CBC Radio's The House: Schools reopen and next steps for the Conservatives

Back-to-school politics

Students across the country are heading back to school after a hiatus of nearly six months, though concerns remain about provincial plans to keep kids safe in classrooms. A surprise $2 billion funding package came from the federal government to assist with that effort this week — but is it too little, too late?

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc joins guest host Tom Parry to talk about the announcement. Plus, the minister discusses topics closer to home — his return to cabinet after a battle with cancer and the election in his home province of New Brunswick.

CBC News: The House12:41Interview — Minister Dominic LeBlanc on federal back-to-school funding

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc discusses the surprise $2 billion funding to help provinces and territories welcome back students this fall as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. 12:41

Where should Erin O'Toole take the Conservative Party?

Former Conservative leadership race candidate Leslyn Lewis speaks to The House to reflect on her future with the party and what Erin O'Toole needs to do to defeat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Then, two Conservative Canadians — a first-generation immigrant working in Alberta's oil and gas sector and a Métis business owner in Manitoba — discuss why O'Toole wasn't their first choice as leader, how he eventually earned their support and where they want to see the party go next.

CBC News: The House17:11Interview — Leslyn Lewis: A newcomer making her mark

Leslyn Lewis discusses making her mark in the Conservative Party, her run in the leadership race and what she thinks the party should look like under Erin O'Toole’s leadership. Plus, two Conservative Canadians discuss where they want to see the party go from here. 17:11

A conversation with retiring senator Lillian Dyck

Sen. Lillian Dyck has broken barriers in her home province and across the country. When she was appointed to the upper chamber in 2005, she became Canada's first First Nations senator and the first senator of Chinese descent born in Canada.

This week, Dyck retired from the Senate, where she made an impact promoting the causes and concerns of Indigenous people. She joins Tom Parry to discuss her legacy and where she leaves the institution and the country.

CBC News: The House11:16Interview — Senator Lillian Dyck reflects on her career

Retiring Senator Lillian Dyck shares her thoughts about her legacy over the last 15 years serving the Senate, her greatest achievements and views on where Canada stands today. 11:16

Continuing unrest across the border

Following a week of unrest in the United States after an Black man named Jacob Blake was shot by police, the fallout continues. Protests across the border led major sporting leagues and teams —  including the Toronto Raptors — to postpone games to demand action on racial justice.

As questions arise over how systemic racism is being tackled here in Canada, The House recaps the week that was in the United States.

CBC News: The House3:22Segment — Continuing unrest across the border

The House looks back on the week that was as unrest over police brutality continues to build in the United States. 3:22