Cross Country Checkup

Our world is cluttered with ads, not just on tv and radio, but billboards, hockey rinks, and online. But every once in a while, one of them breaks through the noise. Some of the jingles or slogans stick with us, and become part of our language. Former ad-man Terry O'Reilly's show is celebrating 20 years on CBC, and he's here to share stories about his and your favorite ads. Our question: Which ads, jingles or taglines should be inducted into Advertising Hall of Fame?

While Trump and tariffs have been a huge concern for many Canadians, some polls suggest the leading issue in this election is aIaffordability and the cost of living. Grocery prices, rent and housing costs have been on the rise for years and economists are warning the trade war will likely trigger higher inflation. Our question: Which pocketbook issue will sway your vote? Which party is looking out for your wallet?

Many people are describing this federal election as the most important in decades. And Thursday night’s final federal leaders’ debate may have been the last significant opportunity for the leaders to win your vote. Our question: What's your debate highlight? Is there an issue that didn't get enough attention?

With every move Trump makes on tariffs, the stock market reacts. His so-called “Liberation Day” on April 2nd ushered in a wave of volatility and deep losses in global financial markets. Trump then announced a 90 day pause on retaliatory tariffs for most countries which lead to a mid-week surge then another drop. On Friday, General Motors announced a summer-long halt to production in Ingersoll, Ontario, adding to worries about the long term effects of this trade war and what comes next.. Our question: Market turmoil, and tariffs: What do you stand to lose? What questions do you have about surviving it?

According to a survey published this month by Abacus Data, 65 per cent of Canadians believe the next federal government should increase defence spending. Abacus also found that more than a third of Canadians want party leaders to be talking about national defence and security in this election. This comes as the government says the Armed Forces are well below its target for what it describes as "training, readiness and operational requirements". Our question: Does Canadian military spending need to change? How will it affect your vote?

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 45 per cent of Canadians are concerned about housing affordability because of the rising cost of renting or buying. For many people it's the biggest payment they have to make every month. The cost of housing can affect the decisions you make for your family, like the community you live in and schools your kids attend. Our question: Whether you're buying or renting, what do you need to find affordable housing? How will it affect your vote?

In the wake of Canada’s strained relationship with the US, travelling for some Canadians has become increasingly difficult. Stories of Canadian travellers being stopped or even detained at the border have become more common, and are causing stress among vacationers. The Canadian government has also issued a travel advisory reminding Canadians that US border agents can act with “significant discretion” which includes searching your phone or laptop and soon the US will require Canadians staying 30 days or longer to register online with the U.S. government. Our question: Are you worried about traveling to and from the U.S.? How is Donald Trump changing your travel plans?

The trade war has left thousands of Canadian workers in a precarious position. Trump says on Wednesday, April 2nd a 25 per cent tariff on vehicles made outside the U.S. will come into effect. Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested the tariff may not apply to all vehicles coming from Canada, but there's no predicting what Trump will do, and so the uncertainty and anxiety continues for autoworkers, their employers, and suppliers too. Our question: What impact is the trade war having on your job security? How does that affect your vote?

According to a survey by TransUnion, a credit reporting company, in 2024, 54% of Canadians said they were recently targeted by email, phone call or text message fraud attempts. The impacts can be devastating and costly. Our question: What's your phone or cyber scam story? How do you protect yourself?

Canada's 45th General Election is officially underway. For the next four weeks, the political parties will be doing what they can to get your vote. And whoever you support, no matter what the latest opinion polls suggest, your vote matters. Even in ridings where it may seem like a foregone conclusion, every vote is a reminder that even in those regions, there is a diversity of political views. Our question: What’s exciting you about this election? What issue matters most?

Before Elon Musk joined forces with Donald Trump, Tesla dominated the US electric vehicle market with some of the best-selling EVs in North America. But starting this year, Tesla became the target of protest and vandalism across the US, not long after Musk was accused of a Nazi salute, and began firing thousands of federal workers in Washington, DC. Here in Canada there have been protests in several cities, and just this past week Teslas have been burned in Calgary and over 80 were damaged at a dealership in Hamilton. Our question: Whether you own a Tesla or not, what’s your reaction to all the backlash?

Donald Trump's unpredictable, unrelenting tariff announcements and his threats to our sovereignty have turned things upside down. Some Canadians have responded by taking action: boycotting US products or cancelling trips south of the border. But the uncertainty is weighing heavily on lots of Canadians. Our question: What impact is all the Trump turbulence having on your mental health? In the last half hour: tariff retaliation. Our expert answers questions about the Donald Trump's trade war and how aggressive Canada should get.

The trade war with Donald Trump has left many Canadians angry and worried. In response to Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imported goods worth $29.8 billion. But Trump is not backing down, and is still continuing with his “51st state” taunts. So, how should Canada respond? What options do we have? Carlo Dade is the director of international policy in the school of public policy at the University of Calgary. He is also a senior fellow at the Canada West Foundation. He joined us to take caller questions about Canada's tariff retaliation plan.

It was just over two months ago that Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister, kicking off the search for the next leader of the Liberal party. All of this is happening against the backdrop of a seemingly continuous stream of Trump tariff-threats designed to upend the Canadian economy. So as the Liberal party prepares to enter a new chapter, Canadians across the political spectrum are left wondering which leader has what it takes to take on Trump 2.0? Our question: Who should be the next Liberal leader? Who do you think is strong enough to take on Donald Trump?

There are six and a half million Canadians without a family doctor. That means more people waiting too long to get treatment or diagnosis, more pressure on emergency departments. Our question: How are you coping without a family doctor? What impact has it had on your health?

The U.S. and Canada have been long-time allies and neighbours. But when US President Donald Trump began musing and then doubling and tripling down on Canada as the "51st state" tensions pushed us to the brink of a trade war. Then, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a group of business leaders on a "hot mic" that Donald Trump's 51st state comments are not a joke but in fact “a real thing”. And after meeting Canadian premiers, deputy White House chief of staff, James Blair cautioned them to take Donald Trump’s comments about the 51st state "at face value”. But while some see this as an attack on Canadian sovereignty, others believe the President is trolling and seeking negotiation leverage for the next round of trade talks. Our question: What do you think of Trump's comments about Canada becoming the 51st state?

With every tariff threat Donald Trump makes and every casual reference to our country being the 51st state, Canadians have been responding. From Canadian flags on cars to flags draped over porch railings, Canadians are finding a newfound sense of patriotism. What impact has Donald Trump's tariff threats had on you? Has it made you reflect on what it means to be Canadian? And for our AMA, we brought in a panel of guests to dig deeper into Canada's trading relationships. Moshe Lander is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Concordia University. And Laura Dawson is the Executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, an organization dedicated to better trade relations between the U.S. and Canada.

Right now, more than 77 per cent of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. But with the threat of Trump’s tariffs just weeks away, Canada is also looking to stretngthen trading relationships with other countries. So how feasible is it for Canada to expand its footprint in other markets? Our AMA brought in a panel of experts to explore that question. Moshe Lander is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Concordia University. And Laura Dawson is the Executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, an organization dedicated to better trade relations between the U.S. and Canada.

When it comes to sports betting, one thing is beyond debate: Super Bowl Sunday, is a betting bonanza. A Leger survey of Ontario bettors suggest millions of people in that province alone will be placing wagers. For many people it adds a little excitement to the game, but for others, sports gambling opens a door that can lead to a life-changing addiction. Our question: What impact has sports betting had on your life? How far is too far?

With the US tariff threat now on hold until March 4th, Trudeau has pledged $1.3 billion in new spending and a so-called “Fentanyl Czar” to curb illicit drugs at the border. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wants Parliament to resume while issuing a new pledge life sentences for those convicted of trafficking fentanyl. With a Liberal leadership race and a federal election on the horizon voters are now thinking about who’s the best leader to face Donald Trump at the negotiating table. Our question: What grade are you giving the Trudeau government on Trump’s tariff threat? How will it affect your vote?