Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron: Recent Episodes

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The breaking News you need. The questions you want answered. This is the place people making news come to talk. Listen to Evan Solomon on your drive home.

Hour 1CTV Aviation Specialist Phyl Durdey outlines Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat against Canadian aviation manufacturing.CTV Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos on this weekend's Conservative Party Convention.Environment Canada's David Phillips on the wild and unpredictable Winter weather that Canadians will be facing in the coming days.Hour 2 Today's edition features McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover.Topic 1: Heading into this weekend's leadership review, what's at stake for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre?Topic 2: B.C. Premier David Eby is accusing Alberta separatists of treason.Topic 3: Should the feds restrict Canadian businesses from taking contracts with ICE?Topic 4: Recounting our favourite memories of Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara, who passed away today at the age of 71.

B.C. Premier accuses Alberta separatists of treasonStefan Keyes guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment today.On today's show:The Premier of British Columbia is accusing Alberta separatist movement leaders of treason. According to reports, they've had covert meetings with multiple Trump Administration officials, as they seek support for their cause.CTV political analyst and former NDP leader Tom Mulcair chimes in on the Conservative Party leadership review.CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham reacts to the latest developments out of Minneapolis, as ICE and CPB work on a drawdown plan.Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: Is A.I. more creative than the average human?The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, and Laura Stone.Nik Nanos, the chief data scientist at Nanos Research, on Poilievre's leadership review.CTV's Annie Bergeron-Oliver delivers the latest developments from the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa.

Canadian Premiers gather in OttawaProvincial and territorial leaders have descended on Ottawa for two days of meetings.On today's show:Government House Leader Steve MacKinnonSaskatchewan Premier Scott MoeThe Explainer - Why is Canada's fertility rate so low?The Daily Debrief with Laura D'Angelo, Garry Keller and George SouleProfessor Payam Akhavan, former UN Prosecutor and Human Rights Chair at Massey College in Toronto on the situation in IranAFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

comments in a phone call with President Trump.On today's show:Federal finance minister Francois Philippe ChampagneConservative House leader Andrew ScheerMoney Talk with John KlotzThe Daily Debrief Panel with Jamie Ellerton, Sharan Kaur and Nojoud Al MalleesThe Globe and Mail's Adrian Morrow live from Minneapolis An Ontario company is under fire for taking a contract with ICE, and its not the only one

On today's show:- federal government's grocery rebate; will it help the average family?- Parliament is back in session after a 6 week break.- Ordering Skip or Uber Eats during a blizzard: Good idea or bad?- Doctors bogged down in red tape.-

CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers AssociationWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt comments on the killing of a Minnesota man by a US Border Patrol guard over the weekend

Vassy Kapelos hosts Hour 1 of today's show.•The Liberals assemble in Quebec City for a 'planning forum'. We get the latest from CTV's Abigail Bimman.•A dissection of Trump's Greenland deal with Paul Waldie, The Globe and Mail's Europe correspondent.•365 days of Donald Trump (Part 2): Is America more divided than it was in Part 1?•Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: How much gaming is too much gaming?Tim Powers serves as the pinch-hitter for Hour 2.•The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Mike LeCouteur, and Laura Stone.•How well can our country defend the Arctic territories? We pose that question to Retired Lieutenant-General Christopher Coates.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon.On today's show:CTV's Annie Bergeron-Oliver reports live from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Prime Minister Carney is urging the world's middle powers to work together in the face of weaponized U.S. hegemony.The Globe and Mail's Bob Fife on an exclusive report that the Canadian Armed Forces are game planning scenarios for a hypothetical U.S. invasion of Canada.Thomas Crosbie, an Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defense College's Institute for Military Operations, explains how Trump's threats to Greenland are being received in Denmark.Psychologist Dr. Janine Hubbard discusses the emotional impact of troubling world events.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur, Chris Day, and George Soule.CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham on the American political reaction to Trump's Greenland threats.CTV's Rachel Aiello on what to expect from Trump's trip to Davos tomorrow.

CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, on auto sector concerns with Canada's deal to allow some Chinese EV importsCTV News US Political Analyst Eric Ham discusses Trump's escalating threat of taking over GreenlandTech Check with Carmi LevyThe Daily Debrief panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers and Zain VeljiGeneral (Ret.) Tom Lawson on Canada's response to Trump's Greenland threatCTV's Rachel Aiello tees up Carney's trip to the World Economic Forum this week

Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Beijing for the first state visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017.On today's show:Vassy speaks with human rights advocate and former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler about global response to the situation in IranQuebec Premier Francois Legault has resigned, CTV National News Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin joins Vassy with the latestThe Explainer: Why do Canadians need more vitamin D?The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura D'Angelo, Stephanie Levitz and Jeff RutledgeVassy speaks with author and global competitive strategist Amy Karam about what Canada's new China strategy could look likeOntario's representative in Washington D.C., David Paterson, says he thinks Trump's talk of tearing up CUSMA is more about negotiating position than an actual threat to the trade deal

The death toll continues to rise in Iran, as the regime cracks down on nationwide protests. Meantime, the White House isn't ruling out U.S. military strikes on the country.On today's show:Prime Minister Carney meets with the B.C. Coastal First Nations before heading to China.Vassy Kapelos speaks with Iranian-Canadian Liberal MP Ali Ehsassi.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and George Soule.Dennis Horak, a former Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and former Head of the Mission/Charge D'Affaires in Iran, discusses the likelihood of U.S. intervention in Iran.According to Stats Canada, fewer Canadians traveled to America across all 12 months of 2025. How does it impact the Travel industry as a whole?

This week, Mark Carney will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as a Canadian Prime Minister makes his first official journey to China since Justin Trudeau in 2016. Tariffs, oil, and human rights are all on the agenda for Canada's leader.On today's show:UOttawa Professor of Public and International Affairs Thomas Juneau dissects the situation in Iran, as nationwide protests ignite in that country.Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Why Canada is not considering a ban on X over a deepfake controversy.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Scott Reid, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers.CTV film critic Richard Crouse recaps the 2026 Golden Globes.

'Unwillingness to even broach the confrontation': Analyst says local and state officials could take more action following Minneapolis ICE shootingVassy Kapelos speaks with Eric Ham, CTV US Political Analyst and Former Congressional Staffer, on the fallout from the ICE shooting in Minneapolis and looming Supreme Court tariff decision.On today's show:•Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan, on renewed pipeline urgency as US poised to receive millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil•Adrian Dix, Energy Minister for British Columbia, on his province's stance regarding pipelines and next steps•The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News; and Brian Platt, reporter covering the Canadian government for Bloomberg News•Cameron Forbes, General Manager and Broker, RE/MAX Realtron Realty in Toronto, on the real estate market outlook for 2026

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. As the situation in Venezuela continues to develop, the Trump administration is ramping up its rhetoric around taking over Greenland. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. We also pick the brain of Retired Major-General David Fraser.On today's show:Dawn Desjardins, a Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada, chimes in on the economic outlook for 2026.Marco Mendicino, a former federal prosecutor and Public Safety Minister, on how the trial of Nicolas Maduro will play out.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Stephanie Levitz, Jeff Rutledge, and Laura D'Angelo.Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian Ambassador to China, on Prime Minister Carney's upcoming state visit to Beijing.TSN's Michaela Schreiter previews Team Canada's upcoming announcement, as the Women's Olympic Hockey roster is soon to be unveiled.

As the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, the Trump administration says it will continue to control operations on the ground. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. Plus, we gather reaction from former CIA Director David Petraeus.On today's show:Prime Minister Carney is in Paris today, meeting with European allies to discuss a path to peace in Ukraine.Money Talk with John Klotz: How to get off on the right financial foot in 2026.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waller, Sharan Kaur, and Graham Richardson.John Bolton, a former U.S. National Security Advisor, gives his take on Trump's foreign policy.

Trump says U.S. officials will control Venezuela after it captured leader Nicolas Maduro during a weekend military strike. New York Times Canada bureau chief Matina Stevis-Gridneff delivers the latest developments as they become available.On today's show:As mass protests in Iran enter their eighth day, fears of a potential crackdown are growing, as U.S. President Trump threatens American intervention.Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: France targets an Australia-style social media ban for children, with a potential implementation slated for the next learning season.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Zain Velji, and Tom Mulcair.Heather Exner-Pirot from the MacDonald Laurier Institute outlines what the Venezuela situation means for Canadian oil producers.Doug Gillham from The Weather Network explains what Jack Frost has planned for our country in 2026, as the Winter season hits full-blast.

With the colder temperatures here, we ask you whether or not more heated bus shelters should be installed? Some areas don't even have bus shelters. Having buses run on time is probably one solution. Councillor Riley Brockington, who sits on the transit committee, drops by show to discuss how the cost of building (heated) bus shelters is handcuffing the city. We also hear from a student on OC Transpo has left her stuck and out in the cold too many times. Plus, CTV News Ottawa's Patricia Boal is our next guest for the Ottawa Now Gift Guide. A new survey finds 1 in 2 Ontarians believe the removal of speed cameras was the wrong move. CFRA's Chris Holski didn't expect to see himself immersed in a real-life game of Frogger at one of the new so-called safer intersections. Are you over-thinking the act of gift-giving?CTV's Josh Marano has the latest on a downtown fire that sent an elderly man to the hospital. CTV's Stefan Keyes drops by the studio.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today.On today's show:Dr. Isaac Bogoch reacts to concerning new data about this year's flu season.CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham on the latest escalation in USA-Venezuela tensions.Tech Check with tech expert Carmi Levy: A San Francisco power outage leaves Waymo's self-driving cars stranded at intersections.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Garry Keller and Sabrina Grover.Nick Saul, the CEO of Right To Food Canada, talks about food insecurity at the holidays.TSN's Dean Brown reacts to Sidney Crosby becoming the Pittsburgh Penguins' all-time leading scorer, a record that was previously held by franchise icon Mario Lemieux.

Provincial and territorial leaders will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday for the first time since the federal government and the Province of Alberta signed a contentious MOU on energy production.On today's show:The federal government's 'Buy Canadian' procurement policy is officially in effect, Vassy speaks with Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound Vassy interviews Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada about the ongoing efforts to end the war with RussiaThe Explainer: What should you do if you get the flu?The Daily Debrief panel with Laura D'Angelo. Jeff Rutledge and Stephanie LevitzVassy speaks with Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, about the Carney government's climate policyCTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair joins Vassy to discuss the news that Pablo Rodriguez will step down as Quebec Liberal leader amid scandal

The Conservative Party Leader says he won't step down before his leadership review in January even if another MP crosses the floor to give the Carney Liberals a majority.On today's show:Vassy's year-end interview with Pierre PoilievreMoney Talk with John KlotzThe Daily Debrief panel with Graham Richardson, Sharan Kaur and Laryssa WalerVassy speaks with former diplomat Michael Kovrig about the conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy LaiBrian Kingston, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, joins Vassy to discuss the implications of Ford pivoting away from its EV business

At least 15 people were killed and 27 more were hospitalized after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. It has been declared a terrorist incident, authorities say the two shooters targeted Jewish Australians gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at the beach.On today's show:CTV's Scott Hurst has the latest on the mass shooting in AustraliaLegendary director Carl Reiner and his wife were found dead in their LA home on Sunday, allegedly murdered by their sonConsumer inflation for November held at 2.2%, but grocery prices continue to increaseVassy's year-end interview with Interim NDP Leader Don DaviesThe Governor of Delaware, Matt Meyer, joins Vassy to discuss the impact of tariffs on his stateTech Check with Carmi LevyThe Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair and Tim PowersVassy speaks with political scientist and author Alex Marland about the implications of Conservative floor crossing

Ottawa and Montreal are revealed to be the first cities to be connected to high-speed rail. The head of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto says high-speed rail is a 'nice to have'. Plus, Ford Government is still exploring what to do with warehoused American booze. A surge in flu cases has got CHEO asking for help. CTV's Josh Marano has more on the story. We also hear from a local family doctor, a member of the Ontario Hospital Association, and the president of the Ontario Medical Association. Another Conservative MP crosses the floor to the Liberals. Should it be allowed? We convene a special Political Heat Panel to discuss the matter. Later, Mr. Hollywood drops by with what's new at the theaters and streaming services. A clue on Jeopardy! yesterday inspired CFRA's Chris Holski to put together a city hall Jeopardy! quiz for Kristy. Plus, CTV reporters Kimberley Johnson and Kimberley Fowler are covering a couple of transportation stories.

Another Conservative MP has crossed the floor to join Carney's Liberals, leaving the Red Team one MP shy of a majority government. CTV political analyst Scott Reid takes it all in.The federal government says construction on a high-speed rail between Ottawa and Montreal will begin in 2029. Amanda goes 1-on-1 with Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto.Movie critic Richard Crouse chimes in about the possible Netflix - Warner Bros. merger. Hour 2Today's edition features Selvam Public Relations president Saeed Selvam and McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge.Topic 1: another floor crosser. Topic 2: The House of Commons has risen for 2025. What did the Carney government accomplish?Topic 3: Is high-speed rail between Ontario and Quebec a national priority?Topic 4: Marco Rubio makes a stand on font types.Topic 5: Has corporate jargon gone too far?

Steel industry, Algoma Steel has issued 1,000 layoff notices to workers in Sault Ste. Marie, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs on the sector. Vassy chats with Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker about the potentially dramatic impact to the local economy.On today's show:Tim Anderson, a former Kinder Morgan CEO, chimes in on the business argument for a new oil pipeline in Canada.Money Talk with John Klotz: Tax-panning tips to end a crazy 2025.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees.The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is raising concerns with present-day federal government policies, which they argue is making it harder for emergency responders to do their jobs.Tim Hodgson, Canada's Energy Minister, talks about the consultation process with First Nations groups on a new oil pipeline project.

B.C. Premier David Eby says he's now open to a new oil pipeline through British Columbia, assuming it doesn't go to the North Coast and the tanker ban remains active. We bring you his 1-on-1 conversation with Vassy Kapelos.On today's show:A Nor'easter is tracking for Atlantic Canada on the first day of 'Meteorological Winter'.Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham dissects his recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Social media companies to be held liable for financial scams under new E.U. rules.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji.Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin chimes in on the Alberta pipeline MOU.Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson calls to lift a moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration.

Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. After weeks of speculation and leaks to the media, we have learned that the Alberta pipeline MOU will be announced this Thursday in Calgary.On today's show:Stefan speaks with David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, about the status of Canada-USA trade talks.Canada Labour Congress President Bea Bruske discusses the CLC's lobbying efforts around the 2025 Federal Budget, as well as the upcoming review of CUSMA.Money Talk with John Klotz: How does a weak economy and tariffs impact holiday spending plans?The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sebastian Skamski, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees.MP Gord Johns and Brain Injury Canada CEO Michelle McDonald discuss the call for a national strategy on brain injuries.CTV's Colton Praill has the latest updates on the Alberta MOU.

After weeks of speculation, sources tell CTV News the Alberta pipeline MOU is set to be announced this week. And for the time being, B.C. Premier David Eby is still not on board.On today's show:Everything you need to know about the dispute between Alberta and B.C. over a proposed new pipeline route.Vassy speaks with B.C. Premier David Eby about his continued opposition to the pipeline plan.David Paterson, Ontario's Representative to Washington, outlines the state of Canada-USA trade talks.Tech Check with Carmi Levy: The government says anything produced by A.I. doesn't count as CanCon.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji.Vassy speaks with financial journalist Jon Erlichman about the A.I. stock bubble fears, and how they could be impacting the markets moving forward.

The Carney government has narrowly survived a confidence vote on the 2025 Federal Budget. So what happens now?On today's show:The Public Service Alliance of Canada is sounding the alarm about the pending civil service cuts.Vassy speaks with CSIS Director Dan Rogers about the threatening national security landscape that is facing Canada.Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: How Jeffrey Epstein used SEO to bury news about his crimes.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Brian Platt.Vassy speaks with University of Alberta professor Tim Caulfield about the threat that modern-day misinformation poses to Canada.CTV's Scott Hurst has the latest on a U.S. Congress vote about the Epstein Files, and what could happen next if it passes.

Months after Canadian voters put them in charge, will the Carney government fall tonight? It's unlikely, but it's also not impossible.On today's show:For the first time since 2013, and the 5th time in team history, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the kings of the CFL.Vassy speaks with interim Parliamentary Budget Officer Jason Jacques about his recent analysis of the Canada Strong Budget.The 2025 Federal Budget includes $82 billion in new spending on Canada's military. Vassy interviews David McGuinty, Canada's Defense Minister, about the new gameplan.Money Talk with John Klotz: How do I know if I can afford a house?The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Tim Powers.The Canadian Cancer Society fears that our country is backsliding on progress towards eliminating cervical cancer.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with his Cabinet members, are touring Canada to promote the 2025 Federal Budget. Are Canadians buying what they're selling? You'll hear Vassy's conversation with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu.On today's show:19-year CAF veteran Major Jean-Michel Gidlow joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss Remembrance Day and the Canadian military.Tech Check with Carmi Levy: You'll never guess what the Louvre's CCTV password is!The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nojoud Al Mallees, Laryssa Waler, and Sharan Kaur.Canada has lost its Measles Elimination Status for the first time in 3 decades. Dr. Isaac Bogoch joins Vassy with his reaction.

The Carney government will face a final confidence vote on the 2025 Federal Budget later today, and whether or not it will pass is still up in the air.On today's show:The U.S. Senate has passed a bill aimed at ending the weeks-long government shutdown, with 8 Democrats breaking party ranks to move the plan forward.Vassy's interview with Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon about the upcoming budget vote.Vassy speaks with former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton on what's at stake for Trump's tariff agenda, particularly if the Supreme Court rules against IEEPA tariffs.Money Talk with John Klotz: Do you need an emergency fund?The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers.CTV National News Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin explains why thousands of doctors packed Montreal's Bell Centre on Sunday to protest Quebec's healthcare reform.

New polling suggests 'government has a lot of work to do' selling budget to Canadians Vassy Kapelos speaks with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto on their latest polling and gets a temperature check on how Canadians are feeling following the release of the new federal budget. On today's show:•Sean Fraser, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, on the new budget and MP Chris D'Entremont crossing the floor to join the Liberals•Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin•The Daily Debrief with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike Le Couteur•Eric Ham, CTV US Political Analyst and Former Congressional Staffer, on the Supreme Court case that could strike down tariffs and Democrats taking wins in key races•Judy Trinh, CTV News National Correspondent, on the CFIA confirming a full ostrich cull in BC and the Supreme Court not hearing that case

Unpacking the significance of the new federal budget, D'Entremont crossing the floor, and more Vassy Kapelos speaks with finance minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on the details in his government's new federal budget. On today's show:•Andrew Scheer, Opposition House Leader, on his party's stance on the budget and one MP crossing the floor to the Liberals•Reaction to the details in the federal budget from Rodrigue Gilbert, President, Canadian Construction Association, and Sharon DeSousa, National President, Public Service Alliance of Canada•The Daily Debrief with Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz, and Laura D'Angelo•Don Davies, Interim NDP Leader, shares his thoughts on the budget and how his party might vote on it

Setting the scene for the Carney government's first federal budget Vassy Kapelos speaks with CTV Chief Financial Correspondent Amanda Lang with her thoughts on the landscape the budget exists in and what is likely to be featured. On today's show:• Dr. Trevor Hennessey, Chief of the Department of Anesthesiology for the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), on his decision to leave practicing in Quebec following changes made by Bill 2• Tech Check with Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst• The Daily Debrief with Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and George Soule• Afua Hagan, CTV Royal Commentator, on a handful of recent royal family stories

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, about the upcoming federal budget and the recent trip he took to Asia that coincided with Prime Minister Mark Carney.On today's show:Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on critical mineral supply chains and cooperating with other countriesJohn Klotz, Certified Financial Planner with Investment Planning Counsel, joins for his weekly Money Talk segmentThe Daily Debrief with Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Rudy HusnyBill Morneau, Former Minister of Finance, tees up his expectations for tomorrow's federal budgetAndrew Kiguel, CEO, Realbotix, on his company's involvement in building an 'AI Twin' of Suzanne Somers

The US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says no tariff relief deal is likely this year after trade talks broke down last week.On today's show:Vassy's interview with federal jobs minister Patty HajduShamira Madhany, Managing Director of World Education Services, joins Vassy to discuss how the government is falling short recognizing the credentials of foreign-trained workers in CanadaTech Check with Carmi Levy - US TikTok deal could be signed ThursdayThe Daily Debrief panel with Laryssa Waler, Nojoud Al Mallees and Sharan KaurVassy speaks with Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi about the Danielle Smith government's move to table back-to-work legislation to end the weeks-old Alberta teachers strikeMeteorologist Chris Vagasky with the latest on hurricane Melissa making landfall in Jamaica

Blue Jays! WOO!

Steve MacKinnon, Canada's Government House Leader, says he's worried by comments from opposition leaders about the 2025 Budget confidence vote.On today's show:For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are headed to the World Series.Prime Minister Carney is staying mum on rumors of a tariff deal ahead of the upcoming APEC Summit.BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter reacts to the latest inflation report, and what it means for the Canadian economy.Tech Check with Carmi Levy: A weekly deep dive into the top Tech stories.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nojoud Al Mallees, Sharan Kaur, and Jamie Ellerton.Vassy speaks with Canadian author Louise Penny, who has canceled the U.S. leg of her new book tour because of the ongoing trade war.The Auditor General has release scathing new reports on service at the CRA, as well as military recruitment and housing.

Carney gov't to table bail reform, changes to Criminal Code next weekPrime Minister Mark Carney has announced his government will table legislation next week that will amend Canada's Criminal Code to strengthen sentences and bail conditions for certain crimes.On today's show:Listen to Vassy's interview with Brampton mayor Patrick Brown about the Stellantis production moveVassy speaks with CTV Public Safety Analyst and former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis.The Daily Debrief with Mike Le Couteur, Rob Benzie and Laura StoneVassy speaks with Tony Wakeham, the new Premier-designate of Newfoundland and Labrador

China's ambassador to Canada says his country would drop tariffs on Canadian agriculture, if Canada dropped tariffs on Chinese EVs.On today's show:Vassy speaks with Flavio Volpe from the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association about the debate over Canada's tariffs on Chinese EVsListen to Vassy's conversation with federal industry minister Melanie Joly about the prospects of a trade deal for the auto sectorTech Check with Carmi Levy looks at the top tech stories of the weekThe Daily Debrief Panel with Sharan Kaur, Laryssa Waler and George SouleVassy speaks with General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada, about defence procurementCTV's Scott Hurst with a look at what the Blue Jays need to do after dropping 2-0 against the Mariners in the ALCS

Hour 1On today's show:Prime Minister Carney went to Washington earlier this week, looking for economic peace. But after hearing the latest comments from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the Auto sector, it's apparent that the waters are still rocky. We sift through the tea leaves with David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.Israel and Hamas have agreed to the primary phases of a peace deal, which would end the war in Gaza. Does this mean the bloodshed is finally over? We dig deeper with Iddo Moed, who is Israel’s Ambassador to Canada.Catherine McKenna, a former Liberal MP and Canada's Energy Minister during the Justin Trudeau era, has released a new memoir. She talks about women in politics, and her days in one of Canada's biggest boardrooms.Hour 2Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Chris Day and Kim Wright.

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump in D.C. today, with Trump hinting that Canada won't leave negotiations empty-handed.On today's show:We go live from the Oval Office, as Trump and Carney meet to talk trade and tariffs. Then, we get the latest developments from CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill.Vassy speaks with Middle East expert Thomas Juneau on the 2nd anniversary of the October 7th attacks.Tech Check with Carmi Levy: A breakdown of the top Tech stories of the week.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Garry Keller, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees.CTV Toronto video journalist Jon Woodward breaks down the corruption allegations surrounding Ontario's Skills Development Fund.The Toronto Blue Jays head to the Bronx, looking for a sweep against the Yankees and a ticket to the 2025 ALCS.Freedom Convoy leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber have received conditional sentences, and will avoid jail time.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, as he prepares for his second face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The feds are holding out hope for a tariff relief deal, but will they get one?On today's show:CTV Senior Political Correspondent Mike LeCouteur outlines everything you need to know about Carney's trip to Washington.Vassy chats with Brian Clow, a former Deputy Chief of Staff and NAFTA Negotiations Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Vassy's conversation with Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defense Procurement.Money Talk with John Klotz: An Ontario woman is on the hook for more than $600K in taxes on her late parents' estate.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Zain Velji.Vassy tackles the European security landscape with Estonia's Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has traveled to Mexico to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum, as the United States has officially launched the review of CUSMA.On today's show:B.C. Premier David Eby met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in a recent visit to Canada's Capital, as he lobbies the federal government on major projects and immigration policy. How did it go? Premier Eby joins today's program for a quick debriefing.U.S. President Donald Trump is wrapping up his unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom. We dig deeper with Christophe Bondy, a Partner at London-based Steptoe LLP.Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike LeCouteur.A 1-on-1 conversation with Jason Jacques, Canada's new Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Canadian MPs have returned to Ottawa for the Fall sitting of Parliament. Vassy Kapelos breaks down what's on the agenda and what's at stake for, not only the government, but for the opposition parties as well.On today's show:Vassy's chat with Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon about the government's priorities this Fall.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reacts to the Carney government's list of major projects.Movie critic Matt Demers recaps the 2025 Emmy Awards, which aired on CTV last night.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Michele Cadario, Tim Powers, and Tom Mulcair.Michael Sambasivam, a Senior Policy Analyst with Investors For Paris Compliance, talks about the inclusion of LNG Canada on the major projects list.

Hour 1Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show: • Mark Carney has released a list of ‘nation-building’ infrastructure project that his government will priorities• Conservative Party deputy leader Melissa Lantsman joins the show• Amanda speaks with royal expert Afua Hagan about Prince Harry and King Charles meeting face to face for the first time in almost two yearsHour 2Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Brian Clow, former advisor to PM Trudeau and Kathleen Monk, former director of communications to NDP leader Jack LaytonTopic 1: Mark Carney’s major projects: RX and analysisTopic 2: Is Mark Carney the Prime Minister he promised to be?Topic 3: A tale of two economies: Why one Canadian says he can’t afford to move back to TorontoTopic 4: Did Europe go too far by banning gel nail polish? + Is the Royal Family still relevant in 2025?

A US court of appeal has ruled that many of Trump's tariffs are illegal. What does that mean? Vassy Kapelos speaks with international trade lawyer Robert Glasgow, partner with McCarthy Tetrault. On today's show:Listen to Vassy's conversation with Evan Solomon, federal Minister for AI and Digital InnovationInternational trade lawyer Robert Glasgow joins Vassy to discuss the implications of a U.S. federal court ruling many of Trump's tariffs are illegalThe Daily Debrief Panel with Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur and Nojoud Al MalleesCarla Qualtrough, former federal Minister of Sport, says Prime Minister Carney should issue a formal apology over the findings of the Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada

Vassy Kapelos examines the latest conditions with CTV St. John's correspondent Garrett Barry and Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore.On today's show:The union representing Air Canada flight attendants has served a 72-hour strike notice, as the airline prepares to cancel upcoming flights. Today's conversation starts with Union Head Wesley Lesosky, as he explains how recent talks have broken down and explores how the two sides might be able to get back to the table. Plus, we touch base with CTV's Judy Trinh from the Ottawa International Airport, as frustrated travelers try to pack their patience.CTV National News producer and noted 'Swiftie' Rachel Hanes attempts to answer this week's Explainer question: Why do people love Taylor Swift so much?The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz, and Laura D'Angelo.What does re-negotiating CUSMA mean for Canada? Bill Robson, the President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute, tries to make sense of it all.

'I know there are buyers' Federal Energy Minister bullish on LNG as nation-building projectVassy Kapelos speaks with Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson about the timeline for approving nation-building projects and the future of LNG production in Canada.On today's show:No relief yet for Canadians sweating through heatwaves coast to coastChinese robot malls and concerns about Canadians health data security. Tech stories with Carmi Levy.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Graham Richardson and Sabrina GroverFormer Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay on what's at stake in the Trump-Putin summit on Ukraine

Support for Prime Minister Mark Carney - and his minority Liberal government - is holding steady at 50 percent. Vassy Kapelos chats with David Coletto, the CEO of Abacus Data, about the latest public opinion polls.On today's show:Another heatwave is impacting portions of Pacific, Central, and Eastern Canada. CTV's Lindsay Morrison delivers the details.For the first time in 3 years, Obesity Canada has updated its guidance for doctors, and how they treat cases of obesity. We dig deeper with Dr. Sue Pedersen, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist.Unless their union is able to strike a deal over the coming days, roughly 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants could strike this weekend. Dropping by the studios to discuss further is Wesley Lesosky, the President of CUPE's Air Canada Component.The Daily Debrief Panel with Sharan Kaur and Jamie Ellerton.David Parry, CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, grades the Carney government's military pay increase and defense spending plans.

It's been a full week since the U.S. struck Canada with 35 percent tariffs. We still don't have a new trade deal with the Trump administration. So where do we go from here? We pick the brain of David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre plans to pressure the Carney Liberals to implement the Canadian Sovereignty Act. What exactly does this act entail? Adam Chambers, the Conservative MP for Simcoe North, pays us a visit.Canadian teenage tennis star Victoria Mboko wins the National Bank Open in stunning fashion. Hour 2Today's edition features former Toronto Star editor Michael Cooke and Crestview Strategy Vice-President Deirdra Tindale.Topic 1: The latest developments on the Canada-U.S. trade war.Topic 2: Should the Carney Liberals repeal the Online News Act? Topic 3: In the midst of today's concerning wildfire risks, should Canadians stay out of the woods at all costs?Topic 4: Teenage tennis phenoms.

Guest host Tim Powers speaks with Goldy Hyder, who serves as CEO of the Canadian Business Council.On today's show:U.S. President Donald Trump will reportedly meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week, with the goal of ending a multi-year war between Russia and Ukraine. Ret. Major-General David Fraser, who now serves as CTV's military analyst, outlines what's at stake.A new analysis reveals that nearly every property sold in Toronto last month went for under the asking price. We dig deeper with Ryan McLaughlin, who is an economist with the real estate platform Wahi.CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin tackles the latest science headlines in his weekly feature 'Talk Science To Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura Stone, Rob Benzie, and Mike LeCouteur.How worried should we be about wildfire smoke exposure? Sarah Butson, the CEO of the Canada Lung Association, tells it like it is.

Guest host Tim Powers speaks with Eric Johnson, Vice President with the Forest Products Association of Canada, about what the industry is facingOn today's show:The federal government's new housing agency, 'Build Canada Homes', will launch this Fall, according to Prime Minister Carney. What is it, and what will it do? Tim speaks with housing policy expert Mike Moffatt.CTV News U.S. political analyst Eric Hamm joins Tim to help answer this week's 'Explainer' question: Why are Texas Democrats facing arrest warrants?The Daily Debrief panel with Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz and Laura D'Angelo80 years ago today the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Tim speaks with Canadian War Museum historian Andrew Burtch about the significance of this historic event.Toronto tennis phenom 18-year-old Victoria Mboko is vying for a spot at the National Bank Open. Tim speaks with TSN's Mark Roe about her rise to stardom.

After Canada failed to secure a new trade deal with the U.S. last week, federal ministers have traveled to Mexico to talk trade with the other member of CUSMA. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with Colin Robertson, a Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, about the next steps on the trade file.On today's show:Wildfire smoke continues to pollute Central Canada. David Phillips from Environment Canada attempts to explain when the smog might clear.Why did U.S. President Trump dismiss the Head of the Labour Statistics Bureau? CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham offers his theories.America says its putting a nuclear power plant on the Moon to power a future lunar base. Tech journalist Carmi Levy explores this, as well as some other tech stories that are dominating the news cycle.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Shakir Chambers and Sabrina Grover.How is the Canadian economy faring underneath a mountain of U.S. tariffs? BMO economist Benjamin Reitzes tackles the latest forecast.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1On today's show: •Tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. now face 35% tariffs as Canada did not get a new trade deal with the U.S. ahead of today’s deadline •Former US ambassador Frank McKenna joins Amanda with his analysis of the trade situation•CFIB President Dan Kelly weighs in on the impact to small businesses•Etalk’s Lainey Lui has the latest gossip on Justin Trudeau and Katy PerryFree For All Friday - Hour 2Hosts from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. Today's edition features Sharan Kaur, Principal at Navigator and Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on CJAD 800 in MontrealTopic 1: Canada fails to secure a new trade deal with the U.S.Topic 2: What happens next on the trade file?Topic 3: Questions about Courts, the Charter and the Notwithstanding ClauseTopic 4: Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry + What’s the deal with Trump’s lock screen?

Hour 1On today's show:Prime Minister Carney’s new message on trade: Don’t expect a tariff-free trade deal by August 1st.We've got another depressing report on housing starts and homebuilder sentiments. We check in on Canada's housing crisis with Mike Moffatt.How important is Indigenous buy-in for major infrastructure projects? Karen Restoule, the Director of Indigenous Affairs and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, weighs in.The viral Coldplay couple: A PR nightmare for a CEO and his Head of HR, as an alleged affair meets the Internet.Hour 2Today's edition features Laura D’Angelo from Enterprise Canada and Jeff Rutledge from McMillian Vantage.Topic 1: Prime Minister Carney’s new message on tradeTopic 2: Pierre Poilievre's leadership problems continue to burn, not fade awayTopic 3: What happened to Canada's housing crisis?Topic 4: Should we save the ostriches, or send them to Dr. Oz's house?

The Carney government is working towards a new deadline of August 1st to reach a trade deal with the United States, as U.S. President Trump prepares to launch 35% tariffs on that same day. CTV's Colton Praill has the latest on the trade war.On today's show:Another heatwave has made its way to Ontario, as wildfire smoke blankets Central Canada.Starting in January 2026, Canada will become the first country in the world where Ozempic is sold under generic labels - for much less than the brand name. That’s sparking concerns that patients could abuse the weight loss drug.As the trade war continues, more and more Canadians are shopping local and avoiding travel to America. That's bad news for duty-free stores on the Canada-U.S. border.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers and Zain Velji.The CEO of TikTok has requested an urgent meeting with Industry Minister Melanie Joly, as the company continues to fight against a government order to shut down its Canadian operations.

The Carney government is scrapping the new Digital Services Tax after trade talks with the U.S. broke down over the issue. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with David Pierce, Vice-President with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, about why the new tax was so controversial and why the Americans wanted it gone.On today's show:Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, on the latest on the City of Ottawa employee charged with vandalizing the National Holocaust MonumentWilliam Pellerin, trade lawyer, with an update on the Carney government's goal of dismantling interprovincial trade barriersThe Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair and Chris DayEddie Sheppard from Abacus Data on Canada's national pride ahead of Canada Day, and what the new polling data suggests

On today's show:• Listen to Amanda's conversation with CTV military analyst Major General (Ret.) David Fraser, about everything that happened in the Middle East this week.• How are Canadians feeling about the state of the nation ahead of Canada Day? Amanda speaks with Jon Roe from the Angus Reid Institute• CTV film critic Richard Crouse joins the show with his top picks at the box office this summer.Hour 2.Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Sharan Kaur, Political Strategist and Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Bill Morneau and Garry Kellar, Vice President at Strategy Corp PANEL TOPICS:Topic 1: Canada commits to 5% NATO spending targetTopic 2: Carney government’s Bill C-5 passes the Senate Topic 3: An 80’s summer? Why some parents want to turn back the clock for their kidsTopic 4: Jeff Bezos’s wedding targeted by protests in Venice

Unpacking what we do - and don't - know about the success of the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facility. Vassy Kapelos speaks with (Ret.) General Tom Lawson, a former Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces.On todays show:Bill Curry, Deputy Bureau Chief for the Globe and Mail, explains how the federal infrastructure bank provided $1 billion in loans for B.C. Ferries to buy Chinese-made ships.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology specialist, joins Vassy for his weekly 'Talk Science to Me' segment.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Graham Richardson.Pam Hemphill, Ex-'MAGA Granny', joins Vassy to discuss how she was commended by former U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence for refusing her January 6th pardon.

Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the merits of the Alberta Next Panel.On todays show: Jeremie Charron, CTV National News Correspondent joins Vassy live from The Hauge to discuss how Canada commits to new NATO pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2035.David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins Vassy to discuss the new Abacus polling that examines if Canadians think the Carney government is off to a good start.Judie Saunders, NYC Sexual abuse litigator and former prosecutor joins Vassy for this weeks 'The Explainer' segment.The Daily Debrief Panel with Sharan Kaur, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz.

There are a lot of moving pieces in the Israel-Iran situation. Vassy speaks with freelance journalist Nahayat Tizhoosh to get some perspective on the latest developments on day 12 of the conflict.On todays show: A political debate is raging over the Carney government's plan to continue with an EV sales mandate by 2035. Vassy speaks with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, about the industry's concerns. A political debate is raging over the Carney government's plan to continue with an EV sales mandate by 2035. Vassy speaks with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, about the industry's concerns. Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Laryssa Waler, Founder of Henley Strategies and Former Head of Communications for Doug Ford, Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute and Dan Moulton, Partner, Crestview Strategy, Liberal strategist.

Yesterday, a major crash on the 417 slowed traffic to a crawl, affecting all arterial roads and many side-streets. How can the city mitigate such a traffic nightmare? Have you noticed how we're becoming more and more reliant on AI? Summer arrives in the Ottawa! Will you travel or will you do a 'stay-cation'? Mr. Hollywood drops by to discuss what's in new in theaters and streaming services. The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival kicks off today! Alarming: 16 billion passwords have been compromised! A local business owner calls the Bank Street renewal project is having effects that are "worse than COVID". An Ottawa flexed his pop culture knowledge by winning the grand prize on CTV's 'Battle of the Generations' game show. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health unit, warns the public to be careful when dealing with wildlife, after rabies was discovered in a young fox.

Amid growing concerns about their aggressive plans to push Bill C-5 forward, the feds are defending their gameplan. Vassy Kapelos gathers instant reaction as the show unfolds.On today's show:CTV Montreal reporter Denise Roberts describes the hectic search for a missing Montreal toddler, who was safely recovered near Highway 417 on Wednesday.Damien Kurek, a now-former Conservative MP for Battle River-Crowfoot, officially gives up his seat and opens the door for a Pierre Poilievre comeback.CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin joins the party for his weekly dissection of thought-provoking debates.The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Robert Benzie from the Toronto Star and Laura Stone from The Globe And Mail.Becca Brown-McKnight, a councillor in Burlington , Vermont, explains why a street was recently renamed to honour their Canadian friends.Lastly, if Canada and the U.S. can't strike a trade deal within 30 days, PM Carney has some countermeasures to American tariffs up his sleeve.

Guest host Tim Powers is joined by CTV's Jeremie Charron with details on the concerns from Sikh activists and the political balancing act between inviting Modi and working with India versus the concerns against it.On today's show:• Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport, on how the new Carney government will approach sport and his new role• Sayward Montague, co-chair of the Women Veterans Research and Engagement Network (WREN), on calls to mark June 12 as a Day of Advocacy for Women Veterans• Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin• The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News• Donal Gill, Assistant Professor in Canadian Politics, Concordia University, on the significance of Michael Sabia being brought in as PM Carney's new head of the public service• Mark Masters, Sports Reporter, TSN , tees up game 4 of Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals

Vassy Kapelos is joined by Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News to talk through what we know so far.On today's show:Minister of Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland on the government's new One Canadian Economy bill and opposition concerns with itEric Ham, CTV US Political Analyst, on the ongoing protests in L.A. and the political firestorm that has developedDan Kelly, CEO of the CFIB, on the importance of today's meeting addressing the removal of interprovincial trade barriersThe Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist and partner at Northweather, he formerly worked with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley; Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader; and Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus DataAlberta Premier Danielle Smith on convincing BC Premier David Eby to be open to a west coast pipeline and optimism with new major energy infrastructure projects

Thousands of evacuations continue in Manitoba as wildfires rip through parts of the provinceFlin Flon resident Dawn Hlday tells guest host Stefan Keyes about her experience evacuating as fire crews battled a blaze burning near the city. On today's show:•CTV political analyst Scott Reid re-caps Monday's premiers meeting.•Economist Moshe Lander breaks down the latest global outlook from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. •CTV National correspondent Abigail Bimman fills us in on the new Strong Borders Act.•The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl, Jamie Ellerton, and Sharan Kaur.•Doug Gillham, meteorologist with The Weather Network explains how far wildfire smoke can travel

Guest host Stefan Keyes speaks with CTV's Colton Praill to tee up today's First Ministers Meeting, what to expect, and what the ramifications might be.On today's show:• Lori Turnbull, Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University• Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, on the ongoing evacuations in that province due to wildfires and calls for shelter and hotels for First Nations evacuees• Dan Kelly, CEO, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on the importance of today's meeting addressing the removal of interprovincial trade barriers• The Daily Debrief Panel with Sabrina Grover, Tom Mulcair, and Laryssa Waler• Francois Desmarais, VP of Trade and Industry Affairs for the Canadian Steel Producers Association, on threats from US President Donald Trump to double tariffs on steel• Virginie Millien, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at McGill University, on the spread of ticks and tick-borne illnesses to new parts of Canada.

On today's show:- Jason Kenney, Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones and Former Premier of Alberta.- You have your say on if you're confident Canada can get moving quickly on energy projects and infrastructure? Do you have concerns about glossing over environmental regulations?- History, Herstory, Ourstory: Joan of Arc; The White Album by The Beatles; US President Donald Trump convicted on 34 countsAttending today's session are Karen Gordon and Sabrina Grover1. What are you expecting from the First Ministers Meeting? What does success look like for the federal government here? 2. How are each of the federal leaders faring so far? 3.Trump vs. the courts - are we heading for a constitutional crisis in the US? 4. The Edmonton Oilers have another shot to win the Stanley Cup. 5. Here is the lineup for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa - what'd you think?

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Sheryl Matheson, Deputy Mayor of Sherridon, MB, on how residents are faring after evacuating on short notice due to one of the many large wildfires in the province right now.On today's show:•Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Council which represents 12 First Nations in Saskatchewan on a joint statement calling for greater firefighting resources for First Nations in the province•Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative Finance Critic & Mike Kelloway, Liberal MP from Nova Scotia, on energy and economic policy following the first Question Period•Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin•The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News; Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail•Andrew Bevan, Former Liberal National Campaign Co-Director, reflects on the campaign that ultimately elected Prime Minister Mark Carney

Philippe Lagassé, an expert in the role of the monarchy in Canada’s political system for his take on the significance of the throne speech as both political statement and symbolic gesture.On today's show:• Barry MacKenzie, Royal Historian at St. Francis Xavier University, on the historic ties between Canada and the monarchy and how the throne speech addresses them• Eric Ham, CTV US Political Analyst, on why Prime Minister Mark Carney may be open to joining, or at least entertaining, the US "Golden Dome"• Carmi Levy, Tech Journalist and Analyst• The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, Laura D’Angelo• Ret. Maj-Gen David Fraser, CTV Military Analyst and Former Commander of NATO Southern Coalition Troops, Afghanistan 2006• Tina Fedeski, Co-Founder and Artistic Managing Director, OrKidstra in Ottawa, and Kyle and Cait White, Owners, Milkhouse Farm + Dairy in Smiths Falls, Ontario, reflect on seeing and meeting King Charles at Lansdowne Park on Monday

King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Ottawa today! CTV Ottawa reporters update us on the latest royal sightings. With the Royals in town, the RCMP Musical Ride will be part of the procession. Should cadets be mandatory for young Canadian newcomers? A former honorary colonel of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Donald Cranston, told the National Post that he believes it would help young newcomers integrate into Canada. Paul Preikschas, Executive Director of Army Cadet League Canada - Ontario Branch, says making it mandatory is not the solution, but better outreach is. The 'amphibious' tour boat Lady Dive IV broke down in the Ottawa River, forcing Gatineau Fire to rescue all passengers aboard -- about 50 of them. A Powassan man was sentenced in the theft of the 'Roaring Lion' portrait. Later, a new session of parliament gets underway tomorrow. We assemble Our Political Heat Panel!

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon and Opposition House Leader Andrew Scheer about policy priorities, collaboration, energy policy, national unity, and more.On today's show:David Phillips, Senior Climatologist, Environment Canada, on what we can expect from The Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist and partner at Northweather. He formerly worked with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley; Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader; Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus DataPerry Bellegarde, Former Chief, Assembly of First Nations, on his expectations for the royal visitCTV's Abigail Bimman on the itinerary for the royal visit and how things went during the arrival this afternoon

Guest host Tim Powers gets the latest reaction on the labour dispute from Canada Post’s vice president of communications, Jon Hamilton and CUPW Toronto local president, Mark Lubinski. On today's show:Thomas Juneau, political science professor at the University of Ottawa explains the latest developments in tensions in the Middle East.Jesse Rogerson, assistant professor of science at York University breaks down solar flares.The Daily Debrief Panel with reporters Robert Benzie, Mike Le Couteur and Laura StoneTSN’S Kenzie Lalonde on the PWHL finalsTravel expert Lorraine Simpson on where people are vacationing this summer, as Canadian travel to the U.S continues in a steep decline.

It's Budget Day in Ontario. Are there any items that you're looking for? More money for education? Healthcare? Jobs training?

CTV's Jeremie Charron joins guest host Stefan Keyes to unpack the results from the first cabinet meeting and the political reception it has received so far.On today's show:• Mike Von Massow, Professor, Department of Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics, University of Guelph, on Loblaw warning of a possible spike in grocery prices for products impacted by tariffs• Dr. Mike Moffatt, Founding Director, Missing Middle Initiative, follows up on comments from Canada's new housing minister about supply and lowering prices• Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin• The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Mike Le Couteur, and Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail• Marvin Ryder, Professor in the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, previews Ontario's upcoming budget amid tariff issues• Dan Kelly, President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on his concerns about another possible Canada Post strike and what it would mean for businesses

One-on-one interview with Prime Minister Mark CarneyHear the full interview with Vassy Kapelos and Prime Minister Mark Carney following the unveiling of his new federal cabinet.On today's show:•The Daily Debrief Panel with Sharan Kaur, Partner, Sovereign Advisory; Jeff Rutledge, Vice President, McMillian Vantage; Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter in The Globe and Mail's Ottawa bureau•Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst, on the government's new AI ministers and expectations for that portfolio•Have Your Say on what we've seen and heard from the new government so far

PM Mark Carney's cabinet was sworn in today; some old faces in new places. An NDP MPP is tabling a motion to ban hospital parking fees. We're asking you: "Should it be?".Despite tariffs, many U.S. cities are hoping to keep economic ties with Canada. Kristy speaks with Juliet Abdel, president of Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce in Kansas. A rash of break-ins in the Copeland Park area has residents on edge. Canadian tourist towns are seeing a reduction of American visitors. Is that off-set by more Canadian travelers? Kristy speaks with the GM of Thousand Islands Cruises - Kingston, Eric Ferguson, about what he's seeing. Many local shops and restaurants are voicing their displeasure at the possibility of extending paid on-street parking, some calling it a 'cash grab'. Councillor Tim Tierney objects to the extended paid on-street parking being called a 'cash grab'. CTV's Vassy Kapelos has an exclusive interview with Mark Carney. You'll hear exerts of her chat with the Prime Minister.

On today's show:- Former Conservative MP Lisa Raitt.- Brian Clow, a former Deputy of Staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.- CTV's Adrian Ghobrial joins us from Vatican City.Free For All Friday - Hour 2Attending today's session are Toronto Star reporter Rob Benzie and Henley Strategies founder Laryssa Waler.PM Carney sat down with U.S. President Trump for an in-person meeting. How would you grade his performance in the Oval Office, and how can we avoid getting on Trump's bad side?With the Trump and Trudeau dynamics playing a pivotal role in last week's election results, do you think Pierre Poilievre did enough pivoting and adapting? How can we properly address the issues of Western alienation without fully dismissing them?King Charles is making a trip to Canada later this month, as he prepares to read the Throne Speech. If you had the power to do so, what Canadian attraction would you take him to?Laryssa and Amanda are going to see Wheel of Fortune in a live setting.

'I am delighted': Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American pope as conclave concludesFather Ricardo Da Silva, Jesuit Priest and Associate Editor, America Media and producer of the podcast Inside the Vatican joins Vassy Kapelos with his reaction to Cardinal Robert Prevost becoming the first American pope as Pope Leo XIV.On today's show:•Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on a possible separation referendum and western alienation•Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin•The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter, The Globe and Mail; and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News•Goldy Hyder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Canada on the new US/UK trade deal and what it might mean for Canada's negotiations moving forward

Frank McKenna, Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. discusses what should be the expectations ahead of Prime Minister Carneys meeting tomorrow with U.S President Donald Trump.On todays show: Anthony Wilson-smith, President & CEO, Historica Canada discusses how The First Canadian Army were all hailed as heroes, 80 years ago this week.Lori Turnbull, Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University, discusses the uncertain future for the Conservative Party of Canada and what challenges Mark Carney will face as Canada's new Prime Minister. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair and Zain Velji.Mark McGowan, Professor of History & Celtic Studies, St. Michael's College, University of Toronto discusses how the selection of a new Pope is set to start on May 7.Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations discusses this years PWHL playoffs.

Vassy Kapelos is joined by Frank McKenna, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States and Former Premier of New Brunswick, to discuss how Prime Minister Mark Carney can approach dealing with US President Donald Trump.On today's show:• Andrew Scheer, Conservative-Saskatchewan Elect and former Conservative Party leader, on Pierre Poilievre losing his seat and tensions between the federal and some provincial Conservative parties on how to move forward• James Duthie, Host of TSN hockey coverage, on the second round of the NHL playoffs with several Canadian teams still in contention• The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter, The Globe and Mail; and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News• Jennifer Howard, Former National Campaign Director for federal NDP and Jagmeet Singh’s Chief of Staff; on the collapse of the NDP, the factors at play, and what might come next for the party

An earlier meeting between Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump is under serious scrutiny, as the federal election campaign enters its final days. Vassy Kapelos explores further during The Rundown.On todays show:We gather the latest on the campaign trail from CTV's Abigail Bimman, CTV's Mike LeCouteur, and CTV's Rachel Aiello.China says it wants to team up with Canada to push back against American 'bullying'. Vassy chats with Vina Nadjibulla, the Vice-President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.CTV's Dan Riskin drops by for his weekly 'Talk Science To Me' segment.Vassy fires up today's Daily Debrief Panel, which features Graham Richardson from Edelman Public Affairs and Rob Benzie from the Toronto Star.What is 'poll herding' and how could it impact our interpretation of where the election stands? Vassy poses those questions, and several others, to Greg Lyle. He is the President and Founder of Innovative Research Group.

Vassy Kapelos is joined by CTV's Mike Le Couteur, Rachel Aiello, and Abigail Bimman to unpack how the three main party leaders fared at the French debate and what might be coming in the English one.On today's show:Gilles Duceppe, former leader of the Bloc Quebecois, on the significance of the French debate for that party and expectations moving forwardTalk Science to Me with Dan RiskinThe Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter, The Globe and MailCarmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst, on the 20th anniversary of YouTube

On today's show:• Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, Senior Fellow in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa• Chris Lewis, CTV Public Safety Analyst and Former OPP Commissioner• Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist• Camille Katona, Founder of 19/99 Beauty Free For All Friday - Hour 2 This week's show features panelists Matthew Barnes, Principal, Navigator and Deirdra Tindale, Vice President, Crestview Strategies Topic 1: China raises tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% as trade war deepensTopic 2: Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney spar over guns, reveal duelling agendas to curb crimeTopic 3: Whether a Liberal win threatens national unity depends on AlbertansTopic 4: 'We can't even leave our house': Waterloo students terrorized by 'angry' nesting Canada geeseTopic 5: ‘It has everything you need,’ Mike Myers’ Canadian Tire shirt on SNL sparks praise for the retail chain

'More problematic than he bargained for': Trump tariff changes send shocks through markets as uncertainty loomsVassy Kapelos is joined by CTV US Political Analyst Eric Ham to unpack the 90-day temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs for everyone but China and what the political ramifications of that might be moving forward.On today's show:•CTV's Abigail Bimman, Rachel Aiello, and Mike Le Couteur provide updates from the campaign trails with the three main parties•Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin•The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter, The Globe and Mail•Marcus Maloney, Assistant Professor in the Research Centre in Postdigital Cultures, Coventry University in Coventry, UK, weighing in on the impact of the new series Adolescence and the reaction from parents about teen boys' use of social media and socialization issues

Checking in with the Green Party co-leaders as the campaign hits the halfway markVassy Kapelos speaks with Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, co-leaders of Canada's Green Party, about the current economic state of Canada and how the party proposes to fund some of its platform promises if elected.On today's show:• Charles Souza, Liberal Candidate for Mississauga Lakeshore, and Andrew Scheer, Conservative Candidate for Regina—Qu'Appelle, on a number of campaign issues• CTV's Abigail Bimman, Judy Trinh, and Mike Le Couteur provide updates from the campaign trail for the three main federal parties• The Explainer: Laura Lundquist, physiotherapist and the owner of Zoomers Physiotherapy and Health Solutions/ founder of Club Z Fitness Program answers "How much do I need to exercise a week to be healthy?"• The Daily Debrief Panel with Michele Cadario, CEO, Vanguard Strategy; Jeff Rutledge, Vice President, McMillian Vantage; Rachel Aiello, Correspondent, CTV National News

On today's show:- CTV's Vassy Kapelos recaps the campaign trail highlights of Day 13, while also previewing the latest edition of 'That Just Happened: Canada Decides 2025'- Texture Communications President Melanie Paradis and Crestview Strategy's Ginny Roth unpack the controversy around Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's 'biological clock' comments- BNN Bloomberg's Amanda Lang reacts to the market backslide following the imposition of Trump's tariffsAttending today's session are Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy and Bob Richardson of National Public Relations.Global markets, especially Wall Street, continue to slide after China slaps retaliatory tariffs on imports. Canada's election campaign hits the one-third mark, as party leaders begin Day 13 in Quebec. The Liberals hold a 10-point lead over the Conservatives, while Carney boasts a 20-point advantage over Poilievre as the preferred Prime Minister. How can party campaigns and party leaders avoid these unforced errors?

Guest host Tim Powers speaks with economist Moshe Lander, Sr. lecturer in economics at Concordia University, walking through the tanking of the stock market.On today's show:• CTV's Abigail Bimman with an update from the Conservative press conference• Eric Ham, CTV US Political Analyst, weighs in on the political ramifications of the Trump tariffs• Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist• The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News; Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail• John Philpott, Founder and CEO, CanAm Physician Recruiting Inc., on an influx of American doctors interested in moving to Canada• Acacia Pangilinan, Executive Director, Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce, on why her city is well equipped to deal with tariffs

Trump prepares to escalate trade warJoy Malbon, CTV Washington Bureau Chief joins guest host Tim Powers live from Washington with the latest on how U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to launch tariffs against countries around the world today in what could be the largest single-day escalation of the United States’ trade war.On todays show: Aaron Ettinger, Associate Professor Department of Political Science, Carleton University joins guest host Tim Powers for this weeks 'The Explainer' segment. This weeks question comes from Kyle on Instagram and reads "Can Trump get a third term? What are the laws in place that stop this from happening?".The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Ruttledge and Stephanie Levitz. Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, Ontario joins guest host Tim Powers to give his reaction to the escalation of the trade war by U.S President Donald Trump.

Vassy is joined by Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent, Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent and Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent for the latest on each parties push as we enter the second week of the election campaign. On todays show: Alex Nutall, Mayor of Barrie and Don McIsaac, Mayor City of Orillia join Vassy to discuss the impacts and recovery efforts following the ice storm that blew through the region over the weekend leaving more than 400,000 without power. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Derek Burney, former Canadian ambassador to the U.S., who says he’s encouraged by Trump’s change in tone but it’s his actions that will matter.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. David Adams, President of the Global Automakers of Canada joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the potential industry and economic impacts that these tariffs on April 2nd will bring to the auto industry.

On today's show:Mark Carney meets with U.S. President Donald Trump, as Canadian autoworkers prepare to hit back against the incoming Trump tariffs. We go 1-on-1 with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair delivers his analysis from Week 1 of the federal election campaign, which started with promises of tax cuts and ended with another looming wave of American tariffs.Should Canada consider becoming a tax haven? We dig deeper with Pedro Antunes, a Chief Economist with the Conference Board of Canada.Attending today's session are Tim Powers from Summa Strategies and Laura D'Angelo from Enterprise Canada.- How do the Auto tariffs impact the industry-at-large? - A Jays fan entered Rogers Centre on Thursday afternoon, eager to catch the Opening Day matchup against Baltimore. However, he didn't get to see it because his 'Canada's Not For Sale' hat ruffled some feathers.Have you ever been accidentally entered into a group chat?

New auto tariffs introducing new concerns for auto parts manufacturing groupVassy Kapelos speaks with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, about the new 25% auto tariffs, and how Canadian industry can respond.On today's show:•CTV's Judy Trinh, Rachel Aiello, and Abigail Bimman provide updates on the campaign trail from the three main parties•Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology Specialist Dan Riskin•You have your say on the tariff reprieve•The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park Reporter, The Globe and Mail•Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst, on the Tesla stock dropoff and reputation damage from Trump association

What's new on Day 4 of the campaignVassy is joined by CTV's Rachel Aiello, Judy Trinh, and Abigail Bimman as they provide the latest from the campaign trails with the three major parties.On todays show: Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress discusses how Hudson's Bay Co. will pay up to $3 million total in retention bonuses to 121 managers and executives, but will not pay severance to its more than 9,300 workers.Mike Moffatt, Assistant Professor with the Ivey Business School answers this weeks 'The Explainer' question on if we have seen any improvement in the supply of housing. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura D’Angelo, Vice President, National Strategy and Public Affairs, Enterprise Canada, Jeff Rutledge, Vice President, McMillian Vantage and Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter in The Globe and Mail's Ottawa bureau.David Patterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington DC discusses his meeting with USTR officials Monday in D.C to get a sense of where we stand for April 2nd.

Bob Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief, The Globe and Mail joins Vassy to discuss how agents of India and their proxies allegedly meddled in the 2022 election of Pierre Poilievre as Conservative Party Leader as part of a larger effort to cozy up to politicians of all parties.On todays show: Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent, Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News join Vassy with the latest from the campaigns trail with each party. Dave Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute joins Vassy to discuss if Canada is capable of bolstering it's defence capabilities without being reliant on the U.S. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl, Shakir Chambers, and Muhammad Ali.Brett Bruen, president of the Global Situation Room and a former U.S. diplomat joins Vassy to discuss how Trump officials texted war plans to a group chat in a secure app.

Sahir Khan, Vice President of the University of Ottawa's Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy joins host Vassy Kapelos for an analysis on the the plans from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney to cut income taxes for middle-class Canadians. On todays show: Vassy is joined by CTV's Rachel Aiello, Judy Trinh, and Mike Le Couteur as they provide the latest from the campaign trails with the three major parties. Éric Blais, President of Headspace Marketing in Toronto, joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how advertisements impact an election campaign, and to help break down the strategy behind each parties choice of advertisement. The Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Jason Lietaer. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, Senior Fellow, Graduate School Of Public And International Affairs, University Of Ottawa & Board Member of the China Strategic Risks Institute joins Vassy to discuss Canada's evolving relationship with China.

On today's show:The Liberals are surging past the Tories into majority territory, but there are some serious caveats to this batch of data. Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute breaks down the numbers for us.Ian Lee from Carleton University's Sprott School of Business digs into a complex housing market as the federal election looms large.Hour 2Today's panelist are public affairs consultant Bob Richardson and Chris Day of Hill and Knowlton.Ready or not, here comes a federal election! What are the primary strengths and weaknesses for each party? More importantly, which topic will determine who forms government?In regards to their communication strategies, have the Liberals and Tories both fumbled the football?As a testy trade war continues with the Trump administration, is Canada in unavoidable danger of an economic recession?In light of today's economic uncertainty, are you shelving any major purchases?

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig joins Vassy Kapelos, Kovrig said China's execution of Canadians is 'demonstrating what kind of China it wants the world to see.' Listen to the full conversation.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Former ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton and Jody Tomas, former national security advisor to Justin Trudeau, as they discuss Canada's trade strategy.CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail, Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News.Bill Robson, President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute joins Vassy to discuss C.D. Howe Institute’s 2025 Shadow Budget report.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first trip is to Europe, and not the U.S. That decision speaks volumes as to how far our relationship with our neighbours down South has disintegrated. A lot Canadians are wondering IF the relationship CAN be salvaged. Can Canada ever trust the US again? Many Ontario business and labour groups believe the trust is gone. Businesses situated inside the Hudson's Bay locations are monitoring closely the possible liquidation of Canada's older retailer. A new report by the Canadian Environmental Law Association shows a couple of local schools have an unacceptably high amount of lead found in their water. The trade war is affecting everything from businesses to charities to non-profits. We hear from the Ottawa Mission as well as the Bereaved Families of Ontario as to how the tariff war is hurting them.Our Monday Political Heat panel assembles!CTV's Matt Skube and Kristy discuss what ails them and those around them.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with newly minted Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne as they discuss fiscal responsibility, government cuts, and scrapping the carbon tax.On todays show: David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the new polling from Abacus Data that shows the Conservative lead drop down to 4 as Liberals reach their highest vote share since August 2021.Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases physician at the Toronto General Hospital joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Ontario's chief medical officer of health is urging Ontarians to make sure they are immunized against the measles, amid the most severe outbreak in the province in more than a decade.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Zain Velji.Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News joins Vassy to give the latest on Prime Minister Mark Carneys trip to Europe.

On today's show, Amanda Galbraith is joined by: • CTV's Colton Praill recaps today's swearing-in ceremony as Mark Carney is officially Canada's Prime Minister.• David Paterson, who is Ontario's Representative in Washington, speaks about the U.S. – Canada meeting which he attended. Free For All Friday - Hour 2Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss this week's five biggest news stories. Attending today's session are CJAD 800 Montreal host Elias Makos and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price.1. Canada's new Prime Minister has been unveiled.2. Ontario's Premier has another meeting scheduled with U.S. officials next week. Is the tariff temperature being lowered? 3. The latest poll showcases a continuous slide for the Tories, as the Liberals continue to gain momentum. 4. Amidst a testy trade war, are you okay with border guards cracking down on everyday Canadians?5. Are you having a beer on St. Patrick's Day? Spoilers: There is only one answer.

Vassy' speaks with Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne as he speaks about the upcoming U.S. trade talks, Canada's counter-tariff money, and tariffs on Chinese EVs.On todays show: Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of Canadian Steel Producers Association, joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the impact that steel manufacturers in Canada are feeling with the tariffs now in place.CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail, Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News.Tim Tierney, Ottawa city councillor and Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, joins Vassy to discuss his trip to Washington where he engaged in talks about the impacts of tariffs on both sides of the border.

Rachel Aiello, CTV National Correspondent joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss Mark Carney being elected as the new Liberal leader, as well as his vows to take on U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada’s Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc as they discuss the trade war between Canada and U.S. and whether Canadians should be worried about Trump’s intentions to target Canada.Vassy takes your calls and texts to hear what you have to say about Mark Carney becoming the new Liberal leader.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Zain Velji.Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of Canadian Steel Producers Association joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss how U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signaled he doesn’t expect a reprieve on 25 per cent tariffs for steel and aluminum imports scheduled to take effect on Wednesday.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1Amanda Galbraith breaks down today's biggest stories with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:Retired Major-General David Fraser weighs in on U.S. President Trump's latest musings, as America's Big Cheese could revoke the legal status of displaced Ukrainians.Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant, previews the next 72 hours and explains what each outcome means for the Canadian Liberals.Free For All Friday - Hour 2Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss this week's five biggest news stories. Attending today's session are Summa Strategies chairman Tim Powers and Alyson Fair of Bluesky Strategy Group.The Liberal leadership race will be decided on Sunday, but was this a Carney coronation to begin with?U.S. President Trump pauses tariffs on some Canadian-made goods, but not all of them. How do we do business with this administration?What are your favourite Canadian-made products?

So it has begun... the trade war between the U-S and Canada. Trump's tariffs will drive up housing prices -- on BOTH sides of the border. We speak with the VP of a Canadian cannery company who worries how they can navigate through these tariffs. Meanwhile, one think tank is calling for Canada to drop non-tariff trade barriers. estimating an increase on our country's gross domestic product (Good!) and reduce the cost consumers would pay at the grocery store (Also good!).Later, after 16 years, the MPPs pay freeze could come to an end. Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the department of political science at the University of Toronto, says it's about damn time!Matthew Perry's sister talks about a supporting housing initiative that bears her late brother's name. City councillor and VP of Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tim Tierney will head to D.C. to argue the detrimental effect of Trump's tariffs. Also, CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to discuss today's big headline -- the tariffs.

Guest host Tim Powers sits down with Rod Phillips, Former Minister of Finance of Ontario, Chair of Toronto Global, the organization formed by all three levels of government tasked with attracting foreign investment to the Greater Toronto Area, Vice Chair at Canaccord Genuity to discuss the imposition of 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods, and how Canada would be best positioned to respond. On todays show: -Colton Praill, CTV National News Correspondent talks about the latest on Canada's response to the 25% tariffs being imposed by the Trump administration. - Richard Forbes, Principal Economist at the Conference Board of Canada, discusses the economic impact that 25% tariffs will have on the pocket books of Canadians.-The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, and Laura D'Angelo.- Steve Joordens, Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto/Scarborough, chats about how Canadians can deal with the economic uncertainty that is being caused by tariffs.

‘We have no guarantees’: Marc Miller on U.S. discussionsListen to Vassy's full conversation with Immigration Minister Marc Miller as they discuss Canada’s relationship with the U.S.On todays show: Roland Paris, Director of the graduate school of public and international affairs at the university of Ottawa joins Vassy to discuss how over the weekend Europeans embraced Zelensky after he was vilified by Trump in the Oval office meeting on Friday. Richard Crouse, Film critic, joins Vassy to recap last nights Oscars. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull as he weighs in on Donald Trump’s second presidency so far and his public spat with Zelenskyy.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.Host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:Canadian Comedian Mark Critch joins host Scott Reid to discuss if todays political world is to divisive for comedy.Scott recaps historical moments that have happened on February 28th throughout history.Free For All Friday - Hour 2.Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader, Jeff Rutledge, Vice President, McMillian Vantage and Kieran McMurchy, Senior Consultant at Navigator, Liberal StrategistOntario election results – was it what Canadians expected?Trump, Vance castigate Zelensky in tense Oval Office meetingKaty Perry is going to space! would you go into space and/or what celebrity would you most like to see sent into space.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal leadership candidate Karina Gould who says she doesn't think balancing the budget in three years by growing the economy is realistic.On todays show: Siobhan Morris, CTV News Toronto Queen's Park Bureau Chief joins host Vassy Kapelos for the latest on the Ontario election. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Conservative MP and ethics critic, Michael Barrett about Mark Carney moving his investments firm's office to U.S.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike Le Couteur.

One-on-one with Liberal leadership candidate Karina GouldListen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal leadership candidate Karina Gould as they speak about what actions she would take if Trump imposes tariffs against Canada.On todays show: Sir Richard Sheriff, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for Europe from 2011-2014 joins Vassy to discuss the implications Trump’s remarks will have on the Ukraine-Russia war and the actions Putin will take.Julie Hansen, a early-childhood education consultant in Halfmoon Bay, B.C joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the drawbacks and benefits of education children on the importance of sharing. Tim Powers guests host the Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji and Tom Mulcair. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Canada's Ambassador to the U.S Kirsten Hillman as they discuss the efforts being taken to secure Canada’s border and the conversations happening with the Trump administration.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:Listen to Amanda's exclusive two-part interview with The Right Honorable Stephen J. Harper, the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada on his new book 'Flags of Canada'Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Amanda to discuss the big tech stories of the week. Free For All Friday - Hour 2.Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Laura D’Angelo, Vice President, National Strategy and Public Affairs, Enterprise Canada and Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data. PANEL TOPICS:Topic 1: Liberal Leadership latestTopic 2: Trump VS Canada Topic 3: Hi-Speed Rail announcement – A continuation of a good idea, or a route to no where?Topic 4: Four nations win - how symbolic was it?

A ‘game changer’: Trudeau gives update on high-speed rail projectListen to Vassy's full conversation with Transport Minister Anita Anand as they discuss the investigation into the plane crash at Pearson Airport as well as the government's high-speed rail announcement.On todays show: James Duthie, Canadian sportscaster for TSN and the host of TSN's hockey coverage joins Vassy to discuss the 4 Nations Face-Off game tonight.. Canada vs. United States.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike Le Couteur.Frank Baylis, Liberal leadership candidate joins Vassy to discuss his newly announced Prosperity Agenda, a key element of his leadership platform.

The federal government announces their plans for a high speed rail network. With the sun about to set on the Trudeau government, will this get done? Can it be done? Kristy speaks with Lavagnon Ika, professor of project management at the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management, believes it can be done! The new tenant plans to bring back events to the space once filled by the Courtyard. Can a doctor practice anywhere in Canada? Not without having dealing with interprovincial barriers. Kristy chats with Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association, about the 'unnecessary barrier'. Pat King, one of the Freedom Convoy organizers, was sentenced today. If you say 'I love you' too many times, it loses its impact. CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to go over a list other ways to express your love.What are prebiotic sodas? We hear about a Valentines Day date that went down the path least traveled. History is coming to the old Chapters building in the ByWard Market.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles as she reacts to Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's pitch to NDP supporters to vote Liberal to unseat Doug Ford.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Yuliya Kovaliv, Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada who says Ukraine's membership in NATO is a 'cheaper and more effective way to ensure a long-lasting peace.'Steve Joordens, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto/Scarborough joins host Vassy Kapelos to help answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question on if more people are feeling flight anxiety due to the increase of aviation incidents being reported on. The Daily Debrief Panel with Hannah Thibedeau and Graham Richardson.The Honorable Peter Boehm, Senator, at prorogation was chair of Senate foreign affairs and international trade committee, former ambassador and longtime deputy minister joins Vassy to discuss the Trump administration’s “shock and awe” show at the Munich Security Conference.

It's the day AFTER the provincial election debate. Who won? Were there ANY winners? Our Political Heat chimes in. We speak with an aviation analyst on the latest with the Pearson Airport plane crash. Inflation is up... but not by much. What now for users of the Louis Riel Dome recreation centre, after the exterior canvas was damaged? Kristy speaks with the founder / CEO of Kilonova Interactive, the Ottawa start-up company behind VR that helps students practice for driving tests. A survey for the OMA finds Ontarians believe the healthcare crisis isn't getting any better. Local family physician, Dr. Kevin Brophy, joins Kristy to discuss how the crisis is worse than last year.Kristy speaks with Mike Nolan, Renfrew County Chief Paramedic, who helped victims of the plane crash.

John Cox, Aviation safety expert, joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss what occurred when a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis, carrying 80 passengers, crashed while attempting to land at Pearson International Airport on Monday.On todays show: Scott Hurst, CTV National News Correspondent joins Vassy to give a live update on the Delta jet crash at Pearson airport. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with The premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey who said he found it “incredibly concerning” to hear senior staff from U.S. President Donald Trump’s office convey that the commander-in-chief is “very serious” when he talks about annexing Canada.Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at the Chatham House think tank and author of ‘Who Will Defend Europe’ joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Russia and the U.S. agreed to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties without Ukraine present.

On today's show:• David Fraser, Former Commander of NATO Forces in Southern Afghanistan and CTV Military Analyst goes over the latest on Russia/Ukraine. • David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data discusses the recent uptick in the polls for the Liberals. • Richard Crouse, Film Critic joins Amanda to tell us the best movies to set the mood for valentines day. Free For All Friday - Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Laryssa Waler, founder of Henley Strategies, former head of communications for Doug Ford, Kim Wright, Principal and Founder, Wright Strategies and Jennifer Madigan, Chief Operating Officer, Syntax Strategic.Topic 1: Premiers hail 'constructive' meeting as they lobby against tariffs – What now? Topic 2: Leger and Abacus polling from this week. Leger is showing an upward swings for the Liberals, specifically on dealing with the U.S. Topic 3: The return of patriotism - Canadians have been feeling more patriotic since the tariff threats.

David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada joins guest host Tim Powers to give the latest outlook on the massive storm front that's rolling through parts of Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. On todays show: Eric Ham, CTV U.S. Political Analyst joins guest host Tim Powers with the latest on how the United States has announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on goods entering the country.James Duthie, Canadian sportscaster for TSN and the host of TSN's hockey coverage joins guest host Tim Powers to go over Team Canada defeating Sweden in first 4 Nations Face-Off game.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins guest host Tim Powers for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike Le Couteur.

RCMP Commissioner says they have increased posture by 35% at the border Listen to Vassy's full interview with Michael Duheme, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on how the RCMP has deployed 35% more personnel to the Canada/US border.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with International Trade and Economic Development Minister Mary Ng as they discuss negotiating with the U.S. over trade irritants, such as the digital services tax.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Marieke Walsh.Valerie Plante, Mayor of Montreal joins Vassy to discuss the Big city mayors caucus and to giver her response to the threat of tariffs.

CTV Ottawa reporter Katelyn Wilson has the latest on yesterday's death at a construction site. Beware of your car rental agreement. CTV News Ottawa reporter Katie Griffin has story that will raise a brow. Plus, we gather reaction to two provincial parties pledging to upload responsibility of Ottawa’s light-rail transit network to the province’s Metrolinx. We hear from Chair of Ottawa's Transit Committee, and a member of the Ottawa Transit Riders. Liberal candidate in Ottawa South, John Fraser, also shares his thoughts. Our 'Question of the Day': Are you sticking with your ‘Buy Canadian’ plans for the next month? Later, Laura Dudas, city councillor, hopes the city suspends all of their X accounts to migrate to other platforms. Tim Tierney, city councillor, believes suspending all of the city's X accounts is a bad idea, saying there's no real alternative to migrate to. Chris Holski nerds out as the Fantastic Four trailer drops.

Vassy speaks with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, about working to the last deadline of tariffs, Trump's approach moving forward, and how Canadian industry can respond.On today's show:David Phillips, Sr. Climatologist, Environment Canada, on the snow hitting BC and frigid temperatures in the prairies Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe weigh in on the pause on tariffsYou have your say on the tariff reprieveThe Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Vice President of Oyster Group; Saeed Selvam, Vice President of Public Affairs at NATIONAL; and Rachel Aiello, National Correspondent, CTV NewsDr. Anna Banerji, Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Infectious Disease at the University of Toronto on what you need to know about bird fluMoshe Lander, Senior Lecturer, Economics, Concordia University, runs a fact check on the trade relationship between Canada and the US

Anil Wasif, Toronto-based economist, manager of the research team at Infrastructure Ontario joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss how understanding why the Trump administration has embraced tariffs is key to developing Canada's response.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc who says he's ‘very pessimistic’ Trump tariffs can be avoided by Tuesday.Carmi Levy, CTV tech expert joins Vassy to discuss how Instagram might work better as a dating app than Tinder. Matt Skube, CTV News Anchor joins Vassy to provide a weather update as snow continues to barrel down on multiple parts of Canada. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Zain Velji, and Tom Mulcair. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal leadership contender Chrystia Freeland who says everything should be on the table when it comes to Canada’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Fill-in host Mark Twohey speaks with: - Rob Kokonis, who is the President of AirTrav.- Laura Dawson, an Executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, delivers her two cents.- Canadian cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, are getting bigger and bigger. Some argue they are way too full. How can we adapt to this reality? We open the debate floor with Paul Beaudry, a former Deputy Governor at the Bank of Canada.Hour 2This week's show features Sabrina Grover from NorthStar Public Affairs, Alex Chreston of Crestview Strategy, and Cam Holmstrom of Niipaawi Strategies.Topic 1: NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says he could support the Liberals long enough to support a tariff relief bill. Topic 2: Donald Trump's tariffs, and what he really hopes to accomplish.Topic 3: If Doug Ford still wants to lead Canada's rallying cry against the Trump tariffs, is it out of line for him to travel to America and represent Ontario mid-campaign?Topic 4: Does Canada need to mandate a 'common culture'?

No survivors expected after midair collision between passenger jet and helicopterJoy Malbon, CTV Washington Bureau Chief joins Vassy live from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with the latest on the fatal collision that took place just outside of Reagan airport leaving all 67 involved dead. On todays show:Keith Mackey, President, Mackey International Aviation Safety Consultants joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how the deadliest American aviation accident in 40 years may have occurred. Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Marieke Walsh. Scott Hurst, CTV National News Correspondent joins Vassy to provide the latest on the deadly mid-air collision that happened over Washington late last night.

Stéfane Marion, Chief Economist and Strategist, National Bank of Canada speaks with Vassy Kapelos about the Bank of Canada's rate cut, and their warning on the impact of a 25% tariff on Canada's economy. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Public Safety Minister David McGuinty about the recommendations in Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue's final report on foreign interference.Vassy Kapelos is joined by Professor Dan Malleck, Chair of the department of health sciences at Brock University, and Director of the Centre for Canadian Studies to help answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question. This weeks question: "does alcohol cause cancer?".The Daily Debrief Panel with Sabrina Grover, Jeff Rutledge and Mike Le Couteur.Salam El Mousawi co-founder of Muslim Awareness Week joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how today marks 8 years since a gunman opened fire at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre in which six Canadians died and 19 others were wounded.

‘No evidence of traitors’ - Takeaways from the foreign interference inquiry’s final reportRachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent joins host Vassy Kapelos to give the latest on the final report from the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith on the importance of avoiding a trade war with U.S, and her strategy to do so. Chris Bumbray, Editor-in-Chief of JoBlo.com, and Film Critic with CTV News Channel joins Vassy to discuss the legal battle taking place between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Shachi Kurl, and Michele Cardario. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Industry Minister Francois Philippe Champagne on why he is endorsing Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.

"Very pained" Holocaust survivor on her feelings on the anniversary of the liberation of AuschwitzRachel Gropper, Co-President of the Montreal Holocaust Museum and a Holocaust survivor joins guest host Tim Powers on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz to reflect on the importance of remembering one of humanities most tragic events. On todays show: Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin joins guest host Tim Powers to chat how the Liberal leadership race is shaping up. Carmi Levy, Tech Journalist and Analyst joins guest host Tim Powers to discuss the potential of the U.S government or another buyer purchasing TikTok. The Daily Debrief with Sharan Kaur, Tom Mulcair, and Neil Brodie. Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail to discuss the snap election called by Doug Ford set to take place Wednesday.

On today's show:Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association joins Deb to discuss how President Trump tells World Economic Forum U.S. doesn’t need Canadian oil, gas, autos or lumber.Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail joins Deb to discuss how the Liberal party leadership race is playing out.Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star joins Deb to discuss how Ontario Premiere Doug Ford said there will be an early provincial election next Wednesday.Free For All Friday - Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Sharan Kaur, Former Deputy Chief to Bill Morneau and Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.Topic 1: Trump - How do we deal with him.Topic 2: Liberal Leadership - Is distancing from capital gains and carbon working for the Liberals? Topic 3: Doug Ford set to call snap election next week, sending Ontario voters to the polls Feb. 27?Topic 4: Rapid Fire segment.

Trudeau’s environment minister says he’s ‘forced to recognize’ carbon tax ‘very unpopular’Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault as they discuss his endorsement of Mark Carney for the Liberal leadership and its implications on carbon pricing in Canada.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie who says Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to lead Ontarians into 'an unnecessary and very expensive election.'Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Mike Le Couteur.Fae Johnstone, Executive Director, Queer Momentum joins Vassy to discuss President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting gender expression to male or female.

It's Bell Let's Talk Day, a day where we shine the spotlight on mental health. This year's focus is on the growing youth mental health across Canada. How often do you go online for medical advice? A CMA survey shows 37% of respondents used medical advice they found online, because they couldn't access a medical professional for help. CMA's past-president Dr. Kathleen Ross dives into numbers. Kristy speaks two members of the LRT subcommittee about its possible dissolution.What the hell fell from the sky over Stittsville? A report by the Wall Street Journal suggests the Trump administration is using threat of tariffs to open up the renegotiations of the USMCA. Meanwhile, PM Trudeau has established the Canada - U.S. Relations Council. Kristy speaks with a member of the council; Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.CFRA's Andy Pinsent drops by to discuss the latest rumblings from Queen's Park. What songs are 'universally loved'?

Immigration Minister Marc Miller reacts to Trump's executive orders Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Immigration Minister Marc Miller on how he believes the U.S. is still a safe country as outlined in the terms of the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan who says it's ‘absolutely possible’ to accelerate defence spending timeline.Dr. Mitch Shulman, a CTV Medical Analyst and an emergency medicine specialist joins Vassy to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question on if coffee is good or bad for you. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Hannah Thibedeau, and Laura D'Angelo

PM Justin Trudeau says if US President Donald Trump goes ahead with tariffs on February 1st, they will hit back with tariffs of their own. How should Canada respond? Tit for tat? That's our Question of the Day! And... it's a hot one! It sounds like we're hurdling towards an early provincial election. Why does it have to be called on a Wednesday? Queen's Park Observer reporter Sabrina Nanji tackles that question as well as the rumours at Queen's Park of an early election. Wo gather reaction to yesterday's IRCC announcement of 33 hundred position cuts. Ottawa's construction industry is upset about the city's decision to hire a Toronto contractor to build a $15M newcomer reception centre in the West End. Some local farmers are selling their crops early in order to dodge any tariff issues.CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to discuss a story of a woman, essentially, dating an AI Chatbot. #WorriedAboutTheDisconnect

Canadian ministers share strategy to combat Trump tariffs Listen to Vassy's full conversation with François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada on the Governments strategy to combat the potential 25% tariffs that will be imposed by President Trump on February 1st. On todays show:Greg Ridge, City Councillor for King’s Town district, Kingston joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Kingston was the latest Ontario municipality to declare a food insecurity emergency. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, and Saeed Selvam.Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed in December, and how low interest rate cuts could go if tariffs are applied.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States of America. We gather reaction, and analysis on what this means for Canada. What are your thoughts on the days events? Also, CFRA's Chris Holski skates into the studio to talk Rideau Canal with Kristy Cameron. CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to talk about the shortlived U.S. TikTok ban.

Donald Trump is back in the White HouseScott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin and Evan Solomon, Publisher, GZERO Media and Management Committee Member, Eurasia Group join guest host Stefan Keyes to give their reaction to President Trumps inauguration speech. On todays show: Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss what he's been hearing at the Liberal caucus ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Zain Velji. Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, Ontario joins guest host Stefan Keyes to give his reaction to Trumps new mandates surrounding border security and immigration policies.Andy Smith, Political Science Professor, University Of New Hampshire joins guest host Stefan Keyes to give his reaction to Trumps inauguration speech.

Many in the restaurant industry are hoping the tax holiday would be extended. Economists, however, believe if it would be the case, the government would have to make up the budget shortfall some other way. Donald Trump's inauguration goes Monday and the big question here in Canada is will the tariffs take effect on Day 1? A TikTok ban is planned in the U.S. for this Sunday. What happens now? Editor-in-Chief at Android Central, Shruti Shekar says there are still a lot of questions for Canadians as well as our friends down south. We also hear from a local content creator. Mr. Hollywood drops by with suggestions on what's worth a watch at the movie theaters. How cold will it get? We hear from David Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment Canada, about the upcoming frigid temperatures. Plus, a rent supplement program that's been linked to a kickback scheme has been restarted by the City of Ottawa. A recent survey looking into the sex lives of teenagers is showing worrying trends.

On today's show:• Casey Babb, Sr Fellow with the MacDonald Laurier Institute breaks down the latest on the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. • CTV News chief political correspondent Vassy Kapelos looks ahead to Donald Trump’s inauguration. • Rick Bell, Columnist at Post Media gives his opinion on the federal government’s “team Canada” response to possible incoming tariffs from the U.S. Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Kim Wright, Principal and Founder, Wright Strategies and Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont.PANEL TOPICS:Topic 1: Ottawa to unveil initial retaliation plan Monday if Trump uses Inauguration Day to proceed with tariff threatsTopic 2: Who’s in and who’s out of the Liberal leadership race?Topic 3: Team Canada mates no more.Topic 4: 119-year-old Brazilian woman stakes claim as world's oldest person.Topic 5: Is it morally wrong if people still have their Christmas decorations or Christmas tree’s still up?

Kingston is debating whether or not to call for a food insecurity emergency. We're asking you, should they? Should Ottawa follow suit? Alex Noreau, Ottawa Food Bank's advocacy officer likes that idea. Kristy speaks with Dr. Elaine Power, one of the delegates presenting the motion at Kingston's council meeting. A Toronto - Quebec high-frequency rail corridor could face further delays.The list of potential candidates for te leadership of the federal Liberal Party is dwindling. More changes are coming to the ByWard Market as the building that houses Dunn's is sold. What happens now? EV owners cite the lack of accessible charging stations as their TOP concern; a CAA survey finds. The Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival is back! It seems some on the textboard believe calling a food insecurity emergency will do NOTHING to help people. Some believe that you just need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. CTV's Matt Skube also jumps in on the debate.

"It's mind numbing" - Canadian who lost their home in the L.A wildfires Jens Lindemann, Canadian living in LA and celebrated Canadian trumpeter joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss his experience of losing his home in the devastating wildfires that are burning across Los Angeles. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Terry DuguidMinister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada on the possibility of Canada cutting off energy exports to the U.S. as retaliation to threatened tariff.Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious disease physician at the Toronto General Hospital discusses the increase of cases of Norovirus and particularly the outbreak at the University of Guelph. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Marieke Walsh, and Saeed Selvam. David Adams, President, CEO Global Automakers of Canada and Brian Kingston, President, CEO Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association join Vassy to discuss the calls from the automotive sector to end the federal EV mandate.

Chrétien speaks on the threats of tariffs towards CanadaListen to Vassy's full two part conversation with Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the threats of tariffs towards Canada from the U.S and how we could potentially respond. On todays show: Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography & Environment at Western University and with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction joins Vassy to discuss what weather patterns may look like following the LA wildfires. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Amanda Galbraith. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly on why she decided not to run for leader. Vassy takes your calls and texts on how you think Canada should respond to the threats of tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.

Nurse practitioners could be able to bill OHIP directly under federal policy changes that have the potential to change the delivery of primary care across Canada. We ask you if you'd go to a nurse practioner? More potential Liberal MPs are deciding NOT to run of the party's leadership. Mr. Hollywood drops by with his latest movie reviews. CTV's Matt Skube previews tomorrow's opening of the Rideau Canal. We also speak with an Ottawa woman who had to evacuate from her home in L.A.The OCDSB announced their curriculum changes. Close to a third of fatal overdose victims sought healthcare a week before their deaths; study. The Ottawa Food Bank is cutting donations to 98 food programs across the city by up to 50 per cent this year.

On today's show:· Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst, discusses to historical week of politics that played out.· Marieke Walsh. senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail, discusses how the federal Liberals need to pick new leader on March 9 as the rules for leadership race are defined· Carmi Levy, CTV Tech Expert, chats about Meta's decision to end its fact checking program.Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Kim Wright, Principal and Founder, Wright Strategies and Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont.PANEL TOPICS:Topic 1: New leadership rules, Trudeau stepping down, who will replace him? Topic 2: Trump says he would consider economic force to acquire Canada - was the government's response enough? Topic 3: Your take on when we will see the next election.Topic 4: Jean Chrétien, 91, tells young people to get married, dress betterTopic 5: New Years resolutions - are they unrealistic?

Data at the OCSB may have been compromised due to a cyber incident. Canadian officials are reportedly drafting a list of American-made goods to target for retaliatory tariffs; steel, orange juice, toilets... heck, they even threw in the kitchen sink. 3 out of 4 Canadian professionals are looking for a new job. Hospitals need better ways to protect hospitals from active shooters; Dr. Alan Drummond op-ed.We speak with a former Ottawa resident living in Los Angeles about destructive wildfires. BREAKING NEWS: Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with an American news outlet about retaliatory tariffs, the California wildfires, and the dismissal of President-elect Trump's comments about Canada becoming a 51st state. Later, residents of Hintonburg as well as the area councillor are worried a safer supply clinic is doing more harm, causing more violent crimes. Jeff Leiper, Kitchissippi ward Councillor, tells us he's even able to contact the clinic.

Monica Rodriguez, LA City Councilwoman, 7th District joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss the deadly and devastating fires in the Los Angeles. On todays show: Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss how Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trumps threats. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on how he is considering running for leadership of the Liberal party. Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins guest host Stefan Keyes for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'. The Daily Debrief Panel with Marieke Walsh, Robert Benzie, and Mike Le Couteur.CNN’s Marybel Gonzalez joins guest host Stefan Keyes with an update on the wildfire situation.

Yesterday, we spoke about a damning report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario. Kristy speaks with Malaka Hendela, former co-chair of the Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils and parent of a 13 year old student at Glashan Public School, about the overcrowding and lack of updates in its infrastructure. CTV Ottawa reporter Katie Griffin has the latest on the impacts of an Amazon strike across several of their U.S. facilities and its impact on Canada. CTV Morning Live co-host Stefan Keyes has a list of ideas for our Ottawa Now Gift Guide. We've assembled a special edition of our Political Heat Panel to preview tomorrow's cabinet shuffle.Having trouble finding the proper gift for that special someone? How about the gift of an experience? Kristy speaks with Cindy Chan, who studies gift-giving, shared experiences, and social relationships. CFRA Live host Andy Pinsent drops by to discuss the influx of tourism for the next couple of weeks.

Thoughts on automatic tax filing? Canadian Taxpayers Federation doesn't like the idea. However, Canadians for Tax Fairness' executive director Katrina Miller who believes it would be a great idea.CIHI came out with a report showing a decline in family doctor growth rates in Canada. Their director of Health Workforce Information at the Canadian Institute for Health Information drops by to dissect the numbers. An unexpected guest drops by for today's Ottawa Now Gift Guide. Allmost 1/2 of Ottawa's schools are either overcrowded or under-capacity: FAO report. The Richmond Co-operative Nursery School is about to lose its provincial funding because it never signed up for the national $10 a day childcare program. Will he stay or will he go? Many are waiting to see if PM Justin Trudeau will take his walk in the snow. CFRA's Andy Pinsent discusses the issue with Kristy.

Listen to Vassy's full conversations with Liberal MP's Wayne Long and Ken Hardie as they call for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down. On todays show:Frank McKenna, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss President-elect Trump's latest social media comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. Jonathan Malloy, Professor of political science at Carleton University joins host Vassy Kapelos to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question on what were to happen if the Prime Minister were to resign, and how prorogation works. The Daily Debrief Panel with Kory Teneycke, Kathleen Monk, and Scott Reid. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on the federal governments new plan to amplify border security.

In all of yesterday's chaos, the Fall Economic Statement was delivered. We talk deficits, and tariffs, and resignations! (OH MY!) Plus, the announced deficit was QUITE something. CTV political analyst Scott Reid offers his thoughts on the public breakup between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland (and the rest of the Liberals, potentially).CFRA producer extraordinaire Maryanne McLarty has her list ready as she's the next guest in our Ottawa Now Gift Guide. It's been almost a week since the tax holiday began. We check in on a local restauranteur about how they have been faring. For today's Question of the Day, we ask you: "What are you worried about? The deficit? The dysfunctionality that is our federal government? The upcoming trade war? All of the above?" We hear from a registered psychologist who provides some ways to survive the anxiousness behind holiday gatherings and preparation.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal MP Antony Housefather & Liberal MP Helena Jaczek as they call for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down. On todays show:Vassy takes your calls on texts on if Justin Trudeau should remain on as leader of the Liberal party. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the newly tabled fall economic statement which reports a deficit of $61.9-billion for 2023-24.The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Saeed Selvam, and Shachi Kurl. Bill Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, which was the investment adviser to the largest foreign investment fund in Russia until 2005, and close colleagues with Chrystia Freeland joins Vassy to give his reaction to her stepping down.

BOOM! Chrystia Freeland resigns as Finance Minister just hours before she was set to give the government's Fall Economic Statement. We gather reactions from all political spectrum as well as the good listener.

On today’s show:• Bruce Winder, Retail Analyst, on the upcoming GST holiday• Bacchus Barua, Director, Health Policy Studies, The Fraser Institute, on a new report showing record-long healthcare wait times in Canada• Dan Kelly, President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on a potential inquiry into Canada Post negotiations as the strike continues Hour 2 This week’s panel features Garry Keller, Vice President of StrategyCorp; and Karen Restoule, VP at Crestview Strategy and Senior Fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute. Topic 1: Labour minister says Canada Post workers could soon be forced back to work Is it coming too late? Topic 2: Let’s go over the latest on tariffs, Trump, Trudeau, tariffs, premiers, and more Topic 3: The GST/HST holiday begins Saturday Topic 4: Trudeau makes fresh bid to recruit Mark Carney amid tensions with Freeland – worst breakup in historyTopic 5: Do you have a holiday purchase you’ve been saving for the GST break?

Ontario Premier Doug suggesting there is no way to avoid U-S tariffs once President Donald Trump is in office, saying the province's energy supply to the United States could be cut. Our Question of the day: "How did Doug Ford handle?" Was it too strong, not strong enough or did he nail it?"David Gourlay, CEO of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, stops by to discuss the fundraising shortfall the Canada Post has caused. CFRA Live host Andy Pinsent drops by with a couple of provincial stories with local ramifications.We continue to spread some Christmas cheer, or at least some gift-giving suggestions, with the handy-dandy Ottawa Now Gift Guide. The FBI is recommending iPhone and Android users avoid texting each other.We hear a story about why you need to get car insurance on your rental.The Service Alliance of Canada issued a survey revealing the longer commute times. Some interesting numbers to dive into.

Guest host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Jim Bookbinder, Professor of Management Science at the University of Waterloo, on the logistical challenges.On today's show:Bob Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief, The Globe and Mail, on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly once again making overtures to Mark CarneyMichael Jarman, the 2024 Microsoft Excel World Championships, explains competitive spreadsheet work and how he got involvedPhil Gurski, President and CEO, Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting — former CSIS Senior Analyst, on the latest in Syria and potential ISIS threats as prisoners get releasedThe Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Queen's Park Reporter, The Globe and Mail and Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter, The Globe and MailPeter Brown, Canada Research Chair in Meteor Astronomy and Professor at Western University, on the peak of the Geminid meteor shower this weekend

The GST holiday measures being passed in the house and how they come with concerns from small business owners that it won't lead to higher sales; according to some businessesOn todays show, Vassy speaks with: - John Manley, Former Minister of Finance / Chair of Jefferies Securities, about the tabling of the fall economic statement next Monday, as well as the interest rate decision set to be released by the Bank of Canada tomorrow. - Tim Perry, President, Air Line Pilots Association in Canada and Nick von Schoenberg, President, Canadian Air Traffic Control Association, about how Canada’s commercial pilots and air traffic controllers are urging the government to launch a review of the aviation sector.The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurli, Shakir Chambers, and Saeed Selvam. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario as they discuss Ontario's trade mission to Washington as Trump doubles down on tariff threats.

Taking a closer look at Canada's defence spending, Trump's tariff threat, and more Vassy Kapelos speaks Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen. On today’s show:•Steven Flisfeder, Meteorologist, Environment Canada on messy winter weather heading to Ontario and Quebec•Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy, Canadian Cancer Society, on a new reporting unpacking growing costs for cancer care•David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data, on new polling numbers showing the Conservatives maintaining a comfortable lead•The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader; Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data.

Chris Holski fills in for Kristy. Chris starts the show with an ode to winter. All kidding aside, Holski is feeling the vibe; the vibe is positive. We NOW have a date for the opening of the O-Train South Extension! Some are cautious, others are cautiously optimistic.Kristy Kealey, VP of Communications at the Ottawa International Airport Authority, is hopeful! Camp Fortune opened its ski season today! President of the Senators Community Foundation Jacqueline Belsito previews this Sunday's Ignite Hope Telethon. Mr. Hollywood joins Chris Holski to discuss what's good at the movie theaters this weekend. Today's edition of the Ottawa Now Gift Guide, CFRA's Andy Pinsent reveals his short list of Christmas gift suggestions.Tonight the Ottawa Charge play a home game in a MUCH bigger barn. CTV's Matt Skube chats with Chris Holski (filling in for Kristy) about commonly mispronounced names.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1Amanda Galbraith, a massive Detroit Lions fan, recaps the top stories of the week with the biggest newsmakers. Starting things off is Bell Media crime expert Mark Mendelson, as he delivers his two cents on Canada's new gun control measures. It comes on the eve of 35 years since the Polytechnique massacre. Here to comment on that horrific event is Mitzie Hunter, the President and CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation.Free For All Friday - Hour 2Joining the show for an extensive debate is CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair and Tim Powers of Summa Strategies.Topic 1: Canada has expanded its list of banned firearms. Did they do enough in their latest series of gun control measures?Topic 2: A vibe check on Canadian affordability.Topic 3: Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pledging tough new legislation to dismantle homeless encampments.

A new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that about 1 in 7 visits to the ER could've been managed by a family physician. Yesterday's info-session at the Nepean Sportsplex was a rowdy one, resulting in an arrest. CTV's Katie Griffin recaps the meeting.Food prices will continue to rise, even outpacing Canada's target inflation rate of 2%; Canada's Food Price Report 2025 reveals. Today's edition of the Ottawa Now Gift Guide, CTV's Natalie Van Rooy reveals her short list of Christmas gift suggestions.CFRA's Chris Holski drops by to discuss tomorrow's LRT Trillium Line announcement as well as the Bronson Centre! Are there ANY occasions where public shaming would be appropriate? Kristy and CTV's Matt Skube debate!

Feds set to call airline CEOs to a meeting regarding excess charges following Air Canada headlinesVassy Kapelos speaks with Transportation Minister Anita Anand and then you have your say on both the airline's decision and government response.On today’s show:Ted Mallett, Director of Economic Forecasting, Conference Board of Canada, on the incoming interest rate decision and fall economic statementThe Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail; Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National NewsDr. John Moores, a planetary scientist, author of Day Dreaming in the Solar System, on NASA's updated plans and timeline for Artemis missions to the moonCTV’s Washington bureau chief Joy Malbon on the latest details following the murder of UnitedHeathcare's CEO in New York City

Air Canada announces contentious changes to carry-on baggage, barring free carry-on. Would you fly without carry on baggage or will you pay? Aviation expert and McGill University professor John Gradek says the company is only looking to fill their pocketbooks. CTV Morning Live Ottawa host Stefan Keyes previews an exclusive he's got about a man stranded in Lebanon trying to return to his family in Ottawa.Today's edition of the Ottawa Now Gift Guide, CFRA's Chris Holski reveals his short list of Christmas gift suggestions. The province announced the ByWard Market is getting $20M in revitalization funds. We gather reaction. We preview an info-session the city is hosting tonight about sprung structures. Body-worn cameras on police officers will, many believe, reduce incidents of use-of-force. CTV public safety analyst Chris Lewis says the cameras are a win-win. We hear tips on how to avoid holiday-related injuries. CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to chat about that and much more!

Trump making 'joke' about Canada becoming 51st state is 'reassuring'Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Kirsten Hillman, Canadian Ambassador to the United States as they discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's quip about Canada becoming the 51st state and the tariff threat.On todays show:Tiffany Houston, Chief Executive Officer, The Shine Foundation and Heather Morley, CEO, Inn from the Cold join Vassy to discuss how the Canada Post strike is affecting charities in Canada.David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada joins Vassy to answer this weeks ‘The Explainer’ question “what is La Niña and El Niño and why are we still talking about how they affect our weather?”.The Daily Debrief Panel with Kathleen Monk, Kory Teneycke, and Michele Cadario. Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-President, Research & Strategy, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada joins Vassy to discuss how the South Korean president faces impeachment vote as defence minister offers to resign.

Should Ottawa be more into (photo) radar love? Alberta announced they will be reducing photo radar sites in the province. Should the City of Ottawa be doing the same? During the pandemic, the Rainbow Bistro's future was looking bleak. This weekend it's celebrating its 40th anniversary. We speak Danny Sivyer, owner of the Rainbow Bistro, about how they survived and are thriving today. Today's Ottawa Now Gift Guide guest is CTV News Ottawa reporter Jackie Perez. She shares her gift giving ideas. LRT construction on Richmond Road is pushing a lot of traffic onto to side streets, frustrating local residents. Area councillor Theresa Kavanagh joins us with an update. CFRA's Chris Holski dives into the Ontario AG report.The Canadian Federation of Independent Business points out that the Canada Post strike is forcing many businesses to do more and more online transactions. CTV's Matt Skube and Kristy discuss whether thrift store gifts are acceptable.

"The government has a 'much better idea' of American concerns after meeting with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump" says Public Safety Minister Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc as he says the government has a 'much better idea' of American concerns after meeting with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's conversations with John Hamilton, Spokesperson with Canada Post and Jim Gallant, Negotiator, CUPW on how negotiations between Canada Post and the union are still on hold.Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Pediatrician and Medical Officer of Health, Eastern Ontario Health unit joins Vassy to discuss how walking pneumonia cases are surging in Ontario children.The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, and Saeed Selvam. Jessica Smith, Weather Anchor, CTV Toronto joins Vassy for a weather outlook for all of Canada.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford as he speaks about the need to secure Canada's borders and boost defence spending.On todays show:Kelsey McEwen, Chief Meteorologist on CTV Your Morning and Heidi Lorenz Mayor of Gravenhurst join host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the major snowfall that hit parts of Ontario over the weekend, covering townships like Gravenhurst in over 140cm of snow.Katie Tallo, Author of ‘Dark August’, ‘Poison Lilies’, and her new book ‘Buried Road’ joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the release of the third and final novel in her 'Augusta Monet' series .The Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji and Tim Powers.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne as they discuss a plan for the border amid Trump's tariff threat.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1Amanda Galbraith steers the ship into the weekend, as the feds approve a GST holiday. But how will these short-term tax breaks impact Canadian businesses? Who better to ask than Dan Kelly, the President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Over in America, soon-to-be President Donald Trump is holding a massive tariff over Canada's head. Those threats have spooked Canadian Premiers, who called for an urgent discussion with Prime Minister Trudeau. What was discussed, and is everyone united?Free For All Friday - Hour 2Amanda is joined alongside Laryssa Waler of Henley Strategies and Sabrina Grover of NorthStar Public Affairs.

Canada weighing how to retaliate if Trump imposes 25% tariffsListen to Vassy's full conversation with Transport Minister Anita Anand on how the government is preparing to combat president-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith on how a 25 per cent tariff impact would be 'incredibly damaging' to the province's economy.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins host Vassy Kapelos for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Marieke Walsh, and Mike Le Couteur.Jim Gallant, Negotiator with CUPW joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how talks have been suspended between the union and Canada Post.

Andrew Pinsent fills-in for Kristy Cameron. Canada Post strike has no end in sight with mediation being suspended. Does the government need intervene to end the strike? Also, with massive financial losses, does Canada Post need an overhaul? Associate Professor at McMaster's DeGroote School of Business Marvin Ryder explains what's causing the stalemate. We also meet Jocelyn Yu, who is currently stranded in Ottawa due to the ongoing strike. As the Canadian dollar plummets, so do the hopes of Canadians wishing to travel to the United States. Those unable to escape to warmer climates will have to deal with a typical 'Canadian winter'. Ontario missed its target for providing hands-on care to long-term care residents. Why is that? Dictionary.com's word of the 2024 is 'demure'. CTV's Matt Skube discusses these $250 cheques as well as the Canada Post strike.

Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association discusses how any cross-border tax would increase the cost of components and raw materials that go back and forth between the neighboring countries, leading to a slowdown in production and higher prices at the dealership.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada on how the federal government is preparing to deal with the treat of a 25% tariff. Jimmy Jean, Vice-president and chief economist at Desjardins joins host Vassy Kapelos to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question regarding what a tariff is, and how it would affect Canada's economy. The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, Laura Stone, and Kory Teneycke.Professor Meredith Lilly, Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy at Carleton University joins Vassy to discuss what the economic impact of a 25% tariff would be.

David MacNaughton, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss President-elect Trumps pledge to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada on the economics behind expanding tax relief for Canadians potentially with NDP support.Vassy takes your texts and calls on how Canada should handle a 25% tariff on all imports.The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl, Shakir Chambers and Saeed Selvam. Laura Dawson, Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition joins Vassy to discuss how a 25% tariff would impact cross border trade and relations. Steve Murphy, CTV Atlantic special correspondent, commentator and analyst joins Vassy to look ahead to tonight's election in Nova Scotia.

Stefan Keyes, filling in for Kristy, asks you, the good listener, will be taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals? Stefan is joined by retail analyst Bruce Winder about what he expects to see this holiday shopping season. Marketing professor Dave Soberman drops by to discuss how Google will be facing a verdict in their antitrust case. Stefan also touches upon the divisive topic of sprung structures. Protests opposing these structures have popped up, with one area councillor saying these protests are becoming politically charged. That councillor is Stéphanie Plante... and she joins Stefan to discuss these sprung structures. A new report is showing the $10 a day childcare plan is making a difference. We hear how the Purse Project is helping to provide essential women's hygiene products for women in need. Our Political Heat Panel discusses Catherine McKenney looking at making a run at provincial politics and the stalemate in the House of Commons.

Canada 'already past due' on NATO defence spending targetListen to Vassy's full conversation with Mike Turner, chair of the U.S. House intelligence committee who says Canada needs to accelerate its defence spending targets, especially with its military in "desperate" need of investment.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Minister of Citizens' Services Terry Beech on the Liberal government's decision to write cheques and put a freeze on GST.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Conservatives MP Michael Barrett as well as NDP MP Taylor Bachrach as they give their reaction to the Liberal government's decision to write cheques and put a freeze on GST in Canada.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. Jason Hannan, Professor in the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications at the University of Winnipeg joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss the call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16 from using social media.

Ontario has signed a 3-year deal worth $108M in federal school funding. We're asking you whether you believe Canada does need a national food program. Delphine Robitailler, president of the the University of Ottawa Students' Union, explains why they (uOttawa) could reconsider participation in the UPass, if the proposed city fare increase increase goes through. Can a government prevent lawsuits against themselves IF cyclists are hurt or killed on roads where bike lanes were removed? Mr. Hollywood drops by with a look at what's good at the movie theaters. BREAKING NEWS: the city has backed off a jump of 120% to the seniors bus passes; instead proposing a hike of 60%. Ottawa Food Bank released its 2024 Ottawa Hunger report today; CEO Rachael Wilson says in the New Year, they will have to "... reduce the amount of food that's delivered to the network of agencies..." The verdict is in for Pat King. CFRA's Andy drops by with a preview of this weekend's CFRA LIVE.

On today's show, Amanda is joined by: • Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader to go over this weeks biggest political stories.• Tom Lawson, former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces and previously Deputy Commander of the NORAD joins Amanda to discuss the risk of global conflict as the Ukraine war escalates.• Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Amanda to discuss how Coca-Cola used generative AI to make a holiday commercial.This week's show features panelists Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont, Cam Holmstrom, Founder and Principal, Niipaawi Strategies and Sharan Kaur, Former Deputy Chief to Bill Morneau.Topic 1: Trudeau government to send $250 cheques to most people, slash GST on some goodsTopic 2: Boissonnault out of cabinet after shifting claims about Indigenous heritageTopic 3: future of USMCATopic 4: Christmas decor, when is too early? Favorite Christmas songs?

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer, Deputy House Leader Mark Gerretsen, and NDP House Leader Peter Julien discuss how Boissonnault has resigned.On todays show:Bruce Heyman, Former US Ambassador to Canada joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss how U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has picked a former Michigan congressman, Pete Hoekstra, as his upcoming administration’s ambassador to Canada.CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Marieke Walsh and Laura Stone.The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada joins Vassy to discuss the Biden administrations approval of anti-personal landmines.

Chris Holski fills in for Kristy today. Holski wonders how much social media is our listenership using now. Some social media companies create algorithms to keep you using their app; those algorithms easily become echo chambers. We speak with one journalist who's left X (formerly Twitter) for a new social media - Bluesky. CTV Ottawa Digital Lead Josh Pringle talks about the City of Ottawa's radar love. The list of Canada's most stolen vehicles is out and NO electric vehicles made the list. Why not? Greg Weatherdon, entrepreneur and former chair of the West Ottawa Board of Trade, says the city needs to STOP NEW spending. We recap NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's Ottawa visit.Holski speaks with Ottawa Rapid FC's new head coach. The Canada Post strike will delay letters to big guy in red -- Santa Claus. Also, CTV's Matt Skube talks about brawls in the stands at a couple of minor hockey games. #Madness!

Keith Henry, President of the BC Metis Federation representing over 6000 Metis members in British Columbia and President and CEO for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss the growing calls for Minister Boissonnault to resign over shifting claims about Indigenous heritage.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos on the ongoing Canada Post strike that is impacting many across the country.Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Vassy Kapelos for this weeks 'The Explainer' segment. This weeks question comes from Anita on Instagram and reads "Who is Elon Musk?". The Daily Debrief Panel with George Soule, Sharan Kaur and Laryssa Waler.Yusuf Faqiri, brother of Soleiman Faqiri joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how the government has yet to implement any of the 57 recommendations aimed at the Ontario government to prevent future deaths in provincial jails.

Today is World Toilet Day; a day where we raise awareness about need for all humans to have access to proper sanitation. Does Ottawa have enough public washrooms? That's our Question of the Day! Somerset ward councillor Ariel Troster tells Kristy that they (these 2 washrooms) will be "... a wonderful addition to downtown Ottawa". Meanwhile, Bessa Whitmore, member of the GottaGo! Campaign team, says technology is nice, until it doesn't work. A bigger rate cut next month seem less likely, especially after inflation jumped back up to 2%. What's next? Working on a solution; Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on the anger over a hike on seniors' bus passes. Skating in July? It could be possible. The Ford Government has tabled a bill that will ban some supervised consumption sites. CEO of Ottawa Inner City Health is disappointed with the decision and says "the government has failed to listen to experts in the area of treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorder... "

Amanda Lang, BNN Bloomberg, Host of Taking Stock on BNN Bloomberg, CTV and the iHeart radio network joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Canada's annual inflation rate accelerated more than expected to two per cent in October.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Former CIA director and retired general David Petraeus on the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Journalist Masih Alinejad as she calls on the Canadian and American governments to criminalize transnational oppression.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Saeed Selvam, and Mike Le Couteur.Patrick Groom, Certified Specialist in Labour Law and Partner at McMillan LLP joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the Canada Post strike, and the positioning of the two sides and a possible timeline for its resolution from a legal perspective.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathon Wilkinson, and Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith on if the government should revisit its set of climate policies following the U.S election.On todays show: Paul Woods, former CFL Journalist and CFL Historian joins Vassy to go over the historic Grey Cup match from last night.Lorne James, Owner of Otter Valley Railroad joins Vassy to discuss the impact the Canada Post strike has on his business and customers. The Daily Debrief Panel with Melanie Paradis, Tom Mulcair, and Sabrina Grover.Derek Burney, Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Mulroney and former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S joins Vassy to discuss how important defence spending will be for Canada amid an upcoming Trump administration.

On today's show:- John Gradek, Faculty Lecturer and Area Coordinator in Supply Chain Management at McGill University, about the Canada Post strike.- Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter at The Globe and Mail, about what Trump's cabinet appointees mean for Canada. - J. Paul Nadeau, former hostage negotiator for Durham Regional Police, about a a recent crypto related kidnapping.- Eric Alper, Music Expert and Publicist, about the first night of the Eras Tour in Canada.Hour 2, This week's panelists are Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor at Spark Advocacy and Siri Agrell, CEO of Betakit and Former Advisor to John Tory and Kathleen Wynne.Topic 1: Canada Post workers go on strike Friday morning, disrupting deliveries. Topic 2: Trump's appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada. Topic 3: Canada @ COP29Topic 4: Trump's transition team plans to kill Biden's EV tax credit.Topic 5: couple fights over Swift tickets in divorce settlement.

On November 11th, Remembrance Day, we honour those who served and defended our country, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Lest We Forget. On the show today, we speak with two Sentry program members. CTV's Matt Skube joins us early. He talks about the raw emotion he felt attending the ceremony.There's light at the end of the tunnel; Conference Board of Canada economist on the Ottawa-Gatineau economy. Does Ottawa has enough dog parks? An Ontario College of Pharmacists' survey found many pharmacy workers feel pressured to rush through minor ailment assessments. Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, comments on the findings. CFRA's Chris Holski discusses how the packaging box of a Mattel doll has caused quite the stir. The mysterious 'beach blobs' have finally been identified.Plus, it's Monday. We've convened our Political Heat Panel.

On todays show: Mélanie Morin-Pelletier, Historian, War and Society, Canadian War Museum joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss the importance of the roles undertaken by Canadian women during the First and Second World War and to reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day. Denis Hamel, strategic advisor to the Conseil du patronat du Québec – a lobby group representing employers joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss how immigration is top of mind in Quebec amid concerns over U.S. deportations.The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura D'Angelo, Tim Powers, and Tom Mulcair. Dr. Christopher Labos, cardiologist and medical writer with a degree in epidemiology and author of Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: And 8 More Myths about the Food We Eat joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss what we know about Canada’s 1st human case of H5 detected in B.C.

On today's show, Amanda speaks with:- Tim Cook, Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum and author of 18 books on Canadian military history about the importance of commemoration on Remembrance day.- Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent, about Donald Trump winning the U.S election and how that may effect us here in Canada.- Mark Colley, Staff Reporter at The Toronto Star, about the slippery butter bandits.Free For All Friday - Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data and Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor, Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs.Topic 1: U.S election results Topic 2: Election impact on CanadiansTopic 3: Rents in Canada Decline for First Time Since COVID, is this enough to help Canadians feel the weight of affordability start to life? Topic 4: The importance of transitioning the way we commemorate veterans on Remembrance Day.

Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft discusses what Canadians should expect after Donald Trump's election winListen to Vassy's full conversation with Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft as they discuss what Canadians should expect after Donald Trump's election win.On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly who says the federal government has been preparing for a second Donald Trump presidency.CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Marieke Walsh, and Laura Stone. Carmi Levy, Tech journalist and analyst joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the federal governments decision of ordering the dissolution of TikTok's Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.

The Ontario government is pushing employers to be more transparent about employee pay. We ask if this is a good thing for the workplace. Later, a new report shows one-third of Ontario cancer patients visited an emergency room at least once in the 90 days prior to diagnosis. We speak with the main author of the report, who dives into the numbers. West Carleton - March ward councillor Clarke Kelly drops by to talk about what was said at the first Rural Summit in 16 years. Later, Marty Carr, councillor for Alta Vista ward and member of the Ottawa Board of Health, previews today's Ottawa Public Health meeting; food insecurity will be on the docket. Plus, some Scotiabank branches will eliminate bank tellers. We have convened our Monday Political Heat Panel. This week, they discuss tomorrow's U.S. Election and a report showing the Ford Government knew about issues at Children's Aid, a year before they issued an audit. CFRA's Chris Holski drops by with some news from the city's nightlife council.

Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Tim Powers live from Washington with the latest on how things are shaping up the day before election day in the United States. On today's show, we hear from: - Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Pediatrician and Medical Officer of Health with the Eastern Ontario Health unit who discussed the increase of walking pneumonia cases in younger patients across Canada. Tim Powers guest hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist and partner at Northweather, Neil Brodie,Conservative Strategist and Tom Mulcair, CTV political analyst and former NDP leader. Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity joins guest host Tim Powers to discuss the lack of optimism in politics.

Should parents support their adult children? We ask you that because new TD Canada survey is reporting that 3 in 5 Canadian parents expect to financially support their children after they become adults. Parking rates in some City of Ottawa parking lots are getting jacked-up. Children's hospitals across Canada are reporting an unusual amount of 'Walking Pneumonia' cases. What exactly is that? Mr Hollywood tells us what's worth good at the box office movie theaters. This weekend, the time changes! New changes started today as Canada's major banks will have to answer to the Ombudsman for Banking! Also, CTV's Matt Skube tells us that he cannot beat Raygun in a breakdance competition.

On today's show:- Lori Turnbull, Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University discusses how the Liberals have launched a new ad campaign. - Bruce Heyman, Former US Ambassador to Canada talks about what the relationship between Canada and the U.S might look like under either a Trump or Harris presidency. - Eric Alper, Music commentator and publicist, chats how Taylor Swift is brining her Era's tour to T.O. Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Garry Keller, Vice President, StrategyCorp and Bob Richardson, President, Hammersmith Consulting.Topic 1: Liberals launching new ads to contrast Trudeau and PoilievreTopic 2: 4? days left until the U.S. election - What would could a presidency under Harris or Trump mean for Canadians? Topic 3: Doug Ford spending nearly half of Ontario's tax windfall on $200 'rebate' chequesTopic 4: Taylor Swift in Toronto: Officials 'ready' to host biggest concerts in city's history - What's the biggest or best concert you've ever been to?

Happy Halloween! A new Leger poll shows that 1 in 4 Canadians will spend or have spent up to 100 bucks or more on Halloween! At the other end, there are 1 in 4 Canadians that will spend $0 on tonight's spooky festivities. We're asking you how much have you spent on Halloween? Retail analyst and author Bruce Winders joins the show to discuss the Halloween spending trends he's seeing. Friend of the show, gardening expert Carson Arthur, drops by for the final 'In the Garden with Carson Arthur' segment of the year. He takes all of your gardening questions.

‘This was a strategic error’ – advertising expert weighs in on Liberal government’s delayed approach to advertising, how to potentially tackle ConservativesVassy Kapelos speaks with Eric Blais, President and Co-Owner, Headspace Marketing and political marketing commentator, about the ads we’re waiting to see from the Liberals and how they can make some gains on the Conservatives potentially.On today's show:Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Conference Board of Canada on the GDP numbers and slumping loonieTalk Science to Me with Dan RiskinThe Daily Debrief with Robert Benzie, Marieke Walsh, and Laura StoneYves Giroux, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, on the government’s NATO spending and if hitting targets are realisticMaksym Kolesnikov, Ukrainian serviceman who spent 10 months in captivity in Russia, on his experiences in captivity

The hope to maintain the OC Transpo service rests on a couple of things; lack of busses and lack of maintenance workers. CTV's Austin Lee was following the possible 'bubble bylaw' at today's city council meeting. Would a possible Canada Post strike impact you? President of CFIB, says many small and medium businesses still use Canada Post to send business invoices. Tim Tierney, Beacon Hill - Cyrville ward councillor / member of the Transit Commission, joins Kristy in studio to rail on light rail transit and bus transit. We hear from Noah Vineberg, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union 279, who says there are a combination of issues plaguing OC Transpo. A report shows if Ottawa area government worker were to work from home, they'd reduce their workplace emissions by 25%. We get an update on the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa. CTV's Matt Skube says 'Yay' or 'Nay' on ChatGPT hot weather Halloween suggestions. (There may be one or two cool ideas).

Mike Le Couteur, Senior political correspondent with CTV News joins guest host Tim Powers to discuss the ongoing trouble within the Liberal party.On todays show, we have: - Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail on how the Ford government will be delivering $200 cheques- Steve Murphy, CTV Atlantic special correspondent, about how Nova Scotians will be going to the polls on Nov. 26.- Dr. Hilary Corlett, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, on the mysterious white blobs that have appeared on the shores of Newfoundland. The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, Kathleen Monk and Kory Teneycke.Christina Santini, Director of National Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business joins guest host Tim Powers to discuss the latest analysis on the deficit spending cycle.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal MP Helena Jaczek who says it’s time to clear the air within the party and have a secret ballot over Justin Trudeau’s leadership.On todays show:David MacNaughton, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as the election looms just a week away. Tom Lawson, former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces and previously Deputy Commander of the NORAD joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the implications of reports of more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers that are in Russian territory ready to be deployed to Ukraine. The Daily Debrief Panel with Saeed Selvam, Shakir Chambers, and Marieke Walsh. Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet joined host Vassy Kapelos live in studio to discuss issues of regulation surrounding the airline industry in Canada.

Jill Andrew, an Ontario NDP MPP for Toronto-St. Paul's, is calling on the province to eliminate hospital parking fees. She argues that it’s time to break the cycle and adequately fund our public healthcare facilities. AMontreal man is charged with first-degree murder in connection to yesterday’s stabbing death near Uplands Drive. A woman was attacked, in front of her two kids, and did not survive her injuries. CTV’s Kimberley Fowler delivers the latest developments.A whopping 915 OC Transpo bus trips had to be scrapped over a 3-day period this week. Perhaps you don’t need public transit to hitch a ride to the movie theatres. And if you’ve got that craving for cinematic popcorn, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!It’s been almost a month since Ottawa's three-item garbage limit came into effect. So... how’s it going? We check in with Knoxdale-Merivale councillor Sean Devine, who is a member of the city’s Environment and Climate Change Committee.

On today's show:• Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent discusses how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Liberals are ‘strong and united’.• Rob Buffam, Legislative Reporter with CTV Vancouver talks about the neck and neck election race happening in B.C. • Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Amanda for tech Friday. Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former Federal NDP Leader and Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.Topic 1: Trudeau says Liberals ‘strong and united’ after caucus challenge – Cristy Clark has come out of the word work – would an internal or external replacement be for the best the party. Topic 2: Canada’s major changes to immigration targets met with widespread criticismTopic 3: We may not know who won the U.S. election until days after Nov. 5 – With less then two weeks to go, any final predictions? Topic 4: Halloween plans/traditions – What’s your least favorite candy to receive?

David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins Vassy to discuss the most recent polling from Abacus Data. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Liberal MP Ken Hardie to reflect on the high stakes caucus meeting that took place yesterday.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Marieke Walsh, and Robert Benzie. Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss what it's been like for her and her family since the passing of her brother Matthew Perry, and the important work The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada does of supporting addicts post-treatment.

Many questions linger after a group of Liberal MPs reportedly urged PM Justin Trudeau to step down as leader. Will it change anything? If the PM would step-aside, would you reconsider voting for the Liberals? That's our Question of the Day! Later, roundabouts; friend or foe? The Bank of Canada lowered the interest rate for a fourth time this year. Plus, 6 out 10 Canadians have either personally experienced or had a family member or friend experience heart disease or stroke; new Heart & Stroke poll. We speak with stroke neurologist Ottawa Hospital who tells us how Canadians can manage their risk factors. How would a proposed 'bubble bylaw' work? Local food banks are sounding the alarm, worrying potential cuts to supplies could be in their near future. The Greenboro Community Centre will be renamed after the late area councillor Diane Deans. CTV's Matt Skube drops by to discuss some of the local stories making the news -- like a zamboni operator being charged with impaired driving.

PM Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is "strong and united," despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader. Listen to Vassy's coverage throughout the show of what unfolded during the Liberal caucus meeting. On todays show: Andrew Perez, Principal at Perez Strategies and a Liberal strategist joins Vassy to discuss a petition demanding that the National Caucus and National Executive meet to address the existential crisis now confronting the Liberal Party of Canada.Jimmy Jean, Vice-president & Chief Economist, Desjardins joins Vassy to discuss the Bank of Canada's most recent interest rate decision. Lori Turnbull, Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University explains how political parties in Canada go about replacing their leader.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Scott Reid, and Kathleen Monk.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Former Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers as he shared his memories of Parliament Hill coming under fire 10 years ago.

It's a solemn anniversary. It's been 10 years since the attack at the War Monument and Parliament Hill. Chris Holski, who is fills in for Kristy today, looks back at the events on that crisp, sunny day in 2014. We hear from former CFRA reporters Alison Stewart and Jenn Pritchard. Sticking with the attack , one question that kept popping up was: "how could this happen?". The shooter, we later found out, was radicalized. Lorne Dawson, an expert in radicalization, explains how such a thing could occur and how it can be prevented. Orionid meteor shower's peak is TONIGHT! A surprise appointment; the provincial PC government appointed Dr. Jane Philpott, a former federal Liberal MP. The president of the Ontario Medical Association hopes the move bears fruit!In a rare interview, we hear from one of the heroes back on October 22nd, 2014. Kevin Vickers joined CTV's Vassy Kapelos on Power Play to recount that fateful day.

Tom Mulcair, Former NDP Leader joins host Vassy Kapelos on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament Hill to reflect on the day, and what we've learned from it.On todays show:The New Brunswick Liberals led by Susan Holt will form a majority government in the province, returning to power for the first time since 2018. Nick Moore a reporter with CTV News in Saint John joins Vassy to breakdown the results.Robert Fife, The Globe and Mail's Ottawa Bureau Chief joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser and the deputy minister of foreign affairs provided sensitive intelligence about India to The Washington Post days before the RCMP publicly alleged that Indian government agents have been linked to homicides, extortions and other violent criminal activities in Canada.The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl, Saeed Selvam, and Shakir Chambers.

Big win for Manotick residents as non-local transport traffic will be re-routed off of Manotick Main, between Bridge Street and Century Road. Area councillor, David Brown is happy the change. Are you worried about inheriting your parents junk? The author of "Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk..." drops by to help us navigate that potentially tricky situation. Grocery stores that sell beer and wine will now also have to accept dirty bottles and cans. The Ontario Legislature resumed today. Many are hoping and expecting the Bank of Canada to cut its interest rate. OC Transpo has announced it has met the 14-day-period testing threshold. (Huzzah!) A former premier is eyeing the top job for the federal Liberals, but is Christie Clark a great replacement? Our Political Heat Panel debates this and whether or not Premier Ford is pining for an early election. What is an adult gap year and WHO is taking these? CTV's Matt Skube is floored that anybody would do this.

Rob Buffam, Legislative Reporter with CTV Vancouver joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the tight election race in British Columbia that still had no clear winner early Sunday after the vast majority of votes in the provincial election had been counted.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's exclusive interview with India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma who denies involvement in Sikh leader's murder, claims 'no evidence presented'.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with High Commissioner for Canada in India, Cameron Mckay on India's reaction to the allegations made by the RCMP.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Laura D'Angelo. Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies. She joined Vassy Kapelos to discuss

A lice removal company is responding to 31% more cases. Has your household ever had to deal with lice? We hear from the founder of head lice removal company Nitwits, about how the company was able to help someone who battled lice for 5 YEARS! A report found that LESS that 50% of Canadians believe CEOs and other senior leaders recognize the impact of their business on the environment. With many vehicle thefts being reported, why are manufacturers not doing MORE? Mr. Hollywood, Matt Demers drops by with a suggestion or two. CFRA's Chris Holski has the top 5 Halloween costumes in Canada, according to Google Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society welcomes a move from Ottawa’s emergency and protective services committee to introduce licensing requirements to sell vaping products. CFRA's Andy Pinsent talks about a $32.5B proposed deal that tobacco firms would have to pay. Plus, CTV's Matt Skube and Kristy discuss really, really, gross things. (Yuck!)

Hour 1.On today's show:• Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail joins Amanda to discuss how four more Trudeau cabinet ministers won't seek re-election.• David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins Amanda to discuss his new polling which shows 1 in 2 Canadians say immigration is harming the nation.• Trish Barbato, Co-founder of Menopause Foundation Canada joins Amanda to discuss the importance of World Menopause Day. Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont and Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor, Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs.Topic 1: More Trudeau cabinet ministers not running for re-election, sources say shuffle expected soonTopic 2: Trudeau says some opposition Canada MPs could be involved in foreign interferenceTopic 3: B.C. ElectionTopic 4: Why are so many people delighted by disgusting things? Topic 5: World Menopause Day

Many believe that the Ontario government is prepping for one by handing out $200 cheques. Is it a gimmick and a stunt? What do you think? That's our Question of the Day! We've got a couple of strategists that discuss the issue. Would you be saving more if you'd have bought the candy earlier? Short answer: YES! Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips drops by to preview what kind of GULP winter is in store. CFRA's Andy Pinsent had his eye on the foreign interference hearing as well as four Liberal Cabinet Ministers announcing they won't be running in the next federal election. It's Thursday! That means Carson Arthur, gardening and outdoor lifestyle expert, takes your gardening questions. Did we learn ANY lessons from Covid-19? According to a report, Canada needs to be more proactive in the face of potential future health crises and take action. We replay a conversation Vassy Kapelos had with Dr. Fahad Razak, co-author of the report.

‘This is going to get a lot worse’ – at least four cabinet ministers reportedly not running for re-election as pressure on Trudeau grows

Did you see the show in the sky last night? It's Thanksgiving weekend and the Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley tells us he expects the Mission will serve over 16,000 special meals. An investigative story into testing truck drivers in Ontario found alleged bribery, forged documents and rigged testing. Marco Beghetto, spokesperson for the Ontario Trucking Association says it's a 'symptom of a much larger problem in the trucking industry'. Mr. Hollywood, Matt Demers tells us new and worth our time at the movie theaters. The Ottawa Board of Trade has joined a chorus of businesses urging the federal government to get on board with a high-frequency rail project. CFRA's Andrew Pinsent was following Ontario Premier Doug Ford's announcement in Brockville. Thanksgiving, CTV's Matt Skube talks turkey and chicken wings. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Scott Reid fills in for Amanda Galbraith on this week's Free For All Fridays!In Hour 1, we tackle Canada's family doctor shortage with former Health Minister Jane Philpott.In Hour 2, the debate floor is wide open, as we welcome Tim Powers of Summa Strategies and Laura D'Angelo of Enterprise Canada. On the main menu is Justin Trudeau's potential re-election plan, the homestretch of the U.S. Presidential campaign, and Canadian Thanksgiving traditions.

There was a Transit Commission meeting today - and CTV News Ottawa producer Josh Pringle has the latest. Later, does Canada need more protections for online shoppers? Do you think it’s safe to buy from these online retailers? The devastation from Hurricane Hilton is immense and 16 Canadian Salvation Army workers are going down to Florida to provide critical support and relief operations. Member of the Transit Commission Tim Tierney drops by the show to discuss fare jumpers and lack of adequate busses. Why is TD Bank paying a settlement of 3B dollars U.S.? It's Thursday so that means Carson Arthur drops by to answer all your gardening questions. Also, we hear from a spicy record holder... CFRA's Andy Pinsent was following the Foreign Interference inquiry and other political going-ons.

Cyndi Edwards and Colin Trethewey, Former Ottawa residents, who are living Florida join guest host Robin Gill to discuss the damage their properties suffered from Hurricane Milton and what the experience was like to endure that storm. We also hear from Mark Robinson, meteorologist and storm chaser for the Weather Network who discusses the levels of destruction caused by Hurricane Milton. On todays show: - Aaron Blake, Sr. Political Reporter with The Washington Post gives us a snapshot of the U.S presidential race.- Jesse Heffring, Director of Development with Summit School, which celebrated 60 years of helping students who have a wide array of diagnoses - autism, down syndrome and other developmental disorders.- Anita Layton, Professor of applied mathematics at Waterloo dives into a study she led examining how men and women should adhere to different diets. We also have our Daily Debrief Panel with Rachel Aiello, Marieke Walsh, and Robert Benzie.

Hurricane Milton is just hours from making landfall in Florida with life-threatening storm surge is expected. We go live to Florida and hear from Ryan Phillips, NBC6 Two Barrhaven councillors were out on transit this morning, talking to riders on how to improve the bus system. One of the councillors, David Hill, even challenged a CTV reporter to a race. Ashley Ladouceur, owner of Misfits Farmstead, a hobby farm, is wondering is killing her livestock. A cougar? For our QOTD today, we're asking you - Would you rather take transit and skip the parking garage OR drive and hunt for paid parking? A Kanata resident has been left to deal with a rat infestation caused by a hoarder of a neighbour. YUCK! We hear the story of why you do NEVER ever feed wild animals like raccoons. Later, the feds are seriously looking into building a "high-frequency" rail corridor. Great. Another rail project. (Please, note the sarcasm.)

Do you feel safe on Ottawa roads in anything but a vehicle? Laine Johnson, councillor for College ward and member of Ottawa's transportation committee, wonders if reducing the speed limit would help save lives. A jury is deciding the fate of a man who admitted to killing his estranged wife and stabbing his daughter.It's not open yet but the Trillium Line's trial run is underway. Dr. Sally Engelhart, lead author of a study on scurvvy cases in Canada, highlights some reasons how, a rare disease, can occur in some disadvantage people. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is hoping the Ontario government allows for involuntary treatment of people dealing with mental health and addiction issues. CFRA's Chris Holski follows the latest hurricane to batter Florida. Did you see those weird looking clouds on Sunday? Our Political Heat Panel tackles the hot button political issues. CTV's Matt Skube wonders why James Blunt is even contemplating changing his name for the sake a of stunt.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen on if Israel is still interested in a ceasefire as the Israel-Hamas war reaches the one year mark.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Government House Leader Karina Gould on the potential of an early election. Gabrielle Sexton, Owner of The Petites Gamines Desert Shop joins Vassy to discuss how the Petites Gamines dessert shop received a letter from l'Office québécois de la langue française on Wednesday about a complaint that the café's social media posts are in English only.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Zain Velji, and Tom Mulcair. Carmi Levy, Tech Journalist and Analyst joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss what the implications of 23AndMe selling customers data going up for sale could be.

A new Nanos poll shows 57% of respondents like the idea of permit and / or licensing requirements for e-scooters and e-bikes. Agree or disagree? That's our Question of the Day! Most Canadians support a 10% boost of Old Age Security benefits for those aged between 65 and 74. The Conference Board of Canada's chief economist Pedro Antunes believes it's just a bad policy. A child is dead after contracting rabies. Infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Isaac Bogoch says if there's ANY doubt whether or not there was an exposure to rabies, just get the rabies vaccine. Brampton is pondering ‘forced treatment’ options to help addicts battle their addictions. The same approach would apply to anyone who is battling mental health problems. Critics argue this plan of attack would infringe upon a person’s individual rights.Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

On today's show:• Casey Babb, Advisor to Secure Canada drops by to look ahead to October 7th and reflect on what that anniversary means for Jewish Canadians• Rob Buffam, Legislative Reporter with CTV Vancouver, with a snapshot ahead of BC’s provincial election • Ritesh Kotak, Tech and Cybersecurity Expert discusses what it would mean if 23AndMe is sold This week's show features panelists Melanie Paradis, President of Texture Communications and Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star.Topic 1: Bloc leader says the deadline still stands after Liberals vote against pension motionTopic 2: Canadians 3X more positive about Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, survey says.Topic 3: BC Election - Conservatives are surging in the polls, has the NDP’s time in BC come to an end? Topic 4 Kicker topic: Remember That DNA You Gave 23andMe?Topic 4.5 Kicker topic: The surprising ways hybrid work changed people’s grooming habits and notions of personal time.

Next year, Oasis will continue their reunion tour in North America, starting in Toronto. This afternoon marked the official beginning of presale orders, but online resellers have already taken the first bite. Is it time to put an end to speculative ticket sales? Music expert Eric Alper joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. We received an update on Stage 2 of Ottawa's LRT system. We still don't have an official date to launch the service, but we could be nearing the start of a lengthy trial run. Downtown residents are bracing for any and all rowdy scenarios this weekend, as the Panda Game takes center-stage. It's Thursday, which means it's time to send in your gardening questions to Carson Arthur!The latest federal polls are out! Not only are the Tories holding a 20-point on their competition.

Bloc ultimatum stands as Liberals vote against seniors benefits motionThe Bloc is threatening the Trudeau government with an ultimatum: meet its demands on old age security and supply management or it will to work with opposition parties to force an election. Vassy Kapelos speaks with key players. On today’s show: •We play Vassy’s full interview with Karina Gould, Government House Leader. Then, we hear from Bloc Québécois House Leader Christine Normandin. •Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin. •The Daily Debrief with Robert Benzie, Rachel Aiello and Hannah Thibedeau. •Nour El-Khadri, a professor at the University of Ottawa and a Lebanese Canadian, on his perspective of the conflict back home and his thoughts on Canada’s response so far. •Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, Financial Security Research Director at the National Institute on Ageing, explains how Old Age Security works.

Today's Question of the Day: 'Should cats have the right to roam?' It's pretty unanimous. Ottawa Humane Society wrapped up its biggest cat survey. More and more residents are opposed to allowing cats outdoors unsupervised. OHS spokesperson Stephen Smith strongly recommends you keep your cats indoors. We preview a free event that's happening on October 3rd at the Bronson Centre that will showcase some of Canada's top Indigenous artists. The Ottawa Mission released its Annual Impact Report on its shelter capacity. Their Manager of Frontline Services Ashley Potter tells Kristy it is NOT looking good. Canada's fertility rate keeps dropping to alarming levels. CFRA's Andy Pinsent makes an appearance, discussing some stories making headlines. Carson Arthur drops by for 'In the Gardwn with Carson Arthur! CTV's Matt Skube hops in studio to discuss how some residents are using innovative ways to get motorists to slow down in their neighbourhoods. Innovative but not always legal.

Liberals have until Oct. 29 to meet Bloc’s demandsHouse Leader Karina Gould joins Vassy Kapelos after the Liberal government survived a non-confidence vote sparked by the Conservatives.On todays show: Dennis Alpert, Political Strategist and former White House Senior Staffer under Al Gore joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss Kamala Harris's newly announced economic plan as well as looking ahead to what the U.S election may hold. CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Marieke Walsh, and Mike Le Couteur.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault to discuss if a carbon tax increase will be paused in Canada.

Body-cameras are being used by police, some soccer refs, and now, some grocery store workers. On today's Question of the Day, we ask you: ' Should store employees wear body cameras?' With the return to in-office work, some believe employers are doing this to reduce headcount. BoC governor Tiff Macklem worries many renters are relying on their credit cards to make ends meet. The federal government was worried about public criticism when they ordered employees back to work in-office 3 days a week: internal documents showed. Remember the 'Big Dig' in Boston? Well, Ontario Premier has his mind set on a HUGE project. BREAKING NEWS: the Conservatives non-confidence motion fails. Ottawa's Matt Skube drops by to talks about the grainy image that released of the unidentified object that was shot down.

Doug Ford is defending his government's upcoming legislation, which aims to block the construction of new bike lanes if they result in the loss of other vehicular lanes. Should the province control where its cities can build their bike lanes? That's our QOTD.The Competition Tribunal has found Cineplex guilty of deceptive marketing practices. PM Justin Trudeau was on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night...and the country-wide reviews are rather mixed. Do you want to be part of Ottawa's Nightlife Council? Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Mathieu Grondin.The province's More Beds Better Care Act has been dancing with a charter challenge over the past few days. If you attended this year's CityFolk Festival, did you notice a drone flying above the crowd? The scientific community nearly missed a 650-foot tsunami. But how? The Conservative motion could take down the government. but it looks like he won't get one.

Chris Ragan, an Associate Professor and the founding Director of McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss the carbon pricing policy and its impacts. On todays show: Vassy takes your calls and texts to hear if you'd like to have an early election. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, and Sabrina Grover.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations on Israel and Hezbollah's intense fighting in Lebanon and what Canada is doing to aid peace talks.Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux on the Bloc Quebecois' proposal for higher OAS and how much that would cost Canadians.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Procurement Minister and newly appointed Quebec lieutenant Jean-Yves Duclos who is warning the NDP that the dental care program it helped put into place will be in jeopardy if it pulls its support from the governing Liberals.On todays show: Vassy is joined by:-Nick Moore, Reporter, CTV NEWS, Saint John and Rob Buffam, Legislative Reporter with CTV Vancouver to get the key takeaways on the provincial elections coming up.- Peter Girguis, a Harvard University professor and oceanographer who has been monitoring the Inquiry to discuss what we've learned from the inquiry into the Titan submersible implosion. -The Daily Debrief with Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers.- Mark Norman, Retired Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and Navy Officer and Former Vice Chief of Defence Staff of Canada joins Vassy to discuss his visit to Taiwan and the key takeaways.

The Sens and the NCC have reached an agreement in principle; an arena at LeBreton Flats is looking more likely. Money is almost always an issue with these big projects. Our QOTD: 'Should this (the new Sens arena) be funded by the taxpayer? A sports economist says any money given to build these arenas is akin to 'flushing your tax dollars down the toilet'. The province is looking at restricting the addition of bike lanes where lanes of vehicular traffic would be removed. Why? The director of the Infrastructure Institute believes this proposed legislation is ill-advised. Mr. Hollywood Matt Demers reviews the latest flicks. Political science professor Nelson Wiseman wasn't surprised about how the week's gone down, post-dissolution of the Liberals-NDP Confidence Agreement. CFRA host Andrew Pinsent has an update on the federal government's firearm buyback program.And, CTV's Matt Skube joins Kristy to chat about child names and the trouble some (of the more creative ones) - have gotten them in.

On today's show:• Anne McGrath, Principal Secretary to Jagmeet Singh discusses how NDP will back the Trudeau Liberals on a non-confidence vote.• John Wright, from Maru talks about thei poll on the support for Justin Trudeau. • Neil Lumsden, MPP and former CFL player discusses his decision to donate his brain for concussion research.This week's panelists are: Fred DeLorey, Partner at NorthStar Public Affairs, Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor at Spark Advocacy, Marion Nader, Co-CEO Nexus Strategy Group.Topic 1: NDP to join Bloc in backing Liberals against non-confidence voteTopic 2: Ford government to table legislation to restrict bike lanes on city streets Topic 3: Jason Kenney blasts Trudeau government’s ‘catastrophic’ immigration agendaTopic 4 Kicker topic: Rogers to become majority owner of MLSE after buying Bell's stake for $4.7B Topic 4.5 Kicker topic: A man bought a cruise ship on Craigslist and spent over US$1 million restoring it. What’s your dream renovation project?

Today's affordability crisis is proving to be a daunting challenge for diners and restaurant owners. Speaking of dining out, a historic building in the ByWard Market will soon have brand-new tenants! According to a recent poll from the University of Michigan Health Network, 1 in 5 parents are worried about their children's inner friend circle. Our QOTD: Has your child struggled in that department? And as parents, is there anything we can do to help? We dig deeper with early childhood consultant Julie Romanowski, who is based in British Columbia. Meantime, a recent op-ed by local entrepreneur Greg Weatherdon is calling out the City of Ottawa over its alleged 'wasteful spending'. He elaborates further in Hour 2. Carson Arthur joins the to talk about the proper Fall fuel for next year's soil.It's been a pretty busy day in the world of politics, from the federal arena inside Parliament Hill to a provincial byelection in Ontario. CFRA's Andrew Pinsent delivers the details in Hour 4.

David Heurtel, Political Analyst and Former Quebec Liberal Cabinet Minister joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the implications of Transport Minister Pablo Rodriquez to sit as Independent MP while seeking Quebec Liberal leadership.On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with NDP House Leader Peter Julian, Deputy House Leader Mark Gerretsen, and Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer on the possibility of a non-confidence vote leading to an election. Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science to Me'. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Marieke Walsh, and Hannah Thibedeau. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Immigration Marc Miller on international students and the Conservatives' claims on asylum seekers.

Walkie-talkies explode in Lebanon day after deadly pager attackThomas Juneau, Professor, Public and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss what these incidents mean and whether they are indicative of escalation in the conflict. On todays show:Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Co-Chair of the party’s National Campaign Committee on the byelection loss in Montreal. Dr Mitch Schulman, Is an emergency medicine specialist at McGill University Health Center and the Bell Media medical consultant and joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the reality of the safety behind the popular weigh loss drug Ozempic. The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, Tim Powers, and Kathleen Monk. Don Lobb, General Manager at Wohler Canada and Sam Thang, Plant Manager at Wohler Canada join Vassy to discuss how the government put a 25% surtax on steel and aluminum imports from China.

With a budget shortfall at the city, what should be done? Tax hike or cuts in service? Other? That is today's QOTD. To discuss the topic, Kristy reconvenes the Municipal Heat Panel. Our panelists are a trio of city councillors who sit on the Finance Committee; Catherine Kitts, Jeff Leiper, and Riley Brockington. The delays keep coming for the opening of Maplewood Secondary School with no date on when it will actually open. Parents and students are frustrated. StatCan has released the country's annual inflation rate; 2% . Does this mean another rate cut is in the fold? Pedro Antunes of the Conference Board of Canada has more details on what we could see coming. Can your car soon be spying on you? Host of The Driving Podcast Lorraine Sommerfeld has the details on that story. BREAKING NEWS: We get an update on when they hope to finally open the school. Also, CTV's Matt Skube drops by for his daily visit. Did you know he's entered in a cookie baking contest?

Bloc beats Trudeau Liberals in Montreal byelection.Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the Liberals losing the Montreal byelection to the Bloc. On todays show:- Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist at the Bank of Montreal joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss what effects the new changes to federal policy that aim to help younger buyers get into the housing market.- Robert Fife, The Globe and Mail's Ottawa Bureau Chief joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the Liberals loss in the by-election in Montreal, as well as Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue comments regarding how she won't know alleged parliamentarians collaborating with foreign powers.- The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Shachi Kurl, and Saeed Selvam. - Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Vassy to discuss how Instagram launched teen accounts with private settings and limited capabilities.

On Thursday, there was a Transit Commission meeting and Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper joins guest host Andrew Pinsent to discuss this week in transit! A triple-stabbing in Kingston has left two dead, with another victim currently in hospital. Last night, a 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection to this attack, which unfolded near a safe consumption site. Plus, the province of Quebec wants to curb expressive tipping, a plan that the Legault government is convinced will help people save money.If Air Canada drops the hammer and goes on strike, customers will be in a mad scramble. What is covered by their policies? More importantly, what is not covered? Travel expert Barry Choi joins the show.If you are craving a trip to the movie theatres this weekend, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks. Plus, the Freedom Convoy trial is now closed, as we await a final verdict. Spoiler alert: We will be waiting at least a few more months for that final outcome.

On today's show:• John Gradek, aviation industry expert, on the potential of a looming Air Canada strike• Mike Flannigan, BC Innovation Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science, on Canada’s wildfire season • Robert Wittman, Founder of the FBI’s National Art Crime Team, on the recovery of an iconic Winston Churchill portrait stolen from Ottawa’s Chateau LaurierThis week's show features panelists Bob Richardson, President at Hammersmith Consulting and Tim Powers, Chair, Summa Strategies.Topic 1: Let’s unpack the Liberal and NDP caucus meetings? Topic 2: What did you make of the US presidential debate? Topic 3: Canadian Army says new military sleeping bags not suitable for 'typical Canadian winter' + Canada plans to use AI in military, but minister says it won’t replace humansTopic 4: This zoo let their Gen-Z staff write the marketing script and here’s how it went – what do you think?Topic 5: It’s Friday the 13th… are you superstitious?

Union says both parties committed to a deal as Air Canada strike deadline loomsVassy Kapelos speaks with Charlene Hudy, Chair of the Air Line Pilots Association's Air Canada master executive council, on the latest details regarding negotiations and a potential pilots strike.On today’s show:• François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry on the ongoing US campaign, potential US tariffs on Canadian goods• Rick Klein, ABC News Political Director, on allegations that moderators unfairly targeted Trump during the recent presidential debate• Talk Science to Me with CTV Science and Technology Expert Dan Riskin• The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Kari Vierimaa, Former journalist and Senior Associate at KaPow Communications; Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail • CTV’s Judy Trinh with an update on the recovery of an iconic Winston Churchill portrait stolen from the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa

Another issue with the LRT this morning - and the information that riders were looking for was only available AFTER the issue was resolved. Our QOTD: With another LRT issue, is OC Transpo showing riders their due R-E-S-P-E-C-T? CTV Ottawa reporter Austin Lee spoke to disgruntled riders. Apple-picking season is off to a rough start. Not now, not in 10 years; report finds the crisis in Ontario hospitals will worsen. Why is a $2.5 million lawsuit against the Ottawa Police Service been launched? According to new data, 1M people visited a food bank in Ontario. CEO of Feed Ontario, the authors of the report, joins the show to discuss the staggering numbers. Our CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin drops by to discuss a couple of 'Bat' stories making the headlines. What's up with public sector workers wanting downtown businesses to 'go bankrupt'? Also, Chris and Matt Skube talk about how Ottawa is installing bike lockers at three locations.

‘Basically a toss-up’ — setting the stage for the Trump vs. Harris debateVassy Kapelos speaks with CTV US Political Analyst Eric Ham about expectations for the debate tonight and how significance the results of that could be moving deeper into election season.On today's show:•Health Minister Mark Holland on the Liberal caucus retreat and party concerns around polling, messaging, and moving forward•Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst, on the new announcements from Apple including AI-enabled iPhones and clinical hearing aid AirPods•The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, political commentator; Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter with The Globe and Mail; and Saeed Selvam, Vice President of Public Affairs at NATIONAL•Lt-Gen (Ret.) Romeo Dallaire, Former U.N. Force Commander in Rwanda and Former Senator, on his recent recovery from pneumonia and returning to public life to pick up his previously delayed book tour

Host Amanda Galbraith is BACK! On today's show:- Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and former NDP Leader, on the end of the supply and confidence agreement and what comes next for Liberals and NDPMarieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter with The Globe and Mail, on the resignation of Liberal campaign director Jeremy Broadhurst- Film critic Richard Crouse on TIFFIn the 2nd hour, Amanda speaks with panelists Chris Day, President of Winston Wilmont, and Sabrina Grover, Sr. Advisor at Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs.Topic 1: The NDP-Liberal deal is no more - (NDP perspective)Topic 2: The NDP-Liberal deal is no more - (from the all other perspectives)Topic 3: Ontario cutting funding from daycare centres not in $10-a-day programTopic 4: Pumpkin spice is freely flowing and people are making the mental pivot from summer to fall.Topic 5: Buying booze more 'convenient' across Ontario, but that convenience comes with a price

Anne McGrath, Principal Secretary to Jagmeet Singh joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the reasoning behind the decision for the NDP to end it's governance deal with the Liberals. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Government House Leader Karina Gould on the NDP's decision to end the governance deal with the Liberals. Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the new Nanos polling that showed Canadians were slightly supportive of the governance agreement between the NDP and the Liberals. CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Hannah Thibedeau.

The hockey world mourns the loss of Johnny Gaudreau, and brother Matt, after both were hit by a suspected drunk driver. Later, the newest high school in Stittsville is STILL not ready to open its doors. Kamala Harris' first sit-down interview was far from flawless. Barry McLaughlin, who has coached numerous Premiers and party leaders, explains what changes she needs to make. A survey finds Canadians are spending more and more time when at the ER. Mr. Hollywood drops by for his reviews of what's good at the theatres. As the school year starts, 'Let's Remember Adam' and STOP when the school bus stop-arm is flashing. All of the school busses in Mattawa are equipped with Stop Arm Camera Systems. Should all school busses in the province have a stop arm camera? That's our QOTD. Tech journalist Carmi Levy drops by to discuss a couple of tech stories making headlines. CTV's Matt Skube and Andy Pinsent touch upon a topic that's been running through the show -- road safety.

Guest host Mark Towhey breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.Guests from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor, Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs, Fred DeLorey, Partner, NorthStar Public Affairs and former National Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party of Canada and Cam Holmstrom, Founder and Principal, Niipaawi Strategies.Topic 1: Poilievre must hold his tongue for the sake of his party’s imageTopic 2: Is Singh finished? NDP lose five points of support in new national pollTopic 3: Eighteen years and $46-billion later, the CPP admits it could have earned more just by buying index fundsTopic 4: Does Canada need more EV price incentives?

A StatCan survey finds we're spending more and more time on our commutes. Our QOTD: How long are you willing to spend in the car getting to and from work now? What is your max? Kristy speaks with an expert in congestion management about what are the main causes of the rise. Speaking of commuting, CTV News reporter Natalie Van Rooy has the latest on the Ottawa's north-south Trillium Line and when the system will launch. How bad is parenting stress? It's so bad that the U-S Surgeon General is calling it health issue. Our parenting expert agrees. Earlier in the week it was announced that Oasis is reuniting; now, another band is rumoured to be getting back together -- Linkin Park. Who'll fill the boots of the late lead singer Chester Bennington? Music publicist and expert Eric Alper has a thought or two. Carson Arthur drops by for our weekly segment of In the Garden with Carson Arthur! CTV's Matt Skube rants about a case of discipline crossing the line. Plus, we have some wedding news!

Join us for a very special edition of The Vassy Kapelos Show where we debut a book club with local Ottawa author, Katie Tallo. On todays show: A special edition of The Daily Debrief Panel featuring Tim Powers, Laura D'Angelo, and George Soule. Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology Specialist joins Vassy for his weekly segment 'Talk Science To Me'. Vassy hosts the first edition of her book club with author of the novel 'Dark August' Katie Tallo. This features panelists from the CTV network such as Patricial Boal, Host of Ottawa At Work, Rosey Ehdah, Host of CTV Morning Live, and Noah Wachter, producer of The Vassy Kapelos Show.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with the Minister of Immigration Marc Miller on the upcoming changes to permanent resident levels. On todays show: Listen to Vassy's full conversation with David MacNaughton and François-Philippe Champagne about U.S/Canada relations. Dr. Richard Bazinet, professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto joins Vassy for this weeks 'The Explainer' segment about what diets actually work.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail and Mike Le Couteur, Senior political correspondent with CTV NewsMike Moffatt, Assistant Professor with the Ivey Business School and senior director of policy and innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute joins Vassy to discuss the upcoming changes to permanent resident levels.

Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins gust host Tamara Cherry to discuss how day 3 of the Liberal cabinet retreat will be focused on Canada-U.S. relations.On todays show: Stephen Maher, Long time political journalist and author of ‘The Prince: The Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau’ joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how Canada's leaders have approached the debate over safe supply. Carmi Levy, CTV tech expert joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss the biggest tech stories of the week. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl, Chris Day, and Sabrina Grover. Syed Hussan, Executive Director, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss the Liberal governments announcement on restricting temporary foreign workers.

Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement on new tariffs on Chinese EV's. On todays show: Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Tamara Cherry live from Halifax to help break down the latest announcements made this morning by the Liberal government. Chris Reynolds, Business Reporter at The Canadian Press joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how the rail shutdown will have ripple effects through revenue and reputation. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Zain Velji and Tom Mulcair. Robert Riggs, Middle East Geopolitical Risk Consultant joins guest host Tamara Cherry to help break down how it appears that over the weekend Israel and Hezbollah have stepped back from the brink of a wider war.

On today's show:Bruce Curran, associate professor in the faculty of law of the U of Manitoba talks about the Canadian rail workers challenging the governments decision to refer the dispute to the labor board.Dr. Sonu Gaind, Chief of Psychiatry at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and a Professor at the University of Toronto discusses Canada’s delay on including mental in MAiD.Annette Meeks, Rep. Strategist goes over the speech delivered last night at the DNC by VP Kamala Harris.In Hour 2... panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Garry Keller, Vice President, StrategyCorp.- Canada rail workers union to challenge government decision to refer dispute to labor board.- How should the Republican party approach the campaign with Kamala Harris as the opponent.- Ontario CUPE president Fred Hahn rejects call to resign over social media post criticized as anti-Semitic- Is this the grocery story you’ve been searching for?- What would you do with the worlds largest diamond?

Dr. Bruce Curran, associate professor in the faculty of law of the University of Manitoba joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss his opinion piece from The Globe and Mail where he discusses who is to blame for the railway labour dispute. On todays show:Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Tamara Cherry to give us a recap of what happened on day 3 at the National Democratic Convention and took ahead to the speech that will be given tonight by Vice President Kamala Harris.Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology expert with his weekly segment 'Talk Science To Me'.The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Marieke Walsh and Robert Benzie. Elliot Tepper, Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss to give an overview on Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region of Russia.

Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how Ontario will be closing 10 supervised consumption sites and ban other locations under new rules.On todays show:Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Tamara Cherry live from the DNC in Chicago to discuss what we saw on day two, and what's to come for day three.Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush and professor of Law at the University of Minnesota joins guest host Tamara Cherry to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question on the purpose of National Conventions. The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, Kathleen Monk, and Jordan Paquet.George Takach, formerly one of Canada's leading technology lawyers, and now an author about technology and geopolitics joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how a survey found that Conservative supporters show higher susceptibility to Russian disinformation.

Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how labour is influencing this election and the Democrats and Republicans relationship with Unions. On todays show:Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Tamara Cherry live from the Democratic National Convention to recap what we saw last night, and what to expect for today.Tamara took your calls and texts on how you see the democratic party being able to maintain it's momentumThe Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Saeed Selvam and Erin Morrison. Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist, Deloitte Canada joins gust host Tamara Cherry to discuss today's CPI report. Carmi Levy, CTV tech expert joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss the biggest tech stories of the week.

Vassy Kapelos, CTV News Chief Political Correspondent joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss what to look for this week at the Democratic National Convention. On todays show:Jon Allen, Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss how U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday called the latest diplomatic push by Washington to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza "probably the best, maybe the last opportunity," and urged all parties to get the agreement over the finish line. Eddie Sheerr, NTV’s Chief Meteorologist joins guest host Stefan Keyes to discuss how Hurricane Ernesto is likely to bring heavy surf to Nova Scotia on Saturday.The Daily Debrief Panel with Susan Smith, Tim Powers, and Tom Mulcair. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business joins guest host Stefan Keyes to look ahead to tomorrows CPI report.

Bill Curry, Deputy Bureau Chief with Globe and Mail joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss Canada’s temporary foreign worker program.On todays show: Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests for British Columbia joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how the U.S has nearly doubled the duty on Canadian softwood lumber.Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases physician at the Toronto General Hospital joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss how the World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and elsewhere in Africa a global emergency.The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Paul Wells.Keir Giles, Russia expert at the Chatham House think tank and author of the forthcoming book ‘Who Will Defend Europe’ joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Ukrainian forces have attacked a second border region in western Russia.

Looking to move out of the hustle and bustle? Have you thought of Saskatchewan? How about a small town of Moosomin? They'll even offer $30K to all those that will build a home in the community. Are you in? That's our QOTD. A survey finds post-secondary students are struggling to pay for and go to school. Kristy speaks with Andrew Lo, CEO of Embark; the authors of the survey. Shane Martinez, Toronto-based human right lawyer who works with Justice 4 Migrant Workers, comments on a new UN report stating Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a breeding ground for contemporary slavery. Does Canada need a new political party? Well, the Canadian Future Party believes so! Earlier in the week, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe's made a plea for more funding from upper levels of government. Should the city not look inward at what they did? Councillor Sean Devine says tough decisions need to be made. We hear about a new wing at a Disney theme park where the focus in on the villains!

Vassy Kapelos speaks with interim leader Dominic Cardy about the new organization and why it’s being launched now.On today’s show: Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, former Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff on Ukraine’s continued incursions into Russian territory and what comes nextYour texts and calls on the Canadian Future PartyThe Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin and Tim Powers, Chair, Summa StrategiesJohn MacBeth, Founder, TryCycle, which developed The Burns Way tools on the group’s volunteer drive launchJohn Viveiros, Host, Hot Take Hockey, on Auston Matthews becoming captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Do you road rage? How often do you witness road rage? How often are you part of it? That's our QOTD! The director of the Renfrew County Bus Lines says if there's no contract, there will be NO school bus transportation for students. The use of the food bank is on the rise; the same goes for the pet food banks. A survey finds Ontario motorists are the angriest. Kristy is joined by Daniel Ivans of Rates.ca, the authors of the study. Ottawa Police are warning people to be on the lookout for a new scam. Tip: all cabs accept cash! President of the Canadian Taxi Association Marc-André Way gives tips on how you can avoid falling victim to the scam. I guess speedy motorists are tired of paying more; city's photo radar cameras are influencing the way we drive. An Ottawa resident shares how her stolen dog was found... in Wyoming! Finally, CTV's Matt Skube drop by to discuss the Hunger Games for parents in Ottawa -- registering online for your child's swim lesson.

Guest host Tamara Cherry speaks with Brian J. Karem, author, White House Columnist and host of Just Ask the QuestionOn today's show:•Thomas Juneau, Professor of Public and International Affairs with expertise on the Middle East, Iran, and Yemen on the latest in the Middle East•Michael Kempa, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Ottawa on tackling terrorism threats head on and Canadian complacency•Laura Osman, Federal Politics Reporter with The Canadian Press on the resignation of Canada’s incoming human rights commissioner•The Daily Debrief Panel •Justin Ling, freelance investigative journalist, on his investigation into consulting firm influence in federal government•Dr. James Brophy, an environmental health researcher at the University of Windsor and co-author of a new report looking at healthcare worker morale

On our QOTD, we're asking if demand-based parking makes sense. We hear from a couple of business owners about what the change will mean for their bottom line. We preview this year's edition of Greekfest! Would anti-renoviction bylaw work in Ottawa? Kristy speaks with a professor who studies the housing crisis, about it.A study finds that 17 different cancers are rising in younger people. The co-author of the study, Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, chats with Kristy about some their findings. Plus, upper governments comment on Ottawa Mayor's plea for additional funding. Who came up with the 10,000 steps in a day you had to walk to be considered healthy?We have our Monday Political Heat Panel! With 2.5 Million Ontarians without a family physician, something needs to give. What if it was possible to make sure everyone had a primary care giver? We hear from the President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of the NOSM University in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, about an idea!

Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss the new polling from Nanos Research to gauge Canadian impressions of Liberal political figures and potential Liberal Party leaders, as well as the potential impact on the federal election if Mark Carney was appointed as Finance Minister.On todays show: Ben Steiner, Olympic Journalist joins guest host Tamara Cherry to recap the memorable moments of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Valérie Kindarji, PhD candidate in political science at the University of Toronto focusing on comparative politics and international relations joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss the polarized information economy.The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Sabrina Grover and George Soule.David Fraser, CTV Military Analyst And Former Commander Of NATO Forces In Southern Afghanistan joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss how Russians are fleeing Ukraine’s cross-border attack as Kremlin scrambles to respond.

Would adopting a balanced school calendar model reduce summer learning loss? Would you be in favour of going to such a model for your kid? That's our QOTD! Before we hear from you, we'll hear both sides of the argument.A first-of-its-kind psychedelic medical center is opening in Kingston, ON. We hear from director of the medical centre. Mr. Hollywood, Matt Demers gives his 'Flaming Thumbs' reviews of the movies 'Borderland', 'Cuckoo', and 'It Ends With Us'. Later, remember the Josh Fight? You know where hundreds of people named Josh got together and had a mock pool noodle fight? Well, a packed theater with people named 'Ryan' got together to watch the Ryan Reynolds' movie Dead Pool & Wolverine.Chair of Ottawa's Transit Commission drops by to discuss yesterday's announcement from the mayor. What the heck is 'Stretchflation'? Plus, animal rights groups are pushing to end pet restrictions in rental housing -- we hear from Barbara Cartwright, CEO of Humane Canada, to dissect the issue.

Host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:- Scott Hutcheson, Executive Chair of Aspen Properties and Chair of the 2026 Olympic Bid Corporation joins Scott Reid to talk about how Canadians would feel if Canada were to host the next Olympics. - Scott recaps historical moments that have happened on August 9th throughout history. Free For All Friday In Hour 2, panelists Bob Richardson, senior counsel at National Public Relations and Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont.• Harris v. Trump debate is already looming as another historic pivot point in an extraordinary campaign• Supreme Court nixes Jordan Peterson’s fight to not enter remedial coaching program• 'Irresponsible, unethical, and dangerous': Pickering councillor slammed over appearance on 'far-right' podcast• Olympics – Canadians on hosting and Tom Cruise closing the Olympics.

The finances for Ottawa's LRT are dire and Ottawa's mayor made an urgent call to the provincial and federal governments for additional funding. Our QOTD today is "...do you think our transit system can be saved?" We get reaction from: - Laura Shantz, Ottawa Transit Riders board member - Alex Cullen, former Ottawa city councillor- John Crupi, CTV News Ottawa Assignment Editor- and YOU during our QOTD. Canada's Olympic success in the pool has many younger Canadians to pick up the sport. We follow up on the ByWard Market's CORE strategy implementation and how it's having a negative impact in neighbouring Somerset ward. We hear how bad it's gotten from a facilities manager of a non-profit organization situated on Bank Street. On Thursdays, Carson Arthur visits us for his weekly segment 'In The Garden with Carson Arthur'. Two suspects are in custody after a foiled terrorist attack at a Taylor Swift concert. National Security Expert discuses how authorities thwarted the attack.

Shimon Koffler-Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs discusses the review of online comments made by incoming human rights commissioner Birju Dattani, and that Dattani has agreed to take a leave" just one day before he was set to begin serving in his new role. On todays show:- Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases physician at the Toronto General Hospital to discuss if this new variant is something to worry about.- Moustafa Ayad, executive director for Africa, Middle East and Asia at Institute for Strategic Dialogue joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss how Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts were cancelled over a suspected terrorist plot.- CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin drops by our weekly segment Talk Science to Me. - The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Marieke Walsh and Hannah Thibedeau.-David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada goes over the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

Our QOTD today: Should people who drive high theft vehicles pay more? Lorraine Sommerfeld, Driving.ca’s Lorraine Explains columnist and host of The Driving Podcast, drops by with her thoughts on what needs to be done. Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada David Phillips says Tropical Storm Debby's still got a long way to go before reaching Ottawa.Comments made by one councillor - that an initiative in a neighbouring ward is now causing issues in her ward - has drawn the ire of Action Sandy Hill. We hear how you can prevent your child's summer learning loss. It's been a decade since the #IceBucketChallenge spread like wildfire.... and the funds raised then are NOW bearing fruit. Two veteran astronauts have been up in space longer than they expected... When will they come home? Conservatives are saying bots, that posted about a Pierre Poilievre rally up North, aren't theirs. Duane Bratt, a Calgary professor drops by to comment on the issue.

Tim Walz comes from state with close ties to Canada, what does this mean for cross border relationsBruce Heyman, Former US ambassador to Canada from 2014-2017 under then President Barack Obama joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss what U.S-Canada relations would look like with Tim Walz in the Whitehouse. On todays show: Phil Gurski, CEO of Borealis Threat & Risk Consulting, former Senior Strategic Analyst with CSIS joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss if Canada needs to do more when it comes to the immigration and security screening processes.Zoe Manzi, Hate and Extremism Analyst at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue joins Robin Gill for this weeks 'The Explainer' question about the riots that have erupted across the UK. The Daily Debrief Panel with Tim Powers, Scott Reid and Kathleen Monk.Gabor Lukacs, Air Passenger Rights Advocate joins to discuss how an airline passenger rights group filed a lawsuit against WestJet over reimbursement policies.

Instead of every 5 minutes, the LRT will be showing up every 10 minutes from 9 am to 3 pm ... AND from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. There are a LOT of people who didn't know about that. College Ward councillor Laine Johnson and many council colleagues were left in the dark. Should cities offer cash incentives to attract doctors? You'll hear from the Canadian Public Health Association about the idea. We'll hear as well from a Huntsville councillor; they're (the municipality of Huntsville) offering cash incentives to attract doctors. Should cities be doing the same? That's our QOTD!The city of Ottawa is turning to AI to determine if someone might be at risk of chronic homelessness. How will it work? Also, what would you do to save money? Well, some people have resorted to living in their cars. #Sad. Who is Gov. Tim Walz and what does he offer Kamala Harris as a VP? CTV U-S political analyst Eric Ham drops by to discuss. Also, an ugly structure has Riverside South residents upset.

Kamala Harris chooses Tim Walz as running mateEric Ham, CTV U.S. Political Analyst joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss Kamala Harris choosing Tim Walz as her running mate.On todays show:•Hayley McGoldrick, Writer at Team Canada joins guest host Robin Gill to recap the memorable moments so far during the Olympics. •Alexandra Monkhouse, Partner, Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers and Allison Venditti a human resources expert in Toronto and founder of advocacy group Moms at Work join guest host Robin Gill to discuss if women commonly lose their job on maternity or parental leave.•Ian Lee, Associate Professor with Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business joins guest host Robin Gill to talk about market volatility.•The Daily Debrief Panel with Shakir Chambers, Saeed Selvam and Shachi Kurl. •Elliot Tepper, Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University joins Robin Gill to discuss what a potential retaliation from Israel would look like.

Canada keeps picking up medals at the Summer Games in Paris.Why is Ottawa's heat and humidity more dangerous than it seems? A professor of physiology explains.Over half of Ontarians say they engage in risky driving behaviour; CAA survey. Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario goes over the numbers.Plus, Mr. Hollywood drops by with his 'Flaming Thumbs' reviews of three new flicks in theaters. Later, with the long weekend here, we list-off everything that's going on around the city.Later, imagine taking public transit from B.C. to Mexico. One man DID make the journey from Canada to Tijuana.Also, more and more funeral homes are seeing a rise in the number of bodies that go unclaimed. (Just tragic)Finally, did you know that the Ottawa River has CLEANER water than the Seine River? In fact, the Seine River has bacteria levels 5x higher than the Ottawa River.

Host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:• Melanie Dirks, Professor in the department of psychology at McGill University joins Scott Reid to discuss fears and phobias and how to overcome them.• Scott recaps historical moments that have happened on August 2nd throughout history. Free For All Friday - Hour 2.Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Andrew Perez, Principal at Perez Strategies and a Liberal strategist and Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.• Has the US election been totally reset now that Harris is taking the helm?• Premier Doug Ford’s office directed Metrolinx to keep Crosstown opening date secret, emails show • Discussion of what we've been focused on in these Olympic games - Summer McIntosh, the women's soccer drone scandal• Any plans for the long weekend and are there any fears and phobias you have conquered

A flyer circulating in Vanier is suggesting residents should report problem locations to Ottawa Police, Ottawa Bylaw, or the Vanier Community Association. The latter of those three are the authors of this flyer. In today's QOTD, we want to gather your feedback about neighbourhood snitch lines. Are they necessary or are they far too excessive? Rideau-Vanier councillor Stéphanie Plante joins the program with her two cents. Meantime, buyers purchasing newly-built homes will now have 30 years to pay off a mortgage instead of 25 years. What do the new rules mean? Lauren van den Berg, the CEO and President of Mortgage Professionals Canada, discusses the significance of these changes. Plus, we go In The Garden with gardening expert Carson Arthur.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, as an historic prisoner swap is unfolding between Russia and the United States. And for captured Canadian Paul Whelan, his moment of freedom has finally arrived. We deliver the latest developments as the show rolls on. Meantime, U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump is making headlines for his controversial comments at a Black journalists' panel. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, we talk science with CTV's Dan Riskin.

After 3 drownings at Britannia Beach (between 2020 and 2023), a lifesaving audit report is out. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh comments on the report's recommendations. Meantime, some Canadian employers are allegedly hiring 'underqualified' staff members in order to save on costs. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, what happens when former Olympians transition back to real life, and need to find a different revenue streamline? Sometimes, it is a struggle, and the amount of available federal resources are not enough to keep them out of debt. We speak with Jane Roos, the founder of CAN Fund. And finally, the Summer of Summer McIntosh continues!

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos this week. Canada's Summer McIntosh has captured Olympic Gold in Swimming, her first-ever golden memory on the world's biggest stage. Petra Huve, an Assistant Coach with the Etobicoke Swim Club, joins the show to discuss Summer's outstanding achievements. Meantime, the Women's Soccer Team has tried to appeal their 6-point standings deduction. Sadly, that was a swing-and-miss outcome. Plus, should Canadian provinces pay the tab for weight loss medications? The debate floor opens in Hour 1.

On Monday, it was announced that OC Transpo would be reducing its midday O-Train service, effective this Fall. Just before Labour Day, Line 1 would be running every 10 minutes on weekdays between 9am and 3pm. Peak periods, of course, remain the typical 5-minute target. However, a handful of councillors feel blindsided by these changes, and are worried that post-secondary students won’t trust our transit system as often. We dig deeper in Hour 1. According to Somerset councillor Ariel Troster, when the City of Ottawa amped up police presence in the ByWard Market this Summer, it pushed more of Ottawa’s vulnerable residents into Centretown. As a result, it has placed ‘additional pressure’ on resources in this neighbourhood. Here to explain further is Brenda Knight, a Board Member with the Centretown Community Association. Plus, Ottawa Police will soon have a second pair of eyes in the sky, an effort to help its officers crack down on carjackers and street-racers.

Robin Gill is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos this week. We start today’s show in Paris, as the world gathers for the 2024 Summer Games. However, the French taxpayers will be spending more than $11 billion to host these events. Will this two-week party produce any significant results for the French economy? Moshe Lander digs deeper in Hour 1. While we are on the subject of finances, the average Canadian family has seen its tax bill increase by 2705 percent between 1961 and 2023. That’s according to new data from the Fraser Institute. We dissect those jaw-dropping numbers with Jake Fuss, the company’s Director of Fiscal Studies. Plus, we turn our attention back to Alberta, as the wildfires continue to burn in Jasper. How are businesses preparing to rebuild once the dust settles, and how long could this agonizing journey take?

A new survey says the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cuts did little to change Canadians’ negative perceptions about their personal finances. This comes as the quarterly MNP Consumer Debt Index dropped 6 points from the previous quarter. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with David Macdonald, a Senior Economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. In just a few days, the Ford government will be halting further funding for Ontario’s Wastewater Surveillance Program. Researchers who rely on this data fear that an important weapon against COVID will be terminated, which is especially important as a new wave spreads across the province. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Plus, a new study from the University of Ottawa is looking into the science and stereotype of ‘mean girls’, particularly how young women are handling situations of social exclusion. Tracy Vaillancourt, a UOttawa professor, joins the show in Hour 2. And finally, we have another post-pandemic trend to write about.

Vassy Kapelos is back in the saddle, although a little bit under the weather after her business trip to Wisconsin. We start in the world of American politics, where the Director of the U.S. Secret Service has resigned from her post. This is directly linked to a series of failings before a near-fatal assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. CTV’s Joy Malbon delivers the details. Then, we get instant reaction from a former Special Agent. Meantime, parts of a well-known Alberta town have been forced to evacuate due to lingering wildfires. We recount that horrifying experience with Vicki Korogonas, who is the owner of Pine Bungalows in Jasper National Park. Plus, as we inch closer to another interest rate decision, what will the Bank of Canada do?

All of Canada’s major grocers have signed the Grocery Code of Conduct. Walmart and Costco, who were the remaining holdouts, finally joined the party last week. It creates new rules for grocery retailers, outlining the fees they can legally charge suppliers and explain how they can deal with various disputes. Does this level the playing field? Michael Graydon, the CEO of Canada’s Health and Consumer Products, has high hopes. He joins the show in Hour 1. Here at home, a group of older adults on Ambleside Drive are fed up over a lack of access to Canada’s health system. And as they dug deeper and deeper, they realized a lot of other people are in their position, a lot more than they ever imagined. Meantime, U.S. President Joe Biden has ceased his re-election campaign, opening the door for a new voice to represent America’s Democrats. We explain what happens next. Plus, if you are trying to land a new job, how much time should you commit to job interview preparation?

Tim Powers is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who will be back in the hosting chair tomorrow. Last week’s top U.S. story was the Republican Convention, and how Donald Trump was going to amp up his party’s vision. This week leads off with his now-former opponent, as Joe Biden steps aside from the Democrats to focus on his final months as American President. He has also endorsed current U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris as the new party leader. We examine the immediate and broader ramifications, including the Republicans’ attack strategy. Meantime, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are celebrating this morning after members of a fishing vessel finally returned to shore. When their ship caught fire over the weekend, many thought they would never be seen again. And over in British Columbia, parts of the province are in fight-or-flight mode, as looming wildfires pose a significant risk.

In July of 2022, Rogers was on the wrong side a massive Internet outage, one that will stand as one of the most infamous disruptions in Canadian history. This morning, we’ve got another mass outage, and it’s affecting a lot of different sectors. We discuss the overall impact of this outage, and outline the future contingency plans that need to be considered. Meantime, a family of five in Chesterville have lost their bid to stay in Canada, and have since been deported to Mexico. Family friend Missy McDonald joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. On a much lighter note, are you ready to unwind at the local movie theater? Matt Demers will give you a few reasons to make the trip, as he delivers this week’s Movie Picks! Plus, we deliver the latest developments on the LCBO work stoppage, and explain why this afternoon’s tentative deal has been put on hold.

Scott Reid, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, breaks down the biggest stories with Canada's top newsmakers. Perhaps no story is garnering more attention than this morning’s massive cyber outage. It’s the second July in 3 years where a service outage has brought this country to its knees. What lessons must be learned moving forward? Ritesh Kotak, a cybersecurity expert, dissects the Microsoft IT blackout. In Hour 2, the debate begins with Winston Wilmont president Chris Day and Spark Advocacy senior advisor Sabrina Grover. They tackle Donald Trump’s lengthy speech at the Republican Convention, a potential Cabinet Shuffle at Parliament Hill, and more.

According to a recent study, most Ontarians would like to see the province implement a deposit-return program for non-alcoholic beverage containers. A few months after that study was made public, the Ford government has now scrapped that idea, largely due to the added costs that customers could face. Did Ontario’s P.C. politicians make the right decision? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Krista Scaldwell, who is the President of the Canadian Beverage Association. Effective this month, a full-time paramedic will be assigned to the ByWard Market, with a total of 13 advanced-care paramedics tasked with serving the Downtown Ottawa neighbourhood. At least one representative will be serving the community every day. And while this initiative just began the day after Canada Day, paramedics say they have their work cut out for them already. Plus, Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood is being shortlisted as a possible candidate for asylum-seekers to seek refuge.

Local cycling advocates are taking aim at the city’s brand-new public education plan. It is designed to improve road safety between Ottawa’s drivers and cyclists, but Bike Ottawa says this gameplan is filled with ‘misinformation’. Dave Robertson explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, a new project is being rolled out to help those experiencing homelessness in Western Quebec. Réhabex has built a robust roaming bus, called the ‘Réhabus’, to offer the less fortunate immediate access to snack areas and fresh clothes. Jeffrey Levesque, who is working on the bus, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, as we reach Day 11 of the ongoing LCBO strike, the Ontario government has decided to speed up its alcohol expansion plans, announcing that licensed grocery stores will be able to start selling ready-to-drink beverages as of this Thursday. But did you know that fewer than 4 percent of grocery stores have applied for Ontario’s new alcohol license?

In Hour 1, we are about to tackle a citywide question that has been debated a few times since the arrival of the 2020s. Should alcohol be permitted in city parks? We begin the discussion with River Ward councillor Riley Brockington and Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante. Meantime, the pressure for Ontario’s Premier to end the LCBO strike has been rapidly rising by the hour. Doug Ford says he won’t be issuing return-to-work legislation at this point in time, but he is telling the LCBO’s union heads to return to the bargaining table. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Sean Spencer, who is the President of OPSEU Local 499. And finally, if you want to distract yourself with the latest movie releases, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Flick Picks!

Canada’s Prime Minister is preparing to provide world leaders with general details into Canada’s defense spending targets, and how soon our country will be able to meet those requirements. Vassy Kapelos digs deeper with Dave Perry, who is the President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Meantime, the rumour mill is swirling about Chrystia Freeland’s future as the country’s Finance Minister, as tensions are rising over the government’s economic messaging. Bob Fife of The Globe And Mail delivers the inside scoop. Plus, as this year’s NATO Summit is winding down, U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing to silence his critics with a pivotal speech. Can he prove his doubters wrong? And finally, it’s a Thursday afternoon, which means it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Prime Minister Trudeau is getting blasted by American politicians, as Canada once again fails to reach its annual NATO spending targets. How is it impacting our country’s global status? Will it further weaken trade relations with other countries? Vassy Kapelos chats with Jeffrey Kroeker of Massey LLP in Hour 1. He specializes in Business Law for both international and domestic clients. Meanwhile, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl are barreling towards parts of Eastern Ontario, with heavy amounts of rain potentially causing a lot of problems for residents. We dig deeper with Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson. Plus, as the political future of U.S. President Joe Biden remains cloudy, what would happen if he stepped aside from this year’s Presidential Race? How exactly would the Democrats find a new leader ahead of November’s big day? The candidate replacement process takes center-stage in this week’s Explainer segment.

Vassy Kapelos is back from vacation! And by the sound of things, the level of unrest within the U.S. Democratic Party is just as unstable as the day she left. Today, President Biden is defending his 2024 campaign, while others inside the party tent continue to raise concerns about the campaign’s direction. We dig deeper with Brian Stelter, a Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair. Meantime, the Prime Minister of Canada is getting ready to attend a pivotal NATO Summit, as Russia escalates its aggression towards Ukraine. In Hour 1, you’ll hear from Yulia Kovaliv, who is the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada. Plus, the Green Party’s Deputy Leader has resigned for personal reasons, leaving Elizabeth May as the last one standing for the Green Machine.

Kristy Cameron has reappeared after a relaxing out-of-town trip, and just in time for what could be an ugly Summer strike at the LCBO. Nearly 10,000 workers have hit the picket lines across Ontario, even though online sales are still operational. As we sit here right now, is the LCBO a provincewide necessity? Could this labour dispute change that narrative? We dig deeper with Dan Malleck, a Professor of Health Sciences at Brock University. Meantime, employees at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa have started a picket line of their own. The labour dispute officially began Monday morning after talks with OPSEU officials broke down over the weekend. Until a resolution can be found, a full disruption of services is expected. Eric Schonbacher, a child protection worker who has been with the organization for over a decade, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, Canada’s unemployment rate has risen to 6.4 percent, with Summer jobs for students especially hard to come by.

Tim Powers is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today, as she continues to soak in the sun and put the world of politics on the backburner. And as France prepares to put a bow on the final preparations for this year’s Summer Olympics, things are getting very nasty. President Emmanuel Macron has officially refused the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister, asking him to stay on a temporary basis as the government enters a state of limbo. So what happens next? We dig deeper with Carleton University Senior Fellow Elliott Tepper. Later in Hour 1, the province of Alberta is heating up, and not in a good way. They are dealing with heat warnings, a little bit of smoke, and a huge stampede in Calgary. Environment Canada senior meteorologist David Phillips tells us if there’s any relief in sight. Plus, Canada’s Prime Minister is preparing to take the heat for Canada’s lack of national defense commitments. We outline what’s at stake as he heads to NATO’s Headquarters.

Chris Holski is filling in for the vacationing Kristy Cameron. And as the Chief Newsanchor for CTV Ottawa, tonight marks the last time you will hear Graham Richardson’s voice. Don’t worry, he’s just making a career change, albeit a significant one. He reflects on his broadcasting media journey ahead of his final suppertime newscast. Meantime, an LCBO strike is looming large this Summer, with the odds of a labour dispute likely going up after Thursday’s developments. How could a potential work stoppage impact Ontario’s distilleries and breweries? Kitchissippi Beer founder Paul Meek joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, a Manitoba physician and space scientist is getting ready for the opportunity of a lifetime, as Dr. Shawna Pandya joins the Virgin Galactic space crew. She drops by the Hal Anthony studios in Hour 3. And finally, would you rather watch a movie than brace the Bluesfest crowds this weekend? Fear not, cinema lovers! Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks.

We have plenty of items on the debate menu to devour and discuss, as Scott Reid fills in for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays. First of all, U.K. voters have made a huge statement, kicking the Tories out of Parliament and ending Rishi Sunak’s short stint as Britain’s Prime Minister. As for U.S. President and Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden, he insists that he’s not going anywhere and he will stay in this year’s Presidential race. Which scenario has left you speechless? We pose that question to Alyson Fair of Bluesky Strategy Group and Laryssa Waler of GT&CO. They also ponder the potential fallouts of an LCBO strike and react to the now-rejected idea of a Liberal caucus meeting.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. Several times on this talk-radio program, we have talked about reinventing the workweek wheel. The most common revision that people are calling for is the 4-day model, with the idea of an extended weekend dancing in our heads. But what about a 6-day workweek? Effective this month, it’s happening in Greece, as a handful of workplace sectors start to implement it. We dig deeper in Hour 1 with Diana Palmerin-Velasco, a Senior Director on the Future of Work at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Meantime, the councillor for West Carleton-March is apologizing for his unprofessional actions at a nearby daycare, but insists that the allegations from the daycare owner are being blown out of proportion. Should our city councillors be held to a higher standard of conduct? Text into the show and let us know. And finally, it’s a Thursday afternoon, which means it’s time for our weekly check-in with gardening expert Carson Arthur.

Robin Gill is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos. After leaving a jaw-dropping path of destruction in Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl is now roaring towards Mexico. We check in with Canadian newlyweds Jeff and Amanda Cain, who are currently stranded in Jamaica and crossing their fingers for a flight home. Later in today’s program, we also check in on the ongoing relief efforts in that country. Over in the United Kingdom, a pivotal election could send a series of countrywide shockwaves, as the ballots slowly start to trickle in. Plus, the next nationally-televised Presidential Debate isn’t until September, but last week’s fiasco is still generating plenty of chatter within Democratic circles. And while the risks of sticking with Joe Biden are certainly great, so is the gamble of finding a new voice. We delve into that side of the equation in Hour 2. And finally, it’s a Thursday afternoon, which means it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

You have tons of online shopping destinations to browse through on the Internet. You can buy books and clothes online. And yes, you can even buy used cars online. However, there is growing caution on the notion of buying brand-new vehicles, and the risks associated with picking your next car without a simple test drive. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with driving columnist Lorraine Sommerfeld in Hour 1. Here at home, should city councillors be allowed to broker voluntary donations to their ward from local developers? Ottawa’s Finance Committee ruled that they shouldn’t, although some argued that this verdict would unfairly tie their hands. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington and Stittsville councillor Glen Gower open the debate floor in Hour 2. Meantime, Canada’s opioid crisis is only getting worse, as elephant tranquilizers and PIRO hit the streets. In Hour 3, we focus on the non-profit organizations that are tasked with keeping Ottawa safe. Plus, Canada’s top fraudsters are up to their old tricks again.

Robin Gill is back in the hosting chair, filling in for Vassy Kapelos. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was expected to make his annual trip to the Calgary Stampede this week – except that isn’t going to happen in 2024. And with the Liberals under siege in the Canada-wide polls, that might be in the party’s best interests, as the Red Team can’t afford to watch another fortress crumble. Nik Nanos of Nanos Research explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s farmers are biting their fingernails over the new Capital Gains Tax, fearing that it could complicate family transfers. We hear from Kyle Larkin, who is the Grain Growers of Canada’s Executive Director. Plus, the courts have granted an injunction to dismantle a Palestinian protest encampment at the University of Toronto.

Consumer advocates are waving every single red flag in plain view, as the looming dangers of a ‘100 percent cashless society’ creep closer and closer to Canada’s doorstep. In fact, they fear we are already sleepwalking into that reality. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Omar Fares, a Lecturer in Retail Management at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers Program. Looking back to your days as a young parent, you probably recall at least one instance where your child got extremely upset. A new process called ‘co-regulation’ is designed to help today’s children and teenagers better manage those massive outbursts. We pick the brain of Dr. Lauren Marchette, a family psychologist and a Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Meantime, a deal has been reached to end an abrupt labour dispute involving WestJet mechanics. However, the ensuing flight delays and cancellations have caused a series of scheduling headaches.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is taking full advantage of her summer vacation. In Hour 1, we shift gears to European politics, as far-right parties make big gains within Europe’s Parliament. Carleton University NPSIA professor Elliott Tepper digs deeper as the show progresses. Meanwhile in America, the U.S. Supreme Court has concluded that the country’s President has immunity for official acts, not private ones. As a result, prosecutors in Manhattan have decided to delay Donald Trump's sentencing on his ‘hush money’ conviction. Plus, an Ontario city has assembled teams of ER nurses and police officers to better help patients with mental illnesses. That plan was launched in 2023. One year later, we head to Windsor to see the results.

In the world of 2024, it’s no secret that food waste has evolved into a major problem. Garbage waste, of any kind, is on full display at Ottawa’s landfill. According to the experts, a lot of today’s dilemmas are invisible to most Canadians, largely because our food system is so invisible to us. How can we fight against this never-ending battle? Kristy Cameron chats with Heather McLeod-Kilmurray, who is a member of UOttawa’s Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability. Speaking of food and produce, it is time to talk all-things gardening with Ottawa Now’s top gardening expert. Carson Arthur breaks down his Top 3 favourite ‘whack-or-hack’ methods in Hour 3. Plus, the City of Ottawa is trying to assemble a quick-fix solution for a newcomer reception centre, as it awaits results from the feds on a more permanent funding application. And finally, an Ottawa man is speaking out about the dangers of today’s drugs, a topic that hits close to home after his father and brother died of Fentanyl overdoses.

Vassy Kapelos is back in the big chair ahead of tonight’s pivotal U.S. Presidential Debate. Who has the most pressure on their shoulders: Joe Biden or Donald Trump? Plus, what exactly is at stake this evening? We debate and discuss as the show rolls on. Meantime, the feds are talking a big game when it comes to protecting Canadian auto workers, as they aim to promote a level playing field. Are they taking the right approach? We dig deeper with Brian Kingston, who is the President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. And finally, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

An Ottawa man is facing charges after allegedly uttering threats towards an Ottawa city councillor. It’s another discouraging moment for today’s world leaders, as Canadian politicians are slowly being pushed to their breaking point. Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, puppy mills are officially illegal in Ontario after the Ford government’s recent legislation was passed into law. It has given officials a wide range of powers to implement harsh fines against puppy mill owners, leading to a series of devastating financial consequences for those who are found guilty. Kristy Cameron chats with Greg Glass, the President of Animal Welfare Legislative Reform, in Hour 2. Plus, are today’s all-age tourist destinations become financially unattainable for families to visit? CTV’s Matt Skube delivers his two cents.

It’s an historic moment on the Vassy Kapelos Show today, as Daily Debrief panelist Tim Powers upgrades his resume to fill-in host. And as we gear up for Thursday’s pivotal U.S. Presidential Debate, are we about to witness a make-or-break moment in this year’s campaign? We ask the experts as the show rolls on. In Hour 1, we also delve into a Summer Economic Outlook with Dawn Desjardins, a Chief Economist with Deloitte Canada. Plus, it was a huge night for the Canadian Men’s Soccer Team, as they took down Peru to claim their first-ever Copa America victory.

As of right now, 126 bird species have been essentially ‘lost’ to science, and researchers are wondering if some of these species have gone with the dinosaurs. In an effort to uncover the truth, the American Bird Conservancy has teamed up with BirdLife International for a mega-collaboration, and they need your help! That story is coming up in Hour 2. As for the Trudeau Liberals, they might be doing a little soul-searching this morning, as Pierre Poilievre’s Tories pulled off a massive upset during Monday’s byelection. With a Liberal stronghold in the heart of Toronto now changing hands, is it time for Prime Minister Trudeau to take a walk on the beach? Plus, Canada’s federal departments and agencies have spent at least $1.7 million on influencers since 2021, as well as various other forms of marketing campaigns. Critics argue that these lectures shouldn’t come at the expense of taxpayer dollars. Where do you side on this matter? Kristy Cameron asks the experts. In Hour 3, we open the debate floor.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. And within a 24-hour period, Justin Trudeau’s worst fear has come true, as Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives claimed a Liberal stronghold in Toronto. Has Monday’s byelection changed the entire landscape of Canada’s present-day government? Vassy Kapelos drops by to explain further in Hour 1. Later in the program, John Wright from Maru Public Opinion delivers his unique perspective on the situation, as he lived in that riding for over 41 years. Plus, the Edmonton Oilers emptied the tank against the Florida Panthers last night. Unfortunately, they ran out of gas just before the photo finish was taken, as a pivotal Game 7 slipped away.

According to Counterpoint, a technology market research firm, nearly 100,000 ‘dumb phones’ were sold across Canada in 2023. That is a remarkable 25 percent increase from similar sales in 2022. Is this big comeback a one-off trend, or are ‘simple smartphones’ here to stay? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Jose Briones, who is a longtime reviewer of minimalistic tech devices. Meantime, the City of Ottawa and the Canadian government have kickstarted a lengthy 12-month process into the Experimental Farm’s long-term future. As a collective unit, they are trying to find a middle-ground that promotes dense development around the farm, while also exploring ways to protect food production against climate change. Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, a pivotal byelection is about to get underway in Toronto, as a Liberal stronghold could be switching hands later tonight. Who stands to gain the most and what is the best outcome for the Trudeau Liberals?

Vassy Kapelos is back in the hosting chair, as the Canada Day pre-party officially begins. As for the Trudeau Liberals, they are hoping to keep the party going in Toronto, as the Red Team is in serious jeopardy of losing a normally sealed-tight riding. We preview tonight’s pivotal byelection throughout the show. Later in Hour 1, you’ll hear Vassy’s exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as he insists that no imminent threats are facing NATO allies. Plus, the Edmonton Oilers will do battle with the Florida Panthers one last time, as the winner of tonight’s showdown in Sunrise will claim the 2024 Stanley Cup. Can this miracle team from Alberta pull off the improbable?

Should Canada be a bilingual nation? How much does bilingualism mean to you? Well, it depends on what parts of the country you pose that question to. Kristy Cameron digs through the data in a recent Leger poll. Then, she asks the experts. Meantime, there is a new resource that’s specifically designed to help Canadians decode the ‘real’ best-before dates of certain foods. In a nutshell, use the ‘Look-Smell-Taste’ method, and don’t use those due dates as a crutch. Are the experts buying it? We find out in Hour 1. Despite a push from the federal government to make 100 percent of vehicle sales ‘electric rides’ by 2035, manufacturers are now saying that those lofty goals will not be possible. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, a new program in Vancouver is using dogs in a non-invasive manner to rapidly detect pathogens, thereby reducing infection rates in healthcare settings. And finally, the World Health Organization is urging people to be extremely cautious of fake Ozempic drugs.

Scott Reid fills in for Amanda Galbraith and chats with Canada’s top newsmakers. Over in Alberta, the biggest newsmaker is the Edmonton Oilers, who are threatening to force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals. Can they pull off the reverse-sweep against the Florida Panthers? In Hour 1, we ask the experts. And then, we throw that question to our faithful listeners. In Hour 2, the debate floor opens! Entering the arena this week are Tim Powers of Summa Strategies and Andrew Perez of Perez Strategies. Up for debate is next week’s U.S. Presidential battle, today’s electric vehicle tariffs, and the latest scandal that might involve Rebel News.

Kristy Cameron is back! Now, who wants to talk trash? To avoid any confusion, we’re talking city garbage pickup, ranging from the finest garbage incinerators to see-through garbage bags. We go 1-on-1 with Duncan Bury, the co-founder of Waste Watch Ottawa. In the latest edition of the Traffic Stop Race Data Collection, an annual report from the Ottawa Police Service, an interesting pattern has begun to emerge. Over the past 10 years, it finds that Black and Middle Eastern drivers were most likely to be pulled over, but were also most likely to be released without charges. Does this point to racial bias? We dig deeper with Greg Brown, who works at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University. Plus, with parents and lawmakers displaying their continued concerns surrounding social media, and the overall impact it has on today’s youth, could a ‘kid-safe smartphone’ solve all our problems? We pose that question to Paul Davis, an Ontario-based online safety educator.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today, as the ‘heat dome’ is now hitting the Maritimes. We get the latest Canada-wide weather forecast from CTV’s Kelsey McEwen. Meantime, the Edmonton Oilers are heading back to Alberta, and their season is far from over after last night’s huge victory in Florida. Can they reverse-sweep their way to a Stanley Cup title? Plus, in today’s Explainer segment, we take a broader examination into next week’s Capital Gains changes.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. Effective this Fall, as we all know, public servants will be required to report to their workstations 3 times per week. In turn, this plan could help rescue OC Transpo from its budgetary woes, as it would generate an additional 2.7 million trips per year. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, as Ottawa City Council prepares to adopt a three-item garbage limit, one Downtown councillor is calling for see-through garbage bags. Some are in favour, but others are far less keen on the idea. And finally, we end the show on a fantastic note. Celia Robbins was asked by her 14-year-old daughter if she had any regrets in life. Not wanting to get too deep into her past life choices, the Berlin woman said she opted against purchasing a knitted sweater during a trip to Iceland. She shared this regret on social media…and then something incredible happened. You’ll hear that heartwarming story in Hour 3.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. Over in Calgary, several municipalities continue to face water restrictions, as a massive water main break cuts the city’s water supply in half. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. Sticking with Alberta, Danielle Smith’s government is moving to ban cellphones in K-to-12 classrooms, effective next Fall. You’ll hear from Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Education, in Hour 1. Plus, one week after Elizabeth May spotted no direct links to foreign interference in the present-day House of Commons, the Green Party is calling for unified action against a very serious problem. You’ll hear from Elizabeth May herself during today’s broadcast. And finally, Food Banks Canada has released a ‘landmark report’ that is drawing a lot of debate this afternoon. It shows that Canada’s official poverty rate doesn't tell the full story of hunger and food insecurity across our country.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron, as she enjoys the friendly confines of the family cottage. The United States’ Surgeon General is calling on American Congress to issue warning labels for social media platforms, labels that are similar to the ones we currently see on cigarette boxes. We dig deeper with Paul Davis, a social media safety expert, in Hour 1. Last weekend, the Ottawa Food Bank received the single-largest donation in its 40 years of operation. Khalsa Aid Canada, a humanitarian organization, teamed up with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board to gather 15,000 pounds of food. Ottawa Food Bank CEO Rachel Wilson joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, do we still need high school exams? They were temporarily scrapped in Ontario when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. Should it become a permanent tattoo? And finally, it’s time to welcome back our Political Heat panelists, as we dissect the latest chapter on Canada’s foreign interference debate.

David Coletto, the CEO of Abacus Data, joins Vassy Kapelos to sift through the agency’s latest polling stats. As we inch closer to the Summer Break, new data shows that Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are holding a 20-point lead on second place. Speaking of the Tory leader, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister believes that Poilievre is turning the issue of foreign interference into a partisan matter. You’ll hear Melanie Joly’s chat with Vassy in Hour 1. Plus, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is calling out MPs who are linked to foreign interference. However, he also says he won’t be taking further action against them.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron today, and we have a busy news cycle to sift through. For starters, since late-2022, more than 400 patients have been forced into Ontario nursing homes that they didn’t want to live in. CanAge CEO Laura Tamblyn-Watts said that list of hundreds is a few hundred too many, especially when the refusal to move locations costs such a pretty penny. Meantime, we live in a world where groceries are becoming increasingly unaffordable. One farm in Ottawa is trying to make the produce process easier, delivering the knowledge that consumers need to be able to make informed decisions and even manage their own gardens. Plus, you are seeing a lot of car commercials on television, and on social media websites. But is the car manufacturer’s current methodology of advertising teetering on the edge of irresponsible? And finally, cases of a potentially deadly bacterial disease are rising, and they could be knocking at your doorstep before you know it.

Scott Reid is filling in for Amanda Galbraith on this week’s Free For All Fridays. As the United States signs a 10-year security pact with Ukraine, Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to address summit members. His message, surprisingly, was a stern warning about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. CTV News contributor Evan Solomon explains further. Then, it’s time to open the debate floor! Joining the party this week are Winston Wilmont President Chris Day and former Dalton McGuinty advisor Lindsay Maskell. On the main menu for Hour 2 is a combination of Gen-X savings regrets, Jagmeet Singh’s examination of the unredacted foreign interference report, and the fragile state of Canada’s democracy.

NDP MP Nikki Ashton was first elected to Parliament in 2008, and she has represented her Manitoba riding of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski ever since. However, while she does join Parliamentary proceedings on a regular basis, she often does it remotely. Should Canadian MPs have a mandatory in-person attendance quota? We dig deeper with our Political Heat Panel. Then, we open the debate floor to you, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, the Liberals' proposed changes to the Capital Gains Tax officially passed in the House of Commons this week. Prime Minister Trudeau tried to calm the skeptics down in mid-May, claiming that nearly $20 billion in new revenue would be created for our country. But will these controversial alterations really generate that much revenue? And finally, more and more Canadians are turning to backyard fruit trees as a source of food. Which ones are in high-demand right now? Which ones should you avoid? Gardening expert Carson Arthur offers his advice.

Canada’s House of Commons is expected to pass a foreign interference bill, as civil liberties groups sound the alarm bells. Vassy Kapelos paints the bigger picture with Kenny Chiu, a former Member of the House of Commons, in Hour 1. Meantime, an Ontario mother wants authorities to investigate her child’s ICU visit to a Hamilton hospital. Sarah List says her daughter almost died following a tonsillectomy at the McMaster Children’s Hospital, a scary thought when you consider that other tonsil surgeries at that same hospital resulted in death. Plus, Canada’s Environment Minister has released new data on the Carbon Tax. We get instant reaction during the Daily Debrief Panel. And finally, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

If you are dying to land your dream job, or perhaps your first job ever, you know that the make-or-break moment is the job interview. But how would you feel if that interview wasn’t being conducted by a real person? What if that face-to-face interaction was led by Artificial Intelligence? Kristy Cameron weighs the pros and cons with Travis O’Rourke, the President of Hays Canada. Earlier today, we received huge news from the NCC, as the former Chapters building on Rideau Street is being leased out to music concert giants LiveNation. It will be turned into a live music and entertainment venue, with a capacity of 2,000 people. Bill Leonard, the NCC’s Vice-President of Real Estate and Development, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, the pet chickens bylaw is about to be put to the test, as Orleans resident Crystal Lurch has been ordered to find her chickens a new home. And finally, CTV’s Matt Skube reacts to a newsroom pizza debacle. Nobody got hurt, but the punchline might involve food poisoning.

After a lengthy House of Commons vote, the Capital Gains changes have been approved, and are set to launch later this month. You’ll hear from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in Hour 1. Later in the show, Vassy Kapelos takes your calls and texts. Then, we get a wide range of reaction from our Daily Debrief panelists. Just before the start of Hour 2, we tackle this week’s Explainer topic with BNN Bloomberg insider Jon Erlichman. What exactly is the Stock Market? How does it work? He tells all. And finally, 80 years after D-Day, members of Wounded Warriors Canada are retracing the steps of Canada’s Military.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association wants to transfer more prescribing powers to pharmacists across the country, with some of them deeply fixated towards Alberta’s ‘gold standard’ model. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Justin Bates, the CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association. Meantime, we have an update to Ottawa’s ‘rat debate’, as the city councillor for College Ward tables a motion to introduce birth control for rodents. Laine Johnson joins the program in Hour 1. On a much lighter note, Ottawa’s brand-new Night Mayor has finally emerged from the bat cave, and his name is Mathieu Grondin! Well, his new role is technically the ‘Nightlife Commissioner of Ottawa’, but his tall order remains the same. Plus, did you ever drink out of the high school faucets that can be found in every generic school hallway? Well, a recent examination into the water quality levels at Ontario schools and daycares has raised some eyebrows. In fact, these levels are far below federal safety standards.

Weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump was found guilty on all charges in the hush money trial, the son of active President Joe Biden is facing a similar reality for his alleged gun offences. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister has presented a Capital Gains proposal to Parliament, setting up a pivotal vote in the immediate future. We deliver the bigger picture with Jackie Porter, a Certified Financial Planner. Later in Hour 2, Vassy Kapelos also gathers instant reaction from our Daily Debrief panelists. Plus, a potential strike at the Canadian border has been averted, with a tentative deal now in place. Did the Trudeau Liberals dodge a huge bullet? And finally, the Edmonton Oilers are in dire straits after dropping the first 2 games of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Have you ever heard of ‘The Great Exhaustion’? If you haven’t, then perhaps you’ve been able to somehow avoid it for this long. It’s being branded as a phenomenon of intense burnout, hitting Canada’s youngest professionals pretty hard. And according to a new report from a Canadian staffing agency, all workers from all industries are feeling the burn. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Jennifer Dimoff, an organizational psychologist who works at the University of Ottawa. Sticking with health news, Ottawa Public Health says it doesn’t have enough resources to deal with a significant rise in infectious diseases. These viruses are linked to a variety of factors, ranging from migration and climate change to vaccine hesitancy. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh explains further in Hour 2. And finally, the Trudeau Liberals are moving ahead with the controversial changes to Canada’s Capital Gains Tax, according to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. After a quick vibe check, everyone is mad.

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister says the broad strokes of the incoming Capital Gains changes haven’t been altered, which has angered a lot of people. We get instant reaction from Dr. Kathleen Ross, the President of the Canadian Medical Association. Later in Hour 1, we open up the phone lines and read your texts. Meantime, no agreement has been reached among Canada’s political parties, as the ‘witting’ foreign interference participants remain anonymous. A growing crowd wants to hear the names of the MPs who got involved. Others believe that is a dangerous game to start. We dig deeper with the Daily Debrief Panel in Hour 2. Plus, we hear from Richard Fadden, who is a former Deputy Minister of Canada’s National Defence.

Ontario has announced a series of brand-new high school graduation requirements, all part of the province’s ‘back-to-basics’ approach to education. A financial literacy graduation requirement, for example, is one of the biggest changes on the table. Kristy Cameron gathers instant reaction from OSSTF President Karen Littlewood. Then, in Hour 3, we open the debate floor. As for our friends in Kingston, they are dealing with the looming demolition of a pivotal transportation beacon. We explain further in Hour 1. Meantime, the brand-new breast cancer screening guidelines have been highly-anticipated for several months now. Today, we finally got them, but not to the extent that many of us had envisioned. Dr. Moira Rushton, a Medical Oncologist at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Program, displays her concerns. Plus, it’s a Thursday afternoon, which means it’s another perfect occasion to get your gardening inquiries answered!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned last night's shooting of a Jewish school, both vowing to utilize all available resources to hold the perpetrators accountable. Joining Vassy Kapelos with the latest on that story is CTV Montreal reporter Kelly Greig. Meantime, former U.S. President Donald Trump struck a pessimistic tone after leaving a New York courtroom on Wednesday, alleging that the trial proceedings have been very unfair. Today marks Day 2 of jury deliberations, but will we get a final ruling before the day is done? Plus, as the anniversary of D-Day draws closer, the military cemetery in Pointe-Claire is transforming into a state of peril. Bob Peck and Peter MacArthur, a pair of former Canadian Ambassadors, explain further in Hour 2. And finally, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

The number of Lyme Disease cases in Ontario is higher than normal this time of year, a grim reality that is largely due to a higher number of tick sightings across the province. Kristy Cameron chats with Justin Wood, the creator of Canada’s first private lab that tests ticks for tick-borne diseases. Last month, a massive Toronto-based school board launched a hefty lawsuit against a slew of social media giants, alleging that the mental health of today’s students is at risk. Today, a handful of other school boards joined the litigation party, including Ottawa’s Catholic School Board. We dig deeper with Emma Duerden, an Assistant Professor in Neuroscience and Learning Disabilities at Western University. Plus, if Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives claim victory in July’s U.K. election, all 18-year-old citizens will have to complete 12 months of national service, whether it be military or civilian. Should young Canadians be asked to do the same? In Hour 3, we tackle today’s Question of the Day.

Canada’s House Speaker was facing another non-confidence vote on Tuesday night. This morning, it’s a role that Greg Fergus still holds, as the NDP joined forces with the Liberals to keep him in power. Should he step down anyway? The debate continues in Hour 1. Meantime, another five Canadian school boards have joined a hefty lawsuit against a cluster of social media giants. They claim that the mental health of today’s students hangs in the balance. Plus, the Trudeau Liberals are licking their wounds following a lopsided byelection loss in Newfoundland. Once again, it’s the Tories that are benefiting from their struggles. We deliver the bigger picture on the Daily Debrief Panel.

If approved by the province, a unique pilot project would have granted Ottawa permission to utilize taxi fleets more frequently. It’s all part on an ongoing effort to transport non-urgent patients to hospitals with greater efficiency, while also avoiding Level Zero scenarios in the National Capital Region. Originally supposed to start last November, this proposal has now been axed by Ontario’s Ministry of Health. Kristy Cameron gathers instant reaction from Kevin Skerrett, who is a member of the Ottawa Health Coalition. Meantime, a new report suggests that an increasing number of Canadians are seeing their credit card balances balloon. Our country’s cost-of-living crisis is actively eating into household budgets, and higher interest rates certainly haven’t made things any better. We dig deeper with Matt Fabian, who is the Director of Research and Consulting at Trans Union. Plus, experts have identified a magic number of daily screentime that is triggering the worst-possible effects on today’s kids.

Stop us if you heard this before: Canada’s Speaker of the House will be facing a non-confidence vote. And it’s not the first potential dismissal that Greg Fergus has faced, either. We bring you up-to-date as the show rolls on. Speaking of potential changes, Conservative insiders are speculating that a victory for Pierre Poilievre’s Tories could signal bad news for Doug Ford’s re-election hopes in Ontario. For this reason, the projected provincial election for 2026 could be pushed ahead to next Spring, but Ontario’s leader is remaining tight-lipped on the matter. We dig deeper with Toronto Star reporter Rob Benzie. Plus, a Conservative nomination contest is getting messy, as two former candidates allege the Federal Tories of rigging the race to favour their preferred choice.

The truck driver responsible for the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy will be deported to India. Six years ago, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu became a permanent Canadian resident, but he meets the criteria for deportation. Do you think the right decision was made? Criminal defense lawyer Ari Goldkind joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Citing a giant workaround culture, today’s Millennials are ‘quiet vacationing’ instead of asking their boss for paid days off. In case you haven’t heard of PDO’s, they aren’t a guarantee for most American workers. But even if American employees do receive them, 78 percent don’t digest the entire dinner plate. Libby Rodney, a Chief Strategy Officer with Harris Polling, explains further in Hour 2. Plus, it’s time for another LRT update, and it’s yet another frustrating development in this ever-complex transit saga. It appears that the creator of Ottawa’s LRT trains is hitting the brakes on a redesign of the wheel hub assembly, a plan that was described as a 'final fix'. So what changed?

Prime Minister Trudeau was getting an earful during his trip to the United States, as nearly 25 percent of the American Senate grilled him on Canada’s defense spending. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith discusses the criticism surrounding our country’s investments, as Canada fails to reach 2 percent of its GDP. Meantime, Ontario’s Premier didn’t seem to fully endorse the idea of a 2026 election, fueling speculation that the province could hit the ballot boxes sooner than expected. We tackle that story with our Daily Debrief Panel. Plus, after spending more than 100 years in France, Newfoundland’s unknown soldier is finally coming home.

Doug Ford says that the sale of beer and wine at Ontario’s convenience stores will be launched ahead of schedule, now slated for a grand unveiling in September. Is this an accelerated timeline that is being rushed way too fast? Kristy Cameron chats with Kenny Shim, who is the Head of the Ontario Convenience Association. Meantime, the owners of Loblaws and Sobeys are under investigation by Canada’s Competition Bureau. The results of these findings point to the possibility that these grocery giants were using property controls to limit competition. Not surprisingly, Sobeys has since pushed back. We dig deeper with Michael Osborne, a member of Toronto-based law firm Cozen O’Connor. Plus, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is just days away from kicking off, and we have 50 years of history to celebrate! Executive Director Mike Vieira drops by the Ottawa Now studios with a quick preview. But if you would rather sit back and watch a movie, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Flick Picks!

Scott Reid is filling in for Amanda Galbraith on this week’s Free For All Fridays, and we start with a case of WNBA fever. It was officially announced on Thursday that Canada would be receiving its first-ever franchise, and everyone is bursting at the seams with joy. President Teresa Resch talks about the hard work that’s still ahead of the franchise before their grand introduction to the league in 2026. In Hour 2, we open the debate floor, as we are joined by Alyson Fair of Bluesky Strategies and Chris Day of Winston Wilmont. We look into Ontario’s new pathway for alcohol sales in corner stores, the CSIS Chief’s pushback against the PMO over an alleged intelligence error, and the potential nominee for the Tories who is alleging ‘irregularities’ in the race to carry the party banner.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has delivered a party motion, a move that would tax the excess profits of large grocers. Is this easier said than done? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Stuart Smyth, an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Here at home, Ottawa’s Board of Trade has unveiled its new action plan to revolutionize our city’s Downtown Core. They are calling for $500 million over the next 10 years from all levels of government. Part of that gameplan relies on an uptick of new Downtown residents and more Downtown jobs. And if nothing is done, the potential consequences are enormous. OBOT Board Chair Brendan McGuinty and OBOT President Sueling Ching join the show in Hour 2. And when it comes to Ottawa’s brand-new curbside garbage system, the city plans to crack down on ‘illegal dumping’, a plan that requires ‘trash cops’. Here to explain further on today’s Ottawa Now is Barrhaven West councillor David Hill.

Food Banks Canada has unveiled its annual Poverty Report Card, and it shows that the majority of Canada is teetering on the edge of failure. Thanks to soaring prices and stubborn inflation rates, most of the country’s provinces are dealing with an increase in poverty rates. Vassy Kapelos chats with Kirstin Beardsley, the CEO of Food Banks Canada, in Hour 1. Meantime, world leaders are reflecting on the complicated legacy of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who lost his life in a helicopter crash last weekend. Here to explain further is freelance journalist Nahayat Tizhoosh. Plus, this week’s Explainer segment is all about the Bitcoin craze and the dangerous pitfalls of cryptocurrency.

Anyone with a basketball net in Stittsville’s Kearnsley Way neighbourhood is left searching for answers after a surprise bylaw crackdown. Last Friday, just before the long weekend, every single residence with a basketball net received a visit from officers. And while no fine was included with this memo, it has frustrated many parents who are encouraging youth exercise and the benefits of team sports. Kristy Cameron chats with Caitlin Kealey, one of the impacted Kearnsley Way residents. Meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was in Brampton yesterday, outlining the federal government’s nationwide gameplan to tackle auto theft. This approach includes a number of previously announced measures, including a number of items that were previously listed in this year’s budget. Is this strategy an effective one? Bryan Gast, the Vice-President of Equite’s Investigative Services Division, delivers his two cents. Later in Hour 3, our Political Heat Panel also weighs in on this debate.

After months of negotiations, Loblaw says it’s ready to sign Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct, with the ‘fair’ revisions gaining the approval of their President and CEO. Canada’s Industry Minister is now calling on smaller players to follow suit, a list that includes Walmart and Costco. And the more they delay, the more untenable their predicament becomes. You’ll hear from François-Philippe Champagne in Hour 1. As for Ontario’s housing infrastructure dilemma, the province’s construction rates have slowed to levels that haven’t been seen since 2018. We dig deeper with Anthony Passarelli, the CMHC's Lead Economist for Southern Ontario. Plus, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot imitation has left Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson stunned and speechless. We analyze the bigger picture with Jérémie Harris, the co-founder of an A.I. safety company.

Around this time last year, a conversation was stirring around the ByWard Market’s future, and the ways in which we could potentially revive this once-vibrant Downtown Ottawa sector. Of course, there is one underrated contributor to increasing safety in the market, and that’s attracting more people. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Zachary Dayler, the Executive Director of the ByWard Market District Authority. Meantime, Ottawa Bylaw has been extremely busy lately. So busy, in fact, that our city’s bylaw officers have responded to more calls than Toronto and Windsor! Riley Brockington, the Chair of Ottawa's Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee, drops by the Ottawa Now studios to discuss what is fueling this trend. And then, we have a startling development from Public Health Ontario. They have confirmed that a young child has died of measles, the first such death in the province since tracking began in 1989.

Filling in for Amanda Galbraith on this week’s Free For All Fridays is guest host Scott Reid, as we sift through the biggest news stories with Canada’s biggest newsmakers. In Hour 1, we kick things off with former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, as Donald Trump fights to gain his old job back. How could a Trump 2.0 tenure impact Canada as a whole? We debate and discuss as the show rolls on. Then, we really get things going with CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair and Gordon Strategy founder Karen Gordon. That main menu includes the U.S. Presidential race, as well as a simmering Canadian Summer battle between Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre. Plus, a pair of popular athletes jump in a pool of scalding-hot water, and for different reasons.

On Friday, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario is marking a very historic day – 50 years in Canada’s Capital! Opening in May of 1974, CHEO is now home to over 3,200 doctors, nurses, and other specialized healthcare professionals and staff. And every year, we see how important this safe haven has become for thousands of young families. CEO Alex Munter tees up tomorrow’s massive birthday. Meantime, the federal government says it is accelerating plans to end the error-ridden Phoenix pay system. The pending solution, according to reports, is a slew of A.I. tools that would clean up the clogged data and reduce future late payments. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Stéphanie Montreuil, PIPSC’s Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Plus, the Ford government has notified Ontario’s childcare centres that it will implement a new way of funding the national $10-per-day program. Operators have urgently called for these changes, as the current model continues to sputter down the racetrack.

As of 8:45 this morning, there were 44 active wildfires in Alberta, with one particular blaze burning out of control. Over in British Columbia, they are hoping for the best, but also preparing for the worst. CTV’s Jeremie Charron delivers the latest developments. Meantime, the TSN family is in mourning following the death of beloved sportsanchor Darren Dutchyshen. CTV Ottawa alumni James Duthie pays tribute to ‘Dutchy’ the anchor, the person, and everyone’s friend-for-life. And as Hour 1 winds down, we attempt to lighten things up with a little Science chatter, featuring CTV’s Dan Riskin.

As we inch closer to the beginning of a brand-new school year, Ottawa’s largest school board continues to ponder curriculum changes. Last month, it appeared that early French Immersion classes could be on the chopping block. Today, it could be English instruction courses for Ottawa-based students, who would then have to transfer to a 100-percent French Immersion program. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with OCDSB trustee Lyra Evans. Meantime, the City of Ottawa is mulling over a $5.4 million investment, a multi-year project that would add bike lanes to a bridge over Highway 417. Dave Robertson, the Vice-President of Bike Ottawa, joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, as the province aims to crack down on auto thefts with new legislation, they are also toughening up on drunk drivers. And finally, friends and colleagues of longtime city councillor Diane Deans are reflecting on her life and legacy. The 65-year-old lost her five-year battle with cancer on Tuesday.

Pat King has pleaded not guilty to nine criminal charges, all of them stemming from a chaotic protest in Downtown Ottawa two years ago. Today, one of the Freedom Convoy’s well-known leaders will be getting his day in court. Nick Cake, a criminal defense lawyer, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. The City of Kingston is offering local clinics up to $100,000 for projects that will increase their patient rosters, all part of a bid to connect more residents to primary care services. We explore further with Dajana Turkovic, who is Kingston’s Workforce Development Analyst. Here at home, if you are driving along Hintonburg’s Parkdale Avenue, you know how slow things can be once you approach Highway 417. Well, it’s about to get worse in that area. Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper drops by the Hal Anthony studios with the latest developments. And finally, Prime Minister Trudeau is calling out META, alleging that the social media giant is putting profit over public safety.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today, as parts of Western Canada are on high-alert. British Columbia is keeping its eyes peeled for incoming wildfires. Alberta is doing its own due diligence, urgently awaiting the latest string of weather forecasts. We keep you up-to-date as the show rolls on. Meantime, new findings reveal that a trio of firms with ties to the ArriveCan app received $1 billion in federal contracts. That damning info is on the way in Hour 2. Plus, the Donald Trump hush money trial continues this afternoon, as Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen takes the stand.

Not everybody might be happy with the final outcome, but maybe that’s the sign of a good compromise. That is what Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said last June, as City Council approved a three-item garbage limit. In about 4 months, this brand-new curbside garbage policy will be kicking in. Duncan Bury, the co-founder of Waste Watch Ottawa, explains why this strategy remains a useless endeavour. Meantime, a new species of lice is creating headaches for Canadian schools. Fittingly named ‘super lice’, this breed has become more resistant to our country’s over-the-counter remedies. We dig deeper with Shwanda Walker, the founder of a head lice removal company in North York. Plus, Statistics Canada has unveiled its latest batch of jobs data. On the bright side, more than 90,000 jobs were added in the month of April. However, this could delay some long-awaited interest rate cuts. We also lighten things up with some night-sky stories, a few camping tips, and Matt Demers’ movie picks!

Deb Hutton is pinch-hitting for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays! A new poll suggests that nearly half of Canadians are opposed to the ongoing protest encampments at various universities. We dig deeper with Andrew Enns, who is Leger’s Executive Vice-President. Meantime, a toxic beef between a pair of big-name rappers has transformed from your typical diss tracks into a cultural reckoning. Spencer Kornhaber, a Staff Writer with The Atlantic, joins us in Hour 1. Then, we open the debate floor with Liberal strategist Bob Richardson and Conservative strategist Melanie Paradis! They join Deb to dissect the federal workers’ incoming ‘summer of discontent’, as well as the looming debate on abortion rights.

Canada Post is facing a wave of financial restraints, with management admitting that it needs to rethink today’s business model if it’s going to survive. For that reason, the postal service plans to ask the feds to reconsider the present-day legislation, which requires Canada Post to deliver letter mail on a daily basis. Kristy Cameron chats with Marvin Ryder, an Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Degroote School of Business. Later in Hour 1, we also hear from Jan Simpson, who is the National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Meantime, Ottawa’s rural residents could soon be paying more money to manage this year’s stormwater runoff. Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown explains why. Plus, the Canada Science and Tech Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A better way to put that is rethinking what we know about our everyday human waste. We highlight this month’s exhibition.

A national summit is being held today to shed light on previous airline mistreatments towards disabled Canadians. Vassy Kapelos chats with David Lepofsky, who is the Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance. Meantime, federal unions are planning to fight against the feds’ new at-work mandates with a summer of discontent. Who needs to win this power struggle? We dig deeper with our Daily Debrief panelists. Then, we open the floor to you. Plus, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

Chris Holski is filling in for Kristy Cameron today. According to a new survey, 57 percent of people believe that our free speech could soon be compromised. Dropping by the Hal Anthony studios to discuss this issue is Jim Turk, the Director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto's Metropolitan University. Later in the program, we turn things over to you, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, it's a big weekend for PWHL Ottawa's post-season aspirations. All they have to do to make the playoffs is win their Season Finale against Toronto. If they don't, they will need some help from Montreal, who is slated to play Boston in their final match. PWHL Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod talks about the pregame vibes ahead of tomorrow's showdown. Plus, the CN Cycle for CHEO is taking place this weekend! We get a quick preview in Hour 2. And finally, did you hear the story about the Ontario city that disappeared? Find out more during Free Comic Book Day!

This Friday, guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers, headlined by Canada’s Minister of Housing. In Hour 2, we open the debate floor with Alyson Fair of Bluesky Strategy and Chris Day of Winston Wilmont. Up for discussion is the vulnerability of Canadian free speech, Pierre Poilievre’s approach to the Notwithstanding Clause, federal funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Canada’s official team in this year’s NHL Playoffs.

Later this Fall, federal civil servants will be mandated back to their workspace for three days per week. It’s a move that has received a visceral disapproval from various unions. And for several small Canadian towns, it’s also bad news. Kemptville Mayor Nancy Peckford expands further on these fears. Meantime, the OPP says it will be conducting mandatory breathalyzer tests on any driver that is pulled over in the Greater Toronto Area. What are the potential drawbacks surrounding this idea? We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, is Canada’s air travel industry competitive enough? This has been a topic of conversation at Parliament Hill recently, and it likely won’t be making landfall anytime soon. And finally, after growing frustrated with the city’s activities website, an Ottawa resident has decided to build her own browser.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. Canada’s carbon capture plan is facing serious doubts after a very expensive project was cancelled. We dig deeper in Hour 1. Meantime, a heavy police presence is forming at McGill University, as Palestinian protestors stay put. Plus, we talk science with Dan Riskin!

Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.On today's show:• Dan Arnold, Chief strategy officer at Polara. Former director of research and advertising at the PMO gives reaction on Tuesday’s budget. • We take your calls and texts on what the liberal government can do to turn things around.• Scott recaps historical moments that have happened on April 19th throughout history. Hour 2.This week's show features panelists Shakir Chambers, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies and Sabrina Grover, Principal, Shakti Strategies.Topic 1: Israeli missile hits Iran, US officials sayTopic 2: Federal minister Dominic LeBlanc says he supports PM, but doesn’t deny leadership organizing reportTopic 3: Political leaders say they value journalism, but they're afraid of questionsTopic 4: New Taylor Swift albumTopic 5: NHL playoff predictions

CTV U.S. Political Analyst Eric Ham joins Vassy to discuss Trumps hush money trial - and the state of Trumps and Bidens campaign.On todays show:- Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Anita Anand as she defended her government's budget saying they kept inflation below three per cent.- Dan Riskin with his weekly segment 'Talk Science To Me' - The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Marieke Walsh. - Marcus Gee joins Vassy for the final part of ‘Digging Deeper’ to discuss the pronounced debate over safe supply and supervised consumption.

On today's show:Sean Simpson, Senior Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs on the recent IPSOS polling showing Canadians priorities in the upcoming 2024 budget.Kate Beirness, Host of TSN’s NCAA Basketball Coverage on how It’ll cost more to see a Caitlin Clark game than the men’s Final Four.Gary Boyle, The Backyard Astronomer gives a look ahead to Mondays solar eclipse.Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy and Alyson Fair, BlueSky Strategy Group, Communications and Media Consultant.Topic 1: Budget announcements – Is laying them out ahead of the actual budget a good idea?Topic 2: Foreign interference - India, Pakistan attempted to interfere in Canada's elections a CSIS report showsTopic 3: Canada's unemployment rate risesTopic 4: This new trend of not speaking until noon called ‘speech fasting’Topic 5: Solar eclipse 2024 in Canada

For the upcoming school year, the Ford government has an interesting proposal to offset the ongoing tech teacher shortage. That would involve giving these tech courses to experienced teachers, even if they didn’t have the tech credentials that are required to teach these courses. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from Karen Littlewood, the President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation. Police forces in the United States are looking into the pros and cons of AirTags, and how tracking devices like these could serve as a helpful tool for carjacking criminals. Authorities in Vermont, for example, are encouraging motorists who visit Montreal to keep their eyes wide open. And now, Canadian drivers from all corners of the country have been receiving similar advice. We hear from Ryan McLiverty, a cyber-intelligence analyst with the Vermont Intelligence Center. Plus, residents in Ottawa’s West End have been waiting patiently for traffic lights to emerge at a busy intersection.

Vassy Kapelos has returned from a well-deserved Easter celebration, and we’ve got plenty to talk about ahead of April’s Federal Budget. First of all, Canada’s housing crisis is approaching ‘reality check’ mode. Are we out of the woods yet? We discuss further with Randall Bartlett, a Senior Director of Canadian Economics at Desjardins. Speaking of housing, the feds have leaked exclusive details on a brand-new housing infrastructure fund. We talk about the timing of this announcement, as well as Canada’s approach to carbon pricing, with the Daily Debrief Panel. Meantime, NATO is commemorating its 75th Anniversary today. What are some of the organization’s biggest triumphs, and how are they performing in today’s biggest battles? Plus, a B.C. woman has created an inseparable bond with her best friend, which remains intact after more than two decades. To their surprise and delight, a recent DNA test has confirmed that these BFF’s are also half-sisters. You’ll hear from one of them in Hour 2.

The legal drinking age in Manitoba, Alberta, and Quebec is 18 years old. That legal age requirement is set to 19 years old for the remaining Canadian provinces. But in the United States, you can’t legally drink alcohol until you turn 21. And that is one of several sweeping changes that Ontario’s top doctor is suggesting. We debate the perks and downfalls with Dr. Mitch Shulman, who is Bell Media’s Emergency Medicine Specialist. Meantime, it’s no secret that inflation has gotten out of control. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where a Canadian’s final wishes have become unaffordable. And now, the Funeral Services Association of Canada is calling on the feds to step up their game. President Jeff Weafer joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, have you ever heard of a phenomenon called ‘IPhone Finger’? Yes, for those of you asking, it’s a real thing. We dig deeper with Dr. Peter Evans, who specializes in sports therapy and rehab.

Amanda Galbraith is filling in for Vassy Kapelos on this fine Easter Monday. Canada’s carbon price has increased to $80 per tonne, as Canada’s carbon tax rebates are also expected to rise. What is the overall mood right now? We go 1-on-1 with Franco Terrazzano, who is the Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Meantime, the odds appear favourable that our country will avoid a recession in 2024, with Canada expected to begin its recovery in the Second Half. Over in Ontario, there is a pending war between a quartet of school boards and a trio of social media giants. Last week, the school boards started the fire. Today, the social media outlets have returned fire. And finally, we explore the life and death of Bob the Elk, and the lessons learned from this cautionary tale in British Columbia.

Ottawa’s largest school board has teamed up with a trio of Toronto-area school boards, as they wage a war with multiple social media giants. Why are they taking these matters to court? Is this a winnable legal battle? Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Pino Buffone, who is the Director of Education at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Next month, Rolly Hupay will be turning 61 years old. He is a dedicated father and husband, but he is also fighting for his life, needing a liver transplant just to survive. Anne-Marie Hupay, Rolly’s wife, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, we all know that Ozempic can help diabetic patients lose weight. However, can it also increase pregnancy odds? Dr. Mitch Schulman reluctantly opens that can of worms. And finally, the Easter Weekend is moving Matt Demers’ Weekly Movie Picks a day early, as he pays a visit to the Ottawa Now studios.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. As we inch closer to April’s Federal Budget, financial experts are preaching for the government to prioritize generational fairness. Are we done with today’s lockups? We pose that question to Sajjid Lakhani, a Manager of Government Relations at Impact Public Affairs Canada. Meantime, a quartet of Ontario school boards are suing a trio of social media giants for $4.5 billion. We speak to one of them in Hour 1. Plus, as Monday’s Carbon Tax hike appears inevitable, Canada’s Prime Minister is accusing Conservative Premiers of committing carbon pricing white lies. More on that story is coming up in Hour 2. And finally, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

A new statement from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is calling on the feds to take further action in the war against gambling promotions, arguing that youth mental health is at stake if they don’t. Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor with Dr. Nigel Turner, a scientist at CAMH’s Institute for Mental Health and Policy Research. In 2024, the Ontario government is planning to spend an extra $2 billion on home care services, a 3-year plan to revamp a struggling section of the province’s healthcare system. However, this approach is allegedly putting Ontarians without family doctors at a further disadvantage, and it doesn’t do enough to cut down on wait times at Ontario’s Emergency Rooms. We hear from Dr. Michael Herman, an Emergency Room Physician at Ottawa’s Queensway-Carleton Hospital. Meantime, Ontario’s College of Pharmacists have an axe to grind with the world’s biggest health corporations. We find out why in Hour 3. And finally, we have another whacky insurance story to sift through.

As Canadian Premiers prepare to testify at Parliament Hill over the pending Carbon Tax hike, Prime Minister Trudeau says he is open to other carbon pricing systems. We dig deeper as the show continues. Meantime, Canada’s top police force is focused on delivering change, as the Mass Casualty Commission unveils its latest findings. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Plus, as we inch closer and closer to April’s Solar Eclipse, how long will it last? All will be answered during this week’s Explainer segment, featuring Queen’s University physics professor Robert Knobel.

If you had any visions of cracking open an ice-cold beer at a city park this year, toss those fantasies out the window. That’s because Ottawa City Council has rejected the idea of allowing any sort of drinking in public parks, even for tourists. Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. As for Ontario-at-large, we have some noteworthy news to report from Queen’s Park, as the Doug Ford government tables the 2024 Budget. It involves no new taxes and buckets of infrastructure cash. We dissect the province’s annual blueprint with a special Political Heat Panel. Plus, the OPP is asking people to fight crime with cameras. Over in Russell County, their OPP detachment is the latest police force to adopt the CAMSafe Program, which would lean on a database of residential and commercial security cameras. We dig deeper with cybersecurity expert Claudiu Popa in Hour 2. And finally, we bring you the latest on the Baltimore bridge collapse.

A group of Quebec parents are launching a $1.5 million lawsuit against a Montreal teacher. This follows a series of alleged scenarios in which Mr. Perron sold his students’ artwork online. He did not ask for their permission beforehand on any occasion. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Joel DeBellefeuille, who is the father of one of the students. Meantime, the feds are in the process of evacuating vulnerable citizens out of Haiti, as the toxic unrest in that country heightens. In Hour 1, you’ll hear from André-François Giroux, who is Canada’s Ambassador to Haiti. Plus, the high price tag of today’s military equipment is spearheading present-day delays in Canada’s defense policy update. We dig deeper with Dave Perry, the President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

According to a Leger poll that was first unveiled in September, 47 percent of Canadians say they were living paycheque to paycheque. Since most workers get paid every two weeks, or perhaps on a monthly basis, a new movement is looking at the idea of introducing a daily pay option. Does it make sense for employees to have instant access to their wages? Kristy Cameron poses that question to Mitch McLean, a financial and investment advisor at Capital Wealth Partners. Meantime, a 75-year-old Manotick woman is shocked and frustrated at her bank’s security measures, as cybercriminals walked away with $15,000. Prior to the September 2022 heist, she had warned her bank they might strike. They allegedly failed to act, and the thieves got away with it. Plus, as our Political Heat Panel reconvenes, we tackle the latest proposals to Canada’s election laws. If approved, our country’s next federal election would be pushed back by 7 days, meaning that dozens of MPs would be able to access thousands in pension payments.

On Friday, we finally got some clarity on Kate Middleton’s whereabouts. Sadly, the Princess of Wales has quietly waged a war against cancer since January’s abdominal operation. And if you thought that viral explanation video would dismiss future conspiracy theories, think again. CTV News royal commentator Afua Hagan joins the program in Hour 1. Plus, Russia is still reeling after a Moscow concert hall was attacked by the Islamic State on Friday. In the months leading up to this fatal tragedy, United States officials attempted to warn Vladimir Putin that ISIS was determined to attack.

Supporters of the Royal Family are holding their breath, as Princess Kate Middleton publicly announces her battle with cancer. And while she is doing well, she is still in recovery. We get instant reaction as the show continues. Here at home, if tenants can’t pay their bills, should they get an automatic eviction? A group of Ontario-based landlords are pressing the Ford government to make it easier and faster to evict problematic tenants. Kristy Cameron chats with Chris Seepe, the owner of Vaughan-based Aztech Realty and the one who launched this petition. Meantime, a joint operation between Montreal Police officers and OPP officials has landed some form of justice amidst a growing auto theft crisis. Today, both sides assembled to release the findings of ‘Operation Volcano’, with 31 suspects in the Montreal area now in handcuffs. And finally, if you were wondering about that lost Oscars bet, Mr. Hollywood has officially held up his end of the bargain.

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Shakti Strategies Principal Sabrina Grover and StrategyCorp Vice-President Garry Keller. On the dinner menu for this week is Pierre Poilievre’s failed attempt to take down the Trudeau Liberals, a heated fishery protest in Newfoundland and Labrador, the NDP’s motion on Palestinian statehood, Anthony Housefather’s political future in the House of Commons, and a final farewell to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, in conjunction with Renfrew County paramedics, have teamed up to help those struggling with opioid use. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Steph Neufeld, who is a Detachment Commander with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP. In Hour 2, an Ottawa-based doctor is sounding the alarm after some of his patients, in his words, had to choose between their cancer treatments and their own employment. Dr. Sandy Sehdev, a medical oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital's Cancer Centre, has the latest on that story. Plus, the councillor for Alta Vista Ward has been receiving regular complaints about Lynda Lane, particularly when it comes to nearby parking spots at the Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus. She has since unveiled a motion, calling on City Hall to consider paid parking areas on that street. It has since been pulled back. Should we introduce a paid parking system on Lynda Lane, or should it remain free? In Hour 3, we tackle today’s Question of the Day.

For the moment, Anthony Housefather remains a Liberal MP. However, after Tuesday’s Middle East motion in the House of Commons, he’s not ruling out crossing the floor to join Poilievre and the Tories. You’ll hear his conversation with Vassy Kapelos on today’s program. Meantime, a new report says the industrial carbon price could be more effective in reducing greenhouse gases compared to consumer policies. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Dale Beugin, the Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Climate Institute. Plus, CTV’s Dan Riskin talks about the pending Solar Eclipse, and why this once-in-a-lifetime moment can be life-changing for all the wrong reasons.

According to new data from the American-based Pew Research Centre, the majority of today’s teens feel happier and more relaxed without their smartphones. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Jean Twenge, a U.S. psychologist who has studied smartphones and their overall impact on teenagers. Right now, Canada’s cannabis shops are allowed to offer in-store deals, such as ‘20% off’ promotions. They had to fight tooth and nail just to do that. And now, the industry is pleading to the government to loosen these marketing rules even further. Shakir Tayabali, the CEO of the Independent Retail Cannabis Collective, joins the program in Hour 2. Meantime, a pair of unexpected power outages has turned into a source of frustration for West Carleton residents. Clarke Kelly, the councillor for that ward, wants an explanation. Today, he’s yet to receive one. Plus, do we need a White light to the modern-day traffic light? CTV’s Dan Riskin weighs the pros and cons.

As the late Brian Mulroney lies in state for one more day, Ben Mulroney reflects on the lessons that his father taught him, and how dignitaries from all walks of life are remembering him. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, also reflects on Mulroney’s generational impact and explains how he was able to connect with America’s top politicians. Plus, today’s Explainer segment tackles the art of ‘making planes fly’. Here to talk about that is aviation expert and former Air Canada executive John Gradek.

Dell, the tech company known primarily for its computers and laptops, has been embracing the hybrid work environment for years. However, it appears those times are changing. And if you don’t conform, it might cost you a promotion. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Here in Ottawa, it appears that our city is behind schedule on procuring enough electric buses to achieve a completely-electric fleet. However, when it comes to our aging diesel buses, the Head of OC Transpo says there is no need for a backup plan. Barrhaven East councillor Wilson Lo pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, as Ontario schools prepare to shut down operations during April’s Solar Eclipse, we find out how the City of Brockville is preparing for this fascinating (but also dangerous) event. And finally, finding true love and starting a family is the ultimate goal for most humans. But as more people choose the single life, are they happier? A group of researchers who are studying relationships and singlehood put that idea to the test.

Amanda Galbraith is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment today. We begin the show with today’s public farewells to a former Canadian Prime Minister, as Brian Mulroney lies in state ahead of this weekend’s funeral. In Hour 1, we go 1-on-1 with former Toronto Mayor John Tory. Meantime, an NDP motion on Palestinian statehood has passed following major amendments. We dig deeper with Casey Babb, who works at Carleton University’s Norman Patterson School of International Affairs. Over in Russia, Vladimir Putin remains President, and he is now taking aim at U.S. democracy. And in Halifax, one man’s illegal TV streaming empire has turned into ash.

Renfrew’s lone bylaw officer may soon be equipped with a body camera. The small town is considering this idea at its Emergency and Protective Services meeting on Tuesday. Kristy Cameron digs deeper in Hour 1. Meantime, the feds are proposing to transform a 2.5 acre site into an office and retail complex. And while this idea is considered a step forward by many, others still have their doubts. Kristy Cameron chats with Scott May, who owns Bar Robo on Queen Street. Plus, video doorbells are supposed to provide a security blanket for the homeowners and businesses that use them. But what if these devices turn into easy targets for hackers to exploit? Tech expert Carmi Levy says it’s definitely possible.

CTV’s Judy Trinh recently sat down with former Mountie William Majcher, who is accused of being a secret agent for China. You’ll hear portions of that exclusive conversation in Hour 1. Plus, a former U.S. Ambassador to Canada outlines the dangers of a Donald Trump presidential resurgence.

The City of Ottawa has promised frustrated residents that their damaged credit scores will be restored. However, before that happens, the residents have to pay the ancient fines they allegedly didn’t know about. Yes, that includes the residents that no longer reside in Canada’s Capital. Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ford government wants to build 1.5 million new homes over the next decade. In an effort to turn this vision into reality, the province plans to allow Grade 11 students to enter full-time apprenticeships, an idea that has generated mixed reaction. David Moscrop, who recently wrote an op-ed about this topic, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, a Canadian researcher is trying to use Artificial Intelligence to better understand what chickens are trying to express, mainly through their sounds and actions. And finally, are you planning to catch any movies on St. Patrick’s Weekend? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Summa Strategies Associate Vice-President Carlene Variyan and Conservative strategist Melanie Paradis. On the main menu this week is the back-and-forth between Canada’s Premiers and the Prime Minister over a carbon tax hike, America’s battle against TikTok’s ownership, the ‘Kate Gate’ drama, and why Millennial women are not okay.

According to a new report from Hayz Canada, more than 7-in-10 Canadian workers want to leave their jobs in 2024. This recruitment firm says employers need to brace themselves for potential departures, as workers might choose greener pastures if the economy improves and unemployment rates favour them. Hayz Canada President Travis O’Rourke joins the show in Hour 1. As the feds prepare for an April Fool’s increase on the Carbon Tax, more and more provinces are voicing their opposition to this master plan. This led to a very defiant and forceful response from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He says that his job is to make decisions, and not for the sake of popularity points. We dig deeper with our Political Heat Panel. Plus, speed demons continue to pose a problem for Ottawa's residential streets, with many demanding further actions to slow drivers down. However, in some areas, the City of Ottawa is now heading in the other direction.

As he tries to secure a fifth term as Russian President, Vladimir Putin says he is ready to dispatch nuclear weapons if the future of Russia is at stake. He also insists that there hasn’t been a reason to use these dangerous weapons, as the Russian state isn’t in jeopardy. Carleton University NPSIA professor Elliott Tepper joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s Prime Minister is calling out ‘short-term thinkers’, as politicians push back against the pending Carbon Tax hike. We dig deeper with our Daily Debrief Panel. Plus, Hollywood actress Olivia Munn is crediting a risk assessment tool for saving her life, as she would have likely raged a war with breast cancer without that invention. Should all Canadian women receive this test? And finally, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Loblaw is testing out receipt scanners in a quartet of Southern Ontario locations. Instead of an employee randomly selecting people to check their receipts, all customers’ receipts would have to go through a scanner before they can leave the self-checkout area. Retail analyst Bruce Winder debates the pros and cons in Hour 1. Last month, more than a dozen overdoses plagued the City of Belleville in less than an hour. This led to a city-wide State of Emergency, declared by Mayor Neil Ellis. And it’s a problem that other small towns are facing right now. We dig deeper with Dr. Alex Caudarella, who is the CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Plus, as Canada continues to deal with a substantial teacher shortage, some schools are turning to non-certified teachers for immediate assistance.

There has been a lot of conversation surrounding the controversial practice of gene therapy. Are these treatments safe and effective? That’s coming up on The Explainer, featuring special guest Dr. Jim Dowling. He is a Senior Scientist in the field of Genetics and Genome Biology. Later in the program, we also get a fact check on carbon pricing with Chris Ragan, who is the Founding Director of McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. Plus, Canada’s Auditor General has fired a pair of employees after they allegedly failed to disclose government contracts. We dig deeper with our Daily Debrief Panel.

It takes more muscles to frown than to smile. And as it turns out, positive emojis could also wield a bit of currency power. A new study determined that a smiley-face can actually boost service tips by more than 30 percent. What motivates you to leave a better-than-average tip? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Laura Boman, who is the co-author of this study. Here at home, several residents are hopping mad, as aging tickets and fines are causing Ottawa’s credit scores to dip. The main problem at play: These residents allege that nobody contacted them. We speak to one of them in Hour 2. Plus, a Las Vegas airport is experimenting with a self-service screening system for its security checkpoints. The testing project is scheduled to begin later this month, receiving comparisons to self-checkout centres in grocery stores. We dissect the perks and potential drawbacks with David Murakami-Wood, a surveillance specialist at the University of Ottawa.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Canada’s small businesses are still waiting on a series of federal carbon tax rebates. To be specific, $300 million worth of rebates. Vassy Kapelos digs deeper with Jasmin Guenette, the CFIB’s Vice-President of National Affairs. Meantime, the Premier of Ontario is showcasing a concerning eagerness to appoint ‘like-minded’ judges. We open that can of worms in Hour 1 with Doug Judson, a lawyer based in Fort Frances. He is also the Chair of Ontario’s Federation of Law Associations. Plus, we deliver the latest developments in Haiti, as a toxic conflict remains unresolved and several Canadians remain trapped.

Should we forego high school graduation ceremonies? It’s a debate that Ottawa’s largest school board is contemplating, with commencement ceremonies being suggested as a potential alternative. OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Then, we open the debate floor to the mighty CFRA Nation in Hour 3. Speaking of today’s learning lessons, they are not in session due to March Break. But due to an overwhelming wave of travellers, some parents are choosing to postpone their family trips to a different week. Is it okay to pull your kid out of class for a family vacation? Julie Freedman-Smith, a Calgary-based parenting expert, joins us later in the program. Plus, the Princess of Wales has apologized for a recent wave of confusion across Britain, which all started over a photo. To be precise, a picture of Kate and her 3 kids, meant for Mother’s Day. Was it a photoshop job gone wrong, or was this photo generated by Artificial Intelligence?

Vassy Kapelos is back in the hosting chair today. We begin Monday’s program with the ongoing unrest in Haiti, where gangs are allegedly controlling the country. That’s according to Canada’s U.N. Ambassador. What will the international community do? What should they do? We debate and discuss as the show continues. Meantime, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spit some damning words while attending a Vancouver business networking breakfast. He said that ‘corporate lobbyists’ in Ottawa are ‘utterly useless’, while also promising to focus on Canadian workers if his Tories form government. This led to a handful of parting shots from former Prime Minister Kim Campbell. In Hour 2, we analyze both sides with the help of our Daily Debrief panelists.

Goodfellas Wood Oven Pizza, which operates seven locations across the GTA, has started slapping a 2 percent ‘carbon fee’ on all of its orders. That’s according to a recent article from the Toronto Sun. Does this cross a personal line for you? Kristy Cameron chats with Julie Kwiecinski, the Ontario Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Meantime, the salary of Canada’s Governor General will increase by $11,200 in 2024, thereby hiking the role’s annual salary to $362,800. That’s according to information provided to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation by the Privy Council Office. Do you think a raise is warranted? Tim Powers of Summa Strategies delivers his two cents. And finally, with the Academy Awards just around the corner, Matt Demers delivers his official predictions for 2024. Will he finally avoid the walk of shame?

Amanda Galbraith dissects Canada’s biggest news stories with Canada's top newsmakers. Then, we turn our attention to the Debate Panel, featuring CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair and Gordon Strategy founder Karen Gordon. On the main menu is another warning shot for the Trudeau Liberals, the pending rematch for U.S. President, and Sunday’s lost hour of sleep.

Safety advocates and experts are calling on the Ontario government to take a closer look at school bus seatbelts. And by that, we mean installing them. This comes after a school bus rollover during Tuesday’s morning commute in Woodstock, which had 40 students on board. Kristy Cameron chats with Ahmed Shalaby, an Engineering Professor at the University of Manitoba. Meantime, a two-storey townhouse on Berrigan Drive has turned into a community’s worse nightmare, as 4 kids and 2 adults had their lives tragically cut short. How will this investigation play out? We get instant analysis from former Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. Later in the program, we speak to Barrhaven East councillor Wilson Lo. And as the community continues to grieve, nearby schools are also in a state of shock. That’s because two of the victims attended those schools. How can we help our youngest residents in times like these? Dr. Gail Beck, a Chief Psychiatrist at The Royal, sheds light on that situation.

Graham Richardson fills in for Vassy Kapelos, as a community in Canada’s Capital is left horrified following an overnight killing spree. We bring you the latest information as it becomes available.

Believe it or not, Daylight Savings Time is just days away. Some people call it ‘springing forward’. Others call it ‘marching forward’. You also have the crowd that doesn’t want to deal with a lost hour of sleep. Joseph De Koninck, an Emeritus Professor at UOttawa, has written an entire piece on his unapologetic disapproval. He joins the show in Hour 1. Last Friday, the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and the Somerset West Community Health Centre abruptly closed their doors until further notice. Since then, our city’s frontline services have been significantly strained. Kristy Cameron chats with Rob Boyd, the CEO of Ottawa Inner City Health. Meantime, a new report from Equifax says Canadian mortgage-holders were developing bad habits in Q4, as missed payments slowly became more commonplace. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, several Bank of Montreal customers have reached out to CTV News about the bank’s online infrastructure, and the alleged trust issues surrounding it. Those calls are still growing.

After a dominant Super Tuesday showing by U.S. President Joe Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump, it appears that Republican candidate Nikki Haley will be dropping her campaign. That would leave Trump as the lone candidate to oppose Biden, and the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that Trump can stay on the ballot amidst his checkered past. What are your thoughts on the upcoming rematch? We open the debate floor to our Daily Debrief panelists. Later in the program, we also delve into the responsible regulation of Artificial Intelligence, and the laundry list of risks at play. Who better to tackle this subject than John Weigelt, Microsoft Canada’s National Technology Officer. Plus, how can the world’s wealthiest countries have national debt? How could such a problematic trend become so normalized? This week’s Explainer segment is brought to you by Kevin Page, a former Parliamentary Budget Officer.

If you ever engage in casual workplace conversations about your weekend plans, or perhaps a little bit of work gossip, keep your ears to the ground. Some of Canada’s biggest companies are now using Artificial Intelligence tools to flag anything that violates corporate policy. We dig deeper with Sam Andry, a Managing Director of The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University. Meantime, an Ottawa business is fighting like hell to offer assistance to disadvantaged women and gender nonconforming individuals. Sadly, Dress For Success Ottawa has become the victim of a recent break-in, and they are now trying to pick up the pieces as quickly as possible. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, four Canadian provinces have confirmed at least one measles case, with one fully-vaccinated man still falling victim to it. And finally, amidst the great Meta outage of 2024, are you back online? Text into the show and let us know.

Conservative candidate Jamil Jivani has claimed victory in the Durham byelection, keeping the Blue Team in the driver’s seat since 2004. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto delivers the bigger picture. Later in the program, Vassy Kapelos chats with Jonathon Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Saskatchewan maintains that it won’t remit the Carbon Tax levy, so now the feds are taking away their carbon rebates. He aims to justify that decision. Meantime, have we made significant strides to trim down Canada’s wage gap? We investigate further with Katherine Judge, a Senior Economist with Capital Markets. And finally, The Atlantic’s David Graham tees up a highly-anticipated Super Tuesday.

Back in January, a school in Whitehorse launched a rarely-seen policy, which would allow peanuts and tree nuts on the premises. However, recent research has questioned the effectiveness of blanket, site-wide food restrictions. Is it time for Canada’s schools to modernize their food allergy policies? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Dr. Samira Jeimy, an allergist at the Allergy and Immunology Program at the St. Joseph's Health Care Centre. Meantime, Desjardins Group has declared that it won’t be offering new mortgages to residents in high-risk flood zones. Is this Quebec-based trend going to transform into a Canada-wide approach? Frank Napolitano of Mortgage Brokers Ottawa joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, we have received confirmation that the 2024 Federal Budget will be delivered on April 16th. What items will you be looking for? We open the debate floor with our Political Heat panelists. And as the weather heats up far too earlier than Canadians expected, winter-apparel stores quietly lick their wounds.

With a state funeral expected within the next few weeks, Canadians are paying tribute to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Joe Clark, who is also a former Prime Minister, reflects on his relationship with the former Tory leader. Shifting gears to present-day politics, Saskatchewan maintains that it won’t remit the Carbon Tax levy. In response, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources says the province will not be receiving any carbon rebates. Vassy Kapelos digs deeper with Dustin Duncan, the Minister of Crown Investments Corporations. Plus, we get a juicy Super Tuesday preview with Josh Wingrove, Bloomberg’s White House Reporter.

On Thursday, the Competition Tribunal heard its second day of arguments in the infamous Cineplex case. It’s an outcome that could decide whether movie theatre companies are allowed to charge customers additional fees for buying movie tickets online. Do we need to add more teeth to today’s junk fee legislation? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Eddie Ning, an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Behavioural Science at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Plus, we revisit our traffic congestion debate from yesterday afternoon, as Tim Tierney pays us a visit in Hour 3. But first, the House of Commons is quiet as a mouse today, as Canada mourns the loss of a former leader. During his 9-year stint as Canada’s Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney played a part in numerous historical events, including a handful of tense debates that could have altered Canada as we know it. We remember his life and legacy.

Amanda Galbraith hosts another informative edition of Free For All Fridays. This week, she is joined alongside Alyson Fair from BlueSky Strategy Group and Chris Day from Winston Wilmont. On the main menu today is another complicated chapter to the ArriveCan controversy, Canada’s pharmacare framework, and the passing of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

The City of Toronto is looking to jack up the fines for certain parking infractions, a category that includes blocking intersections. These tickets are less than $150, significantly cheaper than the price tag for running a red light. Should our city consider similar legislation? We pose that question to Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante in Hour 1. Meantime, it’s a leap year, which means it’s a rare traditional birthday for Planet Earth’s ‘leap babies’. South Glengarry resident Beverley Runions is certainly in good company, as she shares this moment with five other residents in her small-town area. However, for wedding couples eager to celebrate their big day at the Courtyard Restaurant, this week has been a lot more hectic than enjoyable following the establishment’s sudden shutdown. We speak to Karin Pringle, whose celebration has since been thrown through the ringer.

It’s officially the last day of February! Well, once every 4 years. And we have plenty of news and notes to sift through. Let’s start things off with the Department of National Defense, which has suspended contracts with an ArriveCan contractor until further notice. Why is that, you may ask? It turns out that David Yeo, the current CEO of Dalian Enterprises, is also a DND employee. The DND has launched an internal investigation and has suspended Yeo indefinitely. For those curious, Dalian Enterprises received $7.9 million for its work on the ArriveCan app. We dig deeper with Bill Curry, the Globe and Mail’s Ottawa Bureau Chief. Meantime, the Liberals’ brand-new pharmacare bill has been tabled in the House of Commons. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Anne McGrath, a Principal Secretary to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. And finally, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

This week, an American lawsuit is planning to make dating apps popular for the wrong reasons, alleging that these services are getting far too addictive. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Kate Lindsay, an American-based culture writer and the co-founder of Embedded. According to a new survey from Equite Canada, 54 percent of Canadians believe their keyless-entry fobs are fueling the ongoing auto theft crisis. In fact, some of the world’s car manufacturers are already working on a solution, which would allow drivers to deactivate their key fobs. Can this technological solution solve a technologically-driven problem? Lorraine Sommerfeld, a Driving.ca columnist, delivers her two cents. Meantime, a primary care clinic in Perth is facing the possibility of a permanent shutdown. That is, if an urgent investment from the Ford government doesn’t arrive soon. And finally, have you ever heard of ‘new-collar jobs’? We explain whether or not Canadian employers should consider jumping on that bandwagon.

During the previous Presidential election, Joe Biden narrowly won Michigan’s vote. A few years later, that same U.S. state has issued a protest vote against Biden. Is this a wake-up call for the present-day American leader? CTV’s U.S. Political Analyst Eric Ham joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, a Facebook whistleblower is praising Canada’s brand-new Online Harms Bill, calling it ‘one of the best proposed legislations’ he’s seen today. Frances Haugen explains further at 12:35. Plus, we dissect the daily health benefits of your daily stroll with fitness manager Jennifer Burns. And if you need a bit of advice to improve your daily walk, we have a few tips that might be helpful!

Over the years, we’ve caught wind of surge-pricing practices, particularly when it comes to ride-sharing apps. But what about your fast-food favourites? A new report from NBC indicates that Wendy’s is now testing that approach, mostly in the United States. Does this pricing practice violate Canadian laws? If it doesn’t, do you think the feds should change that? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Tim Huh, a UBC Professor who also researches inventory control and supply chain management. Eight years ago today, the notorious Phoenix pay system became a 24/7 nightmare for thousands of government workers. This afternoon, unionized workers were calling on Canada’s Treasury Board to start negotiating an extension of the Phoenix general damages agreement. We go 1-on-1 with PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. Plus, a few provinces are already planning to excuse themselves from the Liberals’ brand-new pharmacare deal. Some pharmacists share a similar hesitation to hop on the bandwagon.

Canada’s long-awaited Online Harms Bill has finally arrived, officially announced by the Trudeau Liberals during a late-afternoon press conference on Monday. It would establish a five-member Digital Safety Commission to enforce these proposed rules, which would include higher penalties and sentences for spreading hate online. You’ll hear from Arif Virani, Canada’s Justice Minister, in Hour 1. Then, you’ll get instant analysis from Michael Geist, an E-Commerce Law Professor based in Ottawa. Speaking of online security and safety, tech expert Carmi Levy goes on a rant about Apple Vision Pro, detailing exactly why the new version of the product is giving him nightmares. And finally, a few days after the Liberals shook hands with the NDP on a new pharmacare deal, some provinces are already planning to back out of it.

Most Ontarians believe they are good drivers, but how good are they? A new poll on road rage definitely shows they are talking the talk, with 84 percent describing themselves as average or above-average drivers. However, OPP data displays a different story, with 359 deaths occurring on Ontario’s roads in 2022. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Dan Arnold, the Chief Strategy Officer for Pollara. Meantime, a new study by local researchers shows that only half of Ottawa’s dying residents had received palliative care in their final 3 months of life. How much of that blunder leans on the failure to better predict Ottawa’s aging trends? Dr. Amy Hsu, a researcher at the Bruyère Research Institute and the study’s lead author, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, you’ve heard of competitive swimming, and you’ve probably heard of speed-skating. But what about ‘ice swimming’? Yes, it’s a real thing, and we have a competitive ice swimmer right here in Canada’s Capital! You’ll get to know his story on today’s show.

One week before the pharmacare clock struck Midnight, the NDP pulled the plug on potentially pulling Parliament’s plug, as the Trudeau Liberals reached a verbal agreement on a new pact. You’ll hear Vassy Kapelos’ conversation with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada has struck a trade deal with Ukraine, who is in the middle of a two-year fight with the Russians. Canada’s Minister of Economic Trade joins the program at 12:35. Plus, the world is watching the Trudeau government with the finest binoculars that money can buy, particularly when it comes to our country’s defense spending.

Gatineau Mayor France Belisle shocked everyone on Thursday, submitting her two-weeks notice and cleaning out her office. She cited a toxic environment and the need to protect her personal health as the main reasons behind her departure. In fact, Belisle was facing death threats during her tenure at City Hall. And as former Ottawa city councillor Diane Deans tells Kristy Cameron, she experienced this level of toxicity first-hand when the Freedom Convoy was at its worst. Meantime, as the Ford government pumps the brakes on an initiative to curb alcohol thefts, a new report says Ottawa’s LCBO locations had been robbed at least 1,500 times in a span of 3 months. We dig deeper with Marty Carr, the Vice-Chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board. Plus, have you ever heard of 'zombie fires' before? What are they? We explore further with John Davies, a Senior Wildfire Management Specialist with Forsite Consultants.

Amanda Galbraith is back in the hosting chair for this week’s Free For All Friday. We begin the show with a check-in on the Russo-Ukrainian War, and how Ukrainians living in Canada are supporting their people in a time of crisis. This weekend, that violent conflict officially reaches the two-year mark. Meantime, a brand-new ‘online harms’ legislation is expected to arrive as soon as next week. What do the feds need to focus on here? We debate and discuss with StrategyCorp vice-president Garry Keller and Wright Strategies founder Kim Wright. And finally, we talk about ‘Lobster Gate’.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron on this fine Thursday afternoon. Last weekend, the Freedom Convoy reunited to recognize the two-year anniversary of the original demonstrations on Parliament Hill. Today, Ottawa’s Police Chief has issued multiple violations against the 2024 crowd. We get a little bit of clarity from CTV’s Katelyn Wilson. Meantime, the debate rages on as to whether or not the federal government was justified to break up the 2022 rally. At least, in the manner with which they did. According to local criminology professor Michael Kempa, one thing is clear: We need reform – and we need it now. And finally, a new survey from Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab says that Canadians’ grocery shopping habits are heavily dictated by discounts and deals. In today’s inflationary world, that trend has never been more visible. We dig deeper with Janet Music in Hour 1.

Last night, Premier Danielle Smith issued her pre-budget address to Albertans. We dig deeper with Duane Bratt, a Political Scientist at Calgary’s Mount Royal University. Meantime, as measles cases continue to rise, are we on the verge of a serious outbreak? Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases physician, pays us a visit in Hour 1. And finally, does yelling at the official yield any positive results? We talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

As Ontario school boards endlessly struggle to find teachers, the Ford government is analyzing ‘every option on the table’ to help solve this critical shortage. Kristy Cameron explores further with David Hutchison, a Brock University professor who also studies educational reform and teacher education. Meantime, the City of Belleville is pleading to the Ford government for financial assistance, with the hopes of building a new health hub to fight against a chaotic overdose crisis. Since then, all they’ve heard is crickets, and the Mayor of Belleville is now taking matters into his own hands. Plus, a trio of Ontario-based family doctors are issuing a warning to medical students across the province, especially those who are on the verge of graduating from Medical School. Their piece of advice is simple and direct: Do not start your own family medicine practice in Ontario. We speak with one of them in Hour 3. And finally, the City of Ottawa is celebrating the arrival of another professional sports team.

Another session of Parliament has finally begun at Queen’s Park, with Ontario’s Premier taking shots at Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie. Doug Ford is calling her the ‘Queen of Canada’s Carbon Tax’. Does she support this controversial tax, and to what extent? You’ll hear Vassy’s conversation with Crombie in Hour 1. Meantime, as Quebec’s Premier defends the province’s immigration policy, he is also taking shots at the Bloc Quebecois, moreso questioning their place within the political arena. So where does the Bloc really fit in? We dig deeper with the Daily Debrief Panel. And finally, in today’s edition of The Explainer, McGill professor Jason Opal dissects the history of America’s electoral system.

Before the warm weather rolls in, residents might be able to squeeze in one more day of skating on the Rideau Canal. If the 2024 skating season doesn’t resume again, we have $2 million invested into a week’s worth of skating over the past 2 years. Is it time to give up on the Rideau Canal as an annual Winter attraction? CTV’s Graham Richardson delivers his two cents. Meantime, Ontario MPPs have returned to Queen’s Park, as a new session of Parliament gets underway. Among the top priorities for Doug Ford’s Conservatives is the Get It Done Act, an omnibus bill that will do everything from auto-renewed licence plates to streamlining the environmental impact process. CTV’s Siobhan Morris explains further in Hour 2. Plus, COVID-19 has given way to several working-from-home variations, but it’s not the paradise that some of Canada’s workforce had first envisioned. Enter the term ‘home fever’, which a team of Carleton University researchers have been studying and exploring. We dissect their findings.

In today’s show, you’ll hear Vassy Kapelos’ exclusive interview with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary General. They talk about the controversial aftermath following Alexei Navalny’s death, as well as Canada reaching its defense spending targets. Meantime, Canada won’t be pausing the Carbon Tax, despite the current cost-of-living woes. Will this rebrand deliver enough positive PR? We debate and discuss with the Daily Debrief Panel. Plus, this weekend’s Coldest Night of the Year will feature a badass participant, as a 102-year-old woman volunteers her time and energy.

The misuse of benzodiazepines is sparking a wide range of concerns across Quebec, prompting the College of Physicians to increase its scrutiny of doctors who overprescribe them. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Dr. Christopher Labos, a cardiologist with a degree in epidemiology. Over at Parliament Hill, the House of Commons Committee is urging Loblaw and Walmart to voluntarily sign the Grocery Code of Conduct. If they don’t, they run the risk of watching the feds legislate it without their consent. Does the government expect these giant corporations to voluntarily sign up for such regulations? We debate and discuss with the Political Heat Panel. Plus, the City of Toronto could be launching a new website in the not-too-distant future, designed to alert members of the public to be on the lookout for dangerous dogs. Is this an idea that our city should consider?

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos on this Family Day Monday. Over in the Middle East, families are being torn apart as the Israel-Hamas conflict rages on. Today, Israel’s Prime Minister is vowing to ‘finish the job’ in Gaza, as a member of his War Cabinet threatens Rafah. Carleton University Professor Elliott Tepper delivers his insight in Hour 1. Meantime, Alexei Navalny’s wife is leading the fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the morgue retains her deceased husband’s body. Amy Knight, a Russian politics historian, explains further. Plus, as the ArriveCan fiasco flares up again, is this controversy casting a dark shadow over future government projects? Experts say there’s a legitimate chance.

Ottawa Paramedics say they can’t get their taxi pilot program off the ground, largely due to a myriad of issues that includes an outdated 9-1-1 system. Ottawa Paramedics Chief Pierre Poirier joins Kristy Cameron to explain further in Hour 1. Meantime, Air Canada has been ordered to compensate a B.C. man after one of its ChatBots delivered inaccurate information. John Gradek, an aviation expert and a former Air Canada executive, joins the program in Hour 2. And finally, are you craving a trip to the local cinema for Family Day? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Then, we open the debate floor with Bob Richardson of National Public Relations and Conservative strategist Melanie Paradis. On the main menu this week is Canada’s Carbon Tax rebranding, the latest chapter in the ArriveCan scandal, today’s dangerous scams, and Minister Guilbeault’s controversial comments on road funding.

A new Leger poll, commissioned by the Heart and Stroke Foundation alongside the Canadian Cancer Society, found that 22 percent of Canadians have been cutting back on medications. The primary reason: High costs. Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a Manotick-based family doctor, joins the program in Hour 1. For the past 4 years, the Ford government has outlined a plan to get its blue licence plates off the roads. The main problem is that you can’t see the license plate numbers in total darkness. This plan, according to the Canadian Press, is elimination through attrition. NDP MPP Jennifer French vents her frustrations in Hour 2. Plus, cities all across Canada are grappling with recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters. We explain how Ottawa is planning to refresh today’s reinforcements.

18 countries are set to meet NATO’s defense spending targets, but Canada is not among them. Vassy Kapelos chats with Roger Hilton, a Canadian working as a defense fellow with a Slovakian-based think-tank. Plus, have you come across the latest ‘art thief’ story out of Montreal? It originates from a typical classroom, and a teacher allegedly selling his student’s art pieces online. We chat with a furious Joel DeBellefeuille, who is one of the student’s parents.

Ontario’s Finance Minister has ordered the LCBO to cancel a pilot project in Northern Ontario, designed to cut down on alcohol thefts. The liquor store had planned to launch controlled entrance centres at 6 locations, with a security vestibule and an ID scanner on hand. Should the province have given this idea a fair chance? CTV Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Siobhan Morris delivers the details in Hour 1. We also get local reaction from Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney later in the show, as he outlines his mixed reaction to the government’s decision. And finally, we open the debate floor to the mighty CFRA Nation, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Plus, the RCMP is warning Canadians about a growing spike in romance scams, which claimed $41 million from Canadian wallets in 2023. Bezalel Eithan Raviv, a cybersecurity expert, drops by the studio in Hour 2. And finally, thousands of UBER and Lyft drivers across the country are taking a one-day break, a global protest over paydays and benefits.

The NDP has set a timer for the Trudeau Liberals to deliver a single-pay pharmacare bill. If that doesn’t happen before March, the Red Team’s lifeline for day-to-day political power could be unplugged. We explore further with Anne McGrath, the Principal Secretary to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. And speaking of the polls, they look even worse for Trudeau and even better for Poilievre.

Yesterday, we were talking about Ontario’s license plate registration system, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled an uptick in expired plates. Today, the Ford government has announced that the vehicle re-registration model we see today is going to look vastly different tomorrow. Kristy Cameron gathers instant reaction from former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis. Later in Hour 1, we have another scam to report. This time, it’s a TicketSales trick that left an Eastern Ontario family out of $800, hours before a Sens gameday. Meantime, as the overdose crisis shows no signs of slowing down across the province, Ottawa Public Health is taking action through an online course. We deliver the details in Hour 2. And finally, it appears that Ontario’s Premier is backing down on wage restraint legislation, as Bill 124 is ruled unconstitutional by the court system. Ontario’s unions are now breathing a sigh of relief.

Canada’s Auditor General says the COVID-19 pandemic is no excuse for ignoring basic rules, when asked about the ArriveCan app fiasco. You’ll hear from Karen Hogan in Hour 1. Then, you’ll hear from Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi. Sticking with federal politics, the 2024 Budget could be tabled as soon as next month. We get a preview of the top priorities with Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. And finally, we examine the status of Canada’s pediatric palliative care system.

As the COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down, the Ontario government stopped sending people reminders to renew their license plates. As a result, Ontario’s drivers are beginning to forget this annual tradition, and thousands of commuters are navigating provincial roads with outdated plates. We dig deeper with former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis. As Canadians try to survive an affordability crisis, platforms like GoFundMe have become a more common last-resort lifeline. We speak to Leigh Adamson, who created a fundraising page to help Ottawa’s Claude Lurette get back on his feet last Fall. Plus, the City of Ottawa has received $176 million from the federal government, a funding boost to hopefully fuel solutions to the city’s housing crisis. Kristy Cameron chats with Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney in Hour 2. And finally, Canada's Auditor General has discovered some ugly data surrounding the ArriveCan app, and it’s putting the Trudeau Liberals on the hot seat.

In the Israel-Gaza conflict, sympathies are now shared equally between both sides, largely due to a shift in Canadian opinion. Vassy Kapelos investigates further with Shachi Kurl, the present-day President of the Angus Reid Institute. Then, our Daily Debrief Panel reconvenes to tackle the latest developments in the U.S. Presidential Race. And finally, we examine the status of Canada’s Liberal-NDP coalition. Some say it’s time to sound the alarm. Others are not pushing the panic button…yet.

An investigation is underway at a high school in the Montreal Region, and not for an unexpected lockdown. Multiple parents allege that one of the Art teachers has been taking their student’s drawings without their consent. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Philippe Brouillette, an intellectual property lawyer. Here at home, OC Transpo’s on-time performance has been unveiled, and it is the furthest thing from pretty. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, it appears that Canadian couples are more open to seeking divorce as they get older. We open the conversation on ‘grey divorce’ with Denise Whitehead, a Professor of Family Studies at the University of Waterloo.

In Hour 1 of this week’s Free For All Fridays, hosted as always by Amanda Galbraith, Ontario’s Premier and Canada’s Prime Minister have reached a deal on healthcare funding. We deliver instant reaction to the $3.1 billion price tag. Then, the debate begins with CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair and Gordon Strategy President Karen Gordon. On the main menu is that aforementioned healthcare deal, Alberta’s controversial gender identity policies, and King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

The Ontario government has released a batch of advertisements for its new campaign. Predictably, they are touting the provincial economy and the investments that the Ford regime has made since 2018. In the eyes of critics, this is nothing but a waste of time and money. We tackle both sides of this debate on today’s Ottawa Now. Meantime, an Ontario city is declaring a State of Emergency following yesterday’s overdosing nightmare. Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis drops by the studio in Hour 2. And finally, Ottawa resident Mark Roos says his stolen vehicle is no longer at the Port of Montreal. Sadly, that’s because it’s now been moved to the Port of Halifax.

In Hour 1 of today’s program, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown talks about the items he wants to see addressed in this week’s Auto Theft Summit. We also talk about the sticky politics of auto theft with the Daily Debrief Panel. Meantime, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is putting the Trudeau Liberals on blast over their pharmacare promises. And if he doesn’t like what he sees on the first day of March, it might serve as a warning shot for things to come. Plus. It’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

Back in 1999, Ontario’s Safe Streets Act was passed by the Mike Harris government. At the time, there was a great deal of controversy surrounding ‘squeegee kids’, and the fines were extremely steep. Does our province need aggressive legislations against other forms of panhandling? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Johan Strombergsson-DeNora, who is the Director of Appeals at Fair Change Community Services. Last year, Alberta set a new record for net interprovincial growth, contributing to an overall population gain of more than 4 percent. In other words, Alberta had the fastest year-over-year growth of all Canadian provinces and territories. Why is that the case? Andrew Enns, a Vice-President with Leger360, joins the show in Hour 2. And finally, Belleville is sounding the alarm on an overdose emergency. Emergency crews responded to 16 suspected overdoses in the city’s Downtown Core on Tuesday. Out of those cases, 13 of them allegedly happened within one hour.

This year, Artemis II was supposed to take off for greener space adventures. However, a delay has grounded those plans for now. We get the latest updates from Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who was supposed to be on that voyage in a far-away galaxy. Here on Planet Earth, today’s biggest crisis is a sharp uptick in auto thefts. The immediate challenge is trying to recover those stolen vehicles from Montreal’s ports. Plus, after calling for Anthony Rota’s resignation over a controversial House of Commons invitation, the previous inclusion of that same Waffen-SS veteran is why Canada’s Conservatives are calling for Prime Minister Trudeau to deliver his two-weeks notice.

A slew of digital payment platforms, ranging from Apple Pay to Venmo, have become mainstream alternatives to traditional channels. Is this the beginning of the end for the modern-day wallet? Tech expert Carmi Levy joins the program in Hour 1. On Monday, family doctors across Ontario held an online meeting to address today’s primary care crisis. For some, they were mulling over alternative career paths, fearing that family medicine had become an unsustainable line of work in the province. Kristy Cameron chats with Dr. Ramsey Hijazi, an Ottawa-based family physician who founded the Ontario Union of Family Physicians. Over in Vanier, a small stretch of road will be closed every Tuesday morning, an effort to make the commute safer for dozens of students attending a nearby school. As of right now, it’s a pilot project. Should it be mandatory for all schools? Plus, the Ontario government’s latest measures to monitor Ozempic supplies are generating mixed reaction, not to mention health concerns.

Trans allies gathered in Ottawa yesterday to protest a recent visit by Alberta’s Premier. This comes a few days after Danielle Smith’s controversial changes to the province’s gender policies. You’ll hear Vassy’s 1-on-1 conversation with Premier Smith in Hour 1. Meantime, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles is battling cancer. He will take an indefinite leave of absence from all Royal duties, but that’s the extent of what we know so far. Plus, we examine the latest housing outlook with Marc Desormeaux, an economist with Desjardins. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2.

It’s a leap year, which means we get an extra working day in February. Does that mean salaried workers should receive extra money in their pockets? We open the debate floor in Hour 2 with Travis Carpenter, an employment lawyer with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. In local news, the Parkdale Food Centre has made the difficult decision to close its community fridge in Hintonburg, effective Thursday. That’s because staff members are unable to keep up with the sky-high demands. You’ll hear that story later in Hour 1. Meantime, the leader of Canada’s Conservatives wants to reform the country’s Criminal Code, all part of his efforts to crack down on auto thefts. We get instant reaction from the Political Heat Panel. Plus, last night’s Grammy Awards were dominated by Taylor Swift, the return of Celine Dion, and a long-awaited musical duet.

Cancellations are piling up in Nova Scotia, as a massive winter storm causes chaos. We deliver the latest developments in Hour 1. Meantime, the United States is threatening retaliation if Iran-backed militias continue their attacks. Plus, pop star Taylor Swift dominates the Grammy Awards.

In 2023, public sector workers took 6 more sick days compared to private sector workers. This is the widest gap in absenteeism between the two classes of workers in nearly 40 years. Clearly, as we head into 2024, there is a degree of discrepancy. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Carol Ring, an Ottawa-based management consultant. Towards the tail end of last year, a pair of nurse practitioners were gunning to build a brand-new primary care clinic in Canada’s Capital. On Thursday, the province had approved said proposal. Hoda Mankal joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, as ‘manic cleaning’ practices heat up on TikTok, psychologists are exposing the triggers that lead to episodes of ‘impulsive tidying’. They also reveal the serious risks that these practices pose to humanity. And finally, are you eager to catch the hottest films that Hollywood has to offer? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Amanda Galbraith is back in the hosting chair! In Hour 1, we discuss the use of MDMA as a form of PTSD treatment, as well as the progress of Neuralink’s first human brain implants. Then, we open the debate floor with Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie and Crestview Strategy Vice-President Karen Restoule. On this week’s main menu is Alberta’s brand-new gender policies, America’s toxic election culture, and Canada’s decision to halt expansion plans for MAID legislations.

The newest brand of nicotine pouches are considered to be less harmful than smoking, and they could even help some smokers toss their cravings to the curb. However, they can also appeal to today’s youth, and critics say Canada’s laws have struggled to keep up with this rapidly-changing sector. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with David Hammond, a leading researcher on Canadian youth vaping. According to a new Robert Half survey, roughly 30 percent of workers want to reduce the number of in-office hours at their workplace. Out of that percentage, 76 percent are citing commuting cutbacks and the need to save money as the main reasons why. Cal Jungwirth, a Director at Robert Half, joins the show in Hour 2. Meantime, days after an Ottawa city councillor was grilled for accepting a donation from a local developer, the Mayor of Ottawa is facing similar questions. CTV’s Graham Richardson unpacks the situation. Plus, a growing number of celebrities are being victimized by deepfake pornography.

As their fight for freedom continues, Ukraine has received a support package from the European Union. On today’s program, you will hear Vassy's exclusive interview with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meantime, the Alberta government has announced sweeping changes to the province’s gender health services. We try to develop a deeper understanding of the broader implications with Kelly Cryderman, a Calgary-based columnist with The Globe and Mail. Plus, it’s Thursday, which means it is time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Employers in British Columbia are nearing their wits end, as employees quit their post without a two-weeks notice. Today, they are planning legal action. Alex Lucifero, an employment lawyer with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joins the program in Hour 1. As the price of everything goes up, the vision of an ordinary retirement has changed dramatically. Perhaps that initial outlook is now a decade longer. Heck, your plan might be unrealistic altogether. How can everyday Canadians adapt? Kristy Cameron chats with Natalie Iciaszczyk, a Research Program Manager at TMU’s National Institute on Aging. And finally, the ‘snow cream’ trend is gaining tons of traction online, but scientists allege that Mother Nature’s wintery present is ‘anything but pure’. We speak to one of them in Hour 2.

The federal government is handing out $121 million to Ontario Police officials, an effort to crack down on auto thefts across the province. Huw Williams, a national spokesperson for the Canadian Auto Dealers, joins Vassy Kapelos to analyze if this funding can combat these rising issues. Meantime, several daycares in Alberta are shutting their doors in protest of Canada’s $10/day program. We get instant reaction as the show continues.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is calling on the city to cease developer donations for ward projects. This comes days after a significant donation was made to Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard. We bring you the latest developments as the show rolls on. Meantime, Manulife and Loblaw have reached a deal on specialty drugs, an agreement that is raising concerns about a lack of competition. We dig deeper in Hour 1 with Steve Morgan, a Professor of Health Policy at the University of British Columbia. Later in the program, the Shepherds of Good Hope is planning another residence at Merivale and Kirkwood, but the councillor for River Ward fears that the organization has ‘lost the neighbourhood’. Riley Brockington explains why. And finally, post-secondary students at Queen’s University are biting their fingernails, as the Kingston-based institution tries to navigate a series of financial hurdles.

The Trudeau government is seeking another pause on a planned expansion of MAID legislation. We get a wide range of reaction on the Vassy Kapelos Show. Meantime, as MPs return to Parliament, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto delivers a vibe check on all of Canada’s major parties. What do the latest popularity polls tell us? That’s coming up in Hour 2.

Later this March, the City of Ottawa will be revamping its zoning bylaws. This is a pivotal discussion because, quite simply, these are the rules that dictate how the city grows. Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper joins the program to explain further. On Monday afternoon, MOVE 104.9 Brockville is hosting the inaugural Brian Fraser Blood Drive, in memory of a beloved CFRA colleague who lost his battle with cancer in 2022. Kristy Cameron is joined alongside Wendy Wright, who once worked at CFRA alongside Brian. Meantime, as Old Man Winter becomes unpredictable with his latest string of forecasts, outdoor sports retailers are growing nervous about what it means for their bottom-line. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, the Ford government has announced that nine privately-run Service Ontario outlets are going to be moved to select Staples locations. Critics argue that there needs to be more transparency as to why Staples was chosen for these locations. Do you agree?

MPs have returned to the House of Commons for the next session of Parliament, as the Trudeau Liberals ponder a potential rebranding of the Carbon Tax. We get a wide range of reaction during today’s Daily Debrief Panel, featuring Summa Strategies Chairman Tim Powers and Vanguard Strategy CEO Michele Cadario. Ahead of Monday’s return, politicians paid their respects to Ed Broadbent, one of Canada’s most respected voices in the political arena. We hear from former Prime Minister Joe Clark in Hour 1. Plus, the world’s most famous pop star is under attack by forms of Artificial Intelligence.

Floridian lawmakers have voted to restrict a child's access to all social media platforms. These new measures would require all platforms to terminate the accounts of anyone aged 16-and-under, while a third-party verification system would be used to screen these underaged accounts. Do you think Canada, as a whole, needs to implement age limits for social media use? Kristy Cameron chats with Emma Duerden, a researcher in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders at Western University. Meantime, over a dozen cancer rates are on the rise in Canada, with the Top 5 dramatic increases being detected in the 20-to-25 age range. We get the bigger picture in Hour 1. Plus, the NCC is addressing questions about a now-former Chapters location, which occupied Rideau and Sussex for 26 years. It will most likely be turned into an entertainment venue, even though the Shaw Centre is located 300 metres away. What should this vacant plot of land be turned into? Text into the show and let us know!

Mark Towhey is filling in for Amanda Galbraith this week, breaking down the biggest headlines with Canada's top newsmakers. Then, the debate floor opens in Hour 2, as we are joined alongside CTV News political commentator Scott Reid and Syntax Strategic’s Jon Dugal. During the Liberal caucus meetup in Montreal, Cabinet Ministers were pointing the finger at Alberta’s Premier for hosting a controversial TV personality. Tucker Carlson, who once lived in America, now lives in Russia and still works as a political commentator in that country. Do you think Danielle Smith should be distancing herself from Carlson? Plus, as the American Primaries kick into high-gear, Donald Trump has piled up a pair of significant wins already. Is a return to the White House inevitable, and how would it impact Canada’s relations with their southern neighbours?

In a time where we are trying to protect our kids from head-contact injuries, and the sports that can cause a lot of bumps and bruises, perhaps we are sheltering them far too much. A new study from the Canadian Paediatric Society says it’s important to promote injury prevention, while also maintaining that outdoor risky play is crucial to a healthy childhood development. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Meantime, Canadians are mulling over two different legal paths, as they plan to take Cineplex to court over an online ticket fiasco. Movie critic Keith Whittier delivers his two cents. Plus, a pair of Ottawa-based health centres have been chosen to lead a $3 million pilot project, aimed at delivering a non-police response to people in need. This comes as Canada stares down the barrel of a mental health and substance abuse crisis. That’s coming up in Hour 3.

As the Liberals wrap up their Cabinet Retreat in Montreal, a Liberal MP believes that Justin Trudeau should face a leadership review in 2024. We get a vibe-check of the Prime Minister’s popularity during the Daily Debrief Panel. Meantime, as we try to protect our kids from the ugly sides of the real world, should we encourage better participation in the rough-and-tumble physical activities? The debate floor opens at 12:30. Plus, an 11-year-old boy who was born deaf can now hear, all thanks to gene therapy. It’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a pivotal day in the fight against mental health. We hear from Canadian broadcaster Michael Landsberg, who worked at TSN for decades and has since founded a charitable foundation called ‘Sick But Not Weak’. Meantime, CHEO is unveiling a new series of mental health videos on YouTube. CEO Alex Munter joins the program in Hour 2 to explain further. Over at The Royal’s Mental Health Services Centre, they are studying the psychological and biological impacts of burnout, particularly among today’s healthcare workers. Kristy Cameron chats with Dr. Jennifer Phillips, who is the principal investigator for this study. Plus, today’s mental health services are paramount for today’s youth. We explain how the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa is tackling a troubling trend. And finally, an onslaught of stolen cars have been returned to their rightful owners. However, for one owner, an alleged line of miscommunication prevented his reunion from happening a lot sooner.

In 2022, the Freedom Convoy was occupying Downtown Ottawa, calling for an end to vaccination requirements. Three weeks after demonstrations began, the feds took action before a mid-February weekend, invoking the Emergencies Act. On Tuesday, Canada’s highest court stated that the Trudeau Liberals did not have enough justification to carry out those orders, a ruling that the government plans to appeal. We dig deeper with Errol Mendes, a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Ottawa’s Law of Faculty. Meantime, Americans will be casting their ballots for a ‘new’ U.S. President later this year, and an old face is generating plenty of conversation in Republican circles. We do a quick vibe-check on Canada-U.S. relations with David McNaughton, a former Canadian Ambassador to the United States. Plus, the Bank of Canada’s key interest rates remain steady at 5 percent. We explain what that means for you, and for the Canadian economy, in Hour 1.

As the Freedom Convoy trials continue for the individual parties involved, we did get a ruling from the country’s federal court about the grounds to invoke the Emergencies Act. It ruled that the Trudeau Liberals’ actions to shut down the protests were not justified. While they do respect Tuesday’s ruling, the feds say they plan to appeal today’s verdict. We get a wide range of reactions as the show rolls on. Meantime, when it comes to learning how the government operates, how much do you know about the municipal process? A new survey is shedding light on how much information we actually know, and if our schools are putting enough effort into teaching these modules. That’s coming up in Hour 1. Plus, we’ve talked about the importance of wastewater testing in Canada’s Capital. It’s been a huge help in detecting the latest COVID trends. And when it comes to early detection and prevention of Tuberculosis, a new five-year study is hoping to prove that wastewater detection is the missing link to future success.

As a pivotal Presidential Election kicks into high-gear, the Trudeau government is planning to launch a massive engagement strategy with their North American neighbours. Vassy Kapelos chats with Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association. That’s also part of today’s debate with the Daily Debrief Panel. You’ll hear a wide range of opinions in Hour 2. Plus, imagine a world where you can exchange your phone for a book of your choice. Well, at a Montreal bookstore, you can do exactly that! We chat with Aude le Dube, the owner of De Still Booksellers.

The federal government has announced a two-year cap on international student visas. It’s a measure to stop the constant swelling of Canada’s housing crisis, but it’s creating a lot of division. Kristy Cameron chats with Mateusz Salmassi, the Director of Advocacy for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. Meantime, city councillors in Kingston have voted to add $1 million to the 2024 Municipal Budget, a bid to attract more healthcare providers to the Ontario municipality. However, the extra funds come with a warning from the city's Mayor. Plus, it’s been 17 years since the City of Ottawa enacted its idling control bylaws. Today, the municipality is mulling over tougher regulations. Right now, when the temperature is between 5 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius, the time limit for idling is 3 minutes per hour. That number could shrink to just 60 seconds per hour. Is this fair? Text into the show and let us know!

Earlier this morning, Canada's Minister of Immigration announced a temporary cap on the number of international student visas, a cap that is scheduled to last for the next 2 years. Michael Sangster, the CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges, breaks down what this new cap means. Later in the program, you’ll also hear Vassy’s full conversation with Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. Together, they discuss the Quebec Premier's stern letter to the feds, as Francois Legault demands immediate cutbacks to the level of asylum-seekers. Plus, another Republican candidate has dropped out of the leadership race. This one, unlike Chris Christie, has thrown his support behind a controversial contestant.

As part of a new pilot project, 3 major grocery stores in Ottawa will be offering reusable containers. Starting at select locations, customers will be able to purchase a certain list of items in these containers. Once they are done using them, the containers will be returned to drop-off locations. If your grocery store offered this plan, would you take advantage of it? Meantime, Hamilton is about to become the first Ontario municipality to implement a renoviction bylaw. If someone wants to do a renovation on their property, but they have tenants living there, what process would they have to follow? Plus, how much additional protection do the tenants actually receive? Kristy chats with Hamilton councillor Nrinder Nann, who has spent the past several years pushing for this bylaw to be approved. We also pose these questions to a University of Waterloo professor who has recently studied various forms of housing insecurity. Plus, Matt Demers drops by the Ottawa Now studios to deliver his Weekly Movie Picks!

Amanda Galbraith is back for another edition of Free For All Fridays. We start off today’s program in the Red Sea, where violence is escalating and shipping traffic is plummeting. This comes as Houthi militants step up their attacks on nearby vessels. We dig deeper with Carleton University professor Elliott Tepper. Then, in Hour 2, we open the debate floor with Winston Wilmont’s Chris Day and Liberal strategist Lindsay Maskell. On the menu today is the CEBA repayment extensions that never came, Canada’s immigration collapse, and Pierre Poilievre’s criticism of two Quebec-based Mayors.

Last year, we had a conversation about screen time, and the results were not pretty for some of the Ottawa Now family. But what exactly is the perfect balance? And if you are able to make those adjustments, how big is the payoff? We dig deeper with David Chorney, a former school teacher who now researches cellphone usage as a full-time gig. Meantime, the clock is ticking for thousands of Canadian businesses, as the repayments for CEBA loans is Midnight tonight. If the outstanding amount is paid, up to one-third of the loans could be forgiven. Otherwise, the debt will be converted into a three-year loan, with a five percent annual interest. In Hour 1, Kristy Cameron chats with the owner of a pet supply store in Beechwood. Plus, the sluggish process for selling spare federal buildings is trying the patience of politicians and developers alike, who are hoping to transform them into desperately-needed housing solutions for Canada’s Capital. That story is coming up in Hour 3.

The CEBA partial repayment deadline is hours away, with no extension in place, as business groups warn of pending closures. You’ll hear from Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, later in the show. Meantime, if Canada wants to escape a ‘population trap’, experts say immigration reform is necessary. Vassy Kapelos chats with Mike Moffatt, a Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute. Plus, CAMIMH has released its annual report card on Canada’s mental health services. And when it comes to the provision of these must-have resources, every single provincial government is getting a failing grade. We dig deeper in Hour 2.

You’ve heard of burnout, but what about ‘boreout’? According to new research from the staffing firm Robert Half, in conjunction with LinkedIn, 35 percent of Canadian employees say they are bored at work. We discuss further with Linda Nazareth, an economist who recently wrote a piece on this exact topic in The Globe and Mail. Meantime, we are seeing a growing trend of young girls travelling to expensive beauty stores, especially on a well-known social media platform. Some don’t mind the optics of it, but others are very concerned. Benslyne Avril, a psychotherapist, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Plus, a new report says that 4.4 million uninsured Canadians are being left out of the country’s brand-new Dental Care Plan. Here to shed some light on that story is David MacDonald, a senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

If the federal government doesn’t provide more funding to the city, Toronto’s Mayor says she would have to raise property taxes to 16.5 percent. Today, some Liberal MPs are slamming Olivia Chow for those comments. We speak to one of them in Hour 1. Meantime, the Prime Minister says Canada doesn’t support the premise of a genocidal case that was brought forward by South Africa, which accuses Israel of war crimes. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, the leader of Alberta’s NDP says she doesn’t intend to lead the party into the next provincial election. You’ll hear Vassy’s 1-on-1 conversation with Rachel Notley.

British Columbia has ushered in new changes to family law, starting with pet custody battles. Moving forward, they will now consider a person’s willingness to care for the pet, and the relationships between a child and a pet, to help determine pet ownership. Do you think Ontario is long overdue for a similar overhaul? We debate and discuss with Isaac Paonessa, a divorce and family law lawyer based in Ontario. Meantime, an Ottawa couple is speaking out after recently falling victim to a crypto scam. 71-year-old Doug Lloyd, along with his wife, got conned out of $177,000. They share their story in Hour 2. Plus, Ontario has launched a new long-term care ‘investigations unit’, a ten-person machine that is designed to complement the ‘toughest inspection and enforcement program in Canada’.

In December, Canada’s inflation rate rose to 3.4 percent. We try to find the bigger picture with the help of Stéfane Marion, a Chief Economist and Strategist with the National Bank of Canada. Meantime, it was a commanding win for a former U.S. President at the Iowa caucus meetings. Donald Trump secured 51 percent of the votes in Monday’s one-sided affair, claiming 20 delegates in the process. Are Canadians fearful of another Trump term? We debate and discuss with the Daily Debrief Panel. Plus, have you ever wondered what a Trump rally really looks like? Vassy Kapelos digs deeper with McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic and a New York Times bestselling author.

Today is Blue Monday, one of the most depressing days of the entire year. Why do they call mid-January a huge pitfall for our mental health? What are the mental health warning signs? How can we deal with this issue? We discuss further with Dr. Janine Hubbard, a Canadian clinical psychologist based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Meantime, Loblaws locations across the country will no longer be serving ‘last day of sale’ items at 50 percent off. They will now be marked at 30 percent off. To nobody’s surprise, the reception has been ice-cold. In Hour 2, we dig deeper with Dalhousie University professor Sylvain Charlebois. Plus, multiple days of extremely frigid Prairie temperatures have pushed WestJet airplanes to the limit, thereby forcing the airline’s hand. As of right now, more than 460 flights have been cancelled. And finally, it’s time to welcome back our Political Heat Panel! Today’s discussion is all about the idea of an international student cap, which the Trudeau Liberals are reportedly considering.

Canada’s Immigration Minister is considering a cap on International students entering the country for post-secondary learning, an attempt to heal a system that has grown out of control. You’ll hear from Marc Miller in Hour 1. Meantime, Israel is being accused of genocide, as it continues to fight against Hamas forces. We dig deeper with UOttawa graduate Roland Paris. Plus, the Iowa presidential caucuses are slated to kick off tonight. We outline what’s at stake with Washington Post reporter Aaron Blake.

Over the first 11 months of 2023, a pair of photo radar cameras in the Alta Vista area dished out nearly 20,000 tickets. Since then, it appears as though drivers are using other residential roads to avoid getting caught, and those streets are now paying the price. We dig deeper with Alta Vista councillor Marty Carr. Meantime, a new study has uncovered the stunning history behind one of Planet Earth’s oldest-known fossilized skins. Plus, if you owned an IPhone before December 2017, you might be eligible for a class-action payout. This comes as Apple vows to pay over $11 million to rectify a series of ‘performance mitigation’ issues. Ritesh Kotak, a cybersecurity analyst, joins the show in Hour 3. And finally, if you are craving a trip to the movie theatres once the storm dies down, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Amanda Galbraith returns from Christmas vacation, dissects today’s biggest stories, and goes 1-on-1 with Canada's top newsmakers. Then, the real debate begins. In Hour 2, Bob Richardson from National Public Relations and Kate Harrison from Summa Strategies tackle Canada’s never-ending housing crisis. Is Canada’s immigration crisis making that problem even worse? Plus, as a Newfoundland hockey league puts an end to postgame handshakes, the PWHL continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, one-in-five businesses with a pandemic loan are at risk of closure. We do a quick vibe-check with David Mangano, the co-owner of a ByWard Market pizza staple. In local health news, a pharmacist is speaking out against the FDA’s decision to allow Florida to import Canadian pharmaceuticals. That story is coming up later in the program. We also tackle a staggering global surge in dengue fever cases, as health experts warn Canadian travellers about the risks when journeying to warmer climates. Plus, the Public Service Alliance of Canada has persistently stated that remote work needs to be more flexible in workplaces, especially when it comes to snow days and weather events. We dig deeper with Ruth Lau-MacDonald, PSAC’s Alternate Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region. And finally, a popular art gallery at City Centre has closed after the owners claim the landlord didn’t want to renew the lease.

The National Hockey League Players' Association has announced a new program, meant to support the mental health of NHL players and their families. We get a complete breakdown of the ‘First Line’ with Shane Silver, the Vice-President of Social Enterprise with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Plus, the country’s Human Rights Tribunal has looked into a handful of human rights cases over the years, including the treatment of First Nations kids. However, while hope is in the air for a better future, not enough action is being done. We go 1-on-1 with Dr. Cindy Blackstock, the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, one-in-five businesses with a pandemic loan are at risk of closure. This comes one week before the CEBA repayment deadline. We do a quick vibe-check with David Mangano, the co-owner of a ByWard Market pizza staple. In local health news, a pharmacist is speaking out against the FDA’s decision to allow Florida to import Canadian pharmaceuticals. That story is coming up later in the program. We also tackle a staggering global surge in dengue fever cases, as health experts warn Canadian travellers about the risks when journeying to warmer climates. Plus, the Public Service Alliance of Canada has persistently stated that remote work needs to be more flexible in workplaces, especially when it comes to snow days and weather events. We dig deeper with Ruth Lau-MacDonald, PSAC’s Alternate Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region.

The National Hockey League Players' Association has announced a new program, meant to support the mental health of NHL players and their families. We get a complete breakdown of the ‘First Line’ with Shane Silver, the Vice-President of Social Enterprise with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Plus, the country’s Human Rights Tribunal has looked into a handful of human rights cases over the years, including the treatment of First Nations kids. However, while hope is in the air for a better future, not enough action is being done. We go 1-on-1 with Dr. Cindy Blackstock, the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

On Monday, the B.C. United Party reaffirmed its pledge to ban all cellphones from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Quebec’s new ban, meantime, begins this week. However, a divide still remains, mainly with the student’s parents. We rekindle an old flame in Hour 1. Just before last year’s soccer season reached its peak, we shed some light on a new plan from Ontario Soccer. It was a pilot project that was designed to better protect referees from verbal and physical violence. That plan is fueled by a body camera. And while we are still waiting on the full report, soccer leagues say their officials feel more confident with the cameras on their chest. This year, a Quebec soccer league is planning to do something similar. Do these measures point to an alarming decline in youth sportsmanship? Kristy Cameron tackles today’s Question of the Day. Plus, after an Orleans restaurant became the victim of a recent break-in, the restauranteur is now on the hook for thousands of dollars.

Do you hear that? It’s the winds of a winter storm blowing into town, and several Canadian cities are dealing with it. How bad could things get? David Phillips from Environment Canada joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Meantime, the Trudeau government is offering visas to Canadians with extended family in Gaza. Does it really move the needle, though? We open the debate floor with Omar Omar, who has represented 850 families facing this exact same dilemma, and calling for the exact same solution. Plus, after an Alaska Airlines emergency landing avoided mass disaster, United Airlines decided to do its own mass search of its fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. Their main discovery: Several loose bolts.

In what hopes to be a sign of progress, Ottawa’s LRT service has brought back the double-train model, effective today. It’s a perfect time to test its durability, with the first signs of a winter blizzard on the way. CTV’s Leah Larocque joins the show in Hour 1. Hollywood’s movie-watchers consider an early-January event to be the primary indicator of how the Academy Awards will play out. Last night, the Golden Globes were televised to a national audience, and diversity was squarely in the spotlight. But as far as what these shows used to be, Matt Demers explains why those days are long-gone, and why they are never coming back. Plus, another Justin Trudeau family vacation has sparked all kinds of controversy. We assemble our Political Heat Panel to examine further in Hour 3.

Vassy Kapelos is back after a well-deserved Christmas Break! And we are diving right back into the news cycle, as Honda ponders a brand-new electric vehicle and battery plant right here in Canada. That will translate to a reported $18.4 billion investment, if it happens. We explore further with Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association. Meantime, our country’s Emergency Rooms are reaching concerning levels, as RSV season kicks into high-gear. Joining us to talk about the latest overcrowding levels is Dr. Sumeet Sadana, a member of the Department of Pediatrics at Ottawa’s Queensway-Carleton Hospital. Plus, the Golden Globes are back, but did they hit all the right notes?

Ottawa’s transit service is reviving the double-car LRT service, starting next week and only on weekdays for the time being. We get instant reaction from River Ward councillor Riley Brockington. The biggest news story, once again, is your daily trip to the grocery store. That’s because Canada’s Industry Minister, started off 2024 with a mammoth suggestion; more foreign grocery giants to step into the Canadian economy to challenge the country’s Big Five grocery chains. Will this risky plan unleash dire consequences for Canada’s economy? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor and sifts through the CFRA textboard. Speaking of jobs, are you looking for a new one, or perhaps a career change? Brendon Bernard, a Senior Economist with Indeed Canada, breaks down the skills that will be in high-demand for 2024. And finally, the big winners of this year’s CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery have been unveiled! Plus, you’ll get to hear from Gatineau’s Tanya Lalonde, who is the lucky winner of a $3.2 million CHEO Dream Home.

Robin Gill is filling in for Amanda Galbraith this week, as Free For All Fridays rings in the new year. First, we recap today’s top stories with the biggest newsmakers. Then, we open the debate floor with special guests Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy, Tim Powers of Summa Strategies, and Jennifer Stewart of Syntax Strategic. On the menu this Friday is a series of controversial comments from Lululemon’s founder, Canada’s irrelevant presence on the world stage, and Prime Minister Trudeau’s Christmas vacation to Jamaica.

According to recent estimations from the City of Ottawa, roughly 275 people have been living inside of makeshift dwellings. These unsheltered tents are often located on federal land, and outside of municipal jurisdictions. But with the temperatures going down, some are using makeshift fires to keep themselves warm, leading to potential fire hazards. We explain further in Hour 1. Meantime, nothing soothes the soul like doing some good and donating to local charities. However, you might be surprised as to how much the head honchos are actually making. Kristy Cameron chats with Kate Bahen, the Managing Director of Toronto-based Charity Intelligence. Over in Perth and Smiths Falls, we are seeing longer wait times at the local hospital, which doesn’t have enough available beds to accommodate an overflow of patients. In Hour 2, we go 1-on-1 with CEO Michael Perth. Plus, a new creation from Starbucks is spreading like wildfire, as the ‘Quencher Cup’ becomes a must-have American novelty.

Robin Gill is sitting in for Vassy Kapelos, who returns from her Christmas vacation next week. Today, parts of Toronto are visibly and emotionally shaken following an Antisemitic attack. We get instant reaction from Casey Babb, a Fellow with the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Over in the United States, Americans are gearing up for a busy 2024 in the political arena, as Joe Biden prepares to defend his Presidential titles. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, delivers a federal election outlook. And speaking of elections, Artificial Intelligence could be playing the villain, particularly when it comes to attack ads. We explain further with Gladstone AI co-founder Jeremie Harris.

Despite several warnings to stay off the ice, people are still being spotted with their skates on at Mud Lake and Meech Lake. This comes a week after a group of teens fell through the Rideau River ice. CTV’s Jackie Perez delivers the details. Meantime, recent polls suggest that young people – aged 18 to 34 – are drinking less compared to their cohort from two generations ago. With doctors being encouraged to screen patients for ‘risky drinking’ behaviours, who exactly is falling victim to this bad habit? That’s coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, a new poll from Nanos Research says that 41 percent of Ontario’s hospital workers dread going into work. Dave Verch, who has spent 30 years in this field, describes what he’s seen during these challenging times. And after concrete debris was discovered inside the St. Laurent LRT tunnel, local commuters are once again flabbergasted by the transit service they depend on.

Robin Gill is sitting in for Vassy Kapelos today. According to a new poll from Nanos Research, Canadians are deeply concerned about today’s mortgage renewal payments. Nik Nanos breaks it all down for us in Hour 1. Meantime, a private members bill is being tabled to end the Oath of Allegiance. We speak to Anthony Wilson-Smith, the President and CEO of Historica Canada. Plus, Ottawa’s PWHL franchise puts on a show for the ages in their first-ever game.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown wants to start fining people for misusing 9-1-1 operations. Emergency operators are fielding a wide assortment of calls every single day, from unintentional pocket dials to outrageous complaints about cold pizza. In an era where resources are being stretched to the absolute limit, every second counts. Is this idea way too extreme? We open the debate floor with former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis in Hour 1. The debate continues in Hour 3, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, the month of January marks a time for change. For some, this includes cutting back on alcohol, a mission that has been dubbed ‘Dry January’. But does it actually help re-evaluate your relationship with liquor? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Canadian wine writer Natalie MacLean. And finally, Ontario’s cannabis retailers can now operate up to 150 stores in the province. Was this the right move, or does it allow the biggest players to grow even stronger?

Christmas might be over, but not for Vassy Kapelos, as Robin Gill is back in the hosting chair. Sadly, peace in the Middle East seems further and further away. And now, Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected recent attempts by Netanyahu’s government to limit the power of Israeli justices. We break it all down with Casey Babb, a member of Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Meantime, Canada’s Top 100 wallets in the CEO food chain have set compensation records, numbers that trace back to 2022. We bring you the bigger picture with the help of David Macdonald, a Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Chris Holski fills in for Kristy Cameron. As the Rose Bowl Parade begins to fill up, a Canadian act is taking part for the first time in decades. Jeff Musson, the Executive Director of Coding for Veterans, joins the show in Hour 1. As he does every single Friday, Mr. Hollywood joins the Ottawa Now Team to preview the latest movie releases. One of them, in fact, could be receiving Oscar votes. But as we say goodbye to 2023, it’s also time to recap the best and worst movies from the past 12 months. We do exactly that in Hour 2. Plus, Ottawa’s PWHL franchise is preparing for next week’s Home Opener, which also happens to be their first game ever. As we find out from Lisa Wallace of the Canadian Press, both of the team’s first two Home games at TD Place are completely sold out. And finally, we reflect on a tragic year for legendary musicians, including a death in May that left Chris absolutely heartbroken.

Robin Gill fills in for Amanda Galbraith during this week's edition of Free For All Friday! She is joined alongside Tim Powers of Summa Strategies and Scott Reid of CTV News. From the music scene to the political arena, no story is safe from a thorough year-end dissection.

Chris Holski is filling in for Kristy Cameron. An entire community is holding their breath today after a group of teens fell through the Rideau River ice. We bring you the latest developments from CTV’s Natalie Van Rooy. In lighter news, if you are trying to save money on your grocery bill whenever you can, an Ottawa man has already scoured the Internet so you don’t have to. That story is coming up in Hour 2. And while the ultra-famous Taylor Swift might be raking in Grammy Awards in a few months, did she create the best song of 2023? According to music expert Eric Alper, a pair of songs that were featured in the Barbie soundtrack deserve a bit more praise.

Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig have inked a compensation deal with the Trudeau government, while a real estate broker has set a Guinness world record. Robin Gill, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, delivers both of those stories in Hour 1.

Canadians are stuffing their faces with Christmas and New Year’s delicacies. But once the new year begins, how can you ditch those Christmas pounds? Rachel Cavan of Cavan Nutrition delivers a couple of healthy habits you might want to acquire in 2024. Later in Hour 2, we recap the top local news stories of 2023 with radio nerds Jason White and Ted Raymond. And from the advancement of Artificial Intelligence to a social media rebrand, there were plenty of tech headlines to dissect in 2023. CTV tech analyst Carmi Levy breaks down a busy 12 months of chaos.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. According to Israel's military chief, the war against Hamas will likely grind on for several months. We deliver the latest intel in Hour 1. Plus, a B.C. couple's bond is stronger than ever after a lifesaving kidney transplant.

A hockey league in Newfoundland is aiming to ban the postgame handshake line. And by ban, we mean moving it to the pregame lineup. Kristy Cameron calls that a dangerous and slippery slope. She explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, as the Christmas meals get prepped for the big day, what are your must-have ingredients? Are there any holiday staples that you cannot tolerate in the slightest? Samantha Kemp-Jackson delivers her two cents. Plus, a 21-year-old woman from Ottawa recently survived a brave battle with cancer. However, she didn’t have a family doctor, and her cancer wasn’t detected until it was in its later stages of development. Josephine Crone joins the show in Hour 3.

Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Bob Richardson of National Public Relations and Marieke Walsh of The Globe and Mail. Together, they recap the top news stories of 2023, preview the biggest news items of 2024, and reflect on their favourite Christmas memories.

As the summit of the holiday season approaches, Canadians say they are being tipped over the edge. As the show continues, we rekindle one of the hottest topics of 2023. Meantime, the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa has received emergency funding from the City of Ottawa, but its long-term stability remains in jeopardy. We get an update on this evolving situation. Plus, after 60 years in operation, an aerospace plant in Eastern Ontario is scheduled to shut down permanently.

Vassy Kapelos is here, for the final time before 2023 comes to a close. That means it's a perfect time to dissect the top news stories of the past 12 months. We also open up the phone lines and look ahead to what might dominate the headlines in 2024. And finally, we satisfy those taste buds with some inspirational Christmas feasts!

A pair of Ottawa-based health centres have been chosen to lead a $3 million pilot project. It is aimed at delivering a non-police response to patients who are in the midst of a mental health or substance use crisis. We speak to one of these hand-picked organizations in Hour 1. Meantime, one of Canada’s biggest scams could be unfolding right in front of us. That scam, for those curious, is unused gift cards. Despite the gift-giver’s best intentions, these cards are going unclaimed, and the money is just sitting there for several months. Sometimes, it’s sitting there for a few years. According to Square, a payment company, 40 percent of the world’s gift cards are falling under this umbrella. Retail analyst Bruce Winder joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, if you plan on buying an electric vehicle down the road, you might want to consider the price tags and the logistics of today’s at-home charging stations.

Our year-end conversations continue, as Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Meantime, Colorado's top court has wiped Donald Trump from the upcoming U.S. Presidential ballot. We explain why in Hour 1. Plus, Ottawa's Caring and Sharing Exchange is front and centre for today's Christmas Angel segment.

A new nationwide survey showcases a level of uneasiness when it comes to Canada’s middle-class. Should we be fearing for the future of this demographic? We dig deeper in Hour 1. Meantime, with a new Electric Vehicle plan in progress, the feds plan to lay the groundwork for critical targets, all within the next decade. By 2035, it is aiming to reach 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales. Five years before that, the hope is that at least one-in-five new vehicles will be an E.V. brand. We examine what needs to be done in order to reach these targets. Plus, can an unopened $500 gift card be drained right from under your nose? Apparently, it can.

Here in Canada, the future of electric vehicles is captivating the tabloids. Around the world, it’s a far more serious matter in the Middle East. We provide wall-to-wall coverage on both subjects throughout today’s program. Plus, we break down the top political stories of 2023, and preview the top political items to watch out for in 2024.

Canada’s police force has issued an urgent country-wide warning, as incidents of online extremism continue to spike. Phil Gurski, a security analyst, joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, today’s Political Heat is all about beer, and where you can buy it within the next two years. And finally, the Ottawa Senators have subbed out DJ Smith for Jacques Martin, while also bringing in Daniel Alfredsson to help out the not-so-new face behind the bench. TSN 1200’s Gord Wilson delivers his thoughts on the significant coaching change, and where it leaves the reeling Senators.

Canada has joined the United Nations, and is now voting for a ceasefire in Gaza. Meantime, Quebec’s Emergency Rooms remain overcrowded and under siege. All that, and more, on the Vassy Kapelos Show.

Both the Liberals and New Democrats have granted Greg Fergus a second chance as Canada’s House Speaker. It’s an opportunity that Fergus will gladly take after he was embroiled in acrimony over an ‘inappropriate’ personal video message to a longtime Liberal friend. CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair delivers his two cents in Hour 1. Meantime, we were given multiple warnings that a Canadian recession was likely for 2023. Thankfully, for the most part, we dodged that bullet. But are we going to be as lucky in 2024? Andrew Pinsent picks the brain of Simon Gaudreault, a Chief Economist with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. And finally, if you plan on spending your final minutes of pre-Christmas sanity at the local cinema, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Sharan Kaur, a political strategist, and Karen Gordon, the Principal of Gordon Strategy. Canada has voted for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as Prime Minister Trudeau calls out the ‘humanitarian catastrophe’. How does this impact Canada’s global reputation? Meantime, the feds have also released a new Dental Plan, set to be launched next May. Does it provide any substance, or is it a bunch of pre-Christmas window-dressing? And finally, we react to the top Google trends of 2023. What does it say about the society we live in?

A small town in Northern Ontario is selling sections of land for just 10 dollars. Amidst a housing crisis that never seems to end, would you move here? Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis delivers the sales pitch in Hour 1. Here in Ottawa, the head of the union representing OC Transpo bus drivers had plenty to say at today’s Transit Committee meeting. In Hour 4, ATU President Clint Crabtree sheds some light into the troubling working conditions that his members are currently facing. Meantime, after her newborn son overcame a devastating RSV infection, an Ottawa mother is turning a children’s book into a method of giving back to CHEO’s finest. And finally, the Ontario government has finally confirmed the worst-kept secret at Queen’s Park. As of 2026, all forms of beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails will be sold across all cornerstores and grocery stores in Ontario. However, the LCBO and The Beer Store aren’t going anywhere. We debate the pros and cons of the province’s latest alcohol reforms.

The pre-existing divisions in the Prime Minister’s caucus have been thrusted back into the limelight, specifically over the government’s position in a deadly global conflict. On Wednesday, Liberal MPs were expressing differing opinions towards Canada’s recent pleas for another humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East. Justin Trudeau says this pact between Israel and Hamas must be immediate, and it cannot be one-sided. He also says that Canada will continue to push for peace, and these ceasefire requests won’t be stopping anytime soon. We deliver a wide range of reaction as the show continues. On a much lighter note, Aspire to Inspire is launching Christmas care packages for the homeless this Christmas, an initiative that also benefits their canine companions. Vassy Kapelos chats with Rebecca Nobrega, who is the founder of this project. And for the final time this year, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

The mighty CFRA Nation is in mourning this afternoon, as a beloved morning show host takes his final breaths. CFRA alumni Steve Madely and Dave Watts reflect on the life and legacy of Ken Grant. Later in the program, longtime residents share their favourite memories of ‘The General’. Meantime, the United Nations’ Climate Change Summit has wrapped up in Dubai, with a reported breakthrough in the works to veer away from several fossil fuels. Despite this rumoured pact, glaring loopholes remain untied. Plus, as we head into 2024, wait times at Ottawa’s Emergency Rooms continue to rise. In fact, just to be assessed by a doctor at the Montfort Hospital today, you could be waiting for at least 20 hours. And finally, an Orleans neighbourhood that has a knack for jaw-dropping Christmas displays has raised $30,000 for charity this year. And that’s before their two busiest weekends of the season.

In a recent United Nations gathering, Canada has voted in favour of a non-binding resolution that calls for an ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’ between Israel and Hamas. It’s a move that not only breaks from traditional Canadian policy, but a move that has also ‘stunned’ Jewish groups. In Hour 1, you’ll hear Vassy Kapelos’ in-depth conversation with Bob Rae, Canada’s current Ambassador to the United Nations. Meantime, the Trudeau Liberals have received an early Christmas gift from the political Santa Claus, a present in the form of political support. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto outlines what might have led to the Red Team’s recent spike. Plus, several businesses in Oshawa are making the holidays brighter for families in need. We explain how.

Ontario is preparing to change how beer, wine, and spirits can be sold. By 2026, convenience stores and gas stations could be included on the lists of wine and beer sellers, a ruling that could be delivered by the end of this week. Does this signal the eventual demise of The Beer Store? Dave Bryans, the CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, delivers the details. Later in the show, Kristy Cameron asks the CFRA listeners if these new changes would impact their alcohol-purchasing routines. Meantime, imagine a world where suits and fancy shirts can be delivered straight to your front door. Well, here’s a life-hack for you! An Ottawa start-up company is teaming up with the Rideau Centre to boost retail deliveries. Alok Ahuja, the CEO and co-founder of Trexity, joins the show in Hour 2. And finally, with the housing crunch tightening its grip into 2024, are we about to see a steady rise in co-living apartments? We dig deeper with Matthew Micksin, the Vice-President of Common Real Estate.

Since the creation of this nationally-syndicated radio show, the controversial death of Soleiman Faqiri has been plastered all over Ontario’s justice system. More specifically, Soleiman’s family wants to know how he died in 2016, answers they’ve been waiting to hear for the past 7 years. Today, a coroner’s inquest says the deadly restraints used by Faqiri’s jail guards fits the characterization of a homicidal act. No charges have been laid against the correctional officers in question. Vassy Kapelos chats with Yusuf Faqiri, Soleiman’s brother, in Hour 1. Meantime, a three-person committee is being launched by the feds in the new year, tasked with examining various levels of systemic abuse and human rights violations in Canadian sports. However, it stops short of a full-blown inquiry. Are they going far enough to address the roots of this toxic problem?

A trustee at the Toronto District School Board is pitching the idea of a new cellphone usage policy in Ontario classrooms. At least, for schools within the TDSB boundaries. Do we need a stronger policy? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor with Sachin Maharaj, an Assistant Professor at UOttawa’s Faculty of Education. Meantime, imagine a world where you could dispute your parking ticket without going to court. Well, the City of Ottawa could soon make your dreams come true, as it examines potential changes to its existing court-based systems. One lawyer, however, fears that it could spark a series of biased decisions. Plus, thousands of nine-live creatures who suffer from Feline Infectious Peritonitis could be saved by a single drug. However, this drug is not available to Canadian pet owners.

Ahead of the new year, the feds are expected to announce details of Canada’s new Dental Insurance Plan. Vassy Kapelos gets the bigger picture from NDP MP Don Davies. Meantime, the big players of the European Union have agreed to a landmark deal on Artificial Intelligence regulations. Gladstone A.I. founder Jeremie Harris tries to make sense of it all. Plus, a Senate Committee says that a ‘profound malaise’ is currently lingering within Canada’s diplomatic service.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron, who is taking a long weekend to recharge from a busy news week. After getting a bad reputation from UBER polls in previous years, UBER Eats says that Canada’s Capital is home to some of the most generous tippers in Canada. In Hour 1, we take a deep dive into the latest numbers. According to the Retail Council of Canada, today’s Canadians are becoming more intentional with their Christmas shopping. What the heck does that even mean? We debate and discuss in Hour 2. On a far more serious note, The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan have declared a State of Emergency, as it struggles to contain an opioid crisis. That story is coming up in Hour 3. And finally, the Save Hunt Club Forest group wants to see the now-denuded land near the Ottawa Airport to be preserved as a greenspace. Carolyn Ewers explains further in the show’s final stages.

Amanda Galbraith takes the wheel for another edition of Free For All Fridays. Joining her is CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair and Crestview Strategies V.P. Karen Restoule. It’s the start of Hanukkah, but it doesn’t have the same happy tones as it did last year. And that is translating into the world of politics as well. We explain why. Meantime, Prime Minister Trudeau has begun his year-end interviews, and insists he still isn’t going anywhere. And finally, we try to make sense of Canada’s brand-new cap-and-trade plan.

It was a marathon voting session that lasted for six rounds, and carried well into Thursday morning. But after nearly 2 days of debate, the Assembly of First Nations has elected a new National Chief. We bring you the latest throughout the show, as Cindy Woodhouse celebrates her big victory and looks ahead to a series of tall orders. Meantime, the Ontario NDP’s Long-Term Care Critic has introduced a private members bill to Queen’s Park. Wayne Gates is ordering the province to limit the amount of spending on private agency nurses who are working in public hospitals. He explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, some of Ottawa’s city councillors feel that they aren’t seeing enough law enforcement officials in their wards. That’s despite a massive Police Budget that was recently passed for 2024. And finally, the hunter is now becoming the hunted in the Artificial Intelligence Arena, as Gemini prepares to challenge ChatGPT. What can it offer that the top dog can’t? Tech expert Carmi Levy weighs in.

Accused of improper partisan conduct, Canadian MPs have agreed to an expedited probe into Speaker Greg Fergus. This comes months after the current House Speaker took over from Anthony Rota, who stepped aside following his own controversy. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. Meantime, Ola Alanqar’s family is caught between a rock and a hard place, and currently stranded in Rafah. As Palestinian refugees, they have no government to advocate for them. Ola’s parents haven’t lived in Gaza in over 40 years. And to further complicate things, their children and grandchildren are all Canadian citizens. Ola unpacks everything in Hour 1. And finally, the leader of Canada’s Tories is taking more shots at Prime Minister Trudeau over the country’s housing crisis.

Since 2018, Math scores have been dropping all across the country. The same goes for Reading and Literacy scores. And while COVID-19 disruptions haven’t helped matters, the pandemic is not solely to blame for these grim statistics. Kristy Cameron gets the bigger picture from Louis Volante, a Professor of Education Governance at Brock University. It has been 34 years since the Polytechnique Massacre, a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of 14 female students. And as we recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action, nearly 80 municipalities have declared violence against women as an epidemic. Pamela Cross, a Canadian lawyer and a leading expert on this topic, joins the program in Hour 2. Meantime, Ontario's acting Auditor General says one-in-five patients who visited the province's Emergency Departments did not have a family doctor. A concerning report from the Ontario Health Coalition says that the province’s E.R.’s were shut down a combined 867 times in 2023. Yes, that is a new record.

Ahead of a hopefully Merry Christmas, the Bank of Canada is holding its key interest rates at five percent. Vassy Kapelos chats with Pedro Antunes, a Chief Economist with the Conference Board of Canada. In the world of sports, it was a night to remember for Canadian soccer fans, as the Women’s Team defeated Australia 1-0 in Vancouver. But this win was made even more special when the Canadian faithful bid farewell to Christine Sinclair, the greatest soccer player to ever wear the Maple Leaf.

The number of eating disorders among male children and teenagers has seen a jaw-dropping increase over the past 17 years. It is now 400 percent higher compared to the early-2000’s. Kristy Cameron gets the bigger picture from Kyle Ganson, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Last week, we talked about a Facebook Marketplace scam, and how one specific neighbourhood was being targeted. After Ottawa’s first big blast of Winter, it’s a snow-clearing scam that is generating front-page headlines this afternoon. Josee Dumoulin explains how she ended up falling victim to it. Meantime, the number of stolen vehicles continues to climb in Canada’s Capital, with nearly 40 vehicles being added to the latest laundry list. In fact, it only took seven days for those cars to get hijacked. Plus, as the Shepherds of Good Hope plans to build another Ottawa-based residence, its future neighbours are preparing to vent their frustrations.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. According to a new report from Desjardins, short-term rentals have significantly impacted housing affordability across Canada. Randall Bartlett, the company’s Senior Director of Canadian Economics, drops by the studio. As for our country’s grocery retail sector, it might be one of the most competitive on Planet Earth. That is, if you ask the CEO of Sobey’s. We go 1-on-1 with Sylvain Charlebois, better known as the ‘Food Professor’. Plus, Canada’s healthcare system could soon reach Norway’s professional-grade standards, pending some major improvements. We explain what those improvements are.

A Downtown city councillor wants OC Transpo fares to be frozen throughout 2024. In an effort to offset any potential damages, Shawn Menard is also proposing a 1 percent increase on the transit levy. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with the Capital Ward councillor. Two weeks before she was elected party leader, the new face of the Ontario Liberals promised to bring back Ontario’s basic income pilot program. Here to deliver his two cents on Bonnie Crombie’s plan is David MacDonald, a Senior Economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Meantime, a runaway kangaroo has been recaptured after a wild goose chase lasted for several days. Oshawa resident Sherry Sylvester got an up-close view of this chaotic journey over the weekend, as she lives right across the road from Friday’s attempted capture. And finally, it’s a trend that first ignited in 2005, and has since spread like wildfire. Today, it’s common for every Canadian household to have an ‘Elf on the Shelf’. Have you embraced the tradition yet?

It took 3 rounds of balloting, but the Ontario Liberals finally have a new leader, and her name is Bonnie Crombie. The veteran politician outlasted Nathaniel Erskine-Smith in the final round, and will soon vacate her position as Mississauga Mayor to take on her new role. We get instant reaction from a pair of Queen’s Park reporters: Robert Benzie from the Toronto Star and Laura Stone from The Globe and Mail. Switching over to federal politics, the latest polls continue to show a steep decline for the Trudeau Liberals and a widening lead for Poilievre’s Tories. Plus, Canadians are eagerly watching the Bank of Canada’s every move, as we await a final verdict on the Christmas interest rates.

A recent Facebook Marketplace scam has been affecting several local customers, and also confusing several homeowners on a single Ottawa street. We explain further as the show progresses. In the wake of Mercato Zacconi’s demise in Little Italy, should the Ontario government ease its restrictions on alcohol distribution? We rekindle an old debate with Ryan Mallough, Ontario’s Vice-President of Legislative Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Then, we open the phone lines and sift through the textboard. Meantime, it has been five years since a group of Canadian kids gathered in Ottawa to write the Canadian Children’s Charter. Today, those expected changes have turned into crickets. Plus, if you are craving a trip to the local cinema, perhaps to see a new Christmas movie, Matt Demers has got you covered!

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside CJAD 800 Montreal’s Natasha Hall and Summa Strategies political commentator Elliott Hughes. An Ottawa family physician won't get to stay in Canada after she did not meet the permanent residency threshold. Do rules like these hinder an extensive recovery from the ongoing doctor shortage? Meantime, a Conservative MP has apologized to Canada’s Heritage Minister after asking Pascale St-Onge to answer questions in English. This request was made during a Committee meeting. Even if there was no malice behind it, is this type of question way out of line? And finally, we debate the pros and cons of the feds’ massive journalism deal with Google.

A brand-new hotline has been launched, covering all corners of this vast country. Via call or text, the 988 Hotline is designed to deliver Canadians urgent access to suicide prevention services. Details are coming up in Hour 1. A proposed bylaw in Toronto aims to cut down on single-use plastics by forcing customers to ask businesses for them. Does this proposal make sense? Would it work in Ottawa? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor in Hour 3. Meantime, a restaurant in Little Italy has generated headlines over a boundary spat with the Ford government, specifically when it comes to the sale of alcohol. It has now decided to close its doors. We speak to the owner at 5:20. Plus, a pair of filmmakers recently discovered a legendary shipwreck, a journey that began while filming a documentary about mussels. And finally, what is the oldest thing you have in your home, that you bought with your hard-earned money? That’s up for debate on this week’s edition of Tell All Thursday.

The feds have agreed to an annual $100 million deal with Google, money that will be going straight to Canadian journalists. You’ll hear Vassy’s conversation with Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge. As for the ongoing battle against climate change, Canada is expected to unveil a new oil and gas emissions cap, as the COP28 Climate Summit begins. We get the bigger picture from Michael Bernstein, the Executive Director of Clean Prosperity. And finally, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Ottawa Public Health is recommending an all-out cigarette ban for any resident born after 2008. In their appeal to Health Canada, they also want to raise the minimum smoking age to 21-and-over. Stopping by the Ottawa Now studios to deliver his reaction is Dr. Andrew Pipe, a smoking cessation expert based in Canada’s Capital. Sometime in 2024, a growing number of Ontario’s family physicians are considering job action, an effort to draw urgent attention towards a worsening problem. We chat with Dr. Ramsey Hijazi, an Ottawa-based physician. Meantime, as Canada’s Capital continues to monitor a concerning spike in overdose cases, we debate whether or not a ‘safe inhalation site’ is part of the solution. And finally, does Canada’s new deal with Google secure a massive win for Canadian consumers? Shruti Shekar, an Editor-in-Chief with Android Central, delivers her two cents.

A 12-year-old boy from British Columbia has died by suicide after falling victim to a gruesome case of online sextortion. We get instant reaction from Jennifer Flanagan, the President and CEO of Actua. We also get an important lecture in sextortion prevention from Prince George RCMP Corporal Jennifer Cooper. But first, as Toronto strikes a new deal with the Ontario government, the feds want the city to do more in exchange for housing cash. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says she’s ready to accommodate.

After carving up turkeys and scoring big on Black Friday deals, Giving Tuesday has been created as a way of giving back to the community. We explain how you can lend a helping hand in Hour 1. As Toronto secures a new funding deal with the Ford government, local MPPs are calling for Ottawa to be next in line. Stephen Blais hops on the show at 2:35. Meantime, are you staying home in order to save money? Are you socializing less due to high living costs? According to a new IPSOS poll, conducted on behalf of insolvency firm MNP Limited, Ontarians are feeling a strong case of ‘inflation isolation’. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, a handful of police agencies are warning parents to turn off a new iPhone 17 feature. That’s because a safety risk, known as ‘name drop’, could flare up. And finally, after being trapped in an underground tunnel for 17 days, 41 Indian workers have been rescued in the Himalayas.

According to military expert David Fraser, a continued truce could increase the pressure to not resume fighting in Israel. He delivers the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, the Alberta government has activated the Sovereignty Act. Premier Danielle Smith explains why. And finally, an endangered sea turtle that was filled with hypothermia has been rescued off the Bay of Fundy.

According to Ontario’s current driving laws, drivers can be penalized for operating a vehicle unsafely, violations that include improper lane passing. However, it is not explicitly illegal for a car to pass two solid lines. In every Canadian province outside of Ontario, it is illegal, a reality check that the Ontario NDP is bringing to Queen’s Park. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Meantime, Ottawa resident Andrew Konency has launched a petition to limit the off-label use of Ozempic, a drug that has become a popular tool in the weight loss industry. In fact, the demand for this drug is so high that it has sparked recent shortages across North America. But for diabetic patients that need Ozempic to manage their massive health adjustments, the search for alternatives has been a challenging chore. Andrew pops by the studio in Hour 3. Plus, we tackle a massive, furry, and always-hungry creature in Hour 4. Yes, we are delving into the ‘super pig’ phenomenon.

Families in Toronto are anxiously awaiting the latest word out of Gaza, as Israeli and Palestinian hostages are expected to be released this afternoon. Maayan Shavit’s cousins were detained by Hamas last month, and are still being held captive. She joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, Canadian relations with India are reportedly improving after a controversial decision by the Trudeau Liberals started a diplomatic fire. You’ll hear Vassy Kapelos’ 1-on-1 conversation with Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Canada.

Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Bob Richardson from National Public Relations and Karen Gordon from Ottawa-based Gordon Strategy. As Americans made their way home for Thanksgiving, North Americans nervously stared at the nearest TV screen they could find, as authorities investigated a car explosion on the Rainbow Bridge. It was initially investigated as a terror-related threat, but that theory quickly died down. What did you make of the Canadian government’s reaction to the whole ordeal? Meantime, today’s debt payments are now outweighing today’s transfer payments on healthcare. How much does that concern you? Plus, a slew of concerns have emerged over NextStar's plans to hire foreign workers for its Windsor-based battery plant. Is this much ado about nothing, or do you think these concerns are justified?

Manitoba has become the second Canadian province to offer free birth control, legislation that was brought in by Wab Kinew’s NDP government. Here in Ontario, the NDP is calling on the Ford government to follow suit. That story is coming up in Hour 2, as Kristy Cameron chats with Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma. Earlier this month, word spread like wildfire about Bridgehead’s controversial tipping policy. Today, we found out that those rules have been scrapped. Details are on the way in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ottawa Mission is set to surpass a forgettable milestone, with its annual meal record standing at 1,057,489. But as we head into the homestretch of 2023, a new record is sadly within reach, and well before thousands of Christmas turkey dinners are served. Plus, Canadian shoppers are flocking the streets in droves, as the Black Friday deals roll in. What is your best Black Friday game plan? Where can you find the best deals? The textboard lights up like a Christmas tree in Hour 3.

Ottawa’s homeless population will be looking to escape the frigid temperatures very soon. Instead of the city’s well-known homeless shelters, they could be directed to nearby community centres, filled with bunk beds and military-style tents. We go 1-on-1 with Orleans West-Innes councillor Laura Dudas in Hour 1. On a few occasions this year, we’ve had some extremely passionate debates about self-checkout lines. Today, we are delivering a brand-new update to this legendary saga. Plus, after deciding to cut down a pine tree plantation on Hunt Club Road, the Ottawa International Airport Authority has cited several reports from forester Fraser Smith. However, Smith insists that he never suggested to cut down the entire land, and he denies that the forest in its entirety posed an immediate threat to public safety.

As part of Tuesday’s Fiscal Update, the feds have loosened Canada’s mortgage stress test. Is this the right move or a bold strategy with major risks? Vassy Kapelos chats with Mike Moffatt, the Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute. Meantime, RBC’s recent purchase of HSBC Canada has prompted an online protest against the high-profile banker. We explain further in Hour 2. Plus, a former RCMP official was awaiting his verdict for allegedly violating Canada’s Secrets Law. On Wednesday, he was found guilty on all charges.

The newly-refurbished Chief William Commanda Bridge is officially closed for the Winter season, a huge buzzkill to those who enjoy outdoor activities in frigid environments. The upgrades cost $23 million, and those investments will be sitting on the sidelines until the weather warms up. Florence Lehmann, the Secretary of Bike Ottawa, vents her frustrations in Hour 2. Meantime, the feds’ Fall Fiscal Update was finally unveiled yesterday, and a lot of it was centered around Canadian housing. Does this projection do anything to move the needle forward, or does it set the table for something bigger down the road? Plus, a vehicle explosion on the Rainbow Bridge is causing chaos at various Canada-US borders this afternoon, and just before the start of American Thanksgiving. CTV’s Renee Rodgers has the latest. And finally, a former RCMP official was accused of breaching Canada's secrets laws. Facing multiple charges, he has been found guilty on all of them.

On today’s program, we perform a widespread debriefing of the Trudeau Liberals’ Fall Fiscal Update. Does it hold up to the Opposition’s scrutiny? Vassy Kapelos begins the show with a pivotal 1-on-1 conversation, featuring Canada’s Finance Minister. We also gather reaction from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Conservative Finance Critic Jasraj Singh Hallan. Plus, after WestJet allegedly failed to offer safe accessibility for her wheelchair, Sarah Morris-Probert took matters into her own hands. Refusing to be carried up the stairs, the former Paralympian pulled herself up the stairs and onto her flight.

According to new data from Ottawa Police, more than 1,200 vehicles have been stolen in the city so far this year. And 21 days into November, 85 cars have been stolen. We sift through the staggering numbers with Barrhaven West councillor David Hill in Hour 2. Last week, a new survey found that 1-in-3 Canadian drivers are less likely to buy winter tires. It’s a decision that, once again, comes down to money. Should Ontario take a page out of Quebec’s playbook and make these purchases mandatory? And if they do, should the Ford government fork over most of the money? Kristy Cameron tackles today’s Question of the Day. Plus, the Ottawa Airport Authority plans to move ahead with its plan to clearcut nearly 10 acres of forest along Hunt Club Road. Residents in the area were not happy then, and they are certainly not happy today. And finally, the long-awaited Fall Fiscal Update has been released by the Trudeau Liberals. What do all the numbers mean, and where does it leave Canada as 2024 approaches?

We are just hours away from the latest Federal Economic Update, and the last one we will receive in 2023. Vassy Kapelos covers all the bases with Armine Yalnizyan, a Canadian economist and columnist. In other economic news, concerns are swirling in Windsor, as the NextStar energy plant mulls over a mass hiring of foreign workers instead of Canadian workers. We get instant reaction from Irek Kusmierczyk, the Liberal MP for Windsor-Tecumseh. Plus, a musician and car enthusiast in Moncton is breathing a sigh of relief today. Sebastien Michaud’s 1992 Honda Prelude, one of his most prized possessions, was stolen in late-October. Thanks to the help of hundreds of Maritimers, Michaud finally got his car back.

Stefan Keyes is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. Ahead of Tuesday’s Fall Economic Statement, the Trudeau Liberals plan to crack down on AirBnB, as well as other forms of short-term rental profits. As of New Year’s Day 2024, AirBnB owners can no longer deduct expenses against their income. In doing so, it would take away additional incentives for these business owners to buy up housing, and then use it for short-term rental purposes. We get the bigger picture from Steve Pomeroy in Hour 1. Meantime, are you seeking a productive answer from ChatGPT? Telling it that you’re scared, or that this decision deeply matters to your career, might do the trick. CTV’s Dan Riskin explains further in Hour 2. Plus, the return of Jack Frost is upon us. Whether you love him or hate him, he will be bringing 10 centimetres of snow with him, starting tomorrow. We explain how it could impact Wednesday’s commute.

Canada is bracing itself for tomorrow’s Fall Economic Statement. What are we expecting to hear from the Trudeau Liberals? Vassy Kapelos chats with Jimmy Jean, a Vice-President and Chief Economist at Desjardins. Meantime, new data shows that the top 1 percent of the world’s wealthiest humans are responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the bottom 66 percent. We dig deeper with Ian Thomson, a Policy Manager with Oxfam Canada. Plus, Microsoft has hired Sam Altman, who was recently fired from his CEO gig at OpenAI. The new CEO of Sam’s former employer has also vowed to investigate the reasoning behind Altman’s sudden dismissal.

Under the country’s Environmental Protection Act, a cabinet order from the Trudeau Liberals had listed plastic manufactured items as ‘toxic’. On Thursday, the Supreme Court of Canada quashed that order from the feds, saying it wasn’t reasonable to declare all of these items as harmful. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from Calvin Lakhan, a co-investigator of the Waste Wiki Project at York University. Due to higher living costs, Canadian shoppers are looking to spend less on holiday gifts in 2023. To add insult to injury, the upcoming Black Friday sales aren’t expected to deliver the big bargains that many were hoping for. In Hour 2, we are joined alongside Marty Weintraub, Deloitte Canada’s National Retail Leader. Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Amanda Galbraith returns for another 2-hour edition of Free For All Fridays. We start our show at the Supreme Court of Canada, which has overturned the recent ban on single-use plastics. The Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, Saskatchewan’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, delivers her thoughts on the matter. Meantime, as Prime Minister Trudeau gets shouted out of a Vancouver restaurant, he is getting chewed up by Israel’s top leader. CTV’s Scott Reid recaps Justin’s no-good, very-bad week. Plus, we have a quick update on the APEC Summit, where Trudeau currently resides.

Ottawa-based accountant Moe Tabesh has started an online petition that is quickly gaining traction. With over 13,000 signatures already, he is calling on the feds to consider forgiveness for unpaid CEBA loans. He joins Kristy Cameron to explain further. New rules for Ontario childcare operators will come into effect next year. This legislation is aimed at preventing the rare-but-horrific deaths of children in hot cars. That’s coming up in Hour 2. Meantime, an Ottawa man is speaking out about road safety after a close call in Orleans this week. Kevin Frost, who is deaf and blind, uses guide dogs to navigate around the city. His latest journey almost ended tragically. Plus, we all know that hackers are smart, but how easy are we making it for them to access our data? A password manager has revealed that roughly 70 percent of the 200 most-common worldwide passcodes can be solved in less than a second.

After months of radio silence between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, they crossed paths at this week’s APEC Summit. Brett Bruen, a former U.S. diplomat, joins Vassy Kapelos with his reaction. The program quickly turns to Breaking News mode, as the verdict has fallen on Nathaniel Veltman’s head. He faced 4 counts of first-degree murder for a 2021 attack on a Muslim family. He has been found guilty on all of them.

We are live from the 2023 CHEO Dream Home, and it’s a fabulous place in Manotick up for grabs this time! In Hour 1, Kristy chats with Carly Coldam, who struck it rich in 2022. Turning our attention to more serious matters, the Ottawa Mission is raising its donation request to cover the cost of this year’s turkey meal. Due to inflation rates, the cost of a singular meal has risen to $4.68. Meantime, a list of the Top 10 stolen vehicles has been unveiled, and the trend of luxury vehicle theft seems to be more commonplace than ever before. In fact, the number of auto thefts has increased by 48 percent in Ontario. Scott Long, the Manager of Membership and Communications at the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association, digs through the latest data. Plus, a groundbreaking research program is expected to improve the outcome of patients who are suffering from concussions. That’s coming up in Hour 3.

Former gymnast Kim Shore has written a powerful piece in The Globe and Mail, explaining how the abuse crisis within Canadian sports has impacted society as a whole. She joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Over in the United States, voters are just one year away from another pivotal Presidential Election. As of right know, we don’t know who the chosen front-runners are. However, American journalist Brian Stelter has outlined the battle for American democracy in his latest book. He joins us with a quick preview in Hour 2.

Ontario is planning to ban unpaid trial shifts for restaurant and hospitality workers. Additionally, in the event of customer theft, the Doug Ford government is also strengthening the rules against deducting employee wages. Alex Lucifero of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins the program in Hour 1. Earlier this year, a man’s vehicle was hijacked from the Canadian Tire Centre parking lot. Thankfully, nobody was inside the truck when it happened. During a recent Sens game, it happened again. Adam Declare pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, police in England have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter, linked to the sudden and tragic death of American hockey player Adam Johnson. The former NHLer’s neck was cut by a skate during a live game, an injury that eventually led to his death.

Vivian Silver, who was captured by Hamas forces, has been found. Sadly, she wasn’t found alive. Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian Justice Minister, knew Silver well. So did George Stevens, the Finance Manager of Israel’s largest Arab-Jewish youth organization. Both pay their respects.

After four years of pandemic-related relief, City Council plans to hike patio fees in 2024. But with the restaurant industry still recovering from those COVID pitfalls, a steep rise in such a short period of time might force business owners to ditch their patios altogether. We open the debate floor in Hour 1. As a matter of fact, several businesses in a wide variety of employment fields could soon be staring down the barrel of bankruptcy. Kristy Cameron chats with All Eco owner Jackie Morphy, who runs an organic products store in The Glebe. Plus, we take a broader gander at Canada’s widening wealth gap with Canadian economist Jim Stanford.

In the wake of a string of anti-Semitic hate, which has reverberated all across Canada, shots have been fired at a Jewish school in Montreal. And yes, it’s the same school that was targeted last week. Vassy Kapelos gets instant reaction from Michael Mostyn, the Chief Executive Officer of B’Nai Brith Canada. Meantime, the Israel-Hamas War remains top of mind in the House of Commons, as Gaza civilians are still fleeing for safety. Sameer Zuberi, the Liberal MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, stops by in Hour 2.

During yesterday’s program, we received breaking news from Laurier Avenue. City Council will be moving forward with Lansdowne 2.0, the secondary phase of a redevelopment project with OSEG. It follows four days of delegations and debate, eventually decided by a 16-to-9 Council vote. We deliver instant reaction throughout the show. Earlier this week, we talked about how the Ford government was leaning towards the idea of mandating job salaries on future applications. When it comes to Canadian work experience requirements, however, those are being banned by the province. We explain further in Hour 2. And finally, after the controversial death of a homeless woman earlier this month, the City of Cornwall has unveiled its new Winter Housing Plan.

It’s another 2-hour edition of Free For All Fridays. In Montreal, acts of anti-Semitism have risen since the Israel-Hamas War kicked off, highlighted by gruesome events that took place earlier this week. Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Eta Yudin, the Vice-President of Quebec’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Meantime, Israel has established humanitarian pauses in Gaza, further heightening the push to get stranded Canadians to safety. Plus, the demand for Ozempic is steadily rising, despite recent side-effects and the looming possibility of a lawsuit.

A home explosion in Ottawa South this morning has turned fatal. One person has died, while two others are battling injuries, after police were called to a residence near the Falcon Ridge Golf Club. We get the latest developments as they become available. In other local news, two restaurant owners are fighting for the right to sell takeout alcohol. Previously, they were allowed to, only to be denied that privilege because their establishments were located inside of grocery stores. Both owners have disputed that claim. One of them joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, new research suggests that Gen-Z members of today’s workforce prefer to work alone. However, as a consequence, their collaboration skills are taking a hit. We explain further in Hour 2. And finally, after months of picket lines and no filming, Hollywood actors have tentatively returned to Hollywood’s studios. SAG writers and producers made a similar handshake earlier this Fall. We explain how this decision impacts local operations.

As the violent war between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of ending peacefully, Canada’s Prime Minister sounded off to reporters on Wednesday morning. He was visibly and emotionally frustrated with the amount of hate that was being fueled as a result of this conflict, and encouraged Canadians from all walks of life to love each other. Trudeau says that Canadians with families in the crossfire are ‘hurting’, and their communities are hurting as well. We dig deeper into the Prime Minister’s calls for a humanitarian pause. Plus, as we prepare for Remembrance Day, we explain how Indigenous veteran groups are remembering and grieving their military heroes.

Ontario’s nurses will be able to prescribe flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. We dig deeper in Hour 1. According to a new Canadian study, one-third of people around the world may be at high-risk for a smartphone addiction. It was published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction earlier this week, and it surveyed over 50,000 people between the ages of 18 and 90. That report tried to gauge when smartphone use becomes problematic. Kristy Cameron chats with Louise Nadeau, a retired Psychology Professor who studied internet junkies. Plus, a new report from the Canadian Cancer Society has delivered a snapshot about Canada’s most common and deadly form of the disease. Rob Cunningham, a Senior Policy Analyst for the organization, pays us a visit in Hour 3. And finally, Ottawa’s transit service has found $10 million in savings ahead of next year’s City Budget, leading to what will hopefully become a bounce-back year. Horizon Ottawa explains why they feel less optimistic.

It’s been a full month since Hamas launched the first strike that triggered a war against Israel. Since then, Israel has responded in waves. How many war crimes have been committed between the two sides? What exactly is the definition of a war crime? What international laws apply to these cases? We dig deeper with Errol Mendes, a member of U-Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. In the United States, we have results from the 2023 American mini-elections. Who do they tell us about the battlegrounds for 2024? Plus, our country’s Environment Commissioner says that Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan is falling short of expectations. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Jerry DeMarco in Hour 2.

The first batch of stranded Canadians are on a flight out of Gaza, marking the first step forward in a long journey home. We bring you the latest developments as they become available. In several sections of Quebec, you are not allowed to make right turns on a red light. A handful of American cities have implemented a blanket ban on this move, an effort to better protect pedestrians on city roads. And while parts of Downtown Ottawa display a similar rule, the majority of our city’s traffic lights say a right-on-red is fair game. Is it time we changed that rule? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor. Meantime, today’s healthcare professionals are having a rough time right now, and the post-COVID era has been cruel to Canada’s veterinarians as well. Their mental health is declining and their burnout rates are climbing far too fast. In Hour 3, we hear from Dr. Trevor Lawson, the current President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and a veterinarian himself.

Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are leading by 13 percentage points over the Trudeau Liberals, displayed in a new study from Abacus Data. We explain why over 50 percent of Canadians have a negative impression of Justin Trudeau. Meantime, the first group of Canadians have finally made it out of Gaza. As they head into Egypt, they will be greeted by officials to receive care and support, according to Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister. Later in Hour 1, Vassy Kapelos chats with a resident of Kibbutz Nirim who survived Hamas’ deadly strike.

Olivia Rozema and Jessica Lynn-Wiebe have created works of art for Remembrance Day, all based around their deployments with the Canadian Military in Ukraine. That art piece will be featured at this year’s Canadian Forces Artists Program at the Canadian War Museum. You’ll hear that conversation in Hour 1. Meantime, as memberships decline at several Royal Canadian Legion facilities, the monthly bills are becoming tougher and tougher to afford, let alone pay off. As we discover in Hour 2, Ottawa’s Centretown Legion is really feeling the pain. If you’re an employer in Ontario, and you don’t disclose salaries in your job postings, that reality is about to change. The province wants to make that practice mandatory. Sarah Vermunt, a career coach with Careergasm, breaks down the perks and drawbacks of this plan. And finally, it was perceived that ‘virtual urgent care’ could potentially divert patients away from Ontario’s crowded Emergency Rooms. A new study suggests that didn't happen.

Healthcare and energy costs are expected to dominate boardroom discussions, as Canadian Premiers assemble in Halifax. Fill-in host Graham Richardson gets a preview of Monday’s events from CTV’s Vassy Kapelos. Meantime, Israeli troops have surrounded Gaza City, as the border crossing for approved evacuees finally opens up. We get the latest developments from Retired Major-General David Fraser. Plus, do you think it should be mandatory for salaries to be disclosed in job postings? The Ontario government is trying to make that happen. We open the phone lines and sift through the textboard.

A local labour group is calling out Bridgehead coffee houses for what it deems to be an unfair tipping policy. The Ottawa and District Labour Council says baristas and shift supervisors, who just received a minimum wage boost from the Ford government, are getting the short end of the stick. OC Transpo plans to scrap a handful of its 200-series routes, while also redirecting public transit buses off of residential streets. We get instant reaction from Kari Glynes-Elliott, a co-founder of Ottawa Transit Riders. Meantime, as the Israel-Hamas War stretches into Week 4, we have seen an increase of hate-motivated crimes across the country. This week’s W5 episode highlights the alarming rise of these hate crimes. But did you know that there is no technical definition of a hate crime in Canada’s Criminal Code? CTV’s Avery Haines explains further. Plus, as we enter the holiday season, new data from Restaurants Canada says that half of Canadian establishments are barely breaking even.

As November rolls in, we have returned to the 2-hour edition of Free For All Fridays, with Amanda Galbraith remaining in the hosting chair. In Hour 1, we hear from Nael Alhalees, a man from Burlington who has 18 direct family members stuck in Gaza. That crowd includes his wife and two kids. As the war between Israel and Hamas drags into a fourth week, antisemitic incidents are on the rise at an alarming rate. You’ll hear that story at 12:20. And on a more optimistic note, an affordable housing project in Fredericton is churning out one tiny home every four business days. In doing so, the company is also creating jobs for this New Brunswick community.

An industry expert is sending a massive piece of advice to Ottawa’s future ‘Night Mayor’. His message is simple, but far from easy to accomplish. Two words: Dream big. We explain further in Hour 1. Senator Percy Downe, who once served as the Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, is calling on the Liberals to have a more thorough discussion about who will lead the party into the next federal election. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from a former Communications Director to former Prime Minister Paul Martin. For 10 years, The Beatles had unofficially made Abbey Road their second home, creating most of their fabled tracks in the same legendary studio. However, a few tracks have been released from Artificial Intelligence Avenue, with the latest release presumed to be their last. Music journalist Alan Cross delivers his reaction. And finally, a series of hospitals in Southwestern Ontario have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, which allegedly snagged envelopes of confidential data.

A woman from London, Ontario has lost loved ones in Gaza, and she is desperately looking for ways to help the family members still in harms way. Reem Sultan has met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to talk about the current situation between Israel and Hamas. She joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, an update to Canada’s immigration targets has been unveiled. Spoiler alert: Nothing is changing. We deliver instant reaction as the show continues. And finally, it’s the end of an era for the Vassy Kapelos Show, as producer Sam Pope joins the CTV Power Play team. We have one final salute to one of the hardest-working people on the planet.

The OPP are investigating multiple bomb threats across Northern and Eastern Ontario, leading to lockdowns across multiple school boards and classrooms. We bring you the latest developments as they become available. Ottawa City Council continues to debate new ways to develop new forms of housing, with one suggestion involving the transformation of vacant offices into apartments. In Hour 1, Somerset Ward councillor Ariel Troster outlines her suggestions. A third-year Carleton University student has secured a major bursary, as she aims to improve Canada’s foster care system. Clementine Jarrett joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. In the wide world of sports, the Ottawa Senators had to fork over a 1st Round draft pick to the NHL for transaction misinformation. Hours later, they fired their GM. We take you live to the Canadian Tire Centre. And finally, the Heron Road Community Centre is going to be turned into an emergency shelter. However, the feedback on this decision has been mixed.

Canada’s Prime Minister is pushing back against further exemptions to Canada’s Carbon Tax. We get instant reaction from Chris Ragan, the former Chair of Canada’s Eco-Fiscal Commission. They determine the efficacy of the country’s carbon price. Meantime, the families of Paul Bernardo’s victims want the Supreme Court to grant access to the killer’s parole hearing records. Vassy Kapelos chats with Timothy Danson, who is the lawyer for both the French and the Mahaffy families. Plus, we dig deeper into the shady world of organized crime, and how political corruption sometimes bleeds into our police forces.

Power has been fully restored to the Ottawa General Hospital following Friday’s transformer fire. Several floors were plunged into darkness as a result of the blaze. To add insult to injury, the hospital’s blood-storing fridge also lost power, so now we have a lot of bad blood going to waste. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, the feds are facing an overwhelming amount of pressure to halt its Carbon Tax for all home-heating fuels. And if it doesn’t, Saskatchewan is willing to cease carbon tax collections until further notice. CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair weighs in. Plus, have you noticed that trick-or-treating hours have gotten colder in recent years? A vocal minority says that the final day of October is too late to celebrate this unofficial holiday in Canada. We open the debate floor in Hour 2. And finally, another wave of Greenbelt criticism is knocking on Doug Ford’s doorstep.

Saskatchewan’s Premier says, unless Ottawa doesn’t deliver a lifeline, the province will cease the collection of carbon tax prices. You’ll hear Scott Moe’s conversation with Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Meantime, a new analysis says one-in-four Ontarians could be searching for a family doctor by 2026. We go 1-on-1 with Dr. Mekalai Kumanan, the President of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Plus, a Brant County resident accidentally grows 167 pumpkins. How in the world is that possible? We hear from the man himself, Chris Paul Farias, in Hour 2.

A new draft of the Solid Waste Master Plan, unveiled by city staff members, lists a number of major decisions that must be made during this term of Ottawa City Council. They want to study three options to improve waste management: Incineration, Mixed Waste Processing, and Anaerobic Digestion. That conversation is coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, traffic-calming measures in Canada’s Capital include, but are not limited to, red light cameras and photo radar. But what about ‘smart traffic cameras’? Is this necessary or is it far too inappropriate? The debate begins in Hour 2. Plus, the Ontario government says it will lower the age limits for regular breast cancer screenings across the province. Once at 50, it has now been changed to 40. And finally, we might have another national anthem blunder on our hands.

Israel has intensified its ground operations into Gaza. As we head into Week 3 of this violent powderkeg, what are the complexities involved? Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Tom Lawson, a former Chief of Defence Staff with the Canadian Armed Forces. Here at home, if the Prairies want their voices heard on carbon pricing, Canada’s Rural Economic Development Minister says they should elect more Liberals into Parliament. You’ll hear those words from Gudie Hutchings in Hour 1. Plus, Ontario plans to lower the age limits for regular breast cancer screenings, going from 50 to 40. Here to speak on that subject is Dr. Jean Seely, the President of the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging.

We’ve got another update on Stage 2 of Ottawa’s LRT system, and it sounds like we are facing another delay on the launch date. Full details, as we know them, are coming up in Hour 1. Earlier this week, the Ottawa Police Services Board unanimously approved plans for a nearly 3,000-square-foot police centre. This storefront will be located in the Rideau Centre. However, a flock of ByWard Market merchants aren’t too fond of this decision. You’ll hear some of their stories as today’s show continues. During Thursday’s program, we got to know the true origins of Halloween, with the modern-day versions involving a chocolate binge. However, when it comes to handing out those sugary treats, a new online poll from Leger says Canadians are split down the middle. That’s because the price tags are too damn high. And finally, Matt Demers is here with a preview of five scary nights at a spooky pizza place.

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Jason Lietaer of Enterprise Canada and Tom Mulcair of CTV News. Canada is making a few alterations to its carbon pricing policies, a move that some are calling politically-motivated. How much will it actually help the bottom-line for everyday Canadians? Sticking with the feds, they are calling for 'humanitarian pauses' during the Israel-Hamas War. Is this the right call, or should the government take further action? Plus, the Bank of Canada’s Governor has warned Canadian Premiers against any attempts at undercutting confidence. Tiff Macklem fears that any initiative to do so would compromise the bank’s independence. Agree or disagree?

Frantic chaos started at a Lewiston bowling alley, then continued into a restaurant, as a gunman opened fire. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. Here at home, the City of Ottawa is setting up a task force to address a surge in demand for emergency shelters. According to the latest projections, Ottawa’s shelters could see 200 more adults a night this Winter, compared to last Winter. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from Deputy Mayor Laura Dudas and Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley. Once we get to 2026, new data shows that one-in-four Ontarians could be searching for a family doctor. Dr. Nadia Alam, a family doctor in Georgetown, is debating whether it’s time to move on from her practice. And in Ottawa’s South End, residents and students are raising safety concerns about a four-way intersection near Merivale High School. This follows a scary scene from last week’s commute, as a student came far too close to a minivan.

IDF tanks and troops are pushing into Gaza territory, a limited raid ahead of a massive ground offensive. Retired Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Later in the show, we hear from the Red Cross, as they frantically try to assemble humanitarian aid and help free innocent hostages in this conflict. Over in Maine, a manhunt is underway for a mass shooter that wreaked havoc in Lewiston last night. Just before 1 o’clock this afternoon, at least 18 people were declared dead and at least 13 others were wounded. And finally, we speak to a man who has seen everything, as Jean Chretien reflects on his life as Canadian Prime Minister 30 years later.

The Bank of Canada is holding its key interest rate at five percent. We get instant reaction from Jimmy Jean, a Vice-President and Chief Economist with Desjardins. Later in the program, Vassy Kapelos chats with Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon, as the biggest civilian evacuation in Canadian history is about to unfold. And finally, we hear from Senator Peter Boehm, who led the government’s Lebanon Evacuation Task Force in 2006.

The Bank of Canada is holding its key interest rate at five percent. We get instant reaction from Jimmy Jean, a Vice-President and Chief Economist with Desjardins. Later in the program, Vassy Kapelos chats with Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon, as the biggest civilian evacuation in Canadian history is about to unfold. And finally, we hear from Senator Peter Boehm, who led the government’s Lebanon Evacuation Task Force in 2006.

Restaurants are dealing with a crippling shortage of workers, and the food service sector is suffering big-time. That’s according to the new Foodservice Facts report from Restaurants Canada. In fact, in 2023, vacancies in the industry were doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. Kristy Cameron chats with Rod Castro, who owns a pair of Wellington Street bars. The City of Ottawa says it wants to simplify the conversion process of turning offices into housing units. It is a topic that is becoming more embraced, compared to pre-pandemic conversations. How do we make this happen? Duanne Render, an architect whose firm has worked extensively on office conversions, joins the program in Hour 3. And finally, the Girl Guides have announced they will not be taking part in this year’s Remembrance Day services due to its secularism policy. The straw that broke the camel’s back: A prayer. This comes one day after it opted to back out of all Christmas parades in Canada.

Yonathan Zeigen says his high school teacher was one of the hostages released by Hamas forces on Monday. However, two Canadians are still missing, and he believes that one of the remaining hostages is his own mother. Zeigen joins the program in Hour 1. Closer to home, five people are dead in Sault Ste. Marie following a reported case of intimate partner violence. As we find out from CTV’s Tony Grace, three of the deceased are children. Plus, how will Quebec’s tuition-hike plan impact English universities across the province? Vassy Kapelos chats with Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University.

Did you know that several American employers have an employer-sponsored emergency fund for their employees? It’s a sum of money that can be used in case of urgent financial situations, such as a trip to the car shop. Is this something that should be available to all Canadian employees? We debate and discuss in Hour 1. Over at Queen’s Park, the Ford government will be reversing changes to its official Greenbelt plans in Ottawa, Barrie, Hamilton, and a handful of other municipalities. We get instant reaction from Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard. According to a former FBI negotiator, we have reached a critical point in potentially retrieving hostages from the clutches of Hamas forces. Kristy Cameron chats with Phil Andrew in Hour 2. And as the Christmas Parades prepare for a wintery takeoff, an early hiccup has been detected. Effective this year, the Girl Guides can’t participate in these parades because it excludes those who don’t celebrate the late-December holiday.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is now open, an attempt to let some desperately-needed humanitarian supplies pass through. We get the latest in Hour 1. Later in the program, a former Policy Advisor to Canada’s former Defense Minister stops by to discuss a wide variety of angles to the Israel-Hamas War. What are the major threats to Western countries? What roles could Russia and China play in this global conflict? And what about the looming threat of cyberattacks? That’s coming up in Hour 2. Over in Alberta, Canada’s Employment Minister says the province would be granted permission to leave the Canadian Pension Plan. However, if Alberta jumps ship, it’s a one-way ticket. And finally, we have more on the ‘Blue Fall Protest’, which is taking place in Montreal next Monday. Spoiler alert: It’s about the too-darn-high tuition price hikes for out-of-province students.

Earlier this week, we shared the heartbreaking story of Claude Lurette, a man who is living in a broken-down vehicle and fighting for survival. He was asked to move the vehicle elsewhere, but he didn’t have enough money to follow-through with those requests. That sparked the creation of an online fundraiser, started by a total stranger. Claude joins the show with his emotional reaction. Meantime, the revised Lansdowne 2.0 project has been pitched to 70 community groups in Canada’s Capital. Those ideas and revisions, however, have been overwhelmingly shut down. We deliver the latest in Hour 2. According to a new audit from Canada’s Auditor General, the average Canadian doesn’t have easy access to ‘last resort’ antibiotics. That story is coming up in Hour 3. Plus, Ontario’s Catholic teachers have voted in favour of a strike, with a stunning 97 percent delivering a thumbs-up. A few days prior, ETFO registered an approval rate of 95 percent. Strike deadlines have not been issued in either case.

On this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside veteran radio host Mark Twohey and former Ontario Liberal Chief of Staff Bob Richardson. In the world of federal politics, Liberal MPs are calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War. Is it time to push for one? The debate begins in Segment 1. Over in Quebec, Premier Francois Legault is defending a massive tuition hike for out-of-province students. The post-secondary institutions he supports, however, fear the enrollment consequences will be a bigger price to pay. Plus, Canada is receiving new guidelines on high-risk drinking. How do we diagnose these cases? How do we treat them?

Some of Eastern Ontario’s diabetes patients are facing significant delays in accessing Ozempic dosages. We uncover the latest developments from Jen Belcher, the Vice-President of the Ontario Pharmacy Association. Meantime, Ottawa Police has unveiled a new location for its Neighbouhood Operations Centre in the ByWard Market. And after yesterday’s daytime shooting, this section of the Downtown Core desperately needs all the law enforcement it can get its hands on. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, a new Private Members bill was tabled at Queen’s Park today, an effort to stop convicted offenders and better protect the public. If passed, this Ontario-wide legislation would target sex offenders who have committed horrific crimes, denying them the ability to hide their identities. And finally, over $161 million has been scammed from Canadian wallets in the first 6 months of 2023. This specific number is from investment scams alone, per the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today, who is on assignment in Alberta. Since 2012, Corey Gil-Shuster has interviewed more than 3,000 Israelis and Palestinians. What has he heard from both sides? Has the rhetoric changed since the war erupted a few weeks ago? We speak to the Canadian creator behind ‘The Ask Project’, a video series on YouTube. Meantime, tuition rates are spiking for out-of-province students in Quebec, a government decision that is being slammed by post-secondary institutions. Your texts, calls, and emails are on the way in Hour 2. And finally, it’s a Thursday, which means it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Remember the days of Blockbuster VCR tapes and DVD’s? Well, the nostalgia of yesteryear could be making a comeback, as Netflix ponders the idea of brick-and-mortar stores. Kristy Cameron expands further with Keith Whittier, a movie critic for Ottawa Life Magazine. Meantime, Amazon is conducting a game-changing experiment. That is, if it works. They will be testing a different version of drone delivery, leaving medical prescriptions on doorsteps. Tech expert Carmi Levy debates the perks and drawbacks. Plus, have you heard of a ‘fourplex’ before? Kanata South councillor Allan Hubley gave his personal thoughts on the ways in which Ottawa could solve the ongoing housing crisis. Carolyn Whitzman, a housing policy expert, says ‘fourplexes’ are a great starting point, but they are not a silver bullet.

On today’s show, we hear from the family members of the sixth Canadian that was killed in a toxic Middle East conflict. We also reflect on the final moments of Netta Epstein’s young life, as told by his own mother.

Critics of the Israel-Hamas War are pointing towards a ‘humanitarian crisis’, currently unfolding in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. As the death toll rises and the injured civilians continue to mount, a corridor for immediate healthcare access is essential. A corridor for medical supplies to reach hospitals safely is pivotal. Today, both issues are becoming a life-and-death challenge. Kristy Cameron chats with Joseph Belliveau, the Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders Canada. In Hour 3, you will hear a jaw-dropping story from Claude Lurette, an Ottawa man who has spent most of his life working in the addiction-homelessness field. Today, he is the one asking for help. Claude has 48 hours to remove his broken-down vehicle, which currently serves as his residence. Sadly, he doesn’t have the money. Plus, today marks the five-year anniversary of Canada’s cannabis legalization. For the people who sell it, has it become a financial burden or a game-changing investment?

As the deadly violence between Israel and Hamas causes chaos in the Middle East, the focus now shifts to Gaza’s West Bank. We hear from Noor Hamdalla, a Palestinian-Canadian from Ottawa who has spent several days trying to escape. Here at home, Florence Budden has outlined a list of very specific requests to the feds, all pertaining to the levels of mental health resources that should be accessible to every single Canadian. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with the Co-Chair of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. Plus, Saskatchewan’s Human Rights Commissioner has just resigned over the province’s proposed pronoun bill. Heather Kuttai explains what led to her decision.

We are learning more information about the fifth Canadian that was killed in the Israel-Hamas War. Netta Epstein took his final breaths after last week’s Hamas-led attack in South Israel. According to his mother, the 21-year-old jumped on a grenade in an effort to save his fiancé. Later in Hour 1, we head back to Ontario, where the Ford government is revealing new legislation plans to protect the Greenbelt. This comes as the RCMP vows to investigate the initial reopening. Meantime, new guidelines are urging Canada’s doctors to regularly screen their patients for alcohol use disorders. Dr. Chris Labos, who is a cardiologist himself, joins Kristy Cameron to explain further. And finally, we turn our attention to an unhealthy habit in social situations. That bad habit is a bad attention span. Is the average attention span getting worse? More importantly, does it matter?

There are questions that still remain unanswered following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, and what exactly triggered that fit of rage from Hamas in the first place. And with both sides engaging in a toxic conflict, the world is nervously watching. We hear from White House spokesperson John Kirby at 12:20. Meanwhile in Quebec, the province plans to nearly double post-secondary tuition fees for out-of-province students. These practices, in particular, would apply to English-speaking universities. Do you agree with this practice? And finally, we wrap up today’s program with an uplifting story. Sheldon Guy, a high school basketball coach, lost his vision in 2021. Days later, he was back on the court, refusing to let his eyesight permanently keep him on the sidelines.

As healthcare trouble looms large this Fall, Ottawa Paramedics are using taxis to transport some patients to 'alternate destinations'. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, new studies are delving into the potential health dangers of ultra-processed foods, saying we should minimize their usage in our diets. Kristy Cameron chats with Andy De Santis, a registered dietitian who is currently based in Toronto. Plus, a few weeks after a fee-based clinic secured its grand opening, another clinic with a similar healthcare approach has entered the chatroom.

Amanda Galbraith is back in the hot seat, joined alongside CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and CJAD 800 Montreal host Natasha Hall. As the death toll rises on both sides, the Israel-Hamas War rages into Day 6. One of the most dangerous side-effects has been online misinformation. How have you been navigating this toxic conflict? Meantime, Canadians have been hastily evacuated out of Israel, but several are still missing and three have been confirmed dead. How do you evaluate the feds’ response so far? Plus, the NHL has banned Pride Tape. Is this a major step back for their pursuit of inclusivity?

According to a new survey from Ernst and Young, 25 percent of Canadian employees are likely to quit their job in the next 12 months, with Gen-Z and Millennials the most likely to leave their post. We dig deeper in Hour 2. While their Season Opener in Carolina didn’t end with a victory, there is still plenty of hype around the Ottawa Senators this year. On Saturday afternoon, the fun really begins, as the squad kicks off a five-game homestand against Philadelphia. And now, a familiar face is back where he belongs. Senators President Cyril Leeder joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. Meantime, can an anti-viral medication help lower the risks of lingering ‘Long COVID’ symptoms? Health experts who study and treat this virus believe it can, and some patients regret not taking it. And finally, if Google has its way, passwords could soon give way to passkeys. A cybersecurity expert weighs the potential pros and cons.

The first Canadian rescue flight has departed for Tel Aviv. Vassy Kapelos gets the latest developments from Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defense. Meantime, according to Doctors Without Borders, there is no safe passage to deliver medical aid in Gaza. Executive Director Joe Beliveau says it’s possible to run hospitals, in theory, for a very limited amount of time. However, that is an unrealistic long-term vision without electricity and sufficient food supplies. Plus, we hear from Harel Lapidot, a Saskatchewan-born resident who has family ties to one of the hostages. His 23-year-old niece was snatched during last weekend’s lineup at the Supernova Festival. Today, his family can no longer reach her cellphone.

Have you noticed that the leaves of Ontario’s trees are starting to change colours faster? As we find out in Hour 1, this Summer’s wildfires might have something to do with it. Meantime, has your life become more sedentary when you work from home? Should our workplaces start preaching fitness a little bit more? New data from Participaction is pointing to a drop in work-exercise flexibility since COVID began, with the ‘working from home’ lifestyle making things worse. That debate is coming up in Hour 2. Over in Utah, the state government is suing a popular social media platform. It alleges that TikTok is luring children into a series of addictive and destructive online habits. You’ll hear that story in Hour 3. And finally, the topic of ‘high-frequency rail’ is being tossed around. Not just in Ottawa, or even Ontario. These conversations are circling around Quebec as well. Can this become a nationwide solution to our transit problems?

We continue to gather reaction from the Middle East this afternoon, as the Israel-Hamas War enters Day 5. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Monica De La Fuente, a Canadian who is currently stranded in Israel with her mother and sister. Despite their attempts to book a flight back to Vancouver, they keep getting cancelled. Then, we hear from Yonatan Zeigen, the son of missing Canadian citizen Vivian Silver. His mother is believed to be one of the hostages that are stranded in Israel. And finally, we connect with Liza Shpoliansky, whose 19-year-old cousin was kidnapped by Hamas.

Stunt-driving and speed-racing continue to evolve as prevalent concerns in Canada’s Capital, moreso today than before the arrival of COVID-19. Ottawa Police have identified a handful of hotspots, which include areas of Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, and Merivale. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from a trio of city councillors. In other local news, Ottawa’s largest school board has reportedly overestimated its student enrollment numbers. And now, after falling short on these Elementary school projections, a group of teachers are paying the price for reasons beyond their control. That’s coming up in Hour 2. Speaking of employment, did you know that bloated job titles are spelling trouble for employers? Later in the program, we explain why Gen-Z employees should also take warning. Of course, the big story we are following today is none of those things, as the Hamas-Israel spat enters Day 4. In Hour 3, Kristy chats with Sierra, an Ottawa woman whose family is currently vacationing in Israel.

As we reach Day 4 of a rekindled war between Israel and Hamas, experts fear that things will only get worse from here. How long until the situation improves is anyone’s guess. Later this hour, you’ll hear from Melanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meantime, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations is convinced that Iran played a role in these attacks. Bob Rae outlines his thoughts at 12:35. And as the show goes on, we share a handful of personal stories. First up is Adam Aharoni, a longtime friend of Canadian resident Alexandre Look. He lost his life in Israel this past weekend. As for festival-goer Maya Izoutcheev, who attended the Tribe of Nova Festival with her friends, she is also reliving the tragedy after two of her friends perished. In total, at least 260 people were killed at that festival.

As food prices escalate, how much is your Thanksgiving meal going to cost you this year? We deliver a full breakdown of the price tag in Hour 1. Meantime, the price tag for Lansdowne 2.0 has jumped to $419.5 million, while the amount of affordable housing has shot down. Kristy Cameron gets instant reaction from Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard. Over in Stittsville, a 12-year-old student was left stranded after being denied access on an OC Transpo bus. The transit driver accused Claire Brophy of lying about her age to try to get a free bus ride. Claire’s mother joins the show in Hour 3. And it might be Thanksgiving Weekend, but the local cinema remains open for business. Matt Demers drops by the CFRA studios with his Weekly Movie Picks!

This week, Newstalk 1010 Toronto’s Jerry Agar pinch-hits for Amanda Galbraith. He is joined alongside CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair and AM800 Windsor host Mike Kakuk. Friday’s menu ranges from sky-high food prices to potential military budget cuts, and whether or not you would pay money just to use social media.

Wait times inside Canada’s hospitals have grown so long that more and more patients are leaving Emergency Departments before a doctor even sees them. In fact, that number has climbed fivefold since COVID touched down. You’ll hear that story in Hour 2. Meantime, Britain’s Prime Minister is proposing a ban on cigarettes for younger generations, an idea that was publicly tossed around by Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party Conference. He wants to slowly phase them out, raising the legal age of purchase by one year, and doing so every year. Should other countries do something similar? Plus, a shortfall in elementary enrollment has led to a shuffling of students and classrooms at OCDSB schools. We get instant reaction from Malaka Hendela, who is the parent of an elementary-aged student.

Wab Kinew is coming off an historic election win in Manitoba, handing the NDP a majority government and becoming the province’s first-ever First Nations Premier. He joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. In the world of Artificial Intelligence, a pair of soon-to-be-released A.I. systems are potentially carrying numerous safety risks. Jérémie Harris, the co-founder of an A.I. safety company, gives us the 4-1-1. And finally, we talk all-things science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

According to a new study, more than 50 percent of young Canadians say their relationship status has affected their mental health since COVID’s arrival. That story is coming up in Hour 1. If you check the South Keys Health Centre website, you might come across a series of doctoral bios. Plenty of Ottawa-based doctors are featured on that list, much to their dismay. That’s because they never worked at the clinic to begin with. Should the Ford government step in? The debate floor opens in Hour 2. Meantime, the Ottawa Heart Institute is having a very difficult time recruiting perfusionists, the specialists that run ECMP units and heart-lung BiPass machines, to name a few. OPSEU has addressed this issue forward for more than 18 months now, but the managerial group has been slow to act. Plus, a homeowner in Cornwall is voicing his concerns after an out-of-control vehicle delivered significant property damage to his house. And it’s not the first time this has happened, either.

Tuesday marked an historic night in Manitoba, and it also signaled very good news for Canada’s New Democrats. Wab Kinew secured victory, and a majority government, for the Orange Crush. At just 41 years of age, the Ontario-born politician is also the first Premier of Manitoba to hail from Canada’s First Nations. We get instant reaction from David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Canada. At 1:50, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Perry Bellegarde, a former National Chief of Canada’s Assembly of First Nations. Meanwhile in Alberta, the provincial capital is undergoing a zoning renewal. We explain how Edmonton’s looming changes could be beneficial to Canadian newcomers.

The City of Ottawa is currently mulling over a variety of anti-ice strategies for the troubled LRT system, an effort to prevent the service stoppages that we experienced last Winter. Kristy Cameron gets the textboard going, as she chats with local councillors. Meantime, Ontario has hiked the minimum wage to $16.55 per hour, a hefty hike when you consider that it was $15.00 per hour many years ago. And while our city’s workforce welcomes the latest payraise, local business owners are having nightmares over the worries of increased costs. Plus, did you know that Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program? Advocates say that harsh reality needs to change, and it needs to change now. Joining the show in Hour 2 is Rachel Engler-Stringer, a Professor of Community Health and Epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan. She says we can’t build a national gameplan until we deliver additional assistance to the school meal programs that exist today.

Robin Gill fills in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon, as we wait for a new House Speaker to be selected. Geoff Regan, who preceded the since-resigned Anthony Rota in that position, joins us at 12:05. In world news, India has instructed the feds to withdraw 41 diplomats as tensions rise between the two nations. We get the latest on those developments in Hour 1. Meantime, today’s interest rates are expected to stay higher for much longer. We explain how these warning shots could impact your mortgage. And finally, we find out why a B.C. city is halting a decades-long ban on tattoo shops.

Heading into the long weekend, the South Keys Health Centre is generating plenty of conversation around Canada’s Capital. While the new walk-in clinic is promising efficient service and no wait times, it is also charging its members an annual membership fee. We dig deeper in Hour 2. As digital media takes over print media, hand-held flyers are also going the way of the do-do bird. Should they be saved? Kristy Cameron chats with Claire Tsai, a Marketing Professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Meantime, the Trillium Line’s target date has been delayed once again. Originally, it was planned for August. Today, we found out that the new transit service will be MIA until 2024. And finally, a few weeks after delving into ‘Girl Math’, we’re talking ‘Boy Math’ in Hour 3.

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Lucas Meyer of Enterprise Canada and Andrew House of Fasken National Security Group. Prime Minister Trudeau has apologized for Parliament’s recognition of a Nazi veteran during the Ukrainian President’s visit. What needs to happen next? Meantime, the feds are looking to cut $1 billion from Canada’s Defense Budget. We break down the costly cons. Plus, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is this Saturday. Has it changed us as a country? And now, moving forward, what else can we do?

When you get married, the ultimate goal is to live a happy and lengthy life. Nowadays, it seems as though younger couples are building everlasting relationships, which have lasted longer than the ones their parents created. What’s their secret to success? Kristy Cameron, who is currently engaged, chats with cultural anthropologist Johanna Faigelman. Meantime, researchers say immediate treatment options could have prevented thousands of premature cancer deaths in 2020, particularly for female patients. We break down the numbers in Hour 2. Sticking with health news, another triple-demic season is facing Eastern Ontario’s largest children’s hospital. CHEO says it feels more resilient heading into 2023’s final months, but how prepared are they? And finally, we’ve seen a clear sign that this year’s cold-and-flu season could be a gnarly one. The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital has declared a Code Orange, largely due to an increase in capacity pressures.

A new report finds that oil and gas emissions are undercutting Canada’s climate progress. We get the bigger picture from Dave Sawyer, a Principal Economist at the Canadian Climate Institute. Meantime, Karabakh Armenians are dissolving a breakaway government in capitulation to Azerbaijan. Vassy Kapelos gets the latest from Neil Hauer, a Canadian journalist who is currently based in Armenia. And finally, we end the show on a lighter note, as CTV’s Dan Riskin tackles the fine balance between wealth and self-esteem.

Amid a damning report into Ontario’s Poverty Report Card, the Ottawa Food Bank says its reserves have shrunk from $22.3 million last year to about $14 million today. That’s according to CEO Rachel Wilson. She joins the show in Hour 1. Municipal politicians in Barrie, Ontario have previously pondered a bylaw amendment that would outright ban donations to the homeless. Those who are fighting against this proposal are taking it straight to the United Nations’ doorstep. We explain further in Hour 2. Meanwhile at Ottawa City Hall, eleven councillors have signed an open letter to Ontario’s Auditor General and Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner, calling on them to investigate how and why the province added more land to Ottawa's urban boundary. Theresa Kavanagh, who signed that letter, drops by the Ottawa Now studios. And finally, do you text someone before you call them? The debate begins in Hour 4.

After days of resignation calls, Canada’s House Speaker finally submitted his notice to Prime Minister Trudeau on Tuesday. Vassy Kapelos gets instant reaction to the Anthony Rota fallout. Later in the program, a controversial U.S. President of the past is found liable for fraud. And even with Biden’s popularity taking a massive hit, we explain why it could be game over for the Republicans if Donald Trump is out of the Leadership Race. Meanwhile in Calgary, a catering company believed to have fueled the recent E. Coli outbreak is now facing charges. That story is coming up in Hour 1. And finally, we dig into Canada’s housing shortage, and try to uncover the potential solutions that others have yet to find.

Canada’s new Immigration Minister is still considering a controversial option to allow new Canadians to take their Oath of Citizenship with the click of a button, which would likely do away with in-person ceremonies. Kristy Cameron chats with Andrew Griffith, the former Director General for Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Meantime, the House Speaker of Canada has finally stepped aside after the checkered past of his special guest was exposed. However, calls are growing for Prime Minister Trudeau to take some form of accountability. His presence in the House of Commons has been minimal since the news dropped. And in local news, City Council says a new pilot project will be launched in Centretown. Back in July, a plan was approved to launch a brand-new 9-1-1 alternative that deals with mental health calls. Is this the best section of Ottawa to complete this trial?

Canada’s relationship with India has unravelled in recent weeks after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the Indian government had a role to play in the death of a Sikh activist. What is the real reason behind the fallout? Vassy Kapelos chats with Omer Aziz, a former Foreign Policy Advisor who also served as Trudeau’s government writer. Plus, the calls for Anthony Rota’s resignation as House Speaker are still growing, yet he still hasn’t fallen on his sword. Spoiler alert: He did after we signed off for the day.

It’s cold-and-flu season, people! That’s a reminder that employees should take with caution if they are sick. And yet, some people decide to tough it out and show up. In the world of COVID, where cases are spiking again, how often have you noticed this trend? Text into the show and let us know. Once the OSIRIS-REX unloads space cargo to Planet Earth on Sunday, Canada is rumoured to be receiving a special delivery from NASA. CTV’s Dan Riskin says this is a very big deal. We find out why in Hour 2. And finally, Happy Goat Coffee says it has lost over $500,000 at LRT kiosks, but adds they aren’t giving up on the Confederation Line just yet. Kristy Cameron chats with owner Henry Assad in Hour 3.

Calls are growing for Canada’s House of Commons Speaker to resign. This comes after swirling rumours about his 98-year-old guest at the Ukrainian President’s Address, who had ties to the Second World War Nazis. Plus, a new report says that 4-in-10 child patients are facing unsafe spinal surgery wait times in Canada. We dig deeper in Hour 2.

Just before we signed off for the night on Thursday, the Ottawa Senators made it official. They have a new majority owner, and his name is Michael Andlauer. We hear from the man himself as today’s show continues. As the school bus driver shortage continues to unfold, concerned parents have started a petition to Ontario’s Education Minister. They are calling on the OSTA General Manager to step down immediately as their patience wears thin. Jennifer Bugden, a concerned parent, fills us in. When it comes to Ottawa’s roads, they seem to be growing more toxic and aggressive, a problem that Ottawa’s crossing guards are starting to detect more frequently. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, if you think that no chilli pepper can tame your taste buds, Mike Jack begs to disagree. Kristy Cameron chats with the man they call ‘The Molten Moose’. And finally, if you’re craving a trip to the nearest movie theatre, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie and CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos. Prime Minister Trudeau is calling on the Indian government to cooperate with an investigation into the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, a crime that took place on Canadian soil. He also said that Canada would not release the evidence it currently has. If the feds decide to change that approach, what are the costly risks involved? Meantime, a series of cross-country rallies were held this week, opposing ‘gender ideology’ teachings in schools. This sparked a wave of counter-protests. Where do you stand on this argument? Plus, the Ontario government has backpedaled on its plans to open the Greenbelt for housing development. Is all truly forgiven, or will this stain follow Premier Doug Ford into the next election?

At this time of year, it is almost impossible to enjoy your backyard or patio. That is largely due to one pesky insect: Wasps. But in September, they really love to come out and play. Why do they become so aggressive right before the Fall temperatures roll in? Kristy Cameron chats with Rosalind Murray, an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Toronto. Meantime, the union representing OC Transpo bus drivers has sparked a ton of conversation today. ATU Local 279 President Clint Crabtree called on every single bus driver to ditch their work uniform, a form of protest against what the union describes as a ‘toxic work environment’. Crabtree joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, as the leaves start to fall in Barrhaven, numerous sidewalks are crumbling. Some have been overtaken by large patches of weeds. A new pilot project hopes to change that.

The federal government is reducing Canada’s diplomatic staff members that are currently based in India, citing threats to public safety. This follows the murder of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil and the ensuing back-and-forth between the two countries. Globe and Mail reporter Bob Fife joins the show in Hour 1. Later in the program, you’ll also hear from NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who voiced his thoughts on the matter. Plus, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time to talk all things science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

A protest, followed by a counter-protest, took over Parliament Hill today. It was a clash over gender ideology, what is being taught in Canadian schools, and how all of this is impacting our country’s LGBTQ2S+ community. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just approved a new workplace law, which now bans employers state-wide from accessing personal accounts of their employees. When it comes to background checks, how far is too far? Kristy Cameron chats with Sari Cantor, a partner with Ottawa’s ‘Recruiting In Motion’ Chapter. Plus, a new report sounds the alarm on a potential truck driver shortage. We explain why it could soon place Canada’s economy in a state of peril. And finally, Kristy goes on an interesting rant about vitamins.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive in Canada’s Capital this week, as he pays a visit to Prime Minister Trudeau’s doorstep. He also delivered a message to the United Nations’ Security Council. Vassy Kapelos chats with Yves Fortier, a former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and the former President of the U.N. Security Council. Meantime, a Calgary-based economics professor says the feds’ food price plan makes no sense. From a political point of view, he says that massive wrinkle won’t matter anyway. Trevor Tombe explains further in Hour 1. Plus, a Canadian Senator and a Conservative MP have formed a multi-partisan ‘emerging tech caucus’. Today, they released their first report on Artificial Intelligence. Colin Deacon and Michelle Rempel-Garner explain what they found.

We all know that OC Transpo is in rough shape, both from a PR standpoint and a financial standpoint. But do we really know how bad things are? When the Mayor of Ottawa is caught off-guard, that’s not a great sign. Kristy Cameron chats with Wilson Lo, the councillor for Barrhaven East and a former OC Transpo employee. A few months after the City of Ottawa placed a limit on garbage bags, it is now mulling over potential changes to when your garbage bags will be picked up. That story is coming up in Hour 3. Meantime, a growing number of Canadian nurses have relocated to the United States, in search of better income. And after seeing their first payday, they have little desire to move back to the Great White North. And finally, how happy are you at your current job? It might depend on who you ask.

Prime Minister Trudeau has unleashed damning allegations towards India, partially pointing the finger at them for the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. India has responded by kicking out a Canadian diplomat. We have instant reaction as the show rolls on. Plus, the CEOs of Canada’s top grocery chains gathered at Parliament Hill on Monday. Vassy Kapelos finds out what went down.

According to a tweet from CTV Ottawa’s Leah Larocque, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says OC Transpo is facing a ‘worsening financial situation’, a problem that has grown significantly worse since his decision to run for office. Graham Richardson chats with Marty Carr, the councillor for Alta Vista Ward and a member of the city’s Transit Commission. Today marks 10 years since a tragic collision unfolded between an OC Transpo double-decker bus and a VIA Rail train. Six people lost their lives, including the bus driver. And while some things have changed, the site where the crash took place has largely remained the same. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, as the CEOs of Canada’s biggest grocery store chains gather at Parliament Hill, are the feds trying to ease public pressure or generate positive results with these meetings? We debate and discuss with our Political Heat panelists.

Later this afternoon, the CEOs of Canada’s biggest grocery store chains are stopping by Parliament Hill. Once again, they are in town to talk about sky-high food prices. We get the latest scoop from CTV’s Judy Trinh. Meantime, a newly-assembled Task Force says the majority of Canadians are searching for a climate-centered solution to the ongoing housing crisis. Vassy Kapelos chats with Lisa Raitt, a former Conservative MP, and Don Iveson, a former Mayor of Edmonton. Both of them collaborated to launch this brand-new task force. Plus, we hear from Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, as Atlantic Canada begins its full-scale recovery following another post-tropical storm.

Research shows that Canada’s family physicians per capita is one of the best in the world. So why do more Canadians find themselves searching for a new family doctor? That’s because the line of work for these doctors is drastically changing, and so are their patients’ needs. We dig deeper in Hour 1. Then, we hear from you in Hour 4. Meantime, Prime Minister Trudeau has vowed to remove the GST costs on new rental housing units. He is also calling on Canadian cities to end ‘exclusionary zoning’. Will this initiative lead to significant relief for Canadians? That’s coming up in Hour 2. And finally, less than 48 hours after a heated discussion between Ottawa city councillor Clarke Kelly and OSTA President Vicky Kyriaco, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority could soon be the subject of a third-party review. According to Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, the Ontario government has already pulled the trigger on the initial stages of this plan. She vents her frustrations in Hour 3.

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Tom Mulcair of CTV News and Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy. The feds are vowing to remove the GST on all new rental housing projects, while also calling on Canadian cities to end exclusionary zoning regulations. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says we need to build homes, not bureaucracy. Is this new policy from the Trudeau Liberals arriving too late? Switching gears back to Poilievre, his conversation on a WestJet P.A. system has sparked a back-and-forth between the Tory leader and WestJet’s union. Why should Canadians care? Plus, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but your daily coffee might be doing more harm to your body than you realize.

An Ottawa father is calling for Bylaw officers to show empathy in school zones, as drivers pick up their kids from class. Stittsville resident Steve Albert made this plea after he was handed a $105 ticket for stopping in an intersection outside A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. He joins Kristy Cameron with his version of events. Earlier this week, the councillor for West Carleton-March clashed with OSTA President Vicky Kyriaco over the city-wide shortage, leading to his early exit from a Zoom meeting. You’ll hear from Clarke Kelly in Hour 2. Plus, RTG is still trying to restore the Confederation Line to its full-strength responsibilities. But when it comes to the idea of no-fare transit as a form of compensation, the Head of OC Transpo says they cannot write that cheque. Why? Because they can’t afford it.

The E. Coli outbreak continues in Alberta, with over 300 lab-confirmed cases still active across the province. We get the bigger picture in Hour 1. Later in the show, our Daily Debrief Panel reacts to the latest happenings from the Liberal caucus retreat, while also tackling the ‘Housing Accelerator Fund’. And finally, Vassy Kapelos talks science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Here’s a neat idea to fight back against burnout in the workplace. It’s called ‘job sharing’, where you pair up with someone else and split your job right down the middle. Whether it’s a 50-50 split or a 60-40 split, is this something you would be open to? Kristy Cameron chats with Melissa Nicholson, the CEO and Founder of Work Muse. Then, she opens the floor to you in Hour 4. Meantime, the University of Ottawa is taking down public information about its active classes, citing safety concerns for its students and staff members. However, critics argue that the post-secondary institution needs to do more. We debate and discuss in Hour 2. Plus, a new report is pointing towards another silent epidemic in Canada. This time, it’s a battle between prescription opioids and older Canadians.

Calgary is battling an E-Coli outbreak, with 231 cases confirmed so far. However, daycares are starting to reopen again. Is it too soon to make that call? The debate begins in Hour 1. We also hear from a doctor’s desperate cries for additional mental health funding, which comes after her brother’s tragic death.

The City of Ottawa certainly got people’s attention over the weekend when they released brand-new jaywalking ads for their road safety program. However, a healthy chunk of that feedback was negative, criticizing the amount of graphic images and the messaging itself. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh wants them off the air. Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney believes they should stay. The debate continues in Hour 2. Meantime, Canadians are rallying to help displaced Moroccans, as they recover from Friday’s massive earthquake. More than 2,100 lives have been lost, a number that is sadly still rising days later. We go 1-on-1 with Ilham Chabi, an Ottawa resident who was born in Morocco and still has family there. On a lighter note, humanity is always searching for the next big oddity. Today, a group of researchers at McGill University are trying to locate a ‘super potato’. First of all, what the heck is that? Secondly, how do they plan to track it? Kristy Cameron tries to fill in the blanks.

Vassy Kapelos has returned from Quebec City! In our Daily Debrief Panel, we dissect what we found out from this year’s Conservative Convention. Meantime, as our housing market gets filled to the brim with stress, Canada’s Housing Minister says the feds aren’t ruling out changes to immigration targets. You’ll hear from Sean Fraser in Hour 1. And later in the program, Vassy asks the Tories how they plan to tackle the housing crisis themselves. Plus, we continue to gather reaction from Morocco after a devastating earthquake rocked the country to its core. TSN 1050’s Matt Cauz was in Marrakesh when it all went down, living to tell the tale after his next-door building collapsed. Sadly, over 2,000 people weren’t so lucky, as thousands of families continue to grieve.

A new report from OC Transpo says a reduced transit fare plan for hybrid workers would be feasible. This plan, in theory, would apply to workers who are no longer commuting to their workplace on a daily basis. What are the pros and cons? Kristy Cameron chats with David Hill, the councillor for Barrhaven West and a member of Ottawa’s Transit Commission. Meantime, food experts are sounding the alarm on a practice called ‘skimpflation’, where food companies allegedly swap ingredients with lower-quality substitutes to cut costs. You’ll hear that story in Hour 2. Plus, as the vocal majority plans to send 24 Sussex to the scrapyard, some of Ottawa’s heritage groups are shouting back. Not only do they want to save the Prime Minister’s residence, they argue that the NCC’s restoration costs have been exaggerated.

This week’s show features Karen Restoule, CEO of Bold Realities & Whose Land and Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute.

Topics: 1. The Conservative policy convention is underway in Quebec City: What does success look like for the Conservative convention this weekend? Can the party continue riding this popularity wave? What potential pitfalls could develop? 2. We have the first details looking into the federal government’s foreign election interference inquiry: How do you feel about the details we have so far? Can this inquiry be effective? What will you be watching for? 3. First anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and little progress in modernizing monarchy: Has the monarchy fallen out of public focus in the last year for Canadians? Will there continue to be a push away from the monarchy? What could modernization look like?

It’s been almost 5 years since the Canadian government legalized marijuana. But as a new study from the Ottawa Hospital finds out, there has been a very large increase in cannabis-related traffic injuries since October 2018. We dig deeper in Hour 1. If you think this heatwave from hell has been awful enough, just imagine being a student in a typical Ontario classroom. That’s because not every single learning space has access to the school’s A.C. supply. Does the modern-day A.C. unit need to become a mandatory feature? We open the debate floor with Malaka Hendela, the Co-Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils. Plus, a recent investigation from Ontario’s Ombudsman has revealed a damning portrait of COVID’s wrath inside long-term care homes. More specifically, it illustrated what the Ford government didn’t do during the first wave of the pandemic.

Unpacking the details of the federal government’s impending foreign interference inquiryBob Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail, joins Graham Richardson to talk through the mandate, what we know, and what we don’t.On today’s show:•Vassy Kapelos joins from the Conservative policy convention in Quebec City with the latest details and walking through what success looks like this weekend•Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin: what’s the deal with “beer goggles?”•The Daily Debrief Panel with Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent for CTV News Channel and host of The Debate; Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail; Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail •Chief Ben Pellett with the Scotch Creek-Lee Creek Volunteer Fire Department on the wildfire damage lingering in B.C.’s Shuswap region•And you Have Your Say: one survey ranks Canada the second best country in the world – what do you think?

Authorities in New Zealand are investigating a string of deaths that could be linked to Ontario native Kenneth Law. Kristy Cameron investigates the ‘Suicide Pill’ case with former homicide detective Mark Mendelson. Earlier this week, we outlined the challenges that some students will face next Tuesday, particularly those who don’t have a bus ride to school. And for special needs students, those challenges are magnified even further. We speak to Julie Jewett, a parent facing this exact scenario. Plus, is your teen too young to get a job? One mother has gone internationally viral with her take, as she ripped this policy to shreds. She thinks its idiotic and insane to push a child into the workforce too soon. How young is too young? Julie Romanowski, an early childhood consultant, joins us in Hour 2. And finally, are you eager to catch a long weekend flick at the local cinema? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Ahead of the Labour Day Weekend, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Liberal pundit Bob Richardson and Newstalk 610 Niagara host Karl Dockstader. Ontario’s Housing Minister has apologized for his lack of action in the Greenbelt fiasco, but he doesn’t plan to remove himself from his post. Premier Ford won’t be kicking him out, either. We outline where the P.C. Party goes from here. Meantime, the federal Tories are opening up a massive lead in the polls over Trudeau’s Liberals. What are the top priorities for every single political party this Fall? Plus, protestors continue to use magical art pieces for attention-grabbing stunts. Does their message get lost in the shuffle as a consequence for those bold attacks?

Earlier today, an On2Ottawa supporter boldly approached the National Gallery of Canada, and he did so with a purpose. He was on a mission to address wildfire issues facing Canadians across the country. But by throwing paint at Tom Thomson’s Northern River, his message was disrupted by law enforcement. We bring you the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, as the extreme weather events start to pile up across the country, is Canada’s reputation of being a gigantic tourist destination now at risk? That debate is coming up in Hour 3. Plus, when META blocked Canadian news content from its platforms, it seemed to argue that Canadian news outlets needed them more than Facebook or Instagram needed news articles. According to an exclusive report, the recent news ban has failed to put a dent into Facebook’s usage. Tech expert Carmi Levy joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. And finally, should you place a GPS tracker on your child? Montreal Gazette contributor Hayley Juhl posed that question in her latest column.

As one tropical storm heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, another is tracking south of Atlantic Canada. We get the latest developments as Hurricane Season kicks into high-gear. Meantime, new reports from the Canadian Cyber Centre allege that Moscow is helping cybercriminals operate with ‘near impunity’. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Plus, if you’re annoyed with athletes appearing on gambling ads, relief is in sight…after the Super Bowl.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. Starting this September, a number of changes are coming to Ontario schools. However, the biggest hurdle for some students and parents is finding a way to get to school. This comes as the OSTA loses one of its bus companies, putting 36 bus routes in limbo. In other news, our city’s transit service is contemplating cuts to bus routes, as well as a fare increase. We dissect the financial troubles facing OC Transpo in Hour 1. Meantime, Lanark families are being told that local daycares are losing funding under the current $10-a-day childcare program. We try to get some answers. And as the costs for school supplies continue to rise, parents are looking for the best back-to-school savings they can find. We chat with retail analyst Bruce Winder in Hour 3.

A new poll from Abacus Data displays Canada’s Conservatives in a comfortable lead. In that same poll, only 27 percent of respondents believe that Prime Minister Trudeau should run for re-election. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto drops by the studio and tries to make sense of it all. Meantime, UNIFOR auto workers have overwhelmingly voted to authorize strikes at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. We hear from UNIFOR National President Lana Payne in Hour 1. Plus, the legal hits keep on coming for former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ontario Premier comments for the first since Housing Minister's chief of staff's resignation because of the Greenbelt saga. Ottawa's Capital Pride week is wrapping up for another edition. The wicked weather Ottawa dealt with during the year has really hurt the city's budget. Later, Mr. Hollywood Matt Demers drops by with his "Flaming Thumbs" reviews of 'Gran Turismo', 'Dreamin' Wild' and 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah'. With Kleenex bidding adieu to Canada, we wonder about the products you can no longer get here OR that have been discontinued. It's our Flashback Friday! Many Ottawa businesses are worried the federal government will NOT extend the CEBA repayment deadline. Also, do you snack at the grocery store BEFORE paying for the item? Our QOTD: With another potential Covid wave, is it fair to force the return-to-office work? Many listeners believe if you have the ability to work from home, you should. Another subject that got the textboard buzzing was the topic of speed cameras.

This week's show features panelists Sharan Kaur, political strategist and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Bill Morneau, and Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader. Topics: 1. Conspiracy theories and misinformation are swirling around Canada’s wildfires. Do we communicate efficiently enough during emergencies? How big of a factor is the Meta news ban? 2. Where do things stand in Canada’s political landscape heading into the fall? What can we take from the Liberal cabinet retreat? How well are opposition parties positioned? 3. Donald Trump is the first former US president with a mugshot. What does this mean for his candidacy? Will he be able to spin it to his advantage or is this a truly meaningful roadblock? 4. Welcome to the 20th anniversary of the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Are you a fan? Why do people feel so passionately about this? 5. Kleenex is leaving Canada: are you shocked? Going to miss it?

Mayor Rebecca Alty tells Vassy Kapelos conditions today could work against firefighters, and that the eventual return may be staggered to allow all resources and infrastructure to be available.

On today’s show:

Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, MP for Central Nova on Canada’s housing crisis and how the federal government can respond Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail; and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent for CTV News Channel and host of The Debate, on the housing crisis and a potential RCMP investigation into Ford and Ontario’s Greenbelt Have your say on the Greenbelt and the state of housing

Kristy Cameron is here to wrap up another hectic week in Canada's Capital, not to mention parts of Canada affected by wildfires.

This week's show features Lindsay Maskell, political consultant and former advisor to Ontario Premier McGuinty, and Josie Sabatino, senior consultant with Summa Strategies and a former political staffer.

Topics:

Treasury Board President Anita Anand has told federal ministers to find $15 billion in government spending cuts by October. Let’s discuss.
Officials in the Northwest Territories are urging thousands of residents remaining in its capital to leave by noon. Are we, as a country, prepared enough to deal with these kinds of issues?
Ontario has launched a review into drug consumption sites after a daytime Toronto shooting in July. Is it time other provinces did the same? -Let’s chat about hustle culture. Do you feel pressured to inundate yourself with work?
Britney Spears’ husband has for divorce 14 months after their marriage.

I've heard of a goodbye KISS, but a welcome back Hershey's KISS? Smiths Falls is getting ready to welcome back an old friend. A Smiths Falls councillor calls the news of Hershey coming to back "... a terrific positive for the town." Do you have a family doctor? Is it difficult to them in a timely manner? A survey finds that 1 in 4 Canadians don't have a doctor; 3 in 10 have issues seeing their family doctor. Later, an evacuation order has been issued for Yellowknife as wildfires approach. We hear from a Yellowknife resident about what she's hearing. Plus, a new Illinois law will force 'influencer' parents to pay their kids. Thoughts? Should there be such a law in Canada? That’s our QOTD! Also, n our Tell All Thursday, Kristy is pretty sure that she met a naked man that was referenced in an advice column. Plus, Kristy speaks with the President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, Karen Brown, about what exactly they're looking bargaining.

Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, speaks with a woman who was forced to flee her home due to an approaching fire.

On today’s show: A conversation with Yellowknife resident Nadia Byrne.

Plus, Shane Thompson, Northwest Territories Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. - Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, on why she says Alberta will never comply with the federal clean power grid plan. - Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin, CTV science and technology specialist. - The Daily Debrief panel with Robert Benzie and Marieke Walsh. - Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, elaborates on plans to find $15 billion in government spending cuts by October.

The Northwest Territories is the latest Canadian region to order evacuations and declare states of emergency in the face of raging wildfires, 2 in 3 Canadians are satisfied with how much leisure time they had according to StatCan, Toronto’s iconic summer tradition, the Canadian National Exhibition with all-new features and popular favourites that continue to attract more than 1.5 million visitors annually, and much more.

Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, speaks with the president of Canada’s largest federal public-sector union who says the proposed cuts are being rushed through.

Just three weeks before students are set to head back to school with a potential teacher's strike looming, Inflation jumped higher last month, to 3.3%, so Kristy asks how much your mortgage is on your mind?, The annual blitz as parents compete to register their kids for swimming lessons, and much more.

Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, speaks with the CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association about a new report which found many homebuilders are cancelling projects amid high rates despite a severe housing shortage.

The fire that destroyed the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui is now the deadliest U.S. wildfire of the past century. Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, speaks with a Canadian who fled.

The LRT had trains running again today, how did it go? Kristy asks her question of the day. Have you noticed people lacking movie theatre etiquette, Keith Whittier stops by to discuss, and much more.

The cleanup continues after a record-breaking storm. How can we solve the flooding situation? City councillors Marty Carr and Riley Brockington discuss what can be done. Close to 800 items are missing from the Canadian History Museum. (Can somebody call Indiana Jones?) Later, why are some content creators using AI to recreate the likeness of missing or dead children? They're doing it in the U-S but will Disney+ crackdown on password sharing in Canada? Tech expert Shruti Shekar believes it’s just a matter of time. Mr. Hollywood, Matt Demers, drops by to give his "Flaming Thumbs" reviews of the 'Toopy and Binoo' movie, 'The Last Voyage of the Demeter' as well as 'Red, White, & Royal Blue'. The massive housing supply strain isn't helped by the record level of international students. We have the latest LRT update. Our QOTD (that's Question Of The Day, for those wondering): Are you spending too much on streaming services, and do you have too many of them?

Free For All Friday hosted by Amanda Galbraith features top talent across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features Ryan Price, news director and afternoon drive host on CFAX 1070 in Victoria, B.C. and Reshmi Nair, host of The Rush on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto. Topics: 1. A Conservative ad blitz aims to re-introduce Pierre Poilievre to voters. Are these kinds of campaigns effective? 2. Do policies around safe injection sites need to change? 3. Have you secured Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets for Toronto? 4. The biggest search for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years is set for this August in Scotland. Do you think this legendary creature exists? 5. Visitors were helped off Sulphur Mountain after a power outage shut down the Banff Gondola this week. What would you do if you were in that situation?

Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Kathleen Monk, principal owner of Monk + Associates, and Tim Powers, chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data.

Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

What’s happening with the Ontario government’s decision to open up parts of the Greenbelt for housing? Kristy asks her question of the day, Technology Expert Carmi Levy chats about a Google update making it easier for U.S users to remove some unwanted search results, and more.

LRT service has been restored... partially. Ever been left stranded, in say a gondola? You thought I was gonna say the LRT, didn't you? Plus, Health Canada has approved the first vaccine for RSV for adults 60+ years of age.

Can major advertising campaigns be effective at introducing a more personable side of politicians to voters? Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Vassy Kapelos, discusses this strategy.

On today’s show: -Ricardo Tranjan, a political economist and senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, says there is no such thing as the “housing crisis” in Canada. What does he mean by this? He joins the shows. -Brian Lilley, a Sun Media columnist, on his new article which discusses how safe injection sites and other harm reduction services bring harm to surrounding neighbourhoods. -Dessi Loukov, scientific lead of vaccines at GSK, a global biopharma company. Their AREXVY vaccine is the first RSV vaccine for older adults to be approved in Canada. -The Daily Debrief panel with Shachi Kurl and Sharan Kaur. -Emilie Lumineau, marketing manager of the Loch Ness Centre, on how the biggest search for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years is set for the end of this month in Scotland.

CFRA's Ottawa Now has taken the show on the road to the Glengarry Highland Games LIVE from Maxville! What's on tap at the Glengarry Highland Games this weekend? The Games' director of advertising Donna Cruickshank drops by the broadcast to rundown all of the festivities at the Glengarry Highland Games. Paddy Kelly, musician / entertainer / director of Friday entertainment at the Glengarry Highland Games, serenades Kristy and the rest of us with a lovely melody. Mr. Hollywood Matt Demers drops by to give his "Flaming Thumbs Review" of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flick among others. Also, is your work, if you're working remotely, spying on you? If so, do you even care? Plus, the city's south end is cleaning up after a tornado touched down last evening. Later, a shortage of anesthesiologists is resulting in cancelled surgeries. Plus, we get our latest LRT update. Will there be ANY new NEWS?

Married since 2005, Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire have remained at each other’s side for 18 years. Today, the power couple has officially separated. How much of Justin Trudeau’s personal life impacts your final ballot? Does it matter if the Prime Minister has a wedding ring? Text into the show and let us know. New research from UOttawa is looking into the age limits of body contact in sports leagues. Here in Ontario, it’s currently 13-and-over. However, calls are growing to change it to 15-and-over. In Hour 1, we hear from the experts. In Hour 4, we take your calls and texts. Meantime, a Kanata-based tech company is launching an AI-fueled tutor, designed for today’s students. Joining us to chat about that is Henry Chin, the Head of Engineering at Kanata’s Tutor Ocean. And finally, we have another transit briefing to dissect, as RTG aims for a tentative August 14th deadline for LRT restoration.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, although you will be hearing from Vassy later in this program. That’s because Prime Minister Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire are parting ways as a married couple. Their separation is now official and the divorce papers will soon follow. We deliver instant reaction as the show rolls on. Meantime, META has confirmed that all Canadian news articles will be scrubbed from Facebook and Instagram, and it will only take a matter of weeks to do so. We get the bigger picture from Michael Geist at 12:05. Later in Hour 1, you will hear from Rechie Valdez, Canada’s new Minister of Small Business. She becomes the first Filipino-Canadian to serve in Canada’s Cabinet. Plus, documents show that a whopping 11 inmates were released by mistake from the same Hamilton jail. That has all happened within the past two years.

Cleanup efforts are underway following last week’s storm, and an auto body shop on Clyde Avenue is being flooded with calls. Kristy Cameron chats with the co-owner in Hour 1. As these weather events become a lot more frequent in our city, should you receive a little bit of compensation from the hydro company? For those who live in these power outage hot spots during big storms, it only makes sense. We take your texts and emails in Hour 2. Meantime, the Billings Bridge Walmart location is starting to eliminate self-checkout machines. Tom Doyle, a loss prevention specialist, explains why. Plus, the so-called ‘Sandwich Generation’ is at risk of a massive burnout. These are Canadians who find themselves not only caring for children aged 15-and-under, but also aging and ill parents. And finally, we’ve got the 4-1-1 on ‘Food Lockers’.

Robin Gill is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos this week. Residents of Osoyoos, British Columbia are breathing a sigh of relief this morning, as evacuation orders have been partially rescinded. This comes as the looming wildfires spread away from the small town. We speak to one lucky couple in Hour 1. For all you Canadians who plan on travelling to Europe, you will soon need a permit to gain access to every single European nation. An in-depth breakdown of what you need to know is on the way at 12:35. Plus, a grieving daughter is taking issue with ‘film nights’ at an Ottawa-based cemetery. Do you think these events are distasteful? The debate begins in Hour 2.

The cleanup from Friday’s storm is still underway in various neighbourhoods across Ottawa, with hundreds in the Ottawa-Gatineau region still without power. Sam Rothwell, who lives in Revelstoke, lost both of his cars during the surprise storm. And as he explains in Hour 1, this isn’t the first time he’s had to put an insurance claim on his vehicles after a bad dose of weather. As our city enters Week 3 of yet another LRT shutdown, OC Transpo is introducing a new R1 Express route. We get instant reaction throughout today’s program. Meantime, another TikTok trend is going viral, and it might be one of the worst trends we’ve seen yet. Yes, for those wondering, you really SHOULDN’T drink Borax. Plus, the Ford government took a pair of byelection hits last week, as the Ontario Liberals gained two seats at Queen’s Park. Is this bad news for the Progressive Conservatives? We dig deeper with our Political Heat Panel.

In order to advance to the knockout stage at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, all Canada needed was a win or a draw against Australia. Instead, they got dismantled in a 4-0 defeat, and now their tournament is over. It also appears to be the last World Cup appearance for Christine Sinclair, as the Canadian soccer legend failed to score in 3 games. And with Canada Soccer taking heat for their level of support in the Women’s National Team, this defeat serves as a wake-up call. Robin Gill chats with Diana Matheson, a former member of the Women’s squad. In health news, new cigarette warning labels are now in effect, while Ontario plans to lower its markups on marijuana. And finally, an ultra-marathoner from Montreal follows the lengthy migration path of the endangered Monarch Butterfly.

This afternoon, OC Transpo and RTG have received a pivotal report, which could provide the green light for LRT service to resume on Monday morning. We’ll take the announcement live. Then, we get instant reaction from Stittsville councillor Glen Gower, a member of the LRT Subcommittee. Meantime, a TikToker has picked up a lot of smoke online after explaining the reasons for her frequent tardiness at work. It’s a new trend called ‘time blindness’. Kristy Cameron chats with Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, a therapist and ADHD expert based in Tampa Bay, Florida. In the world of fashion, we’ve seen a return to the 1990s styles and the mainstream crowd is digging what other generations rejected. And when it comes to knock-off brands, we are seeing a similar mindset. We dig deeper with Michael Mulvey, an Associate Professor of Marketing at UOttawa’s Telfer School of Management. Plus, some Ontario drivers' insurance premiums will be going up soon.

Amanda Galbraith is back in the hosting chair this week, joined alongside Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy and Bell Media host Karl Dockstader. We tackle a major Cabinet Shuffle by the Trudeau Liberals, the possibility of UFOs on Planet Earth, the Taylor Swift surge, and the idea of implementing an ‘age limit’ for politicians.

As our city scopes out potential locations for a police station in the ByWard Market, Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante says she doesn’t want to see these Downtown problems get copied and pasted onto Montreal Road. She joins us in Hour 2. In health news, Canadian researchers are calling for an independent national inquiry into how COVID-19 was handled across the country. Did we have the right strategy in place? How did these pandemic failures hamper our country’s emergency response efforts? We debate and discuss with Dr. Isaac Bogoch. And finally, a famous Marvel actor is calling on his colleagues to leave the ‘Empire of Billionaires’ and join Indie films. Will this lead to a ‘big moment’ for a lower-tier section of the movie-making food chain?

In Hour 1, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Mark Flynn, the RCMP’s Deputy Commissioner. They dig deeper into the former Mountie who was recently charged with foreign interference. Tomorrow, the main course will be a major Cabinet Shuffle, as Prime Minister Trudeau prepares to make changes. Plus, we revisit Scott Rees’ inspiring journey in Hour 2. Despite his lack of eyesight, this B.C. man successfully swam across the Strait of Georgia in just 11 hours. He also raised thousands of dollars for guide dogs.

With the LRT temporarily out of commission, OC Transpo seems to have more problems than it can solve. Over 200 scheduled bus trips were dropped during the first two days of the shutdown in order to bolster R1 buses. We get the latest transit update in Hour 1. In light of recent drowning deaths across Canada, should our province make swimming lessons mandatory for young students? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor with Lisa Hanson-Ouellette, a Senior Research Officer with the Lifesaving Society of Ontario. Meantime, the RCMP has detained a now-retired member of its workforce, with foreign interference allegations serving as the primary reason for his arrest. And as an American music legend sings his final notes, a pair of Hollywood blockbusters make their big-screen debuts.

Mark Towhey is filling in for Amanda Galbraith this week. He is joined alongside Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur and Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie. A review of Paul Bernardo’s controversial prison transfer says the decision was not only ‘sound’, but it also followed protocol. Should future rulings be decided by the CSC? We debate and discuss. Meantime, some Canadians are choosing to leave the Great White North due to a higher cost of living. How much does this surprise you? And finally, the Women’s World Cup is underway! Will you be watching?

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. Cyclists in Toronto are speaking out after Bylaw handed down hundreds of dollars in fines to numerous commuters. They were spotted riding through busy Toronto intersections on pedestrian signals, hence the hefty punishments. Should our city follow suit? We debate and discuss in Hour 1. Meantime, several Ontario municipalities claim that their paramedic services are under immense pressure, as worrying stretches of ‘Code Zeroes’ further inflate these problems. However, the province doesn't keep track of these trends, and it doesn’t sound like they are willing to change their tone anytime soon. Plus, the Northern Tornadoes Project has released the official data results of last week’s storm. The results will shock you.

For weeks, Canadians have questioned Canada’s Correctional Service over a controversial prison transfer. Today, we will uncover the reasons why Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security facility, as the CSC unveils its review. Vassy Kapelos chats with Rodney Stafford, who lost his daughter several years later in a separate abduction. He explains how the Bernardo transfer has re-victimized his entire family. Meantime, a higher cost of living appears to be pushing more and more Canadians out of the country. We dig deeper in Hour 1. Plus, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

We have big news coming out of CHEO today, as the Ford government invests $300 million into pediatric hospitals across Ontario. We get the details from CTV Ottawa’s Natalie Van Rooy. In Hour 2, a woman on TikTok places her boyfriend into a ‘performance improvement plan’. That plan has reportedly turned their relationship around for the better. However, as that 58-second clip continues to pile up views, relationship experts are sounding the alarm. Meantime, what would you be willing to sacrifice just to keep your social media platform? Maybe it’s alcohol. Maybe it’s caffeine. Maybe it’s your love life. Kristy Cameron tackles a recent study from the University of Windsor, as co-author Paige Coyne drops by the studio. And finally, as RTG crews continue to work on a service restoration date for the Confederation Line, are the tracks themselves at fault? We debate and discuss as the show continues. We also hear from a handful of frustrated transit riders.

Vassy Kapelos spent all of Tuesday with Oscar-winning film director James Cameron, as he paid a quick visit to Canada’s Capital. They talked about the high-stakes risks of deep-sea exploration, as well as the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. That two-part conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, despite a list of significant budgetary measures for 2023, our country’s low-carbon incentives remain far behind the United States. We get the bigger picture from Michael Bernstein, the Executive Director of Clean Prosperity.

Ottawa’s Confederation Line is almost exactly 4 years old, but a series of headaches continues to diminish public trust. Monday’s rush-hour shutdown served as the latest blow to its service reputation. Kristy Cameron takes you live to Transit Headquarters in Hour 2, as OC Transpo provides an in-depth briefing on where things stand right now. In other local news, the Carlingwood Shopping Centre has hit the open market. Back in 1956, it was one of the first major shopping centres in Canada’s Capital. Today, it’s future remains cloudy. And finally, do birth control pills need to be offered as prescription drugs?

James Cameron is paying a visit to Canada’s Capital, and Vassy Kapelos will be going 1-on-1 with the ultra-famous Hollywood director later this afternoon. While she is doing that, CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson is guest-hosting today’s edition of the Vassy Kapelos Show. If you are hoping to rent an apartment while making minimum-wage salary, that dream is currently unrealistic in every single Canadian province. That’s according to a recent study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. We get the details in Hour 1. Yesterday, a crowd of refugees were searching for shelter in Toronto. Today, they have been relocated to a church in North York. Experts fear that our country isn’t ready for another immigration boom. Is this a sign of things to come? We debate and discuss at 12:35. Plus, as we turn our attention back to James Cameron, how should we approach deep-sea exploration?

It has been confirmed that a pair of tornadoes – not just one – touched down in Canada’s Capital last Thursday. And while a majority of residents in affected areas received Weather Alerts from Environment Canada, others didn’t receive it until disaster struck. We explain further in Hour 1. Over at Queen’s Park, the province is taking action to prevent future drowning deaths. Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari breaks down what you need to know. Meantime, we all know that wildfire smoke isn’t good for your lungs, but it could also wreak havoc on your eyes. In fact, experts say a rise in pink eye cases could be linked to this year’s blazes. Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Dr. Mili Roy, an ophthalmologist based in Oakville. Plus, whether you’re a new kid on the block, or a veteran of the online world, every single social media app deals with the exact same threat. They are called ‘hackers’. And according to experts, META’s latest invention is a hacker’s paradise.

At just 19 years old, Devyn Gale was doing everything she could to fight the B.C. wildfires. Sadly, her life ended too soon after she was killed by a falling tree. We get the latest from Sarah Budd, a Provincial Wildfire Information Officer with B.C. Wildfire Service. Then, we hear from Jill Drake, a longtime family friend of the fallen firefighter. Over in Ukraine, the Russians have pulled out of a grain deal with their war-torn neighbour, serving as a potential blow to the world’s food supply. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Roman Waschuk, who once served as Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine. Plus, Canadian actors are standing united with Hollywood writers, as SAG members walk out of the production studio and into the picket lines.

Yesterday, we gathered several first-hand accounts of the Barrhaven tornado, and the jaw-dropping damage it caused. In all of those tales, the residents we interviewed breathed a sigh of relief. Today, we chat with Barrhaven resident Theresa English, who sadly wasn’t as lucky. Shifting gears to the big screen, negotiators for Hollywood’s actors union have unanimously recommended a strike. This comes after talks with big-name studios broke down, setting the stage for actors to join writers on the picket lines. Popternative’s Peter Roumeliotis breaks down the ripple effect. Plus, Canada has recalled PRIME energy drinks over concerning caffeine dosages and labelling issues. Five other drinks appear to be facing a similar reality. That story is coming up in Hour 2.

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Liberal pundit Bob Richardson and Conservative pundit Jason Lietaer. Together, they tackle another interest rate hike from the Bank of Canada, our country’s reputation as a ‘military free-rider’, the Hollywood strike, and limo fees for politicians.

A funnel cloud touched down in Barrhaven just after lunchtime. It tore up trees, damaged roofs, and knocked out power. Rio-Can resident Robyn McKee says her son rushed out of his room as the twister rampaged through the adjacent neighbourhoods. Thankfully, the family home avoided extreme damage. She joins us in Hour 2. Peter Hansen lives on Tartan Drive and also got lucky. However, as he heads up the road, other homes and businesses aren’t breathing a similar sigh of relief. That’s coming up in Hour 3. And as for small business advocate Michael Wood, the havoc caused around his neighbourhood is very tough to avoid. Thankfully, he also avoided disaster.

A new report from Royal LePage says homebuyers remain determined to close the deal on a new home, while sellers are stepping back. This is in reaction to the Bank of Canada’s additional interest rate hikes. You’ll hear that story in Hour 1. Meantime, do you think Canada is a military free-rider in the NATO food chain? Vassy Kapelos poses that question to Dave Perry, who is President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Plus, we catch wind of a violent twister that is hitting Canada’s Capital.

Canadians might have been tempted to chuck their TV remote out the window this morning. Tiff Macklem, the Bank of Canada’s Governor, announced that our country’s top bank would once again raise policy interest rates. We try to make sense of it all with David Macdonald, a Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. A bridge replacement will be shutting down multiple portions of Highway 417, causing an overflow of traffic for Saturday’s Redblacks game and the Bluesfest finale. In an effort to alleviate some of the pain, the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open to vehicles. Over in Barrhaven, a heartbeat of the community is facing a bigger hill to climb. Unless more funding comes in at the eleventh hour, the Barrhaven Food Bank will be shutting its doors at the end of the year. It is currently being run by volunteers. Plus, Ottawa-based Shopify says it plans to launch an Artificial Intelligence assistant for merchants on its platform, the latest tech company to introduce such a feature.

As the NATO Summit continues in Latvia, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Canada’s Defense Minister. During this conversation, Anita Anand tackles our country’s defense spending, Ukraine’s accession to NATO, and other crucial topics. Meantime, the Bank of Canada is getting plenty of heat over another interest rate hike. We explore the potential fallout. Over in British Columbia, the port strike drags into Day 13, as the union points fingers at ‘greedy’ shipping companies. Plus, a blind B.C. swimmer is preparing to swim across the Strait of Georgia. Scott Rees explains what inspired his latest journey.

A new report says more than half of Canadians are at least $200 away from not being able to pay their bills. At 52 percent, that’s up six percentage points from the number of Canadians who said the exact same thing in April. Kristy Cameron chats with John Haralovich, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with MNP Limited. Speaking of finances, are big-name cinemas finally starting to bounce back from the COVID-19 hangover? According to Cineplex, its box office revenues were $56 million last month, amounting to 98 percent of box office revenues from June 2019. Ottawa-based movie critic Keith Whittier delivers the bigger picture. Over in British Columbia, it’s Day 11 of the port workers strike, and this walkout is slowly starting to impact Ontario-based businesses. We get the details from the CFIB. And finally, the OPP is investigating a pair of incidents in a 24-hour span – a fire in Brockville and a shooting-stabbing incident in Cornwall.

NATO has announced a series of steps that would bring war-ravaged Ukraine closer to membership. We get the bigger picture from Yuliya Kovaliv, Ukraine’s current Ambassador to Canada. Speaking of NATO, it plans to increase its defense spending targets. However, Canada continues to lag behind its allies. Plus, an Iranian rapper has avoided the death penalty, but not jail time. Toomaj Salehi sparked online support for 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman who was detained for wearing ‘inappropriate attire’. He will now spend the next 6 years behind bars in Iran, with his passport revoked and his music career on hold.

Free For All Friday features top talent across the iHeart radio talk network.

This week's show features panelists Mark Towhey, a columnist, radio host on News Talk 1010, author and former political advisor, and Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on CJAD in Montreal.

Topics:

Ottawa will suspend advertising on Facebook and Instagram in an ongoing disagreement over the Online News Act. Was this the right call?

Canadians are choosing to spend less on summer travel or not travel at all over financial concerns, according to a new survey. Are you surprised? Are you spending less?

For the third time this week, Earth has set an unofficial heat record. How have you been dealing with the heat this week?

Meta has officially launched its Twitter competitor, Threads. Is it possible to have a positive social media space? One free of toxicity, hate and negativity?

A gender reveal party in B.C. sparked a brushfire. Should we stop this gender reveal party trend?

The ego-measuring contest between two social media giants might have reached the next phase. META, a company led by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, has launched ‘Threads’. It’s a new app that is designed to directly compete against Twitter. Can the new toy keep up with its bigger brother? Kristy Cameron chats with tech expert Carmi Levy. Speaking of significant changes, Barrhaven officials are aiming to shed the never-ending ‘sleepy suburb’ label. We explain how they hope to do that in Hour 1. Days after Ottawa Police questioned the capacity limits of Pimisi Station, the former Chair of Ottawa’s Transit Committee has weighed in. Diane Deans believes that the platforms would be less crowded if the system itself ran as originally designed, which is one train arriving every 2 to 3 minutes. Plus, Gatineau Police have arrested and charged a 27-year-old social media influencer from Quebec. They allege that Anthony Gagne posted videos of fake crimes to online platforms, a method to boost his online following.

Robin Gill is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos today. The Ontario government has teamed up with the feds to continue construction of an electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor. Stellantis, an Amsterdam-based group, will reside there. We go 1-on-1 with Windsor MP Irek Kusmierczyk in Hour 1. Sticking with tech news, the world’s first fully-electric flying car has received the green light to conduct test runs across the United States. Jim Dukhovny is the Founder and CEO of Alef Aeronautics. He stops by to deliver the bigger picture. But if you live in Lac-Mégantic, today serves as a somber reminder of a tragic and traumatic memory. It’s been exactly 10 years since a train derailment left a community in mourning. And after years of calling for better rail safety, it seems as though the pleas of residents have fallen on deaf ears. We speak to Gilbert Carette, who has called Lac-Mégantic home for 36 years.

Ahead of Thursday’s headline performance from Shania Twain, can Ottawa’s LRT system keep up with high-demand Bluesfest crowds? According to the Ottawa Police Service, doubts are running high over a specific section of the service. They fear that Pimisi Station is not equipped to handle traffic volumes of this magnitude. We open the debate floor to Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh and Barrhaven East councillor Wilson Lo. In Hour 2, Kids Help Phone says it is seeking assistance from Artificial Intelligence platforms. This comes as a new wave of younger Canadians begin to seek out mental health support systems. Meantime, a national labour shortage within the Construction industry is making it tougher to narrow the housing supply gap. We dig deeper in Hour 3. Plus, news and sports media outlets across North America have made significant changes over the past month. And while mass layoffs haven’t become a major trend across all economic sectors, that could change sooner than we think.

Robin Gill is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos. First of all, is it hot in here? It might be due to the fact that Planet Earth has recorded its hottest day ever. If you live in Ontario and Quebec, this news definitely doesn’t shock you. Environment Canada’s David Phillips delivers the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, a well-known Hong Kong leader has issued a stern warning to all democracy activists who have been exiled in the West. He promises that they will be ‘pursued for life’. We hear from Nathan Law, a pro-democracy activist who currently lives in the United Kingdom. The big news in Canada, however, has to do with storytelling. The feds have decided to suspend every single advertising dollar across all META platforms, most notably Facebook and Instagram. We get instant reaction from Alfred Hermida, a digital media scholar, and Paul Simons, a former journalist.

Back in March, the Trudeau government vowed to implement a one-time grocery rebate payment, an effort to fight back against rising food prices. That rebate is being dished out tomorrow. Who is eligible to cash in? Kristy Cameron chats with Gary Sands, the Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. Meantime, the City of Ottawa is mulling over a separate matter. They are looking into potential zoning changes, which would allow for more grocery stores to be built. Orleans West councillor Laura Dudas joins the show in Hour 2. Then, we open up the textboard in Hour 4. Following the resignation of PC MPP Merrilee Fullerton, Kanata-Carleton will be hosting a byelection later this month. Canadian Forces veteran Karen McCrimmon is running for the Ontario Liberals, and she has represented this riding on a federal level before. She joins us in Hour 3.

Robin Gill is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is taking in the sunshine and enjoying some well-deserved time off! Hundreds of British Columbia port workers have hit the picket lines, as talks with the employer have stalled in recent days. We deliver the bigger picture with Anita Huberman, the President and CEO of Surrey’s Board of Trade. Meantime, after opening a store that sold tested hard drugs, a B.C. resident has died of an overdose. We look into Jerry Martin’s gut-wrenching ending. Plus, several residents in Alberta are reeling after a tornado touched down and wreaked havoc. In the case of Elisa Humphreys, she lost a pair of homes near Carstairs due to the Canada Day storm.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Kristy Cameron today. Last month, a trio of OC Transpo bus routes faced numerous challenges, adding up to plenty of concerns over reliability. That would be Routes 11, 75, and 85. The latter of that short list, according to Riley Brockington, is facing chronic issues. We hear from the River Ward councillor in Hour 1. Ottawa’s busiest day of the year, without question, is Canada Day. It’s times like these where we need our transit service to be in peak form. And yet, parts of it will be restricted. We get the latest on that story in Hour 2. Plus, a violent series of stabbings unfolded at the University of Waterloo on Thursday, with students fleeing from a gender studies class and fearing for their lives. According to police officers who responded to the scene, these actions were driven by hate.

Before the Canada Day light shows begin, it’s time to talk politics! In this week’s edition of Free For All Friday, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside digital policy expert Vass Bednar and Fasken co-founder Andrew House. Olivia Chow is the new Mayor of Toronto, and she has to develop a positive pact with Ontario’s Premier and Canada’s Prime Minister. Can she make that happen? Later in the program, we tackle the future of Canadian journalism and the success rate of Canada’s Citizenship Test.

Google says it will remove links to Canadian news from its search in response to the federal government's Online News Act. Vassy Kapelos speaks with an MP who says this is an "intimidation tactic."

On today's show:

A conversation with Lisa Hepfner, the Liberal MP for Hamilton Mountain and a former journalist. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on how space exploration and technology is helping fight climate change. Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute, on her latest poll about how satisfied Canadians are with their premiers. The Daily Debrief panel with Mike Le Couteur, Robert Benzie and Laura Stone. Heather Butts, a correspondent with CTV National News, on a student charged in hate-motivated stabbings at the University of Waterloo. What do you love most about Canada? We take your texts.

An independent climate change research organization has put a price tag on the health costs of wildfire smoke. Kristy Cameron chats with Dave Sawyer, who is the Head Principal of the Canadian Climate Institute. A contingency plan has been activated at Hydro Ottawa, helping to keep the lights on across Canada’s Capital as nearly 400 workers hit the picket lines. IBEW employees walked off the job after 74 percent of its members rejected the utility’s latest offer. We bring you the latest developments as they become available. Meantime, advocates for some of Ottawa's most vulnerable are applauding a new municipal approach to divert mental health and substance abuse calls away from police. Anne Marie Hopkins is the Director of Operations at Ottawa Inner City Health. She joins the show in Hour 3. And finally, a stunning report looks into how many Canadians were MIA from work due to mental health. It’s a number that is trending in the wrong direction.

This past April, the province of Alberta marked the deadliest month of overdoses we’ve seen yet. And as we examine the amount of federal dollars going to Western Canada, there are quite a few discrepancies compared to the dollars that are destined for Eastern Canada. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Hour 1. Meantime, Ontario’s Premier didn’t back Olivia Chow’s mayoral campaign for Canada’s biggest city, but she got enough support to sit at the big table in Toronto. We have an exclusive chat with Chow at 12:50. Plus, as the Air Quality Warnings return, the wildfires might be starting to flare up again. We examine the key areas to watch as Canada Day Weekend approaches.

Canada’s Competition Bureau is all over social media today, as it takes a deep dive into what’s wrong with our country’s grocery sector. While calling out the bad guys, it is calling on the sector as a whole to make changes and promote healthy competition. We deliver instant reaction in Hour 1. The hazy smoke made its return to Canada’s Capital last weekend, as wildfires continue to damage our country’s forests and pollute our skies. In an effort to avoid future damage, Canadians are being asked to lay off the fireworks on Canada Day. As we find out in Hour 2, light shows created by modern-day drones could serve as a solid alternative. Plus, as of this September, the Ontario government is changing the way it funds school transportation. And while they assure parents that no school boards will receive less funding compared to previous school years, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority begs to differ. We explain why school vans could be at risk of a service reduction.

Canada’s inflation rate has dropped to 3.4 percent, the lowest level our country has seen in nearly 2 years. Vassy Kapelos chats with Jimmy Jean, a Vice-President and Chief Economist with Desjardins. As for our country’s grocery industry, the Competition Bureau argues that it’s too concentrated. Do you think more hands should be helping Canadians during these trying times, or will the same problems persist? Plus, music artist Matt Farley has written an album’s worth of music about every single state in America. It’s a project that has taken him 11 years to complete. And before you ask, he also wrote an entire album about Canada!

The clock for survival is ticking away with each passing second, as the oxygen supply within a downed tour sub fades into nothing. And now, it appears that a debris field has been spotted within the search area. Is a tragic sequel about to unfold off the coast of Newfoundland? Andrew Pinsent goes 1-on-1 with Dr. Justin D’Arienzo, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a former NAVY Psychologist. Reports suggest that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is preparing for a summer Cabinet Shuffle, with all eyes squarely centered towards Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino. As MPs head home for the Summer Break, how would you describe the climate for the Big 3 parties? It’s time to bring back our Political Heat panelists. Meantime, Canada Bread is now the poster child for price-fixing, as a $50 million fine gets plastered to their front window. That story is coming up in Hour 3. And finally, Ottawa’s Transportation Committee has approved new regulations for ‘little libraries’ and front-yard gardens.

Days after loud banging was detected near The Titantic shipwreck, a debris field was discovered within the search area. As of this morning, there were no further leads on the location of the downed tour sub. Does this signal a happy ending or solidify a horrific real-life nightmare? We ask the experts as the show rolls on. Meantime, U.S. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina is calling for an independent judicial inquiry into Canadian sports organizations. This comes amid widespread allegations of harassment, abuse, and bullying. She is recently known for sentencing disgraced USA Gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar. Plus, after talking science with CTV’s Dan Riskin, we unpack your summer roadtrip adventures gone wrong.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron, as she soaks in the warm summer sun until Monday. The hopes of a happy ending in Petawawa have been dashed, as a pair of missing bodies were located during a widespread rescue operation. They are presumed to be the bodies of two missing crew members from a downed Chinook helicopter, which crashed near CFB Petawawa on Sunday night. CTV’s Dylan Dyson brings us the latest in Hour 1. Over at City Hall, a recent memo has unveiled preliminary data from the Vacant Unit Tax reports. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington makes sense of it all. Sticking with city news, how do we tackle Ottawa’s massive rat problem? That’s coming up in Hour 2, and then continues in Hour 4 with your texts and emails. Plus, the owner of St. Brigid’s Church can finally put the TUPOC saga to rest, as the group’s final eviction plea was rejected last week.

The missing Titanic tour sub is still waiting to be found off the coast of Newfoundland. And while time is slowly ticking away, a series of loud bangs have given rescue officials a ray of hope. What goes into a rescue mission of this magnitude? Vice-Admiral Mark Norman joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, the Premier of New Brunswick is in damage control mode, as momentum builds within the Progressive Conservative camp to call a leadership vote. Blaine Higgs makes his stand at 12:35. Speaking of political changes, a quartet of byelections were held this week at the federal level, with the Conservatives and Liberals keeping their once-vacated seats. Is it time for Prime Minister Trudeau to make a Cabinet Shuffle? Your calls and texts are on the way!

Over in the Maritimes, it’s a race against time to find a missing mini-tour submersible off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. A crew of five people are on board the vessel, which was headed for a visit of The Titanic wreckage. It’s been reported missing for over 2 days. We examine what goes into a large-scale rescue operation. Meantime, as Ontario’s high school grades climb significantly, Kristy Cameron examines how this ripple effect will impact post-secondary admissions, especially at the University level. Plus, it appears that Canada’s ban on plastics still has a couple of Swiss cheese holes to fill. This game plan is successfully targeting the takeout sector, but activists are now pointing to the produce aisle at grocery stores as the next big problem.

Last summer, Colin Taylor was a passenger on board the OceanGate Expedition's Titan submersible. Today, there is a frantic search around The Titanic shipwreck site, trying to find the submarine before the clock strikes Midnight. Colin joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, a pair of Royal Canadian Air Force members are missing this afternoon after a Chinook helicopter crashes near CFB Petawawa. We get the latest from CTV Ottawa’s Dylan Dyson in Hour 2.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Kristy Cameron today. While everyone is having patio beers on Canada Day, the Ford government will be expanding its Strong Mayor powers. Starting July 1st, nearly 30 municipalities will be added to this exclusive list in a span of just two weeks. We deliver the latest developments in Hour 1. Meantime, experts have released a 13-step roadmap to reform Canada’s healthcare system. Don Drummond, a professor at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University, pays us a visit. Plus, a new report says that one-in-five single adults across Canada are living in poverty, many of whom are food insecure.

Mark Twohey fills in for Amanda Galbraith. This week, he is joined alongside CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Reshmi Nair. Canada’s Public Safety Minister remains under fire for his handling of the Paul Bernardo prison transfer, specifically what information he knew about the transfer and when he knew it. How much of this misstep falls on Marco Mendicino’s staff? In other news, the Bank of Canada is hiking rates to fight inflation. Is this approach causing more harm than doing good? And finally, the Supreme Court of Canada has made its ruling on the Safe Third Country Agreement. That pact between Canada and the United States is officially constitutional. Was the right decision made?

In the past, we’ve talked about best-before dates, and how they contribute to food waste. What if a better understanding of these deadlines helped us curb food inflation? Is that possible? We debate and discuss with Lori Nikkel, the CEO of Second Harvest Canada. Later in Hour 1, we continue to gather reaction on Ottawa’s new garbage collection plan, which almost received unanimous support at City Hall yesterday. Well, except for the two councillors that voted against the motion. We go 1-on-1 with Jessica Bradley, the councillor for Gloucester-Southgate Ward. Meantime, the House Committee recommends a windfall tax for grocery companies, assuming the Competition Bureau finds evidence of profiteering. We explain further in Hour 3. Plus, what would you do if you had the option to pick and choose your own STAT holidays? Ontario Liberal MPP Dr. Adil Shamji has offered this idea to Queen’s Park ahead of the Summer Break. He explains how it works in Hour 2. Then, we open up the debate floor in Hour 4.

Canada’s Public Safety Minister continues to take shots over what he knew, and when he knew, about Paul Bernardo’s transfer to a medium-security prison. The PMO says that Prime Minister Trudeau learned about the prison transfer the day it happened, one day earlier than Marco Mendicino. And now, a spokesperson from Mendicino’s office says they were only informed of Bernardo’s transfer through ‘generic communications products’. Timothy Danson represents the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy. He joins the show in Hour 1. We also get a different perspective from Tina Daenzer, who was Juror No. 1 during the Paul Bernardo trial in the 1990’s. She is now the COO of the Canadian Juries Commission. Her thoughts are coming up at 1:35.

A new poll from Abacus Data shows that Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are pulling further ahead of the Trudeau Liberals. At least, when it comes to national voting intentions. It’s clear that the calls for change are growing. However, are they enough to dethrone the current minority pact between the Red Team and the Orange Crush? We discuss further in Hour 1. A free ‘skin check’ clinic was hosted in Canada’s Capital last weekend, and over 60 patients received terrible news. Dr. Mark Kirchhof is the Head of Dermatology for the Ottawa Hospital. He joins us in Hour 2. And finally, a familiar storyline was up for discussion at Ottawa City Hall, as councillors voted on a new path forward to collect our city’s waste. A newly-proposed hard cap of 3 containers made its way to the chambers, with no ‘tags’ in sight. Only two councillors voted against that motion. Are you satisfied with the direction that City Council chose this afternoon? In Hour 4, we tackle today’s Question of the Day.

Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer has unveiled a fiscal analysis of the Volkswagen plant deal, as well as a ‘marginal’ breakdown of the economic developments that come with building a new facility. Yves Giroux narrows it all down for us in Hour 1. Meantime, the number of forcibly-displaced people around the world has climbed to a staggering 110 million. We get the exclusive details from Filippo Grandi, the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees. Plus, we examine Canada’s vacancies in our country’s highest courtrooms, and the potential consequences at play.

Last Friday, presumptive Sens ownership frontrunner Steve Apostolopoulos walked away in frustration from the bidding table. And now, sources say the remaining bidders have turned up the heat to make a deal with the Melnyk Estate. Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch delivers the inside scoop in Hour 1. As you might have heard over the weekend, complaints about OC Transpo bus drivers have flooded the city’s Fraud Hotline. Why are residents going outside of the transit service’s domain to make their voices heard? We hear from Wilson Lo, the councillor for Barrhaven East and a former OC Transpo employee. Meantime, the garbage debate might be getting a new chapter, as a new proposal is gaining traction ahead of this week’s councillors meetup. Is it any better than the plan that got rejected last week? Plus, volunteer firefighters are crucial in the heat of a wildfire battle. Canada has found out the hard way in 2023. Does our country have enough of them?

Now that David Johnston’s resignation has been submitted, opposing parties are crossing their fingers that the Trudeau government will be more receptive to the idea of a public inquiry into foreign interference. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Later in the program, an open letter to the CSC Commissioner is calling for greater transparency in prisoner transfers. This comes one week after serial killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security facility.

If a grocery store employee checks your receipt, how would you react? Does it matter to you as a consumer? Kristy Cameron chats with Tom Doyle, a loss prevention specialist, in Hour 1. In local news, almost every farmer has vacated the once vibrant ByWard Market. How do we get them back? We debate and discuss as the show continues. In health news, while it might not reach the same degree as the global pandemic we’ve been battling, a trend of invasive Group A strep throat is putting Ontario’s hospitals on high-alert. Dr. Chris Labos pays us a visit. Plus, an injectable diabetes medication called Ozempic has become a new treatment option for weight loss. And now, a supplement called Berberine is being dubbed as ‘Nature’s Ozempic’. It is catching fire on social media right now. Does it actually help? Dr. Mitch Shulman delivers his two cents. PLUS, we wrap with BREAKING NEWS: Special Rapporteur David Johnston RESIGNS.

Amanda Galbraith is steering the ship. This week’s passengers are IHeartRadio host Karl Dockstader and CJAD 800 Montreal host Natasha Hall. Wildfires continue to burn across the country, but are the feds adequately prepared to deal with natural disasters of this degree? We start the show with this red-hot debate. Meantime, the Bank of Canada has unexpectedly jacked up its key interest rate. What does this mean from a political standpoint? Plus, we dig deeper into the social media firestorm that has ensued over a controversial merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. Quebec and Ontario are still battling wildfires, stretching our country’s firefighting resources. In fact, we are starting to receive assistance from American firefighters now. Will the weekend weather forecast help the efforts of first-responders? We get the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, sources say that former U.S. President Donald Trump is the target of a special counsel investigation over classified documents. We dig deeper in Hour 2. Plus, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

The skies have cleared and the smoky haze has lifted. At least, for now. However, this week’s stretch of air pollution could soon place our local hospitals in a bad spot. We shed some light on this subject in Hour 1. As the temperature ramps up and the humidity levels rise, ‘Canada Dry’ is going to become the summer tagline, and not for the popular soft drink. Environment Canada’s David Phillips has the latest weather outlook for the upcoming months. And as we try to avoid the wildfires, perhaps the biggest concern for our city is the downed trees from last year’s derecho. We explain why in Hour 2.

It’s still smoky and hazy in Canada’s Capital today, as forest fires ignite across Quebec and Ontario. High levels of air pollution are covering the skies. And now, Ottawa Public Health is encouraging residents to stay indoors. We hear from the health experts and the fire safety heroes in Hour 1. For several weeks, foreign interference has been top-of-mind at Parliament Hill. Today is no different, as special rapporteur David Johnston testifies at a House of Commons Committee. Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair delivers his breakdown of today’s events. Meantime, despite the potential health risks linked to Melatonin, a new study says that more and more people are using it to hit the hay. We try to make sense of it all with Dr. Elliott Lee, the Director of The Royal’s Sleep Disorder Clinic. Plus, as repair shops slowly become a thing of the past, our ‘right to repair’ consultation could soon be compromised. Tech expert Ritesh Kotak joins the show in Hour 3.

Special rapporteur David Johnston is talking foreign interference during a pivotal Parliamentary testimony this afternoon. Bob Fife from The Globe and Mail delivers the key takeaways at 12:20. Meantime, as Canadian provinces battle various wildfires, what is causing the frequencies of these blazes to spike so much? We hear from Kelsey McEwen, the Chief Meteorologist on CTV’s Your Morning.

Ottawa’s largest school board is receiving lots of phone calls over absent students in recent days, with some instances allegedly fueled by a parental decision to keep them home. This comes as Pride activities ramp up for the month of June. OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans joins the show in Hour 1. As of Thursday, some workplaces in Ontario are now required to have naloxone kits on site, and train their employees how to use it. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. A new study says, despite a case of the munchies, frequent cannabis users are leaner. Not only that, they are less likely to get diabetes. We tackle that debate in Hour 3. Plus, are you eager to catch some movies at the local cinema this weekend? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks! And finally, in this week’s edition of Flashback Friday, we want to know the most common places you visited as a kid.

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside former journalist Siri Agrell and Conservative strategist Jason Lietaer. On the main menu for this week is a big win for Danielle Smith’s UCP movement, warning labels on individual cigarettes, wildfire preparation, and the lyrics to Canada’s anthem.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron today. A new report says that women are 20 to 70 percent more likely to experience post-stroke depression compared to men. It makes it even tougher when they are not getting the support they urgently need. Ottawa resident Janet Millen suffered a hemorrhagic stroke back in 2008. She was 58 years old at the time. Since then, she has battled through spells of isolation and depression. Janet shares her personal journey on today’s Ottawa Now. In other health news, a new study shows that a looming medication shortage is leading to increased cases of dosing errors, putting Canada’s youngest citizens at risk. That’s coming up in Hour 2. Plus, in an effort to raise funds for a new CT scanner, the Kemptville Hospital’s Board Chair has agreed to sell her 1995 Chevy Camaro. Elizabeth MacPherson pays the CFRA Nation a quick visit in Hour 3.

Our coverage of the Nova Scotia wildfires continues at 12:05, as we get the latest developments from Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. Then, we hear from Molly Deveau, who lost her home and everything inside at the hands of the never-ending blaze. Alongside her 11-year-old son, the road to recovery will be difficult. Meantime, experts warn that tomorrow’s Artificial Intelligence could put us on the path to extinction. We chat with Jérémie Harris, the co-founder of an AI safety company called Gladstone AI. Plus, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin at 12:50! How can you trick people into adopting healthier routines? The answer might not be as complicated as you think it is.

Liberal MPP Stephen Blais is fuming over the dissolution of Bill 5, a provincial legislation that was designed to eject city councillors who violated workplace harassment policies. He vents his frustrations in Hour 3, alleging the Ford government is ‘turning their backs’ to every single woman in the province. In an effort to better treat patients who are dealing with severe depression, a new clinic is offering a form of Keramine as a treatment option. Kristy Cameron chats with Jennifer Phillips, the interim Scientific Director at The Royal's Institute for Mental Health Research. Meantime, Carleton University researchers have invented a rapid saliva test that can provide early detection for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, emergency physicians from the Ottawa Hospital will be covering unfilled shifts at the Kemptville Hospital this summer, an effort to preserve emergency care as the weather gets warmer.

Michael and Micaela Finlayson, connected by love, planned to purchase Michael’s childhood home and begin their adult lives. That place was also home for Michael’s brother, mother, and father. As the wildfires rip through Halifax, that home is now home to no one. The young couple joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Tantallon resident Jason Lavoie, along with his wife and three kids, is also heartbroken. They had to leave everything behind in Hammonds Plains and could only watch in horror as the fire crept closer and closer. You will hear their story in Hour 2.

After a Canadian R&B singer altered the lyrics to ‘O Canada’ during the NBA All-Star Game, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is calling for permanent changes to Canada’s national anthem. Should they be altered? If so, by how much? We pose this question to Cora Voyageur, a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Meantime, the feds are planning to sell half of their workspaces across the country. For surrounding businesses who really benefit from the business of government workers, this is another gut-punch to their bottom-line. Plus, Ontario’s soccer referees will be outfitted with body cameras this Summer. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to stop aggressive abuse against officials.

Vassy Kapelos is reporting live from Calgary today. As we head into Day 2 of the Nova Scotia wildfires, we get the latest developments from Premier Tim Houston. That’s coming up at 12:05. Here in Alberta, the talk of the town is Monday’s election results, as Danielle Smith and the United Conservatives maintain control of the province. And while they also secured another 4-year majority, a handful of the UCP’s political titans will not be returning to the Alberta Legislature, largely thanks to Edmonton’s Orange Crush. We get instant reaction after an extremely tight race. Meantime, an NDP MP has bigger fish to fry on Parliament Hill. A recent briefing with CSIS reveals that Jenny Kwan might have been targeted by China. She goes 1-on-1 with Vassy at 12:35. Plus, a 96-year-old woman from Ottawa has set a new world record, acing the 5K race at Ottawa Race Weekend in less than an hour. No other woman at that age has crushed a 5K marathon at that speed. We speak to Rejeanne Fairhead in Hour 2.

After 41 years in business, Sports4 will be shutting down its Bank Street location. This comes as local councillors debate a proposed levy to help revitalize the ByWard Market. Could this idea benefit Bank Street as well? Christine Leadman from the Bank Street BIA joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, Canadian engineers are developing robots to help people with Dementia find missing items. This ranges from cellphones to wallets, and even house keys. Dr. Ali Ayub from the University of Waterloo explains how this invention works in Hour 2. Plus, a new report from Stats Canada is casting a suspicious cloud over Canada’s labour shortage. How widespread is it? Jim Stanford is the Director of the Centre for Future Work. He delivers his two cents from Vancouver. And finally, the Melnyk daughters are getting ready to sell the Ottawa Senators’ majority ownership. Reports indicate that they have met with all 4 remaining bidders. But has the Melnyk group lost control of the bidding process?

Vassy Kapelos is reporting live from Alberta, as a pivotal provincial election campaign reaches the finish line tonight. We set the stage at 12:05 Ottawa Time. Meantime, the province of Nova Scotia is dealing with a familiar situation that has previously faced Western Canadians: Wildfires. Cathryn Fox has already evacuated her house and is now crossing her fingers for the best-case scenario. She joins Vassy in Hour 1. Plus, the Ending Violence Association of Canada has released their first-ever national survey on sexual violence. Executive Director Erin Whitmore tells us what they found.

Reports say that Toronto Pride organizers are mulling over potential cuts to this year’s festival. This comes after policing and insurance costs more than tripled. Is our city’s annual festival running into similar problems? Kristy Cameron chats with Toby Whitfield, the Executive Director of Capital Pride in Ottawa. As the ByWard Market faces more questions than answers about its financial future, the City of Ottawa might be receptive to a new tax that supports the Market’s revival. We get instant reaction from River Ward councillor Riley Brockington and Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante. Later in Hour 2, we hear from La Bottega owner Pat Nicastro, a now-former Executive Member of the ByWard Market BIA. Plus, it’s another edition of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend! To celebrate his 80th birthday and 10-plus years as a prostate cancer survivor, Tom Clapp is participating in the Ottawa 5K run. His goal is to raise $80,000 for the WDMH Foundation.

Amanda Galbraith is in the captain’s chair, joined alongside Toronto Star columnist Robert Benzie and Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur. Special rapporteur David Johnston is recommending public hearings, but not a public inquiry, into foreign interference matters. Was this the right move? What do you make of the ensuing fallout? Meantime, new reports point to Canada as the unfortunate owner of the highest household debt level. At least, when it comes to G7 countries. Is this cause for concern? Plus, we have a couple of new candidates preparing for the Ontario Liberals’ leadership bid. One of them is Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Are the Liberals trying to revitalize a dying brand in the world of provincial politics? If they fail, what does it mean for the federal flagship?

Elvis Presley was known by many as the King of Rock And Roll. His music inspired generations of artists and his legacy lives on in the history books. Tina Turner turned into a musical hero during one of the roughest points in her life, reinventing her career in the 1980’s with only 36 cents to her name. In Hour 1, longtime CHUM radio producer Tom Jokic honours the Queen of Rock And Roll. As we inch closer to the start of Ottawa Race Weekend, we highlight a few personal stories from this year’s participants, and then tip our caps to a handful of charitable causes on the sidelines. Meantime, the world’s first ‘social media babies’ are growing up, and a lot of them are horrified. We explain further in Hour 3. And finally, Canadian engineers are developing robots to help people with dementia find missing items. This ranges from phones to wallets, and even your car keys.

When it comes to Ontario's family doctor shortage, health experts are scrambling to find short-term and long-term solutions. Mike Nolan, Renfrew County’s Chief of Paramedics, feels confident that a hybrid model of care could serve as Canada’s elixir. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Meantime, politicians continue to examine the recommendations made by special rapporteur David Johnston. Dan Stanton, who spent 32 years with CSIS, says Johnston’s decision was the wrong call. Plus, teachers unions are calling on the Ford government to implement free breakfasts and lunches to every single Ontario student. OSSTF President Karen Littlewood explains why she supports this idea.

Graham Richardson fills in for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment. The topic of discussion remains squarely on foreign interference, and how Canada handles future cases. Canadians who were previously targeted by Beijing are slamming special rapporteur David Johnston, calling it another day of not being heard. We speak to Mehmet Tohti, a Canadian Uyghur human rights advocate. He alleges that Beijing has dished out dozens of ‘menacing’ phone calls since 2017, all while dozens of his family members have disappeared from Xinjiang. Meantime, France has banned domestic short-haul flights in areas where train alternatives exist. If Canada adopted a similar bid to cut carbon emissions, Ottawa-Montreal flights would be kicking the bucket. Is this solution practical? Plus, the small Ontario town of Corunna was nearly Canada’s Capital 200 years ago. Don’t tell that to the locals who are still celebrating today.

A shortage of volunteer drivers is causing numerous delivery delays at Meals on Wheels Ottawa. We explain further in Hour 1. Then, we switch over to our top story. Special rapporteur David Johnston says that public hearings, as opposed to a public inquiry, are needed to tackle foreign interference issues. But when it comes to intelligence information on Beijing's activities, Johnston argues that information is highly-classified, and could never be openly discussed with Canadians. We get the bigger picture from Gordon Houlden, the Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. Meantime, it seems that killer whales have a bone to pick with boats. Is this a disturbing trend or is it a series of unfortunate events? Plus, cancer warnings will soon be plastered on all of Ireland’s alcohol bottles, marking a worldwide first. Should Canada follow suit?

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. She is on assignment in Ottawa. And we all know what story she is covering. Special rapporteur David Johnston has delivered his ruling on a handful of foreign interference matters. He says that a public inquiry is not needed, but recommends that the feds host a series of public hearings instead. When it comes to intelligence information on Beijing's activities, Johnston argues that information is highly-classified, and that top-secret material of that magnitude should never be discussed openly with Canadians. We get reaction from all sides in Hour 1. Plus, the Ontario Liberals are still looking for a new leader, and a new candidate has emerged. Her name is Bonnie Crombie, the current Mayor of Mississauga. She joins the show at 1:50.

Crisis has been averted at WestJet, thanks to an eleventh-hour tentative deal that kept pilots off the picket lines. We get instant reaction as the show goes on. Last year, the Victoria Day long weekend started with a magnificent forecast and plenty of sunshine. Then, in the blink of an eye, an hour-long nightmare struck Canada’s Capital. We examine the year-long cleanup following a violent derecho. As more of today’s cars rely on top-of-the-line technology, it might be getting tougher and tougher to maintain the cars of yesteryear that don’t have all those bells and whistles. As more mechanics retire, how can we keep up? We ask the experts in Hour 2. Plus, they say you are never too old for anything. 95-year-old Rejeanne Fairhead is backing up that theory, completing a 5K marathon in just 56 minutes at last year’s Ottawa Race Weekend. This year, she is back for more, and she joins us in Hour 3.

This week, Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Conservative strategist Melanie Paradis and CTV News political commentator Scott Reid. Here are the items on today’s menu. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will put ‘more money on the table’ to keep the Stellantis EV battery plant trucking along. Did the PMO drop the ball before cooler heads prevailed? Speaking of the feds, they have proposed a stricter bail system. Some argue it’s a reactionary measure. Others are still not convinced that it moves the needle towards positive change. Plus, do we need to blow the whistle on gambling ads? Some experts say it’s time for a permanent ban.

One week after his tragic death in Bourget, OPP Sergeant Eric Mueller was remembered by friends, family, and colleagues at the Canadian Tire Centre. Is it time to roll out a better strategy to protect those that are tasked with protecting us? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor in Hour 2. Meantime, a looming pilot strike at WestJet is just hours away. That is, if no deal gets done. We bring you the latest developments as they become available. Plus, have you ever heard of a six-day work week? If low productivity persists, there is a chance that more of those requests will start popping up. And finally, are you struggling to pay off household debt? Your texts and emails get a full dissection in Hour 4.

As a potential WestJet pilot strike looms large, a pair of Ontario cities could soon be moving out of the GTA. Vassy Kapelos chats with the newsmakers in Hour 1. Plus, there are growing calls for an all-out gambling advertisement ban. We go 1-on-1 with Camille Quenneville, the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, just before the final lap ends. And because it’s Thursday, we find a bit of time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

According to Stats Canada, more than 140,000 new cancer cases were detected in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. However, a sharp drop in rates among the most common forms of the disease suggests that several cases might have gone undiagnosed. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Back in 2018, soon-to-be Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a campaign promise to open the sale of alcohol inside Ontario convenience stores. Despite a 5-year delay, he says that plan is still alive, and he still intends to fulfill that promise. We deliver instant reaction in Hour 2. Plus, a new directive is requiring CSIS to swiftly notify MP’s about foreign threats moving forward, and to also keep Canada’s Public Safety Minister in the loop on every single case. Richard Fadden, a former Director of CSIS, stops by in Hour 3.

The recent sights and smells of smoke across Alberta has triggered a Special Air Quality statement for the majority of the province’s cities and towns. Vassy Kapelos chats with Josée St-Onge, the Provincial Information Officer for Alberta Wildfire. Meantime, new legislation from the Trudeau government features a stricter bail system. The previous catch-and-release protocol has received plenty of backlash from the Tories, who don’t believe that today’s proposed measures move the needle. Justice Minister David Lametti delivers his two cents on the matter. Plus, a Member of Parliament for the NDP wants to provide fellow MP’s with a bigger say in confidence votes. Daniel Blaikie explains further in Hour 1.

Last month, an overload of sports betting advertisements was becoming an annoyance for a growing number of Ontarians, especially during live sporting events. The prominent fixtures of professional athletes, in particular, grinded people’s gears. And now, some believe we should cut the cord and quit cold-turkey. If you had the power to ban them, would you pull the trigger? That’s coming up in Hour 2. Meantime, special constables at OC Transpo responded to nearly 50 overdoses in 2022, which points to yet another concerning sign of a worsening crisis. Inner City Health CEO Rob Boyd digs deeper into that headline. As our landfills keep piling up, Councillor Hubley emphasized the urgent need for City Council to look into alternative methods of waste disposal. We look into one of those alternatives with ECO Canada Vice-President Yogendra Chaudhry in Hour 3. Plus, a new report shows that more working moms are willing to give up their current gigs if greater flexibility is not provided by their current employer.

In Hour 1, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, where the topic of discussion is all about defense spending. Plus, hundreds of WestJet pilots could soon hit the picket lines.

The next stage of ownership bidding for the Ottawa Senators is just around the corner. Remington Group is out of the running but the Neko Sparks proposal continues to pick up steam, as revealed by American rapper Snoop Dogg in a recent Instagram post. Kristy Cameron chats with Aimee Deizel, who served as the team’s Chief Marketing Officer from 2018 to 2019. Meantime, a new paper from Toronto-based endocrinologist Dr. Iliana Lega is calling for new hormonal therapy options, specifically for women who are suffering from menopause. In local news, Kanata South councillor Allan Hubley wants to see immediate waste removal action at City Hall, calling for an urgent exploration into new technologies that divert waste away from Ottawa’s landfills. And finally, Karina Ragalie reflects on a lifechanging event in the Sahara Desert, as she completes the toughest footrace on Planet Earth.

Fire crews are on high-alert in Alberta, as the incoming weather conditions could serve as the perfect storm for a wildfire rebirth. We get the latest from Melissa Story, the Community Relations Coordinator for Alberta’s Wildfire Management Branch. Plus, we have concerning economic news out of Windsor, as construction work at the site of an electric vehicle battery plant grinds to a halt.

It appears that the Remington Group’s bid for the Ottawa Senators is dead in the water, and so goes the dream of a Deadpool alternate Sens jersey. But is there a chance that Ryan Reynolds is recruited by one of the remaining bidders? Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch joins the show in Hour 1. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Governor General Mary Simon feels that King Charles needs to develop his relationship further with Canada. These comments have sparked a lot of backlash, particularly with the Monarchist League of Canada. That’s coming up in Hour 2. Today, we are finding out more information about what happened in Bourget, Ontario before a tragic police shooting took place. And as we hear more of these tragic deaths, is it becoming more difficult to recruit more police officers? The debate begins in Hour 3.

Amanda Galbraith is in the hosting chair for another edition of Free For All Fridays. Joining her this week is 580 CFRA Ottawa newswriter Chris Holski and former CTV Toronto crime reporter Tamara Cherry. On the menu for this week is a mixture of Chinese espionage, growing wildfires in Alberta, Canada’s new passports, and sexual misconduct within the Canadian Military.

Moving forward, Canada’s passport is going to look a whole lot different. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says the ways in which you can renew your passport will also change. However, these changes are creating new division. Coquitlam Mayor Brad West vents his frustrations in Hour 1. Meantime, more LRT shutdowns are being planned for this Summer, a continuous effort to repair water leaks inside the tunnels. However, as we’ve heard before, several questions remain unanswered. But first, we turn our attention to a small Ontario town that is in mourning. Three police officers were shot overnight after a disturbance call in Bourget turned tragic. Two officers are fighting for their lives. One officer has died.

Located less than an hour East of Canada’s Capital, a small Ontario community is in mourning today. Just hours ago, three officers were called to a home in Bourget for a disturbance. That disturbance quickly turned into an overnight shooting. OPP Sergeant Eric Mueller did not survive. Two other officers are fighting for their lives in hospital. We bring you the latest as the show unfolds. Meantime, a private member’s bill from a Conservative MP is rekindling the abortion debate across Canada. Vassy Kapelos chats with Marci Ien, Canada’s Minister of Gender Equality. Plus, if you’ve watched a televised hockey game recently, chances are you’ve seen plenty of gambling ads on the big screen. In fact, the average run time throughout a typical Maple Leafs game is hovering around 9 minutes. It’s part of the reason why a new group wants to see these ads hit the showers.

Jacques Amsellem, the co-owner of Herb and Spice Grocer, is raising concerns about a recent crime spike on Bank Street. His business was the victim of a break-in on April 8th. Ten days later, it was targeted again. He joins us in Hour 1. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37, then again before she turned 50, Melanie Adrian has been pushing for the feds to make mammograms more accessible to patients. Health advocates believe that part of the solution might be an earlier access to these tests. Should our country follow America’s lead? That conversation begins in Hour 2. Plus, do you remember those cleaning products that we religiously used at our workspaces? Well, a new study says that those products might be doing more harm than good for humanity. But first, today’s society is becoming overpopulated with ‘junk fees’. And if we want to get rid of them, advocates say new laws won’t cut it. We need strict enforcement as well.

As several sections of Alberta try to pick up the pieces from last week’s wildfires, some areas are still holding their breath. For others, such as Yellowhead County, they felt left behind during the initial stages of evacuation orders. Nearby residents allege that firefighters never showed up to help, so some of them ignored evacuation orders and stayed behind to look after their properties. Vassy Kapelos chats with Samantha Callioux, the co-owner of Go Hard Ranch. Meantime, should breast cancer screening become mandatory once a woman turns 40? Breast cancer survivors, and their doctors, are calling on the feds to follow America’s lead.

As the City of Ottawa reviews its wildlife policy, dangerous animal training is on the table. Should it be mandatory training for every single Ottawa Bylaw officer? We kickstart that debate in Hour 1. Plus, a new study says that declining mental health scores in the world of medicine goes beyond the well-being of doctors and nurses. We get the bigger picture from clinical psychologist Dr. Basem Gohar. But first, let’s talk about the front-page material for today’s program. Every now and again, a ‘snack shaming’ incident goes viral. If the teacher doesn’t approve of a kid’s lunchbox menu, that lunchbox can be returned to the parent’s house with an explanation note attached to it. Is this a major overstep on modern-day boundaries? We hear from Malaka Hendela, the Co-Chair of the Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils. Later in the show, Samantha Kemp-Jackson chimes in with her two cents. She is a media commentator who weighs in on important Gen-X issues.

Canada has declared Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei a ‘persona non grata’. He is the diplomat who allegedly targeted Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family. China has since responded to that expulsion, demanding that Jennifer-Lynn Lalonde leave Shaghai by May 13. She works for the Consulate General of Canada in that city. We check in with Kevin Garrett, a Canadian citizen who was detained in China for 2 years over suspicions of espionage. Plus, a writer strike is sparking uncertainty for Canadian television crews. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Anthony Farrell, a Toronto screenwriter who became famous for his work in ‘The Office’ TV series. That would be the American version, not the British version.

As water levels rise, a State of Emergency has been declared in Whitewater Region. Colton Praill, filling in for Kristy Cameron, delivers the latest developments in Hour 1. Former MP Catherine McKenna reacted to China’s attempts at targeting Canadian politician Michael Chong. She says it’s appalling on a personal and diplomatic level that people knew about China’s antics, opted not to tell Chong’s family, and decided not to issue instantaneous punishment. We break down that damning Twitter thread in Hour 2. Meantime, an Ottawa school board policy doesn’t permit police officers to visit schools while in uniform. OPA President Matthew Cox delivers his reaction. Across the United Kingdom, preparations for King Charles’ coronation are hitting the home stretch. And finally, the NCC has unveiled its parkway plan. It has also received plenty of mixed reviews.

Amanda Galbraith is joined alongside Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur and Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie. On the menu for today is King Charles coronation, a heart-touching memorial for a Canadian music legend, the future of Artificial Intelligence, and the Liberals’ three-day convention.

Canada has summoned the Chinese Ambassador to testify over allegations that Beijing was targeting a Conservative MP and his family. The feds are also assessing the possibility of expelling Chinese diplomats. We bring you the latest developments as the show goes on. Meantime, Ottawa City Council is set to unveil a new plan to reduce residential curbside waste. We have a limited amount of space in our current landfill site, and environment critics argue that starting a new one will be very costly. What is the best path forward? Kristy Cameron poses that question to Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh. Plus, Senators are hoping to pass a new Canada-wide grocery rebate by May 12. This new grocery code, in theory, lays out a concrete process to resolve future disputes. In fact, sanctions could also be imposed for severe breaches. And finally, in today’s edition of Tell All Thursday, we talk about dress codes at parties. Was there a time where you showed up to a party very overdressed?

We start today’s program with an exclusive 1-on-1 conversation. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Morris Rosenberg, a former President and CEO of the Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Foundation. A lot has been tossed around in regards to the foundation’s recent donations. What is real? What is fake? He clears the air. Meantime, the United States has reportedly spoken to Syria over the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice. In August of 2012, the freelance journalist and former U.S. Marine Corps officer was detained while reporting in the country. We speak to Austin’s mother, Debra, at 12:35. Plus, in today’s edition of Talk Science To Me, CTV’s Dan Riskin digs into the sudden resignation of an A.I. godfather.

Over 120,000 public service workers are back in the workplace today, as Treasury Board finally strikes a tentative deal with PSAC employees. However, it’s Day 13 of picketing for CRA employees, who remain without a new agreement as the Tax Deadline reaches Midnight. We deliver the details in Hour 1. As the feds make amendments to Canada’s sex offender registry, there are no immediate plans to make this list public. This could be a massive damage to someone’s reputation if they are wrongfully convicted. Where do you stand on this issue? The debate begins in Hour 3. Plus, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence can bring back the dead? Kristy Cameron debates the use of technology in the grieving process.

After nearly two weeks on the picket lines, over 120,000 public service workers have been told to get back to the office. This comes after a tentative agreement was reached between PSAC and Treasury Board on Sunday night. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Alex Silas, the union’s Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region. Then, we hear from Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, as she holds a press conference to address the latest collective bargaining developments. Ahead of a pivotal party convention, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney feels that the federal Liberals are on the right track, and supports Justin Trudeau as party leader. Plus, the always-controversial Bill C-11 will officially become Canadian law once Royal Assent has been granted. As we hear from Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, the CRTC has no intention to regulate online content creators. Is this good or bad for Canadian broadcasting?

The feds confirm that a comprehensive offer has now been tabled for over 155,000 public service workers. And while no deal has been reached, PSAC says they won’t be scheduling any interviews with the media until further notice, a sign that there is serious discussion taking place. We bring you the latest developments as the show continues. After years of political pushback, the Online Streaming Act has become law. The endgame of Bill C-11 is to regulate a designated amount of Canadian content across several streaming platforms, such as Netflix and YouTube. We find out how this will impact digital content creators in Hour 2. Plus, city staff members are working on alternative sites for a new Ottawa Senators arena, just in case the team’s ongoing negotiations with the NCC falls flat. This comes as Remington Group prepares its bid to buy the Sens franchise, rumoured to come in at $1 billion.

We have entered Day 9 of the public service strike. Thousands of workers remain out of the office. The feds have failed to reach a deal with PSAC. Key issues remain unsolved. We hear from Treasury Board President Mona Fortier in Hour 1. Then, we hear from PSAC National President Chris Aylward. Over in Ontario, a Volkswagen EV battery plant is reportedly on the horizon. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, fills us in. But first, we hear from Azza Ahmed, a Sudanese-Canadian who finally escaped the violence in her homeland on Monday. She looks back on her nerve-wracking flight out of Khartoum.

A recent survey from Nanos Research says six out of ten RPN’s are considering a career change. Three out of four RPN’s are open to sticking around, but their wages would have to move up to $35 per hour. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Dave Verch, the Vice-President of CUPE's Ontario Council of Hospital Unions. Meantime, the Ford government is aiming to bolster Ontario’s police recruitment efforts. Will these measures do enough to make our streets safer? Plus, a roaming bear in Ottawa’s West End had to be put down last night, an outcome that is distressing news for College Ward councillor Laine Johnson.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are into Day 7 of the PSAC strike. And while progress has been made on some fronts, 4 key issues remain sticking points for the union. If they don’t see a fair compromise in those areas, the labour disruption drags on. PSAC National President Chris Aylward was on CTV’s Power Play yesterday. You’ll hear that conversation right off the top of the show. Meantime, as Canada attempts to strengthen the rights of air passengers, both airlines and passenger rights advocates have vocalized their criticism about this overhaul. We hear from both sides. Plus, in an attempt to balance the scale between serious and fun, Vassy Kapelos has planned a couple of top-tier palate cleansers. At 12:50, we hear from Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated Olympian. But first, in an exclusive interview, we go 1-on-1 with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, as the Artemis II crew prepares for their huge journey into space.

When it comes to promoting Ottawa’s nightlife and entertainment, the idea of a ‘Night Mayor’ is gaining a little bit of traction. However, Downtown safety remains an unrelenting question mark. Are you in favour of this proposal? We kickstart the debate in Hour 1. Meantime, we are in the middle of Day 6 of the public servant strike, as PSAC turns up the heat by strategically moving its picket lines. Is the public support for the union slowly declining? Plus, the Canadian government has proposed tighter consumer rules for airline passengers. If these changes proceed, would passengers take the fall in other ways?

We have entered Day 6 of a nationwide strike, as over 155,000 federal public service workers continue to picket for fair wages. On Saturday, PSAC felt that Prime Minister Trudeau wasn’t doing enough to move these negotiations along. A day later, Vassy Kapelos spoke to Treasury Board President Mona Fortier. You will hear that conversation in Hour 1. Meantime, Ottawa is in the process of evacuating embassy staff members out of Sudan, but thousands of Canadians remain stranded. Joining us to talk about that at 12:35 is Nicholas Coghlan, who previously served as Canada's top envoy to Sudan. Plus, the feds have proposed tighter consumer rules for airline passengers. Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra joins the program in Hour 2. Then, we get to your feedback.

Heavy rain is projected for Canada’s Capital this weekend, which is expected to push water levels higher. CTV Ottawa reporter Natalie Van Rooy brings us the latest developments from Orleans. Later in Hour 1, we check back in with Cumberland resident Glen Roberts, who was previously affected by the floods in 2017 and 2019. Meantime, Ottawa is seeing a massive growth in photo radar revenue. In fact, so many people are being ticketed that City Council needs to spend more than $2 million on a new processing centre just to deal with the overall volume. Over at CFB Petawawa, roughly 700 military members living on-base are currently without heat or hot water. This comes after some of Canada’s federal workers were deemed non-essential during the PSAC strike. Plus, is ‘freudenfreude’ the key to happiness? A growing number of experts think so. We explain why.

Amanda Galbraith is in the host chair. Our panelists are AM 800 Windsor host Mike Kakuk and Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Reshmi Nair. Today’s menu includes the PSAC national strike, Elon Musk’s glaring changes to the Twitterverse, Canada’s falling inflation rates, a Blue Jays pitcher’s foul ball towards United Airlines, and Artificial Intelligence’s attempt to create songs from famous artists.

It’s Day 2 of PSAC’s ongoing labour dispute with the federal government, as over 155,000 public service workers remain at the picket lines. Barry Eidlin, an expert on labour and social movements, feels this historic disruption is a last resort for federal workers. However, he argues that their voices are thrusting nationwide living issues squarely into the spotlight. That’s coming up in Hour 1. As the show continues, we also hear from residents who live on the edge of the Ottawa River. The water levels are still rising and tensions are quickly building. Speaking of things that can make your blood boil, everyone’s pressure point has been pushed to the limit since COVID hit. Do you find that the average Canadian has become less empathetic dating back to 2020? We ask the experts. Then, we ask you at 5:05. And on a lighter note, what is the most ridiculous thing that gets you excited? That’s coming up on Tell All Thursday!

It’s Day 2 of a potentially historic strike, as over 155,000 public service workers remain on the picket lines. We hear from Treasury Board President Mona Fortier and PSAC National President Chris Aylward to kick things off. According to a new U.S. report, Prime Minister Trudeau told NATO that Canada will never be able to meet its military spending targets. Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, a retired Royal Canadian Navy officer, delivers his reaction in Hour 1. Meantime, a recent leak from The Pentagon is testing America’s dominance, while also showcasing Canada’s vulnerability. And finally, remember the Quebec family that was taking a worldwide trip last year? Well, it’s been 12 months, and they’ve since visited 13 countries. Edith Lemay explains why they did it.

The picket lines have been drawn and over 155,000 public servants are now on strike. The only ones not in attendance are the 30,000 essential workers that legally cannot join them. In a meeting with the media, Treasury Board President Mona Fortier emphasizes that the feds can’t give PSAC members a blank cheque. Was the Trudeau government already backed into a corner before the plug was pulled? Kristy Cameron chats with UOttawa professor Gilles Levasseur in Hour 2. Over in Clarence-Rockland, they are bracing for high levels of water. We hear from Mayor Mario Zanth in Hour 3. Plus, Canadian AI experts are pushing for a new draft law, which is designed to curb technology’s present-day risks.

With no deal in place by their 9 o’clock deadline last night, over 155,000 public service workers are triggering a labour movement that could go down in Canadian history. PSAC says they will remain at the bargaining table during the disruption, but they feel that the time has come to make a statement and defend their livelihoods. In Hour 1, you will hear live reaction from Chris Aylward, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Then, we hit the Downtown streets of Montreal and Ottawa, where the picket lines have already been set up. Meantime, Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich has appealed his detention in Moscow, only for Russia to swiftly reject it. We hear from his longtime friend, Jeremy Burke, at 12:50. Later in Hour 2, we talk China and Russia with Sami Khoury, the Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

This past weekend, a new song featuring a pair of Canadian rappers went viral on TikTok. Except this collaboration never happened. In fact, neither Drake or The Weeknd recorded a single vocal take. And yet, it still got millions of listens. Kristy Cameron chats with music journalist Alan Cross in Hour 1. If we reach 9 o’clock tonight, and the feds fail to reach a deal with PSAC members, more than 155,000 public service workers will be hitting the picket lines tomorrow. How is it different from the country-wide strike that we saw in 1991? Michael Wenick, who previously served as the Non-Partisan Clerk of the Privy Council, pays us a visit in Hour 2. And finally, did you know that researchers are exploring the links between mental health and the human gut? The only thing that’s missing is more poop donations.

If a deal can’t be reached between the feds and 155,000 public service workers within the next 9 hours, PSAC will be hitting the picket lines tomorrow. In the latest edition of CTV’s Power Play, Vassy Kapelos spoke to Chris Aylward, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. What are the main sticking points? How many industries could be affected by this labour movement? You’ll hear that conversation in Hour 1. Meantime, Hockey Canada’s federal funding has been temporarily restored by the Trudeau government, with conditions in place. This follows a devastating sexual assault scandal involving the 2018 World Junior team, which is still ongoing. What led to this decision? You’ll hear from Pascale St-Onge, Canada’s Minister of Sport, at 12:35. Plus, more Canadians are freezing their eggs, but why are they doing so? We break down the entire process.

Over 155,000 public service workers are ready to hit the picket lines. If the clock hits Midnight and no progress is achieved by end-of-day Tuesday, PSAC is sounding the alarm. Kristy Cameron tees up a tense 36 hours ahead. Elsewhere in the city, Cumberland resident Glen Roberts has lived through a series of devastating floods in recent years. And while it’s not expected to be as severe in 2023, he is still on high-alert as the water levels rise. Glen joins the show in Hour 2. Meantime, the Ontario government wants to revamp school management, focusing on Mathematics and Literacy. We dissect the benefits and the lingering weak points within this new provincial strategy. And finally, a member of the Toronto Blue Jays called out United Airlines over a mid-flight experience he will never forget. Relief pitcher Anthony Bass says the airline made his 22-week pregnant wife clean up a mess on her ‘hands and knees’, a mess that was made by their two-year-old daughter. Whose side are you on?

Dozens of political and military luminaries are calling on the federal government to stop backsliding on Canada’s national defence. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, a retired Royal Canadian Navy officer. She also chats with Kerry Buck, a former Canadian Ambassador to NATO. Over in the United States, Dominion’s defamation trial against Fox News is about to begin. This comes after the news network proposed settlement talks before the courthouse came calling. Plus, thousands of federal public servants are ready to mobilize, as PSAC sets the alarm for a Tuesday night deadline. Do you think their demands are fair and reasonable? It’s time to have your say!

The federal government is asking the City of Ottawa to hold off on its plans to reopen Wellington Street to vehicle traffic. In fact, they want to purchase a section of the Downtown icon from the municipality, with the intention of keeping that portion closed. We get instant reaction from Mayor Sutcliffe at 4:20. We also hear from several Downtown BIA’s and city councillors as the show continues. Meantime, a Parliamentary Committee is trying to clear the air surrounding alleged incidents of foreign interference. Why are we failing to eradicate it? We tackle that subject in Hour 1. Then, we bring in our Political Heat Panel in Hour 3. Plus, how do you feel when you see your favourite hockey stars featured in gambling ads? It sounds like the Ontario government is pondering significant changes as to who appears on these advertisements. We get the bigger picture from Dr. Andrew Kim, a Chair in Addition Psychology with the Canadian Psychological Association.

Amanda Galbraith is in the hosting chair, joined alongside Newstalk 1290 London host Ken Eastwood and CJAD 800 Montreal host Natasha Hall. This afternoon, a Parliamentary Committee is hearing from Katie Telford, Prime Minister Trudeau’s Chief of Staff. This panel is looking into alleged incidents of foreign interference during Canada's last two elections, most of them involving China. What were the key takeaways that Canadians should understand from those hearings? Meantime, the Prime Minister is persistently separating himself from the Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Foundation. He maintains that he does not have any ties to the organization over the past decade. Do you take him at his word? Plus, we could see thousands of public service employees hit the picket lines, as PSAC makes one final push to reach a tentative agreement with the feds. Do you think PSAC’s requests are a fair ask?

During the final weekend of April and the first weekend of May, a section of the LRT will be shut down for maintenance, as RTG tries to deal with water leakages in the tunnels. As for last week’s shutdown, which lasted 30 hours, we still don’t know the root cause of that problem. Last Wednesday’s commute left passengers at a loss for words – and some of them trapped on trains. Where did RTG go wrong in its real-time handling of the situation? What needs to be done differently if this happens again? Plus, if you live on Richmond Road, ongoing LRT construction noise might be a pain in the butt where you live. Some residents are calling on the City of Ottawa to take action. We find out why.

Vassy Kapelos is back in the saddle today, and we begin with more news from the Trudeau Foundation, who plans to review controversial monetary donations from China. We get the bigger picture – without the paywall – from Margaret McCuaig-Johnston. She is a former senior official in Canada’s Department of Finance. Meantime, Vladimir Murza is going to be sentenced over an act of treason against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He could face 25 years in prison for this crime. Bill Browder has been denied entry into Russia since 2005, while also being labeled a ‘national security threat’. He says these treason charges against Murza are ‘scandalous beyond belief’. Plus, you’ve already heard Vassy’s conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. But there is another section of that interview that hasn’t gone to air. You’ll hear that exclusive chat in Hour 2 – and you don’t want to miss it.

Sundeep Gokhale, an Employment Lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP, has previously opposed the federal union’s request to strike over remote learning practices. Will a potential labour movement lead to more chaos and uncertainty? He joins the show in Hour 1 to relay his thoughts. We also get reaction from Alex Silas, PSAC’s Regional Executive Vice-President. Over the past several weeks, a brand-new airport hotel was the talk of the town. So was the idea of writing a tax break for $13 million, which never really took off. Councillor Gower argued that it could increase tourism traffic and bring in more flights. But would it really? Kristy Cameron chats with former Air Canada executive Duncan Dee. Plus, a new poll suggests that most Canadians feel less safe in 2023 compared to March 2020 – the start of the COVID pandemic. Where do you stand on this debate? In Hour 4, we tackle today’s Question of the Day.

Deb Hutton is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment today. A new report says that Canada could lose over 40 percent of its farm operators within the next 10 years. We get the bigger picture from Keith Currie, the President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. Meanwhile in Canada’s Capital, we could see thousands of public service workers walk off the job and hit the picket lines. It all depends on how things play out over the next few days, as negotiations hope to yield a tentative agreement. PSAC National President Chris Aylward joins the program in Hour 2. And finally, Mississauga might reconsider a recent ban on cannabis retail stores. We get instant reaction from business owners and residents.

For over 120,000 public servants under the PSAC umbrella, today is the last day to submit strike votes. We could see a massive Canada-wide job action as a result, a strike unlike anything we’ve seen in several decades. How could this impact your tax refunds? How will other essential sectors be impacted? Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Marc Briere, the National President for the Union of Taxation Employees. Meantime, a major discussion will be held tomorrow about the new airport hotel, and whether or not a tax break is reasonable or overkill. Since the original hesitation from City Hall, the Ottawa Airport and the hotelier have proposed a smaller grant than the original $13 million. Will it be enough to sway the undecided voters? And finally, another political bombshell has dropped at Prime Minister Trudeau’s doorstep following a 2016 donation from two Chinese businessmen.

Vassy Kapelos is back from her Easter Weekend break, and she has awakened to a massive bombshell from the Trudeau Foundation. A massive donation from a Chinese billionaire, which was later returned, has led to the CEO’s sudden resignation. Multiple members on the foundation’s Board of Directors have also decided to move on. We get instant reaction from Globe and Mail reporter Bob Fife. Meantime, Ukraine’s Prime Minister is visiting Canada today, and he is expected to appeal for more Canadian aid. We hear from Roman Waschuk, Canada’s former Ambassador to Ukraine, at 12:35. Later in Hour 1, Vassy chats with Tom Lawson, NORAD’s former Deputy Commander. And finally, an 18-year-old from Alberta has earned her spot on an All-Star Canadian archery team. Anna Kim is legally blind, but that won’t stop her from competing at an international tournament this July.

The cleanup efforts following last week’s ice storm are slowly wrapping up in Canada’s Capital. For other sections of Quebec, they aren’t so lucky. Just ask Alessandra Pasteris, a Montreal resident who is raising 3 kids. She has been waiting 6 days for the lights to turn on. Today, she is still waiting. Meantime, the past few years have not been kind to Texas. In 2022, several chunks of the U.S. state lost their electricity during a winter storm, and it took several days to get it back. Do you think our power grids will soon be at the mercy of climate change? Kristy Cameron chats with Francis Bradley, the President and CEO of Electricity Canada. Plus, did you know that a small shift in temperature could have a big impact on how lung transplants are performed around the world? We get the bigger picture in Hour 2. Plus, as Justin Trudeau’s Chief of Staff prepares to chat foreign interference at a Parliamentary Committee, we debate whether or not Canada’s democratic process needs a major facelift.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is enjoying Easter Monday with her family. But the news cycle doesn’t stop for anyone! Let’s start with Hydro Quebec, as hundreds of customers remain in the dark following last week’s ice storm. Some of them might not get their power back before Tuesday. We chat with Alison Bright, a resident located near the Island of Montreal, who is going on 6 straight days without electricity. Meantime, in a series of leaked documents, pro-Russian hackers claim to have targeted Canada’s gas pipeline infrastructure. Steven Chase, a senior reporter with The Globe and Mail, delivers the bigger picture at 12:35. Plus, as you already know, sports betting has been legal in Ontario for the past 12 months. You see it plastered all over highlight channels. You see it during live sporting events. With broader forms of gambling starting to pop up, what future changes could we see to this money-crazed landscape?

As Hydro Ottawa tries to turn the lights back on, what started out as cautious optimism has led to more questions heading into Easter Weekend. Over in Kemptville, crews are facing an uphill battle when it comes to cleanup efforts. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford in Hour 2. As for Chesterville resident Sean McDermott, he’s got power, but his basement is also flooded and it’s not safe to go outside. Ottawa resident Lynn Ashdown doesn’t feel safe going anywhere right now, as she re-encounters her worst fears from last year’s derecho. And in the Quebec municipality of Val-des-Monts, resident Frank Deschamps is nervously waiting for his power to come back. He is starting to worry about his water supply. Despite various attempts to connect with Hydro Quebec, all he hears is radio silence.

We begin the show with some great news, as 14 detained Canadians are on their way home from Northeastern Syria. Plus, the debate over potential changes to Canada’s carbon pricing plan continues. Vassy Kapelos is joined alongside Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie, Globe and Mail reporter Marieke Walsh, and CTV’s Mike LeCouteur. It’s all part of a special three-part Daily Debrief. Meantime, a mom in Winnipeg is pleading to get care home placement for her son, who is battling various disabilities, before time runs out. You’ll hear that story in Hour 2. And finally, we end the show on a lighter note with CTV’s Dan Riskin, as we tackle a new plan to tackle cancer.

Earlier this year, a wintery blast shut down Ottawa's LRT. Today, we had a massive ice storm, and it happened again. Can our transit system handle Mother Nature's curveballs? It's time to bring back the Municipal Heat Panel, a lineup that features Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh and Ottawa Transit Riders co-founder Kari Glynes-Elliott. Meantime, that final breath of Winter also knocked out power in various regions of Canada's Capital. Kristy Cameron checks the outage map as the show carries on. In provincial news, the Ford government is cracking down on attempted renovictions. We explain how. Plus, in an effort to curb screen time, are more people turning back the clock and switching to flip-phones?

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing 34 felony charges. He has pleaded not guilty for all of them. Does the prosecution have enough evidence to convict him? What do they need to prove? Aaron Rupar, an independent journalist, joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Plus, we have learned more information about the family that was trying to flee Canada, only to perish in a river. Peter Ivanyi, a Toronto-based immigration lawyer, has represented them since 2018. He says, according to the family, this was their only option left.

Ottawa’s Mayor says he will not support a tax break for the purposes of building a hotel next to the Ottawa Airport. Mark Sutcliffe is in favour of supporting the local economy, but not if it means giving handouts to specific private businesses. The Ottawa Airport wants to turn its facility into a massive hub that puts Canada’s Capital on the map. We get instant reaction from Sueling Ching, the President of the Ottawa Board of Trade. She supports a tax break for this project. We also hear from Orleans West Innes councillor Laura Dudas, who is against any sort of tax perks. Meantime, a policing law overhaul in Ontario was expected to pass 4 years ago. Today, it has remained dormant. We find out why.

Finland is going to be joining NATO, marking a historic global shift. This decision is also making Russia hopping mad, as they threaten to react with counter-measures. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Roy Eriksson, who is Finland’s Ambassador to Canada. Meanwhile in New York, Jonathan Zoesman is documenting his experiences from Northern Canada, a corner of the world that he called home during the early 1970’s. In order to make this project happen, Jonathan has transformed his Tesla into a film studio. And finally, Canada’s Jeremy Hansen will be venturing into space. He joins us at 1:50.

London native Jeremy Hansen will join three American astronauts for NASA’s Artemis II mission, designed to set up a long-term presence on The Moon. What is the bigger picture behind this mission? Why does the ‘Space Race’ matter to so many countries? Kristy Cameron chats with Gordon Osinski, the Director of Western University’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Meantime, as we get closer to Election Night, you might come across the occasional opinion poll. That is something Ontario's election watchdog wants to do away with beyond a certain date in the election campaign. Would a ban on these polls make a difference in the final outcome? Do you feel this proposal is improper? Conrad Winn, a Political Science professor at Carleton University, delivers his two cents. Plus, a recent report into public transit will make your stomach churn for different reasons, as several Ottawa LRT maintenance workers are allegedly missing their training lessons. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh weighs in.

A new chapter in Canadian space exploration is about to begin. Jeremy Hansen, a 47-year-old from London, will join a trio of American astronauts for NASA’s Artemis II mission, a trip to The Moon unlike any other. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman and the world’s first neurologist to venture into space. Meantime, a new perspective of the judicial system is about to begin for former U.S. President Donald Trump. He was indicted on Thursday over alleged hush money payments. Within the next 24 hours, he is expected to peacefully turn himself in to police. We get the bigger picture from Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. Plus, as Elon Musk urges AI developers to hit the ‘Pause’ button temporarily, we find out how this change in rhetoric will impact the world’s biggest businesses in that field.

The bodies of six people, including one child, were found in the St. Lawrence River on Thursday afternoon. According to the Akwesasne Mohawk Police, another child is still missing. This comes after the Canadian Coast Guard was called in to conduct an air search of the river. CTV’s Nate Vandermeer brings us the latest developments. For the first time in American history, a former U.S. President has been indicted. Donald Trump was placed in handcuffs over hush money payments that were allegedly made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 Presidential Election. We uncover the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s NDP was calling for a better dental healthcare plan for Canadians to rely on. Earlier this week, the Trudeau Liberals put forth a $7 billion increase. How big of a difference will it make? Plus, as of October 1st, Ontario’s minimum wage will be increasing to $16.55 per hour. Kristy Cameron speaks to Brian Beauchamp, who owns the Orange Monkey Bar and Billiards.

Amanda Galbraith is hosting Free For All Fridays, alongside CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair. The federal budget has been tabeled, but are Canadians satisfied with what has been proposed by the feds? We debate and discuss right off the top of the program. In other news, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted. We explain the bigger picture at 1:20. Meantime, unprovoked murders in public spaces are becoming more frequent in Canada. When it comes to addressing this issue and finding solutions to this glaring problem, what is the best path forward? And finally, we try to figure out why SUVs are more popular than ever.

According a new survey from Stats Canada, nearly all Canadian adults had COVID-19 antibodies for almost half of 2022, most of which were created through previous infection. Andrew Pinsent gets the bigger picture from Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an Infectious Disease Specialist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. Meanwhile, tax season might be a little less stressful moving forward. Except this new perk isn’t coming this year. We get the inside scoop from Tim Cestnick, a Financial Columnist with The Globe and Mail. The biggest news story, however, is coming out of Nova Scotia. On a tragic April night in 2020, Canadians caught wind of a deadly mass shooting. It ended up being the deadliest in our country’s modern-day history. Three years later, the Mass Casualty Commission has unveiled its final report, and it showcases an alarming list of failures from the RCMP.

Modern-day elections can increase your stress levels, even if you’re not on the campaign trail. You hear about election promises on the nightly newscast. You’re probably watching the primetime leadership debates. And then, it’s time to head to the ballot box. All of this can be harmful to your overall health. What can we do to counter those effects? Vassy Kapelos talks science with CTV’s Dan Riskin. But first, we have major news out of Nova Scotia this afternoon. The final report into the deadliest mass shooting in modern Canadian history has just been released. We get instant reaction from Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, who lost three family members on that tragic April night in 2020.

While the 2023 Federal Budget includes a dental care plan and grocery store rebates, it could also bring Canada’s deficit to $1.3 trillion within a matter of years. Does this put our country in a better spot to deal with a looming recession? Andrew Pinsent breaks down the pros and cons with our Political Heat panelists. In Hour 4, PSAC National President Chris Aylward argues that this year’s fiscal plan is bad news for the public services that Canadians depend on. What do you think was missing in this game plan? Text into the show and let us know! Meantime, Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown is raising concerns over a proposed $13 million tax break, municipal dollars that would be used to help build a new airport hotel in Canada’s Capital. Plus, a series of LRT projects are behind schedule, a statement that we’ve heard one too many times. We bring you the latest updates as they become available.

The 2023 Federal Budget comes at a cost of nearly $500 billion, with nearly $70 billion in new spending over the next 6 years. Our country’s debt calculator is scheduled to reach $1.3 trillion within the next few years. And while everyone is reacting differently, everyone has something to say. We have a wide range of reaction on today’s show. We hear from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Then, we hear from NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Conservative Finance Critic Jasraj Singh-Hallan. Later in Hour 1, we open up the phone lines. And then, to kick off Hour 2, we have the Daily Debrief Panel. Plus, Canadians should be very concerned about their drinking water, as CTV’s W5 investigates the dark truth that lingers within some of Canada’s cement pipes. W5 producer Eric Szeto explains further at 1:35.

A few weeks after Loblaw CEO Galen Weston testified at a Parliamentary Committee over sky-high food prices, the CEO of Walmart Canada made his long-awaited visit to Parliament Hill. We get the bigger picture from Sylvain Charlebois, an Agri-Food expert at Dalhousie University. In Hour 3, we take you live to Parliament Hill, as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivers the 2023 Federal Budget. How can we best prepare ourselves for long-term stability, regardless of the financial outlook? Elke Rubach is the Founder of Rubach Wealth. She joins Andrew Pinsent in Hour 2. Meantime, the Canadian Mental Health Association says it needs more than just temporary federal investments for mental health services. Did they get what they needed today? Plus, as a growing number of players respectfully refuse to wear their Pride Jerseys, the National Hockey League says it will evaluate the best path forward this off-season.

Once we hit 4 o’clock, this year’s Federal Budget will finally drop. Vassy Kapelos tees up a busy day in the House of Commons with Ted Mallett, the Director of Economic Forecasting at the Conference Board of Canada. Meantime, Global Affairs Canada is being publicly shamed after Canada’s Auditor General showcased its failure to track billions of dollars in foreign aid. Shedding some light on that subject is Karen Hogan, the Auditor General herself. Later in Hour 1, Prime Minister Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden have agreed to close a notorious loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement. We get the bigger picture from Abdulla Daoud, the Executive Director of Montreal’s Refugee Centre. And finally, a man from New Brunswick forms an unlikely bond with a grey squirrel named Peanut.

Close to 3,000 instructors at Carleton University are not in class today. That’s because they are hitting the picket lines. This comes after negotiations between CUPE LOCAL 4600 and Carleton University broke down last night. While the student body understands why the strike is taking place, some are expressing their concerns. Graham Richardson speaks to one of them in Hour 1. Later in the program, he chats with CUPE President Noreen Cauley. Meantime, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is in Ottawa today, taking in the Sens-Panthers game. But the main reason for his trip to Canada’s Capital is to meet with Ottawa’s Mayor, as both parties examine the future of this NHL franchise. We get the latest from Postmedia columnist Bruce Garrioch. Plus, while he is disappointed about the NDP’s handshake deal with the Trudeau Liberals, Jagmeet Singh remains very hesitant to pull back his support and trigger a federal election. Which decision will hurt his party more?

The House of Commons is buzzing, as we are less than 24 hours away from Budget Day. We have a quick lookahead of what’s to come with former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page. As we all know, U.S. President Joe Biden was in Ottawa this past week, and he was greeted with a package of legendary chocolate that was made by a Syrian-Canadian family in Nova Scotia. Vassy Kapelos chats with Tareq Hadhad, the founder of Peace by Chocolate.

He has been deceased since 1827, but a famous musical composer’s genetic secrets were recently unveiled for the world to see, and it’s all thanks to a strand of DNA. CTV’s Dan Riskin helps us uncover the untold family tree of Ludwig van Beethoven. It has been 24 hours since the Ontario government unveiled its 2023 Budget. While the province did unveil modest investments towards help for nurses, critics say these measures fall short of what is needed to solve the nursing crisis and the ongoing healthcare challenges our strained system is currently facing. RNAO President Claudette Holloway joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, a four-day school week pilot is being introduced by a French Catholic School Board, and a pair of schools in Ottawa will be included in the test run.

Amanda Galbraith is back from her maternity leave! She is joined alongside Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur and Fasken contributor Andrew House. On the topics list for this week: Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa, Katie Telford’s pending testimony on foreign interference allegations, and the downfall of former Liberal MP Han Dong.

Today, the Ford government unveiled its Provincial Budget for 2023. However, it does not include an extension of the province’s temporary paid sick day program. We get a full-scale breakdown from Ian Lee in Hour 4. Meantime, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that Canada needs a ‘Conservative Renaissance’, but cautions the party’s current leader to wait until an election is called before unveiling his economic blueprint. Plus, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says the allegations against former Liberal MP Han Dong shows the dire need for a national public inquiry into alleged foreign interference. We examine the bigger picture with Artur Wilczynski, a former Director of Security and Intelligence at Global Affairs Canada. In between all of that, we bring you the latest on President Biden’s visit to Ottawa. And finally, to wrap up a busy news day, we search high and low for your confessions on Tell All Thursday.

Three years in the making, the day has finally arrived. Joe Biden will be visiting Canada’s Capital. It’s a journey he has made before, but not as U.S. President. We tackle the broader discussions at play with Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Vassy Kapelos then speaks to Kirsten Hillman, who currently serves in that role. At 12:50, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin. To kick off Hour 2, we have the Daily Debrief. And finally, we do a quick Fact Check to close out the show.

We are less than 24 hours away from Joe Biden’s arrival to Canada, as the U.S. President prepares for a face-to-face conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau. Of course, this will lead to traffic disruptions, both on the ground and in the air. From security measures to top priorities, CTV’s Michael Woods is here to deliver the bigger picture. Meantime, as the Trudeau government prepares to unveil its 2023 Budget next Tuesday, Ontario is preparing to do the same over the coming weeks. CTV’s Siobhan Morris delivers what we know so far from Queen’s Park. Over in America, the waiting game continues, as former U.S. President Donald Trump remains a free man. Last week, he claimed that he would be arrested on Tuesday. Since then, Tuesday has gone, but the chatter surrounding a potential indictment hasn’t ceased. And finally, when it comes to well-behaved ride-sharing passengers in Canadian cities, UBER’s annual survey lists Ottawa at the very bottom.

Vincent Rigby, a former national security and intelligence advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau, has written an op-ed in The Globe and Mail. He says Justin Trudeau needs to issue reassurances about Canada’s commitment to security when he meets with Joe Biden face-to-face. Rigby joins the program in Hour 1. Then, we throw things over to you. What should Trudeau’s priorities be when he sits down with the U.S. President on Thursday? It’s time to have your say! Plus, Sikh organizations are also calling for a public probe into potential foreign election interference. This one, however, is directed at India.

Later this week, Ottawa Police will be launching new initiatives to prioritize safety around school zones. Graham Richardson chats with OCDSB Chair Lyra Evans in Hour 1. 24 Sussex Drive once served as the primary residence for Canada’s highest leader. Today, it sits empty. However, the utility bills are far from dormant. Hydro expert Tom Adams tries to get to the bottom of this. Meantime, City Council will be assembling on Thursday to discuss permanent last-call regulations for patios. If passed, 2AM would be the official new norm. But how much will it actually help these restaurants? Plus, if you haven’t checked your grocery bill lately, you might be leaving precious dollars behind you.

A double-dose of breaking news has hit the wire this afternoon. Special rapporteur David Johnston, who has been tasked with investigating allegations of foreign interference, has received his mandate. As for the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, she has agreed to testify in the House of Commons on this matter. We get instant reaction from Ward Elcock, a former Director of CSIS. Later in the program, we hear from Richard Fadden, a former national security advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Harper. Plus, American police forces are on high-alert ahead of a potential Donald Trump arrest. The former U.S. President has encouraged his supporters to take a stand. Law enforcement has urged them to stay at home. What happens if the former U.S. President gets placed in handcuffs?

It was a debate that divided many, but it won’t stop the shovels from going into the ground. A brand-new Orleans housing development has been approved despite a shortage of parking spaces. We get instant reaction from Orleans councillor Matthew Luloff in Hour 1. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for a national standardized test to licence doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals that have either trained or worked outside of Canada. Graham Richardson chats with Dr. Alan Drummond, an emergency physician at the Perth and Smith Falls District Hospital. Plus, after a member of Ottawa Public Health was grilled about her physical appearance, we examine the type of abuse that women face in city politics.

U.S. President Joe Biden will be paying a visit to Canada’s Capital on Thursday, with defense spending likely serving as a springboard for dialogue. We dissect the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a surprise visit to Russian-occupied Mariupol over the weekend. This comes as Poland explores greater efforts to support Ukraine. Vassy Kapelos chats with Adam Niedzielski, who serves as Poland’s Minister of Health. Plus, one of the biggest climate reports in human history has uncovered dire warning signs about the Earth’s future. While issuing a ‘survival guide for humanity’, the world’s top scientists are calling for a major course of action, fearing the clock is quickly approaching Midnight. Those findings are coming up in Hour 2.

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Temporary homeless shelters: A short-term initiative to prevent overcrowding during the challenging stages of COVID-19. However, as one shelter closes and another prepares to do the same, two new locations will soon be opened in order to keep up with the ongoing demand. Kristy Cameron chats with Marty Carr, the councillor for Alta Vista Ward. Loblaw CEO Galen Weston stood before a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday, as the feds tried to make sense of today’s sky-high food prices. What were the main takeaways from these testimonies? We pose that question, and several others, to former NDP leader Tom Mulcair. As China denies all allegations of foreign interference in Canada, the RCMP says it is looking into a pair of Montreal-based organizations, which are being classified as ‘alleged Chinese police stations’. And finally, we want to hear your most unpopular hot takes when it comes to food.

Marc Garneau, a longtime politician and former astronaut, is turning the page on a new chapter in his life. He is stepping away from the political arena in order to spend more time with his family. His seat in the House of Commons is now vacant, waiting for a new person to fill it. You will hear from the man himself in Hour 1. Over in the world of sports, more than 40 Canadian Olympians have signed an open letter to the Canadian Olympic Committee. They want to see the committee reverse its support for Russian and Belarussian athletes to perform in Paris as neutral athletes. Plus, some Canadian teachers and professors are welcoming ChatGPT into their classrooms with open arms. Why are they doing this? We speak to one of them in Hour 2. Then, we get the scientific perspective from CTV’s Dan Riskin.

A pair of UOttawa scientists are trying to create something new in the world of medicine, a needle-free nasal vaccine that could shut out COVID infections. Allyson MacLean, a biologist, stops by to talk about this plant-based mucosal idea in Hour 1. After several years of learning challenges fueled by COVID-19, Grade 11 students will soon receive permission from the Ontario government to enter full-time skilled trade apprenticeships. Kristy Cameron chats with Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour and Skills Development. Later in Hour 3, a pair of Ottawa city councillors are tabling a motion to City Council, urging Canada’s Capital to recognize Intimate Partner Violence as an epidemic. It’s a motion that Lanark County has already embraced. Plus, a report from RBC shows that women have powered a pandemic shift towards higher-paying jobs. However, it also shows a persisting pay gap across the majority of Canada’s sectors, as women made an average of 89 cents in 2021 for every man-made dollar that year.

CEOs of Canada’s major grocery store chains are going to be bombarded with questions at Parliament Hill this afternoon, as the House of Commons tries to gain a better understanding of the sky-high food prices Canadians are facing. What is the NDP leader going to ask them when he is in the big chair? We hear from Jagmeet Singh in Hour 1. Then, we take your calls and texts. Plus, the Bank of Canada is holding its key interest rate at 4.5 percent. Vassy Kapelos gets the inside scoop from Jimmy Jean, the Vice-President and Chief Economist at Desjardins.

MP’s are getting ready to grill grocery executives over sky-high prices. What level of transparency do you want to see? Plus, the Orleans explosion that decimated an entire neighbourhood might have been caused by a botched break-in. On the last weekend of February, the Ottawa Hospital began allowing a private corporation to perform orthopedic surgeries. Covered by OHIP, these operations are being run by eight Ottawa-based doctors, performed inside vacant operating rooms every Saturday at the Riverside Campus. However, this partnership is being questioned by nurses’ unions and healthcare experts. Prime Minister Trudeau will be appointing a special rapporteur on election interference, as a way to address allegations about Chinese election interference. Plus, Ottawa’s largest school board may have to trim $9 million from its budget in 2024 unless there is more funding from the Ford government. OCDSB Chair Lyra Evans is here to explain why.

Vassy Kapelos discusses the latest developments in how the federal government is responding to Canadians' concerns over alleged election meddling by China during the last two federal campaigns. On today’s show: A conversation with Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety of Canada, on his government appointing a special rapporteur to investigate foreign interference. Lisa Raitt, former deputy leader with the Conservative Party of Canada, and Anne McLellan, former Liberal deputy prime minister of Canada, on their coalition calling for a stronger focus on growth ahead of the 2023 budget. Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd, on B.C. introducing legislation to protect those whose intimate images have been shared without consent.The Daily Debrief panel with Sharan Kaur, Amanda Galbraith and Shachi Kurl.Aiden Chase, a 16-year-old hockey player from Quebec. He, along with his mother, Laurie Philipps, are filing a complaint against Hockey Quebec after Aiden was allegedly subjected to racial slurs.

After a decent dumping of the white stuff on Tuesday, Canada’s Capital is inching closer and closer to 300 centimetres of fallen snow this season. Does that pose a greater risk for spring flooding? If so, what are we looking at? Environment Canada’s David Phillips joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, the Rideau Centre is about to take a gigantic hit, as Nordstrom plans to shut down its operations all across Canada. What should fill this massive hole in the Downtown Core? We ask the experts. Then, we turn things over to you at 5:05. And finally, was there a song from your childhood that you listened to, but probably shouldn’t have? That’s coming up on Flashback Friday!

Deb Hutton, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, is joined alongside Liberal strategist Bob Richardson and Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy. This week, a Parliamentary panel was looking into allegations of foreign interference from previous federal elections. It heard from Canada’s top intelligence officials, including the Head of CSIS. What did you make of these findings and what does the federal government do next? Plus, Newfoundland and Labrador health officials are heading back to Europe as part of the province's latest effort to recruit health workers from abroad. As our country struggles to retain nurses, what can the feds do to help? That’s coming up in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays.

The Alzheimer’s Society is seeking new funds to extend a slew of pilot projects across Ontario. We share a powerful personal story in Hour 1, and we also examine a far greater picture of what this could mean for Ontarians. Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a family doctor based in Manotick, recently penned an op-ed article in the Ottawa Citizen. He tackled the notion that Canada runs on a universal healthcare system, and questions whether or not our current system is equitable and accessible to every single Canadian. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Meantime, as unprecedented demand persists for pandemic-era shelters, it seems as if these locations are becoming more permanent than temporary. We ask the experts, then turn it over to you at 5:05. And finally, a California man has visited Disneyland over 3,000 times in his life. What is one thing you could do over and over again? Text into the show for this week’s Tell All Thursday!

Dozens of patients at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have been waiting for a ray of sunshine. Some have resided at this building for several years, but remain there by choice because of a persistent problem that has appeared all across Canada. That problem is a lack of housing. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos, a physician and scientist who works at the facility. Later in Hour 2, a growing number of police forces are debating whether to consider attacks on Canada’s homeless as hate crimes. Plus, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

It’s been exactly seven years since the Phoenix pay system debacle first started. The system was launched in 2016 and there are currently over 400,000 pay issues waiting to be resolved, both old and new. Kristy Cameron speaks to Chris Aylward, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. With the Rideau Canal getting zero days of ODR operations, residents are turning to local ODR’s and local ponds to make the most out of Winter. Kanata Lakes teenager Eric Ledain was skating on a beaver pond with his dog until he was dealt a trespassing ticket worth $125. His father, Timon Ledain, elaborates further on this frustrating ordeal. Effective immediately, TikTok has been banned on all government-issued devices. Should all Canadian provinces be jumping on the banning bandwagon? We speak to Ann Cavoukian, a former Three-Term Privacy Commissioner for Ontario. And finally, it might be a bad idea to use the Snooze button. A new neuroscience theory tells us why.

CSIS has uncovered a Chinese plot to donate funds to the Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Foundation, appearing to target Justin Trudeau in a 2013 foreign influence operation after he became Liberal Leader. Bob Fife of The Globe and Mail joins Vassy Kapelos with the latest developments. Meantime, the Mayor of Niagara Falls says he wants to see a thorough immigration plan from the federal government as tourism season approaches. This comes as thousands of asylum-seekers patiently wait in hotel rooms. Jim Diodati joins the program to elaborate further in Hour 1. Plus, a former NHL goaltender is writing a powerful and painful book, detailing the injustice surrounding his parents’ murder. Don Edwards feels that full-parole is inevitable for the man who killed them in 1991.

Back in January, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Union of Taxation Employees launched nationwide strike votes, potentially affecting more than 35,000 CRA employees. How could this impact everyday Canadians when tax season arrives? We examine the bigger picture in Hour 1. Ontario health advocates say they will do whatever they can to stop the Ford government from allowing more private clinics to conduct OHIP-covered surgeries. Kristy Cameron speaks to Natalie Mehra, the Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition. Meantime, you’ve heard of ‘quiet quitting’, but what about ‘rage applying’? We explain why it could become the next big trend in our workforce. And finally, the price of Canadian alcohol is set to rise in April, with a 6.3 percent tax increase on tap for Ontario in 2023. This excise tax automatically climbs every year, in accordance with the rate of inflation. We get instant reaction from restaurant owners and industry experts. Then, we take your texts and emails.

Former advisors to Prime Minister Trudeau are calling for a public inquiry into alleged election interference out of China. Vassy Kapelos digs for the latest developments with former CSIS Director Richard Fadden. Do you think this is a non-partisan issue? Is it an overreach to ask for a public inquiry in this case? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way. Meantime, as Canadian Leopard tanks head to Ukraine, temporary replacements will be sent to Canada’s Armed Forces. We get the details in Hour 1. Plus, the Canadian Heritage Committee is calling for a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Google’s plan to censor news content.

When it was announced that the Rideau Canal Skateway was going to be closed for all of Winterlude, residents were still crossing their fingers for a skating season. Sadly, for the first time in its over 50-year history, the NCC says it will fail to salvage a single skating day. We examine how some of the nearby vendors plan to recoup the potential revenue that has sunk down to the bottom of the lake. Chetan Dave, an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Alberta, says we shouldn’t be getting upset at major grocery companies for food price hikes. Instead, our regulators should be investigating the producers who supply grocers. He explains further in Hour 2. Federal outsourcing is on pace to reach record-setting levels in 2023. To be more precise, $21.4 billion. Is this good value for taxpayers? Kristy Cameron chats with Don Drummond, a Fellow-In-Residence at the CD Howe Institute. Plus, in this week’s edition of Flashback Friday, we reflect on our first-ever cellphone ringtones.

Joined alongside Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Reshmi Nair and CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos, Deb Hutton is pinch-hitting for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays. Today marks 365 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. Do you think the West will launch a new phase in its involvement, or is tightening sanctions even further a more effective approach? Meantime, secret documents from CSIS reveal that China tried to influence the outcome of the 2021 federal election. Do you have any concerns about this being a CSIS leak? Plus, the Trudeau government is facing calls to close irregular border crossings at Quebec's Roxham Road to asylum seekers. Will that do more harm than good?

Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association are picketing outside several major hospitals in the province. They are currently trying to negotiate a new bargaining agreement after spending the past 3 years under wage restraints. Karen McCoy, a Bargaining Unit President for CHEO’s Registered Nurses, joins us in Hour 2. Meantime, City Hall plans to install 23 new photo radar cameras in 2023, bringing the grand total to 40 cameras by December. In fact, there are plans to add between 15 and 25 new cameras every year until 2026. Even if it’s a nuisance, does it protect public safety enough? We ask a pair of city councillors in Hour 2. Then, we open up the textboard in Hour 4. Plus, in this week’s edition of Tell All Thursday, we tackle the major red flags in a romantic relationship.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine one year ago, tensions have remained high in surrounding countries. We speak to Krišjānis Kariņš, the Prime Minister of Latvia, in Hour 1. Later in the program, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Quebec educator Dominic Sicotte, who is also the President and CEO of the A.B. Foster Academy. He wants YouTube to be taught in every single school across North America. We find out why. And finally, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

A motion is being cast at Queen’s Park to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable residents during power outages. Among those essential services would be swift and efficient access to emergency backup generators. Kristy Cameron tees up tonight’s pivotal debate. As the pandemic continues to take its toll on everyday Canadians, it appears that the virus itself is linked to a rise in heart attacks and other cardiovascular dilemmas. Dr. Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist at the University of Ottawa, delivers the bigger picture in Hour 2. Plus, we explain how an Ottawa-based organization is working to support people with disabilities, while also preserving a part of Canadian history at the same time. Its secret weapon happens to be the former copper roof that once protected Parliament Hill. And finally, the RBC Bluesfest lineup for 2023 has finally been unveiled! We want to know what your dream lineup would be.

One year ago, Ukraine was turned upside down by Russian forces. Today, they are still fighting to defend their land, as the levels of chaos and carnage seems never-ending. Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Yulia Kovaliv, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada. After the Premier of Quebec called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to direct asylum-seekers to other Canadian provinces, the federal Conservative leader wants to see the border crossing on Roxham Road closed within the next 30 days. We chat with Lloyd Axworthy, who served as Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister from 1996 to 2000. Plus, as the 2024 U.S. Presidential Race kicks into high gear, we evaluate the potential candidates who could soon enter the ring.

A hot topic among the Ottawa Police Services Board is the need to divert police resources away from mental health calls, leaving those situations for better-trained and less expensive groups to take on. A pilot program in Toronto is showing positive results. Is it time for Canada’s Capital to take this idea for a test drive? We pose that question to Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard. Meantime, Russia plans to suspend its participation in the new START treaty – the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States. We get the bigger picture from Retired Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie in Hour 3. On the lighter side of things, we have a positive update to a story we first shared last December. A dog was found inside a car, trapped with nowhere to go. Today, he is on the road to recovery.

A new report from CSIS precisely explains how China is targeting Canadian politicians and business leaders. Bob Fife of The Globe and Mail joins Vassy Kapelos with the latest developments. Meantime, Quebec Premier Francois Legault wants Prime Minister Trudeau to send asylum seekers to other provinces, claiming that one of Canada’s biggest provinces has already done its fair share. We speak to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser in Hour 1. Then, we have a gut-wrenching story in Hour 2, as two brothers return from a flight to Turkyie. They were searching for their sister following February’s 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Dragged down by confusion, they sadly discovered that she was one of the victims. And after Monday’s 6.4 shakeup, the death toll could soon creep up again.

We had Christmas, all of January, and most of February to get the Rideau Canal ready for Winterlude season. Sadly, we didn’t get enough cold air to make it happen. Is a head-start to Spring more likely at this point? Environment Canada’s David Phillips evaluates the upcoming forecast. As the festival winds down, Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Melanie Brault, the Director of Capital Celebrations at Canadian Heritage. Meantime, the trend of ghosting someone is becoming far more common than in-person rejections. In Hour 2, we try to uncover the broader effects of ghosting with CTV’s Dan Riskin. Plus, our Political Heat panelists reconvene to discuss the Emergencies Act Inquiry. Do you agree with Justice Rouleau’s assessment? What pivotal questions remain unanswered? More importantly, what can we learn from it?

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron on this snowy Friday afternoon. Today, the long-awaited findings were finally unveiled by the Public Order Emergency Commission. They feel that the feds were justified to invoke the Emergencies Act against the Freedom Convoy last February. We deliver instant reaction as the show marches on. Genexa, an American-based drugmaker, is scheduled to import children’s pain and fever medication to Canada. How soon will it get here? How soon do we need it? That story is coming up in Hour 2. When it comes to hybrid work, how do expectations differ between employers and employees? We deliver the bigger picture in Hour 3. Plus, Matt Demers drops by with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Deb Hutton is filling in for Amanda Galbraith, who remains on maternity leave. And it wouldn’t be a Friday afternoon without a crazy dose of breaking news. On the eve of this weekend’s Freedom Convoy protests at Parliament Hill, the Public Order Emergency Commission has found that the Trudeau government did meet the threshold to invoke the Emergencies Act last February. CTV’s Vassy Kapelos brings us up to speed. Then, we get instant reaction from CFRA Ottawa newswriter Chris Holski and Newstalk 610 host Karl Dockstader. Plus, we have plenty of appetizer items to dissect in the Lightning Round, from the resignation of Toronto Mayor John Tory to the sudden retirement of RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki.

A group of Ontario children's hospitals have banded together, asking the Ford government for $371 million to fix pediatric care. We deliver the bigger picture in Hour 1. A gymnastics coach who previously worked in Ottawa and Kingston has been charged with seven counts of sexual assault. Police fear that there could be more victims. In the wake of a stunning report from the Transportation Safety Board, Rideau Transit Group has assured the City of Ottawa that our light rail service is safe to ride. How can we trust RTG’s assessment of what is safe and what isn’t? Kristy Cameron gets a wide range of reaction as the show continues. Plus, hundreds of residents are asking the City of Ottawa to boost their 2023 Budget for affordable housing. We break down where the local funding is lacking

As the crisis in Haiti deepens, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has arrived in The Bahamas to meet with Caribbean leaders. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Gilles Rivard, a former Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, in Hour 1. As our nationally-produced cannabis enters a stage of peril, industry leaders are turning to the feds for help. We get the latest developments from George Smitherman, who is the President and CEO of the Cannabis Council of Canada. In Hour 2, we reflect on the accomplishments and controversies surrounding the RCMP while Brenda Lucki was in charge. This week, she announced her retirement plans from Canada’s police force. Plus, it looks like the Conservatives and Liberals are in a dead-heat as healthcare concerns soar across the country. If an election happened today, who would get your vote?

In the wake of Monday’s horrific explosion in Orleans, which left at least a dozen people injured, the Ottawa and District Labour Council argues we shouldn’t treat this incident as an accident. President Sean McKenny outlines his list of workplace safety concerns. In Hour 2, the Ontario Provincial Police justifies their recent use of an Emergency Alert. It happened last Friday in Lanark County and Sharbot Lake, as several residents were told to take shelter and report any forms of suspicious activity. Did they overreact? Meantime, how often do you see off-leash dogs in your neighbourhood, particularly in boundaries where it isn’t allowed? Some city councillors want to crack down on dog owners who aren't obeying the rules. Does this trigger you? We speak to Dayna Desmarais, a local pet-sitter. In Hour 4, we sift through the textboard and review your feedback. Plus, a new TSB report puts another dent into Ottawa’s LRT system. Laura Shantz from Ottawa Transit Riders delivers her two cents.

As the search for ‘downed’ flying objects continues, a Russian bomber has been intercepted near the Alaskan border. Vassy Kapelos gets the bigger picture from Tom Lawson, a former Deputy Commander for NORAD. Meantime, as the Trudeau government prepares for another rise in immigration levels, a new report says that Canada needs to build 50 percent more homes. We check in with Ahmed Hussein, Canada’s Minister of Housing, in Hour 1. Plus, inflation levels are stickier than anticipated in the United States, which could mean further rate hikes. How are you faring? We take your calls, texts, and emails.

A new survey among members of AdvantAge, an association representing the majority of Ontario’s not-for-profit long-term care homes, has unveiled a series of thought-provoking findings. It says that these homes are spending millions of dollars on temporary health-care staff members. We get the bigger picture in Hour 1. If the Rideau Canal Skateway remains closed for the entire skating season, how will that impact the bottom-line for the businesses that rely on its service? Steve Ball from the Ottawa-Gatineau Hotel Association paints a very unflattering picture. It’s been exactly one year since Prime Minister Trudeau dropped a nasty Valentine’s Day bombshell on the Freedom Convoy. Today, city parking has been restricted due to ‘possible convoy activity’, but it appears that everything has remained civil to this point. We go 1-on-1 with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in Hour 3. Plus, it’s time to unveil your love story. How did you meet up with your significant other? Text into the show and let us know!

Less than a week after Toronto’s Mayor said he would be stepping down following a relationship with a former staffer, John Tory says he plans to delay his departure to preside over a budget meeting. We get the latest developments from Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie right off the top. As Canadian and American authorities try to gather intel on the mysterious flying objects that were recently shot down, how would you grade the response from the Canadian military and the federal government? Vassy Kapelos speaks to former Defense Minister Peter MacKay in Hour 1. Speaking of the United States, it is cracking down on its obesity levels. Should our country follow their lead?

An explosion in Orleans left several homes destroyed and 12 people injured on Monday morning. For Ian Carlson and his family, who live right behind the site of the blast, they awoke to the horror of debris falling on top of them as their ceiling gave way. He describes the horrific wake-up call in Hour 2. Over in the United States, questions are swirling around a quartet of mysterious aerial objects spotted in North American airspace. They were all shot down in separate occasions over the past 10 days. Retired Major-General David Fraser explains why it will be very complex to unravel what exactly was shot down. And finally, CTV News has confirmed that Canada's Premiers have agreed to accept Prime Minister Trudeau's 10-year healthcare funding offer. Is this a win for Canadian healthcare?

The United States has shot down yet another flying object, this time over Lake Huron and near the Canadian border. Retired Major-General Scott Clancy joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Then, at 12:50, we open up the phone lines and ask for your feedback. What do you think it all signals? Meantime, all of Canada’s Premiers are meeting today to discuss the proposed healthcare deal. While it does include billions of dollars in brand-new funding, will it get the final seal of approval?

It turns out that the ongoing review of the Ottawa Police’s response to last year’s Freedom Convoy might not be done. That’s according to the city’s Auditor General. Does it point to a much broader issue? Kristy Cameron speaks to former Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. Since the Rideau Canal is still closed for skating, the Winterlude Team had to move some of its activities planned for this weekend. We bring you the latest on that story in Hour 2. After hearing a series of heartbreaking stories from devastated Highbridge Construction customers, the owner of Mrel Construction is offering his services to help complete unfinished business. In this week’s edition of Flashback Friday, it’s all about Super Bowl Halftime moments that even the casual sports fans will never forget. And finally, Matt Demers arrives in-studio with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Deb Hutton sits in the host chair, filling in for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays. CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur serve as the expert panelists. On the main course is a proposed healthcare deal for Canadian provinces, Ezra Levant’s legal challenge against Canada’s Environment Minister, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre calling out the CBC President.

A mammoth economic engine for Smiths Falls, Ontario is under fire this afternoon, as Canopy Growth is expected to lay off 35 percent of its workforce. We speak to some of the town’s local businesses and find out how this news impacts their bottom-line. Closer to Canada’s Capital, the Transit Commission says ridership in December stood at 62 percent of pre-COVID levels. In a bid to keep the cars at home and get more people back on city buses, City Council is pondering the idea of a new monthly pass, which would appeal to hybrid public servants. We explain how this plan would work in Hour 2. Meantime, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is considering a new field trip policy, but how are students and parents feeling about it? Kristy Cameron chats with OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans at 3:35. And finally, today’s Tell All Thursday is all about clever excuses that always get you out of trouble.

During his State of the Union Address, U.S. President Joe Biden announced details on his ‘Buy America’ plan. How does it impact Canada? Vassy Kapelos replays her conversation with Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. Then, we get live reaction from Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. Later in Hour 1, we bring you up to speed on Wednesday’s horrific crash in Laval, as a daycare centre remains traumatized and heartbroken.

Laval Police are investigating the cause of a scary crash at a daycare centre. Earlier this morning, officers responded to calls of a city bus crashing into the building, leading to horrific and chaotic scenes in the Northern Montreal suburb. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. After the city’s Transportation Committee issued a recommendation to reopen Wellington Street to vehicle traffic last month, City Council has given the final seal of approval. We get instant reaction with our Municipal Heat Panel. Meantime, a family doctor in Manotick is skeptical that more healthcare money from the federal government will translate into better healthcare outcomes for Canada’s provinces. And finally, we revisit the Highbridge Construction fallout, as employees try to pick up the pieces.

A horrific scene is unfolding inside a Laval, Quebec daycare centre. We get instant reaction from CTV Montreal newsanchor Amanda Cline and bring you the latest updates as they become available. On yesterday’s show, the biggest topic of discussion was Canada’s healthcare system, and how the feds would structure new funding for Canadian provinces. A new deal has since been proposed. Does it check off most of the necessary boxes? We speak to former Quebec Premier Jean Charest in Hour 1. Then, we open the floor to your viewpoints at 12:50. Plus, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia, its government will have to continue the fight with a new Defense Minister. That’s because the job title was vacated by Oleksiy Reznikov due to a corruption scandal.

Customers and employees of Highbridge Construction are left in limbo after a permanent closure caught them by surprise on Monday. If you pay for a company to improve your property, but they go under mid-project, what forms of customer protection exist? We have that conversation in Hour 3. Meantime, Regina Bateson’s son has been waiting over 7 months to see a specialist and address a possible birth defect. Sadly, it appears that his wait times will be longer than anticipated. And the longer he waits, the worse his condition gets. Plus, relief efforts are underway after a massive earthquake struck Turkyie and war-ravaged Syria earlier this week. We explain how you can help.

Here in Canada, a healthcare deal is on the table. Over in the United States, President Biden is preparing for the State of the Union Address. And in Turkyie, cleanup efforts continue after a major earthquake.

This past weekend, a local business took another gut-punch following a weekend robbery. Kristy Cameron highlights the tough road ahead for a barbeque restaurant in Hour 2. Meantime, a Stittsville family was forced to escape from their home – in bare feet – after the house caught fire during a cold snap. That bone-chilling tale is on the way in Hour 1. Plus, an Eastern Ontario town is debating whether or not to scrap its oath to King Charles. The new King of England is expected to be sworn in this May. And finally, we tackle the biggest political headlines with our Political Heat panelists.

What appeared to be a Chinese surveillance balloon was shot down by U.S. authorities over the weekend. Reports say the balloon had spent multiple days in American airspace. China says this decision was uncalled for. America begs to disagree. What does it tell us about China’s relationship with North American countries? Vassy Kapelos speaks to Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst with the Canadian government. Here at home, your Premier will be meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau on Tuesday to discuss healthcare strategies. Perhaps a new deal is also on the table. What is the primary issue that needs to be tackled? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way! Plus, with several sailors stranded in their tugboats for months, concerns are growing about the sailors’ living conditions at the nearby Quebec port.

More than 30 years after being convicted of four murders in Brossard, Daniel Jolivet is still proclaiming he didn’t do it. CTV’s Genevieve Beauchemin ventures inside a Quebec prison to speak to Jolivet, his first-ever broadcast interview with English media. That story is on the way in Hour 1. Earlier this week, questions were raised about Ottawa’s snow-clearing efforts. Disability advocate Max Brault is one of those critics. He feels the current standards aren’t up to par. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, a pair of Canadian Forces recruits are recovering in hospital amid allegations they were subjected to questionable physical fitness training, standards that allegedly went far beyond what is considered necessary. Details are coming your way in Hour 3.

Mark Towhey is filling in for Amanda Galbraith, who remains on maternity leave. In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, we are joined alongside McMaster University’s Vass Bednar and Newstalk 1290 London host Ken Eastwood. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet wants the Prime Minister to drop Amira Elghawaby and erase the anti-Islamophobia position from his government. Do you think he is out of line for suggesting this? Is there any real purpose to fill these roles? Meantime, the feds are delaying the expansion of its medically-assisted dying regime to people whose sole condition is a mental disorder. Do you agree with this 12-month delay? Plus, British Columbia is experimenting with a drug decriminalization policy. What do you think we will learn from this idea?

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron this afternoon. As the dreaded polar vortex strikes Canada’s Capital, the Ottawa Mission’s frontline staff is working overtime to make sure our most vulnerable residents aren’t caught in the cold. CEO Peter Tilley joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ford government has unveiled a plan that focuses on providing Ontarians with a better healthcare experience. Does it satisfy their biggest critics? Turning our attention to China, a trio of ‘super cows’ have been created, fully-capable of producing absurd amounts of milk. CTV’s Dan Riskin tries to make sense of it all in Hour 3. Plus, the earning exemption for ODSP eligibility has increased, but advocates say this program still isn’t as beneficial as you think it is. And finally, if you had to pick one day in your life to rewind over and over again, which moment in time would you pick?

Kristy Cameron is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. American political personality Tucker Carlson has received a lot of criticism for his ‘Invade Canada’ rant. One of those critics is an NDP MP, who called for an official condemnation of Carlson’s words. That motion was defeated. We bring you the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, a Quebec psychologist went before a Parliamentary Committee this week to outline her concerns with MAID regulations, arguing they should not be available to people that are dealing with a mental illness. Georgia Vrakas, who battles bipolar disorder, worries about what could have happened to her if MAID was available in her darkest hours. In Hour 2, we speak to Laval resident Taylor-Anna Kobinger after her Audi was stolen and infamously used in a Vaughan Mills shopping mall robbery. And finally, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

It’s the biggest day of the year at City Hall. It’s even bigger when you are dealing with a pandemic that continues to take hits at the municipal wallet for nearly 3 full years. Despite the inflationary challenges, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is optimistic that a lower-tax budget is realistic for us to afford. CTV’s John Crupi and Michael Woods sift through the fine print. Then, we hear from Mayor Sutcliffe himself at 4:35. As the show continues, we gather a wide range of opinions, including yours at 5:05. Meantime, if you’ve watched YouTube videos long enough, chances are you’ve come across the occasional online personality reacting to a true crime story. This profitable industry, however, comes at the expense of the families that were victimized by these horrific tales. Entertainment expert Bobbi Miller weighs the ethical flaws.

Here in Canada’s Capital, there are a lot of eager beavers hoping to skate on the Rideau Canal this year. In order for that to happen, we need some colder temperatures, and it looks like all of Canada is going to get them whether we like it or not. Vassy Kapelos brings you the latest details on February’s cold snap. Over in Ukraine, they want to give Russia the cold shoulder ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Should the Russian banner be welcomed back into the Olympic arena? Meanwhile in the NFL, a future Hall of Famer is starting his second retirement in two seasons, something that Tom Brady has vowed will be his final curtain call. How do you know when it’s time to leave your profession? Plus, an open mic night is bringing a funeral home in Halifax back to life.

The union representing OC Transpo bus drivers has renewed calls to pull articulated buses from city roads during snowstorms. Clint Crabtree, the President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279, argues that forecasted snowfalls above 15 centimetres should be the limit, as opposed to the 31-centimetre threshold that currently exists. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, Ontarians looking for new employment are expanding their horizons out-of-province, according to a new report from Indeed. In the second half of 2022, it found that 6.1 percent of clicks on Canadian job postings by Ontario job-seekers were for positions in other Canadian provinces. We deliver the bigger picture in Hour 2. Plus, after locking food prices on their in-house brands in mid-October, the three-month discount will not be extended by Loblaw. However, as their rivals warn customers of potential price increases down the road, the company vows to implement flat pricing whenever possible.

Canada’s hardest-hit long-term care homes have received new voluntary standards, a wake-up call that was issued following nearly 3 years of challenges caused by COVID-19. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Dr. Samir Sinha, the Chair of the Health Standard Organization’s Technical Committee. Over in British Columbia, a drug decriminalization experiment is underway, and several jurisdictions are watching closely. We get the bigger picture from Jennifer Whiteside, who is British Columbia’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. In Hour 2, we examine Canada’s economic outlook with John Manley, a former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. How can the Trudeau Liberals dodge these heavy boulders and get Canada back on the road to recovery?

As crowds gathered to remember the 2022 Freedom Convoy, the People's Commission unveiled the first section of its two-part report on last year’s events. We deliver the bigger picture in Hour 1. Meantime, we are still trying to dig our way out of Sunday’s snowstorm. How would you grade Ottawa’s snow-clearing efforts? What long-term improvements still need to be made? That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, could the Ontario Liberals take an unconventional approach to select their new leader? Some of today’s Liberal MPP’s want to see it happen. If it does, could it spark a future trend in Canadian politics? We explain further as our Political Heat panelists take their seats.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for an emergency debate on healthcare privatization. He joins Vassy Kapelos to explain further in Hour 1. This comes as Prime Minister Trudeau is getting ready to talk healthcare with Canadian Premiers next Tuesday. Health experts are crossing their fingers for a new deal. Will they get one? What barriers stand in our way? Canada’s Minister of Health was on CTV’s Question Period this past weekend. You will hear Vassy’s conversation with Minister Duclos later in the program. Plus, it’s time for you – the listener – to have your say! Parliament is back in session after a lengthy Christmas Break. What should the primary focus be?

Ottawa Police and Bylaw Services will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to parking, noise, and fireworks violations in the Downtown Core this weekend. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ demonstration, but officials are hoping that special parking restrictions will avoid a repeat of the chaos that it brought to residents in 2022. CFRA’s Andrew Pinsent breaks down the latest developments in Hour 1. Meantime, staff members at a Hawkesbury women’s shelter are frustrated with the Trudeau Liberals after the shelter was recently turned down for federal funding. We bring you the details in Hour 3. Plus, the Queensway-Carleton Hospital welcomed Melissa Lafferty to the world in November of 1999, the Ottawa-based hospital’s first birth. In a full-circle moment, she recently gave birth to her first child at the exact same place she was born. And finally, Matt Demers delivers his Weekly Movie Picks!

Deb Hutton is hosting this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, joined alongside by AM 800 CKLW Windsor host Mike Kakuk and Pickup Communications founder Tamara Cherry. A date has been set for Prime Minister Trudeau to meet with Canadian Premiers to talk healthcare. Will any progress be made during these talks? How close are we on a potential deal? Meantime, Trudeau is courting a fight over the Notwithstanding Clause. Are we inching closer to a constitutional problem? Plus, a recent survey has found that most Canadians are pessimistic about the economy. Do you feel that way? How are you dealing with the issue of affordability right now?

Regardless of its long-term future, Wellington Street will get another chance to welcome vehicles into the Downtown Core. Earlier today, the Transit Committee voted for a temporary removal of vehicle barriers as soon as its operationally feasible, but no sooner than March 1. Of course, this is pending an official vote on February 8. We get reaction from both sides as Hour 2 continues. Meantime, Orleans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts feels there needs to be some sort of discussion for OPH base-funding increases. She fears that provincial funding for COVID-related initiatives could soon dry up. Ottawa’s Draft Budget will be tabled next Wednesday. Plus, Canada’s privacy watchdog has found that Home Depot shared details of electronic receipts with Meta, which operates Facebook. The watchdog claims it was done without customer consent. And finally, it’s time for Tell All Thursday!

Poland has requested Germany’s approval to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. According to sources, Canada will be doing the same. Defense Minister Anita Anand spoke to the media this afternoon and you will hear that press conference live on the Vassy Kapelos Show. Later in Hour 1, we also have a 1-on-1 conversation with Mateusz Morawiecki, the Prime Minister of Poland. Meantime, Prime Minister Trudeau will have a healthcare discussion with Canadian Premiers on February 7, with the potential of striking a pivotal deal if common ground can be found. Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson was on CTV’s Power Play last night. If you didn’t hear it then, you will hear it just before Hour 2 begins. And finally, we talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Nearly 40,000 children are patiently waiting to book appointments at CHEO, with many of them waiting longer than the wait times recommended by doctors. Kristy Cameron gets the bigger picture from Stephanie Carter, CHEO’s Director of Ambulatory Care. Today’s show is also shaped around fighting back against mental illness, as we mark another edition of Bell Let’s Talk Day. The Sashbear Foundation offers life-transforming skills through workshops and evidence-based programs at no charge. We find out more about them in Hour 3. We also discover how Jack.org is finding ways to revolutionize mental health and empower today’s youngest leaders. In Hour 4, we examine mental health wellness in the workplace with Dr. Joti Samra. Plus, we highlight personal stories from everyday Canadians, such as Toronto-based lawyer Beth Beattie.

Vassy Kapelos has returned from the Liberal Cabinet retreat in Hamilton, as Canada’s Associate Finance Minister evaluates a potentially turbulent year for our country’s economy. Randy Boissonnault was on CTV’s Power Play last night. If you didn’t hear that conversation on Tuesday, you’ll hear it in Hour 1 of today’s program. Sticking with today’s economy, the Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate yet again. How should the Trudeau government respond? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way. Plus, it's Bell Let’s Talk Day, a 24-hour period where mental health is top of mind. But if your goal to look after your mental health involves quitting drinking, how can Canadians seek help in 2023? We try to answer the toughest questions in Hour 2.

Over 120,000 public service workers will be speaking their minds in the coming days, as Canada's largest public sector union prepares for a potential strike. PSAC, who is asking for a 4.5 percent annual raise over 3 years, says talks with the Trudeau government have broken down. If these workers hit the picket lines, what will this mean for the general public? How will people’s lives be impacted? We dig deeper to find the answers in Hour 2. The majority of Canadians are citing political cowardice as the main reason behind the ongoing demise of 24 Sussex. That’s according to recent data from the Angus Reid Institute. Shachi Kurl breaks down the numbers. Meantime, controversial changes to Ottawa Police Services Board delegations will be debated in February. How should our police force receive public feedback?

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. That is because Vassy is in Hamilton, covering the Liberal Cabinet retreat. As for Canadian travellers, the airport headaches continue. Regina’s Lindsay May says she had to cancel her destination wedding for early-January when Sunwing halted her flights to Mexico. Those flights were rescheduled, and then the airline sadly cancelled those flights this week. Meantime, after returning from her honeymoon, Cambridge resident Nakita Rees was waiting more than 4 months for her luggage to arrive. She says it was allegedly donated to a charity by one of Air Canada’s third-party luggage-handlers. Over in Newfoundland and Labrador, the province has passed a bill that effectively sends striking first responders back to work. Premier Andrew Furey explains why.

The Salvation Army hopes to break ground on a new location in Vanier this Fall, but that plan has SOS Vanier members sounding the alarm. They argue it doesn’t address the core issues of homelessness, and they want to see a housing-first strategy. Drew Dobson explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, why have our natural gas bills gone up so much? Kristy Cameron tries to make sense of it all with Warren Mabee, an expert in renewable energy and environmental policy. Plus, a new study from the Ontario Medical Association says the strain we are seeing in Ontario ER’s isn’t the result of virtual care patients. So what is causing this ER strain? We debate and discuss with OMA President Dr. Rose Zacharias in Hour 3.

A mass shooting suspect in Los Angeles, identified as a 72-year-old man, has been found dead after a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This comes after a tragic end to a Lunar New Year celebration at Monterey Park this past weekend. 10 people have been killed and 10 others are still fighting for their lives. And as we find out from Long Beach Press-Telegram reporter Kristy Hutchings, the suspect was fleeing the scene of a second attempted attack prior to his death. Meantime, as the scale of Russian attacks intensifies, Defense Minister Anita Anand won’t say if Canada is willing to send battle tanks to Ukraine. Later this week, the Trudeau Cabinet is assembling to tackle today’s top issues. Should this be at the top of the agenda? Text into the show and let us know. Plus, former Governor General David Johnston stops by to talk about his latest book. You’ll hear his voice in Hour 2.

The small Township of North Algona Wilberforce is going to be the first in the Ottawa Valley to test out a new homesharing service, a first step in addressing the affordable housing crisis. We have more on that story in Hour 1. In local sports news, the Panda Game will be played on a Sunday in 2023, but critics fear we will still be getting the same chaotic afterparties. Meantime, it might be the start of a new year, but several employers are still relying on the modern-day clock for evaluating productivity. We debate and dissect ‘time theft’ in Hour 3. Plus, if you find yourself looking for a new job in a few years, experts fear that Artificial Intelligence could become biased towards certain candidates as it gets smarter. And finally, are you eager to get out of your house and into the local cinema? Well, you better stop by the popcorn machine on your way there! Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks.

Deb Hutton is hosting this edition of Free For All Fridays, alongside CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair and Bold Realities CEO Karen Restoule. The Ontario government is preparing to significantly ramp up the number of surgeries in privately run for-profit clinics. Will this take the province down a slippery slope in the long-term? Over in New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern is stepping down as Prime Minister, a major loss to the small club of female leaders around the world. What does her resignation tell us about women in politics? Plus, 171 anomalies have been discovered at a former residential school site in Northern Ontario. Have we been treating this issue with enough urgency?

30-year-old Jonathan Seery is a volunteer firefighter who calls Deep River home. As of last Fall, however, he is also a cancer patient who is receiving treatment for leukemia. This week, he got up and walked a marathon distance around the Ottawa Hospital campus for 14 hours, all for a good cause. Seery joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Speaking of healthcare, the Ford government wants to attract healthcare workers to Ontario by permitting out-of-province workers to practice here. Will it do more harm than good? Plus, calls are growing to reopen Wellington Street to commuters. We speak to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in Hour 3, as well as former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis in Hour 2.

After a surprise visit to Kyiv from Defense Minister Anita Anand, the Canadian government is expected to send another 200 armoured vehicles to Ukraine. This follows a series of gut-wrenching attacks from Russian forces this week. We chat with Ukrainian MP Yevheniya Kravchuk in Hour 1. We also hear from Adam Oake, a Canadian who recently returned home from the front lines of this gruesome battle. For the past five months, he has been risking his life driving around the Ukrainian hot zones, delivering food and other forms of aid along the way. Plus, Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Andy Knight, a Professor of International Relations. Over the next year, he is going to assess the extent of entrenched radicalization, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and anti-Black sentiments in the Canadian Forces. Then, he will deliver crucial feedback and a suggested policy.

Health Canada is voicing their concerns about an Ontario company that is charging patients for virtual doctor visits, even if those patients are covered by OHIP. Kristy Cameron speaks to Dr. Adil Shamj, the Ontario Liberals’ Health Critic, in Hour 1. The Rideau Canal could be getting a blessing in disguise within the next few weeks if a polar vortex from Russia takes a direct hit at Canadian cities. It won’t be good news for us, though. Meantime, a public school board in Ottawa has voted to create a Jewish Equity Coach position. This follows reports of a rise in hate crimes across our city. That story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, the Chief Paramedic for Renfrew County has presented a grim picture of ambulance response times in his area. During a Health Committee meeting last week, the availability of ambulances was the primary point of concern, not to mention the ongoing pressures on a system that serves the largest geographic county in Ontario.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. The Quebec government has appointed an external advisor following a massive protest by nurses this week, a demonstration that partially shut down one of Montreal’s Emergency Room departments. CTV Montreal’s Matt Gilmour joins us with the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, an Ontario man is struggling to enjoy his vacation in Chile after Air Canada forgot his customized wheelchair in Toronto. Kathie Hamilton, the wife of Jim Hamilton, and Wendy Elliott, Jim’s stepdaughter, vent their frustrations. Plus, despite the Conservatives’ laundry list of doubters, a recent poll from Abacus Data showcases them as a better choice than the Trudeau Liberals.

On Tuesday night, a virtual public meeting will be updating residents on the LRT construction process for Ottawa’s East End. We will be receiving a broader picture into how Stage 2 is going, with the current timeline for completion taking us into 2024. Joining us in Hour 1 for the Municipal Heat Panel is Orleans-East Cumberland councillor Matthew Luloff, Orleans West-Innes councillor Laura Dudas, and Orleans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts. For the first time in nearly 12 years, Canada’s drinking guidelines have been updated. Dr. Kevin Shield says this data is all about informing Canadians of these potential risks so they can make the right decisions. He joins us in Hour 2. After Ukraine’s U25 team toured Canada to promote the ‘Hockey Can’t Stop Tour’, we hear from a Ukrainian refugee who got to skate with the Ottawa 67’s at TD Place. Plus, a team of experts have released a highly anticipated handbook on how to boost the quality of life and prevent the spread of infection in long-term care homes.

Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed down to 6.3 percent in December. Vassy Kapelos gets the bigger picture from Jimmy Jean, the Vice-President of Desjardins, in Hour 1. Meantime, there is a growing need for all forms of government to move collaboratively on decarbonization, but how do we get there? We speak to Kendall Dilling, the President of Pathways Alliance. Plus, a Nova Scotia woman is offering her waterfront property to developers in exchange for affordable housing. That is coming up in Hour 2.

As the federal government issues the return of in-person workplaces, the debate on how these workers will commute to the Downtown Core is the next priority. Ottawa’s LRT system has faced a major hurdle to start 2023. How can these wounds be healed? Meantime, the Lowertown Community Association is urging City Council to spread social services more evenly across Canada’s Capital, an effort to ease the burden on the Downtown Core. Sylvie Bigras explains further in Hour 1. As the Ford government unveils its plan to reduce surgical backlogs, critics are concerned that it could create other forms of pain for Ontario patients. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, if you saw a massive lineup at a shoe store over the weekend, it’s likely because everyone was eager to get their hands on a pair of bagel-inspired Nike shoes. What is one thing you would be willing to buy, even if you had to stand in a lineup for countless hours just to buy it?

Amid a recent surge in the number of migrants using unofficial border crossings, Canada’s Public Safety Minister is defending the effectiveness of the Safe Third Country Agreement. This uptick was very noticeable in 2022 compared to previous years. Marco Mendicino joined Vassy Kapelos on Question Period to clear the air. You will hear a replay of that conversation in Hour 1. Then, you will get instant reaction from Jenny Kwan, the NDP’s Critic for Housing, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Staying with the New Democrats, we turn our attention to the Ford government, as Ontario expands its private delivery of public healthcare services. NDP leader Marit Styles delivers her thoughts on the province’s 3-step plan. Plus, we tackle a wide range of headlines on the Daily Debrief. That’s on the way in Hour 2.

Deb Hutton fills in for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays. This week, she is joined by Liberal pundit Bob Richardson and Newstalk 580 CFRA Ottawa’s Chris Holski. Up for debate is the Three Amigos Summit, this week’s urgent Transportation Committee discussions, and whether or not Premier Ford’s approval of the feds’ healthcare funding conditions will start a trend.

Ottawa’s top doctor is urging people to take precautions amid high levels of respiratory viruses in the community. Meantime, a pair of family physicians have written an open letter about the continued use of consulting doctors. We speak to one of them in Hour 1. One year after the Eastway Tank explosion killed 6 workers in Ottawa, 3 workers are still missing after this week’s explosion at a Quebec propane company. We speak to Tracy Pritchard, the daughter of former Eastway employee Rick Bastien. Hours after being hospitalized for a medical emergency, Lisa-Marie Presley has passed away at the age of 54. We chat with music expert Eric Alper in Hour 3. Plus, which legendary TV shows deserve a reboot?

Following another day of travel chaos, this one caused by an aviation outage, airline officials are taking questions during Thursday’s Transportation Committee meeting. We get the latest developments from CTV’s Rachel Aiello. Meantime, untraceable 3D-printed ‘ghost guns’ are on the rise in Canada. Joining today’s show with the jaw-dropping data is Elton Hall, an inspector with the Winnipeg Police Service's Organized Crime Division. And then, we talk brain transplants with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

The first significant snowfall of 2023 is upon us. It starts with a bit of freezing drizzle and snow, then escalates tonight when a 25-centimetre dumping strikes Ottawa. Andrew Pinsent delivers the latest developments. Meantime, the Queensway-Carleton Hospital has seen its busiest day after 47 years of operation, with higher patient volumes bringing the West End hospital to a stunning occupancy of 113 percent. If a scary accident unfolds at a ski mountain, having a smart watch capable of making 9-1-1 calls is the ultimate life-saver. But what if these automatic calls are fabricated? Shruti Shekar, the Managing Editor of Android Central, joins us in Hour 3. Plus, as the Trail Road municipal landfill gets bigger and bigger with each passing year, one city councillor wants the city to consider a waste-to-energy solution.

Here in Ottawa, we fought through a massive snowstorm and a devastating derecho in 2022. Atlantic Canada was dealt a heavy dose of pain by Tropical Storm Fiona last Fall. And over the past 7 years, extreme weather events have cost the United States at least $1 trillion. Andrew Pinsent tries to make sense of it all with CTV’s Dan Riskin. A controversial gun range proposal in Perth is facing a major dose of opposition from nearby neighbours. That story is also coming up in Hour 1, as we speak to the man who purchased the property last February. Here in Ontario, the province’s Health Minister is defending the Ford government’s nursing compensations. However, internal documents recently revealed that Ontario was aware of the negative impacts of Bill 124, and that the ability to retain healthcare workers might be significantly weakened as a result. Plus, we find out how Canadian doctors were able to perform the world’s first treatment of an inoperable brain tumour.

Just when you thought the airline industry had brushed aside another chaotic wildfire, another fuse was lit this morning after countless flights were grounded across the United States. Vassy Kapelos tries to make sense of it all with Duncan Dee, a former Chief Operating Officer of Air Canada. Meantime, the Trudeau government is rumoured to be purchasing an American missile defense system for Ukraine. That story is coming up in Hour 1. Plus, municipalities in Montreal are taking action to preserve bilingualism, as Quebec’s Bill 96 threatens to take it away from them.

Check Point Software, an IT security company, has indicated a rise in global cyberattacks over the past year. Tech expert Carmi Levy dissects the data. Tuesday marks Day 6 of LRT troubles, as riders still don’t know an accurate timeline for a full restoration of service. For commuters in the East and West ends of Canada’s Capital, entering the Downtown Core has been a chore, especially with post-secondary courses resuming this week. We get a wide range of opinions in Hour 2. The CEOs of Canada’s big banks fear tens of thousands of Canadians could default on mortgages due to rising rates. We get the bigger picture in Hour 3. Plus, the City of Ottawa’s Traffic and Parking By-Law is directing heavy truck traffic through a huge Downtown corridor. Critics say this decision is unsustainable, not to mention unlawful.

Allison Holthoff, a 37-year-old woman, recently died in a Nova Scotia hospital after waiting hours for care. Her family is now demanding answers from the provincial government. Erin McIntyre, Allison’s cousin, joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s Minister of Transportation is set to testify at a special study that is aimed to look into the unfair treatments of air and rail passengers this holiday season. If you didn’t hear that conversation on CTV’s Power Play last night, you’ll hear it on today’s program. Over in Mexico City, the Three Amigos Summit is still unfolding. We deliver the latest news as it becomes available. And finally, we dig deep into Prince Harry’s memoir and break down the stories that have sparked countless amounts of controversy towards him.

Canadians spend $5.7 billion in unpaid hours each year on caregiving, with many struggling to balance the demands of care and paid work. That’s according to new findings from The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. Stefan Keyes digs deeper to find the details. Later in Hour 1, police forces across the country are warning Canadians of an alarming rise in sextortion cases, especially as some of our youngest residents are becoming victims of this crime. Here in Ottawa, the LRT repairs continue, and so does the endless search for long-term answers. Glen Gower, the Chair of Ottawa’s Transit Commission, joins the show in Hour 2. Speaking of growing frustrations, experts say oil and gas prices could be on the rise in 2023. Plus, businesses are growing frustrated with an alcohol-delivery partnership between LCBO and UBER Eats. We tell you why. And finally, Canada’s former Finance Minister has opened up about his differences with Prime Minister Trudeau.

Canada’s former Finance Minister has opened up about his differences with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while also criticizing the federal government’s COVID-19 policy. He claims the Liberals put a ‘popularity contest’ ahead of Canada’s fiscal prudence. If you didn’t hear that conversation on CTV’s Question Period over the weekend, you’ll hear it in Hour 1 of today’s program. Meantime, there is a Transportation Committee meeting this afternoon, as the feds ponder how to strengthen protections for air passengers. Vassy Kapelos speaks to Quebec lawyer Sylvie De Bellefeuille and CAA’s V.P. of Public Affairs Ian Jack. And finally, we speak to former NBA star Slava Medvedenko, who sold off his NBA championship rings to help Kyiv teens play basketball.

With a new Mayor of Ottawa at the helm, and a lot of new councillors entering City Hall, the transit issues that faced our city’s previous municipal regime remain the same in 2023. A big weather event has pushed the LRT service below full-strength. Repairs are needed. Promises are made that things will get better. Is it time to say goodbye to RTM? Your texts and emails are on the way in Hour 4. On a lighter note, if you are craving to see the first films of 2023, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks! Plus, the first new-year edition of Flashback Friday is also on-deck.

Amanda Galbraith remains on maternity leave, so Deb Hutton kicks off the first Free For All Friday of 2023. She is joined by CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos and Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Reshmi Nair. Heading into the new year, what advice would you give to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau? What about the opposing parties trying to replace the Liberals? That’s coming up in our first segment. Meantime, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says the holiday travel woes have shown us that Canada’s airspace needs more competition. Will this idea create more chaos? Plus, in today’s Lightning Round, we tackle Prince Harry’s new book and the most annoying email communication habits of all time.

As the freezing rain started to fall in Canada’s Capital last night, everyone was crossing their fingers that Ottawa’s LRT system would operate without any hiccups today. Sadly, that was not the case, as sparks could be seen flying on the overhead wires of Hurdman Station. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. As some parents are feeling the relief from reduced daycare costs, experts in the daycare industry are warning there may not be enough space to keep up with the growing demand. Kristy Cameron speaks to Rachel Vickerson, the Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario. Later in Hour 2, the cold and flu medication shortage is rearing its ugly head again. Plus, is it time for our public transit service to operate ‘on-demand’? Is it for early-morning commutes or all hours of the day? Wilson Lo, the new councillor for Barrhaven East, used to work for OC Transpo. He makes his pitch in Hour 3.

It’s only the first full week of 2023 and we have already seen a decent serving of drama in the U.S. political arena. None of it, to this point, directly involves Donald Trump. But that could change as the year moves forward. We bring you the latest in Hour 1. Here in Canada, one of the biggest talking points is the ongoing travel issues with Sunwing Airlines. Another one is the new COVID testing regulations that impacts travellers returning from China. Canada’s Minister of Transport goes 1-on-1 with Vassy Kapelos. Meantime, if we have to go to the polls in 2023, a majority of respondents in a recent poll have made their opinions loud and clear. They want a new face leading the Liberals. Is the clock ticking away on Justin Trudeau’s job security? Plus, as Canada battles for World Junior Gold against Czechia tonight, we get to meet a longtime coach of Canadian superstar Connor Bedard.

Last week, we were preparing for a mammoth weather event filled with snow, freezing rain, and hefty wind gusts. Most of those snowy remnants have since evaporated thanks to the Great Melt of 2022. However, all that rain and melted snow has sparked the risk of potential flooding. CTV's Natalie Van Rooy joins us with the latest in Hour 1. Heading into 2023, City Council's patience and spirit was heavily tested on multiple occasions. A jaw-dropping derecho tested everyone's patience back in May. So did a damning inquiry into Ottawa’s public transit issues. But which local story stands above the rest? CTV's Mike Woods recaps a crazy and unpredictable 2022. Plus, movie-watchers were treated to a respectable cast of Hollywood slam-dunk films over the past 12 months. But did any of the annual award shows have an onstage slap before this year's Academy Awards? Matt Demers tries to make sense of it all.

Mike Kakuk fills in for Amanda Galbraith on the final Free For All Friday of 2022. He is joined by Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur and Newstalk 610 host Karl Dockstader. We start with a full-blown breakdown of all the craziness that 2022 dished our way. Then, we look ahead to Freedom Convoy 2.0, which appears to be happening in Winnipeg rather than Ottawa. And finally, Canada’s Prime Minister answered some of life’s challenging questions on social media. No topic was off-limits during this AMA.

As we make our way into 2023, seniors are making up the fastest-growing share of family doctors. If you look closely across the country, one-in-six family doctors are inching closer and closer to retirement age. And if you live in Ontario, you could soon be one of the one-in-five patients searching for a new doctor within the next few years. We get the details in Hour 1. It's the holiday season, which means everyone's daily routine is out the window. And you are most certainly breaking that self-imposed curfew. But what if that curfew is far too late to begin with? How can you defeat bedtime procrastination? We reveal some tips and tricks in Hour 2. Plus, we dissect the top political stories of 2022 with our Political Heat Panel. Which national news story generated the most conversation? Text into the show and let us know!

Mike Kakuk, once again, is filling in for the vacationing Vassy Kapelos. Yesterday, you heard from Sunwing passenger Jenna Baker. She has been stranded in Cuba with her 3-year-old daughter since Christmas Eve. She was waiting for answers then. She is still waiting for answers now. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. Meantime, in a quest to ease Canada’s organ shortage, one company is trying to make pig livers more humanlike. Jeff Ross, the CEO of Miromatrix, tells us how. In Hour 2, we recap everything that has happened in 2022. We break down the top songs, the top movies, and the top news items that become conversation-starters. And finally, we hear from one of tomorrow’s stars – a 5K running champion who is only 11 years old.

Ontario pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe medications for a number of common ailments without the approval of a physician. We get the details in Hour 1. Bad weather has led to some tainted vacation memories for Canadian travellers everywhere. We take a broader examination of the Christmas chaos in the skies. Meantime, could the Canadian nickel suffer the same fate as the penny? Marvin Ryder from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business says we could soon live in a world where every single coin goes the way of the dodo bird. Plus, it appears that Freedom Convoy 2.0 will likely unfold in Winnipeg – and not Ottawa – in mid-February. And finally, we take a gander at some of the most outlandish 9-1-1 phone calls in 2022.

Mike Kakuk is filling in for Vassy Kapelos today. Jenna Baker, a Sunwing passenger, was supposed to be home for Christmas this year. Instead, her return flight from Cuba to Winnipeg has left her in limbo until New Year's Eve. She joins us in Hour 1. Meantime, the people of Fort Erie, Ontario are trying to break the ice - in a literal sense - after a massive storm last weekend. Plus, a former NHL player is doing all he can to help Ukrainian kids play hockey.

The bad weather has arrived. The roads are messy. Delays are inevitable. And it's all happening during the Christmas shopping rush. We bring you all the latest developments as the show rolls along. Meantime, how can the city better prepare itself for massive blasts of winter? We open that can of worms with Stittsville councillor Glen Gower. Of course, it's Friday, which means Matt Demers is still making a pit-stop to unveil his Weekly Movie Picks. And on behalf of Kristy Cameron, Dani Dube, and Chris Wyss - a very Merry Christmas to you all!

Mark Twohey is the captain of the ship. Joining him aboard the final cruise of 2022 are CFAX 1070 Victoria's Ryan Price and Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy. And as we all know, no topic is off-limits on Free For All Fridays!

It appears that, despite the warning signs, sledders are still visiting a dangerous section of Canada's Capital. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington explains further in Hour 1. Meantime, the weather outside will soon be very frightful and nowhere near delightful. We get the latest updates as the show continues. Also, have you adjusted your travel plans? Text into the show and let us know. And finally, if you are looking for some neat Christmas ideas, Cassie Aylward has a couple of solid suggestions for today's Ottawa Now Gift Guide.

We are reaching the end of the year, which means it's time to reflect on the stories that shaped 2022 - for better and for worse. Vassy Kapelos also tries to predict the top stories for 2023. Plus, as we try to fight the long lineups and the crazy weather forecast, culinary mistakes are always an annual risk. We offer some tips and clever tricks to help improve the trademark Christmas Dinner.

We are definitely getting a White Christmas in 2022. The bad news is that it comes with a very hefty cost. Due to this inconvenient snowball, the Ottawa Christmas Market will be closing up shop one day earlier than expected. So if you are looking for some cool gift ideas, CTV’s Katie Griffin might spark some inspiration. In the meantime, we shall deliver the latest weather developments as they arrive. While we are on the subject of major weather events, this wasn’t the first rodeo for Canada’s Capital in 2022, nor was it for our country as a whole. Environment Canada’s David Phillips recaps this year’s biggest storms. Plus, we tackle municipal politics, electric vehicles, and some dangerous shenanigans on Highway 417.

On the night before Christmas, travel is going to be chaotic. On the roads, and in the skies, it won’t be pretty. We get the latest updates as the Vassy Kapelos Show continues. Meantime, we have another gut-wrenching story out of Ontario, as eight teenage girls face stomach-churning charges linked to the stabbing of a Toronto man. Over in the online realm, insanity reigns over Twitter. How could Elon Musk’s tenure with the company shape the future of social media? Plus, the President of Ukraine heads down south to meet U.S. President Joe Biden.

Ottawa’s Police Services Board is assembling for the final time in 2022 after their last meetup was cut short. Kanata North councillor Cathy Curry goes 1-on-1 with Kristy Cameron to dissect what’s on the drawing board. Transit advocates are crossing their fingers that a new LRT sub-committee will help rebuild the lost confidence in Ottawa’s public transit system. That conversation is coming up in Hour 3. Meantime, Jewish teachers and students say they are experiencing more acts of Semitism inside today’s schools. We hear from the President and CEO of Ottawa’s Jewish Federation. Plus, a Canadian rapper put all his faith on France to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Not only were his hopes dashed, a hard-earned $1 million was seen dashing through the snow and right into the sports gambling coffin.

As we take a year-end glance at our economy, and how it has shifted in 2022, what does the big picture look like for 2023? What is the pathway to lower inflation rates? How can we prepare for what’s ahead? Vassy Kapelos goes 1-on-1 with Steven Poloz, a former Bank of Canada Governor, in Hour 1. Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says granting the Canadian Premiers’ healthcare requests won’t improve the healthcare system. We debate and discuss as the show continues. Over in the United States, well-known Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of rape. Are we anywhere closer to justice? Plus, you will hear from an airline passenger who had to wait on the tarmac, and in the darkness, for 9 hours.

With a semi-automatic handgun in his possession, a male gunman opened fire at a Vaughan condo, killing 5 people. Kristy Cameron brings us the latest developments as the show continues. Meanwhile in the grocery aisles, high inflation rates and labour shortages have sparked a nationwide rise in grocery shoplifting. It adds even more stress to local charities, as the number of Christmas meals continue to spike at alarming rates. Plus, while public service unions aren’t feeling the Christmas vibes following Thursday’s return-to-work policies, this plan is music to the ears of several Downtown businesses.

Vaughan, Ontario is the scene of a tragedy after a condo shooting left multiple residents dead. A source close to the investigation says five people were found with gunshot wounds this morning, all in different units in the building. Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca joins Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. Meantime, during its final public hearing, the January 6th Committee is expected to recommend criminal charges against former U.S. President Donald Trump. You’ll hear that debate in Hour 2. And finally, you will hear from a non-profit organization that is raising funds to purchase defensive safety gear for people in Ukraine.

Ontario’s top doctor believes that the flu season has hit its apex in recent days, with fewer children now in hospitals compared to a month ago. Does that mean relief is in sight for our children’s hospitals? We ask the experts in Hour 1. Canada’s Treasury Board has announced that federal public servants will be required to return to the office for two or three days a week. However, several unions are displeased that this plan was mandated, not negotiated. We get a wide range of reactions as the show continues. Plus, if you are eager to catch one final flick before the holiday weekend, Matt Demers has got you covered!

Deb Hutton is hosting this edition of Free For All Fridays. She is joined by Newstalk 1290 London host Ken Eastwood and Toronto Star crime reporter Jennifer Pagliaro. Up for discussion on the main menu is federal healthcare funding, the possibility of a federal election in 2023, Danielle Smith’s catalog of controversial soundbites, Google’s top trends for 2022, and Elon Musk’s war with journalists.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently compared the feds’ treatment of Alberta to Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people under the Indian Act, a comment that she has tried to backtrack on. However, the public relations damage has already been done, as Indigenous leaders are seething. Those comments take centre-stage on the Daily Debrief. Meantime, as the House of Commons clears out of Parliament Hill for the year, how will Canada’s political parties fare in 2023? We try to predict the future with CTV’s Rachel Aiello. In Hour 2, we get to your texts and calls. What is your top issue heading into the new year? Are we heading to the polls before next Christmas? Text into the show and let us know. Plus, we dissect a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

Following this year’s Freedom Convoy, the Trudeau Liberals have expressed interest to expand the Parliament Hill boundaries. We could see these boundaries extended to Wellington Street and Sparks Street, areas of the Downtown Core that continue to take punches. Do you think politicians should be in charge of security measures? Could this move serve as a death blow to nearby businesses? We ask the experts and the critics. As the construction noise near Devonshire Community Public School persists, NDP MPP Joel Harden is joining the fight to stop it. In fact, he wants Queen’s Park to step in. Meantime, a 31-year-old mother in search of a kidney donor has received a Christmas wish for the ages. CTV’s Katie Griffin delivers the good news. And finally, we brace for a wintery impact, as a big snowstorm rolls in.

Some of Ontario’s nurses say they are still waiting to receive the retention bonuses they were promised by the Ford government. That promise was $5,000 per nurse. RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun vents her frustrations in Hour 1. The upcoming City Budget for 2023 is going to serve as a critical test of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s campaign promises. Some councillors are wondering if this plan is realistic enough. We turn up the heat on today’s Municipal Heat Panel. In Hour 4, the listeners get to have their say, as we dissect today’s Question of the Day. Plus, it appears that Prime Minister Trudeau is willing to offer more healthcare money to Canadian Premiers, but a series of conditions must be met by the provinces.

After getting hammered by a tropical storm a few months ago, roughly 14,000 customers in Nova Scotia had to deal with another curveball, courtesy of a power outage from a winter storm. Vassy Kapelos gets the latest from Cape Breton Mayor Amanda McDougall. Speaking of storms, a total of four provinces are expected to feel the wrath of this blizzard. Environment Canada’s David Phillips says this storm will likely cover 3,000 kilometres with snow. Plus, a controversial amendment has been made to the Trudeau Liberals’ proposed gun law. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino answers the tough questions.

CHEO continues to see historic numbers of patients in its Intensive Care Units, a reality that experts fear will only get worse. Kristy Cameron sifts through the latest jaw-dropping numbers as a generational virus awaits. Over at City Hall, we got a broader look into Ottawa’s 11 committees, and which councillors will be representing them. The most notable change is Allan Hubley, who will watch Glen Gower take over as Chair of the Transit Commission. By the way, the average commuter time in Canada’s Capital is a whopping 84 minutes, far less than Toronto and Montreal. Meantime, as Hockey Canada faces a major sexual assault scandal, it has pitched 9 new names to fill vacant spots on its Board of Directors. Plus, more than a dozen parties have expressed interest in owning the Ottawa Senators, as Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds meets with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

An Ontario byelection was a good test for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives to make an impact on the future makeup of Parliament Hill. Instead, the Liberals prevailed, as Charles Souza takes his new role as the MP for Mississauga-Lakeshore. Vassy Kapelos welcomes him to the program in Hour 1. Meantime, it wasn’t all good news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who says he will not commit to a meeting with Canadian Premiers over healthcare funding. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says he could pull the plug on the ongoing coalition with the Liberals over this issue, saying a political pact is far less superior than a sector in crisis. Plus, as WNBA player Brittney Griner flees Russia, Ottawa’s Paul Whelan remains in detention. He has been detained in Russia since 2018.

A group of parents are calling out Claridge Homes after ear-piercing construction noises became very troublesome for students at Devonshire Community Public School. That story is coming up in Hour 1 of today’s program. On Thursday night, Policy Options Magazine reported that Canada’s public servants were going to be sent back to their workplaces. This comes nearly 3 years after COVID-19 gave the entire world a rude awakening. But if you ask the Public Service Alliance of Canada, this will cause some costly problems. In Hour 3, we receive major news from Lanark County, as they are about to declare violence against women an epidemic. Plus, the latest edition of CTV’s W5 delves into international drug smuggling.

Mark Twohey mans the ship for this week’s Free For All Fridays. Liberal strategist Bob Richardson and podcaster Sean Vanderklis form the rest of today’s roundtable. Dominating the conversation is Brittney Griner’s release from Russian detention, unvaccinated nurses at hospitals, and more!

Ontario’s biggest municipalities didn’t want the additional powers, but the Strong Mayor legislation will be put into place anyway. This follows the Ford government’s decision to pass Bill 39. Kristy Cameron breaks down everything you need to know as the show rolls along. Speaking of municipal politics, there was a lot to unpack during Wednesday’s city council meeting, so it’s the perfect time to welcome back our Municipal Heat Panel! Last week, we caught wind of a rise in vehicle thefts across Canada’s Capital. Today, we hear from an Ottawa resident who fell victim to these thefts in the dead of night. Meantime, according to a recent study from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada’s youth continue to search for mental health assistance during COVID-19. Over the past six months, more than half of those kids who tried to seek help struggled to obtain it. And finally, we evaluate where the airline industry stands as 2023 begins.

Mark Twohey hosts this edition of Newstalk Today, where American basketball player Brittney Griner was finally released from Russian detention. She spent several months in prison after drug charges were laid against her, but she is now on a plane and on her way home to the United States. International arms dealer Viktor Bout was sent back to Russia in exchange for Griner’s release. Does this set a dangerous precedent? We get the latest reaction in Hour 1. On a totally different note, has technology changed the way music is written today? How are today’s top artists constructing a song compared to 10 or 20 years ago? Music expert Eric Alper opens that can of worms in Hour 2. Plus, a new Canadian toonie will be paying homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Will you be collecting them?

Wendy Stephenson is now the Acting City Manager, as she made her first address to Ottawa City Council during Wednesday’s meeting. Graham Richardson fills in for Kristy Cameron and fills us in on the latest. Speaking of transit, the Ontario government plans to give the City of Ottawa $63.3 million to help rebuild and improve its system. Perhaps no bigger lump of coal has been served to Canadians than interest rate hikes, especially in 2022. Sadly, we got another one from the Bank of Canada, which increased its key interest rate to 4.25 percent on Wednesday. Their rates haven’t been this high since 2008. As this trend continues to worsen, we are seeing more and more Canadians battling financial debts and borrowing funds. More on that story is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, a new Canadian toonie will honour the late Queen Elizabeth II, with both sides displaying a black ring.

Deb Hutton hosts this edition of Newstalk Today, where the Trump Organization has been found guilty on all counts for criminal tax fraud. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. Over in Ontario, change is coming to the New Democrat Party, as Marit Styles takes control as the party’s full-time leader. You will hear that 1-on-1 conversation unfold later in the program. After the Bank of Canada raised its interest rate to 4.25 percent, it has left the door open to freezing that price. What happens next? Plus, we learn more about Project 8, and their goal to launch a women’s professional soccer league in Canada.

Karen Horgan, Canada’s Auditor General, unveiled an audit of the federal government’s COVID vaccine procurements. While the Trudeau Liberals were successful in procuring vaccines during the pandemic, the Public Health Agency of Canada fell short when it came to minimizing the number of doses wasted. Kristy Cameron breaks it all down for us in Hour 1. On the National Day of Violence Against Women, Canada reflects on 33 years since the violent and gruesome massacre at Ecole Polytechnique. Is the federal government doing enough to prevent future acts of violence against women? We speak to Nathalie Provost, one of the Polytechnique survivors, in Hour 2. Meantime, Canadian children’s hospitals saw 223 flu-related admissions in a single week, a number that is typically around 8 to 10 weekly patients this time of year. And finally, as critics and customers allege that grocery big-wigs are taking advantage of high inflation rates to drive up their own profits, the executives are now pushing back.

Deb Hutton hosts this edition of Newstalk Today, as we reflect on 33 years since the deadly shooting at Ecole Polytechnique. Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price says he was aware of the gruesome tragedy despite previous comments he made on Monday. Should celebrities and athletes stay in their lane? Do you think there is a place for them to get vocal about politics? We speak to Nathalie Provost, who was shot 4 times by the Polytechnique gunman in 1989. Then, we take your texts and calls. Later in Hour 1, Canada’s Auditor General unveils her latest report. We break down the key takeaways with CTV’s Rachel Aiello. Plus, a cruise ship passenger fell into the Gulf of Mexico in late-November and spent 15 to 20 hours treading water before he was rescued. James Michael Grimes describes the pre-American Thanksgiving ordeal he will never forget.

Andrew Pinsent is filling in for Kristy Cameron today, and he brings forth crucial news about food prices for 2023. However, this report isn’t filled with good news. Meantime, the decision is in and the labour dispute is over, as CUPE’s education support workers ratified its deal with the Ford government. Cynthia Steeves, the President of CUPE Local 2357, delivers her reaction in Hour 2. Plus, a Grade 12 student at Colonel By Secondary School collaborates with a cardiologist in California. We tell you why in Hour 4.

Deb Hutton hosts this edition of Newstalk Today! Are you hoping to catch your breath from all the food price increases? In 2023, chances are looking slim that you’ll get your wish. Samantha Taylor joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, Red Cross staff members are being asked to help CHEO get through a very challenging respiratory virus season. Dr. Dina Kulik, the Founder of KidCrew Medical, pays us a visit. Then, we take your texts and calls. How did we get to this point? What have you seen in your city? And finally, we check in with a tattoo removal studio that will help erase all of your Kanye West regrets.

Following a series of in-person classroom disruptions caused by COVID, students in their final year of high school might consider a 12-month layoff before hitting the post-secondary books. Is the ‘gap year’ trend about to take off? Kristy Cameron speaks to Michelle Dittmer, the President of the Canadian Gap Year Association. Meantime, if Ontario wants to establish $10 daily daycare, critics say we need more workers to actually operate the system. Details are on the way in Hour 1. Following the disastrous LRT findings out of Ottawa, the Ontario NDP argues the future of public-private infrastructure projects cannot go on without major changes. Ottawa-Centre MPP Joel Harden joins the show in Hour 3. And finally, critics are urging Ottawa City Council to think twice about the Vacant Unit tax, as they fear things could go sideways. Kristy Cameron sifts through today’s Question of the Day.

In this edition of Free For All Fridays, host Deb Hutton is joined by CFRA newswriter Chris Holski and Canadian podcaster Karl Dockstader. On the menu today is Alberta’s Sovereignty Act, a potential reboot of the Freedom Convoy next February, and the need for all Quebec immigrants to speak French.

24 hours after the LRT inquiry dropped a series of bombshells, Ontario’s Premier gave his thoughts on the situation. Doug Ford called the findings ‘frustrating’ and says the entire light rail operation ‘stunk to high-heaven’. Kristy Cameron continues to sift through the aftermath in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ontario government is under fire for allegedly wasting 38 percent of COVID-19 vaccine doses between February and June. That’s because of an overestimation in demand for these boosters. We dig deeper into the ongoing healthcare crisis in hospitals, as well as the ‘silent pandemic’ that lies among us. Plus, when it comes to Ontario’s nursing roster, have we reached the point of no return? If not, how close are we?

Graham Richardson is at the helm for today’s edition of Newstalk Today. Despite a costly own-goal within the first 5 minutes, Canada put up a good fight against Morocco but came up short in a 2-1 loss. They scored a pair of goals in a trio of World Cup matches, their first trip to soccer’s biggest stage in 36 years. Sadly, the Men’s Soccer program took defeats in all of them. What did they accomplish? What needs to happen before they take the next big step? Former coach Michael Findlay takes a gander from afar. Over in British Columbia, several commuters tensely waited in their cars for up to 8 hours, as the province’s Lower Mainland got hammered with snow. Radio host Jasbir Romana says he had to seek refuge in a stranger’s home because the conditions were too risky. And finally, as the Advent calendars make their annual comeback, do you eat all the chocolates at once or do you play by the rules?

One of the primary points of discussion during the LRT inquiry meetings was a WhatsApp chat, a private conversation which featured former Mayor Jim Watson and former OC Transpo GM John Manconi. The inquiry’s Commissioner pointed out that Watson and Manconi were the only individuals with accurate information about the trial run, which he says is not appropriate because it encouraged political interference. We dig deeper with former city councillor Catherine McKenney in Hour 2. One of the recommendations is to appoint an independent monitor. Does that suggest we can’t trust city staff members to give our councillors the straight goods? We pose that question to former councillor Diane Deans in Hour 3. Plus, a Registered Nurse fears that healthcare workers are reaching a breaking point.

Deb Hutton hosts another edition of Newstalk Today, headlined by a controversial legislation in Ontario that was introduced by the Ford government. Bill 124 was struck down by a provincial court, but it appears that ruling is going to be appealed by the Progressive Conservatives. We evaluate the bigger picture with the help of labour lawyer Paul Boniferro. Later in Hour 1, Canadians receive a wake-up call, as more than 2,000 wild species are facing some degree of extinction in our country. Plus, we examine why Quebec’s family doctor crisis is one of the worst country-wide cases we’ve seen in years.

Ontario pharmacists will soon be prescribing a specified list of medications. What isn’t clear is who will get the final bill. We try to get some answers in Hour 1. Once the City of Ottawa receives the LRT inquiry’s pivotal report, what actions need to be taken at City Hall to fully-restore public trust? Sarah Wright-Gilbert, a former Citizen Transit Commissioner, pays us a visit. Kristy Cameron also chats with a litigation lawyer in Hour 3, as we find out more about what is discussed during these hearings. Plus, CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson breaks down what unfolded at Monday’s Police Services meeting, which was ended early due to a kerfuffle.

Deb Hutton is in the driver’s seat on Newstalk Today! A former member of the Vancouver Canucks’ coaching staff has filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal against the NHL franchise over alleged discrimination. Rachel Doerrie joins the show in Hour 1. Meanwhile at Parliament Hill, Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer questions the Finance Minister’s recent economic statement. Chrystia Freeland says the powder is dry. Yves Giroux explains his doubts. Plus, the resolution to a decades-long cold case marks an exciting time for DNA genealogy. Critics, however, urge caution.

The Ford government has passed a controversial housing bill that overrides some of Ontario’s municipal zoning laws. Last week, city staff members warned that these changes to development charges could cost Canada’s Capital $60 million every year, leaving taxpayers on the hook to fund future growth. We dissect the bigger picture as the show rolls on. Meantime, a new report reveals that it’s harder to escape poverty in 2022 compared to 30 years ago. Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers in Hour 2. Speaking of 2022, there are many words to describe this 12-month roller-coaster, but there can only be one Word of the Year. Merriam Webster says that word is ‘gaslighting’. And finally, the inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act has now entered its Public Policy phase, as various rights and freedoms will be studied during this process. We bring in our Political Heat panelists to evaluate what happens next.

Deb Hutton hosts the Cyber Monday edition of Newstalk Today. In a few months from now, we will be dissecting the final conclusions from the Emergencies Act inquiry. One of the primary perspectives that will be analyzed is Prime Minister Trudeau’s, which we heard on Friday. What are the key takeaways from what he said last week? Where do we go from here? The debate continues throughout the show. Meantime, the Trudeau government has unveiled a long-awaited plan to confront China. This comes as protestors call for China’s top leader to resign over the country’s COVID measures. Plus, Team Canada displayed plenty of positives during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but their journey will come to a close after Thursday’s tilt against Morocco. The good news: Canada got their first lead – and their first goal – in tournament history.

The Emergencies Act inquiry is ending with a bang today. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was one of the last federal government figures to hit the stand, a conversation 10 months in the making. He outlined his major criticisms with Ottawa Police during February’s demonstration, saying they fumbled the football from Opening Day and further justified the feds’ decision to deploy the Emergencies Act. We also heard a tense phone call between Trudeau and Ontario’s Premier, as Trudeau urged Doug Ford to step in and take control of the protests at the Ambassador Bridge. A full breakdown of today’s events is on the way in Hour 1. Meantime, a major service outage caused stress levels to rise in Renfrew County, especially if you were trying to dial 9-1-1. Plus, Tuesday’s meeting about reinstating mandatory mask mandates at OCDSB schools had more screaming than voting. On Thursday, the debate resumed and a verdict was reached, as the motion resulted in a tie.

Tamara Cherry is hosting this year’s Black Friday edition of Free For All Fridays! She is joined alongside Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie and Liberal political commentator Sharan Kaur. Team Canada is back in the FIFA World Cup and they made quite the opening statement against Belgium. The club feels confident heading into Sunday’s tilt against Croatia, but there is little room for error moving forward. How far can this team go in 2022? And finally, we switch gears to the final 7 days of the Emergencies Act inquiry. Was there anything that surprised you this week?

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister is testifying at the Emergencies Act inquiry, answering questions about how the feds put a stop to the Freedom Convoy. While she deeply regrets that some families may have been disproportionately impacted by these harsh measures, Chrystia Freeland believed it was necessary to restore order. We break it all down for you in Hour 1. Not too long ago, Canada’s family doctors were seen as valuable conduits between hospitals and their community. Today, they are separate, and now our healthcare system is in a bad place. Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, a family doctor in Manotick, dissects the dangerous flaws in our system. Meantime, at the start of COVID, we saw a renewed and passionate push to ‘buy local’. Has that fervor come to an end? And finally a new provincial bill will ensure building tenants have guaranteed access to power during storms and other emergencies. This follows Lynn Ashdown’s horrifying ordeal during May’s derecho. She joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 4.

Tamara Cherry breaks down the key takeaways from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's testimony at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa.

On today's show:

Dwayne De Rosario, a Canadian former professional soccer player, on Canada's first game in the 2022 World Cup.
Overhyped v. Underplayed with Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin.
Miniature ponies are visiting patients at a hospital in the U.K. We speak with Sarah Router, the owner.
Dr. Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, on Canada's new climate adaptation strategy.
Marieke Walsh, political reporter with The Globe and Mail, on the Emergencies Act inquiry.
Riskin It All with Dan Riskin, CTV science and technology specialist.

OCDSB trustees gathered on Tuesday to discuss the idea of reinstating mandates. That discussion remains a discussion, but no decision was reached. Kristy Cameron explains where we go from here. An outpouring of support has led to a change of heart for Ontario’s Amir Farsoud. He once contemplated the idea of medically-assisted death. Today, he has more to live for, and has since turned down that fateful option. As Ontario reports an ever-growing backlog for surgeries, doctors are pushing for the introduction of non-profit surgical centres. The latest on that story is on the way in Hour 3. Over in the wide world of sports, if Hollywood actor and proud Canadian Ryan Reynolds ends up purchasing the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, he has got All-Star plans for the team’s image. Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch fills us in. And finally, Team Canada returns to the FIFA World Cup, ending a 36-year wait.

Mike Kakuk is in the Newstalk Today hosting chair, as Team Canada ends a 36-year wait at the FIFA World Cup. They were opening their Round Robin schedule against Belgium this afternoon, with little room for error in a super-potent division. Ian Bridge was a defender on that 1986 team. Michael Findlay once served as the head coach of the Men’s National Team. Both of them hop on the program to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look ahead to the future. We also want to hear from you. Did you book off work just to watch the game? Are you decked out in soccer gear? Give us a shout and send us a text! But first, we hear from a former monk who meditated relentlessly for six consecutive months, averaging 15 hours per day during that span. Cory Muscara describes his experience in Hour 1.

Earlier this year, doubts began to creep in about the future of Wellington Street as it currently stands. A similar rhetoric has surfaced about the shelf life of Sparks Street. What if you live in a smaller town, or even one of Canada’s suburbs? Is the Downtown storyline a little bit different? We try to get some answers in Hour 1. Meantime, we still have a few days to go before the Emergencies Act inquiry wraps up, but the Drama Meter is still spiking. Brandon Miller, the lawyer representing the Freedom Convoy, was removed from the proceedings after challenging Commissioner Rouleau. We explain why in Hour 2. Plus, tonight is the night for students and trustees to make their voices heard, as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board hosts a familiar debate. A dangerous cold-and-flu season is upon us. COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, either. And now, we are hearing growing pleas to reinstate mandatory masking policies in our schools. Kristy Cameron gathers the pros and cons.

Deb Hutton is back in the hosting chair on Newstalk Today, as we head back to the Emergencies Act inquiry. CTV public safety analyst Chris Lewis reacts to a rather ‘frosty’ conversation between Marco Medicino and Sylvia Jones. On a different note, how exactly do you prepare a politician for an inquiry of this magnitude? We dig deep for the answers in Hour 2. Meantime, mortgage interest costs are soaring to levels we haven’t seen since the 1990’s, stoking fears of another crash. Plus, a NASA official says that humans will be living on the Moon sometime this decade. How realistic is this today? How realistic is it to begin with?

CUPE Ontario has reached a tentative deal with the Ford government on a new deal for education support workers, thus averting a potential strike and keeping kids in class. Will we see the final seal of approval later this week? CFRA will deliver the latest developments when pen is put to paper. Later in Hour 2, Ottawa’s school trustees prepare to debate the need for masking mandates in schools. We examine how the current guidelines are working – or even failing. Meantime, the Ontario Health Coalition says the Ford government’s new law is forcing elderly Ontarians into long-term care homes against their choice, something they plan to take to the nearest courthouse. As for our country’s radiologists, they plan to call on the Trudeau government to urgently clear out the backlog for medical imaging. Plus, a recent survey says a growing number of Canadians are struggling with subconscious spending habits. Has this become a problem for you?

Deb Hutton hosts this edition of Newstalk Today, as we count down the final days of the Emergencies Act inquiry. Prime Minister Trudeau is slated to testify. So are several high-profile Cabinet members. CTV’s Graham Richardson tees up the final five days of coverage. Elsewhere at Parliament Hill, a familiar face is going to be co-leading the Green Party. Yes, Elizabeth May is back. She joins us in Hour 1. Later in the show, we speak to a couple that is biological parents to Oregon twins. However, the background to this story is far from ordinary. Plus, Deb has already put her Christmas tree up. How soon is too soon?

CHEO says a surge in respiratory cases is expected to continue into the final days of 2022. Kristy Cameron delivers the details in Hour 1. Meantime, staffing shortages have led to a temporary shift to remote learning for a pair of Grade 8 classes. We get the latest from Dunning-Foubert Elementary School in Orleans. It’s not all bad news, though. Health Canada says that medication shelves at pharmacies and hospitals should be restocked next week. Yes, this includes children’s medication as well. We explain further in Hour 2. Over in the Twitterverse, uncertain chaos still looms large, as the company locks staff members out of their offices until Monday. While the front office didn’t specify any reasons for this move, reports say that large numbers of staff were giving their two-weeks notice after a tense ultimatum from new Twitter boss Elon Musk. And finally, we debate the best ways to help today’s youngest Canadians understand money.

Mike Kakuk makes his Free For All Fridays debut, joined alongside CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and Shared Value Solutions CEO Karen Restoule. Masking mandates are on the menu once again. Do you think our current measures are enough to slow down COVID this Winter? Would a reinstatement of masking mandates help our cause? And with the current status of our healthcare system, do we have a choice? Plus, we dissect Twitter’s potential downfall and the odds of Donald Trump leading America once again.

Four weeks ago, RCMP officer Eric Stubbs was named Ottawa’s new Police Chief. The announcement happened days before City Council’s municipal election facelift. With a newly-elected Mayor of Ottawa and all 24 councillors sworn in, Stubbs began his time as our city’s top cop this morning. What major tests await him? Kristy Cameron speaks to former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis in Hour 1. Ontario is taking additional steps to expand its Strong Mayor powers, as part of the Ford government’s effort to tackle an ongoing housing crisis. Mark Sutcliffe says he still won’t use these powers. Meantime, pediatric hospitals are being forced to cancel surgeries as ICUs overflow. This leaves Alfie Brouillard-Mungur and his family in a dreadful scenario. That story is coming up in Hour 3. Plus, after playing 838 NHL games in Canada’s Capital, former Senators defenseman Wade Redden will become the first player inducted to the team’s Ring Of Honour.

Mark Twohey hosts this edition of Newstalk Today. We all know that Canada’s healthcare system has taken its fair share of body blows since COVID hit, but did you know the potential solutions for some of these problems could be lingering in space? We fill you in on the details as the show continues. Later in Hour 1, researchers say they might have found a breakthrough vaccine for Fentanyl, the drug at the center of an ongoing opioid crisis. Plus, after China’s President publicly rebuked Canada’s Prime Minister, where do the two countries stand on international relations?

Amidst an ongoing healthcare crisis that isn’t biased towards any age or gender, seven kids recently had to be resuscitated at one of Ontario’s biggest children’s hospitals. We deliver the depressing details in Hour 1. It appears that lettuce is the latest food product to feel inflation’s wrath, as everyday Canadians and restaurant owners feel the financial pinch. Kristy Cameron speaks to Larissa Beznaczuk-Smyrnew, the owner of Lollo Salads and Coffee, in Hour 2. Plus, CUPE’s education support workers have notified Ontario they will be going on strike next Monday if no deal is reached. Ontario’s Education Minister insists these improved offers would benefit low-income workers. And yet, the picket lines could be popping up again. How did we get here? We ask Stephen Lecce himself in Hour 3.

Mike Kakuk hosts this edition of Newstalk Today. On the menu is the ongoing contract battle between CUPE and the Ford government, the complexities at play following a missile strike in Poland, and the social media creator who bakes recipes that she discovers on gravestone epitaphs.

Although no one directly said they had lost faith in the Ottawa Police Service to end February’s occupation, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki says it was clear they were losing confidence with local law enforcement. We get the latest in Hour 1. Over at Ottawa City Hall, the newest version of Ottawa City Council gets sworn in. A mixture of old and new faces have taken their seats in the local arena. How will they fare as a collective unit? Speaking of city politics, we are seeing a significant level of municipal pushback, as Ontario’s ‘More Homes’ bill moves closer and closer to the finish line. Stittsville councillor Glen Gower joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Plus, if you are worried about your child getting sick this Winter, help is hopefully on the way soon. Health Canada says it has secured a greater foreign supply of children’s pain medication. Even if we have that part of the hockey rink covered, what flaws still exist?

Mark Twohey is hosting this edition of Newstalk Today, and we start things off with a talking point that is always top of mind for Canadian farmers. That would be the weather forecast, rain or shine. We explain how something as common as the Vancouver rain can send shockwaves across Canada’s entire food system. Meantime, the global population has reached 8 billion, a scenario that creates its own onslaught of challenges. That is coming up in Hour 1. Later in the show, we speak with an East Coast hiker who recently ended a five-year Trans Canada trail hike. Plus, how would you like to get paid?

Ontario's top doctor says a mask mandate would be the furthest step he would take, and that is not what he announced today. Rather, he strongly urges people to wear a mask in public settings. We dissect the data, and then make our way to the bigger picture, in Hour 1. Chelsey Gerrard’s seven-month-old son experienced an allergic reaction during his evening meal last Thursday, leading to a stressful CHEO visit. The family rushed to the children’s hospital and waited for more than 12 hours to see a physician. While everything is okay now, it’s a grim reminder of Canada’s fragile healthcare system. That is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, the biggest night in Ottawa Senators history has arrived, as longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson finally earns his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Sens hockey analyst Chris Stevenson recaps Alfie’s unforgettable journey, from the lowest rounds of the NHL Draft to hockey’s greatest shrine.

Mark Twohey hosts this edition of Newstalk Today! A layoff spree in Silicon Valley appears to have spelled the end of an era in Big Tech. That story is on the way in Hour 1. Plus, undocumented migrants who risk getting arrested are making their case for freedom in Ottawa.

Today is a day of reflection and remembrance, as Canada rallies together to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and honour those who are still fighting today. It is also a day to remember the trials and tribulations that some of our surviving warriors are currently dealing with. Kristy Cameron speaks to just a few of our country’s bravest individuals. As we head into the dark and cold Winter months, masking mandates are becoming a greater possibility. We deliver what we know so far in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada’s Capital is about to get dunked on by Mother Nature, as a rainy forecast is expected for this weekend. You can thank Tropical Storm Nicole for that one. Plus, a devastating fire destroyed one of Manotick's most charming shops, just as its busiest season was about to get underway. Today, the rebuilding process begins.

Free For All Friday features top talent across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show is hosted by Tamara Cherry and features panelists Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, and Reshmi Nair, co-host of The Rush on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto.

Topics:

Today is Remembrance Day. Let's discuss how we treat our military/veterans on this memorial day compared to the rest of the year. COVID mask mandates may be coming back. Is there any point? What do the U.S. midterm results say about the state of ‘Trumpism’ and what it could mean for politics in Canada? Have your views of Twitter changed since Elon Musk took over? Rainn Wilson has changed his name to Rainnfall Heat Wave Extreme Winter Wilson to protest climate change. Is this performative or effective?

Canada’s healthcare system has been overheating in 2022 and that trend is likely to continue as we head into 2023. The hardworking staff members at CHEO are really feeling the pressure right now. It’s gotten to the point where the children’s hospital has opened a second pediatric ICU just to deal with the ongoing surge of patients. We head straight to the source in Hour 2. As we prepare to remember and show appreciation for Canada’s veterans on Friday, we receive a grim reminder of what some of them are facing right now, as the risk of homelessness continues to rise. Meantime, the price of everything continues to go up, despite our everlasting hope that they will soon go down. So as we head towards 2023, how are shoppers adapting? How can we shop smarter? We try to get some answers in Hour 3. And finally, Pharmacists are beginning to adapt their treatment plans as a growing number of drug companies report antibiotic shortages.

Mark Twohey hosts this edition of Newstalk Today. In light of the ongoing labour dispute between CUPE education support workers and the Ford government, there is growing debate of making the Education sector an essential service. Is it time to head down that road? We ask the experts. Then, we ask you. As we all know, tomorrow is Remembrance Day, a powerful and emotional day that pays homage to the fearless men and women who served our country. In a Ukrainian village, the occupation has ended, but a feud has emerged in its place. We get to that in Hour 2. And finally, we are Riskin It All with Dan Riskin.

Health Ministers from coast to coast gathered on Tuesday with plans to address a national health crisis. Joined by Canada’s Health Minister, they left those discussions without any assurances of additional federal funding. We sift through the rubble in Hour 1. If you are looking for children’s pain medicine, that is starting to become an impossible mission here in Canada. We speak to a Belleville mother who drove to America to find those supplies. Meantime, the Ford government has made an improved offer to CUPE’s education support workers, but the union hasn’t agreed to sign on the dotted line. Plus, as we inch closer to Remembrance Day, we speak to Ottawa native William Black, who is the fifth generation of his family to serve in the military.

Tamara Cherry sifts through the results of Tuesday’s U.S. Mid-Term elections, and then dissects how it could impact the world at large. Meantime, as our country deals with a shortage of kids’ medications, is politics getting in the way of healthcare funding? Your texts and calls are on the way. And finally, is swearing good for your health? The answer might shock you.

It appears that the Trudeau Liberals are willing to increase the level of healthcare cash flow for all of Canada’s provinces. However, a pair of conditions are attached to this potential plan. That’s coming up in Hour 1. Months after a derecho slammed Canada’s Capital, an Ottawa resident is waiting in limbo for his insurance payout. Andrew Lussier joins us in Hour 2. Starting tomorrow, a post-secondary institution in Ontario will be resurrecting their old masking mandates. Armaan Singh, the President of UOttawa’s Student Union, is calling for similar measures to be restored at the campus he attends. Plus, a new study reveals that 1.5 million Canadians are currently living with cancer.

U.S. President Joe Biden is urging Americans to make their voices heard ahead of tonight’s Mid-Terms. What do these results mean for Canada? We try to get some answers. In 2019, CSIS issued a warning to Prime Minister Trudeau about potential foreign interference from China. They allege that China was funding a clandestine network of at least 11 federal candidates running for office in that year’s election. Meantime, a new research hub is aiming to prepare humanity for a scenario that many of us don’t want to think about. That, of course, is a meeting with alien life forms. And finally, we debate why today’s workforce hates meetings so much.

Mere days after invoking the Notwithstanding Clause against CUPE’s education support workers, Doug Ford is willing repeal the controversial legislation that made the union’s job action illegal. However, they must head back to the classroom immediately and withdraw their strike. We get reaction from both sides as the show continues. Doug Ford was also making headlines at the Emergencies Act inquiry. The court rules that he has ‘valuable evidence to offer’, but says he can opt out if he doesn’t want to testify. Meantime, one of the most commonly-used antibiotics for Canada’s youngest patients is becoming tougher to find. And now, Ontario is pondering the idea of letting pharmacists prescribe Paxlovid for COVID-19 ahead of a 'triple threat' Winter. Kristy Cameron gets the latest information from Jen Belcher, the Vice-President of the Ontario Pharmacists Association.

The Ford government blinked first. They promise to repeal the Notwithstanding Clause against CUPE’s education support workers if they halt their ongoing strike. Laura Walton of CUPE Ontario says they will do so tomorrow. If you are a parent living in Ontario right now, how are you feeling amid all this turmoil? If you don’t live in Ontario, are you worried about what it means for your province? Your texts and calls are on the way! Later in Hour 1, a former Twitter executive goes off on Tesla founder Elon Musk following his recent social media takeover. He says that Musk doesn’t know what he is doing. Meantime, a new device is able to see your technological devices through walls. What does that mean for your privacy? And finally, a diver from British Columbia shares her encounter with a giant octopus.

CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn says the Ford government has greeted education support workers with a series of nuclear options, meaning they have no choice but to stand up and fight. We get the latest developments in Hour 1, as we hear from a former ECE that had to leave the field he loved because his salary wasn’t enough to survive on. CUPE National President Mark Hancock says he wouldn’t be surprised if the ongoing labour dispute goes ‘well into next week’. Meantime, employment lawyer Samara Belitzky outlines the rights that education workers now have under an illegal job action. Later in the show, it is getting harder and harder to return purchased items these days. We explain why. Plus, a ‘Prescription of Hope’ has been unveiled by the Canadian Medical Association, a list of suggestions for the Trudeau government to consider when it comes to fixing our strained system.

Deb Hutton is joined by Liberal pundit Bob Richardson and McMaster University’s Vass Bednar in this week’s edition of Free For All Friday. We think deeper into the Freedom Convoy organizers’ state of mind during February’s occupation, the struggle to balance labour negotiations with record-high inflation rates, the use of the Notwithstanding Clause, and more.

This afternoon, the organizers of February’s Freedom Convoy continue to tell their sides of the story. What is becoming clear is that a lack of cohesion was forming between a handful of members. Did everyone in attendance have the same endgame in mind? In Hour 2, several hospitals in Ontario are reporting that teenage patients are being admitted to adult ICU rooms. Colton Praill chats with Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an Emergency Room Physician and Assistant Professor at McMaster University. Plus, while Canadians struggle with food inflation, a new report shows that Loblaw has made $1 million per day in ‘excess’ profits this year. And finally, a member of the Lowertown Community Association explains why the ByWard Market is failing when it comes to commercial diversity.

Graham Richardson hosts another informative edition of Newstalk Today. Across the country, children’s hospitals are facing a breaking point. And there is no end in sight as the frigid temperatures start to creep in. Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti joins the show in Hour 1. Meanwhile in Ottawa, the Emergencies Act inquiry continues, as members of the Freedom Convoy begin to take the stand. We hear from lawyer Paul Champ as protestors stare down a looming lawsuit.

Kristy Cameron is joined alongside Colton Praill for this edition of Ottawa Now. We have learned that the western extension of Phase 2 LRT will be delayed by 17 months, meaning the scheduled completion is now late-2026. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh brings us the latest developments in Hour 1. CUPE Ontario outlines where it stands with the Doug Ford government on contract negotiations for its education support workers. We take you live to their latest address in Hour 2. If CUPE's education support workers walk off the job on Friday, some school boards say they will close schools and switch to remote learning. The Ottawa Catholic School Board is one of them. Tom D'Amico joins the show in Hour 3. Meantime, the price of milk is expected to increase in the new year. And finally, as we head into the colder months, Ottawa's top doctor is urging residents to get their flu shots and COVID boosters.

Graham Richardson hosts this edition of Newstalk Today. In Hour 1, we speak with Winnipeg-based science writer Chris Rutkowski, as the Canadian Air Force scrambles a pack of CF-18 fighter jets to respond to potential UFO threats. Meantime, seasonal job postings are soaring, but employers may encounter several issues as they try to fill these employment gaps. And finally, if you won the lottery, would you hide the winnings from your family?

Colton Praill is filling in for Kristy Cameron today. Elected officials and local residents are receiving an update on LRT Stage 2. This comes after an update in August showcased a 12-month launch delay. We get the latest from CTV Ottawa’s Leah Larocque. In Hour 2, rumours suggest that the new face of Twitter could be mulling over a blue-check fee. For the price of $20 per month, if you are Twitter-verified, that blue check mark can stay next to your Twitter handle. Would you pay that price? Meantime, a legal expert is calling out the Doug Ford government on its use of the Notwithstanding Clause against CUPE education workers. He says it’s a ‘Pandora’s box’. Plus, a new survey says the average Canadian credit card balance reached a new high in September. More than half of surveyed Canadians are worried about paying their bills. We discover why Bill C-22 could be a ‘life-saver’ in the midst of a potential recession. And finally, we sift through your texts and emails during today’s Question of the Day.

The Ford government has imposed a strike ban on CUPE’s education support workers, but the union says it plans to hit the picket lines anyway, and potentially beyond Friday if it’s necessary. CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn outlines what it will take for them to change their mind. With the Notwithstanding Clause turning into a run-of-the-mill operation in Ontario and Quebec, its use was only intended for extremely rare circumstances. How do we approach this clause moving forward? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way. On a lighter note, we get to hear an inspiring story from Joe Baker, whose 8-year-old son recently became the youngest human to climb El Capitan. In Hour 2, it appears that astronomers have located an undetected asteroid, one that could have the potential to turn into a ‘planet killer’. Plus, a Yellowknife woman finds out that she was accidentally switched at birth, a shocking discovery made possible with an Ancestry DNA test.

The Ford government plans to implement legislation that would prevent CUPE education workers from hitting the picket lines. In an act of defiance, the union plans to strike on Friday anyway. Patricia Boal, filling in for Kristy Cameron, speaks to Education Minister Stephen Lecce in Hour 3. We also get instant reaction from our Political Heat Panel. Meantime, things get testy at the Emergencies Act inquiry, as former Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly takes the stand once again. CTV’s Graham Richardson fills us in. Plus, Atletico Ottawa’s worst-to-first quest was inspiring, but incomplete. Forge FC spoiled the fun at TD Place with a 2-0 victory on Sunday, securing their third Northstar Shield in four years. However, Ottawa has put the league on notice and created a buzz for the world’s game on a local level. TSN’s AJ Jakubec joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, we hear from Atletico superfan Sean McRae.

During the Freedom Convoy, we saw a mentally-drained Peter Sloly. On Friday, we saw an emotional side of Ottawa’s former Police Chief. Today, we saw a series of tense moments. Graham Richardson delivers the latest updates from the Emergencies Act inquiry. Later in Hour 1, we speak with Ottawa resident Janet Waterman, whose family has been dealing with a health crisis for several weeks. We try to lighten things up in Hour 2 with some pumpkin talk, as Dave Chan wins British Columbia’s pumpkin-growing contest for a second straight year. Over in Ontario, Heather Blumberg has moved her family into a 38-room mansion that was once a funeral home. Oh…and it’s haunted.

Months after stepping aside as Chief of Ottawa Police, Peter Sloly appeared at the Emergencies Act inquiry to recall what transpired during the Freedom Convoy. However, a former OPP Commissioner says Sloly’s words were misleading. Graham Richardson of CTV Ottawa opens that can of worms in Hour 1. Hockey Canada has signed on to Canada’s Abuse-Free Sport following months of controversy and its alleged mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. What needs to happen next for this national body to turn over a new leaf and showcase meaningful change? Meantime, the face of Tesla is dipping his feet into the social media universe with a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. Will this behind-the-scenes chirping cause more headaches than revenue? Plus, if you are eager to make a road trip to the local cinema, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, fill-in host Deb Hutton is joined by CFAX 1070 host Al Ferraby and CJAD Montreal host Natasha Hall. Our main menu consists of Premier Ford’s initial reluctance to take part in the Emergencies Act inquiry, the shelf life of municipal politicians, and a couple of spicy Lightning Round topics.

On Wednesday, grieving family members gathered at a municipal park just two kilometres west of the Eastway tank explosion. The City of Ottawa has unveiled a permanent memorial in honour of the six workers that were killed that day. Rick Bastien’s partner, Louise Martel, joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, the Quebec government is forming a crisis task force to look into Emergency Room delays across the province. Should Ontario follow suit? Plus, we look into the stunning surge of Canadians that are turning to food banks for help. Have you ever gone to the local food bank before? Are you still using it? Kristy Cameron takes your texts and emails during today’s Question of the Day.

Trevor Noah will soon be leaving The Daily Show. James Corden will be doing the same on The Late Late Show in 2023. And over the past few weeks, both have been broiled in recent behind-the-scenes drama. If you ask the late-night TV critics, today’s diminishing ratings starts and ends with the hosts themselves. Pop culture commentator Matt Demers joins Deb Hutton in Hour 1. As Canadians prepare to dress up for Halloween, they will have a lot of fashion landmines to dodge. Sexy nurse outfits during a pandemic? Please don’t go there. So what exactly is appropriate these days? We take your calls, texts, and emails as the show continues. Plus, a former host of CTV’s Power Play says he is battling cancer. Don Martin outlines the difficult road ahead and his hopeful path to victory.

The Ford government is promising to build 1.5 million new homes across Ontario over the next 10 years. Is it feasible? Is it realistic? Is it enough? We get a wide range of reaction as the show continues. With eleven city council seats filled by rookie councillors, and a new Mayor of Ottawa at the helm, you would think that this year’s voter turnout would be the highest it’s ever been. And yet, Canada’s Capital wasn’t even close to reaching 50 percent of ballot box participation. What exactly sparked this concerning lack of interest? In Hour 2, we hear from the experts. In Hour 4, we hear from you. In health news, Jessica Soares is calling for equitable access to chemotherapy treatments in Canada. This comes after her husband came up short in a tough battle with brain cancer that cost thousands of dollars. Plus, the number of RSV patients is ballooning over the past 2 years, a sight primarily seen in the halls of CHEO.

After a few days away from the studio, Deb Hutton is back in the big chair. We begin this edition of Newstalk Today at the Emergencies Act inquiry, where Ontario’s Premier has taken the stand. He wasn’t slated to testify at first, but Doug Ford has since been summoned to do so. We break down what we learned today. Meantime, how much space do you have in your luggage? Apparently, air travellers could soon be paid money to carry parcels. We hear from an Edmonton-based startup called Fly And Fetch in Hour 1. Is this something you would do? Plus, the Mayor of Milton has remained the same for over 40 years, and it will remain that way until 2026. Should we impose term limits for municipal politicians?

As we sift through Day 9 of the Emergencies Act inquiry, one topic of discussion is dominating today’s news cycle. That would be last night’s Municipal Election. The biggest winner of them all is the soon-to-be Mayor of Ottawa. Mark Sutcliffe joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1 to explain which issues are top of mind for him in Year 1. Later in the program, we visit another talking point during last night’s results. That would be the low voter turnout, as the 2022 Election marked the best municipal percentage since 2010. Sadly, that percentage remained well bellow 50 percent. Why aren’t more people flocking to the ballot boxes? Plus, as the Premier of Ontario is summoned to the Emergencies Act inquiry, a local NDP MPP asks Doug Ford why he refused the initial request to attend.

Mark Twohey is hosting today’s edition of Newstalk Today. We begin with an interesting idea from Dr. Abdel-Rahman Lawendy, who currently works at the London Health Sciences Centre. What if we were able to streamline the operating room to get patients into surgery sooner? Could this ‘surgi-centre’ idea prove to be a medical game-changer? We debate the pros and cons in Hour 1. Later in the program, Retired Major-General David Fraser explains what ‘dirty bombs’ are, and why Russia keeps referring to them so often during their current battle against Ukraine. Plus, the President of the UFC recently got approval for a ‘Power Slap League’, which involves fighters taking part in a back-and-forth face-slapping match. The goal is to knock somebody out, but former MMA artist Dan Hardy says it’s a stupid idea that shouldn’t see the light of day.

After months of promoting and defending their election plans, the dust is finally starting to settle for every single candidate. What is it like behind the scenes? Kristy Cameron and Andrew Pinsent speak to former River Ward councillor Maria McRae, who occupied a spot on the table from 2003 to 2014. As our coverage continues, the polls are finally closing. Did our knowledge of these tight races add up to the final outcome? In Hour 3, we start to hear from Monday night’s biggest winners. And finally, we tee up what’s to come on Tuesday, for the rest of 2022, and in the years to follow.

The federal Emergencies Act inquiry continues, with Interim Police Chief Steve Bell taking the stand. He says every sample of information directed to Ottawa Police was projecting a 3-day event. What does this say about our level of intelligence gathering? Meantime, Canada's competition watchdog is launching a study of the grocery industry. It wants to examine whether or not the highly-concentrated sector is contributing to today’s rising food costs. Here at home, all the unanswered questions will finally be answered, as we preview a busy Election Night at 87 George Street. Plus, the lettuce has a new Prime Minister to outlast, as Rishi Sunhak has been named the new leader of the United Kingdom. He is 42 years old and has spent the past 7 years as a Member of Parliament. Can he do the job?

Mark Twohey is hosting Newstalk Today this week. We begin the show with Ottawa homeowner Elise Kalu, who is overwhelmed with fear right now. She and her daughter could soon be homeless because they allegedly can't move into the townhouse that was purchased in April. That’s because the current tenant of said townhouse refuses to leave. Later in Hour 1, the second-in-command for Ottawa Police testifies at the Emergencies Act inquiry. The former Police Chief believes that the OPP and RCMP were taking directives from their ‘political masters’ and weren’t there to help. Does Steve Bell feel the same way? In Hour 2, we find out the ‘new’ Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following several months of turbulence under Liz Truss. And finally, schools in Texas are providing parents with free DNA kits and fingerprinting kits, all part of their program to help identify missing children. Is this Texas being Texas?

Ottawa Police Service has found a new Police Chief, despite opposition from several candidates. They wanted the service to wait until the new City Council was sworn in. They wanted the new members to have their say. That didn’t happen. And now, a controversial moment from Eric Stubbs’ past has surfaced. We get the latest as the show rolls along. Last week, the Emergency Department Chief at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital said that significant overcapacity, in some cases, left patients in hallways. We get a healthcare update in Hour 3. But first, Kristy Cameron breaks down what transpired during the Common Ground Mayoral Debate.

Free For All Friday features top talent across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show is hosted by Deb Hutton and features panelists Jennifer Pagliaro, a reporter with the Toronto Star, and Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on CJAD in Montreal.

Topics:

The public inquiry examining the federal government’s unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act continues.

A Canadian tech CEO listed on $1.2 million Arrive Can contract says his company never worked on the app.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland warns Canadians can expect an economic slowdown in the coming months.

A lighting question round featuring a discussion on the the resignation of UK prime minister Liz Truss, groups calling for a broadening of the exemptions in the federal handgun freeze, Loblaw freezing prices on 1,500 no name products, and more.

It seems that more and more Canadians are finding themselves in the path of tornadoes. Sadly, they don't always know they're coming. We explain why, and we explain how we can change that, in Hour 1 of today’s show. Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister says that challenging days lie ahead for our country’s economy. We sift through the rubble and try to make sense of it all in Hour 2. One big game for Atletico Ottawa is coming up this weekend. All they have to do is play a solid game for 90-plus minutes and they head to the Finals. We tee up the main event in Hour 3. And finally, Andrew Pinsent speaks to the Acting Chief of the Ottawa Police Association, who were very critical of Catherine McKenney and their stances on policing. That conversation is on the way in Hour 4.

Deb Hutton is back for another edition of Newstalk Today. On today’s menu, we dissect the biggest real estate questions, the latest developments from the Emergencies Act inquiry, a controversial decision from the Supreme Court, and the stunning resignation of another British Prime Minister. Plus, a Canadian music legend will soon make his arrival to the Order of Canada.

A pair of mayoral candidates are calling on the Ontario Civilian Police Commission to investigate the Ottawa Police over its handling of the Police Chief hiring process. Our city has been searching for a permanent voice since Peter Sloly resigned from the role during February’s Freedom Convoy. Catherine McKenney explains why they are calling for action in Hour 1. Unless we get more nurses back to work, and unless we reinforce public health measures, Dr. Alan Drummond fears that COVID-19 and the common cold will spawn a series of healthcare nightmares this Winter. He joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, the deadline for the United People of Canada to appeal their eviction notice at St. Brigid’s Church is this coming Monday, but the questions are now stirring as to what becomes of this historic site.

Deb Hutton hosts another edition of Newstalk Today. On the docket today is more criticism aimed at Hockey Canada, a water ban on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, another guarantee by Prime Minister Trudeau that emissions targets will be met, and a slew of other political topics on The War Room.

This morning, Ottawa’s Mayor admitted that our city lost control of the Red Zone during February’s occupation, but a slow response from the Ontario government didn’t help calm things down. Prime Minister Trudeau agrees, but doesn’t feel that Jim Watson and now-former Police Chief Peter Sloly were on the same page. We hear from a handful of residents who lived near the front lines. In Hour 2, CTV’s Graham Richardson outlines the Coles Notes version of Tuesday’s developments. In 2022, more than 300,000 Canadians have already retired, a number that is up from 233,000 in 2021. More than one-in-five Canadians are between the ages of 55 and 64, which means they are inching closer and closer to the ‘retirement age’. Lee Valley Tools explains how they’ve been faring amidst a wave of retirements since COVID began. Plus, doctors are getting worried about the average Canadians’ blood pressure.

Deb Hutton is back in the host chair for another edition of Newstalk Today. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson took to the stand at the Emergencies Act inquiry, outlining his criticism of Ontario’s interaction with City Hall. CTV’s Mackenzie Gray joins us with the latest developments. Later in Hour 1, Ontario education workers announce they will be in a legal strike position within the next 17 days. That is, if no deal is struck with the Ford government. CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn has more on the disconnect and the dealbreakers. Plus, is our country prepared for a rise in dementia cases? CanAge CEO Laura Tamblyn-Watts argues we are not where we should be.

Loblaws says it plans to freeze food prices on all of its No-Name products, which amounts to 1,500 items, until the end of next January. The company’s president calls it an attempt to provide Canadian families with a bit of financial relief in an era where food costs keep rising. Could it do more harm than good for Canada’s economy? We ask the experts in Hour 1. Later in the show, we sift through your texts and emails. As misinformation about COVID vaccines spreads as fast as the virus itself, doctors across Canada claim that some patients are refusing blood transfusions from vaccinated donors. They fear that such a gusty decision could prove costly. Plus, after a stunning testimony from Steve Kanellakos, Day 3 of the Emergencies Act inquiry just got very interesting. Does it make the City of Ottawa look worse?

Newstalk 1010 host John Moore has unveiled a lengthy investigation into homelessness. He uncovers what he found in Hour 1, as Deb Hutton hosts this edition of Newstalk Today. Meantime, Loblaws has frozen its prices on all No-Name brand products until January 31st. Why are they doing this and will other grocery stores follow suit? We speak to the experts. Then, we open the phone lines. In Hour 2, we examine the illegal cannabis market four years after Canada legalized marijuana. Somehow, it’s still thriving. And finally, a Canadian TikTok personality has gone viral with a twelve-hour rap tribute.

There’s been a relatively low circulation of the flu over the past two years. However, that puts younger children at greater risk than usual of catching it this year, especially with fewer pandemic measures still intact. We deliver the latest on that story in Hour 1. Last night’s Mayor Debate had some fiery spice to it. Did any of the primary participants gain significant ground when the final buzzer sounded? We debate and discuss in Hour 2. Plus, instead of parting ways with Netflix altogether, the company is offering cheaper options to Canadians. However, you will have to watch some ads along the way.

This week, Deb Hutton fills in for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Friday. She is joined by CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price and Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy. Alberta’s new Premier says she didn't mean to downplay the discrimination against minority communities, which follows her statement that unvaccinated people have received the worst discrimination of any group in more than 50 years. We debate the potential political ramifications that Danielle Smith faces. Meantime, should NHL star Alex Ovechkin and other Russian players be banned by the league for not condemning Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine? All that, and more, is up for debate and discussion.

A leaked report on hospital emergency room statistics paints a grim picture for Ontario. Obtained by the Liberals, this August report says an average of 884 daily patients are waiting for in-patient beds in the province, a number that is up by 53 percent from August 2021. How bad could those numbers get if COVID cases head in the wrong direction? That’s coming up in Hour 1. Meantime, a trio of mayoral candidates are hours away from hitting the CTV News stage, as a pivotal hour-long debate is tonight’s main course for the supper-hour newscast. Alyson Fair of Bluesky Strategy breaks down what’s at stake for Mark Sutcliffe, Catherine McKenney, and Bob Chiarelli. Plus, every single city council candidate in River Ward is calling on the Ottawa Police Services Board to halt the current hiring process for a new Police Chief. They want to see the new City Council provide their input before a decision is made.

Here in Canada, today marks the first day of the Emergencies Act inquiry. Over in the United States, the January 6th inquiries are wrapping up. We deliver the latest on both stories as Newstalk Today marches on. In the East Coast, it’s been 20 days since Tropical Storm Fiona unleashed its wrath. Taylor Zippel of Canavoy, PEI is still waiting for the lights to turn on. She joins us in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada is about to witness one of the largest private land conservation projects in its history. We get the bigger picture in Hour 2. And finally, we are Riskin It All with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

According to new analysis from the Ontario Medical Association, roughly 400,000 fewer mammograms have been conducted in the province during COVID than previously forecasted. Due to these missed screenings, patients are showing up sicker, with cancer that is more advanced. We get the alarming details in Hour 1. Meantime, a group of Ontario parents are raising funds to take the Ford government to court. They want to see the revival of COVID-19 protections that were previously scrapped by the province in recent months, as we start to see a pandemic comeback ahead of the chilly Winter forecasts. The main point of emphasis in this speculated legal challenge leans closest to the protective measures in Ontario classrooms. Kristy Cameron speaks to some of the group members. Plus, we hear from Andrew Xia, the Director of Engineering at Toronto’s Lazer Technologies. This company was able to replicate the ArriveCan app in just 48 hours and the budget to do so was significantly smaller.

Kylee Carnegie-Middlebrook, a 31-year-old from Ontario, was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. In February, doctors in Canada told her the disease had spread beyond control. They said there is not much else they can do to help her. In November, she plans to undergo surgery in Pittsburgh at a cost of $100,000 Canadian. Graham Richardson speaks to Kylee in Hour 1. Meantime, police are using DNA to generate 3D images of suspects they have never seen. Does this idea sit well with you? Call in or send us a text! We’d love to hear from you. Plus, we debate the best places in Canada to observe the Autumn colours. It could be a section in the big city. It could be one of our country’s best kept secrets. It all depends on where you’ve been.

Taking care of a brand-new baby, and enduring several sleepless nights, is a major life adjustment. Now try doing that with no power for almost three straight weeks, with chilly Fall temperatures putting you to sleep and recovery efforts from a major storm keeping you awake during the day. Destiny Harper is dealing with those curveballs right now. She joins us from Rose Valley, PEI in Hour 1. A new poll from Nanos Research points to public transit as the main issue for Ottawa residents, with 21.4 percent of respondents leaning in that direction. We get the details on this batch of data from Nik Nanos himself in Hour 2. Later in today’s program, we sift through your texts and emails on this matter. And finally, Mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe wants to create a local strategy to help Ottawa residents find family physicians. However, despite the candidate’s best intentions, a family doctor in Manotick argues that more thought is required before this plan turns into an effective solution.

Growing calls for Hockey Canada’s CEO to step down were finally answered today. Scott Smith is leaving the organization, and the entire Board of Directors plans to vacate as well. This comes after several major companies pulled back their support for Hockey Canada. Do you think Judgement Day came too late? Has the irreversible damage already been done? We get a wide range of reaction as Newstalk Today continues. Over at the United Nations, there are lots of worried faces after Russia amped up its deadly strikes against Ukraine. In France, we have learned that Canada plans to buy land near Juno Beach, halting what seemed to be an endless condo dispute. However, when it comes to finding healthcare, it’s a war that several Canadians feel they are losing.

Following a string of sexual assault allegations connected to the organization, we’ve heard persistent cries from Hockey Canada’s critics that changes must start at the top of the food chain. What exactly would it entail for a new hockey body organization to be developed, in a legal manner, to replace Hockey Canada? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers in Hour 1. Later in the program, we hear a jaw-dropping story from a breast cancer survivor who needs mammograms to ensure she stays in remission, as she has been recently dropped by her family doctor. On a lighter note, if you want to hit the local cinema, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

In this Thanksgiving Friday edition of the program, CFRA’s Chris Holski leads the charge alongside Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar and political strategist Sharan Kaur. They dissect a landslide election win for Quebec Premier Francois Legault, credit card fees potentially pinching at Canadian wallets, the future of post-secondary parties, and the fate that faces Hockey Canada’s damaged brand.

Global health researchers are keeping their eyes peeled for a COVID-19 mutation. This one is called BQ.1.1 – a descendant of the Canadian-dominant Omicron BA.5 sub-variant. What level of damage could this mutation dish out? Kristy Cameron searches for answers. As Tim Hortons and Scotiabank keep their distance from Hockey Canada over recent sexual assault allegations, Canadian Tire says it will cut ties with the organization on a permanent basis. We get the latest in Hour 1. Yesterday, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe unveiled his tax and affordability plan. Today, mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney made their financial plan public. Plus, if you pull out your credit card at the checkout counter, an extra fee might be waiting for you. It’s a change that one-in-five businesses might embrace, while 40 percent of business owners remain on the fence. We get a wide range of reactions as the show rolls on.

We never thought this day would come, but the host of the Evan Solomon Show is leaving the big show for other opportunities. You won’t see him every day on Question Period, nor will you see him as often on Power Play. It’s a very bittersweet day and we are all going to miss Evan dearly. Today, we take a trip down memory lane, catch up with some old friends from the past, and look ahead to the wide variety of political challenges that will face us. Plus, how do we connect with the public? What is the value of radio and media? Those stories are up for dissection throughout today’s program. And then, before signing off for the final time, Evan shares his words of wisdom and reflects on the past five years.

AI technology is being used at The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research. In Hour 1, we find out how it helps Canadians who are struggling with mental illness. Meantime, the Ontario government is investing $57.6 million over the next three years to recruit and retain up to 225 additional nurse practitioners in the long-term care sector. This will be accomplished through the province’s new Hiring More Nurse Practitioners program. While the CEO of CanAge says it’s a positive start, we need to plant more seeds of change. That conversation is coming up in Hour 2. Plus, a proposed policy at Ottawa City Hall would require councillors to disclose any personal relations they have with staff members.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. Once again, Hockey Canada was feeling the heat at Parliament Hill, as a heavy ounce of doubt surrounds the current regime’s ability to right the ship. Critics argue they don’t have enough public trust. Hockey Canada fears the arena lights will shut down if key pieces are flushed out of town. We get a wide range of opinions as the show continues. Later in Hour 1, Prime Minister Trudeau announces a $300 million relief fund to help Atlantic Canada recover from Tropical Storm Fiona. Is it enough? Plus, the occurrence of hijacked cars has become far too common in our country. Have you ever had your car stolen?

Today on the campaign trail, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe promised to freeze city transit fares at current rates for at least twelve months, something that wasn’t part of his plan a few weeks ago. He also pledges to increase the number of transit updates that OC Transpo delivers to City Hall. Do you prefer his transit pledge or do you prefer Catherine McKenney’s solution better? We get a range of reactions throughout the program. Meantime, the federal government’s handling of the Freedom Convoy will soon be front and centre once again. CTV News has learned that a preliminary list of 60 witnesses does include Prime Minister Trudeau. How will this inquiry operate? We try to get some answers. Plus, we explain how immunocompromised people might be more at risk of catching COVID in a new wave.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. Last night, Quebec voted to keep Francois Legault in power, giving the CAQ Party a strong majority in the process. The party was also coming off a huge majority victory in 2018. What does this say about Quebecers’ viewpoints right now? How could these results impact our country’s political landscape? We speak to former Quebec Cabinet Minister David Heurtel in Hour 1. Meantime, families of missing and murdered Indigenous women are seeking significant change ahead of today’s vigils. Stopping by to shed some light on this is Bridget Tooley, an Algonquin grandmother and the founder of Families of Sisters In Spirit. Plus, Toys ‘R’ Us has launched its list of Hottest Toys in 2022. What are the hottest toys you remember from when you were a kid? We take a trip down memory lane and take your calls in Hour 2.

Hours after the Gee-Gees took home Pedro the Panda and dismantled the Carleton Ravens at TD Place, officers moved in to break up street parties. Seven people were arrested and 88 tickets were issued for open alcohol. Plus, 13 tickets worth $1,000 each were issued for noise bylaw violations. Is it time to hit the ‘Pause’ button on this post-secondary spectacle? Do schools need to start handing out expulsion notes? We get a wide range of reaction in this edition of Ottawa Now. Ontario’s education workers – a list that includes librarians, custodians, and school administration staff members – have voted 96.5 percent in favour of a strike. Laura Walton, the President of CUPE's Ontario School Board Council of Unions, stops by. Plus, if you don’t have a family doctor, that could spell trouble with each passing year.

We are seeing pushback from Alberta, along with other Canadian provinces, against the Trudeau government’s gun buyback program. Evan Solomon speaks to Marco Mendicino, the country’s Public Safety Minister, in Hour 1. Meanwhile in Ukraine, troops have claimed some gains in Russian-annexed regions. We bring you up to speed on the ongoing war. In Hour 2, after tackling the dangers of head injuries in football, we try to predict how the Quebec Election will end. Voting day is tonight. Does Legault keep his spot in the big chair? And finally, Evan has a personal announcement to share with you.

During last night’s Mayoral Debate, one of the candidates was in favour of increasing Downtown parking fees in an effort to encourage residents to take public transit. Another candidate wouldn’t take it that far, but agreed that these increases would urge commuters to ditch their cars. If you ask Pat Nicastro, the Owner of La Bottega and a key member of the ByWard Market BIA, this theory doesn’t sit well with him. He joins us in Hour 3. Later in Hour 4, we take your texts and emails. Over in Florida, people are watching in horror as Hurricane Ian begins its journey. It could be deadly and it will most likely ravage through hundreds of properties. We keep you up to speed in Hour 2. On a lighter note, we try to decipher the most childish habit that still lingers in your adult years on Tell All Thursday.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. With the storm cleanup far from over, we take a frightening trip to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador in Hour 1. That is where we find Corey Munden, who is currently helping his parents moved out of their destroyed home. Over in Florida, the damage is just beginning as Hurricane Ian touches down. On a lighter note, a trio of sports athletes are purchasing a pickleball team.

Canadian employers are projecting a 4.2 percent increase in the average worker’s salary once we head into 2023. However, as we approach the Thanksgiving Weekend, the number of clients paying a visit to local food banks isn’t slowing down. Is your current hourly wage enough to pay the bills? We take your texts and emails as the show continues. Meantime, experts say high inflation numbers and a strong American dollar will weigh heavily on Canadian snowbirds this Winter. Plus, mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney has outlined their comprehensive plan to build a trustworthy and well-oiled machine at City Hall. Kristy Cameron speaks to them in Hour 2. And finally, if you think you have the best apple pie on the block, send a video and your recipe to ottawa.morning@ctv.ca and you could gain some serious praise from the folks at CTV Morning Live!

A few years ago, Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs needed a life-saving stem cell transplant. He got one, but he didn’t meet the donor until recently. Today, we speak to Dominic LeBlanc and a young German man named Jonathan Kehl. Meantime, a new apparel line from Tim Horton’s includes a jacket with a built-in Breakfast Sandwich pocket. Would you sacrifice your well-earned money for that? Your texts and emails are on the way. Plus, a rare single malt Macallan whisky is up for grabs. It could be yours if you have 110,000 Euros lying around.

Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure says climate change is fueling more and more extreme weather across the country. According to Dominic LeBlanc, the federal government needs to find additional methods to bolster Canada’s recovery programs after natural disasters take place. Today, residents across Atlantic Canada are just trying to get their lives back on track. We hear from Sheila Eastman, a Harbour Master located near PEI’s coastline, in Hour 1. Here at home, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe says he is not ‘the villain’ of this year’s municipal election campaign, but feels as though he is being portrayed as one by his critics. Has this campaign become too vitriolic? Your texts and emails get dissected during today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, several municipal and provincial elections are scheduled for October 24, coinciding with Diwali. Could the Festival of Lights impact voter turnout? Plus, another mayoral candidate has unveiled how he plans to tackle our city’s affordable housing crisis.

Prime Minister Trudeau is scheduled to visit several communities in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island over the coming days, as Atlantic Canada continues to recover from Tropical Storm Fiona. We find out how PEI’s capital is faring when Evan Solomon speaks to Philip Brown, the Mayor of Charlottetown. If you’re a sports fan caught in the middle of a financial hurricane, you might want to stick around for an important conversation in Hour 2. We hear from Steve Delaney, a truck driver from New York who is recovering from a gambling addiction and uses a podcast to raise awareness about this concerning trend. Who exactly loses as gambling takes over the sports world? Your feedback is welcome anytime. Plus, the Blue Jays fan who generously gave an Aaron Judge home run ball to a young Yankees fan could soon be witnessing home run history. If that ball hits his glove, what does he plan to do with this sought-after souvenir? We pose that question to Mike Lanzillotta himself.

After a massive tropical storm ravaged through various sections of Atlantic Canada, Hydro Ottawa is sending reinforcements to help Nova Scotia rebuild. Fifteen workers will be spending the night in Moncton, New Brunswick before being dispatched across the province following their arrival in Truro. Hydro Ottawa’s Chief Electricity Distribution Officer says it’s a huge job that could potentially take multiple weeks to complete. Hundreds of students in Canada’s Capital began the new school year without a ride to class, problems largely caused by a bus driver shortage. Sadly, these problems have persisted across numerous Ontario cities. Do we need to turn these part-time school bus driver positions into full-time opportunities? We open the debate floor as the show continues. Plus, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has asked the RCMP to look into threats of sexual violence directed towards his wife.

A member of a far-right group is making headlines over disgusting comments he directed towards Pierre Poilievre’s wife. The Conservative leader called out Jeremy McKenzie’s threats of sexual violence in a recent Twitter thread. We get the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, the Trudeau government says Canada’s travel mask mandates will be fading away, but won’t be afraid to bring them back if things spiral out of control. Do you support this decision? Your texts and emails are on the way. Plus, we get a wide range of reactions from Atlantic Canada, as several provinces recover from a violent tropical storm.

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by former journalist Tamara Cherry and Newstalk 1290 host Ken Eastwood. Topics of discussion include the Prime Minister’s karaoke night hitting the wrong PR notes, COVID restrictions at the border, and more.

Last week, Kristy Cameron spoke to CFRA listener Mark Wallbridge. He was showcasing a great deal of concern about his mother being forced to leave the hospital for a long-term care bed that wasn’t chosen by her. Today, he is worried that his mother will not get the adequate care she needs. He joins us in Hour 1. Meantime, a damaging trio of COVID-19, government bureaucracy, and February’s Freedom Convoy has led to the end of a Sparks Street bike shop. Are we witnessing the end of a Downtown staple? In Hour 2, the United People of Canada is handed an eviction notice to leave St. Brigid’s Church. Andrew Pinsent fills us in. Plus, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe makes a financial pinch to maintain Ottawa’s roads.

Just before lunchtime, a child attending Stepping Up Daycare experienced an anaphylactic allergic reaction. And then, more children exhibited similar symptoms. CTV’s Colton Praill describes the scene for us. Later in Hour 1, Canadian Blood Services plans to partner with a private company to boost our country’s national plasma supply. This divisive issue has increased calls for the CEO to step aside. Does it put Canada’s blood at risk? Meantime, the Trudeau government plans to disband the ArriveCan app’s mandatory requirements by the end of the month, making it optional for customers to fill out. With the Summer season behind us, is it enough to satisfy border city mayors and kick our Tourism sector into another gear? Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, as U.S. President Joe Biden slams Russia for its seven-month invasion of Ukraine, is President Putin losing the long game?

A former U.S. President, who was the subject of an impeachment attempt during the pandemic, is facing legal troubles once again. This comes after an attorney general in New York filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump, some of his children, and his business. Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for the family empire? Meantime, Russia’s current President is mobilizing more troops to fight against Ukraine, while also threatening nuclear retaliation. And finally, we find out how an all-female fishing program in Newfoundland and Labrador is inspiring women in Japan.

Canada's annual inflation rate crawled to 7 percent in the month of August, mainly due to falling gas prices. Sadly, the financial pinch at the grocery store continues, with the checkout counter becoming more expensive with each passing week. Kristy Cameron speaks to David MacDonald, a Senior Economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, in Hour 1. We also take your texts and emails throughout the show. How have you been faring during these challenging times? Meantime, after a series of coyote attacks in Riverside Park South, the councillor for River Ward is tabling a motion to Ottawa City Council on Wednesday, saying our city needs a strategy to deal with future incidents. Riley Brockington joins us in Hour 2. Plus, the United People of Canada are making headlines again. This time, Director William Komer is under fire for accusations made against his for-profit ventures.

Two brothers haven’t spoken to each other in over 30 years. Today, they are running for Mayor in an Ontario town. Evan Solomon speaks to both of them as today’s program continues. Meantime, a dog owner in Windsor is growing increasingly frustrated over a legal battle against his dog-walker, who claims that his dog is now hers. And finally, NHL legend Ken Dryden reflects on the 50-year anniversary of Canada’s historic triumph in the 1972 Summit Series. How did it change hockey across Canada? What about the rest of the world? That’s coming up in Hour 2.

Starting at 6 o’clock local time this morning, final farewells and remembrances belted out of England and all across Canada, as Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest with Prince Philip following a state funeral. Here at home, famous Canadian leaders paid their respects at a separate ceremony. Kristy Cameron delivers wall-to-wall reaction as the show continues. We also get to hear from Perth native Brittany Radford, who actually got to work at Buckingham Palace for 2 years. Meantime, days before this somber event, Prime Minister Trudeau was spotted singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in London. Some don’t think it’s a big deal. Others are hopping mad. Where do you stand?

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon, who is on assignment and keeping a close eye on numerous remembrance ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth. We bring you wall-to-wall reaction as the show continues. Meantime, Prime Minister Trudeau was taking some online heat after he was spotted belting a classic tune from a famous U.K. quartet. Ahead of a somber event that many of us will never forget, some are calling it another immature gesture from our country’s leader.

We know the current wait times in hospitals are alarmingly bad, and the latest data from CHEO adds to these concerning trends. Eastern Ontario’s primary hospital for kids is on the verge of setting an ER record, surpassing 11 hours per patient. Kristy Cameron delivers the latest in Hour 1. Plus, after interviewing Ottawa’s frontrunners for Mayor this morning, CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson reports his latest findings. With healthcare concerns at an all-time high, the Ontario Medical Association is urging the Doug Ford government to create a referral system for high-demand procedures. We get the latest in Hour 2. Plus, our Municipal Tour continues with Sasha Duguay, a candidate vying for Ottawa’s trust in West Carleton-March. If you are craving to head to the local cinema, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks! And finally, in today’s edition of Flashback Friday, we break down the past-bargains that are now hitting Canada’s wallet where it hurts.

Free For All Friday, hosted by Amanda Galbraith, features a roundtable discussion on the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show features panelists Reshmi Nair, co-host of The Rush on Newstalk1010, and Bob Richardson, senior counsel at National Public Relations and a former Ontario Liberal chief of staff.

Topics:

Canada will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II with a national day of mourning on Sept. 19. Do you support a national/federal holiday?

Pierre Poilievre has been elected the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Can he win a general election?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled the full details of a plan to try and take some of the sting out of inflation for Canadians feeling it the most. Do you think this will be effective?

Families are posting kids' reactions to the "The Little Mermaid" live-action remake teaser.

A Toronto couple hosted their wedding ceremony at a Cinnabon. If you were to get married at an unconventional location, where would it be?

He has won 20 Grand Slams, inspired a generation of tennis stars, and exemplified a high degree of class every time he’s stepped on the court. Today, Roger Federer made plans for the next stage in his life. He says the upcoming Laver Cup in London, England will be his final ATP event. After that, he will retire, following in Serena Williams’ footsteps earlier this month. Evan Solomon reflects on the life and times of a Swiss legend. Turning our attention to more serious matters, Ontario seniors are expected to stay in hospital instead of moving to a long-term care home. The price tag for them to stay in a hospital: $400 per day. Heads are rolling in Hour 1. As the show continues, we also deliver the latest news out of the United Kingdom, as millions continue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth. Plus, author Douglas Rushkoff breaks down the survival of the wealthiest personalities.

In order to maintain the current level of care, Ottawa-based hospitals must add at least 3,000 staff members to its workforce. That’s according to a recent warning from the union representing healthcare workers and paramedics. We get the latest in Hour 1. A bold promise was made by Ottawa mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney on Wednesday. They are pledging to end chronic homelessness within a single term of council, if elected on October 24. We dig deep to find the answers and then we pose their idea to you. Is it realistic? Is it feasible? But first, a city council candidate for Kanata South put the efficiency of Ottawa’s public transit system to the test.

Overwhelmed with frustration, the President of Canada’s Green Party has given her two-weeks notice, declaring the Green Dream ‘dead’. Longtime MP Elizabeth May joins Evan Solomon to address Lorraine Rekmans’ comments. During this week’s edition of The War Room, we examine the future of Canada’s Conservatives, as they try to re-establish themselves as the main candidates to usurp the Trudeau Liberals. Plus, how tough should the media be on today’s politicians? Where do we draw the line in a heavily polarized time? Your texts, calls, and emails are on the way.

Public outcries have been growing for Canada to declare September 19th a national holiday, as Queen Elizabeth is laid to rest. Today, those pleas have been heard, but not everyone agrees with Trudeau’s declaration. Kristy Cameron delivers opinions from both sides. Upon further dissection, Canadian economists argue that job losses aren’t placing the biggest dent on our country’s economy. The rush to retire, however, is playing a significant factor. We open that can of worms with Jimmy Jean, a Chief Economist with Desjardins Group. Once we reach the end of September, a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available for Ontario adults. What level of protection does it give us against the dominant variants? Dr. Raywat Deonandan joins us in Hour 2. Plus, the community of Riverside South is on high-alert after a coyote recently snatched a small pet dog.

A new poll says the majority of Canadians are not only indifferent to the British Monarchy, but also untouched by the death of Queen Elizabeth. Those findings are coming your way in today’s program. Later in Hour 1, the Trudeau government unveils a plan to make day-to-day living more affordable for Canadians. Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives break down their concerns with the Liberals’ vision. In Hour 2, CTV’s Dan Riskin unveils a brand-new children’s book, a venture that is very new to him. He explains what it’s all about. And finally, you will meet a man from Oregon who intentionally mixes tree breeds to create a giant smiley face when the leaves change colours.

Without financial assistance from the federal and provincial government, OC Transpo is projecting an $85 million deficit by year's end. Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh joins the show in Hour 1. As the province’s top court hears a crucial legal challenge, Ontario unions say Bill 124 will bring more pain for today’s workers. We explain further in Hour 2. There are currently 28,000 children and youth on wait lists for mental health treatment in Ontario. In fact, according to School Mental Health Ontario, one-in-three parents has had a child miss school due to anxiety. We get the latest in Hour 4. Meantime, the Ontario Dental Association is raising concerns about the early details of a proposed federal dental care program. Plus, as millions continue to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth, a TSN 1200 host reflects on the brief time he spent with King Charles earlier this year.

Canada’s Conservatives have a new leader. Now, they need votes to win an election. How do they do it? Conservative strategist Melanie Paradis joins the program in Hour 1. Plus, author Tim Cook illustrates a can’t-miss read on Canada’s military history.

In this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by journalist Matt Gurney and CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos. As tributes for Queen Elizabeth continue to pour in, we reflect on her 70-year reign. Plus, Saskatchewan slowly tries to heal after a weekend of violence.

Kristy Cameron remembers the Queen as People from across the UK lay flowers near Buckingham Palace and to pay their respects, CTV Ottawa reporter Leah Larocque joins to the show to talk about Residents paying tribute to the queen by signing a book of condolences at city hall, CHEO clown Molly Penny, city council candidate for Rideau-Jock David Brown, Ottawa mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe and Conservative strategist and vice president of StrategyCorp Garry Keller also join Kristy on Ottawa Now.

We have sad news to report overseas, as Queen Elizabeth has peacefully passed away at the age of 96. Prince Charles will assume control of the British Monarchy, becoming the oldest member to do so. Kristy Cameron brings you wall-to-wall coverage throughout today’s program, reflecting on a life well lived for the only Queen of England we’ve ever known. Later in Hour 2, we explain how such a shift in power will impact the Canadian currency. Meantime, in Canadian politics, a huge vote is expected to unfold this weekend. Almost 679,000 party members were eligible to speak their minds ahead of the Conservative leadership vote. Roughly 418,000 ballots will be accepted and counted, with others being rejected due to incomplete packages.

As health concerns reached new levels, today’s symbol of the British Monarchy was under medical supervision and surrounded by loved ones. In Hour 2 of today’s program, Evan Solomon delivers the sad news: Queen Elizabeth has peacefully passed away at the age of 96. We reflect on a life well lived and also outline the ripple effect this will have across Canada. In the province of Saskatchewan, the grieving continues as well. Both primary suspects in last weekend’s stabbing spree are dead. There is no longer a threat to public safety. And for many, it will take years to put their lives back together. Meantime, after what happened in Nova Scotia two years ago, does the RCMP need to hold a public inquiry?

According to a recent survey from the Angus Reid Institute, a growing number of Canadians are more inclined to trust America’s healthcare system over our own. If you are given the choice to receive treatment here, are you going to the United States instead? Your texts and emails are on the way. Meantime, Ontario's Minister of Health has told the province's nursing college to proceed with the recent regulatory changes, which could inject thousands of internationally trained nurses into the practice more quickly. Are we about to travel down a massive slippery slope? But first, we are learning more about the people who died during last weekend’s stabbing spree in Saskatchewan. Nineteen others are currently trying to survive, with the mental and physical injuries possibly taking years to heal.

The Bank of Canada has jumped the interest rate by 75 basis points, with another increase likely on the horizon as well. Evan Solomon explains what that means for the average Canadian. Later in Hour 1, an identity crisis is haunting Canada’s Green Party, and its leader from 2006 to 2019 is hoping to change course by reclaiming the vacant chair she left behind. Elizabeth May explains the reasoning behind her potential comeback. Plus, could we be getting an out-of-this-world vacuum-tube train?

If you are constructing a high-rise building, and a transit station is located close to the construction site, development charges are going to cost you a bigger penny. That is part of the reason why Claridge Homes has scrapped their high-rise plans in Hintonburg. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. As part of a massive push to double Ontario’s paltry ODSP rates, a handful of NDP MPPs will spend portions of September on a ‘social assistance diet’. Ottawa-Centre MPP Joel Harden is one of these participants. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Meantime, mayoral candidate Catherine McKenney has launched their transit plan for Canada’s Capital. If elected in October, they plan to freeze transit fares, a vision that could be funded by reallocating existing city spending. That conversation is coming up in Hour 3. And finally, it sounds like Ontario’s learning season for 2022-2023 won’t have any sort of interruptions, no matter the COVID roadblocks in front of us.

A pair of scary and tragic scenes unfolded in the province of Saskatchewan during the Labour Day Weekend. Evan Solomon delivers his two cents on how the RCMP responded to both cases. As the rest of the show unfolds, we deliver the latest developments on the suspects-at-large. On a lighter note, we switch gears to British Columbia, where a donkey is gearing up to run for Mayor of Grand Forks. Yes, this donkey does have a campaign manager to pitch its vision for office. Lorraine O’Connor joins the show to explain further in Hour 2. And finally, as kids head back to the classroom, has the public school system improved or declined in recent years? We take your calls, texts, and emails.

Nursing programs in our province have seen a massive influx of applicants. And yet, despite the dire challenges facing our current healthcare system, it seems that more people are eager to get into the profession. We get the latest on that story in Hour 1. The United People of Canada received an eviction notice last month from the landlord of St. Brigid’s Church. They don’t plan to leave. The hearing for this eviction has been pushed back by 17 days. And as many Downtown residents have observed, tension in the public eye is building with each passing day. Plus, in light of recent shootings that surrounded various sectors of Ottawa’s Downtown Core, the ByWard Market remains a security concern for police to constantly monitor. What additional steps need to be taken to preserve that sense of safety? Do we need a police station in the heart of our city? Do we need more funding? We get a wide range of thoughts and opinions as the show rolls along.

There are 4 days left before the Conservatives’ membership deadline. There are 8 days left before Judgement Day. Tim Powers of Summa Strategies previews the week ahead. Meantime, in a world very far away from home, humans are eager to start mining the Moon. What do the space laws have to say about that? Michelle Hanlon, the Co-Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi, pays us a visit. And then, the debates begin. Joining host Amanda Galbraith are IHeartRadio host Karl Dockstader and Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Scott MacArthur. They discuss the idea of increased security for politicians, new proposed guidelines for alcohol consumption, eliminating government jargon, and the six-figure price that was paid by one customer for business defamation.

Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre says, if elected into office as Prime Minister, he would propose a ‘Plain Language Law’. This legislation would ban bureaucratic language in government and also help the average Canadian better understand government paperwork. Here to weigh the pros and cons of this plan is CTV News political commentator Tom Mulcair. Meantime, the Northern Tornadoes Project is back on the road after Tuesday’s awful weather. We examine what they will be looking at in Hour 2. The province’s mandatory five-day isolation period has been dropped by Dr. Kieran Moore. Do you think people will actually stay home when they are sick? We take your calls, texts, and emails during today’s Question of the Day. But first, after making headlines about his stance on fare-free transit earlier this week, mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe says he will not defund the police if he is elected as Mayor of Ottawa. CTV’s Graham Richardson has the inside scoop.

Ontario’s top doctor is ditching the five-day isolation requirements for positive COVID cases, a decision that comes days before most students are scheduled to return to school. We dissect a very risky gamble in Hour 1. Meantime, an author in the United Kingdom alleges that a CSIS informant smuggled girls into Syria. Canada’s Prime Minister has defended the country’s top security agency. No allegations have been tested in court. In this week’s edition of Riskin’ It All, we ask if sleep deprivation makes people more selfish. And finally, California native Nolan Stoyko meets Winnipeg native Mel Bohn, forever connected with the same 1969 Pontiac GTO.

It seems that mayoral candidates Catherine McKenney and Mark Sutcliffe share alternative viewpoints on free transit. That is on full display as today's show unfolds. Meantime, Ontario's top health expert has delivered new recommendations to deal with COVID. Not everyone approves. Plus, an Ottawa resident finally got his power back after 8 years and 7 months of waiting.

It's almost time for kids to head back to the classroom. Is there anything you wish you were taught in high school? Evan Solomon opens up the phone lines and takes your calls in Hour 1. Plus, we reflect on the deaths of Princess Diana and the last leader of the Soviet Union.

A new report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction highlighted the health risks of moderate alcohol consumption. Yes, we said moderate consumption. It finds that drinking 3 beers per week increases your risk of developing breast cancer or colon cancer. Should we put labels on alcohol? We tackle your texts and emails during today’s Question of the Day. After 2 years of uncertainty and lots of online learning, today’s students are preparing for a lockdown-free school year during a pandemic. So how do we help these students adjust? Magdalena Janus, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University, joins us in Hour 2. And finally, we turn to the home-stretch of the Conservative leadership race, where it appears that over 50 percent of party members have already made up their minds on a new leader. The ballots will be tallied on September 10.

Graham Richardson is back in the host chair today. In the early stages of Hour 1, we speak to Hamid Mir, a Global Opinions Contributor for the Washington Post who is currently based in Pakistan. He is in the city of Sukhar, travelling by boat, as massive flooding has caked the roads by more than 10 feet. Here at home, the dangerous game of liquor consumption is causing quite the debate on social media. A new study suggests more than 6 drinks per week leads to higher health risks, especially for women. Do you think this cautionary tale delivers the opposite effect? Would you cut down on alcohol intake based on this information? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way in Hour 2. And finally, a new invasive treatment could reverse memory loss, according to a study led by Dr. Robert Reinhart. It will only take up 20 minutes of your time.

This week’s survey from the Angus Reid Institute suggested that Canadians are not stashing money into their RRSPs and TFSAs. That’s largely because they can’t afford to save any money. The details of those findings are coming up in Hour 1. Following the approval of today’s motion, the Ford government plans to skip public hearings for legislation that would allow hospital patients awaiting long-term care to be transferred to a nursing home. The Ontario NDP tried, and ultimately failed, to keep these public hearings in place. CanAge CEO Laura Tamblyn-Watts vents her frustrations in Hour 4. And finally, there’s a lot to be angry about in 2022. How do we monitor Canada’s blood pressure? Pollara Strategic Insights’ monthly ‘Rage Index’ could serve as the secret weapon to calming our nerves.

A growing number of politicians have been exposed to a toxic environment in the public eye, with the latest victim being Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister. She was verbally harassed and confronted by a man in Grand Prairie, Alberta this past weekend. He hit Record and then proudly posted the entire dialogue to TikTok. Should politicians from all levels of government receive additional security protection? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way. Meantime, an engine problem has led to NASA scrubbing the launch of a new moon rocket. We break down Monday’s setback with Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques. And finally, a Nebraska man has squashed one of the weirdest records in history. Duane Hansen – we kid you not – floated inside a pumpkin.

In our city’s West End, the Caldwell Family Centre is one of the fastest-growing food banks. Sadly, its future is at stake without any new funding. Kristy Cameron delivers the latest developments. Later in Hour 2, we continue our city-wide tour of municipal candidates. Today’s feature is Christine Moulaison, who is running for office in Kanata North. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils. Earlier this week, Ontario's Education Minister encouraged teachers unions to approach the bargaining table with reasonable asks, adding that the results of these conversations with CUPE’s support staff members could set the table for future negotiations with teachers. We get the other side of the story in Hour 3. But first, we react to massive news out of Queen’s Park, as the Ontario COVID Science Advisory Table confirms its work will be discontinued as of September 6.

In our city’s West End, the Caldwell Family Centre is one of the fastest-growing food banks. Sadly, its future is at stake without any new funding. Kristy Cameron delivers the latest developments. Later in Hour 2, we continue our city-wide tour of municipal candidates. Today’s feature is Christine Moulaison, who is running for office in Kanata North. Earlier this week, Ontario's Education Minister encouraged teachers unions to approach the bargaining table with reasonable asks. Stephen Lecce fears the results of these conversations with CUPE’s support staff members could set the table for future negotiations with teachers. We get the other side of the story in Hour 3. But first, the mandate of Ontario's COVID Science Advisory is about to change. We ask if it's too soon to pull these experts away from the pandemic front lines.

Several students at Western University are left confused after completing a recent tuition payment. That’s because they were greeted with a university-mandated third shot of the COVID vaccine. That story is coming up in Hour 1 of today’s Free For All Friday, hosted by Amanda Galbraith. Once the second half of the show gets underway, we are joined by digital policy expert Vass Bednar and CFAX 1070 host Al Ferraby. Today’s debate menu features the practice of ‘quiet quitting’, America’s student loan forgiveness proposal, and the double-standard for politicians who party.

In the height of COVID-19, it seemed that every Canadian who could afford a streaming service had bought into the trend. How many Canadians are sticking with their streaming service providers today? Which options are the most affordable right now? We open that can of worms in Hour 1. As the new school year approaches, our city’s school boards are unveiling their plans to keep COVID out of the classroom. The big topic of discussion: Mask mandates. Today, the Ottawa Catholic School Board says they will be optional, not mandatory, for the 2022-2023 learning season. Kristy Cameron speaks to Tom D’Amico in Hour 2. Meantime, some Canadians are still heading to the United States for vaccinations. We speak to Katie Gibbs, who recently took her kids to America to get the shot. And finally, we are live from the CP Women’s Open today! Smiths Falls native Brooke Henderson aims to impress, and a 12-year-old from Vancouver will be making history once she tees off on Hole 1. That’s a lot of Canadian content to cheer for!

The people of Nova Scotia have been searching for answers and accountability since a gunman opened fire in April of 2020. Evan Solomon speaks to Mike Scott, a criminal defence lawyer who is representing several families of the mass shooting victims during this year’s public inquiry. He questioned RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki on Wednesday and it seems that more questions remain unanswered. Later in Hour 1, we debate if there’s such a thing as a ‘useless degree’. You put in a lot of time and effort to get yours. Has it served you well? And finally, a plumber in the United Kingdom has seen his life turn upside down after someone overheard him singing in the bathroom while he was on the job. Kev Crane has now landed himself a record deal and a Hollywood movie deal.

StatsCan says Ontario’s population will surge by 30 percent in just over 20 years. Is our province ready for a baby boom? A growing number of critics fear we won’t be able to handle it. We get the latest in Hour 1. Last week, the Doug Ford government introduced legislation that would allow hospital patients awaiting a long-term care bed to be transferred into a ‘temporary’ home. A story from CityNews Ottawa suggests a costly catch to this proposal. Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers in Hour 2. We also get the latest on a crucial series of negotiations between the province and its teachers. And finally, could you do your job properly on a 4-day basis? The debate floor is open in Hour 4.

A famous portrait of Sir Winston Churchill has been stolen from Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier Hotel. It’s worth a pretty penny. It’s been missing in action for over 8 months. How do we follow the money and find the culprits behind this heist? Evan Solomon speaks to Christopher Marinello, one of the world’s foremost experts in recovering stolen works of art. Elsewhere in Ontario, police have declined to lay charges against officials at a Lindsay, Ontario corrections facility. Soleiman Faqiri died in his jail cell in 2016. His family wants answers. For the third time, they feel no significant action is being taken to deliver justice. Over in America, President Joe Biden has announced a plan for student loan relief. Is it time that Canada does the same? And finally, we tackle the party lives of your favourite politicians. Does it matter how they live their lives outside of the political arena? Your texts and calls are on the way!

A few months after a violent derecho caused massive amounts of destruction, some of Ontario’s hardest hit residents claim they aren’t receiving enough support from the Ford government. We get to the heart of the matter in Hour 1. Meantime, as of August 14, a little more than 42 percent of children had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. These stats are far below the uptake previously seen in older age groups. Dr. Earl Rubin tries to make sense of it all. Plus, a recent rash of opioid overdose incidents points to another cause of overdoses – laced stimulants and cannabis.

Are the Prime Minister’s flight details a national security threat? Mark Twohey, filling in for Evan Solomon, tries to get some answers in Hour 1. Over in Burlington, their biggest problem is coyote attacks, so the Ontario town is hiring a ‘coyote tracker’ to help solve the problem. Plus, we look into new images from the James Webb Telescope and ponder what a black hole sounds like.

A new survey finds that 1-in-4 Canadians are taking loans to afford a higher cost of living, with 24 percent of respondents confessing to this reality in 2022. Are you one of them? What have you had to cut back on? That’s coming up in Hour 4, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, we continue our tour around the municipal wards and get to know the candidates running for City Hall in October. Barrhaven East candidate Kathleen Caught is up next. And finally, it’s time to tackle the biggest political headlines with our Political Heat panelists.

With a potential eviction looming over their heads, a group with ties to the Freedom Convoy has refused to leave an Ottawa church. 580 CFRA’s Andrew Pinsent joins Evan Solomon with the latest. Meantime, a growing number of Canadians feel they are getting ripped off at the local grocery store. Shachi Kurl from the Angus Reid Institute pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, as post-secondary students hit the road, we want to know if you remember your first-ever apartment…and your first-ever roommates.

College ward councillor Rick Chiarelli will NOT seek re-election. One of the formal complainants, Stephanie Dobbs is relieved. Our QOTD asks: do you "quiet quit" work? Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, reacts to the province's 5-part plan to improve Ontario's healthcare system. We also get the latest on The United Peoples of Canada being served an eviction notice. Can the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan be implemented in a timely manner? We hear from Dr. David Stevenson, former Ontario Dental Association president, on the subject. On today's Municipal Candidate Meet-and-Greet, we focus on the Osgoode ward. Does "quiet quitting" work benefit your career? One career coach says: "No." Ottawa mayor didn't mince words when speaking about the people occupying St. Brigid's Church, calling them 'a bit nutty' and 'whackos'. Mr. Hollywood, gives his 'flaming thumbs' review on the movies 'Orphan: First Kill' and 'Beast'.

On today's show: -Krystal Walter, dating expert and matchmaker in Calgary, on the 10-year anniversary of Tinder. How has dating changed? -Nicole Haverda, a 16-year-old B.C. teen is training to become a F1 racer. We speak with Philip Brown, Mayor of Charlottetown.

Free For All Friday - Hour 2. This week's panelists Jerry Agar, host of The Jerry Agar Show on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto, and Karen Restoule, CEO of Shared Value Solutions, BOLD Realities and Whose Land. Topics: 1. 1 year after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, Canada's resettlement goals lag behind target. 2. Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien had some harsh words for protesters who attempted to place local police officers under arrest over the weekend. 3. RBC is asking its employees come to the office more frequently. 4. Zellers hopes to make a comeback next year, a decade after the Canadian chain shuttered most of its locations. 5. Tinder will turn 10 yrs old in September. How have relationships changed because of online dating?

Our QOTD: Do you think the plans announced today by the province are going to fix the immediate problems we are seeing in our healthcare system? We gather reaction from: CanAge and President of the Ontario Nurses’ Association Cathryn Hoy, and many others. The United People of Canada at St. Brigid’s have been handed an eviction notice. Councillor Riley Brockington is urging caution after multiple coyote sightings. A Canadian cardinal is among a dozen of clergy members who stand accused of sexual assault in a class action lawsuit. We continue our 'municipal candidate get-to-know-yous'. Later, less and less Canadians are sitting down to watch hockey. We dig into why? Today is Burgers to Beat MS Day at A&W. We replay an earlier conversation that Evan had with Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair, who holds the fundraiser near and dear to her heart. Plus, in our Tell-All-Thursday segment, we hear from you about the weirdest gifts received.

Evan Solomon chats with CTV's science and technology specialist Dan Riskin about what bizarre and fascinating things have recently been uncovered from Earth's past—from shipwrecks to ancient cities.

On today's show:

A conversation with Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair. Dr. Naheed Dosani, palliative care physician and health equity lead at Kensington Health in Toronto, on Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open'. Arnaud Jerald, a French freediver who just broke the deepest dive world record—descending to a depth of 120 metres. Riskin It All with Dan Riskin, CTV science and technology specialist.

Evan Solomon is joined by Dean French, former chief of staff to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, for an extended conversation. French led the back-channel negotiations between the City of Ottawa and Freedom Convoy protestors in February.

On today's show:

Do you like it when celebrities support a cause? Should they should use their platform to stand for their passion? We take your calls. The War Room political panel with Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers and Zain Velji. A conversation with Dean French, former chief of staff to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Nathalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, vows to fight the further privatizing of healthcare services. Today's QOTD: How closely do you follow expiration dates on food? Should we rid ourselves of expiration dates on foods? Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, says for the most part, YES! Why in the heck is the Westboro Beach closed? Plenty of job fairs are happening as employers are looking to fill out their staff. (Where's do I apply?) We continue our municipal candidate 'get-to-know-yous' as today we speak with a Somerset ward hopeful. RBC expects the Canadian economy will go through a "mild recession". Later, CTV News Channel's Mackenzie Gray drops by to give us the latest on the parliamentary committee looking into allegations of political interference involving the investigation into the Nova Scotia mass shooting. We also assemble a Municipal Heat Panel to discuss the city presenting their closing statement in the LRT public inquiry.

Evan Solomon talks with Flavio Volpe, president of the Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, about Dodge announcing it will discontinue its Challenger and Charger muscle cars next year.

On today's show:

A conversation with Flavio Volpe, president of the Auto Parts Manufacturers Association.

Dr. Kevin Smith, president and CEO of the University Health Network, on an increase in spending on temp agency nurses.

Mackenzie Gray, journalist with CTV National News covering Parliament Hill, on the Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry.

Maryam Sahar, a former interpreter for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, who is fighting for her sister, brother-in-law, and their new child to come to Canada.

The politics of peeing: What are your cottage protocols? We take your texts and calls.

The ‘Strong Mayors’ act to be expanded to more Ontario cities. That's also our QOTD. About 4,000 beagles were rescued from a breeding facility in the U-S; two of those pooches finding a new home in Ottawa. Later, we hear from a local midwife that is helping pregnant Ukrainian refugees. Should landlords be able to raise rent by ANY amount between tenants? Plus, we hear how more community paramedics could take some pressure off of Ontario ERs. Finally, we hear how the Canadian Science and Tech Museum are moving artifacts from their warehouse. When talk of a prison being built in their town, a group of Kemptville residents are saying: “Not in my backyard.” We continue our municipal candidate ‘get-to-know-yous’ as today we speak with Gloucester – Southgate hopeful.

It’s Monday. It’s time for the Political Heat Panel.

We also hear from the executive director of Canadian Women 4 Women in Afghanistan Lauryn Oates about the one year anniversary of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan.

Evan Solomon speaks with Tim Laidler, President of the Board at the Veterans Transition Network, on Canada's resettlement efforts following the Taliban's seizure of the Afghan capital of Kabul.

On today’s show:

A conversation with Tim Laidler, President of the Board at the Veterans Transition Network. Dr. Anthony Fong, an emergency room physician from Vancouver who spent around nine days as the only doctor on Fogo Island—the largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saba Eitizaz, a co-host and producer on the Toronto Star's podcast team, on the online harassment and violence she has experienced as a female journalist.

Jon Krohn, host of the Super Data Science podcast, on how Amazon’s ‘dead grandma’ Alexa is just the beginning for voice cloning.

Jaida Lee, who made history when she became the first female to pitch in men's baseball at the Canada Summer Games.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Sharan Kaur, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Bill Morneau and current political strategist, and Natasha Hall, co-host of Montreal Now on CJAD 800 in Montreal.

Topics:

Air Canada is denying certain compensation claims through a regulatory loophole, calling staff shortages a 'safety-related issue'.

Montreal will be holding an independent investigation into the last-minute cancellation of the city's annual Pride parade. Organizers say they had failed to hire the required security staff.

The male winner of 2022 National Bank Open will take home twice as much as the female champion. What are your thoughts?

A mother has sparked debate online after asking if her 18-year-old son should pay rent. Thoughts?

An Ohio CEO has gone viral online after he shared a photo of himself crying on LinkedIn following the layoff of several employees. Cringeworthy?

Our QOTD deals with the topic of privatized healthcare. NDP Health critic France Gélinas claims the Ontario PCs are leveraging this healthcare crisis in order to promote privatization. The Queensway, from Carling to Metcalfe, will be closed in both directions until Monday morning.. As Canadian Blood Services is toying with paying donors for their plasma, Kat Lanteigne of the organization Blood Watch is sounding the alarm. The Ontario Home Builders' Association says time's a ticking for the province to deal with the housing crisis. The President of the Ontario Nurses' Association is warning people about 'silent closures'. Within the span of 6 months, food banks have seen a 51 % increase. Amy Avis, general counsel at the Canadian Red Cross discusses the barriers that are preventing lifesaving aid to get to the most needy in Afghanistan. Plus, a wild job ad looking for a nanny is the inspiration for this week's topic for Tell All Thursday: horrible bosses! (No, not the movie).

On today’s show:

BC researchers are being excluded from review of the province’s drug decriminalization policy over potential bias. Dr. Bernie Pauly, a researcher at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria, joins the show. Canadian Blood Services is eyeing getting plasma from paid donors amid supply challenges. We take your calls: Would this deter you from giving blood for free? Betty Shaw, a resident of River Canard, Ontario, who has been driving the same ‘68 Ford Mustang for more than 50 years Nicole Payette-Kyryluk, whose daughter, Alexa, has a rare neurodegenerative condition and needs 24/7 specialized care. She discusses Ontario’s ‘broken’ health care system. Greg Marentette, a man from Windsor, Ontario, whose dog was stolen by his former dog walker almost four years ago. Riskin It All with Dan Riskin, CTV science and technology specialist.

Deputy Prime Minister would like to… um… have that one back. Also, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry would love you to enter their “Date My County” contest. Plus, should masking be mandatory in elementary and secondary schools this upcoming fall? A bill that would allow councillors that misbehave to be booted from their seat has been re-introduced. Later, the Ottawa Mission will celebrate the graduation of students from their Food Services Training Program. Plus, we look into the act of tipping. Also, a new saliva-based PCR test has been authorized by Health Canada – finally. The Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing drops by to discuss why granting big city mayors more powers is a good thing. A new BMO report says we may have a labour shortage for years to come. Have you noticed there are and more pot shops popping up? Also, the age old adage ‘happy wife, happy life’ isn’t necessarily true. It’s a hot one… our QOTD! Have you noticed tipping creep? WHO do you tip?

Tamara Cherry, filling in for Evan Solomon, asks you to weigh-in: Do you tip your mechanic, barista, or the person who cuts your lawn? Experts say inflation could prompt more companies to add a tip option—a phenomenon known as "tip creeping."

On today's show:

Dr. Nour Khatib, a GTA emergency room physician who is inviting Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones for a tour of an emergency department. Raymond Frogner, the head archivist for the Winnipeg-based National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, on finding images of residential school students in Rome archives. The War Room political panel with former NDP leader Tom Mulcair and political strategists Tim Powers and Laura D'Angelo.

Eleanore Sunchild, friend of Dawn Walker—the Saskatchewan woman accused of staging the disappearance of herself and her son.

Tamara Cherry, filling in for Evan Solomon, discusses a new RBC report which says a housing correction in the Greater Toronto Area market could end up becoming one of the deepest of the past half a century.

On today’s show:

A conversation with Jason Mercer, chief market analyst for the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. CTV’s Mackenzie Gray on the implications of Transport Minister Omar Alghabra being compelled to testify on airport chaos. An Ontario man attended his own funeral then died shortly after. Shirley Rader, his wife of 44 years, along with his two children, Jenna McBride and Ben Rader, join the show. Lawrence Douglas, a law professor and the author of ‘Will He Go: Trump and the Looming Election Meltdown in 2020’, on former U.S. president Donald Trump saying FBI agents have raided his Florida home. Shawn Wilson, a Montreal Canadiens fan who created a life-sized Stanley Cup model using a 3D printer.

The Ontario legislature resumes for a summer session. The temporary closures of hospital emergency rooms is hitting a little closer to home. Just like in Phase 1 of LRT construction, Phase 2 is ... delayed. We continue our municipal candidate "get-to-know-yas" as we focus on the ward of Barrhaven East. There is a shortage of school crossing-guards in Ottawa. The hits keep coming for consumers as 'shrink-flation' is really hitting grocery store shelves. Mayoral candidate Bob Chiarelli is promising Ottawa residents a one year property tax freeze. Will this sway votes his way? Our Political Heat Panel discuss the Summer session of the Ontario legislature, among other topics. The head of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario has some thoughts on how to fix nurse staffing shortages. Later, why is Air Canada refusing to compensate passengers for cancellations? Plus, after the Montreal Pride abruptly was canceled, the executive director of Capital Pride updated us on how the Ottawa event is faring.

Tamara Cherry, filling in for Evan Solomon, speaks a former executive at Air Canada about the airline denying some passengers refunds for cancelled flights, citing cancellations caused by staff shortages as a "safety issue."

On today's show:

A conversation with Duncan Dee, former chief operating officer at Air Canada.

Premier Andrew Furey on Newfoundland and Labrador declaring a state of emergency as a result of what Furey calls the province's worst wildfire situation since 1961.

Carol Todd, mother of B.C. teen Amanda Todd whose story spread around the globe after she died by suicide nearly a decade ago, on a man being found guilty of extorting and harassing her.

Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist at Nanos Research, on the effect Stephen Harper’s endorsement had on Pierre Poilievre's support. Alishea Morrison, who saved Chay Feuser's 7-year old son from a cougar. They both join the show.

Transit issues, unemployment rates, airport horror stories, and pranks gone wrong. Andrew Pinsent brings a little bit of everything in this edition of Ottawa Now.

On this week's edition of Free For All Fridays, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by former Liberal Chief of Staff Bob Richardson and CFAX Victoria host Ryan Price.

A new poll from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario displayed another stark reminder of The Great Resignation that is facing our nursing sector, with nearly half of our nurses mulling over the idea of leaving their jobs. Christie Cowan, a registered nurse based in Canada’s Capital, joins Kristy Cameron to talk about the factors that are leading nurses down this difficult roadmap. As staffing shortages and Emergency Department closures persist across Canada’s Capital, staff members at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital are feeling the heat. We get the latest developments in Hour 3. Meantime, Canada’s top court refused to hear the City of Ottawa’s appeal over a controversial ruling at the Kanata Golf and Country Club. However, this land dispute is far from over, according to Kanata North councillor Cathy Curry. That story is coming up in Hour 2. And finally, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time to rip off the bandaid and confess. We want to know the grossest thing you’ve ever done.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon. Canada’s Defense Minister says the Trudeau government will be sending troops to train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom. Are you happy we are taking a more active role in aiding Ukraine? Should we be doing more? Should we be doing less? Your calls and texts are on the way in Hour 1. Here at home, despite Premier Ford’s reassurances on healthcare quality in Ontario, 7-in-10 nurses across the province say they can’t provide adequate patient care. We dissect that study with Dr. Doris Grinspun, the current CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. Plus, while kids struggle to consistently concentrate, they make up for those flaws with their creativity. That’s the subject line for this week’s edition of Riskin It All with Dan Riskin.

Nurse retention is one of several problems plaguing Ontario’s healthcare system right now, making it tougher to provide adequate care to patients in need. Premier Ford says many provinces are facing this tough reality. He says 9-in-10 visits to emergency rooms are finished within the targeted times. Rachel Muir says, if you are in the 10 percent, that is little consolation. You’ll hear that conversation in Hour 1. Meantime, a public park in Wollaston has been put up for sale by the township’s council. However, while town hall argues the funds would be used to help build a new fire hall, residents are extremely concerned about the proposed plan to sell the Eastern Ontario property. According to a new report, the prices that Canadians pay for high-speed internet have risen since 2019, an issue further magnified by a country-wide outage and consistent remote learning for hundreds of thousands of Canadians.

Tamara Cherry fills in for Evan Solomon this week. It appears that big investors are eyeing Canada’s housing market. Do you think this will further strain supply and availability? We open up the phone lines and take your calls. Meantime, a growing number of Canadian patients are fighting for psilocybin access, suing the federal government in what could turn into a ‘landmark case’ for legalization. And finally, an Ontario woman has made a life-changing discovery with the help of an ancestry DNA test.

It’s no secret that Ottawa’s Downtown Core is less chatty these days, with a lot of government workers still working in remote settings. A recent study of North American cities paints a massive picture of this reality, as Downtown visits by workers and visitors are less than 50 percent of pre-COVID levels. In that crowd of 62 North American cities, Ottawa ranks 45th. We dig deeper into those findings as the show continues. Later in Hour 1, we have a heart-warming story to share, as massive community contributions helped a group of displaced Ukrainian kids enjoy a series of summer camp activities. Plus, the Arnprior Hospital will be losing its only veterinarian in a matter of weeks, leaving residents in a mad scramble.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon this week. Ontario farmers say Canada’s fertilizer tariff is punishing them for Russia’s war in Ukraine. We open that can of worms in Hour 1. Plus, we have a powerful conversation about the Hockey Canada scandal with Farrah Khan. That's coming up in Hour 2. And finally, we explain how new glasses for the deaf could soon become a massive game-changer.

A popular ice cream business based in Ottawa got a visit from the dairy police on Thursday. The owner says ice cream tubs from 15 locations have been pulled across the city, leading to a lengthy Twitter thread filled with frustration. Marlene Haley pays us a visit in Hour 1. Meantime, a task force has been assembled to revitalize Downtown Ottawa, a sector of our city that has been hit hard by construction and a decline in customer support due to COVID. Ottawa-Centre MP Yasir Naqvi outlines the main goals of the project in Hour 2. We also take your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 4. Plus, as we head into the long weekend, some areas of Ontario are still trying to pick up the pieces after a Sunday night storm wreaked havoc last weekend. We speak to Rachel Page in Hour 3. Her parents’ home in Tweed was right in the middle of the tornado’s path and took a lot of damage.

Canada’s top doctor says the best way to deal with the Monkeypox outbreak is to raise awareness and address immunization barriers. Kristy Cameron speaks to Peter Kelly, a personal trainer who had to quarantine for nearly a month after catching the virus. Later in Hour 1, another veteran voice at Ottawa City Hall says he won’t be running for re-election in October. Eli El-Chantiry explains why a break from municipal politics is on his mind. Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent last month, a new record-low. Here in Ottawa, we currently sit at 3.6 percent. However, several businesses are still struggling to find new staff. Would signing bonuses change that tone? We toss that question around in Hour 4 during today’s Question of the Day. And finally, we get the latest LRT update from Troy Charter, the City of Ottawa’s Director of Transit Services. RTG officials were hoping to have the system back at full-strength on Friday. Is that still a plausible scenario?

Former members of America’s Republican and Democrat parties are joining forces to form a third political party. In Hour 1, Evan Solomon speaks to Miles Taylor, a former Homeland Security official in the Trump Administration. He is involved in the creation of the new ‘Forward Party’. Could this happen in Canada? We take your calls, texts, and emails as the program progresses. Meantime, Prime Minister Trudeau is sparring with farmers on the Climate Plan, as his critics fear that Canada’s future grain output could take a number. We speak to the Vice-Chair of the Ontario Bean Growers in Hour 2. And finally, the best magicians in the world are gathering in Quebec City for this year’s World Championships. We chat with Shane Cobalt, a Toronto-based magician who is scheduled to take part in these festivities.

Since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, retired lawyer Peggy Blair has spent countless hours trying to help displaced families from Ukraine settle into Canada’s Capital. Next week, they will be going to their first CFL game after a kind gesture from the Ottawa Redblacks. Blair enthusiastically shares the good news in Hour 1. Back in 2020, concerns were rising that many low-income Ontarians were falling through the cracks. A complex pandemic, coupled with inflated expenses and job security concerns, has made things even worse. How can we help these residents bounce back? Plus, RTG officials are still hoping for a full restoration of LRT service on Friday, as inspections and repairs on a downed power line continue this afternoon. But what about the other issue that was caught on the Confederation Line? 20 train cars were yanked from service on Saturday after an operator flagged an issue with one of the train’s wheel hubs. We get instant reaction and a wide range of opinions in Hour 3.

According to Hockey Canada's CFO, the governing body has paid out $7.6 million across nine sexual assault settlements since 1989. Former NHL player and sexual assault survivor Sheldon Kennedy says enough is enough. He wants to see significant change. He says Hockey Canada’s biggest voice needs to step aside. He joins us in Hour 1. In the world of space exploration, Russia has announced its intentions to step away from the International Space Station in 2024. Retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield searches for the bigger picture. Plus, 11-time world champion and Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse continues to add to his personal trophy case. This week, he helped Team Canada take home a Gold Medal in the Men’s 4-by-100 relay at the World Track and Field Championships. That team performance also set a national record. Andre pays us a visit in Hour 2.

Shopify’s CEO says the company plans to lay off 10 percent of its staff members after misjudging the growth of the e-commerce sector. We get instant reaction as the show continues. Meantime, COVID-19 and high living costs have dealt significant amounts of damage to our mental health. And now, with workplace burnout looming large, experts fear that we’ve hit a collective breaking point. Paula Allen delivers the cold, harsh reality and explains how we can slowly dig ourselves out of a deep hole. Plus, while we are on the subject of daily jobs, would you rather stay at home and make less money? Would you make more money if it meant going back to your pre-COVID workspace? Text into the show and let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

A parliamentary committee is gathering today and tomorrow as it tries to unravel an incident involving members of Team Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team. Eight unidentified members of the Men’s squad were allegedly involved in a group sexual assault after a gala in London, Ontario. However, not all of the committee’s questions might be answered due to solicitor-client privileges. Evan Solomon speaks to Greg Gilhooly, a current lawyer and former hockey player who is also a survivor of sexual assault. In Hour 2, we turn our attention to Canadian politics, as former Prime Minister Stephen Harper throws his vote of confidence towards Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre. The final decision won’t be made until September 10, but is the Tories’ leadership race officially over? And finally, a teenager from the University of Calgary’s Swim Club is making waves after snapping a national record that was once held by Olympic legend Penny Oleksiak.

The biggest issue for most users following Monday's LRT outage wasn’t the snag itself, but the line of communication with transit officials. It’s something that Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh says should be more open and transparent when disaster strikes. She joins us to discuss further in Hour 3. Meantime, the Ontario government has announced its catch-up plan for students this Fall, trying to recuperate from COVID-19. OSSTF President Karen Littlewood delivers her two cents. Plus, as Pope Francis apologizes to First Nations communities for decades of emotional and physical pain caused by the Catholic Church, what needs to happen next?

As Pope Francis visits Canada, First Nations communities are looking for more than just apologies. They want to see justice for what happened to their ancestors. Is justice a prerequisite or alternative to reconciliation? We take your texts, calls, and emails in Hour 1. Then, we go live to Pope Francis himself in Hour 2, as he tries to mend fences and seek forgiveness on behalf of the Catholic Church.

It's another potential black eye for Hockey Canada, as the Men's World Junior Team from 2003 is being accused of a group sexual assault. TSN 1200's Lee Versage delivers the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, the Pinhey Sand Dunes are slowly being brought back to life. We explain how. A number of automotive manufacturers are charging subscription fees for certain services in their vehicles. Andrew Pinsent, filling in for Kristy Cameron, explains further in Hour 2. Meantime, the extreme heat is hitting all of us pretty hard, but the homeless population is really feeling the pain. We give you the bigger picture in Hour 3. Plus, as the Conservatives gain ground in the polls and continue to search for a new leader, what are the odds that Canada could face a snap election? Are you eager to head to the local cinema this weekend? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks! Plus, what is one piece of advice from your childhood that you still carry with you today?

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Amanda Galbraith in this week's edition of Free For All Fridays. The beloved Monarch butterfly has been listed as one of Canada's most unique insects. Sadly, it has now been placed on the endangered species list. We explain further in Hour 1 with Dr. Ryan Norris. Meantime, are you eager to check out some of the best spots Ontario has to offer? Toronto Mayor John Tory serves as your tour guide. In Hour 2, we turn things over to panelists Scott Reid and Mark Mendelson. On the menu for this week's debate: Premier Ford's 'strong mayor' powers, a proposed cap on oil and gas emissions, and why some Canadians are boycotting Canadian Tire.

A new statement has been released from Ottawa Public Health and our city’s top doctor is very concerned about the pandemic’s seventh wave. Dr. Vera Etches joins us in Hour 3 to explain further. Meantime, a new book details the events of the Freedom Convoy’s three-week occupation of Canada’s Capital. However, chances are you won’t be able to find this best-seller read on the mainstream shelves. That’s because Indigo Bookstores won’t be selling it. Later in the program, if you’re hoping to have kids someday, does your bank account play a role? Does it all depend on how much money you have stashed away in the vault? Text into the show and let us know! And finally, we get an update from Jesse Bourne, who was waiting very patiently for his family’s passports to arrive ahead of a surprise trip. Did they arrive on time? That’s coming up in Hour 4.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon today. As physical threats and passenger frustration boils over at Canadian airports, a potential WestJet strike might cause even more chaos next week. We get the details and the demands. Meantime, Sudbury resident Ariella Ladouceur says her Jamaican husband might miss an even bigger milestone when their baby is born in October. That’s because he was rejected residency in Canada. In Hour 2, Hockey Canada says it will no longer use funding to settle sexual assault claims facing employees or athletes. How should we deal with the misogyny and rape culture that lurs around those hallways? Farrah Khan, the founder of Possibility Seeds, pays us a visit to submit her two cents. Plus, we end the show on a lighter note, as an elementary school teacher in Toronto gifted her entire class brand-new sneakers.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is planning to give the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa ‘veto’ powers over proposals made by their respective councils. If elected, that won’t be how mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe runs things. He wants to work within the current system. You’ll hear from him in Hour 2. Later in the show, a pair of councillors weigh in on this scorching-hot debate in a special edition of Municipal Heat. Meantime, it seems that adult members of Canada’s workforce are favouring a longer stay over retirement. What can businesses do to help support the aging worker? What does this shift mean for Millennials and Gen-Z workers trying to enter the workforce? Alan Kearns from CareerJoy fills us in. And finally, one month after the provincial deadline came and went, dozens of Ontario long-term care homes still don’t have air conditioning. As you can imagine, a lot of healthcare advocates are not happy.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon today. According to the Toronto Star, Ontario’s Premier might consider awarding American-style powers to the mayors of two big cities in the province. That would be Toronto and Ottawa. Does this idea from Doug Ford rub you the wrong way? Should the mayor of any city or town have the power to overrule democracy? Toronto councillor Brad Bradford and Ottawa councillor Catherine McKenney deliver their thoughts. Later in Hour 1, we take your two cents as well. Meantime, a new report says cruise ships are allegedly dumping billions of litres of toxic waste into Canadian waters. Are we being treated like a toilet bowl? Plus, mental health experts argue why our country needs a three-digit suicide crisis hotline.

If you have already been infected by COVID-19, what are your chances of getting re-infected with the virus? In Hour 1, Dr. Dale Kalina unveils what the experts know and explains how you can protect yourself from another bout. Meantime, a generational divide is fueling a wave of concern, as the seventh COVID-19 episode knocks on our doorstep. Kristy Cameron gets the numbers from Shachi Kurl, the President of the Angus Reid Institute. Here at home, tainted drugs are fueling an overdose epidemic with little signs of slowing down. Advocates argue the distribution of safe drugs could be used to fight this crisis. We explain that side of the story in Hour 2. Plus, we have concerning news surrounding Hockey Canada, as it allegedly used registration fees to build a fund that covers sexual assault claims. Ian Mendes from The Athletic unveils the damning truths we know so far.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon today. An opinion piece from Kelly Bowden says we need to strengthen access to contraceptive care in Canada. She explains further in Hour 1. Later in the show, a Winnipeg woman finds a stranger sleeping on her couch and dials 9-1-1, only to wait 20 minutes for first-responders to arrive. In the middle of her dialogue with dispatchers last month, Angela Chalmers says she was told to confront the intruder herself. Meantime, as the deadline for an Olympic bid draws closer and closer, the Globe and Mail’s Editorial Board argues these projects are wasting public money. Do you agree with that assessment? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way in Hour 2. And finally, a Canadian couple in Halifax is entertaining and educating neighbours with ever-changing flags outside their house.

Capital Ward candidate Rebecca Bromwich is hoping to usurp incumbent councillor Shawn Menard in October. She outlines her visions and key election platforms in Hour 1. Meantime, should landlords be barred from raising rent prices between tenants? Norma Jean Quibell, a board member with ACORN, outlines her frustrations after her family had to deal with a trio of rent increases over the past 6 years. Plus, after being disqualified in the Conservative leadership race, Patrick Brown wants to remain the Mayor of Brampton. He has submitted his re-election papers but not everyone at City Hall wants him back. Should he have just called it a day? We ask our Political Heat panelists in Hour 3.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon today. An unusually high number of sick kids is bringing Montreal’s E.R. facilities to critical levels. We get the latest on that story from Dr. Robert Barnes, the Associate Director of Professional Services at Montreal Children’s Hospital. Over at Vision SoHo Alliance, they are helping to transform an abandoned hospital, a facility that might play a key role in fighting an affordable housing crisis in Ontario. In Hour 2, as Patrick Brown prepares for a re-election bid as Mayor of Brampton, Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King prepares to leave Ottawa after he was granted bail. CTV’s Glen McGregor outlines a laundry list of conditions that King must follow. Plus, the small town of Lytton, B.C. is hoping an out-of-control wildfire doesn’t provide a second wave of grief.

The news about temporary ER closures in rural areas just keeps on coming. A few weeks ago, it was Perth. Today, it’s Alexandria. In an effort to avoid long wait times, do you think patients should be able to pay for private healthcare? Kristy Cameron sifts through your texts and emails in Hour 4, as we tackle today’s Question of the Day. Meantime, the House of Commons’ Industry and Technology Committee has voted unanimously to study the Rogers outage. At least two meetings have been scheduled before July 30. On a lighter note, are you thinking of venturing to the local cinema this weekend? Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks! And finally, in this week’s edition of Flashback Friday, we want to know the biggest lessons learned from watching television.

A grassroot organization is providing support for single-parent families in Canada’s Capital by offering hundreds of essential grocery items. Kristy Cameron speaks to the founder of this initiative in Hour 1. Ontarians aged six-and-over, dealing with Cystic Fibrosis, are also celebrating a big win on Thursday. That’s because a transformational life-saving drug has been approved for use in the province. We get the latest in Hour 2. Random COVID-19 testing is making a return to Canadian airports, but our country’s tourism sector is already on its knees and so are airline staff members. Will this decision make things worse? Meantime, with a fourth dose of the vaccine now eligible for all Ontario adults, and a kid-friendly dose on the way, will you roll up your sleeves this summer? Kristy Cameron takes your texts and emails during today’s Question of the Day. And finally, the Ottawa Senators have struck again!

Passport backlogs, long lineups, and flight delays that could fuel your nightmares. You might see all of that before your vacation starts. What can travellers expect over the next few weeks? Canada’s Minister of Families and Social Development joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, a doctor’s cancelled flight to the Magdalen Islands is leaving 57 patients waiting several months for their healthcare services. Guest host Graham Richardson has the latest developments on that story. We do have some good news to report, as Health Canada approves Moderna’s vaccine for our country’s youngest residents. Fourth doses will soon be accessible for all adults in Ontario. However, it will take some time before we see the results. Plus, mandatory COVID testing returns next week, regardless of your vaccination status. Will this add fuel to an uncontrolled blaze that is currently spreading across Canadian airports? If we don’t do it now, and the virus spreads, could it be even worse? Call in and speak your mind!

Ontario’s child-care rebates are starting to roll out, but the program itself remains a 'patchwork'. Kristy Cameron explains why in Hour 4. Stress levels and burnout concerns among Canadian police officers are reaching alarming rates. Which sections of our country are being hit the hardest? We get the shocking details in Hour 2. Meantime, after Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli publicly criticized the hurtful actions of CFL player Garrett Marino, an ex-member of the Stampeders outlines the racist behaviour he experienced growing up. Plus, the Ottawa Senators have made a big splash on the Opening Day of NHL Free Agency, bringing in veteran forward Claude Giroux on a 3-year contract. This comes as the club continues to chat with the Edmonton Oilers about a possible Connor Brown trade. He’s got one year left on his time in Canada’s Capital.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. The Bank of Canada says its going to hike up the key interest rate to 2.5 percent. Amanda Lang from BNN Bloomberg gives us the full economic picture in Hour 1. Over in the United States, the January 6th hearings continue to unfold. We explain Tuesday’s stunning developments involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly held an ‘unhinged’ White House meeting before calling supporters to Capitol Hill in a concerning tweet. Here in Ontario, the province says it plans to open fourth-dose eligibility to all adults. Should they have done it sooner? Plus, Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli calls out racism in the CFL following disrespectful actions from a Roughriders player.

Perth’s Emergency Room has been closed since July 2. It remains closed until further notice and Mayor John Fenik fears the community’s healthcare system is on the verge of unravelling. He joins the show in Hour 1. Later in Hour 4, Kristy Cameron speaks to Trish Riley, an Ottawa woman who is fighting colon cancer. How have her treatment options been impacted by the recent staffing shortages? 19-year-old Catherine Ready, a local University student who survived a knife attack on June 27, has been released from hospital. However, the road to recovery will be a massive mental hurdle after her mother and sister were killed in the same attack. Plus, recent data shows a steady decline in the number of medical students who rank family medicine as their top choice. It’s enough uncertainty to make our current family doctors feel sick. We speak to one of them in Hour 3.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. A class-action lawsuit is being filed against Rogers Canada for last week’s country-wide outage and the inconvenience it caused for millions of Canadian customers. Joey Zukran, the Founder of LPC Avocats, pays us a visit in Hour 1. Meantime, an email shows RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki was initially against naming the firearms that were used by a Nova Scotia gunman in 2020. These weapons fueled the worst mass shooting our country has ever seen. On a lighter note, the James Webb Telescope has given us a stunning glance into the history of our universe, filled with details that cannot be captured by the human eye. Astronomer Gary Boyle explains what Monday’s images revealed.

Nico Gravel, a longtime Bluesfest bagpipe busker, was fined for playing outside the music festival on Saturday. Defiantly, he returned on Sunday, playing for about 20 minutes until Bylaw Services shut him down. He now has to pay $2,260 in total fines. Gravel joins Kristy Cameron to explain further in Hour 2. As our local ERs face healthcare strains, how are life-changing surgeries being impacted? Is it more than just temporary Overnight shutdowns? We take a peek at the bigger picture. Meantime, it appears that a class-action lawsuit might be filed against Rogers over last weekend’s country-wide outages. How many customers are joining in? How many customers are eager to switch providers? Plus, the Ottawa Senators have given qualifying offers to Josh Norris, Alex Formenton, Mathieu Joseph, and Erik Brannstrom. Adam Gaudette and Victor Mete are expected to hit the open market when NHL Free Agency begins.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon today. Canada’s Premiers are gathering in Victoria, British Columbia to present a united demand for more healthcare funding. We speak to Dr. Katharine Smart, the President of the Canadian Medical Association. Later in Hour 1, a pair of ER doctors in Montreal are moving on from their healthcare gigs, blaming Quebec’s broken system and Bill 96 as primary reasons behind their tough decision. Meantime, a renovation project around the Centre Block of Parliament Hill has turned into a fascinating dig site, with over 200,000 artifacts being discovered. What do they tell us about the past? And finally, we speak to the first athlete with disabilities that managed to cross Lake Superior, all part of his attempt to bridge all five Great Lakes this summer.

The Ontario-led LRT Inquiry has concluded after 3 weeks of conversation and deliberation. What did we learn? Whose reputations suffered the most damage as a result of these findings? What lessons can be applied to future LRT developments? Kristy Cameron speaks to River Ward councillor Riley Brockington and Bay Ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh in Hour 1. Japan is in mourning after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was gunned down while he was delivering a campaign speech. It’s an event that is made even more stunning when you consider that Japan boasts one of the strictest gun control laws on Planet Earth. Later in Hour 2, city councillors in Toronto mull over an idea to ban cats from going outdoors without leashes. Are you on board with this proposal? Plus, an historic power outage has locked out millions of Rogers customers from the world wide web. What causes an outage of this magnitude? How long does it take to fix? A cybersecurity expert explains further in Hour 3.

Amanda Galbraith is back from a well-deserved vacation, and there’s been a lot of information for Canadians to digest over the past seven days. Economic experts fear that our country could be staring down the barrel of a recession in 2023. Nathan Janzen, a Senior Economist at the Royal Bank of Canada, tells us how bad it could get. Meantime, a Conservative whistleblower says she discussed a third-party payment with now-former leadership candidate Patrick Brown. Does this further taint the politician’s image? Does it help the Tories’ public relations image? Over in Toronto, city councillors are mulling the idea of banning cats without leashes in outdoor settings. How is this sitting with local residents? And finally, a significant country-wide outage is putting Rogers customers in a very sticky situation. Here to explain their thoughts are CFAX 1070 Victoria host Al Ferraby and Toronto Star reporter Jen Pagliaro.

Growing predictions about a looming COVID wave are adding weight to the case for another booster vaccine campaign. However, plenty of questions remain as to how the virus will continue to evolve, not to mention the degree of protection that a new dose could offer us. A shameful legacy is unfolding at modern-day airports across the globe. In Hour 1, Joe Nahra outlines his crazy journey from Ottawa to Beirut. He is still waiting for his luggage after 23 days. If you are a festival-goer, today is a great day. That is because RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is back in front of a live audience! And if you are an Ottawa Senators fan, we have good news ahead of the NHL Draft, as the team struck gold in a trade with Chicago.

Stefan Keyes is filling in for Evan Solomon today. Over in Britain, critics of Prime Minister Boris Johnson are searching for a real voice to lead the country. This comes after 50 members of his government left their positions and asked for his resignation, which he finally gave. However, he will remain in charge until a new voice is chosen. Montreal writer Christine Rodriguez says her curly hair has been the subject of three airport searches since May. She joins us to explain why in Hour 1. Meantime, a volunteer group organized by a former fire chief in Vancouver Island has just returned from a humanitarian mission in Ukraine. Bob Beckett describes the chaos and destruction that he saw with his own two eyes. And then, we try to end the show on a lighter note, as a karaoke bus rolls into Calgary.

Just when you think the lineups at Canadian airports couldn’t get any worse, unions are warning the Trudeau government that the worst-case scenario hasn’t touched down, with potential labour shortages holding the power to disrupt travel for several months. Meanwhile, some Ontario cities are issuing perks for people to stay in their city. Here in Ottawa, if tourists stay for three straight nights, the cost of your third hotel night will be paid for by Ottawa Tourism. Plus, do you need to wear a suit in order to get respect? A city councillor in Sarnia explains why the best suit game isn’t necessary, even if you are in charge of making key decisions in the workplace.

The Conservative leadership race lost a candidate on Tuesday night following the disqualification of Patrick Brown. Word got out that someone from his campaign allegedly broke election financing rules, which was strongly disputed by the Mayor of Brampton. In fact, he is alleging political corruption for his ousting, and that Poilievre supporters on the leadership election committee are behind it all. He joins the show and takes your calls. Later in the program, Evan Solomon searches for a rebuttal from Rob Batherson, the CPC’s current President. Meantime, a bipartisan U.S. bill aims to mitigate the risk of existential catastrophies from Artificial Intelligence. We get the details in Hour 2. And finally, a new study reveals the effects of space travel on the astronaut’s human bones. David St. Jacques describes his experience going into space, and how the journey has impacted his daily life since his return to Earth.

The average wait time to get admitted into the ER at an Ontario hospital is getting longer and longer. In fact, it’s at an all-time high. What was your last experience at the ER like? How long did you wait? How would you rank the quality of care you received? Kristy Cameron takes your calls, texts, and emails as the show rolls along. After five deaths in seven days, the City of Ottawa is warning residents of a rise in overdoses. Rob Boyd, the Director of the Oasis Program at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, gives us the bigger picture in Hour 2. Over at Canadian airports, it’s no secret that every major airline is facing travel delays. A pair of Canadian airlines, however, are feeling the pinch more often than any other airline. Plus, a pet store owner from Kentucky has turned a unique feature of his home into an unusual hangout spot for eels.

In the midst of all the travel chaos, a Canadian has spent the past three months in Puerto Plata, where she found a stray dog and immediately fell in love. It was at the airport where things turned upside down for the Dominican Republic canine, who is now traumatized after being left at the facility for 21 hours. Jena Butts joins the program in Hour 1. Meanwhile in Montreal, a trio of sleepaway camps have been shut down due to COVID outbreaks. Is the virus roaring back? Plus, the City of Toronto is being asked to review its ‘clean-shave’ N95 mask policy after several Sikh workers were either laid off or demoted.

Last week, we talked about a significant nursing staff shortage that was plaguing the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. Multiple reports said the hospital’s ER department was going to temporarily shut down during overnight hours this summer. It turns out that other Canadian cities are dealing with these exact same problems. We explain further in Hour 1. A rehabilitation program is helping its patients learn to live with the devastating effects of Long COVID. Kristy Cameron speaks to Wendy Laframboise, the nurse practitioner who coordinates a groundbreaking game plan at The Ottawa Hospital. Meantime, with another Omicron surge potentially in the cards, a growing number of medical experts want every single adult to be eligible for a COVID booster. Details are on the way in Hour 4. Plus, after the Ford government introduced a temporary gas tax, should it stick around for 2023? Our panelists weigh in.

Lucas DeCaluwe dreamed the same dream that most Canadians dream of. He wanted to someday play in the big leagues. He wanted to play professional hockey. Sadly, those dreams quickly turned upside down and transformed into a massive nightmare after the now 17-year-old was allegedly arrested at gunpoint. This allegedly follows years of relentless bullying at a sports academy. A lawsuit has been filed in Lucas’ defense and his father, Brian, joins us in Hour 1. Meantime, the CEOs at some of Canada’s largest companies saw a 23 percent pay increase in 2021. We get the latest info from David Macdonald, a Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. And finally, a ‘naked hermit’ in Japan is bidding farewell to the remote island he called home for 29 years.

Damages caused by climate change could overwhelm the NCC, Ottawa-Gatineau’s biggest landowner. How bad are things right now? How bad could they get? We tackle that story in Hour 1. Starting in 2026, Canada will require that companies add nutrition warnings to the front of pre-packaged food products with high levels of saturated fats, sugar, or sodium. Ground meat, however, will get a free pass. Later in today’s show, a teacher is critiquing the modern-day report card as we know it. How much knowledge should we put into our own grades? Stacie Oliver from A.B. Lucas Secondary School in London has a pop quiz for us to sink our teeth into. Plus, your texts and emails are on the way in Hour 4. And finally, if you are game for a long weekend movie, Matt Demers has got you covered!

Most people will be celebrating Canada’s birthday tomorrow. Others will be fighting for freedoms they claim are under siege. Evan Solomon previews an interesting Friday afternoon and takes a look at how local police forces will be managing the busy crowds. Plus, on Canada Day Eve, we are Riskin It All once again with CTV’s Dan Riskin. But first, Canada’s Public Safety Minister claims he never interfered in the Nova Scotia shooting investigation that was conducted in 2020. More allegations against Bill Blair are claiming the opposite. Is this Overhyped or Underplayed? We pose that question to CTV’s Scott Reid.

Coupled with COVID-19, the ongoing labour shortage has hit the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association right where it hurts. With customers displaying various degrees of concern ahead of the Canada Day protests, is it costing them business during a crucial portion of their summer revenue season? We get the big picture in Hour 1. A critical nursing staff shortage is putting the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital in an extremely tough spot. On Monday, a potential decision was reached to close the ER department during overnight hours across the summer months. A day later, that course of action was abruptly reversed, but the cries for help remain loud and clear. Meantime, as Ottawa Police prepares for anti-mandate protests on Canada Day, the vehicle exclusion zone has been put in place. We get the latest from CTV’s Mackenzie Gray. Plus, as the upcoming Race for Mayor heats up, we have a couple of new additions to the 2022 political marathon.

Should you have to swear an oath to the Queen of England in order to practice your craft? A prospective lawyer is challenging that idea, arguing that these dated policies violate religious freedoms. Prabjot Singh Wirring explains further in Hour 1. Shortly after that, Evan Solomon opens the debate floor and takes your calls. Meantime, a Fanshawe College student has made multiple requests to ban fireworks in London, Ontario. Becca Amendola outlines why fireworks displays cause more harm than good. Plus, it’s time for another edition of The War Room!

Two women and one man are dead following a violent incident in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighborhood. A third woman suffered injuries during Monday’s fatal attack. We speak to someone who lives nearby in Hour 3. Over in Bancroft, residents are reeling after a 23-month-old boy was found dead in a hot car. At the Aylmer Marina, a pair of Ukrainian-Canadians are speaking out after they allegedly spotted multiple Russian flags. We get the latest on both stories in Hour 2. A jury at a coroner's inquest into the deaths of three murdered women recommends that Ontario formally declare intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic’, with the plan to establish an independent commission dedicated to eradicating it. We get the latest in Hour 4. On a lighter note, a lemonade stand aims to help purchase an MRI unit for the Brockville General Hospital. It all started with a 6-year-old girl.

We all remember the story of the Blue Jays fan who gave the Yankee kid a home run ball from his favourite player. But should we be forced to do that? This debate in Hour 1 might trigger people. Plus, you will get to meet the man who tried 50 types of poutine in less than a week.

You’ve seen the headlines about the chaotic airport lineups. But if you have already booked summer plans, and it’s too late to back out, how can you brace for the chaos? Travel expert Lorraine Simpson joins us from Ireland with a few pointers. Unions that represent workers at Passport Canada encouraged the Trudeau government to boost staffing levels. Today, they say our country is paying the price. Given the unprecedented nature of May’s derecho, many residents are cutting Hydro Ottawa a bit of slack, but questions are still lingering about their performance. On Thursday, a Memorandum of Understanding was reached between the NCC and a group that includes the support of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. And now, the goal is to reach a lease agreement for the new site by Fall 2023. Does it satisfy the Downtown councillors? Somerset Ward councillor Catherine McKenney pays us a visit in Hour 2. Then, we hear from the team’s President of Business Operations.

A few weeks after retired NHL player Ryan Whitney vented about Pearson International Airport, another professional hockey legend sounded off from Montreal. Evan Solomon speaks to Jeremy Roenick, who called the Air Canada service at Pierre-Elliott Trudeau incompetent. Later in Hour 1, Conservative MPs meet with the Freedom Convoy’s top figures. A recent tweet says the majority of these protestors won’t leave until Justin Trudeau resigns as Prime Minister. Meantime, if you have a home birth at an AirBnB, should you have to tell the owners about it? Apparently some women are booking these short-term spots to specifically give birth. And finally, we are Riskin It All with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

Hospitals based around Canada’s Capital have some of the worst ER wait times in the province. CHEO is at the top of the list and it looks as though kids are experiencing longer wait times than adults are. After losing hundreds of trees to May’s derecho, the City of Ottawa wants 40 percent of its lands covered by trees in the near future. The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival has been reassured a significant police presence will be on site to ensure the safety of all fans. This comes after projected demonstrations from the Freedom Convoy before and during July 1. In the wide world of sports, it could be a monumental day in Ottawa sports on Thursday, as the NCC plans to rule (once again) on the future of LeBreton Flats. Could the Senators finally get their Downtown arena? Meantime, Asilu Collective was directed towards an incident of anti-Black racism and policing at Hillcrest High School. That’s coming up in Hour 4.

Andrew Koch says he and his partner got kicked off their Toronto-to-Montreal flight on Friday. Ten other people suffered the same fate. Why? They were all told they didn’t have seats and they couldn’t board the flight. We get the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, the current RCMP Commissioner is being accused of interfering in the Nova Scotia mass shooting investigation. Critics say it’s all part of an alleged bid to help the Trudeau government and their gun-control agenda. Plus, a Canadian couple is planning to send rockets into space, obviously with no intentions to harm any life forms or plants. Sohrab Haghighat and Saharnaz Safari, the founders of SpaceRyde, tell us how this mission works in Hour 2.

Crews have begun emergency repairs on the ‘Cavanagh Bump’ at Highway 7. These temporary solutions include cutting down the speed limit to 80 kilometres per hour, reducing the twinned highway to one lane in each direction, and installing large illuminated signs to issue warnings. We get the latest in Hour 1. Just as Summer gets underway, signs are pointing towards another potential surge in new COVID-19 cases across Ottawa. Kristy Cameron takes a peek at the latest wastewater levels. A recent study shows that police and handcuffs have been routinely used to deal with Ontario university students undergoing a mental health crisis. Instant reaction is coming your way in Hour 2. Meantime, what happens if you find out that your father is not your biological father? The mental health picture is further examined in Hour 3. And finally, a ketchup-flavoured popsicle is set to debut in Leamington, Ontario. Do you try it?

The Freedom Convoy protestors plan to make their voices heard once again, starting with Canada Day celebrations and continuing throughout the Summer months. Ottawa’s Interim Police Chief says they are prepared for all situations. Later in Hour 1, Derek and Jill Lints issue an urgent warning to Canadian families about global sextortion, a practice that primarily targets teenage boys. Meantime, researchers in Calgary are hoping to assemble rescue robots, something that has been a work-in-progress for 7 years now. Alejandro Ramirez-Serrano explains further in Hour 2. And finally, we share the story about a baby hawk’s unexpected friendship with a fully-grown eagle.

According to new research, introducing young hockey players to bodychecking at an early age doesn't necessarily protect them from injury as they move into harder-hitting leagues. As a matter of fact, it might have the exact opposite effect. Kristy Cameron tackles this subject with Dr. Paul Eliason in Hour 1. With thousands of Afghans still desperate to flee the Taliban, is Canada getting ready to close its doors? It appears those fears are mounting. We get the latest developments in Hour 2. A blood-sucking fish has been doing lots of damage to some of our planet’s ecosystems for decades. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission now says it has entered their home turf. Meanwhile, it appears that Premier Doug Ford has set a deadline to unveil his new Cabinet members. Those decisions will be made by Friday. Who should step into Ontario’s key profiles? It’s time to welcome back our Political Heat Panel. And finally, it’s time to tackle today’s Question of the Day. Your texts and emails are on the way in Hour 4.

The Afghanistan Veterans Association of Canada has created a campaign, with the goal of securing an upcoming Victoria Cross to Jess Larochelle. Founding member Bruce Moncur shares her story and also shares the positive developments in their pursuit. Later in Hour 1, TD Bank has landed on a three-day, in-office working model for its investment bankers. Should this be the new normal? We take your calls, texts, and emails. In Hour 2, TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead reveals what you need to know about the federal government’s inquiry into Hockey Canada. They will be digging deep to uncover the truth about sexual assault allegations from 2018 that recently came to light. Plus, as food prices soar, a growing number of Canadian farmers say they are not being paid more. Evan Solomon speaks with the wife of a third-generation farmer in Ontario’s Holland Marsh.

Canada’s immigration backlog spans 2.4 million applications, a number that is constantly growing and threatens to push our entire system into a state of collapse. Immigration lawyer Eddie Kadri says the latest data is the most alarming, with 250,000 names being added to the pile in a 30-day span. He outlines how our country can claw that number back. Meantime, how close are you to the nearest bus stop? The City of Ottawa is aiming to assemble more accessible neighbourhoods, places where you can acquire basic daily needs in 15 minutes just by walking. A local architect says the biggest ingredient for these neighbourhoods is an accessible and reliable grocery store, something that isn’t guaranteed in some of Ottawa’s oldest communities. We open that can of worms in Hour 1. And finally, a recent study finds that one-in-three kids want to tip the scales. By that, we mean lose weight and keep it off.

Deb Hutton is filling in for Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays. CFIB President Dan Kelly says Chrystia Freeland’s speech on affordability doesn’t include any measures to make running a small business more affordable, nor does it help businesses recover from COVID. He joins the show in Hour 1 to explain further. His comments are up for debate in Hour 2, as journalist Michael Cooke and political commentator Sharan Kaur hop on the show. Plus, Toronto Police data show that officers routinely used more force on Black residents than on any other racial group in the city. Several activists say the apology that was delivered was unsatisfactory and meaningless. What more needs to be done?

Just when you thought the worst was over after last month’s derecho, a Tornado Watch looms large in our city. And even without today’s threat of a massive storm, the demand for generators has never been higher. All of that is coming up in Hour 1. By the way, that unprecedented long weekend weather event caused the sixth-highest repair bill in our country’s history. Meantime, the President of the Canadian Medical Association fears the foundation of our healthcare system is collapsing around us. Case and point: Specialized clinics designed to treat long-COVID patients are in high demand and physicians say they can't keep up. And finally, it’s Day 4 of the LRT hearings. Kristy Cameron uncovers the latest developments with CTV Ottawa’s Leah Larocque.

As the price of everything goes up, what is the most important thing the federal government can do to fight inflation? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Meantime, the co-founder of Sharpest Minds has briefed Canadian MPs and Cabinet Ministers on the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. What happens if we maliciously use it? Jeremie Harris expands on the risks involved. And finally, we are Riskin It All once again with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

As the opioid crisis continues to take Canadian lives, the ACT Foundation is looking to offer naloxone training programs for teachers and high school students. Sandra Clarke joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1 to explain further. As the Trudeau government removes a handful of COVID vaccine mandates at Canadian airports, border cities in our country are urging politicians to bid farewell to the ArriveCan app as well. We take a look at how this debate could impact Prescott, Ontario. Meantime, $2.1 billion might seem like a massive budget at first, but a number of key players in the LRT Stage 1 bids were concerned that it couldn’t be met. We get the latest in Hour 3. Plus, school divisions in Saskatchewan are slashing jobs.

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister says our country’s economic reputation was at risk in February, which prompted the Trudeau government to unleash the big guns and invoke the Emergencies Act. Opposing parties are accusing Chrystia Freeland of being evasive and not answering the basic questions. NDP MP Matthew Green joins us in Hour 1. Over in Ontario’s biggest city, data shows that Toronto Police tend to use more force against Black people with minimal valid reasoning behind these approaches. A public apology was issued today. What needs to change? Meantime, after claiming that the company’s AI system has become sentient, an engineer has been suspended by Google. Is there any meat on those bones? Closing today’s program is a 1-on-1 conversation with Dr. Lori Glaze, the Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, as we talk about exploring Venus.

Canada’s Minister of Public Safety says an investigation should be launched into the mistaken arrest of two Sikh men near Parliament Hill. It happened last Saturday after a false bomb tip shut down a good chunk of the Downtown Core. Harpreet Hansra from the United Front of Sikhs Canada joins us in Hour 1. The Trudeau government is expected to announce the suspension of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic travellers on planes and trains. Foreign nationals who are entering Canada are not exempt. Will it do enough to calm the waters? Meantime, Canada has struck a deal with Denmark, as the two sides plan to divide an uninhabited Arctic island. Plus, would you support the consumption of alcohol at city parks? We tackle that story throughout the program. In Hour 4, we sift through your texts.

Effective Wednesday, the Canadian government will be making some alterations to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic travellers on planes and trains. These requirements will be suspended for the time being. Of course, fine print is included. Do our country’s top health experts agree with this move? Dr. Isaac Bogoch delivers his two cents in Hour 1. Shifting our focus to the economy, the Tech sector could be forced to make some tough decisions this year. How close are we to a recession? Amanda Lang from BNN Bloomberg stops by to discuss further. Over in Newfoundland, some towns are just trying to get gas every week, a normal task that has turned into a stressful chore thanks to a shortage in gas stations. Plus, an Ottawa woman describes a nightmare-fuel experience in the hospital, as she waited 10 hours for her six-month-old son to receive treatment for a 40-degree fever.

Fresh off his majority win on June 2, Premier Doug Ford is about to dig into his first post-election item. Ahead of their contracts’ August 31 expiration date, four of Ontario’s five major education unions have taken the first step to kickstart the bargaining process. Senior government sources say this timeline might be difficult to accommodate with no Cabinet members in place. Meantime, the public inquiries into Ottawa’s Confederation Line are underway. We delve into what went wrong and the lessons that can be learned ahead of Phase Two. Here in Canada, we don’t have an official country-wide bird, but the debates to settle that score are continuous among ornithologists. It appears the Canada Blue Jay is receiving lots of praise. And finally, we speak to a Vanier resident that survived a scary pitbull attack.

For the second time this month, the U.S. January 6th Committee is discussing the events that led to last year’s disturbing events at Capitol Hill. Monday’s gathering planned to focus on former U.S. President Trump and the lies he told about the 2020 election results. This comes as a new poll showcases the alarming amount of Canadians who believe in conspiracy theories. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto shares the spotlight on those results in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada's Minister of Sports has announced new measures to protect athletes from maltreatment and abuse. What’s missing in this plan? Does it go far enough to restore any lost faith among our country’s top athletes? Amelia Cline left gymnastics in the mid-2000s over an allegedly abusive coach. She gives her two cents in Hour 2. Plus, we get a chance to chat with the Ontario man who won the Buffalo Marathon while pushing a stroller. That stroller, by the way, featured his 2-year-old son sleeping through the entire event.

Our city’s largest school board is preparing to implement a new dress code, one that allows students to ‘show their style’. Could it prevent future attire blitzes like the ones we saw a few weeks ago? We get the latest in Hour 2. Meantime, it appears that FEDCO has approved a new anti-racism strategy for Canada’s Capital. Rideau-Rockliffe councillor Rawlson King fills us in. A brand-new professional touring series has landed some of the biggest golfers a big payday. However, it might have cost them future opportunities with their previous employer. Could this chip turn into a major crack and fracture the sport altogether? Plus, Air Canada says it has cancelled nearly 10 percent of its flights at Toronto’s Pearson Airport in the first week of June. How long until the industry braces for impact?

It’s another 2-hour edition of Free For All Fridays with host Amanda Galbraith! Kicking off today’s show is a looming shortage of popcorn and siracha. Is the traditional bottle of ketchup the next thing to go? Meantime, the NDP alleges the Trudeau Liberals misplaced 2,900 immigration applications of Afghans who previously worked for Canada. Jenny Kwan fills us in. Closing out Hour 1 is a continuation of our Cross-Canada Road Trip, with Newfoundland and Labrador serving as this week’s star. Joining us in Hour 2 are Newstalk CKTB Niagara host Karl Dockstader and CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair. On the debate menu this week is Saudi Arabia’s ‘sportswashing’ tactic to disguise a brand-new golf series, Canada’s response to chaotic airport lineups, and the dangerous practice of ‘sharenting’.

In a convincing 17-7 vote during Wednesday’s meeting, Ottawa City Council has approved the next step of the Lansdowne 2.0 Project. OSEG’s latest plan to revitalize the Bank Street building doesn’t sit well with Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard. He explains why he voted against the idea. Meantime, as Ontario prepares to remove its remaining mask mandates, our local hospitals will stay the course and keep those mandates intact. CTV’s Jeremie Charron has the latest. Plus, if you are posting photos of your kids on social media, experts warn there may be consequences. And finally, in this week’s edition of Tell All Thursday, we delve into examples of bizarre co-worker behaviour.

Phil Mickelson. Dustin Johnson. Sergio Garcia. They are on the list of 17 golfers suspended by the PGA Tour for taking part in the LIV Golf Series, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. As for 28-year-old Bryson DeChambeau, a pro golfer with lots of potential, he is not on that list of suspended golfers. However, he also plans to take part in a future LIV event. This sport is trying to get itself out of the bunker. What is at stake for both sides? We debate and discuss in Hour 1. Meantime, a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces is marching over 4,000 kilometres across Canada to peacefully demonstrate against the federal government’s COVID mandates. James Topp feels that these measures are invading our personal freedoms. Later in the show, we overhype and underplay the top political stories of the week with CTV’s Scott Reid. And finally, we are Riskin It All with CTV’s Dan Riskin to close things out.

The head of a commercial real estate services company is predicting a longer delay for a permanent return to your workplace cubby. For some workers, it might not happen for another 5 years, as remote learning and working will be sticking around for the immediate future. We get the latest on that story in Hour 2. Meantime, an Ottawa woman has issued an urgent call for backup generators to be installed at a multi-floor building. Dealing with a brain injury, she felt stranded after May’s derecho knocked out power to the building for days. Last week, as the price of everything continued to increase, we talked about the potential change of menu portions. We are seeing this in a lot of other economic sectors as well. It’s called ‘shrinkflation’, where the price tag stays the same but you are getting less product. We open this can of worms in Hour 3 and we also examine the future of the four-day work week in Ontario.

A former U.S. Ambassador to Canada has written an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune, calling for Canadian and American parties to consider a bigger and bolder partnership. Bruce Heyman elaborates further in Hour 1. After that, Evan Solomon gives the mic to the listeners. Should we have closer ties to the United States? If Canadians were allowed to work in America without a permit, would that help our economy or hinder it even more? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way. Meantime, after participating in an experimental drug trial with 17 other people, Sascha Roth’s cancer vanished completely. Most of the other patients also received good news. We have more on the unexpected results.

According to the Ontario Medical Association, nearly 75 percent of doctors say they have experienced burnout in 2021, a number that has gone up from 66 percent in 2020. We bring you the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, that level of burnout also extends to a work-life balance for the average Canadian who is working from home. Ontario hopes to rectify that with a right-to-disconnect law. What is missing from this plan? College Ward councillor Rick Chiarelli hasn’t officially decided to run in October’s municipal election but says he intends to do so. In light of the recent sexual misconduct allegations laid against him, this news has caused a high degree of frustration for his former staffers. Plus, figure skating’s global governing body has voted to raise the age limit of professional participants to 17 years old. It describes this decision as an effort to safeguard the physical and mental health of its skaters.

Professional golfer Dustin Johnson, one of the best at his profession, has joined Phil Mickelson on a global tour that is backed by Saudi Arabia. Both golfers quit the PGA to make this move, one that has stirred a lot of controversy in the golfing community. Does this intersection between sports and politics strike a chord with you? Evan Solomon opens up the phone lines and sifts through the text board. In Hour 2, it sounds like the Ontario government is going to move ahead with its right-to-disconnect law. Does it go hand-in-hand with the right to work virtually? Over in London, they are tackling the housing crisis in a unique way, as this Ontario city plans to implement new rules that would limit short-term rentals such as AirBnB properties. City councillor Mariam Hamou explains further. Plus, the 2022 Jubilee Cheese Rolling Contest has been awarded to Abby Lampe, a 21-year-old from North Carolina.

Ottawa City Council has been asked by Wesley Clover Parks to deliver a special grant. It wants to be known as a Municipal Capital Facility (MCF) due to the NCC land it currently leases on Corkstown Road. Part of its request would involve a tax break. Kristy Cameron speaks to Karen Sparks, the Executive Director of Wesley Clover Parks, in Hour 1. A growing number of Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of food, according to a recent survey. What happens if the food banks can’t deliver? We try to get some answers in Hour 2. Plus, healthcare advocates are growing fearful that Ontario could soon be entering a mass exodus of lab professionals. Without further help from the province, chaos will ensue.

For those who voted on Thursday, they made quite the statement, as the Ontario PC Party secured a bigger majority than its previous mandate. While the Liberals held a slight edge on the NDP in overall votes, they finished the race in single-digits for total seats. Both of those parties are now searching for new leaders. And that brings us back to those who voted. Roughly 40 percent of eligible voters went to the polls, which includes the promising crowd that voted in the Advance Polls. It’s the lowest turnout in provincial history. How do we change that in 2026? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails as the show progresses. Later in Hour 2, we speak to a residential school memorial march participant in British Columbia, just days after a truck collided with some of the attendees. Plus, we try to end the show on a lighter note, as Francois-Marie Dibon breaks the world record for most bungee jumps in 24 hours. He tied it, then added another 335 to his total for good measure.

Despite a promising turnout in the Advance Polls, candidates could only watch as the province turned in the lowest voter turnout in history. Preliminary results from Elections Ontario showed that roughly 43.5 percent of eligible voters went to the nearest polling station and casted a ballot. There are just over 10.7 million registered voters across Ontario, which means just over 4.6 million votes were cast, a drop of 13.5 percentage points compared to 2018 numbers. Did democracy lose more than the candidates did? Kristy Cameron welcomes back our Political Heat panelists in Hour 3. Meantime, if you were a part of the silent majority, what kept you away from the ballot box? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way in Hour 4. Plus, we are days away from the start of this year’s CHEO Telethon, which will be broadcasted on CTV Ottawa this Sunday afternoon. We explain how you can help. And finally, Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Today marks the beginning of a two-hour edition of Free For All Fridays, with Amanda Galbraith in the captain’s chair. In Hour 1, we take a country-wide tour of Canada, a weekly series that begins in British Columbia. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps provides us with a list of hidden tourist gems, hiking spots, and top-tier restaurants. And then, we open the debate floor in Hour 2 with Newstalk 1290 London host Ken Eastwood and campaign strategist Bob Richardson. The PC’s have gotten stronger in Ontario and a pair of political parties are missing a leader. In between all of that, we had an extremely-low voter turnout. What the heck happened on Thursday night? Meantime, British Columbia is taking a different approach in its fight against illicit drugs. It’s a plan that has created a lot of division. We explain why. Plus, does our country’s nationwide freeze on handguns go far enough?

As we inch closer to Election Night in Ontario, it’s no secret that Canada’s Capital has a wide range of support for all four major parties. Which local ridings could tip the scales? CTV’s Graham Richardson stops by for a quick preview. Grenfell Glen, one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods during last month’s derecho, will be without power all day today as hydro crews remove trees and make necessary repairs. Restoration is expected overnight but another planned outage is scheduled for Friday. Knoxdale-Merivale councillor Keith Egli has the latest in Hour 2. We also acquire some additional tips to better prepare ourselves for the next massive storm. Meantime, a recent study says that Canadians paid an additional 9.7 percent for food in April of 2022 compared to April of 2021. Kristy Cameron breaks down the bigger picture. Plus, as part of a major celebration, the historic Chateau Laurier is offering nightly stays of $110 during its 110th birthday party.

Election Night is upon us if you live in Ontario. Doug Ford and the PC’s are trying to stay in power. The Liberals, the NDP, and the Greens might be able to collect enough votes to prevent another majority for the Blue Team, but can one of them gain enough support to usurp the top dog? We tee up a busy night ahead. Over at Parliament Hill, the biggest news involved Ottawa’s former Police Chief, who spoke to politicians about February’s Freedom Convoy. Peter Sloly explained why he decided to keep streets in the Downtown Core open for travel during this protest, while also delving into the reason why he didn’t call for the implementation of the Emergencies Act. Meantime, the face of Tesla says he wants all of his employees back in the office…or else. Could other businesses follow Elon Musk’s controversial lead? If they do, how could it impact the rest of the workforce? Plus, an iconic Canadian fast-food chain is in hot coffee over its mobile app. Does it know more than just your latest order?

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the current COVID-19 restrictions at the border will remain in place for at least another month. Some are calling for the Trudeau government to pull back on those plans. We get the latest in Hour 1. A scalding-hot kettle of coffee was dunked all over the Tim Horton’s app today. In a report released by a group of privacy commissioners, the Canadian chain’s mobile app violated the law by collecting vast amounts of location information from customers. The findings further explained how customers had their movements recorded every few minutes, even in scenarios when the app was not open on their phones. Meantime, as we start to take control of COVID-19, the number of bankruptcies filed by Canadian businesses has somehow increased. We saw 807 business bankruptcies and proposals filed in the opening quarter of 2022, up from 603 insolvencies that were filed around the same time in 2021.

Roughly 24 hours before Elections Ontario began counting the final ballots, Abacus Data dropped its final election polls. What do they tell us? What don’t they tell us? Abacus Data CEO David Coletto joins us in Hour 1. Over in British Columbia, the war on illicit drugs continues, but with a different approach. Canada says it will temporarily decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain drugs across the province. Should this exemption turn into a nationwide plan? We take your calls, texts, and emails. On a totally different matter, a researcher says she was virtually assaulted after only 60 minutes of browsing through the Metaverse. Is this another warning sign to limit your social media activity? Plus, we examine the practice of human therapeutic gene editing with Dr. David Liu.

As the minutes ticked away, with no electricity in sight, Ottawa resident Rachel Briere was getting more and more nervous following the long weekend derecho. A diabetic patient, she relies on Insulin, and it needs to be refrigerated. That’s tough to do when you have no power. Fortunately for Rachel, power was restored Monday night. She joins Kristy Cameron to outline what the past 10 days have been like for her. We also get an update from CTV’s Jeremie Charron, as thousands of customers remain in the dark. When could relief be in sight for them? Meantime, if you thought inflation couldn’t get any higher, think again. It’s gone up by 6.8 percent since last year and we haven’t seen increases like that since 1991. And now, we could be due for another increase this week. Plus, it’s the home stretch of the Ontario election campaign, as the party leaders make one final push to secure ballots across the GTA.

In a surprise press conference on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a nationwide freeze on handguns. The Canadian government’s decision comes one week after a teenage gunman barged into an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. He opened fire, killed 19 students, and killed two teachers. How do you feel about the handgun freeze? Is it going to change anything? We take your calls, texts, and emails throughout the program. Later in Hour 1, an elementary school in Winnipeg is making headlines for different reasons. Zachary Anderson, a Grade 4 student, articulated in his yearbook that he wanted to be a bartender as he got older. The school wouldn’t allow that message to be displayed on the yearbook and asked him to change it. Do you think the school is overreacting? Plus, as an American actor attempts to save an English ancestral castle, the landmark house that inspired ‘The Conjuring’ movies fetched an absurd payday.

A recent survey conducted by Deloitte found that many young Canadians are deeply concerned about their financial futures. We dig deeper to get the answers in Hour 2. After a soccer tournament in France was cancelled last month, the Ottawa TFC U14 Girls Soccer Team spent some of their Saturday morning in Carlsbad Springs, volunteering to help with cleanup efforts after the area was hit hard by a derecho. We received plenty of warnings that airport lineups would be hectic heading into the Summer months. Those predictions have rung true. Today, the federal government is moving quickly to address the chaos, adding security screening officers and rolling back on the amount of mandatory random COVID tests. Is it enough to make the travel experience easier? We speak to a travel expert in Hour 3. Plus, will Doug Ford’s absence in Canada’s Capital cost him some much-needed votes on Thursday?

We have reached the home stretch here in Ontario, as Election Day arrives on Thursday. Advance Polls were open for 10 days this time around, as opposed to just five days in 2018. Those polls are closed. What reality are Ontarians waking up to on Friday? Evan Solomon gets the latest from John Wright, the Executive V.P. of Maru Public Opinion. Meantime, a recent investigation shows that technology used by educators in an abrupt switch to online learning ended up disclosing students’ personal information. Temur Durrani from The Globe and Mail explains further. As for the highly-anticipated report on the Canadian Military’s sexual misconduct crisis, that was released today. Did it offer clarity or did it create more confusion and mistrust? We try to get some answers in Hour 2. On a lighter note, Halifax resident Renee Forrestall unknowingly buys a piece of her youth back, as a recent purchase of used roller-skates turned out to be the same pair she owned 40 years ago.

The day started with a sense of optimism that all of Canada’s Capital wouldn’t be left in the dark. Sadly, damage caused by the storm and looming inclement weather put a wrench in those plans for nearly 30,000 customers. This includes most of Knoxdale-Merivale residents in Parkwood Hills, General Burns, and Fisher Heights. Councillor Egli joins us in Hour 1. Over in Texas, the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde has generated headlines on gun control in the United States. Is mental health the bigger problem? How much does gun control limit the risks of future mass shootings? Quebec says it will start vaccinating some of its residents with a smallpox vaccine. This is being done with the hopes of fighting against the spread of monkeypox in the Montreal area. We get the latest in Hour 3. Plus, with CBA negotiations taking place throughout the week, tonight’s Redblacks festivities will go on as planned. TSN 1200’s AJ Jakubec previews the CFL season ahead.

Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas was days away from concluding this year’s challenging cycle of studies. All of a sudden, a teenage gunman stormed into the building and opened fire, killing 19 students and 2 teachers. Over the past 5 years, we have started to see a shift in regards to how we’re responding to police brutality, sexual harassment, and crimes at residential schools. Will this serve as the boiling point in terms of how we respond to gun violence? Over in Quebec, politicians say the goal of Bill 96 is to protect the French language. Does this legislation hurt Anglophones? Is this an assault on our English language rights? Joining host Deb Hutton in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Jerry Agar and Pickup Communications founder Tamara Cherry.

You’ve heard of them before Saturday’s derecho, and you’ve certainly seen plenty of them since the massive storm took a bite out of Canada’s Capital. How much do we really know about generators? How much do they cost? How do they work? Where can you find them? Graham Richardson digs for answers in Hour 1. Several tragedies and financial setbacks have emerged as a result of last week’s derecho, but we are also seeing stories of resolve and inspiration all over our city. One couple is making a difference in the Pineglen neighbourhood with their household generator. They join the program Hour 2. River Ward councillor Riley Brockington says his riding was hit hard by last weekend’s derecho, with multiple neighbourhoods facing extensive damages. He adds it’s been very difficult to gain specific information on power restoration times from Hydro Ottawa, adding fuel to the residents’ growing frustration. In Peterborough, they have it just as bad, as that Ontario city is under a State of Emergency.

As Quebec’s controversial Bill 96 prepares to pass, a growing number of critics say this legislation fails to strike the right balance. Evan Solomon speaks to Anthony Housefather, a Liberal MP representing the riding of Mount Royal on the Island of Montreal. Later in Hour 2, we speak to an award-winning music artist with Canadian roots. Charlotte Cardin took home 3 awards, capped off with a nod for Single of the Year. Plus, as we Risk It All with Dan Riskin, Rutgers University and BioViva USA Inc. join forces to create an anti-aging vaccine.

Hydro Ottawa crews have been pulling 24/7 shifts to get the lights back on across Canada’s Capital. CEO Bryce Conrad estimates roughly 125,000 customers are no longer in the dark, with roughly 55,000 still waiting for good news. Once the power is restored in Merivale, a massive chunk of Ottawa’s powerless houses and businesses will be buzzing, a vision Conrad hopes will be realized in the coming days as more reinforcements roll in from other areas. We get the bigger picture in Hour 1. Saturday’s derecho even destroyed homes, a sight that left Nepean resident Duane Faris devastated when he saw the damages to his childhood home. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. Another damaged property is a beacon of light for local pets everywhere, which has yet to regain power after fallen trees damaged the electrical infrastructure, not to mention parts of the building.

The death toll continues to rise in Uvalde, Texas after an elementary school shooting left the town in a state of shock. As of right now, 19 students and two teachers have lost their lives, with the gunman dead after an altercation with police. Was enough action taken to prevent this attack? Could law enforcement have done more? How much worse could it have been? Evan Solomon speaks to Ann Hampton, a school shooting survivor when Columbine High School was attacked in 1999. She graduated in 2000. We also speak to Dave Cullen, the author of ‘Columbine and Parkland: Birth Of A Movement’. Plus, the Governor of Texas addresses the town in Hour 2. We take you live to Uvalde as he approaches the podium.

Ryan Burns, the Operations Manager at Wright Tree Service, says the landscape of Canada’s Capital is going to be changed forever, adding that it will take at least 30 years to get it all back. He explains further in Hour 2. As for the lifeline for many less-fortunate residents, it is running on a generator. How much time does the Ottawa Mission have before its backup supply runs out? We have more on how you can help. Meantime, the Manotick Microgrid House has become a source of safety and comfort for local residents following Saturday’s storm. Retired government scientist Art Hunter is offering electricity to help power fridges, freezers, cellphones, electric kettles, and more. It’s a mission that is made possible by his genius home design. Plus, the City of Ottawa plans to carry out a green bin blitz over the next few days in the neighbourhoods most affected by the storm. This is being done to ensure all forms of organic waste are collected as soon as possible.

What started as a normal Canadian long weekend, and the unofficial start of summer, was anything but normal. Numerous sections of Ontario and Quebec were ravaged by a powerful derecho on Saturday afternoon. Most were without power for several days. Others suffered damages to their homes. Trees from all ages and sizes were either damaged or completely uprooted. For most of these residents and business owners, the road to recovery still has a lot of question marks. We get the latest updates from Canada’s Capital, one of the hardest-hit cities, in Hour 1. Despite all the bad news, we try to end the show on a lighter note, as a pair of chefs turned fishmongers attempt to rejig supply chains around local catches. Affinity Fish co-founders Matt Taylor and Jon Klip pay us a visit in Hour 2.

Liberal leader Steven Del Duca made an enticing pitch to the people of Ottawa. If elected, he promised to cover 50 percent of the funding needed to build Stage 3 of our city’s LRT system. We get instant reaction from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson as the show rolls along. Later in Hour 3, we speak to one of several commuters that have dealt with a slew of OC Transpo bus cancellations in recent weeks. How has Fatima Nabbus’ daily route been impacted by all of the transit hurdles? We try to get some answers. Meantime, according to a recent health study, blocking inflammation with pain medications may lead to chronic pain in the future. Jeffrey Mogil, the author of this study, joins us in Hour 4. We also want to know how much you rely on Advil or Tylenol if you are feeling pain. And finally, we delve into the topic of movie sequels in this week’s edition of Flashback Friday.

Over the course of time, several countries have gone their separate ways from the British Monarchy. It has been linked to Canada since the start of Confederation in 1867. Is it time for Canada to go our own way? Meanwhile in Alberta, the leader of the United Conservative Party went his own way. A leadership vote failed to remove Jason Kenney as the UCP frontman. However, 51 percent wasn’t enough support in Kenney’s mind, so he quit his job as Premier of Alberta hours after the ballots were counted. Does this showcase the endless struggle of modern Conservatism in our country? Plus, Canada is planning to ban Huawei from its 5G network. What took so long? What are the potential drawbacks to this plan? What were the risks of keeping Huawei on board? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos and Shared Value Solutions CEO Karen Restoule.

All four provincial party leaders were in the same room for Monday’s pivotal debate. Two of them have since tested positive for COVID-19. Could these positive tests impact the final outcome on June 2? We bring in our Political Heat panelists to discuss further. A growing number of countries around the world, including Canada, are reporting unusual outbreaks of ‘monkeypox’. This disease is relatively rare and there are no clear links between some of the reported infections. What are the warning signs to detect monkeypox? We go digging for answers. Plus, we delve into the OC Transpo bus driver shortage that could cause serious problems for public transit over the coming months.

Yesterday, Prince Charles and Princess Camilla made their way through Canada’s Capital as part of a Royal Family visit. A lot of Canadians support the Monarchy. A lot of people do not. Is it time for Canada to part ways with some of Britain’s top figures? In Hour 1, Evan Solomon speaks to Peter Donolo, the former Director of Communications for Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Over in Alberta, 51 percent of United Conservative support was barely enough to keep Jason Kenney in charge of the political party, not to mention the Premier of Alberta. That is, until he resigned. He didn’t feel it was enough support to continue his regular duties. We bring in The War Room to discuss further. Plus, we saw the first case of a rare ‘monkeypox’ in the United States, and that patient recently made a trip to Canada.

Back in 2012, taking out the trash turned into a major topic of conversation across our city, as Ottawa shifted to a bi-weekly pickup plan. Ten years later, Ottawa City Hall is discussing a proposed idea to limit the amount of trash you can dispose. Once you go over that limit, it’s a pay-as-you throw system. We get the latest on the plan, along with the strong backlash it is receiving from critics. After not returning to Ottawa City Hall in October of 2018, a former councillor has decided to run in this year’s municipal election. Steve Desroches will be running in Ward 22, which represents the newly-named Riverside South-Findlay Creek. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Meantime, here’s a fun fact for you to digest. In an amalgamated city that holds over a million people, one-third of Ottawa’s firefighters are volunteers. And now, with the number of departures increasing due to relocations or retirements, Ottawa Fire Services is spear-heading a massive recruitment campaign.

Prince Charles and Princess Camilla have arrived in Canada’s Capital, as the city’s Downtown Core is buzzing with intrigue. We get the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, our country’s inflation rate has gone up again, reaching levels that we haven’t seen in three decades. BNN Bloomberg’s Amanda Lang gives us the bad news and the slightly-less grim news. And finally, the Calgary Stampede will be premiering numerous fast-food items for you to try. Some of them, however, will make you do a double-take.

COVID-19 served as a major blow to the bottom-line of countless pubs and restaurants in Ottawa. Just as they began to catch up, a supply chain disruption led to a glass bottle shortage. Despite numerous departments achieving less than 50 percent of their performance objectives in 2020, the feds paid out $171 million in bonuses to executives and public servants for the 2019-2020 pay cycle. One MP says we are paying for failure. Last week, Beatrice-Desloges High School made headlines for a controversial dress code blitz, which led to a massive student-led protest. What has changed since then? Kristy Cameron digs deeper in Hour 3. Meantime, our Political Heat panelists discuss what happened during Monday’s pivotal debate. Did last night’s events change your final vote? Plus, a patient in Quebec has received access to mushroom therapy, the first time that Health Canada has approved such a practice.

The four major party leaders in Ontario squared off for a pivotal debate. Did anyone gain anything? Which side lost the most ground? Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie breaks down the highlights from Monday night’s clashing of ideas. Later in Hour 2, we speak to Cincinnati resident Ben Crawford. He and his wife are under investigation after they decided to let their six-year-old son run a full marathon. It’s a decision they don’t regret. Is the public overreacting? We sift through your calls, texts, and emails as the show winds down. Plus, we’ve got a major update in the fight to save Juno Beach.

For the first time since 1991, Calgary and Edmonton will be squaring off in post-season play, with the Oilers taking four of the previous five series. In 2022, a trip to the Western Conference Finals awaits the winner. Is this dormant playoff rivalry expected to heat up? CTV Edmonton’s Narehman Issa delivers a quick preview in Hour 1. Meanwhile in America, a racist ideology is seeping through the dark web and sneaking into the mainstream media. It has now been thrusted into the spotlight after a scary mass shooting unfolded at a Buffalo supermarket this past weekend. Officers believe the attack was racially-motivated. Patricia Boal, filling in for Kristy Cameron, digs deeper in Hour 2. In an effort to produce more family doctors for Ontario communities, Queen's University says it plans to expand the number of students it will accept for its medical school. Plus, we are expecting a feisty encounter between the province’s major party leaders tonight, as our Political Heat panelists tee up what happens next.

A mass shooter in Buffalo, New York posted a manifesto online just before Saturday’s attack, espousing the White Replacement Theory. This message has long been promoted by people like Tucker Carlson of Fox News and Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel-Garner joins the program to discuss further. Later in Hour 2, we speak to Sherri Darlene, the founder of Justice 4 Black Lives in the Niagara Region. She was born in Buffalo and her father regularly shops at the supermarket where the mass shooting took place. Do these events make you feel vulnerable here in Canada? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails.

Earlier today, students at a French-Catholic high school protested a recent crackdown on school dress codes. It caused a lot of conversation on social media before and after the demonstration. We deliver instant reaction throughout today’s edition of Ottawa Now, including from a Grade 12 student that saw these protests unfold. After a daytime shooting unfolded near Highway 417 on Thursday, it took a bit of time before a media release was unveiled by police. There is a reason for that. We explain further in Hour 3. Plus, we try to uncover the famous slogans and jingles that linger inside your memory box.

The six Conservative leadership candidates took the stage on Wednesday night and it went as well as you might have expected. At times, the sad trombone was a nice distraction from the bickering that took place. Did we get a greater of who could lead the Tories? Meantime, the leader of Canada’s NDP was verbally attacked during an Ontario campaign stop in Peterborough. Has the harassment against politicians gone too far? Plus, it appears that Apple is about to discontinue the IPod after 21 years of service. What is the best medium to listen to music these days? Do you still rely on the IPod all these years later? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are Globe and Mail reporter Marieke Walsh and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price.

The union representing OC Transpo bus drivers says morale levels are at an all-time low due to how the transit service handles mandatory breaks. This comes after recent changes to Canada’s Labour Code, which requires drivers to take a 30-minute break after every five consecutive hours of work. We get the latest in Hour 2. Tom Clark, a former journalist and the moderator of last night’s Conservative leadership debate, played a sad trombone whenever a candidate broke the rules. The major rule that was broken: Dropping names of your opponents. It happened a lot. As we circle back to Ontario’s election campaign, doctors have released a report card that compares how many of their recommendations for better healthcare have been adopted by the four main political parties. Meantime, RBC confirms it is closing its branch in Metcalfe this Fall, leaving the village without a single bank branch in October. And finally, it appears that a fragment of the asteroid that killed off the dinosaurs may have been found.

Wednesday night began with a sense of hope. Conservative-leaning Canadians wanted to see a leader step up to the podium. They wanted to see policies. They wanted to see a sense of clarity. They wanted someone to emerge from the fray and lead the Tories. Instead, it was the ‘sad trombone’ that stole the show. Did any of your unanswered questions get answered? Evan Solomon brings in The War Room in Hour 1. Meantime, as Ontarians get ready to cast their ballots, the Green Party officially unveils its fully-costed platform. Party leader Mike Schreiner tells us what’s in it. That brings us to a major story in the world of sports, as over a dozen athletes prepare to sue Gymnastics Canada over alleged incidents of abuse. We speak to Amelia Cline, a former gymnast who left the sport in the mid-2000s because of an allegedly abusive coach. She is the named plaintiff in this lawsuit.

Ottawa City Council says staff members will be instructed to find ways to raise $150 million to help pay for the new Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus. The big fight was over the price tag that municipal taxpayers would have to pay, as the project typically falls under provincial jurisdiction. Rideau-Rockliffe’s Rawlson King was not in favour of this motion. Cumberland’s Catherine Kitts gave it a thumbs-up. Both join the show in Hour 1. Ottawa's largest school board is mulling over the implementation of a new child sex abuse prevention policy. Does it go far enough to protect today’s students? Meantime, as more people return to their workspaces, the daily trips for a morning cup of coffee are going to add up overtime. So will the price tag to fill up your car. So will the transit fees. We give you some financial tidbits to manage it all. Plus, some of our public service leaders have a problem telling the truth to their political bosses.

A new company called Kindred Works is developing a new project that is quickly gaining traction. They are in the process of transforming vacant church properties into attainable, sustainable housing. One of their first redevelopments can be found at Queenswood United Church in Orleans. All of its units will be rentals and one-third of them will be offered at below-market rates. Evan Solomon speaks to CEO Tim Blair in Hour 1. Meantime, a section of Newfoundland and Labrador is in quite the pickle. Only one doctor was overseeing the healthcare of Fogo Island…before making the decision to head elsewhere. Andrew Shea, the town’s mayor, fears that people are going to die. And finally, we speak to Canada’s most decorated Olympian about her professional accolades and the positive contributions she has made as an ambassador for Royale’s biggest campaign.

The federal government has promised a low-cost, high-quality childcare system. Their goal is to replicate what Quebec has done: Subsidized daycare that is accessible to families. By doing this, the Trudeau Liberals hope to reduce the average price by 50 percent before the end of this year, with daily ten-dollar daycare within the next five years. However, a new study suggests those daycare fees will depend on where you live. Kristy Cameron digs deeper to find The 5 W’s in Hour 1. Remember when you had ‘the talk’ with your kids? Well, the toughest chat with today’s generation might be retirement plans. Pattie Lovett-Reid, a financial contributor with CTV News, explains further in Hour 3. Many expected he would run for re-election in October. Others felt he would be a solid candidate for the Mayor of Ottawa. In the end, the councillor for Rideau-Vanier says he is stepping aside altogether. Plus, after a remarkable 23-game run on Jeopardy, Nova Scotia native Mattea Roach outlines her plans for the future.

A town in New Brunswick has been captivated by a mysterious figure. It is offering clues to hidden cash. Yes, you read that correctly. We bring you the latest on a very weird tale in Hour 1. If you have recently invested in Bitcoin, we have terrible news for you. It has tumbled more than 50 percent below its all-time high thanks to a recent crypto plunge. BNN Bloomberg’s Amanda Lang outlines the economic ripple effect. Plus, an independent vintage dealer explains how she managed to acquire a priceless Roman bust at a Texas thrift store.

Canada will be sending an additional 50 million dollars worth of military support to Ukrainian forces. It all comes after Prime Minister Trudeau, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, and Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister made a surprise journey to the war-torn country on Sunday. Tonight, in front of the Russian Embassy, an awards ceremony will be marking ‘Victory Day’ as a ‘day of shame’ in light of the recent Russian invasion. We explain further in Hour 1. Canadian families and businesses have been forced to make cutbacks due to rising prices. In the case of Palermo’s Pizza, free delivery services are off the menu. Kristy Cameron speaks to Sam Hachem, the co-owner and manager of this fine pizzeria. Plus, if elected into power, the Ontario Liberals pledge to add the COVID-19 vaccine onto the province’s School Immunization List. Should it be mandatory for all students? Will this make a difference? Dr. Raywat Deonandan pays us a visit in Hour 3.

On the eve of the first provincial debate, we received the fully-costed election platform from the Ontario Liberals. These are the principals and plans they will be running on when Ontarians head to the ballot box on June 2. Party leader Steven Del Duca breaks it down for us in Hour 2. One of the biggest stories across Canada is the surging gas prices. They climbed dangerously close to two-bucks-per-litre over the weekend. Will this discourage family road trips? Meantime, a private investigator is hunting for clues to solve missing patient cases at a North Bay psychiatric hospital. We get the latest as the show rolls along. Plus, do you think the Marvel multiverse has overpopulated the latest string of movie releases?

If elected in June, the Ontario Liberals plan to temporarily re-introduce Grade 13 on a provincewide basis. It’s an effort to help students bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristy Cameron speaks to party leader Steven Del Duca in Hour 1. How are students feeling about this idea? Is it beneficial? We speak to a Student Trustee with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Meantime, we might have a cheat code for beating the lengthy passport lineup. What if you paid an hourly wager to someone who would be willing to stand in line for you? Danny, a ‘line stander’ on Kijiji, pays us a visit. Across numerous cities, we are seeing local Medical Officers of Health in Ontario voice their concerns about the spread of COVID-19. They are now penning a letter to the province’s top doctor to bring mask mandates back. Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the Medical Officer of Health for the Niagara Region, stops by in Hour 3. And finally, we get to hear Mr. Hollywood’s Oscars consequence after he delivers his Weekly Movie Picks.

Fears are growing that Roe v. Wade could soon be overturned in the United States. This would make abortions illegal in America, with several states having automatic trigger laws in place. While there are no laws barring women in Canada from having an abortion, it's also not considered a constitutionally protected right under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. What happens next? Meantime, lineups and wait times at Canada's busiest airport will only worsen as the summer season approaches. That is, unless the federal government makes some changes. And if you thought that wasn’t bad enough, you might have to wait some more before your passport is ready. Why wasn’t the government prepared for this? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CFAX 1070 Victoria host Al Ferraby and Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie.

After breaking down the major news on Day 2 of Ontario’s election campaign, it’s become pretty clear what the major topic of discussion could be. Hint: It’s our healthcare system. Specifically, a growing number of organizations are calling for our political parties to add a bigger emphasis on children’s healthcare. The CEO of CHEO explains why they are getting behind the ‘Make Kids Count’ campaign. Closer to home, a bra-hanging rally is going to be held at Ben Franklin Place, shedding additional light on a growing workplace issue in the political arena. Plus, a sad state of affairs is unfolding inside federal penitentiaries, as Indigenous women now account for half of the female population in these settings. Canada’s prison ombudsman calls this discovery ‘shocking and shameful’.

The upcoming election in Ontario is starting to get everyone’s undivided attention, but Conservative followers are also keeping a close eye on the federal leadership race. The first game-changing pillar will be put into place tonight, as the candidates square off in a major debate. Meantime, did you know that Canada is considering new additions to their Criminal Code system? What might really shock you is that these legislations would focus on ‘moon crimes’. We are ‘Riskin’ It All’ with CTV’s Dan Riskin in Hour 2. Plus, a home run bomb against the Toronto Blue Jays ended up uniting division rivals. Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta caught the Aaron Judge blast in an eventual win for the Yankees on Tuesday, but went viral for his random act of kindness seconds later. He immediately gave the souvenir to 9-year-old Derek Rodriguez, a massive fan of the Bronx Bombers and the guy who hit the ball. Rodriguez and Judge met face-to-face the next day.

Ontario politics is about to heat up. The provincial election is less than one month away. And for any undecided voters, a lot of key issues and questions need to be answered by a quartet of political parties. Kristy Cameron sets the stage and outlines what’s at stake. Meantime, we are gearing up for a municipal election in October, as the number of official mayoral candidates continues to climb in Canada’s Capital. Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney outlines their reasons for running. As our city continues to build new houses, some fear it still won’t be enough to keep up with the rising population numbers. A half-dozen, toaster-sized green steel boxes might not seem like much to the human eye at first glance. However, as they are being installed, we explain why their impact to public safety is so important. Plus, CHEO is taking part in a major genomics pilot project, one that impacts thousands of Canadians.

Close your eyes for a brief second. You’re located somewhere in the United Kingdom. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot an airport that houses flying taxis and air drones. This dream could become reality faster than we think. Evan Solomon speaks to the Executive Chair of Urban Air-Port. In Ontario, the upcoming provincial election is heading for liftoff. We are just under one month away from Voting Day and a pair of key debates will be held before the Victoria Day long weekend. We examine the major issues facing all four political parties during The War Room. Plus, over at Parliament Hill, the federal NDP continues to push for changes to Canada’s voting requirements. At the moment, anyone 18-and-over can cast their ballots, but party leader Jagmeet Singh wants 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to exercise their voting rights. How young is too young to speak your mind in the political arena?

Today, a heritage radio station and its loyal listeners had something to celebrate, as 580 CFRA marked 75 years in Canada’s Capital. Kristy Cameron speaks to Gordon Breen, currently alive and kicking at 91 years old. He spent several years as a newscaster for this station during the 1980s and 1990s. At the same time, CFRA has covered several scary moments in our city’s history. Longtime CFRA host Mark Sutcliffe recalls what happened on a normal Wednesday morning before a tragic scene unfolded at the National War Memorial in 2014. Plus, fears are growing that the U.S. Supreme Court could issue a vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision, a ruling that legalized abortions in America. University of Ottawa Law Professor Daphne Gilbert explains the broader issues at play.

The biggest headline in the world today is something very, very serious. Fears are growing that the U.S. Supreme Court could issue a vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision, a ruling that legalized abortions in America. Victims rights attorney Gloria Allred joins the show to paint a broader picture of this landmark case. We also examine how this case could impact future abortions here in Canada. And finally, we take your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 2.

The Chair of Ottawa’s Transportation Committee wants to find out why some municipal employees got off easy after they were caught on tape. Data shows that 989 city-owned vehicles had been issued traffic tickets between January 2019 and August 2021. Most of the fines were exempt by the Highway Traffic Act, but 159 others were caught in the act and didn’t pay the price. Later in the show, Kristy Cameron speaks to former Mayor of Ottawa Bob Chiarelli, who officially wants his old job back 16 years after he left City Hall. A new Canadian study says children who eat a vegetarian diet have similar measures of growth and nutrition compared to those who eat meat. Experts say a key recommendation should be followed for any Canadian kid that is tempted to test out this meal plan. Plus, would you support buck-a-ride transit in Ontario? Is this vision feasible? Our Political Heat Panel weighs the pros and cons.

A store in Canada’s Capital is selling magic mushrooms to protest what it calls ‘unjust’ laws. Evan Solomon speaks to Jordan Armstrong, who is the GM of The Golden Teacher. The biggest gamble you can make in Ontario right now is single-game sports betting. It is now legal province-wide, and just in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Declan Hill says it’s especially risky for young Canadians who could be prone to falling down a deep hole of debt. Later in Hour 2, we have an uplifting update from Jacky Hunt-Broersma. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and her leg had to be amputated below the knee. She aimed to complete 104 marathons in 104 days. Today, she did what she set out to do.

As the Rolling Thunder Convoy moves into Canada’s Capital, a woman who stood and shouted on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the ‘Freedom Convoy’ march learns she won’t be facing charges. While residents are being encouraged to visit Downtown businesses on the final days of April, some business owners are really nervous ahead of this weekend’s events. Kristy Cameron speaks to a few of them throughout the program. Meantime, we’ve always been told that at least eight hours of sleep time is ideal. However, a recent study shows that seven hours is the optimal amount. Sleep expert Andrew Holmes pays us a visit and breaks down the myths. In Hour 3, we explain how a local fundraiser is going a long way to help young Ukrainians with mental health challenges. It began on Monday and it wraps up tomorrow. Plus, we get top-tier movie suggestions from Mr. Hollywood, plus a special monologue thanks to another failed Oscars bet.

Starting today, the Rolling Thunder Convoy is rolling into Canada’s Capital. However, local police are promising a more controlled atmosphere than the start of February’s demonstration, denying access to all vehicles affiliated with the group. It appears the bylaw officers and tow trucks are ready for duty. Are we giving this demonstration too much media coverage? Meantime, a virtual cashier at select Freshii locations is gaining lots of online attention. Labour organizers are hopping mad, claiming this hurts our country’s workforce. Do you support this proposed prototype? Plus, the face of Tesla has purchased a social media giant. Stocks have risen since Elon Musk entered the picture. Why should we care about Twitter’s newest voice? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CJAD host Natasha Hall and Toronto Star reporter Jennifer Pagliaro.

The Rolling Thunder Convoy is upon us and several Ottawa residents are planning to greet them with an ‘uninvited party’. Horizon Ottawa’s Sam Hersch joins the conversation in Hour 2. Later in the show, we speak to a Downtown resident who helped silence February’s crowd. What concerns does she have ahead of this weekend’s Act II? Meantime, in the fight against COVID-19, Moderna says it has asked U.S. regulators to authorize its vaccine for children under the age of six. If approved, it would mark it the first shot against the Coronavirus available for those five-and-under. Plus, Ontario’s Finance Minister has unveiled the province’s budget for 2022. With just over a month left before Election Night, some would consider this announcement as the Conservatives’ financial platform for their campaign. Does it offer enough substance to keep them in power? NDP leader Andrea Horwath outlines her issues with Premier Ford’s fiscal vision. We also pose that question to our Political Heat Panel in Hour 4.

Ottawa’s Interim Police Chief had a tall order on his hands in February. Steve Bell was tasked with clearing the Freedom Convoy out of the Downtown Core after Peter Sloly abruptly left his post. And now, Ottawa Police is trying to prevent Act II from unfolding the same way, as the Rolling Thunder protestors arrive for a weekend gathering. Evan Solomon speaks to Steve Bell in Hour 1. Meantime, a Canadian couple is advocating for an amendment to the Federal Judges Act. These changes would require training on domestic violence and coercive control for all new judges, while also expanding the existing training requirements for all sitting judges. Plus, as Toronto resident Mattea Roach continues her Jeopardy win streak, a Toronto native is competing in the latest season of American Idol. Nicolina Bozzo would be the first Canadian to win the competition if she is the last musician standing.

According to Canada’s 2021 census, the number of 85-and-over seniors is expected to triple within the next 25 years. Kristy Cameron delivers the bigger picture throughout today’s program. City Council is expected to receive a $330 million proposal from OSEG where, if approved, Lansdowne Park’s next transformation would include brand-new North Side stands and 1,200 additional residential units. Despite the Rolling Thunder Convoy’s planned demonstrations in the Downtown Core, the organizers behind CN’s Cycle for CHEO says their event is expected to go ahead on Sunday. Plus, an Ottawa-born startup is on the verge of creating a carbon-capture system. Tesla’s Elon Musk seems to like it.

Canadian brainiac Mattea Roach kept her Jeopardy win streak alive on Tuesday night. She will aim for a 17th straight triumph in a few hours. Ahead of the pregame, Roach pays Evan Solomon a visit to reflect on her humble beginnings before a recent game show run changed her life. Over in British Columbia, a farmer in Burton says about 75 of her birds have died since last Thursday as a result of the Avian Flu. Peggy Ife joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, a new app called ‘Be Real’ is striving for authenticity. Is this the future of social media outlets? Should it be? Your calls, texts, and emails are on the way.

It appears that some of Ottawa’s municipal employees are getting a free ride from the city’s newly-installed photo radar system. Ontario’s Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says, if the city’s employees won’t pay those bills, it’s time to scrap photo radar altogether. Later in Hour 2, a virtual Freshii cashier goes viral on social media and infuriates several labour organizers. We explain why. A pair of main officials from the Bank of Canada are taking Conservative candidate Pierre Poilievre to task over his cryptocurrency comments. They argue this form of currency doesn’t give Canada a way out in the war against inflation, nor will it replace the Canadian dollar. Plus, would you go to a live event with a stranger you’ve never met before? CTV’s Matt Skube opens the debate floor.

The federal government has launched a national inquiry into how it utilized Canada’s Emergencies Act to clear out the Freedom Convoy. Evan Solomon replays his latest conversation with Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, originally held yesterday afternoon on CTV’s Power Play. As we occasionally reflect on the impact of February’s occupation, another mass protest is scheduling a weekend visit to Canada’s Capital. It’s called the Rolling Thunder Convoy and dozens of motorcycles will be present from Friday to Monday. However, these vehicles won’t be able to loop around Parliament Hill, let alone any section of Ottawa’s Downtown Core. The demonstrators are permitted to protest if they arrive on foot. We speak to one of the event’s organizers in Hour 2. Plus, the Satanic Temple is suing an elementary school in Pennsylvania after it nixed an after-school ‘Satan Club’. How would you feel if such a club existed at your kid’s school?

Ottawa’s Interim Police Chief says OPS has been in contact with the OPP and the RCMP about increasing resources this weekend, as the Rolling Thunder Convoy prepares to roll in. Speaking of public disruptions in Ottawa’s Downtown Core, the federal government is preparing to launch a national inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act. This comes after it was used to clear out February’s Freedom Convoy. Steve Bell steps up to the podium in Hour 3. While the COVID-19 vaccine is a safer option to fight against the pandemic, could natural immunity also serve as an effective route? If so, how effective can it be? We delve into that discussion in Hour 1. Plus, for the first time in more than 50 years, scientists are in the process of changing the definition of the ‘second’. This is thanks in large part to a new generation of clocks that are capable of measuring it more precisely.

In a spicy 1-on-1 interview during CTV’s Question Period, Evan Solomon met with Russia’s Ambassador to Canada. Oleg Stepanov says he fully supports Russian officials, as well as the military operations that are taking place in Ukraine right now. He feels they are on the right side of history. Should the Trudeau government kick Stepanov out of the country for these remarks? We take your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Meantime, it appears that Tesla billionaire and space traveller Elon Musk is closer to purchasing a social media giant. Conversations between Musk and the big wigs of Twitter are ongoing. If he wins the bid, does Elon’s presence on the platform create a force of good or a force of evil? Plus, we debate what happens to the modern-day workplace. Do we remain online? Do we shift over to a hybrid model? And if things go back to the way they were, how much longer until that happens?

Back in the days where we were all working from home, a lot of people made a purchase to make them feel less lonely. That purchase was a pandemic puppy, as pet ownership spiked in 2020. Today, we are seeing more people return to the workplace. Some employers are letting their employees bring their pets with them. Do you approve of this idea? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor throughout the program. A handful of Ottawa restaurants have changed their business hours to accommodate those who are celebrating Ramadan this month. Nasr Nasr, the owner of Juice Dudez, joins us in Hour 2. Plus, a member of Montreal Canadiens royalty is remembered by hockey fans everywhere, as the news of Guy Lafleur’s death went viral on Friday morning.

Canada’s inflation rates are too darn high and they are affecting our daily routines at every turn. Are you altering any of your spending habits for the sake of affordability? Does this extend to family vacations or personal expeditions? When it comes to the rhetoric surrounding the Conservative leadership race, we tackle the fine line that politicians are walking on the campaign trail. Are things getting too dirty? Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, the fate of 24 Sussex is in the news again. Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are PickUp Communications founder Tamara Cherry and Bell Media weekend host Karl Dockstader.

It’s been a lingering issue for years. Today, some might describe it as a fire hazard. And now, according to reports, the federal government is pondering the idea of a new Prime Minister’s residence. How do we deal with this massive elephant in the room? Kristy Cameron opens the debate floor throughout the program. The Ontario government plans to widen a five-kilometre section of Highway 417 to four lanes in each direction, starting from Maitland Avenue. A member of Free Transit Ottawa explains why this approach might not be successful in reducing Ottawa’s rush-hour traffic congestion. Plus, a personal support worker has been charged with assaulting a resident at an Ottawa long-term care home.

Every now and again, the future and the potential fatality of 24 Sussex gains traction across Canadian mainstream media outlets. Today, according to reports, it appears the federal government is drawing up plans for a bigger and grander location for the Prime Minister's residence. This comes as the current location remains in a major state of disrepair. If we go down this road, what should the new home look like? Evan Solomon speaks to Toon Dressen, the President of Architects DCA in Ottawa. Meantime, the town of Raymond, Alberta has voted to remain a ‘dry’ community, a policy that has been in place for 120 years. Mayor Jim Depew explains why this section of the province has decided to uphold its ban on alcohol sales. Plus, a helicopter will try to catch a rocket-booster in midair, as we Riskin It All with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

No matter what the Ontario government plans to do with its mask mandates on public transit services, it appears that OC Transpo won’t be changing its course. The mask mandates will remain in place if you are taking the O-Train. They will remain in place if you are taking the bus. This will be a company policy. Is this the right call? Will transit riders comply? We open that can of worms in Hour 2 with our Municipal Heat Panel. Moderna says it hopes to offer shipments of updated COVID-19 boosters that combine its original vaccine dose with protection against the Omicron variant. Could it work? A preliminary hint says it might. And finally, the ongoing pandemic hasn’t slowed down a 15-year-old from Gatineau, who has turned an enjoyable hobby into a small restaurant. Victoria Vu Duc pays us a visit in Hour 4.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister arrived on Tuesday with bad news. It appears Russian forces have launched their long-feared, full-scale offensive to take control of Ukraine's Eastern sector. Could this serve as a potentially climactic phase of this bloody war? We speak to a journalist who is currently based in Eastern Ukraine. Later in Hour 2, Kenora native Tania Cameron is vacationing in Cuba, but it might be a stretch to say she has completely enjoyed her travel experience. That’s because she is one of thousands of travellers experiencing delays thanks to systematic issues with Sunwing Airlines. It brings us all the way to South Africa for today’s uplifting story, told by Jacky Hunt-Broersma. She is a 46-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2001. Within weeks, her leg was amputated below the knee. Today, Jacky is aiming to break a world record, running at least 102 marathons in 102 days.

Nearly 100 people from Canada’s Capital participated in this year’s running of the Boston Marathon. We speak to one of those participants, CTV’s Leah Larocque, in Hour 1. It was her first time taking part in the infamous challenge that tests the human will. Alyxia Hendricks returned to Canada’s Capital from Cuba on Monday. Sadly, the trip home wasn’t smooth sailing thanks to a Sunwing flight delay. Meantime, the Chair of Ottawa’s Transit Commission says the idea of a fare-free transit system could become a major ballot-box issue and he wants residents to know the price tag associated with these promises. We speak to one person who is calling for this dream to become reality in Hour 2. Plus, we examine a moment of victory for anyone who is trying to file for pandemic-related paid leave.

If elected by Ontarians on June 2, the Ontario Liberals would issue a province-wide ban on handguns. Evan Solomon speaks to Liberal leader Steven Del Duca in Hour 1. Is this an idea you would support? We open up the phone lines and tackle your texts throughout the show. It’s a big issue that is hitting close to home in Nova Scotia right now, as we reach the two-year mark since a gunman opened fire and began the worst mass shooting in our country’s history. Meantime, a couple of airlines are under fire over a series of travel delays this weekend. Passengers are hopping mad. On a lighter note, the good times keep on rolling for Canadian Jeopardy champion Mattea Roach, who extended her win streak to a whopping 10 games on Easter Monday. The bad news: It came at the expense of Caitlin Hayes, who is also Canadian.

Today marks an extremely dark chapter in Canada’s history, as the deadliest mass shooting unfolded two years ago in Nova Scotia. A gunman opened fire in Portapique and killed 22 people across four separate communities. Families are still searching for answers. As our country battles a sixth wave of COVID-19, the use of vaccines has been helpful to avoid massive lockdowns and travel restrictions. Surely, it has become easier to travel in 2022, right? According to health experts, a summer filled with travel chaos awaits us. Travel expert Lorraine Simpson joins the program in Hour 2. Speaking of the pandemic, one mental health organization says the demand for their services won’t be slowing down anytime soon, and they will need more support to meet those demands. Plus, local mosques are raising money to support Ukrainian refugees, a charitable initiative during the month of Ramadan.

Show producer Samantha Pope is worried about the future financial affordability for the everyday house in Canadian cities. In order to live the life you want, how much money do you feel is enough to live on? Would you consider leaving the career you love for another profession that pays better? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Meantime, a U.S. author was told he couldn’t read his book about a proud unicorn to kids. In fact, if he did, his job might be on the line. Jason Tharp pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, a Canadian veterans group is giving up on its rescue efforts in Afghanistan, citing burnout and Ottawa’s bureaucratic roadblocks.

The latest wastewater data is out today and it shows that COVID-19 might be plateauing in Ontario. However, it doesn’t mean our local numbers are showcasing a similar pattern. Dr. Peter Juni, the Head of the province’s COVID Science Advisory Table, brings us up to speed in Hour 1. We also get straight to the source in Hour 4, as Tyson Graber stops by with his findings. Will the revival of a mandatory mask mandate help stem the tide? The province’s top doctor feels we don’t need one. Kristy Cameron goes 1-on-1 with Dr. Kieran Moore in Hour 2. Meantime, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board launched their self-imposed mask mandate today. How was the message received on Day One? And finally, Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks!

A few weeks ago, Mattea Roach’s closest friends would know her as a Nova Scotia native and a University of Toronto alumni. Today, every single Canadian has been watching her dominate a popular game show for seven straight nights. Mattea enters Friday’s episode with $168,000 in the bank. She pays a visit to guest host Graham Richardson in Hour 1. Meantime, thousands of Etsy sellers are hitting the picket lines over increase fees. Kristi Cassidy, a seamstress and Etsy seller from Rhode Island, tells us why she is taking part. Plus, a fixture in the Freedom Convoy occupation had his bail review hearing adjourned once again. This time, it’s because new charges have been placed against him.

During a pivotal vote on Tuesday night, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board approved a motion to reinstate mandatory masking in its schools. Kristy Cameron speaks to one of the student trustees who didn’t see eye-to-eye with this vision. Over at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, almost 200 of its 6,000 staff members are away from the office due to illness or self-isolation. President and CEO David Pichora pays us a visit in Hour 3. Meantime, how is it that two people who live together, and don’t distance, can test differently for COVID-19? Earl Brown tries to open that can of worms in Hour 2. Plus, show producer Kristina Pompilii tells the story of a woman who made $150,000…just for naming babies.

The Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate, potentially putting Canadians with variable rate mortgages on edge. Prime Minister Trudeau has assured us that the incoming federal budget will be enough to help calm these nerves. Is he right? Professor Ian Lee from Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business joins the program in Hour 1. Later in the show, Evan Solomon is joined by Frank Caputo, a Conservative MP and the Tories’ Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs. He is among an ever-growing list of people currently pushing against a condo development in France that would significantly alter a key piece of WWII history. Over in Manitoba, they are trying to tame one of the biggest snowstorms the world has ever seen…in any month of the year. Plus, we speak to Bill Browder about his latest book, as he tackles the true story of Russian order.

New York City is under a state of shock after 10 people were shot in a subway attack on Tuesday. The scary scene began in Brooklyn during the morning rush-hour commute, spanning two different subway stations and two different neighbourhoods. Kristy Cameron speaks to one of the witnesses that saw the horrific events unfold. Closer to home, a local MPP wants to see mask mandates return to all classrooms in Ontario. Joel Harden explains why in Hour 2. Plus, we turn our attention to the catastrophic situation that is still unfolding in Ukraine, as Ukrainian-born citizen Maryna Skobal helps move her parents out of Kyiv and into her current residence in Canada’s Capital.

A typical morning rush-hour commute at Brooklyn’s 36th Street Station quickly turned upside down on Tuesday. Gunshots could be heard from that section of New York City’s subway system at 8:30am local time, leaving sixteen people injured. Later in Hour 2, Evan Solomon goes 1-on-1 with NHL Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger. The 47-year-old Ontario native was one of the league’s highest-earning players in history, playing 20 years of professional hockey and serving as captain for 3 different teams. He won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and won a pair of Olympic Gold Medals with Team Canada. However, Chris is generating a lot of social media attention in recent days over a Twitter thread, where he explains how more than half of pro-athletes have experienced financial issues during retirement. Plus, we end the show with an interesting discovery, as scientists claim to have found the fossil of a dinosaur that was killed in an asteroid strike.

In the wake of record-breaking COVID levels, an Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee says he will be introducing a motion to implement a mask mandate. Rob Campbell joins Patricia Boal in Hour 1 to explain further. Ontario’s top doctor addressed the province for the first time in more than a month, telling residents they should continue wearing masks even though the mandates have since lifted. Dr. Kieran Moore stopped short of re-imposing the province-wide mandate, a move that has many critics scratching their heads. Meantime, over 80 years after its original publication, a school reader intended for the children of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada is finding a new place on local bookshelves. Plus, you’ve heard about bird watchers, but what about squirrel watchers? A new app created by students at the University of Guelph is encouraging squirrel lovers of all ages to get outside and capture the unique behaviour of squirrels, chipmunks, and prairie dogs.

Last month, you heard from Cindy Clegg, one of the organizers of the ‘Save Juno Beach’ campaign. The mission is simple: Stop a condo development from being built at an historic WWII location in France. Today, we got an update. Meantime, we go on a completely different trip in Hour 2. Can owning a dog turn into a selfish pursuit? Molly Labenski, a Queen's University PhD student, has an interesting take on this subject. We hear from her, and then we hear from you. Plus, we debate the future of hybrid work in Canada, and whether or not it’s here to stay once COVID-19 has passed us by.

On Thursday, 49 of Ottawa’s schools reported an absentee rate of 20 percent or higher, a statistic that includes students and staff members. EFTO’s Susan Gardner tells Kristy Cameron that she wants to see the mask mandates come back. So does Jim Watson, the Mayor of Ottawa. Later in the show, we take a look into the reliability of COVID-19 rapid tests, and why residents with COVID symptoms seem to be testing positive days after receiving negative results. As of last year, Canadian legislation surrounding medically-assisted death had expanded, allowing people who aren’t on the verge of dying to submit a request. Critics say this individual decision puts vulnerable lives in jeopardy. Avery Haines of CTV’s W5 takes a deep dive into a controversial subject. On the lighter side of things, Matt Demers delivers his weekly movie picks, while movie critic Cassie Aylward lists the famous actors she wants to see come out of retirement.

The federal budget has been tabled for the 2022 fiscal year. Prime Minister Trudeau is investing a lot of Canadian dollars into our country’s housing market. Will it help solve the ongoing crisis? Meantime, the volatile conflict in Ukraine still hasn’t been tamed, as Russia’s President has no plans to abandon ship. We saw that through the atrocities that were recently committed in Bucha. The United Nations has suspended Russia until further notice from the Human Rights Council, but have the Western countries done enough to protect the Ukrainian homeland and its citizens? Plus, a brand-new study suggests that pandemic anxiety has led to unethical behaviours in the workplace. Have you seen or experienced this in your line of work? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are former Toronto Star editor Michael Cooke and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price.

In the wake of an anticipated battle for control between Russian forces and Ukrainian soldiers, residents in Dombas are being urged to leave immediately. Kristy Cameron gets the latest developments from Bel Trew, an International Correspondent for The Independent who is currently in Ukraine. Closer to home, Dr. Vera Etches is discussing new COVID restrictions with the Ford government and she is also asking employers to encourage the use of masks in workplace settings. Should our province be re-introducing the mandatory mask mandates? Plus, the 2022 Federal Budget has been unveiled by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Did today’s plan provide enough clarity? We get a wide range of reactions in Hour 4.

Canada needs to heal from the economic scars caused by the pandemic. Some people remain jobless due to COVID cuts. The cost of living has gone up. The price of food has gone up. The price of gas has gone up. Today, the Trudeau government will be unveiling a plan to make things better. One of the items on the financial menu is a ban on foreign home buyers, which would hopefully cool off a red-hot housing market. Will it work? Evan Solomon speaks to former B.C. Premier Christy Clark in Hour 1. He also takes your calls, texts, and emails on this important matter. Meantime, the federal government has approved the Bay du Nord oil development off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our country’s oil sector is calling it a triumph, while climate advocates are giving this nod of support a thumbs-down. Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey pays us a visit in Hour 2. Plus, we are Riskin’ It All with Dan Riskin to close out today’s broadcast.

If re-elected in June, Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives plan to raise Ontario’s minimum wage by another 50 cents. The price of gas is going up. The cost of living is going up. If you are living on a minimum-wage salary, does this 50-cent increase make a difference? We sift through the textboard as the show rolls along. Higher interest rates haven’t completely tamed Ottawa’s red-hot housing market, as the average price tag to buy a home in Canada’s Capital currently sits at $850,000. We explain why in Hour 2. Meantime, the church bells in a tight-knit Saskatchewan town will ring 29 times this afternoon. Four years ago, a tragic bus crash sidelined the Humboldt Broncos organization and shook an entire community to its core. Plus, as the COVID levels rise in our schools, we hear from Ottawa’s top doctor.

Premier Francois Legault says the mask mandates in Quebec will be extended until the end of April. This comes as multiple Canadian provinces try to bolster their defenses against the pandemic’s sixth wave. Do you think provinces should be allowed to extend COVID-19 measures? We open the debate floor in Hour 1 as we take your calls, texts, and emails. Later in the program, Evan breaks down a conversation he had with Yurii Biriukov on CTV’s Power Play. The former advisor to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko recently visited Bucha to survey the damage caused by Russian forces. Yurii tells us what he found. On a lighter note, Canadian musician Alan Doyle from Great Big Sea is starring in a new musical comedy, which is set to premiere at this year’s Charlottetown Festival.

The United Nations’ Human Rights Office says the civilians in Bucha were directly targeted and directly killed. Kristy Cameron speaks to Kira Rudyk, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, in Hour 1. For the first time in almost 14 years, a Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for most of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community near Kingston. We explain what took so long in Hour 2. A family of five from Winnipeg will be stuck in Canada’s Capital for one week after their flight home was abruptly cancelled on Sunday. The latest on that story is coming up in Hour 3. Plus, an invasive species called the ‘jumping worm’ is doing a number to Ontario’s forests. How do we stop them?

It appears that Canada’s Conservatives are starting to clamp down on social media posts, as well as how the governing body deals with reporters. Bert Chen, a now-former Conservative national councilor, was ousted from his position on the governing body after he launched a petition to remove Erin O’Toole as party leader. Chen joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Later in the program, we tackle Bill C-18 with Michael Geist, a Law Professor at the University of Ottawa. Plus, a bunch of ‘stolen’ Charles Darwin notebooks were discovered inside a pink gift bag. Where did this discovery take place? In a library, of course!

Several world leaders are calling for Russia to face war crimes over the traumatic events that took place in Bucha, a section of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy believes that 280 civilians have lost their lives, with satellite images of mass graves gaining online attention. In Hour 2, a family from Odessa finally made it to Canada after spending several weeks trying to flee their home. Later in today’s program, we explain why Ontario has become the first province in Canadian history to legalize online settings for single-game sports betting. Will this be harmful to residents who have previously battled gambling addictions? Plus, a local cat rescue is asking for help after it alleges two cats were dumped behind a Canadian Tire store.

In less than 72 hours, Budget Day 2022 will be upon us. We will get a clearer picture, hopefully, of what the Trudeau government plans to do moving forward. Canada needs to heal from the economic scars caused by COVID. Which key issues matter the most in your neck of the woods? What is the importance of understanding the fine print for these financial outlooks? Evan Solomon breaks it all down for us in Hour 1. Meantime, as the price of gas skyrockets, are you tempted to ditch the gas-guzzler and go all-in on an electric vehicle? A new study says, despite the initial price tag, this decision could save Canadian drivers thousands of dollars. Later in Hour 2, we speak to a Russian blogger who is speaking out against President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. And finally, we find ourselves searching through swamps to find Sasquatch. Well, Evan didn’t, but a student society right here in Canada is dreaming big.

Pope Francis has issued an apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential school system. Do you consider this a meaningful action or an empty gesture? What needs to happen now? Meantime, the Ontario government has inked a new childcare deal with the federal government. Would a national childcare plan be feasible? Would it be effective? Plus, Canadian gymnasts are addressing what they call a 'toxic culture' within the sport, alleging actions of abuse haven't been handled properly. They want to see an investigation. Should there be an independent mechanism to report incidents of abuse for all sports in Canada? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week's edition of Free For All Fridays are Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Jerry Agar and CJAD 800 Montreal host Elias Makos.

Pope Francis intends to offer an in-person apology to residential school survivors in Canada. This comes after his formal apology was issued in Vatican City earlier today for the Catholic Church’s involvement in the residential school system. Graham Richardson delivers the latest on that story in Hour 1. Ottawa’s Downtown Core is still relatively quiet, as developers now look at a possible purchasing of federal government buildings. This comes as public servants move towards a hybrid work model. Meantime, Canada’s top doctor sounded off on the latest rise of COVID-19. We are seeing a steady increase of the BA.2 variant across the board, a strain that has become dominant across the United States. Does our government need to reverse course on its lifting of travel mandates? Plus, in this week’s edition of CTV’s W5, Russian oligarchs have become international economic pariahs, as sanctions target them for their close ties to President Putin.

In an attempt to pressure the Trudeau government into bringing their loved ones to Canada faster, a group of former Afghan interpreters have started a hunger strike on Parliament Hill. Graham Richardson speaks to one of the interpreters taking a stand. Later in Hour 2, Ontario MPP and residential school survivor Sol Mamakwa reacts to the ongoing dialogue between Indigenous leaders and Pope Francis. Is real change on the horizon? A 14-year-old black hockey player has recently opened up about multiple instances of on-ice abuse he has encountered while playing the sport. He is a part of a hockey league in Aylmer, which says they don’t have proof of these incidents but wouldn’t rule out possible suspensions. Plus, a legendary barber shop in Canada’s Capital is selling one of its most iconic antique chairs. How much money would you be willing to pay for it?

Today, we hear an emotional story from Anastasia Nakliutska, a Ukrainian-Canadian citizen. Her mother escaped Kharkiv for greener pastures in Canada, only to head back to Kharkiv for cancer treatments because she is not eligible for free healthcare here. Later in Hour 1, we dig into the cause of today’s hunger strike at Parliament Hill. One of the organizers was an interpreter for the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan and now fears his family is being targeted by the Taliban. Ahmad Sayed shares his story. As the show goes on, we speak to Olympic gymnast Alexandra Landry, one of several Canadian athletes calling for a probe into countless years of abuse they allegedly experienced while competing. Plus, it has come to our attention that the Trudeau government spent over $600,000 in 2021 to hire influencers. Do you think this is money well spent?

Ontario’s COVID stats over the past few weeks has gone up. So has the number of hospitalizations in our province. Right now, the Omicron BA.2 variant is dominating the global landscape. Do we need to put the masks back on? Do we need a fourth dose of the vaccine? Earl Brown delivers his two cents. Here at home, the daily price tag for one of North America’s most expensive transit systems is about to go up. We explain why a Downtown city councillor is frustrated beyond belief. Later in Hour 3, the daughters of Ukrainian refugees are lending a helping hand to those in their ancestral homeland. Graham Richardson outlines the various ways you can help out. And finally, we speak to a Quebec woman who is going on a worldwide trip with her family before some of the closest people in her life lose their vision.

Indigenous delegates remain in the Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis, looking for an apology from the Catholic Church for their role in Canada’s residential school system. These discussions could also serve as a chance to heal from the decades of pain. Evan Solomon spoke with Archbishop Donald Bolen on CTV’s Power Play. We replay that conversation in Hour 1. As the Trudeau government unveils its new Climate Plan, will the rebates help compensate Canadians for the carbon tax increase? Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux joins us later in the show. Meantime, the Jane Goodall Act aims to ban the captivity of lions, apes, bears, and hundreds of other animals at roadside zoos in our country. Did we go far enough? Your calls and texts are on the way in Hour 2.

If Canada wants to meet its new climate targets, the federal government says the oil and gas sectors would need to cut emissions by 42 percent ahead of 2030. It is all part of our country’s new climate change plan. Is it feasible? We break it all down in Hour 1. As we ponder the search for a new Police Chief, Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper explains why he wanted to wait until after this year’s Municipal Election to make that call. By the way, those votes will be cast in October. Indigenous leaders and residential school survivors are in Rome for meetings with Pope Francis this week. They are hoping to secure a papal apology for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system, while also calling on the Church to provide funding to help survivors heal. Plus, the local hockey community is in a state of shock after the sudden passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. He succumbed to a lengthy illness on Monday night at the age of 62. How will he be remembered in our city?

The Canadian government has reached final negotiation stages to purchase F-35’s made by Lockheed Martin. Evan Solomon spoke to Filomena Tassi, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement, on Monday. We recap that conversation in Hour 1. Canada’s new Climate Plan says oil and gas sector emissions will need to be cut down by 40 percent within the next 8 years. Is it feasible? We chat it up with Michael Bernstein, the Executive Director of a Canadian non-profit that works toward market-based solutions to solve the climate crisis. In a recent pitch to cryptocurrency investors, Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre wants Canada to serve as the 'blockchain capital of the world'. What are the pros and cons behind that bold vision? Plus, we speak to Dan Snow, an award-winning historian after his trip to Antarctica. He was a member of the team that discovered Ernest Shackleton’s long-lost ship.

After another massive protest against COVID mandates roamed through Canada’s Capital on Saturday, an Independent Ontario MPP faced the music at Ottawa Police Headquarters. This comes as members of the Ottawa Police Services Board reconvene for the first time since February. In the fight against COVID, Ontario has reported its highest positivity rate since late-January. One epidemiologist says this pandemic is now a three-dose solution, and our country might take a step back if more people don’t take part. And finally, another infamous on-stage Oscars moment has gone viral. Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on live TV over a joke that was made about Smith’s wife. Minutes later, Smith got his first Oscar.

A long-awaited childcare agreement has been reached between the Ontario government and the Trudeau-led Canadian government. Some critics argue that Premier Ford is using this as a re-election chip. Does this pact do enough to help our childcare system? Evan Solomon delivers his opinions and takes your calls in Hour 1. Meantime, a former PC MPP in Ontario is facing nine more charges as a result of his social media messages during the Freedom Convoy demonstrations. During last night’s Academy Awards, an unexpected punch from Will Smith connected with Chris Rock, who made a joke about Smith’s wife seconds earlier during the live broadcast. In a matter of minutes, Will Smith was back on stage, accepting his first-ever Oscar win. Should he face consequences? Plus, the 37-year wait is over for Team Canada, as the Men’s Soccer team has secured a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A jury has unanimously found Nick Vanasse guilty of second-degree murder charges in the death of Steven Butler. He was also found guilty of aggravated assault after Butler's son, Bradley, escaped with injuries in the 2019 stabbing. CTV’s Katie Griffin has the latest from the Elgin Street Courthouse. As for the family of a former Conservative MP, the past 6 years have been a gigantic struggle. We get the latest in this week’s W5 feature. This Sunday marks the latest installment of the Academy Awards. We will have a live host this year. And when the dust settles, Mr. Hollywood hopes to topple Kristy Cameron in this year’s Oscars bets. Wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph went into the Beijing Paralympic Games and took home a Bronze Medal. Graham Richardson speaks to Collinda about her latest triumph in Hour 3. Plus, 12-year-old podcaster Zander Zatylny recently took his show on the road to help children’s hospitals across Canada. His recent perk has led to interviews with several NHL stars.

The Liberals and NDP are teaming up, but they are making it clear that this isn’t a coalition government. It’s an attempt to help Canadians and get things done in the House of Commons. Who benefits the most from this handshake? Earlier this week, the Quebec government unveiled its fourth budget under the leadership of Premier Francois Legault. It included a $500 payout for every single Quebecer who makes $100,000 or less. Are we okay with politicians buying votes? Does it work? Plus, it appears the Royal Family’s trip to Jamaica has gone south with the snap of a finger. Joining host Amanda Galbraith on this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are Gordon Strategy Principal Karen Gordon and Shared Value Solutions CEO Karen Restoule.

Ottawa's Interim Police Chief was at a Parliamentary Committee this morning, answering questions related to the police response to the Freedom Convoy. A few portions of that conversation went viral but Graham Richardson explains why we can’t be too quick to judge Steve Bell on his responses. In Hour 1, we speak to a man who regrets taking part in the Downtown demonstration, as he faces a grim road ahead due to recent repercussions. Team Canada could be making history tonight, as the Men’s Soccer Team takes on Costa Rica. If they win, they will get to play in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. We set the stage in Hour 2. As Hollywood gears up for Sunday’s Academy Awards, a filmmaker from Halifax is up for a second straight nomination for Best Short Documentary. It’s all about the ‘Queen of Basketball’. Plus, after 2 years of pandemic restrictions, Ontario’s restaurants and hotels are getting back to business. But where are the workers? We try to get some answers in Hour 3.

Zain Velji is filling in for Evan Solomon today. NATO’s defense spending target is currently 2 percent of our GDP. Can we meet it? Should we meet it? We open the phone lines in Hour 1. Later in the show, Zain argues the Liberal-NDP agreement is a win-win. Is this pact overhyped or underplayed? We pose that question to Scott Reid. Over in Alberta, the Jason Kenney provincial government is under attack. Can they survive? Plus, we Risk It All with CTV’s Dan Riskin.

A research paper published by University of Calgary researchers went public today. If Ontario wants to lower its food bank use, the report warns it needs to raise income supports. Graham Richardson brings us the latest in Hour 1. Ottawa’s Mayor is urging the Trudeau government to bring federal workers back to Downtown offices, as local businesses in those areas fight for survival. Jim Watson pays us a visit in Hour 2, while Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury introduces an interesting motion at the first in-person council meeting since 2020. This comes as a Downtown restaurant hit hard by the Freedom Convoy occupation prepares to host a fundraiser and relaunch party. Finally, we end the show with a potentially historic soccer game between Canada and Costa Rica. If the Men’s National Team prevails, they are going to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. We look at how Ottawa’s pubs and restaurants are preparing for Thursday’s epic match.

Tamara Cherry is filling in for Evan Solomon today. The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters the 30-day mark on Thursday and the NATO Summit is fast approaching. What can we expect? Mike Blanchfield, an International Affairs Writer for The Canadian Press, gives us the scoop in Hour 1. Closer to home, the rare of doctor burnout has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago. Dr. Katharine Smart from the Canadian Medical Association delivers the bigger picture. The latest polling from Nanos Research says 3-in-10 Canadians would never vote Conservative again, while the majority would be in favour of further sanctions against Russia but also nervous about a potential war. Later in Hour 2, we take a look at the success of ‘Lifts and Runs’, a board game created by 9-year-old Rio MacDonald.

A few weeks ago, we told you the story of a 38-year-old Ottawa woman that was detained at gunpoint by Taliban forces. Nadima decided to remain in Afghanistan after a scary government takeover unfolded last August, remaining vocal to her activism projects. She talks about her release from captivity in Hour 1. Last week, the United Kingdom pointed the finger right at Russia after a trio of British Cabinet Ministers got prank-dialed. They claim those calls were made by members of The Kremlin. We try to get some answers in Hour 2. It appears the Trudeau Liberals have hooked up with the NDP on a tentative coalition pact, taking the current federal government into 2025. Will this allow Canada’s politicians to get more done? Meantime, we continue to see more people travelling from Ottawa to work in Gatineau offices. The latest migration numbers show a bigger picture, as residents in Canada’s Capital are calling this Quebec city home. We haven’t seen numbers this high in 30 years. Is this trend here to stay?

Tamara Cherry is filing in for Evan Solomon today. We continue to follow the violence in Ukraine, as Russia meets resistance within a key suburb of Kyiv. Natalia Moussienko, a Ukrainian woman currently living in the Downtown sector of the country’s capital city, joins us in Hour 1. Closer to home, a mother’s fight for facts into her daughter’s death could potentially rewrite the Access To Information Act. Here to explain further is Aline Vlasceanu, the Executive Director of the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. In Hour 2, we get the latest on the NDP’s coalition pact with the Trudeau Liberals. It would take the current Canadian government into 2025. And finally, remember that Air BnB traveller who got the wrong address for his temporary stay in Florida? We got a chance to speak to the unintentional intruder.

After the Freedom Convoy demonstrations took over Ottawa’s Downtown Core, the Ford government wants to make sure a similar scene never happens again. Ontario is set to introduce new legislation that would prevent illegal blockades at international border crossings, giving police officers more tools to suspend vehicle permits and seize license plates. Michael Kempa, a Professor of Criminology, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. The province of Quebec is about to release its budget and there is a push to either freeze Hydro Quebec rates or reduce the provincial gas tax. As we continue to be bombarded by crazy inflation rates, do you think our governments should be doing that? Plus, as members of Ottawa City Council receive permission to return to the City Hall chambers, Ontarians have permission to remove their masks in certain settings if they wish to do so. Schools are not one of those exemptions. How are parents and students receiving the news? We bring you up to speed throughout today’s program.

Tamara Cherry is filing in for Evan Solomon today. The Head of NATO is encouraging Canada, as well as other NATO allies, to do more and invest more dollars towards defense spending commitments. Retired Major-General Denis Thompson joins the show in Hour 1. These concerning calls for action are likely triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. David Lavery, who is currently at the Poland-Ukraine border, gives us the latest on-the-ground perspective. Closer to home, the CP Rail shutdown has begun as farmers brace themselves for the potential fallout. The good news: Talks are still ongoing. Plus, was the Freedom Convoy demonstration at Parliament Hill really about vaccine mandates? The debate is on.

We’ve been warned several times that the financial cost of the 2022 Freedom Convoy was going to be high. Hundreds of law enforcement members were needed to clear the Downtown Core. The cleanup was going to take days. The final price tag was going to be in the millions. On Friday, City Hall got the bill. It comes in at a cool $36 million. CTV’s Graham Richardson breaks it down for us in Hour 1. Meantime, one of the Downtown businesses that drastically suffered as a result of the occupation won’t be getting a single ounce of the $20 million that was promised by the Trudeau government. We speak to Robin Seguin, the owner of Victoria Barber Shop. Later in Hour 4, with some of our local restaurants raising their prices, how often can you take the family out for dinner? Do you do it more often than you can afford? Have you cut back over the past few months? Kristy Cameron tackles the Question of the Day.

Earlier this week, the President of Ukraine delivered a powerful appeal at Parliament Hill, urging Canada to do more to help fight back against Russia’s invasion of his country. Do you think it was effective? Plus, the gloves have already been dropped in the Conservative leadership race, with Patrick Brown and Pierre Poilievre trading blows. Do attack ads work? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and CFAX Victoria 1070 host Al Ferraby.

St. Patrick’s Day capped off a celebratory week of festivities in Canada’s Capital, events that included a Valentine’s Day re-do and a pair of Ottawa 67’s afternoon matchups. This year’s March 17 was also the first normal celebration of its kind in the COVID era. How are local pubs and restaurants feeling right now? Kristy Cameron speaks to Arthur Hodgins, the co-owner of Paddy’s Pub, in Hour 1. That brings us to a health expert’s cautionary tale, who warns that an Omicron subvariant in Canada could pose a major threat to the elderly and our most vulnerable citizens. How concerned should we be? Earl Brown pays us a visit in Hour 3. Over in Ukraine, more than $20,000 has been raised for refugees fleeing the country thanks to the congregation at Kemptville’s SouthGate Church. Stephanie Gilmer explains how many refugees this could help, while also outlining the long road still ahead of them.

Anita Anand, Canada’s Defence Minister, says our country is close to exhausting its military inventory to help Ukraine. If we start to invest more of our lethal aid resources into the cause, it could put us in a bad spot. Evan Solomon tries to get the bigger picture for us in Hour 1. Meantime, a pair of Ukrainian kids are being moved to Toronto’s SickKids Hospital, with more patients likely to follow. We speak to Mike Coyle, who is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel and the current Vice-President of Reticle Ventures Canada. And then, we try to lighten the mood with our last interview, as scientists in the United States attempt to fly planes into clouds…to make it snow more. That segment with Dan Riskin could be depressing if you absolutely hate snowstorms.

Moscow has seen dozens of demonstrators arrested for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. Since the attacks began, Russian activist Yulia Zhivtsova has been detained three separate times for vocally opposing the invasion. In fact, she says people have been taken into custody even if they haven’t been demonstrating. Yulia joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, a Canadian singer-songwriter is doing what she can to help those in need. Winnipeg native Chantal Kreviazuk pays us a visit in Hour 2. Citing unprecedented levels of hunger in the Ottawa Region, the Ottawa Mission’s CEO is appealing for donations to help feed the community this Easter. Peter Tilley gives us the bigger picture. Plus, the way you see American theme parks might never be the same again once you visit Dig World, a construction theme park located in Texas.

Conservative politicians say that Canada must do more to protect Ukraine. Military experts say, when it comes to assistance on the battlefield and in the sky, it’s not so easy. Retired Major-General David Fraser explains further in Hour 1. Plus, we speak to a Ukrainian MP from Mariupol, the site of a recent Russian bombing at a maternity hospital. On a totally different train of thought, a growing number of Canadians are ready to move on from Daylight Savings Time. You will get to meet the Ontario MPP who is trying to make that happen.

Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a passionate message at Parliament Hill, pleading for Canada’s help. How would you feel if the CN Tower in Toronto was under attack? How would you feel if Russia was targeting Vancouver? It was a very emotional statement from start to finish. Kristy Cameron delivers the bigger picture in Hour 1. As a Stittsville neighbourhood fights to preserve a section of trees, Prince Edward County is doing all it can to avoid a major doctor shortage. Plus, if the Ford government can’t meet their demands, some of Ontario’s college faculties could hit the picket line.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Evan Solomon, who was at Parliament Hill covering the Ukrainian President’s passionate address to Canadian MPs. According to a new survey, several Canadians believe that NATO should prepare for a battle against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky still wants to see a No-Fly Zone over Ukrainian skies, but NATO remains hesitant to act on those pleas, arguing it would cross a line. We get the latest reaction from our country’s finest military experts throughout today’s program. Later in Hour 2, we ask Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations about the current support system for the people of Ukraine and their military forces. How does our country plan to help moving forward? Here at home, Quebec’s niqab ban has become a war of words between a pair of Conservative politicians. Pierre Poilievre and Patrick Brown are throwing haymakers. Who lands the final punch?

Ontario’s Living Wage Network has certified 450 Ontario businesses as Living Wage Employers. Twelve of those businesses are located in Canada’s Capital. One of them is Aiāna Restaurant Collective, who opened for business in August of 2020 and received that gold-star sticker not long afterwards. Kristy Cameron speaks to Devinder Chaudhary, the owner of the restaurant, in Hour 2. Meantime, the field of Conservative competitors for September’s leadership race has grown by one, as Patrick Brown officially announces his intentions to run. How could this impact the final vote? We get the latest reaction from our Political Heat panelists in Hour 3. Plus, as the invasion of Ukraine continues, it appears that Russian officials are seeking military aid from China. How much trouble are we in if this happens?

A former Premier of Quebec has entered the Conservative leadership race. So has a former leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party. As we inch closer to September, a longtime Conservative MP is trying to convince everyone that he has what it takes. Pierre Poilievre is trying to convince you that only he can take down Justin Trudeau. Will the negative advertisements issued by Poilievre’s team pay off? Have they paid off already? Or, in the end, could they cause further division? Evan Solomon opens the debate floor. Meantime, a group of Canadians are trying to stop a condo development from being built at Juno Beach, the site of a pivotal turning point in World War II. Cindy Clegg pays us a visit to explain further. Plus, an Assistant Principal at a school district in Mississippi recently lost his job after reading a controversial book to a group of Grade 2 students. That man is Toby Price. He joins us in Hour 2.

On the eleventh day of March, two years ago, a frightening respiratory virus with the potential to kill had officially announced its arrival. What has changed for you during COVID-19? Do you feel like the pandemic has brought us together or pushed us apart? Kristy Cameron takes your emails and texts during today’s Question of the Day. Since the early days of 2020, everyone’s life trajectory has changed in some way. A former Shopify employee shares her pandemic journey in Hour 2, as she finds a new home in a small corner of British Columbia. As the mandatory mask mandates start to lift in Ontario, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board says it is considering a COVID masking policy of its own. The full details are on deck in Hour 3. Plus, we get the latest pandemic perspective from our city’s top doctor.

Gas prices are surging to all-time highs across Canada right now, a scenario that is fueled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Ontario government says it doesn’t plan to lower fuel prices. It appears the Trudeau government has no plans to temporarily remove the Carbon Tax. Should they have a change of heart? Meantime, America's Haas F1 team has fired Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. There are growing calls for Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin to step away from the NHL. Young Russian pianists are being banned from international music competitions. Are we taking things way too far? Plus, as Ontario gets set to remove nearly all mask mandates on March 21, British Columbia is preparing to do the same. Are you going maskless? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are Newstalk 1290 London host Ken Eastwood and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price.

Jean Charest’s name will be one of many options on the Conservative’s September 10 ballot, as they get set to choose a new leader later this year. Will his past come back to haunt him? Does the party have more to lose if they pick someone else? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers in Hour 2. Ontario is one step closer to changing its laws so a beleaguered city councillor can be booted from his seat. We speak to Stephen Blais, a current Liberal MPP who once held office in Ottawa City Hall. He introduced a Private Member’s Bill to set the wheels in motion. Plus, as the mandatory mask mandates begin to lift in Ontario schools, how are parents and students feeling? It’s time to tackle today’s Question of the Day!

It’s officially official, folks. Jean Charest will be running in the Conservative Party’s upcoming leadership race. A new leader will be announced on September 10. Leslyn Lewis is also running. So is Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre. Who are the current front-runners to win? What does that say about the direction of this political party? Evan Solomon tries to get some answers in Hour 1. Meantime, a public opinion study shows that Canadians are distinctly on board with the Trudeau government’s latest response to the Russo-Ukrainian War. We speak to the CEO of Abacus Data in Hour 2. Plus, in this week’s edition of Riskin It All with Dan Riskin, an invasive spider could spread to America’s East Coast.

The Doug Ford government says mandatory mask-wearing procedures will remain in hospitals and long-term care homes. However, outside of those settings, you can choose to be mask-free as of March 21. Are we in a good position to be doing this? We get a wide range of opinions from the medical experts throughout today’s program. The small community of Petawawa has raised $30,000 to bring a refugee family from Syria to their town. However, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the Afghan refugee crisis from last Summer could be delaying the process. Plus, a couple in Carleton Place is doing all they can to help Ukrainians find shelter and safety.

The Ontario government is expected to remove the word ‘mandatory’ from its COVID mask mandates over the coming months. In fact, this dream could become a reality before the month of March wraps up. Could this dream turn into a horrific nightmare? CTV’s Colin D’Mello has the inside scoop in Hour 1. Over in Ukraine, many people are living their worst nightmare right now. We are still waiting for peace and order to be restored. People’s lives are still at risk. We get the latest on-the-ground developments throughout today’s broadcast. Plus, a three-masted sailing ship called ‘Endurance’ was lost at sea in 1915 after humanity’s failed attempt to cross Antarctic land. It would have been a first-of-its-kind expedition if it was successful. The remains of that sunken ship had remained undiscovered for more than a century…until today. We outline the details that led to the long-awaited retrieval of Ernest Shackleton’s iconic vessel.

Businesses that rely on wheat products are having a bad time right now. That’s because Ukraine, one of the largest global exporters of wheat, has struggled to complete its shipments to other countries. Kristy Cameron breaks down the economic implications of this conflict in Hour 1. Throughout the show, we get the latest on-the-ground developments, as more Ukrainians make the heartbreaking decision to leave their homes. In the world of Canadian politics, Jean Charest is expected to announce his candidacy for the Conservatives’ upcoming leadership race. We examine the ripple-effect within the Conservative community. On a lighter note, if you have endless success at Wordle, does that make you smarter?

Shant Kel Khatcherian, a freelance photographer and videographer, is currently involved in a Kharkiv to Dnipro evacuation mission. He has been filming and taking photos of the ongoing crisis since February 25, mainly focusing on the human impact of war. Evan Solomon speaks to Shant in Hour 1. Meanwhile, the European Union could soon implement a plan to cut its dependency on Russian gas by two-thirds in 2022, while potentially ending its reliance on Russian fuel supplies ‘well before 2030’. Here in Canada, a Veteran Pilot on Canada's National Bobsledding Team is teaming up with a retired Canadian bobsledder to shed some light on a very toxic culture. In an effort to inspire positive change in the sport, Canadian Skeleton athletes are calling for resignations. What stands in the way of justice? Paying us a visit in Hour 2 to discuss further are Alysia Rissling and Alexander Kopacz.

The record-high gas prices in Canada’s Capital this weekend were as painful as advertised. The worst might not be over, either. Petroleum analyst Dan McTeague said our city could see prices escalate to $2.00 per litre over the course of the next few months. Is the trickle-down effect already starting to show? Jenn Hayward, a logistics consultant, joins guest host Graham Richardson in Hour 2. The bail hearing for Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich was expected to arrive on Wednesday. It was not announced on Wednesday. Instead, it was moved to Monday, leading to a protest outside the Innes Road Jail. What was the final verdict and what were the factors that led to this decision? We get the latest in Hour 3. Plus, our Political Heat panelists break down the heated Russia-Ukraine tug-of-war.

The hope for a peaceful resolution between Russia and Ukraine lives on, but a weekend ceasefire wasn’t built to last after some Ukrainian cities were shelled. President Putin has currently permitted a ceasefire for Ukrainians to flee their homes, while also enacting humanitarian corridors. That decision has drawn criticism because some of those evacuation routes lead mostly to Russia and its allies in Belarus. Evan Solomon gets the latest on-the-ground coverage in Hour 1. Meantime, the Canadian government is sanctioning ten more Russian political and business leaders. What are the potential domino effects of that decision? We dig deeper in Hour 2. On a lighter note, we catch up with Benjamin Alexander, who recently became the first-ever alpine skier to represent Jamaica at the Winter Games.

Despite constantly rejecting any form of affiliation with Russia, the online abuse and bad reviews have only gotten worse for the Moscow Tea Room, a restaurant with locations in Toronto and right here in Ottawa’s Downtown Core. Abbis Mahmoud, the President of Dream Mind Group, joins Kristy Cameron to elaborate further in Hour 2. A small Ontario chip company hasn’t missed a beat during the great ‘Chip Wars’ of 2022. What big factors led to their unexpected revenue boost? Peter Neal from Neal Brothers Chips fills us in. Meantime, Ontario’s top doctor said the mandatory mask mandates could be dropped by the end of the month if the current course of action continues to present positive results. With the proof-of-vaccination policy no longer mandatory and capacity restrictions slowly lifting, is it too early for us to ditch our last line of defense against COVID-19? Dr. Raywat Deonandan explains why he remains skeptical. And finally, it’s Friday night, which means it’s time for Mr. Hollywood’s movie picks!

We are nearing the 10-day mark of a nasty conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Economic sanctions are on the menu, but a lot of Western countries don’t like the idea of imposing a No-Fly Zone over Ukrainian skies. Is there a strong-enough appetite here in Canada to increase funding for the Canadian Armed Forces so they can better protect Ukrainian citizens? Plus, a Canadian songwriter has pledged $500,000 to fight global hunger in partnership with the United Nations. Should other celebrities take a page out of The Weeknd’s playbook? If these famous stars preached less and paid more to make the world better, would society take them more seriously? Joining host Mark Towhey in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays are Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie and Montreal-based iHearRadio host Dave Kaufman.

Istan Rozumny, a Canadian filmmaker in Ukraine, is helping transport refugees out of the country as Russia’s invasion intensifies. He has lived there for 15 years. He says the West is not doing enough to fight back against President Putin. Rozumny joins the show in Hour 2. Ukraine’s President is calling for a No-Fly Zone, an idea that doesn’t sit well with countries like the United States. Canada and Britain are in the same boat, fearing an all-out air war between NATO forces and Russia could be the end result. Plus, countries continue to impose sanctions on Russian goods. We give you the full list as the show goes on.

Canada’s Conservatives plan to choose a new party leader on September 10. Since 2015, the torch has been passed from Stephen Harper to Andrew Scheer, who passed it to Erin O’Toole, who has since left that role. Who would you like to see in charge? Would they have a fighting chance to be our next Prime Minister? CTV’s Scott Reid breaks it all down in Hour 1. Then, we get to your calls and texts. In an effort to conclude Thursday’s program on a lighter note, CTV’s Dan Riskin stops by for a fresh new segment called ‘No Riskin, No Reward’.

A small cookie at the Life of Pie Bakery on Bank Street will be going a long way. Kerry Duffy says they will be taking donations and matching funds up to $2,000 in an effort to help Ukrainian citizens during these trying times. Throughout today’s show, Kristy Cameron speaks to business owners and organizations who are doing all they can to help Ukrainians. On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly voted to demand Russia stop its invasion of Ukraine and immediately withdraw all troops. Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations says this ‘sends a very clear message to the Russians’. As we get closer to Ontario’s inquiry into Ottawa’s Confederation Line, RTG is accusing City Hall of deciding to unilaterally launch the system without consulting them first. Nothing has been proven in court. Plus, imagine spending five-and-a-half days surviving off of nothing but crackers and chips in the Caribbean Sea. One man defied the odds, conquered death, and lived to tell the tale.

In his first State Of The Union Address, United States President Joe Biden stated the American economy grew 5.7 percent in 2021. He is trying to push for an American-central economy. He wants people in the United States to buy American goods. How is that plan working right now? Will it work down the road? BNN Bloomberg’s Amanda Lang breaks down the bigger picture. Meantime, a Hamilton family court judge has ruled in favour of a mother who does not want two of her children to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The judge submitted a written decision that outlines how she presented credible evidence from the Internet that details the potentially dangerous side-effects associated with getting the jab. What type of precedence could this case set for the rest of Canada? Plus, it’s time to welcome back members of The War Room, as we debate the biggest political news stories in Hour 2.

While thousands flee Ukraine amid a Russian invasion of that country, others are heading into the country because they want to fight. 22-year-old Svyatik Artemenko, a former soccer goalie for Guelph United, is one of them. He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. After nearly 2 years of Zoom meetings and mastering the art of working from home, federal government departments have received approval to welcome more employees back to the traditional workspace. There is just one big problem: Some might be reluctant to return. Do you think this is the right approach? We take your comments during today’s Question of the Day. Plus, we tackle movie plotholes that make no sense with Cassie and Corey.

As Russia invades Ukraine, energy security has suddenly gained the same level of importance as a country’s defense policy. Jan Stuart, a Global Energy Economist with Piper Sandler, explains further in Hour 1. Evan Solomon also gets the latest developments from Kyiv, as CTV’s Lisa Laflamme paints a very grim picture of what’s unfolding today. Plus, a 22-year-old soccer goalie explains why he traded in his goalie mitts for a gun, as his home country frantically tries to defend itself.

The Ontario government is preparing to lift the mandatory vaccine passport system on Tuesday. People will be able to gather inside with no capacity limits, with no vaccine certificate needed. Are we wise to wait another few weeks? Kristy Cameron speaks to a member of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table in Hour 1. Hundreds gathered outside the Russian Embassy on Charlotte Street yesterday to show their support for Ukraine, as the Russian invasion of that country escalated. Jane Rubina was among them and she pays us a visit in Hour 2. Later in the program, we take you live to Parliament Hill, as Canada’s Prime Minister remains firm on Canada’s approach against Russia. He says Canada plans to send anti-tank weapons systems and upgraded ammunition to Ukraine. It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to reassemble. And finally, a debate on toilet cleanliness wraps up another busy four hours of live radio.

Manny Marotta has been independently covering the war in Ukraine as Russian forces invade. He made a lengthy walk from Ukraine to Poland, which took roughly 20 hours to complete. On Tuesday, Manny is scheduled to hit United States soil. He joins guest host Graham Richardson to describe what he saw. In Hour 2, we speak to Mina Makar, a former Canadian refugee who is in Poland right now with his family after fleeing Ukraine. He is desperately trying to re-enter Canada and is appealing to the Justin Trudeau government for help. Plus, we quickly shift gears to the trucker convoy lawsuit, as the lawyer behind it is back in the courtroom. Paul Champ still wants the convoy leaders' assets to be frozen. He explains why.

In a third round round of sanctions against Russia, Canada will specifically target Russian President Vladimir Putin and other key Russian officials.

One year ago today, we lost 580 CFRA board operator Brian Fraser. Brain died at age 26 after a long battle with leukaemia.

Pat King, one of the leaders of the “Freedom Convoy” protest, has been denied bail.

A wild story out of Nova Scotia has triggered a W5 investigation into Dental Boards across the country, and reveals a startling lack of transparency in some regions when it comes to the complaint and discipline of bad dentists. W5’s Host and Managing Editor Avery Haines explores this investigation in further detail.

Free For All Friday features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

Russia’s assault of Ukraine began with a series of missile attacks against locations near Kyiv, as well as the use of long-range artillery near the Russian border. Ukrainian officials are calling this a full-scale war. Kristy Cameron speaks to people on the ground and the people here at home with connections to Ukraine, all urgently waiting for a ray of hope. Earlier in today’s program, River Ward councillor Riley Brockington was hopping mad at Independent MPP Randy Hillier for encouraging protestors to block 911 lines. Ottawa’s Mayor isn’t far behind him, calling Hillier useless and urging Queen’s Park to cut off his salary. Plus, we try to lighten things up in Hour 4 with another edition of Tell All Thursday!

American President Joe Biden is speaking about the volatile situation between two European countries. Air raid sirens were going off in Kyiv last night and explosions could be heard in the distance just after 5 o’clock Ukraine time. Canadian journalist Fin DePencier is currently in Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city which is located dangerously close to the Russian border. He describes a frightening picture in Hour 1. Meantime, how do you think Prime Minister Trudeau should respond? Does Canada need to do more? What are the risks we take if we decide to get involved? We find out in Hour 2 as he heads to the podium for a press conference. Plus, CTV’s Scott Reid overhypes and underplays the biggest news headlines of the week. The Emergencies Act has been withdrawn after the convoy occupation cleared out of Ottawa’s Downtown Core. What happens next?

On Monday night, the House of Commons voted to approve the use of the Emergencies Act until, at the very latest, mid-March. Today, after careful consideration, things have changed. Prime Minister Trudeau is confident that existing laws and bylaws are sufficient to keep residents safe, ending the Emergencies Act and encouraging Canadians to fight the virus instead of each other. We take you live to Parliament Hill in Hour 3. Ottawa City Council has pushed through a wide range of measures to provide relief to the Downtown Core after three weeks of financial hurdles caused by the occupation. One suggestion is generating mixed reviews on social media. Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney joins us in Hour 2. Meantime, provincial regulations might be changing next Tuesday, but not at the ByTowne Cinema. Beyond March 1, they will still be asking customers to provide proof-of-vaccination before checking out a famous film. One of the cinema's co-owners explains further in Hour 1.

Things haven’t cooled off between Russia and Ukraine. If anything, the tension between the two sides is increasing significantly. Prime Minister Trudeau issued a breakdown of Canada’s stance during a press conference on Tuesday night, and what our country’s forces will be doing moving forward. We get the latest from Kyiv in Hour 1. Meantime, in an extreme example of how inflation is impacting the food industry, a wedge has been divided between Canadians and their favourite potato chip flavours. Evan Solomon investigates what has led to the ‘Chip Wars’. Plus, do you remember Zara Rutherford? She recently became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. Her brother, as it turns out, aims to make history of his own. He is only 16 years old. We speak to Mack Rutherford in Hour 2.

It appears that Russia has set the stage for a quick move to secure its hold on Ukraine’s rebel regions, as new legislation would allow for the deployment of troops to those areas. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says sanctions could be laid against multiple Russian banks. Kristy Cameron delivers the latest developments. Later in Hour 2, we reconnect with Roberta, a Buck Or Two employee at the Rideau Centre whose first day back on the job included a mall-wide lockdown. As for last night’s motion to confirm Canada’s Declaration of Emergency, it passed 185-151 in the House of Commons. This comes as a pair of convoy organizers appeared in court this morning after last week’s trip in a police cruiser.

The motion to confirm Canada’s Declaration of Emergency passed in the House of Commons, with 185 of 336 MPs throwing their support behind it. Prime Minister Trudeau explains why this legislation needs to remain in use heading into March. Later in Hour 1, a pair of convoy organizers appeared at the Elgin Street Courthouse after last week’s trip in a police cruiser. CTV’s Glen McGregor breaks down what happens next for Tamara Lich and Pat King. Plus, as various sectors of Canada’s economy try to bounce back from the latest COVID roadblocks, we take a look at the powerful economic forces that could shape the upcoming decades. How will these changes impact the average Canadian worker? Evan Solomon welcomes Stephen Poloz, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, in Hour 2.

On Sunday, restaurants and businesses near Parliament Hill received a dose of good news. Police have reclaimed numerous sections of the Downtown Core from protestors. Some buildings have permission to reopen as soon as today. At the same time, Ottawa’s Mayor warns that some protestors still have intentions to block the Downtown Core and might try to do so in the future. Canadian MPs continue to debate the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act, with a vote to either repeal or support the motion set for tonight. It appears the NDP will support Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision, but are urging the Liberals to tread carefully. Kristy Cameron assembles our Political Heat Panel to dissect the latest developments from the House of Commons. Plus, Canada’s athletes are returning home after securing the fourth-most medals at the 2022 Winter Games. Ivanie Blondin accounted for two of Canada’s 26 triumphs, claiming one Gold and one Silver. Her parents, Bob and Lise, join the program in Hour 2.

Convoy organizers Daniel Bulford and Pat King have been detained by police as the occupation is slowly cleared out of the Downtown Core. Two other organizers were arrested on Thursday night. Dozens of other protestors have been detained. BJ Dichter, another face of the convoy, is encouraging officers to let the remaining trucks leave in peace. Some are in the midst of leaving town. Others won’t be going quietly but we don’t have an exact number of persistent demonstrators. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the police checkpoints will remain in place until law enforcement says they are no longer needed. How are business owners reacting? Do they feel reassured that the worst will soon be over?

For the past 21 days, demonstrators remain firmly entrenched in Ottawa’s Downtown Core. Residents are hoping that a class-action lawsuit will change things, as more businesses pop up on the Crown’s list. Kristy Cameron speaks to one of them. Meantime, a city council meeting filled with drama led to the removal of Diane Deans as Chair of the Police Services Board. Rawlson King resigned his position in protest. Plus, Team Canada is riding high after beating Team USA for Olympic Gold in Women’s Hockey.

It’s been a rough week for law enforcement in Canada’s Capital. Officers are logging lots of hours trying to contain the ‘Freedom Convoy’. The stressful days continued after Ottawa’s Police Chief stepped down from his post. Days later, a contract to hire an Interim Chief was signed behind City Council’s back. No fair debate had been scheduled to discuss potential candidates for this position. Instead, a debate that ran into the late-evening hours on Wednesday forced Diane Deans out as Chair of the OPS Board. She joins Evan Solomon to break down what happened. Meantime, as police move in to potentially make arrests, how did we get here? Did we really need the Emergencies Act to stop the chaos? Scott Reid and Tim Powers deliver their thoughts. And then, we get to hear yours in Hour 2.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland vows the Trudeau government will ‘follow the money’ and put an end to the ongoing occupations in Canada’s Capital. But as the implementation of the Emergencies Act begins, it is clear that the price tag of restoring order is much broader than a hefty policing bill for Ottawa residents. What are the long-term financial implications at play? Meantime, the Children’s Aid Society is urging convoy parents with kids to make alternative childcare arrangements if police officers start making arrests. We get the bigger picture from Vern White, who served as Police Chief before Charles Bordeleau took control. Later in Hour 2, we have terrific news for fully-vaccinated Canadians who want to travel. If you fit the vaccine credentials, a pre-arrival PCR test is no longer mandatory, effective March 1. Plus, it’s another winner-take-all showdown in Women’s Hockey, as the Canadians and Americans hit the ice in Beijing. The winner takes home a golden memory to last a lifetime.

We have seen the Downtown occupation pick up steam across Canada. How has the trucker convoy’s message been received around the globe? Evan Solomon gets a broader perspective from Paul McLeod, a politics reporter with the BuzzFeed News DC Bureau. He is in Canada’s Capital covering the trucker demonstrations. Meantime, our country’s inflation rate has reached a new three-decade high, as the pressure to raise interest rates intensifies. Plus, it appears that Prince Andrew has settled with Virginia Giuffre’s legal team on an undisclosed. This comes after sexual assault allegations against Prince Andrew dragged on for several years.

Prime Minister Trudeau has announced new funding to help local businesses that have been affected by several weeks of uncertainty and fear caused by the Downtown occupation. Robin Seguin from Victoria Barber Shop explains why these efforts have missed the mark. Ottawa’s Police Chief firmly believed that waiting out the trucker convoy protestors was the best path forward to a peaceful resolution. Today, as Peter Sloly steps down from his post, will anything change? Plus, while Ontario’s Premier supports the Emergencies Act, he only prefers its use under strict terms, fearing the entire country is now divided.

The Emergencies Act has been triggered, expanding the powers of Canadian banks to freeze accounts and halt funds to stop the trucker convoys. Will the big guns be able to restore peace for the long-term? Are we taking things way too far? Evan Solomon speaks to Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst, in Hour 2. Meantime, with trucker licenses potentially on the line for anyone who decides to stay put and preach their message further, did the majority of demonstrations fizzle out? It happened in Windsor after the Ambassador Bridge was peacefully unblocked. Weapons were seized at the Coutts, Alberta blockade. That has since been cleared. It is a different story in Ottawa’s Downtown Core after the city’s Police Chief stepped down. We get the latest developments and outline what happens next.

A backchannel deal, arranged by Mayor Watson over the weekend, was accepted by one of the convoy organizers. It would move some of the trucks into a different sector of the Downtown Core. Meantime, the Canadian government plans to activate the Emergencies Act. From a security perspective and a societal point of view, is it dangerous to suggest we cannot rely on the police force to enforce the law and resolve a situation of this magnitude? The debate marches on throughout the program. Turning our attention to the fight against COVID-19, we received major news from the Ontario government, as the next stage of the Roadmap To Reopen begins on Thursday. Capacity limits at restaurants, gyms, movie theatres, and event spaces will be lifted. Social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Perhaps the big news is linked to the proof-of-vaccination requirements. Those will be lifted in those settings on March 1. We get the latest reaction from health experts in Hour 2.

The Ontario government has announced plans to lift its COVID vaccine certificate system on the first day of March. Is it time to drop these mandates? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails. As the Ambassador Bridge slowly opens up after last week’s protests in Windsor, the trucker convoy isn’t ready to leave Ottawa. It remains firm on the promises made from Day One. They will not leave until Canada’s Prime Minister lifts vaccine mandates at the Canada-USA border. Instead of answering their calls to chat, Justin Trudeau will be invoking the Emergencies Act, the first time it has been used since its introduction in 1988. What do these measures entail? Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst, gives us the big picture in Hour 2. On a more positive side of things, the truckers did agree to leave residential areas of the Downtown Core. Is that enough to restore peace of mind?

The Ontario government has declared a State of Emergency in an effort to clear out the trucker convoy demonstrations. Police forces now have the power to clear any public roadway, dish out fines of up to $100,000, and lay criminal charges. This comes after an Ontario court suspended access to the convoy’s GiveSendGo donations. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. Meantime, a Canadian Army officer in New Brunswick is facing questions after calling other military officers to rise up and fight against pandemic restrictions. In Hour 3, United States truckers could be forming protests of their own, and it’s possible those demonstrations could begin before the Super Bowl kicks off on Sunday. And finally, Kristy Cameron speaks to the mother of Isabelle Weidemann, an Olympic athlete from Ottawa who will leave Beijing with at least one medal.

Free For All Friday features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show is hosted by Dave Kaufman and features panelists Al Farraby, morning show host on CFAX 1070 Radio in Victoria, B.C., and Siri Agrell, former political advisor. Topics: 1. Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency – is this enough? Will it make a difference? Why today for this announcement? Is there American influence? 2. What do you hope to hear from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the convoy issue? Is it irresponsible for Premier Ford to be snowmobiling and taking personal time during a crisis? 3. Have the last two weeks made you feel differently about the Canadian flag? Does the flag feel inclusive right now? 4. Should women’s hockey be part of the Olympics with such domination from only a few countries? AND What are your favourite Super Bowl Halftime Show Moments?

Restaurants and businesses throughout the Downtown Core have been extremely inconvenienced by the trucker convoy demonstrations. Over at Parliament Hill, a massive construction project designed to give Centre Block a facelift has been delayed indefinitely. That project has a $5 billion price tag and hundreds of workers are waiting at home, not getting paid. We get the latest in Hour 2. Meantime, a cross-border trucker from Ottawa is voicing his concerns about the roadblocks he might face on his trip home, as the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor is blocked by a convoy. On a lighter note, more than 13,000 donors worldwide teamed up to raise $750,000 for the Shepherds Of Good Hope after staff members and residents were harassed on January 31.

As the trucker convoy persists in Downtown Ottawa, and continues to spread across the country, it could be the occupation organizers with police and military experience playing the biggest role. Evan Solomon speaks to Chris Lewis, a former OPP Commissioner and current Public Safety Analyst with CTV News. Over in Windsor, the Ambassador Bridge has been blocked off for 4 straight days. UNIFOR’s Dino Chiodo outlines the lingering concerns, and what steps need to be taken next. Meantime, as movie critics lick their chops over this year’s Academy Award nominations, NFL fans are getting all geared up for the Super Bowl. The latest matchup features the Cincinnati Bengals and the LA Rams. 82-year-old Gregory Eaton and his two friends will be in attendance, just like they have been for every single Super Bowl in recorded history. You will hear from Gregory in Hour 2.

Ontario’s Health Minister says the current COVID projections have put the province on track for the best-case scenario. Pharmacies and grocery stores will soon be allowed to sell millions of rapid tests province-wide. Will this partnership with the Doug Ford government lead to unorganized chaos? We kickstart that debate in Hour 1. There is growing chatter that the trucker convoy could be heading out of Canada’s Capital and heading straight for Toronto. City Council wants to invoke a clause in the recently-revised Ontario Police Services Act, allowing us to bill protesters for the extra cost of policing. Plus, we speak to the mother of Maryeta O’Dine, a Canadian Olympian who recently took home Bronze in the Snowboard Cross. It marks her first-ever Olympic medal after a challenging 4 years.

Doctors in British Columbia can now prescribe National Park passes to patients who need nature time. Should more provinces be doing this? Evan Solomon speaks to Dr. Melissa Lem, a family physician who has founded the PaRx initiative. A demonstration in Downtown Ottawa has turned into an occupation, but protests opposing vaccine mandates have since spread elsewhere. The latest one was set up at the Ambassador Bridge, which links the Ontario city of Windsor to Detroit, Michigan. Mayor Drew Dilkens says, as organizers stand their ground on Day 3, they won’t be there for much longer if traffic flow continues to pose a day-to-day problem. Plus, it’s time to assemble The War Room.

Hundreds of protestors in Downtown Ottawa want the vaccine mandates to end and they want to meet with government officials, an idea that is illogical in the eyes of CTV’s Scott Reid. He joins us to expand upon his thoughts. Later in Hour 1, we explain how the ongoing demonstrations have inconvenienced the Ottawa School Of Art, which still hasn’t been able to reopen as originally planned. Meanwhile in Windsor, the Ambassador Bridge linking the Ontario city to Detroit has been heavily jammed up in both directions by another convoy. We get the latest in Hour 2. And finally, Ottawa City Council has passed a motion that requests the Government of Canada to step in and take over security measures in the Parliamentary Precinct. Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper pays us a visit in Hour 3.

We are into Day 12 of the trucker convoy protests in Canada’s Capital. The calls to end COVID vaccine mandates persist. Did the so-called ‘Johns Hopkins Study’ really show us that lockdowns were ineffective against the pandemic? Dr. Isaac Bogoch joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, Evan Solomon takes more of your calls, texts, and emails in relation to these demonstrations. We have seen them in Coutts, Alberta. We have seen them pop up in Toronto and Quebec City. Yesterday, the Ambassador Bridge that connected Windsor to Detroit was blocked off in both directions. Have you lost friendships due to the convoy? Plus, as we tackle the future of the Film industry with movie critic Richard Crouse, an 8-year-old boy gets his handwritten novel placed in a local library.

Ottawa Police says progress is being made to shrink the convoy. 500 tickets have been issued and 20 arrests have been made since Friday. Why did we wait until Day 10 to start cracking down? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers. Senator Dennis Patterson has decided to cut ties with Canada’s Conservative Party after a handful of MPs showcased their support of the trucker convoy protests. He joins the program to explain further in Hour 2. Turning our attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, our city is starting to tame the virus. Have those protests nullified the recent progress we’ve made? And finally, we explain how the Ottawa Restaurant Fund is aiming to help businesses bounce back from the latest inconveniences.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Games are underway and Canada is starting to rake up the medals already. As of Monday afternoon, our country has taken 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 4 Bronze for a total of 6 medals. That ranks Canadian athletes second on the world stage. We get the latest stories and developments from the Athletes Village. The biggest story in Canada’s Capital has nothing to do with the Olympics and everything to do with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The trucker convoy has occupied the Downtown Core for 11 days and they still haven’t outlined any plans for a departure time. Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney believes the time has come for RCMP officers to take over. Evan Solomon tries to get some answers. Plus, we speak to Ciaran O'Connor, an analyst from a U.K. think tank that tracks online extremism. What images should peak our concern as these demonstrations unfold?

Free For All Friday features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show is hosted by Mark Towhey and features panelists Ken Eastwood, morning show host on News Talk 1290 in London, and Michael Cooke, former editor for the Toronto Star.

Topics: 1 - What can editors, news directors, and publishers do to rebuild their credibility in the eyes of the public? 2- Will Canadian voters have a credible alternative to vote for whenever the next federal election happens? 3 - Canada is both doubling down – and retreating – in Ukraine at the same time. Do Canadians understand and agree the country needs a combat capable military – always available and ready? 4 - The 2022 Olympics have begun. Did you get up early to watch? AND... Victoria Beckham says she has eaten the same thing every day for 25 years. Could you eat the exact same thing every day or would you go nuts?

On Wednesday, the owner of Happy Goat Coffee had to close a handful of Downtown Ottawa locations due to safety concerns for employees. Henry Assad’s nervousness was fueled after a smashed window was spotted at one of the locations. Meantime, Ottawa’s Youth Services Bureau fears the ongoing demonstrations in the Downtown Core is harmful to vulnerable youth. We speak to Executive Director Joanne Lowe in Hour 2. The trucker convoy says it doesn’t plan to leave until the Trudeau government removes all vaccine mandates at the Canada-USA border. What are the pros and cons associated with this risky gamble? Dr. Gerald Evans stops by in Hour 3. Plus, during a passionate speech at the House of Commons, Liberal MP Greg Fergus was quick to condemn a series of hate symbols that were recently spotted in Canada’s Capital. He delivers the bigger picture in Hour 1.

Candice Bergen has been named the Interim Leader for Canada’s Conservative Party. Erin O’Toole will stay on as a Conservative MP for his riding after getting booted out of the big chair during Wednesday’s secret ballot vote. About a week before the trucker convoy made a lengthy stay in Downtown Ottawa, O’Toole met with some of the truckers. Some of the party’s MPs have voiced their own support for the convoy. Would you support the next Conservative leader if they did the same? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails. Speaking of the ongoing demonstrations, it appears the Trudeau government won’t be sending in the military to clean things up. We explain why in Hour 2. Plus, the Beijing Games are scheduled to start on Friday, and Canada’s top athletes are ready to showcase their very best.

Some tense moments have unfolded over the past few days between protestors supporting the trucker convoy and Downtown Ottawa residents. It sparked an idea in Ellie Charters’ mind and it has led to the creation of a walking buddy service for people in need. She joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. On Tuesday night, a video showcasing a group of demonstrators and police officers went viral. It appeared they were consulting with law enforcement as to where they should go to deliver fuel. This happened a few hours after Ottawa’s Police Chief said no assistance would be provided. What type of ripple effect could this video have? Plus, the Conservatives have ousted Erin O’Toole as party leader after a third attempt to vote him out of the big chair. The final tally wasn’t even close.

Brian Flores, who was recently fired by the Miami Dolphins, is suing the National Football League. Not only is he going after his former employer, Flores is also suing the Denver Broncos and New York Giants over what he alleges to be racist hiring practices. Evan Solomon speaks to sports legal analyst Eric Macramalla about this complex issue. As the trucker convoy continues to protest in Ottawa’s Downtown Core, we can confirm that Canada’s Conservatives will be hunting for a new leader. This comes after Erin O’Toole lost a third leadership vote by a score of 73 to 45. This is the party’s third leadership change since Stephen Harper left. How can Team Blue turn the ship around? Would the Conservatives be in a position to lose more if they kept O’Toole in the big chair? We take your calls, texts, and emails.

In the eyes of a former Ottawa Police Chief, the latest string of trucker convoy protests has turned into an occupation, and it’s time for the large trucks to slowly clear out. Charles Bordeleau joins the program to discuss further in Hour 1. According to Canada’s Defense Minister, a plea for weapons has been sent by Ukrainian authorities. Canada has already pledged non-lethal aid to the country, while also sending in reinforcements to help train Ukrainian forces. We speak to a former Canadian Defense Minister about this complex matter. Plus, do you remember the story about a Petawawa restaurant that was collecting money to help fund a little boy’s brain cancer treatments? Well, a trip to Boston is on the horizon for Kayden Dussault, as that community-driven fundraiser has officially reached its goal!

The leader of Canada’s Conservative Party says he isn’t going anywhere, but a secret ballot vote could happen in the party’s caucus as soon as tomorrow. He has survived a pair of leadership reviews so far. Those reviews happened before the trucker convoys headed for Parliament Hill. Will this scenario play out differently? How is this review different from the other reviews that have been conducted? Evan Solomon speaks to Lisa Raitt, who once served as the Conservatives’ Deputy Leader. After that, he opens the phone lines and takes your calls. Later in Hour 2, Toronto Star reporter Lex Harvey stops by to break down her investigation into doctors prescribing ivermectin for COVID-19.

Heading into Day 3 of the trucker convoy protests, policing costs to manage these crowds and protect local businesses are currently estimated at $800,000 per day. That’s according to Ottawa Police. We get a wide range of reaction from city councillors, business owners, and everyday citizens as the program continues. Meantime, most of Ontario is starting to welcome back fully-vaccinated customers as COVID-19 restrictions slowly loosen. Today also marks the return of non-urgent procedures. We get the latest insight from our Political Heat panelists. Plus, as Canada’s Prime Minister battles COVID, the Angus Reid Institute says one-in-five Canadians have reported a COVID infection in their household since December.

Hundreds of truckers entered Canada’s Capital on Saturday. A lot of them are still there. Some of them say they don’t plan to leave until they see a significant shift in vaccine mandates at the North American border. Others want to see Justin Trudeau resign as Prime Minister before they leave. Do you think this reflects what most truckers think about the Canadian government? Also, where do you stand on these protests? Evan Solomon takes your calls in Hour 1. As police officers try to keep everything civil in the Downtown Core, we speak to one Conservative MP who has voiced her support for the convoy. Plus, on a totally different note, a racing driver from Guelph is roaring back on the racetrack after a scary spinal injury in 2018. Robert Wickens outlines his inspirational journey in Hour 2.

Free For All Friday, hosted by Amanda Galbraith, features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show features panelists Karl Dockstader, host of One Dish One Mic which airs on Saturdays on CKTB, CJBK and CKLW, and Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on CJAD in Montreal 9a-12p.

The Head of Ontario’s COVID Science Advisory Table fears that occupancy rates in our hospitals could remain at high levels over the coming weeks, emphasizing the need to achieve 9 million third-doses by the end of February. Kristy Cameron breaks down Dr. Peter Juni’s comments. Thousands of truckers from across the country are gathering momentum and support for their convoy, which is scheduled to arrive at Parliament Hill this weekend. They want the current vaccine mandates to be changed at the Canada-USA border. Matt Marchand, a cross-border truck driver from Ottawa, outlines his thoughts on the matter. Plus, the Ottawa Senators plan to challenge the current capacity limits for sporting events. Would you go to a hockey game if more than 500 people were allowed to attend?

According to a poll from Maru Public Opinion, 28 percent of Canadians support the unvaccinated truckers that are paying a visit to Parliament Hill this weekend. Evan Solomon speaks to Dana Metcalfe, who is organizing and leading the East Coast portion of the freedom convoy from Newfoundland to Ottawa. As these truckers try to make their voices heard, what form of progress do they want? What would they consider as a victory? Meantime, today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, yet nearly one-third of North American students think the Holocaust was exaggerated or fabricated. That’s according to a new study. Plus, we debate the rise and fall of ‘rationality in language’ with Dan Riskin.

Today marks 12 years since the initial launch of Bell Let’s Talk Day. In Hour 1, Kristy Cameron speaks to Andi Sharma, a local woman who has struggled with mental health issues. How has COVID-19 affected your mental health? We take your calls, texts, and emails during today’s Question of the Day. A convoy of truckers is heading straight for Canada’s Capital and is scheduled to arrive this weekend. They are opposed to the Canadian government’s current vaccine mandates at the border, fearing they will cause more supply issues at grocery stores. CTV’s Kevin Gallagher gives us the latest developments. Plus, the Bank of Canada is keeping its key lending rate at 0.25 percent. Canadians are being warned that interest rates will eventually climb. Is this the best path forward to keep our economy strong?

Inflation continues to surge, but the Bank of Canada is choosing to stay the course for now, holding the key lending rate at 0.25 percent. However, Canadians from coast to coast are being warned that interest rates will eventually climb. BNN Bloomberg’s Amanda Lang delivers the bigger picture in Hour 1. Over in British Columbia, a few months after being told that government assistance was on its way, flood victims are growing increasingly frustrated. Abbotsford resident Joanne Beaulieu sheds some light on this issue. Plus, does it ever feel like you are ‘allergic’ to cold weather? Eryn Margolese, a 15-year-old girl from Montreal, knows this feeling all too well.

Canada’s Capital has reached triple-digits in COVID hospitalizations for the first time ever. Out of those 103 patients, 17 of them are in ICU care. Ottawa’s Board of Health is now calling for discussions about a three-dose vaccine passport. Is it necessary? Councillor Keith Egli joins the show in Hour 2. The Canadian government has ordered families of embassy staff members in Ukraine to leave the country at once. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. We’ve been told that a provincial inquiry into the Confederation Line was coming. Today, the team is slowly being put into place, as the LRT Inquiry Commission officially launches its website. We speak to two members who are currently listed on that inquiry in Hour 2. Plus, a popular Canadian musician is calling out Joe Rogan and the vaccine misinformation he is spewing, while also warning Spotify he will remove his music from the platform if things don’t change.

It appears the Trudeau government isn’t taking any chances, as the threat of violence between Russia and Ukraine still looms large. A statement from Global Affairs Canada says that family members of diplomatic staff who are currently based in Ukraine have been ordered to leave the country. Retired Major-General David Fraser joins Evan Solomon with the latest developments. Later in Hour 2, CTV’s Paul Workman details his exclusive conversation with a Taliban spokesperson. Meantime, in the fight against COVID-19, a concerned parent in Ottawa has created a tool for parents to self-report symptoms and cases in schools. She explains what inspired that idea. Plus, you will get the chance to hear from an award-winning LEGO artist. Spoiler alert: He lives right here in Canada!

After a decent stretch with no significant issues, Ottawa’s Confederation Line had a rough commute on Saturday morning thanks to what is being described as ‘grid issues’. How did RTG handle the situation? What can be done differently in the event this scenario happens again? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers in Hour 1. Little Ray’s Reptiles has gone through several hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the Omicron variant forced Ontario into a partial lockdown, Ray Goulet says more financial support is needed. He joins the program in Hour 2. It appears that NATO is preparing for a worst-case scenario overseas, placing armed forces on standby mode in Eastern Europe. Both the United Kingdom and the United States have pulled embassy staff members and their families from the region. Should our Prime Minister be making that call? Plus, in today’s Question of the Day, have you ever tried ‘hot desking’? It’s a trend that is gaining traction in office spaces lately. We explain what it’s all about.

A ‘freedom convoy’ of truckers has left Metro Vancouver and is headed straight for Canada’s Capital. They are opposing the current COVID vaccine mandates affecting their industry. We get instant reaction throughout today’s program. Meantime, some people are saying their grocery store shelves are bare, while others haven’t noticed a difference. What does ‘The Food Professor’ see in his neck of the woods? Sylvain Charlebois paints a picture of the food supply industry in Hour 1. Over in Jacksonville, an ECHL defenseman has been suspended indefinitely by the league and cut from his team completely after he allegedly made a racist gesture towards Jordan Subban, who is black. We try to close out the show on a lighter note, as Zara Rutherford becomes the youngest woman to fly around the world. She returned to Belgium 155 days after her initial departure and made the trip all by herself…at just 19 years of age.

As current COVID restrictions place hundreds of families in financial limbo, a new poll has found that nearly 60 percent of Canadians are having a hard time putting food on the table. We get the latest in Hour 1. An early-morning fire wreaked havoc at a family home in Stittsville, leaving Whitney and Sean Toogood shaken up. It didn’t take long for their friends and neighbours to spring into action, offering help through a GoFundMe campaign. Meantime, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has rejected a petition put forward by students to implement a ‘grade freeze’. Some school boards in Toronto have gone ahead with this freeze, so why did they refuse to follow suit? We get their side of the story in Hour 3. Plus, we shed some light on a cold-hearted grand-parent scam.

The Ontario government has announced a three-step plan to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions. It is very different from the strategy that European nations are considering. They might just accept the virus. What is the right approach in your view? On the world stage, Canada is poised to beef up its military presence in Ukraine. This is in response to concerns about Russian aggression across Eastern Europe. Should our military forces get more involved? Plus, would you be willing to give up alcohol for 28 straight days? Joining host Amanda Galbraith on this edition of Free For All Friday are Globe and Mail reporter Marieke Walsh and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Ryan Price.

Ontario’s gradual reopening will begin on the final day of January. Indoor public settings will be capped at 50 percent, but we could see no indoor capacity limits of any kind by March 14. How are gyms and restaurant owners taking today’s glass half-full update from Premier Ford? Kristy Cameron gets a wide range of reaction throughout the program. Lisa Weagle, an Ottawa-born curler currently representing Team Jennifer Jones, has helped with the launch of a new season of RBC Training Ground, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s free Olympic talent search. She joins the show in Hour 2 to explain the broader impact of this vision. Plus, it’s time for another award-winning edition of Tell All Thursday. There are 3 types of dressers out there: Overdressed, underdressed, and poorly dressed. Which one are you?

The Ontario government has announced plans to gradually reopen its economy, but the Omicron wave has placed 4,061 residents in hospital. CTV’s Colin D’Mello drops by with a list of pros and cons. Over in Iqaluit, the biggest concern is a boiled-water advisory. It went away for a while, but now it’s back. What the heck is going on? In Hour 2, we dissect the idea of the next Civil War, and what humanity can do to avoid it. Plus, it’s time for another game of Overhyped and Underplayed.

If it feels like we are dealing with an unprecedented demand for mental health help in Ottawa, it might be because we are. Dr. Stephanie Yamin, a local therapist, says her clinic has had to double its number of therapists since COVID began just to keep up with demand. She joins us in Hour 1. We continue to follow last week’s explosion on Merivale Road, the cleanup ahead, the questions left unanswered, and the families who are grieving right now. Tracy Pritchard, Rick Bastien’s daughter, stops by in Hour 2. Plus, when Canada’s seniors are being confined to their rooms because of COVID-19 outbreaks, how does it impact them? What concerns should we have right now? We try to get some answers.

David Lavery, a former Special Forces soldier with the Canadian Armed Forces, helped get 100 people out of Afghanistan in the final days of the Taliban takeover. Last month, he returned to Kabul for the first time since embarking on that stressful journey in August of last year. What did he see? Lavery joins Evan Solomon with the latest developments in the Middle East. Here at home, the ‘Food Professor’ fears the current vaccination policy for truckers will harm Canada’s food chain. Sylvain Charlebois explains further in Hour 1. Plus, a retired DJ is going to be Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic Alpine skier. Naturally, his journey to stardom all began in the Great White North. Benjamin Alexander pays us a visit in Hour 2.

While the Ford government has assured parents and students that safety measures have been put in place, bus drivers feel ignored and unsafe. One employee says she isn’t going behind the wheel until the Omicron wave dies down. We hear from Susan in Hour 3. A pair of students at Colonel By Secondary School are calling for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board to implement a ‘grade freeze’ due to classroom interruptions caused by COVID. Do you agree or disagree? Meantime, an Ottawa woman has taken contact tracing at schools and daycares into her own hands with the help of an online group. Plus, we hear from Maria Ferguson, whose cousin is among the presumed deceased at Eastway Tank.

Believe it or not, this weekend marks 30 years since Dr. Roberta Bondar ventured into space for the first time ever. She joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1 to reflect on a life-changing journey to the great unknown. On a totally different note, a Canadian doctor went through an out-of-this-world ordeal 35,000 feet in the air. That’s right, folks. She helped deliver a baby mid-flight. Meantime, who exactly betrayed Anne Frank? A cold case team might have shined a new light on this infamous mystery. We try to get some details in Hour 1.

Health Canada has approved COVID-19 pill spearheaded by Pfizer. How much of a game-changer is this for Team Humanity? Dr. Earl Brown pays us a visit in Hour 1. Today’s massive blizzard is hampering recovery efforts on Merivale Road, as community members try to pick up the pieces following last week’s explosion. Six people are believed to have died at Eastway Tank, a facility that manufactures tanker trucks. We speak to Jackie Beale, whose brother is on the list of presumed deaths. On a lighter note, an 8-year-old boy named Clayton is being hailed a hero for his efforts to help save an elderly man who was almost completely buried in snow during today’s blizzard. How long will it take to clean up this mess? Mayor Jim Watson delivers the potential price tag.

Last week, Evan Solomon spoke with Cassandra Di Maria, a 30-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in late-2020. Her surgery had been impacted by the latest COVID-19 restrictions but she has now secured a new surgery date thanks to media coverage. We speak to her in Hour 2. Are you, or someone you know, facing this situation right now? We take your calls and texts throughout the program. Plus, a 4x4 enthusiast in Vancouver Island has turned into a snowstorm Samaritan by driving snowed-in healthcare staff members to work.

The latest modelling from the Trudeau government suggests a surge in daily hospitalizations is on the horizon. When Canada’s seniors are being confined to their rooms because of COVID outbreaks, how does it impact them? What concerns should we have right now? Eleanor Ryan delivers that painful perspective in Hour 1. As a vaccine tax looms over the heads of unvaccinated residents in Quebec, the Legault government is hoping to appease the population by removing the 10 o’clock curfew. Will it pay off? Plus, we get a wide range of reaction from Merivale Road after Thursday’s massive explosion.

Medical experts are questioning the usefulness of screening air travellers for COVID-19 using a PCR test. They argue that testing resources could be targeted elsewhere. Why are we still testing at airports? In Quebec, the big question surrounds a potential vaccine tax. Anyone who doesn’t have a valid medical exemption, and refuses to get vaccinated, will be asked to lighten their wallets. Have we taken things way too far? Plus, a handful of pivotal benchmarks in Ontario’s road tests are being removed to help clear a massive backlog caused by COVID. What’s the worst that could happen? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are Pickup Communications founder Tamara Cherry and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Al Ferraby.

U.S. President Joe Biden says his administration will give out free high-quality masks to everyone in America. What do health experts think of this strategy? Should our country be doing this? Across the province, a handful of school boards have raised concerns about the current plans in place to contain COVID-19. Ontario’s Education Minister attempts to answer the unanswered questions. Deep inside a Toronto ICU, 70 percent of COVID patients are unvaccinated. CTV’s Avis Favaro has more. Here at home, firefighters are battling a massive blaze in the city’s South End following an afternoon explosion. CTV’s Megan Shaw joins us from Merivale Road, near the building where it all started. Plus, a restaurant in Petawawa has rallied behind a local family, as their son undergoes cancer treatment in Boston.

Back in November of 2020, Cassandra Di Maria’s life turned upside down after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She is now 30 years old and waiting for surgery, a wait that has been delayed thanks to Ontario’s current COVID restrictions. Evan Solomon speaks to Cassandra in Hour 2. As we get closer to the start of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, an event the IOC still plans to hold in February despite the current pandemic circumstances, a growing number of the world’s top athletes are warning against the dangers of artificial snow. In Hour 1, we go 1-on-1 with Canadian comedian Mark Critch, who tells all about his latest TV series. Plus, can we make Mars habitable for human life? We investigate what plays into humanity’s favour with NASA veteran Jim Green.

Dr. Samantha Halman has looked after 70 to 80 percent of COVID patients at the Ottawa Hospital. She argues in a recent tweet that we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking we are in a good place right now, as Ontario hospitalizations have more than doubled over the past week. Dr. Halman stops by in Hour 1. New research from the CDC finds that children are more likely to get a new diabetes diagnosis 30 or more days after being infected with COVID compared to those who have not been infected. The Legault government is laying the foundation for a stricter approach to get people vaccinated. That would be a vaccine tax. Plus, a singer-songwriter is making lemonade thanks to a series of virtual concerts.

Well, they went there. It appears the Quebec government, led by Premier Francois Legault, is laying the foundation for a vaccine tax. This would apply to any resident who refuses to get a COVID-19 vaccine without a legitimate medical exemption. Have we taken things too far? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts. A pivotal transplant surgery could serve as a medical game-changer, as a 57-year-old man gets a second chance at life thanks to a pig’s heart. We speak to the doctor who performed this operation. Plus, it’s time to break down the biggest political stories, as the War Room reconvenes once again.

Relief efforts are underway in Bearskin Lake after half of the community contracted COVID. NDP MP Charlie Angus has raised urgent questions about the Trudeau government’s plan to help out. Bearskin Lake resident Tania Cameron gives us an update. Last week, Premier Doug Ford said the initial goal was to reopen Ontario’s schools on January 17. It seems that goal will be met. ETFO Ottawa Unit President Susan Gardner joins us in Hour 2 with her reaction. We also speak to a local teacher in Hour 3. Plus, the Doug Ford government plans to deploy more internationally-trained nurses. Will this help hospitals?

Ontario says it plans to bring back in-person learning next Monday. This comes as hospitalizations rise at dramatic rates. How do we manage it all? Dr. Isaac Bogoch delivers his two cents in Hour 1. Meantime, a new poll says 56 percent of Canadians support the latest round of lockdowns and other government-imposed restrictions. Where do you stand? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts. Over in Quebec, the Legault government could soon be imposing 'significant' financial penalties against those who refuse to get vaccinated. Is this unfair to you? Plus, a Canadian comedian is trying to brighten everyone’s day, even if it’s a simple virtual cameo appearance at a school near you.

On Sunday, 16 new outbreaks were reported in healthcare settings and congregate living spaces across Canada’s Capital. This includes hospitals, long-term care homes, and group homes. That brings us to 95 outbreaks in these settings as of today. Chris Haslett’s 80-year-old mother is stuck in isolation after a pair of staff members at her seniors’ residence tested positive. Kristy Cameron speaks to Chris in Hour 1. The latest data from Ottawa Public Health also shows a scary trend in local hospitals, as 29 new patients have been logged over the past 4 days alone. Dr. Doug Manuel delivers the big picture. A Manitoba cabinet minister has been mocked online over a tweet of his wife shoveling snow. She had just finished a 12-hour hospital shift. Is this tale being overblown? It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to dissect the biggest stories of the week. And finally, if your primary New Year’s resolution is to wake up earlier and go to sleep earlier, what tips and tricks are the most helpful?

Hospitalizations have been increasing at alarming rates across the country. We are starting to see more of those patients enter ICU care. How do we better understand the data in front of us? Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti joins the program in Hour 1. Meantime, as Omicron continues to pick up steam, calls are growing for grocery stores to bring back ‘hero pay’. Should they? UNIFOR President Jerry Dias stops by to explain why the decision to do so is a no-brainer. Plus, we have a must-hear story for music historians in Hour 2, as Evan chats with Ray Dagg. A former Constable with the London Metropolitan Police, he is best known for shutting down The Beatles’ infamous rooftop concert when he was only 19 years old. The iconic British band never performed together in a public setting after that day.

The Ontario government has announced $10,000 in grants to help locked-down businesses. Finance Minister Peter Bethanfalvy joins the show in Hour 1 with the latest details. Are these new measures enough? We get reaction from local businesses throughout the program. A remote community in Northern Ontario has nearly reached its breaking point due to a massive COVID outbreak. As of right now, 400 people call Bearskin Lake First Nation home. Today, 201 of them have COVID-19. Ontario is no longer reporting COVID cases at schools. How should school boards handle the spread of the virus now? Kristy Cameron speaks to Lynn Scott, the Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Plus, Tina Paquin lost her husband to cancer back in November. Today, a local contractor is lending out a helping hand with free renovation work. You get to hear this feel-good story in Hour 2.

Our country’s healthcare system is hanging by a thread thanks to the Omicron variant. How do we fix this? Will the latest curfews and restrictions make a difference? On a totally different note, the Quebec government is preparing to implement a ban on unvaccinated customers from liquor and cannabis stores. Should other provinces follow suit? Plus, it’s been one year since pro-Trump protestors marched into Capitol Hill and placed America in a state of shock. Have we learned anything since then? Joining host Dave Kaufman in this edition of Free For All Fridays are Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar and AM800 Windsor host Dan MacDonald.

The main topic being discussed in the United States relates to what unfolded 365 days ago, as today marks one full year since Capitol Hill was invaded by protestors. What has changed since then? We get the latest in Hour 1. Another round of COVID restrictions hit Ontario on Wednesday, resulting in the postponements of several non-urgent surgeries. This is also bad news for people receiving cancer treatments. That side of the story gets tackled in Hour 3. Meantime, restaurants have been forced to suspend indoor dining. Some of them have decided to make lemonade out of lemons. Kristy Cameron explains how they’ve adapted to these challenging times. Plus, it’s time for the first installment of Tell All Thursday for 2022. What is the worst vacation behaviour you have ever witnessed? If the scenario applies, what is the worst vacation behaviour you have ever committed?

A growing number of people have urged the Canadian government to create a surtax on $1 million homes. The hope of this goal is to rein in prices and fund affordable housing projects. Evan Solomon speaks to Dr. Paul Kershaw, the man behind Generation Squeeze, in Hour 1. Two years ago, Rehana Dhirani’s father died in Iran after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down shortly after takeoff. Nobody survived the plane crash. She doesn’t feel the Iranian government is doing enough to help families recover. In Hour 2, the Quebec government says its COVID-19 vaccine passport will be expanded to a three-dose mandate in the future. Should the rest of Canada follow suit? Plus, we examine the future of democracy one year after the attacks on Capitol Hill.

The federal government struck a $40 billion agreement related to First Nations child welfare on New Year’s Eve. Half of the funds have been earmarked to compensate adults who went through Canada’s residential school system as children, while the other half has been directed towards reform. Cindy Blackstock joins Kristy Cameron with her reaction. Earlier this morning, the Trudeau government announced plans to dish out 140 million rapid tests to Canadian provinces and territories in January. We get a broader picture into Ontario’s battle with the virus, as Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti pays us a visit. Will this partial lockdown go beyond its projected three-week plan? Plus, as local bus drivers are driven to confusion over what masks they should wear, our nurses are growing tired and rapidly burning out.

The setbacks keep on coming in British Columbia. After massive flooding rocked parts of the province a few months ago, hazardous winter conditions are on the way. Metro Vancouver is expecting 10 to 20 centimetres of heavy snow. Fraser Valley is getting freezing rain. Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun has the latest from his neck of the woods in Hour 1. Meantime, a handful of grocery executives received massive bonuses thanks to a boost in pandemic sales. UNIFOR President Jerry Dias sounds the alarm in Hour 2. Plus, it’s a new year, so it’s the perfect time for the first 2022 installment of The War Room.

Ottawa’s restaurants are having an extremely tough time grasping this challenging reality, with one owner sounding off in a stunning op-ed. Joelle Parenteau stops by to vent her frustrations after CFIB President Dan Kelly called Ontario’s Step Two restrictions ‘devastating’ for businesses. How will the never-ending pandemic finally end? How could the COVID variants alter the final outcome? Dr. Amesh Adalja provides some interesting insight for us in Hour 3. Imagine a second set of eyes that could help surgeons avoid major complications or errors. A Canadian team is aiming to do exactly that with the help of a new prototype, which uses artificial intelligence in the operating room. Plus, the classic Blackberry phones that defined a generation ended their final transmission on Tuesday. Tech expert Shruti Shekar reacts to the conclusion of a pivotal timeline in Canadian history.

The Ontario government has introduced Step Two restrictions in another effort to turn the tide against COVID-19. This comes as Omicron cases continue to rise in the province. Have we entered what Evan Solomon calls a ‘complexity bomb’? He takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. Meantime, the President and CEO of the University Health Network is calling on Health Canada to approve Pfizer's antiviral pill amid health system strain. Dr. Kevin Smith explains further in Hour 2. Plus, a group of strangers between the ages of 39 and 78 currently own a Winnipeg house together. We get to the bottom of this story in a 1-on-1 conversation with James Magnus Johnston, the youngest resident of Prairie Rivers Co-Living Cooperative.

On the first Monday of 2022, a massive lineup formed at Billings Bridge Mall, as people waited to get their hands on whatever COVID rapid testing kits they could find. There was just one problem for the people waiting outside: The lineup was inside the mall. Karen Frederick describes what the scene was like in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ontario government has been forced to adapt to the pandemic yet again, adopting several Step Two restrictions. Some critics argue we would be taking things way too far if non-elective surgeries paid the price. What does Ottawa’s top doctor have to say? We find out in Hour 2. Plus, the biggest changes will be made in the classroom, as online-only courses will be the learning model for students and teachers until at least January 17. How are students and teachers feeling?

Zain Velji is filling in for Evan Solomon today. The province of Ontario is trying to tighten its grip on the pandemic by reviving Step Two restrictions. Will this latest scheme work? CTV’s Colin D’Mello breaks down the latest developments from Queen’s Park. Then, we take your calls and texts in Hour 1. Later in today’s program, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business sounds off, arguing that one more day of lost revenue could be the nail in the coffin for a growing number of Ontario-based businesses. Plus, we try to end the show on a lighter note. Brigette Lacquette, a professional hockey player from Manitoba, has become the first Indigenous woman to scout for an NHL team.

We have tragic news to report from Mooney’s Bay after a fatal tobogganing accident unfolded during the Christmas Weekend. CTV’s Colton Praill has the latest in Hour 1. The fight against COVID-19 is still not improving for Team Humanity. Dr. Raywat Deonandan, an Ottawa-based epidemiologist, is now pushing for changes to isolation policies and testing requirements. What should our next steps be? Nick Milito, the owner of Bella’s Boys Kitchen, says the restaurant has chosen not to seat customers since the pandemic began in 2020, but their daily operations continue thanks to curbside pickup. He joins Patricia Boal in Hour 3. Plus, the Ottawa Senators have had three games this week postponed due to COVID. We get the latest developments from TSN’s Claire Hanna.

The CDC has cut down COVID isolation time in half for any American who tests positive. It was 10 days. It is now 5 days. Was this the right call? Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, speaks to Dr. Isaac Bogoch in Hour 1. Meantime, what are the best and worst movies of 2021? Movie critic Richard Crouse has got his list ready. Plus, we debate the weirdest things that have ever been stolen.

It might be the Christmas season, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of the season is alive and well for all families. Some of them have lost loved ones in 2021, a moment that still stings no matter the cause of death. How can we remember those who are no longer with us? Heather Roy from the Team Evelyn Foundation joins fill-in host Zain Velji in Hour 1. Later in today’s show, we explain how a future U.S. President helped avert a nuclear disaster near Canada's Capital. Plus, your strange holiday traditions, big or small, get unpacked and celebrated.

Ottawa Public Health’s new isolation guidelines have stirred up a lot of controversy. During an online press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Vera Etches said an entire household should isolate for 10 days if one member of the household is experiencing any COVID symptoms. Today, the city’s top doctor said those recommendations came from the province. Kristy Cameron gathers a variety of perspectives in Hour 1. Jamie Trick, an orthopedic physiotherapist, says our city needs more healthcare workers to vaccinate the public, and also adds she is willing to help out. Over in Cornwall, one city councillor says residents are feeling overlooked by the province when it comes to rapid testing. Plus, Bryan Brulotte might be considering a mayoral campaign in 2022. What visions does he have for Canada’s Capital? We go 1-on-1 with the Founder and CEO of MaxSys Staffing and Consulting.

Canada’s Capital added 384 new COVID infections on Wednesday, marking a single-day high in our city at any stage of the pandemic. That brings our total to 2,435 active cases. Kristy Cameron breaks down the latest numbers in Hour 4. During a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the Canadian government is expanding eligibility for pandemic supports. Will it be enough to help struggling business owners? Meantime, Ottawa’s top doctor says the city is trying to add testing capacity. So far, nearly 170,000 third-dose boosters have been administered in Canada’s Capital. We take you live to Dr. Vera Etches in Hour 2. And finally, an infection control epidemiologist takes your questions on all-things COVID.

On Wednesday, the Trudeau government unveiled new economic measures to help people stay afloat during the Omicron stage of COVID-19. We take you live for the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, what were the biggest political newsmakers of 2021? It's time for the War Room to reconvene. Plus, we follow the journey of a bobby pin and explain how it led to Demi Skipper buying her very own house.

Eligible residents for a booster shot got up at the crack of dawn to book an appointment. Others in Canada's Capital showed up at their appointment. Depending on who you ask, the mission might have been unsuccessful. Meantime, Ontario's top doctor has the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19. We take you live to Queen's Park for that announcement. Heading into the Christmas weekend, how does Ottawa's wastewater look? A full update is coming your way. In Hour 3, the NHL postpones more games due to COVID outbreaks and backs out of Olympic participation in 2022. TSN's James Duthie breaks down the bigger picture. Plus, after Matt Demers outlines his best and worst movies of 2021, our Ottawa Now Gift Guide continues with CTV's Patricia Boal.

Graham Richardson fills in for Evan Solomon today. Earlier this year, Maggie MacNeil was named Canada's best female athlete of 2020 Tokyo Games. This week, she broke the world record in the women’s 50-metre backstroke to claim Gold at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Maggie joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, an industry group is calling out Canada’s electric vehicles, claiming their charging ambitions are missing the mark. We have more on that story in Hour 2. Plus, with Omicron ruining Christmas plans, how are you dealing with the blues?

The strange practice of ‘obituary piracy’ is getting on the nerves of one Ontario agency. It describes a very disturbing and sickening ploy in which unauthorized websites post inaccurate information about the deceased as a way to make profitable gains. We get the latest in Hour 2. Doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists are paying close attention to hospitalizations as COVID cases rise again. How are things looking in our neck of the woods? What do we need to look out for? Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng stops by in Hour 1. In the province of Quebec, they are bracing for more restrictions in the coming days. Bars, cinemas, restaurants, and schools will all be affected. Dr. Chris Labos has the bigger picture. Meanwhile, it’s time for our Political Heat panelists to dissect the biggest newsmakers of 2021. We get set to ring in the new year at 4:35. And finally, on a lighter note, the Ottawa Now Gift Guide continues with MOVE 100’s Stuntman Stu!

Zain Velji is filling in for Evan Solomon, who is getting a head-start on his Christmas vacation. Before he went hunting for Christmas presents at the local shopping mall, he sat down with Canada’s Prime Minister for a 1-on-1 conversation. We play parts of that chatter in Hour 1. Meantime, what grade do you give Justin Trudeau based on what he’s done in 2021? Zain takes your calls and texts. According to experts, the time has come for the results-only work environment. Why do we need it right now? In Hour 2, we speak to Jody Thompson, a world-recognized future workplace expert. Plus, is there a way to retrofit homes so they can float during floods? A couple of eager beavers are trying to find out.

The war against COVID-19 has taken an ugly turn for Team Humanity. Over the past seven days, Ottawa has posted an average of 98.5 cases per 100,000. Ontarians have been scrambling to find free-of-charge COVID rapid tests. In some places, supply is getting creamed by demand as the shelves go empty in a matter of hours. Thankfully, there might be a Twitter account for that. We get the latest in Hour 2. As capacity limits make their return, how does that affect establishments like the Mayfair Theatre? Josh Stafford, the owner of this Downtown staple, sheds some light on that. Meantime, the strange practice of ‘obituary piracy’ is getting on the nerves of one Ontario agency. David Brazeau, who works with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, joins the show in Hour 3.

Amanda Galbraith, the host of Free For All Fridays, has mixed things up a bit. Our special guests for this week’s show are former NDP leader Tom Mulcair and former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, as the big-name politicians react to the biggest headlines of the past seven days. First of all, Omicron is here and COVID cases are rising across the country. Has this affected your day-to-day routine? Do you plan to change your social behaviour anytime soon? Meantime, the Mayor of Brampton is calling on Canadian cities to stand up and fight back against Quebec’s controversial Bill 21. Will this help or harm the fight to preserve diversity and equality? Plus, we debate the significance of TIME’s Person of the Year Award.

After the country of Afghanistan was thrown into a state of unrest by the Taliban this year, critics argue the Canadian government needs to fast-track Afghan resettlements. Fill-in host Amanda Galbraith chats with Rachel Pulfer, the Executive Director of Journalists for Human Rights. Meantime, an Ontario woman is in a state of shock after calling 911. That’s because she received a staggering fee of 552 dollars for doing so. Plus, Marineland Canada has been gunning to secure a place of refuge for whales. That is, until the site they found in Nova Scotia was polluted. What happens next?

After an open COVID outbreak shut down the Brockville Jail this week, inmates have been forced to relocate to correctional facilities in Ottawa and Lindsay. Criminal defense lawyer Michael Spratt says he has a number of clients at the Brockville Jail who are fearing for their safety in overcrowded conditions. Ontario health officials have unveiled new COVID modelling for the first time in over a month. Heading into the Christmas Weekend, we could be facing 10,000 new cases per day by December 31, according to the province’s Science Advisory Table. We get the latest from Dr. Peter Juni. Plus, as the future of in-person learning heads under the microscope, the City of Ottawa’s pauses its return-to-work plan.

It has been a week for the province of Ontario. General cases are starting to climb as we head towards 2022. The new modelling does not look pretty. And now, the urgency to acquire a booster shot has never been higher. How bad could things get if Ontarians don’t take immediate action? Did the Doug Ford government do enough? Dr. Isaac Bogoch delivers the big picture. Five years ago, Soleiman Faqiri died in a cell at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario. His family has been searching for answers since then. Have they found any? Yusuf Faqiri, Soleiman’s brother, provides an update in Hour 2. Meantime, the Mayor of Brampton is calling on Canadian cities to join the fight against Quebec's Bill 21. Patrick Brown explains further. Plus, this is the last show of 2021 with Evan Solomon. Before he takes advantage of some well-deserved family time, ask him anything!

Starting next week, if you are aged 18-and-above, you are eligible to receive a COVID booster shot in Ontario. Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist, says the province’s recent adaptation to the virus is coming too late. He explains further in Hour 3. While the pandemic could put a lump of coal into everyone’s stocking, could it revitalize the Downtown Core? Shawn Hamilton, the Vice-President of Business Development with Canderel Group, weighs in. If you grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, it was a great time to reside in Canada’s Capital, especially if you were a fan of rock and roll. A lot of these stories have been preserved in a book called Rockin’ The Rideau. Jim Hurcomb, the author, joins us in Hour 2. Plus, our Ottawa Now Gift Guide continues with CFRA traffic reporter Maddy Eisenberg.

On Tuesday, the Trudeau government provided a fiscal update, the first of its kind since Canada headed to the polls in September. Do you agree with the new pandemic proposals? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. Later in the program, members of The War Room reconvene to dish out their thoughts. Plus, Cabinet Ministers have provided an update to Canadians when it comes to travel measures. Their main message: If you don't have to leave Canada, please don't. We take you live to Parliament Hill for the latest.

We are receiving significant news from the province of Ontario, as Dr. Kieran Moore provides another grim update on case counts. When it comes to following through on this year’s Christmas gatherings, the magic words are risk assessment. If it feels safe, proceed with caution. If it’s too risky, don’t do it. Kristy Cameron takes you live to Toronto for the latest developments. If you are looking for tech gifts this Christmas, tech expert Carmi Levy has the Ottawa Now Gift Guide fit for a king. You will find out what goodies are on his wish list in Hour 1. Plus, a couple in Germany has a whopping 444 Christmas trees spread across their household. That’s enough to fill a small village. How much festive vibes are too much? What is your Christmas tree quota? Corey Price delivers his two cents.

This isn't rocket science, but apparently rocket scientists aren't as smart as the saying goes. CTV's Dan Riskin explains why in Hour 1. Meantime, Canada's military has issued an apology to victims of military sexual misconduct. Is the public eye buying it? Plus, parts of Kentucky are picking up the pieces after awful storms gutted the state.

Kingston is delivering a COVID update today and the numbers don’t look pretty at all. In fact, it could tell us a lot about the province of Ontario, and the direction it’s headed within the next few weeks. We take you live in Hour 1. Then, Dr. Earl Brown delivers sobering opinions in Hour 2. Meantime, the province of Quebec shut down nearly 4,000 of its websites over the weekend. This was done as a preventative measure after the Legault government discovered a major security flaw affecting computer systems around the world. And finally, Monday’s biggest headlines get dissected by members of our Political Heat Panel.

Leslie Roberts is filling in for Evan Solomon today. Some of Canada’s leading human rights and public health organizations have released a national drug decriminalization platform for the country. Shedding some light on this topic is Donald MacPherson, the Executive Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. Meantime, Canada’s former Ambassador to China says the country will face consequences if Canadian athletes are targeted by Chinese authorities at the upcoming Beijing Olympics. And finally, how can our country be better equipped to tackle future health challenges?

It has been a very busy week at Ottawa City Hall. Councillors voted on all aspects of the 2022 Municipal Budget, sometimes with a degree of frustration in the air. And then, we got a major bombshell from Ottawa’s Mayor this morning. Jim Watson’s name won’t be on the ballot when everyone heads to the polls in 2022. He outlines the factors that led to this tough decision. We also speak to Bob Chiarelli and Catherine McKenney, a pair of candidates who are gunning for that spot next year. As we’ve mentioned throughout the program, new measures are coming to Ontario as the government adapts to the arrival of the Omicron variant, not to mention the rise in cases. Are these adjustments the right ones to make or are we still leaving ourselves in a vulnerable position? And finally, Matt Demers is ready to deliver his Weekly Movie Picks to your doorstep!

Canada has received a fourth-place ranking when it comes to overall preparation for future pandemics. This week, they generated the most noise by joining a circle of countries in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Games. Meantime, a CEO gave his employees a massive lump of coal after laying them off on a Zoom call. CKTB Niagara host Tim Denis and Northweather partner Zain Velji join host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays.

As discussed on Thursday’s program, the New Zealand government is banning tobacco products for people born after 2008. Amanda Galbraith, filling in for Evan Solomon, breaks down the big picture. Plus, a teacher in Quebec has been reassigned after wearing a hijab while on the job, an action that violates Bill 21. Outraged parents have voiced their frustration.

Brace yourselves, Canadians. Your grocery bill is likely going up again next year. If the projections are as grim as they seem, it will be a price increase between 5 percent and 7 percent, an additional $1,000 of extra food. We get the latest developments in Hour 1. An elementary school in Chelsea, Quebec has caught the public eye’s attention after a Grade 3 teacher was taken out of the classroom. That’s because she was wearing a hijab. Amanda DeGrace, one of many outraged parents, stops by in Hour 3. Plus, we break down the 2022 City Budget that was passed on Wednesday, and the added tension at City Hall.

New Zealand plans to ban cigarettes for future generations. Is this a good idea? Will this new approach be effective? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. Meantime, could psychedelics become a mainstream idea? One start-up company in Calgary, Alberta is betting on it. Danny Motyka, the CEO and Co-Founder of Psygen, joins the program in Hour 2 to explain further. Later in today’s edition, we get the latest on the cleanup efforts in parts of British Columbia, as the province continues to recover from massive November flooding. And finally, CTV’s Dan Riskin explains why insects might be more sensitive than they first appear.

Last week, the House of Commons passed Bill C-4, which would make conversion therapy illegal across Canada. The Senate did the same thing on Tuesday, meaning it only needs Royal Assent to become law. Kristy Cameron speaks to Peter Gadjics, the author of a book called ‘The Inheritance Of Shame’ and a survivor of conversion therapy. A new study is examining the rates of adolescent anorexia in Canada. Spoiler alert: The picture is grim, especially during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Holly Agostino, the lead author of this study, pays us a visit. Plus, the United States made front-page news this week with a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Today, Canada decided to join the movement. Why are countries doing this? Does it achieve anything?

On Tuesday, Evan Solomon spoke to Tiffany Gaura, a frustrated Calgary resident who recently returned from Egypt with her two daughters. They arrived at a COVID quarantine facility on Saturday, a setting that felt like a prison to Gaura. We pick up the conversation in Hour 1. Meantime, the Ghislane Maxwell case continues in court, as a woman alleges she was abused by Maxwell when she was 14 years old. In the music scene, Drake caught the media’s attention when he received a pair of Grammy nominations, and then rejected them. Do award shows matter? We take your calls and texts. Plus, it’s been 41 years since one of The Beatles’ iconic faces was assassinated. Evan goes 1-on-1 with Ivor Davis in Hour 2. He is a former journalist who personally knew all 4 members of the band, including John Lennon.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, Tuesday was a sobering day for Ontarians. New cases and hospitalizations will continue to rise substantially in the province, with or without the Omicron variant, if vaccinations do not increase and further public health measures are not implemented. In a recent op-ed that was published in the Ottawa Citizen, a breast cancer survivor was boiling mad over a breast cancer awareness campaign. We get the details in Hour 2. Meantime, a Canadian traveller is up in arms after being forced to quarantine, even though the COVID test came back negative. We get the bigger picture. Plus, with Christmas just around the corner, are you eager to add some extra flare to that turkey feast? Well, we bring you game-changing news from Butterball, as they have created a hotline for people to call in and get some pointers before the main course heats up.

In Hour 1, Evan Solomon goes 1-on-1 with Yves Giroux, Canada’s former Parliamentary Budget Officer. He explains why supplementary estimates are the most important part of politics, and why Canadians should care. The province of Ontario has unveiled new COVID modelling and the projections look far from pretty heading into Christmas. Dr. Isaac Bogoch delivers the big picture. Over in British Columbia, supply chain issues and the recent floods could dampen the spirit of the season. So could a turkey shortage. The people of Prince Edward Island, meantime, are eagerly awaiting a shipment of potatoes to Parliament Hill. And then, in Hour 2, we hear more COVID quarantine stories from Canadian travellers.

This week, the 2022 City Budget will be brought to the table for a final vote. One of the main topics of conversation leading up to Wednesday’s council meeting is the Police Budget. Rawlson King, a member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, stops by in Hour 1. Ottawa’s West End became the scene of a police investigation on Monday morning. CTV’s Colton Praill delivers the latest developments. Meantime, 32 years after the deadly Polytechnique shooting unfolded, one of the survivors is speaking out about violence against women in Quebec. Plus, Canada’s Ambassador to China is stepping down at the end of December. Dominic Barton’s time in that role was highlighted by the eventual releases of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, as well as a sea of challenges that kept them in Chinese captivity.

This week, the Joe Biden Administration is expected to announce a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Games. Evan Solomon speaks to Dick Pound, a longtime member of the International Olympic Committee and a former Canadian Olympian. In Hour 2, should the Trudeau government follow in America’s footsteps? Why do you think other countries are apprehensive in doing the same thing? We take your calls, emails, and texts. Meantime, a trio of hostages have been released in Haiti, as confirmed by Global Affairs Canada. Plus, as the province of Quebec mourns a series of domestic violence killings, Polytechnique shooting survivor Nathalie Provost speaks out on violence against women.

According to recent estimates from REMAX, housing prices in Ottawa will increase by five percent in 2022. This comes as Canada’s Capital reported a 20 percent increase on building permits and new construction in 2020. Kevin Grimes from REMAX Ottawa stops by in Hour 3. As the cost of living goes up, protecting the money that sits in your bank might have turned into a second job. Which finance-friendly methods can you trust? On Friday, Ontario recorded a single-day COVID tally that surpassed 1,000. We haven’t seen that since late-May. The world’s top health officials remain confident that the measures used to fight against Delta will be successful against Omicron. How prepared are we in Canada?

The recent development and the recent spread of the Omicron variant has resulted in a series of travel bans. However, some critics say they are teetering on the brink of racism. Do they have a point or is it all about protecting lives from a deadly variant? Later in today’s show, it sounds like Barbados has cut ties with the Queen of England. Is it time for our country to follow suit? Plus, Nik Nanos of Nanos Research sees a 'cocktail of pessimism' driving down the Canadians' perception of future living standards. Are you optimistic for the future? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CJAD 800 host Elias Makos and IHeart Radio weekend host Karl Dockstader.

It should be no surprise that Canadian maple syrup has become a calling card for this country. However, did you know that we have a filled-to-the-brim reserve system full of this viscous fluid? It’s true! Fill-in host Amanda Galbraith speaks to Hélène Normandin, the Communications Director for Québec Maple Syrup Producers. Meantime, as the travel bans start to pour in, how has the Tourism sector responded to the latest COVID curveball? We speak to a travel agent based in Montreal. Plus, we get the latest health officials perspective from Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti.

CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson fills in for Evan Solomon on the second day of December. Less than 24 hours ago, for the first time in a long time, party lines didn’t matter. Every single Member of Parliament inside the House of Commons voted to approve the Liberals’ legislation to ban conversion therapy. It was a motion that was even fast-tracked by Canada’s Conservatives. All it needs is a thumbs-up from Canada’s Senators. Gemma Hickey, a conversion therapy survivor, outlines the major significance of Wednesday’s announcement. In Hour 2, we get the latest from British Columbia, as additional rainfall hits the province hard. Plus, as the Omicron variant picks up steam, Dr. Abdu Sharkawy talks booster shots and travel bans.

As the new Omicron variant picks up steam, health experts are preaching caution and urging Canadians not to jump to conclusions. How will Canada’s new measures for international travellers affect people’s Winter vacation plans? Travel expert Lorraine Simpson stops by in Hour 1. Ottawa’s LRT system is slowly getting back on track after a rough sequence of events shelved the entire fleet for several weeks. Today, it gets better for anyone who uses it, as a free month of transit trips begins. Some organizations believe public transit should be free of charge all the time, but Mayor Jim Watson says that would create price increases elsewhere. Later in Hour 2, we explain why December could be a make-or-break month for local retailers. Plus, thousands of handmade wreaths were gathered at Beechwood Cemetery to honour fallen servicemen and servicewomen. That is, until someone stole them.

As we enter the month of December, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading fast. Countries are cracking down on air travel in an effort to limit the damage done. Is it too little, too late? Meantime, some of our country’s youngest residents have launched a court challenge over the current federal voting age. How young is too young to cast your vote for Canada’s political leaders? On a lighter note, Evan Solomon wants to uncover your secret snoozing spots.

With the ability to mutate in a variety of ways, new cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant could grow significantly if we don’t act now. Will the latest pandemic curveball limit the vaccine’s effectiveness in protecting humans from COVID? When it comes to previous reopening measures, do we need to dial things back a notch? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers. One thing that the Trudeau government is doing: Implementing travel measures in select countries. In the first year of the pandemic, a handful of places around the world managed to tame the virus. Some of those areas have recently paid the price during COVID’s recent resurgence, as low levels of natural immunity fuel the fire. Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath is promising a gradual minimum wage increase if her party wins the next provincial election, a rise that would reach 20 dollars per hour by 2026. Plus, after multiple days of shopping deals, today is a chance to give back. However, do we really see a rise in donations on Giving Tuesday?

As the province of British Columbia braces for more flooding, a new report showcases the growing levels of COVID anxiety amongst Canadians. This comes after the Omicron variant was first detected last week. David Coletto, the CEO of Abacus Data, stops by in Hour 1. Meantime, travel bans have taken a bite out of South Africa’s economy. Are we disincentivizing countries from admitting they have a new variation of the virus? Plus, if the Beijing Winter Games take place in 2022, Canada’s top athletes are projected to suffer through an Olympic Medal drought. Did our finest performers just gain a source of inspiration?

Canada’s Capital received some bad news on Sunday. It recorded two new COVID cases that were linked to the South African variant, the first series of confirmed Omicron cases in Canada. How can we beat this new version of the virus? Kristy Cameron speaks to Dr. Peter Juni, the Head of Ontario’s COVID Science Advisory Table. Last week, the City of Ottawa was crossing their fingers and banking on federal workers to return to their workspaces. That’s because businesses in the Downtown Core need support to stay open. Could the new work-from-home culture stifle the city’s hopes and dreams? Meantime, the Trudeau Liberals plan to introduce a beefed-up bill that bans conversion therapy in Canada. Does this bill go far enough? Plus, our Political Heat panelists dissect the biggest political headlines in Hour 3.

The Omicron variant has arrived in Canada. It’s being labeled a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. What do we do now? How do we fight against it? How do we beat it? Dr. Isaac Bogoch joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Then, he takes your calls and texts. Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell's sex-trafficking trial is set to begin today. Prosecutors will be trying to prove that she created a network of underage victims for the late Jeffrey Epstein. We get the latest developments in Hour 2. Plus, a founding member of The Barenaked Ladies pays tribute to a famous Canadian actor…with a song.

As the Christmas shopping season rolls around, is an American shopping tradition getting more traction in our country than the Boxing Day blitz? Kristy Cameron speaks to Michelle Wasylyshen, the National Spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada, on Black Friday. Ontario’s top court has ruled that the owner of a Kanata Lakes golf course has the right to build a housing development on the land. Kanata-Carleton MP Jenna Sudds says the news is disheartening, but the battle is far from over. After severe flooding rocked the province of British Columbia, the Mayor of Princeton is battling Mother Nature and bureaucracy to save his hometown from further destruction. Plus, Ontario’s Premier is calling for action at Canadian border crossings, as a new COVID-19 variant from South Africa could threaten humanity’s future progress against the pandemic. Do we need to change COVID-19 game plans at airports?

Just when you think humanity was getting a leg up on the pandemic, a new threat emerges from South Africa. A new variant of concern is on the loose and it has sparked global travel restrictions. How should we be dealing with this situation? How worried are you? Meantime, it is no secret that our country’s inflation rate is pretty high right now. In your opinion, how much of that blame falls on the shoulders of Canada’s Prime Minister? Is it right for Canadians to point the finger at Trudeau? Plus, should countries consider boycotting the 2022 Beijing Olympics? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are Karen Gordon from Gordon Strategy and CTV News political commentator Scott Reid.

In Hour 1, we talked about the price of inflation and how it has impacted the day-to-day lifestyle of the average Canadian citizen. Local businesses have also been forced to adapt. Gareth Davies, the founder of Maker House, stops by in Hour 2. A litigation lawyer says she has seen a significant increase in the number of clients who have secured a new home with no conditions. Those same homeowners are seeking legal recourse for problems that appeared after moving day. Meanwhile at Parliament Hill, the Trudeau Liberals are calling for a Hybrid Parliament, a move that is getting support from Canada’s NDP. However, the Conservatives fear the Liberals are about to create a roadmap to avoid scrutiny in the House of Commons. Plus, it’s time to let it all out on Tell All Thursday!

On Thursday, the Trudeau government announced a new immigration pathway for the extended families of Afghan interpreters. What are the pros and cons surrounding this game plan? Hameed Amir Khan is one of five members who organized a negotiating group representing 300 former Canadian interpreters and their families. He joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meantime, Amita Kuttner is going to serve as the Interim Leader for Canada’s Green Party, making her the youngest person and the first trans person to lead a federal political party. Plus, the COVID vaccination policies implemented by a Canadian ice cream chain has created an onslaught of hate mail from anti-vaxxers.

Ottawa’s Police Board has approved its 2022 Budget after a series of marathon meetings. Well, sort of. It’s a 2 percent increase worth an additional $11.45 million in funding, almost a full percent down from a proposed 2.9 percent increase. Police Chief Peter Sloly says this will put significant pressure on our city’s police officers. Critics of this budget, however, wanted a complete freeze. Are they satisfied with what unfolded? Meantime, in the fight against COVID, Ontario’s seven-day rolling average of new infections continues to rise. The daily case counts from last Saturday and Sunday surpassed 700. How are we faring as a province ahead of the Christmas season? Plus, anti-vaxxers have recently taken aim at Chapman's Ice Cream over the company's COVID vaccination policy.

Several sectors of British Columbia are trying to pick up the pieces after last week’s devastating floods and mudslides. However, things could get worse before they get better, as the next 3 storms expected to hit the province are being labeled as ‘atmospheric rivers’. Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun joins us with the latest. Meanwhile in Newfoundland, an unprecedented storm has its sights directed at the province’s southwestern areas. As businesses try to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, how will today’s stores be able to compete with Amazon? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Plus, a NASA spacecraft could boldly go where very few spacecrafts have gone before, as it is on course to crash into an asteroid after launching.

Over 50 people spoke at the Ottawa Police Services Board meeting on Monday, voicing their concerns over budget increases. The conclusion of this meeting was pushed to Tuesday afternoon. Residents in our city’s East End are voicing their concerns about a rat problem. Complaints of rodents in Canada’s Capital have more than doubled since 2019 and a growing theory suggests that LRT construction is driving the rats out. After getting a taste of what it feels like to work from home, some of our country’s workforce might not be motivated to return to the workplace. Kristy Cameron speaks to Meredith Thatcher, a workplace strategist at Agile Work Evolutions. In Hour 4, we get to your texts and emails on this subject matter.

Evan Solomon is diligently covering today’s Throne Speech for CTV News, so Leslie Roberts is sitting in the big chair. Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the truck driver that was convicted of several charges in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, is fighting to avoid deportation once his sentences are completed. Do you think he should stay in Canada? In Hour 2, Little Tikes unveils a Peloton-like bike for kids. However, if you ask child development experts, they might not be so eager to give this creation a seal of approval. Plus, a new poll tells us how Canadians really feel about today’s governments, particularly when it comes to how they’ve handled the COVID-19 pandemic so far.

The NHL’s Ottawa Senators are scheduled to hit the ice tonight in Colorado after their previous 3 games were postponed due to a COVID outbreak. However, the team will be operating under a bubble format during their four-game road trip. Canadian MP’s have returned to the House of Commons for the next session of Parliament. This comes after September’s minority win for the Trudeau Liberals. What issues should be at the top of this government’s agenda? It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to reconvene. Over in British Columbia, as one storm subsides on the province’s North Coast, another event threatens to cause more chaos. What should residents be expecting this week? Plus, as a kid-friendly vaccine gets a seal of approval from Health Canada, what would you say to a parent who is hesitant to get their child vaccinated? Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, the Chair of Immunize Canada, stops by in Hour 1.

It’s time for Canadian MPs to hit the books, as the next session of Parliament gets underway. What is the top issue on your mind that you want our politicians to address? We set the stage throughout the course of today’s program. A proposed nasal vaccine to treat Alzheimer’s Disease will be put to the test during a U.S. clinical trial. We get the latest from Dr. Howard Weiner, the man who will be leading the research. Later in Hour 2, the families of Canadian military veterans voice an urgent need for suicide prevention support. In Wisconsin, chaos is unfolding after a car drove into a massive parade at top speed. Five people have lost their lives and 40 others have been injured.

On Friday, Health Canada gave Pfizer’s kid-friendly vaccine a thumbs-up for anyone aged 5-11. What does the approval of a kid-friendly vaccine mean to you? We get instant reaction from the mighty CFRA Nation throughout today’s program. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, a massive shortage is facing our country’s trucking industry. Could this country-wide issue trigger a major crisis? The Ontario government is pushing for a public inquiry into Ottawa’s LRT system. However, we don’t know if this inquiry will get the job done. If further funds are held back, where does that leave our transit system? And finally, we have some good news for Sens fans, as the team has gone 4 straight days without a positive COVID test. Ian Mendes delivers the latest developments before a planned trip to Colorado.

British Columbia residents are reeling after massive flooding and dangerous mudslides rocked various areas of the province. Earlier this year, a series of summer wildfires destroyed everything in sight. Will this finally serve as a climate change wake-up call for Canadians? Today, we received huge news from Health Canada, who approved Pfizer’s kid-friendly vaccine for anyone aged 5-11. Is a vaccine passport for kids the next step forward? Plus, as supply chain woes take a turn for the worse, could Santa Claus receive a massive wrench in his stocking before December’s global journey? CJAD 800 host Natasha Hall and CFAX 1070 host Ryan Price join host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays.

At various stages of the ongoing pandemic, a growing number of healthcare workers have been on the receiving end of physical and online violence in Canada. Today, the Canadian Medical Association is strongly urging the Trudeau government to implement new measures that would protect these workers. Evan Solomon speaks to CMA President Dr. Katharine Smart in Hour 1. Meantime, a school board in Durham, Ontario is phasing out Kindergarten classes at some of its French Immersion schools. What is the value of Kindergarten classes? How badly do we need them? Kathleen Wynne, the former Premier of Ontario, delivers her two cents in Hour 2. Your calls, texts, and emails will follow. Plus, a young man ordered a Letterman jacket in high school many years ago, but he couldn't afford to pick it up. And then, 28 years later, his brother found that same jacket at a thrift shop.

Until we have 15 trains on the rails, and reliable service is being provided to transit users, the City of Ottawa says a proposed hike on transit fares will be frozen indefinitely. When will we have 15 trains on the tracks? At the moment, we don’t have an answer. The problem-plagued system has also generated lots of conversation at Queen’s Park. What does the Doug Ford government plan to do next? We get the latest developments. Meantime, CTV News has confirmed the Trudeau government will be lifting the PCR test requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers returning to Canada after short trips. How do these changes impact border towns in Canada and the United States? Meantime, Canadian phone providers are being asked by the CRTC to crack down on robocalls. Tech expert Carmi Levy has more. And finally, we take a tour of the CHEO Dream Home!

Colleen Kirkpatrick is a Canadian farmer who currently resides in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She owns 3 horses and 45 chickens. However, due to the recent flooding that has plagued the province she calls home, Colleen’s horses were left behind. She joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meantime, are we living in a world where we’ve come to accept crazy things? Your texts, calls, and emails are on the way. In Hour 2, the dismissal of a Conservative Senator and the upcoming Three Amigos Summit gets dissected by The War Room. And finally, CTV’s Dan Riskin stops by to outline 20 predictions over the next 20 years.

Stephen Poloz, the now-former Governor for the Bank of Canada, is backing a company’s vision to make home ownership more attainable for Canadians. Is this vision realistic and affordable? After a series of Carleton University classes for the upcoming Winter semester were moved online, students showed their frustration with an online petition. Kristy Cameron speaks to Lydia Wilson, a first-year Commerce student at Carleton. When city councillors reconvene on Wednesday, Councillor McKenney plans to introduce a motion that would help the less fortunate commute more efficiently in Canada’s Capital. Plus, we speak to Betty-Ann McDonnell, a B.C. resident that was forced to evacuate due to flooding.

The mysteries that surrounded a Cleveland bank heist dragged on for 54 years…until today. The code has been cracked. The mystery has been solved. Why did it take so long for justice to prevail? Evan Solomon tries to get some answers in Hour 1. After last week’s partnership with Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, Tim Horton’s is cooking up a new Espresso launch. Have the coffee chain’s recent game plans stirred up a few degrees of confusion? In Hour 2, we get the latest developments on the massive floods in British Columbia. Is there an end in sight or could things get even worse? Plus, if you thought that Erin O’Toole had survived a recent leadership scare in the Conservative Party, don’t pop the champagne bottle just yet. A petition has been launched to oust him as party leader.

Ottawa’s largest public school board is currently operating on a modified semester system, a method that has recently generated a lot of conversation. Under this game plan, students are taking two courses a day for a full week, and then switch things up the following week. That means high school students are attending classes that go beyond the two-hour mark. Is this too much learning for one brain to take? In the NHL, after playing both sets of a back-to-back at Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators have postponed their next 3 games due to a COVID-19 outbreak, which started 10 days ago. Did the league react fast enough? Provincial governments in Ontario and Quebec have backtracked on the idea of implementing vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. However, a new poll from the Angus Reid Institute says a majority of Canadians support the idea of dismissing workers who refuse to get the jab. It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to reconvene.

Evan Solomon is back, but with a heavy heart, after the passing of his father. What has helped you the most in dealing with grief? Your texts, calls, and emails are on the way in Hour 1. In Australia, it seems that health officials and politicians are taking a different approach in the fight against COVID-19, as the unvaccinated are told to stay at home. The main issue in British Columbia these days is flooding, while the main Canada-wide issue these days is food inflation. We tackle both of those topics in Hour 2. Plus, Atlantic Canada has seen just about everything that Mother Nature has to offer…except a rare Russian eagle sighting. That recently changed.

Ellen White, a former private investigator turned podcaster, has cracked open missing person cases all across Canada. CTV’s Molly Thomas previews this weekend’s episode of W5. Here at home, the LRT is back in business following a mid-September shutdown that lasted for 54 days. Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper has been diligently documenting his morning commutes from Westboro Station to City Hall. How did this morning’s adventure go? He joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. According to new COVID projections from Ontario’s Science Table, indoor gatherings and cooler temperatures are driving a rise in cases. Plus, if you prefer a perfectly plucked Christmas tree, you may need to make some compromises for 2021.

Conservative leader Erin O’Toole made a series of waves this week after he left numerous MPs out of his Shadow Cabinet. This comes after those same MPs questioned COVID-19 vaccination policies. Over in Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe wants the province to operate as a ‘nation within a nation’. He plans to do this by increasing autonomy. Will this plan work or will it royally backfire in Moe’s face? Plus, a well-known Canadian coffee chain is teaming up with a Canadian pop-star, as new mini-donut flavours hit the shelves. Conservative entrepreneur Jenni Byrne and CFAX 1070 Victoria host Al Ferraby join host Amanda Galbraith in this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays.

Thousands of people gathered for Remembrance Day ceremonies across the Nation’s Capital, including the National War Memorial. For those who previously represented Canada in the Middle East, 2021 has been a tough year, as they watch the Taliban take over Afghanistan piece by piece. Later in the show, we find out more about Project 44, an online map of the Western Front during the Second World War. In Hour 2, we go 1-on-1 with Cathy Curry, a former public school board trustee and the next councillor for Kanata North. Plus, the Ottawa Senators are missing 8 players, all of whom are in COVID-19 Protocols.

Fifteen years ago, during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan, Canadian veteran Trevor Greene was struck in the head with an axe. Trevor survived this scary ordeal and currently lives in Surrey, British Columbia. Today, he works at the Legion Veterans Village Centre for Excellence in an advisory role. Greene joins Tamara Cherry, who is filling in for Evan Solomon, on Remembrance Day. In a recently-published article from The Globe And Mail, Canadian War Museum historian Tim Cook describes Canada’s century-old poppy, and why our attitudes towards war and peace must evolve with it. He explains further in Hour 2. Plus, a police officer in British Columbia was shown the door after he called in sick 25 different times to coach hockey games. Have you ever called in sick for an obscure reason?

Commuters have been waiting eight weeks for the Confederation Line to reopen. On Wednesday, we learned that seven trains will be operational as of Friday. Will you be hitching a ride? Kristy Cameron takes your calls and texts in Hour 4. It’s all part of today’s Question of the Day. After the majority of Ottawa city council voted for an Auditor General inquiry into the problem-plagued LRT system, the Doug Ford government says it might consider launching a public inquiry into the matter. Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney says this warning sign serves as a major blow to our city’s reputation, and we need to get things right before Ontario intervenes. If you have an Instagram account, you might have noticed an interesting trend. For every picture of a dog that was posted, one tree was planted. And then, we saw a flood of cat photos. How did this movement begin? Plus, we delve into why an Indigenous Advisory Committee at the OCDSB is pondering the idea of pulling the National Anthem out of classrooms.

Once again, Zain Velji fills in for Evan Solomon. On today’s show, the National Council for Canadian Muslims is calling on the Ontario government to do more in the fight against Islamophobia. Step One: Put pen to paper and adopt the Our London Family Act. Mustafa Farooq explains the significance of this document in Hour 1. On a completely different note, would you pay hard-earned money to send your child to an ‘anti-woke university’? What does the word ‘woke’ even mean anymore? Zain opens up the phone lines and takes your emails. In Hour 2, a petition forces a Vancouver-founded beer company to replace controversial art. Do you think this story was blown out of proportion? Plus, you will get to meet a cardiac surgeon that saved the lives of two men with CPR, followed by open-heart surgery.

As we head into Week 8 of no LRT service, we still don’t have a firm date on restoration timelines. To make matters worse, another incident was reported in the maintenance yard on Monday. Plus, as we inch closer to the final voting process, city budget issues are heating up. It’s time for our Municipal Heat panelists to reconvene. In today’s Question of the Day, how do you feel about the potential return of capacity limits? Dr. Peter Juni says we could see that sooner rather than later if the COVID landscape continues to flare up. Meantime, CHEO is seeing an increase of respiratory virus cases that are not related to COVID-19. What is causing this concerning increase? And finally, in an effort to quell an ongoing PSW shortage in Renfrew County, Algonquin College is teaming up with Bonnechere Manor to form a joint PSW program. It is currently seeking students who love helping the elderly and are prepared for physical work. Keltie Jones, the Dean of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, joins us in Hour 3.

Canada’s Finance Minister says the CEO of Air Canada should speak French, and is now suggesting that all senior management should do the same. In your eyes, are these comments from Chrystia Freeland teetering on the verge of government overreach? Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, takes your texts and calls in Hour 1. Later in today’s program, a first-of-its-kind map outlines the future Canadian flood zones. Which areas of our country pose the greatest risk for these natural disasters? In Hour 2, we have the latest on the world’s first-ever renewable energy body heat club, which is launching in Scotland. Plus, a 20-year-old concertgoer outlines her near-death experience at the AstroWorld concert.

If you are a snowbird that usually heads south during the Winter months, do you plan to continue that tradition in 2022 now that the USA land border has reopened? We try to get some answers in Hour 1, as the Executive Director of the Canadian Snowbirds Association stops by. This is also a monumental day if you are one of the country’s border cities, as profit from American consumers starts to pour in. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. A group of politicians are calling on the Trudeau government to scrap PCR testing at the Canada-USA border for Canadians re-entering the country. Is this a wise game plan to implement? We get instant reaction from our Political Heat panelists. Plus, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators cancelled Monday’s practice for precautionary reasons after five people were placed in the league’s COVID Protocol system. The team is slated to play in Boston on Tuesday night.

We cannot confirm if Evan Solomon visited the USA land border. We can confirm that Zain Velji was filling in. Speaking of the land border, we get the latest reaction from CTV Windsor reporter Rich Garton, as tourism dollars start to pile up. In Houston, a dark cloud still lingers over the city after Astroworld Fest turned ugly. Did the tragic events during Saturday’s Travis Scott concert alter your opinion of live-music events? Will you attend another one in the near future after watching these disturbing videos? Later in Hour 2, the Kabul safehouse closures take a turn for the worse. We explain why.

Until we inch closer to the partial relaunch date, no target date for LRT restoration is forthcoming. A few hours after that message was relayed, word got out that ‘vibrations’ with the trains was detected during Thursday’s round of tests. This comes one day after the TSB unveiled a series of troubling events that led to the September derailments. Transit Commissioner Allan Hubley stops by with his reaction. Then, our Municipal Heat Panel weighs in. Ontario’s mini-budget, unveiled on Thursday afternoon, includes $8.1 million to help children with eating disorders. How do we reverse the damage done? Plus, in this week’s edition of CTV’s W5, an insider comes forward to address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Military, and further outline how allegations are handled in the Armed Forces.

Over the past few days, Prime Minister Trudeau has promoted Canada’s vision for climate action at the COP26 Meetings. Among other things, he has promised a price on pollution and a cap on emissions. Is Canada ready for this? Also, are these climate change gatherings effective? Meanwhile, the Canadian government has been speaking to Indigenous communities about the upcoming nation-wide ceremonies for Remembrance Day. Are we going to raise, and then re-lower, all Canadian flags ahead of November 11? Should the Indigenous peoples have a say as to when the nation’s flag will be raised? In Ontario, the Doug Ford government plans to boost minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour in 2022. Is this proposed 65-cent increase high enough? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CTV political analyst Scott Reid and political campaign strategist Zain Velji.

After multiple days of testing, Ottawa's LRT system began simulations of regular light rail service on Thursday morning. Meantime, the Transportation Safety Board provided an update on the events that led to the September derailments, specifically the inaction that took place days prior. In Hour 1, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario slams the Doug Ford government following its decision to opt against mandatory COVID vaccines for healthcare workers. Plus, Canada’s Capital and parts of Eastern Ontario will serve as the backdrop for five Christmas movies. What makes these areas so desirable?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he won't impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for provincial healthcare workers. A growing number of doctors think this is a bad idea. What does the President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association think of all this? Dr. Alika Lafontaine joins the program with his thoughts. Later in Hour 1, we turn things over to you. If your parent was in the hospital, and you discovered that the nurse who treated them wasn’t vaccinated, would that bother you? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails. In Hour 2, the FBI releases declassified documents on the September 11 attacks. What did we learn that we didn’t know before?

Today, for a brief moment, the biggest city news story wasn’t the Confederation Line. That’s because, in the latest city council meeting, we got a sneak peek at the 2022 Draft Budget. The real deal will be up for discussion within the next couple of weeks. We get instant reaction from River Ward councillor Riley Brockington and Innes Ward councillor Laura Dudas. Meantime, we turn our attention to the latest LRT developments. The Doug Ford government says it could freeze $60 million in funding, a holdback that was already in place and hinged on the submission of a compliance audit. Mayor Jim Watson joins Kristy Cameron with the latest. Plus, a 13-year-old boy named Nolan Tucker kept himself occupied during quarantine by making a movie. And now, that pandemic project is slated to make its debut on the big screen. He stops by to discuss Wednesday’s Mayfair Theatre premiere performance of ‘608’.

When is the last time you have gone to a movie theatre to watch the latest films? In the late stages of Hour 1, Evan Solomon explains how catching a movie at the nearest cinema is getting to be so expensive these days. Meantime, COVID booster shots are coming to Ontario. What did the Ford government achieve in this approach? Are they lacking anything in this game plan? Dr. Andrew Morris stops by to break it down for us. Plus, it’s the battle of common knowledge vs. the Internet with Dan Riskin.

On Tuesday morning, Ontario’s Premier announced a minimum wage increase, the first time that has happened since January 2018. Here’s one problem: The cost of living is going up. Craig Pickthorne from the Ontario Living Wage Network stops by to discuss further. CFIB President Dan Kelly argues this wage hike hurts struggling businesses that are trying to survive the pandemic. What does UNIFOR President Jerry Dias think of this decision? We ask him in Hour 2. Plus, the deadline for federal public servants to declare their vaccination status has passed. Up to 27,000 people failed to do so. What happens next?

Good news for Ontarians: The minimum wage is going up from $14.25 per hour to $15.00 per hour. The downside: So is the cost of living. Evan Solomon explains further. Later in Hour 1, we also get the inside scoop on the COP26 Summit. Meantime, just days after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman met with the media to discuss the Chicago Blackhawks scandal, another team in hockey’s top league is at the centre of attention for the wrong reasons. On the lighter side of the news cycle, the small Ontario town of Smooth Rock Falls has offered land plots for 500 bucks. Real estate, as you can imagine, has exploded.

Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury wants the City of Ottawa to make changes to the e-scooter program. This comes after several residents saw scooters lying around in the middle of nowhere, with some even being discovered in the Rideau Canal. Is it time for Ottawa to scrap this project? Prime Minister Trudeau says Canada will impose a hard cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector, arguing the science is clear and insists we need to do more. It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to assemble in Hour 3. Speaking of finances, CTV’s John Crupi has a preview of what could be included in our city’s 2022 Budget. Plus, as more than one-third of pregnant women in Ontario remain unvaccinated against the pandemic, the Ontario Medical Association is starting a new campaign to combat vaccine hesitancy in this group. Dr. Constance Nasello joins Kristy Cameron to explain the game plan.

Last week was one of the darkest in NHL history after a sexual assault victim revealed his identity and outlined how the league failed him for 11 years. Commissioner Gary Bettman has met with the Chicago Blackhawks organization, veteran coach Joel Quenneville, the Florida Panthers organization, and former player Kyle Beach. Today, he met with members of the hockey media. We take you live to that media availability session in Hour 2, and then get reaction from a sports legal analyst. CTV’s Glen McGregor, meantime, delivers the latest on this year’s G20 Summit from Italy. Plus, what are the biggest issues facing Canada right now? Evan Solomon takes your texts, calls, and emails.

On Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Trudeau assembled his Cabinet Ministers, and he wasn’t afraid to shake things up. Steven Guilbeault is now in charge of the Environment portfolio, an interesting choice in the eyes of political pundits due to Guilbeault’s background as an environmental activist. Does this decision sit well with you? Meantime, former NHL prospect Kyle Beach has come forward as ‘John Doe’ in the Chicago Blackhawks sex assault investigation. Is there a culture problem within the league? What about the wide world of sports? Plus, PETA wants Major League Baseball to rename the ‘bullpen’ to something more animal-friendly. Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CKTB Niagara weekend host Karl Dockstader and Newstalk 1010 Toronto host Jerry Agar.

On Thursday, the Ontario government announced that restrictions on large-scale outdoor events would be lifted. This potentially paves the way for full-capacity Remembrance Day ceremonies and Santa Claus parades. Does that mean Ottawa Public Health gives these events a thumbs-up? In Hour 2, a City of Ottawa long-term care worker faces an allegation of sexual abuse against a resident. In a memo to city council, Ottawa’s GM of Community and Social Services says the incident happened on Tuesday, and updates will be provided after a police investigation is completed. Ontario’s Education Minister says up to 50,000 education workers could lose their jobs if COVID-19 vaccines were mandated for that sector. OSSTF President Karen Littlewood stops by in Hour 3. Ahead of this year’s Halloween festivities, we also delve into what makes us scared. And finally, it’s time for another edition of Tell All Thursday.

Clean Prosperity, a Canadian non-profit organization that aims to find market-based solutions to the climate crisis, has unveiled a new report. It states the Trudeau Liberals’ Climate Plan has a reasonable shot at meeting its 2030 targets. Michael Bernstein, the Executive Director of Clean Prosperity, pays us a visit. Back in 2008, Kyle Beach was a first-round NHL draft pick that was eager to help an Original Six franchise win the Stanley Cup. On Wednesday, in an emotional conversation with TSN’s Rick Westhead, Kyle came forward as ‘John Doe’ in the Chicago Blackhawks sex assault scandal. Evan Solomon speaks to Susan Loggans, a Chicago-based attorney that represents Beach, in Hour 2. It begs the question: How do we change the NHL culture moving forward? We take your calls, texts, and emails on that subject. Plus, we explain why Premier Legault is losing patience with a growing number of family doctors in Quebec.

Imagine a world with a kid-friendly COVID vaccine. According to Ontario’s Health Minister, it might happen soon for anyone between the ages of 5 and 11. We get the latest in Hour 1. Ottawa’s Canterbury High School has recently shut down a Grade 12 course, saying the controversial decision was made due to funding and enrollment issues. Students have outlined their concerns to the school board. In an effort to help heal relationships with Indigenous communities, Pope Francis plans to visit Canada in the near future. What, if anything, will this apostalic journey accomplish? Plus, do you think full LRT service will return by mid-December? We take your calls and texts.

We have an update on the investigation at a movie set near Santa Fe. Last week, an accidental incident with a prop gun led to an injury and a fatality at the ‘Rust’ shooting location. Production has since been suspended. The latest developments uncovered in Hour 1. Later in the show, members of the War Room reconvene to tackle Tuesday’s Cabinet unveilings and demotions. Meantime, a Vancouver city councillor didn’t face a single charge after handing out heroin. We explain why in Hour 2. Plus, the quantity of strawberries inside of Pop-Tarts could be the difference between a satisfied customer and a massive lawsuit.

It’s been a long run, and a good run. Corner Gas’ final episode will air on November 1 at eight o’clock Eastern Time. The iconic Canadian TV staple first aired in 2004 and ran for 6 seasons, which led to a movie in 2014 and an animated series in 2018. Brent Butt joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. We are less than a month away from the next session of Parliament. Today, we got a sense of which Liberal MPs will be handling Canada’s top portfolios. Can this administration get the job done? It’s time for our Political Heat panelists to reconvene. Since the start of COVID-19, supply chain issues have become a common theme all around the world. As a result, Canadian manufacturers have been diligently trying to add more suppliers closer to home. Shauna Brail joins the program in Hour 2. Plus, it seems that police officers won’t be receiving mandatory COVID vaccine orders. Why do our city’s law enforcement bodies get a different message than other industries?

Jamil Jivani is filling in for Evan Solomon today. In the first Cabinet announcement since his party’s re-election in September, Prime Minister Trudeau has decided to shake things up. Canada will have a new Defence Minister, Health Minister, and Foreign Affairs Minister going forward. CTV’s Tom Mulcair breaks down Tuesday’s events for us. According to CIBC, Canadian parents have given a combined $10 billion to adult children over the past 12 months to buy homes. CIBC Deputy Chief Economist Benjamin Tall has more in Hour 1. Meantime, the province of Ontario has introduced legislation that would force some employers to develop right-to-disconnect policies. This would allow workers to unplug from their office space after their shift wraps up. Would this change anything? Plus, a social media giant is expected to rebrand as a metaverse company. What exactly is a metaverse company?

The first-ever hire in Ottawa Redblacks history is looking for a new line of work. The team is now 2-9 in a shortened campaign and will miss the CFL Playoffs for a second straight year. Marcel Desjardins, tasked with assembling rosters since Day One, took the fall. Ontario businesses are operating at full-capacity for the first time in the COVID era. It’s a day for rejoicing, but a hint of trepidation still looms for restaurants and bars. Is staffing still an issue? Ola Cocina owner Donna Chevrier joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. The University of Ottawa is offering free therapy sessions for people who are afraid of needles. By doing this, they are hoping to encourage more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Andrea Ashbaugh, a clinical psychologist, stops by in Hour 3. Plus, our Political Heat panelists reconvene 24 hours before the Trudeau government unveils its new Cabinet Ministers.

An historic 'bomb cyclone' in British Columbia has resulted in dozens of ferry cancellations and power outages. Victoria CFAX 1070 host Ryan Price joins Evan Solomon with the latest. Over in Quebec, the provincial government has unveiled a curriculum reform. This is being done to replace the former Ethics and Religious Culture program. Christopher Skeete, a member of the National Assembly of Quebec, stops by to explain further. Do you think this is a good idea? Your calls, texts, and emails will follow in Hour 2. Plus, would you create a Tinder account to search for family doctors? Dr. Maddie Venables from the University of Ottawa plans to give this game plan a test run.

This Friday marks a day that several Ontarians have been waiting for. Hours ago, at Queen’s Park, we got a better idea of how we can exit Step 3 of the reopening roadmap. Do you think Doug Ford’s latest game plan covers all the bases? Which weak points are the most concerning? Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti stops by to outline his thoughts in Hour 2. We also get a wide range of reaction from local business owners as the show progresses. South of the border, a prop gun misfire on the southern outskirts of Santa Fe has led to the fatal shooting of a cinematographer, putting a famous actor in very hot water. Bruce Harvey, a former film producer and current Film Commissioner with the Ottawa Film Office, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. Plus, it’s time for Matt Demers to deliver his Weekly Movie Picks! Warning: We can’t promise that horror films were excluded in this week’s list.

The Canadian government plans to spend $7.4 billion dollars for new pandemic support systems. This news gets delivered a few days before the cancellation of current support programs for individuals and businesses. Is this what our country needs right now? Meantime, Ontario’s Premier was under fire this week over comments he made about immigration. Critics have called on Doug Ford to apologize for his poor choice of words. Which portions of his message, in your opinion, were out of line? Plus, we tackle the idea of a country-wide soft drink tax and the idea of a four-day workweek in this edition of Free For All Fridays. Joining host Amanda Galbraith is CKLW Windsor host Mike Kakuk and CFAX Victoria host Ryan Price.

In Hour 1, the Kemptville Hospital's Emergency Department shuts down due to an I.T. disruption. CTV Ottawa reporter Nate Vandermeer has the latest. On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Trudeau unveiled Canada’s new vaccine passport for international travel. How does this system work? What do you need to know before your next overseas trip? Travel expert Lorraine Simpson explains further. Meantime, how is this system different from the provincial game plans in Ontario and Quebec? We tackle those angles as well. As for the CRB benefits, they cease to exist as of this Saturday. Do companies in Canada’s tourism sector still need assistance to make ends meet? We try to get some answers in Hour 3. And later, an Ontario woman is absolutely outraged after Independent MPP Randy Hillier used her late sister’s photo in an anti-vaccine social media post. Ammarah Navab joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 4.

On Thursday, targeted COVID support measures to create jobs and growth were announced by the Canadian government. Evan Solomon speaks to Mark Agnew, the Senior V.P. of Policy and Government Relations at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. In Hour 2, the National Football League says there will be no more race-based brain testing in today’s game, with a gigantic $1 billion settlement to back it up. Meantime, a 'massive fraudulent' scheme has cost investors millions of dollars. This sticky situation, according to accusations, could involve a Canadian racing driver. CTV’s Glen McGregor explains further. And finally, Sikh men are using makeshift ropes out of turbans to save hikers. Kuljinder Singh and Arvindjeet Singh explain how.

A few days ago, Rideau Transit Group proposed a revival date of the LRT service on November 1, but only up to 7 trains and a potential spare train would be available. When asked about this plan, Ottawa’s City Manager said the first 2 weeks of November is the most likely scenario. Alstom, the company tasked with making Ottawa’s fleet of trains, will recruit fresh and qualified resources. Councillor McKenney’s response: Why now and not sooner? Laura Shantz of Ottawa Transit Riders joins the show in Hour 1. We also get more information on the events that led to September’s significant derailment. According to reports, Facebook could be rebranding in the near future. Can this social media giant turn over a new leaf? Meantime, Canada’s inflation rate rose by 4.4 percent in September, the highest inflation levels we’ve seen in two decades. And finally, do you feel more sleep-deprived in the Fall months? Sleep specialist Andrew Holmes is on the (pillow) case!

Mandatory vaccines are coming to Parliament Hill. As of November 22, when the next session begins, nobody will be allowed into the House of Commons precinct unless they have been fully-vaccinated against the virus for a span of at least 14 days. This could be a problem for the Conservatives, as party leader Erin O’Toole hasn’t disclosed how many of his MP’s have received both doses. The CPC’s are also against the new policy. In 2022, there will be a soft drink tax coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. Should this be a Canada-wide game plan? Evan Solomon takes your calls. Meantime, life has been busy for one of Canada’s top Olympians. Damian Warner claimed a Gold Medal in Men’s Decathalon at the 2020 Tokyo Games, which led to him waving the Canadian flag at the Closing Ceremonies. He is now gearing up for 2024, enjoying his new job of being a father, and taking his place on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

A well-known anti-trans activist was spotted outside Nepean High School this morning. It’s all part of a planned tour for B.C. resident Chris Ellson, who says he is standing up to gender ideology. Ellson also claims the education system is indoctrinating children. We get reaction from councillors and residents about this protest in Hour 1. Ottawa’s problem-plagued LRT system will remain closed until November. When it comes back, RTG is aiming for partial service with seven trains on the tracks. That headline doesn’t sit well with Stuart MacKay, who is a member of Ottawa Transit Riders. Canada’s Capital has surpassed a major COVID vaccination milestone, as 90 percent of eligible residents have received at least one dose. What significance does this milestone hold? Dr. Gerald Evans stops by in Hour 2. Plus, Pfizer is one step closer to implementing a COVID vaccine for Canadian kids. It has already asked Health Canada to approve its shot for children, set between the ages of 5 and 11.

On Monday, Ontario’s Premier made a stern message to new provincial workers. He says, if you want to come here and work for a living, prepare to work. His critics, however, didn’t like the delivery and the tone of his message. How did you read into Doug Ford’s comments? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. Meantime, can a new cognitive technique have enough power to sway public opinion? Dan Riskin stops by to investigate. In Hour 2, the NDP’s leader of the House of Commons says delaying the return of Parliament until late-November will affect Canada’s COVID-19 benefits.

A crowd of students quickly turned a celebratory homecoming weekend at Kingston’s University District out of hand. Today, local politicians are calling on Queen's University to get tougher with its students. Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson joins the program in Hour 1. A mission to fix Ottawa’s problem-plagued LRT system will continue for at least another 2 weeks following a memo to city councillors. Diane Deans, the representative for Gloucester-Southgate Ward, joins the show to outline her thoughts. The family of a missing Ottawa man is offering a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to his safe return. A missing person report was filed for 35-year-old Shopify executive Brett O'Grady last Thursday. He was last seen in the Avro Circle area in the city’s East End. Meantime, we know when the Canada/USA land border will reopen to Canadians. What do you need to know if you plan to travel down south?

In 2018, the Ontario Liberals lost official party status after a landslide defeat at the hands of Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative Party. If they get back into power in 2022, they plan to explore the idea of a 4-day workweek. Steven Del Duca joins Evan Solomon to explain further in Hour 1. In other Ontario news, a Toronto-based company is making shoes that turn into apple trees. How is this possible? We speak to the designer behind this invention.

As of today, Ontario’s proof-of-vaccination app is live, with initial access being staggered by birth month. However, critics continue to point fingers directly towards potential privacy concerns. As for reopening stages beyond Step 3, the reduction of COVID restrictions will be made when it’s safe to do so. When that time finally arrives, what would you like to see happen? We open the debate floor in Hour 1. Over the past decade, our culture has changed a lot when it comes to dealing with bullies and facing acts of discrimination head-on. How can we keep making improvements to our modern-day society? Kanata South councillor Allan Hubley joins the show in Hour 3. Plus, the latest edition of CTV’s W5 examines the connection between obesity and food addiction, while highlighting one man’s quest to save his own life. Avery Haines breaks it down for us. Finally, Matt Demers stops by to deliver his Weekly Movie Picks. If you are not into scary stories, this list might not be your cup of tea.

Within a matter of weeks, the United States land border will be accessible to fully-vaccinated Canadians. Are you craving a trip to America anytime soon? More importantly, should we be removing PCR tests at this stage of the pandemic? In Nunavut, the main topic of conversation this week is drinking water, as an evolving water crisis forced Iqaluit to raise a series of red flags. Why does this keep happening in our country? Plus, the Canadian Military is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, as the incoming Armed Forces Commander faces allegations of sexual misconduct. Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CFAX 1070 host Al Ferraby and CJAD host Elias Makos.

On Wednesday, Ottawa city council rejected a plan to hold a judicial inquiry into the problem-plagued LRT system. Instead, the city's Auditor General will examine the Confederation Line operations. Kristy Cameron breaks down an ugly scene, and the aftermath, in Hour 1. Orleans Ward councillor Matt Luloff outlines why he’s in favour of the Auditor General inquiry. Diane Deans, the councillor for Gloucester-Southgate Ward, explains why she wants the judicial inquiry back on the city agenda. In Cornwall, rising COVID case numbers have forced hundreds of surgeries on the shelf yet again, as the city's hospital temporarily shuts down operating rooms. On a lighter note, the Ottawa Senators finally have a deal in place with Brady Tkachuk, who remains in Canada’s Capital for the next 7 years. This comes on the heels of tonight’s Home Opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs. CTV’s Patricia Boal is live at the Canadian Tire Centre. And finally, it’s time for another edition of Confession Thursday!

The father of a slain reporter is asking regulators to investigate Facebook. Andy Parker’s daughter, Allison, was an employee of a CBS affiliate in Virginia when she was fatally shot in 2015. Andy is now searching for answers from the social media heavyweight. He joins Evan Solomon in Hour 2. Meantime, what is the true value of obtaining a University degree? Do these institutions do a good job of prepping these students for real-world scenarios? The debate floor opens up, as the calls and texts flood in. Plus, a woman in British Columbia has to deal with a big hole in her roof after a meteorite paid a sudden visit. Ruth Hamilton stops by to share this once-in-a-lifetime event.

The United States land border is expected to reopen in November for fully-vaccinated Canadians. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley outlines his reaction. In Hour 2, Debbie and Mike Durham explain why this news is music to their ears. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a stressful 18 months for business owners across the country, not to mention around the globe. However, in Vanier, the struggles to maintain a positive bottom-line don’t get any easier thanks to heavy construction on Montreal Road. Meanwhile, an Ottawa resident fears the pandemic is pushing more Ottawa youths into gang activity. Paul Howard outlines his concerns. And finally, we tackle the main city-wide issue facing Canada’s Capital. A motion was voted on by city councillors that, if approved on Wednesday, would lead to a judicial inquiry into the problem-plagued LRT system. We outline what happened next.

Iqaluit’s drinking water supply could be tainted with petroleum hydrocarbons, a major warning sign that has prompted Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell to issue a stern message to residents. They must steer clear from their water supply until further notice. He joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meantime, the European Union has emerged from the G20 Summit with a support package of $1.4 billion in hand. This is news to the Canadian government. In Hour 2, members of The War Room dissect the latest events. Plus, Senator Romeo Dallaire has secured himself a spot on Canada’s Walk Of Fame.

Sporting events have returned to full-capacity for the first time in the COVID-19 era. Local cinemas have been given the green light to do the same. What potential problems stand in our way? We get the latest from Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti. In Cornwall, they are dealing with the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the province of Ontario, as the number of new cases begins to climb. What is being done to calm things down? Yesterday, programs like the Ottawa Mission were hosting Thanksgiving dinners. Sadly, more and more residents find themselves asking Ottawa food programs for a meal. These programs say they are seeing an unprecedented level of demand for their services due to skyrocketing food prices and families facing financial strains caused by COVID. Meanwhile in Boston, dozens of local runners participated in the first pandemic edition of the Boston Marathon. Nicole Mikhael completed a 42.2-kilometre race through the streets of Beantown in 3 hours and 17 minutes. She stops by in Hour 2.

Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig are back home in Canada after spending multiple years in Chinese captivity. However, 26 Canadians in Syrian camps aren’t so lucky, as their search for freedom continues. This has led to a lawsuit filed by criminal defense lawyer Lawrence Greenspon. He joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meantime, in the fight against COVID, the United States plans to accept immunized travellers. However, the CDC says the travellers’ vaccine data must be approved by the WHO and the FDA. By the way, you still can’t cross the land borders. Plus, comedian Mark Critch talks about a national bestseller that is coming to a bookshelf near you.

The federal government unveiled the latest batch of COVID modelling ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend. Right now, things look promising. However, we still have a long way to go, as nearly six million eligible Canadians are still not fully-vaccinated. Colin Furness joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Here at home, St. Benedict Catholic School was temporarily forced to shut down after a COVID-19 outbreak. As of today, the school has posted 37 total COVID cases, 17 of which are still active. Yet, school is back in session next Tuesday following a parent council meeting. How are parents reacting to this news? Plus, a new memo from the City of Ottawa outlines the potential issues with a judicial inquiry into a problem-plagued LRT system. It cites the price tags from judicial inquiries made by other Ontario cities. Councillor McKenney fires back, saying Ottawa has already spent $2.1 billion on the system itself.

From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are feeling a massive price punch at the gas pumps ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend. Is a country-wide energy crisis on the horizon? Meantime, a massive social media shutdown was one of numerous negative headlines that hit Facebook’s bottom-line. Plus, NHL All-Star goaltender Carey Price is receiving a huge wave of support following his decision to take a leave of absence from the Montreal Canadiens. Earlier this year, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles opened up about their struggles, only to receive mixed reactions from fanbases and media members. How do we ensure today’s top athletes are comfortable discussing their mental health hurdles when so many are treated in vastly different ways? Joining host Amanda Galbraith for this edition of Free For All Fridays are CJAD Montreal Now co-host Natasha Hall and Toronto Sun columnist Jim Warren.

Ontario PC MPP Goldie Ghamari is speaking out after she was the subject of a controversial remark from an NDP MPP on Wednesday. Joel Harden, who represents the people of Ottawa-Centre, outlines his version of the events. A massive dinnertime fire on Wednesday burned down $6 million of progress at a housing development. David Gourlay describes what he saw. Later, a concerned parent addresses his lack of confidence in the air quality at a Vanier elementary school after it was shut down by COVID-19. And finally, we close the show with another edition of Confession Thursday. Get your pencils ready!

An exclusive CTV News poll on COVID booster shots has been released. What do the numbers tell us? Nik Nanos of Nanos Research stops by. In Hour 2, Evan Solomon speaks to Dr. Ian MacLachlan, COVID’s ‘Forgotten Hero’. In case you haven’t heard his name before, this former Chief Scientific Officer of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals helped create the COVID-19 vaccines. Later in Hour 1, NASA's DART mission plans to deliberately crash into an asteroid's moon, and it’s all in the name of planetary defence. Dan Riskin explains further. And finally, an independent group claims it has solved the mystery behind the identity of the Zodiac Killer.

Meantime, you might have noticed that gas prices have been steadily climbing this year. One expert says it’s only going to get worse for Canadian consumers, with Thursday’s projections at the pump possessing the potential to break records. How are the sky-high bills to fill your car affecting your bottom-line and your daily commute? We take your calls and texts throughout the program. As the Delta variant remains a primary threat, various industries across Canada are beginning to implement mandatory vaccinations. As of October 29, ‘core’ federal public servants must have both doses of the vaccine or they will likely land on unpaid administrative leave if they fail to comply. Kristy Cameron gets reaction from both sides. Plus, the City of Ottawa has cranked up the pressure on Rideau Transit Group to fix the issues that are keeping our LRT system on the sidelines.

The federal government is taking further action to ensure Canadians have the right tools to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 29, ‘core’ federal public servants are required to have received both doses of the vaccine. They will be placed on administrative leave, without pay, if that criteria hasn’t been met. PSAC National President Chris Aylward is left scratching his head in Hour 1. He says there was no consultation with the public sector union, leaving his team with more questions and fewer answers after a ‘clearly rushed’ announcement. Evan Solomon also takes your calls, texts, and emails on this matter. Meantime, healthcare leaders have gathered for an emergency COVID-19 summit, and are now calling for urgent action. Finally, before the show comes to a close, Ahmed Elgammal explains how a team of musicologists and computer scientists managed to complete an unfinished Beethoven symphony.

Monday’s Throne Speech at Queen’s Park placed a focus on healthcare and the economic recovery from the pandemic. Other promises touched on the issue of long-term care, a plan that includes investing and improving the system. Rod Phillips explains further in Hour 1. Meanwhile, rapid antigen tests will be sent to Ontario schools that are at a high risk of temporary closing shop due to COVID. However, parents who were previously calling for these measures to be implemented have taken matters into their own hands. Right now, there are roughly 200 Afghan refugees in Ottawa, and more are expected to arrive. That’s why a local organization is rallying the community to provide them with support. Plus, as an American-Canadian creator of countless kids books deals with dementia, he vows those stories won’t leave him.

After a Conservative Senator called for a party review on Erin O’Toole, the party leader feels he has enough support to continue his current duties. One MP says a detailed plan to win back Conservative voters is needed in order for the party to re-claim the Canadian throne. Do you think another change at leadership would cause even more problems for the Blue Team? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails. In Hour 1, the Facebook whistleblower testimony dominates the news cycle. Later, a Nova Scotia mother realizes her dream of building a community for her son, who has autism. And then, we close today’s program with the son of a Canadian journalist, whose interview recordings with John Lennon and Yoko Ono were recently sold at an auction.

The Ontario government is back for another session at Queen’s Park. NDP leader Andrea Horwath was critical of today’s Throne Speech, which she felt didn’t offer anything new to help Ontarians escape the pandemic’s clutches. Here at home, the City of Ottawa’s Planning Committee has endorsed the Civic Hospital’s site plan for a future location near Dow’s Lake. Former mayoral candidate Clive Doucet fears this plan could transform Dow’s Lake into a pothole. In other local headlines, the Panda Game made headlines for all the wrong reasons after celebrations got out of hand at Sandy Hill on Saturday night. Do you think this annual gathering needs to be suspended for a year? Should it be removed altogether? We get reaction from all sides throughout the program. On a lighter note, a week after she disappeared, Ellie the toy Manchester Terrier is back home with her owner after a frantic search.

Things got out of hand in Canada’s Capital following the latest installment of the Panda Game. Do we need to start cracking down on these celebrations? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Meantime, the latest Pandora Papers have been released. Who is in them? What do these reports tell us? Toronto Star reporter Robert Cribb explains further. In Hour 2, we are starting to see increased efforts to unionize in Amazon warehouses. Do you think that’s necessary? Plus, we break down the art and science of growing massive pumpkins.

Prime Minister Trudeau was spotted at a British Columbia beach during Truth and Reconciliation Day. His schedule at Parliament Hill didn’t say that. Kristy Cameron outlines a vacation storyline that isn’t new for the Liberal leader. In Hour 3, our Political Heat panelists weigh in. Meantime, the Ottawa Public Health dashboard has linked 15 cases of COVID-19 to the outbreak at St. Benedict Elementary School in Barrhaven. What does our city’s top doctor see? Do we need to expand testing? Dr. Vera Etches joins the show in Hour 2. Staying in our neck of the woods, an Ottawa woman is pleading for help after her dog was stolen from her car last weekend. Charlotte Hanington’s 14-year-old Manchester Terrier is still missing. Plus, could a pair of Christmas events be in serious jeopardy for 2021? And finally, Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks.

Yesterday, Canadians were called to pause and reflect on the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Do you think our country captured the proper tone to build upon the path to reconciliation? What stood out to you? More importantly, where do we go from here? Canada’s Prime Minister is in hot water again after he was spotted at a beach in British Columbia. That happened during Truth and Reconciliation Day. Meantime, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois says all MPs should be fully-vaccinated once Question Period resumes. What do you think this mandate could look like? Newstalk 1010 host Jamil Jivani and Newstalk 610 weekend host Karl Dockstader join guest host Dave Kaufman in this edition of Free For All Fridays.

Thursday’s Truth and Reconciliation Day wasn’t declared a STAT holiday by the Ontario government. However, the province says it is making changes to Ontario’s curriculum, mandating Indigenous learning into the Social Studies textbooks for Grades 1 to 3. Kristy Cameron breaks it down in Hour 1. Since the start of the pandemic, an urgency to bounce back in the new normal has led to the use of QR codes at restaurants and other businesses. However, this surging trend has led to red flags from privacy and cyber-security experts, as they urge Canadians to proceed with caution. Meantime, it appears YouTube will ban all anti-vaccine content on its platform moving forward. What are the pros and cons of this plan? Timothy Caufield explains further. On a lighter note, we end the show with another edition of Confession Thursday, a rare Wednesday afternoon treat.

Huseyin Celil has been detained in a Chinese prison for 15 years. Last week, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were released after more than 1,000 days in captivity. And yet, a Canadian Uyghur advocate remains in China, clinging onto hope that freedom is on the horizon. Kamila Telendibaeva, Huseyin’s wife, speaks to Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meantime, a new book pointed to growing fears in the United States that Donald Trump was going to issue a direct strike on China. That risky political play reportedly didn’t happen because of positive reassurances from a U.S. General towards Chinese authorities. Plus, a well-known broadcaster on CTV is getting ready to start a new chapter, as Ben Mulrooney announces his departure from ‘Your Morning’.

Ottawa’s COVID-19 picture looked a little bit better on Tuesday. However, back in June of this year, 18 people were in hospital. We currently have 17 hospitalizations linked to COVID in our city. A month before that, ICU patients were in the double-digits. They are now. What do these numbers tell us? Kristy Cameron breaks it all down. On Monday, Canada's Catholic Bishops promised to give $30 million to help support survivors of the residential school system. While it was met with cautious optimism by some survivors, this pledge also received a degree of skepticism by the Assembly of First Nations. Meantime, hundreds of homes in the Kitigan Zibi area have ‘do not consume’ orders when it comes to drinking water. How long has this been going on for? Does the Canadian government have any plans to address issues like this? Kitigan Zibi Chief Dylan Whiteduck joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2.

Monday saw another victory for the ‘Me Too’ movement after R. Kelly was dealt a significant verdict. He could face decades in jail after being found guilty on all 9 counts for his role in a sex trafficking ring. Evan Solomon speaks to Gloria Allred, a well-known victims rights attorney. Meantime, Saskatchewan has suspended its organ donation program, a decision that caused a great deal of opposition. Toby Boulet, the father of former Humboldt Broncos forward Logan Boulet, stops by in Hour 2. Plus, is it possible for your smartphone to detect cannabis intoxication? Dan Riskin investigates further.

Despite repeated calls for him to step down over a previous sex assault charge, a newly-elected MP with a Liberal sticker plans to sit as an Independent. Members of our Political Heat panel stop by in Hour 3. As reports of Conservative infighting start to flare up, the leader of Canada’s Green Party has resigned her role. Annamie Paul made that difficult decision after falling to Liberal candidate Marci Ien in her riding, which also led to a fourth-place finish for Paul. Tom Mulcair outlines his reaction in Hour 2. The Elected Chief of Six Nations of the Grand River has sent an urgent letter to Premier Doug Ford. The Ontario government says the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation will not be recognized as a statutory holiday. Mark Hill is asking for Ontario to change its mind. Meanwhile, in the fight against the pandemic, a pair of prominent doctors in Alberta are calling for a province-wide ‘fire break’ lockdown, as well as mandatory vaccinations for all employees.

Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig have finally been released after more than 1,000 days in Chinese captivity. Kevin Garrett, a Canadian who was previously in a tight situation for 2 years, joins Evan to describe his relief. Meantime, how does Canada repair its relationship with China? Is it too soon to even discuss repairing relations? The debate begins in Hour 1. Later in the show, the sale of orange shirts to support residential school survivors has raised questions among critics of Hudson's Bay. Then, on a much lighter note, a lone woman on B.C. University's football team has made history. Kristine Elliott shares her story.

The mayor sat down with RTM and RTG. CTV Ottawa chief news anchor Graham Richardson talks about the City of Ottawa hiring an independent expert to review the safety issues with the LRT. One citizen transit commissioner still has doubts.

Professional sports franchises in the province rejoice as Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore announces changes in capacity limits at sporting venues. CEO of OSEG Mark Goudie reacts to the news.

We hear why some people are NOW getting their jabs. (Better late than never).

A group of Kanata North residents hope to avoid a byelection by appointing a familiar face.

Plus, CHEO and Ottawa Public Health are offering do-it-yourself kits for families at Brewer Park starting today.

As we near the first Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada on September 30th, we look back the country's painful history.

And finally, movie reviewer Matt Demers (Mr. Hollywood) drops by with new in theaters and on streaming services.

Free For All Friday, hosted by Amanda Galbraith, features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's show is hosted by Dave Kaufman and features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader, and Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist and partner at Northweather.

Topics:

BREAKING this afternoon: U.S. authorities reach a deal with Huawei exec Meng Wanzhou that could help the two Michaels. Will the three main party leaders be around the next time there’s a federal election? Do you feel comfortable living life right now the same way you did pre-pandemic? The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up on Thursday. How do we best honour that day? Are The Rolling Stones really The Rolling Stones without Charlie Watts? Why do people find ‘Ted Lasso’ so moving?

Earlier this month, word got out that a ByWard Market staple was preparing to close for good. However, the Rainbow Bistro recently received a lifeline to remain open until at least the end of the year. We have more on this good news story in Hour 1. CFRA technical producer Brian Fraser fought a brave battle with cancer for 2 years, drawing attention for his efforts to encourage people to donate blood. Sadly, Brian passed away in February, but his memory will live on at his alma-mater after Algonquin College renamed one of its alumni awards in his name. Alberta is getting rocked by the fourth wave of the pandemic and things are looking bleak in several ER’s. Dr. Paul Parks tells us what he sees from Medicine Hat Regional Hospital in Hour 4. And finally, it’s time for another edition of Confession Thursday. What is your silliest, or most embarrassing, fear of all time?

Led by Erin O’Toole, the Conservatives claimed 119 seats in the latest federal election. That is good enough to remain Canada’s top Opposing Party, but nowhere close to sitting in the biggest chair on Parliament Hill, as the Liberals fell 12 seats shy of a majority government. Some have already started a petition that calls on the CPC’s to give O’Toole the boot. Evan Solomon delivers the latest in Hour 1. In the wake of sexual misconduct allegations at Western University, one of its students was denied tenancy by a landlord over ‘scary tattoos’. Was this decision out of line? Plus, while the province of Quebec plans to ban anti-vaccine protests outside of schools and hospitals, a First Nations student got reprimanded for failing to stand during Canada’s National Anthem.

The driver behind the wheel of an OC Transpo double-decker that crashed into Westboro Station has been found not guilty of all charges. CTV’s Katie Griffin has more from the Elgin Street Courthouse. The past couple of days has not been kind to Ottawa’s LRT system, not to mention the people behind the day-to-day operations. Gloucester-South Nepean councillor Carol Anne Meehan now fears the same could happen to the next stage of our city’s light rail system, which is currently under construction. If you want to enter a movie theatre or a restaurant, or even attend a live sporting event, a vaccine passport is now required for all Ontarians. What questions remain unanswered as we reach Day One of implementation?

Vaccine passports have arrived in Ontario. What exactly do you need to have handy when entering a restaurant, movie theatre, or live sporting event? CTV’s Colin D’Mello has the answers. Meantime, our Indigenous communities have been searching for answers for years. Was the Trudeau government’s attempts at reconciliation good enough? What else needs to be done? Turning our attention back to pandemic concerns, BC resident Codi Darnell says more sympathy needs to be shown for people in her situation. She came down with a serious adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine and cannot get a vaccine passport. In Hour 2, a Quebec woman is living life again after being abducted in Burkina Faso back in 2018. And now, roughly 18 months after returning home, she shares her story.

On Monday night, the Liberals were able to gain enough support in enough ridings to cling onto power. Justin Trudeau calls this victory a ‘clear mandate’ to get our country through the next wave of COVID-19. However, the party did not secure a majority and will have to settle for a minority government moving forward. Did the past six weeks change anything? In Hour 3, our Political Heat panelists assemble to break down the bigger picture, while CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson provides a snapshot of the local ridings. Prior to Election Night, the major party leaders were promising to address Indigenous issues as part of their platforms. Will more attention be paid to Indigenous issues during Trudeau’s third term? In city news, Ottawa’s LRT system has hit the Injured List following a huge derailment on Sunday. How big of an inconvenience is this for the average commuter? In Hour 2, we get some insight from Rory Lewis.

Well, we are back to where we started six weeks ago. Justin Trudeau and the Liberals are still in power. Not all of their party members are back, and they have some new faces, but a minority government is the best they could do. Do you think this party has a ‘clear mandate’ to govern our country? Is another federal election on the horizon in 18 months if they can’t get it done? Evan Solomon breaks down his reaction to Monday’s events. Meantime, the next government will have to address some extremely difficult situations, including the one that’s unfolding in Afghanistan. David Lavery, an ex-special forces soldier with the Canadian Armed Forces, was able to help get 100 people out of Afghanistan in the final days of the Taliban takeover. What should Canada’s next steps be?

A growing number of residents and city councillors have had enough with Ottawa’s LRT system. Laura Dudas joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1 to explain what led to a Twitter thread filled with frustration and anger. Meantime, the search for a kid-friendly COVID vaccination continues, as Pfizer plans to gain U.S. authorization for the 5-11 age group in the near future. Dr. James Kellner has the latest. But that’s not the biggest story to watch, as Monday marks the 44th time that Canadians will head to the ballot box. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was hoping to secure a majority when he dropped the writ in August. His best option might be keeping a minority government intact. The Liberals have a 1.2 percent lead on the Conservatives for top spot in the final Nanos poll, while the final 17.6 percent belongs to the 3 underdog parties. Will his political career be in jeopardy if nothing changes?

As the situation in Afghanistan was getting heated, and the fourth wave of COVID-19 started to pick up, Justin Trudeau called an election in mid-August. The plan was to get a majority. Today, it looks like a minority Liberal government is his best hope. As a Canadian, what are your hopes heading into tonight? When you wake up in the morning and check the local newspaper, what headline are you hoping to see? Evan Solomon takes your calls, texts, and emails. Meantime, in Hour 2, we debate the potential benefits and consequences for each federal party claiming victory.

Ottawa racked up 75 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. While we didn’t see any new deaths linked to the virus, Ottawa is dealing with 11 hospitalizations, 5 ICU patients, and 477 active cases heading into the weekend. Is the idea of a third booster shot about to become a necessity in order to defeat the pandemic? Meantime, school bus operators are dealing with a driver shortage to start the school year, a situation that has led to several bus cancellations in Kanata and Stittsville. City councillor Allan Hubley outlines his attempts to help solve a frustrating problem. On the same weekend that live concerts are scheduled to make a long-awaited return, the Terry Fox Run gets going for the 41st time. Plus, as the election campaign runs out of racetrack, a recent article from the Toronto Star could give Canadians a reason to reconsider voting for the PPC’s. It says at least 20 percent of PPC candidates in Ontario have either organized hostile protests or participated in them. Dr. Allison Meek explains further.

Believe it or not, the 44th election campaign in Canadian history is almost over. Who holds the edge heading into September 20? Do you think the Chretien and Mulrooney endorsements serve as a pivotal vote-getter for the Liberals and Conservatives? Meantime, Alberta’s COVID situation is in a downward spiral, as Premier Jason Kenney tries to tame the pandemic’s fourth surge. Will this prove costly for Erin O’Toole as undecided voters try to make up their minds? Plus, a popular Ontario university is facing serious criticism after dozens of sexual assault allegations came to light during Western’s Orientation Week. Have they done enough to address the situation? Joining guest host David Kaufman in this edition of Free For All Fridays is Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar and CFAX 1070 host Ryan Price.

Monday’s federal election has posed more challenges for Elections Canada than any other campaign. A mixture of public health protocols, fewer polling stations, and fewer election workers will do that. Kristy Cameron is joined by Matthew McKenna, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, in Hour 3. Speaking of the pandemic, a trio of vaccines have been re-named by Health Canada and they are easy to remember. Well, one of them is. Alberta’s fight against the pandemic is not going in humanity’s favour. Yet, despite the reinstatement of mask mandates and the implementation of vaccine passports, no lockdown is on the horizon. Did the Kenney government make another big mistake? In local news, the City of Ottawa has outlined its wish list for the LeBreton Flats redevelopment. It’s looking for a blend of affordable housing, a 2.5 hectare park with an outdoor skating rink, and pickleball courts.

Zain Velji is filling in for Evan Solomon today and there’s a lot going on in his neck of the woods. The COVID situation in Alberta is getting out of hand. Their healthcare system could crumble if things get worse. And while vaccine passports are on the horizon, we haven’t heard anything about a potential lockdown…yet. Dr. Joe Vipond tells us what he sees in Hour 1. Meantime, the federal election campaign is almost over! Who has the edge in the latest Nanos polls? Could the situation in Alberta lead to a surge in votes for Justin Trudeau? It’s time for the War Room to reconvene. Plus, Fred Fox stops by in the final segment, as the Terry Fox Run kicks off for the 41st time this weekend.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has voted against the idea of mandatory COVID vaccines for kids. In an effort to further increase our city’s vaccination rates, Ottawa Public Health has teamed up with local businesses to set up vaccine clinics. Ontario's fiscal watchdog says the Doug Ford government didn't spend any money from a new COVID response program in Quarter One. That program in question had $2.7 billion attached to it. In Hour 1, we also deliver key information from the province’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table in regards to post-COVID health conditions. Plus, we get the latest election news.

What factors drive a person to adopt extremist ideas? How do we fight against terror before things start spiraling out of control? Mubin Shaikh, a former counter-terrorism operative, goes undercover to get some answers. Meantime, former Liberal MP Jody Wilson-Raybould stopped by CTV’s Power Play to talk about her new book. It details her time on Parliament Hill and it doesn’t paint the best picture of Justin Trudeau during the SNC Lavalin affair. Wilson-Raybould insists that her tales are not a revenge story. In Hour 1, Private Jess Larochelle gets nominated for the 2021 Canadian Victoria Cross. Retired General Rick Hillier stops by. Plus, one Canadian comedic legend pays tribute to a joke-teller named Norm.

According to the latest poll from Nanos Research, O’Toole and the Conservatives are just 1.1 percent behind the Liberals for top spot. Kristy Cameron has the latest on a never-ending, see-saw battle in Hour 3. Meantime, let’s get the latest on the fight against COVID-19. Ontario is dealing with 286 active cases in school settings, a number that has increased by 97 in just 24 hours. In an effort to ensure Canadians have access to breakthrough therapies, the Ottawa Hospital has a plan to help expand our country’s biomanufacturing capacity. Plus, we reflect on the life and career of a comedic icon named Norm.

In a recent article from the Toronto Star, a teenage girl says she was not allowed to run for a student trustee position because she is not Catholic. Dasha Kandaharian, a Grade 12 Orthodox Christian, is now suing the York Catholic School Board. Evan Solomon tries to get some answers in Hour 1. Meantime, a well-known public university in London, Ontario is under the microscope after multiple sexual assault cases came to light. In Hour 2, the War Room reconvenes to break down the latest headlines from the campaign trail. Brace yourselves, Canada! Election Night is six short days away.

A growing number of anti-vaccine protests have surfaced across the country over the past few weeks. Some of these demonstrations have taken place in front of hospitals, an inconvenient roadblock for healthcare workers as they try to protect Canadians and treat COVID patients. A trio of city councillors have sent a letter to Ottawa’s General Manager of Emergency Services, calling for a healthcare worker safe zone at local hospitals. We get the latest in Hour 1. In other city news, after another year of transit struggles and pandemic-related impacts, a forecasted deficit is in the cards for Ottawa’s LRT system. CTV’s John Crupi outlines the financial hole for 2021. Plus, Canada’s party leaders only have one week left to gain trust and support from the public eye. The Liberals are currently in the lead. Could a pair of former Liberal MP’s change that? We get the latest from our Political Heat panelists.

Election Night is one week away, ladies and gentlemen! As of right now, the Liberals hold a 3 percent edge over the Conservatives for top spot. Meantime, the underdogs could play huge roles in the drama, as the Bloc Quebecois owns 6.8 percent of the national ballot and the PPC’s hold a 6.6 percent piece of the pie. Nik Nanos from Nanos Research delivers the bigger picture. Later in Hour 1, we take a Canada-wide snapshot of the pandemic, and investigate what is fueling a surge in anti-vaccine protests. Some of them are taking place outside of hospitals. Are these actions justified or completely unnecessary? Evan Solomon speaks to a pair of healthcare workers to get their perspective on these events. And then, just before the show ends, a champion race horse from New Brunswick finds freedom after being rescued from a kill pen.

On Friday, the Chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board delivered some harsh words, and they were directed towards Mayor Jim Watson. Diane Deans explains further in Hour 1. Over in Kingston, patience is wearing thin when it comes to controlling large parties in the University District. The city hopes to curb this trend with a new emergency order. As the level of uncertainty grows in Afghanistan, some refugees are struggling to find a place to live in Canada’s Capital. Mohammad Saber Perdes joins us in Hour 2. On a lighter note, a teenage sensation in Canadian tennis has reached the U.S. Open Finals!

When the dust settled in Gatineau on Thursday night, a pivotal English Debate didn’t seem to favour Justin Trudeau. Less than 24 hours later, some pundits argue this result may not be enough to turn off Canadian voters who previously voted Liberal. Did Thursday’s events change your final ballot? Speaking of votes, we are noticing an uptick in popularity for the People’s Party of Canada, a party that wasn’t even represented in a single debate during this campaign cycle. Why aren’t we paying more attention to this? Meantime, this Saturday marks 20 years since the World Trade Center became the scene of a targeted terrorist attack. This horrific event cost thousands of American lives and changed thousands of families forever. Looking back, while also evaluating what is happening in Afghanistan today, was it worth it for America to wage war in the Middle East? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays is CTV political analyst Scott Reid and Victoria radio host Al Ferraby.

New data suggests the average hospital stay in Canada for a COVID-19 patient is almost $23,000. Kristy Cameron gets the bigger picture from an ICU physician. In Hour 4, we get the latest on a grim situation in Alberta from Dr. Joe Vipond, as the healthcare system in that province could be on the verge of collapsing. Could a COVID-flu booster shot put a nail in the virus’ coffin? The debate begins in Hour 1. Speaking of debates, we have a big one in Gatineau, as the federal election heats up. Plus, should the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Day be labeled a STAT holiday? As of now, Ontario says it won’t be.

Evan Solomon is gearing up for tonight’s crucial English Debate. That means Zain Velji is filling in on the big chair this afternoon! Before we get a preview of the main event, it’s important to break down what happened the night before. In Hour 2, the War Room reconvenes to tackle Wednesday’s events and how they could impact the narrative for Thursday’s showdown in Gatineau. Meantime, no matter who claims victory on September 20, we still have a pesky pandemic to fight. It is posing a big problem for Alberta right now, as the province’s case count takes a surge in the wrong direction. What are the political consequences for Premier Jason Kenney? How does the Alberta government deal with this curveball? More importantly, is this a lesson that Canada needs to learn from today, and not tomorrow?

On the eve of this week’s debates, a Liberal candidate in Alberta says two of her volunteers were physically attacked while door-knocking on Labour Day Monday. Sabrina Grover says this needs type of behaviour is uncalled for, and it needs to stop now. Thousands of students are hitting the books, in a normal classroom setting, for the first time since April. We get a local perspective from Dr. Brent Moloughney and a provincial set of eyes from Ontario’s Education Minister. According to a report from the Toronto Star, the Doug Ford government plans to develop its vaccine passport app in-house, and under a six-week timeline. Tech expert Carmi Levy explains why he is feeling uneasy about this plan. And finally, let’s take a pandemic snapshot of our city. Canada’s Capital recorded 32 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The good news: It’s not all bad news. The number of active cases has slightly gone down and we haven’t seen a single COVID-related death in our city for two months.

Tonight, the French Debate will be televised. On Thursday night, arguably the biggest political war will be fought in this election campaign. Evan Solomon paints a picture of what’s on the line. Which party has the most to lose? Which side has the most to gain? Do you think Maxime Bernier should be there to fight for his party? Your calls, texts, and emails are welcome. Meantime, the Conservatives are expected to unveil their costed platform soon. What key items should we be searching for? Kevin Page, a former Parliamentary Budget Officer, deliver his two cents. Plus, we have seen a recent series of book burnings at Ontario francophone schools. Some call it a 'gesture of reconciliation'. Others have denounced it completely.

Thousands of students have finally returned to the classroom after months of summer vacation and online learning. How did Day One of the new learning season play out? What questions and concerns still remain? Kristy Cameron speaks to Tom D’Amico, the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Director of Education. When it comes to containing the virus in school settings, one infection control epidemiologist is feeling uneasy about Ontario’s current measures. Colin Furness explains why. On the campaign trail, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was on the receiving end of a gravel-throwing incident in London, Ontario on Labour Day Monday. He has since called out those protesters, referring to them as an ‘anti-vaxxer mob’ that does not respect science. In Hour 3, our Political Heat panelists break down the latest developments.

If you are a man who throws stones at anyone, even if those stones are small pebbles of gravel, Evan Solomon doesn’t have the time for you. He calls out a classless gesture made towards Liberal leader Justin Trudeau in Hour 1. How has this action, and the latest party plans, impacted the polls? We get the latest on the numbers with Nik Nanos of Nanos Research. Meantime, how do we deal with these protesters? In Hour 2, our War Room reconvenes. Plus, after a series of coyote attacks, the Vancouver municipal government has culled 35 coyotes. Is this uncalled for?

This Sunday marks 1,000 days since former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor were jailed in China. An upcoming rally will challenge the Canadian government to do more. Vina Nadjibulla, the wife of Michael Kovrig, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. On Friday morning, word got out that Premier Doug Ford has decided to prorogue Parliament at Queen’s Park until the federal election winds down. Plus, Canada’s top doctor says COVID case counts could reach unprecedented highs later this month. That is, if the current levels of virus transmission are not reduced.

Who was the best French-speaking politician on Thursday? Did they also gain the biggest advantage in the polls moving forward? The winners and losers of the TVA Debate are…debated! Meantime, why isn’t climate change a bigger campaign issue? Is it because not enough people care about it? Plus, a Swedish pop group is releasing new music. Guest host David Kauffman is joined by Newstalk 1010 host John Moore and CJAD host Elias Makos in this edition of Free For All Fridays.

Ottawa Public Health is putting pressure on businesses to set up vaccination policies. This comes as new modeling suggests a substantial fourth wave is coming to Ontario. If we play our cards wrong, the worst-case outcome is 9,000 cases per day. Ottawa’s largest school board has approved a motion to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all staff members and teachers. Meantime, the implementation of vaccine passports has fueled a series of anti-vaccine protests across Canada. Plus, we break down the situation in Afghanistan, tonight’s TVA Debate, a trail derailment near Prescott, and your confessions.

The first debate will begin in a matter of hours. Next week, at this time, the biggest debate of Canada’s election campaign gets underway. Evan Solomon tees up a pivotal portion of this 5-week period. Later in Hour 1, we get the latest polling data from Shachi Kurl, the President of the Angus Reid Institute. After a little bit of Ask Me Anything with Evan, our War Room panelists pay us a visit in Hour 2 to break down the latest headlines from the campaign trail. And then, we end the show on a completely different note. Justin Todd, a Nova Scotia man, has turned his jail cell into a high school. It’s a small decision that has completely changed his life.

We have a vaccine passport, Ontario! So how does it work? First of all, it will prevent any unvaccinated Ontarian from going to non-essential businesses. High-risk indoor settings are the government’s primary focus. These rules apply to indoor dining areas, gyms, movie theatres, banquet halls, and meeting halls. Outdoor patios will not be impacted. We get reaction from several business owners throughout the program. Meantime, Quebec’s passport system is now in effect. How did Day 1 go? Mitchell Brownstein, the Mayor of Cote St. Luc, stops by in Hour 4. Here in Canada’s Capital, Tuesday’s OCDSB meeting ran into the night, and no consensus was reached on a vaccine mandate for its staff members. This left some parents frustrated and even furious. Ariel Troster’s 9-year-old child has dealt with anxiety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 3. Meanwhile on the campaign trail, the Trudeau Liberals have unveiled their election platform.

Canada’s Conservatives have released details for their budget plan. Trudeau’s Liberals, meantime, put a bow on their campaign platform and unveiled it to the masses. Evan Solomon delivers his reaction in Hour 1. He also speaks to former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page about the two game plans. What are the pros and cons? We debate and discuss as the show moves along. Plus, after a slight delay, Ontario’s vaccine passport has been unveiled and it will be launched within a matter of weeks. Premier Doug Ford delivers the details at Queen’s Park. We take you live.

Just as President Biden said they would do, American forces have pulled out of Afghanistan following a 20-year mission. Right now, there are approximately 1,250 Canadians still in Afghanistan. The advice from our government officials is to stay put. Kristy Cameron breaks down the latest on a sticky situation. In the Outaouais, people have been gearing up for Wednesday’s vaccine passport launch. The Ontario government has also pondered a similar idea. However, the current proposal has been reportedly sent back after Premier Ford asked for further changes to be made. Colin Furness reacts to Tuesday’s huge curveball. Today is also Day 17 of the federal election campaign. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole says, if elected, he plans to balance the budget within the next 10 years. Finding places to make budget cuts is going to be a very grueling chore. Where does he find ways to save money? Is this a realistic goal?

The day has come. It’s the final day of August. American troops are pulling out of Afghanistan after a 20-year mission. However, peace and prosperity is very hard to find in the country they are leaving behind. People are living in fear. The Taliban have seized control by force. People don’t know what is going to happen next. And now, after facing death threats, Afghanistan’s female judges are frantically searching for a fresh start in another country. Mona Lynch, a Justice with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Here at home, the federal election campaign continues and next week’s pivotal debate is fast approaching. Michael Bernstein compares and contrasts the climate change policies that are being offered to Canadians. On a completely different note, China is cutting back on video games. Why are they doing this? What arguments justify the sale of video games? Do they make society worse?

Nanos’ National Ballot has been released. Trudeau’s 30.4 percent rating is still enough to hold the title of Preferred Prime Minister, but the Conservatives hold a 1.4 percent edge over Trudeau’s Liberals in the poll that matters most. What are Canada’s party leaders promising today? We get the latest on the campaign trail in Hour 1. In other news, the fourth wave of the pandemic is heating up. Canada’s Capital registered 45 new COVID cases on Monday. Ontario has logged 694, 740, and 835 cases over the past 3 days respectively. Ottawa’s Mayor and Knoxdale-Merivale councillor Keith Egli have written a letter to Ontario’s Premier, calling on Doug Ford to introduce a provincial vaccine certificate program. Plus, how does this latest string of COVID activity impact back-to-school plans?

Justin Trudeau and the Liberals were hoping for a casual Friday night rally in Bolton, Ontario. What they got was bad blood from protesters and serious security concerns. Eventually, the event was cancelled. Trudeau says he isn’t intimidated by their tactics and will keep moving forward with the party’s plan to help the everyday Canadian. Evan Solomon outlines his thoughts in Hour 1. Meantime, the latest polls show Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives in the driver’s seat. Nik Nanos breaks it all down. In the United States, particularly in New Orleans, people are taking shelter as Hurricane Ida picks up steam. It is being labeled as one of the most powerful hurricanes in recorded history to hit the American mainland and the trail of destruction might not be over just yet. We end the show with a powerful conversation with former Humboldt Broncos blueliner Ryan Straschnitzki. He survived the tragic 2018 bus crash, but was left paralyzed from the chest down. Today, his recovery process took one step forward.

The province of Ontario logged a whopping 781 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Here in Canada’s Capital, 47 new cases marked the highest single-day total since June 4. When it comes to vaccine passports, Justin Trudeau is encouraging Ontario’s Premier to adopt the idea, all the while creating a billion-dollar fund for the provinces to use. Could we see this idea come to fruition? How soon could it happen? Did we wait too long to make a final decision on this matter? Meantime, America has threatened retaliation on Taliban forces after Thursday’s explosion at an airport in Kabul. Peter MacKay, Canada’s former Defense Minister, joins the program in Hour 1 with his thoughts. He also rates our country’s response to the evacuation efforts. On a lighter note, do you want to watch the latest movies this weekend? Whether it’s in the movie theatre or whatever streaming device you have at your disposal, Matt Demers has got you covered with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Did Twitter go too far in labelling the Liberals' election video as 'manipulated media'? Canada has ended its evacuation mission out of Afghanistan. Will there be political consequences on the campaign trail? Plus, after being lowered in response to the discovery of unmarked graves, should the Canadian flags be raised again? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays is Newstalk 1010 host Jamil Jivani and CKLW host Karl Dockstader.

If the Doug Ford government doesn’t legislate a vaccine passport system for Ontarians, are Ontario's Medical Officers of Health on board with the idea of enacting one by themselves? Alicia Robblee, an ICU nurse based in Ottawa, says the time for implementing ‘half measures’ to fight the pandemic is over. She is calling for workplaces to mandate vaccines if they haven’t done so already. Meanwhile at City Hall, the biggest issue is LRT. The transit system that Canada’s Capital heavily relies on has battled through critical problems in August. Transit riders and councillors have called for an emergency Transit Committee meeting. That hasn’t happened yet. Some also fear that key information about the system is being hidden. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson joins the program to outline what he knows. Plus, we try to end the show on a lighter note with another informative edition of Confession Thursday!

The situation in Afghanistan has taken an extremely dark turn. Evan Solomon has the latest in Hour 1. Ahmad Sayed’s family is still stuck in Afghanistan. The latest update, as you can imagine, is grim and uncertain. Here in Canada, the main focus for politicians is the upcoming election. We get the latest on the election campaign with our War Room contributors. In an attempt to end the show on a light note, what started as a typical dinner ended in a brand-new friendship.

Public Health Ontario unveiled a new report this week that delves into what the pandemic could look like in the Fall and Winter months. It says achieving herd immunity against COVID-19 will not be possible without an approved vaccine for children under 12 years of age. Liberal MPP John Fraser says a vaccine passport in Ontario would be another important public health measure to protect families and support local businesses. He is calling on the Doug Ford government to make it happen as soon as possible. In an opinion article published in the Globe and Mail, Hugh Segal says foreign policy failures led to the chaos we are currently seeing in Afghanistan. On a lighter note, multiple participants in the Little League World Series have struggled to figure out what a floppy disk is. Fair warning: You will feel old when you hear this audio.

U.S. President Joe Biden says America’s August 31 deadline to pull troops out of Afghanistan has not changed. Evan Solomon gets the latest on a sticky situation from Kevin Newman, a former journalist who worked in Afghanistan for some time. Who do you blame for the ongoing chaos? We take your calls, texts, and emails. Some of our country’s long-term care homes operate on a for-profit model. Canada’s New Democrats are looking to turn these facilities into public entities. What are the pros and cons of that plan? Kevin Page, Canada’s former Parliamentary Budget Officer, stops by in Hour 1. We also get the latest from the campaign trail in Hour 2, as the War Room reconvenes. When it comes to vaccine passports, British Columbia says there will be no medical or religious exemptions for their system. Do you think this is fair? Plus, a new study suggests that eating a single hot dog could shorten your life by 36 minutes.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has promised to put an end to long-term care homes that operate on a for-profit model. Trudeau’s Liberals have unveiled a plan to make home ownership more affordable for the everyday Canadian. Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives are aiming to protect Canadian pensions. Our panelists break down the biggest news from Day 10 of the campaign. In just a matter of hours, with the first day of school fast approaching, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board will be hosting a pivotal emergency meeting. The topic of mandatory vaccinations will be discussed. Masks for Kindergarten students will be debated. Christine Moulaison, a mother of 4, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. OCDSB Trustee Mark Fisher also pops in for a visit. Meantime, the Doug Ford government will be launching its ‘last mile’ strategy, focusing its efforts on smaller community-based settings where vaccine rates are low. How far will this initiative take us?

Canada might be gearing up for an election, but the G7 Summit waits for no electoral decision from any country. Justin Trudeau was on hand for the start of this year’s event. We get the latest in Hour 1. As you might have heard countless times already, this country is voting for a Prime Minister on September 20. A big issue making headlines today is privatized healthcare services. Joining the show to deliver her reaction to some of the proposed strategies is Dr. Katharine Smart. She is the President of the Canadian Medical Association. Should the federal government withhold health transfers from Canada’s provinces if they decide to offer privatized healthcare? We take your calls, texts, and emails throughout the show. In Hour 2, we try to uncover the mystery of the HMS Erebus, its untimely demise, and the people who sailed the seas on that ship.

Dr. David Fisman is resigning from the province’s COVID Science Advisory Table. In a statement, he feels there are grim pandemic projections that the public doesn’t know about. Dr. Doug Manuel, who also sits on the Advisory Table, stops by with his reaction. If you want to attend a Redblacks Home game, you will need to get vaccinated or showcase a negative COVID test. OSEG says this will become a TD Place policy as of September 12. Mark Goudie, the CEO of OSEG, stops by in Hour 2. A Liberal campaign video has been flagged by Twitter as a form of ‘manipulated media’. We break down the biggest stories on the campaign trail with our Political Heat panelists. And if you wanted to make your voices heard over the latest LRT concerns, a rally is being held at Marion Dewar Plaza on Wednesday morning.

Canadian officials provided an update on the situation in Afghanistan over the weekend. Retired Major-General David Fraser joins Evan Solomon to outline the latest picture on a grim situation in the Middle East. According to a new survey from Nanos Research, the Liberals continue to lose ground and now the Conservatives are threatening to take the lead. Nik Nanos breaks the numbers down in Hour 1. Later in the show, we head to the War Room and speak to our panelists about the latest campaign headlines. Plus, the NDP has unveiled their stance on decriminalizing drugs. Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives have done the same. Where do you stand on this issue?

An interpreter in Afghanistan issued a stern warning to Justin Trudeau on Thursday. If her family ends up being executed, the blood will be on the hands of the Liberal Party leader. Retired Major-General David Fraser brings us his analysis of a very tense situation in Kabul. A recent study from Stats Canada says one in four Canadian women have been sexually harassed at work. Julie Lalonde sheds some more light on that gut-wrenching headline. In the United States, no Canadian travelers will be granted permission to cross the land border until September 21. How do some of our country’s border city mayors feel? Plus, is it rude for one of your friends to ask for proof of vaccinations? Listeners seem divided. On a lighter note, do you want to catch some movies at the nearby cinema? Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks in hand!

Things are getting out of hand in Afghanistan and Canada is trying to move hundreds of interpreters out of harms way. Some say they moved too late. And now, with a federal election campaign underway, Justin Trudeau is focusing on several different areas of the globe. Is his decision to send Canada to the ballot box justifiable? Meantime, as we fight against the fourth wave of the pandemic, do you think every single politician in this country should receive the COVID-19 vaccine? If they refuse to get it, should there be punishments? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays is Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar and AM800 Windsor host Dan MacDonald.

Canada’s Capital recorded 19 new cases and zero new deaths on Thursday. Dr. Vera Etches delivered the latest outlook in our city during a media briefing. How are we faring? What mammoth issues still stand in our way? We deliver the big picture in Hour 1. Ottawa’s LRT system has been hit hard by transit issues over the past few weeks. It didn’t catch any breaks today after a ninth train was taken out of service. Its axle will be undergoing additional analysis, just like the other trains before it. After it was discovered the Ontario PC Party was delivering fake invoices to generate party donations, the calls for transparency grew louder. And now, we have an apology. CTV’s Colin D’Mello has the latest from Queen’s Park. And finally, do you plan to head to the polls in-person or cast your ballot online ahead of September 20?

We are entering Day 5 of the federal election campaign. Evan Solomon has the latest from the campaign trail. Later in Hour 1, Shachi Kurl from the Angus Reid Institute has more on what the latest polls tell us. Where do Canadians stand on the issue of pro-choice? The text board is open and so are the phone lines, as our War Room prepares for debate in Hour 2. Meantime, we turn to more serious matters in Afghanistan. A journalist, who is not releasing his name due to safety reasons, is trying to get out of Kabul himself. He describes a very sobering scene. In an attempt to end today’s program on a lighter note, is it possible that grumpy people can make groups more productive and efficient? CTV’s Dan Riskin stops by with his opinions. The answer might surprise you.

Canada’s Capital recorded 19 new cases and zero new deaths linked to COVID-19 on Wednesday. The number of active cases has gone down to 127, but it’s still above 100. In the province of Ontario, 309 of Wednesday’s 485 new cases are completely unvaccinated citizens. Despite everyone’s best efforts, Dr. Kieran Moore says a challenging Fall and a challenging Winter could be in store for us. How will things be different this time around? Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti joins us in Hour 1. With the exception of a single federal election dating back to 1980, the party with the most seats in Ottawa-based ridings has managed to form government. CTV’s Ted Raymond has more. In Nova Scotia, the people have voted on their next Premier. It will be led by a Progressive Conservative majority after the Liberals’ big gamble backfired. Plus, the ongoing federal campaign is concerning to some of Canada’s First Nations leaders. They fear the residential school graves are being pushed to the side.

The former head of Canada’s vaccine rollout has been charged with sexual assault. Bob Fife from the Globe and Mail has the latest. As the polls opened in Nova Scotia on Tuesday, Liberal voters were hoping for a majority government. They certainly got a majority, except it was the PC’s claiming victory. How could these results impact the upcoming federal election? Evan Solomon breaks it down in Hour 1. We also examine child care plans from the federal parties with former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page. In Hour 2, Evan goes 1-on-1 with Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair!

The Ontario government is making COVID vaccination policies mandatory for high-risk settings. It has also paused further reopening measures, as new COVID-19 cases have shown a consistent increase over the past few weeks. What are the economical costs of this decision? What do the health experts think? Closer to Queen’s Park, the Ontario Liberal Party is calling for all MPPs to get vaccinated. Steven Del Duca explains why. Mandatory vaccines are also proving to be a wedge issue in the early stages of the federal election campaign. We get the latest on that side of the story in Hour 2. Plus, Taliban forces are doing their best to show the world they have changed. How do we engage with Afghanistan authorities now that the Taliban are in the driver’s seat?

It’s Day 2 of the federal election campaign, which means we are one day closer to September 20. In Hour 1, Evan Solomon goes 1-on-1 with Green Party leader Annamie Paul. Plus, should it be mandatory for all federal election candidates to be vaccinated against COVID-19? The debate floor opens in Hour 2. Meantime, the situation in Afghanistan has unraveled over the past week. Taliban forces say they will guarantee women’s rights under the 'limits of Islam'. U.S. President Joe Biden stands firmly behind his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. As hundreds of Afghan interpreters try to find a way out, how is Canada handling this sticky situation? On a lighter note, we end the show by going 1-on-1 with Olympic icon Andre De Grasse.

After a conversation with Canada’s Governor General on Sunday, Justin Trudeau made it official. We are headed for a federal election in September. In the early stages of the campaign, Ottawa-Centre has the power to tip the scales into anyone’s favour. CTV’s Graham Richardson has more in Hour 1. Not long after the NDP unveiled their game plan for the country’s future, Canada’s Conservatives have released their election platform. Erin O'Toole says he is opposed to mandatory vaccinations for federal public servants, preferring the use of regular rapid testing as a method to keep Canadian workplaces safe. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have marched into Kabul as people frantically try to flee for their own safety. We get the latest on the evacuation efforts. In local news, the search for answers continues as the LRT system hits the rails again. Do we need the city’s Transit Committee to hold an emergency meeting?

Saddle up, Canada! We have a federal election to prepare for. Do you think the timing was right to send Canadians to the polls on September 20? Evan Solomon breaks down Justin Trudeau’s decision and takes your calls. Later in Hour 1, we get the latest polling numbers from Nik Nanos and break down the Conservatives’ election platform with Stephanie Levitz. In Hour 2, the focus shifts to Afghanistan, as residents try to flee for safety. The Taliban have returned and they are gaining control at a rapid pace.

The Canadian government says COVID-19 vaccines will now be mandatory across the federal public service. Crown corporations, along with other federally regulated sectors, are expected to follow suit. Should the municipal and federal levels of power do the same thing? The Taliban continues to take ground in Afghanistan, and now Canadian special forces are heading to the country in an attempt to restore peace. Prime Minister Trudeau is expected to head to the Governor General’s office on Sunday and trigger a Fall election. What are the key ballot box issues right now? How will it change the way in which politicians deliver their message? Meanwhile in Hollywood, the Delta variant is causing some movies to be delayed. Richard Crouse explains further. Finally, there’s a new movie starring Canadian mega-actor Ryan Reynolds and features a cameo appearance from a popular Twitch streamer. Is it worth your time? Matt Demers explains further in this week’s Box Office previews!

We received massive news from the Canadian government today. It says vaccines will be mandatory for federal employees moving forward. Anyone who travels on cruise ships, trains, and airplanes must also be fully-vaccinated. Of course, this happens a few days before Prime Minister Trudeau is expected to call an election. Meantime, as the Taliban continues to take control of Afghanistan, we are sending military forces to close the Canadian Embassy in that country. On a lighter note, a popular TV show has revealed a new host lineup. Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays is CFAX host Al Ferraby and CJBK host Ken Eastwood.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault will soon be delivering a vaccine passport system. It will go into effect on the first day of September, just one day before the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival begins. The festival feels this curveball is a major slap in the face. We get the latest in Hour 1. On Sunday, many are expecting that Prime Minister Trudeau will deliver a snap election. The earliest date for the federal election to be held, in that case, is September 20. The opposing parties say the timing is bad. Trudeau might argue that a fresh mandate is needed to get things done. In Hour 3, our Political Heat panelists weigh the pros and cons. When it comes to taking out the trash, you could notice a slightly different approach in Canada’s Capital. Rideau-Goulbourn councillor Scott Moffatt joins us in Hour 2. And finally, it’s time for another edition of Confession Thursday! What is one subject you’ve flipped-flopped on?

A snap election could be called by Prime Minister Trudeau in the coming days. What do the latest polls say? Is it worth it for the Liberals to pull the trigger now? We get the latest in Hour 1. Later in the show, we have more on the NDP’s election platform. Do you support their idea of a wealth tax? We turn to more serious matters in Afghanistan, as more Afghan interpreters are arriving in Canada. However, the unrest continues, as the Taliban have now taken 10 provincial capitals in that country. Before closing out the final program of the week, Tom Mulcair stops by for another edition of Overhyped and Underplayed.

Canada’s Capital added 10 new cases and zero new deaths on Wednesday linked to COVID. Ontario, as a province, added 324 new cases. Out of those cases, 234 hadn’t received a single dose of the vaccine. An intensive care physician based in Toronto fears the fourth wave of COVID is already underway. He also feels the Doug Ford government isn’t doing enough to mitigate the damage. Ontario is introducing new self-isolation rules, and it all revolves around your COVID vaccination status. Is there a level of confusion that needs to be cleared up? In China, detained Canadian Michael Spavor has been given 11 years in prison. What happens next? On a lighter note, Canadian track-and-field athlete Jerome Blake recently took home an Olympic Bronze Medal. Today, he joins Kristy Cameron on Ottawa Now.

A verdict on Michael Spavor, a detained Canadian, has been issued by a Chinese courthouse. He has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Evan Solomon gets reaction in Hour 1. The biggest problem in Greece these days is violent wildfires. CTV’s Paul Workman has more in the second half of today’s program. Plus, we have the latest on the ‘Sludge Pirates’. Who are they? What do they do?

Canada’s Capital added 10 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the city’s active case count to 75. The Ontario government says it will release data based on vaccinated citizens and non-vaccinated citizens in the future. Meantime, the University of Ottawa says vaccinations will be mandatory for all students, faculty, staff, anyone residing on campus grounds, and anyone visiting campus. A recent article in the New York Times outlined troubling cases of ‘long COVID’, and how it can affect today’s children. Joining the show to tackle this matter is Dr. Bill Kapogiannis. When it comes to virtual medicine, does it have a place once the pandemic ends? A family doctor practicing in Canada’s Capital weighs in. And finally, we saw the first flight filled with Afghan interpreters touch down in Canada last week. They are looking for a fresh start and a safer upbringing for their families. However, Canadian veterans fear that bureaucratic red tape is keeping these refugees on the tarmac and in limbo.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has submitted his resignation from office. This comes one week after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. Steven Chase of the Globe and Mail joins Evan Solomon with the latest information in Hour 1. Meantime, a growing number of Ontario businesses want a vaccine passport. Will they get their wish granted? In that same province, a pathologist recently issued a new report on Soleiman Faqiri’s cause of death. His family continues to search for justice. On a lighter note, what do you think about hologram concerns? Do they ruin the concert-going experience? And if you were offered a ticket to attend one, would you take it? The phone lines open up in Hour 2.

For the third time this week, the U.S. state of Florida has broken a record for the highest daily COVID cases. On Monday, the Trudeau government gave the green light to fully-vaccinated Americans to enter the Great White North. Who qualifies as a fully-vaccinated traveler? Kristy Cameron has the latest. A monumental report from the United Nations’ Climate Panel paints a grim picture of Earth’s future. What are the real-life consequences? Kelsey Mitchell capped off a historic Olympics for Canada in Tokyo. The athletes have their sights set on France for 2024 after claiming 24 medals (7 Gold, 6 Silver, 11 Bronze). While 19 athletes across the globe didn’t get the chance to live out their dreams due to COVID-19, the pandemic didn’t cancel the festivities. And finally, a pair of Liberal MP’s have announced they will not seek re-election. Later in Hour 3, our Political Heat panelists stop by to break down the biggest stories.

Evan Solomon has returned from his vacation and there’s plenty to talk about. We are hearing renewed calls to penalize the Catholic Church for the role they played in the residential school system. According to a new survey from Nanos Research, a majority of Canadians support some form of a Beijing Games boycott. Where do you stand on those issues? Meantime, former Ontario Premier Bill Davis passed away over the weekend at the age of 92. We outline his impact on the province’s P.C. movement. On a lighter note, if someone adopted a dog from a shelter, do you think they should receive a tax credit?

Overall, Gatineau councillor Mike Duggan is pleased that the Quebec government is coordinating the vaccine passports. He also feels they should allow businesses to decide for themselves how to apply it. He explains further in Hour 1. For the first time ever, Canada has won Olympic Gold in Women’s Soccer, outlasting Team Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout. Vanessa Gilles’ former coach stops by after watching this tense affair and emotional post-game coverage. Here at home, a 36-year-old health worker received life-changing news. Carlo Escario was set to be deported back to the Philippines…until he was given a temporary resident permit to stay in Toronto. And finally, do you want to watch some movies this weekend? Matt Demers rates the latest flicks hitting the box office.

The vaccine rollout is picking up steam across the country. Eventually, it will be time to head back to our workspaces. Mandatory vaccines might be necessary with the Delta variant still looming large. Do you agree or disagree with mandating vaccines for federal workers? What about employees working in federally-regulated industries? After multiple allegations of sexual misconduct came to light against Andrew Cuomo, some say the New York Governor should be impeached. Can he survive this political obstacle? Plus, as Canada’s border workers hit the picket lines, should they be allowed to strike if they are deemed essential workers? Amanada Galbraith is joined alongside CFAX News Director Ryan Price and CKTB host Ryan Dockstader in this edition of Free For All Fridays!

We received major news from Carleton University on Thursday. It says every single student must be fully-vaccinated to live in its residences. As the prospect of a fourth COVID wave threatens to ruin any progress, the Quebec government says vaccine passports are coming soon. What does this mean for anyone who wants to visit that province? Daniel Blaikie, a New Democrat MP, has written to the federal government about a very urgent matter. He says seniors are struggling because of the unanticipated clawbacks to the guaranteed income supplement. In Tokyo, it was a golden moment for 31-year-old Damian Warner. Not only did he make history as the first Canadian to win Olympic Gold in a grueling Decathlon competition, he also set a Canadian record as the oldest competitor in this event.

The first flight of Afghanistan refugees arrived in Canada on Wednesday night, but more work needs to be done. Jamil Jivani, filling in for Evan Solomon, outlines his thoughts in Hour 1. The Canada-US border remains closed and the next curveball is about to be thrown. Canada’s border workers have issued a strike notice to the Trudeau government. Joining us with the latest on that story is Chris Aylward, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Quebec’s plan to fight against COVID-19 now includes vaccine passports, while Alberta’s approach looks a lot different. Which approach do you prefer? Plus, as we prepare for a potential federal election, we debate whether or not there is enough political will to fix the long-term flaws with long-term care in Canada.

Ontario added 139 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, while Ottawa’s daily breakdown led to a very complicated total. Either way, it was another day of progress. Parents and teachers have been giving their two cents to Ontario’s back-to-school plan. What do our country’s top medical experts think? Does the latest announcement on school ventilation deliver some peace of mind? Some critics say the latest announcement was so vague it's hard to even say if this will help keep kids safe. Later in Hour 1, Kristy Cameron speaks to Allison Munro. Her daughter, entering Grade 7, has not been fully-vaccinated against the virus. Her son, entering Grade 9, has been protected. And finally, Andre De Grasse makes history and captures a Gold Medal at the Olympics. Robert Esmie stops by with his reaction.

Amid growing concerns of a potential fourth wave of COVID-19, mostly caused by the Delta variant, we could see a federal election before the year wraps up. Is it a reckless idea by Justin Trudeau if he makes the call to Canada’s Governor General? Jamil Jivani, filling in for Evan Solomon, takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. When it’s all said and done, this pandemic will give us a lot to reflect on. Is this ordeal worthy of a museum exhibit? If so, what should this exhibit have in it? In Alberta, the Jason Kenney government is requesting the use of pepper spray for its citizens, only to use in self-defence. The current Canadian government, however, rejected that proposal. And finally, we turn our attention to the United States, as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces more questions about sexual misconduct allegations.

During the long weekend, an Ottawa mother dropped her 12-year-old son off at Muskoka Woods Camp, only to turn around a few hours later to pick him up. All of the campers and staff members were sent home due to a COVID outbreak. Sherrie-Mae Guthrie joins the show in Hour 2. The Ontario Pharmacists Association fears that thousands of Moderna doses in the province could soon be going to waste. We get the latest from Justin Bates. Plus, a group of former Afghan interpreters rallied in Ottawa, calling on the Trudeau-led government to do a better job resettling people in Canada.

After a Belarusian Olympian says she feared for her safety, the country of Poland has granted her a visa. Jamil Jivani, filling in for Evan Solomon, has the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, some people are calling for the province of British Columbia to change its name. The namesake is partly derived from Christopher Columbus, a man who laid the foundation for the colonization of the Americas. In Hour 2, we open the debate floor once again. Do you think it is the employer’s responsibility to pay for the employee’s commute? A new study poses some alternatives.

Canada’s Capital recorded 10 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. That means the single-digit case count streak has sadly come to an end. For the first time in Ontario, we got a hint of what life could be like once we surpass our Step 3 targets. Kristy Cameron breaks it all down with Dr. Gerald Evans in Hour 1. A hard-hit Ontario town is struck with yet another dose of bad news, as evacuations are underway in Barrie following a massive fire. For the first time since 1992, Canada’s women’s eight crew has claimed the country’s first Olympic rowing Gold Medal. Kristen Kit’s parents, Janice and Jerry, stop by in Hour 3. Later in Hour 4, you will get to meet Robert Esmie. He captured a Gold Medal at the 1996 Games in the 100-metre relay, along with Glenroy Gilbert and Donovan Bailey. Plus, do you want to go see some movies during the long weekend? Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks!

By August, all COVID restrictions could be gone in Alberta. Some health experts are very mad. Should other provinces follow Jason Kenney's lead or tread lightly? In the world of sports, Canada's storied NHL franchise tried to justify their 1st Round draft pick and a famous Olympian withdrew from events due to personal reasons. Newstalk 1010 host Jamil Jivani and CFRA host Leslie Roberts join Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays!

Scarlett Johansson has filed a lawsuit against Disney. What happens if this case heads to court? Richard Crouse says it could lead to a ground-breaking outcome. In Hour 2, Afghan interpreters who have provided assistance to Canada’s military have been told they only have 3 days to apply for resettlement. Cory Shelson, an Afghanistan veteran, says this is a bad plan with poor execution all around. At this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, is the degree of misinformation more deadly than the virus itself? We open the debate floor with Dr. Blair Bigham. After an Ottawa man suffered serious burn injuries, the City of Ottawa is asking you to be aware of wild parsnip plants. Plus, it’s time to toss in your confessions for this week’s Confession Thursday! What is the weirdest crush you’ve ever had? Inquiring minds want to know.

An archdiocese in Winnipeg has banned a Catholic priest from speaking publicly. This comes after his scathing comments about residential school survivors. Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, explains the full story in his opening monologue. Isolation requirements and COVID restrictions in Alberta will soon become a thing of the past. This decision has outraged health experts. In Hour 2, a Toronto man is filing a copyright lawsuit against Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. We explain why. Plus, if you are 45-and-over, do you find it’s tougher to find a job?

Victims of a disgraced fertility doctor based in Canada’s Capital could receive a portion of a multi-million-dollar payout. This comes after a judge recently certified the class-action lawsuit. Rebecca Dixon joins us in Hour 4. The owner of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens has penned an open letter to fans following a controversial draft-day decision to select Logan Mailloux. Are people buying the message Geoff Molson is selling or is the team trying to offer a distraction? Next week, we are expecting a back-to-school plan from the Ontario government. What should we expect to see in that plan from Premier Ford and Minister Lecce? And finally, it’s time for us to take a quick snapshot of the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw 8 new cases and zero new deaths linked to the virus, according to Ottawa Public Health.

United States lawmakers are putting the 2022 Olympic sponsors on full-blast. Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon this week, explains further in today’s opening monologue. Canada’s border workers plan to strike, with August 6 being the earliest target date to do so. We get the latest from the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. According to a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the federal government could be running budget deficits until 2070. How much does this worry you? Plus, we get down and dirty with a controversial topic. How often do you bathe?

Canada’s Capital recorded 3 new cases and zero new deaths linked to the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday. The province of Ontario added 129 cases to its total. When it comes to the upcoming back-to-school plan, it seems that a line could be drawn between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Kristy Cameron explains further. Canada is coming off a very impressive Day 4 at the Tokyo Olympics. In fact, some say it’s historic. For one of the most talented athletes in the games, things didn’t go very well, as mental health issues forced Simone Biles out of competitive play. On a lighter note, is it romantic to propose at the Olympic Games? Is that hogging someone else’s spotlight? And finally, a kids’ hockey league might be shutting down, but they are making a positive last-second shift by donating their hockey equipment.

Zain Velji fills in for Evan Solomon this week. The CEO of a tobacco company wants to kick the United Kingdom’s cigarette craving within the next 10 years. Do you think we are seeing the end of cigarette smoking here in Canada? Could it happen within the next 10 years? Could it happen sooner? Or will it never end? We open up the phone lines in Hour 1. Meantime, a new study delves into how much vacation time we tend to waste on an annual basis. Do you feel guilty taking time off? In Hour 2, a report from IRENA says renewable energy costs are in the middle of a freefall. Can our homes be powered by renewable energy within the foreseeable future? We get an expert’s opinion and then we take yours.

The Ontario Liberals are pushing for the provincial government to issue mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers and education workers. The Doug Ford regime says they won’t make it mandatory, but will continue to encourage Ontarians to get the shot. Ontario’s paid sick leave program has seen very little uptake since it was introduced during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have the latest in Hour 2. The biggest news of all: Canada’s new Governor General has been sworn in.

After a televised ceremony, it’s official. Mary Simon is the new Governor General of Canada. Zain Velji fills in for Evan Solomon and delivers his first impressions in Hour 1. Meantime, when it comes to our country’s federal parties, which ones have the deepest pockets? We try to get some answers. In Hour 2, a Montreal Canadiens prospect is in hot water, and the team is facing criticism for drafting him in the first place. As the wildfires continue to rage on across Western Canada, what are the long-term impacts of wildfire smoke? Dr. Michael Brauer stops by. And finally, is it time to say goodbye to lawn bylaws? One homeowner used an interesting approach to stir the pot.

Canada’s Capital added 7 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, keeping the single-digit streak alive for one more day. Ontario, meantime, added 192 new cases of the virus. In Japan, the Tokyo Olympics are finally underway! Most fans are excited. Others are very concerned as we try to navigate our way through a pandemic. Bruce Kidd, a former Canadian Olympian, delivers the power of sport in Hour 1. The Trudeau government has announced ‘special immigration measures’ to help Afghan interpreters and people who helped Canada during the war. We get the latest reaction to that story in Hour 2.

The Canada-US border won’t be reopening until August 21 at the earliest. It was a decision that was made by American authorities. Should the Trudeau government put more pressure on President Biden to reopen? A former Liberal candidate in Nova Scotia says she was dropped because of 'boudoir photos'. The official reason that was given was far different. Meantime, how important was it for the World Health Organization to back the Tokyo Olympics? Will this move blow up in their face? Joining host Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays is CJAD host Natasha Hall and Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar.

When it comes to new cases of COVID-19, Canada’s Capital remained in single-digits on Thursday. We saw nine new cases, marking the highest total in our city since July 3. We break down the numbers in Hour 4. In Tokyo, we saw 1,800 new cases of COVID-19 on the eve of the Tokyo Games. Experts warn things could get even worse in one of Japan’s biggest cities. The fallout in Toronto continued after police authorities dismantled part of a homeless encampment in Lambton Park on Wednesday. CTV’s Austin Delaney has the latest news in Hour 3. The photo radar camera near a Kanata high school has turned into an expensive spot for Ottawa drivers. CTV’s Jeremie Charron has the latest in Hour 2. Plus, we end the show with Confession Thursday!

If you thought there was a moment of peace in Canada's Green Party, it was a false alarm. Zain Velji fills in the blanks. Meantime in Toronto, arrests have been made at Lamport Stadium. What was the breaking point that eventually led to last night's events? In Hour 2, we find out why a very nice house is going to get a bulldozer through the front door.

Wednesday marks International Drug Users Memorial Day. Here in Ottawa, the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre held a memorial event. Rob Boyd stops by in Hour 4. Here at City Hall, the State of Emergency is about to be lifted, while the Planning Committee makes some changes. We have more in this week’s edition of Municipal Heat. We also turn our attention to a growing pet peeve for restaurant owners. People book a spot, for multiple people, and then don’t show up. Kristy Cameron takes a look at a Gatineau establishment who recently got burned. First, we go to our top story. President Biden’s regime has opted to keep the Canada-US border closed until August 21.

The upcoming Tokyo Games are getting a major backing from the World Health Organization. Zain Velji explains why he has mixed feelings in Hour 1. The border between Canada and the United States will remain closed until August 21st. The call was made by President Biden's regime, not Prime Minister Trudeau's government. That brings us to another game of Overhyped vs. Underplayed with CTV's Scott Reid.

Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says, not only should schools stay open next year, but extra-curricular activities should also take the field. However, some say the honeymoon could soon be over and the pandemic could have a counter-attack in store for us. A city councillor in Barrie, Ontario is calling for a review of building codes. This comes after a southeast portion of the city was rocked by an EF-2 tornado, destroying homes and injuring eight people. Thanks to high COVID vaccinations and low COVID case counts, many of Ottawa’s city councillors say they are ready to return to their seats. That's not expected until at least the Fall months. If we see a spike in Tokyo’s COVID-19 cases, is the idea of a Summer Games cancellation on the table? We try to get some answers in Hour 1. And finally, during various portions of today’s program, we update you on a wicked thunderstorm.

Canada’s new Governor General is receiving criticism over her lack of French. At least, that is what multiple complaints have raised. Is it fair to issue an investigation into these claims? Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, delivers his thoughts and welcomes yours. Meantime, a billionaire went into space with a cowboy hat on his head. A dream has been fulfilled. Zain isn’t drinking the Kool-Aid. Here at home, we are dealing with wildfires in Western Canada, leading to droughts and constant headaches for Canadian farmers. Plus, the National Council of Canadian Muslims has unveiled its anti-Islamophobia recommendations. The CEO of that organization has more in Hour 2.

Canada’s Capital recorded 2 new cases and zero new deaths linked to COVID-19 on Monday. This follows 7 new cases on Sunday and 5 new cases on Saturday. If you plan to attend this year’s Escapade Music Festival, vaccination requirements need to be met. We speak with the festival’s director. Almost every single COVID restriction in the United Kingdom is going to be lifted today. Not everyone seems thrilled about the plan. We try to get reactions from both sides. In Canada, we received a game plan on when the Canada-US border could reopen, and what it will take to make it happen. Meanwhile, the Ontario city of Barrie continues to pick up the pieces following last week’s tornado. Mayor Jeff Lehman joins the show in Hour 4.

Zain Velji is filling in for Evan Solomon this week. We get the latest from the Trudeau government on the Canada-US border. How close are we to opening the gates? In Tokyo, a well-known car company made the decision to pull its advertisements ahead of the latest Summer Games. Plus, what happens when a neighbourhood gets invaded by grasshoppers. We find out in Hour 1.

Residents in various portions of Barrie are trying to pick up the pieces after an EF-2 tornado tore through the Ontario city on Thursday. Eight people have been injured so far. As city councillor Natalie Harris tells Graham Richardson, the destruction was severe, as the entire second storey of her home was wiped out. It’s a happy day for most Ontarians, as we have reached the beginning of Step Three. We get the latest from health experts and business owners throughout the program. We received major news from the Ontario Medical Association. They are calling on the Doug Ford government to make COVID vaccines mandatory for all provincial healthcare workers. And finally, movie theatres are open once again, so you might not have to stream the latest box office releases this weekend! No matter how you choose to check them out, Matt Demers has got you covered in Hour 2 with his Weekly Flick Picks.

United States politicians are growing impatient. So are Americans in general. They want Canada to reopen the border. It’s been 16 months. It still hasn’t happened yet. Is the Trudeau government waiting too long to make the call? When it comes to vaccine rollouts, some governments are getting creative with incentives for residents. Do vaccine lotteries work? Plus, as the idea of a Fall 2021 federal election picks up steam, do you think the promise of daily ten-dollar daycare will actually happen? Or is it just another pre-election promise? This week, Free For All Fridays host Amanda Galbraith is joined by Kelowna news anchor Tamie Williams and Newstalk 1010 host John Moore.

Jonathan Vance, Canada’s former Chief of Defense, has been charged with one count of obstruction of justice under the Criminal Code. Retired Colonel Michel Drapeau speaks his mind in Hour 4. A report into the discovery of unmarked graves in Kamloops, British Columbia has been filed. A press conference on Thursday afternoon detailed the findings. James Daschuk, an Associate Professor at the University of Regina, joins the show in Hour 2. As the COVID cases go down, Ontario makes final preparations for the launch of Step Three on Friday. Premier Doug Ford says we can’t afford to deal with another lockdown. However, Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti fears that the province will be too slow moving out of the latest stage.

The European Union is planning to unveil an ambitious new climate plan. How could these proposed tariffs impact Canadians? Michael Bernstein, the Executive Director of Clean Prosperity, joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. Meanwhile in Kamloops, a report into the unmarked residential school graves is being filed. The latest reaction continues in Hour 2. A recent study shows that alcohol consumption has been linked to thousands of cancer cases over the past year in Canada. We deliver the straight goods. And finally, have you ever found 158 bowling balls underneath your home? A homeowner in Michigan did not expect to see that during his latest renovation project.

Canada’s Capital saw zero new cases and zero new deaths linked to COVID-19 on Wednesday. As for our city’s vaccine rollout, the good news continues to fly in. As of today, 57 percent of people aged 12-and-up are fully-vaccinated against the virus. As the numbers in Ontario trend in the right direction, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones says the province won’t impose a proof of vaccination card on its residents. The vaccine receipt that you were given following the two doses should suffice. GoodLife Fitness says they won’t ask for them when Step Three of the reopening plan launches on Friday. Long-term care homes will be allowing vaccinated visitors into their facilities without any testing. In the 1990’s, Ronald St. John helped create the pandemic early warning system. Has it deteriorated since then? The former Director General of Emergency Preparedness and Response gives us the latest information.

Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of nurses. What is causing this country-wide dilemma? Tim Guest, the President of the Canadian Nurses Association, joins Evan Solomon in Hour 1. The biggest problem that lies ahead for the Royal Canadian Navy is replacing an aging fleet of submarines. When it comes to travel, France wants the Trudeau government to allow its country’s residents to visit the Great White North. Later in Hour 2, giant goldfish are being spotted in Minnesota’s lakes. Do we have a similar problem here at home?

On Tuesday, the Toronto Regional Board of Trade called on the Doug Ford government to introduce a vaccine passport system for non-essential business activity. Does our city’s Board of Trade feel the same way? Stopping by to discuss further is President Sueling Ching. In city news, a $2.8 billion plan for a new Civic Hospital parkade has been greeted with mixed reviews and a great deal of concern. Critics say the above-ground parking garage will destroy the Dow’s Lake area. Last Sunday, billionaire Richard Branson boldly went into outer space! This is being labeled as an historic milestone towards commercial space travel. We speak to Judy Anderson, who has already reserved her spot.

Nurses in Alberta might be hitting the picket fences over a potential wage decrease. Do you think it’s fair for the Jason Kenney government to cut nurses’ wages? Evan Solomon opens up the phone lines and reads your emails. Health officials in New Brunswick are not allowing restaurants to serve beef tartare anymore. That’s because it violates the province's food regulations. Luc Doucet, a restaurant owner, has been told to take all tartare options off the menu. Later in the program, an Ontario couple faces $12,000 in fines under an expiring travel rule. Before signing off for the day, Evan hears about the discovery of more unmarked graves. We deliver the latest.

Ottawa Public Health has recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 for the first time since July 7, 2020. This comes after 1 new case on Sunday and 4 new cases on Saturday. That brings the number of active cases in Canada’s Capital down to 35. Kristy Cameron breaks down the numbers. Canada is getting another 1.4 million doses of Pfizer after receiving 1.5 million doses of Moderna last Friday. What are the odds that Canadians will need a third booster shot of the vaccine? Earl Brown stops by to deliver his thoughts in Hour 1. American President Joe Biden says U.S. troops will be pulling out of Afghanistan by the end of July. However, the Taliban’s presence in that country is starting to surge, and a lot of military veterans have drawn serious concerns in Canada. On a lighter note, if you had the money and power to do so, would you travel into space? Jeff Bezos, the face of Amazon, planned to test the limits. Richard Branson, who also owns a lot of money, hopes to do the same thing.

In September, Seneca College will be doing something that no post-secondary institution in Canada has done so far. All returning students will need to be fully-vaccinated against COVID before they can attend in-person classes. David Agnew, the President of Seneca College, stops by to explain further. Should other institutions take a page out of Seneca’s playbook? We take your calls, texts, and emails. In Hour 1, well-known millionaire Richard Branson plans to fly into space. Is this a big vanity project or a source of inspiration? In the sports world, a majority of soccer fans in England thought a major championship was coming home to London. Instead, the EURO 2020 title is going to Rome, Italy.

Free For All Friday, hosted by Amanda Galbraith, features top talent from across the iHeart radio talk network. Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week.

This week's panelists are Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on C-J-A-D 800 in Montreal, and Kristy Cameron, Host of Ottawa Now on 580 C-F-R-A.

Topics:

Quebec will introduce vaccine passports in Sept. Should the other provinces follow suit? Are there inherent flaws in Canada’s political system that prevent women and people of colour from succeeding? Do the Olympics need to be reformed? Should companies offer housing incentives to attract employees? Should it be illegal for people to light fireworks in backyards, etc.?

Ottawa Public Health tallied 7 new cases and zero new deaths linked to the pandemic on Thursday. The active case count now stands at 44. The main face behind Ontario’s Science Advisory Committee says we are not ready for Step Three. Does that mean we are doomed to face a fourth wave? As housing prices soar, an engineering company in Ontario is giving staff $20,000 to help them buy their first home. Later in Hour 2, Chef Michael Blackie outlines his financial incentive to convince people to join his restaurant team in Stittsville. According to a University of Ottawa researcher, bullying has gone down since the pandemic began. What do the numbers suggest? Plus, former Liberal MP Jody Wilson-Raybould says she is leaving politics, describing a toxic and ineffective environment at Parliament Hill on her way out.

Shohei Ohtani, a baseball pitcher that can also hit towering home runs, is one reason why the 2021 Major League Baseball season should be getting high-praise from sports fans. Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, feels America’s pastime isn’t getting the love it deserves. We have some more serious topics to tackle first. In Hour 1, former Liberal MP Jody Wilson-Raybould announces her decision to leave politics. She also delivered a sobering statement on the current environment at Parliament Hill. In Hour 2, could you soon hear advertisements in your dreams? It might be a crazy idea, but it might be possible. And finally, the University of Calgary is suspending its Bachelor’s program for Oil and Gas Engineering. What does that say about our country’s Oil and Gas sector?

Ontario added another 194 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, but not a single new death linked to the pandemic. We haven’t seen that since last October. Ottawa’s top doctor says, despite the progress in our city, we can’t ditch the masks just yet. First-dose vaccinations are plateauing across the country, potentially making way for a variant comeback. Moderna vaccines are being leaned on heavily due to a shortage in Pfizer shipments. Are pharmacies now having problems unloading the Moderna doses? We try to get some answers. Plus, a six-year-old in our city is generating headlines for all the right reasons thanks to a lemonade stand. This project raised thousands of dollars for residential school survivors.

Travellers rejoice! It appears that Canada is preparing to unveil its new vaccine passport. Privacy experts, however, are already expressing concerns. The biggest concern in Florida is Tropical Storm Elsa. We get the latest on the storm surge and whether or not it will affect the search-and-rescue efforts in Miami. On Wednesday, the Calgary Stampede became the first major Canadian event to ask every attendee for proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. Should future heavy-duty events follow suit? We take your calls, texts, and emails in Hour 1. Meantime, a UK-based group called Crustacean Compassion is advocating to make it illegal to boil lobsters alive. This plea has Canadian lobster fishers worried in Hour 2. And finally, we explain how a microchip shortage is hiking up car prices.

For a tenth straight day, Canada’s Capital has reported zero new deaths linked to COVID-19. The case count remains at single-digits, as Ottawa Public Health recorded two new cases on Tuesday. And when it comes to active cases, that number has gone down to 42. Kristy Cameron breaks down the latest numbers in Hour 4. The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the Lambda variant of COVID. What do we know about it? Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti delves into the details. Melbourne, a city in Australia, is mulling over the idea of a cat curfew. Is it time that one of Canada’s well-known cities implements that rule? Is this idea so controversial that the cat got your tongue? In Hour 2, Nova Scotia Premier Ian Rankin says he has dealt with two impaired driving offences in the past. Would you support a political figure with a history of drunk driving?

Some people love camping. Others despise it. Where do you stand? Evan Solomon opens the debate floor in Hour 2. But first, we have a lot of news to get to. Let’s start with Canada’s Governor General. That honour will soon belong to Mary Simon after Queen Elizabeth II approved the nomination. Mary will be the country’s first Indigenous Governor General once she is officially introduced. How will today’s news affect the federal polls? Nik Nanos from Nanos Research and CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair discuss further. Plus, after a rising Olympic star was suspended for cannabis use, should the rules be changed to follow current societal norms?

Police responded to a shooting in Downtown Ottawa on Sunday night, which is now being treated as a homicide after one of the victims was pronounced dead. We get the latest from CTV’s Stefan Keyes in Hour 2. According to the President and CEO of the Ottawa Airport, Monday was the busiest travel day they have seen since the pandemic began. However, not everyone will be able to travel without going through the mandatory quarantine steps. Are Ottawa’s wastewater levels showing a similar decline to our city’s COVID case numbers? Kristy Cameron tries to get some answers from Dr. Alex MacKenzie. And finally, did the Premier of Ontario promise to make a payraise for PSW’s permanent? It was a temporary raise beforehand. Has that since changed? We open the debate floor and ask our Political Heat panelists what they think in Hour 3.

As the death toll continues to rise following a scary condo collapse, we get the latest from Surfside in Hour 1 of the Evan Solomon Show. Later, we speak to a resident who survived the horrific wildfires in Lytton, British Columbia. Meantime, when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, do you think we will need booster vaccines to fight the virus later? And finally, we speak to Gloria Allred, the attorney for 33 accusers that have made claims against Bill Cosby.

A few short days ago, the main concern in British Columbia was scorching-hot temperatures. Today, it’s wildfires. The small town of Lytton has dealt with both. After record-breaking heat struck the area on multiple occasions, a wildfire has gutted almost everything in sight. CTV Vancouver’s Allison Hurst has the latest. We are halfway through 2021, but there are plenty of unseen movies on the docket. Matt Demers gives us a sneak-peek of this week’s releases. Canada’s Capital added 3 new cases of COVID-19 and zero new deaths on Friday. It is the first time since December 2020 that no COVID patients were placed in ICU care throughout our city. The 63 active COVID cases resembles the lowest total since June 26 of last year. Businesses in Alberta, however, are taking a cautious approach when the remaining COVID restrictions are lifted. And finally, Mark Masters updates us on how Canada’s tennis stars are faring at Wimbledon.

A small town in British Columbia was making waves for a heat wave. It has since gone up in flames after a wildfire got out of control. In the wake of these alarming wildfires, are we doing enough to prepare for the climate change crisis? This year’s Canada Day, for many, was not a time to celebrate. And for others, it was a time to make their voices heard, as protests grew in several parts of the country. Plus, after the sudden release of Bill Cosby from prison, has the Me Too movement taken a massive step back? Here to join Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays are CFAX 1070 host Al Ferraby and CTV News Political Analyst Tom Mulcair.

Canada’s Capital recorded 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, along with no new deaths linked to the virus. That brings us to 81 active cases and a positivity rate of 0.7 percent. Five patients are still in hospital, one of which remains in the ICU. How is Ontario doing? They only had 184 new cases. Kristy Cameron breaks down the numbers. Another horrific series of unmarked grave discoveries in British Columbia shed a dark cloud over Canada’s past once again. We speak to a former CFL player, whose mother survived the residential school upbringing, in Hour 2. Meantime, what healthcare barriers still exist for Canada’s Indigenous citizens? And when it comes to healthcare in remote communities, what did the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic teach us? We dig deeper to find the answers.

The residential school system represents a very dark past in Canada's history. Is it time to press charges against the people than ran these operations? We dig deeper into that side of the conversation. In America, the big news is the sudden release of Bill Cosby, who was imprisoned for sexual assault.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says we have officially dished out one million vaccines. As of Tuesday, 33 percent of those 18-and-over have received both doses, while Canada has more than 30 percent of its population fully-vaccinated. It’s not all good news, though. A new report that was published by the Royal Society of Canada could show a shocking truth that most people don’t want to believe. The number of people in our country who have died because of COVID is likely double that shown in the official numbers. Meantime, an apology was delivered by the Doug Ford government over the failures in long-term care. It came from the individual who was recently brought in to handle the file. And finally, after the leader of Canada’s Conservatives says the country’s July 1 celebrations should go ahead, many Canadians have been hesitant to voice a similar approval.

Canada's Conservative leader Erin O'Toole says he wants Canada Day celebrations to go ahead. A lot of Canadians have mixed reviews on that subject matter. We hear Evan Solomon's point of view in Hour 1. Meantime, the country's death toll caused by COVID-19 might be higher than we think. Plus, we give you the latest updates on the Miami condo collapse, and the ongoing searches for survivors.

Canada’s Capital recorded 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. This comes after 9 new cases on Sunday and just 6 cases on Saturday. We are also under 100 active cases following today’s data. In the meantime, our city distributed over 127,000 vaccine shots last week. Anthony Di Monte joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. After serving as Canada’s Environment Minister from 2015 to 2019, and serving as a Liberal MP for Ottawa-Centre since the 2015 election, Catherine McKenna has made the tough decision to step away from life in the House of Commons. We have more on why she made the call. And finally, after parts of Western Canada dealt with humid temperatures over the weekend, there is a big heat wave coming to Ottawa. What should residents expect?

Liberal MP Catherine McKenna says she will not seek re-election. Evan Solomon reacts to Monday's announcement in Hour 1. Here in Ottawa, Canada's best Rabbi sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. If you never met the man, you will get to know more about him in Hour 2. In British Columbia, and other provinces, the big heat wave is driving the headline machine.

If you are 18-and-older, and you live in Ontario, this coming Monday is your first opportunity to book a second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. The big picture across the country is also looking positive right now, as Canada’s top doctor reports a sustained decline of the deadly virus. What happens if the Delta variant catches fire? Well, if it does, we could see a fourth wave. In Hour 3, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reacts to Ontario’s early launch of Step Two, which begins on Wednesday. On Friday, the Trudeau government added three more extremist groups to its list of terrorist entities, along with an American Neo-Nazi. Phil Gurski explains. Here in Ottawa, a recent memo detailed a path to sustainability for Lansdowne Park, which includes a recommendation to replace the arena portion of the facility and the North Side stands. CTV’s John Crupi has more on that. Plus, do you want to stream some movies on the final weekend of June? Matt Demers stops by with his Weekly Movie Picks!

Canada’s Indigenous communities are grieving once again after 751 unmarked graves were discovered near a former residential school. This time, it’s in Saskatchewan, not British Columbia. A pair of scientists at Canada’s highest-security laboratory were recently fired. However, the Trudeau government is asking the Federal Courts to prohibit the disclosure of documents related to those dismissals. There is a lack of clarity when it comes to reopening the Canada-US border, and we also saw a degree of confusion this week at some of our Atlantic provincial borders. In sports news, the Montreal Canadiens could shock the hockey world just like they did in 1993, as they head to the Stanley Cup Finals with a country’s 28-year drought on their shoulders. Joining host Amanda Galbraith for this week’s edition of Free For All Fridays is CJBK London host Ken Eastwood and AM800 Windsor host Dan MacDonald.

Ontario is meeting its vaccination targets and the case numbers continue to decline. As a result, Step Two of Ontario’s reopening roadmap will kick in two days earlier than expected. We get reaction from health experts and local business owners throughout today’s program. Ottawa Community Housing will get 165.5 million dollars for repairs and improvements. Joining the show with further details is Ahmed Hussein, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development. In Saskatchewan, the discovery of 751 unmarked graves has triggered painful memories for our Indigenous communities.

A few weeks ago, next to a former residential school in Kamloops, a mass grave site was discovered. We got more grim news on Wednesday after another 751 unmarked graves were found in Saskatchewan. Evan Solomon gathers reaction from all sides in Hour 1. He also takes your calls, emails, and texts on this troubling matter. If you live in Miami, or anywhere in the state of Florida, the biggest news story on the TV is a building collapse. At least one person has been found dead in Surfside after a beach-front condo caused a huge pile of rubble on Thursday morning. Search-and-rescue efforts continue. In Hour 2, we play another edition of Overhyped and Underplayed with Scott Reid.

After a stunning 101-page report from the City of Ottawa’s Integrity Commissioner, a longtime member of city council has stepped aside from her role on the Planning Committee. This happened before city council planned to vote on a recommendation to remove Jan Harder from that role. And while she did resign, Harder did so in defiance. In Hour 3, we get reaction from today’s Municipal Heat panelists. The border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia remains shut down. This comes after an organized protest criticized the current isolation requirements. Amherst Mayor David Kogon joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. Ontario’s COVID-19 picture is looking pretty good, but an early launch of Step Two hasn’t been announced yet. Quebec is taking things one step further by giving the green light to enter the Green Zone. Are the health experts feeling ill about this decision?

After refusing to get the COVID vaccine, more than 150 hospital workers in Texas either quit their jobs or got fired from their jobs. Where do you stand on this? Should you be fired for refusing to get the vaccine? Evan Solomon takes your calls and texts in Hour 1. Later in the program, Canada's Senate gives the green light for legalized single-game sports betting. Plus, a dissection of the tuna sandwiches you get from Subway.

Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s infamous killers, was hoping for a second chance at life on Tuesday. That did not happen. Once again, the now 56-year-old man was denied parole by the Parole Board of Canada. We have the latest in Hour 4. Canada’s Military Ombudsman delivered a strong message with a critical report. Gregory Lick accused the Canadian government of political interference, and wants to see an independent civilian oversight of Canada’s Armed Forces moving forward. A dive from the Prince of Wales Bridge led to the fatal drowning of an Ottawa teenager last summer. Last weekend’s drowning death of a London man, on the exact same bridge, reopened a lot of questions from the past. Later, Kristy Cameron delivers the latest local snapshot of the pandemic. Spoiler alert: Things look awesome.

Outside of a Toronto residence, a man was spotted wielding a large butcher’s knife. It wasn’t just any home, though. It belonged to the current Premier of Ontario. After threats were dished out, Doug Ford’s OPP detail arrested the man without further incident. CTV's Colin D'Mello has the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, Bill C-10 has been passed in the House of Commons. Later in the program, we meet the survivor of a recent bear attack in British Columbia.

Canada’s Capital logged 11 new cases of COVID-19 and zero new deaths linked to the pandemic. This comes after the city reported 26 cases on Sunday and 18 cases on Saturday. Ontario has recorded 270 new cases of the virus to begin the new work week, marking the lowest daily case count in more than 9 months. After a longtime city councillor got into hot water last week, Ottawa’s Mayor has a tough decision to make. The city’s Integrity Commissioner recommends that Jan Harder be removed as the Chair of the Planning Committee, a role she has held for seven years. What happens next? Our panelists weigh in. On Monday, Olympic organizers made an announcement about crowd participation at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. The number of spectators for each event will be capped at 10,000. Is this a good call or a recipe for disaster in Japan?

New border restrictions are coming. Are they too restrictive? Do they not go far enough? And for most travellers, they want to know if the Canada-USA border will reopen soon. Evan Solomon breaks it down in Hour 1. Meantime, the 2020 Summer Games will allow fans. Is this a recipe for disaster in Tokyo?

Canada’s Capital saw 13 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and no new deaths linked to the virus. In Ontario, 345 new cases have been logged. The NACI says AstraZeneca won’t be used for second vaccine doses in Canada. Anthony Di Monte, the head of the vaccine rollout in Canada’s Capital, explains how that could affect our game plan. And now, it’s time to tackle something that gets on everybody’s nerves. Someone books an appointment, they don’t show up, and they don’t cancel it. This is happening with COVID-19 vaccine bookings. We have more on that story in Hour 3. The biggest news on Friday is linked to a Cabinet shuffle in Queen’s Park. Premier Doug Ford is removing Merrilee Fullerton as Minister of Long-Term Care, and moving her into a different section of Cabinet. Rod Phillips, the former Finance Minister that resigned following a trip to St. Barts during the pandemic, will be replacing her old role. Four other members were also taken out of their positions. CTV’s Colin D’Mello delivers the scoop.

This week's panelists are Jamil Jivani, host of The Jamil Jivani Show, a national iHeart radio talk show, and Ryan Price, news director and afternoon drive host on CFAX 1070 in Victoria B.C.

Ontario added 370 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. Here in Ottawa, we are dealing with 32 new cases. Over 75 percent of residents aged 18-and-over in our city have received their first dose of a COVID vaccine, but Dr. Vera Etches says that coverage won’t be enough to stop another surge. In the First Nations community of Kashechewan, an outbreak of the virus continues to gain traction. That section of Ontario is dealing with 210 total cases. To make matters worse, children under the age of twelve have accounted for more than half of them. A barber shop in Carleton Place was recently offering outdoor haircuts. The ‘Towne Barber’, and barber shops in general, are unable to operate in Stage One. They received a heavy fine and orders to shut down. Plus, the City of Kingston says it plans to remove a statue of Sir John A. MacDonald from City Park. This comes after a crucial 12-2 vote by city council.

A new lawsuit has been filed against Pornhub. We bring you the details, but not too many details, on today’s show. We delved into the ‘chicken sandwich’ wars of 2021 last week with Rick Christie. In Hour 2, the results are in. Before getting to the latest news from the soccer pitch, we want to know the best lesson your father ever taught you. It is Father’s Day on Sunday, after all. Plus, did you know that Evan Solomon has been a married man for 20 years? He reflects on that milestone in his opening monologue.

Canada’s Capital recorded 22 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, along with one new death linked to the virus. We are dealing with less than 300 active cases. Mayor Jim Watson says we are not getting the COVID vaccine doses fast enough from the Ontario government. Premier Doug Ford says the city isn’t distributing the doses fast enough. Kristy Cameron delivers the latest reaction, while PC MPP Goldy Ghamari fires back at Ottawa’s Mayor. Meantime, the Ottawa Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward in exchange for information. Police believe the deaths of four cats in the city’s West end was caused intentionally, and they are searching for answers. On a much lighter note, a business in Dunrobin is finally ready to reopen its doors following a challenging wave of COVID and a tornado that tore everything down in 2018. We have the latest on that uplifting story in Hour 2.

How is social media influencing today's teenagers? We try to get some answers in Hour 1. Later in the show, Evan takes a look at how technology will impact jobs here in Canada. Are you worried about your job being taken by a robot? Plus, it's time for another educational edition of Overhyped or Underplayed!

In the fight against COVID-19, we can’t afford to slip into old habits. There have been concerns about people crowding on sidewalks outside of patios. We have seen it on Elgin Street and the ByWard Market since Stage One launched. How dangerous is this? Kristy Cameron digs deeper in Hour 1. The Ontario government plans to identify, investigate, and commemorate residential school burial sites across the province. It has pledged 10 million dollars towards this effort. Did they provide a definitive timeline to deliver results? The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has been critical in recent days of the Ontario government’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause. It is now considering legal avenues over the matter. With the provincial checkpoints set to expire, who is going to pay the bill? Will it be the City of Ottawa or will the province take the hit? Mayor Jim Watson tells us what he knows.

Another member of the Canadian Forces has stepped aside. This time, it's out of concern for a potential conflict of interest. Meantime, the former face of Canada's vaccine rollout is filing a court challenge following his dismissal. We get the latest on the Evan Solomon Show. If you buy a gas-powered vehicle in Vancouver, you could be facing steep street parking fines after 2023. We tell you what that's all about in Hour 2. On a lighter note, we shed some light on a golden moment to remember for a contestant on America's Got Talent.

It’s been a few days since Ontario launched Stage One of its reopening plan. What was it like to work in a restaurant last weekend? Kristy Cameron speaks to a server at one of Ottawa’s restaurants in Hour 4. The local fight against the pandemic is also going well. Canada’s Capital logged 23 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. This follows 34 cases on Sunday and 13 cases on Saturday. Ontario says a reopening of the Quebec border will take place this Wednesday. It has been shut down since April 19. In the United Kingdom, a surge in Delta variant cases has delayed a full reopening of their economy by one month. Members of the Afzaal family were laid to rest on Saturday following a horrific attack in London. On top of the murder charges he currently faces, the man who is accused of killing them is now facing terrorism charges. Police believe the attack was targeted and driven by hate.

The man behind a horrific attack in London, Ontario last week is facing terrorism charges. Zain Velji, filling in for Evan Solomon, speaks to former Counter Terrorism Operative Mubin Shaikh. Should our country donate vaccines to other parts of the globe if Canada's population isn't fully vaccinated? The debate begins in Hour 1. Plus, with the UBER prices set to go up, will you go back to using taxis?

Ottawa's added 20 new cases and no new deaths on Friday, while Ontario racked up 574 cases. We have entered Stage 1 of Ontario’s roadmap to recovery. Patios are open. The lockdown is over. Kristy Cameron breaks down a big day for Ottawa. While some businesses will be allowed to reopen, some of their competitors will have to remain closed due to what they call ‘deeply unfair’ rules. We explain further in Hour 3. In city news, River Ward councillor Riley Brockington says Mooney's Bay Park will close at 9 o’clock on Friday night and Saturday night. This is part of a city-wide initiative to address a number of late-evening issues in the park, and it will continue for two consecutive weekends. The Ford government says it does not plan to change the timing of AstraZeneca secondary doses. Some of Canada’s infectious disease specialists disagree with this approach. And finally, do you want to stream some movies this weekend? Matt Demers and his Weekly Movie Picks might be able to help out!

Do you think Canada Day should be cancelled this year? In the eyes of Victoria city council, it should be, as the majority voted to put a pause on celebrations. After a horrific attack in London, Ontario last weekend, political leaders have spoken out. Actions speak louder than words, however. What needs to be done next? Newstalk 1010 host Jerry Agar fills in for Amanda Galbraith in this edition of Free For All Fridays! Joining him is Victoria morning show host Alan Ferraby and Windsor morning host Mike Kaluk.

Ottawa has 25 new cases of COVID-19, 378 active cases of the virus, 24 patients in hospital, and five patients in the ICU. The positivity rate over the past seven days is a modest 3.2 percent. However, we still have three postal codes that are labeled as hotspots, and the acceleration of second vaccine doses will not include our city. At 12:01am on Friday morning, Stage One of Ontario’s reopening plan begins. Some businesses are just happy to be opening their doors again. For others who have to stay closed, Doug Ford’s game plan isn’t moving fast enough. Kristy Cameron speaks to a few of them in Hour 2. Meantime, a growing number of Ontario’s doctors are calling on Premier Ford to make a commitment towards uninterrupted in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. Ottawa pediatrician Dr. Jane Liddle joins the show to explain further in Hour 3.

A pair of informative polls were released today. The most important poll sheds a light on residential schools, and where Canadians stand when they are asked about this topic. The second poll might be important to the current Premier of Ontario. How have Doug Ford’s popularity numbers fared during the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? Later in Hour 1, Evan Solomon opens the debate floor. Where do you stand on the topic of vaccine lotteries? Manitoba is hosting one. It has a jackpot of $2 million. Would you buy a ticket? In Hour 2, a report into the RCMP’s use of Clearview AI technology has been released. Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien outlines what the findings show. Plus, the unthinkable has happened at Oxford College after a statue of Queen Elizabeth was removed.

The Trudeau government has announced changes to its quarantine policy for fully-vaccinated travellers, marking the end of the quarantine hotels. Is it the right time to reopen the Canada-USA border? We evaluate the pros and cons. We have heard of some crazy COVID vaccine initiatives from all corners of the globe. We explain what game plan Manitoba has come up with in Hour 2. When Ontario students head back to the classroom for in-person learning next September, they might be welcomed with a new Grade 9 Mathematics course. In city news, a confidential memo about the Rideau Street sinkhole was accidentally leaked to a journalist. City councillor Tim Tierney says he is the one who sent the email, and has since apologized. Stopping by to break down the biggest headlines in city news is our Municipal Heat panelists.

Calls are growing to cancel Canada Day this year following the horrific discovery near a former residential school in British Columbia. Where do you stand on this idea? Evan Solomon takes your emails, calls, and texts in Hour 1. Plus, a new report has been launched into the death of Soleiman Faqiri. He died in a Lindsay, Ontario jail cell in 2016 and his family continues to look for answers.

An exemption on health orders will be issued tonight in London, Ontario after a horrific pedestrian attack last weekend. Premier Ford says this will serve as an opportunity for the Muslim community to grieve, and he will be attending a vigil to remember the victims. Locally, leaders at the Ottawa Muslim Association say they are considering enhancing their own security. Ottawa continues to make significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. We saw 15 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, along with zero new deaths and 449 unsolved cases. The province of Ontario, meantime, tallied 469 cases. Plus, we have a record-breaking Lotto 649 draw, as the price tag for the next winnings is $117 million!

We continue our coverage in London, Ontario after Sunday's horrific attack on a sidewalk. Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, who keeps us in the loop on all things COVID-19, is here to discuss this difficult scenario. On a lighter note, in Hour 2, we have more on a dog that has gained attention for his paintings.

Canada’s Capital recorded 19 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. It’s the lowest single-day total in our city since December 22 of last year. This comes after 36 new cases on Sunday and 31 new cases on Saturday. We also don’t have a single active community outbreak to report. Colin Furness says, if we reopen too soon, Ontario is tempting fate. He stops by in Hour 2. The city of London, Ontario has bigger things to worry about after a vehicle hit five pedestrians on a sidewalk. Four people tragically lost their lives in the incident and a fifth pedestrian was sent to hospital in a targeted attack. On a lighter note, the 2021 CHEO Telethon was a smashing success, as Ottawa rallied together to raise a record-setting $10.9 million to support the well-known children’s hospital. CTV’s Matt Skube bids farewell to his hairdo.

The Egerton Ryerson statue at Ryerson University will not be replaced or restored after it was recently toppled. Evan Solomon has the latest in Hour 1. Meantime, the Trudeau government has approved a travel exemption for NHL players once the Stanley Cup Playoffs hits Round 3.

Canada’s Capital registered 55 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the highest single-day case count we have seen this week. Canada will receive more than 2 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine every single week until the end of August. However, there are growing concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19. First detected in India, it makes up nearly 25 percent of new cases in Ontario. Kristy Cameron breaks it all down. After the Toronto School Board declined the idea of in-person graduations for this year, the Ottawa Catholic School Board says it plans to stick to virtual ceremonies, arguing it’s not feasible under the current conditions. Plus, an overnight Amber Alert led to the safe recovery of an 11-month old girl here in Ottawa. The suspect, who was unknown to the baby and mother, was questioned by police.

Bill Carroll, host of The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll on 580 CFRA, and Elias Makos, host of The Elias Makos Show on CJAD 800 in Montreal, join Amanda Galbraith for this edition of Free For All Fridays!

The issues with the provincial vaccine booking portal have been resolved! It had been shut down in Ottawa since Monday, and bookings have now resumed. However, vaccine supply is limited, leaving multiple age groups in Canada’s Capital in a competition for doses. Canada’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations says it’s okay to mix and match COVID-19 doses. Ontario has since followed their lead. Earl Brown, a virologist, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 2. There have been growing pleas for the province to reopen sooner than June 14. When it comes to Ontario’s game plan for COVID-19 moving forward, the new Chief Medical Officer of Health outlined some interesting points this afternoon. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson has more. In the world of social media, Twitter Blue will be launching soon. You will get an Edit button to edit your tweets…if you pay money for the feature. Is this a useless cash grab?

Following the horrific discovery of buried children near the site of a former residential school, Evan Solomon recently reached out to the Catholic Church for comment. They had previously refused to release an apology on the practice of residential schools, let alone release documents. Evan explains how that conversation went in Hour 1. Mitchell Garabedian, an attorney who was at the center of numerous lawsuits against the Catholic Church, stops by with his reaction. In Hour 2, the National Football League promises to end ‘race-norming’ in concussion settlements. Sports legal analyst Eric Macramalla has more on these developments. And finally, should parks be privatized property?

Canada’s Capital has seen double-digit case counts of COVID-19 for the fifth straight day. Ottawa Public Health recorded 42 new cases on Wednesday, coupled with a positivity rate of 3.9 percent over the past seven days. Despite the signs of progress in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford says in-person learning at schools will not be making a comeback until September. He cites the threat of COVID variants and a cautious approach to reopening as the big reasons behind this tough decision. Later in Hour 2, Kristy Cameron speaks to the owner of the Merry Dairy. The popular ice cream shop in Canada’s Capital said it would not operate on Canada Day after the remains of 215 children were found buried near a former residential school in Kamloops. Meantime, a trio of Ottawa city councillors are calling on the National Capital Commission to change the name of the Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway.

The Ontario government has made a decision on school reopenings. Some people will be satisfied with the ruling. Others will hate it. Evan Solomon takes a look at all the angles in Hour 1 before we go live to Queen's Park in Hour 2.

Canada’s Capital continues to turn the tables against the COVID-19 pandemic. Ottawa Public Health reported 39 new cases on Tuesday, the same total as Monday. The race between vaccines and variants continues across the country. The NACI has now given the green light to mix and match doses. Kristy Cameron brings you the latest in Hour 1. Is the recent string of progress in Ontario enough to open in-class learning sessions before July? CTV’s Colin D’Mello has the latest from Queen’s Park. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on all Ontario MPPs to put pressure on the Doug Ford government to revise the reopening plans immediately. Julie Kwiecinski, the CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, explains further. In CFL news, one year after Edmonton’s organization ditched the Eskimos branding, they have unveiled a new identity and team logo. They will be known as the Elks.

The NACI says we can now mix and match COVID-19 doses. Here to break down his thoughts in Hour 1 is Dr. Isaac Bogoch. Amid bailout negotiations with the Trudeau government, Air Canada paid out 10 million dollars in bonuses. Should the aid package be withdrawn? In Hour 2, one of tennis' biggest stars has withdrawn from the French Open. TSN 1200's Lee Versage has the latest.