Cross Country Checkup

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's live special from Edmonton with CBC's West of Centre. Callers and experts weigh in on what the Alberta referendum means for the future of the province, and the country as a whole. Plus, campaigners who are for and against Alberta independence state their case.

On Monday, Albertans head to the polls in a major referendum. A yes vote gives the provincial government a mandate to ask if Alberta should officially separate from Canada. A no vote, according to premier Danielle Smith, settles the issue. But separatist leaders reject that. In this special co-production with West of Centre, we hear from callers and campaigners on both sides of the separatism debate, along with pollsters, political commentators and Premier Smith's chief of staff about where Alberta goes from here.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's segment on adult kids getting financial support from their parents. Some are getting help paying the bills, while others are living with their parents to save money in a tight housing market. We hear from experts and callers on how their navigating these family dynamics and how it impacts their relationships.

The countdown is on to the U.S. midterm elections, with less than a month until Americans head back to the polls. With U.S-Canada relations at all time low, we hear from political commentators on both sides of the border about the weeks to come, and how Canadians should be interpreting the results. Plus, callers share what's at stake for them and why they're watching this year's midterms.

A recent RBC poll found that nearly 1 in 3 parents with adult children aged 18-40 are still helping them out with their bills. And a growing number of young adults are still living at home with their parents because of the housing market. We hear from a personal finance expert, and a family therapist on how to navigate these issues among families. Plus, Canadians share their stories of giving and getting financial support rom their parents, and the tensions that come along with it.

This ICYMI takes you back to November 1970. The War Measures had been declared in response to a series of kidnappings and violence by the Front de libération du Québec, a Quebec separatist group. With national divisions on display, Cross Country Checkup asked callers for their thoughts on the state of the country, and how Canada should move forward. Here's an extended cut from that episode which aired November 8, 1970.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's segment on calling vs. texting. As social norms evolve, the etiquette on when to call and when to text is changing expert. We hear from experts and callers about how these preferences are affecting their relationships, and how they keep in touch with friends and family.

As technology shifts our social norms, callers weigh in on whether it's better to call or text to connect with friends and family. We'll hear from a psychologist, a dating expert, and a linguist about the phone vs. text debate is affecting our relationships and how we communicate, especially as a generational divide emerges between those who like to talk and those who text.

The proposed Alto high-speed rail project could cost up to $113 billion according to a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office. We'll hear two experts weigh in on whether the price tag is worth it for Canada, as well as farmers and residents along the proposed the route with opposing views on Ottawa's pitch. Plus, callers share the questions about the future of high-speed rail across the country.

This ICYMI takes you back to October of 1986. As Canada and the United States are negotiating a bilateral free trade deal, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber. With many Canadians already skeptical of lowering trade barriers with the U.S.... Checkup asked: Should we go on with the free trade talks? With Here's an extended cut from first 30 minutes of that episode which aired October 19, 1970.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's segment on workplace monitoring and your privacy. A growing number of bosses are using productivity software to track employees remotely and in the office. We hear from experts and callers about how this technology is affecting Canadian workplaces, when it becomes a privacy issue and what you can do about it.

With MPs back on Parliament Hill this week, party leaders are promising to deliver on affordability. But for many, the Canadian dream of working hard, buying a house and getting ahead is feeling less attainable with the crushing cost of living. We'll hear from two experts with opposing views and political strategist about what solutions are on the table. Plus, Canadians share how they're coping as budgets are getting squeezed.

TD Bank is rolling out productivity software to monitor employees' screen time, web browsing, and chats. The move is part of a growing trend where workplaces are tracking workers online and in the office. We speak with experts in workplace culture and privacy law to get their tips on what employees need to know. Plus, Canadians share how they feel about this technology.

This ICYMI takes you back to December 1966. With holiday budgets and Christmas around the corner, Canadians were worried about expenses and how to secure their economic fate in the future. Cross Country Checkup took to the airwaves and asked callers "How do you get rich in Canada?" Here's an extended cut from first 30 minutes of that episode which aired December 11th, 1966.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's Ask Me Anything with former Alberta premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley. With one month to go until the Alberta referendum, the former political rivals join us to answer your questions on Alberta politics and why they're campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada.

Former political foes Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley are teaming up to convince Albertans to stay in Canada in next month's vote where Alberta separatism is on the ballot. The two former premiers join us to answer your questions on the state of Alberta politics and its relationship with Ottawa.

As Canada-U.S. trade talks remain at a stand still, Prime Minister Carney is making the case to forge deeper ties with the E.U. We speak to journalists, economists and trade experts about what these shifting global alliances mean for Canada. Plus, Canadians share their take on our place in a changing world.

This ICYMI takes you back to 1992, when the European Union was in it's infancy. Twelve countries had already signed on to be part of a union that would include a new government, a central bank, and a shared currency. But it was a controversial plan. Several nations had taken the idea to a national vote leading to dramatic referendums playing out throughout Europe that year. After French voters elected to join the EU, Cross Country Checkup took to the airwaves and asked callers "Should Europe unite?" Here's an extended cut from first 30 minutes of that episode which aired September 27th, 1992.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's Ask Me Anything on the threat posed by artificial intelligence. Are the recent dire warnings about AI based on science or science fiction? A professor of computer science and an associate deal of communication and technology we'll answer questions and tell you how worried you need to be about AI.

With AI engineers and researchers past and present sounding the alarm over the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, we take your questions over the existential threat posed by AI. If it is able to make the human race extinct -- how would that even happen? AI experts Francis Syms and Kevin Leyton-Brown help us sort out what's science and what's science fiction in this Ask Me Anything on artificial intelligence.

We'll take a closer look at an international report that shows that while our kids' academic scores are still strong, they are falling -- especially in reading and math. Education expert Kelly Gallagher-Mackay will tell us why. Also, we'll hear from two people living with dyslexia who have a view on how reading is taught in schools, and a university student has struggled with math her whole life, and believes her phone may be partly to blame. And we'll hear from Canadians who have struggled with math and reading -- and what they think should be done about it.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to September 12, 2001. It was the day after the deadliest act of terrorism on US soil. A total of four planes were hijacked and eventually crashed leaving now survivors. And a total of 2753 lives were lost inside the World Trade Centre. Here are callers on a special edition of Cross Country Checkup which aired on September 12th, 2001.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on Canadian's travel during the trade war. We hear whether fresh tariffs from the Trump administration have Canadians ready to renew their travel boycotts to the United States. Where are they going instead? And if it's in Canada -- what were the highlights?

Students are heading back to school around the country. Is AI going to be there waiting for them? Many teachers and school boards are looking for ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into what they do -- we'll hear from a university professor who has made an AI-version of himself to respond to questions when he's not around. In other places, like New York City, AI is being banned for most students. We'll hear from parents, students and teachers about where they stand on AI in the classroom.

With new U.S. tariffs in place on Canadian goods, we'll hear whether travellers in this country are renewing their boycotts to the United States. Recent data suggests those boycotts may have been softening this summer, but tourism professor Wayne Smith has a different view. And with more money being spent in Canada this year, travel writer Robin Esrock tells us some hidden travel gems in this country.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to September of 1992. Kids were headed back to school, but there were concerns that Canadian students were falling behind -- spurred by a recent international report on education. There was plenty of blame to go around, but on this day Checkup asked whether parents were part of the problem. Here are voices from Checkup callers from September 6th 1992, reacting to the question: “Are parents failing the school system?”

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on a new law in Quebec that would ban the purchase of energy drinks for kids under 16 years of age. We'll hear what Canadians think about the law. And we'll hear from both sides of the debate -- a registered dietitian who helped push the law forward, and a representative from the Canadian Beverage Association will weigh in.

The US-Canada trade war is on... and the war of words is getting heated. Canadians weigh-in on what is becoming a nasty dispute with the United States. Content creator Tod Maffin has advice on how to up your "buy Canadian" game. And the Alberta premier's chief of staff will explain why they're not interested in putting an export tax on oil heading to the US.

This summer, Quebec became the first jurisdiction in North America to ban energy drinks for kids under 16 years of age. Hear both sides of the debate, from registered dietician and researcher who helped push for the ban, and a representative from the Canadian Beverage Association. And, of course, we hear your views and stories about energy drinks and caffeine.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on the breakdown in trade talks between Canada and the U.S. Without an agreement, agreement, a new round of 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods are now in place, and Prime Minister Carney is vowing to fight back with retaliatory tariffs to come. We hear from business owners and experts on both sides of the border about what happens next, and Canadians share how this never-ending trade dispute is affecting them.

Trade talks collapsed on Friday night and the U.S. imposed massive new tariffs on some Canadians goods. We hear how Canadians are processing the news -- and how ready they are for a renewed trade war. Is Canada still 'elbows up'? From economics to politics... our experts break down what this means and where this relationship is headed.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to May of 2016. The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie shocked Canada when he announced he had terminal brain cancer at the age of 52. The Hip also announced they would embark on what would end up being the band's final tour. Here are voices from Checkup callers on May 25, 2016, reacting to Gord Downie's diagnosis, and the question: “Is the Tragically Hip Canada’s band?”

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on close calls while swimming. Hundreds of people die every year from drowning in Canada. And parts of the country are already seeing a spike in accidental drowning deaths so far in 2026. We'll hear how Canadians learned to swim, scary moments they've faced while submerged, and hear tips about how to stay safe in open waters.

From bears, to moose, to snakes, animal interactions have been making the rounds in the news this summer. Canadians share the encounters that made for fun stories later on, and the scary ones that changed the way they think about being in nature. Plus, a wildlife expert shares safety tips on how to deal with close calls.

This year, parts of Canada are noticing an increase in accidental drowning-related deaths. And one survey finds that 50% of newcomers in the country say they are weak swimmers at best. From the beach to the pool, Canadians share their swimming close calls. Plus, a swimming instructor shares tips for how to protect yourself in open waters.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to November of 2002. That's when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's director of communications was overheard calling U.S. President George W. Bush a 'moron' at the NATO summit in Prague. On November 24th 2002, Checkup callers weighed in on whether the comment was harmless, or if it would chill the trade dialogue between Ottawa and Washington.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on how to make and maintain friendships as an adult. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians are spending less time with friends that in previous generations. And the World Health Organization has labeled loneliness a global public health concern. We'll hear about how Canadians are creating community, keeping the spark alive in friendships, and get advice on how to form new connections as we age.

Over 20,000 residents across B.C. have been ordered to evacuate with dozens of active wildfires across the province. And in the midst of all that uncertainty, neighbours are stepping up to help. From fires, to floods, to medical crises, so many of us can recall examples when someone came to our rescue, and jumped into action on our behalf. We'll hear those stories and dig into what's behind our human instinct to step up or stand back in an emergency.

According to Statistics Canada, adults are spending less time with friends than previous generations. We'll hear from callers how they've found creative ways to make lasting connections as an adult, and hear from a psychologist about why these relationships change as we age and what to do about it.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to 2009 when General Motors announced that its new electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, would receive a fuel economy rating of two-hundred and thirty miles per gallon in city driving. That rating meant it would be more fuel efficient than any mass market vehicle on the road at that time. On August 19th 2009, Checkup callers weighed in on what it would take for them to make the switch to driving electric.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on emergency rooms and physician burnout. A new survey suggests doctors are leaving the specialty because the pace is unsustainable. We hear from fed up patients and burnt out doctors about what's happening in Canada's overtaxed emergency rooms. Dr. Brian Goldman from White Coat, Black Art joins us to respond to your calls.

Emergency rooms are under serious strain as ER wait times get longer, and doctors are burning out. We hear from doctors, nurses and patients about how the pressure in the ER is affecting them and their health. Plus, CBC's Dr. Brian Goldman shares what solutions there are to help hospitals do better.

WestJet and its flight attendants were unable to come to an agreement this weekend. Hundreds of flights were cancelled by Sunday morning, and thousands of passengers were affected. We'll hear stories from passengers caught up in chaos of the strike, as well as hear some tips for those of you thinking of travelling in the near future, and get a sense of the bigger picture involving airlines and their workers right now.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to 1998. It was a hot July, and callers on Cross Country Checkup we're reminiscing about time spend at summer camp. From eating Cheerios for a week, to watching a watching a fighter jet drop a bomb nearby, hear the best Canadian summer camp stories from 1998.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on the push to get workers back into the office. Starting this month, federal public servants are now mandated to be in the office 4 days per week. As Canadians weigh in with their experiences, an expert explains what we've learned about workplace culture, and the debate between remote work vs. office mandates.

With more workplaces requiring employees to work more in the office, Canadians share how the debate between remote work vs. office mandates is affecting how they live their lives. Plus, an expert in organizational behaviour explains what we learned from the pandemic, and what the research says about workers' productivity in and out of the office.

With a new round of tariff threats, Ottawa is strategizing its next steps in what could be a long CUSMA renegotiation with the Trump administration. We'll hear from politicians, strategists, business owners and Canadians on what they want to see from Ottawa, and what possible leverage Canada can use to get the deal done.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to 2021. Canada was in the midst of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and many Canadians had been working from home for some time. But it was becoming clear that something was changing in Canadian work life. WFH was no longer a temporary COVID measure -- it was here to stay. On April 4, 2021, Checkup callers weighed in on their experiences working from home -- and the future of the office work.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on the high cost of wedding season. Canadians face wedding costs between 30,000 to 42,000 according to WeddingWire Canada and The Knot. As guests and couples feel financial pressure, an expert explains how to navigate difficult conversations when celebrations push the limits of what people can afford.

Canadians face wedding costs between 30,000 to 42,000 according to WeddingWire Canada and The Knot. As guests and couples feel financial pressure, an expert explains how to navigate difficult conversations when celebrations push the limits of what people can afford.