After the surging population put pressure on housing and healthcare, the feds are drastically reducing immigration targets. But millions of new people have also been pouring money into the economy and, by some accounts, keeping us out of a recession. Does a plan for negative population growth risk steering us into the economic ditch? 

A couple of business insiders debate the seriousness of Trump's tariff threats and how political uncertainty in Ottawa could hurt Canada's economy. Oh, and they even give us some reasons to hope.

From the hard sell to the limited time offer, companies have turned the art of the sale into a science. We look at four different marketing tactics, and explain how they encourage us to turn off our brains and open our wallets. (Originally aired October 13, 2024)

Need to buy a gift for your mom or your dog? What about your esoteric boyfriend? There's a gift guide for that! But, why? It's holiday baking season and some Canadians are paying big bucks to get their hands on French butter. Plus — we'll tell you why some economists think — if you really love someone, you'll give the gift of cold, hard cash this Christmas.

The makers of chat gpt call it scraping. Canadian media companies call it copying. Now, some are suing OpenAI, alleging it uses their work to train its AI models. But is it too late? Find out who's turning the Canada Post strike into a lucrative side hustle. Plus — why wait to retire when you can take mini-retirements along the way? 

Some are calling it "the year of the flop". But movie ticket sales have been sliding for two decades. Does Hollywood have a third act? We explain why weather forecasting is now a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. And, is the free trade era over? Former deputy PM, John Manley weighs in. 

Tim Hortons, Westjet, the Bay — over the last 15 years, private equity firms have been on a buying spree. But what is it, exactly? Also, how a new rule south of the border could make canceling that pesky streaming subscription easier and we talk Trump, tariffs and Canadian oil.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has promised to impose 10 - 20% tariffs on anything coming into the U.S. It's part of a seismic shift in Republican economic thinking — to put the American worker first. But would it work? And what would it mean for us? (Originally aired September 6, 2024)

Remember when you could find vintage designer stuff at Goodwill? These days, you're more likely to find piles of fast fashion. So what happened? Also, we explore why North America is swooning over Asian beauty products and the promise of "glass skin." Plus, what a warming Arctic means for business in Canada's great white north. 

We explore how the Honeycrisp sparked a revolution in choice, and why we're willing to pay the price. Also, what it takes to make sure Fido is well taken care of when you're gone. Also, tiny condos used to be no-brainer investments but — not anymore. Thousands of them are now sitting on the market in Toronto. So, could this mean the return of livable spaces?

Canadians pay more for the same stuff as Americans, but earn less. We explore why the gap is widening and what it means for our future. Also, table for one? More people are dining alone and restaurants are welcoming them with open arms. Plus, why big companies are a fact of life in Canada. 

Sabbatical, adult gap year, micro-retirement — Why more workers are taking breaks throughout their career instead of waiting till they're 65. Also, is the mortgage stress test too stressful? Plus, the legacy of Tupperware and the woman who turned it into a party.