Variants and the vice-regal vacancy

Party Lines

Two significant news stories have taken over political headlines since Elamin and Rosie dropped their last episode. The first involves some heavy hints from the federal government that tighter travel restrictions are just around the corner. Rosie and Elamin wonder if new COVID-19 variants are behind the push for stricter rules — though as of right now, international travel accounts for less than two per cent of coronavirus cases in Canada. Why has travel become a priority when other methods of community transmission could use attention? The other big story involves former vice-regal office occupant Julie Payette, who resigned as governor general following a detailed review that looked into allegations of workplace harassment. What does the government need to focus on next, when picking a successor? And what does the months-long story say about the Prime Minister’s judgement?