Algoma layoffs, hidden fire in a Toronto highrise, WHO on GLPs, and more

Summary

Your World Tonight – Detailed Episode Summary

Podcast: Your World Tonight (CBC)
Episode Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Susan Bonner, Stephanie Skenderis

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Episode Overview

This episode of Your World Tonight dives deep into several of the day's most pressing stories in Canada and internationally. The episode ranges from the impact of massive layoffs at Algoma Steel and an unprecedented fire in a Toronto highrise, to evolving WHO guidelines on new obesity drugs, a controversial U.S. military strike, continuing searches for missing Indigenous women in Manitoba, responses to meth addiction, and a quirky story about a homemade Ontario houseboat.

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Key Stories and Insights

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1. Major Layoffs at Algoma Steel

[00:40–04:43]

• Story Summary: Algoma Steel, a major Canadian steel producer, is laying off about 1,000 workers (~a third of its workforce) in Sault Ste. Marie. This comes despite $500 million in government loans meant to protect jobs, and is closely tied to ongoing U.S. tariffs and forced shifts in manufacturing technology.
• Union Reaction:
  • Michael Deprat, United Steelworkers leader:
    • “Christmas is 25 days away. Really? They couldn't wait another month?” ([00:40], [02:02])
    • “We were brought into a meeting at 7:30 this a.m. and notified that notice was being served.” ([02:14])
• Expert Context:
  • Peter Warian, Munk School of Global Affairs:
    • “They’re now having to do that with a gun to their head because of the tariffs.” ([03:42])
• Community Impact:
  • Jason Nakarato, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce:
    • “A thousand layoffs at our number one employer will ... impact every aspect of our community.” ([04:11])
• Key Quote:
  • “What has occurred is that the transfer to the EAF technology happened earlier than expected, in part because of the market and the tariffs.” – Michael Deprat ([02:38])
• Broader Issues: Unions and experts fault government aid as being insufficiently conditional on keeping jobs; impact reverberates throughout the local economy.

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2. The Hidden Highrise Fire in Toronto

[04:43–07:35]

• Story Summary:
  A fire has been burning for more than four days between the walls of two interconnected high-rise buildings in Toronto, displacing 300 residents. The fire is nearly invisible, with no visible flames and undetectable by thermal imaging.
• Fire Department View:
  • Fire Chief Jim Jessup:
    • “This is the material which is combustible particle board that was placed between an expansion joint that is causing us the problem and access to getting to this is next to impossible.” ([05:22])
    • “Think of a cigar that is slowly burning ... it is just creeping up, up and up and spreading.” ([01:15], [06:34])
  • “We are doing our best. The entire city has mobilized and every resource we have is being put to solve this problem.” ([07:16])
• Structural Expert:
  • Prof. Ramila Qureshi, McMaster University:
    • “Imagine one burns and produces enough heat to burn the next one and then the next ... but it’s all within that particle board in such a condensed environment. So you have a slow burn.” ([06:29])
• Residents' Voices:
  • “We just want to make sure when we go back it is really safe and that we won't need to be evacuated again.” ([07:08])
• Notable Insight: Unprecedented challenge for firefighting in North America’s second-highest high-rise city.

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3. Canadian Activist Attacked in the West Bank

[08:17–11:10]

• Story Summary:
  A Canadian woman volunteering in the West Bank was assaulted and robbed by armed Israeli settlers, alongside three Italian colleagues. The volunteers were helping Palestinians monitor settler violence.
• Eyewitness Account:
  • “Ten masked settlers entered. Two of them had assault rifles. Many were armed with clubs. They came in. I began to try to film them. They smacked me across the face ... they threw us to the ground and then took turns beating us.” ([09:12])
  • “They said, you are not to come back. You are not supposed to be here.” ([09:48])
• Organizations:
  • Manal Tamimi, Fazza director: “It’s getting more dangerous day after day, and I am sure that even in the near future it will be worse.” ([10:12])
• Broader Context:
  • UN: Over 1,000 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 7, 2023; also dozens of Israelis killed in the same period.

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4. U.S. Faces War Crimes Questions after Caribbean Boat Strike

[11:10–14:02]

• Story Summary:
  The Trump administration faces scrutiny after confirming a second U.S. military strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat that may have targeted survivors—a potential war crime.
• White House Stance:
  • Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt:
    • “The president has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of America.” ([11:35])
    • “Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat ... was eliminated.” ([12:01])
• Critical Voices:
  • Sen. Angus King: “If the facts are, as have been alleged, that there was a second strike specifically to kill the survivors ... that's a stone cold war crime.” ([12:37])
  • Dan Maurer (former military judge): “Killing them while shipwrecked ... is a war crime.” ([13:01])
• Geopolitical Context: The operation is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting Venezuelan regime and alleged drug trafficking.

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5. Searching Manitoba Landfills for Missing Indigenous Women

[14:20–16:54]

• Story Summary:
  Manitoba launches a new search at the Brady Road landfill for the remains of two missing Indigenous women, Tanya Nepinak and Ashley Shingoose, driven by years of advocacy from families and Indigenous leaders.
• Family Voices:
  • Vernon Mann, relative of Tanya Nepinak:
    • “Nobody deserves to be there ... To have somebody you love and care for being there is just ... terrible.” ([14:50])
    • “Being able to bring her home and put her to rest properly would be something that is just ... hard to explain.” ([16:42])
• Indigenous Leadership:
  • Kyra Wilson, Grand Chief: “We will continue to search for as long as we need to to bring these women home. We won’t stop until we find them.” ([16:13])
• Official Efforts:
  • Province commits to at least a year of searching, inspired by a recent successful recovery.

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6. Manitoba's New Meth Sobering Centre: Innovation or Criminalization?

[16:54–20:00]

• Story Summary:
  Canada’s first meth-specific detox centre opens in Winnipeg, aiming to manage public safety and meth crises via three-day involuntary holds. Critics say it criminalizes addiction, while supporters say it offers critical stabilization.
• Official Voice:
  • Bernadette Smith, Minister: “What we’ve been doing has not been working ... We can't keep incarcerating people … we can't keep our health services tied up.” ([17:31], [17:41])
• Critic & Patient Testimony:
  • James Foray, activist:
    • “It broke my heart knowing that people would be locked in there for 72 hours ... This is not a humane way of trying to deal with anybody that has a drug issue.” ([18:11])
  • Monica Ballantine, person with experience:
    • “You’re literally in so much pain ... you’re only thinking about getting more ... you're gonna overdose alone.” ([18:52])
• Medical Perspective:
  • Dr. Krause, UBC: “If you keep them too long and detain them and not offering them proper withdrawal support, then it's torture for them. You want to engage them with the system of care.” ([19:15])
• Aftercare Efforts:
  • Dr. Rob Grierson, WFPS: “Access to addictions care, access to mental health professionals available either on site or very close.” ([19:39])

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7. WHO Recommends GLP-1s for Obesity, Access the Key Challenge

[20:00–23:20]

• Story Summary:
  The World Health Organization now recommends drugs like Ozempic (GLP-1 agonists) for treating obesity, reflecting how they’re already being used. But cost and access, especially in Canada, keep them out of reach for many.
• Key Facts:
  • 1+ billion people globally affected by obesity.
  • GLP-1 therapies (like Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide) are highly effective but expensive.
• WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros:
  • “Medication alone will not solve the obesity crisis.” ([21:12])
• Canadian Voice:
  • Dr. Daniel Drucker (developer of GLP-1 class):
    • “It’s a tragedy as a human being to know that there are great medicines available ... but 95% of people can’t access them.” ([21:50])
  • Lisa Schaefer, patient and advocate:
    • “Currently it is a very expensive medication that I have to pay for out of pocket ... we wouldn’t do that for any other chronic disease.” ([22:26], [22:44])
    • “We’re seeing more often people going, guess what? I now am pre-diabetic ... which means now my medication is covered. That is heartbreaking for us to see.” ([23:02])
• Major Insight: New guidance urges governments to improve coverage and access, as millions of Canadians remain shut out by insurance restrictions.

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8. Homemade Houseboat on Lake Huron: Danger or Adventure?

[23:20–end]

• Story Summary:
  An unconventional, DIY houseboat called “Never Landing” draws the eyes of authorities (and a Facebook following of 2,000+) as it makes its way to Chicago for Christmas. Despite its ramshackle appearance, the boat meets all regulations.
• Authority View:
  • Peter Barry, Windsor Harbor Master:
    • “He has met every regulatory compliance for that boat ... his engine size, the flotation that he has ... he knows his regulations.” ([23:35])
• Local Hospitality:
  • Wayne McCarty, Port Sanilac boater:
    • “Well, it just seemed like the right thing to do. You know, he's by himself, him and his dog. ... He's an electrical engineer by trade. This time of year ... everybody thinks ... this is crazy ... But he's got backup systems for backup systems.” ([24:37])
• Public Reaction:
  • The homemade houseboat splits opinion: some celebrate the adventurous spirit, others worry about safety and a possible “shipwreck waiting to happen.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We were brought into a meeting at 7:30 this a.m. and notified Christmas is 25 days away. Really? They couldn’t wait another month?” – Michael Deprat, United Steelworkers ([00:40],[02:02])
• “They’re now having to do that with a gun to their head because of the tariffs.” – Peter Warian, Munk School ([03:42])
• “Think of a cigar that is slowly burning ... it is just creeping up, up and up and spreading.” – Chief Jim Jessup, Toronto Fire ([01:15],[05:22])
• “Ten masked settlers entered. Two of them had assault rifles. ... They threw us to the ground and then took turns beating us.” – Canadian activist ([09:12])
• “If the facts are, as have been alleged, that there was a second strike specifically to kill the survivors ... that's a stone cold war crime.” – Sen. Angus King ([12:37])
• “Nobody deserves to be there. ... To have somebody you love and care for being there is just ... terrible.” – Vernon Mann ([14:50])
• “You’re literally in so much pain ... you're only thinking about getting more ... you're gonna overdose alone.” – Monica Ballantine ([18:52])
• “It’s a tragedy as a human being to know that there are great medicines available ... but 95% of people can’t access them.” – Dr. Daniel Drucker ([21:50])
• “He’s got backup systems for backup systems.” – Wayne McCarty ([24:37])

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Timestamps for Segments

• Algoma Steel layoffs: 00:40–04:43
• Toronto highrise hidden fire: 04:43–07:35
• West Bank Canadian activist attack: 08:17–11:10
• U.S. military strike controversy: 11:10–14:02
• Manitoba landfill search: 14:20–16:54
• Manitoba meth sobering centre: 16:54–20:00
• WHO on Ozempic/GLP-1s: 20:00–23:20
• Homemade houseboat: 23:20–end

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Conclusion

This episode highlights the real-world impact of national and global headlines, focusing on economic upheaval in Sault Ste. Marie, an ongoing urban fire crisis, international human rights conflicts, scrutiny on U.S. military conduct, reconciliation and justice for Indigenous women, addiction policy innovation, a momentous change in health policy on obesity drugs, and a glimpse at grassroots adventure on Canada’s waterways. The episode balances deep context, expert insights, and direct voices from those most affected—true to the podcast’s mission to bring relevant and meaningful news to Canadians each night.

Transcript

[A]

Imagine the merging of trusted intelligence into a unified experience. Imagine collaboration amongst teams and across continents. Imagine an empowered ecosystem designed to deliver actionable insights that inspire growth and sustainability. That's the power of the Connect Industrial Intelligence platform to help you see further innovate faster, accomplish more. That's the Connect effect. Learn [e-mail].

[B]

This is a CBC podcast.

[C]

We were brought into a meeting at 7:30 this a.m. and notified Christmas is 25 days away. Really? They couldn't wait another month?

[A]

The tariffs and trade war have been no holiday for Canada's steel industry. Now one of this country's largest producers is announcing major layoffs. Even after getting millions in government loans, Algoma Steel is laying off Hundreds of workers welcome to youo World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Monday, December 1, just before 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, if you can.

[C]

Imagine a cigar burning, it is just creeping up, up and up and spreading. We can't access it.

[A]

The slow burn that firefighters in Canada's largest city just cannot solve. Smouldering for days ins the walls of a Toronto high rise apartment complex with hundreds of people out of their homes, Algoma Steel is laying off about a thousand workers, roughly a third of its workforce. The company is struggling with the effects of US Tariffs, but it has also had government help half a billion dollars that was supposed to keep workers on the job. And Anees Haidari now has more on why Algoma is making the cuts.

[C]

Christmas is 25 days away. Really?

[D]

They really, really, really had to do it today. They couldn't wait another month. December is not starting the way United steelworkers leader Michael Deprat expected.

[C]

We were brought into a meeting at 7:30 this a.m. and notified that notice was being served.

[D]

He represents a majority of the 1,000 Algoma Steel workers being laid off. The company had been planning to shift how and what it manufactures to avoid US Tariffs. So job cuts or job changes were expected, but not this many and not right now.

[C]

What has occurred is that the transfer to the EAF technology happened earlier than expected, in part because of the market and the tariffs, the goal of today's investment.

[D]

Back in September, the federal and Ontario governments offered the company $500 million in loans. @ the time, the feds said the money was to help limit disruption to the Algoma workforce as the Canadian company adjusts to U.S. tariffs. Fast forward to December.

[C]

1St. The first thing we need to do is to support.

[D]

Workers. No details on how the government would do that from Finance Minister Francois Philippe.

[C]

Champagne. We've been in touch with the company certainly to make sure that we can support.

[D]

Them. A union representative told CBC News they had asked the federal government to tie the previous loan to employment numbers and that didn't happen. And while experts point out these layoffs are specifically about changing manufacturing technology, the trade war has turned up the.

[C]

Heat. Algoma is in the lead of moving away from these blast furnaces, electric.

[D]

Furnaces. Peter Warian is with the Munk School of Global affairs and a former research director with the United Steel.

[C]

Workers. But inevitably there'll be job losses, but you could adjust to those through retirements, retraining such over time. They're now having to do that with a gun to their head because of the.

[D]

Tariffs. In a statement, Algoma Steel did blame US Tariffs for these layoffs, which could eliminate one third of its workforce in Sault Ste.

[C]

Marie. This is something that was expected years from now and it's happening weeks from.

[D]

Now. Jason Nakarato is past president of Sault Ste. Marie's Chamber of Commerce. He said these jobs won't be easily.

[C]

Replaced. Well, a thousand layoffs at our number one employer will I think impact every aspect of our community. All the business owners from regardless.

[D]

Of what sector you're in and steelworkers. Rep. Michael Daprat says they're just starting to work through what's.

[C]

Next. I don't think the community can absorb this number of applicants job applicants in Sault Ste.

[D]

Marie. In a press release last month, Algoma said it finalized the $500 million loans. It's unclear how much of that money has been used or how. And he said Ari CBC News.

[A]

Calgary. A fire has been burning through a Toronto high rise complex for more than four days now, but no one can see it. Firefighters say it's trapped between the walls of two connected buildings. They can't get at it and residents can't get into their homes. Jamie Strachan has more on what's burning and why there's so much.

[C]

Concern. They have never seen something as complex as this. In his more than 30 years fighting fires, Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessup has never encountered anything like the fire that's been burning Since Thursday at 2 Toronto High Rise buildings. The the cause of the fire unknown. Meeting with reporters today, Jessup held up a chunk of wooden particle board. This is the material which is combustible particle board that was placed between an expansion joint that is causing us the problem and access to getting to this is next to impossible for our crews and we have been trying everything. Toronto Fire is very familiar with high rise fires. With the exception of New York, the city has more tall buildings than anywhere else in North America. But in this case, if it weren't for the line of fire trucks circling the buildings, you wouldn't even know there was a fire. There are no flames and Toronto Fire's thermal imaging cameras aren't even picking up heat signatures. Think of a cigar that is slowly burning and so it is just creeping up, up and up and spreading. The particle board is burning inside of a joint or wall between the two buildings. Professor Ramila Qureshi of McMaster University studies structural resistance and extreme hazards. She says the makeup of particle board is what's making this fire so complex to.

[A]

Fight. Imagine one burns and produces enough heat to burn the next one and.

[C]

Then the next one and the next.

[A]

One. But it's all within that particle board in such a condensed environment. So you have a slow burn.

[C]

A byproduct of slow burning particle board carbon monoxide. About 300 residents have been displaced since last Thursday, staying with family or in area hotels. We're just hoping we can get back as soon as possible. It's been kind of good, but.

[E]

Also like, you know, difficult adjusting, just waiting on every.

[C]

Update. I'm just like, you know, every time there's an update, I just immediately read it, hoping for good.

[F]

News. I know they've been working really hard to figure out the situation. We just want to make sure when we go back it is really safe and that we won't need to be evacuated.

[C]

Again. Jessop says at this point, there is no end in sight. We are doing our best. The entire city has mobilized and every resource we have is being put to solve this problem. No firm timelines on when this mysterious unseen fire will be put out. Jamie Strashen, CBC News.

[A]

Toronto. Coming right up, working in the West Bank, a Canadian activist alleges she was assaulted and robbed by Israeli settlers. And the White House defends a controversial attack on a Caribbean boat, with lawmakers from both parties suggesting it may have been criminal. Later, we'll have this.

[C]

Story. Obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of our.

[G]

Time. And global health officials say drugs like Ozella could help tackle it. I'm health reporter Lauren Pelley. And later on youn World Tonight, I'll break down new guidance from the World health organization on GLP1 medications and what it could mean for access here in.

[A]

Canada. A Canadian woman volunteering in the occupied west bank is recovering tonight after she and her Colleagues say they were attacked and robbed by Israeli settlers. They are part of a pro Palestinian group working in the region. Tom Perry has the latest. So I have facial bruising and contusions and a concussion. I have severely bruised.

[B]

Ribs. One eye is blackened and her body still aches. This Canadian woman from B.C. and her three Italian colleagues recuperating in an apartment in Ramallah after they say they were attacked early Sunday morning by a group of Israeli settlers in a small village in the occupied West Bank. The group fears being targeted or deported if they're identified. So we're not revealing their.

[A]

Names. Ten mass settlers entered. Two of them had assault rifles. Many of them were armed with clubs. They came in. I began to try to film them. They smacked me across the face, so I threw my phone away. They threw us to the ground and then took turns beating.

[B]

Us. The group was in the village helping Palestinians keep watch against settler attacks. The woman says the attackers stole phones, passports and personal belongings. The assault lasted roughly 15 minutes, she says, with the attackers delivering a message as they.

[A]

Left. They said, you are not to come back. You are not supposed to be.

[B]

Here. After the attack, Palestinians from the village took the woman and her colleagues to a hospital in Jericho. The four activists are with Fazza, a group that brings foreign volunteers to Palestinian communities in the west bank to try to deter settler violence. Manal Tamimi is director of the.

[E]

Group. It's getting more dangerous day after day, and I am sure that even in the near future it will be worse than.

[B]

This. Human rights groups and the United nations say there's been a spike in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The UN says more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the west bank by Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers since the attack of October 7, 2023. More than 40 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed in the same area in that same time. As for this latest attack, Global Affair Canada says it's aware of reports of a Canadian being injured and that it strongly condemns violent acts committed by extremist settlers. The Canadian and Italian volunteers say once they've recovered, they hope to return to the west bank village to continue their work. Tom Perry, CBC News.

[A]

Jerusalem. In Washington, the Trump administration is facing war crime accusations in connection to one of its controversial strikes on an alleged Caribbean drug boat. It follows reports U.S. defense Secretary ordered one attack and then a follow up to kill any survivors. Katie Simpson has.

[F]

More. The president has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of.

[H]

America. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt aggressively defending the actions of the US Military as she confirmed some elements of a report about American actions in the Pacific that have raised serious concerns. Confirming the US Carried out two strikes on one suspected drug boat on September 2, saying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the operation, which was conducted by Admiral Frank.

[F]

Bradley. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was.

[H]

Eliminated. The admission follows a report by the Washington Post which said the second strike was ordered after two survivors were spotted clinging to wreckage. It was done reportedly to satisfy a verbal order from Hegseth to kill on board. Leavitt was careful with her words. She denied Hegseth ordered everyone be killed, though she did not deny the second strike was meant to kill any remaining.

[C]

Survivors. If the facts are, as have been alleged, that there was a second strike specifically to kill the survivors in the war in the water, that's a stone Cold War.

[H]

Crime. Independent Senator Angus King among the lawmakers who support a bipartisan review of this attack, as does former military judge advocate Dan.

[D]

Maurer. Killing them while shipwrecked, while they're or to combat, they're out of the.

[E]

Fight, is a war.

[H]

Crime. Lawmakers have complained for weeks about the lack of transparency and evidence around these strikes, which have now killed dozens of people. Attacks that are part of a broader pressure campaign, says the Trump administration, against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. As it claims it's going after illegal drug trafficking.

[A]

Operations. Is the duty of the commander.

[D]

In chief to protect the homeland from.

[E]

That type of attacks, which we consider terrorist.

[H]

Attacks. Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar not only supports Trump's operations, she's rooting for regime change. She sees it as a possible opportunity for American companies to get involved in Venezuelan oil.

[D]

Production. I do know that everyone in the hemisphere from Argentina to Canada would love to deal with American companies, including the.

[H]

Venezuelans. Trump's next moves are still being finalized, meeting today with his national security team as concerns about these actions intensify. Katie Simpson, CBC News.

[A]

Washington. Officials in Manitoba have begun another painstaking search for the remains of two indigenous women believed to be lost somewhere in a landfill. For years, their families and communities have been calling for more effort to find their bodies. Cameron McIntosh has.

[E]

More. Amid the regular commotion of Winnipeg's Brady Road landfill, the largest and busiest in Manitoba, the beginnings of what Vernon Mann hopes will be a successful recovery.

[C]

Operation. I'm happy that they're finally actually going to do.

[E]

Something. Mann has two children, with Tanya Knipenak, a First nations woman missing since 2011. It's believed she was killed, her body dumped in the landfill, and a short police search was called off after a few days in.

[C]

2012. Nobody deserves to be there. And to have somebody that you love and care for being there is just. It's.

[E]

Terrible. The province is trying again, starting with a search for another woman killed a decade after Nepanak Ashley Shingoose, otherwise known as Buffalo Woman, was murdered along with three other First nations women in 2022. It's believed her remains are also in the Brady landfill. Earlier this year, remains of two of the other women kill in 2022, Mercedes Myon and Morgan Harris were recovered from another Winnipeg area.

[C]

Landfill search a.

[E]

Landfill after families and Indigenous leaders staged numerous demonstrations pushing for a search, outraged over the notion of Indigenous women being thrown in the.

[C]

Garbage. Somebody goes missing, we go.

[E]

Looking. Manitoba's NDP Premier Wab Kanu says the same type of search that was successful for Myron and Harris is being tried for.

[C]

Shingoose. I just told her parents, like, I hope you feel that this is the value and the respect and the dignity that we hold for your daughter. And I hope we're able to bring her home and bring her home.

[E]

Soon, given the time that has passed. Canoe concedes the search for Nepenac will be more complex, but is committing to it. Kyra Wilson is grand chief of the assembly of Manitoba.

[A]

Chiefs. We will continue to search for as long as we need to to bring these women home. We won't stop until we find.

[E]

Them. While the odds of finding both women are unclear, it comes at a critical time. Sean Lamb, the man police say they believe killed Nipenak, was just granted statutory release for manslaughter convictions in the killings of two other women. Charges against Lam in Nepenac's death were stayed. Mann says finding Nepenac is as important as.

[C]

Ever. Being able to bring her home and put her to rest properly would be something that is just. I don't know. It's even hard to.

[E]

Explain. Plans are to search for at least a year. Cameron McIntosh, CBC News.

[A]

Winnipeg. Manitoba has a new detox centre for people suffering from meth addiction. It's a first in Canada, with the province saying it is trying to keep the public safe. But patients can be held up to three days in a room that looks like a cell, and critics worry the effort is actually criminalizing addiction. Karen Pauls.

[F]

Reports. The new sobering facility in central Winnipeg features locked 3 meter by 3 meter rooms with a toilet, sink, video surveillance and an intercom. There's medical supervision, but no.

[D]

Comfort. What we've been doing has not been.

[F]

Working. Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, defends the plan to deal with one of the highest meth use rates in the.

[D]

Country. Manitobans have said they don't feel safe in their communities. We know that people aren't feeling safe when they're doing substances either. We can't keep incarcerating people and we can't keep our health services tied.

[F]

Up. Meth use can cause agitation, aggression and violence. But some say holding people against their will for up to three days criminalizes.

[D]

Addiction. We demand justice. We demand.

[F]

Empathy. James Foray attended a recent rally at the Manitoba.

[C]

Legislature. Yeah, it broke my heart knowing that people would be locked in there for 72 hours. You know, this is not a.

[D]

Humane way of trying to deal with.

[C]

Anybody that has a drug.

[D]

Issue. I've been in the institutions, I've been in jails and this, this was a.

[F]

Jail. Dr. Jeanette Poulain practices addictions medicine in Ontario. She says the rooms are a safe place during.

[G]

Withdrawal. That high, acute, high risk state.

[A]

Where they could be supervised and supported in a way to help reduce those harms to themselves and.

[F]

Others. But there are also concerns about what happens when people are released, often right back to the streets at day.

[H]

Three. You're literally in so much pain.

[F]

Physically and mentally, you're only thinking about getting more. Monica Ballantine has struggled with addiction and homelessness. They're gonna go hide. You're gonna do your substance, your tolerance is lower, and they're gonna overdose alone. Dr. Michael Krause says a sobering center is just one part of an intervention. He heads addictions research at the University of British.

[C]

Columbia. If you keep them too long.

[D]

And detain them and not offering them.

[C]

Proper withdrawal support, then it's torture for them. This is not what you want. You want to engage them with the system of.

[G]

Care.

[F]

Dr. Rob Grierson is the medical director for the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service. His staff is on the front lines. He says this approach does include.

[C]

Aftercare. Access to addictions care, access to mental health professionals available either on site or very close to.

[F]

This. The Sobering center is part of what's become a controversial addiction strategy that also includes the province's first supervised drug consumption site, opening in January. Karen Paul's CBC News.

[A]

Winnipeg. 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. In a major shift, the World Health Organization is updating its recommendations for popular drugs such as Ozempic. The change reflects the way many people are already using the medications as a treatment for obesity. But how much of an impact this could have will depend on WHO can get access. Lauren Pelley.

[C]

Reports. Obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of our.

[G]

Time. The World Health Organization says more than 1 billion people around the world are impacted by obesity. In a landmark move, the global body now recommends the use of GLP1 medications, drugs such as semaglutide, known by household names like ozempic and WeGovy. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adenholm Gabracius stress this is a complex disease that requires lifelong.

[B]

Care. But let me be clear, medication.

[C]

Alone will not solve the obesity.

[G]

Crisis. The WHO also recommends interventions like a healthy diet and physical activity alongside drug based treatments. The guidance marks a new direction at a time when demand for GLP1 drugs is sky.

[C]

High. I think it's very important for the WHO have weighed in.

[G]

Now. Canadian researcher Dr. Daniel Drucker helped discover the GLP1 hormone that led to the development of new class of diabetes drugs over the last decade. They've also become known as powerful weight loss tools. But Drucker says global access remains a.

[C]

Challenge. It's a tragedy as a human being to know that there are great medicines available that could improve the health, but 95% of people can't access.

[G]

Them. The WHO says. The global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach $3 trillion US per year by 2030. Yet GLP1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 1 in 10 people who could stand to benefit. The organization's new guidelines call on countries to improve access, and Drucker says that means Canada as.

[C]

Well. Many insurance companies and many provincial formulas will not reimburse for these.

[A]

Medicines. Currently it is a very expensive medication that I have to pay for out of.

[G]

Pocket. Lisa Schaefer has struggled with obesity most of her life and has used GLP1 drugs for more than 10 years. But the Vancouver resident doesn't have diabetes, so her drug plan doesn't cover the roughly $500 cost each.

[A]

Month. And we wouldn't do that for any other chronic.

[G]

Disease. Schaeffer is the executive director of Obesity Canada. She hears from plenty of patients in the same situation as her people living with obesity who don't meet insurance criteria to access these drugs, which still typically require a diagnosis of.

[A]

Diabetes. We're seeing more Often people going, guess what? I now am pre diabetic or guess what? I'm formally diagnosed with having diabetes, which means now my medication is covered. That is heartbreaking for us to.

[G]

See. Studies Show More than 10 million Canadians are now coping with obesity. Lauren Pelley, CBC News.

[A]

Toronto. We close tonight on the water with a shipbuilding project. So obviously diy. Some onshore worry about an sos. But authorities say this homemade houseboat meets all the rules and safety.

[C]

Standards. He has met every regulatory compliance for that boat, his engine size, the flotation that he has, he has. He knows his.

[A]

Regulations. Peter Barry is a harbor master in Windsor, Ontario, describing the never landing. A registered vessel with a rickety design. It's propped up by two by fours floating on blue plastic drums. The boat looks like a backwoods shack bobbing on the water. It does have solar panels, a lifeboat, communications and navigation equipment. It's been inspected several times and Last week the US Coast Guard stopped the boat on the St Clair River. It wasn't in distress, just a check in based on the boat's appearance. By Friday, it reached Port Sanilac, Michigan on Lake Huron. The boat's captain is a bit of a mystery. CBC's been unable to make contact, but Port sanilac boater Wayne McCarty says he brought him down some dinner the other.

[C]

Night. Well, it just seemed like the right thing to do. You know, he's by himself, him and his dog. He's very well versed in the world. He's an electrical engineer by trade this time of year that everybody thinks, you know, this is crazy to be out on Lake Huron. But he's got backup systems for backup systems, he wants to at least get to Chicago by.

[A]

Christmas. Coast Guard officials aren't the only ones paying attention. A Facebook fan page has more than 2,000 followers. Many are cheering on a free spirited adventure. Others worry it's a shipwreck waiting to happen. Officials hope the boat seeks safe harbor, at least until the spring. Thank you for joining us. This has been youn World Tonight for Monday, December 1st. I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again. For more cbc podcasts, go to cbc ca podcasts.