Variants and the vice-regal vacancy

01/28/21 • 20 min

Two significant news stories have taken over political headlines since Elamin and Rosie dropped their last episode. The first involves some heavy hints from the federal government that tighter travel restrictions are just around the corner. Rosie and Elamin wonder if new COVID-19 variants are behind the push for stricter rules — though as of right now, international travel accounts for less than two per cent of coronavirus cases in Canada. Why has travel become a priority when other methods of community transmission could use attention? The other big story involves former vice-regal office occupant Julie Payette, who resigned as governor general following a detailed review that looked into allegations of workplace harassment. What does the government need to focus on next, when picking a successor? And what does the months-long story say about the Prime Minister’s judgement?

Previous Episode

Party in the U.S.A.: All in a week’s work

It's been just under a week since Joe Biden took office as the 46th president of the United States, and already so much has changed. Biden is quickly reversing Trump's policies, working to get major legislation passed to curb the coronavirus and fix the economy. We’re also hearing from people like Anthony Fauci who were muzzled by the Trump administration and are now speaking freely and looking much happier. Trump, meanwhile, has been kicked off social media and he's facing an impeachment trial. So, he's been pretty quiet. What is he up to? This week Elamin calls up Ella Nilsen, who covers domestic policy for Vox, as well as Alayna Treene, White House reporter for Axios.

Next Episode

Party in the U.S.A.: D.C.’s changing climate

Since we last checked in President Joe Biden has signed even more executive orders, including directives to advance racial equity and expand health care. He’s also got that big COVID-19 relief bill to get through Congress, and the massive issue of climate change to move up the agenda. By contrast, former President Donald Trump — who faces his impeachment trial on February 8th — had his five lawyers quit this weekend. This week Elamin calls up Seung Min Kim, White House reporter for the Washington Post and CNN Political Analyst, to break down what these executive orders all mean. We also talk to Zahra Hirji, climate reporter at Buzzfeed News to assess Biden’s climate policies so far.