The House

We're less than two weeks into 2026, and Canada is starting the year staring down sudden new threats to its economy — and its security. After a surprise operation to establish a foothold in oil-rich Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump is now emphasizing his aspirations for Greenland.Host Catherine Cullen speaks with two national security veterans — Jody Thomas, former national security adviser to the prime minister, and Retired Gen. Wayne Eyre, former chief of defence staff — about their concerns for Canada’s sovereignty and security in this new chapter of the Trump era.Plus, The same day the U.S. launched its military operation in Venezuela, the wife of one of Trump's top advisers warned on social media that "the U.S. doesn't need anything from Canada. Free trade is over." How true is that, ahead of critical trade negotiations? House producer Jennifer Chevalier speaks to former officials and trade experts to understand the rocky road ahead.Finally, why did it take Chrystia Freeland days to announce her resignation as an MP, after news broke she’d be advising the Ukrainian government? And does her exit from the Hill finally set the stage for a slew of anticipated byelections? Political insiders Marci Surkes and Kate Harrison weigh in on the state of play.This episode features the voices of:Jody Thomas, former national security adviser to Justin TrudeauRetired general Wayne Eyre, formerly Canada's chief of the defence staffFen Osler Hampson, co-chair of Expert Group of Canada-U.S. RelationsLaura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders CoalitionRJ Johnston, director of energy and natural resources policy at the University of CalgaryKate Kalutkiewicz, former U.S. trade negotiatorMarci Surkes, former senior advisor to Justin Trudeau and chief strategy officer at Compass RoseKate Harrison, Conservative strategist and vice chair at Summa Strategies

This week, The House revisits an in-depth documentary from the summer, as NATO’s secretary general has warned Russia could launch an attack on the alliance within the next five years. Talk to NATO’s two newest members, Finland and Sweden, and they’ll tell you preparation involves a lot more than just boosting military spending. As Canada seeks to strengthen ties with both countries, what can we learn from our newest NATO allies about preparing for the worst? Supported by the R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship, CBC's Emma Godmere travelled to the two Nordic countries to visit bomb shelters, the Russian border and military training grounds north of the Arctic Circle to see and hear how Finns and Swedes are steeling themselves for whatever the future may bring.This episode features the voices of: Elina Valtonen, Finland’s minister of foreign affairsViktoria Hjort Malmer, defence policy director at Sweden’s Ministry of DefenceJanne Kuusela, director general, defence policy department at Finland’s Ministry of DefenceAntti Virta, deputy commander, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictSamuel Siljanen, head of operations, Southeast Finland Border Guard DistrictLt.-Col. Mikael Dalin, Swedish ArmyLt.-Col. Jukka Vuorisalmi, Finnish ArmyNina Järvenkylä, Helsinki City Rescue DepartmentHarri Mikkola, programme director for Finnish foreign policy, northern European security and NATO at the Finnish Institute of International AffairsNiklas Granholm, deputy director of studies, Swedish Defence Research AgencySara Myrdal, director of international affairs, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agencyand residents of Lappeenranta, Rovaniemi, and Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden

This week on The House: Three Parliament Hill watchers square off against each other to see who can remember the most from a very eventful and consequential year in Canadian politics.

After eight years in Washington, Canada's U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman is coming home. Over that time, she has seen Canada's relationship with the United States transform, for better and for worse. As she prepares to step down from her ambassadorship, she explains in an extended interview with host Catherine Cullen how she’s built critical connections in the U.S. capital — and whether she believes there’s a limit to what Trump can do.Plus, author and former presidential speechwriter David Frum believes the American empire is in decline. He reflects on what Canadian democracy can learn from this moment and why he believes a stronger sense of national pride is critical for Canada’s future.This episode features the voices of:Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United StatesDavid Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic

'Twas the evening before the Liberal holiday party, when all through the House… Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And then, a Christmas surprise that sent the Conservatives awry: Markham—Unionville MP Michael Ma announced he was crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney. His move brings the Liberal government within one seat of a majority. Are the Conservatives sweating this? Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman joins The House to discuss whether Pierre Poilievre's leadership is under threat.Then, as some provinces flirt with giving the private sector a greater role in health care, will the federal government push back? Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel joins host Catherine Cullen to discuss — and weighs in on the impact the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is having in this country.Plus, the Liberals introduced yet another tough-on-crime bill — this time aimed at stronger penalties for crimes against women and children. Lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professor Kate Kehoe digs into whether the proposed law will actually make women safer.Finally, from possible pipelines to potential referendums, there’s a lot stirring in the federation lately. The House checks in with former premiers Jason Kenney and Andrew Furey to get their take on the state of our nation.This episode features the voices of:Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaDr. Mundeesh Kaur, a foreign trained physician from IndiaMarjorie Michel, Minister of HealthKate Kehoe, lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professorJason Kenney, former premier of AlbertaAndrew Furey, former premier of Newfoundland & Labrador.