Backlash to Carney’s “Who cares?” comment, Comey indictments dismissed, businesses face Black Friday pressure, and more

Summary

Podcast Summary: Your World Tonight (CBC)

Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Susan Bonner, Stephanie Skenderis
Episode Title: Backlash to Carney’s “Who cares?” comment, Comey indictments dismissed, businesses face Black Friday pressure, and more
Length: ~26 minutes

---

Episode Overview

This episode dives into major world and Canadian news stories of the day, with a focus on economic, legal, and political upheaval:

• Backlash to Prime Minister Mark Carney's "Who cares?" comment amid Canada-U.S. trade tensions
• Dismissal of criminal indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James
• Canada’s retail struggles as Black Friday deals face an economically weary public
• Progress and obstacles in peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.
• A wave of kidnappings in Nigeria and the government’s troubled response
• The death and global influence of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff
• A quirky Canada-U.S. trade war story: The Rubber Duck Museum’s border migration

---

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Mark Carney’s “Who cares?” Comment Ignites Political Storm

[00:30–04:45]

Summary

• Carney, questioned about his recent dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump after stalled Canada-U.S. trade talks, responded rhetorically, “Who cares?” sparking fierce reaction in the House of Commons.
• The Conservative opposition accused Carney of being dismissive about Canadian workers hurt by tariffs.
• Government ministers insisted on their support for Canadian industries and maintained trade negotiations are ongoing, but a new deal is elusive.

Notable Quotes

• “Who cares?” – Mark Carney, when asked about trade talks with Trump ([02:13])
• “We care about the workers who've lost their jobs and don't have paychecks to make their mortgage payments. Why doesn't he care?” – Pierre Poilievre, Conservative leader ([00:41])
• “Just because the leader of the opposition keeps repeating the same line over and over again doesn’t make it real.” – Dominic LeBlanc ([03:18])

Additional Insights

• Ontario’s trade representatives note U.S. officials are prepared to resume talks whenever Trump signals readiness.
• Carney might meet Trump during the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington on December 5.

---

2. Alberta, Ottawa Approach Historic Pipeline Deal Amid Political Risks

[04:46–07:30]

Summary

• Federal and Alberta governments have drafted a memorandum allowing Alberta exemptions from key federal environmental laws and support for a long-sought pipeline to the BC coast.
• In exchange, Alberta would enhance its carbon reduction scheme and support massive carbon capture projects.
• Resistance is expected from environmental groups, some federal MPs, and the BC government; skepticism remains about project economics and Indigenous consent.

Notable Quotes

• “The devil will be in the details… there is no question that this carries significant political risk for Mark Carney, including within his own caucus.” – Kate McKenna ([06:25])
• "There is not a world in which the current price of oil, a private company is going to step up and pay for this pipeline." – BC Premier David Eby ([06:52])

---

3. Comey and Letitia James Indictments Dismissed: Judicial Independence Upheld

[08:32–11:25]

Summary

• U.S. federal judge dismisses criminal charges against ex-FBI director James Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James, both seen as targets of then-President Trump’s Justice Department.
• Judge: key prosecutor appointed unlawfully.
• The ruling is being appealed; the episode underscores the tension over weaponization of justice in U.S. politics.

Notable Quotes

• “The president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies.” – James Comey ([09:13])
• "I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary." – James Comey ([10:53])
• “It's time to stand up and show the fools who would frighten us, who would divide us, that we're made of stronger stuff.” – James Comey ([11:16])

---

4. Ukraine-Russia Peace Plan: Gaps Widen Despite Negotiation “Progress”

[12:20–14:21]

Summary

• U.S. and Ukraine claim productive talks, but peace is distant as proposals include major territory concessions to Russia.
• European allies push their own counter-proposals, met with Kremlin rejection.
• Trump exerts deadline pressure but appears flexible; U.S. support for Ukraine seen as weakening.

Notable Quotes

• “We hope, of course we hope that the negotiations will work out…Should we wait for all of us to be killed?” – Volodymyr Kravtsov, Ukrainian citizen ([12:44])
• “It is crucial to support the principles on which Europe stands that borders cannot be changed by force.” – President Zelensky ([13:06])
• “The direction of travel of U.S. policy has been absolutely consistent, that is reducing support for Ukraine and reducing support for European security as a whole.” – Keir Giles, Chatham House ([14:12])

---

5. Kidnappings in Nigeria: Fear, Loss, and Calls for Accountability

[14:38–17:25]

Summary

• 250+ students remain missing in Nigeria’s latest school mass abduction, amid a surge of ransom-seeking armed group attacks.
• Parents, clergy, and human rights advocates decry insecurity and government negligence.
• President Trump blames the Nigerian government for anti-Christian violence; Nigerian officials insist all religions suffer.

Notable Quotes

• “I don't think anybody feels safe. …What is happening in Nigeria?” – Mother Ifeoma Anake ([16:26])
• “Some accuse the Nigerian government of complicity, but I think what's happening is criminal negligence.” – Bulama Bukharti, Nigerian human rights lawyer ([16:50])
• "It is not about religion. It is about what is happening in the larger region." – Foreign Minister Yusuf Taggar ([17:15])

---

6. Tribute: Jimmy Cliff’s Life and Lasting Legacy in Global Music

[17:42–20:56]

Summary

• Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81. His music was pivotal in spreading reggae beyond Jamaica, inspiring artists like Bob Marley and Wyclef Jean.
• Remembered as a humble, transformative figure, his hits ("The Harder They Come", "You Can Get It If You Really Want", "I Can See Clearly Now") helped shape international respect for Jamaican culture.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I believe everybody has talent, but it's a matter of willpower and determination.” – Jimmy Cliff ([18:22], archival audio)
• “He didn't come across … like he was a superstar or anything… he was like your brother, your first cousin.” – Norman Otis Richmond, music producer ([19:20])
• “His music … helped shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.” – Jamaican PM Andrew Holness (paraphrased, [20:48])

---

7. Black Friday: Canadian Retailers Feel the Squeeze in Tough Economic Climate

[20:56–23:55]

Summary

• Black Friday sales are now extended to month-long events as price-wary Canadians seek bargains.
• Small retailers struggle to match big box discounts but hope for a surge in Canadian “buy local” sentiment.
• High inflation, trade uncertainty, and tight consumer budgets define the season.

Notable Quotes

• “Buying gifts for Christmas is kind of… a luxury these days.” – Bryer Stewart ([21:23])
• “Price is the top filter for Canadians.” – Santo Ligotti, Retail Council of Canada ([22:01])
• “Black Friday is… really still the anchor, but it's now more like a season than a day.” – Santo Ligotti ([22:31])
• “It's already very appreciated” if customers buy even one thing local – Fanny Vernole de Villaire, Vidov ([23:45])

---

8. Rubber Duck Museum Flees Tariffs for Canada

[24:07–25:49]

Summary

• The unique Rubber Duck Museum, based in Point Roberts, WA—a U.S. enclave at the tip of BC—is relocating to British Columbia due to tariff complications and loss of cross-border business.
• Owners describe economic necessity and an emotional connection to Canada.

Notable Quotes

• "With the tariffs, a lot of our vendors didn't know how to charge us…here's 30% tariff charge. Here's a 70% tariff charge." – Neil King ([24:55])
• “We love Canada. We love the culture, we love the people.” – Crystal King ([25:38])
• “It was a very easy decision.” – Museum owners, on relocating ([25:38])

---

Episode Highlights & Memorable Moments

• Carney’s Offhand “Who cares?” Throws Fuel on Political Fire ([02:13])
• “I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent…judiciary.” — James Comey ([10:53])
• Jimmy Cliff’s wisdom and humility, remembered in his own words and through colleagues ([18:22],[19:20])
• Rubber Duck Museum’s international odyssey, a quirky lens on cross-border trade woes ([24:23–25:46])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Start | End | |---------------------------------|:-------------:|:-------------:| | Carney “Who cares?” & Trade | [00:30] | [04:45] | | Alberta Pipeline Deal | [04:46] | [07:30] | | Comey Indictment Dismissal | [08:32] | [11:25] | | Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks | [12:20] | [14:21] | | Nigeria Kidnappings | [14:38] | [17:25] | | Remembering Jimmy Cliff | [17:42] | [20:56] | | Black Friday Pressures | [20:56] | [23:55] | | Rubber Duck Museum Relocation | [24:07] | [25:49] |

---

Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, newsy, and direct, with a focus on major political and economic themes, balanced by cultural stories and lighter human interest angles. Quotes and reportorial color capture both the seriousness of world events and the personality behind the headlines.

---

This summary offers a comprehensive, engaging overview for listeners who want the substance and spirit of the episode without tuning in.

Transcript

[Susan Bonner]

Did you know you can opt out.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Of winter with VRBO?

[Kate McKenna]

Save up to $1,500 for booking a.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Month long stay with thousands of sunny homes. Why subject yourself to the cold? Just filter your search by monthly stays.

[Kate McKenna]

And save up to fifteen hundred dollars.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Book now at vrbo.com this is a CBC podcast. Has Mr. Trump returned your calls? Texts who cares?

[Susan Bonner]

Asked about trade talks with US President Donald Trump, Mark Carney's who cares Response may have been a rhetorical question, one the opposition is happy to answer.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Who cares? Mr. Speaker? We care. We care about the workers who've lost their jobs and don't have paychecks to make their mortgage payments. Why doesn't he care?

[Susan Bonner]

Welcome to youo World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Monday, November 24, just before 6pm Eastern on also on the podcast.

[Colin Butler]

The president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies.

[Susan Bonner]

Cases dismissed In a legal setback for Donald Trump, a federal judge throws out the charges against two of the president's top political targets.

[Kate McKenna]

And people can't really afford things.

[Bryer Stewart]

And buying gifts for Christmas is kind.

[Kate McKenna]

Of, like I said, like a luxury these days. It feels like that anyways.

[Susan Bonner]

The retail tactics of Black Friday in a bleak economy, Too little Words from the prime minister on a foreign trip are prompting a flurry of reaction here at home. It's been a month since Donald Trump called off trade talks with Canada. Asked for an update on his communication with the US President, Mark Carney didn't really want to talk about it. But today the opposition had plenty to say. Katherine Cullen reports.

[Colin Butler]

I've been busy is another point, though I've been busy when it comes to.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

Questions about communication with the US President, Prime Minister Mark Carney sounds distinctly fed up, in particular when asked when the two last spoke.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Who cares?

[Colin Butler]

I mean, it's a detail. It's a detail. I spoke to him. I'll speak to him again when it matters.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

Carney made the remarks Sunday as he was wrapping up his visit to South Africa for the G20 gathering of World leaders.

[Colin Butler]

I look forward to speaking to the president soon, but I don't have a burning issue to speak with the president about right now.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

The prime minister is now back in Ottawa with no scheduled public appearances today, but his words have followed him, taking center stage in question period, starting with Conservative leader Pierre Poliev, who hammered Carney for saying who cares?

[Pierre Poilievre]

Since he took office, not only has he fail to get the promised deal, but American tariffs on aluminum, autos and steel have doubled on forestry communities. They have tripled. The prime minister says, who cares? All of us on this side of the House care. We care about those people. Why doesn't he? Mr. Speaker, just because the leader of the opposition keeps repeating the same line over and over again doesn't make it real.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada U.S.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Trade, responded, Mr. Speaker, we're going to continue to support Canadian workers and the Canadian economy and negotiate a deal with the United States.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

But that deal seems far off, a far cry from when Carney told Toronto Life magazine that Trump texts him early in the morning in the middle of the night in a 247 way. It's been a month now since Trump called off trade negotiations, angry over a TV ad paid for by the Ontario government. It pointed out that former president and Republican icon Ronald Reagan generally opposed tariffs. Trump said he'd slap another 10% tariff on Canada, though that still hasn't materialized. Ontario's Trade Representative in Washington, D.C. david Patterson says U.S. officials, including the U.S. trade Rep, seem ready to restart talks.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Yeah, I think the USTR and Commerce are ready to reengage on the president's signal and it's entirely up to him in terms of when that will take place.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

Carney did tell journalists this weekend that he expects to speak to Trump probably in the next two weeks. Bloomberg News first reported that Carney is considering attending the FIFA World cup draw in Washington, D.C. on December 5th. Whether that would be enough to get Trump to say more than who cares about trade talks with Canada remains to be seen. Katherine Cullen, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Susan Bonner]

CBC News has learned more details about a memorandum of understanding aimed at resetting relations between Alberta, Alberta and the federal government. Sources say the document lays out a path to a potential bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast. Kate McKenna has the details for us from Ottawa. Kate, what have you learned?

[Kate McKenna]

Sources say the prime minister and Alberta's premier have reached an agreement on the broad outlines of a deal that would give Alberta special exemptions from federal environmental laws and offer political support to a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. It's expected to be formally announced on Thursday in Calgary, and it could be historic. Here's what we know so far. Ottawa could be poised to offer carve outs for some of the Trudeau era environmental regulations that Alberta says are preventing private proponents from coming forward. Sources say that's expected to include a number of things, such as the oil and gas emissions cap, the tanker ban off the B.C. coast, as well as the clean electricity regulations in Alberta. The federal government is also expected to change a law on greenwashing. The language in the deal is expected to be conditional. For example, if a pipeline is approved and offers opportunities for indigen co ownership, then Canada will develop appropriate adjustments to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act. In exchange, Alberta is expected to toughen its industrial Carbon scheme and support Pathway Alliance's project to build a massive carbon capture utilization and storage network to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Canadian oil sands.

[Susan Bonner]

Kate, the British Columbia government has been opposed to the very idea of this kind of pipeline. So what kind of risks does this pose for Ottawa?

[Kate McKenna]

Well, the devil will be in the details. And the deal is expected to contain language around the need to engage with British Columbia. But there is no question that this carries significant political risk for Mark Carney, including within his own caucus. He's got 20 MPs from British Columbia who may go back to their ridings and face strong opposition. Premier David Eby says he spoke with the prime minister today who told him the deal wasn't yet finalized. Eby casts doubt on the economic viability of a pipeline.

[Pierre Poilievre]

There is not a world in which the current price of oil, a private company is going to step up and pay for this pipeline across the north is the reason why not one single pipeline company has said if the conditions are right, they would build it, if it's built, that they would buy it. The reason for their silence is that they are not interested as well.

[Kate McKenna]

Coastal First nations in B.C. have also spent 50 years fighting to keep oil tankers out of territorial waters. They say they're still deeply opposed to any push for a new pipeline. So in trying to reset Ottawa's toxic relationship with Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney may find himself with new problems.

[Susan Bonner]

Thank you, Kate.

[Kate McKenna]

You're welcome.

[Susan Bonner]

Kate McKenna in our parliamentary bureau. Coming right up, targeted by Donald Trump, the former FBI director and New York's attorney general get their charges thrown out. And Europe drafts a counter proposal to the U.S. plan for Peace between Russia and Ukraine. Later, we'll have this story.

[Colin Butler]

I'm Colin Butler with the story of how Jamaica has lost one of its musical giants.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I believe everybody has talent, but it's a matter of willpower and determination.

[Colin Butler]

Jimmy Cliff, the singer, songwriter and actor who helped bring reggae to a global audience, has died at the age of 81. From his 1972 breakout to his 90s hit, how Cliff's songs Carried Hope, Joy and Inspired generations, that's later on youn World. Tonight.

[Susan Bonner]

They are on Donald Trump's legal hit list. But now a federal judge has dismissed the criminal charges against the former Director of the FBI and the current New York Attorney General, Paul Hunter, has more on the ruling and what it means for the president.

[Colin Butler]

I'm grateful that the court ended the case against me, which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Former FBI Director James Comey, on hearing the news that the case against him, brought under pressure from US President Donald Trump, had been dismissed, Comey took to Instagram almost immediately with his view. The dismissal carries with it a powerful underlying message that the president of the.

[Colin Butler]

United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. I don't care what your politics are. You have to see that as fundamentally un American and a threat to the rule of law that keeps all of us free.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Critics of Trump had long argued the case against Comey, who'd faced charges of making a false statement and obstruction of Congress, represented a vindictive weaponization of the Department of Justice by Trump. He's become more famous than me. Trump had inherited Comey from the Obama administration when Trump moved into the White House in 2017. But Comey, who'd investigated possible links between Russia and the Trump election campaign, was fired by the president four months later this fall, when a federal prosecutor refused to lay charges against Comey, as well as separate charges against another perceived Trump adversary, New York Attorney General Letitia James Trump pressured his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to push forward. In short order, she named another prosecutor, a less experienced former Trump personal lawyer, and charges quickly followed in. Now dismissing the charges against Comey and James, a federal judge has ruled that second prosecutor was appointed unlawfully, contrary to the rules of federal appointments.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

We've seen this before, white House press.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Secretary Caroline Levitt said. The ruling is being appealed.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

We're not going to give up. And I know that the Department of Justice intends to appeal these rulings very soon, if they haven't already.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I may have missed it, said Letitia James in a statement. I am heartened by today's victory. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges, said Comey.

[Colin Butler]

I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again and my attitude is going to be the same. I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary. The gift from our founders that protects us from a would be tyrant.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Indeed, the ruling itself does not preclude the charges from being laid again. But even there, Comey is undeterred.

[Colin Butler]

It's time to stand up and show the fools who would frighten us, who would divide us, that we're made of stronger stuff.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Stand tall, he said. Paul Hunter, CBC News, Washington.

[Susan Bonner]

The Pentagon says it is investigating Senator Mark Kelly. It's also threatening to recall the retired Navy captain to active duty so he can face a court martial. Kelly is being targeted for an online video he made with five other Democrats. In it, they remind U.S. service members of their duty to refuse illegal orders. The video comes after concerns over military strikes against alleged drug smugglers around Latin America. President Trump called their actions treason. The United States and Ukraine say they are making progress on a U. S brokered peace plan with Russia. But there are big gaps and other European countries have ideas of their own, all as the war grinds on. Bryer Stewart has the latest.

[Bryer Stewart]

As construction equipment clears away the blackened rubble from an overnight attack in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, peace feels a long way off. 77 year old Volodymyr Kravtsov points to a large crater on the ground near his home. We hope, of course we hope that the negotiations will work out, he said. Should we wait for all of us to be killed? I was lucky to stay alive. Officials said the weekend talks between the US And Ukraine were very productive, but there's no indication that a deal is close.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We all continue working with partners, especially.

[Bryer Stewart]

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by video link to a diplomatic summit being hosted by Sweden.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And it is crucial to support the principles on which Europe stands that borders cannot be changed by force.

[Bryer Stewart]

But the 28 point plan drafted by the US and Russia proposed just that, turning Ukrainian territory over to Moscow and requiring Kiev to shrink its military significantly. Europe sidelined by the US Russia proposal introduced its own UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Everybody is absolutely focused on what we.

[Colin Butler]

Need to get out of this and.

[Pierre Poilievre]

That is a just and lasting peace.

[Bryer Stewart]

Europe's pitch reportedly includes halting fighting along the front. The Kremlin has already rejected it. In a post on social media, US President Donald Trump wrote that something good may be happening when it comes to the peace talks. He previously warned that Ukraine had to agree to a deal by Thursday, but like Trump's previous deadlines, this one also appears flexible.

[Pierre Poilievre]

This may be a temporary reprieve, but the underlying problem is still there.

[Bryer Stewart]

Keir Giles is a Russia expert at Chatham House.

[Pierre Poilievre]

The direction of travel of US Policy has been absolutely consistent, that is reducing support for Ukraine and reducing support for European security as a whole.

[Bryer Stewart]

It's been reported that the talks between the US And Ukraine didn't include some of the most contentious issues like just who will control what land Those will apparently be discussed at a higher level later. Bryer Stewart, CBC News, London.

[Susan Bonner]

In northwestern Nigeria, desperate families are waiting and hoping to be reunited with their children. About 250 are still missing, taken from their school late last week, the latest in a series of kidnappings to hit the African country. Many blame the government for not doing enough to stop the kidnappings from happening. Chris Brown reports.

[Chris Brown]

Empty dorms and desks at the St. Mary's Catholic School in northern Nigeria attest to the horrendous mass abduction of hundreds of children. On Friday. Heartbroken parents came looking but found no one.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I came to the school, I was here searching and looking whether I would see any child that returned, but I'm.

[Chris Brown]

Not seeing, another parent said. Dozens of motorcycle riding gunmen swooped in and took about 300 students, while 50 managed to escape over the weekend. It's still the worst mass kidnapping in Nigeria in years. Harkening back to the 2014 abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram, London based Nigerian human rights lawyer Bulama Bukharti says the situation may be even worse now.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I mean, what we are seeing right.

[Colin Butler]

Now is quite big even in the history of Nigeria's violent criminality.

[Chris Brown]

Last week, dozens of parishioners were kidnapped at a church that was attacked. So were 25 schoolgirls in northwestern Nigeria. Ransom appears to have been the motive in at least one of the cases, say local authorities, with criminal gangs or extremist groups the likely perpetrators. The violence has led to a surge of fear across many regions of the vast country, said Mother Ifeoma Anake from Abuja.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I don't think anybody feels safe. Aside me, I don't think anybody feels safe. What is happening in Nigeria?

[Chris Brown]

Presently the government says it plans to hire tens of thousands more police. But in the meantime, unable to guarantee children's safety, Nigeria's government is sending many students home from school. Bukharti, the human rights lawyer, says corruption has weakened the national government's response.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Some accuse the Nigerian government of complicity, but I think what's happening is criminal negligence on the part of the Nigerian government. They're killing record numbers of Christians.

[Chris Brown]

US President Donald Trump has added to the combustibility, accusing Nigeria's government of allowing the killing of Christians. Nigerian officials such as Foreign Minister Yusuf Taggar say Muslims and Christians are both suffering.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It is not about religion. It is about what is happening in the larger region. The terrorists are coming, not about persecution of a particular religion.

[Chris Brown]

The outlook for the missing students is uncertain. Sometimes ransoms get paid and some return home. Others are rescued, but hundreds of children have remained missing for years. Chris Brown, CBC News, London.

[Susan Bonner]

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. With hits like the Harder They Come. He was one of reggae's most prominent voices who became a breakthrough star and brought Jamaica's music to a global audience. Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81. Colin Butler has more on his life and legacy.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I believe everybody, you know, I believe everybody has talent, but it's a matter of willpower and determination.

[Colin Butler]

That's Jimmy Cliff in 1975 on the CBC, laying down the wisdom of a young man who would change the sound of the world. Jimmy Cliff was a founding force of modern Jamaican music. Born James Chambers, he sang in a church as a boy. Entered Kingston talent shows before he was a teenager where his work turned heads.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Very talented, very energetic.

[Colin Butler]

Jay Douglas is a Toronto musician who got his start at the same age on the same talent circuit.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Would you believe Jimmy Cliff auditioned the next superstar? Bob Marley. He auditioned Bob Marley.

[Colin Butler]

Cliff helped define Jamaica's musical identity. Something those who knew him say never seemed to go to his head.

[Pierre Poilievre]

He made you relax when you, when you met him.

[Colin Butler]

Norman Otis Richmond is a Florida based music producer.

[Pierre Poilievre]

He didn't come across like a, like he was a superstar or anything. Yeah, he was like this could be your, your brother, your first cousin or, you know, very down to earth.

[Colin Butler]

But it was the movie the Harder They Come that made him an international icon in 1972.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Did not tell you I was going to be famous one day. Oh, yeah.

[Colin Butler]

Its soundtrack introduced reggae to a global audience. You can get it if you really want. Inspired hope and resilience.

[Kate McKenna]

You can get it if you really want.

[Colin Butler]

Cliff kept making hits through the decades. Reggae Night and in the 90s, a cover of the Johnny Nash tune I Can See Clearly Now.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I can See clearly now the Rain is Gone.

[Colin Butler]

Cliff's music crossed genres and borders. He recorded with legends from Cool in the Gang to Sting. He lent his voice to causes for justice and change. He won two Grammys and earned Jamaica's Order of Merit in 2003 and a place in the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 2010. Besides influencing Bob Marley, he also inspired Wyclef Jean and shaped generations of artists on social media. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote of his music. It helped shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys. Today, his wife says he died after a seizure followed by pneumonia. Jimmy Cliff may be gone, but his voice still carries across every shore. Colin Butler, CBC News, London, Ontario.

[Susan Bonner]

If it seems like you're getting flooded with Black Friday offers a little earlier every year, you are not imagining things. What was a one day American event is now a month long international extravagance. And this year, with the backdrop of economic uncertainty and the U.S. trade war, Canadian businesses are under pressure to offer deep discounts. Jennifer Lagrassa reports.

[Kate McKenna]

People can't really afford things and buying.

[Bryer Stewart]

Gifts for Christmas is kind of a luxury these days.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

And that's why Annie Van Revong, owner of Wolf and Rebel, a home goods and gift shop in Windsor, Ontario, is offering her first ever Black Friday sale up to 50% off.

[Bryer Stewart]

It helps us get rid of some.

[Kate McKenna]

Of the products and also get customers to buy products that are a little bit more affordable for their budget.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

It's been a tough year for Van Revong's business. While the Black Friday sale won't do much for her bottom line, she's hoping it gets people in the door and product out. A year of high inflation and economic uncertainty means that shoppers are looking for deals this holiday season.

[Colin Butler]

Price is the top filter for Canadians.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

Santo Ligotti is the vice president of marketing at the Retail Council of Canada. Several consumer surveys suggest people will likely hold back on spending this year.

[Colin Butler]

There's an expectation that prices are higher.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And if that's the mindset of Canadians.

[Colin Butler]

It wasn't surprising that most of us, most of them told us that they're looking for bargains.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

So for businesses looking to reel in customers, Legate says the best strategy is an extended sale period up until late December.

[Colin Butler]

Black Friday is, you know, really still.

[Pierre Poilievre]

The anchor, but it's now more like.

[Colin Butler]

A season than a day.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

And that's already the plan for some big box stores. To who know all the Black Friday.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Tactics, we're trying to extend that so at least they can come in when they'd like to come in.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

Best Buy's Joe Colucci oversees sales in central Canada. He says their Black Friday deals started early November and the company will have discounts straight through Christmas until the new year.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We're really focused on how we lower prices for Canadians.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

Meanwhile, Morgan Ferris, Walmart Canada's VP of merchandising for toys and entertainment, says this year the company has steeper discounts on select products, but big discounts aren't always possible for smaller stores.

[Susan Bonner]

We are doing a sale of 20% off everything in store.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

Fanny Vernole de Villaire of Vidov, a home goods and furniture store with locations in Ontario and Quebec, says that's because their margins aren't that big. But she's hoping that sale pricing mixed with a desire to buy Canadian will pay off.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I think maybe it's not possible to.

[Susan Bonner]

Do all your buying at Canadian retailers, but at least if people are doing.

[Pierre Poilievre]

The effort to do 10% of their.

[Susan Bonner]

Buying or just a little one thing or two things that you buy, it's already very appreciated.

[Jennifer Lagrassa]

Whether Canadian retail sales pick up by the end of the year could depend on how well they do during the holiday rush. Jennifer Legrassa, CBC News, Toronto.

[Susan Bonner]

We close tonight with another development in the ongoing Canada U.S. trade war. As Donald Trump tries to lure car plants and manufacturing jobs to the US An American business struggling to get its ducks in a row is floating in the other direction.

[Colin Butler]

Rubber ducky, you're the one. You make bath time.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Lots of fun.

[Susan Bonner]

It's a niche business in a peculiar part of the United States. The Rubber Duck Museum is home to a collection of rare and culturally significant rubber ducks. Its home is Point Roberts, Washington, the tiny American enclave on the southern tip of BC's Lower Mainland. Unique geography making the trade dispute uniquely complicated.

[Pierre Poilievre]

With the tariffs, a lot of our vendors didn't know how to charge us. So every month it was coming back with like, here's 30% tariff charge. Here's a 70% tariff charge.

[Susan Bonner]

The museum also has a rubber duck store, and owners Neil and Crystal King say tariffs have made it much more difficult and expensive to maintain inventory. Not that there are many customers these days. It is a mainly Canadian clientele, and the museum has been suffering from a sharp decline in visitors throughout the trade dispute, a business climate now forcing the Kings and their ducks to migrate north. It was tough to decide, but, you.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Know, again, living in an exclave. We spend all our time in Canada.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

We love Canada.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We love the culture, we love the people. And so once we realized it was either, you know, that or shutting down, it was a very easy decision.

[Dominic LeBlanc]

We're really excited to be joining Tawassin Mills.

[Susan Bonner]

The Kings say the Rubber Duck Museum will soon open on the other side of the border in Sawwassen, just as soon as they sort out their visas. Thank you for joining us on YOUN World Tonight for Monday, November 24th. I'm Susan Bonar. Have a good evening.

[Pierre Poilievre]

For more cbc podcasts, go to cbc ca podcasts.