The FEED

Ann Rohmer chats with Dr. Barry Pakes - York Region's new medical officers of health about boosters, rising case counts and holiday gatherings.

Jim Lang is joined by Monte McNaughton, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Amid reports of a looming skilled trades shortage in Ontario, the province is trying to get the message to young people and their parents that the skilled trades offer six figure salaries, pensions and benefits…sending recruiters into high schools….career fairs…and incentives for employers to take on apprentices.

This upcoming holiday season is the perfect time for families to create new traditions rooted in giving back, using Charity Gift Cards as a way to make a difference in the lives of others. Kevin Frankish talks about Charity Gift Cards from CanadaHelps are the stocking stuffer of the season as they not only give back, but also make it easy to teach children about the importance of charitable giving to help those in need.

Tina Cortese is with the Richard Linley, the President of Ontario Craft Wineries to talk about the importance of supporting local wineries during the supply chain crunch at the LCBO. Ontario is a world-class producer of wine, however, a large number of Ontario wineries are currently unsustainable due to a number of factors including impacts of the pandemic.

Ann Rohmer closes this week's show with Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua with a look back at the success stories from 2021, what’s ahead for 2022, and WHO IS THE MYSTERY SINGER OF WHITE CHRISTMAS?

Ann Rohmer speaks with Dr. Glen Pyle -- the COVID-19 Resources Canada co-lead for Ontario, and co-lead for the “Science Explained” initiative. Glen is a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. Will talk about the latest variant and THE VACCINE CONVERSATIONS workshop & resource guide which is free to all Canadians.

Ann Rohmer is with Luciana Crupi the widow of Joe Crupi, the Markham resident died one year ago on December 6th of COVID 19 before vaccines were available. Since Joe's death the family has been fundraising in his name for Toronto General Hospial and Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Tina Cortese looks into a new report about what the world will look like by 2041, which includes bold calls about healthcare, education, space travel and work. The innovation economy will be critical to driving post-pandemic growth especially as technology continues to transform our lives.

QR codes seem to be everywhere; restaurant menus, price tags, government documents like vaccination certificates....but as with any technology, as the use of QR codes rises, the risk of cyberattacks or fraudulent use also increases. Tina Cortese discusses.

Jim Lang chats with Paul Pinchbeck, President of the Canadian Ski Council, about the state of skiing, changes in recent years, safety protocols guests can expect, easy and economical ways to try skiing regardless of your age.

Ann Rohmer looks into vaccines for kids with Dr. Janine McCready, infection diseases specialist at Michael Garron Hospital who is a mother of two herself.

Ann Rohmer also speaks with a Vaughan resident and York University Professor who won the prestigioius EWR Steacie Memorial Fellowship for her work with bees.

19 year old York U student Erfan Nouraee from North York won the United Nations Bronze Medal International Invention and Innovation Award – Jim Lang has details about the award winning invention.

Tina Cortese looks at Wonderkind.ca, a Canadian gifting company that embodies the founders’ values of spreading kindness, supporting female entrepreneurs & giving back.

Tina Cortese talks about the Enbridge Winter Proof Program. Not all Ontarians can afford to heat their homes in the winter. That’s why Enbridge Gas offers The Home Winterproofing Program, which can help reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent and enhance the comfort of your home. The program offers FREE Energy upgrades for homes in need. (homeowners must be income-eligible)

• Ann Rohmer speaks with Dr. Deanne Simms on the difference between Season Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression and what are the treatment options.

• Tina Cortese discusses a new KPMG Canada Survey: Canadians feeling the impact of widespread supply shortages this holiday season; Canadian consumers say they’re “living in weekly hope” that the gifts they ordered will actually arrive in time for the holidays. Canadians agree with coining a new term, “Container Wednesday” to describe this weekly anticipation that products they ordered will be aboard that week’s arriving seafaring vessels.

• With Black Friday upon us Tina Cortese speaks with a York University marketing professor on how brands are targeting holiday shoppers and how it could mean the end of one-day Black Friday sales.

• Jim Lang looks into the Black Girl Hockey Club Scholarship Program which is offered to help enhance the numbers and playing opportunities for black girls by offsetting the costs to play the game.

• The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is back to playing ‘normal hockey’ for the first time in almost two years, after the pandemic forced restrictions on and off the ice and many starts and stops to the season. At rinks all over Ontario, including one in Markham, thousands of the OMHA’s young players and parents alike are enjoying the moment. Jim Lang investigates how things are working out.

Ann Rohmer begins this week's episode with COVID-19 booster eligibility. With the rise in case counts, back in the 4th wave Ann is joined by Infection Control Epidemiologist, Colin Furness with the latest.

Jim Lang has details on a new York Region campaign called "It's All Here", what to see and do in York Region.

Tina Cortese looks into a guide for consumers from the Retail Council - Shop Early Shop Safe. How to increase their chances of finding products and brands that they want this holiday season.

Ann Rohmer has a monthly check-in with Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, including winter ready.

KIDS VACCINE – ANN – The United States has approved Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds, is Canada next? COVID-19 has had a profound social, mental health and educational impact on youngsters. Ann Rohmer discusses.

Tina Cortese looks into how COVID 19 vaccine rates are low among pregnant women and the Ontario Medical Association is urging women to get double vaccinated.

Ann Rohmer is with Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank who are seeing a lot more demand this year.

Tina Cortese returns with a story about a computer training program for vets to help them find employment after they leave the service

Jim Lang introduces us to an 87 year old Vaughan resident Varatha Shanmuganathan. She is the oldest person form York University to receive a master’s degree (she actually has 2 master’s degrees!)

Ann Rohmer is with The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). They chat about how businesses affected by COVID-19 will manage with only broad-based business supports from the feds. Gyms, recreation facilities like bowling alleys, dance studios, drycleaners all continue to suffer massive COVID-related losses but may be ineligible for the higher levels of support.

Ann Rohmer also speaks with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce on how the Accelerate Business Recovery Hub and the Biz Summit on Nov 4th are supporting companies coming out of the pandemic.

Tina Cortese has a new survey from KPMG that shows how students in college and university want an education to match their digital lifestyle.

After a year and a half of working outside the office, how do managers in Canada measure up when it comes to leading their teams from afar? Resoundingly well, according to research from global talent solutions firm Robert Half Company. Jim Lang has the details.

Tina Cortese returns with author Chesand Gregory and her new book "Does Santa Wear a Mask?" inspired by her young son. 105.9 The Region's own "Rob on the Road" is hosting the book launch on Saturday Nov 6th at Hotel X in Toronto.

Jim Lang closes this week's show with actor, comedian, and writer Mary Walsh; she is part of a panel discussion on "Ageism and Other-isms” for Maintaining Creativity; free online event Nov 1st.

Ann Rohmer speaks with York Region Public Health Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Richard Gould – they chat about how to enjoy Halloween safely.

Tina Cortese has the KPMG survey of 505 small and medium sized businesses. The survey highlights supply chain issues along with hiring, finding and retaining talent are their biggest concerns.

Ann Rohmer is joined once again by Kevin Forget from Destination Ontario to reflect on their experience earlier this week at Hockley Valley Resort; Adamo Winery and Tree Spirit Cidery

Jim Lang has a preview of the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer fundraiser on October 30th for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

Ann Rohmer closes this week’s show with information about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society releasing a new commemorative Animals in War collectible pin featuring a cat as this year’s symbol to honour the wartime contributions of animals. The new pin is on sale now until Remembrance Day.

Ann Rohmer chats with Kevin Forget from Destination Ontario and Ben Cullen about where to spot the most vibrant fall colours not far from York Region with the “Fall Colour Report”.

Jim Lang is with the Canadian Toy Association who is warning about supply chain issues for this Holiday Season -- Get your toy shopping done soon!

Tina Cortese tells us about the top toys from Mastermind from babies to kids of all ages.

Ann Rohmer returns with a story about contactless fundraising for the poppy fund.

Tina Cortese closes this week's show with a reminder that National Teen Driver Safety Week begins next week – reminders for young people about the risks of speeding; #SpeedIsNoGame campaign

Jim Lang opens the show with Time Magazine reporting that Instagram negatively impacts the mental health of teenagers more than any other social media network, but why? Here to help answer that question is Medical Futurist, Dr. Dan O’Brien, MD, author of the new book, “Camel Resilience: Dr. Dan’s Guide for Turning Surviving into Thriving.”

Tina Cortese is with The Canadian Mental Health Association York & South Simcoe as they share details about their newcomers’ health and well-being program – helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada.

Ann Rohmer has a preview of the annual mayor’s luncheon coming up on Oct 13th; a wrap up of fire prevention week and thanksgiving.

Tina Cortese reminds us that UNICEF Canada, long-associated with their iconic orange trick-or-treat donation boxes, is back with its Halloween Walk-a-thon campaign. It's easy for kids and families to get in on the fundraising spirit this season. Families can raise money through their personal donation website throughout the month of October and, new for this year, kids will receive a personalized "digital orange box" to drum up extra dollars on their Halloween evening walk.

Ann Rohmer closes this week's episode with information about a nanotechnology company based in Guelph that has developed a face mask that kills COVID on contact …and it’s just received approvals from Health Canada. Millions of the masks will be produced and shipped to frontline workers in health care - for hospitals, dental offices, long term care facilities, doctors offices, etc.