Cross Country Checkup From Cbc Radio

The holidays are here; and that usually means cookies, egg nog, cheeses, deli meats and plenty of indulgence. But new research is renewing concerns about ultra-processed foods and their links to higher risks of disease.What exactly counts as an ultra-processed food? Why are they so hard to stop eating? And does eating better over the holidays mean cutting out all your favourites, or are there realistic alternatives?Our question: From egg nog to deli meats — what questions do you have about ultra-processed foods and eating better over the holidays?

You’re making that big holiday dinner; juggling vegetables, a turkey, stuffing and sides. But with all the distractions, food safety can easily slip. Dinner rolls sitting where the raw turkey thawed? Was that knife used for meat or vegetables? And does it really matter?This holiday season also comes with active food recalls, including salmonella concerns linked to pistachio products and listeria risks in prepared salads and snack trays often served at gatherings.Our question: E. coli, listeria and salmonella; what questions do you have about meal prep and food safety over the holidays?

From whiteout conditions to multi-car pileups, winter driving across Canada can turn dangerous fast. Nearly 400 crashes were reported in southwestern Ontario during a recent storm, and a youth hockey team bus crash in northern Alberta has raised fresh concerns about road safety. Our question: From black ice to blizzards, what’s your winter accident story? Do you feel safe driving on Canada’s roads and highways?

President Donald Trump says the U.S. has a “tremendous” relationship with Canada — but for many Canadians, the bond with American friends and family might feel strained. Political divisions have led to awkward gatherings, muted conversations, and in some cases, skipping holiday visits altogether. Our question: Are you gathering with American friends or family over the holidays? How are the Canada–U.S. relationships going in your life?

It's the most expensive time of the year, and it's hitting just as many people are falling behind.Many Canadians have changed their spending habits and have even given up buying gifts for family members.Our question: How is personal debt affecting your holiday season? What’s your workaround? What are you giving up?

A new CBC Marketplace investigation has named the worst commute in Canada, the stretch west of Toronto from the 905 into the downtown core. But we're not just talking about one city. Our question: What’s your nomination for Canada’s worst commute? What impact is it having on you, and your family?

According to research, as prices climb and first-time buyers rethink their expectations, many Canadians say owning a home feels further away than ever — with some giving up entirely. Our question: What’s stopping you from owning a home? What needs to change to make homes more affordable?

New CBC data shows violent incidents on buses, streetcars and subways have jumped sharply in major cities — raising concerns about safety, vulnerability and the crises converging on public transit. Our question: Do you feel safe on public transit? How can cities make riders safer?

From Florida flights to Black Friday deals, Canadians are rethinking winter traditions. After months of “Elbows Up” backlash toward the U.S., travel forecasts show Canadians staying home — contributing to a projected $5.7-billion drop in U.S. tourism. But while cross-border trips slow, the Retail Council of Canada says the momentum behind “Buy Canadian” is fading. Our question: How is 'Elbows Up' changing your holiday plans?

ER wait times are reaching breaking-point levels across Canada — with patients waiting hours or even days, and half a million Canadians leaving without being seen last year. Doctors warn the backlog is a symptom of a system struggling to meet basic needs, while callers describe long nights, ambulance delays and returning sicker after giving up. Our question: What’s your ER wait time story? And how is it affecting your health?

From walk-ins to ER lines, millions of Canadians are navigating life without primary care. PEI is feeling it most — with more than one in four residents still waiting for a doctor, the lowest access rate in the country. A new medical school may help, but burnout is rising and Canada needs 23,000 more family doctors to close the gap. Our question: How are you coping without a family doctor, and what impact has it had on your health?

If you've ever flinched at the price of beef, coffee or chocolate lately, you're not alone. StatsCan says food prices are still climbing. And for many Canadians, the grocery bill is where the affordability crisis hits hardest. Prime Minister Carney said Canadians will judge his government by what they pay at the checkout. So what should Ottawa do?Our question: What’s ONE thing the government should do to cut grocery prices? How are you cutting costs?

This week Federal MP Chris D'Entrement stunned Parliament by joining the Liberals - nudging them just two seats from a majority. It's a rare move, but not an isolated one. Tory MP Matt Jeneroux also resigned, after whispers of a defection. We unpack the political ripple effects, the timing, and what it all means for party loyalty and power in Ottawa.Our question: Is there anything wrong with floor crossing in Parliament? How important is party loyalty to you?

Doug Ford called it the most successful ad in North American history — but Donald Trump called it cheating. Ontario’s anti-tariff ad campaign has been pulled after stirring debate on both sides of the border. Trade talks have halted and Mark Carney apologized to Donald Trump.Our question: Was Ontario's anti-tariff ad worth it? What conversations are you having with the Americans in your life?

The Toronto Blue Jays came within two outs of a World Series win — before a crushing loss to the Dodgers in extra innings. From Bo Bichette’s homer to Ernie Clement’s tears, it was a run that united fans across Canada. Our question: What did this World Series journey mean to you, and how do you bounce back after defeat?

When Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider dropped an F-bomb during a live post-game interview, the crowd cheered. Just days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump used the same word on camera, when talking about Venezuela’s leader.From politics to sports to pop culture, the F-word seems to be everywhere, In shows like Succession and The Bear, and even in everyday conversation. Some say it’s a sign of authenticity and emotion. Others call it a decline in civility and respect.Our question: Do you judge someone who uses the F-word? How do you feel about more widespread acceptance of swearing?

The Toronto Blue Jays are chasing their first World Series title since 1993, facing the LA Dodgers with the series now tied at one game apiece. It’s the story of underdogs who became “Canada’s Team,” uniting fans from coast to coast.But this World Series isn’t just about baseball. Politics are in play too, after Donald Trump froze trade talks and imposed new tariffs in response to Ontario’s anti-tariff ads airing during Jays games.Our question: What does the Blue Jays World Series run mean to you?

For many people, the idea of cutting a parent, sibling or other relative out of your life goes against everything we hope family should be. But as you'll hear, and may know first-hand, it happens. Whether it is because of politics, abuse, money, or something else entirely, the choice to sever ties is a difficult one.Our question: Have you ever gone 'no contact' with a family member? Have you ever had to decide when to heal a relationship, or when to move on?

Softwood lumber, steel, auto manufacturing are some of the Canadian industries targeted by Trump's trade war. Stellantis recently announced it will be moving production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton, Ontario to Illinois. That multi-billion dollar investment and thousands of jobs are now headed south to Trump's America.Prime Minister Mark Carney says the president's tariffs are to blame. It's a reminder they're having a very real impact on Canadian workers, and the families and communities that depend on them.Our question: How is the trade war affecting your livelihood? Are you worried about your job?

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aims to end the war that started two years ago. As of this show's live recording, we're seeing an end to the fighting and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces in the territory. And we are hours away from the return of the hostages taken prisoner during the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.Our question: What’s at stake for you in the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas? And what questions do you have about what comes next?