “Backbenchers’ backyards” summer series.

The House is on the ground in Calgary for what could be one of the closest elections in Alberta’s history. Host Catherine Cullen meets voters across the city, talks to pollster Janet Brown, goes door-knocking with nurse-turned-NDP candidate Diana Batten and attends a UCP rally with candidate Rebecca Schulz. Plus — veteran Alberta political watchers Corey Hogan and Lisa Young discuss what this election will mean for the future of conservatism across Canada.

In a special, end-of-summer edition of The House, the program looks back at some of the most interesting, enlightening and intense parts of our summer series. CBC journalists spoke to eight different MPs about what inspired them to get into politics, their hopes for their time in Ottawa and what they love most about their ridings.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland discusses the controversy over funding for a major electric vehicle project. Sen. Peter Boehm and international affairs expert Vina Nadjibulla analyze the G7 meeting in Japan and Canada’s sanctions regime. CBC’s Cat Tunney takes an in-depth look into the RCMP as it turns 150. World Vision CEO Michael Messenger discusses a new law that aims to curb child labour in supply chains, and the CBC’s Jason Murkusoff breaks down how the Alberta election campaign is going.

On this special Canada Day edition of The House, we’re taking a closer look at the North. It’s an integral part of Canada’s identity, but for those living there, a lack of housing and high food prices are creating extreme pressures. Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane explains why she thinks the federal government isn’t listening to those living in her territory. Then Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout welcomes us to a remote fly-in community off Baffin Island to kick off our “Backbenchers’ backyards” summer series. Plus — ITK President Natan Obed explains why Inuit are the “bedrock” of arctic sovereignty and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal defends his government’s record in the North, but says fixing the housing crisis will take decades.

This week on The House: What will the Ontario auditor general’s bombshell Greenbelt report mean for Premier Doug Ford? Rob Benzie of the Toronto Star and Jessica Smith Cross of The Trillium break down the news and the impact it could have on Ford’s political fortunes. Then, The House looks to the east coast, where federal protections for endangered North Atlantic right whales have prompted fishery closures over the last few seasons. Host Catherine Cullen asks two Maritime MPs, Liberal Serge Cormier and Conservative Rick Perkins, about what it will take to ensure whales and fishers can coexist. Plus — the latest in our “Backbenchers’ backyards” series with one of the youngest MPs on the Hill, and a tribute to Hugh Segal.

Journalists Shannon Proudfoot and Stuart Thomson unpack the ongoing debate around how to address alleged election meddling, Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Ottawa and the impending federal budget. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh discusses whether he’s inclined to keep the Liberal government afloat. Plus — an in-depth look at the future of cryptocurrency mining in Canada, featuring Bitcoin entrepreneurs and B.C. Energy Minister Josie Osborne.

Former senator Vern White, who was a member of NSICOP, talks about why the parliamentary group is well-placed to take on an investigation of foreign interference. After grocery CEOs testify, food policy expert Tyler McCann walks through what’s behind high prices. Two experts debate how federal politicians should respond to Google’s move to block news access for some Canadians. Plus — former MP, cabinet minister and astronaut Marc Garneau discusses his time in politics, after retiring this week.

Whistleblower Frances Haugen explains why Facebook and the government are clashing over proposed regulations to how tech platforms treat online news. Journalists Stephane Levitz and Stuart Thomson break down developments in the foreign interference controversy. The House takes an in-depth look into the politics of the Eurovision Song Contest and whether Canada should try to join. Plus — Canada’s chief nursing officer Leigh Chapman reflects on the challenges facing the profession right now.

After months of controversy around foreign interference, the prime minister’s top national security and intelligence adviser, Jody Thomas, talks about the need for her and her colleagues to do better in giving advice about foreign interference — and what she believes should happen to those who’ve been leaking Canada’s secrets. The head of Canada’s cyberspy agency, Caroline Xavier, talks about the threats Canadians face today and her agency’s efforts to defend against cyberattacks. Plus — the CBC’s Rosemary Barton breaks down Meta’s ban of news links in Canada, a response to the passage of bill C-18.

Five months after the prime minister greenlit more health-care funding for the provinces, why aren't we seeing more action — and more fixes — from Canada's provinces? Guest host Karina Roman checks in with Dr. Mekalai Kumanan, head of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, who highlights ways to alleviate some of the pressure on the system; and Globe and Mail columnist André Picard explains why “political courage” might be the key. Plus — economists Trevor Tombe and Bradley Ruffle break down what the most recent Bank of Canada rate hike means for Canadians; and The House tours a Saskatchewan riding and air force base with Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie as part of our summer series.

With Canada mired in a housing shortage, focus this week turned to the question of whether the hundreds of thousands of international students entering this country every year are crowding others out. The House speaks to students, experts and others, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller also sits down to discuss the federal government’s perspective. Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia program at Chatham House, talks about the presumed death of Yevgeny Prigozhin two months after his short-lived mutiny. In the latest instalment of our summer series The House tours the riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes with Conservative MP Michael Barrett. Plus — federal government scientist Yan Boulanger explains how climate change is exacerbating what is now a record-breaking fire season in Canada.

After a controversial stint as special rapporteur looking into foreign interference in Canadian elections, David Johnston has resigned. Journalists Janyce McGregor and Susan Delacourt talk about the dramatic breaking news. Also, Canada has suffered through the beginning of what could be a historic wildfire season, with thousands of people evacuated and millions affected by dangerous smoke. But how can Canada prepare for future blazes? President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Ken McMullen and UBC professor and forestry expert Lori Daniels break down that question. Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair also joins the program to outline the federal government’s response. We also tackle the issue of rising costs and their impact on school lunch programs. Debbie Field, a coordinator with the Coalition for Healthy School Food and Carolyn Hunter, director of the School Breakfast Program at the Ottawa Network for Education talk about the risk to much-needed food programs, and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould discusses the federal government’s pledge to roll out a national policy.

As the federal government and some of its provincial counterparts are continuing to clash over climate policies, leaving industry in the middle, MEG Energy CEO Derek Evans sits down with guest host Kathleen Petty to talk about how his company is navigating Canada’s climate targets. University of Saskatchewan labour expert Charles Smith and The Logic reporter Murad Hemmadi break down the implications of the Port of Vancouver strike for other unions trying to grapple with automation and AI. The House continues its summer series Backbenchers’ Backyards, as the CBC’s Anne Penman travels to Vancouver East to talk with NDP MP Jenny Kwan. Plus, journalists Shannon Proudfoot and Stephanie Levitz break down Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s stylistic shift and look ahead to a potential cabinet shuffle in the next few weeks.

Journalists Aaron Wherry and Jen Gerson analyze Katie Telford’s testimony before a parliamentary committee studying foreign interference. MPs Michael Chong and John McKay reflect on what they’ve learned during a trip to Taiwan. The House takes an in-depth look at the state of Canada’s cannabis industry, and Health Minister Duclos responds. Plus — a look at what’s behind a potential public service strike.

Justice Minister David Lametti discusses the spate of high-profile violent incidents throughout Canada in recent months and whether bail reform will have an effect. Former Liberal cabinet member Scott Brison discusses government finances in relation to the current strike negotiations. Plus — The House takes an in-depth look at Canada’s new law on Canadian content and streaming, as senators Paula Simons, Andrew Cardozo and Leo Housakos weigh in.

Canada is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season, and this week the blazes forced evacuations of Yellowknife and parts of Kelowna, among other communities. Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal talks about the particular challenges people in northern and remote communities face when it comes to wildfires. The House also explores the effect Meta’s block of news on Facebook and Instagram in Canada is having on the local news industry. Two journalists explain why the Conservatives have jumped ahead in the polls and what the Liberals might do about it at a cabinet retreat next week. Plus — Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin takes the CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier on a tour of her Quebec riding to talk military history, sovereignty — and hot air balloons.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols breaks down what the U.S. was hoping for from President Biden’s trip north. The House takes an in-depth look at the issue of irregular migration at Roxham Road, as Canada makes a deal to close the crossing. Plus — Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer analyzes what the Biden-Trudeau summit means for global geopolitical trends.

This week on The House: A special edition of the program is live from Rideau Hall to mark the coronation of Canada’s next head of state, hearing from constitutional experts, critics of the institution and experts on Charles and his relationship with Canada.

Interim RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme responds to the release of a report into the 2020 Nova Scotia murders that left 22 people dead. The CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier takes an in-depth look into why car prices remain stubbornly high. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland discusses the future of the Canadian economy, before Conservative critic Jasraj Singh Hallan responds. Plus — Business Council of Canada president Goldy Hyder talks about how Canada can counter the Inflation Reduction Act.

Canadian conservatives gathered in Quebec City this weekend for their first policy convention in the Pierre Poilievre era. Jenni Byrne, one of Poilievre’s top strategists, joins The House to talk about how the party has changed and what it plans to do next. Journalists Stephanie Levitz and Joël-Denis Bellavance break down the political implications of the goings-on. Plus — former CSIS director Dick Fadden and China expert Jia Wang discuss the appointment of a commissioner heading up a public inquiry into foreign interference.

The governing Liberals went into a caucus retreat this week down in the polls, concerned about unity and without a clear plan to pull themselves back together. On the other end of the weekend, have the political winds shifted? Three backbench MPs — Kody Blois, Arielle Kayabaga and Anthony Housefather — discuss what they heard. The CBC’s Jacques Poitras also joins the program to talk about how a New Brunswick policy governing the use of pronouns in schools has kicked off similar policies across the country. Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Wayne Eyre, shares for the first time his memories of a chaotic battle in Croatia, where Canadian peacekeepers engaged in an intense firefight. Plus — Canada’s ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, discusses how the international community must prepare for even more intense disasters in the future.

A frenetic week in Canadian foreign affairs began with a bombshell allegation by the prime minister accusing the Indian government of involvement in the murder of a Canadian pro-Khalistan activist and ended with an in-person address to Parliament by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sen. Peter Boehm and Garry Keller, chief of staff to former foreign affairs minister John Baird, talk about the fallout and where Canada stands now. The CBC’s Evan Dyer breaks down where the Canada-India relationship might go from here. Plus — freelance journalist Bob Keating explores how the Columbia River treaty with the United States has profoundly shaped the land and communities around the river, and Kathy Eichenberger, B.C’s treaty negotiator, talks about what Canada wants in a new pact.

A week after Canadian parliamentarians rose in the House of Commons to honour a man who turned out to have fought in a Nazi unit, how bad is the damage to Canada’s reputation? The House hears from foreign policy expert Janice Stein, historian Robert Bothwell and disinformation watcher Marcus Kolga, then journalists Paul Wells and Susan Delacourt weigh in. The CBC’s Bartley Kives reports on the Manitoba provincial election, which takes place next week and has lately focused on the question of whether to search a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two First Nations women. Plus — Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority, discusses the state of infrastructure in Canadian communities, and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu reflects on how the government is looking to close the gap.

An average of 21 Canadians die every day from opioid-related overdoses. The situation has only worsened in recent years. In a special edition of the program, The House travels to Thunder Bay, Ont., a city that has the highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the province. Host Catherine Cullen hears from paramedics who see the devastation of the crisis and recovering addicts who are trying to help others on their own journeys. We also hear from Police Chief Darcy Fleury and Mayor Ken Boshcoff about how the city is responding and what resources they need. And we hear from mothers who have lost their children to overdoses and question why the government didn’t do more to help them.

A week of violence and tragedy is ending with fears of further escalation. Alia Zaki of the UN World Food Programme joins The House to talk about how the humanitarian situation is developing right now. Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney weighs in on how Canada should respond to the crisis and whether it has the influence to make a difference. Former diplomats Arif Lalani and Daniel Kurtzer also analyze the conflict so far, the risks of escalation and the prospects for resolution. Plus — Canada’s former ambassador to Ukraine Larisa Galadza reflects on how the outbreak of violence has shifted some focus away from the war in Ukraine, and what it could mean for that country’s desperate struggle.

Tension and anxiety remain high in both Jewish and Muslim communities in Canada. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc sits down to talk about how the government is handling a rise in anti-semitism and islamophobia as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, as well as Alberta’s moves toward a separate pension plan. He also weighs in on Quebec’s tuition hike, before Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante gives her perspective. Then, The House takes a deep dive into Canada’s push for a digital services tax, and why it’s landing this country offside with its allies. Plus — as part of our continuing coverage of the opioid crisis, Dr. Mark Mallet shares why he’s concerned about unsupervised safer supply.

The Liberal government has announced new measures to ease the burden of the carbon tax on rural Canadians, a carve-out from one of their landmark policies. Liberal MP Kody Blois, the chair of the Atlantic caucus who helped push for the changes, joins The House to talk about why he thinks it's necessary. Toronto Star parliamentary bureau chief Tonda MacCharles and The Hub editor-in-chief Stuart Thomson weigh in on that move and the bubbling internal debate the Liberals face over the Israel-Hamas war. The CBC’s Mykella Van Cooten takes a look at why some innovative cancer treatments — approved abroad — are not allowed yet in Canada. Plus — Alberta’s minister of mental health and addictions, Dan Williams, on his province’s approach to the opioid crisis.

The federal government’s decision last week to carve out oil for home heating from the carbon tax has spurred cries for additional exemptions. Saskatchewan has even threatened to stop collecting the tax on home heating altogether. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs sits down to talk about his province’s perspective on the fuel charge, as well as Alberta’s proposal to withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan. House Speaker Greg Fergus talks with host Catherine Cullen about his bid to bring decorum to a Commons that is divided and easily disrupted. Then, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks discusses the federal government’s response to the toxic drug crisis. Plus — former tech executive Jim Balsillie on how to regulate artificial intelligence and the need to keep an eye on the immediate challenges of technology.

With one carve-out of the carbon tax already in the books and another waiting in the wings, can the federal government hold to its red line and stop further undermining of its landmark climate policy? The House looks at how the debate has developed over the week and hears from experts Chris Ragan and Jessica Green on the merits of the policy. Then, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault defends his government’s approach. Also, MPs of all political stripes open up about how the toxic drug crisis — which has affected countless Canadians — has touched their lives. Plus, War Museum historian Tim Cook and Rachel Collishaw of the Social Studies Educators Network of Canada talk about remembering our past in an age of disinformation.

It’s true. Fentanyl is not only killing Canadians — organized crime gangs are making it here and selling it abroad, the RCMP says. A senior RCMP official responsible for fighting organized crime talks about efforts to disrupt the deadly supply chain. The House also checks in on the Halifax Security Forum, an annual gathering of some of the top minds in foreign policy and defence to see how they’re trying to navigate what some are calling a global “polycrisis,” as well as issues around Russia and Taiwan. Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is picking his words carefully when it comes to the war between Israel and Hamas. Why did he change his tone somewhat this week — and what does it mean for his government? This episode features interviews with: - Mathieu Bertrand, RCMP chief superintendent of Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity - Comfort Ero, CEO, International Crisis Group - Evgenia Kara-Murza, Russian democratic activist and wife of jailed Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza - Vincent Chao, spokesperson and director of international affairs for the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan - Rob Russo, former CBC parliamentary bureau chief - Laura Osman, Reporter, The Canadian Press

We don’t have to tell you that Canada is still mired in a housing affordability crisis. But will newly announced government measures make a dent? The House hears from someone trying to make affordable housing work in Ontario, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow weighs in on what she wants to see from the feds. The fiscal update this week also gave us a look at the state of Canada’s books, and the ballooning deficit. Two people who know the issue inside and out talk about what the new number means. The House also travels to the U.S. border to find out how the CBSA is fighting back against the importation of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals — with the help of some canine companions. This episode features interviews with: - Bruce Davis, development consultant - Olivia Chow, mayor of Toronto - Lenny Zhou, Vancouver city councillor - Robert Asselin, economist, Business Council of Canada - Kevin Page, economist, Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy - Mark Patterson, CBSA dog handler and his partner Loki - Aaron McCrorie, VP of Intelligence and Enforcement, CBSA

It’s rarely an easy ride with the Alberta-Ottawa relationship, and this rollercoaster week was no different. Starting with Alberta playing the sovereignty act card for the first time, then hugging it out over a big announcement … it may result soon in more fireworks over the emissions cap. The House breaks down what it all means for the federation. Then, a man who once advised former prime minister Stephen Harper on his approach to criminal justice talks about his about-face on the toxic drug crisis. Plus, the former head of this country’s spy agency breaks down the significance of a U.S. indictment alleging India is linked to multiple assassination plots — including three targets in Canada. This episode features interviews with: - Randy Boissonnault, Employment minister and Liberal MP - Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star Ottawa bureau chief - Stuart Thomson, National Post Ottawa bureau chief - Benjamin Perrin, author and former Conservative adviser - Alex Panetta, CBC Washington correspondent - Dick Fadden, former head of CSIS

The federal government hopes it will put Canada on track to meeting its climate targets. Some provinces say it’s needlessly harmful. The House digs into Canada’s new proposed oil and gas emissions cap to find out what government, environmentalists and industry have to say. Then, we’ll analyze the Poilievre housing video that has re-energized the national conversation around housing — two experts on political communication will weigh in. And finally, the author of two books on the toxic drug crisis in the United States will join the program to talk about what’s going on south of the border, and what Canada can learn from the U.S. This episode features interviews with: - Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources - Dale Beugin, executive vice president, Canadian Climate Institute - Tristan Goodman, president and CEO of the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada - Dave Sommer, vice president, Enterprise Canada - Melanie Paradis, president, Texture Communications - Beth Macy, author, Dopesick and Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice and the Future of America’s Overdose

After weeks of debate and political fighting, Canada has made a major vote in favour of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The House digs into Canada’s position on the Israel-Hamas war, as well as the situation in Ukraine, in an interview with Defence Minister Bill Blair. We’ll also hear from a CBC reporter who had the chance to sit down with the head of Canada’s spy agency, which has had a challenging year. Plus — the issue of a complex and concerning scam that has seen homeowners pay out thousands of dollars over the years, and is now getting some attention from the Ontario government. Two Hill journalists will also talk about the fracas over House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus and the question of whether he should resign — and what it all means about the state of politics right now. Finally, The House will take a look at the issue of rising food bank usage and the question of whether government aid can solve the problem. This episode features interview with: - Bill Blair, minister of defence - Catharine Tunney, CBC senior reporter - Todd McCarthy, Ontario minister of public and business service delivery - Tom Rakocevic, Ontario NDP consumer protection critic - Dennis Crawford, lawyer - Rob Russo, journalist, The Economist - Susan Delacourt, journalist, Toronto Star - Dianne Mcleod, executive director, Cambridge Food Bank - Marjorie Bencz, executive director, Edmonton Gleaners Association Food Bank

After weeks of debate and political fighting, Canada has made a major vote in favour of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The House digs into Canada’s position on the Israel-Hamas war, as well as the situation in Ukraine, in an interview with Defence Minister Bill Blair. We’ll also hear from a CBC reporter who had the chance to sit down with the head of Canada’s spy agency, which has had a challenging year. Plus — the issue of a complex and concerning scam that has seen homeowners pay out thousands of dollars over the years, and is now getting some attention from the Ontario government. Two Hill journalists will also talk about the fracas over House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus and the question of whether he should resign — and what it all means about the state of politics right now. Finally, The House will take a look at the issue of rising food bank usage and the question of whether government aid can solve the problem. This episode features interview with: - Bill Blair, minister of defence - Catharine Tunney, CBC senior reporter - Todd McCarthy, Ontario minister of public and business service delivery - Tom Rakocevic, Ontario NDP consumer protection critic - Dennis Crawford, lawyer - Rob Russo, journalist, The Economist - Susan Delacourt, journalist, Toronto Star - Dianne Mcleod, executive director, Cambridge Food Bank - Marjorie Bencz, executive director, Edmonton Gleaners Association Food Bank

As another very busy and consequential year in Canadian politics wraps up, test how much you remember with our year-end quiz. This year, host Catherine Cullen will gather a crack team of political wonks to see how they fare. Murad Hemmadi of The Logic is back to defend his title of champion from last year, but he faces stiff competition from Shannon Proudfoot of The Globe and Mail and the National Post’s Christopher Nardi.

Parliament can be confusing. Here to help is The House’s guided tour of Parliament, where you’ll hear politicians of all stripes answering some questions about how the place actually works. Five Carleton political science students joined host Catherine Cullen to wander the halls and learn about everything from Question Period to committees, from the people who live in that world every day.

This week, The House brings you the most compelling interviews from this fall’s coverage of the toxic drug crisis: from recovering drug users, to mothers who’ve lost children to opioid overdoses, to law enforcement trying to keep up as politicians struggle for solutions.

A lot of questions surround the new special immigration program for some people stuck in Gaza: Why is Canada demanding such personal details? And can Canada actually get anyone out of the warzone, even if they’re approved to come here? The House will ask the immigration minister for answers. Plus, we’ll also dive deep into the issue of delays around family reunification programs. Small businesses are anxiously facing a deadline to repay some pandemic-era loans — and some are wishing that the federal government will show more compassion. Two business owners — and then the minister responsible — sit down to discuss. Finally, a bid by Florida to start bulk imports of Canadian prescription drugs has been described as a “raid” on this country’s drug supply. We’ll investigate how serious the threat is and what might happen next. This episode includes the voices of: - Marc Miller, federal immigration minister - Angela O’Brien and Sara Anne Mailhot, small business owners - The CBC’s Craig Desson - Rechie Valdez, federal minister of small business - Larry Levitt, health policy expert

Canada’s relationship with China has been tense for years. Can it be salvaged? And while diplomats are hard at work on that question, another major challenge looms: a potential second Trump term. The House tackles both those issues this week. Then, freezing cold temperatures have sparked a renewed conversation on how Canada will keep the lights on in the future. We take an in-depth look at what role nuclear energy might play. Plus — Canada’s political conversation is squarely focused on immigration and housing. Two journalists break down the political implications of this week’s developments. This episode features: - Jennifer May, Canada’s ambassador to China - Rob Goodman, political science professor and author - Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition - The CBC’s Emma Godmere - Stephanie Levitz, Toronto Star - Laura Osman, The Canadian Press

If you thought you’d heard the end of convoy politics, think again. The federal government’s argument that it was justified in using the Emergencies Act to dispel the convoy protests in early 2022 was dealt a blow this week. We speak with the former attorney general who helped invoke the act — and find out why he’s now leaving politics. Then, two journalists dissect the politics of Tucker Carlson’s controversial tour of Alberta, where he sat down with Premier Danielle Smith. We’ll also take a look at the government’s decision to cap study permits for international students — and the waves that will make in both the education community and provincial economies. Plus — Ed Broadbent’s death has sparked some reflection over the NDP’s past, present and future. Two party strategists sit down to discuss where the party goes from here. This episode features the voices of: - David Lametti, Liberal MP and former minister of justice - The CBC’s Jason Markusoff - Shannon Proudfoot, Globe and Mail - Alain Roy, vice-president, Colleges and Institutes of Canada - Theo Argitis, Compass Rose Group - Mike McKinnon, senior consultant, Enterprise Canada - Melanie Richer, senior consultant, Earnscliffe Strategies

Sweeping new rules on gender-related medical procedures, sex-ed and more have landed Alberta in the spotlight again this week. Two journalists break down the politics of Premier Danielle Smith’s controversial move. Then, the federal government announced a three-year delay on the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those suffering solely from a mental illness. The House hears from someone who is deeply affected by the decision, and from politicians on both sides of the issue. And — the prime minister’s traditional residence at 24 Sussex is in disrepair. But the organization responsible for maintaining the house says there’s been some progress — asbestos abated, mould removed and rodents evicted. But, as the CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier reports, there is no real plan for what comes next. Plus — B.C.'s public health officer releases her assessment of the province's prescribed safer supply program. The province’s minister of mental health and addictions joins the program to discuss. This episode features the voices of: - Graham Thomson, freelance columnist - Tonda MacCharles, parliamentary bureau chief, Toronto Star - Ed Fast, Conservative MP - Arif Virani, federal justice minister - The CBC’s Jennifer Chevalier - Jennifer Whiteside, B.C. mental health and addictions minister