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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this week’s show: Three MPs reflect on what it’s been like to represent Canadians in an exceptional year. Then, the CBC’s Murray Brewster speaks with Maj-Gen. Jennie Carignan for a glimpse into the battle diary of one of Canada’s top soldiers. Also, two communications experts discuss the effectiveness of governments’ COVID-19 messaging and the CBC’s Olivia Stefanovich shares the story of a First Nation looking to end a quarter-century boil-water advisory.

On this week’s show: An Alberta woman who lost her father to COVID-19 shares her story and argues for changes to the government’s response. COVID Immunity Task Force co-chair Dr. Catherine Hankins discusses Canada’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Also, CERB recipients talk about an attempted clawback of some people’s benefits, a wide-ranging discussion with Justice Minister David Lametti and an exit interview with Sen. Murray Sinclair.

On this week’s show: Tourism operators in Alberta and Newfoundland offer their thoughts on new government aid. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole scrutinizes Canada's vaccine plans. British journalist Claire Bolderson analyzes the U.K.’s recent vaccine approval. Also, the CBC’s Bartley Kives outlines Manitoba’s continued struggle with soaring COVID-19 cases and two Arctic experts discuss the challenge of foreign development in the North.