Cross Country Checkup

The Liberals have won a fourth term and even though they secured the most seats, their share of the popular vote was only 2 percentage points higher than the Conservatives. And 85 percent of voters went for one of those two parties, leaving the other parties with the electoral scraps. Were people trying to vote strategically?

Our question: Do you feel well-represented by Canadian democracy? If not, what would you change?

Monday is election day and Canadians are seizing on this critical moment. Already, more than 7 million Canadians cast their ballots in advanced polls, breaking records for early voting turnout. As each party tries to hone their messaging to shore up the seats they need, we've heard from you throughout this election about how the cost of living, tensions with the U.S. and housing are factoring into your vote. And for some, their party loyalty has been shifting throughout the campaign. 

Our question: What compelled you to switch your vote? Which issue hits closest to home?

Our world is cluttered with ads, not just on tv and radio, but billboards, hockey rinks, and online. But every once in a while, one of them breaks through the noise.  Some of the jingles or slogans stick with us, and become part of our language. Former ad-man Terry O'Reilly's show is celebrating 20 years on CBC, and he's here to share stories about his and your favorite ads.

Our question: Which ads, jingles or taglines should be inducted into Advertising Hall of Fame?

While Trump and tariffs have been a huge concern for many Canadians, some polls suggest the leading issue in this election is aIaffordability and the cost of living. Grocery prices, rent and housing costs have been on the rise for years and economists are warning the trade war will likely trigger higher inflation.

Our question: Which pocketbook issue will sway your vote? Which party is looking out for your wallet?

Many people are describing this federal election as the most important in decades. And in a campaign where the Liberals have been leading in the polls for weeks, Thursday night’s final federal leaders’ debate may have been the last significant opportunity for the leaders to win your vote. 

Our question: What's your debate highlight? Is there an issue that didn't get enough attention? 

With every move Trump makes on tariffs, the stock market reacts. His so-called “Liberation Day” on April 2nd ushered in a wave of volatility and deep losses in global financial markets. Trump then announced a 90 day pause on retaliatory tariffs for most countries which lead to a mid-week surge then another drop. On Friday, General Motors announced a summer-long halt to production in Ingersoll, Ontario, adding to worries about the long term effects of this trade war and what comes next..

Our question: Market turmoil, and tariffs: What do you stand to lose? What questions do you have about surviving it?

According to a survey published this month by Abacus Data, 65 per cent of Canadians believe the next federal government should increase defence spending. Abacus also found that more than a third of Canadians want party leaders to be talking about national defence and security in this election. This comes as the government says the Armed Forces are well below its target for what it describes as "training, readiness and operational requirements".

Our question: Does Canadian military spending need to change? How will it affect your vote?

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 45 per cent of Canadians are concerned about housing affordability because of the rising cost of renting or buying. For many people it's the biggest payment they have to make every month. The cost of housing can affect the decisions you make for your family, like the community you live in and schools your kids attend.

Our question: Whether you're buying or renting, what do you need to find affordable housing? How will it affect your vote?

In the wake of Canada’s strained relationship with the US, travelling for some Canadians has become increasingly difficult. Stories of Canadian travellers being stopped or even detained at the border have become more common, and are causing stress among vacationers. The Canadian government has also issued a travel advisory reminding Canadians that US border agents can act with “significant discretion” which includes searching your phone or laptop and soon the US will require Canadians staying 30 days or longer to register online with the U.S. government.

Our question: Are you worried about traveling to and from the U.S.? How is Donald Trump changing your travel plans?

The trade war has left thousands of Canadian workers in a precarious position. Trump says on Wednesday, April 2nd a 25 per cent tariff on vehicles made outside the U.S. will come into effect. Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested the tariff may not apply to all vehicles coming from Canada, but there's no predicting what Trump will do, and so the uncertainty and anxiety continues for autoworkers, their employers, and suppliers too.

Our question: What impact is the trade war having on your job security? How does that affect your vote?