The Bill Kelly Show Podcast:

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole sought Monday to get his party’s bid for power back on track after the lead-up and first day of the 2021 federal election saw him fending off critiques of his approach on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and a controversial ad.

The party unveiled a detailed policy platform billed as “Canada’s Recovery Plan,” pledging to spend billions of dollars to address problems exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic, including the precariousness of jobs in the so-called “gig” economy and the exodus of women from the workforce

ALSO: Trudeau vows to extend COVID-19 business supports to March

GUEST: Richard Brennan, Former Journalist with The Toronto Star covering both Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill

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After weeks of speculation surrounding a federal election call, a five-week countrywide campaign is now underway after Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau visited Governor General Mary Simon on Sunday to ask for Parliament to be dissolved.

With Ontario having the highest number of ridings up for grabs set against an emerging fourth wave of COVID-19  and heightened criticisms surrounding the provincial government’s handling of the pandemic during the third wave, the current dynamic raises questions of how Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario could impact federal party standings in the province.

ALSO: Ontario open to child care deal with federal Liberals, with some flexibility: Lecce

GUEST: Muhammad Ali, Senior Consultant for Crestview Strategies

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Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul's main airport Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos, U.S. officials said, as America's longest war ended with its enemy the victor.

The crowds came while the Taliban enforced their rule over the capital of 5 million people after a lightning advance across the country that took just over a week to dethrone the country's Western-backed government. There were no major reports of abuses or fighting, but many residents stayed home and remained fearful after the insurgents' takeover saw prisons emptied and armouries looted.

What’s the latest from Kabul?

GUEST: ‘Rafi’, Afghan native in Kabul

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast:

Ontario will mandate vaccines for hospital and long-term-care workers and begin targeted COVID-19 booster shots while keeping current pandemic restrictions indefinitely, the Star has learned.

Against the backdrop of the pandemic’s fourth wave, Dr. Kieran Moore, the chief medical officer of health, will announce the sweeping measures next Tuesday, including a pause on any further reopening of the economy.

ALSO: Canada to require vaccination for air, rail and marine travellers as well as federal employees

GUEST: Dr. Brian D. Lichty, Associate Professor in Pathology and Molecular Medicine with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre

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After months of speculation, the 2021 Canadian federal election is officially on.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed on Sunday that he spoke with the newly-minted Gov. Gen. Mary Simon earlier in the day and asked her to pull the plug on the minority government he has led since October 2019.

Election Day will be Sept. 20, meaning the campaign will be a tight five weeks long.

How will it work during a pandemic?

GUEST: Dr. Lori Turnbull, Director of the School of Public Administration with Dalhousie University

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Canada is shutting down its embassy in Kabul and suspending diplomatic operations in Afghanistan as the Taliban enter the capital.

On Sunday, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said personnel are now on their way back to Canada.

“The current situation, poses serious challenges to our ability to ensure that safety and security of our mission,” he said. “We thank them for their tireless efforts to help the people of Afghanistan in their pursuit of democracy, human rights, education, health and security. Our commitment to the people of Afghanistan, including women and girls and the LGBTQ communities remains unwavering.”

Trudeau made special mention of the recently announced immigration program to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans.

Could we do more here in Canada? & Is the world effort enough?

GUEST: Dr. Athena Madan, Assistant Professor in the School of Humanitarian Studies at Royal Roads University

It's time for Tech Talk with Adam Oldfield!

Topics Include: Samsung launches some new projects, Hack Of The Week, electric cars & more.