STRATEGY PANEL: HOW DID OUR TOP POLITICIANS PERFORM THIS YEAR?

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, John Capobianco, Senior Vice President & Senior Partner, Fleishman Hillard HighRoad,  and Charles Sousa, the former Minister of Finance for Ontario and MPP for Mississauga South.

It's report card day today as we reflect on the performance of our top politicians during the past year, namely: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor John Tory.

TAKING CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS TIME OF YEAR

Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Anne Wilson, Professor in the Psychology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University.

A new study by Maru Public Opinion reveals that 49 percent of Canadian respondents are frustrated, and 41 percent are anxious while 39 percent report feeling fortunate, 35 percent are hopeful and 35 percent are grateful during the last stretch of 2021 as we deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases and spread of Omicron. So, with this in mind, we ask our listeners how they are feeling right now and Dr. Anne Wilson provides useful tips and tools to help us take care of our minds as we navigate the public health crisis for over two years now.

BLADDER CANCER SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY

Jane Brown is joined by Angela Pelletier,  a Bladder Cancer Survivor.

Bladder Cancer is the 5th most common form of Cancer in Canada. Roughly 12,000 Canadians are diagnosed with the deadly disease every year. Angela shares her personal journey of facing bladder cancer and her survival.

Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Zoomer Squad & the physical symptoms of Omicron.

The Sunday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown

Interviews with:

- The Zoomer Squad on changing and cancelling plans for the holidays amid the Omicron variant

- Dr. Timothy Sly, James Rilett, and Court Desautels discuss how Omicron is affecting restaurants during the holiday season

- The Strategy Panel break down the Ford government's response and Ontario's booster and testing plan

- Marion Cooper and Dr. Steve Joordens on how to look after your mental health during the holidays

- And the best calls of the week!

Today on Free For All Friday, listeners discussed how the new omicron variant is affecting their Christmas plans, discussion about Brampton mayor Patrick Brown supporting the legal challenge against Bill 21 in Quebec, and some holiday wishes and messages.

Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PROVIDING NEW SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESSES

Libby Znaimer is joined by Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Lindsay Broadhead, Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs at the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

The Ontario government is introducing new supports for many of the businesses that are most impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant including a new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program and a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes.

But is it enough?

OCHU/CUPE WANT MORE SUPPORT FOR HOSPITAL STAFF

Libby is joined by Michael Hurley, President at Ontario Council of Hospital Unions

Ontario’s health care front-lines are warning that the staffing crisis is so severe at some hospitals that they require staff directly exposed to COVID to work while awaiting test results, just to keep ERs and beds open…a practice that is being labelled as just plain dangerous.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Michael Hurley, President at the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions to discuss.

A GROUP OF BIG CITY MAYORS IN ONTARIO ARE OPPOSING BILL 21

Libby Znaimer today is joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation followed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

Some Ontario municipalities are supporting the legal challenge against Quebec's Bill 21. Brampton City Council, for example, pledged as much as $100,000 to three different civil society groups to challenge the Bill in court. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, however, is not impressed. They say, "tax dollars should stay in the community towards important municipal projects (policing, potholes etc). And if councilors want to fund legal challenges they should use their salaries, not city funds."

Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Hospitals respond to Omicron, Highway 413, and proper mask wearing.

How are you feeling mental health-wise this holiday season?

Zoomer Podcast Network

The Sunday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown

Interviews with:

- Dr. Peter Juni with an update on Omicron

- Bob Richardson and Kevin Lacey react to the Ottawa fiscal update

- Ontario Pharmacist Association President Justin Bates on how pharmacies are preparing to hand out COVID-19 booster shots

- Ellen Roseman on the consumer trends that defined 2021

- And the best calls of the week!

The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown

Interviews with:

- The Zoomer Squad with Peter Muggeridge, Bill VanGorder, and David Cravit remembering Mel Lastman

- Stuart Smith, Rick Barichello, and Rose Reisman on rising food prices

- Dr. Jeff Kwong on Omicron in Ontario

- Lisa Levin on how Omicron is affecting Long Term Care

- And the best calls of the week!