Cross Country Checkup

In British Columbia there were 25-hundred and eleven illicit drug deaths last year -- the majority of them involving the opioid fentanyl. Meanwhile, the provincial government announced it's banning illicit drug use in public spaces, a key feature of last year's pilot program which aimed to decriminalize drug use in many instances. Amidst the decriminalization debate, what's the solution to the toxic drug crisis? If you are in recovery -- what can we learn from your story?

Spring can be a vulnerable time for migraine sufferers. Our AMA guest this week was Dr. Christine Lay, a neurologist and the Founding Director of the Headache Program at the University of Toronto. Dr. Lay answered questions about migraine headaches, along with suggestions for migraine prevention and management.

This week marked what could be the beginning of another dangerous wildfire season. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes because of fires throughout parts of western Canada. This is after last year's record breaking season which saw tens of thousands of people flee their homes, 15 million hectares of land burnt, and nearly the entire country blanketed in smoke for parts of the summer.

Wherever you are in Canada -- are you ready for another wildfire season?

And for our Ask Me Anything - it's Spring, which can be a vulnerable time for migraine sufferers. Hear from a neurologist to learn about migraine causes and prevention.

Lab-grown meat has been making political news this week. Our AMA guest this week was Isha Datar. She is the executive director of New Harvest, a nonprofit research institute that funds cultured meat research. She answered your questions about lab-grown meat.

A recent boycott against Loblaws aims to try to force the grocery giant to reduce prices. The company's recent quarterly report shows an increase in profits, while food prices have gone up roughly 20 per cent in Canada over the last 3 years. Do you think the boycott have an effect? How are you dealing with the high cost of groceries, and who or what do you blame for rising prices?

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recently suggested that, if elected, he might use the notwithstanding clause to push through criminal law reform. The clause has never been used before at the federal level --though it has been used provincially. Eric Adams is a law professor at the University of Alberta who specializes in constitutional law. He answered your questions about the notwithstanding clause and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The recent encampments on campuses across North Amercia have stimulated a lot of debate about what limits there should be on protest and activism. Have these demonstrations changed any of your views about the conflict? And beyond the universities, in your personal life, how are you dealing with conversations about the Israel-Hamas conflict?

We produce 400 million tonnes of plastic waste worldwide every year. This past week, an international conference in Ottawa debated how best to reduce that amount. Is the amount of plastic you use important to you? Is a world with less plastic even possible?

According to the Coffee Association of Canada, the average coffee drinker in Canada consumes over two cups of coffee a day. Andy De Santis was our AMA guest this week. He is a Registered Dietician with a private practice in Toronto. He answered your questions about coffee, energy drinks, and caffeine. 

The federal budget includes a plan to develop a so-called "right to disconnect" policy for federally regulated employees. How would you feel if your boss sent you an email during your time off? Do you feel like you have a healthy work-life balance?