In This Economy?!

During the course of a year that saw heavy flight delays and cancellations, crowded airports and rising ticket prices and baggage fees, airlines in North America still managed to deliver stand-out passenger experiences. The JD power 2026 North America airline satisfaction study shows the overall satisfaction rate up 8 points (on a 1,000-point scale) year over year, with improvement occurring across all segments. However, as airfares have begun to skyrocket in 2026, airlines may soon find it difficult to offset high costs with great service, and customers can expect to see a lot of new fees this summer for fuel surcharges and checked bags. So, will travellers balk at higher prices or if they do travel, will they be starting their vacation in a lousy mood? In this episode of In This Economy?!, host Mike Eppel talks to Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service at JD power, to discuss their recent findings, and what it could mean going forward.

Is Canada’s housing market in a correction? One economist thinks so – for a variety of reasons. Our housing market posted its weakest quarter in three years, with home sales down nearly 10 per cent compared to the previous period - according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. And rates are not likely to change anytime soon but that’s only part of the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to David-Alexandre Brassard, Chief Economist at the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, for his take on what’s contributing to the stall and why come government programs won’t really help.

Next week, the Bank of Canada will set a new interest rate. And this past week, an inflation report from Statistics Canada has captured much of what has hit your wallet in cost of living. So today, host Mike Eppel is joined by Doug Porter, the chief economist at the Bank of Montreal to dissect the new data, and take a look at how it might influence that national bank's decision.

A new survey from Angus Reid says most Canadians use social media--- and don't enjoy their experience. Privacy remains one of the top concerns, as a handful of companies have a near-monopoly on the most commonly used platforms. And with governments only just starting to talk about regulating social media for teens, are we as a society ready for the tidal wave that will be when AI is fully integrated? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Professor Richard Lachman from the RTA school of media at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss what Ottawa can do and what Canadians could expect.

The majority of Canadian mortgages are up for renewal this year, marking one of the most significant mortgage renewal periods in decades. And while some payments may be going down, most are likely to go up, meaning it might be time to make some adjustments to your household finances. Host Kris McCusker is speaking with Alana Riley, Head of Mortgage, Banking, and Insurance at IG Wealth Management about what this renewal might mean for you, and how what you can do if you're mortgage ends up taking an even bigger bite out of your finances.

It's been a chaotic Q1 to say the least. Between all the Truth Social posts from US President Trump and his geopolitical stunts across the world - the markets have taken a hit. It's led to big slumps from record highs for tech stocks, and the run-up to record highs for the energy sector. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Colin White, CEO & portfolio manager, and Josh Sheluk, CIO & portfolio manager at Verecan Capital Management for a recap of the Canadian economy throughout Q1.

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!' It’s known as “the singles tax” – an extra amount that solo earners pay to go through life without a partner. In some cases it can be punitive, and it’s prompted many Canadians to get creative. Host Kris McCusker speaks to financial journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams about her book “The Singles Tax: No Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners,” which can be found at your favourite book store.

The war in the Middle East has pushed global markets into turmoil, throwing early forecasts right out the window. And even before this crisis began, Canada was already on a shaky trajectory, with the biggest economic risk expected to come from upcoming trade negotiations with the United States. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Dr. Eric Kam, professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss the challenges facing policymakers right now—and, more importantly, what Canada needs to do to finally break out of the boom‑and‑bust cycle tied to global energy markets.

Just three months in, and 2026 is already being coined as the 'Year of the Layoff', with companies blaming AI for letting chunks of their workforce go. But is tech really replacing workers — or just being used as a convenient excuse? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Ben Shiller, Brandeis University economist and associate professor, and author of 'A.I. Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, and Our Future'. The two discuss the fears of a shrinking white‑collar job market, the realities of AI’s impact, and why your future job security may depend on the sector you choose.

Times are tough for many Canadians, and for young Canadians, it may sometimes seem next to impossible to make ends meet. A survey from IG Wealth Management shows the landscape for young people is changing because employee pension plans are disappearing – which means the need to save more. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Aurèle Courcelles, Vice-President of Tax and Estate Planning about how to get the process started – and why an expert could be key to your success.