Last week, the federal government unveiled new legislation that would relax penalties for certain drug offences. It doesn’t go as far as decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of certain drugs — something many advocates, municipal leaders, public health officials, even chiefs of police have called for — but could it be a sign of shifting perspectives at the national level? As the opioid crisis continues to claim the lives of Canadians, Rosie and Elamin wonder whether more progressive drug policy could be around the corner.

But first: the two turn their attention to Alberta, where Premier Jason Kenney’s government is delivering their 2021 budget. It comes at a time when Kenney finds himself in a pretty bad place: his popularity has plummeted through the pandemic and his average approval numbers are hovering around 40 per cent. Could a welcomed budget be enough of a boost to change how Albertans are feeling about their premier?