There’s been a lot of talk about a new Cold War — and this week the world was surprised by an old Cold War throwback: a major prisoner swap between the Western countries and Russia. But why did Putin agree to such a thing, and what does it mean for the war in Ukraine? Two military experts join guest host Murray Brewster to discuss.

Plus: Roméo Dallaire has spent three decades since the Rwandan Genocide on a journey towards inner peace — and he has some ideas about peace between nations as well. He sits down with The House as part of our Book Smart Series series to talk about his new book, The Peace: A Warrior's Journey.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Sean Maloney, professor, Royal Military College of Canada
• Matthew Schmidt, associate professor, University of New Haven
• Roméo Dallaire, retired lieutenant-general, author, The Peace: A Warrior's Journey

Yet another devastating wildfire has caused significant damage, this time at one of Canada’s iconic sites: Jasper, Alberta. The House speaks to a wildfire expert to dig into how the fire reached the town — and what can be done to stop the next devastating blaze.

Plus — we look into Kamala Harris’s astonishing ascent to become the likely Democratic nominee, and two provincial representatives talk about what the dramatic developments in the U.S. presidential campaign could mean for Canada.

And: Author Gregor Craigie talks about his book, Our Crumbling Foundation: How We Solve Canada's Housing Crisis, his timely survey of worldwide solutions to the housing crisis that might work here at home.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Mathieu Bourbonnais, assistant professor, UBC
• David Paterson, Ontario Representative in Washington, D.C.
• James Rajotte, Alberta’s Senior Representative to the United States
• Gregor Craigie, author, Our Crumbling Foundation: How We Solve Canada's Housing Crisis

What a week, on both sides of the border. In Canada, cabinet minister Seamus O’Regan’s departure necessitated a mini shuffle. With the prime minister expected to head off to vacation soon, will the summer provide a bit of a pause — or are there more moves to come from the beleaguered government? Two keen Hill watchers join The House to discuss.

Also — premiers gathered in Halifax this year for their annual meeting. They weren’t too happy with the government. Host Catherine Cullen talks with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about provincial gripes with Ottawa, as well as Canada’s approach to a potential second Trump term.

Finally — author Matthew Morris sits down for an in-depth look at his book Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging, discussing how his own Black identity was formed and how education should be reformed to ensure the success of Black students.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Paul Wells, author and journalist
• Catherine Lévesque, National Post
• Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew
• Matthew Morris, author, Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging

The fate of Joe Biden's presidency loomed large over this week’s NATO meeting, but Justin Trudeau had some big news of his own — agreeing to a major increase in military spending. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. joins The House to talk about the summit, the spending and this country’s response to the American political drama.

Then, a dive into the recent slew of high-profile instances of crumbling infrastructure — from water mains to public pools — and how governments might go about fixing them.

Plus — for our Book Smart Summer series, author Wendy Wong talks about far-reaching data collection and its implications for our privacy, our relationships and our very humanity.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman 
• Matt Gurney, The Line
• Frances Bula, freelance urban issues reporter
• Mary Rowe, president and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute
• Wendy Wong, author, We, The Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age

Almost two weeks since the Liberals’ shocking loss in a Toronto byelection, the prime minister is still trying to pick up the pieces, amid calls for — at the very least — a national caucus meeting. Two veteran journalists break down how the PMO has responded and where Trudeau might go from here.

Then — U.S. Ambassador David Cohen sits down with host Catherine Cullen to talk about a few key points in the bilateral relationship, including Canada’s controversial digital services tax and its commitments to military spending. He also touches on the mental acuity of President Joe Biden, a man Cohen has known for decades.

Finally: John Vaillant’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, Fire Weather, contemplates the future of a hotter planet. He joins The House to discuss.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Susan Delacourt, Toronto Star
• Christopher Nardi, National Post
• U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen
• John Vaillant, author, Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast

This summer, The House is talking to some of the smartest writers in Canada about some of the most urgent issues of our time. To kick off our Book Smart Summer series, host Catherine Cullen sits down with Cree writer Michelle Good for a conversation in front of a live audience at the Regina Public Library about her book of essays, Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada.

Farmers are not feeling the love from Ottawa, these days. Some in Saskatchewan told The House this week about feeling alienated and misunderstood by the federal government or urban Canadians.

We also speak with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe about how he sees the state of the federation and how he’s handled some tricky run-ins with conspiracy theories recently. The NDP opposition leader, Carla Beck, also weighs in on her party’s positions.

Then, two experts in provincial politics join the show to break down the political dynamics that are animating the conversation in Saskatchewan ahead of this fall’s election.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe
• Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck 
• The CBC’s Adam Hunter 
• Jim Farney, professor, University of Regina

The world is grappling with a migration issue, and Canada’s immigration minister says we’re not immune. Provinces, meanwhile, are arguing over resources and who’s responsible for asylum seekers. Marc Miller joins The House to talk about what should be done to make the system more fair, and how Canada should approach undocumented people in this country.

Then — Canada’s top soldier is retiring after four decades in the military. He speaks with Catherine Cullen about his experience of service, and how Canada needs to prepare for the challenges of the future.

Finally, it really was another busy week on the Hill. Two keen-eyed journalists join the show to break down the developments in foreign interference and capital gains this week.

This episode features the voices of: 

Immigration Minister Marc Miller

Chief of the Defence Staff Wayne Eyre

Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star 

Murad Hemmadi, The Logic

A stunning report from a cross-party group of parliamentarians alleges that some Canadian politicians are wittingly or unwittingly aiding foreign powers. With the members who wrote the report sworn to secrecy, The House digs into what we know so far — and if we can ever get to the bottom of the allegations.

For too many Canadians, justice delayed is justice denied. It’s not just annoying — delays in the system are causing some cases to be thrown out. The House digs deep into the issue — and the federal minister responsible sits down to discuss possible solutions.

But first, two keen Hill watchers will help break down the whirlwind of political news that swept the country this week, from a pesky PBO report that muddied the carbon tax debate, to former president Donald Trump’s conviction, to why Nicaragua is suddenly in the minds of politicos.

Plus — two youth activists sit down to talk about why they think it’s time for 16-year-olds to get the vote.

This episode features the voices of: 

• Shannon Proudfoot, Globe and Mail 
• Stuart Thomson, National Post 
• The CBC’s Kristen Everson
• Justice Minister Arif Virani 
• Jayden Paquet Noiseux, Vote16 Canada
• Caeden Tipler, Make It 16 New Zealand.