Spotlight: Is it better to call or text?

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's live special from Edmonton with CBC's West of Centre. Callers and experts weigh in on what the Alberta referendum means for the future of the province, and the country as a whole. Plus, campaigners who are for and against Alberta independence state their case.

On Monday, Albertans head to the polls in a major referendum. A yes vote gives the provincial government a mandate to ask if Alberta should officially separate from Canada. A no vote, according to premier Danielle Smith, settles the issue. But separatist leaders reject that. In this special co-production with West of Centre, we hear from callers and campaigners on both sides of the separatism debate, along with pollsters, political commentators and Premier Smith's chief of staff about where Alberta goes from here.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's segment on adult kids getting financial support from their parents. Some are getting help paying the bills, while others are living with their parents to save money in a tight housing market. We hear from experts and callers on how their navigating these family dynamics and how it impacts their relationships.

A recent RBC poll found that nearly 1 in 3 parents with adult children aged 18-40 are still helping them out with their bills. And a growing number of young adults are still living at home with their parents because of the housing market. We hear from a personal finance expert, and a family therapist on how to navigate these issues among families. Plus, Canadians share their stories of giving and getting financial support rom their parents, and the tensions that come along with it.

The countdown is on to the U.S. midterm elections, with less than a month until Americans head back to the polls. With U.S-Canada relations at all time low, we hear from political commentators on both sides of the border about the weeks to come, and how Canadians should be interpreting the results. Plus, callers share what's at stake for them and why they're watching this year's midterms.

This ICYMI takes you back to November 1970. The War Measures had been declared in response to a series of kidnappings and violence by the Front de libération du Québec, a Quebec separatist group. With national divisions on display, Cross Country Checkup asked callers for their thoughts on the state of the country, and how Canada should move forward. Here's an extended cut from that episode which aired November 8, 1970.

This is an abbreviated version of Checkup's segment on calling vs. texting. As social norms evolve, the etiquette on when to call and when to text is changing expert. We hear from experts and callers about how these preferences are affecting their relationships, and how they keep in touch with friends and family.

As technology shifts our social norms, callers weigh in on whether it's better to call or text to connect with friends and family. We'll hear from a psychologist, a dating expert, and a linguist about the phone vs. text debate is affecting our relationships and how we communicate, especially as a generational divide emerges between those who like to talk and those who text.

The proposed Alto high-speed rail project could cost up to $113 billion according to a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office. We'll hear two experts weigh in on whether the price tag is worth it for Canada, as well as farmers and residents along the proposed the route with opposing views on Ottawa's pitch. Plus, callers share the questions about the future of high-speed rail across the country.

This ICYMI takes you back to October of 1986. As Canada and the United States are negotiating a bilateral free trade deal, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber. With many Canadians already skeptical of lowering trade barriers with the U.S.... Checkup asked: Should we go on with the free trade talks? With Here's an extended cut from first 30 minutes of that episode which aired October 19, 1970.