Awaiting hostage release, Nunavut - Manitoba electricity link, Jays vs Mariners, and more

Summary

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Your World Tonight – CBC

Episode: Awaiting Hostage Release, Nunavut-Manitoba Electricity Link, Jays vs Mariners, and More
Date: October 12, 2025
Hosts: Anice Hedari

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Overview

This CBC “Your World Tonight” episode covers major global and Canadian news: the anticipated Israel-Hamas hostage exchange, U.S. and international diplomatic efforts for Middle East peace, the China-U.S. trade war and its ripple effects, health trends globally, Canadian provincial politics, a monumental Nunavut-Manitoba infrastructure proposal, the encroachment of invasive weeds in Canadian agriculture, the Toronto Blue Jays’ ALCS run, and Toronto’s new “Little Iran” cultural district.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Middle East Hostage Release & Ceasefire (00:43–07:50)

• Atmosphere in Israel & Gaza
  • People are preparing for a dual moment of hostages’ return and humanitarian aid entry.
  • Emotional anticipation: “We've set our lives aside for two years and finally this will be a moment where we can go back to living.” (01:00)
  • In Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, families await closure and the chance to properly grieve.
  • “For us, the best case scenario is getting Tal back home for burial.” – Udi Goren, hostage’s relative (02:54)
• How the Exchange Will Happen
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is handling logistics; Israeli hostages to be collected and returned for medical/psychological care, then reunification.
  • Palestinians held in Israeli jails will be released to West Bank locations and their families, also under ICRC oversight.
  • Uncertainty remains about the timeline for the release of up to 1,700 Palestinians detained without charges during the war; these will be escorted by the Israeli military to Gaza with ICRC support on site.
• International Response
  • U.S. President Donald Trump, hailed as a key broker of the ceasefire, will visit the region, meeting hostages and then attending a peace summit in Egypt, joined by leaders like Canadian PM Mark Carney, UK PM Keir Starmer, and French President Macron.
  • “This is really something of a victory lap for Donald Trump.” – Tom Perry, CBC Cairo (06:06)
  • Summit seen as a step to ensure ceasefire holds, though Israel and Hamas are not participants.

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2. China-U.S. Trade War and Taiwan’s Place (07:53–11:33)

• Escalation Details
  • Trump announces 100% tariffs on Chinese goods after China restricts rare earth mineral exports, hitting global supply chains.
  • “China produces 90% of the world’s rare earth minerals and magnets. They're used to make everything from electric vehicles to aircraft engines.” – Chris Brown, CBC Taipei (09:39)
• Global Impacts
  • Both countries exert mutual leverage: China on essential raw materials; U.S. on high-tech components, especially in AI.
  • Subtle diplomatic maneuvering over Taiwan—concerns mount that China will tie trade negotiations to U.S. concessions on Taiwan.
  • “China will suddenly propose ‘Would you like to do this?’ regarding Taiwan... in exchange.” – Taiwanese analyst (11:00)
• Regional Tension
  • Even small diplomatic events, like Taiwan’s requested U.S. stopover being denied, are interpreted as signs of this brinkmanship.

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3. Global Health Trends: Infectious Diseases Down, Chronic Disease Up (12:00–14:56)

• Key Findings
  • Heart disease is the world’s top killer, overtaking COVID-19 (now down to 20th).
  • “It’s going to eventually take us, but we’re not going to let it take our spirit.” – Heather Evans, survivor of multiple heart attacks (12:52)
  • Chronic diseases like stroke, progressive lung disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s are major causes of mortality.
  • Youth mortality is rising, often from ‘deaths of despair’ (suicide, overdose, alcoholism).
• Expert Commentary
  • “Chronic diseases are, you know, it’s a long slog.” – Michael Brower, UBC (13:19)
  • Gaps persist in mental health support, especially for young people.
  • “We need inpatient and residential care for longer periods for individuals with severe concerns.” – James McKillop, McMaster University (14:28)

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4. Newfoundland and Labrador Election Preview (15:07–18:00)

• Political Landscape
  • Voters to elect a new government after a decade of Liberal rule; Liberal leader John Hogan seeks re-election with major promises funded by a new $225 billion hydro deal with Quebec.
  • Main issues: health care, housing, affordability, province’s heavy debt, the hydro deal’s transparency.
  • Opposition calls for an independent review and referendum on the hydro deal.
  • “I’m tired of seeing people struggle and feeling powerless to help because successive governments have failed to listen.” – Jim Dinh, NDP leader (15:50)

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5. Nunavut–Manitoba $3 Billion Hydro-Fiber Link Proposal (18:08–21:34)

• Project Overview
  • The Kivalliq Hydro-Fiber Link would connect five western Nunavut communities and a mine to Manitoba’s grid, ending reliance on diesel and bringing high-speed internet via a 1,200 km transmission.
  • “This project is so important to us. It gets us clean energy that we’ve been long needing.” – Kunu Tatuni, Kivalliq Inuit Association (18:51)
  • Backers say it will boost health care, education, economic development, and even Arctic defense.
  • Power currently costs over 3x more in Nunavut than in Churchill, MB.
• Concerns Raised
  • Possible environmental impacts, routes for transmission lines, and the extent of local employment.
  • “There's issues with wildlife we have that we don’t want it affected.” – Rankin Inlet resident (21:12)
• Economic Rationale
  • “For every dollar invested, more than twice will return to the Canadian economy.” – Rafael O’Douin, Nukik CEO (20:20)
  • Seen as a nation-building exercise, signaling commitment to the Canadian Arctic.

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6. Invasive Weeds Threaten Prairie Harvests (21:41–24:17)

• Kochia Weed Crisis
  • Prairie farmers struggle with herbicide-resistant kochia, damaging crops and increasing costs.
  • “Every time we’re out in the field, we're spraying for kochia.” – Jake Legui, Saskatchewan farmer (22:32)
  • Southern prairies to northern spread, accelerated by drought, climate change, and deforestation.
• Research and Response
  • “We don’t have a lot of data on how these plants are interacting.” – Tyler Smith, botanist, AgriFood Canada (23:44)
  • Ongoing pursuit of solutions as profits, yields, and food security are at risk.

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7. Toronto Blue Jays Begin Historic ALCS Run (24:43–27:37)

• Game 1 Excitement
  • Jays host the Seattle Mariners for the first ALCS on Canadian soil since 2016—fans brimming with optimism.
  • “I think we’re a really, really strong team this year, so I think we can do it.” – Blue Jays fan (25:13)
  • Team is "four wins away" from the World Series, contending without star shortstop Bo Bichette, but with pitching aces Scherzer, Bassitt, and Gausman.
  • “It can be pretty deafening at times. So to the fans, I say thank you for coming.” – Jays manager John Schneider (26:08)
  • History on the line: Jays’ first World Series berth since 1993, Mariners seeking first-ever appearance.

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8. Toronto Officially Names ‘Little Iran’ Cultural District (27:37–28:53)

• Community Recognition
  • Northern part of city named “Little Iran,” celebrating decades of Iranian-Canadian presence.
  • “It’s as close as you’re gonna get to the actual country by coming here.” – Sam Faez, local grocer (27:46)
  • Emotional pride: “After 30 some-odd years, I think we deserve a street named after us.” – Ali Nejadi, resident (28:20)
  • District to feature new street signs and a Persian garden; local cuisine lauded.
  • “It’s one of the best in the world... I’m not being biased. I’m telling you the truth.” (28:47)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We can finally grieve.” (00:50)
• “For us, the best case scenario is getting Tal back home for burial.” – Udi Goren, Israel (02:54)
• “Chronic diseases are, you know, it’s a long slog.” – Michael Brower, UBC (13:19)
• “This project is so important to us. It gets us clean energy that we've been long needing.” – Kunu Tatuni, Nunavut (18:51)
• “Every time we’re out in the field, we're spraying for kochia.” – Jake Legui, Saskatchewan (22:32)
• “It can be pretty deafening at times. So to the fans, I say thank you for coming.” – John Schneider, Blue Jays manager (26:08)
• “It’s as close as you’re gonna get to the actual country by coming here.” – Sam Faez, Toronto (27:37)
• “After 30 some odd years, I think we deserve a street named after us.” – Ali Nejadi, Toronto (28:20)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:43 – Awaited Israel-Hamas hostage exchange, Gaza ceasefire coverage begins
• 02:27 – Margaret Evans reports from Jerusalem
• 06:06 – Tom Perry on Trump’s Middle East trip and peace summit
• 07:53 – China-U.S. trade war, Taiwan angle
• 12:00 – Global death trends & chronic disease
• 15:07 – Newfoundland & Labrador election preview
• 18:08 – Nunavut-Manitoba hydro fiber project
• 21:41 – Invasive weeds and prairie farmers
• 24:43 – Toronto Blue Jays’ ALCS playoff coverage
• 27:37 – ‘Little Iran’ district officially named in Toronto

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This summary delivers a structured, in-depth overview of the main news stories, highlights expert perspectives and memorable moments, and serves as a thorough catch-up for anyone who missed the episode.

Transcript

[Margaret Evans]

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[Anice Hedari]

Ooh, who's there?

[Heather Evans]

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[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

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[Anice Hedari]

You called that a knock knock joke?

[Margaret Evans]

This isn't a joke.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Boost Mobile really sends experts to deliver.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

And set up your phone at home or work.

[Anice Hedari]

Okay. It's just that when people say knock knock, there's usually a joke to go with it.

[Margaret Evans]

Like I said, this isn't a joke.

[Anice Hedari]

So the knock knock was just you knocking?

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Yeah, that's how doors work.

[Anice Hedari]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro delivered.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

And set up by an expert wherever you are.

[Anice Hedari]

Delivery available for select devices [e-mail] terms apply.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

This is a CBC podcast. Hi, I'm Anice Hedari. This is yous World. Tonight.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

We've set our lives aside for two years and finally this will be a moment where we can go back to living.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

We can finally grieve as many Israelis wait for hostages to be released. Many in Gaza wait for aid to arrive. And that as Egypt prepares to play host to an international peace summit on Monday, all as that part of the world navigates a still developing ceasefire. Also on the podcast, the trade war between China and the United States is ramping back up and that could have consequences for another terse political relationship. Taiwan plus another list of nation building projects is expected in the coming weeks with One proposal, a $3 billion electrical link to Canada's north.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

This project is so important to us, it's get us clean energy that we've.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Been long needing how Western Nunavut hopes to get on the grid. Anticipation is growing in both Israel and Gaza for a historic exchange between Israel and Hamas. Israel is expected to see the long awaited return of 20 surviving hostages. They had been held in Gaza. The remains of 28 others are also expected to be returned as well. Almost 2,000 Palestinians should be released from Israeli jails. And as part of what some are describing as a fragile peace deal, aid is now rolling into Gaza. I spoke with our senior international correspondent Margaret Evans in Jerusalem. Margaret, tell us about how people in Israel are anticipating the release of the hostages and how that process is likely to happen.

[Margaret Evans]

Well, it's really built over the last two days for obvious reasons. I was at the square or hostage square in Tel Aviv this morning. It was already packed. I spoke to Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed on October 7, 2023. His body was taken from the King kibbutz that he was trying to protect to Gaza and I asked him how he was feeling about what was potentially about to happen.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

I think that I have been in a way preparing myself for this moment for the past two years. For us, the best case scenario is getting Tal back home for burial.

[Margaret Evans]

A lot of people say that this is what needs to happen in order to help them start to comprehend the loss and begin a deeper grieving process. The International Committee of the Red Cross, I should say, is once more handling the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees. They'll be the ones collecting the hostages from a point or designated point in Gaza and taken, we understand, in a convoy of about eight vehicles to Israel to a reception area where specialist medical attention and psychological help will be available and, and then of course, to be reunited with their families.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Palestinian prisoners won't be released until after the return of those hostages. But tell us what we know about that as well.

[Margaret Evans]

There are 250 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who are expected to be released. But there has been all day long controversy about whose names are on that list. Hamas is course put forward names. They negotiate this with the Israeli authorities who are holding these prisoners, but basically the Red Cross. Their vehicles will take the prisoners to designated spots in the West Bank. From there they will be distributed to their, to their families. We spoke to Sarah Davies of the International Committee of the Red Cross here in Jerusalem. Have a listen to what she had to say about this whole process.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

We know that families on both sides for two years have not had information on the whereabouts, the welfare, the safety and health of their loved ones. And we are very aware of just how critical it is to ensure an efficient, smooth and safe as possible operation.

[Margaret Evans]

One of the other things that is happening, and we're not sure on the timeline of this is but 1700 Palestinians from Gaza who were detained by by Israel without charge over the course of the war are also due to be released. They won't be transferred by the Red Cross. They'll be taken by the Israeli military to Gaza. And the Red Cross will be on hand in Gaza to try to help them get their bearings, which you know is not easy. Again, it's been a very desperate situation in Gaza for so many months.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Thanks very much, Margaret. The CBC's senior international correspondent Margaret Evans in Jerusalem tonight, U.S. president Donald Trump plans to greet the freed Israeli hostages on Monday. That's according to his Vice President J.D. vance. Trump is on his way to the Middle east tonight. He will make a brief stop in Israel before heading to Egypt for a peace summit with several world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Tom Perry is in Cairo for us tonight. Tom, Donald Trump is on his way to the Middle East. What is on the President's itinerary?

[Tom Perry]

You know, this is really something of a victory lap for Donald Trump. He's marking, he's celebrating how he and his team and also their international partners like Turkey and Qatar managed to finally get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease fire deal to end the violence in Gaza and to free the Israeli hostages. Trump's going to land in Israel on Monday morning. He's supposed to meet with hostages released by Hamas and meet with their families. He's supposed to speak to the Knesset, that's Israel's legislature. And after that, he's going to board Air Force One and fly to Egypt to Sharm El Sheikh, where he's going to co host, along with Egypt's president, this meeting of international leaders talking about maintaining the ceasefire and seeking a more lasting peace. Now, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be there, French President Emmanuel Macron, and we've heard tonight that Prime Minister Mark Carney will also be taking part. So an important meeting, though I should point out it's not a very long one. Trump is really only supposed to be in the region a few hours before he flies home to the U.S. i.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Understand that Israel and Hamas will not be represented at this summit. They won't be there. So how meaningful is the summit without them?

[Tom Perry]

You know, it's hard to say what's going to come out of this meeting. As I said, it's not very long. But also the two warring factions who've agreed to the ceasefire, they're not going to be there. But this could be more about looking ahead to what comes next, but also looking for those ways to ensure that this cease fire holds. So there's still a lot to talk about, even if Israel and Hamas aren't there on Monday.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Tom Perry in Cairo, thanks very much.

[Tom Perry]

Thank you.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Madagascar's president is accusing a military unit of attempting a coup against his government. An officer from the unit, known as Capsat, says they are taking command of all of the country's armed forces. The unit was pivotal in bringing President Andri Rajoelina to power after a coup in 2009. On Saturday, Capsat soldiers joined anti government protests that have plunged the country into crisis for weeks. Protests first broke out over water and electricity shortages, but they have expanded to include calls for a complete overhaul of the government. Donald Trump is downplaying his latest trade war with China, writing on social media that it will all be fine. The US President announced this week that he will place a 100% tariff on on Chinese goods. That was after China slapped export controls on rare earth minerals. The trade battle between the world's two biggest economies has implications for the world, in particular around global supply chains. One of China's key pressure points with the US Is Taiwan. Chris Brown reports from Taipei.

[Chris Brown]

In a statement that aired on China's state broadcaster Sunday, its Commerce Ministry blasted the United States for intensifying a superpower trade war. Global supply chains recoiled and stock markets tumbled after China imposed export controls on rare earth minerals last Thursday. President Donald Trump responded with a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1, along with potentially other sanctions.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

They have a lot of Boeing planes and they need parts.

[Chris Brown]

China produces 90% of the world's rare earth minerals and magnets. They're used to make everything from electric vehicles to aircraft engines. In Beijing, many believe that gives their country lots of clout. China isn't afraid of U.S. sanctions, said Luming. We have the confidence and the ability to do better ourselves. But the US Makes even more products that China also needs, including high tech components and especially microchips used in artificial intelligence made with rare earth minerals. Rocky Urihani of Taipei studies the global supply chains that produce microchips.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

They need those high tech products from the United States.

[Chris Brown]

And is this leverage then to try to get that?

[Reporter/Correspondent]

I believe it will help.

[Chris Brown]

There had been an uneasy truce between the superpowers over trade and cautious hope that a deal might emerge from a meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month. Trump has raised doubts that meeting will now go ahead in Taiwan. Uri Hai says the concern is that China will demand concessions from the US Regarding Taiwan, which Beijing has repeatedly said must be reunified with China.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

China will suddenly proposed would you like to do this? And would you like to do this to Taiwan? And then we would like to trade this.

[Chris Brown]

In fact, some people in Taiwan believe the bartering has already started when Taiwan's president wanted to stop in New York on his way to South America recently, the US Reportedly denied the request. People here believe it's because China's government wanted to block the visit, although US Officials deny that. Chris Brown, CBC News, Taipei.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Still ahead, it's been nine years since the last time the Blue Jays hit this milestone. Now Toronto's baseball team is about to start the American League Championship Series. So is the next stop the World Series? That's coming up after what you could call our version of the seventh inning stretch here on youn World Tonight.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

A.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Sweeping new Report looking at global deaths shows some striking trends. Infectious diseases such as COVID 19 are no longer a top killer. What some may call more routine causes such as heart disease are back on top. And researchers are also seeing a trend of rising deaths among younger people. Lauren Pelley reports an ambulance was on its way. He'd had a massive heart attack and passed away. It was just, it was horrific.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

This was my brother Gordon.

[Heather Evans]

He was swiping through old photos. Is painful for Heather Evans. Over the last two decades, the Calgary resident lost five of her seven siblings all to heart disease.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

You know, when I look at my phone, it's very sad because there's just hospital scenes, funerals. Yeah, it's just, it's heartbreaking.

[Heather Evans]

Evans herself has survived two heart attacks and had quadruple bypass open heart surgery in 2012.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

It's going to eventually take us, but we're not going to let it take our spirit.

[Heather Evans]

A new report in the Lancet Medical Journal shows heart disease is the number one killer around the world. Stroke and progressive lung disease round out the top three. While COVID 19 dropped from being the leading cause of death in 2021 to the 20th spot just two years later.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

It's not as dramatic as an outbreak.

[Heather Evans]

Michael Brower is part of the research team and a professor at the University of British Columbia.

[Anice Hedari]

Even if you go back to the.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Early days of the pandemic, I think there was sort of excitement about, you know, let's nail this thing. Chronic diseases are, you know, it's a long slog.

[Heather Evans]

He says those slow burn threats deserve more attention from researchers and the public. Modifying behaviors like smoking, alcohol use, diet and physical activity can all help prevent an early death. Brower's team also highlighted another troubling trend. Rising death rates among youth and young adults, including here in Canada. The report says these are often deaths of despair due to suicide, drug overdoses and alcoholism.

[Margaret Evans]

The loss of my child will be forever painful.

[Heather Evans]

That's the voice of Jenn Mayer in a memorial video for her daughter Charlie, who died from suicide earlier this year. The Ottawa mother says Charlie suffered from complex mental health struggles which eventually escalated to self harm and multiple suicide attempts.

[Tom Perry]

Quite often we would have sat in.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

The emergency room for 12 hours before we saw a psychologist.

[Heather Evans]

Experts agree there are major gaps in care for struggling young people. McMaster University mental health and addiction specialist James McKillop.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

We need inpatient in residential care for.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Longer periods of time for individuals with severe concerns.

[Heather Evans]

The reasons why more young people are suffering, he says, are complex.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

There is a sense of greater alienation and isolation among young people, and that with that may come greater use of substance use for managing depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions.

[Heather Evans]

The Lancet report says other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's, also remain among the deadliest diseases worldwide. Lauren Peliss, CBC News, Toronto.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

In Newfoundland and Labrador, there will be more than turkey talk at the dinner table this Thanksgiving. Politics could be a major topic of conversation as well. Voters in that province will elect a new government on Tuesday. Heather Gillis tells us what's at stake.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

So hopefully the House of Assembly has.

[Heather Gillis]

A majority in Liberal government after holding power since 2015. Liberal leader John Hogan is asking voters to reelect his party for another four years. His opponent, Progressive Conservative Tony Wakem, is questioning if people are better off, though after a decade of Liberal rule.

[Anice Hedari]

Is your health care better?

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Do you feel safer in your own communities? Is it easier for you to meet.

[Anice Hedari]

To make ends meet?

[Heather Gillis]

While the NDP leader Jim Dinh says people aren't getting ahead under either the.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Liberals or the PCs, I'm tired of seeing people struggle and feeling powerless to help because successive governments have failed to listen.

[Tom Perry]

This is the 1969 contract, and we.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Are endeavoring to rip it out.

[Heather Gillis]

The recent hydroelectric agreement former Premier Andrew Fury announced with Quebec last December is permeating nearly every election issue in a province with a bad history of power deals on the Churchill River. The new one aims to make amends, right historic wrongs, and bring $225 billion in future revenue to the province. Even though the ink on that deal is not dry, Hogan is promising how he'll use the money to pay for his campaign promises, like cuts to residential electricity bills, more doctors, nurses and police officers, fueling what he calls the NL dream.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

I think 10 years from now, when every tradesperson in this province shares in.

[Tom Perry]

The prosperity that's been created by 10,000.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

New Churchill Falls jobs, We have more funding for health care, more funding for our communities, and a more affordable life for Everybody.

[Heather Gillis]

But the PCs who built the province's last hydro project, Muskrat Falls, which was billions over budget and subject to a public inquiry. They want more scrutiny of the deal, a binding referendum and an independent review.

[Anice Hedari]

And then we will turn around and renegotiate if necessary. But once that renegotiation takes place and we've reached a point in time where, where we think we can live with this deal, that this is the best deal we could get, then we turn around, bring it to the legislature.

[Heather Gillis]

The PCs, buoyed by an endorsement from the province's trades unions are promising $300 million in new spending as the province's debt nears $20 billion. And in a province where STATS Canada estimates a quarter of the population are seniors, the PCs are promising better health care, four new MRI machines, a new urgent care center and free access to nurse practitioners. Meanwhile, affordability and the lack of housing is on the mind of the ndp, where for the first time that party has a full slate of 40 candidates.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

We've laid out a plan for more.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Non market community based housing, something that.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

There'S a dearth of in this province. We've talked about ways in which we.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Can, let's say, address affordability.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

By signing onto the Pharmacare plan, voters.

[Heather Gillis]

Will decide which party will form government on Tuesday. Heather Gillis, CBC News, St. John's Ottawa.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Is expected to announce its second list of major nation building infrastructure projects before the Grey cup in Winnipeg next month. One of the potential projects is in Northern Canada. The $3 billion Kivalik Hydro fiber link would start in Manitoba. It would connect western Nunavut to electrical grids and high speed Internet. Karen Pauls explains.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Hey, how are you doing, man?

[Heather Evans]

Good, how are you?

[Karen Pauls]

Proponents of the Kiva Lek hydrofiber link working the room at this community meeting in Churchill explaining the plan.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

There'll be a small backup plan just in case.

[Karen Pauls]

Huno Tatuni heads the Kiva Lake Inuit Association. He's also on the board of Nukic, the Inuit run corporation in charge of the project.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

This project is so important to us. It's get us clean energy that we've been long needing. It takes us off diesel fuel because we use diesel for heating and electricity. I mean, it's just going to open the door for so many opportunities out there for health care, for education.

[Karen Pauls]

Nunavut imports all of its fuel to power diesel generators, the main electricity source for isolated communities. There is no shared transmission grid. Each community has its own power plant. Most of the Internet serving governments, businesses, schools and residents is provided by Starlink. The proposed hydrofiber Link would stretch 1,200 km, connecting Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine. It would also offer fiber optic connectivity delivering high speed Internet service.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

What an amazing time to be a Canadian.

[Karen Pauls]

The premiers of Manitoba and Nunavut have agreed to work together on the project.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

We see our very good friend from Manitoba step up in terms of allocating the potential firm power.

[Karen Pauls]

Nukiq hopes to have shovels in the ground by 2028 and power to the gold mine four years later.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

So it's the very definition of nation building because it fills a very critical infrastructure gap.

[Karen Pauls]

And Rafael o' Douin is Nukik's CEO.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

And can power communities, can power future mining development and certainly can power defense as well.

[Karen Pauls]

She says for every dollar invested more than twice will return to the Canadian economy.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

We need to signal to international players that Canada is serious about the Kenyan Arctic. And you cannot have a strong Arctic without strong communities. And you cannot have strong communities without basic infrastructure.

[Karen Pauls]

The mayor of Rankin Inlet, Harry Totongi, sees the benefits. The cost of electricity is more than three times higher in his community than Churchill.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

The cost of everything is high, but this is one of the bigger, bigger expenses that we have up north. Big deal to have reliable, cheaper power source.

[Karen Pauls]

But he has questions. Where exactly will the transmission lines be built? Will locals get any of the jobs? And how will it impact the environment and the wildlife?

[Reporter/Correspondent]

There's other animals which I care. There's polar bear fishing. There's issues with wildlife we have that we don't want it affected.

[Karen Pauls]

Proponents know it's a delicate balance, but Kunu Tatwini says there's no better time.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Than now to connect the rest of Canada right again. Just want the opportunity to better our lives.

[Karen Pauls]

And he argues that will benefit all of Canada. Karen Pauls, CBC News, Winnipeg.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Among the many difficulties confronting the agricultural industry, a stubborn, pervasive one, invasive weeds. They are making the harvest significantly more challenging for farmers in the prairies. Now scientists are trying to eradicate the weeds and also attempting to slow the spread of new ones.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Halina Mihalik reports the rustle of kochia weeds, a green bush like plant that stands up to Jake Legui's waste at his family farm near Fillmore, Saskatchewan.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Some of it obviously survived his lentil.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

And flax fields choked out by the invasive tumbleweed.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

One kochia plant can do a lot of damage because yeah, that one seed turns into thousands.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Kochia weeds have always thrived in drought conditions. Now its resistance to herbicides is growing and it's costing farmers.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Every time we're out in the field, we're spraying for kochia.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Legui spends hundreds of thousands annually on herbicides. Last year purchasing a hundred thousand dollar weed exterminator. Add on to his combine, chops up.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

The weed seeds and then they come out the back there.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

But nothing has tamed the beast.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

This is a significant expense to add to a machine like that.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Experts say while kochia has been confined to the southern prairies for years, it's now rapidly spreading.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

It's moving kind of from the south to the north.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Sean Sharp is a Saskatchewan scientist specializing in invasive weeds with Agri Food Canada. He says kochia has now been detected in Alberta's far north, moving that direction as a result of climate change and.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Deforestation, cutting down tree lines, which would block the wind. Now it has prairie that's wide open that it can just tumble and fly through.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Now Agri Food Canada scientists are stepping up, putting research into ways to clamp down on kochia, from running tests on sister variants to providing education to farmers on identifying the species on their land. But Tyler Smith, a botanist with Agri Food Canada, says a lack of existing research is making it hard to track invasive patterns.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

We don't have a lot of data.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

On how these plants are interacting, how.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

The weeds might be interacting with other.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Things in the environment, what kind of soil requirements they might have. It's one of the weeds that drives our herbicide decisions.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

In southern Saskatchewan, Jake Legui's harvest is almost done. He's hoping for better results after a second year using the weed terminator on his combine. But Lagui says the spread of kochia is affecting food production, making it harder to turn a profit.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

It's a problem in our cereals. It can be a problem in our canola, and every time we get a patch of Kochi, there's less yield there, there's less production.

[Reporter/Field Correspondent]

Farmers hope scientists are successful in finding new ways to stop these weeds before the spread is irreversible. Halina Mihalik, CBC News, Fillmore, Saskatchewan.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

It's a big night for Canadian baseball fans. For the first time since 2016, the American League Championship Series is being played on this side of the border. The Toronto Blue Jays are hosting the Seattle Mariners tonight for game one. And there is a lot on the line for both teams. Tom Stagla breaks down the excitement and the nerves ahead of the first pitch.

[Anice Hedari]

As 44,000 fans dressed in blue started streaming into the Blue Jays downtown stadium, there was optimism.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

I think we're a really, really strong team this year, so I think we can do it.

[Anice Hedari]

With longtime supporters still in all that, their team is now playing for the American League pennant and even slightly favored to win.

[Tom Perry]

Oh, my God.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

It's amazing.

[Tom Perry]

Like we went from a team from last year being last place to, like, now, like, first.

[Anice Hedari]

Indeed. How things have changed. In one season, the same core roster who missed the playoffs last year is now four wins away from the World Series and again starting this round at home. You could feel the buzz in the city for a few months now that's Jays manager John Schneider. His team racked up more home wins than any other squad in this season, then crushed the Yankees twice in Toronto last week. Schneider credits fans for always making it harder for visitors to come out on top.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

It can be pretty deafening at times. So to the fans, I say thank you for coming, you know, and thank you for making this a place that.

[Anice Hedari]

Is noticeably different to the Jays latest playoff opponents have their own Canadian following, particularly in B.C. the Mariners are coming off a grueling 5 hour, 15 inning marathon matchup on Friday night in Seattle, followed by a flight across the continent to make it to Toronto. The Jays are again contending without their star shortstop, Boba Shette, who's still recovering from a knee injury. As for pitchers, veterans Max Scherzer and Chris Bassett are returning to the roster for this series, and the Jays are sending a familiar face to the mound to start Game one. Kevin Gosman is again his team's pick to start the series after a dominant appearance in the last round and with added momentum this time.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Even just driving around the city, you notice everybody, you know, they used to.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Be wearing Yankees hats and now they're kind of wearing, you know, you see a lot more blue Jays hats.

[Anice Hedari]

Fans are hoping Toronto will avenged the team's meltdown in 2022 when they blew an 81 lead and lost to Seattle in the wild card round. The Jays haven't made it to the World Series in 32 years, while the Mariners are battling for their first ever trip to the big stage. Both teams are chasing history and it's set to be a tough fight. Thomas Dagg, CBC News, Toronto.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

This is pretty much Little Iran. It's as close as you're gonna get to the actual country by coming here.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Sam Faez is thrilled about Toronto's newest cultural district. As of this weekend, northern part of Canada's largest city will also be called Little Iran. Fayez's family has owned a Persian grocery store there for 35 years.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

There's a larger population of Iranians who live in Los Angeles, but they're not as closely knitted as the Toronto Iranian communities. Yeah, that would be great.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Ali Nejadi lives in the neighborhood. He told CBC Toronto why he was so happy to see this recognition for his community.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Tehranto Toronto. It's all good, man. After 30 some odd years, I think we deserve a street named after us. You know, our whole population after the 79, 80 revolution. But it's all good, man. Can I offer you some ashram?

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

Another true Iranian practice offering food in the Persian language, you may call that.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Tarof, but come for kebab and some soup. Some Persian bread, one of a kind. You can't find it anywhere else. I'm not being biased. I'm telling you the truth. It's one of the best in the world.

[Host/Anchor (possibly Anice Hedari or another main host)]

New street signs are expected in the neighborhood. And on top of the existing food and shopping options in Little Iran, a park will soon play host to a Persian garden. We leave you with some pop music you're likely to hear playing in the neighborhood. Many call Tehranto, but the city now officially calls Little Iran. This is Andy. You're listening to your World Tonight. Tonight. I'm Anees Hedari in Calgary. For more CBC podcasts, go to CBC CA podcasts.