Cross Country Checkup

Carol Off | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Our AMA guest today will be a familiar voice to our listeners. Carol Off spent sixteen years co-hosting CBC’s As It Happens, after a career as a correspondent reporting from all over the world. The thousands of interviews she’s conducted have laid the groundwork for her new book entitled “At a Loss for Words: Conversation in the Age of Rage.” Each chapter is devoted to a politically-charged word - freedom, democracy, truth, woke, choice and taxes. The book delves into how the meaning of each of these words has been weaponized to further drive divisiveness in society. Carol joined us to answer your questions about her new book and the state of polarization in politics.

How is polarization affecting you?

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

A lot of Canadians are feeling the pain of polarization. In politics for sure. But many felt pushed apart by the pandemic, from masks to vaccines to where you got information you trusted. Debate is sometimes replaced by slogans. People and their positions reduced to a single word: Marxist, fascist, elitist, extremist. So how is polarization affecting you? How are you handling political disagreements?

How did life change after your parents could no longer care for themselves?

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Parents often say they'd do anything to make sure their children are well cared for. But what happens when that relationship shifts as those children become adults caring for an aging parent? Finding the answer can strain family finances and families themselves. How have you dealt with caring for an aging family member?

Talking about sex with teens | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

A new report from the World Health Organization suggests that teens, including Canadians, are using condoms less. At the same time STI’s like syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV have been on the rise in Canada. Cory Silverberg is a sex educator and author of "You Know, Sex" a book geared towards young people and all the questions they have. They answered your questions about how to start these conversations with your own teen.

Should there be a fall election? And... why does the Trump-Harris debate matter to you?

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Suddenly, we could be one House of Commons vote away from a federal election. If that vote was a confidence motion on the budget for example, it would trigger a federal election. For the Conservatives, riding high in the polls, that may be an exciting prospect. For supporters of other parties, maybe less so. What do you think? Should there be a fall election? And are you satisfied with your options for Prime Minister?

And then in our second topic, we discuss why the Trump-Harris debate matters to you. One gaffe or the perfect quip in the debate just might be enough to determine the winner in one of those too close to call swing states. And if truth matters, everyone will have their hands full on Tuesday night fact checking a barrage of problematic or misleading claims. So why does the Trump-Harris debate matter to you? What will you be watching for? Todd Graham is a professor of debate at Southern Illinois University and an expert on the theatre of presidential debates. He joined us in addition to callers to see what he is going to be watching for as well.

Why does the Trump-Harris debate matter to you? What will you be watching for?

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

There is so much at stake in a US Presidential race. One gaffe or the perfect quip in the debate just might be enough to determine the winner in one of those too close to call swing states. And if truth matters, everyone will have their hands full on Tuesday night fact checking a barrage of problematic or misleading claims. So why does the Trump-Harris debate matter to you? What will you be watching for? Todd Graham is a professor of debate at Southern Illinois University and an expert on the theatre of presidential debates. He joined us in addition to callers to see what he is going to be watching for as well.

What happened the day you became an empty nester? And... is a university degree still worth it?

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

It is one of those life-changing moments that doesn't get a lot of attention. Even the greeting card industry hasn't created an "Empty Nest" category. However you feel about it, when a child moves out, it's a dramatic change and for some it can be a rough time. What happened the day you became an empty nester? How did your relationship with your kids change after they moved out?

And then in our second topic, we discuss the value of a university degree. The Bank of Canada looked at data from 2018 gathered by Statistics Canada. It determined that workers in their 40’s with a university degree earned about 10 dollars more per hour than those who graduated from college or another post-secondary school. But that gap was larger back in 1997 and the economy has certainly changed since 2018. Joel Westheimer is a professor of democracy and education at the University of Ottawa and has written and talked about the value of a university degree. He’s also an education columnist with CBC Ottawa. He answered your questions about whether or not a University degree is still worth it.

Is a university degree still worth it?

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The Bank of Canada looked at data from 2018 gathered by Statistics Canada. It determined that workers in their 40’s with a university degree earned about 10 dollars more per hour than those who graduated from college or another post-secondary school. But that gap was larger back in 1997 and the economy has certainly changed since 2018. Joel Westheimer is a professor of democracy and education at the University of Ottawa and has written and talked about the value of a university degree. He’s also an education columnist with CBC Ottawa. He answered your questions about whether or not a University degree is still worth it.

How do you feel about supervised consumption sites in your community?

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Ontario's Health Minister announced plans to close half of the supervised consumption sites in the province, while increasing spending on homelessness and addiction treatment centres by nearly $400 million. How do you feel about supervised consumption sites in your community? Should there be restrictions on where they’re located?

Plus, Magic Mushroom retailers are popping up like....well...mushrooms. Our AMA answers listener questions about psilocybin.

Psilocybin | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Magic Mushroom retailers are popping up like....well...mushrooms. Dr. Rob Tanguay is an Addiction and Pain Psychiatrist, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta. He answers listener questions on psilocybin, including potential medical uses and its pitfalls.

Russia Ukraine War | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Ukraine's surprise attack into the Kursk region of Russia has sent shock waves around many parts of the world as fears of escalation mount. Alexander Lanoszka is an associate professor of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo. He answered audience questions on Sunday about Ukraine's military strategy and what this could mean for the future of the war.

Would you buy an affordable EV made in China?

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

There's been a lot of hype around EVs made in China lately the BYD Seagull, a Chinese-made 4-door EV with a range comparable to the most affordable electric vehicles you can buy in Canada right now has a price tag of just $13,000 The cheapest 2025 EV available in Canada will cost you roughly $27 000 more than the BYD Seagull. This could be a major problem for North American automakers. Back in May American President Joe Biden announced a 100% tariff on EVs made in China.Now the Canadian Government is considering a tariff of their own while still trying to stay on track with their target of 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2035. Would you buy a Chinese-made EV?

What happened when you met a biological family member for the first time?

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

It's never been easier to get a DNA test, but that doesn't mean what happens next is easy. From the elation of finding your long lost birth parent, to the shock of discovering a family secret, to the tangle of emotions between family members old and new, for better or worse, you may be opening a door that will never close. What was your experience meeing a biological family member for the first time?

2024 Paris Olympics | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

There were some big wins for Canada at the Paris Summer Olympics, breaking, fencing, track. Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian athlete to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games. But there were also controversies like the women’s soccer drone scandal. Morgan Campbell is a sports reporter and a Senior Contributor with the CBC. He took your questions about the highs and lows of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Are e-scooters public transportation or a public menace?

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

There's a lot to like about electric powered scooters, relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly, but if you're a pedestrian who's been hit by a scooter rider zipping along the sidewalk you may feel differently. Earlier this summer, Montreal's Children's Hospital called for stricter rules on the road after a series of devastating ER visits related to e-scooters. What's your opinion on the rising number of e-scooters on our streets?

Kamala Harris | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Kamala Harris is expected be confirmed as the Democratic presidential candidate, making her the first woman of colour to run for the US presidency for a major party. Already, the polling gap between Republicans and Democrats has narrowed substantially, with Harris even polling ahead of Trump in some battleground states.

So where will the campaign go from here? Christopher Devine is an associate professor of political science at the University of Dayton. He's also the co-author of the book, "Do Running Mates Matter? The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections". He answered your questions about Kamala Harris.

What did you lose in the Jasper wildfire? What does Jasper mean to you?

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

One third of the buildings in Jasper have been destroyed and no one knows when people can return and start to rebuild. Across the country, many of you are also feeling a sense of loss and uncertainty. When will we be able to visit Jasper again and what will it look like?

Raising Young Athletes | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The summer Olympics are in full swing in Paris and it’s hard not to get swept up in the Olympic glory when so many amazing human feats are on display. The rush of Olympic glory can be intoxicating for young athletes, their parents and coaches. But are we pushing our kids too hard to be the best? Brenley Shapiro is a sports psychologist and performance coach. She answered your questions about pushing kids too hard in sports.

Why are so many people single now?

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

According to Statistics Canada there's been a drop in the number of people living together as couples over the last 30 years Why people are choosing to be on their own? What does that mean for their state of mind and financial bottom line? Are single people more or less happy on their own?

Joe Biden steps down | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Joe Biden is officially out of the 2024 presidential race. He posted a statement on X Sunday afternoon saying "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on my duties as President" Moments later he offered his full support and endorsement for Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Paul Hunter is the Senior Washington Correspondent for CBC News. He answered your questions about the state of the U.S. presidential race.

What's your reaction to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump?

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Last night Donald Trump was shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI says it was an assassination attempt. The former President is fine according to his campaign and will still attend the upcoming Republican National Convention this week, but many believe that political discourse in the U.S. is not fine. What’s your reaction to what’s happening in the United States right now? What needs to be done to take the temperature down from here?

Pre-nups | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The question of whether or not to sign a prenup can be a touchy one for couples to navigate, but apparently the practice is becoming less taboo. An Angus Reid survey earlier this year found two-thirds of Canadians believe prenups are a good idea. Farzana Jiwani is a lawyer at Modern Family Law. She answered your questions about prenups and cohabitation agreements.

When did you decide it was time to step down from a job or something important to you?

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Questions about whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden should step aside have been popular topics of conversation for months now, but you don't have to be a national leader to have faced the difficult challenge of having people suggest you give up something that you've worked hard to achieve. Maybe you felt you needed to step aside. What was that like? How did you make the decision?

Should Justin Trudeau step down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada?

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

At least one current member of parliament and several former Liberal politicians are questioning the Prime Minister's leadership after a surprising by-election defeat in Toronto. The Prime Minister says he'll keep fighting for Canadians, and members of his cabinet have come out in his support. But what do you think should happen next?

2-TOPIC SUNDAY: What's your favourite Canadian Sporting moment? | Should Justin Trudeau step down as Liberal leader?

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Cross Country Checkup is celebrating Canada Day weekend with two topics. First, in this post-Stanley Cup, pre-Olympic moment, we were thinking about the role sports plays in our national culture.

Those events that bring us and bind us together, that don't just entertain... but inspire. Join Ian Hanomansing and long-time CBC Sports host Scott Russell as they hear your favourite Canadian sports moments. And some former Liberal politicians are calling on Justin Trudeau to step down as party leader. Do you think he should?

MSNBC’s chief correspondent Ali Velshi | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

This Thursday is the first debate of this U.S. presidential election campaign. U.S. President Joe Biden will square off against former U.S. President Donald Trump. Ali Velshi is an award-winning journalist, chief correspondent with MSNBC, and host of the weekend program, "Velshi.” He answered your questions about his career, his new book, as well as the state of politics – and democracy – in the United States.

When your city or community was faced with a crisis – what acts of kindness did you give or receive?

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

At the moment, many Candians are going through crisis. We started the show with an evacuee from Churchill Falls, a town in Labrador. Hundreds of people were evacuated from that town because of a wildfire this week. As well, the residents of Calgary are being asked to conserve water after that water main break earlier this month. But in many catastrophes, there has also been an outpouring of kindness – often from total strangers. When your city or community was faced with a crisis – what acts of kindness did you give or receive?

Is working from home killing downtown cores?

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

About 20 per cent of Canadians work most of their hours from home according to Statistics Canada. Some cities are now asking whether downtown cores need workers to return to the office. Is it fair for employers and politicians to push for workers to come back? Is working from home better for you? What's best for your community?

Minister of Housing Sean Fraser | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

For many Canadians housing affordability is the issue right now. The federal Liberals have promised to build 3.9 million homes by 2031. But recent warnings from CMHC say housing production in Canada is still lagging behind. Sean Fraser is the federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities He answered your questions about the housing crisis.

Ask Me Anything | So you've graduated... now what?

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

If you or your child is wrapping up high school or university, you’ve probably got more questions than answers about what comes next. From diving straight into work, taking a gap year, or pursuing further education, there are plenty of options. Sabrina McTaggart is a career coach who helps young adults find their career paths. Rachelle Doucet is a high school guidance counsellor. They answered your questions about grads and what comes next.

Should future generations be banned from buying tobacco?

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador are considering banning future generations from ever being allowed to buy tobacco. Do you think this approach will work? And how did you manage to quit smoking?

Breast Cancer Screening | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

For years, medical experts have been calling for the national guideline for routine breast cancer screenings to be lowered from 50-years-old. But last week, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care released a draft recommendation that said it’s not going to lower the recommended screening age to 40 for women with average risk – and that decision has been met with widespread disapproval. Our AMA guest this week was Dr. Jean Seely. She’s the head of the breast imaging section at the Ottawa Hospital and professor of medicine in the radiology department at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Seely answered your questions about screening for breast cancer.

Does Canada’s airline industry need an overhaul?

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Canada's Competition Bureau is going to study the country's domestic airline industry. Many of us rely on airlines to stay in touch with family to conduct business and to explore this vast country but it can be expensive. How can we make it better? Does Canada’s airline industry need an overhaul? Are there enough travel options in your part of the country?

Political journalist Paul Wells | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 26 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Journalist Paul Wells has been covering federal politics for decades. He’s written about former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Paul Martin. His new book explores Justin Trudeau’s time in office since his government came to power in 2015. He answered your questions about federal politics.

What's the solution to the toxic drug crisis?

Sun, 26 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

In British Columbia there were 25-hundred and eleven illicit drug deaths last year -- the majority of them involving the opioid fentanyl. Meanwhile, the provincial government announced it's banning illicit drug use in public spaces, a key feature of last year's pilot program which aimed to decriminalize drug use in many instances. Amidst the decriminalization debate, what's the solution to the toxic drug crisis? If you are in recovery -- what can we learn from your story?

Are you prepared for another wildfire season?

Sun, 19 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

This week marked what could be the beginning of another dangerous wildfire season. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes because of fires throughout parts of western Canada. This is after last year's record breaking season which saw tens of thousands of people flee their homes, 15 million hectares of land burnt, and nearly the entire country blanketed in smoke for parts of the summer.

Wherever you are in Canada -- are you ready for another wildfire season?

And for our Ask Me Anything - it's Spring, which can be a vulnerable time for migraine sufferers. Hear from a neurologist to learn about migraine causes and prevention.

Migraine headaches | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 19 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Spring can be a vulnerable time for migraine sufferers. Our AMA guest this week was Dr. Christine Lay, a neurologist and the Founding Director of the Headache Program at the University of Toronto. Dr. Lay answered questions about migraine headaches, along with suggestions for migraine prevention and management.

How are you navigating high food costs?

Sun, 12 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

A recent boycott against Loblaws aims to try to force the grocery giant to reduce prices. The company's recent quarterly report shows an increase in profits, while food prices have gone up roughly 20 per cent in Canada over the last 3 years. Do you think the boycott have an effect? How are you dealing with the high cost of groceries, and who or what do you blame for rising prices?

Lab-grown meat | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 12 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Lab-grown meat has been making political news this week. Our AMA guest this week was Isha Datar. She is the executive director of New Harvest, a nonprofit research institute that funds cultured meat research. She answered your questions about lab-grown meat.

Are protests an effective way to change minds?

Sun, 05 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The recent encampments on campuses across North Amercia have stimulated a lot of debate about what limits there should be on protest and activism. Have these demonstrations changed any of your views about the conflict? And beyond the universities, in your personal life, how are you dealing with conversations about the Israel-Hamas conflict?

The notwithstanding clause | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 05 May 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recently suggested that, if elected, he might use the notwithstanding clause to push through criminal law reform. The clause has never been used before at the federal level --though it has been used provincially. Eric Adams is a law professor at the University of Alberta who specializes in constitutional law. He answered your questions about the notwithstanding clause and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Coffee, caffeine | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

According to the Coffee Association of Canada, the average coffee drinker in Canada consumes over two cups of coffee a day. Andy De Santis was our AMA guest this week. He is a Registered Dietician with a private practice in Toronto. He answered your questions about coffee, energy drinks, and caffeine.

Do you care about how much plastic you use?

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

We produce 400 million tonnes of plastic waste worldwide every year. This past week, an international conference in Ottawa debated how best to reduce that amount. Is the amount of plastic you use important to you? Is a world with less plastic even possible?

Should you have a ‘right to disconnect’ from work?

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The federal budget includes a plan to develop a so-called "right to disconnect" policy for federally regulated employees. How would you feel if your boss sent you an email during your time off? Do you feel like you have a healthy work-life balance?

Sports Betting | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Earlier this week, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter from the league following an investigation into gambling allegations. CBC news reporter Jamie Strashin has been leading our coverage on sports betting and closely following Jontay Porter’s ban. Chelsea Rodrigues is a problem gambling counsellor at the Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare They answered your questions about sports betting and Jontay Porter.

How important are cost of living issues for you?

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

According to a recent Ipsos poll, cost of living issues are the top priority for Canadians in the upcoming federal budget. How is the cost of living crisis affecting you right now? What would you like the federal government to do about it in the budget?

Is climate change an election issue for you? Would the carbon tax affect your vote?

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Despite calls from those against the levy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not backing down from the carbon tax. You've almost certainly heard Pierre Poilievre's Axe The Tax slogan. Many provincial premiers have come out in opposition as well. On the other side, over two-hundred economists have signed an open letter in support of the tax. Is the carbon tax a ballot-box issue for you? How does your stance on climate change affect your opinion of the tax?

Solar Eclipse | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Over 31 million people live in the path of totality of April 8th's solar ecplise. Andrew Fazekas is the author of “The Backyard Guide to the Night Sky” by National Geographic. He answered your questions about the celestial event on our AMA.

Should cell phones be banned in schools?

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:10:00 EDT

Some of Canada's biggest school boards have recently launched lawsuits against the companies behind Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. We all know how distracting our smartphones can be, but is banning them in classrooms the best solution? Is there a downside to switching off?

Carbon Tax | Ask Me Anything

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:10:00 EDT

The carbon tax is set to rise from $65 dollars per tonne to $80 per tonne on April 1st. The price on carbon is set to go up another $15 dollars each year until 2030. Chris Ragan is an economics professor and Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. He answered your questions about carbon tax.