Cross Country Checkup

Cross Country Spotlight - highlights from Checkup on Sunday. For the first time in more than 50 years, humans will swing around the moon and head back home. It’s thrilling. It’s historic. And it’s expensive. We heard from callers —Why does space exploration matter to you? Is it worth the money? Here are some highlights from the show. 

We're approaching a big moment for the Artemis II mission, as the crew prepares for their flyby around the moon. It’s not a landing, but it’s the first time in more than 50 years that humans will swing around the moon and head back home. It’s thrilling. It’s historic. And it’s expensive. Artemis has blown past budgets and timelines. And here in Canada, taxpayers will contribute more than $800 million to the Canadian Space Agency this year. So, is it worth it?

Our question: Why does space exploration matter to you? Is it worth the investment?

Stephen Lewis passed away early on March 31st, 2026. He appeared on Cross Country Checkup multiple times throughout his career as a politician, ambassador, and activist. Here's a selection from an interview he did back in October of 1977 when he was the leader of the Ontario NDP. The question for callers on that program was, "What do you think is the critical issue facing the next session of parliament?”

The federal NDP is pitching public, non-profit grocery stores. They say it's to bring prices down. City governments in New York and Toronto are studying the idea while Mexico has had a government-run chain since the 1950s. Supporters say it could lower bills. Critics say it won't.

Our question: Are government-run grocery stores the fix for high prices? How's the cost of food affecting you?

Cross Country Spotlight - highlights from Checkup on Sunday. A month into the US–Israel war in Iran, civilian deaths rise, tensions spread across the region, and allies like Canada face tough choices. Here's a digest of Checkup's Q&A with experts on what’s happening now...and what could come next.

It’s been just over a month since the United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran. The fallout is global, oil prices have spiked, pushing up the cost of living, and what happens next is far from clear. What questions do you have about the war in the Middle East?

Avi Lewis was elected as the new leader of the federal NDP party, earlier on March 29, 2026. We are revisiting another memorable moment for many in that party, August 2011. Former NDP leader Jack Layton died of cancer, just months after leading the NDP to its best ever election result.

It wasn’t that long ago that the federal NDP held 103 seats. Since then, it’s been a steady slide. Just seven MPs were elected last time, and one has since crossed the floor to the Liberals. NDP members are hoping that the rebuild begins, with their new leader Avi Lewis, and a new direction. What does the NDP need to do to be relevant? Does Canada need 3 major political parties? 

With graduation season looming, Grade 12 students are feeling the heat. University admission averages have climbed for 15 straight years—a trend experts call "grade inflation." As the race for top marks intensifies, what's it doing to student stress levels, and their future opportunities?

Spiking gas prices will have a ripple effect across the Canadian economy, leading to higher prices for groceries, heating and holiday travel. So how are you adapting? What habits have you changed to stay afloat?