Alberta pitches pipeline, future of 30 belugas up in the air, Jane Goodall dies, and more

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Your World Tonight (CBC)

Episode: Alberta pitches pipeline, future of 30 belugas up in the air, Jane Goodall dies, and more
Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: Susan Bonner, Stephanie Skenderis

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Brief Overview

This episode of "Your World Tonight" dives into Canada's top news stories of the day, including Alberta's new pipeline pitch and its national implications, the uncertain fate of Marineland's last beluga whales, the global response to Jane Goodall's death, the latest on the U.S. government shutdown, an intercepted pro-Gaza flotilla (featuring activist Greta Thunberg), and the rise of AI actors in Hollywood. The episode also touches on international events and a major classical music competition.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alberta’s Pipeline Push and the National Political Landscape

[00:41-04:58]

• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's Announcement
  Alberta is planning a new oil pipeline to the BC coast, hoping to have it recognized as a federal major infrastructure project. Premier Smith claims strong support from energy companies and some Indigenous communities, but federal environmental laws (notably the emissions cap and the Bill C48 tanker ban) are seen as significant roadblocks.

  • “What stands before us right now is a once in a generation opportunity to unlock our wealth of resources and become a world leading energy superpower.”
    — Danielle Smith, [00:41]
  • Alberta is investing $14 million in initial planning, seeking to "create an investment climate" for private sector buy-in.

• Industry and Political Response

  • Dennis McConaughey (former pipeline exec) suggests it's a strategic move: “It’s really, can she assemble enough of them to give real heft and cred to this tactic to get that buy in?” ([03:17])
  • BC Premier David Eby stands by the tanker ban, calling it “foundational for British Columbians who value our coast...and for First Nations” ([03:42]).
  • Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-François Blanchette objects: “We will go on the world stages to say that Alberta is destroying the environment of the whole planet.” ([04:24])
  • Federal Energy Minister: any new pipeline approval must be linked with serious carbon capture/storage efforts.

• Trade & Federal Infrastructure Tensions

  • Ongoing disputes with the U.S. over tariffs remain unresolved. Bloc’s Blanchette criticizes PM Mark Carney for lack of progress, portraying Carney as overpromising on trade ([06:22]).

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2. Marineland’s Beluga Whales: A Stalemate

[08:50-11:46]

• Government Blocks Whale Export

  • Ottawa has denied Marineland’s request to export 30 beluga whales to a Chinese theme park, citing animal welfare and the 2019 ban on using marine mammals for entertainment.
  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford is disappointed: “If we want these whales to survive, we have to move them somewhere.” ([10:33])

• Sanctuary as a Solution – But No Facilities Yet

  • Animal Justice’s Camille Labchuck advocates for a sanctuary: “Placing them in a sanctuary...is not only the best option, but it is also one of the only options.” ([10:56])
  • UBC’s Andrew Trites is alarmed by euthanasia being considered: “I don’t see euthanizing as being even acceptable. It just seems so inhumane.” ([11:21])
  • Marineland’s future is uncertain; monthly care for whales costs $2 million, and the park may be nearing bankruptcy.

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3. Jane Goodall: Legacy of a Giant Ends

[11:46-15:13]

• Tributes and Remembrances
  • Jane Goodall, pioneering primatologist, dies at 91. Guests and colleagues reflect on her influence on science and environmentalism.
  • “You don’t have to have a degree to learn about nature. ...That makes you a biologist.” — Jane Goodall, [12:28]
  • Amy Callan: “She’s one of those giants for me.” ([12:44])
  • Kerry Bowman: “She is living proof as to the power of the individual. And that’s what she would so often say...” ([14:01])
  • Goodall’s consistent call: “In the forest, everything is interconnected. Every animal and plant has a role to play—that includes us.” ([14:55])

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4. U.S. Government Shutdown: Political Deadlock

[15:13-18:05]

• Key Impacts

  • The U.S. government has shut down amid a partisan battle over federal funding, leading to suspended services, unpaid workers, and looming layoffs.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance confirms some jobs may be permanently eliminated: “If this thing drags on...we are gonna have to lay people off.” ([16:23])
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rebukes GOP tactics: “They can’t bully us into just passing their bill, which does nothing zero for American health care.” ([16:46])

• Political and Media Controversy

  • President Trump uses AI-generated videos to attack political opponents, sparking condemnation from Democrats as racist and misleading ([17:17]).

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5. Israel-Gaza Flotilla Intercepted: Standoff at Sea

[18:05-21:05]

• Flotilla Blocked, Greta Thunberg Detained

  • Israeli navy intercepts a flotilla of 40–50 boats attempting to breach the Gaza blockade and deliver symbolic aid. Reports of water cannons and ramming, though details remain unverified.
  • “The point here is to try to break the Israeli naval blockade... and open a humanitarian corridor.” — Paul Hunter, CBC ([18:28])
  • Climate activist Greta Thunberg among those detained, reportedly safe.

• Israel’s Viewpoint

  • Israeli officials dismiss the event as a provocation, maintaining readiness to intercept any such efforts and offering to accept aid elsewhere ([20:09]).

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6. AI Actors Hit Hollywood: Tilly Norwood’s Arrival

[22:26-24:34]

• Introduction of ‘Tilly Norwood’

  • AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood (created by Particle 6) is pitched as a viable talent for acting agencies, sparking Hollywood backlash.
  • CEO Eline van der Velden: “Now it’s, you know, we’re going to announce who she’s... which agency is going to be representing her.” ([22:45])
  • Emily Blunt: “That is really, really scary.” ([23:06])
  • Actors' unions insist AI is “100% not an actor.” — Alistair Hepburn, ACTRA ([23:27])

• Industry Response

  • Debate centers on AI’s place in entertainment and its implications for actors’ livelihoods.
  • “It really is...amalgamation of probably hundreds if not thousands of professional actors, performers who have not been compensated at all for this.” — Alistair Hepburn ([23:50])
  • Some, like actor Wilford Lee, envision new media categories for AI creations ([24:20]).

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7. Other Notable Global Stories

• Philippines Earthquake: [21:07]

  • At least 69 dead after a powerful quake in Cebu; rescue efforts ongoing.

• The Chopin Piano Competition: [25:09]

  • World-renowned music contest begins in Warsaw; five Canadians among 84 finalists.

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Memorable Quotes

• Danielle Smith:
  “What stands before us right now is a once in a generation opportunity to unlock our wealth of resources and become a world leading energy superpower.” ([00:41])
• Yves-François Blanchette:
  “We will go on the world stages to say that Alberta is destroying the environment of the whole planet.” ([04:24])
• Camille Labchuck (Animal Justice):
  “Placing them in a sanctuary...is not only the best option, but it is also one of the only options.” ([10:56])
• Jane Goodall:
  “You don’t have to have a degree to learn about nature. ...That makes you a biologist.” ([12:28])
  “In the forest, everything is interconnected. Every animal and plant has a role to play—that includes us.” ([14:55])
• Emily Blunt:
  “That is really, really scary.” ([23:06])
• Alistair Hepburn (ACTRA):
  “It is 100% not an actor. ...It is a construct that came out of a computer.” ([23:27])

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Alberta Pipeline Pitch: 00:41–04:58
• Trade Disputes with U.S.: 04:58–08:01
• Marineland Belugas Decision: 08:50–11:46
• Jane Goodall Tribute: 11:46–15:13
• U.S. Government Shutdown: 15:13–18:05
• Israel-Gaza Flotilla Incident: 18:05–21:05
• Philippines Earthquake: 21:07
• AI Actor Tilly Norwood Debate: 22:26–24:34
• Chopin Competition Preview: 25:09–end

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Conclusion

This fast-paced episode highlights the intersection of energy, environment, global politics, and rapidly advancing technology, all filtered through a Canadian lens. Whether it’s dramatic policy pitches (Alberta pipeline), urgent environmental dilemmas (beluga whales), a scientific icon’s passing (Jane Goodall), or the future of art and labor (AI actors), each segment posits complex questions about leadership, responsibility, and the changing world.

Transcript

[A]

Did you know that it was once illegal to shop on Sundays? That's true for when I was born. I remember this.

[B]

And I'm not that old. I'm not.

[A]

Okay, Leave me alone. Anyway, I'm Faelan Johnson and I host CU In Court, a new podcast about the cases that changed Canada and the ordinary people who drove that change. From the drugstore owner who defied the Lord's day to the Mi' Kmaq man who defended his treaty right to fish, to the gay teacher who got fired and fought back. Find and follow See youe in Court. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[C]

This is a CBC podcast.

[D]

What stands before us right now is a once in a generation opportunity to unlock our wealth of resources and become a world leading energy superpower.

[E]

Alberta's premier trying to energize plans for a new oil pipeline and pushing for it to be on the federal government's list of major infrastructure infrastructure projects. Daniel Smith says she has energy companies on board and support from some indigenous communities. A plan to get more Alberta oil to the coast of British Columbia that first needs to pass through Ottawa. Welcome to YOUR WORLD TONIGHT. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Wednesday, October 1st, just before 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, disappointed that the.

[B]

Federal government wouldn't sign off on moving them. It's just a sad situation, but at the end of the day, if we want these whales to survive, we have to move them somewhere.

[E]

Looking for an exit strategy. Marineland's beluga whales will remain in the Ontario amusement park after a plan to send them overseas gets sunk by the federal government.

[F]

And just as we may have inherited these dark aggressive tendencies, so too the chimps are showing compassion and love and altruism.

[E]

She revolutionized human understanding of the animal. World renowned conservationist and researcher Jane Goodall has died. Daniel Smith says it will generate billions of dollars in revenue and provide a major boost to a struggling energy sector. But there are still a lot of hurdles to clear and and there are questions about whether Alberta's plan for a new pipeline is simply a pressure play on Ottawa. Paula Duhacek reports.

[D]

We won't see a proponent until we have the laws fixed and so we're prepared to be the proponent to get it to that point. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says federal laws like the oil and gas emissions cap are the reason no private sector company has stepped up with its own proposal. She's called on Ottawa to repeal those laws, but for now, she says her province will get the ball rolling. So spending $14 million on initial planning work for a new oil pipeline to the coast of British Columbia. We actually have to create an investment climate so the private sector feels some confidence in investing in these kinds of projects.

[B]

Again, it's a good piece of strategy on her part.

[D]

Dennis McConaughey is a former pipeline executive. He says Smith appears committed to making sure a new pipeline is developed and built. But to move forward, the project needs oil companies to commit to using the new pipeline.

[B]

It's really, can she assemble enough of them to give real heft and cred.

[D]

To this tactic to get that buy in? McConaughey agrees federal laws need to change. He pointed to Bill C48, known by some as the tanker ban. It prevents oil tankers carrying a certain volume from stopping or unloading their cargo at ports along the northwest coast of bc. BC Premier David Eby says that law is essential.

[B]

It is foundational for British Columbians who value our coast. It is foundational for first nations who are whose consent we have sought and obtained for literally tens of billions of dollars of major projects that are real, that are not taxpayer funded that will drive forward the BC and the Canadian economy for years to come.

[D]

Smith, for her part, says her team is consulting with indigenous groups in both provinces and taxpayers won't be on the hook for the final bill. She says once Ottawa approves the project, the private sector will take over. But a shift in climate policy could also lead to political blowback from the Bloc Quebecois who who support the prime minister may need to pass the upcoming federal budget. Party leader Yves Francois Blanchette we will.

[B]

Go on the world stages to say that Alberta is destroying the environment of the whole planet. The idea of augmenting the volume of oil and gas which is extracted and then burned and consumed is irresponsible.

[D]

In a statement, the federal energy minister said a pipeline must move forward in conjunction with a major carbon capture and storage project. The province says it plans to submit its proposal for the pipeline by next spring. Paula Duhacek, CBC News, Calgary.

[E]

Ottawa's major infrastructure projects are supposed to help the Canadian economy cope with US Tariffs. But the federal government is also still trying to get them lifted or lowered. Canada the US And Mexico will start negotiating a new trade deal next year. And heading into those talks, the government says at least one major American irritant will be off limits. Tom Perry explains, we have been very.

[B]

Clear from the beginning that supply management is not a subject of negotiation with the Americans. It will not.

[C]

After a published report suggested Canada was prepared to allow more U.S. dairy products into Canada to try to reach a wider deal on tariffs. Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada U.S. trade, was quick to reassure dairy farmers, Canada's supply management system is not on the table.

[B]

Parliament passed a law that we supported happily to make it clear that supply management is not a subject of negotiations and international trade agreements.

[C]

Ottawa has been unable to reach a deal with Donald Trump to lift tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and auto parts, despite Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney being in regular contact. Carney today said he'd spoken again to the US president but offered no detail. Bloc Quebecois leader Y. Francois Blanchette says Carney made big promises to Canadians but hasn't delivered.

[B]

Mr. Carney, which has been elected, saying, I'm the new hero, I'll come from the sky with a cape, I will fix the tariffs, and I will start a negotiation for a new trade agreement. Six months later, we have seen nothing of it.

[C]

But Ontario Premier Doug Ford, an ally of Carney, says there's only one reason Canada and the U.S. have not been able to reach an agreement, and it's Donald Trump.

[B]

There's one person causing a problem, and I've said it over and over again. But again, moving forward, let's not worry about that one person. Let's focus on what we can do together.

[C]

Ford met today with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who says her state is keenly aware of the impact of Trump's trade policy.

[E]

We feel the pain of tariffs harder and faster than almost any other state. And that's why I'm trying to make sure that we can get back to a usmca, back to strengthening this relationship and recognizing the importance of Canada, Mexico, and the United States having a good relationship, not adversarial.

[C]

But the Trump White House has so far paid little heed to voices inside and outside the US arguing tariffs are a drain on the economy and attacks on American consumers. Trump just this week unveiled new levies, unimported furniture, and on Canadian softwood lumber. Conservative leader Pierre Poliev calls that one more example of Mark Carney keeping his elbows down and getting trampled with Canadian workers paying the price. Tom Perry, CBC News, Ottawa.

[E]

Coming right up, transfer denied. Marineland's beluga whales are staying put for now after Ottawa refuses an overseas transfer. And in the US federal services are shut down, with Republicans and Democrats deadlocked on government spending. Later, we'll have this story.

[A]

You can watch her fighting villains, walking the red carpet and even bragging about lining up her big roles, three seasons and a podcast. But Tilly Norwood is no real actor. She's an AI generated performer that has people in Hollywood and the Canadian film industry worried about the future. I'm Makta Gebra Selassie. I'll have that story coming up on youn World Tonight.

[E]

The federal government has denied the transfer of 30 beluga whales out of an Ontario amusement park. Marineland requested the move in order to sell the animals to an overseas buyer. The park didn't open this season. It's struggling to care for the whales, and without a transfer, officials face a difficult decision. CBC's Thomas Daegla has More Whales belong.

[G]

In the ocean Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson is leaving a big question mark over the fate of 30 belugas, the only whales remaining in captivity in Canada. The federal government announced it's denying a request from Marineland for a permit to export the belugas to a theme park in China.

[E]

Being held in contained spaces for the sole purpose of entertainment is not what should ever happen.

[G]

Once a popular destination, Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, drew tourists from across Canada and beyond.

[A]

Watching the whales while they swim and.

[G]

Play a familiar jingle promised families a day of fun. But over the years, images of marine mammals in captivity left many wondering about the ethics of keeping the animals just for entertainment. Ottawa banned the practice in 2019. In recent years, 20 whales have died at Marine Land, and this past summer, the theme park didn't reopen for the season.

[B]

I'm an animal lover, and it's just a sad situation.

[G]

Amid it all, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's disappointed with the federal government's decision to stop the remaining belugas from being sent to China.

[B]

If we want these whales to survive, we have to move them somewhere.

[G]

Experts say the belugas wouldn't survive for long if they were dropped in the ocean. The fisheries minister and animal rights advocates want them instead taken to a sanctuary, but none exists in Canada. There is one envisioned off the coast of Nova Scotia, but that project has stalled. Camille Labchuck leads the campaign group Animal Justice.

[E]

We need an individualized health assessment for each beluga, but the challenges of placing them in a sanctuary we believe is not only the best option, but it is also one of the only options.

[G]

Andrew Trites agrees.

[B]

Now what? And I don't see any provisions.

[G]

He's the director of UBC's Marine Mammal Research Unit. If the whales can't be moved to a sanctuary, he says the other more grim option involves euthanasia.

[B]

I don't see euthanizing as being even acceptable. It just seems so inhumane.

[G]

Marineland hasn't commented on the future of its whales. But a source tells CBC News the park is on the brink of bankruptcy and could soon give the belugas to the government to be euthanized. Just caring for them is said to cost $2 million a month. Thomas Dagg, CBC News, Toronto.

[E]

She broke new scientific ground with a study of chimpanzees that taught the world about its own humanity. Jane Goodall died today at the age of 91. A beloved and globally recognized conservationist, scientist and best selling author, Goodall was a lifelong defender of the natural environment and animal welfare. Anand Ram has more on her life.

[B]

I met somebody out there today. She's over there. She's almost nine years old. Her name is Maggie. You are her Taylor Swift.

[H]

That's the kind of comparison Jane Goodall got on stage with George Strombolopoulos. Earlier this month, a young woman asked her how to get started in biology.

[F]

You don't have to have a degree to learn about nature. You can learn as I did. I used to have nature notebooks. I drew the little insects and butterflies and birds that I saw. And that makes you a biologist.

[D]

You know how they that saying that we all like stand on the shoulders of giants, like she's one of those giants for me.

[H]

Amy Callan is a primatologist at the University of Victoria and found it hard to speak of Goodall in the past tense.

[D]

Yeah, it was quite shocking to be honest. For us. She obviously was a strong character, a very strong female voice from an early point in her career, even as a PhD student.

[F]

No wonder people laughed at me except my mother. And she would say if you really want something and you really work hard and you take advantage of opportunity and you never give up, you'll find a way.

[H]

Born into working class England in 1934, Goodall spent decades in the forest studying chimpanzees, highlighting new behaviors, redefining our understanding of how they use tools and how facing pushback from the establishment.

[D]

Often those views were upheld by a lot of strong male voices in the field. And you could see though from her character she's not someone that you know, shies away from a fight.

[B]

There is no one waiting in the wings with her stature with her background that can pick this up.

[H]

This to University of Toronto bioethicist Kerry Bowman is the fight not just for chimps, but the planet. Bowman works with the Jane Goodall Institute and would talk to her often.

[B]

She is living proof as to the power of the individual. And that's what she would so often say when she was speaking. You know, don't be defeated because you're one person.

[H]

Tributes poured in immediately. The un, which gave her the title messenger of Peace, said Goodall worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.

[F]

Everybody says, well, you should be slowing down. But actually, you know, the older I get, the more I have to speed up because the less time I have ahead of me, right?

[H]

And she did that work till the end. Speaking just weeks ago with CBC Radio's Pia Chattopadai. Spreading a message of environmentalism at a time when some countries around the world are dialing back their climate commitments.

[F]

Because if we get everybody understanding the environment matters, then there will be more done.

[H]

And her message was consistent to understand that humanity is the environment.

[F]

In the forest, everything is interconnected. Every animal and plant has a role to play that includes us.

[H]

An irreplaceable voice for what she would call an irreplaceable planet. Jane Goodall died in California at the age of 91. Anand Ram, CBC News, Toronto.

[E]

In the United States, a government shutdown is causing confusion and frustration for millions of Americans who rely on or work for the federal government. Services are on hold, employees aren't being paid and and some could soon be laid off if lawmakers are not able to break a bitter political deadlock over federal funding. Katie Simpson explains.

[I]

Outside the main entrance of the U.S. capitol building, there's a rope blocking the doorway, along with a new sign saying it's closed to visitors. Americans are now dealing with a confusing patchwork of service interruptions. Workers are not being paid, and there are new threats of mass layoffs.

[B]

On this vote, The A's are 47. The nays are 50. 3.

[I]

Lawmakers in the Senate failed to pass a bill to keep the government temporarily funded. The shutdown starts slowly with non essential services, things like food assistance programs, supports for veterans, and some work done by the Centers for Disease Control. Social assistance payments continue, along with the work of federal law enforcement, the military and operations at airports. But workers are not being paid.

[G]

If this thing drags on for another few days or, God forbid, another few weeks, we are good to have to lay people off.

[I]

Vice President J.D. vance confirming the shutdown could be used as an opportunity to identify jobs that can be eliminated permanently. It adds a layer of pressure on Democrats to get them to agree to the Republican funding resolution, though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is rejecting that plan.

[B]

That they can't bully us into just passing their bill, which does nothing zero for American health care.

[I]

Democrats say they will agree to fund the government if the current proposal is changed to include extending insurance subsidies and to reverse some health care cuts. In response, members of the Trump administration, including White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt, are making wildly misleading claims.

[D]

We cannot afford to provide taxpayer funded.

[A]

Free health care to illegals who broke.

[D]

The law to enter our country.

[I]

The fight has become deeply personal after President Donald Trump posted AI videos on social media attacking his opponents. One video shows Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic House leader, wearing a Photoshopped sombrero and mustache while an AI Schumer makes derogatory comments about black and Latino voters. Jeffries called it fake and racist.

[G]

Oh, I think it's funny. The president's joking and we're having a good time.

[I]

The vice president says good faith negotiations can take place in this environment.

[G]

Dismissing concerns, Hakeem Jeffries said it was racist. And I know that he said that, and I honestly don't even know what that means.

[I]

This is symbolic of the bitterness of this moment with no sign a resolution is in the near future. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington.

[E]

The Israeli navy has intercepted a flotilla of vessels trying to get to Gaza. The boats had traveled for weeks in the Mediterranean, drawing attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel had warned them to turn back and vowed they would not break the naval blockade. Paul Hunter has the latest from Jerusalem. Paul, what do we know?

[B]

Susan, I'll say off the top, we don't know an awful lot of details with certainty because what's been happening is out in the Mediterranean in the dark of night and obviously not in front of news cameras or reporters. And though some of the various boats have been live streaming, verifying precisely what's what is complicated. So with those caveats, here's what can be said. A number of the boats, and there are about 40 or 50 of them in total, are now said to have been boarded by Israeli authorities. Early word was that people were being arrested and taken to a port in Israel. It seemed without incident. But later came the suggestion from the flotilla that the Israeli navy was using, quote, active aggression, that water cannon was being used, and even that at least one boat in the flotilla had been rammed, though no reports of any injuries. Again, impossible to verify at this point. Bottom line, an interception is underway. The boats are all part of this international flotilla carrying opponents to the war in Gaza, some of them high profile opponents and with aid meant for Gaza. So the aid in truth is merely symbolic. The point here is to try to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and open a humanitarian corridor. The blockade has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza back in 2007, but is under fire now because it's preventing access for aid into Gaza from the Mediterranean. At the same time, Israel controls land crossings while its two year war on Hamas continues. And as any on those boats would underline countless Gazans or an ever more desperate need for food and other aid right now. Bottom line, a tense situation in the Mediterranean. Susan.

[E]

And what is Israel saying?

[B]

Well, it calls the whole thing a stunt and calls those in the flotilla provocateurs looking to create some sort of incident. Israel has even said that it would allow the boats to drop their aid north of Gaza with the pledge it would then be taken into Gaza, but the boats continued toward the Gazan coast regardless. And there are those who suggest Israel has no legal jurisdiction in those waters, others suggesting if Israel can demonstrate that it's militarily justified, then interceptions can go forward. But even as the flotilla approached, Israel made clear it would use any means possible to stop it. And that seems to be what's happening tonight. Interceptions and arrests and by some accounts, no small degree of chaos. And I'll just mention one of those now detained. Greta Thunberg, the climate activist. Video emerging now of her being picked up by Israeli authorities on one of those boats, as Israel put it, Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. All of this, Susan, is expected to continue for the next several hours.

[E]

Thank you, Paul.

[B]

You're welcome.

[E]

The CBC's Pole Hunter in Jerusalem. At least 69 people are dead after Tuesday's massive earthquake in the Philippines. Rescuers are using backhoes and sniffer dogs to search for survivors in collapsed buildings. The shallow quake struck off the coast of the island of Cebu and was one of the most powerful to hit the region in more than a decade. Sporadic rain and damaged bridges and roads have hampered rescue efforts. The number of dead is expected to rise as rescuers reach hard hit areas. This is yous World TONIGHT from CBC News. If you want to make sure you stay up to date and never miss one of our episodes, follow us on Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, just find the follow button and lock us in. Tilly Norwood is the talk of Tinseltown tonight, but Hollywood paparazzi won't be able to track her down on the Sunset Strip. Norwood is the name of an artificial intelligence character that's generating gossip and controversy after her creators said the AI Actor is ready to take on real roles. Magda Gabriel Salasa has more on the potential and the backlash.

[A]

Three seasons and a podcast bragging about getting gigs battling with villains on screen in a skit. This is Tilly Norwood, an AI generated actress created by the company Particle 6. Its CEO, Eline van der Velden, says entertainment companies are interested.

[D]

So with Tilly, you know, when we first launched her, people were like, ah, that's not going to happen. And now it's, you know, we're going to announce who she's going. Which agency is going to be representing her in the next few months.

[A]

She said this during a panel at the Zurich Film Festival last weekend. Since then, Hollywood has been up in arms. Actors like Whoopi Goldberg, Simi Liu and Emily Blunt are speaking out.

[E]

That is really, really scary.

[A]

Blunt speaking on the Variety Awards circuit podcast.

[F]

Come on.

[E]

Agencies don't do that.

[A]

Sag, aftra, the actors union in the US released a statement saying Norwood devalues the work of humans and jeopardizes the livelihood of performers and actors. Unions are clear that Norwood it's definitely not an actor.

[B]

It is 100% not an actor.

[A]

Alistair Hepburn is the executive director of ACTRA Toronto, representing actors. The union has won some protections for actors requiring consent and compensation when it comes to having AI reproductions of them. As for synthetic performers like Norwood, studios would have to engage the unions. In Hepburn's eyes, Norwood is bad news.

[B]

It is a construct that came out of a computer and it really is. It's an amalgamation of probably hundreds if not thousands of professional actors, performers who have not been compensated at all for this.

[A]

But he and others agree that there is no future without AI.

[B]

It's really important to be exposed to.

[G]

These tools to understand how they work.

[A]

Wilford Lee is an actor and AI filmmaker in Toronto. He thinks AI should have its own spot in the industry.

[B]

For example, who knows? Maybe down the depths of look, if you're scrolling next time on Netflix, there's like action, there's drama, there's horror, and then there might be a completely new category like AI.

[A]

But he's not convinced that studios are really interested in Tilly Norwood, questioning whether this is all a marketing ploy. Meanwhile, Particle 6's CEO has reacted to the backlash. In a statement, she said Tilly Norwood is not a replacement for a human being and that AI is another way to imagine and build stories. Salasa, CBC News, Toronto.

[E]

It's one of the world's most prestigious and demanding classical music contests. The International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition begins tomorrow in Warsaw, considered by many the Piano Olympics, named in honor of the great Polish composer and virtuoso. The contest is held every five years. It's a grueling three week showdown of the world's best pianists. More than 600 entered the competition before the field was whittled down to 84 finalists and several Canadians have made the cut. I remember just being in front of the family TV and watching all the contestants and being like this is so inspiring. I want to be on that stage one day. So kind of mostly fulfilling a childhood dream. 22 year old Athena Deng from Vancouver will join four other Canadians. Montreal's Bruce Liu won the 2020 competition, the first ever Canadian champion. Contestants are required to play Chopin along with other compositions. They're judged for technical skill, musical understanding, finesse and style. The 10 pianists who advance to the final round will perform with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets sold out weeks ago. The winner is awarded nearly $100,000 in prize money. Thank you for joining us. This has been youn World Tonight for Wednesday, October 1st. I'm Susan Bonar. Talk to you again. Foreign.

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