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Cross Country Checkup

CBC Podcasts & Radio On-Demand

Cross Country Checkup is Canada's only national phone-in show, broadcasting live from coast to coast to coast. Checkup is Canada's weekly town hall — a place for raw, honest perspectives on the most pressing issues of the week. For over 55 years, it's where Canadians gather to listen to each other every Sunday afternoon. Call us: 1-888-416-8333.

Location:

Canada, ON

Description:

Cross Country Checkup is Canada's only national phone-in show, broadcasting live from coast to coast to coast. Checkup is Canada's weekly town hall — a place for raw, honest perspectives on the most pressing issues of the week. For over 55 years, it's where Canadians gather to listen to each other every Sunday afternoon. Call us: 1-888-416-8333.

Language:

English

Contact:

CBC Audience Relations P.O. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada M5W 1E6 888-416-8333


Episodes
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What questions do you have about wildfire preparedness and response?

6/1/2025
The size and scale of this year's wildfire season already lead to two states of emergency in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, leaving thousands of evacuees scrambling to leave their homes and seek shelter. In Manitoba, Pukatawagan First Nation is boxed in by wildfire, with planes and helicopters scrambling to get everyone out, and the entire city of Flin Flon has just been cleared, leaving fire crews to fight the out of control wildfire. There are nearly 200 wildfires burning across Canada right noW, and the forecast for hot, dry weather in many parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan are not looking promising. What questions do you have about wildfire preparedness and response?

Duration:00:54:15

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With wildfires and a trade war with the US, does Canada need another pipeline?

6/1/2025
Your perspective on oil and gas pipelines may have changed over the last few months. When Donald Trump launched his trade war with Canada, protecting Canadian sovereignty quickly became a hot topic, and with that, concerns about energy independence. But the wildfires in Canada right now are a reminder of some of the other considerations when it comes to our pipeline policies. Most scientists say the connection is clear between an increase in intense wildfires and climate change. So how do you balance dealing the economic threats from an unpredictable U.S. president and the dangers of the climate crisis? Does Canada need another pipeline? Our question: With wildfires and a trade war with the US, does Canada need another pipeline?

Duration:00:58:50

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What are you going to do with all those unwanted family heirlooms?

5/25/2025
Cleaning out a parent or grandparents home can be emotional, and adding to that is what to do with all the stuff. Is that fine china a valuable family heirloom, or old dishes that no one is ever going to use? What if your grandfather really wants you to have that black velvet painting? Or maybe two or three siblings really want that butter dish? Our question: What are you going to do with all those unwanted family heirlooms?

Duration:00:55:06

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What’s preventing you from buying Canadian?

5/25/2025
"Elbows up", "Not for Sale", "Buy Canadian", there have been a handful of slogans that have emerged from the trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump. And "Buy Canadian" is more than a slogan, it's a goal. But as the months have gone by are you still buying Canadian? Labels are sometimes confusing, product of Canada, made in Canada, proudly Canadian, and if you're looking for a washer and dryer, or TV, good luck. Our question: What’s preventing you from buying Canadian? What questions do you have?

Duration:00:56:53

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What was your best Canadian vacation?

5/18/2025
Canadian travel is expected to boom over the next few months, with more Canadians choosing to stay in the country and avoid summer vacations to the U.S. And it’s not just Canadians boycotting U.S. travel. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel to the U.S. is expected to drop by $12.5 billion.So, whether it’s visiting the Rocky Mountains, camping in Algonquin park, or seeing the northern lights, Canada is full of vacation gems. Our question: What was your best Canadian vacation? Why would you recommend it to a friend?

Duration:00:58:47

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What questions do you have about the future of EVs?

5/18/2025
One out of every four cars sold this year worldwide will be electric according to the International Energy Agency. But here in Canada it's hard to remember the last time the EV industry felt like it was on such shaky ground. Honda announced this week it's postponing its plans for a big electric vehicle manufacturing project. And StatsCanada tells us that sales for EVs fell by 44 percent in March from the previous year. This is after the federal government ended its zero emission vehicle rebate in January. Our question: What questions do you have about the future of EVs?

Duration:00:54:35

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Do you feel like Canada is united right now?

5/11/2025
For many Canadians, this has been a time of surging national pride, much of it prompted by a reaction to Donald Trump and his threats to our sovereignty. But at the same time, the federal election results suggested an increased polarization in the country. in Alberta, the provincial government wants to make it easier to hold a referendum on separation. Premier Danielle Smith says she doesn't support separation but wants what she calls a fair deal for Alberta with the Prime Minister. Our question today: Do you feel like Canada is united right now? What is bringing us together – and what is pulling us apart?

Duration:00:57:45

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Who does the housework in your family?

5/11/2025
This program aired on Mother's Day, a day when many of you were finding ways to show appreciation for the mothers in your lives. But what about the rest of the year? Who does those endless household chores? New research out of the University of Alberta confirms that when it comes to male-female couples, women are still doing most of the of housework. Whether it's doing laundry or meal prep, who does what around the house can become a source of tension in any partnership. Our question: Who does the housework in your family? How is the division of labour affecting your relationship?

Duration:00:55:05

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What new skill or hobby did you pick up later in life? How did it change your perspective?

5/4/2025
Whether it's going back to school or picking up a new instrument, learning something new can open new doors and help people stay connected. According to the National Institute on Aging, staying engaged in meaningful activities or learning new skills as you grow older can have important cognitive benefits. Our question: What new skill or hobby did you pick up later in life? How did it change your perspective?

Duration:00:59:03

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Do you feel well-represented by Canadian democracy? If not, what would you change?

5/4/2025
The Liberals have won a fourth term and even though they secured the most seats, their share of the popular vote was only 2 percentage points higher than the Conservatives. And 85 percent of voters went for one of those two parties, leaving the other parties with the electoral scraps. Were people trying to vote strategically? Our question: Do you feel well-represented by Canadian democracy? If not, what would you change?

Duration:00:53:54

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What compelled you to switch your vote? Which issue hits closest to home?

4/27/2025
Monday is election day and Canadians are seizing on this critical moment. Already, more than 7 million Canadians cast their ballots in advanced polls, breaking records for early voting turnout. As each party tries to hone their messaging to shore up the seats they need, we've heard from you throughout this election about how the cost of living, tensions with the U.S. and housing are factoring into your vote. And for some, their party loyalty has been shifting throughout the campaign. Our question: What compelled you to switch your vote? Which issue hits closest to home?

Duration:01:26:26

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Which ads, jingles or taglines should be inducted into Advertising Hall of Fame?

4/20/2025
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?

Duration:00:50:59

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Which pocketbook issue will sway your vote?

4/20/2025
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?

Duration:00:56:58

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What's your debate highlight? Is there an issue that didn't get enough attention?

4/17/2025
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?

Duration:02:09:32

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Market turmoil and tariffs: What do you stand to lose?

4/13/2025
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?

Duration:00:40:59

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Does Canadian military spending need to change?

4/13/2025
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?

Duration:01:06:46

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What do you need to find affordable housing?

4/6/2025
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?

Duration:01:06:39

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Are you worried about traveling to and from the U.S.?

4/6/2025
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?

Duration:00:41:21

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What impact is the trade war having on your job security?

3/30/2025
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?

Duration:00:54:38

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What's your phone or cyber scam story?

3/30/2025
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?

Duration:00:59:16