Cross Country Checkup

If you've ever flinched at the price of beef, coffee or chocolate lately, you're not alone. StatsCan says food prices are still climbing. And for many Canadians, the grocery bill is where the affordability crisis hits hardest. Prime Minister Carney said Canadians will judge his government by what they pay at the checkout. So what should Ottawa do? Our question: What’s ONE thing the government should do to cut grocery prices? How are you cutting costs?

This week Federal MP Chris D'Entrement stunned Parliament by joining the Liberals - nudging them just two seats from a majority. It's a rare move, but not an isolated one. Tory MP Matt Jeneroux also resigned, after whispers of a defection. We unpack the political ripple effects, the timing, and what it all means for party loyalty and power in Ottawa. Our question: Is there anything wrong with floor crossing in Parliament? How important is party loyalty to you?

Doug Ford called it the most successful ad in North American history — but Donald Trump called it cheating. Ontario’s anti-tariff ad campaign has been pulled after stirring debate on both sides of the border. Trade talks have halted and Mark Carney apologized to Donald Trump. Our question: Was Ontario's anti-tariff ad worth it? What conversations are you having with the Americans in your life?

The Toronto Blue Jays came within two outs of a World Series win — before a crushing loss to the Dodgers in extra innings. From Bo Bichette’s homer to Ernie Clement’s tears, it was a run that united fans across Canada. Our question: What did this World Series journey mean to you, and how do you bounce back after defeat?

When Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider dropped an F-bomb during a live post-game interview, the crowd cheered. Just days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump used the same word on camera, when talking about Venezuela’s leader. From politics to sports to pop culture, the F-word seems to be everywhere, In shows like Succession and The Bear, and even in everyday conversation. Some say it’s a sign of authenticity and emotion. Others call it a decline in civility and respect. Our question: Do you judge someone who uses the F-word? How do you feel about more widespread acceptance of swearing?

The Toronto Blue Jays are chasing their first World Series title since 1993, facing the LA Dodgers with the series now tied at one game apiece. It’s the story of underdogs who became “Canada’s Team,” uniting fans from coast to coast. But this World Series isn’t just about baseball. Politics are in play too, after Donald Trump froze trade talks and imposed new tariffs in response to Ontario’s anti-tariff ads airing during Jays games. Our question: What does the Blue Jays World Series run mean to you?

Softwood lumber, steel, auto manufacturing are some of the Canadian industries targeted by Trump's trade war. Stellantis recently announced it will be moving production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton, Ontario to Illinois. That multi-billion dollar investment and thousands of jobs are now headed south to Trump's America. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the president's tariffs are to blame. It's a reminder they're having a very real impact on Canadian workers, and the families and communities that depend on them. Our question: How is the trade war affecting your livelihood? Are you worried about your job?

For many people, the idea of cutting a parent, sibling or other relative out of your life goes against everything we hope family should be. But as you'll hear, and may know first-hand, it happens. Whether it is because of politics, abuse, money, or something else entirely, the choice to sever ties is a difficult one. Our question: Have you ever gone 'no contact' with a family member? Have you ever had to decide when to heal a relationship, or when to move on?

Increasingly, online scammers are combining the old techniques of preying on people looking for love or a sure-fire investment with the latest technology. Have you ever come across a video of Prime Minister Mark Carney online promoting a money making venture? It may look real, but it's almost certainly created by a scammer looking for money -- often in the form of cryptocurrency. And Canadians are losing tens of millions of dollars every year to crypto scams according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Our question: What’s your scam story? Have you ever fallen victim to a crypto scam?

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aims to end the war that started two years ago. As of this show's live recording, we're seeing an end to the fighting and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in the territory. And we are hours away from the return of the hostages taken prisoner during the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Our question: What’s at stake for you in the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas? And what questions do you have about what comes next?

Since 2016, more than 50,000 Canadians have died from toxic drug poisoning. That's roughly the population of Woodstock, Ontario or Penticton, BC. In May, Alberta passed the "Compassionate Care Act", a new law giving police, family members, and doctors the right to request mandatory addiction treatment for those deemed a danger to themselves or others. B.C. recently announced an expansion in its involuntary care program while other provinces are considering it. Supporters call it a last resort for those who can't help themselves. Critics warn it's a dangerous overreach with serious ethical risks. Our question: Is involuntary treatment for addiction ever justified? When - if ever - should it be mandatory?

The opposition party in Nova Scotia tabled a bill proposing a social media ban for anyone under 16. But the governing Conservatives say what the Liberal bill proposes "is not possible at the provincial level" and that "it would require federal action"to implement. Critics warn bans like these don't work and that kids will just find workarounds or possibly be pushed toward even riskier platforms. Our question: Should children under 16 be banned from TikTok or other social media apps?

Canada Post launched a nationwide strike after Ottawa unveiled sweeping reforms including scrapping door-to-door delivery and shutting some rural postal offices. Our question: How does the Canada Post strike affect you? Is it time to end home delivery?

More than half of Canadians own a pet and for many pet owners, their cat, or dog, or bird is part of the family. But, the cost of these furry friends have many people faced with tough decisions. According to a recent survey from Abacus Data, nearly three quarters of Canadian pet owners say their veterinarian fees are high and lead to stress. The same survey found that among pet owners 77 per cent support government rules or regulations on the fees that vet clinics can charge. Our question: What happened when you were faced with a sky-high veterinary bill? How did you cope?

A new Food Banks Canada report says 1 in 4 Canadians are food insecure. That's up 40% in just two years. We are going to hear what the rising cost of food looks like for you and what you're doing about it. Our question: How are high grocery prices affecting you? How are you making ends meet?

Speed cameras track how fast you're driving and create a ticket that's eventually sent to you. Something about them frustrates people so much, the cameras are being vandalized. According to Toronto police, 16 were hit in the city in one night. One speed camera in particular has been cut down seven times. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says they're a cash grab. City council says they save lives. But this isn't just a Toronto story. Speed cameras or photo radar has come and gone in several cities and provinces through the years. But speeding remains a problem coast to coast. Our question: Are speed cameras the answer to slowing drivers down? Why do you speed?

Parliament is back, And the gloves are off. Mark Carney's Liberals are leading in the polls, but voter satisfaction appears to be slipping. And Pierre Poilievre will step into the House for the first time since winning his Alberta byelection. But it's about more than the theatre of Question Period, decisions made in Ottawa this fall will affect your paycheque, your grocery bill, and maybe even your vote. The next election may be months or years away, but the battle for public trust starts now. Our question: Federal MPs are returning to Parliament. What do they need to fix first?

Toronto's new renoviction bylaw forces landlords to prove renovations are necessary before evicting tenants. Supporters say it protects renters from being pushed out illegally. Landlords say it's a bureaucratic mess that discourages building upgrades and will ultimately lead to higher rents. But, we're not just focusing on Toronto. Cities across Canada, like New Westminster, B.C., Hamilton and London all have renoviction by-laws in motion or in place. So wherever you are in Canada, this issue may affect you. Our question: Are renoviction bylaws a step too far or not far enough?

Some people love the structure, others say it wrecks work-life balance - new data from Angus Reid says nearly 50% of Canadians think federal workers should be forced back into the office. Nearly the same number of people disagree. This is after major major banks like BMO and RBC have mandated up to four days a week in-office. Ontario's public service is following suit, with full-time office returns expected by January. Employers say it's about collaboration, creativity and mentorship. But some workers aren't convinced. For them, remote work offers flexibility, autonomy and time with family. Our question: Should employers be able to force workers back into the office? What is lost when we work from home?

Students and teachers will be trying to navigate a new technology this year. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. And students have access to tools that can replace research and writing they should be doing. You could ban students using AI, but then how do we prepare kids for a future where they might very well need to use it? Our question: Has AI use in the classroom gone too far or not far enough? Is AI creating a generation of cheaters or achievers?