On this week’s show: Premier Tim Houston explains Nova Scotia’s response to a steep rise in COVID-19 cases and infectious diseases expert Dr. Lynora Saxinger contextualizes the threat of the Omicron variant. Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole reflects on a brief yet busy first sitting of Parliament. Minister Karina Gould talks about securing final federal child care deals. Plus — a conversation about Quebec’s Bill 21 and, in a podcast bonus, this year’s House of Commons Christmas poem.

On this week’s show: Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos lays out what Canadians should know heading into the holidays, with COVID-19 cases on the rise. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett weighs in on the push to decriminalize illicit drugs, as The House reports on Canada's other health crisis — the rise in overdose deaths. Plus — a look at reimagining Canada’s national security strategy and a dive into inflation, the latest pandemic support bill and next week's fiscal update.

On this week’s show: Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino details new border restrictions and Peel Region’s medical officer of health Dr. Lawrence Loh discusses concerns about the omicron variant. Plus — two journalists break down the fast-tracking of the government’s bill banning conversion therapy, and The House offers an in-depth look at the legacy of Agnes Macphail, including conversations between the CBC’s Hannah Thibedeau and some of Canada’s most prominent female politicians.

On this week’s show: Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan lays out new legislation aimed at protecting health care workers from harassment and lawyer Ian Runkle offers his take on existing measures in the Criminal Code. Plus — economists Armine Yalnizyan and Trevor Tombe discuss the latest concerns about inflation; Barbados bids adieu to the British monarchy; and a panel of journalists dissect Parliament's first week back.

On this week’s show: B.C. MPs Brad Vis and Richard Cannings react to flooding and landslides in the region and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra talks about building resilient infrastructure and supply chains. Plus — International Trade Minister Mary Ng and cross-border business council head Scotty Greenwood weigh in on the fight to secure a piece of the electric vehicle market and Government House Leader Mark Holland discusses the Liberals’ upcoming legislative priorities.

On this week’s show: As COP26 wraps up, Canadian farmers on the front lines of climate change pitch environmental solutions and a clean energy advocate dissects international competition in the electric vehicle industry. Three former MPs discuss the pressures facing parties on both sides of the aisle ahead of Parliament’s official return. Plus — a Remembrance Day conversation with an Afghan-Canadian who supported coalition forces in Afghanistan and a look at the politics of soccer in Canada.

CBC's Laura Lynch and U.K. climate envoy John Murton discuss pledges at COP26. Plus — the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador discusses the cyber attack on his province's healthcare system; the head of the Canadian Centre of Cyber Security on what can be done to prevent future attacks; and former environment minister Catherine McKenna and youth climate activist Meredith Adler talk about women leaders in the climate fight.

On this week’s show: the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society’s Cindy Blackstock reacts to the move to pause litigation in the government’s ongoing First Nations child welfare case. Plus — new Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen details plans to tackle his portfolio, ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Steven Guilbeault discuss their new climate roles as they head off to COP26, and former ministers Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan offer their thoughts on the new cabinet.

On this week’s show: Guest host Laura Lynch offers a primer on the negotiations and deal-making expected at COP26, the UN climate summit kicking off in Glasgow next week. Plus — Denmark’s climate ambassador maps out his country’s efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and get other nations on board, and the Maldivian foreign minister and president of the UN General Assembly discusses the biggest climate threats facing island nations and the need for rich countries to help out.

On this week’s show: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland explains a new global tax deal and discusses the future of federal COVID-19 supports. Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions president Linda Silas explores the possible impact of vaccine mandates on the health care system. Plus — experts debunk the dewormer conspiracy and a former contractor for the CAF shares the story of his family’s long-awaited flight out of Afghanistan.