Podcasts about maru public opinion

- Are the federal Liberals making abortion a desperation play? - Do We Have to Be Divided? 15 Policy Proposals That Most Republicans AND Democrats Agree On- A lot of state poll results show ties. So are they tied because of voters — or pollsters? John Wright - Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion, joins Jim to weigh in- When did you realize you were at capacity for friends?

THE FORD GOVERNMENT TURNS TO A FAMILIAR EXPERT AS PART OF PRIMARY CARE STRATEGY Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Former Federal Liberal Health Minister Jane Philpott has signed on with Ontario's Doug Ford PCs to try and fix primary care. Listeners share their stories of the challenges they face in accessing primary care in Ontario. WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCESSING HIGH-DOSE FLU SHOTS & UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINES Jane Brown is joined by John Papastergiou, a professor at the University of Toronto and pharmacist and owner at Shoppers Drug Mart, as well as Dr. Alon Vaisman, Infectious Diseases Physician at the University Health Network (UHN). Are you 65-plus and have questions about getting the high-dose flu shot? Or maybe you want to learn more about this year's updated COVID-19 shots. Our guests fill us in on what you need to know. FRENCH FRY POLITICS AND U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION JUST WEEKS AWAY Jane Brown is joined by Brad Polumbo, a conservative commentator and editor-in-chief  & Co-Founder of BASEDPolitics, and Larry Haas, a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. On Tuesday, it will be two weeks until the U.S. Presidential election. How tight is the race as of late and where are the candidates at with their respective strategies?

Listen to Vassy and the Daily Debrief Panel featuring Marieke Walsh, Scott Reid, and Kory Teneycke discuss how Prime Minister Trudeau testified that some Conservative parliamentarians are involved in foreign interference. On todays show:  John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion joins Vassy to discuss where voters are currently sitting, and the chance of the prime minister being ousted. Rob Buffam, Legislative Reporter with CTV Vancouver and Wayne Mantyka, Video Journalist at CTV Regina join Vassy to give a snapshot of the B.C and Saskatchewan elections. Dr. Simon Ducharme, Neuropsychiatrist, Medical Director of the memory clinic at the Douglas Institute and an Associate professor of Psychiatry at McGill University joins Vassy to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question.  The Daily Debrief Panel with Marieke Walsh, Scott Reid, and Kory Teneycke.  Kathy Motton, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications with Destination Toronto joins Vassy to discuss how the Taylor Swift tour dates are expected to inject hundreds of millions into Toronto's economy.

ZOOMER SQUAD: CARP ADVOCATES FOR SENIORS AS BILL C-319 STALLS, OAS REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY Jane Brown is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at CARP, Bill VanGorder, CARP's Chief Advocacy and Education officer, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. The panel addressed the pressing issue of the Bloc Quebecois' Bill C-319, which seeks a 10% Old Age Security (OAS) increase for seniors aged 65-74. CARP's recent survey reveals that 73.2% of respondents believe current OAS payments are too low, with 77.1% supporting the proposed increase. Meanwhile, discussions around the sustainability of OAS and GIS are crucial as Canada's aging population grows, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy and support. FOOD BANK USAGE IN THE GTA & THANKSGIVING DRIVE Jane Brown is joined by Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, who reveals a staggering 35% rise in food bank visits compared to last year. Daily Bread has seen close to 2 million client visits in the past six months, a significant spike from pre-pandemic levels. As inflation and job market challenges persist, many are turning to food banks for the first time. Neil emphasizes the importance of community support and volunteer efforts to meet the rising demand. WHERE TO SPOT THE BEST OF FALL COLOURS IN ONTARIO? As we embrace the beauty of fall, it's the perfect time to explore Ontario's vibrant autumn foliage. Dave Hunt from Ontario Parks joins Jane Brown and shares insights on the best locations to witness the seasonal colors. While southern Ontario is nearing peak color change, northern parks like Lake Superior are already experiencing stunning displays. The Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report provides valuable updates on leaf change, helping visitors plan their trips. With maples, poplars, and birches showcasing brilliant hues, there's no better time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as the season transitions into its colorful glory.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE BLOC'S PUSH FOR AN OAS INCREASE Jane Brown is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at CARP,  Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer at CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today: we revisit the discussion looking into the Bloc's push for a 10 percent increase for the Old Age Security of Zoomers between the ages of 65 and 74, which according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, would come at a net cost of $16.1 billion over 5 years. Meanwhile, tomorrow is National Seniors Day, and Statistics Canada has highlighted some neat data regarding the older demo. So tune in! TODAY MARKS THE 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Jane Brown is joined by Cat Criger, an Indigenous philosopher and wisdom keeper with deep cultural roots who works extensively in secondary and post-secondary institutions. Today is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday. Cat mentions the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action and discusses the importance of honouring the victims of the residential school system. SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SEPSIS AWARENESS MONTH September marks "Sepsis Awareness Month". Libby spoke with Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud, Scientific Director of Sepsis Canada, earlier this month to learn more about this life threatening health condition including how it can occur and the types of treatment for it.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD:  ONTARIO'S BILL 7 FACES CHARTER CHALLENGE  Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at CARP, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. The More Beds Better Care Act (also known as Bill 7) is being challenged in court today. Through this legislation, hospital patients are sent to a long term care home not of their choosing or otherwise face a daily fine of $400 to stay put. What do you think? TDSB FACES BACKLASH FOR BRINGING STUDENTS TO ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST Libby Znaimer is joined by Kevin Vuong, the independent member of Parliament for Spadina—Fort York and Bryan Passifiume, reporter with the Toronto Sun. The TDSB is facing plenty of backlash after students were taken on a field trip that brought them into an anti-Israel protest. The initial idea of the trip was to observe a demonstration calling for the government to address the problem of mercury poisoning within the Grassy Narrows First Nation. The TDSB board has since apologized, but is that really enough? HOW MUCH ARE HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES PAYING FOR PRIVATE NURSES? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Doris Grinspun, Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), and Dr. Valerie Grdisa, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nurses Association. A new report has quantified the amount of money health systems around the country are paying for private agency nurses. We dig into those details and the implications of it all on our healthcare system.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1. Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Anne McGrath,  Principal Secretary to Jagmeet Singh joins Amanda to discuss how NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said the NDP will back Trudeau Liberals on a non-confidence vote. John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion joins Amanda to discuss Maru's new polling on the support for Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader. Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport for Ontario, MPP for Hamilton Stoney Creek as well a former CFL player joins Amanda to discuss his decision to donate his brain for concussion research. Free For All Friday - Hour 2. Guests from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Fred DeLorey, Partner, NorthStar Public Affairs and former National Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party of Canada, Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor, Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs and Marion Nader, Co-CEO Nexus Strategy Group, Former NDP Strategist. Topic 1: NDP to join Bloc in backing Liberals against non-confidence vote Topic 2:  Ford government to table legislation to restrict bike lanes on city streets   Topic 3: Jason Kenney blasts Trudeau government's ‘catastrophic' immigration agenda, accuses Liberals of trying to create a ‘voting bloc Topic 4 Kicker topic: Rogers to become majority owner of MLSE after buying Bell's stake for $4.7B Topic 4.5 Kicker topic: A man bought a cruise ship on Craigslist and spent over US$1 million restoring it. What's your dream renovation project?

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: SHOULD PHARMACISTS IN ONTARIO BE GIVEN MORE POWERS?  Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at CARP,  Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer at CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Our panel kicks things off with a discussion about the province's plans to provide pharmacists with additional powers when it comes to treating ailments and administering vaccines. We also look at a real life example of the very high cost of care for older Zoomers.  QUEBEC PROPOSES BILL REGARDING TIPPING Libby Znaimer is joined by Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, Donna Dooher, Owner of Mildred's Temple Kitchen, and Dominique Tremblay, Director of Public and Governmental Affairs at Association Restauration Québec. Québec, through a bill it has tabled, wants to change the way that businesses charge tips to their customers by requiring them to calculate their tips before tax is implemented. What do you think about this idea?  THE CITY SAYS "DON'T BLOCK THE BOX", BUT THEY NEED TO BE MORE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT THAT MEANS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Councillor Brad Bradford for Ward 19 Beaches-East York. Today: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and other City officials announced that fines are going up for drivers who "block the box" at intersections. According to the City of Toronto, "Blocking the Box occurs when a driver enters an intersection on a green or amber signal when there is no reasonable prospect of being able to clear the intersection before the light changes to red. This disrupts traffic flows, causes transit delays and creates serious safety risks." But even with such a definition, it is still not fully clear what all of the rules are regarding this policy. Councillor Bradford joins to provide some more info. 

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE TREND OF INTENSE ENDURANCE SPORTS AMONG OLDER ZOOMERS    Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP,  Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Our panel reacts to disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard's 11 year prison sentence and the trend of mid-life Zoomers (ages 45 plus) participating in intense endurance sports like the Ironman, triathlons and various other kinds of activities; clearly this demographic shows no sign of slowing down. And, should Canada institute what is called a "National Silver Alert line" for older adults who go missing? Our panel discusses this controversial idea. BACK TO WORK FOR MINIMUM THREE DAYS FOR FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVANTS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Howard Levitt, Senior Partner at Levitt LLP, followed by Duncan Dee, a former Air Canada executive. Starting today, federal public workers have to go back to the office for a minimum of three days a week, and the latest on the possible impending pilots strike. SUSPECT FROM CANADA WANTED TO KILL "AS MANY JEWISH CIVILIANS AS POSSIBLE" IN NYC ON OCTOBER 7TH ANNIVERSARY Libby Znaimer is now joined by Philip Wasielewski, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a former Director of Operations at the Central Intelligence Agency, and Phil Gurski, President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and a  former senior strategic terrorism analyst at CSIS. Last week, Canadian authorities arrested a citizen of Pakistan living in Canada with alleged plans to shoot and kill "as many Jews as possible" in NYC on or close to the anniversary of October 7th. Our experts weigh in on the latest.  

THE ZOOMER SQUAD:  AGEISM AT WORK & WHAT DOCS ARE SAYING ABOUT OZEMPIC FOR ADULTS 65 + Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP,  Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. This week: we kick things off with a discussion about ageism in the workplace and when you should claim your government pension. AIR CANADA PILOTS COULD GO ON STRIKE NEXT MONTH Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Dr. Gabor Lukacs, Founder and President of Air Passenger Rights and Dr. Karl Moore, Associate Professor, Strategy & Organization at the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University. Air Canada pilots could go on strike as early as September 17th after 98 percent of them voted in favour of a strike mandate should negotiations fail. So, how will this impact travelers and what can Ottawa do about this? HOW AN INCREASE IN FOR-PROFIT CATARACT SURGERIES IS IMPACTING LOWER INCOME SENIORS Tasha Kheiriddin is now joined by Maureen Munro, a senior who has received cataract surgery at a private clinic in London, Ontario and John Mastronardi, a spokesperson for the Ontario Association of Optometrists. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows the extent to which lower income Seniors are facing barriers when it comes to accessing cataract surgery at for-profit clinics in Ontario.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE GTA GRAPPLES WITH MORE SEVERE RAINFALL, FLOODING Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP, John Wright, Executive Vice President of  Maru Public Opinion and Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP. This past weekend, the GTA grappled with more heavy rainfall and flooding after the major rainstorm. And, today marks the 82nd anniversary of the Dieppe Raid during World War II.  TORONTONIANS IN THEIR 20s ARE STRUGGLING MORE WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AND FINANCES COMPARED TO OLDER DEMOS: TORONTO FOUNDATION Libby Znaimer is now joined by Mohamed Huque, Director of Community Impact for Toronto Foundation.  What a new study from Toronto Foundation tells us about how Torontonians in their 20s are doing when it comes to mental health and their finances and how that compares to the older demographics.  DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION BEGINS TODAY Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Chris Cooper, Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University, and Matt Wylie, a Republican political strategist and founder of Wylie Strategy Group. The Democratic National Convention begins today in Chicago. What can we expect from it? 

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: GET THAT SHINGLES SHOT! Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP; Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion for a conversation about the importance of getting a shingles vaccination; overcrowding in Ontario's ERs, and more. ONTARIO PREMIER DOUG FORD'S AUTO INSURANCE PLANS Premier Doug Ford is following through on his promise to make more auto insurance benefits optional in Ontario, but some experts say the results could mean higher rates for drivers. Libby Znaimer is joined by Tom Rakocevic, Ontario NDP Auto Insurance critic and the MPP for Humber River-Black Creek; Ellen Roseman, consumer advocate and journalist; and Mary Kelly; Chair in Insurance at Wilfrid Laurier University's School of Business and Economics to discuss the issue. WRAPPING UP THE OLYMPIC GAMES Libby Znaimer is joined by Wally Rigobon, co-host of the Naz and Wally Sports Hour on Zoomer Radio AM740, for a wrap-up conversation about the Paris 2024 Olympics. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: DO SENIORS' DISCOUNTS STILL MAKE SENSE GIVEN THEIR GROWING WEALTH? Guest Host Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer of CARP, Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Statistics Canada data show 6% of seniors live in poverty, compared to 11.1% of other adults, raising questions about the fairness of senior discounts. Tasha and panelists discuss the need (or not) for senior discounts and the latest top up to Old Age Security. CAA SURVEY FINDS OVER HALF OF ONTARIO DRIVERS ENGAGE IN DANGEROUS BEHAVIOURS Tasha is now joined by Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. A CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) study found that 55 per cent of Ontario motorists engaged in risky driving behaviours last year. Tasha and Michael discuss how good or bad these numbers are. RUSSIA AND THE WEST COMPLETE HISTORIC PRISONER SWAP Tasha is now joined by Dr. Maria Popova, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair at McGill University and Dr. Paul Goode, McMillan Chair in Russian Studies at the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Security Consultant Paul Whelan, and dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza returned to the U.S. last Thursday morning after a historic prisoner swap involving Russia and Western allies. The exchange, the largest since the Cold War, included 24 detainees across seven countries. Was this a good deal? Tasha and guests discuss.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: A ‘LONGEVITY-OPTIMIZED' DIET COULD INCREASE LIFE EXPECTANCY UP TO 10 YEARS, STUDY SUGGESTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, Public Affairs Consultant, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. The Zoomer Squad panel discusses a new study that suggests a ‘longevity-optimized' diet could add 10 years to your life. Then, we move to the ever-relevant topic of terrible Toronto traffic. And it's been a year since vehicles were banned from entering High Park, has it been beneficial? UNLESS YOU HAVE A GENE VARIANT, DOUBLE MASTECTOMY HAS NO SURVIVAL ADVANTAGE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Ellen Warner, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a staff medical oncologist at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook, and Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UofT and the Cancer Program Director of Research at Sunnybrook. A study in JAMA Oncology finds that removing the unaffected breast does not improve survival rates for breast cancer patients. Researchers analyzed data from more than 661,000 women and found that those who underwent a lumpectomy or single mastectomy had similar survival outcomes to those who opted for a double mastectomy.  CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE APPEALS SIX-POINT OLYMPIC SOCCER DEDUCTION  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Sean Fitzgerald, Senior National Writer at The Athletic and Wally (Walter) Rigobon, Host of the Naz and Wally Sports hour on Zoomer Radio. The plot thickens in the drone spying scandal which led to a six point deduction for the Canadian women's Olympic soccer team and the banning of three coaches for one year each after a staffer was caught using a drone to spy on the New Zealand team's practices. Now Canada is appealing the scoring penalty on the grounds that it unfairly punishes the athletes for actions they had no part in. Meantime, the women's soccer team has pulled off two victories that put it back to zero. 

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: STEVEN MACKINNON IS CANADA'S NEW MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SENIORS FOLLOWING SEAMUS O'REAGAN'S DEPARTURE Libby Znaimer is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. In the aftermath of President Biden's decision not to seek re-election, the nation witnessed a saga of public drama culminating in widespread accolades. The unfolding events have sparked conversations about potential ageism implications, prompting reflections on a shifting political landscape and the emergence of new leadership in senior roles. Libby and panelists discuss. JOE BIDEN HAS HANDED OVER THE REINS TO KAMALA HARRIS AFTER OFFICIALLY STEPPING DOWN FROM THE RUNNING TO BE THE NEXT U.S. PRESIDENT  Libby Znaimer is joined by Brad Polumbo, a conservative commentator and editor-in-chief & co-founder of BASEDPolitics and Matthew Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. President Joe Biden's announcement yesterday, though a bombshell, was not entirely unexpected. With Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly poised to secure the nomination, the stage is set for a showdown between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon. The looming question now is whether the American public is prepared for a Black woman president, or if the robust support observed for Trump post-assassination attempt during last week's RNC will endure. MICROCHIPS, IMPORT FORMS AND MORE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS ENTERING THE U.S. BORDER STARTING AUGUST Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Timothy Arthur, President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Planning to bring your dog on a road trip to the US? You might need to reconsider. Starting August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will enforce new regulations for dogs entering the United States. Failure to meet these requirements could result in dogs being sent back at the owner's cost. Canadian authorities are advocating for an exemption for Canada from these stringent measures.

THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE RESPARKS CONFUSION TOWARDS BIDEN'S FRAILTY. IS HE TOO WEAK? OR IS IT JUST AGEISM? Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer, CARP, Rudy Buttignol, President, CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion. The squad talks about U.S. President Biden's performance at last week's debate as he admitted to "making mistakes" and "screwing up" during the debate against Donald Trump.  People online say that he is too old to re-run for presidency. Is it true or is it just ageism? Environment Canada issued a heat warning yesterday for Toronto, which begs the question: should it be mandatory for all rental units and houses to provide air conditioning? POLITICAL CHAOS ENSUES IN FRANCE AS THE COUNTRY FACES HUNG PARLIAMENT AFTER ELECTION RESULTS Libby was joined by Randall Hansen, political science professor at UofT and Stephanie Carvin, political analyst and assistant professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. The last round of France's legislative elections has ended and the results show that the country would have to deal with a hung parliament. New Popular Front (NPF) was the unexpected winner in the final round of voting in the country's parliamentary elections on Sunday, finishing with the most seats but falling short of an overall majority. Libby and guests discuss what's to come for France in the future. FAMILY MEMBERS OF HAMAS HOSTAGES ARE IN TORONTO TO RAISE AWARENESS Libby was joined by Sasha Arayev, sister of 19-year-old Karina Ayarev. Sasha shared Karina's story and how she was abducted on October 7th from Nahal Oz. "This is not a political thing. This is my family. I need to see the world's efforts to bring my sister back to safety," she said.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD:  LET'S TALK ABOUT MENTAL ACUITY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons), John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion,  and Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant. In the aftermath of that disastrous debate performance by U.S. President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump...our panel weighs in on what happened, how it sparked a national conversation South of the border about whether he should step down and about mental acuity in political leadership. And...here at home, Canadians are celebrating Canada Day today. But, how do Canadians feel about Canada lately? Our panel discusses. HIGHWAY ROAD SAFETY THIS CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND Jane Brown is now joined by Sergeant Sami Nasr of the Ontario Provincial Police. It's the long weekend...which means it's time to revisit the conversation about road safety on our highways. The OPP point out to us the kind of bad driving behaviors they tend to see, and tips for being safe on our roads. WHAT A STUDY SAYS ABOUT TORONTO'S TRAFFIC CONGESTION Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Matthias Sweet, Associate Professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University. When it comes to traffic congestion and global cities who have it the worst, Toronto is 17th on the list according the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. So, how did we get here? And, what can we learn from other cities about alleviating the problem? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. Within a 24-hour period, Justin Trudeau's worst fear has come true, as Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives claimed a Liberal stronghold in Toronto. Has Monday's byelection changed the entire landscape of Canada's present-day government? Vassy Kapelos drops by to explain further in Hour 1. Later in the program, John Wright from Maru Public Opinion delivers his unique perspective on Monday's stunning outcome, as he lived in that riding for over 41 years. In the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers emptied the tank against the Florida Panthers last night. Unfortunately, they ran out of gas just before the photo finish was taken, as a pivotal Game 7 slipped away. Former NHL coach and Stanley Cup champion Greg Gilbert delivers his reaction. Finally, we examine the biggest political headlines with our Daily Debrief Panel. Today's conversation features Shakir Chambers of Earnscliffe Strategies, Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute, and Saeed Selvam of NATIONAL.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE EXTENT TO WHICH CANADIANS FEEL UNPREPARED FOR RETIREMENT Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, Bill VanGorder, Chief Advocacy and Education Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today: a discussion about Ottawa Seniors who have had to leave their apartments in their retirement residences after facing an unexpected hike in their monthly rent, and we look at a poll by Abacus Data detailing the extent to which Canadians feel unprepared for retirement. THE FUTURE OF ONTARIO'S SCIENCE CENTRE Jane Brown is now joined by Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, and Liberal MPP Adil Shamji for Don Valley East. The Ford government has closed down the Ontario Science Centre...this after an engineering report said that the roof could collapse soon. What are your thoughts on this unilateral decision-making by the Ford PCs? Do we fix the science centre or move it to Ontario Place? EDMONTON OILERS HAVE A SHOT AT BEING FIRST CANADIAN TEAM TO WIN THE STANLEY CUP SINCE 1993  Jane Brown is now joined by Wally Rigobon, Co-host of the Naz and Wally Sports Hour on Zoomer Radio. It's been 31 years since a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup. Do the Edmonton Oilers have it in them to break the curse in game 7 against the Florida Panthers? Our own resident sports expert weighs in.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: HOW MANY ONTARIANS MOVED TO LTC HOMES NOT OF THEIR CHOOSING? Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP,  Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. This week: a discussion about how heat waves can impact older Canadians, and the extent to which some alternate level of care patients at Ontario hospitals are ending up in a long-term care home not of their choosing.   HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT IN ONTARIO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Jane Brown is now joined by Dave Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada. Here is what you need to know about the heat wave affecting Ontario and which segments of the population are especially vulnerable. UOFT PROFESSOR EXPLAINS THAT ANTI-ISRAEL ENCAMPMENT DEMANDS TO DIVEST FROM ISRAELI COMPANIES IS "IMPOSSIBLE" A major demand by the anti-Israel encampment at UofT is for the university to divest from Israeli companies, but according to Rotman School of Management professor Rami Elitzur, who is also a serving member on the University of Toronto Governing Council, such a move would mean losing a lot of the technology we rely on in our daily lives and it would be impossible to do so. This segment originally aired on Fight Back on June 3rd 2024.

Time for the Draft. Bill King and Eric Alper compete with their picks for best summer song! Actor Kevin Spacey starts crying during an interview with Piers Morgan, says he owes millions of dollars in legal fees – we ask movie critic Richard Crouse if Spacey can make a comeback. And another edition. Wright or Wrong with John Wright Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion and one of Canada's leading pollsters.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: CARP CALLS ON BC GOVERNMENT FOR FREE RSV, SHINGLES VACCINES FOR ZOOMERS Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. It's Monday - time for our Zoomer Squad and CARP is getting some traction on its campaign demanding government coverage for vaccines crucial to the health of older Canadians - like the RSV vaccine. The need to pay for those and for so much else is driving Zoomers back to work out of necessity rather than desire. And former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz is looking into how the CPP and other pension funds can invest more here in Canada. Is that a good or bad idea? NEW GUIDELINES FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Martin Yaffe, Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute and Co-Director, Imaging Research Program at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research as well as Siobhan Grennan, who was part of the Working Group for these updated guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health. What is the right age to start screening women of average risk for breast cancer? That question has become the subject of controversy. In the US, the age was lowered from 50 to 40 and the CCS and quite a number of specialists recommended that we do the same here. However, the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care, a group created by the federal government, has not lowered the recommended guideline. It cites the possible harms from both false positives and false negatives, among other reasons. And the current guideline to stop screening is 74. Given that women are living longer, is that just ageist? UOFT PROFESSOR SAYS DEMANDS FOR A UNIVERSITY DIVESTMENT OF ISRAELI COMPANIES IS IMPOSSIBLE AND IMMORAL Libby Znaimer is now joined by Rami Elitzur , a professor at the Rotman School of Management who is also a serving member on the University of Toronto Governing Council. One of the key demands by the anti-Israel encampment on the UofT campus is for the university to divest from Israeli companies. But as Professor Elitzur explains, so many of the important technologies we rely on in our daily lives, including in high-tech and healthcare, have ties to Israeli companies.

Brian interviews two guests.First, John Wright. John is Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. He and his team provide public opinion measurement, interpretation, and advice and counsel to senior executives and public affairs/public relations leaders. He's a nationally known figure and much sought-after speaker with over three decades of expertise in public opinion and market research, global polling, public and corporate affairs strategy, communications, branding, and media relations. John Wright talks about polls evaluating Canadian's opinion on the federal budget and its implications for the upcoming election.Then, Grant Clark. Grant is a former Chair of the Mississauga Board of Trade and successful corporate HR executive. He talks on what he would be looking for if he was recruiting for a new Mayor.

 ZOOMER SQUAD: CANADIAN HOSPITALS CONTINUE SEEING LONG WAITING LINES IN EMERGENCY WARDS Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP,  Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. Libby today discusses the wait times skyrocketing in emergency wards partially due to shortage of family doctors. Anthony shares his personal experience as a caregiver to his dad. And finally, Loblaws is ready to sign on to the government's grocery code of conduct. HELICOPTER CRASH KILLED IRANIAN PRESIDENT EBRAHIM RAISI AND FOREIGN MINISTER Libby Znaimer is joined by Larry Haas, a former White House communications strategist and  Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the American Foreign Policy Council. Continuing the coverage, Libby talks about the future of Iran after President Embrahim Raisi dies in a helicopter crash. According to Iran's constitution, an election must take place within 50 days. Meanwhile the little-known vice president has become the interim president. CANADA CELEBRATES VICTORIA DAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Alison Eastwood, Editor-in-Chief at HELLO! Canada and Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO, Historica Canada. Libby and guests talk about the history behind Victoria Day and Queen Victoria as the “Mother of Confederation.” Guests discuss the mystique about the royal family that keeps people intrigued about their personal lives. CAFETO PROGRAM & CANADA SEEING A TREND OF PEOPLE EATING DINNER AT 5 P.M. Libby Znaimer is joined by Derek Valleau, Co-Owner of Pukka and Corey Mintz, Food Reporter, and the author of THE NEXT SUPPER: The End of Restaurants as We Knew Them, And What Comes After. Libby talks about how important it is for restaurants to partake in the patio season, how reservation apps like OpenTable work and how Corey found that a lot of people all over the country were eating dinner around 5 p.m. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE LATEST ON THE CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP,  Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. Libby and the panel discuss the number of claims processed under the Canada Dental Care Plan since it launched at the beginning of May. CANCER DIAGNOSES IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM Libby Znaimer is joined by Ioana Nicolau, Senior Epidemiologist with the Canadian Cancer Society and family physician, Dr. Iris Gorfinkel Amid Canada's primary care shortage, there's a concerning trend whereby patients are being diagnosed with Cancer during visits to hospital emergency departments. TORONTO FIRE CHIEF MATTHEW PEGG IS RETIRING THIS YEAR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg. This month, Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg announced that he will be retiring as of October 4th of 2024. He reflects on his career and the leadership role he took on during COVID-19. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: THE CARBON TAX GOES UP TODAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol,  President of CARP and Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today: our Zoomer Squad reacts to the Ford government's plan to put $2 billion into homecare as per their latest budget. And, the federal carbon tax goes up today. How will that impact the pocket books of Canadians? WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE LIST + HIGHLY PAID CANADIAN MPS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Franco weighs in on the latest Sunshine List out of Ontario--which now includes more than 300,000 people! Franco also reacts to the news that starting today, PM Trudeau is giving federal MPs a big raise making them the second highest paid elected officials behind their U.S. counterparts. SOLAR ECLIPSE STATE OF EMERGENCY Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls in Ontario, and Natalie Preddie, Travel Expert and Travel Freelance Writer. The Niagara Region local authorities have declared a state of emergency over the expectation that as many as a million viewers will descend upon the Niagara Falls to watch the Solar Eclipse on April 8. But, really...is that necessary?

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: WHAT CARP WANTS TO SEE IN THE ONTARIO BUDGET Libby Znaimer is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer at CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, for a conversation about tomorrow's provincial budget, and other topics that matter to Zoomers. CATHERINE, PRINCESS OF WALES, HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER Libby Znaimer is joined by Suzanne Boyd, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, ZOOMER Magazine and EverythingZoomer.com to discuss the news that Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer. AN UPDATE ON RUSSIA'S WAR ON UKRAINE Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Maria Popova, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair at McGill University; and Dr. Andriy Zayarnyuk, Professor of History at the University of Winnipeg who teaches about the former Soviet Union and Ukraine, for an update on the latest on Russia's war against Ukraine.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: HATE CRIMES ON THE RISE IN TORONTO Libby is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion; Bob Richardson, President of Hammersmith Consulting; and John Mykytyshyn, President of Bradgate Research Group, for a conversation about hate crimes on the rise in Toronto, the Mayor of Vaughan getting tough on demonstrators who intimidate, and new developments in long-term care. U.S. MOVING TO BAN TIK TOK Citing national security concerns, the U.S. Congress has moved a big step closer to a crackdown on a popular platform that could have far-reaching implications for social media in the country. But critics say the move could have significant negative consequences for small businesses that rely on Tik Tok to drive traffic to their enterprises. Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Gurski, former senior strategic terrorism analyst at CSIS and President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting; Philip Mai, Co-director of the Social Media Lab at Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University; and Rigatoni Garrido, a fine artist and animator who relies on Tik Tok to drive traffic to her business, to discuss this contentious issue. NEW DATA SHOWS FRAUD CASES ON THE RISE IN CANADA Libby Znaimer is joined by Yale Holder, Vice President of Customer Experience at Moneris for a conversation about Fraud Prevention Month.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: BIDEN'S FIERY STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS; WHAT CARP WANTS FROM THE UPCOMING FEDERAL BUDGET Amid questions about his ability to lead the country due to his age, U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a fiery State of the Union address Thursday; what CARP wants to see in the upcoming federal budget; and the F.D.A. has decided to delay action on a closely watched Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, which the agency was widely expected to approve this month. Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP; Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion to discuss these matters, and more. OTTAWA TO CONTINUE SENDING FUNDING TO UNRWA Many people are shocked, following Ottawa's decision on Friday to resume funding to a UN Palestinian relief agency, after Israel shared its intelligence with the federal government about UNRWA employees' alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on his country. Libby Znaimer is joined by Vivian Bercovici, Canadian lawyer, academic and former Ambassador of Canada to Israel to discuss this troubling issue. THE SWITCH TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Yesterday saw many across the country ‘spring forward'. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Patricia Lakin-Thomas, Associate Professor, Department of Biology at York University; and Dr. Michael Antle, Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary to discuss Daylight Saving Time. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Get caught up on the year so far with this weekend's encore presentation of the Roy Green Show! The February 2024 Canadian Maru Household Index about the economy and personal finances finds Canadians at our most negative/pessimistic since tracking began in 2020. "This month's index is like an elevator stalled and hanging by a thread over a deep, dark shaft." Guest: John Wright. Distinguished Fellow, Queen's University and executive vp at Maru Public Opinion. Originally Aired Feb 10, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: RECAPPING CARP'S AGM & NDP-LIBERAL PHARMACARE DEAL Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. CARP hosted its annual general meeting late last week in which Minister of Seniors Seamus O'Regan participated. We get our thoughts from Bill and Anthony on how the meeting went and what specific policies they pressed Ottawa on on behalf of its members and Canadian Zoomers. Meanwhile, we also learned that the federal NDP and governing Liberals have reached an agreement on pharmacare legislation that would make diabetes and birth control medication coverable. So, what do you make of all of this? Call in! ONTARIANS LACKING TRAVEL INSURANCE PREPAREDNESS: CAA SURVEY Jane Brown is now joined by Kaitlynn Furse, Director of Communications for CAA South Central Ontario. According to a new CAA poll of its members, 40 percent indicated that they don't always buy travel insurance. In such a volatile and unpredictable world, is that the best idea? SURVEY: MANY ONTARIANS THINK THEY ARE GOOD AT DRIVING Jane Brown is now joined by Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer of Pollara Strategic Insights and Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division. How confident do you feel about your driving? A new survey by Pollara Strategic Insights shows how Ontario drivers would answer that question. 

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: HOME CARE AND PHARMACARE With Ontario's senior population about to spike, a new report predicts a huge demand for home care. And the deadline is looming for the governing Liberals to table legislation on a national pharmacare program. The government has until March 1st, otherwise NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says his party will make good on its promise to end their deal. Bob Komsic is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. He is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP; Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations; and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion to discuss these matters, and more. PROPOSED COTTAGE RENTAL LEGISLATION THAT'S BECOME A HOT BUTTON ISSUE IN MUSKOKA New rules proposed for Short Term Rentals (STRs) in the Township of Muskoka Lakes are not being well-received by property owners. Bob Komsic is joined by founder and president of Jayne's Cottages, Jayne McCaw to explore this contentious issue. REMEMBERING ALEXEI NAVALNY AFTER HIS DEATH Alexei Navalny, a primary critic of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has died in prison. Bob Komsic is joined by Dr. Maria Popova, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair at McGill University, to get a sense of who Navalny was; how he became a major enemy of Putin; and the suspicious circumstances around his death.

The February 2024 Canadian Maru Household Index about the economy and personal finances finds Canadians at our most negative/pessimistic since tracking began in 2020. "This month's index is like an elevator stalled and hanging by a thread over a deep, dark shaft." Guest: John Wright. Distinguished Fellow, Queen's University and executive vp at Maru Public Opinion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: BONNIE IS THE NEW ONTARIO LIBERAL LEADER Jane Brown is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. It's official: Bonnie Crombie is the new leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. The mayor of Mississauga beat rivals Nate Erskine-Smith and Yasir Naqvi among other contenders. So, what does this mean for the party's future and does she pose a serious threat for Doug Ford?  And, on another note, Moncton's Jewish community wants to know why their city quietly decided to end the display of religious symbols on their property including the lighting of the menorah especially with Hannukah being around the corner. After public outcry, that decision is expected to be revisited by Moncton City Hall today. THE OTTAWA RALLY AGAINST ANTISEMITISM Jane Brown is now joined by Liberal MP Anthony Housefather (Mount Royal) followed by Deputy leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill). Today, a large pro-Israel rally is congregating at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Jewish organizations say it is a show of strength against the rising trend of antisemitism. THE “ATMOSPHERIC RIVER” IN BC + A MILDER WINTER? Jane Brown is now joined by Dave Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada. The Southern coast of BC is about to get drenched in what is being called an "atmospheric river". That means a greater risk of flooding. Meanwhile, closer to home here in Ontario there is talk of a milder start to the winter thanks to El Niño. Dave weighs in on the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: WASTEWATER SIGNAL AND COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS REACH ONE-YEAR HIGHS Jane Brown is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. According to the latest data, both Ontario's wastewater signal and hospitalization rates for COVID-19 have reached one-year highs respectively. It's a confirmation that the virus still poses a significant public health threat. Meanwhile, Jane and the panel weigh in on older adults (we're talking about adults 80 years of age and older) and their relationship with technology especially in the context of the busy holiday shopping where you can find such great deals online and also staying connected to their loved ones and family virtually. MORE ISRAELI HOSTAGES RETURN BACK HOME Jane Brown is now joined by David Matlow, a Toronto-based lawyer. Over the weekend, additional groups of Israeli hostages were released as part of ongoing negotiation deals between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. David heard about one of the hostages, Ofri Brodutch, a 10-year-old girl and decided to start a letter writing campaign to her through the Canadian Red Cross. THE EXTENT OF FOOD BANK RELIANCE IN ONTARIO Jane Brown is now joined by Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario, and Talia Bronstein, VP of Research & Advocacy for the Daily Bread Food Bank. According to a new report by Feed Ontario, food bank usage went up almost 40 per cent last year. Our guests explain what this has meant for the food banks and how they operate and what the various levels of government need to do to help alleviate the situation. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD:  THE PINCH OF HEALTHCARE COSTS DURING RETIREMENT 12:00-12:30 Marissa Lennox is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP and John Wright, Executive VP of Maru Public Opinion. In the news: a report details how one third of Zoomers are feeling the pinch of health care costs and the impact of that on their retirement savings. Meanwhile, the Ford government is re-examining its use of the ministerial zoning orders and CARP reacts to the province's last fiscal update. NURSES UNION WANTS CANADA'S PREMIERS TO ADDRESS THE NURSING SHORTAGE 12:30-12:45 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. As we alluded to in the previous segment, most of Canada's Premiers are meeting in Halifax to discuss healthcare among other key issues. Canada's largest nursing union is calling on the premiers to address the nationwide nursing shortage. Linda also details some of the working conditions that have prompted so many of her members to leave the profession entirely including unhealthy and unsafe conditions. Are you an active nurse feeling the struggle? Call in and share your concerns with us on the program. CANADIANS ATTITUDES TOWARDS RETAIL SHOPPING AHEAD OF THIS YEAR'S HOLIDAY SEASON 12:45-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Ellen Roseman, a consumer advocate and journalist. As the busy holiday season comes up, retail experts are predicting that Canadians will be shopping less amid inflation as well as concerns over the state of the economy and personal financial well-being. Ellen weighs in on the reality that Canadians might opt to spend less and tips for making smarter purchases as the cost of goods go up.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD Marissa Lennox is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP; and Gabe De Roche, founder of Pluriel Research. Last month, Premier Danielle Smith's government said it would launch consultations around the proposal to pull Alberta out of the CPP so the province could have its own retirement fund, and polling numbers are starting to come in to take the public's temperature on that idea. COVID, influenza, pneumococcal, and, for the first time, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines will all be available this fall for older adults. But while older Canadians might have more options to protect themselves than ever before, physicians are warning that staggered rollouts, patchwork approaches among the provinces, and high costs for certain shots could hinder uptake. Together, Marissa and the Zoomer Squad unpack these issues, and more. THANKSGIVING SURVEY A new survey finds this weekend may well signal a return to the pre-pandemic tradition of gathering family, friends, and/or neighbor's together for Thanksgiving dinner, as more than half (54%) of Canadians indicate they'll either be hosting or going to another household for Thanksgiving dinner this holiday weekend. Marissa Lennox is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion to discuss. THE SURPRISE WAR AGAINST ISRAEL In the aftermath of Saturday's unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, as body counts on both sides continue to rise, the world is both reeling and bracing itself for what is yet to come. Marissa Lennox is joined by Zach Levey, Israel Institute Visiting Professor, International Affairs Program, University of Colorado at Boulder; and Dr. Yael Aronoff, Director of the Michael and Elaine Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel and Serling Chair in Israel Studies at Michigan State University to discuss these sad and shocking events.

Marissa Lennox is now filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer CARP, Bill VanGorder,  Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP and John Wright,  Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters gathered in Pickering right outside of Ontario finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy's office calling on the Ford government to protect land on the Greenbelt. The Ford government said it will follow 14 of the 15 recommendations in the auditor general's report. The one recommendation it has not agreed to follow is to revisit the land swaps and potentially reverse course on the Greenbelt plans. ---- WHAT IS "SKIMPFLATION"?  Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. A headline in the Toronto Sun this weekend read: Unveiling Skimpflation – the latest consumer squeeze. Written by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, who is the Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University – And he joins us now to discuss a term that may be unfamiliar to many – but in fact, it is a practice that itself has a decades-long history. ---- EVEN A MAYOR CAN'T AFFORD HOUSING IN ONTARIO  Marissa Lennox is now joined by Steve Jelenic, Toronto Real Estate Agent with SAGE real estate. We talked about it earlier in the program, but a mayor in the Kitchener-Waterloo area says she can't afford a home, despite making 90k a year. It raises a lot of questions about housing affordability in the province. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENIORS AND AI Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer CARP, Bill VanGorder,  Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP and John Wright,  Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. In the news: We kick things off with a discussion about the relationship between Seniors and AI technology. According to scientists from Baycrest, adults ages 60 and older were less able to distinguish AI speech compared to adults 30 and younger. Meanwhile, Health Canada has approved the first RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) for adults 60 and older. TRAVELING THIS SEASON + MARTY'S TRAVEL STORY FROM IRELAND Jane Brown is now joined by Martin Firestone, President, Travel Secure Inc. and Doug Wallace Editor & Publisher of Travel Right.Today. Martin Firestone details the travel chaos/disruption he faced with Air Canada ahead of his trip to Ireland this Summer. And, we talk about the steps you might consider taking during a climate of airline delays and outright cancellations. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Liz West is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak for Ward 6 York Centre and Alex Blumenstein, Co-founder of The Peak. In the news: A draft of the audit by Ontario AG Bonnie Lysyk looking into Premier Doug Ford's Greenbelt development plans has been shared with Ford himself. The report doesn't officially come out for another few weeks but one of the key questions we have about it is: has Ford tipped off developers in the private sector as it relates to the Greenbelt? Meanwhile, a lot of residents are complaining about accessibility issues with High Park after it underwent some changes. And, yesterday we learned that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife have separated. It opens up a conversation about how much of a toll political life can have on couples and families. ----- WILL JUSTIN TRUDEAU'S SPLIT FROM WIFE AFFECT HIS LEADERSHIP? Liz West is now joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations and John Capobianco, Senior Vice President and Senior Partner of FleishmanHillard HighRoad. As touched on in the previous segment, we learned this week from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife of 18 years, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau that they have separated “after many meaningful and difficult conversations". We don't know what really is the reasoning behind the split at this time, but some are speculating that it could be the toll that political life has on couples and their families. And, now that he is facing a very significant challenge in his personal life, how will it all impact the prime minister's role as the leader of the country? ---- WHICH GROCERY RETAILERS DO CANADIANS RESPECT THE MOST? Liz West is now joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. We all have our favourite grocery store for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you go to a certain place for the good prices, or the better customer service. Well, John has released a new poll revealing which grocery stores are most respected by Canadians. Costco topped the list, followed by Metro and Walmart! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: CABINET SHUFFLE AND AGE LIMITS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE Jane Brown is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine; Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President, Maru Public Opinion. Together, Jane and the Squad dive into such topics as the federal cabinet shuffle including Seamus O'Regan taking over the seniors' portfolio; Ontario's recent byelection results; and the tricky question of whether age limits for senators should be on the table. METRO GROCERY STRIKE As the strike by Metro grocery workers continues, experts say the job action is part of a larger trend of lower-wage earners pushing back against employers for better pay in industries that have seen huge gains in profits in recent years. Jane Brown is joined by David Macdonald, Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, to discuss this issue.

Where do Canadians by a very significant margin expect already exorbitant food prices to be in six months time? 71% nationally say food prices will be higher than today. Who or what is the main reason for the cost of food taking an ever larger bite out of personal and family budgets? Grocery chains and food outlets argue 39%. the largest group in the Yahoo Canada/Maru Public Opinion survey. This, as we discussed last weekend, as some 6.9 million Canadians, including 1.8 million children suffer with food insecurity (hunger) daily. What is the bottom line expression from Canadians expressed in this national survey?  Guest: John Wright. Executive vice president, Maru Public Opinion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, and Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP.  Today: we kick things off with a much needed discussion about ageism, especially when it comes to women facing it across our society. Not long ago, Bonnie Crombie, Mississauga Mayor and candidate for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party accused Nate Erskine-Smith, another candidate running for leadership of the party, of ageism. Bonnie who is 63 years old, took issue With Erskine-Smith's remarks that, "we should be thinking of this as what kind of party do we want to build for the next 15-20 years.” But, ageism is not only felt by women leaders in the political landscape. They are also experiencing it in other settings. ---- NURSES TO GET AVERAGE 11 PER CENT RAISE OVER NEXT TWO YEARS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Claudette Holloway, President of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Ontario Hospital nurses will be getting a raise which, according to their union (the ONA), will amount to an average of 11 per cent over two years. The provincial arbitrator justified the decision due to high inflation and the staffing crisis that hospitals are currently facing.  ---- CALL FOR FORD GOVERNMENT TO SET MPAC REASSESSMENT DEADLINE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Robert Brazzell, a spokesperson for the Greater Toronto chapter of NAIOP, an association representing commercial real estate developers, Raymond Williams, Chair of Tax Policy for the Ontario Chapter of Canadian Property Tax Association (CPTA) and Michael Colle, Toronto City Councillor Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence.  Municipal, business and real estate stakeholders are calling on Premier Doug Ford to get moving on establishing a date for a new province wide property reassessment by the Municipal Property Assessment Corp. (MPAC). Here's why.  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD: PREMIERS MEET & THE BEST AGE FOR A PRESIDENT Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP and Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today: We kick things off with a discussion about the Premiers meeting in Winnipeg to discuss healthcare and the economy among other issues. And, roughly half of Americans (49 per cent), according to Pew Research, say that they prefer a President who is in their 50's. What do you think is the ideal age for someone to be President? A LOOKAHEAD TO THE NATO SUMMIT Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Eric Ouellet, Professor in the Department of Defence Studies at Royal Military College of Canada, Dr. Stephen Saideman, Paterson Chair in International Affairs at Carleton University. Leaders of countries belonging to NATO, including Canada's Justin Trudeau, will be heading to Lithuania for a Summit where discussions about expanding membership and defense spending will be on the table. So far, not all countries such as the U.S. and Germany are interested in allowing Ukraine to join the alliance while the war with Russia remains ongoing. Our experts weigh in on the latest. THE LATEST VICTIM OF TORONTO GUN VIOLENCE: A 44-YEAR-OLD MOTHER Jane Brown is now joined by Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. The community of Leslieville in Toronto's east end has been shaken in the aftermath of a 44-year-old mother killed by a stray bullet in broad daylight there. At this time, Toronto Police don't have much information--just some photos of suspects. But, what really is concerning here is how an innocent pedestrian could have been killed, and what it says about the safety of our neighbourhoods. What will be done to enhance safety on our streets so local residents and their kids don't have to be afraid to go outdoors and live in their communities? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

A study found early human ancestors may have briefly lived alongside dinosaurs, and Dan Riskin has something to say about this and other science stories on Nerd News. Carmi Levy our technology expert joins the show do discuss the idea of a drivers' license for the internet. Is Ukraine-Russia conflict at a stalemate? Find out what people in North America think on Wright or Wrong with John Wright, Executive VP of Maru Public Opinion.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD Bob Komsic is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer at CARP; Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine; and John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion. Last week the Zoomer Squad weighed in on what Zoomers would be looking for in a new mayor, and now we've got one. So today, the Squad dives into that. Also, as of July 1st, seniors in Montreal can ride public transit for free...could such an initiative work here with the TTC? Meanwhile, out West...the B.C. government is investing $10 million to provide free air conditioners to some seniors. Could Ontario see fit to help seniors 'chill out'? LEGER POLL: MOST CANADIANS WOULD FLUNK A CITIZENSHIP TEST; AND CANADIAN HERITAGE MOMENTS We Canadians love our county, but a recent poll suggests that very few of us could actually pass a citizenship test. Bob Komsic is joined by Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada and producer of Heritage Minutes to discuss this concerning issue. FIREWORKS SAFETY & ROAD SAFETY DURING CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND It's the Canada Day long weekend! Bob Komsic is joined by Inspector Michael Hayles of the Toronto Police Service to discuss safety amid Canada Day long weekend celebrations. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Richard Crouse is in for Jim Richards Supreme Court Rules No need for 'double punishment' in mandatory sentence case on drunk driving. Jeff Hershberg is a Criminal Defense Lawyer and he joins us to discuss. John Wright, Executive VP of Maru Public Opinion, and he joins to talk about a recent Forbes/Maru Public Opinion poll that finds that more Americans say they're worse than better off compared to four years ago. Jack is Back! Find out what's streaming on your favourite services this coming weekend with TV Critic Amber Dowling. Slow News Day Does Richard Crouse Like These Movies

Another round of The Draft, Eric Alper and Darryl Sterdan make their picks for best debut albums The Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois joins the show to talk about the Competition Bureau analysis confirming grocery giants have seen profits rise as industry consolidates, and proposed more competition is needed Wright or Wrong – executive vice president of Maru Public Opinion. He tells us about poll on whether Canadians have been boycotting companies.

THE ZOOMER SQUAD: TORONTO'S MAYORAL RACE AND CANADIANS WHO CAN'T RETIRE Jane Brown is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine; Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion. Together, Jane and the Squad unpack the latest on Toronto's mayoral campaign trail; and discuss a recent survey that found 44% of non-retired Canadians aged 55 to 64 have less than $5,000 in savings, with one in five from that group saying they have not set anything aside for retirement. FOUR FEDERAL BYELECTIONS TODAY Four new MP's will be elected to the House of Commons today in a handful of byelections that politicos say could expose rifts within the Conservative party and possibly bring a new Liberal cabinet hopeful into the fold. Jane Brown is joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council, National Public Relations to discuss what this could mean for Canadians. JUNE IS MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH June is Men's Mental Health Month! Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Anne Wilson, Professor in the Psychology department at Wilfrid Laurier University; and Dr. Michael Mak, Psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to discuss what this means, and why it's important.

Today on The Draft, Music industry experts, Eric Alper and Bill King pick their favourite #roadtrip songs. Who drafted the best team of songs? Street Health Community Nursing/veteran; harm reduction activist to talk about Anthony Furey Revelation Toronto-branded Crack Pipes. Quebec driver sentenced to 8 months after swerving to avoid ducks caused fatal collision. Was the sentence to harsh, not harsh enough? Executive vice president of Maru Public Opinion, joins us for another quiz of Wright or Wrong. This week, how or when will people retire from work.

Jane Brown  is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer at CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today: We discuss the latest regarding PSAC. A tentative deal has been made between the Treasury Board and the union. Meanwhile, here in Toronto, the mayoral election continues to ramp up with over 50 candidates. Olivia Chow and Ana Bailao are leading in the polls currently. But what kind of important issues for Seniors are being promised by the candidates. And, we weigh in on King Charles' upcoming Coronation. ---- WHAT THE PARTIAL CLOSURE OF QUEEN STREET MEANS FOR TRAFFIC Jane Brown is now joined by Stuart Green, Spokesperson for the TTC. A large section of Queen Street (between Victoria Street in the east and Bay Street in the west) is going to be closed for at least four years starting today as construction for the Ontario Line takes place. How will this impact traffic, transit users and pedestrians? Our guest weighs in on the latest. ---- THE DESIRE AMONG CANADIANS FOR UNIVERSAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE Jane Brown  is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Margaret Eaton, National CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association. According to research from the Canadian Mental Health Association, as much as 87 per cent of Canadians desire universal mental health care. One of the concerning findings of the survey was that 35 per cent of respondents who indicated that they experienced a mental health issue in the past year, over one-third did not seek help due to the financial costs being too expensive. This Mental Health Week, we discuss the challenges Canadians face as they seek better resources for care. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Bob Komsic is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer at CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. We begin with a recap of CARP's meeting with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh where they brought up their desire to see the OAS 10 per cent increase extend to all qualified Seniors over the age of 65 and and to eliminate mandatory withdrawals from retirement savings accounts. We also turn to the latest on the mayoral election here in Toronto that has so far reached 50 candidates! ---- WILL NEXT MAYOR PRIORITIZE BIKE LANES?  Bob Komsic is now joined by Trevor Townsend, Founder of Keep Toronto Moving and Albert Koehl, a cycling and pedestrian advocate as well as an environmental lawyer. Keep Toronto Moving, a not-for-profit organization, is blaming the City's increased congestion on what they see as badly implemented bike lanes. They put out a poll and the findings are that 63 per cent of Torontonians want the next mayor of Toronto to evaluate bike lanes and 84 per cent wanting them to make such evaluations every two to three years. Albert weighs in from the other side of the debate and makes the case for more dedicated bike lanes and a more bike friendly City. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD: HOW THE ROLE OF GRANDPARENTING HAS CHANGED Libby Znaimer is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Today we start things off by discussing the demo of grandparents and how their societal role has changed over the years. THE RIGHT TO REPAIR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Ellen Roseman, Consumer advocate and journalist as well as Dr. Natasha Tusikov, Associate Professor of Criminology at the Department of Social Science at York University. It was in the federal budget: a plan for Right to Repair is set to kick in for electronic devices and home appliances in 2024. Ottawa will begin consultations for the policy this Summer. Right to Repair is all about letting consumers have the freedom to fix the expensive products they buy where they want or themselves. But many manufacturers don't allow for this to happen (they make money on fixes) and design their products to be fixed exclusively by them. Our guests weigh in on what Ottawa wants to do to make it better for the customer. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. The Ford government released the largest budget in provincial history at a price tag of $204 Billion. But, did it have much for Seniors? Sadly, no. Meanwhile, the province has reached a deal with optometrists. And, this morning we learned that the federal government is including a grocery rebate for low income Canadians. ---- ROBERT FIFE ON ALLEGED FOREIGN INTERFERENCE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Robert Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief of the Globe and Mail. Mr. Fife details the latest on allegations of foreign interference in Canada's political system. ---- BIDEN AND TRUDEAU REACH DEAL ON ROXHAM ROAD Libby Znaimer is now joined by Guidy Mamman, a Toronto immigration lawyer and partner at Mamman, Sandaluk & Kingwell LLP, and Larry Haas,  a former senior White House official and currently a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. When U.S. President Joe Biden visited Ottawa late last week, he came to an agreement with the Trudeau government on dealing with asylum seekers at Roxham Road on the U.S-Canada border. Our immigration and human rights experts weigh in on the latest news. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: After the Chinese Communist Party's 1949 victory in China's civil war, the question of “Who lost China” rocked Washington. As President Biden makes his first presidential trip to Ottawa this week, he should ask if the next country about which that question will be asked is Canada. GUEST: Brian Lee Crowley is the Founder and Managing Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. His most recent book is “Gardeners vs. Designers: Understanding the Great Fault Line in Canadian Politics -  Ontario is boosting funding for hospitals, pediatric care, mental health and home care as part of its efforts to reform health care in the province. The provincial budget released Thursday detailed an $850 million increase in funding to hospitals — a four per cent boost in base funding — plus $200 million to address health-care staffing shortages across the entire system. GUEST: Peter Bethlanfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance - As U.S. President Joe Biden visits Canada for the first time since taking office, the results of a new Maru Public Opinion / GZERO poll finds that while Canadians may think less of the improvement of the Canada/U.S. relationship than Americans do today compared to the Trump era five years ago, they near unanimous on one major potential action being a top priority: both Canadians (91%) and Americans (93%) want security and intelligence efforts boosted to stop foreign powers undermining democracy. GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion

ZOOMER SQUAD:  NACI RECOMMENDS AT-RISK CANADIANS GET THEIR BIVALENT COVID-19 BOOSTER THIS SPRING 12:00-12:30  Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer. She is joined by David Cravit, Chief Membership Officer of CARP,  Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP and John Wright, executive VP of Maru Public Opinion. Today: NACI is recommending that Canadians who are at risk of severe illness because of COVID-19, should get their bivalent booster shot in the Spring. Meanwhile, we talk about the intense winter storm that took place this past Friday. Finally, King Charles invites Harry and Meghan to his upcoming coronation. But will they go? Our panel weighs in on the latest. THE FUTURE OF THE ONTARIO LIBERAL PARTY 12:30-12:50 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Mitzie Hunter, Ontario Liberal MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood, and Bob Richardson, a Liberal Strategist and Senior Council to National Public Relations. The Ontario Liberals have elected their new president: former cabinet minister Kathryn McGarry. The party is also changing its approach to the way it will be choosing its next leader: they will now conduct a leadership race by a one-member, one-vote system. So, what does the party have to do to put itself in a strong position to face off against the governing PCs in the next election cycle? WHAT IS A THUNDER-SNOW STORM? 12:50-1 PM Jane Brown is now joined by David Phillips,  Senior Climatologist for Environment Canada. The GTA has seen several intense winter storms in recent weeks but the latest, which took place last Friday evening and saw between 20 and 30 centimetres of snow, was rather unusual: it coincided with thunder and lightning. The storm caused blackouts in the city and numerous trees fell in the aftermath of it all. So, how exactly does this kind of weather occur and how rare is it? David explains.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP, and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. We begin the discussion off by remembering the late Honourable David Onley who died yesterday at the age of 72. David served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario between 2007 until 2014. He will, of course, be remembered as well for his tireless advocacy for those living with disabilities. And, then we get our reaction from the squad regarding the province's plans to expand the surgeries conducted in private clinics for things like cataract, knee and hip replacements as a way to address the current backlog in surgeries in the healthcare system. ---- PROVINCE TO EXPAND SURGERIES IN PRIVATE FACILITIES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and Dr. Andrew Boozary, a primary care physician and the Executive Director of Population Health and Social Medicine at the University Health Network (UHN). The Ford government is planning to expand the number of surgeries that can be conducted in private clinics in the province in order to address the backlogs. This morning, Premier Ford made a televised announcement giving details of the plan alongside health minister Sylvia Jones. Is this the right approach? ---- REACTION TO OMAR ALGHABRA'S TESTIMONY AT THE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE IN OTTAWA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Melissa Lantsman, Conservative MP (Thornhill) and the transport critic. MP Lantsman gives reaction to federal transport minister Omar Alghabra's testimony at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities on Jan. 12. The committee has been looking at the travel disruptions and delays that affected Canadians this past holiday season as well as air passenger protection regulations. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ZOOMER SQUAD - Medical Assistance In Dying, Masking Amid Flu Season and more. Libby Znaimer is joined by David Cravit, Vice President of Zoomer Media and Chief Membership Officer at CARP; Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP; and John Wright, Executive Vice President at Maru Public Opinion, to discuss medical assistance in dying, masking amid the influenza season and more. THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT DEBACLE It's been called everything from a boondoggle, to a debacle…to a disaster. And while Mayor John Tory and provincial transportation minister are urging Torontonians to continue being patient, two city councillors are demanding a public inquiry into years-delayed and over budget Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction. Libby Znaimer is joined by Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul's Councillor Josh Matlow; Ward 8 Eglinton-Lawrence Councillor Mike Colle; and Maureen Sirois, Chair of the Eglinton Way BIA and President at Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: A new Maru Public Opinion survey released finds that in the raging dispute and brinksmanship over a new contract, the union representing Ontario's union representing education workers, including education assistants, custodians, and librarians, has a majority (59%) of support compared to a minority (41%) who side with the provincial government. However, the survey, conducted after both the union and the government agreed to put down their strike, and legislative hammers, reveals no other clear-cut verdict for either party on many elements of the dispute as they return to the negotiating table. GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion - Premier Doug Ford has no regrets about using the “notwithstanding clause” in controversial legislation with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, insisting it helped both sides come “to their senses” and return to bargaining. GUEST: Andrew Furgiuele, Lecturer with the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto - U-S President Joe Biden says Democrats did far better in this week's midterm elections than anyone predicted. GUEST: Wayne Petrozzi, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University - The U.S. and Canadian economies are in a similar situation and financial markets have given the federal government's fall economic statement a passing grade. So why is the Canadian dollar trading in the low-70s against the U.S. dollar? GUEST: Marvin Ryder, Professor with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University

As we approach Remembrance Day, November 11th, here in Canada, we are called upon to acknowledge and honour the years of service our veterans have afforded this country and the sacrifices they made, often with their lives, to fulfill their mission of securing our borders and safety around the world.But it's also an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of this country that has informed and shaped our culture, our national identity and our place in the world.In this special SSN series, we endeavor to explore some of the stories that are uniquely rooted in the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian aviation.Welcome to Pathway to the Stars….We all know Billy Bishop, the Toronto Island airport is named after him! So why don't we know about William Barker? Barker was Bishop's best friend and colleague, the most decorated serviceman in Commonwealth history and, to this date, his funeral was the largest ever to be held in Toronto.Featured voices in this episode:Jason Wilson, Professor of History, University of GuelphJohn Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, serves as Honorary Colonel for the Chief of the Defence Staff Office and Chair of the RCAF Foundation.Rod Black, Sports BroadcasterRCAF Scholarship recipeient Evan SchonfeldtPathway to the Stars is made possible by the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation.Find out more about them at rcaffoundation.ca Please share about this special series. If you do, tag both Story Studio Network and the RCAF Foundation to help spread the word.Instagram:@storystudionetwork@rcaf_foundationFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/storystudionetwork/https://www.facebook.com/rcaffoundationTwitter:twitter.com/storystudionet twitter.com/davetrafford twitter.com/rcaf_foundation LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/story-studio-network linkedin.com/company/rcaf-foundation Credits:Executive Producer & Host - Dave TraffordHost & Promotions - Erin TraffordChase Producer - Becky Coles

Libby Znaimer today is joined by David Cravit, Chief Membership Officer of CARP, Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer at CARP,  and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. It's Halloween today. Jane asks the squad about their trick or treat plans and traditions. Meanwhile, the University Health Network is creating an emergency care centre for Seniors--the first of its kind in Canada--thanks to a $52 M donation the hospital received. And, according to a new report, consumer confidence in Canada has hit a two-year low when it comes to real estate, personal finance, job security and the overall economy. Our squad reacts to the news. ---- FORD GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT CUPE STRIKE THROUGH LEGISLATION  Jane Brown is joined by Sandra Hugh, Co-Chair to York Communities For Public Education and she is a parent to a young child in the system and who will be impacted by this and Jess Lyons, a lead organizer with Ontario Parent Action Network a nurse and mom of three.   The Ford government is tabling legislation today that will prevent thousands of CUPE education workers from striking. ---- UKRAINE SOVEREIGNTY BONDS Jane Brown is now joined by Allan Small, Senior Investment Advisor Allan Small Financial Group IA Private Wealth, and Peter Schturyn, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch. In the news: PM Justin Trudeau announced that the government will be issuing Ukraine Sovereignty bonds. According to the office of the Prime Minister, "the equivalent proceeds from this five-year bond will be channeled directly to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Administered Account. This builds on the Government of Canada's $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year." Jane and guests discuss this move by Ottawa and how it supports Ukrainians. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, David Cravit, Chief Membership Officer of CARP and Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy of CARP. Today: our Zoomer Squad discusses the latest on the municipal elections. And, we look ahead to the Mayoral debate being hosted by CARP on October 13. What can we expect from that? And, John Wright talks about his latest poll---this time on Thanksgiving and the foods Canadians prefer to serve up this year! ---- JOHN TORY JOINS FIGHT BACK Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto Mayor John Tory. Today: The Mayor gets asked about city-wide construction that seems to never end (the Eglinton LRT construction, for example, just got delayed again), the City's response time to 311 calls for things like pot holes and speed bumps, why roads continue to be dangerous especially for Seniors even though we are a few years into the implementation of Vision Zero, the recent spate in gun violence and also what the future of City Council might look like as 7 veteran councillors opt not to seek re-election this October. ---- TORONTO'S GARBAGE DISPOSAL STATIONS ARE OVERFILLED AND NEGLECTED Libby Znaimer is now joined by is now joined by Toronto City Hall Reporter for the Toronto Star, Ben Spurr. If you walk along Toronto city streets it won't be long before you stumble across an overfilled garbage station that is often in such bad shape it ends up looking like garbage. As it stands, there are nearly 9,500 garbage disposal units in Toronto. And, last year, the city received as many as 3,000 calls about overflowing garbage units and and over 4,500 complaints about receptacles needing repair. So, how did we get to this point? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is now joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, and Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Concordia University in Montreal. Are you worried about your finances? According to a new poll by Yahoo Canada and Maru Public Opinion, half of us are worried about

Evan Solomon talks with Sam Samplonius, a survivor of military sexual assault, on her reaction to the independent report on military sexual misconduct and the recommendations that have been outlined.  On today's show: We play Evan's full conversation with Martin Luther King III on his calls for gun control in the U.S. John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, on the latest polling and predictions in the Ontario election.  Temur Durrani, technology reporter for The Globe and Mail, on educational tech harvesting personal data from children.  Sam Samplonius, a survivor of military sexual assault, on the highly-anticipated report on military sexual misconduct.  Renée Forrestall, Halifax resident, on how she unknowingly bought used roller skates she owned 40 years ago.

Polling and seat projection numbers seem to be fluid, with less than 2 weeks to go before Election Day in Ontario. In three separate stories over the Victoria Day weekend, the Toronto Star says the Liberals could hold Ford Nation to a minority, the NDP is gaining at the expense of the Liberals, and the Liberals out poll the NDP but would finish third. So, we turn to John Wright, SVP at Maru Public Opinion to get some clarity on what's going on. He expects voting intentions firmed up while friends and families gather over the long holiday weekend.

Polling and seat projection numbers seem to be fluid, with less than 2 weeks to go before Election Day in Ontario. In three separate stories over the Victoria Day weekend, the Toronto Star says the Liberals could hold Ford Nation to a minority, the NDP is gaining at the expense of the Liberals, and the Liberals out poll the NDP but would finish third. So, we turn to John Wright, SVP at Maru Public Opinion to get some clarity on what's going on. He expects voting intentions firmed up while friends and families gather over the long holiday weekend.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Alison Eastwood, Editor-In-Chief of Hello! Canada magazine followed by Peter Donolo, a former longtime director of communications to Prime Minister Jean Chretien alongside Cat Criger, a Traditional Teacher and Knowledge Keeper of the Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan.. Charles and Camilla have embarked on a royal tour of Canada this week. The occasion, of course, is to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The visit to Canada also comes amid a time when the country is still very much in reflection of the historical treatment of Indigenous peoples and the legacy of residential schools, the discovery of unmarked graves and a national conversation about Truth and Reconciliation. Charles understands this and during his portion of the trip to St. Johns, NL he said: "I know that our visit here this week comes at an important moment - with indigenous and non-indigenous peoples across Canada committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past and to forge a new relationship for the future." Meanwhile, Peter weighs in on where Canada's ties to the monarchy stand today and whether he thinks its time we consider severing ties. ---- THE RISE OF BUSINESSES GOING THROUGH BANKRUPTCY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Stephanie Ben-Ishai, Distinguished Research Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University who teaches about bankruptcy, contract, commercial law, and financial crises. Business bankruptcy is on the rise here in Canada. There were a total of 807 such bankruptcies and proposals in Q1 compared to 733 in the quarter before that and 603 in the first quarter of 2021. Dr. Ben-Ishai weighs in on why this is happening. ---- WHAT ARE THE MOST RESPECTED OCCUPATIONS IN CANADA FOR 2022? Libby Znaimer is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. A new Maru poll reveals the top most respected professions in Canada this year. Of course, front line workers top the list with paramedics first (at 92 percent), then firefighters (91.4 percent) and nurses coming in third (89.6 percent). Find out who else made the list! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Not only is the Ford government spending at a faster rate than the previous Liberal government, according to the Fraser Institute, the PCs are lining voters' pockets with cash. That includes dropping licence plate fees, no more tolls on highways 412 and 418, and a promise to cut taxes at the gas pumps in July. But is it enough to hang onto a majorit at Queen's Park. John Wright's polling at Maru Public Opinion suggests the cost of living - particularly at the grocery store - is going to play a major role in this election campaign.

From BAHM: The disruptive forces of the pandemic have created seismic shifts in how Canadians are thinking about business, the economy and their careers. Ideas that were once radical or distant possibilities (entire teams working from home, spiking inflation, sector-wide government subsidies) are now driving conversations across the country. Join a conversation with Canadian polling and public affairs expert John Wright (Executive Vice-President of Maru Public Opinion) and Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin as they unpack the trendlines in Canadian public opinion and decode what it means for leaders and managers navigating an constantly changing landscape.

Today on the Daily Brief, we draw the curtain back on the backroom deal between Jagmeet Singh and Justin Trudeau aimed at guaranteeing the Liberals will govern until 2025. Two questions. 1. How does this affect the CPC leadership race? 2. What's in it for the NDP? We're joined by John Wright, EVP at Maru Public Opinion and Amanda Galbraith, Principal at Navigator.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Vladimir Putin's latest war of aggression against Ukraine is entering its second week. But while Ukrainians are the ones heroically standing as the vanguards of democracy against authoritarianism, we must make no mistake: Putin has in fact declared war on much more than Ukrainian democracy.  This war, the largest and most devastating in Europe since the end of the Second World War, represents an assault on democracy itself. It is an attack on the rules-based international order that rejects the approach of “might is right” and is essential for maintaining democracy, freedom, human rights, and prosperity.  Thus, the choice before us is clear: do we pay the price for defending democracy now, or do we continue to allow authoritarianism to prevail, and ultimately pay a much higher price later?  We must do all that we can today, to support Ukraine in its fight against authoritarianism. And though we have made the case for a need for a stronger approach to Russia for many years now, we are less alone than ever in making this case.  Click HERE for the full article. GUEST: Marcus Kolga, Director of DisinfoWatch.org and Senior Fellow with the Macdonald Laurier Institute - The results of a survey released today by Maru Public Opinion finds Canadians in near unanimity (91%) standing with the people of Ukraine in full opposition to Russia's Vladimir Putin. GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion - Gas prices are expected to rise by as much as 10 cents a litre by the weekend, according to an industry expert. This would continue to establish new records for the price of gas across the province. Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy says Russia's attack on Ukraine is playing a major part, with sanctions being placed on Russia causing prices to rise, as that country is the world's third-largest oil producer. ALSO: Ford, Horwath clash over gas prices during question period at Ontario legislature GUEST: Michael Manjuris, Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management with Ryerson University

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs and the director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Lucan Way, Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and Charles Kupchan, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Russia continues its unprovoked invasion and attack on Ukraine with civilian areas being targeted in the country's major cities and casualties mounting. Yesterday, we learned that the Russians launched a missile strike on a communications tower in the nation's capital of Kyiv that caused damage the nearby Baby Yar Holocaust memorial site. And, a few days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on high alert. Since the outset, countries in the Western world have been imposing sanctions on Putin and Oligarchs including Canada, the U.S., and various European countries. And, Canada even announced that it is sending over anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition to the Ukrainian military and banning Russian crude oil imports. Meanwhile, yesterday at the state of the union address, U.S. President Joe Biden said that Putin "has no idea what's coming". So, just how effective is the Western world's response to the war and when Russia puts its nuclear force on high alert, what are the implications of that? ---- CANADIANS' ATTITUDES ON RUSSIA'S WAR WITH UKRAINE & THE IMPACT OF WAR ON THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR Libby Znaimer is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. John talks about

Two years into a global pandemic that permanently disrupted the office work landscape, what does the “new normal” mean for employers and their employees who might not be returning to in-person work full-time, if at all? Joining Ready to Real Estate host Jason Mercer to discuss the findings in TRREB's joint report, Navigating the New Normal, are John Wright, Executive Vice-President of Maru Public Opinion, and Craig Ruttan, the Policy Director of Energy, Environment, and Land Use at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Weltman, Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer followed by Peter Tabuns, NDP MPP (Toronto-Danforth) and Energy Critic as well as Paul Acchione, Senior management consultant with over 48 years of engineering and management experience in the nuclear and fossil power generation industry. The Ford government promised that it would reduce hydro rates by 12% from 2018 levels. Instead, according to an FAO report hydro rates went up. More specifically, residents have been paying 4.3% more on their bills from between 2018 and 2021. And, Energy Minister Todd Smith is saying "that electricity bills will be 23 per cent lower in 2029 because of the action our government has taken to get Ontario back on track after years of Liberal mismanagement, representing billions of dollars in savings for Ontarians." Peter discusses the details of his report. And, we hear from you about what you think about your current hydro bill payments. Later, Libby Znaimer is joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion, David Tarrant, Vice President, National Strategic Communications at Enterprise and Christine Van Geyn, Litigation Director at The Canadian Constitution Foundation. A new Maru public opinion poll shows that a majority of Canadians (66%) are in support of the prime minister invoking the Emergencies Act to deal with protests in Ottawa and other parts of the country. Also, unsurprisingly, as many as 82% of respondents expressed that these protests should not have been allowed to go on for as long as they have. So, what do you make of all of this? Meanwhile, yesterday in Parliament, eyes and ears were on the exchange between Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During a debate over the ongoing trucker convoy protests, PM Trudeau said that Conservatives "

New numbers from Maru Public Opinion provide a stark and staggering insight into how Canadians view the ongoing occupation of Ottawa. Two thirds say they agree with the use of the Emergencies Act. So the prime minister can be pleased with that. The problem is 82% say the protest has gone on too long. Not so good for the federal Liberals. But, it's been a suck-and-blow affair on both sides of the House and the CPC has been engaged in and trapped by its own "ya but" rhetoric. And it was never more pronounced than when Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman tangled with Trudeau in the Commons during Wednesday's Question Period.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson Doug Ford is pulling a lightspeed maneuver on Ontario's reopening plans including scrapping the vax pass mandate. Will Hamilton's businesses follow suit? Scott spoke to Tracie England of Tracie's Place Restaurant and Karaoke for her view on this as well as the joys of getting to do karaoke again! Scott got some more views and experience on the ground in Ottawa from Amanda Connolly of Global News and Tim Powers Chairman of Summa Strategies. Global's Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell lets us in on what is happening with the snowstorm looming over Hamilton. How will this compare to what we got on January 17th? And of course we have more discussion on the use of the Emergencies Act. Guests: Tracie England, owner of Tracie's Place: 592 Upper James Street, Hamilton, Ontario. Anthony Farnell, Global News Meteorologist. Amanda Connolly, Senior political reporter with Global News. Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and Managing Director of Abacus Data... man about town John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Sean Fitzgerald, Managing Editor, feature writer with The Athletic.  Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science with McMaster University. Aurel Braun (PRONOUNCED "brown"), Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host - Scott Thompson Content Producer –William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast Co-Producer - Ben Straughan News Anchors – Lisa Polewski, Dave Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://omny.fm/shows/scott-thompson-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The federal government took the unprecedented step on Monday of invoking the Emergencies Act to deal with the ongoing convoy occupation in Ottawa and blockades that have affected border crossings across the country. Although passed in 1988 as a replacement to the War Measures Act, the Emergencies Act has never been used before. So what does it do? GUEST: Nomi Claire Lazar, Full Professor in Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and author of the book “States of Emergency in Liberal Democracies” - It's not about you; it's about Canada: that's the message that should echo in the mind of every Tory as they vote for a new leader. Too many Conservatives regard their party as a place to indulge their deeply held, perfectly legitimate, but boutique causes: climate-policy skepticism, lifting automatic gun restrictions, opposing abortion and so forth. Moreover, party spokespeople focus on issues of narrow interest, like taxes, deficits and waste, unable to produce a coherent vision of the positive things government is for in a country that believes in the common good. The Tories have thus made their party an electoral liability. Yet the official Opposition‘s duty and responsibility is to offer a credible alternative to the government of the day. When Tories fail, they condemn Canadians to re-elect a government that few people actually want. GUEST: Brian Lee Crowley is the Founder and Managing Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. His most recent book is “Gardeners vs. Designers: Understanding the Great Fault Line in Canadian Politics - A new Maru Public Opinion Poll on how Canadians feel about Relaxed Community COVID Restrictions. GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion

In a country where 34 per cent of the popular vote isn't enough to form a government but 33 per cent is enough, isn't it time for conservatives to admit, the Reform/Progressive Alliance is a failed experiment? Erin O'Toole's demise makes that clear. John Wright, Executive VP at Maru Public Opinion joins the Daily Brief to review the entrails of the Ground Hog Day massacre.

Brian interviews John Wright. John is Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. He and his team provide public opinion measurement, interpretation, and advice and counsel to senior executives and public affairs/public relations leaders. He's a nationally known figure and a much sought-after speaker with over three decades of expertise in public opinion and market research, global polling, public and corporate affairs strategy, communications, branding, and media relations. We talked about polls showing most Canadians agree that the non-vaccinated should have to pay more for health care.

Missed the show? No worries, we've got you covered with the ON Point podcast. On this episode, Alex is first joined by Nate Leipciger, A Holocaust survivor who was imprisoned in seven different Concentration Camps, including Auschwitz. Nate walks Alex through his experience as a young Jewish Man in Nazi occupied Europe, how he lost his entire family in the camps, and why its important we teach our children about what happened. Next, Alex speaks with John Wright, the executive Vice-President of Maru Public Opinion about a new poll that shows how Canadians are divided about  the convoy of truckers on the way to Ottawa, and why politicians shouldn't be so dismissive of it. And finally, Alex is joined by Tom Korski, the managing editor of Blacklock's Reporter. Tom fills Alexin on memo's obtained by Blacklock's Reporter that show the whole story to the RCMP raid of the BC First Nations protest was not revealed, until now that is. Let's get talking See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evan Solomon breaks down what we know about the trucker 'freedom convoy' headed to Ottawa this weekend.  On today's show:  'Overhyped v. Underplayed' with Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator. John Wright, executive vice-president of Maru Public Opinion on a new poll which found 28% of Canadians support unvaccinated truckers crossing border. Dana Metcalfe, who is organizing and leading the east coast part of the trucker convoy from Newfoundland to Ottawa. Max Eisen, an author, public speaker, concentration camp survivor and Holocaust educator. We play Evan's full interview with Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of National Defence, on Ukraine.  Dan Riskin, CTV science and technology specialist, on the rise and fall of rationality in language.

Evan Solomon breaks down the latest report which shows Canada's annual pace of inflation climbed to a 30-year-high in December. On today's show: David Lavery, a.k.a “Canadian Dave”, an ex-special forces soldier with the Canadian Armed Forces who helped get 100 people out of Afghanistan in August. He describes his most recent trip to Kabul. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, on how trucker vaccine mandates could affect the supply chain. 'The War Room' with political strategists Zain Velji and Tasha Kheiriddin and former NDP leader Tom Mulcair. John Wright, executive vice-president of Maru Public Opinion, on a new poll which found more than one in four Canadians support jail time for the unvaccinated. Benjamin Alexander, Jamaica's first Olympic alpine skier. He first learned to ski in British Columbia at the age of 32  

Libby Znaimer is joined by Marissa Lennox, Producer and host of theZoomer and former Chief Policy Officer of CARP, Morgan Hoffarth, President of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), and John Wright Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. Last Friday, we learned that Rod Phillips, Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care and MPP for Ajax, would be resigning at the end of next month and not seeking re-election in the next provincial election cycle. And, Marissa details the COVID-19 testing nightmare she faced after coming home from Turks and Caicos last week and she still doesn't even have the results of her test back yet! Canada's own Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Theresa Tam, said that the policy will be evaluated over time and that

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The results of a national survey released today by Maru Public Opinion finds that a majority (60%) of Canadians support some type of fine that could amount to a healthcare surcharge for those who choose to remain unvaccinated. The release of the results arrived as Quebec Premier François Legault announced that the province would be imposing a health tax on Quebecers who refuse to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks.  ALSO:  Maru Public Opinion finds four-in-ten (38%) Canadians who admit to knowing someone in their family or circle of friends who have contracted the COVID-19 virus in the last ten days. GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion - In early December, emergency room staff at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ont., began seeing a troubling change in patients coming to the hospital with serious COVID-19 symptoms. Unlike during earlier waves, multiple people were showing up at once. Sometimes entire families came in, all sick, likely with the newly identified Omicron variant of the virus. Now, the hospital's intensive-care unit is at capacity, with 70 per cent of patients there as a result of COVID-19 infections. About 90 per cent of the COVID-19 patients in the ICU are unvaccinated, chief of staff Michel Haddad said in an interview this week. Among the hospital's entire population of COVID-19 patients, both inside and outside the ICU, two-thirds are unvaccinated. In the past two weeks, the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to Bluewater has quadrupled. Meanwhile, a significant chunk of the staff – nearly five times the typical number – is on sick leave, in many cases because of Omicron. This has forced others to work double shifts and postpone holidays. GUEST: Carly Weeks, Health Reporter for the Globe and Mail - On January 11th, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said the Canada-U.S. relationship is at its lowest point in decades — a development that threatens to stall Canada's growth and derail some sectors of the economy. Speaking at a virtual event with Nova Scotia chambers of commerce, O'Toole said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has done little to stop the U.S. from pursuing punitive policies. O'Toole pointed to a list of grievances, including recent hikes to softwood lumber tariffs and an ongoing dispute over P.E.I. potatoes. What is the state of CAN/US relations? GUEST: Dr. Lori Turnbull, Director of the School of Public Administration with Dalhousie University

Zain Velji fills in for Evan Solomon. We break down Ontario's sweeping new restrictions and measures meant to combat record-high case counts of COVID-19.  On today's show:  Colin D'Mello, CTV's Queen's Park Bureau Chief, on Ontario's new restrictions.  John Wright, executive vice-president of Maru Public Opinion, on a new poll which highlights the places Canadians would feel most comfortable living. Evan Balgord, Executive Director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, on developing a tool kit to help teachers spot extremism in students. Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, on what Ontario's announcement will mean for businesses. Brigette Lacquette, a professional Canadian hockey player who has now become the first Indigenous woman to scout for an NHL team.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Zach Collaros' 13-yard TD strike to Darvin Adams in overtime earned the Winnipeg Blue Bombers a thrilling 33-25 Grey Cup win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on a windy Sunday night. Bill Kelly and Justin Dunk recap the game and analysis the results. GUEST: Justin Dunk, Founder of 3 Down Nation, and Sports Anchor for CHCH News - Ontario will offer all adults who are six months past their second dose a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine starting Jan. 4, the province said Friday as it scrapped plans to lift its vaccine certificate and announced a crackdown on fake medical exemptions. The moves, announced by Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott and Chief Medical Officer of Health Kieran Moore, come as infections in the province rose rapidly amid projections that a new more contagious variant could see cases skyrocket in just weeks. Should boosters be offered sooner? ALSO: Ontario needs new pandemic response strategy as Omicron COVID-19 variant makes inroads: experts  GUEST: Thomas Tenkate, Professor at the School of Occupational & Public Health with Ryerson University - A recent poll finds that a majority of Ontarians feel that the provincial government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly faltered. A survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, a non-partisan public opinion research organization, concludes that Canadians appear to be increasingly disappointed in their provincial leaders in wake of variants of concern rapidly impacting the severity of a third wave. While at least half of respondents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan said they're concerned with their premiers response, 65 per cent of Ontarians and 75 per cent of those polled in Alberta said their leader or their provincial government is poorly handling the pandemic. Also: New poll shows majority of Canadians are ready to live with COVID-19 GUEST: John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12:06 | Public policy researcher Robert Falconer and political analyst Supriya Dwivedi unpack perceptions of Alberta detailed in new national polling data from Maru Public Opinion. 34:53 | 3x Olympian Neville Wright, former Canadian diplomat Chris Alexander, and retired head of the Canada's International Sports Relations Eric Morse, discuss what Olympic boycotts can mean for diplomacy, sport, and Canada on the world stage.  1:16:14 | Trash Talk | Ryan animates and riffs on annoyances, piss offs, and pet peeves shared by Real Talkers via talk@ryanjespersen.com. Presented by Local Waste.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. The Canadian military is dismissing reports from its own staff members that pointed to residents dying from dehydration at at Downsview Long Term Care Centre and Hawthorne Place Care Centre during the first wave. Meanwhile, today the province is lifting capacity restrictions on most venues like restaurants, gyms and casinos where proof of vaccination is required. Our panel weighs in on the latest. ---- COMPARING CREDIT CARDS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Ellen Roseman, a consumer advocate and journalist alongside Barry Choi, a personal finance and travel expert of Money We Have. On today's agenda: a conversation all about comparing credit card options out there especially as the busy holiday shopping season approaches. What do you need to know, and more importantly, what you need to avoid when it comes time to considering the best credit card for you. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Cravit, Vice President of Zoomer Media and Chief Membership Officer at CARP, Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine and John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. In the news: Election day has arrived. Our panelists weigh in on the latest happenings on the campaign trail as the federal Liberals and Conservatives are neck and neck in the polls. Will Liberal leader Justin Trudeau be punished for calling an election during the pandemic? Has Conservative leader Erin O'Toole, who was largely unknown to Canadians prior to the election call, made a strong enough impression to sway voters to his camp? And, just how will support for both the NDP and the People's Party of Canada affect the outcome for the Liberals and Conservatives? ---- COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS PUT MAJOR STRAIN ON ALBERTA'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Eyal Golan, an intensive care doctor at a GTA hospital and Dr. Kerry Bowman, a bioethicist at the University of Toronto. Alberta's health care system has reached a breaking point as daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 surge and COVID-19-related hospitalizations climb. Meanwhile, four different unions representing health care workers in Alberta have sent out a letter calling on Premier Jason Kenney to call in the military and red cross for support. And, on the vaccine front, Pfizer-BioNTech announced trial results indicating that their COVID-19 vaccine is effective in kids between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. They plan to ask for its authorization among this age group in Canada, the U.S. and Europe as soon as possible. Our health experts weigh in on the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!