Fight Back With Libby Znaimer

There are new changes to the law when it comes to your auto insurance today, and it has a lot of Zoomers up in arms. Libby talked about the new rules with the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario and someone who has been fighting for benefits for more than a decade to explain what it all means, and we'll take your phone calls too.

With a deadline to come up with legislation regarding doctor assisted dying, some Parliamentarians are now saying there is no rush. They claim the Supreme Court of Canada decision will still stand when the clock strikes midnight on June 1st. But will doctors be hesitant to participate in helping someone die without a law in place? Libby speaks with Dr. Jeff Blackmer, the Vice President of Medical Professionalism at the Canadian Medical Association.

As we get older, many of us will be diagnosed with an age-related illness. Whether chronic or acute, mild or limiting in some way, it's good to know where to turn when you have questions about managing your symptoms. From support with managing multiple medications to information on avoiding harmful interactions and side effects, your pharmacist is a great resource when it comes to staying healthy as you age. Dean Miller of the Ontario Pharmacists Association answers your questions about medication and aging.

A new study from Manulife Bank of Canada says that nearly 4 in 10 Canadians are struggling to pay their bills and have at some point in the last year have come up short on their housing expenses. What may be even worse, is that many are dipping into their savings to do so. Is this an issue of high cost of living? Or are we living beyond our means? Financial Advisor Rubina Ahmed-Haq joined Libby to discuss.

Vic Fedeli has spent more than a decade in politics , first as the Mayor of North Bay and now as the MPP for Nipissing. He's also the Finance Critic in the Progressive Conservatives Shadow Cabinet at Queen's Park and has written a book entitled €œFocus on Finance: A look into Ontario's Finances.€ We spoke with him about his book , and what's going on at the Legislature.

The Prime Minister is catching flak from some, and earning kudos from others after he announced he would be taking a day off during his work visit to Japan to celebrate his wedding anniversary with his wife. Is it a good example of work-life balance? Or a waste of taxpayer money? We spoke with PR specialist Laura Babcock of PowerGroup Communications and Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington about it.

In 2016, it's expected that more than 60,000 Canadians will suffer from some form of stroke. Do you know what one looks like? More importantly, can you prevent a stroke from happening? We put those questions to Fight Back's resident doctor, Dr. Zach Levine.

As Toronto's Executive Committee begins debate on whether to explore a possible Expo Bid in 2025, we hear that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would be willing to support it, if the city wants one. It's a complete 180 from former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's stance after he wanted to withdraw Canada's membership into the Bureau International des Expositions. Senator Art Eggleton and Richard Joy, executive director of the Urban Lands Institute Toronto joined Libby to talk about the news.

Pharmacists are highly trained medication experts. But they are also so much more. Today's pharmacist can help you manage chronic conditions, give you a flu shot, help you quit smoking, explain how to use healthcare aids and devices, provide MedsCheck consultations, and more. This Thursday, Billy Cheung, of the Ontario Pharmacists Association talks about how the role of the pharmacist has changed , and what changes we can expect to see in the near future.

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The federal government will table a bill to extend human-rights protections to transgender Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says this measure is overdue. So, what does this mean for Canadians? Guest host Jane Brown spoke with Toronto Comedian and writer Maggie Cassella and Robyn Letson from 519 Outreach Toronto.

It's likely that the Liberals' controversial legislation on medically assisted dying will come up against obstacles in the Senate.Some senators say there's no way they will pass the bill by the court-appointed deadline of June 6th. And there's a possibility it may not pass at all if it's not amended to allow advance requests from those diagnosed with conditions such as dementia. The Vice President of Advocacy and COO of CARP , Wanda Morris joins Jane Brown in Studio along with Senator James Cowan and take your calls.

With tourism season fast approaching in Ontario, last week many of our callers were unclear as to whether or not a destination, tourism fee or so called tourism tax exists. We speak with Tony Elenis, President & CEO of the Ontario Restaurant and Hotel and Motel Association to set the record straight and answer your questions.

Do you feel lost trying to find a certified professional to service your vehicle? Let Jamie Holmes, a certified automotive service technician, and Sherri Haigh of Ontario College of Trades steer you in the right direction. Put the brakes on those uncertified €œmechanics€ taking you for a ride. Get ready for a real education from the Ontario College of Trades.

K-Cups are an incredible convenience, but they're also a huge waste with 10 BILLION coffee pods thrown out globally each year. But did you know there is an environmentally sound option? Sylvain Charlebois, an Agriculture Professor at Dalhousie University joined Libby to discuss.

Quitting smoking is hard and many people don't quit on their first try. Whether you're actively trying to quit or just getting ready to try, it's important to know what resources are available to help your succeed. This Thursday, pharmacist Nayan Patel talks about some of the ways your pharmacist can help you quit smoking , including the pharmacy-based smoking cessation program. Plus, what you should know about how nicotine can affect your medications.

Maureen Taylor, a Physician Assistant in Infectious Diseases, Medical Journalist, and Advocate for Medically-assisted Dying , testified to the Senate's legal and constitutional affairs committee yesterday, telling them that they're the last hope of people who are suffering, but don't qualify for an assisted death under the proposed new law, which requires a person's natural death be €œreasonably foreseeable.€ Libby will speak with Taylor and discuss what she hopes will happen.

The Toronto Raptors made history last night after defeating the Miami Heat; they now advance to the conference final series for the very first time in their 21 year history.  Libby speaks with Naz, the co-host of the Naz & Wally Sports Hour, which airs Sundays on Zoomer radio 740 at 9am.

Jim Biagi, an MD at the Department of Oncology at Queen's University is the co-author of a new study which reveals that some forms of cancers are not getting the same attention, research and funding as the more high profile breast and prostate cancers. Libby speaks with Dr. Jim Biagi about his study and what it means for Canadians.

A couple of weeks ago, many of our listeners called in to discuss insurance. At the same time, we're now looking at new reforms on car insurance in Ontario , set to come out June 1st. Will they affect you? Leonard Kunka , from PIA Law , who specializes in insurance was in studio to shed some light on this change and took your calls.

Today, Jian Ghomeshi signed a Peace Bond and apologized to get the Crown to withdraw one remaining charge of sex assault against him. After 5 other charges were dropped we ask , is Ghomeshi getting away with anything? Libby spoke with Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director of METRAC , an organization that takes action against violence.