Lowell Green Podcast

Ontario's Premier is set to announce approval for some privately owned clinics to begin offering surgeries for things like hips, knees, cataracts... The idea being to take some of the burden off of our existing health care infrastructure. No Ontario citizen would pay for this care. The province would, just as they do now. Yet, countless people hear "private" or "for profit" and insist that this must not happen here. I disagree. We discuss. It's YOUR Call. www.itsyourcall.ca

In 3 years you won't be able to buy a gas car from a dealer even if they have it in stock, until they sell a mandated number of electric vehicles first. Now they're coming for your gas stove. Today we ask, "should this not be YOUR choice, not the government's?" It's YOUR Call - weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com - www.itsyourcall.ca

Languages, math, science, geography, history... What are the most basic things you feel every student should be taught before they graduate high school? Could your kids: - Name the Governor General? - Name the PM? - Name your province's Premier? - How many of the Great Lakes could they name? - Where is Hudson Bay? - In which province or provinces would you find the Rocky Mountains? - Could they name all of the oceans that Canada touches? - Do they know Canada has had a female prime minister? Could they name her? - Do they know the zipper was invented here? The caulking gun, the paint roller? The Robertson screwdriver? Basketball? The telephone? - Do they know what signal hill is? www.itsyourcall.ca - live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com

Snow and ice were "too much for us to handle" says OC Transpo's GM. As the public service gets set to return to downtown after an absence of two years, our LRT has been broken down for six days and almost exclusively, no elected official in Ottawa has taken to social media to address it. Today I ask, just what does it take to piss you off citizens of Ottawa? Do you not expect more from council? The mayor? Even after just two months on the job? I do. But... It's your call. www.itsyourcall.com

On a list of 23, Ottawa is the only Canadian city listed by CNN as a "must visit" destination! We want to find out what you love most about Ottawa - what would YOU suggest a tourist see? It's Your Call weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com

Today we hear some of your memories and experiences of the ice storm, which happened this day in 1998. It's Your Call weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com - www.itsyourcall.ca

Within moments of news breaking that Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was administered CPR during Monday night's game, the messages on social media quickly assumed that his situation was due to Covid vaccines. It had EVERYTHING to do with blunt force trauma from another player's helmet hitting him square in the chest at 30 mph. But some just can't accept that and HAVE to blame it on vaccines. We discuss how we're each managing those types of posts on our social media feeds. And… and OPP officer killed in the line of duty. Ambushed by two convicted criminals, both out on bail, both with warrants, and one with an illegally obtained firearm. We want to know what you are doing to insists on changes that impact those who use illegal weapons instead of laws that impact those who acquire weapons legally and for zero ill intent. It's Your Call - weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com / www.itsyourcall.ca

Our listeners share some of their fondest memories of Christmas as a kid... And what they love most about Christmas now. From all of us at BTR and It's Your Call, MERRY CHRISTMAS! We're back on Tuesday.

What has happened in the years since we were kids? How can 8 teenage girls be out of the house in the middle of the night, and commit murder? We discuss where this horrific story is rooted and what to do with young offenders who are responsible for such heinous crimes. It's Your Call - www.ItsYourCall.ca

Vicky Eatrides is the new Chair and CEO of the CRTC. Coming from the competition law side of things I'm encouraged by her comments that she wants to put "money back in people's pockets, ensuring more choice and promoting innovation.” Today we find out what you want to see happen as far as competition and the lowering of prices for things like your home phone, cable tv, internet and cell phone bill. It's Your Call - Live 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com PHOTO: LinkedIn

It's my daily hunt for common ground, and this topic, for some reason, seems to divide us more often than it should, in my opinion. Drag Queens in the same room as kids. Another protest this past weekend, this time in Brockville ON. You calls and comments today may actually have moved the needle for people on both sides! I hope you'll have a listen. We're live at 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com and streaming on Facebook, Youtube, Twitch and Twitter.

Today I found out that some malls are charging as much as $80.00 for your kids to see Santa. While I understand the expenses involved, and, as a photographer myself, I don't begrudge anyone taking Santa photos an opportunity to make money, is a visit to Santa not a "loss leader" for the mall? How in the world can a family who are down on their luck afford that? Also... Why is there an option to visit the Grinch? And just what the hell is a Spooky Santa? I'm upset. What about you? It's Your Call...

Another celebrity suicide... More people asking "what did he have to be depressed about" which is another reminder that far too many still don't get it. Mental health is more than sadness. Much, much more. Today we share some very personal stories and ask what you want people in your circle who may be contemplating hurting themselves to know... And what changes you'd like to see happen in our health care system as it pertains to mental health. www.ItsYourCall.ca

The rumour is out there... That public service workers may be told to return to the office, at least for part of the week. PSAC says their members should have the right to work from home and this is now part of contract negotiations. Today, I wanted to find out from you... Beyond the obvious front line workers (passport office etc) do you care if public service employees are in an office or at home? It's YOUR Call... www.ItsYourCall.ca

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says almost $421 Million has been lost to fraud this year; up from $383.6 million last year. Today we hear from people who have been scammed, and discuss some of the things to be on the lookout for so that you, hopefully, don't become one of the growing number of victims. It's Your Call with John Mielke - weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com - show page at www.ItsYourCall.ca

If you came here looking for homogenized, you found the wrong Milkman

Canada's Food Price report says the average family of four will be paying more than $16,000 for food in 2023. A single woman in her 40's will spend $3,740 while a single male in his 40's will spend $4,168. 20% of Canadians say they will require assistance from food banks in the new year. This is madness. What are YOU cutting back on in order to keep food the table? It's Your Call weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com - www.ItsYourCall.ca

We were lied to, an unsafe, untested and unread LRT system was launched, the mayor knew, the city manager knew, the builder knew and select councilors knew. Others were intentionally kept out of the loop. Mark Sutcliffe ran on a promise to get this resolved. Do you think he can? Where do we go from here? We talk for an hour on this edition of It's Your Call www.itsyourcall.ca

When is a protest no longer a protest? We ask this today in light of our PM saying he believes Chinese citizens should have the right to protest, while many in Canada feel that the right to protest was taken away when he invoked the Emergency Measures Act. It's my search for common ground... And it's your call. Join me live on www.BlastTheRadio.com weekdays at 2pm ET

An access to information report from CTV reveals that Canadians spend an average of $54.75 Million per year for the monarchy. Their report also details the expenses we, the taxpayers, incurred for this summers visit of, then, Prince Charles and Camilla… It's $1 million more than their last visit in 2017. At the end of the day, the cost to each Canadian to maintain the monarchy in Canada, including the Governor General, is $1.55 Is that worth it to you? It's your call!

How do you define leadership? Based on your definition, do you see anyone among those charged with dealing with the convoy who are actually leaders? Namely, our Prime Minister? Several reports say that it was a foreign leader, US President Joe Biden, who forced his hand. It's Your Call is live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com / www.ItsYourCall.ca

I have depression. And anxiety. And seasonal affective disorder. I have attempted suicide (and failed, thank goodness.) I am very seriously concerned that in March, MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) will be available in Canada to those living with mental health concerns. Can we not do better at providing the tools mental health patience require? Can we not start with that? You offered your experience and your views, and it's appreciated. After all... It's your call... Live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

"As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." Legendary WKRP quote. And it's in my Facebook feed constantly today, despite the fact that Canadian Thanksgiving was well over a month ago. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US. Canadians will watch football all day, some will even roast a turkey and, of course, this Friday, the Friday after US Thanksgiving is, Black Friday... A retail marketing gimmick from the USA which we, in Canada, have adopted. So... Should we adopt American Thanksgiving as well? Or would you prefer to keep things as they are? It's your call...

My wife heard an interesting statistic this morning; The majority of people surveyed said they'd spend more on their pet this holiday season ($85) than they will on their friends ($80.) So... I asked you if you'd be spending that much. And... Considering inflation and how many are struggling right now, I also ventured to find out what things you'd be willing to cut back on, and what holiday related things are just not negotiable for you. For me, it's food. We received a lot of great comments, a phone call from a good friend I hadn't heard from in a long time, and we totally made someone's Christmas a little better by giving them a gift that they, nor I, saw coming. Perhaps one of my favourite, in a long list of great moments, in my radio career! It's Your Call - LIVE weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and www.itsyourcall.ca

As Artimis 1 circles the moon and we get ready to send humans back to it, and beyond, I thought it would be fun to ask what you hope is out there... And if you've had any encounters! It's Your Call is live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BlastTheRadio.com

I'm a lifelong CFL fan. I proudly brag about my 2 years as the mascot for the Ottawa Rough Riders. I have had season tickets forever. My greatest childhood memories are of going to the games and meeting Tony Gabriel! But something has happened to the league I love. They've dropped the proverbial ball. Am I the only one who fears we're about to lose the only truly all Canadian league we have? Is the CFL even listening to the fans? It's Your Call... Weekdays 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

The Emergency Measures act suspended every right you have as a citizen of this country. Did you even know that? Every right. Yet, a new survey shows that 51% of Canadians feel that was justified. Suffice to say, we received a huge number of comments on this during this live broadcast, and we extended the show by 30 minutes. It's Your Call With John Mielke - join me live weekdays at 2pm ET at www.BTRradio.com and www.ItsYourCall.ca

Girl Guides Canada have announced they are changing the name of The Brownies because it is offensive. Some even say the name causes them harm. Today I asked… When does this end? Is this not going too far? Have we officially passed the line of political correctness? We hear from YOU, on It's Your Call - join me live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

Today the Auditor General admits that, despite the billions of dollars we put into social housing, there is no data available to determine if we're making a dent in solving the crisis. So, I ask you… What should the qualifications be for someone to be permitted to live in subsidized housing? Should there be limits on how long they can stay? We hear from you via Facebook, Twitch, Youtube and by text on It's Your Call With John Mielke - heard live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

Why do we continue to tell drivers of traditional vehicles (cars & trucks) that it is their responsibility to be watching out for all of the other vehicles on the road? A driver with a DUI can purchase an e-bike tomorrow, and with the flip of a switch, be driving again at speeds of up to 100 km/h. No license, no insurance required. Pedestrians are wandering into the streets while staring at their phones. Others are walking at night in dark clothes. Is that 100% the responsibility of vehicle drivers to watch out for them? Should cyclists not be pulled over and fined for not having lights? Should they require a license? With so many new types of vehicles sharing the roads, is it time we change who we're targeting in the conversations about road safety? It's Your Call with John Mielke - live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

On this Remembrance Day, I witnessed a number of things that got me thinking about our patriotism as Canadians. People lined up at fast food drive thru's as the clock struck 11am today… Others angry that a store chose to be closed on this day… Add to that the number of people I see at public events who can't do something as simple as remove their hats when the National Anthem is being performed. Thanks for this conversation! Thanks for a GREAT first week of conversations, I look forward to more of them next week on It's Your Call With John Mielke. www.ItsYourCall.ca

ER's are jammed... Covid numbers are on the rise, as are flu cases... The buzz is out there. Mask mandates. Are you prepared to accept them again?

Today comes word that since January, the Prime Minister has known that CSIS is aware of Chinese interference in our election, even infiltrating the offices of MPs and paying some participants as candidates. Add to that the long list of major issues already facing Canadians... The economy, rising cost of food and general cost of living, massive national debt, a doctor and nurse shortage, we're still in a pandemic, Russia invading Ukraine, nuclear threats... And despite it all, the big announcement today is that our Prime Minister is going to appear as a coach on DRAG RACE. It's your call... Live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and on Facebook, Youtube and at Twitch.tv/btrradio

With the CBC asking for even more money, on top of the $1.2 Billion we already spend on it per year... And with Bill C-11 being debated in the Senate, we wonder just how much you value Canadian content. Do you even know what is and what is NOT Canadian content? Is C-11 going to help Canadian creators on the internet, or will it overwhelm your search engines with things you'd perfer to skip past? It's Your Call is live at 2pm ET weekdays on www.BTRradio.com, and on Facebook, Youtube and www.Twitch.tv/BTRradio Find us online at www.itsyourcall.ca

With Lowell retiring on Friday, John launches a new show... IT'S YOUR CALL - The Search For Common Ground on the big issues facing us today. On this first edition of the show, we ask, in light of CUPE announcing their education support workers would be heading back to work tomorrow, did Doug Ford make the right call by using the Nothwithstanding Clause? Is that what ultimately resulted in him agreeing to rescind it if the workers returned to schools, and their agreeing to do so? Plus... We paid almost $150,000 last year to maintain 24 Sussex. Nobody has lived there for 7 years. We paid hydro, gas, water, and even paid for pool maintenance and new light fixtures. WHY??? What should be done with this building? Hope you'll join us again tomorrow. www.itsyourcall.ca PHOTO: Heritage Ottawa

Today, Lowell announced that this would be his final broadcast. In typical Lowell fashion, he doesn't draw attention to that but instead puts the focus on the students in Ontario's schools who are being put in the middle of a contract dispute, despite all they have been through during Covid 19. Your calls, and your comments, of course, make up the conversation. A conversation that will continue Monday when I begin a new journey in my broadcast career. I invite you to be part of it. Thank you Lowell. Not just for taking a chance on me and on BTR, but for the countless things you have stood up for, made happen, and for the countless conversations you've had that made our city, our province and this country a better place. Much love John Mielke BTR

Lowell is back, after a day with no internet. Today Lowell opens it up to you to discuss anything that's on your mind. The big topics we heard from you about are the PM's spending without any concern for the taxpayer and the threat of a school support staff labour strike. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com - show links at www.LowellGreen.com

Today Lowell wants to know how you feel about the complete lack of leadership at all levels of government and policing during the convoy? The inquiry into the use of the Emergency Measures Act is revealing that there clearly was none. Anywhere. Also... We ask what do you think should happen to school workers who choose to walk off the job on Friday despite new legislation that makes that illegal. Should they be fined? Docked pay? Fired? Lowell is live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com - show links and more at www.LowellGreen.com

The Ontario Government is in the midst of passing legislation that will prevent school support workers (custodians, cafeteria staff etc) from striking. They are offering a 2% wage increase this year and a 2.5% increase next year. Today, Lowell asks if you believe the offer is fair… Keeping in mind that any increase given, comes from your taxes. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and at www.LowellGreen.com

The Financial Post has published an article that states four government departments have concluded that menstrual products need to be in MEN'S washrooms in all federally regulated buildings, airports, radio/tv stations, etc. due to concerns over “washroom equity.” Under the proposed regulations, employers would be required to provide menstrual products and dispensers “in each toilet room.” Matthew Lau's article here: https://financialpost.com/opinion/matthew-lau-ottawa-woke-plan-washroom-equity Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and on www.LowellGreen.com

Three topics on the table today - firstly, should Doug Ford testify at the inquiry into the use of the Emergency Measures Act, even though that law is that of, and was imposed by, the federal government? Also… When asked WHO stayed in the $6,000 per night room in London for five nights, the PM responded by announcing he had more cheques for Canadians. And… Lowell continues to see empty OC Transpo buses, one after another, driving through residential neighbourhoods at night. With OC Transpo running an $85 million deficit, is there not a better plan we can put in place? Is there not a better plan that should have been put in place pre-pandemic? Lowell Green is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com Photo: John Mielke

Today Lowell wonders just what the hell has happened to our media outlets. The PMO spends $400,000 on hotel rooms for 5 nights and only ONE outlet (The Sun) has a report on it? We dive into this today with you on The Lowell Green Show – heard weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

Today Lowell congratulates his former colleague Mark Sutcliffe on being elected Ottawa's next mayor. We discuss the incredible amount of work he has to do... And we ask where the LOCAL TV coverage was of our LOCAL election. Nothing on CBC. Nothing on either of the TWO local CTV channels. Also... Lowell has some choice words for the PM as it is revealed that he and his delegation for the Queen's funeral spent $400,000 of YOUR money to stay at The Corinthia Hotel, one of London's most expensive and luxurious hotels. One hotel room cost $6,000 per night. You have a few things to say about that too. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and at www.LowellGreen.com Photo: corinthia.com

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says he will continue to support the Liberal government even if it is determined that they broke the law when using the Emergency Measures Act. Today we ask your thoughts on Singh, he support of the government despite Canadians having voted for a minority government and certainly not an NDP/LIB coalition. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com - Show links at www.LowellGreen.com Photo: Facebook

Ottawa elects a new mayor and a new council on Monday. Most of the current councilors will not be returning. So... Lowell asks you what you believe their first priority should be. Roads? Bike lanes? Lansdowne? LRT? OC Transpo? You tell us! Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com - show links and more at www.LowellGreen.com PHOTO: City of Ottawa Facebook

Today Lowell expresses his disgust for the things he's hearing in some of the testimony at the inquiry regarding the use of the Emergency Measures Act. From the police to the province to the MP's to the Prime Minister to the mayor to our city council… Nowhere was there any semblance of a leader. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and at www.LowellGreen.com

Lowell is back and he's looking at his gas bill… 27% of which is tax, some of which is tax on the tax… And that tax is going to increase again in January. Meanwhile the rebate cheque he receive doesn't even begin to cover what he pays in gas... Or what you and I do. And we dive into how the Liberals seem to be deflecting a lot of the convoy controversy to Doug Ford. We ask, how is any of this Doug Ford's doing? Lowell is live weekdays 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com

Lowell is away today, with his blessing John filled in for the first time. Today's topics... What are YOUR big municipal concerns as we get ready to vote for a new mayor and council on Monday? Roads? Bike lanes? The LRT? We hear from you! Plus... You weigh in on Catherine McKenney's encouragement to councilor Mathieu Fleury to respond to questions in French, for the sole purpose of flustering lawyers trying to determine if the use of the Emergency Measures Act was justified. Watch here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1581375942022553600 And... A teacher asked me this, so I asked you; Should our schools be used as polling stations on election days? Does that not create an opportunity for someone wanting to do harm? The Lowell Green Show - weekdays 2pm ET on BTRradio.com

Was the Emergency Measure's Act Justified? Lowell asks; knowing what you know now, was the Emergency Measures Act, which suspended ALL of your constitutional rights, justified during the trucker convoy and protest? We're LIVE weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and at www.LowellGreen.com

Lowell is wondering why all we hear about is the amount of pollution we create but never the amount of pollution we in Canada absorb from other countries around our world. The push to plant trees makes headlines regularly and yet, in the second largest geographical country on the planet, with one of the world's smallest populations, a country covered in trees, we're being forced to make change after change, costing many their livelihood… And for what? What is the end game here? Where is the win? What's REALLY going on with the climate change push? We got MASSIVE response from you, and we thank you. Lowell is live weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com and on www.LowellGreen.com

Today Lowell discusses the wild ride he was on recently just trying to drive through the city of Ottawa. Quite simply, you can't. Wellington has been closed since the convoy, Lyon leads to nowhere once you get over all the speed bumps, Carling is ripped up, they close the 417 for days on end, you cannot get on or off at Bronson, and on and on and on it goes. We hear from you about your experiences trying to drive in a national capital that seems to not want us to commute anywhere unless we're on a bike or a scooter. This is a fun conversation. We hope you enjoy it. Lowell is LIVE weekdays at 2pm ET on www.BTRradio.com