Just Asking

2025 has been quite the year on Parliament Hill. The Liberals kicked off the year with Justin Trudeau stepping down, and now Prime Minister Carney is ending the year hoping for another floor-crosser for Christmas. It's also been a year of soul-searching for the opposition parties as Pierre Polileve looks forward toward a leadership review in the new year, and the NDP are in the middle of their own leadership race. On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your Canadian politics questions about the non-stop news out of Ottawa. Stephanie Taylor is a parliamentary reporter with The National Post. And Phillipe Fournier is the Editor in Chief of polling website 388Canada.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

When OCD is depicted in pop culture, it often becomes the butt of the joke like on TV shows like Friends or The Big Bang Theory. But According to the International OCD Foundation, over two-thirds of the public cannot accurately identify OCD symptoms and it takes over 7 years on average before a person suffering with OCD starts to get treatment. On this episode of Just Asking, our guests take all your questions about OCD-myth busting and how to support friends and family who have it. Justine De Jaegher is an advocate who has OCD herself. And Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff is a clinical psychologist who works with patients who struggle with OCD.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Canada has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Humans develop deep connections with the animals in their lives. But how much do we really understand about them? And why have some animals evolved to become domesticated social media stars on Instagram while others run wild? On this episode of Just Asking, longtime science broadcaster and former Quirks and Quarks host Jay Ingram takes your questions about his new book “The Science of Pets.”Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected] Ingram’s “The Science of Pets”

Justice Minister Sean Fraser wants to eradicate violence against women, and he says the Liberals’ new legislation will help. In the wake of the Diddy trial, Just Asking explored the push to recognize "coercive control" in the law. Ottawa’s new bill seeks to do that, along with changes to how the courts deal with femicide, and delays in the justice system.On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to prevent intimate partner violence, and what solutions survivors are looking for. Kirsten Mercer is a lawyer and gender-based violence advocate. And Nneka MacGregor is a survivor of intimate partner violence and the co-founder and executive director of the Women’s Centre for Social Justice, also known as the WomenatthecentrE.If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available through: https://endingviolencecanada.org/Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime: 1-877-232-2610 or text 613-208-0747Just Asking episode on Coercive Control

A new report found influencers reached more people during Canada’s federal election than news outlets or politicians. So what role do influencers play in how we navigate the media landscape, and how can you tell the difference between reliable sources and misinformation?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about getting news through social media. Ashley Fraser is a senior reporter for CBC's The National who helped launch CBC News’ TikTok account in 2022. And Jaigris Hodson is the Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization, and Anti-Social Media at Royal Roads University.We'll also hear from Cole Benett, a Canadian news influencer who posts about politics and current affairs on TikTok and Instagram.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

After a renewed push from Trump, the future of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine remains unclear. US special envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the head of Ukraine's national security council, Rustem Umerov. Putin continues to ramp up his rhetoric, threatening that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the eastern Donbas region or it will be seized by force. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we dig into your questions about the ongoing push for peace between Russia and Ukraine. Paul Goode is a Professor and the McMillan Chair of Russian Studies at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at Carleton University. And Robert English is a Professor and Director of Central European Studies at the University of Southern California. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

MP Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet, claiming the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal signals a major step backwards on climate commitments. The agreement lays the political groundwork for a potential pipeline to the B.C. coast. By designating this possible pipeline as a project of "national interest," it could be exempt from environmental protection laws. The deal will also see Ottawa suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap, and Alberta's requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations. On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about what this deal could mean for Canada's climate future. Our guests are Rick Smith, the President of the Canadian Climate Institute. And Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood is senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who focuses on the shift towards a zero-carbon future, including energy workers.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

The holidays are around the corner. What does that look like if your partner has a different cultural background? How do you navigate those differences and bring your two identities together? How do you navigate potential conflicts with both sides of the family, or questions from your kids?On this week’s episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dating and relationships for couples from different cultural background. Whether you’re a part of an interracial couple, or your partner has a different faith or ethnic background, this week’s guests have plenty of advice for you. Yasmeen Rafiq is a therapist and owner of the private therapy practice, Meaningful Connections, where she works with intercultural couples. And Maya Yampolsky is an associate professor of social and cultural psychology at Laval University, where she researches intercultural and interracial relationships. We'll also hear from Rabbi Denise Handlarski who is in an interfaith marriage herself and marries interfaith couples. She's also a professor at Trent University and has a LOT of opinions about Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump “ripped MAGA apart” with the Epstein case. The uproar may have pushed the President to reverse his previous stance, signing a bill late Wednesday to order the release of the Epstein files. But beyond this week's political drama, how will these fractures within the Republican party affect the MAGA movement moving forward?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about what’s happening with the MAGA movement right now, and how things could change one year out before the Midterm elections. Matt Dallek is a professor of Political Management and historian at George Washington University, who’s written multiple books chronicling the rise of the modern conservative movement. (Confirming second guest) Paul Waldman is a columnist with MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Like it or not....Winter is coming. Are you ready to bust out the Mariah Carey, or are you bracing yourself for darker, colder days ahead? For a country that spends a significant portion of the year in winter weather, our cities are not always well-equipped to be livable spaces through all seasons. On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions on how to prepare ourselves, and our communities for the change in seasons. Ana Hidalgo is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan who researches urban design for winter cities. Kari Leibowitz is a health psychologist and author of the book "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days." Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

With the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil this week, Canada wants to be seen as a leader in climate action. But are we on the right track? Reports are warning that fossil fuel emissions have hit a record high. The world is still on track for a catastrophic 2.6C increase in temperature. That is surpassing the thresholds set out in the Paris agreement. At COP30 this week, Canada highlighted $392 million in funding for global climate action projects. Here at home, Prime Minister Carney unveiled his list of major projects to fast-track. Carney's plan is for Canada to become an energy superpower and a leader in responsible mining for critical minerals. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on Canada’s climate change commitments, and our role on the world stage. Sarah Elizabeth Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, focusing on climate policy. David Smith is the Coordinator of the Institute for Sustainable Development and Director of the Centre for Environmental Management at The University of the West Indies.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

How many texts, memes and video calls does it take to make a relationship last? We all have partners, friends and family in different cities to keep up with. How often do you get to have face to face time with those loved ones? As our lives get busier, traveling gets expensive, and technology makes communication both easier and more fleeting, what does it take to make a relationship last from afar? On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on long-distance relationships and friendships. Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor at Northwestern University and host of the podcast "Reimagining Love." Anabel Quan-Hasse is a Professor of Sociology and Media Studies at Western University. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

It's been just over six months since Prime Minister Mark Carney got elected. So how is the Carney era treating Canadians so far? And with his first federal budget tabled this week, how will he deliver on what was promised during the campaign?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about Prime Minister Carney, his policies, and how much he’s accomplished so far. To dig into all this we’re joined by two guests. CBC's Janyce McGregor is a Senior Reporter in our Parliamentary Bureau. And Vandana Kattar is a political consultant and was an advisor to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Coffee prices are skyrocketing. Statistics Canada says the price of your morning cup of coffee is officially 41% higher than it was in Fall 2024. So what’s behind those numbers?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about coffee production and where those costs are coming from - from supply chains to climate change. We get the facts straight from the roastmasters themselves. Nick Brown is the founder and editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast magazine. And Gavin Fridell is a Professor in Political Science and Global Development Studies at Saint Mary's University where he focuses on trade policy, supply chains and coffee production.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

As Canadians celebrate the Blue Jays epic world series run, every player statistic is being dissected by an analytics team behind the plate. So what is it about the Blue Jays that helped them get this far? The 4-billion dollar sports analytics industry has become a major part of how teams scout talent, and how the game is played. On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your burning baseball questions. Jane Leavy is a sportswriter, biographer, and author of the new book, "Make Me Commissioner: I Know What's Wrong with Baseball and How to Fix It." And Joe Baker is the Tanenbaum Research Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sport Analytics at the University of Toronto, where he specializes in talent development. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Four young Canadians are suing the Canadian Pension Plan who claim that CPP Investments is failing to manage climate-related financial risk. With the fund's investment in fossil fuels, the lawsuit alleges that CPP is being grossly underestimating the market impact of a warming climate. So if you want to be a climate-conscious investor, where do you start?On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about climate change and your finances. Tim Nash is the Founder of Good Investing, a certified financial planner, and an expert in socially responsible investing and sustainability. Anshula Chowdhury is an entrepreneur and expert in social impact measurement and how organizations report on their environmental and sustainability goals.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

Divorce can turn your life upside down. From money, to housing, to how your kids are going to cope. Prenups are getting more popular, as Gen Z and millennials try to plan ahead, according to recent polling. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to make social media safer for kids, and what parents and policymakers need to prioritize. Vikki Stark is a psychotherapist and divorce counsellor. She's also the author of several books including, "The Divorce Talk: How to Tell the Kids." Justin Lee is a family lawyer based in Toronto who specializes in divorce. You can also find him answering divorce questions on TikTok and Instagram @jleejd.We’ll also hear from Melissa Bourgeois, the founder of One Family Law, which has developed a first-of-its kind approach in Canada for more amicable divorces. Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

This week, the Liberals unveiled part of their plan to crack down on violent crime in Canada with Bill-C14. But will it make people safer? The Canadian Police Association and politicians, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have long been calling for bail reform. The new legislation makes dozens of changes to the criminal code – targeted at Canada’s bail and sentencing frameworks. But critics wonder how much these changes will actually help. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to tackle violent crime in Canadian communities. Danardo Jones is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Windsor. He’s also a former criminal lawyer and former Director of Legal Services at the African Canadian Legal Clinic. Nicole Myers is a Criminologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Queen's University.We’ll also hear from Jeff Fawcett, the mayor of Brandon, Manitoba who has been pushing for bail reform to address crime in his own city.Do you have a question you want Just Asking to explore? Send us a text or voice note at 226-758-8924. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]

This week, Meta announced its new "PG-13 guidelines" for teen account settings on Instagram. The push to make the app safer for kids comes as countries like Australia have moved to ban social media for children under 16, with jurisdictions like Nova Scotia, Quebec, France and Denmark considering similar legislation. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to make social media safer for kids, and what parents and policymakers need to prioritize. Suzie Dunn is an Assistant Professor of Law and director of the Law and Technology Institute at Dalhousie University. Dr. Shimi Kang is a psychiatrist with Future Ready Minds, a counselling service for teens and families. She's also the author of "The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in a Digital World." 

The cost of living spills over into every aspect of our lives - including our romantic relationships. Do you and your partner have the same attitude towards money and how much you spend? What red flags should you look for before you tie your finances to someone? And what if one person makes more money than the other? On this episode of Just Asking, we take all your questions about dealing with the messy money talk that comes up in relationships - from dating, to joint accounts, to who makes more money. Jessica Moorehouse is a Certified Financial Counsellor, host of the More Money Podcast, and author of "Everything but Money." Lambers Fisher is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 

On Friday, Israel’s cabinet approved Donald Trump's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, paving the way for the release of all hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. But beyond those initial steps, the future for Israelis and Palestinians is anything but clear. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about the ceasefire plan and what happens next. Ian Lustick is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Omar Dajani is a law professor at the University of Pacific who served as an advisor during the Camp David and Taba talks from 1999 to 2001. We'll also hear from freelance Israeli journalist Rachel Fink who's been reporting from Hostage square in Tel Aviv.

Are you filled with excitement or dread about cooking a big meal for family and friends? Maybe you aren't a fan of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and are looking for more creative ideas to impress your guests. Or maybe you're just shifting into soup mode as leaves change, and want to take advantage of all the seasonal vegetables in your fridge. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about Thanksgiving cooking and put it to the pros. Jennifer Crawford is a food enthusiast, cook and the 2019 winner of MasterChef Canada. And Joshna Maharaj is a chef, author and activist. 

The AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood has prompted massive backlash from Hollywood stars and labour unions, decrying the move as an attempt to steal jobs from film industry workers. Particle 6, the AI production company responsible for this computerized character, claims there are multiple talent agents interested in signing the machine-generated ingénue. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about the use of AI in TV and film, and what it means for the industry. Our guests are Rad Simonpillai, a film and pop culture columnist and Steven Zeitchik, the Senior Tech Editor for The Hollywood Reporter. They'll answer your questions!

It's been two years since the war between Israel and Hamas began. But as time goes, talking about the conflict hasn't gotten any easier. Whether it's with family and friends, at school or at work, these conversations are fraught with emotional baggage, and decades of historical trauma. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about how to engage in these conversations meaningfully. Our guests are Raja Khouri and Jeffrey Wilikinson, friends and co-authors of the book, "The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don't Want to Know about Each Other". As the war continues, these two friends have been trying to foster dialogue between the two communities and will share their advice on how to talk to each other. 

This Tuesday marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published 94 Calls to Action. But nearly a decade later, what progress has been made and what role can each of us play?On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about making reconciliation meaningful at our schools, offices and in our communities. Our guests are Rose LeMay, CEO of the Indigenous Reconciliation Group and author of Ally Is a Verb; Riley Yesno, Anishinaabe scholar and distinguished fellow at the Yellowhead Institute; and Brock Pitawanakwat, associate professor of Indigenous Studies at York University.

The suspension of a U.S. late-night host has reignited debate on both sides of the border about where free speech ends and harm begins. In Canada, conversations around book bans, anti-hate laws, campus protests, and online speech are forcing us to ask tough questions: what can you say, and when does it cross the line?On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about freedom of expression with Hasan Alam, President of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and a labour and human rights lawyer, and Ira Wells, President of PEN Canada, Academic Programs Director at Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and author of On Book Banning.

Since the birth control pill was introduced in 1960, contraceptive options have expanded to include the patch, the ring, injections, and IUDs. And this year, some provinces began offering free prescriptions for contraception. But even with more access, there’s still widespread skepticism and misinformation, much of it spreading quickly online. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions about the risks and realities of birth control, how to talk about it with partners and young people, and what new options may be on the horizon. Joining us are Dr. Rahima Alani, a family physician whose clinical work includes Planned Parenthood, and Natalya Mason, a registered social worker and sexual health educator.

Canada’s housing crisis has left many people struggling to find affordable places to live, whether renting basement apartments, living with roommates, or waiting years for public housing. The federal government has announced a new agency, Build Canada Homes, with $13 billion set aside to supercharge the construction of affordable units. But will it work, and what other ideas could make housing more accessible?To take your questions on solutions to Canada’s housing shortage, Just Asking was joined by Brian Doucet, Associate Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, and Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins.

Back-to-school season can be exciting — but also stressful, especially for families raising neurodivergent kids. Parents may find themselves navigating new routines, advocating for classroom support, and helping their kids manage big emotions. On this episode of Just Asking, we take your questions on raising and supporting neurodivergent children. Joining us are Adelle Purdham, mom to her daughter Elyse who has Down Syndrome and author of 'I Don’t Do Disability And Other Lies I’ve Told Myself', and Dr. Teresa Bennett, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at McMaster Children’s Hospital and researcher at the Offord Centre for Child Studies.

Sanctions have become one of the most commonly used diplomatic tools in the world, whether aimed at Russia over Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear program, or individuals linked to extremist violence in the Middle East. But what exactly are sanctions, how effective are they at changing behaviour, and what are the humanitarian costs when they go too far? To take your questions on how sanctions work and what they mean for Canada’s foreign policy, Just Asking was joined by John Packer, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa who specializes in international human rights law and conflicts, and Andrea Charron, Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba.

Former astronaut Chris Hadfield will be releasing his novel Final Orbit, set against the backdrop of the 1970s Space Race. As NASA prepares for its second year-long Mars simulation mission, Hadfield will explore what it will take for NASA to get humans to Mars by 2030, how astronauts are preparing, and what we can expect from the next phase of space exploration. Chris Hadfield joins Just Asking to answer all your space questions!

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called on the federal government to scrap the temporary foreign worker program, and create a separate immigration stream for farm workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Poilievre claims the TFW program has made it harder for young people to find work, but economists are pushing back on that assessment. So what are the facts about the TFW program and what kinds of reforms should be looked at? Just Asking was joined by Armine Yalnizyan, an economist and the Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, and Amanda Aziz, a staff lawyer at the Migrant Workers Centre in B.C.

How do you know when your family relationships are fixable or when it's time to set boundaries? Clinical psychologist Heather MacIntosh and writer Gabrielle Moss answer your questions.

What are the economic and political risks at stake when it comes to Canada's trade with China, and how should our leaders approach it? Co-Director of the China Strategic Risks Institute Margaret McCuaig-Johnston and director of StrategyCorp's Geopolitical and International Business Advisory Jeff Mahon answer your questions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government ordered public servants to work from the office four days a week starting this fall, then full-time in January. Now, he's calling on municipalities to send their workers back to the office five days a week. Large private corporations, like Amazon and major banks, are ending remote work for employees as well. Working from home was a success during the pandemic and after. So, why are employers ready to shut it down? What can workers do about it? And what do we lose when we don't have that choice? Why does it matter if employees are in the office? Scott Schieman is a professor of sociology at the University of Toronto who researches life at work and Adam Savaglio is an employment lawyer.

The return to school is just around the corner and some older students will be taking classes in post-secondary institutions for the very first time. It can be as scary, anxiety-filled and exciting as the first day of kindergarten. And that's just for the parents and guardians. So, how do you turn that stress into success? How do you make friends? Eat healthy? And stay focused on learning? Dr. Shimi Kang is an author and psychiatrist with Future Ready Minds, a counselling service for teens and families. Amanda Round is a McGill University student studying Marine Science and a social media content creator helping Canadian students figure out life on campus.

Running is having a big moment. From record-breaking marathons to run clubs filling city streets. But whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing an ultramarathon, the sport can feel daunting. How do you push yourself without burning out? What should you eat to fuel your body? And what’s really going on in your brain when you catch that so-called runner’s high? To take your questions on how to run smarter, faster, and longer, Just Asking was joined by Krista DuChene, an Olympic marathon runner, running coach and registered dietitian, Dr. Kevin Masters, a clinical psychologist at the University of Colorado, Denver who studies the psychology of physical activity, and Allison Hill, founder of Hill Run Club in Toronto.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is running in a record-breaking by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, facing more than 200 other candidates. While he’s expected to win, the race raises bigger questions about his leadership and the direction of the party. To take your questions on the future of the Conservatives, Just Asking was joined by Erika Barootes, a Conservative strategist and Department Head of Applied Politics and Public Affairs at MaKami College in Edmonton, and Sabrina Grover, a Liberal strategist and senior advisor at NorthStar Public Affairs in Calgary.

A new report from IBM estimates that data breaches in Canada now cost companies nearly $7 million to recover from, and the risks to our personal information are growing. We look at what happens when your data is exposed, why it’s so valuable to cybercriminals, and what steps you can take to protect it, with advice from security experts.Yvette Elliott is an expert in AI and digital marketing and Brent Arnold is a Partner and Litigator with the law firm Gowling WLG. He works on cases dealing with data breaches and cybersecurity.

From ghosting to swipe fatigue, many people are rethinking online dating and looking for ways to meet partners in real life. We take your questions on how to navigate dating without apps, and explore how dating technology has reshaped the way we connect and build relationships. Myisha Battle is a dating coach, writer and host of the KC-RW Podcast, “How’s Your Sex Life?”Diana Parry is a professor in the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo.Rachael Brewin-Caddy is the host of Thursday Dating, an in- person event series for singles.

More Canadians are exploring polyamory and consensual non-monogamy, but navigating those relationships can be emotionally complex. How do you know if it’s right for you? What does healthy communication look like across multiple partners? And how do you talk to your loved ones about it? Just Asking takes your questions with help from Kaleigh Trace, a registered psychotherapist and couples therapist, and Mel Cassidy, a somatic relationship coach who is solo-polyamorous.

From splitting chores to navigating labour disputes, negotiation is everywhere, and it can be intimidating. Whether you're bargaining over rent, salary, or high-stakes union demands, we take your questions on how to become a more confident and effective negotiator. Helping us out are Nil Ataogul, Advisor for Mobilization and Labour Relations at the Quebec Federation of University Professors, and Fabiola Tassy, a lawyer and sessional lecturer at McGill University where she teaches negotiation. We also hear from Bob Bordone, senior fellow at Harvard Law School and founder of The Cambridge Negotiation Institute and author of 'Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreements Without Giving Up or Giving In.'

As famine-like conditions grip Gaza, the flow of humanitarian aid has become a global flashpoint. Over 120 people have reportedly died of starvation since October 2023, most of them children, and international pressure is mounting on Israel to ease restrictions. To answer your questions about the humanitarian crisis, Just Asking spoke with Aya Batrawy, a journalist and Middle East Correspondent for NPR based in Atlanta, and Dr. James Smith, an emergency physician and professor at University College London who has spent over two months in Gaza since the war began.

The not-guilty verdict in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault trial has sparked a national conversation about how we define and understand consent. As the legal system wrestles with questions around fear, coercion, and credibility, Just Asking looks at what consent really means in practice and how we can talk about it more openly. Joining us are Farrah Kahn, a consent educator and the CEO of Possibility Seeds, and Gillian Hnatiw, a Toronto-based lawyer who specializes in gender-based violence.

Buy Now Pay Later apps like Klarna and Afterpay have become ubiquitous since the pandemic, allowing users to pay for items in small installments over time instead of footing the bill all at once. But now, some financial experts are sounding the alarm that these easy-to-use apps can lead to financial trouble later on - and that the growing industry needs more regulation. To answer your questions about these apps, Just Asking was joined by two experts. Elizabeth Mulholland is the CEO of Prosper Canada, a national charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for Canadians living in poverty. Omar Fares is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the faculty of business at the University of New Brunswick.

According to the Supreme Court of Canada, the Crown has a legal obligation to consult Indigenous peoples before decisions are made that could infringe on their rights. What meaningful consultation actually looks like has come into sharp focus this week as Prime Minister Carney met with First nations leaders about Bill C-5, which aims to fast track approvals for major infrastructure projects like pipelines or mines. So what does the "duty to consult" in Canadian law actually mean? To answer your questions, Just Asking spoke to two experts. Sara Mainville is the managing partner of JFK Law. She’s also the former Chief of Couchiching First Nation. And Deliah Bernard is Partner and Co-Founder of Roots Strategies, which is an Indigenous affairs agency. She was also a former senior Indigenous affairs adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Further Reading: What does the duty to consult First Nations, Inuit and Métis mean?

Summer is supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation — unless you're among the millions of Canadians who suffer from poor sleep. How do the changing seasons affect our sleep schedule? We spoke with Dr. Michael Mak, a sleep medicine specialist and psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Lynne Peeples a science writer and author of the book The Inner Clock: living in sync with our circadian rhythms.

This week, the RCMP revealed that four men are being accused of an alleged anti-government plot that involved creating a militia and seizing land. Two of the men arrested were members of the Canadian Armed Forces.Police are calling the plot an act of "ideologically motivated violent extremism." Last December, the RCMP, CSIS and the Five Eyes Alliance published a report warning about the rise in young people attracted to violent ideologies. So what are the driving forces behind these movements? What warning signs can family members look out for, and what more can be done to root out this extremism from institutions like the military? We spoke with Barbara Perry, the director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, David O'Brien, the director of Mental Health at Yorktown Family Services, where he works with young people to redirect them from violent extremism and hate groups, and Jeanette Manning, the co-author of Walking Away from Hate: Our Journey Through Extremism, which details her own experience with her daughter after her daughter left a white supremacist group.  

Canada produces more waste per person than any of its peer countries. And in the not-too-distant future - we could run out of space for all that trash. Ontario has just under a decade until its landfills will reach capacity. So what policy choices will Canada have to make in the wake of this garbage crisis? What examples are there of better waste systems? Just Asking spoke to two experts to answer your questions about trash. Myra Hird is a professor in the department of Environmental Studies at Queens University where she studies waste. Emily Alfred is a waste campaigner for the Toronto Environmental Alliance.

The Diddy trial came to a close this week, with the jury delivering a mixed verdict. Combs was found not guilty on the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, but was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. During the trial, the judge ruled the prosecutor's expert witness couldn't use the term "coercive control." To help us understand what this form of abuse looks like, Just Asking spoke to two experts. Pamela Cross is a feminist lawyer and a member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. She is also the author of the book, And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence. Carrie McManus is the Director of Innovation and Programs at Sagesse, which is a Domestic Violence Prevention Society in Calgary.