The House

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.