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 States
• David 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 Canada
• Dr. Mundeesh Kaur, a foreign trained physician from India
• Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
• Kate Kehoe, lawyer and University of Ottawa visiting professor
• Jason Kenney, former premier of Alberta
• Andrew Furey, former premier of Newfoundland & Labrador.

Canadians got to see their 2026 World Cup opponents during the group draw this week in Washington — and Prime Minister Mark Carney got to see U.S. President Donald Trump in-person once again as trade talks remain frozen.

Did their meeting give any indication of progress? Parliament Hill Watchers Stephanie Levitz and Joël-Denis Bellavance dig into the rendezvous and other simmering political challenges for the prime minister, like what to do next with his cabinet.

After that, housing experts Mike Moffat and Carolyn Whitzman join The House to discuss whether the Liberals are meeting their election promises after a new report says Carney’s marquee housing initiative won’t amount to many new homes. Plus, Conservative housing critic Scott Aitchison breaks down his party’s point of view on the issue.

Finally, fresh off his time as Canada’s representative to the United Nations, Bob Rae tells Catherine Cullen about his decades-long political career, his views on Trump’s lasting impact and the parallels he sees between this geopolitical moment and George Orwell’s 1984.

This episode features the voices of:

• Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and Mail
• Joël-Denis Bellavance, Ottawa bureau chief for La Presse
• Peter Davoust, Vancouver resident
• Mike Moffat, founding director of the University of Ottawa’s “Missing Middle Initiative”
• Carolyn Whitzman, adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities
• Bob Rae, Canada’s former UN ambassador