CBC Radio's The House: Shots in the dark
Here is what's happening on this week's episode of The House

A week of pandemic politics
The pandemic in Canada is entering a new phase as cases decline from record highs in parts of the country, but the vaccine rollout is stumbling amid procurement and supply chain challenges.
François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, joins The House to talk about Canada's push to acquire and produce vaccines, before a panel of three opposition MPs — Conservative Stephanie Kusie, New Democrat Don Davies and the Green Party's Jenica Atwin — make their case for changing the country's COVID-19 strategy.

Poetry for a time of crisis and reconciliation
This week, Canada announced the appointment of its ninth parliamentary poet laureate. Acclaimed poet and residential school survivor Louise Bernice Halfe — who also goes by the Cree name Sky Dancer — is the first person born and raised in an Indigenous community to assume the role.
In conversation with host Chris Hall, Halfe discusses how poems can mend the divisions in today's society. She also reflects on how her appointment advances reconciliation and shares an excerpt from her upcoming book of poetry.

Tracking a coronavirus variant in one of Canada's most populous regions
At least 30 cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa have now surfaced in Canada. Ontario's Peel Region, which includes the cities of Mississauga and Brampton and is home to an estimated 1.5 million people, identified the province's first case of the variant this week.
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel Region's Medical Officer of Health, joins The House to discuss what must happen to curb the spread of coronavirus variants and offers his optimistic view for the months ahead.

Renewable energy in N.L.
It's election season in Newfoundland and Labrador, with voters in the province heading to the polls Feb. 13. The election comes as the province is reeling from a downturn in oil prices; keeping the oil industry afloat has been a major focus for the Progressive Conservatives and the Liberals.
But the idea of transitioning away from oil has barely come up. CBC National Reporter Chris O'Neill-Yates takes a look at the potential for renewable energy in the province.

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