On today’s show:

• Bruce Winder, Retail Analyst, on the upcoming GST holiday

• Bacchus Barua, Director, Health Policy Studies, The Fraser Institute, on a new report showing record-long healthcare wait times in Canada

• Dan Kelly, President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on a potential inquiry into Canada Post negotiations as the strike continues

Hour 2

This week’s panel features Garry Keller, Vice President of StrategyCorp; and Karen Restoule, VP at Crestview Strategy and Senior Fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute.

Topic 1: Labour minister says Canada Post workers could soon be forced back to work Is it coming too late?

Topic 2: Let’s go over the latest on tariffs, Trump, Trudeau, tariffs, premiers, and more

Topic 3: The GST/HST holiday begins Saturday

Topic 4: Trudeau makes fresh bid to recruit Mark Carney amid tensions with Freeland – worst breakup in history

Topic 5: Do you have a holiday purchase you’ve been saving for the GST break?

Ontario Premier Doug suggesting there is no way to avoid U-S tariffs once President Donald Trump is in office, saying the province's energy supply to the United States could be cut. Our Question of the day: "How did Doug Ford handle?" Was it too strong, not strong enough or did he nail it?"

David Gourlay, CEO of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, stops by to discuss the fundraising shortfall the Canada Post has caused.

CFRA Live host Andy Pinsent drops by with a couple of provincial stories with local ramifications.

We continue to spread some Christmas cheer, or at least some gift-giving suggestions, with the handy-dandy Ottawa Now Gift Guide.

The FBI is recommending iPhone and Android users avoid texting each other.

We hear a story about why you need to get car insurance on your rental.

The Service Alliance of Canada issued a survey revealing the longer commute times. Some interesting numbers to dive into.

Guest host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Jim Bookbinder, Professor of Management Science at the University of Waterloo, on the logistical challenges.

On today's show:

Bob Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief, The Globe and Mail, on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly once again making overtures to Mark Carney

Michael Jarman, the 2024 Microsoft Excel World Championships, explains competitive spreadsheet work and how he got involved

Phil Gurski, President and CEO, Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting — former CSIS Senior Analyst, on the latest in Syria and potential ISIS threats as prisoners get released

The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Queen's Park Reporter, The Globe and Mail and Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter, The Globe and Mail

Peter Brown, Canada Research Chair in Meteor Astronomy and Professor at Western University, on the peak of the Geminid meteor shower this weekend

The GST holiday measures being passed in the house and how they come with concerns from small business owners that it won't lead to higher sales; according to some businesses

On todays show, Vassy speaks with:

- John Manley, Former Minister of Finance / Chair of Jefferies Securities, about the tabling of the fall economic statement next Monday, as well as the interest rate decision set to be released by the Bank of Canada tomorrow. 

- Tim Perry, President, Air Line Pilots Association in Canada and Nick von Schoenberg, President, Canadian Air Traffic Control Association, about how Canada’s commercial pilots and air traffic controllers are urging the government to launch a review of the aviation sector.

The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurli, Shakir Chambers, and Saeed Selvam. 

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario as they discuss Ontario's trade mission to Washington as Trump doubles down on tariff threats.