Cross Country Checkupwith Duncan McCue

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Reaction to Trudeau blackface photos shows the black experience is 'an unknown thing to most,' prof says

Ryerson University assistant professor Cheryl Thompson has traced the roots of black and brownface performances in Canada back to the 1840s.

'It showed some learning': Expert says Trudeau's blackface apology seems genuine, but voters are divided

Whether the Liberal leader can shift the campaign away from questions about his use of blackface may depend on how Canadians judge Trudeau’s multiple apologies about the matter.

FREE TICKETS: Cross Country Checkup's election eve town hall

With live audiences hosted by Michelle Eliot in Vancouver and Duncan McCue in Leduc, Alta., this two-hour special will drill deep into everything from the Trans Mountain pipeline to carbon taxes and the green economy.

How to watch the federal leaders' debates

Six federal party leaders will face off in the English-language debate on Oct. 7. Here's how to watch.

Sunday on Checkup: How do you feel about Justin Trudeau's blackface apology?

It’s only week two of the campaign and already it’s an election beset by political scandals. What do Trudeau's blackface revelations say about racism in Canada?
Ask Me Anything

'Make your opinions known': Rick Mercer says Andrew Scheer needs to make his same-sex marriage views clear

In a wide-ranging interview touching on the current election campaign to his bucket list, comedian and former CBC-TV star Rick Mercer took calls from Cross Country Checkup listeners.

Free from party line, Jane Philpott campaigns on her version of the truth

The former Liberal cabinet minister and now independent candidate says truth is at the centre of her campaign, and her decision to become a political free agent will give her greater freedom to speak for constituents.

Which party leader do you trust most? Plus, Rick Mercer takes your calls

It's election time, Canada. Have you had enough of the stump speeches already? It's your turn to talk. What qualities do you expect from the next prime minister? Then, it's your chance to Ask Rick Mercer Anything.

CBC's Rosemary Barton reveals her key to non-partisan election coverage

Rosemary Barton, co-host of CBC News' The National as well as the new CBC election podcast Party Lines, took your calls in the first edition of Cross Country Checkup's new recurring Ask Me Anything segment.

E-cigarette ban would create a vaping black market: Public health expert

Regardless of vaping’s potential dangers, banning e-cigarettes isn’t a solution, says public health professor David Hammond. He argues that instead, there needs to be tougher regulations on the product and how it's marketed.

Is it time to ban flavoured e-cigarettes? Plus, Rosemary Barton takes your calls

Health Canada is warning teens to stay away, while there have been more than 200 vaping-related medical emergencies in the U.S. Is it time to ban the popular cigarette alternative? Then, Rosemary Barton answers your questions!

Classroom placements can be tricky, but don't go to the principal's office first: experts

As students across the country head back to school, anxious parents may have questions: What if my kid's teacher doesn't make the grade? For some parents, a request to place their child in a different classroom is the obvious answer.

What do you do if your kid's teacher doesn't make the grade?

Millions of kids will return to school next week for another school year. For principals, teachers and parents everywhere, classroom placement is a very delicate dance — and not everyone is happy with where their kids end up.

As global recession fears rise, it's time to look at your money, finance expert says

Ahead of potential market changes, finance expert Kelley Keehn says it’s a good time for Canadians to check where money is being “robbed” from them and consult a professional if you're struggling.

'It basically means nothing': Why some economists are skeptical of the term middle class

With an October federal election creeping closer, Canadians can expect to hear the term middle class tossed around by politicians on the campaign trail. But according to experts, it’s not necessarily a useful term.

What's giving you economic jitters as we near the election?

As Canada gears up for an election, economists are warning that a recession may be on the horizon. What costs are keeping you up at night?

Foreign Affairs parliamentary secretary says 'plans are in place' to assist Canadian citizens in Hong Kong

Speaking to Cross Country Checkup on Sunday, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant defended Canada's "consistent," "strong" response to Hong Kong protests.

After surviving Tiananmen, Hong Kong protester continues the fight for pro-democracy

Having narrowly escaped the violence on Tiananmen Square, Jonathan Chan now counsels young protesters during demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Does Canada have a moral obligation to Hong Kong?

There are 300,000 Canadians living in Hong Kong and many others here, at home, watching events nervously. As pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong enter the 11th week — and clashes between police and demonstrators escalate — how are the tensions affecting Canadians in both countries?

'You protect what you love': Why biodiversity thrives on Indigenous-managed lands

A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that biodiversity on Indigenous-managed land is 40 per cent greater compared to non-protected regions in Canada.

Meet the 13-year-old who is saving monarch butterflies from her Toronto backyard

Simone Hedley and her mother are doing their part to protect the threatened pollinator by raising and releasing monarch butterflies into their West Toronto neighbourhood.

Are we doing enough to protect Canada's wildlife?

Scientists are sounding the alarm as threats to the survival of many species around the world and here in Canada grow. Meanwhile, a comprehensive report from the UN says one million species of plants and animals are in trouble.

Why getting that perfect Instagram photo might be bad for your vacation

Surveys find that social media is changing the way we travel — and adding pressure to make our vacations perfect. Psychology professor Jaime Kurtz says that's ruining our holidays.

What is your best or worst vacation story?

We've all had one: the vacation that defied all expectations. Did you end up stuck on the tarmac for hours waiting for take off? Or was it a magical moment, unexpectedly crossing paths with a majestic moose for the first time? Tell us your stories.

Despite Canada's ban on shark fin imports, the appetite for them lingers: activist

When Nathan Cheng is served shark fin soup at weddings, he turns it away. The animal rights activist says that other young Asian Canadians have also turned their backs on the delicacy — despite pushback from parents and grandparents.