Venezuela, Greenland, an emboldened Trump: What should Canada do?

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 Trudeau
• Retired general Wayne Eyre, formerly Canada's chief of the defence staff
• Fen Osler Hampson, co-chair of Expert Group of Canada-U.S. Relations
• Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition
• RJ Johnston, director of energy and natural resources policy at the University of Calgary
• Kate Kalutkiewicz, former U.S. trade negotiator
• 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