COVID-19 stole most of the headlines in 2020, so we're shining a light on some of the year's other memorable stories. Our question this week: What's the most important non-COVID news story of 2020....one overshadowed by the pandemic? Guest host Renée Filippone.

Cross Country Checkup from CBC Radio

Dec. 27, 2020 - What's the most important non-COVID news story of the year?

Infectious disease expert Dr. Lynora Saxinger and virologist Dr. Samira Mubareka answer caller questions about the COVID-19 variants of concern.

Ask Me Anything: COVID-19 variants

While many Canadians struggled with mental health long before COVID-19, the pandemic has dealt a blow to many more. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 40 per cent of Canadians report that their mental health has deteriorated since last March. Nearly one-fifth of those surveyed have increased their substance use to cope. Our question: In terms of your mental health, how tough did it get during the pandemic? How are you getting through it?

Feb. 21, 2021 - How are you coping during the pandemic?

Love in the time of COVID-19. Toronto-based couples and family therapist Carole Sandy answers questions about relationships during the pandemic in a special Valentine’s Day edition of Ask Me Anything.

Ask Me Anything: Couples and family therapist on pandemic relationships

Whether you rent, own, or live with parents, the pandemic is forcing change — who we live with and how we live. Our question this week: How has COVID-19 affected your housing situation? Do you feel financially secure?

Feb. 14, 2021 - How has COVID-19 affected your housing situation? Do you feel financially secure?

The Canadian government has named the Proud Boys a terrorist group. Alexandra Stern, University of Michigan history and American culture professor and author of Proud Boys and the White Ethnostate, joins Checkup host Ian Hanomansing to take calls and questions.

Ask Me Anything: Alexandra Stern on the Proud Boys, far-right extremism

Between virtual book clubs, extended family baking sessions, and so many awkward pauses in work meetings, video conferencing is rewiring how we connect with friends, family and co-workers. Our question this week: Has Zoom made your life better or worse? How has it changed your relationships?

Feb. 7, 2021 - Has Zoom made your life better or worse? How has it changed your relationships?

With shipment delays, confusion over the number of doses in each vaccine vial and growing concerns about variant spread, questions about the government's strategy are emerging. Our question this week: What grade are you giving Canada's vaccine roll-out? Are you satisfied with your place in line?

Jan. 31, 2021 - What grade are you giving Canada's vaccine roll out? Are you satisfied with your place in line?

Infectious diseases physician Dr. Zain Chagla, and University of British Columbia evolutionary biology professor Sally Otto, answer callers' questions about COVID-19 variants and vaccines.

Ask Me Anything: Dr. Zain Chagla & Sally Otto on COVID-19 variants, vaccines

Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore answers callers' questions about Canadian politics, the resignation of Governor General Julie Payette, the future of the Conservative Party and more.

Ask Me Anything: James Moore

As fears grow over the spread of COVID-19 variants, new travel restrictions could come at any time, according to the federal government. Is it time to ban non-essential travel? Plus, Ask Me Anything with former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore.

Jan. 24, 2021 - Is it time to ban non-essential travel? When will it feel safe to vacation again?

Mary Trump, the niece of U.S. President Donald Trump and author of Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Most Dangerous Man In the World, takes listeners calls.

Ask Me Anything: Mary Trump

Rising COVID-19 cases are breaking records in both Quebec and Ontario. In a bid to slow the spread, the Quebec government has implemented a curfew, while officials in Ontario have declared a second state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order. Whether it's the police, a bylaw officer, your boss or calling the neighbour yourself, how do you think rule breakers should be dealt with? Plus, Ask Me Anything with author Mary Trump.

Jan. 17, 2021 - How far should we go to enforce COVID-19 restrictions? Who should enforce them?

The Atlantic's David Frum takes calls about Wednesday's siege on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Ask Me Anything: David Frum on U.S. Capitol Hill riot

School doors are swinging in many parts of the country, but not everywhere. Parents, teachers and premiers are divided: should schools open, close or remain online indefinitely? Meanwhile, all this uncertainty is taking its toll on students across Canada. Our question this week: Is it safe to go back to school this winter? How is e-learning working for you?

Jan. 10, 2021 - Is it safe to go back to school this winter? How is e-learning working for you?

Dr. Jane Philpott spoke to Cross Country Checkup about vaccine rollout in Canada.

'No points gained for rationing out the vaccine,' says Dr. Jane Philpott

Cross Country Checkup is Canada's only weekly national open-line radio program. It is broadcast live across Canada every Sunday afternoon on CBC Radio One and SiriusXM, and streamed live on the Internet. Each week Canadians from coast to coast join in a lively discussion on an issue of national interest that affects their daily lives.

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Dec. 27, 2020 - What's the most important non-COVID news sto...

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