Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Canada's handling of the pandemic should spark a little envy in its southern neighbor. Its

labor market is rebounding faster. Growth estimates are being revised upward. There is one risk,

though. Lots of unproductive jobs remain propped up by the government. And have a look in

the back of your cupboard. Did you stockpile dry goods in the pandemic's early days?

We take a look at the world's biggest pasta purveyor,

finding that even before this year, the market was growing,

especially in Asia and Africa.

But first... Britain's Prime Minister is beginning his working week in self-isolation.

Hi, folks, the good news is that NHS test and trace is working ever more efficiently.

The bad news is that they ping me and I've got to self-isolate.

Boris Johnson revealed on Twitter last night that he's working from home at Number 10 Downing Street,

having been in contact with someone who's since tested positive for coronavirus.

It was already a difficult time for Mr. Johnson.

Last week, Britain became only the fourth country to pass 50,000 COVID-19 deaths.

England is halfway through a second lockdown he had promised not to impose.

Meanwhile, talks between Britain and the European Union on a Brexit deal

are resuming today in a crucial week of negotiations.

And on Friday, Mr. Johnson's chief advisor, a man widely considered the most controversial

person in British politics, resigned.

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