10/3: Canada Covered

As the world scrambles to contain and study the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, Canada has reported its first few cases. As of Monday morning, there were two confirmed cases and four possible instances of Omicron in Ontario, discovered after the federal government announced a travel ban from several countries in Africa where the variant has spread more widely. Ottawa Citizen Health Reporter Elizabeth Payne joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we know about these initial cases, why Omicron has officials concerned, and whether it poses worries about resistance to vaccines, as the country races to inoculate schoolkids against the virus. Background reading: Two more cases of new variant confirmed in Ottawa, as WHO warns of 'very high risk' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Canada’s most well-known environmental activists, known for spouting off against governments of all stripes and our use of fossil fuels, is back in the news again for comments he made. Critics have accused David Suzuki of condoning or inciting ecoterrorism when he suggested we could see pipelines blown up because people are frustrated by the government’s action on climate change. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Suzuki’s comments, the fallout, and whether this kind of rhetoric wins any supporters. Background reading: 'Pipelines will be blown up,' says David Suzuki, if leaders don't act on climate change Tasha Kheiriddin: David Suzuki's 'blown up' pipelines comment is a winking incitement to eco-terrorism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The devastation of flooding in B.C. is on a scale unlike anything Canada has ever seen. Major infrastructure has been destroyed, supply chains have been cut off and ecological systems have been disrupted. National Post columnist Terry Glavin joins Dave Breckenridge to discuss how the disaster showed gaps in the province’s emergency preparedness, why B.C. may not be through the worst of it, and why this is a disaster Canadians can’t ignore. Background reading: Terry Glavin: The scale of the disaster unfolding in B.C. is unprecedented Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facing scrutiny amid a massive sexual misconduct scandal, the Canadian Forces will be reviewing how it trains and interacts with foreign military personnel after it was revealed officials met with a unit with ties to neo-Nazis. The review was sparked after concerns were raised by Jewish groups of the alleged involvement of Canadian troops training with a battalion in Ukraine with links to Neo-Nazis, as well as warnings by soldiers last year that Canadians trained with some Iraqi forces involved in torture and rape. David Pugliese who covers the military for the Ottawa Citizen joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the review and why the military's responses and other signs for a need for a culture change in the forces. Background reading: Canadian officials who met with Ukrainian unit linked to neo-Nazis feared exposure by news media: documents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an emissions cap for Canada's oil and gas sector as he looks for the country to get to net-zero by 2050. But what does that mean for Alberta's oil patch as big players plan their own transition to net-zero, and does it set up another political battle between Alberta and Ottawa? Calgary Herald, Business Columnist, Chris Varcoe, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the industry response to the announcement, how smaller players are handling the news and how hydrogen could play into Alberta's plans to reduce emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A campaign is underway to honour a Canadian veteran with the country's highest military medal for his actions in Afghanistan 15 years ago. Jesse Larochelle saved a platoon of his comrades outside Kandahar but his heroics took a horrible, physical and emotional toll on him. Senior National Post features writer Joe O'Connor joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what happened in October 2006 when Jesse Larochelle saved his fellow soldiers and the push to see him given the Canadian Victoria Cross. Background reading: Ghosts of Afghanistan: The story of a Canadian war hero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Stefanson is the first woman to be premier in the history of Manitoba, after winning the Progressive Conservative leadership race after the departure of Brian Pallister. But her victory is being challenged by runner-up Shelly Glover, who says there were irregularities in the vote and she is the rightful premier. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss some of the problems with the leadership vote, why Glover feels she has won, and what Stefanson’s first priorities will be as premier. Background reading: Two people think they're the rightful premier of Manitoba, and the PCs have themselves to blame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his newest cabinet last week, and there were some new faces in prominent positions, and some surprise demotions. Melanie Joly and Anita Anand were among a number of women promoted to senior positions, while embattled Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Mark Garneau were among key demotions as the Liberals get set to return to the House of Commons in a few weeks. Tasha Kheiriddin, National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we can expect from this cabinet in terms of priorities, how this sets the Liberals up for the next election, and how the cabinet signals who could be in the running to eventually replace Justin Trudeau. Further reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Trudeau is already setting up the next election with a Big Government cabinet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hockey world has been rocked by allegations that the Chicago Blackhawks failed to adequately address the sexual assault of a player by a video coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup season. Former first-round draft pick Kyle Beach revealed himself to be the player at the centre of a lawsuit against the club and an internal investigation launched by the team. National Post sports columnist Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the details of the investigation, who has been held accountable, and how the culture of hockey needs to change to protect players from abuse. Background reading: Scott Stinson: The Chicago Blackhawks scandal is another indictment of the culture of hockey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rogers is perhaps best known from your cellphone bill or the radio station you listen to, or its role as part owners of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. But at the heart of it is a family, one that is engaged in a fight over the future of one of Canada’s biggest telecommunications firms. Barbara Shecter, a business correspondent for the Financial Post and National Post joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what sparked the dispute within Rogers, what’s at stake for the company, and why this fight is headed to court. Background reading: Rogers rift takes new twist as both family factions claim control of the board What the Rogers boardroom drama means for investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadians will have a nationally standardized vaccine passport for international travel, the prime minister announced last week. The documents will be based on provincial data after provinces have rolled out similar documents for use at restaurants and events. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave to discuss why the feds opted to let the provinces continue with their own passports, and when we can expect them to be fully rolled out, and we also get an update on the vaccine mandates for MPs hoping to return to the house of commons. Background reading: Trudeau leans on provinces for international COVID vaccine passports for Canadians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albertans voting in municipal elections had three provincial initiatives on the ballot. Key among those was a referendum on equalization. The Alberta government has been pushing for equalization reform for quite some time, but there are questions about whether the referendum does anything. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the debate isn’t a simple yes or no question, what a yes vote actually means, and why this vote is so important to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. Read more: Majority of Canadians believe equalization is unfair to Alberta: poll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, nearly a month after winning a third mandate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced when the government would be getting back to work. The PM said he would name a new cabinet before the end of October and that parliament would resume in late November. On Thursday, Dave Breakenridge sat down with National Post political reporter Brian Platt to discuss some of the big priorities for this new minority government, what we can expect on the COVID-19 file, and how a vaccine mandate for MPs could spark controversy among the opposition Conservatives. Background reading: The first 100 days: Major battle over free speech, internet regulation looms when Parliament returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are back in Canada after more than 1,000 days detained in China. Their release highlighted the tense relationship between Canada and China, and also it impacts our politics and our economy. National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the state of Canada-China affairs, the political fallout in Canada, and the fate of another Canadian languishing in a Chinese prison. Background Reading: Canada's ambassador to Beijing urges businesses to seize opportunities in a rising China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After two seasons impacted by COVID-19, the NHL looks to play a full slate starting on Tuesday, even amid a fourth wave of the pandemic But despite the sense of normalcy that comes with a return to the ice, the league is reckoning with the departure of one of Canada’s biggest on-ice stars. Postmedia’s national hockey columnists Michael Traikos joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why it’s so important to the league to hold a season, how the NHL has managed the COVID vaccine situation and the news that star goalie Carey Price has entered the player assistance program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The treatment of Joyce Echaquan, recorded on her phone as she languished in a Quebec hospital bed, sparked a national outcry about racism in the healthcare sector. Now, a coroner’s report has found that racism played a role in her death. Montreal Gazette columnist Allison Hanes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the findings of the report, how it highlights long-standing issues in Quebec, and how the premier’s response could stall efforts to address them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate among police organizations about the existence of systemic racism is complicated. While there has been much talk about racism in policing since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020, there is still pushback from across the thin blue line. The debate in Vancouver has shown where these divisions lie. Vancouver Sun columnist Dan Fumano joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the complaint made by a long-time officer alleging systemic racism in the force, how the VPD has reacted and how the debate, dating back to last year, has put the chief at odds with Vancouver’s mayor. Background reading: 'Institutional systemic racism within the VPD,' veteran officer alleges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mere two weeks after restating Alberta wouldn’t see a vaccine passport, Premier Jason Kenney announced a vaccine passport amid rising cases of COVID-19’s fourth wave. Kenney deemed it necessary at this point as Alberta’s health system faced record numbers of hospitalizations and ICU admissions. The move has also created political pressure within his own party. Edmonton Journal political reporter Lisa Johnson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new measures the premier brought in, the criticism he’s facing from the public and within the UCP and how bad things have gotten in the health care system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal election left a bad taste in the mouths of many voters, and has left us right back where started. We’re facing a minority parliament, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau getting another term in office. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the factors that led us to another minority for the Liberals, the post-election relationship between Trudeau and Quebec’s premier, and whether Erin O’Toole’s future as Conservative leader is in jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s election campaign hit the homestretch this past week, as leaders made their final pitches to voters as to why they should be given the opportunity to govern. But will we see a change in Ottawa, or will this election leave us back where we were before? Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist for the National Post and principal for Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the leaders fared this race, what the big issues for voters have been, and what’s next for the main party leaders come Tuesday. Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Why Maxime Bernier's rise could secure Trudeau's re-election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite not winning any seats in its first election campaign in 2019, Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada is back for the 2021 vote, trying to paint itself as a true conservative alternative. But the PPC has been dogged by controversy over past ties to white supremacists, its opposition to measures to stem COVID-19 and its courting of anti-vaxxers, and the involvement of members in angry groups mobbing the prime minister. National Post columnist Rupa Subramanya joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what the draw is for some candidates, how the party reconciles itself with its own fringe elements, and whether it stands to play spoiler for other parties in this election. Background reading: Rupa Subramanya: The People's Party of Canada's rise is more complicated than anti-Trudeau rage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All five major party leaders faced tough questions and each other in the two official debates. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was the main target for his four opponents, as he faced attacks over broken promises and calling the election. But was the debate voters deserve? National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how each of the leaders fared, how the debates set the stage for the homestretch in the campaign, and why Canadians deserve more from the debate organizers. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Expensive Conservative platform shows they are no longer the no frills party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Faced with rising COVID-19 cases and flagging vaccination rates, the Alberta government brought back some familiar measures, like a mask mandate, and a 10 p.m. booze cutoff. But Premier Jason Kenney also courted controversy by announcing vaccine holdouts would be offered $100 to get the shot. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the announcement, the political fallout, and whether Alberta will follow other provinces with a vaccine passport. Background reading: Bell: Earth to Kenney — Wake up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The election campaign has passed the halfway point, and things are starting to heat up. Leaders squared off in the first French debate, which saw arguments over the snap election call, vaccines and sexual misconduct, and the Liberals unveiled their platform. In the second of our election panels, Tasha Kheiriddin, principal with Navigator LTD and a columnist for the National Post, and Warren Kinsella, president of the Daisy Group and a columnist for the Toronto Sun, join Dave to discuss the first leader's debate, the Liberals’ campaign platform, and whether the Grits have to go negative to stem their falling support. Background Reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Erin O'Toole looked prime ministerial during first leaders debate KINSELLA: Breaking down the wins and losses in the first leaders' debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite rising vaccination numbers, Canada is contending with a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, fuelled by the Delta variant. Cases and hospitalizations are rising across the country, as provincial governments look to bring in new measures such as vaccine passports and old measures like masking. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to discuss why Delta is proving so tricky, where we need to get to in terms of vaccinations, and what the fall could bring. Background Reading: With the rise of Delta, are vaccines still enough to end the pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The resurgence of the Taliban has thrown Afghanistan into chaos and has put thousands of lives in danger, as those who helped Canada and its military allies fear for their safety. But after Canada stopped its evacuation flights last week, many are wondering what can be done to help those left behind. Toronto Sun reporter Bryan Passifiume walks us through the chaos people faced trying to get out of Afghanistan, the potential political fallout for the Liberals, and whether there’s more Canada can do other than wait. Background reading: Those Canada left behind begin dangerous exodus to Pakistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadians go to the polls on Sept. 20, and this election campaign was pitched by Justin Trudeau as a chance to have a say in the direction of the country in the next 17 months. Based on the first third of the race, do we have a sense of what that will look like? In the first of a series of election panels National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux and Edmonton Sun columnist Lorne Gunter join Dave to discuss how the leaders have fared in the first few days of the campaign, why the Liberals have looked unprepared, and how Erin O’Toole and Jagmeet Singh have positioned themselves against Justin Trudeau. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Sorry Trudeau, thinking about monetary policy is thinking about families GUNTER: Erin O'Toole showing himself to be an effective campaigner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister surprised many political watchers with his sudden resignation announcement, less than two years since his PC party won a resounding mandate from voters. The move comes amid questions about his handling of the pandemic, as well as controversial comments about colonization and residential schools from within his government. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave to discuss Pallister’s rise to the premier’s office, his legacy for Manitoba and whether the pandemic changes will affect how he is remembered. Background reading: Pallister's legacy not defined by recent struggles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine being arrested and charged with a pair of murders, but you weren’t the person responsible. That was the case for an Ontario man, who spent more than two years in jail suspected in a pair of 2017 killings linked to the criminal underworld. National Post senior reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave to discuss the slayings, how police zeroed in on suspects and one man was left holding the bag while two other suspects skipped town. Background reading: 'The fall guy': How an Ontario man got blamed for two Mafia murders he didn't commit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Less than two years since Canadians handed the Liberals a minority government, we’re heading back to the polls again. Justin Trudeau hopes to see his party win a majority government, despite many wondering whether there’s any need to take Canadians to the polls now. National Post columnist and Ottawa bureau chief John Ivison joins Dave to discuss Trudeau’s motivation to call an election, what issues this race could focus on, and what’s at stake for his main opponents Jagmeet Singh and Erin O’Toole. Background reading: John Ivison: Even Trudeau's overblown rhetoric can't justify September election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the Tokyo games, Canada put up its best performance outside the Soviet boycotted 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. We hit new heights in terms of medals, while athletes set new national benchmarks, even after a year delay and interruptions to training due to the pandemic. Postmedia national sportswriter Scott Stinson joins Dave to discuss Canada’s successes, some missteps, and how the Tokyo games were as unpredictable as could have been imagined. Background reading: An unpredictable year delivered an unpredictable Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A break-in on a rural Alberta property left a resident of the home badly beaten and the intruder dead. The tragedy unfolded after the intruder had already broken into the home twice and released by Mounties. Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella joins Dave to discuss the deadly confrontation, the toll it has taken on the residents of the home, and why the intruder was let go, only to return to the home once more Background reading: It's time to replace RCMP with an accountable Alberta police force Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak made history at the Tokyo Games by becoming our most decorated Olympian. She collected her seventh medal in the pool, and at just 21 years old, it’s not a stretch to think she’ll add more hardware in Paris just three years from now. Wes Gilbertson, covering the games for Postmedia, joins Dave to discuss Oleksiak’s jump to prominence at the 2016 Games, what her performance in Tokyo says about the strength of our swimming program, and what the future could hold. Background Reading: Penny for her thoughts: Oleksiak returns home riding the wave of her Olympic success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since they have been introduced, COVID-19 vaccines have been seen as the ticket out of the pandemic. But as the delta variant takes hold in Canada, and second-dose uptake slows, debate has grown around whether we should introduce vaccine passports, as has been done elsewhere. Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist at the National Post and principal at Navigator LTD., joins Dave to discuss how a vaccine passport works, whether it’s a good incentive to increase vaccinations, and why there is pushback among some premiers. Background reading: Bring on the vaccine passports, and bottoms up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two of the most notable athletes at the Tokyo games have made headlines, but not for their podium finishes. Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka and gymnastics star Simone Biles both made early exits from the games, and both have cited concerns over their mental health. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave to discuss the significance of Osaka’s loss and Biles’ departure from the team and all-around competition, why mental health in sports needs to be discussed now and why the win-at-all-costs mentality is potentially harmful to athletes. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: It's no surprise Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka hit their limits at Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-essential travel between Canada and the U.S. has been shut down. But there are signs we could see a return to cross-border traffic by the end of the summer, with both Canada and the U.S. offering re-opening dates. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave to discuss the plan for reopening, how crucial the border is for business and whether the Delta variant could put a stop to all of it. Background reading: U.S. border closure makes 'no sense' as Canada starts to reopen for fully vaccinated Americans: critics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a year delay, and mounting concern due to rising COVID cases, the Tokyo Olympics are upon us. Thousands of athletes, officials and media are descending on the city, and while everyone is hoping things go smoothly, not everyone is happy about the games going ahead. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, in Tokyo for the games, joins Dave to discuss the mood in Tokyo, concern over rising COVID cases and whether measures are enough to contain possible spread, and whether this whole situation makes bidding for an Olympics even less appealing. Background reading: In the pandemic Olympics, how many dreams of glory will be stopped by COVID? In the pandemic Olympics, how many dreams of glory will be stInside Olympic quarantine life — snooping on the neighbours, drowning in trail mixopped by COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s big cities will be facing a number of economic challenges, and two of the biggest in the west will be doing so with fresh leadership. Calgary and Edmonton will elect new mayors in the fall as Naheed Nenshi and Don Iveson bid farewell. The National Post’s Alberta correspondent Tyler Dawson walks us through what both mayors will be most remembered for, how those races are shaping up, and what challenges their successors will face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the controversy-plagued tenure of Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Mary Simon will be Canada’s next Governor General. Our country’s first Indigenous vice-regal comes with an impressive diplomatic resume and extensive experience as a First Nations advocate. And it comes as Canada is reckoning with reconciliation. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave to discuss the significance of the appointment, how Simon feels coming into the role, and the challenge of restoring public confidence after the Payette scandal. Background reading: Mary Simon achieves historic milestone as first Indigenous Governor General of Canada New Governor General proved the elder Trudeau wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you get over an infection, but it never really goes away? For thousands, perhaps 10s of thousands, of people across Canada, recovering from COVID hasn’t actually meant recovering, but instead a long journey of potentially debilitating symptoms, with no end in sight for them. Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert joins Dave to discuss how widespread long-COVID is, how debilitating it can be for some patients, and how provinces are approaching treating them. Background reading: Long-suffering long-haulers need more services, research to end symptoms, advocate says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Canada’s Olymians arrive in Tokyo later this month it won’t be the games that they, or anyone was expecting. While events are going forward, Japan is limiting who can come into the country, and of course there’s the whole concern lingering due to a global pandemic. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins Dave to discuss how the pandemic changed training and qualifying for athletes, how Canada is preparing to keep them safe at the Tokyo games, and how some are feeling heading into the COVID Olympics. Background reading: Modern pentathlete Kelly Fitzsimmons lone Canadian trying to qualify for Tokyo Despite pandemic, sport climber Sean McColl has firm hold on training for Tokyo Canadian swim team headed for Tokyo Olympics a blend of resilience, experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Alberta woman who admitted to fatally shooting her husband is now fighting to have her 18-year sentence for manslaughter reduced. In 2017, Helen Naslund admitted to shooting her abusive husband Miles in the head in 2011, and hiding his body with the help of one of their sons. Edmonton Journal reporter Jonny Wakefield joins me to discuss the events that led to the killing, why the sentence was as long as it is, and why Helen’s appeal is arguing the sentence shows the justice system doesn’t understand violence against women. Background reading: 'Women who kill to survive': Court hears appeal from Helen Naslund, sentenced to 18 years for killing abusive husband Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves on the site of a former residential school in Saskatchewan has once again renewed focus on Canada’s track record on reconciliation and its treatment of First Nations peoples. The find is the latest in a series of discoveries since 215 unmarked graves were found at a Kamloops site, drawing international attention on Canada. National Post reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave to discuss what led to the latest discovery, how the local First Nations community has responded, and whether people are starting to re-think early estimates of how many kids died at residential schools. Background reading: ‘Like a crime scene’: 751 unmarked graves reported found at former Saskatchewan residential school Survivors and historical archives chronicle abuse at Marieval residential school The Indian Residential School Survivors Society emergency crisis line is available 24/7 for those that may need counselling support. That’s at 1-866-925-4419. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when we think we have a handle on the pandemic, we get thrown another curveball. COVID-19 cases in Canada are on the decline, vaccinations are up, and provinces are starting to re-open, but a new variant has taken hold here, potentially leaving us vulnerable to a new spike in infections. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to talk about where the variant has taken hold in Canada, how serious it is, and how it factors into whether Canadians are feeling comfortable about re-opening. Background reading: Race is on for Canada to vaccinate its way out of potential fourth wave driven by Delta variant Entering post-COVID world sparks anxiety for some, but uneasiness is normal reaction: experts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the COVID-19 pandemic has dragged on, some businesses have raised concerns over their ability to keep workers on staff due to shutdowns, but also due to government benefits and COVID anxiety keeping people at home. And as the government looks to roll back some of these benefits, there are concerns that it’s too soon, as it’s unclear whether we’re approaching a true return to normal. National Post political reporter Jesse Snyder joins Dave to discuss why businesses are worried about filling vacant jobs, why the government is rolling back benefits for workers and employers now, and what the political fallout could be. Background reading: NDP renews calls to keep COVID benefit at $2,000-per-month, as part of effort to push 'true left' identity 'Stay home and still get paid': Jobs go unfilled as frustrated employers blame COVID payouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the plan to reduce Canada’s carbon emissions, Alberta’s oil industry has stuck out as a question mark. It’s a major driver of the economy, but does produce a lot of emissions. But 5 of the biggest players in the oilsands have announced they plan to get to net-zero by 2050. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins Dave to discuss what’s behind the announcement, how the companies plan to get there, and other innovations in Alberta’s energy sector that could help capitalized on low-carbon opportunities. Background reading: A 'watershed event' as energy sector moves on net-zero action, hydrogen complex in Alberta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four members of a Muslim family in London Ontario were killed and their young son injured when a driver plowed into them. That driver has been charged with murder and police say it’s a hate-motivated crime based on the victims' religion. London Free Press reporters Jennifer Bieman and Jonathan Juha join Dave to talk about the victims, the police investigation and how this horrific crime has rocked London. Background reading: Alleged hate killings suspect wore body armour. What do experts say that suggests? Suspect in alleged London hate killings laughed during arrest: Witness Family killed in alleged hate attack cared for others physically, spiritually Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Canada appears to be nearing the end of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitoba is still facing a crisis point at its hospitals. The peak for hospitalizations is expected to hit this week in Manitoba, even as cases are declining, forcing the transfer of patients to other provinces, such as Alberta and Ontario. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave to discuss the current strain on Manitoba’s health system, the political fallout for Premier Brian Pallister, and whether Manitoba expects to reopen any time soon. Background reading: ALDRICH: We need to know Manitoba’s plan for a return to normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s dark legacy of residential schools has forced back into the spotlight with the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at a site in Kamloops. It has renewed calls for reconciliation, while reminding Canadians that thousands of Indigenous children who were taken from their homes never returned. And it has once again sparked pressure on governments to do their part to find where children may be buried National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave to discuss the push to search other sites across the country, and next steps in Canada’s attempts at reconciliation. Background reading: Trudeau says federal government will help find other residential school gravesites Residential school remains could reveal how 215 children lived — and died, experts say The Indian Residential School Survivors Society emergency crisis line is available 24/7 for those that may need counselling support. That’s at 1-866-925-4419. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The light is at the end of the long COVID-19 tunnel. That is at least the message Canadians are getting from many provincial premiers, who have released re-opening plans as we sit on the cusp of summer. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss what’s behind the differing approaches, why we’re getting these plans now, and when we could expect to see normalcy in Canada. Background reading: Saskatchewan shuns a 'Trudeau summer' and plans its own reopening in lockstep with vaccines Most of Alberta's COVID restrictions could be gone by early July, says Kenney Chris Selley: Lockdown-obsessed Ontario sits at the back of the reopening pack B.C. outlines plan to end COVID-19 restrictions; eyes September return to normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices