Cost of Living

Canada used to be richer than OECD countries like Ireland and Austria. Well, not anymore! Economist Paul Beaudry explains how it comes down to years of declining productivity. Also, why it's a buyer's market for used EVs and why catalytic converters aren't really worth stealing anymore.

The climate is changing. So are we. On What On Earth, you’ll explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. More than five decades later, is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots? OG organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – his team persuaded roughly one in ten Americans to take to the streets. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his singular piece of advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a reinspired Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday. More episodes of What On Earth are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/FV-JxPXJ We love to hear from our listeners and regularly feature them on the show. Have a question or idea? Email Earth@cbc.ca

The TMX pipeline is $25-billion over budget. We explore why cost overruns are the norm rather than the exception. Plus, why those Pokémon cards you used to collect in your childhood could now land you some big coin and — the mystery and history of Visa.

New laws require employers in some provinces to be upfront about salaries in job ads — but how transparent are they when the pay range is $50,000-$150,000? Also, why retailers ask for your email address every time you buy something. Plus, Paul Haavardsrud asks Immigration Minister Marc Miller if Canada tried to do too much too fast when it opened the door to a record number of immigrants last year.

The CPP invests more than twice as much in the US than it does in Canada, but some argue it should be making Canadian money work for Canada. Also, we ask if airlines could get off the ground faster if they started charging for carry-on and whether women are the key to solving the labour shortage in the skilled trades.

Ever wondered how fast food restaurants find inspiration for new menu items? We go inside the A&W test kitchen, to find out. Also why an old-school budgeting trend is winning over young Canadians and how much money you need to be happy.

The idea of the "24-hour city" is catching on, but are Edmonton and Ottawa ready to be cities that don't sleep? Also, why is it so hard to come up with an original brand name that's not offensive in another language? Plus, why co-working spaces could become your third office.

J.Crew, Aldo and Modrobes are making a comeback. We explain why they're worth resurrecting. Also, how malls are designed to keep you feeling lost, happy and shopping and the real life Succession story of the Rogers family.

Tune into this bonus podcast we put together with our friends at CBC's investigative consumer program, Marketplace. Erica Johnson joins Paul Haavardsrud to uncover how banks are pushing products people don’t need, at higher prices, and the questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line. If you want to see the hidden camera footage featured on this podcast, go to YouTube or CBC Gem and search for the full report called: The Big Bank Upsell.

The middle class gets a lot of attention in Canadian politics. So why is it so hard to define? We look at the rise of credit card chargebacks and how they cost businesses. Also, why do cars have cell phone chargers and cup holders — but no place for your purse?

Just because that website looks legit doesn't mean it is. Also, why a British company is hoping to strike it big by buying up Canada's bowling alleys. Plus, what former prime minister Brian Mulroney's free trade deal has meant for Canada over the past 35 years.

Best Botox in a Bottle, Top Places to Eat, Best Car Wash. Is being the best really the best if you have to pay for it? Also, why you should pick up the phone when Stats Can is calling about its Labour Force Survey. Plus, will Apple's new VR headset finally make virtual reality — a reality?

Why is it easier to find a cheap bottle of wine from Europe than Canada? Why does decaf sometimes cost more than regular coffee? Who still uses cheques and why is the loonie so much lower than the greenback?

Nuclear energy is having a moment. Also, what happens when a $64-million lotto prize is up for grabs and no one claims it? Plus, rental vacancies are at an all-time low while retirement homes have room to spare.

A famous study once showed money does make you happy, but only to a point. New research shows that's not entirely true. Also, how to keep thieves from stealing your loyalty points and — your car.

If Pantone's colour of the year is "peach fuzz" — why do we seem to be surrounded by gray and beige? Also, how "loud budgeting" can help you save money while keeping your friends. Plus, what you should know before you take out an instalment loan from an online lender.

Tune into this bonus podcast from our friends at White Coat, Black Art. If you miss work because you’re sick, do you really need to get a note from a doctor? Employees say it's a hassle. Doctors say public healthcare shouldn’t be turned into the corporate HR police. So is it time to say "so long" to the sick note?

The former co-CEO of Blackberry says the key to the knowledge economy is locking up intellectual property, and Canadian companies aren't doing that. Also, how to sail through retirement on a cruise ship and why more Canadians are calling a lawyer after being laid off.

Does Gen Z lack the soft skills older employers expect? Also, what's fueling a 40 per cent jump in business insolvencies and what will Canada's economy look like in the year ahead?

Tomatoes for 99 cents/lb and five avocados for $2 — we explain how independent grocers sell produce at such low prices. Also, tips to stop spending in January and how the late Harry Rosen changed the way clothes made the Canadian man.