It's the most wonderful time of the year. But what if being with family dredges up difficult memories and feelings? Then, Toronto Star sports reporter Doug Smith on his new book, "We the North: 25 Years of the Toronto Raptors." And we go behind the scenes with TVO's regional reporters to discuss how they've handled reporting in a pandemic.

Are video calls and distanced meetings enough to nourish friendships during the pandemic? Then, exploring the life and legacy of Canadian prime minister Louis St-Laurent.

Was Ludwig van Beethoven the greatest composer to ever live? We consider his enduring popularity. Then, author George Weigel discusses his book, "The Next Pope: The Office of Peter and a Church in Mission."

Beyond the pandemic, 2020 has had an unprecedented number of climate emergencies. We review the year in climate-change extremes. Then, author Stephen Bown on the forgotten history of the Hudson's Bay Company.

The Royal Ontario Museum's "Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic" exhibit showcases A.A. Milne's enduring classic tale with a Canadian twist. Then, how is the International Symphony Orchestra filled with musicians from Sarnia, Ont., and Port Huron, Michigan riding out the pandemic. And, author Michael Posner discusses his book, "Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories: The Early Years."

Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus can linger for weeks and months. Why does it affect some people that way, but not others? Then, Ontario Hub journalists discuss stories from their communities. And, we review our top stories from the week.

Ottawa's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches has advocated for a harm-reduction approach as a strategy to avoid COVID fatigue. Along with Peel Medical Officer of Health Lawrence Loh, they discuss this and other approaches to public-health safety during the pandemic. Then, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal on how to boost your mood by falling in love with movement.

Steve Paikin chats with Peter Jennings about his book, "Until I Smile at You," on songwriter Ruth Lowe's experience penning hit tunes for Frank Sinatra. Then, Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner discusses her road to fame. And, Jazz Bistro's Heidi Van Vlyven on staying afloat during a pandemic.

What are the barriers for students with disabilities in the context of remote learning? Then, Canadian journalist and author Ethan Lou discusses how he bore witness to the earliest stages of COVID-19 in Asia and Europe, the subject of his new book, "Field Notes from a Pandemic."

The Neskantaga First Nation in northwestern Ontario has been under a boil water advisory for 25 years - Canada's longest. How did it come to this? And what efforts are underway to put permanent solutions in place for this community and others. Then, Senator Murray Sinclair discusses retirement and the memoir he's writing about his remarkable life and career.

As the world awaits the arrival of vaccines for COVID-19, The Agenda explores what, if any capacity Canada has to manufacture the new kind of vaccines that have shown high efficacy. Also, how will they be rolled-out, once they arrive on Canada's shores. Then, TVO's regional journalists discuss issues in the communities they cover. And, a review of this week's top stories.

The province's manufacturing industry has faced some tough challenges over the past decade. But there is positive momentum building up in certain sectors like high-tech and automotive. Can Ontario regain its status as Canada's economic engine? Then, exploring the mysterious stories of those who disappear without a trace in North America's forests, woods, and mountains.

The federal government rolled out its fall economic statement this week. What will it mean for Ontario? Then, examining the impact that the pandemic has had on older adults.

Today is World AIDS Day. How is Canada faring in its commitment to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030? Then, examining the latest research and treatments in Canada and whether we're any closer to a vaccine.

Author and winner of the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, Jessica J. Lee, discusses her new book in which she discovers her Taiwanese heritage through the country's expansive nature and mountain ranges. Then, essayist and critic William Deresiewicz explains how the digital age has devastated and demonetized the arts, the subject of his new book "The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech."

Ontario Hubs regional journalist discuss stories making news in the communities they cover. Then, The Agenda reviews its week of programming.

How are efforts to fight human trafficking being compromised by dangerous conspiracy theories? And what motivates people to believe in such disinformation? Then, prominent feminist Judy Rebick discusses her own personal triumphs and tragedies.

As infection rates continue to rise during the pandemic's second wave, Ontario's Minister of Longer-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton maps out the government's efforts towards quality care in long-term care homes. Then, is enough being done to protect residents, caregivers, and staff?

A new TVO Original documentary, "Running Wild: The Cats of Cornwall," shines a light on how that small Ontario city has made headlines over its feral cat population. The team behind the project describes the troubling effects on the community and how the citizens are devoted to fixing it. Then, explorer and famed geographer James Raffan on the plight of the polar bear.

Is America's relentless pursuit of economic efficiency undermining democratic capitalism? World-renowned business thinker and author Roger L. Martin thinks so. He's written a new book about it and shares his insights with Steve Paikin. Then, what business leaders can do to change course.

Author and journalist Tanya Talaga discusses her new audio series providing lessons drawn from the Seven Grandfather Teachings that guide Anishinaabe life. Then, Ontario Hubs journalists talk about stories they're following in their regions. And we review top stories from the week.

Former U.S. Consul General for Ontario Juan Alsace discusses some of the ways the province can strengthen and broaden its relationship with the United States.

A look at the origins, geopolitics, and humanitarian toll of the ongoing civil war in Yemen, and how Canada factors in. Then, Steve Paikin speaks with some of those involved in the making of a new documentary, "Once Upon a Time in Iraq."

Authors share their insights about whether literature on the theme of infectious disease has anything to show readers about how to live through COVID-19? Then, a look at some of the unique challenges faced by libraries during the pandemic and how they're rethinking the future of the revered institution.

Jim Karahalios and independent MPP for Cambridge Belinda Karahalios talk to Steve Paikin about their plans to form a new conservative political party in Ontario. Then, how the pandemic has changed Premier Doug Ford's leadership style and what that means for the Ontario PCs moving forward.

Nick Nurse led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship. He discusses his life and career leading to that moment, the topic of his book, "Rapture: Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win - Damn Near Anywhere."

Two months into the school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, what's working and not working in the era of online learning? Then, Infectious Diseases physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch tells us whether the newly-announced Pfizer vaccine in the U.S. is good news for Canadians.

A new report by the Canadian Armed Forces has identified a list of deficiencies that require immediate action in the province's long-term care homes. Will their recommendations better protect residents and staff from any future outbreaks?

Writer and political commentator David Frum weighs in on the U.S. election results and contextualizes the state of play going into and coming out of the contest.

The government of Ontario has presented its first budget since the start of the pandemic. What do economists think of the province's fiscal plans? Then, Nick Kypreos talks about his book, "Undrafted: Hockey, Family, and What it Takes to Be a Pro."

Dakshana Bascaramurty discusses her book, "This is Not the End of Me: Lessons on Living from a Dying Man." Then, TVO's regional journalists discuss stories they are following around the province. And, we review our stories from the week.

Ontario's Minister of Finance Rod Phillips presents the details of his government's budget, a three-year action plan that will focus on financial pandemic-response measures. Then, finance critics from each opposition party evaluate the province's economic intentions.

What is America and the rest of the world thinking the day after the election? We invite experts to discuss their analysis of the U.S. election, and its possible consequences.

How are Canada's charities and community organizations faring with the challenges brought on by the pandemic? And, as demand continues to surge for their services, what will they need to succeed in delivering their planned objectives? Then, a look at the past and present of Canada's most notorious punk band, the focus of a TVO Original documentary "Picture My Face: The Story of Teenage Head."

The Agenda debates the decision by Queen's University to remove the name of Sir John A. Macdonald from its law building. Then, political satirist P.J. O'Rourke offers up his views on how America has become so divided, the 2020 presidential election, and the future of U.S. politics, all topics he covers in his new collection of essays, "A Cry from the Far Middle: Dispatches from a Divided Land."

Nam Kiwanuka talks to Annamie Paul, the new leader of the federal Green Party. Then, how are new forms of container and vertical gardening addressing food security. And, our top stories of the week.

Is it time for Canada for remove Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become a fully sovereign country? And what would breaking up entail? Then, Ben Macintyre discusses his book, "Agent Sonya: Moscow's Most Daring Wartime Spy."

As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we look at the effectiveness of government messaging and how it's managing other pressing issues of the day.

John Stackhouse, author, journalist, and senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Policy, talks about why Canadians working or living abroad should be considered strategic assets to Canada and its prosperity. It's the subject of his new book, "Planet Canada: How our Expats are Shaping the Future."

What policies should the federal government pursue to stimulate a strong post-pandemic economic recovery? Then, musician, author, and sit-com star Jann Arden talks about why failure is essential to success, the subject of her new memoir, "If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging."

How is the virus spread through large gatherings and how is tracing and testing handled when such an outbreak occurs? Then, our regional journalists check in with stories from the communities they cover. And we review our top stories.

Timmins and many other northern Ontario communities continue to be challenged by a growing opioid epidemic and homelessness. What actions are being taken to address these issues? Then, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof discusses the economic crisis facing working-class Americans, the subject of his new book, "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope."

Steve Paikin talks to Barbara Amiel about her tell-all memoir, "Friends and Enemies." Then, from stocking up on canned foods, to turning to favourite comfort treats, how is the pandemic determining food choices?

In many countries, politicians are looked upon as untrustworthy and politics as a rigged game. Do we really need these officials to function as a civil society? Then, author and political science professor Alex Marland on how power is exercised in Ottawa, the topic of his new book, "Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada."

Former Toronto mayor David Miller's new book advances the idea that cities are perfectly poised to fix the climate crisis, and in fact, they're already doing so but just need to step it up. Then, how can a mid-sized city such as Hamilton plan for growth and climate-change mitigation without sacrificing equality and social justice issues?

Advanced Symbolic Inc.'s Erin Kelly discusses what Polly the AI pollster is finding out about the U.S. presidential race. Then, Ontario Hubs journalists discuss issues affecting the regions they cover. And, The Agenda reviews its week of programming.

Renowned historian Margaret MacMillan traces the evolution of war and how it's shaped institutions, values, and ideas. Then, what would former prime minister Lester B. Pearson say about Canada's foreign policy today?

Toronto's Luminato Festival has a new CEO; Steve Paikin talks to Celia Smith about her appointment and the role the festival can play in helping our recovery from effects of COVID-19 pandemic. Then, the complex set of protocols that are helping Ontario's film and tv industry get back on its feet?

Fifty years ago, a homegrown terror group launched a violent campaign for Quebec's independence. How did it begin? And what effect does it still have on those who witnessed the events?

Chef and food activist Joshna Maharaj talks about the province's food import-export practices and why we don't keep what we grown here in Ontario. Then, award-winning science fiction author Robert Sawyer discusses his new book, "The Oppenheimer Alternative," an intriguing what-if scenario about how America developed the atomic bomb.

McMaster University medical student Nicole Crimi talks about how her children's book, "Patty and the Pandemic," came about and why it was important for her to use artistic skills and scientific knowledge to help shepherd kids through this uncertain time. Since March, dating apps have experienced a surge in membership and usage as people turn to their phones to find companionship. How has the pandemic affected the search for love and intimacy? We ask: Maryanne Fisher, a psychology professor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax; Rebecca Liang, a student at Ryerson University; and Natasha Sharma, relationship expert and co-founder of The 8-Hour Therapist. How are businesses doing in the network of underground paths in Toronto, and office towers across the province when so many people are working from home? Then, how can the province attract students to the fields most needed? How is the China-Canada relationship progressing along? And, we discuss what happened to the open internet's promise?

How has COVID-19 affected the network of restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses in Canada's office buildings and underground pathways? Then, a group of post-secondary students discuss how the pandemic has changed their college and university experiences.

What must Canada do to take control of its data and build up the country's digital resiliency? Then, CNN chief media correspondent Brian Stelter discusses the evolution and affects of the Trump-Fox News partnership, the subject of his new book, "Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth."

What exactly does Russia want from the next decade? What is it willing to do to achieve its objectives? Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, helps answer those questions. Then, what is to be done about Canada's complex and challenging relationship with China?

What does it take to incentivize people to study the jobs we need? The Agenda discusses how to train people for the right jobs, and what role the government plays in getting people into post-secondary institutions. Then, economist Jeff Rubin on how decades of trade liberalization has gouged the middle class, the subject of his new book, "The Expendables: How the Middle Class Got Screwed by Globalization."

Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford officially declared that COVID-19's second wave has hit Ontario. Raywat Deonandan is a Global Health epidemiologist and associate professor with the University of Ottawa's Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences. He talks to Nam Kiwanuka about what we can expect to see in the coming weeks and whether Ontario is on the right track in its approach to the current situation. Personal support workers have had to adjust to a new reality as the COVID-19 pandemic has worn on. But what about those who were in the midst of their training to become PSWs? Southwestern Ontario Hub journalist Mary Baxter spoke to some students about their experiences, and what drove them to seek the uneasy road of caring for ill patients in the first place. Then, The Agenda reviews its top stories from the week.

Resurgent authoritarianism, a rise in populism; is liberal democracy meeting its reckoning? The editor and contributors of a new book, "Constitutional Democracy Under Stress: A Time for Heroic Citizenship," reflect on this notion. Then, how the Canadian government is planning to force big tech companies such as Google and Facebook to pay for Canadian content and assist struggling media companies in the process.

Journalist and psychologist Maria Konnikova reveals what poker taught her about luck, skill, and decision-making in everyday life.

In the wake of calls to drastically reform, defund, or even abolish police services, how can Ontario change the culture of its policing? Then, is the use of algorithmic surveillance technologies by Canadian police a threat to privacy and fundamental freedoms?

There's a lot of talk about people moving from cities and into suburban, small-town, and rural communities. Will the pandemic redraw the map of where Canadians live? Then, world-renowned medical biochemist and botanist Diana Beresford-Kruger discusses the healing medicine that trees offer us, and the role they play in disabling global warming.

Harnarayan Singh discusses his career in hockey broadcasting and his book, "One Game at a Time: My Journey from Small-Town Alberta to Hockeys Biggest Stage." Then, TVOs regional journalists discuss stories making news in their communities. And, The Agenda reviews its top stories.

How close is Canada to developing a homegrown vaccine against COVID-19? Then, award-winning science podcaster Latif Nasser discusses his new Netflix series ,Connected, which aims to explain how we are all linked to each other and the world around us.

It's a contentious time in the U.S. But have the seeds been sown for a potential civil war? And what would that mean for Canada? Then, author and Harvard professor Michael Sandel tries to make sense of what's gone wrong with American civic life, the subject of his new book, "The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good."

The idea of a guaranteed income has gained support during the pandemic. Proponents and detractors weigh in on the proposed program. Then, Michael Sabia, head of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, shares his thoughts on how to build the new post-lockdown economy.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Ontario. Medical experts tell Steve Paikin what's behind this unsettling upward trend. Then, the hospitality industry has taken a huge hit during the pandemic. Can it recover?

Filmmaker Mira Nair discusses "A Suitable Boy," a BBC miniseries based on Vikram Seths acclaimed, epic novel. Then, Shelby Lisk, TVOs journalist covering Indigenous issues in Ontario discusses the unique challenges facing Indigenous people in Canadian journalism. And, we review our top stories this week.

Musician Rufus Wainwright discusses writing an album during the pandemic. Then, how can the film industry in Ontario bounce back after a half-year of shutdowns?

Its been a quarter century since one of the most dramatic chapters in the history of Indigenous activism in Ontario. What has changed? What hasnt? Then, Leslyn Lewis discusses her impressive run in the recent federal Conservative leadership race and what lies ahead for her political future.

Representatives from unions across the province discuss Ontarios back-to-school plans, protocols, and how to ensure keeping children, youth, teachers, and school staff as safe as possible. Then, how the day-to-day moves in financial markets neither drive nor necessarily reflect developments in the economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the issues with child care availability and affordability in Ontario. What can be done to improve the sector? Then, why homeschooling is on the rise across the province.

Steve Paikin discusses plans for the Conservative Party of Canada with newly elected leader, Erin O'Toole. Then, the challenges of covering Indigenous stories in the mainstream media. And, a look at top news events of the week.

SickKids president and CEO discusses how life under lockdown has intensified mental health struggles for many children and youth. Then, how will this pandemic shape the lives of Gen Z?

From small business to large companies, how will the province and the country recover from lockdowns and shutdowns that have characterized the COVID-19 pandemic emergency measures?

Minister of Education Stephen Lecce discusses Ontario's back-to-school strategy and the ongoing tension between the government and the province's four major teacher unions. Then, could Canadians be heading to the polls this fall? Federal politics watchers weigh in on that question. They'll also recap a summer like no other in Canadian politics.

In a 2012 interview, author Chrystia Freeland discusses her Gelber Prize-winning book "Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else." Then, Emma Donoghue talks about her novel, "The Pull of the Stars," set during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and discusses the striking resonance between then and now. And, Jeyan Jeganathan looks at a vertical farming technique that's the industry into the future. A Labour Day mix of old and new material.