Cost of Living

CBC Radio

The Cost of Living ♥s money — how it makes (or breaks) us. We untangle the economic forces at play and transform our understanding of how money shapes our lives. Discover how everyday decisions connect with the larger economy in ways big, small, good, bad, obvious and unseen on The Cost of Living.

  • 27 minutes 40 seconds
    Where is Canada's next superstar city?

    Toronto and Vancouver can't build housing fast enough to keep up with demand. So what if Canada invested billions to turn a smaller city into their superstar rival? Could it create balance in the housing universe?

    29 March 2025, 12:10 am
  • 26 minutes 20 seconds
    The only certainty is uncertainty

    When people are nervous about the future of the economy, they often hold back. Maybe they don’t buy that new fridge or take that new job in a different province. It all adds up to a potential stall in our economy. And that just makes people even more uncertain. But is there a way to break the cycle?

    22 March 2025, 1:10 am
  • 27 minutes 40 seconds
    Wait?! Was John Turner right about free trade?

    Back when North American free trade was still just an idea, Liberal leader John Turner opposed it. He warned that handing over the "economic levers" could lead to a loss of Canada's political independence. Brian Mulroney won the election and free trade brought Canada all kinds of prosperity. But now? Well, we explore why Turner's ideas are having an "I told you so" moment. 

    15 March 2025, 1:10 am
  • 27 minutes 47 seconds
    Now's the time to give'r, Canada

    Some believe there's a silver lining to our neighbour to the south suddenly turning hostile. Paul Haavardsrud talks to a couple of experts who say it's time to put the pedal to the metal — and get the economy back on track.

    8 March 2025, 1:10 am
  • 26 minutes 43 seconds
    Trump wants Canadian jobs. Can we stop him?

    The U.S. wants to eat our economic lunch — to lure jobs, companies and head offices to America. The thing is, Canadian capital has been moving south for years. Can we stem the tide?

    1 March 2025, 1:10 am
  • 26 minutes 54 seconds
    Tariff tit for tat

    If U.S President Donald Trump goes ahead with his plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian exports, Canada will retaliate with its own tariffs. Trouble is, the U.S. isn't nearly as dependent on exports as we are. 

    22 February 2025, 3:10 am
  • 27 minutes 40 seconds
    Is this year over yet?

    The former governor of the Bank of Canada Stephen Poloz has helped guide Canada through some uncertain times. But right now, he says his worry meter is "pretty far up there."

    15 February 2025, 2:10 am
  • 28 minutes 10 seconds
    Who are Canada's new trade BFF's?

    We’ve known for a long time that being too dependent on the U.S. makes us vulnerable. They are our largest trading partner, but they aren't the only country in the world. Is it finally time for Canada to make more friends?

    8 February 2025, 1:55 am
  • 11 minutes 25 seconds
    BONUS! Did Canada and Mexico just become best friends?

    Both countries have just been given a 30-day reprieve from Trump's tariffs. So, can we work together to fend off the looming trade war with the U.S.? Paul Haavardsrud speaks with the former vice minister of trade for Mexico, Juan Carlos Baker, about what happens now. 


    4 February 2025, 4:10 am
  • 27 minutes 39 seconds
    BONUS! Well, he did it

    In a historic act of economic aggression, President Trump has made good on his promise and imposed across-the-board tariffs. And Canada has hit back.

    2 February 2025, 5:40 am
  • 27 minutes 28 seconds
    It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your retirement savings are?

    Some of us might forget a $20 in a pocket, but what about thousands of dollars? Believe it or not, it happens! Canadians contribute to a pension then, maybe switch jobs and just forget about it. We'll explain why it's so hard to track people down and what they're missing out on. 

    1 February 2025, 2:10 am
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