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 Nations
• Corey Hogan, Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to the energy minister
• Adam Chambers, Conservative international trade critic
• Malcolm Turnbull, former prime minister of Australia
• Augusto Lopez Claros, executive director of the Global Governance Forum
• John Manley, former deputy prime minister under Jean Chrétien
• Meredith Lilley, international economic policy professor at Carleton University
• Fen Osler Hampson, co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations
• David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data

Two leaders, two visions, two itineraries. Prime Minister Mark Carney is once again travelling abroad to strengthen Canada's trading relationships with fellow middle powers like India, Japan and Australia. How much sway does Canada hold in this new geopolitical era? Anne-Marie Slaughter, former Obama-era senior U.S. State Department director, joins The House to weigh in on this middle-power moment.

And Pierre Poilievre is headed to Europe in his first official overseas trip as Leader of the Opposition, following a speech that laid out the Conservative vision for tackling a protectionist United States. Political insiders Marci Surkes and Kate Harrison take a look at both big trips, and the stakes for both parties.

Next: OpenAI was the focus of intense scrutiny this week after it was revealed the ChatGPT developer did not inform police about troubling content from an online account belonging to the Tumbler Ridge shooter. The House checks in with The Logic’s Murad Hemmadi about whether big tech companies can be trusted to regulate themselves.

Then, as the world's youngest generations are set to bear the brunt of today's decisions, some governments around the world are taking steps to ensure they have a champion — and Canadian advocates want Ottawa to do the same. House producer Benjamin Lopez Steven speaks with Wales' Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker, as well as Paul Kershaw of Generation Squeeze, Ontario Senator Rosemary Moodie and a classroom of Grade 8 students about whether the Welsh model could work in Canada.

And as Russia’s war on Ukraine grinds on, and peace talks remain deadlocked, Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc speaks with guest host Tom Parry about a difficult winter in Kyiv and the horrors she’s heard on the ground from Ukrainians.

This episode features the voices of:

• Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of think tank New America and former senior official at the U.S. State Department
• 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
• Murad Hemmadi, AI reporter for The Logic
• Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
• Katie Richmyre, Grade 8 teacher at St. Mother Teresa High School
• Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze
• Senator Rosemary Moodie
• Natalka Cmoc, Canada's ambassador to Ukraine

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

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.

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

CBC’s new weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians. 

In this episode, the White House was back at it last week, threatening tariffs on Bombardier and aircraft made in Canada. And Prime Minister Mark Carney was warned by the U.S. Treasury Secretary not to ‘pick a fight’ ahead of CUSMA trade negotiations.

When it comes to the Trump administration’s trolling comments and tariff threats, how can Canadians know what to take seriously? CBC Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry dig in.

Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxTheHouse

Conservative Party members are gathering in Calgary to review Pierre Poilievre's leadership as big questions loom about whether they can win over a larger share of the electorate. In a special edition of The House, captured from the convention floor, host Catherine Cullen sits down with key Conservatives, party insiders, a pollster and Hill watchers to discuss where the party stands today and what it needs to do to secure that elusive election win.

This episode features the voices of:

• Steve Outhouse, Conservative campaign manager
• David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data
• Ben Woodfinden, Senior adviser at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips, former director of communications for Pierre Poilievre
• Erika Barootes, Conservative commentator and former principal secretary to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
• John Paul Tasker, senior reporter for CBC's parliamentary bureau
• Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and Mail

CBC’s new weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians. 

This week CBC’s Katie Simpson, reporting from Minnesota since the weekend, joins Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry to unpack the human toll and political consequences of the unrest in Minneapolis and examine what this moment could mean for both Trump’s broader immigration strategy and his 2026 prospects.

Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxTheHouse

It was a speech heard around the world. In front of global leaders, Prime Minister Mark Carney laid bare Canada's new foreign policy vision: Middle powers need to team up — or they'll be on the menu for hegemons like Russia, China and the United States.

Two former diplomats — American Ambassador Tom Shannon, who at one point held the third-highest rank in the U.S. foreign service, and Canadian Senator Peter Boehm, who has served as a G7 sherpa — discuss the significance of the Carney doctrine and whether Canada will pay a price for standing up to Donald Trump. 

Then, former Republican Senator Jeff Flake talks to The House about what it will take for some members of his party to stand up to Trump and whether Carney’s speech is resonating in the United States. Plus, Germany's ambassador to Canada Tjorven Bellmann explains what her country thinks about Carney's call to action.

There's also a question of what actions Carney will take to match his words. Catherine Cullen asks International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu what the government plans to do next and how its trade diversification efforts are going.

Finally, after turning heads in Davos, Prime Minister Carney gave a second, Canadian-focused speech at the cabinet retreat in Quebec City — which has furrowed some brows at home. CBC’s Aaron Wherry lays out the domestic reverberations of Carney’s two speeches.

This episode features the voices of:

• Tom Shannon, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
• Peter Boehm, Canadian senator and former G7 sherpa
• Jeff Flake, former Republican senator for Arizona
• Tjorven Bellmann, Germany's ambassador to Canada
• Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
• Aaron Wherry, senior writer for CBC Politics

Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China has sent a jolt through Canada and beyond. In exchange for allowing more Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market, Beijing has agreed to lower duties on some agricultural and seafood products. 

Catherine Cullen first speaks with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about what the deal means for his province; then former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole discusses the risks of a closer relationship with China; and Business Council of Canada CEO Goldy Hyder discusses the PM’s possible calculus behind the deal.

Plus, Carney is not the first prime minister to try to improve Canada’s relationship with China. From Trudeau Sr. to Trudeau Jr., Jia Wang of the University of Alberta’s China Institute and former ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques chart the highs and lows of bilateral relations and tensions; then Politico’s Phelim Kine breaks down the Trump administration’s reaction to Carney calling China a “more predictable partner” than the U.S. 

Also: François Legault is stepping down as premier of Quebec mere months ahead of a provincial election that polls suggest could be won by the separatist Parti Québécois. Philip Authier of the Montreal Gazette and Daniel Thibeault, Ottawa bureau chief for Radio-Canada, discuss whether Legault's decision throws a wrench in the PQ's plans for a referendum.

This episode features the voices of:

• Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba
• Erin O'Toole, former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
• Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada
• Jia Wang, senior fellow at the China Institute at the University of Calgary
• Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to China
• Phelim Kine, Washington-based China correspondent for POLITICO
• Philip Authier, National Assembly reporter for the Montreal Gazette
• Daniel Thibeault, parliamentary bureau chief for Radio-Canada and host of Les Coulisses du Pouvoir