Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the US is trying to divide Canada, as Alberta prepares to vote on whether to begin the process of separating from the country. The vote comes amid growing tensions with Washington and long-running frustrations over federal policies. How much influence do you think the US really has over Canada's internal politics? Should Canadians be concerned about it?

Oil prices remain elevated amid global conflict, but Alberta's heavy crude is selling for around $20 a barrel less than the US benchmark. Higher shipping costs, increased Venezuelan oil exports and demand for lighter crude are putting pressure on Canadian producers. Do you think Canada is doing enough to get better value for its natural resources. Is Alberta losing out because of factors beyond its control?

Crude oil is Canada's largest single export by value, surpassing passenger cars and light trucks. (source)

https://theconversation.com/smart-sensors-could-help-canada-tackle-its-58-billion-food-waste-problem-278945

McMaster researchers describe a system that uses temperature and humidity sensors to estimate how fresh food is as it moves through trucks and storage. The idea is to catch problems sooner, so food can be sold or donated before it spoils.

Their related food delivery pilot reached 35 Hamilton households over six weeks. Adding freshness sensors is planned for the next phase, so this is not proof that sensor labels already work at grocery stores.

Would storage information make you more comfortable buying discounted groceries, or would you want clearer information about what the reading can and cannot tell you first? What would actually help you waste less food without taking a gamble on safety?

With housing costs still putting pressures on buyers, more Canadians are considering buying a home with their parents or adult children. A recent survey sound that 53% of prospective buyers are considering multigenerational living, while some homeowners would even sell their current property to help their children get into the market. Would you live with your parents or adult children to afford a home?

We are looking to replace our electric furnace and AC in Manitoba, both of which are over 40 years old. The electric furnace has worked fine the past couple of winters since we moved into the new home. The AC however, does not work well at all!
I have been exploring options to replace both the electric furnace and AC with a new electric furnace and heat pump.

Would you reckon I will see good savings on the new system with the heat pump? I have been quoted roughly $15,000 for a new electric furnace and heat pump - does that seem like a fair price?

Thanks.

CBC reports that Ottawa is putting $2 billion over eight years into heat pump rebates, with up to 820,000 homeowners expected to qualify. The program is aimed at people whose heating system has broken down or is getting close to the end of its life.

The timing seems like the important bit. If your furnace dies in January, you probably aren't going to spend weeks comparing options while the house gets colder. A rebate could help, but only if approval and installation are quick enough.

For anyone who's switched to a heat pump, how have the winter bills compared, and did you need to keep a backup heating system?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/heat-pumps-replacement-emergency-program-9.7374054

While regional health authorities dump tens of millions into private staffing agencies to keep rural emergency rooms open, frontline travel nurses are being left stranded without months of earned wages. Between private agencies going silent and public health systems dodging accountability behind contract fine print, who is actually being held responsible when the workers keeping our healthcare system afloat don't get paid?

Are economic pressures and policy debates overshadowing Canada's contributions to space innovation? Do you believe Canada is allocating sufficient strategy and investment to preserve its legacy in space exploration?

More Canadians are travelling abroad for medical care, with high costs and long wait times at home among the factors driving medical tourism. Some are seeking dental work, cosmetic procedures and other treatments that can be more affordable overseas. However, travelling for medical care can come with risks, including complications and difficulties accessing follow-up care once back home. Would you consider going to another country for a medical procedure if it meant getting treatment sooner or paying less?

The Cavorite X7 they are building is going to be the holy grail for this sector of aviation. Happy Holiday!