Zoomer Week in Review

There’s less than a week left to make a tax deductible charitable donation for 2020. Normally nearly two thirds of Canadians would be scrambling to get those contributions in before the deadline. But pandemic financial pressure means fewer people will be donating and those who are able to give will give less. Libby talked with Bruce Macdonald, CEO of Imagine Canada, about a survey on the state of our giving. AND Are you looking forward to enjoying a meal out? It’s a simple pleasure that many of us took for granted before Covid-19. But with many places forced to close up for good, what will the post-vaccine, post-pandemic restaurants look like? Libby talked with food writer Corey Mintz.

Are you still debating your holiday plans even though most of the authorities are recommending that we celebrate with our own households only? There’s an online questionnaire to assess your risk depending on your answers to a whole raft of questions. Leading gerontologist, Dr. Samir Sinha, designed the tool called "My Covid Visit Risk" for Ryerson University's National Institute on Ageing. AND This Christmas, big family gatherings are out...so what do you do about the big festive Christmas meal that is so much a part of the holiday, the tradition, and family history? Libby gets some ideas from food columnist, editor, and cookbook author Lucy Waverman.

A quarter of Canadians over 65 are caregivers and it's no surprise that the pandemic has been especially hard on them. With less outside help, they are spending more time and money on their loved ones, making it much more difficult to manage. Libby talked with Amy Coupal of the Ontario Caregiver Association about the group’s latest spotlight survey. AND Have you ever heard of Pitseolak Asuna or Robertine Barry? They are two of eight short-listed candidates to be the face of our new five dollar bill. Public opinion polls show that Terry Fox is the popular favourite but that may not be a deciding factor in who gets to replace Louis St. Laurent, our 12th Prime Minister. Bank of Canada spokesperson Amelie Ferron Craig filled Libby in.

This week, the Trudeau government announced a 1.5-billion dollar Safe LTC Fund. Advocates worry that there aren’t enough strings attached to the money to ensure that the provinces will do the right things to protect vulnerable residents now. Libby Znaimer talked with Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte. AND The stress of the pandemic is making things worse for many people suffering from conditions like chronic pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Medical cannabis may be the answer. Libby Znaimer reached Dr. Arash Taghvai, Apollo Cannabis Clinics Manager of Clinical Affairs.

For more than a year, Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson has been sidelined by a gruelling and lengthy treatment for a complicated case of breast cancer. She went through most of it at the height of the pandemic. Libby Znaimer talked with Jaye about her experience after she returned to her first council meeting this week. AND There’s no question that the pandemic has disrupted the spectrum of cancer care, delaying diagnoses and treatment for many patients, and halting some clinical trials. And although healthcare systems have been reorganizing to meet the challenge, it’s also made things much harder for the doctors provisioning care. Libby talked with Dr. Sharlene Gill, a BC Medical Oncologist, and President Elect of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists.

"What About Black Lives?" is the the new single from Dan Hill's first album in 11 years. It's been about 4 years since we talked to the award-winning singer-songwriter, as he took time out to deal with personal and mental health issues. It was a pleasure to chat with him again. AND This week there was great news about the promising results of two potential Covid-19 vaccines. The federal government has purchased millions of doses of both the Pfizer and the Moderna versions, which have yet to be approved. In addition to the logistics which have to be sorted out, there are big ethical questions to answer, about who will get vaccinated first. Libby talked with Dr. Alison Thompson, a university of Toronto bioethicist, who is advising the province.

This week began with the good news that Pfizer and its partner, the German company, BioNTech, have a vaccine that is 90% effective, at least according to preliminary results. How good is that news and what will it take to vaccinate Canadians. Libby Znaimer reached Dr. Jillian Kohler, professor at the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. AND This year's Scotiabank Giller Prize winning book, "How To Pronounce Knife" is part of a long tradition of Canadian literature about the immigrant experience. Author Souvankham Thammavongsa was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and arrived with her parents at the age of one. Libby chatted with her after she won the $100,000 prize.

Either the 74-year old Donald Trump, or Joe Biden, who turns 78 on Nov. 20, will break the record for oldest president ever inaugurated. There have been questions about both their mental states, but both have come through grueling campaigns. Will this change society's view of aging? Libby Znaimer reached Brent Green, an American expert in demographics and generational marketing. AND This holiday giving season presents the perfect storm for frontline charities. The pandemic is causing a huge drop in donations along with a massive increase in demand. Charity intelligence is out with its annual top 100 ratings to help you make sure to get the biggest impact from the dollars we donate. Libby talked with managing director Kate Bahen.

What is Q'Anon? People around the world are asking that question now that this extreme American conspiracy theory keeps gaining followers and heading closer to the mainstream. It centres on the belief that the US is run by a Liberal cabal of child sex traffickers who can only be stopped by Donald Trump. Libby Znaimer talked with Josh Pasek, a University of Michigan professor and expert on political communication and misinformation. AND You probably know her from television. Veteran broadcaster Marci Ien is trading one microphone for another after winning the federal bi-election in Toronto Centre for the Liberals. She's the daughter of immigrants from Trinidad eager to bring her experience as a Black woman to the political scene. We chatted a few days after her victory.

Zoomers are a demographic that is key to success at the polls in America - as well as other countries including ours. Even though younger generations have surpassed baby boomers in sheer numbers, an overwhelming proportion of the older generation votes. In 2016, they were regarded as the most pro-Trump demographic and they were instrumental to his victory. Where do they stand now? Libby Znaimer checked in with in Dr. Charles Zelden, a political science expert from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. AND She was Ontario's first female and openly gay premier. Kathleen Wynne led the Liberal party to regain a majority in 2014 only to suffer a crushing defeat in 2018. Libby talked with Kathleen Wynne about her career after she announced she won't be running again in 2022.

It's an unintended consequence of the pandemic's devastating toll in long-term care. A majority of Canadians are reevaluating their plans, hoping to avoid ever moving into nursing or retirement homes. That's the conclusion of a poll From The National Institute on Ageing at Ryerson University. Libby Znaimer reached executive Director Michael Nicin. AND It's the scourge of humanity, but war also drives massive change in society and technological innovation. Eminent Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan lays this out in sweeping detail in her latest book:"War: How conflict Shaped Us"'. Libby reached her in England.

Her election to lead the Green party of Canada marks a series of firsts. Annemie Paul is the first Black, Jewish woman to lead a federal party in this country. We had a chat to get to know her earlier this week. AND Here's something to be thankful for and lift our spirits in the midst of the pandemic. Fall colours are at their peak and it's easy to enjoy the majestic reds and glorious golds safely. Libby Znaimer reached Sarah MacMichael of Ontario parks.

As we head into the second wave of the coronavirus, it's instructive to remember that Canada went through this a hundred years ago. The death toll was staggering - pegged at between 50 and 100 million worldwide. But many, like Edward G.R. Ardagh of Toronto, survived and he wrote his experiences down in his diary for us to be able to read today. Some of his symptoms are eerily similar to today, as was the rush to try unproven remedies. But we've come a long way, starting with our ability to get a handle on the numbers. Libby Znaimer spoke with historian Neil Orford. AND Love fresh Ontario produce? Or did you grow way more than your family can eat in the backyard garden and want to preserve it for year-round access? Preserving food has been handed down from generations and it's making a comeback. From canning, to pickling, preserves to jellies. Collette Murphy owns seed company Urban Harvest and she's been preserving food for half a century. No matter the reason, nostalgia, saving money or if you want to eat locally year round, Colette shares some tips for beginners and experts alike.

It's more fallout from the pandemic. At a time when the need is greater than ever, Canadians are giving less to charity. According to the Angus Reid Institute, 37% of donors who have to given to at least one charity in the last two years have decreased their donations because of COVID-19. It adds up to a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for the country's 86,000 charities. Libby reached Angus Reid's Research Director Dave Korzinski. AND On Friday, the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the first woman to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol - after her body lay in repose at the Supreme Court earlier in the week. It culminated a distinguished career full of firsts, giving the public a chance to pay respects as the national outpouring of grief continued unabated since her death from pancreatic cancer on September 18th. It also deepened partisan divisions as Republicans moved to name a replacement before the November election. We'd like to revisit the 2018 interview with Julie Cohen and Betsy West - producers of the documentary RBG - starting with Bader Ginsburg herself reading famous words she used at her first Supreme Court argument.

VisionTV has a new documentary called "Blasphemy." And if you think it's an outdated concept, you'd be mistaken. Blasphemy laws are still on the books in about a quarter of the world's countries with devastating results. And not all blasphemy relates to conventional religion. Libby talked with filmmaker Martin Himel. AND The idea has been around for decades and it spawned two major experiments over the years. Now there is speculation that a guaranteed basic minimum income is on the Liberal government's agenda amid reports that it was a major topic at this week's cabinet retreat. Sheila Regehr is chairperson of the Basic Income Canada Network.

COVID-19 has hit Canadians and their families hard, none harder than those in long-term care and assisted living facilities. In B.C., older residents and their family members are being asked to take part in a survey examining their experiences. Seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie told Libby Znaimer why she feels it's important to gather such information. AND Late last year the airline industry forecast a 4-percent increase in global travel demand for 2020 with post-tax profits for North American carriers of $16.5 billion American. This summer the International Air Transport Association is predicting that 2020 will go down as the worst financial performance in the history of commercial aviation. In light of COVID-19, will Zoomers, who love to travel, be so eager to return to the skies? To discuss, Bob Komsic reached John Gradek, who, before becoming a lecturer and coordinator of the Global Aviation Leadership Program at McGill University, held senior management jobs with Air Canada and CP Rail.

There will be a confidence vote when parliament resumes later this month and that means the government may fall. Would we be ready for a pandemic election? In addition to an exponential increase in mailed in ballots, we'd need bigger polling places for social distancing, more workers and even single use pencils. Libby reached Natasha Gauthier of Elections Canada. AND The woman behind the song "I Am Woman", Helen Reddy, became an icon of the feminist movement. She sold 25 million albums and was the first Australian to win a Grammy in 1973. Her story parallels the trajectory of the push for women's liberation. This month, a movie about her life is being released digitally and on demand. Libby reached director Unjoo Moon in Australia.

Next week a new book will mark the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox's iconic Marathon of Hope with 40 letters from 40 contributors ranging from Margaret Atwood to Bobby Orr. Terry's younger brother Darrell Fox edited Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters,and Libby reached him in Vancouver. AND The newly launched Institute for Pandemics at the University of Toronto has a very ambitious mandate to help the world prepare better, and recover faster from crises like the coronavirus. Libby reached the Dean, Steini Brown.

It's being called a new era in the treatment of Alzheimer's, a disabling and deadly disease of the brain that affects up to 50 million around the world, with 10 million new cases each year. Current approved treatments do not slow its progression but Dr. Sharon Cohen, director of the Toronto Memory Program, says that could soon change. AND As children prepare to return to school, the children aren't the only ones who are nervous. So are their parents, and grandparents, and/or caregivers. Six-time award winning author and spokesperson on parenting, and now grandparenting, Kathy Buckworth sat down with Bob Komsic.

For years, it was a source of irritation for millions of loyal Air Canada customers collecting Aeroplan points. Now the airline is revamping its loyalty program to make it easier to book seats. It’s part of an effort to boost membership while the global travel industry is devastated by COVID-19. Libby speaks with columnist and consumer advocate Ellen Roseman. AND There’s a new medical clinic in the Lawrence and Dufferin area of Toronto, but it’s not being run by the doctors who work there. It’s a pilot clinic opened by Shoppers Drug Mart - one of three test clinics planned for the GTA this year. The company says their model will make it easier and more convenient for patients to get primary care. Libby reached Theresa Firestone, senior vice president of health and wellness at Shoppers Drug Mart, which is owned by Loblaw Companies.

There are new guidelines for both treating and defining obesity. The focus is on whether a person’s body fat impairs their health, rather than on their weight and size. Libby talked with the lead author, Dr. Sean Wharton-medical director of the Wharton Medical Clinic, a weight management clinic in Burlington. AND The loneliness of the pandemic has made us crave companionship of the canine variety. And if you are an aspiring pet parent, you’re going to have to wait and pay a pretty price. Libby reached Richard Paquette, a director with the Canadian Kennel Club in Ontario

(3:58) This week the province released details of the the independent commission to look into the devastating impact on COVID-19 on our LTC sector, which saw 80% of the deaths from the coronavirus. It will be led by Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco who was lead counsel for the province in the Walkerton inquiry and lead prosecutor in the Bre-X securities prosecution. At the same time the province has responded to the Gallese Commission on the Wetlaufer murders, released a year ago - recommending a minimum four hours of care a day per resident. Which brings us to the question: what more do we have to learn before we can fix LTC? Libby Znaimer got a contrary view from Doris Grinspun CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. AND (11:53) The cover is adorned with the iconic cartoon of Former Prime minister John Diefenbaker as Marie Antoinette. It's probably the best known work by Duncan MacPherson, a monumental figure in Canadian cartooning. There's a new book on his life and work by another maestro of cartoon satire: Terry Mosher who draws under the name Aislin. Libby reached him in Montreal.

(3:38) Over a million Canadians use medical Cannabis to treat everything from nausea to chronic pain. But there is a lack of rigorous, clinical evidence demonstrating its efficacy for specific conditions. That's why the university health network is launching a new clinical trial in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart to help doctors prescribe the right medicine for the right patient at the right dose. The Medical Cannabis Real-World Evidence study will track the outcomes of 2000 patients using verified and validated medical cannabis products. Libby talked with trial lead, Dr. Hance Clarke, Director of Pain Services, Toronto General Hospital. AND (9:46) If the restrictions of COVID-19 have you hankering for a more bucolic setting, you're not alone. Being cooped up and working from home has led to a boom in cottage country as city dwellers look to escape. Libby reached Catharine Inniss, a realtor with Johnston and Daniel Rushbrooke Realty.

There's more to being healthy than staying physically fit. Mental health is just as important, but a lot of the time gets buried beneath the stigma that surrounds it. Unfortunately those long held, negative beliefs have led to nearly two-thirds of the world's population refusing to seek help. Dr. Murali Rao is a geriatric expert and psychiatrist from Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He's also written "50+ (Plus) And Healthy: What You Need To Know About Mental Health and Healthy Aging -- for You and Your Loved Ones". AND The Ford government is launching a pilot project with North York General Hospital to give vulnerable or alternate level-of-care patients priority access to a long-term care bed to help reduce waitlists and hopefully end hallway healthcare. ALC patients are those who no longer need to be in hospital but remain … because their status prevents them from going home and there's no space in long-term care. Dr. Joshua Tepper is President and CEO of North York General.

He's was Ontario's first NDP Premier before switching parties and becoming interim Liberal leader. Now Bob Rae becomes Canada's ambassador to the United Nations at a trying time: in the midst of a pandemic, after the loss of our bid for a security council seat, and as the UN is increasingly dominated by authoritarian regimes. But he told Libby Znaimer that the appointment is taking him full circle. AND As if the pandemic hasn't disrupted our lives enough... what to do and where to go for a summer vacation? Zoomer magazine executive Editor Vivian Vassos says we should start in our own backyard with some fresh destinations that are an easy drive!

Will a woman's perspective help navigate policing during these turbulent times? Chief Antje McNeely of Kingston becomes the third woman to serve as President of the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs and she sees change ahead. AND This week we learned the economy dropped 11.6% in April, the largest monthly drop on record due to the pandemic. The massive expansion of government spending and debt has many comparing COVID-19 to fighting a war and looking to history to point the way to recovery. That's the wrong approach, according to Phillip Cross, a 36 year veteran of Statistics Canada and a Munk Senior Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute.

A new report confirms a shameful statistic: Canada’s proportion of COVID 19 deaths in long term care is double that in other Western countries. But Tracey Johnson of the Canadian Institute of health Information says the numbers point the way to preparing for a second wave. AND The pandemic has us spending much more time in the kitchen which is now the centre of most homes. It wasn’t always like that. Author and architect John Ota toured and cooked in some of the most iconic historical kitchens in search of the perfect one. Libby Znaimer talked to him about his book simply called “The Kitchen”.

In the midst of an international and national conversation about systemic racism, a very familiar voice of the Zoomer generation is stepping forward with his experience. Hal Johnson, recounts how BodyBreak came about. The popular fitness segment he starred in, and produced, with his wife Joanne McLeod since the late 80’s was created as a way to overcome the racism and normalize interracial relationships. AND She walked away from the pinnacle of Canadian politics over a matter of principle. Former health minister Jane Philpott held a variety of cabinet posts until she was ejected from the Liberal caucus because of her objection to the handling of the SNC Lavalin affair. When the pandemic hit, she returned to her roots as a physician and now the Ontario’s Progressive conservative government is tapping her to organize the province’s diffuse and dysfunctional medical data system.

Former federal health minister Jane Philpott dishes on the pandemic, the fix for long term care, and her new assignment trying to organize all the Covid related data in Ontario. AND The financial and emotional toll of Covid-cancelled weddings. We talk to a lawyer who is also a groom trying to reschedule his big day.

While most of us have been sheltering at home, Israeli Mishel Zrian has been travelling on airplanes non-stop for more than 80 days, delivering lifesaving bone marrow to patients around the world. In order to avoid quarantines for travellers, he sleeps on planes or airport hotel rooms. Libby Znaimer caught up with the volunteer courier after he made a delivery in the Netherlands. AND Will there be a treatment for COVID-19 before a vaccine to prevent it? That's a big question for the medical community, as scientists pursue both avenues. Dr. Josef Penninger, head of the University of British Columbia's Life Sciences institute and an ideaCity alum, is developing a medicine to treat the disease, with a drug first made here in Canada. Libby reached him in Europe, where clinical trials are underway.

Tens of thousands of Canadians are out of pocket after their flights were cancelled because of COVID-19. But, passenger rights advocate, Gabor Lukacs, says it is actually illegal. Air Canada, and WestJet are giving vouchers rather than refunds to passengers who bought non-refundable tickets. Libby Znaimer reached Dr. Lukacs in Halifax. AND The violations cited in this week's explosive military report on the conditions in our Long-term care homes are horrific, but not a surprise to anyone who has followed the system over the long term. How did we get here and how do we reform it? Libby talked to Dr. Tamara Daly, Professor and Director, York University Centre for Aging Research and Education.

It's an understatement to say investors have had a rough ride for the last few months. Markets have regained about half the huge losses at the beginning of the pandemic. But there is no shortage of predictions of doom and gloom for the foreseeable future. It's a special worry for Zoomers, at or near retirement. Libby Znaimer consulted market guru and Zoomer magazine contributor Gordon Pape on how to make your portfolio pandemic-proof. And After months of social isolation and growing fears of contracting the virus or losing loved ones, COVID-19 is taking a psychological toll on all of us. A recent Angus Reid poll found half of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated. Libby reached psychologist and IdeaCity alum Susan Pinker in Montreal. She is the author of "The Village Effect" which details how face-to-face contact makes us happier and healthier. They talked about how to cope.

This week we marked International Nurses Day, which is celebrated annually on Florence Nightingale's birthday. It's the 200th anniversary of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, and COVID-19 is making her legacy more relevant than ever. Professor Emerita Lynn Macdonald has written extensively about Florence Nightingale and is co-founder of The Nightingale Society. AND Imagine the anxiety of going through cancer during the pandemic. It has delayed or changed treatment plans for some patients and also prevented them from bringing along loved ones for support. But it has also brought some welcome innovations. Libby reached Dr. Sandy Sehdev, a medical oncologist at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.

This week we learned the devastating news that Canada has the highest proportion of COVID 19 deaths in long term care in the western world. And the National institute on Aging says official numbers do not reveal the full picture because they exclude retirement homes. According to their figures, a staggering 82% of this country's COVID-19 deaths occur in these care settings which house only 1% of the population. Libby Znaimer talked with Dr. Samir Sinha, one of Canada's leading geriatricians. AND The province has released a framework for resuming elective surgeries, but so far there is no timeline and it will be up to individual hospitals. Libby talked with Lyndsey Forsythe Brochu, a young woman waiting for a double lung transplant.

A report from Ontario's Financial Accountability office estimates 35 people have already died after their surgery was delayed because of COVID-19. More than 52,000 operations have been postponed since the lockdown, with another 12,000 put on hold each week. Libby Znaimer talked to Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, Surgeon-in-Chief at the University Health Network's Sprott department of Surgery. AND It seems that every day the government announces new help for people whose livelihoods are threatened during the pandemic. Many Zoomers feel their needs are being ignored and CARP is working hard with governments to advocate on their behalf. Libby talked to Chief Policy Officer Marissa Lennox.

We've all viewed chaotic and horrific scenes from hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 in places like New York, Italy and Spain. But what is it like here? Tom Jocic spent two days in an Oshawa coronavirus ward while waiting for his test results. Libby Znaimer spoke with him a few days after he was discharged to his home. AND It's that of year when we take on spring cleaning. Now that we are all spending so much more time at home there's no excuse for avoiding the task, and the experts say it will actually make us feel better in self-isolation. Libby got some tips from the star of "The Big Downsize" professional organizer Jane Veldhoven, who helps retirees and moving couples downsize their homes and live with less.

He’s calling it China’s Chernobyl moment. Former Justice Minister and leading Human Rights champion Irwin Cotler is blaming the Chinese government for covering up the pandemic during its early stages,while punishing whistleblowers. Along with a hundred international politicians he says Chinese leaders must be held to account for withholding the information for the first 40 days. Libby Znaimer reached him in Montreal.

While the Ford government has been working with public health experts in order to protect seniors during the pandemic, Ontario Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath wants the province to do more for residents of long-term care homes and those working in the facilities. AND The pandemic has forced many in the world to stop... which has given us more time to think, and worry, even feel frightened. To help keep our feelings in check during the pandemic, you may want to check out 'Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19'. U of T Psychology Professor Dr. Steve Joordens spoke with Libby Znaimer about the free online course.

Is Ottawa doing enough to help Zoomers? In addition to measures targeting low-income and frail elders, the government lowered the amount of mandatory RRIF withdrawals by 25% for this year. CARP says they should be suspended altogether in light of the plunging markets. That’s where Libby Znaimer began in a wide-ranging conversation with minister for Seniors Deb Schulte. AND Canadians, especially those over 65, need eyecare. Routine checkups are cancelled because of the pandemic. But the Ontario Association of Optometrists has come up with protocols to provide urgent care during this extraordinary time. Libby talked with Dr. Joshua Smith.

The economic devastation of COVID 19 is affecting us all. But the hardest hit are those least able to afford it. Low wage workers and women. Two in five making $14 an hour or less and one in three earning 14-16/hour are at risk of immediate job loss or have been laid off already. Libby Znaimer reached David MacDonald of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives AND Despite all this we salute a huge outpouring of generosity from our audience. Daily Bread Food Bank CEO Neil Hetherington was gobsmacked by the response from our audience.

Life has changed as we confront Covid-19. And while the hope is that many aspects return to pre-pandemic norms, the prediction is that this event will mark a turning point in transforming our lifestyles. Libby Znaimer talked with futurist Richard Worzel. AND What will Canadians need and want in the years to come? Where and how will we live? Pollster Darrell Bricker looked at those questions through the lens of demographics. And the Zoomer generation is at the centre of the answers.

New numbers from the Ministry of Health show that patients waiting to be admitted to hospital in January spent an average of 18.3 hours in the emergency room until a bed became available on a ward. That matches the previous monthly record set a year ago and it suggests there has been no progress in ending hallway healthcare. Libby Znaimer reached NDP Health Critic France Gelinas at her constituency office in Sudbury. AND With most of us spending more time at home than usual, healthy eating is more important than ever. For the tens of thousands of Canadians suffering from diabetes it is crucial to manage weight and stave off heart disease. This is a passion for celebrity chef Mark McEwan. He dropped by our studios with some delicious food and advice on how to make it easy!

Did you remember to set your clocks forward early this morning? For residents of the Yukon, this will be the last time they do it as they embark on year-round Daylight Saving Time. And most of Saskatchewan is on year-round Standard time. This because of mounting evidence about the harm of this practise. Libby Znaimer reached Dr. Myriam Juda, Adjunct Professor, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Laboratory at Simon Fraser University. AND Pancreatic cancer is set to become third largest cause of cancer death this year even though it does not rank among the most common forms of the disease. That's just one of the findings from a new report that predicts more than a quarter of a million Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Libby talked to Dr. Monika Krzyzanowska Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto and Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer.

This week the Canada Revenue Agency moved to reassure taxpayers who still send in paper returns with the message "we have not forgotten you!" The idea was to reach vulnerable and lower income people who must file taxes to get benefits, as well as those who are not computer literate. But paper filers complain the taxman just keeps making things harder, - among other reasons - because the only place they can find the forms they need - is online! Libby Znaimer reached Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara, Parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Revenue. AND CARP has issued a challenge to the federal goverment: fix healthcare before the next election. Libby sat down with Marissa Lennox, CARP's Chief policy Officer and David Cravit, CARP's Chief Marketing Officer.

Given today's increasing environmental awareness, you'd think consumers would be looking for smaller and smaller cars. But the clear message from the crowds at this year's auto show is "go big or go home!". Libby chatted with leading automotive consultant Denis DesRosiers. AND How have attitudes to sexual behaviour changed in the wake of the #MeToo movement, and why is there a generational divide in the way women think about it? Those are just some of the questions award-winning author and investigative reporter Robyn Doolittle asks in her latest book "Had it Coming." She came by our studios to discuss it.

Despite accusations of misleading the public with pseudoscience, Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP empire has a new series on Netflix. According to the head of Britain's National health System, among other critics, it is dangerous and poses a considerable risk to public health. Libby Znaimer reached law professor and pseudoscience debunker Tim Caulfield in Edmonton. AND This Friday marked Valentine's Day, and just when most singles had accepted that online dating is the modern way to go, it's falling out of favour for all age groups but especially Zoomers. The problems include, catfishing, fake profiles, and no-shows. Relationship coach Grace Cirocco says it's time to get back to the basics.

Women are not small men and, when it comes to heart disease, they have paid a high price because medical science has treated them that way. Women have been under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated, but, according to "The 2020 Heart & Stroke Spotlight on Women", progress is being made. Libby Znaimer sat down with Dr. Paula Harvey, Physician-in-Chief and director of the Cardiovascular research Program at Women's College Hospital. AND Are you an optimist? A growing number of long-term studies have linked that frame of mind to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses and to fostering longevity. Libby reached Dr. Alan Rozanski, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke's Hospital in New York.

The spread of the novel coronavirus is bringing back anti-Chinese stereotypes - just like the spread of SARS sparked racism and anti-Asian tropes back in 2003. It's also bringing a big drop in business on our Chinatowns. Libby Znaimer talked with Amy Go, of the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice AND World Cancer Day is a global initiative to raise awareness and make sure that cancer continues to be a priority in the world health and development agenda. It's also a good time to take stock of the progress that's been made against this devastating disease. Libby checked in with Dr. Aaron Schimmer, director of research at PMCC.

In honour of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz, we tell the little known story of a Polish patriot who snuck into the camp to try to organize a rebellion and warn the Allies of Nazi crimes. AND Freedom 55! For years there were ads dangling that prospect for the baby boom generation. Now it turns out, for most people retirement is very different than what they expected.

Canadians have until January 27 to give Ottawa input on how to change the law on medical assistance in dying. Libby Znaimer broached these difficult issues with Justice Minister David Lametti. AND Is salt really that bad for us? A new documentary, "Pass the Salt", takes a contrary view. Libby sat down with filmmaker Michael McNamara