On this week’s show: The president of the Canadian Medical Association talks about the strain COVID-19 is imposing on Canada’s health systems as Ontario announces sweeping restrictions to curb record caseloads. Conservative environment critic Dan Albas discusses his party’s climate change plan. And we have a look-ahead to child care in next week’s federal budget, a discussion about waiving vaccine patents and an assessment of the Canada-India relationship.

The House from CBC Radio

Ontario’s dire COVID-19 outlook

On this week’s show: The B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s Mel Krajden examines the rise in COVID-19 variant cases. Plus: Liberal Party President Suzanne Cowan talks priorities during that party’s policy convention; two NDP MPs reflect on their own policy convention; and Liberal strategist David Herle and NDP National Director Anne McGrath weigh in on efforts to woo progressive voters. Former governor general Michaëlle Jean also shares memories of the late Prince Philip.

Campaigning for Canada's progressive voters

On this week’s show: ER doctor Lisa Salamon and molecular virologist Marc-André Langlois weigh in on the variant-driven surge of COVID-19 cases across much of Canada. Plus: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh discusses his party’s policy convention; a Michigan state senator reacts to the potential shutdown of the Line 5 pipeline; and The House looks at two proposals up for debate in next week’s Liberal and NDP conventions — universal basic income and a wealth tax.

Lock down, open up, repeat

On this week’s show: Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson discusses what’s next for the federal price on carbon and voters look at the Conservative Party’s stance on climate change. Plus: Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau talks China and COVID-19; Facebook’s Kevin Chan examines impending regulation in Canada; and Liberal MP John McKay calls for an increase in the powers of the human rights watchdog investigating Canadian companies abroad.

What’s next for the federal price on carbon?

On this week’s show — a look at the Conservatives’ first-ever virtual policy convention as CBC’s Hannah Thibedeau checks in with delegates across the country. Three Conservative strategists examine Erin O’Toole’s highly anticipated speech and caucus-party liaison MP Tim Uppal discusses the party’s policy direction. Plus — a reflection on addressing gender-based violence in Canada and a report on the effort to recognize Emancipation Day.

Conservatives plan their path forward

On this week’s show: National Advisory Committee on Immunization chair Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh discusses the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout in Canada. Then, Conservative deputy leader Candice Bergen previews her party’s upcoming policy convention, Eabametoong First Nation Chief Harvey Yesno and clean water activist Autumn Peltier discuss boil water advisories and Susan Delacourt and Shachi Kurl talk about how COVID-19 changed politics.

The pandemic, one year later

On this week’s show: The House hears from CBC reporter J.P. Tasker and COVID-19 Immunity Task Force co-chair Dr. Catherine Hankins on developments in Canada’s vaccine rollout. Then, Canada’s ambassador to the UN Bob Rae discusses the recent military coup in Myanmar. Plus, the CBC’s senior defence writer Murray Brewster outlines the impact of sexual misconduct allegations in Canada’s military leadership.

Vaccination vexation

On this week’s show: New Brunswick Health Minister Dorothy Shephard outlines her province’s vaccine preparations and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson talks about his city’s plans to get a head start on inoculations. Plus: Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault looks at what Australia’s battle with tech giants means for Canada’s own regulatory efforts, and clean energy advocate Merran Smith reacts to a new era of Canada-U.S. climate talks.

Parsing plans for mass vaccinations

On this week’s show: Members of the House of Commons finance committee look ahead to a historic federal budget and Independent Senator Chantal Petitclerc discusses the government’s bill to expand access to medical assistance in dying. Plus, hear a discussion on systemic barriers Black organizations face to access federal funding and an Alberta mayor talks about powering Canada using hydrogen.

What will the next budget hold?

On this week’s show: A panel of journalists discuss the challenges facing provinces choosing to ease COVID-19 restrictions amid the spread of coronavirus variants. Plus, two public health experts talk about an equitable vaccine rollout, Sen. Stan Kutcher shares his efforts to amend Canada’s medical assistance in dying bill and Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna outlines the government’s latest public transit funding.

Businesses reopen, variants close in

On this week’s show: Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and a panel of opposition MPs discuss Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Plus: Canada’s new parliamentary poet laureate talks about poetry’s place in a time of crisis, Peel Region’s medical officer of health examines the appearance of a coronavirus variant in Ontario and the CBC’s Chris O’Neill-Yates looks at the potential for renewable energy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Shots in the dark

On this week’s show: Canada's immigration minister discusses resettling refugees as one family shares their search for safety. An expert highlights the need to prioritize children’s mental health during the pandemic. Plus, a look at how Chrystia Freeland could address wealth inequality, a dive into Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s drop in popularity and an exit interview with Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

Resettling refugees, supporting Canada’s kids

On this week’s show: Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman reflects on President Joe Biden’s move to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. Carleton University’s Philippe Lagassé examines the implications of a vacant vice-regal office. Plus, the CBC’s Catherine Cullen recaps a turbulent week for the Conservatives, three MPs look ahead to Monday’s return to Parliament and Japan’s ambassador to Canada discusses shared green energy goals.

Biden’s first week, Payette’s last

On this week’s show: B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix takes stock of his province’s attempts to flatten the COVID-19 curve — including the possibility of an inter-provincial travel ban. An Ontario epidemiologist discusses potential threats posed by a new variant of the virus. The CBC’s Paul Hunter in Washington weighs in on President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. And an extremism expert talks far-right radicalization here in Canada.

Fighting coronavirus variants

On this week’s show: A U.S. congresswoman reflects on her experience being locked down in the Capitol after rioters stormed the building. A voting rights advocate explains how Black voters helped the Democrats flip two Senate seats in Georgia. Two provincial officials address the vaccine rollout in their provinces. And a writer discusses the politics of prioritizing professional hockey during a pandemic.

Capitol under siege

CBC Radio's The House takes you behind the scenes in the world of Canadian politics. Parliament may take a summer recess but the business of national politics never stops; nor does The House.