Cross Country Checkup from CBC Radio

It’s been just over a year since Donald Trump began suggesting that Canada should become part of the United States. Now, with US intervention in Venezuela and renewed threats to take over Greenland, Canadians are starting to wonder, and worry. From Venezuela to Greenland, what questions do you have about US foreign policy, and what Canada should do about it?

Since the first Monday of January 2026, Ontario’s public service workers have returned to the office five days a week, with Alberta set to follow on February 1. A new report from Statistics Canada shows hybrid workers are spending more time in the office and less time working from home. It’s a shift that has left many people frustrated. Our question: Should workers be forced back into the office? Has returning to the office changed your work for better or worse?

American forces stormed Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is “going to run” Venezuela for the time being. Our question: What’s your reaction to the U.S. strike on Venezuela? What questions do you have?

The World Health Organization conditionally recommended glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for obesity treatment in December 2025. Canada could soon become the first country in the world to offer a cheaper version of Ozempic and Wegovy to people with prescriptions. Our question: Would you take a drug to lose weight...or have you already?

2025 gave Canada no shortage of news — political shocks, global conflict, cultural moments, and a year that pulled emotions in every direction. In Cross Country Checkup’s annual Year in News Special, guest host David Common sits down with a panel of CBC journalists: Paul Hunter, Susan Ormiston, and Aaron Wherry, reflecting on the biggest stories, the missed ones, and the conversations Canadians carried through it all. Our question: What was the most important news story of 2025? Which one didn’t get enough attention?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?