Should employers be able to force workers back into the office?
Some people love the structure, others say it wrecks work-life balance - new data from Angus Reid says nearly 50% of Canadians think federal workers should be forced back into the office. Nearly the same number of people disagree. This is after major major banks like BMO and RBC have mandated up to four days a week in-office. Ontario's public service is following suit, with full-time office returns expected by January. Employers say it's about collaboration, creativity and mentorship. But some workers aren't convinced. For them, remote work offers flexibility, autonomy and time with family. Our question: Should employers be able to force workers back into the office? What is lost when we work from home?
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Are renoviction bylaws a step too far or not far enough?
Toronto's new renoviction bylaw forces landlords to prove renovations are necessary before evicting tenants. Supporters say it protects renters from being pushed out illegally. Landlords say it's a bureaucratic mess that discourages building upgrades and will ultimately lead to higher rents. But, we're not just focusing on Toronto. Cities across Canada, like New Westminster, B.C., Hamilton and London all have renoviction by-laws in motion or in place. So wherever you are in Canada, this issue may affect you.Our question: Are renoviction bylaws a step too far or not far enough?
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Has AI use in the classroom gone too far or not far enough
Students and teachers will be trying to navigate a new technology this year. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. And students have access to tools that can replace research and writing they should be doing. You could ban students using AI, but then how do we prepare kids for a future where they might very well need to use it?Our question: Has AI use in the classroom gone too far or not far enough? Is AI creating a generation of cheaters or achievers?
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How is AI changing your life?
A recent online poll by Leger found that 85 per cent of people asked said that the government should regulate artificial intelligence. But 57 per cent of people asked said they’d used some kind of AI tool. That's one online poll, but it points to where many Canadians are with AI right now: they are using this technology, but have questions. Are you using AI to transform your daily life? Has it helped you overcome barriers? Or maybe you have questions about how it all works.Our question: How is AI changing your life? What questions do you have?
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Is the Prime Minister playing it smart or selling Canada short?
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he will match the United States by removing Canadian tariffs on US goods covered by CUSMA, starting September 1st. Following the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the move, saying it was "nice" and that he wanted to "be good to Canada." But, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Carney's trade decision was weak and that his elbows "have mysteriously gone missing". So, was this sudden turn in trade negotiations with Donald Trump -- elbow's up, elbow's down or elbows gone?Our question: What grade are you giving Mark Carney on negotiations with Donald Trump? Is he playing it smart or selling Canada short?
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.
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