

Cross Country Checkup
CBC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 51min
No family doctor? Here's what you can do about it!
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?

Nov 9, 2025 • 53min
Cross the Floor: Betrayal or Bold Move?
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?

Nov 9, 2025 • 59min
Sticker Shock: Can Mark Carney Fix Canada's Food Prices?
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?

Nov 2, 2025 • 56min
Blue Jay Blues: Canadians helping each other after a crushing World Series loss
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?

Nov 2, 2025 • 53min
Was Ontario’s anti-tariff ad the mistake or was it the apology?
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?

Oct 26, 2025 • 52min
The F-word. Is swearing becoming more acceptable?
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?

Oct 26, 2025 • 54min
Are the Blue Jays Canada's team?
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?

Oct 19, 2025 • 54min
Trump’s trade war and Canada’s jobs. How are you being affected?
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?

Oct 19, 2025 • 53min
Going ‘no contact.’ Your stories about cutting ties with family
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?

Oct 12, 2025 • 53min
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Your questions about what comes next
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?


