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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 the Israel-Iran war? How does it affect you?

6/22/2025
On Saturday, US bombers attacked 3 nuclear sites inside Iran, including the Fordo uranium enrichment plant - a site which is vital to Iran's nuclear capabilities. Israel has said they were in "full coordination" with these attacks. The next morning, US Defence Secretary said the US has "devastated the Iranian nuclear program". It is an ominous escalation in the Iran-Israel War - one that has implications for civilians in Iran, Israel and across the Middle East and anyone who has friends or family in the region. Our question: What questions do you have about the Israel-Iran war? How does it affect you?

Duration:01:51:53

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Why is it so hard to talk about consent?

6/15/2025
Closing arguments in the sex assault trial for 5 former world junior hockey players concluded on Friday. All five accused men have pleaded not guilty to alleged sexual assaults at a London, Ontario hotel in June 2018. The woman at the centre of the case told the judge she agreed to go back to the hotel and have sex with one of the players but didn't consent to what happened later. Our question: Why is it so hard to talk about consent? What conversations are you having with the people in your life?

Duration:01:04:32

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Should a childhood measles vaccination be mandatory?

6/15/2025
In 1998, Canada achieved what health officials call "measles elimination status" but now the country could lose that designation. Ontario is reporting more measles cases each week than it once saw over an entire decade. And just earlier this month Ontario's Ministry of Health has announced the first recorded death of a measles patient. Alberta is also experiencing its worst measles outbreak since the mid 90s. And according to the Pan American Health Organization, Canada has more cases than any other country in the Americas. At the same time, vaccine hesitancy has grown nationally along with a drop in measles immunization rates which is prompting some to call for mandatory childhood measles vaccination. An Angus Reid poll conducted last month found that 69% of Canadians agreed that vaccinations should be mandatory for kids. Our question: Should a childhood measles vaccination be mandatory?

Duration:00:35:10

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Who should decide what books are too explicit for schools?

6/8/2025
Alberta plans to implement new rules for "age-appropriate" books in school libraries after parent groups flagged four books, saying they contained sexually explicit content not suitable for younger readers. But critics say the review is unfairly targeting 2SLGBTQ+ books and promoting intolerance toward those communities in the process Our question: Who should decide what books are too explicit for schools? At what point does restricting graphic content turn into censorship?

Duration:00:56:27

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Are you falling behind because everybody else is using AI to get ahead?

6/8/2025
There’s no question artificial intelligence is catapulting human capability to new heights, if it's used properly and ethically, and there’s the question. University students are using it more than ever before, according to some surveys more than 80%, sometimes to help them with their work, and sometimes to do it for them. And that brings us to the workplace where AI use can be a source of competitive advantage or unethical and even harmful outcomes without appropriate human intervention. Our question: Are you falling behind because everybody else is using AI to get ahead? Is AI creating a generation of cheaters or achievers?

Duration:00:54:10

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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