Cross Country Checkup

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?

Jennifer Offren, a seasoned social worker with 20 years in sexual violence, and Dea Nera Exner Cortens, a psychology professor specializing in teen violence, delve into the complexities of consent. They unpack the societal difficulties in discussing consent, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education and open dialogues. Their conversation highlights the evolving understanding of consent across different age groups, the impact of cultural norms, and the importance of teaching boundaries and assertiveness, particularly to children.

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?

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 processOur question: Who should decide what books are too explicit for schools? At what point does restricting graphic content turn into censorship?

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? 

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? 

"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?

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?

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?

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?