High speed rail: Nation builder or billion dollar boondoggle?

This isn't the first time that future of Canada's passenger rail system has been the centre of public debate. On August 17, 1980, Cross Country Checkup asked callers: "Should we abandon our passenger trains?" Here are some highlights from that show.

Canada elected a minority parliament - but five floor crossers have brought Prime Minister Mark Carney just 1 seat away from a majority government. Our question: Is floor crossing a fair path to a majority government? 

A high speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City is on the table, promising jobs and billions in economic impact — but also raising concerns from communities and politicians. In this episode, we dig into what Canadians want to know about high‑speed rail and whether the country is ready for it. Our question: What questions do you have about high speed rail in Canada? Is it a good or bad idea?

Cross Country Spotlight - highlights from Checkup on Sunday. For the first time in more than 50 years, humans will swing around the moon and head back home. It’s thrilling. It’s historic. And it’s expensive. We heard from callers —Why does space exploration matter to you? Is it worth the money? Here are some highlights from the show. 

Stephen Lewis passed away early on March 31st, 2026. He appeared on Cross Country Checkup multiple times throughout his career as a politician, ambassador, and activist. Here's a selection from an interview he did back in October of 1977 when he was the leader of the Ontario NDP. The question for callers on that program was, "What do you think is the critical issue facing the next session of parliament?”

We're approaching a big moment for the Artemis II mission, as the crew prepares for their flyby around the moon. It’s not a landing, but it’s the first time in more than 50 years that humans will swing around the moon and head back home. It’s thrilling. It’s historic. And it’s expensive. Artemis has blown past budgets and timelines. And here in Canada, taxpayers will contribute more than $800 million to the Canadian Space Agency this year. So, is it worth it?Our question: Why does space exploration matter to you? Is it worth the investment?

The federal NDP is pitching public, non-profit grocery stores. They say it's to bring prices down. City governments in New York and Toronto are studying the idea while Mexico has had a government-run chain since the 1950s. Supporters say it could lower bills. Critics say it won't.Our question: Are government-run grocery stores the fix for high prices? How's the cost of food affecting you?

Cross Country Spotlight - highlights from Checkup on Sunday. A month into the US–Israel war in Iran, civilian deaths rise, tensions spread across the region, and allies like Canada face tough choices. Here's a digest of Checkup's Q&A with experts on what’s happening now...and what could come next.

It’s been just over a month since the United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran. The fallout is global, oil prices have spiked, pushing up the cost of living, and what happens next is far from clear. What questions do you have about the war in the Middle East?

Avi Lewis was elected as the new leader of the federal NDP party, earlier on March 29, 2026. We are revisiting another memorable moment for many in that party, August 2011. Former NDP leader Jack Layton died of cancer, just months after leading the NDP to its best ever election result.