Cross Country Checkup

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on close calls while swimming. Hundreds of people die every year from drowning in Canada. And parts of the country are already seeing a spike in accidental drowning deaths so far in 2026. We'll hear how Canadians learned to swim, scary moments they've faced while submerged, and hear tips about how to stay safe in open waters.

From bears, to moose, to snakes, animal interactions have been making the rounds in the news this summer. Canadians share the encounters that made for fun stories later on, and the scary ones that changed the way they think about being in nature. Plus, a wildlife expert shares safety tips on how to deal with close calls.

This year, parts of Canada are noticing an increase in accidental drowning-related deaths. And one survey finds that 50% of newcomers in the country say they are weak swimmers at best. From the beach to the pool, Canadians share their swimming close calls. Plus, a swimming instructor shares tips for how to protect yourself in open waters.

This ICYMI episode takes you back to November of 2002. That's when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's director of communications was overheard calling U.S. President George W. Bush a 'moron' at the NATO summit in Prague. On November 24th 2002, Checkup callers weighed in on whether the comment was harmless, or if it would chill the trade dialogue between Ottawa and Washington.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's topic on how to make and maintain friendships as an adult. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians are spending less time with friends that in previous generations. And the World Health Organization has labeled loneliness a global public health concern. We'll hear about how Canadians are creating community, keeping the spark alive in friendships, and get advice on how to form new connections as we age.