Bondi Beach shooting, Pierre Poilievre denies internal party struggles, Gazans receiving medical treatment abroad, and more

Summary

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Your World Tonight – CBC

Episode Summary | December 14, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of Your World Tonight focuses on major world events of the day, with a particular emphasis on violence affecting Jewish communities internationally, political turmoil within Canada's Conservative Party, worsening flooding in British Columbia, the plight of Gazans seeking medical treatment abroad, weather-related tragedy among the homeless in Montreal, and the effects of climate change on Christmas tree farming. The episode offers global context, explores political and societal reactions, and includes first-person stories from Canada and abroad.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bondi Beach Shooting in Sydney, Australia

[00:25–05:32, 05:35–08:27, 28:02–29:41]

• The Attack: Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Australia's Bondi Beach, killing 315 people, including a child and a Holocaust survivor, and injuring 42.
• Perpetrators & Aftermath: One gunman (of a father-son pair, ages 50 and 24) killed by police; witnesses described "shots that seemed to go on for an eternity." [Phil Mercer, 02:04]
• Response & Reaction:
  • Australian PM Anthony Albanese condemned it as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores.” (03:21)
  • New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized legislation if needed and protecting the Jewish community (04:30).
  • Major police operation ("Operation Shelter") deployed to guard Jewish sites across Sydney.
• Contextual Significance: Worst mass shooting in Australia since 1996; gun laws, despite being strict, came under scrutiny as shooters had registered long arms.
• Global Mourning: Vigils in London, Tel Aviv; statements by global leaders like King Charles III (light will always triumph over darkness) and Israeli PM Netanyahu (antisemitism as a spreading cancer) [05:56].
• Canadian Responses: PM Mark Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to the Jewish community; Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized antisemitism and lack of leadership.
• Quotes:
  • “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil... We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism.” — Anthony Albanese (03:21)
  • "Canada is not Canada unless all members of the Jewish community can fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life." — PM Mark Carney (05:56)
  • “We gather for Hanukkah to celebrate light, resilience and the courage to remain who we are, even when the world tries to extinguish us. But tonight that message feels especially urgent.” — Ottawa youth leader (28:25)
  • "Hatred has no place... If we speak out loud and... for peace... at the end of the day, that will win." — MP Tom Osborne, Newfoundland (29:11–29:41)

2. Brown University Shooting, U.S.A.

[08:27–11:34]

• Incident Overview: A gunman opened fire in a lecture hall, killing 2 students and injuring 9; suspect apprehended at a hotel using cell phone location data.
• Personal Testimonies: Teaching assistant Joseph Odouro describes panicked moments hiding with wounded students.
• Broader Pattern: Many students at Brown, like survivor Zoe Weissman, have experienced school shootings before; connects to broader U.S. gun violence pattern.
  • “Now there's more kids like myself who've been through two school shootings. And I think that's kind of just representative of the situation that the inaction of Congress has put us in.” — Zoe Weissman (11:07)
• Political Responses: Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and President Trump comment; classes and exams suspended.
• Insight: The story highlights the sense of helplessness and lack of change following repeated school shootings.

3. Homelessness and Winter Tragedies in Montreal

[11:34–14:54]

• Event: A homeless man dies in a tent fire as temperatures plunge, with three Quebec seniors also dying in the cold that same week.
• Systemic Shortfalls: Advocates point to insufficient resources and last-minute measures, while city opens emergency shelters.
• Government Response: Montreal Mayor and executive chair commit to prioritizing homelessness.
  • “They’re not able to consistently have access to the resources that they need... a lot of the measures are very last minute.” — Andrew Morocco, St. Michael’s Mission (13:03)
• Personal Stories: Families mourn seniors lost to exposure; city seeks not just more places but more stability and safety for the vulnerable.

4. Conservative Party Developments & Floor Crossings

[14:54–18:02]

• Defections: Three Conservative MPs (including Michael Ma) have left Pierre Poilievre’s caucus for the Liberals; another intends to resign.
• Poilievre’s Stance: Dismisses this as not a leadership issue, stays on message about affordability for Canadians — “Affordability. Affordability, Affordability.” (15:46)
• Political Maneuvering: Liberals near majority through floor crossings; internal party unity under scrutiny.
• Expert Analysis: Dmitry Soudas suggests more defections could undermine Polievre’s authority.
  • “It ultimately weakens Pierre Polievre's authority. It reinforces the perception of a leader who is under pressure..." — Dmitry Soudas (16:50)
• Pipeline Politics: Poilievre promises to pursue pipeline projects regardless of local opposition; says he’s still focused on affordability and not distracted by party infighting.

5. British Columbia Flooding and Climate Risks

[18:02–20:36]

• Flood Impact: Fraser Valley faces ongoing flood emergencies after the Nooksack River overflowed; some evacuation orders lifted but threats continue with more rain forecast.
• Personal Accounts:
  • “Every time it rains hard, when we hear that word atmospheric river, we’re panicking.” — Vern Oestrich, Envirocore Recycling (19:05)
  • “It’s just ugly. It is really ugly, eh?” — Vern Oestrich on flood damage (19:18)
• Systemic Challenge: Calls for federal action as repeated cross-border flooding inflicts major losses; environment and infrastructure increasingly under threat.

6. Palestinians Receiving Medical Care Abroad

[20:36–24:23]

• Evacuations: Over 10,000 Gazans have been sent overseas for urgent medical treatment, with many still awaiting transfer.
• Individual Stories:
  • Mohammad Hamura, wounded by an explosion, now in Turkey with his family, anxiously awaiting care.
    • “Patients in Gaza are suffering a lot. There is many disabled and many amputated.” — Mohammad Hamura (22:33)
  • Dua Abu Mustafa has waited four months in a hospital for her daughter's evacuation.
  • “Some of them, they are waiting for two months, three months. Some of them passed away while they are waiting.” — Dr. Ahmed El Farra, Nasser Hospital (23:44)
• Barriers: Over 16,000 Gazans are on the waitlist; crossing closures and limited international support compound dire health needs.

7. International Headlines and Quick Updates

[24:23–25:22]

• Chile Election: Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Cast wins presidency.
• Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky, in Berlin for peace talks, abandons NATO bid in exchange for U.S.–European security guarantees.

8. Climate Change Impacting Christmas Tree Farming in Ontario

[25:22–27:54]

• Farmer Perspective: Joe Wareham’s costs to grow Fraser firs have tripled due to hot, dry summers and erratic frosts.
  • “You need to be tough and clean mentally and physically and keep going and overcome all of that. And that’s probably one of the reasons why the trees cost so much now.” — Joe Wareham (26:11)
• Scientific Collaboration: University of Waterloo “Christmas Tree Lab” helps farmers adapt for sustainability.
  • “We’re seeing a lot of different types of climate events impacting growers. From drought to flooding, to erratic freeze thaw cycles, to big extreme storms like a tornado or wind.” — Kelsey Leonard, Lab Director (26:42)
• Environmental Note: Real trees are more climate-friendly than artificial, provided re-used for decades.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil... We will eradicate [antisemitism] together.” — Anthony Albanese (03:21)
• "We gather for Hanukkah to celebrate light, resilience... But tonight that message feels especially urgent." — Ottawa youth leader (28:25)
• "Affordability. Affordability. Affordability." — Pierre Poilievre on party focus (15:46)
• “You need to be tough and clean mentally and physically and keep going... that’s probably one of the reasons why the trees cost so much now.” — Joe Wareham, tree farmer (26:11)
• “Now there’s more kids like myself who’ve been through two school shootings... because of the inaction of Congress.” — Zoe Weissman (11:07)
• "Hatred has no place. And if we speak out loud and we speak out clearly for peace... then at the end of the day, that will win." — MP Tom Osborne (29:11)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bondi Beach mass shooting & Australia response: 00:25–05:32, 28:02–29:41
• Global & Canadian reactions to antisemitism: 05:35–08:27
• Brown University shooting: 08:27–11:34
• Montreal winter deaths & homelessness: 11:34–14:54
• Conservative Party unrest & defections: 14:54–18:02
• BC flooding emergency: 18:02–20:36
• Gazans receiving medical care abroad: 20:36–24:23
• Climate change & Christmas tree farming: 25:22–27:54

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Tone & Style

True to Your World Tonight, the episode blends urgent reporting with empathetic storytelling, providing voices from policy leaders, community members, and those directly affected by the news. The coverage is direct yet compassionate, emphasizing both the human stakes and broader societal implications.

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Transcript

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Moving to a new place is terrifying, but when you have a community that's welcoming, that makes a big difference. It is fulfilling for me to hear people say, I listen to your song on the radio all the time.

[Pierre Poilievre]

This message is brought to you by Nova Scotia Gaming Support for Culture.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

This is a CBC podcast.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And it's just unbelievable that in Australia this is allowed to happen. We're supposed to be a country where people allow to express their religion freely.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

A horrific attack on Australia's Jewish community. Gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration in what the country's prime minister calls an act of evil antisemitism. You'll hear the latest from Sydney, plus reaction from around the world, including Canada. This is YOUR WORLD tonight. I'm Stephanie Scandaris. Also on the podcast. Relentless rain and new warnings in a B.C. area that's been hit hard this week. Some evacuation orders in the Fraser Valley are lifting, but more atmospheric rivers are on the way.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And my message to Mark Carney is that if you want a costly majority government to drive up taxes and deficits, then you have to go to the Canadian people and have them vote for it.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

In his first interview since the latest defection from his party, Conservative leader Pierre Poliev doubles down on his attacks on the Liberals. A heavy police presence remains around Australia's Bondi Beach. It was there Saturday night when two gunmen carried out a targeted attack on Sydney's Jewish community. Opening fire on a large Hanukkah gathering. The attackers killed 315 people, including a child and an elderly Holocaust survivor. Another 42 people were rushed to hospital. Phil Mercer is in Sydney with more. Phil, officials held a briefing in Sydney this morning. What did they tell us?

[Phil Mercer]

Well, we now know that one of the attackers was shot dead by the police in the aftermath of the attack. And we're also learning more, not only about the attackers, the father and son aged 50 and 24, but crucially about the victims. We know that the youngest was a 10 year old child and the oldest was 87 years of age. So this is clearly an attack that is causing immense trauma across this country. Witnesses have spoken of losing dear friends, of how the shots seem to go on for an eternity. And this is Australia's worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was pressed on the issue of anti Semitism in Australia. What did he have to say about that?

[Phil Mercer]

Since the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza, schools, synagogues and homes have been targeted in anti Semitic vandalism and arson. And there are criticisms of the Albanese government that it hasn't done enough to stem this tide in anti Semitism. And in response, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese had this to what we.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti Semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores. We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out anti Semitism. It is a scourge and we will eradicate it together.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

You mentioned, Phil, that this is Australia's worst mass shooting in decades, since the Port Arthur massacre in 96. I believe attacks like this are so rare there because of their really strict gun laws. So what do we know about how this shooting was able to happen?

[Phil Mercer]

We understand that the firearms used in this attack were registered. The police here in Australia say that the attackers had at least six registered firearms and that the firearms used in the attack were long armed weapons that fire a single shot. So safe to say Australia's gun control laws will come under immense scrutiny in the aftermath of this attack. And earlier today, we also heard from the New South Wales State Premier, Chris Minns.

[Pierre Poilievre]

An attempt to break apart our social life, to divide Australian against Australian. There's a massive role for the government, New South Wales police and regular citizens to play here to ensure that we keep our community safe. And I won't hesitate to move legislation if it's required.

[Phil Mercer]

And we also heard from senior police officers regarding Operation Shelter. This is a specialist police operation to protect the Jewish community in Australia. And where Sydney sits is on the east coast of Australia. And there is a large Jewish community in Australia's biggest city. And we understand today that synagogues, schools and restaurants will be closed. And the police are sending hundreds of police officers to Jewish sites across the city to try to give them a sense of calm after what has been a traumatic period for not only Australia's Jewish community, but the country as a whole.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Okay, Phil, thanks so much.

[Phil Mercer]

Yes, thank you very much. Anytime.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

That's Phil Mercer in Sydney. Now the mass shooting in Australia is being mourned around the world and casting a dark cloud on the celebrations to mark the first day of Hanukkah. Political leaders are vowing to do what they can to protect Jews and stop anti Semitism. Philip Lee Shannock reports on that.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Outside an Ottawa synagogue, Prime Minister Mark Carney says Hanukkah is a celebration of resilience, of light and hope during dark times. That spirit, tragically, sadly, has had to be drawn upon for millennia. Along with members of the Jewish community, Carney says more must be done to aid their fight against persecution. Canada is not Canada unless All members of the Jewish community can fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life. Similar events were held worldwide. In London, a vigil outside the Australian High Commission. In a statement, King Charles III said that light will always triumph over the darkness of such evil. In Tel Aviv, a vigil for Australian shooting victims. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he sent a letter warning Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Months ago, the Australian government's policy was promoting and encouraging anti Semitism in Australia. Anti Semitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent. It retreats when leaders act. Australia has officially recognized a Palestinian state, as has Canada. Here, government opposition leader conservative Pierre Poliev says leadership to combat antisemitism has been lacking and it is absolutely unacceptable. We must stand up against anti Semitism and make Canada and hopefully the world a safe place for people to wear their Stars of David and their Kippas. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather says incidents of hate have increased since the attacks of October 7 and the Israeli military operation that followed. Now, we've seen shootings this year already in the United States. Jews were murdered in D.C. jews were murdered in Colorado. You've seen it in the uk. You've seen it now in Australia, Jews feel increasingly unsafe and targeted, and they have since October 7, 2023. The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto hosted a Light the Menorah and Stand with Sydney event.

[Katie Simpson]

We have to also realize this isn't something that's new.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Since October 7th, Sarah Lefton of the UJA says intolerance has been on the rise for some time.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

It's not just about the Jewish community.

[Briar Stewart]

This is about us as Canadians being.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Able to celebrate our holidays and in our country.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And she says when one community is targeted, no one should feel safe. Philip Lieshanok, CBC News, Toronto.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

In the US a suspect is in police custody after a fatal shooting at Brown University. Investigators are trying to figure out a motive after a gunman entered a lecture hall and opened fire. Two students were killed, another nine injured. Now witnesses are sharing their harrowing stories of survival. And as Katie Simpson reports, for several students, this is not the first school shooting they've experienced.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It honestly felt like an eternity.

[Katie Simpson]

Joseph Odouro had just finished leading a study session ahead of final exams. Around 4 o' clock Saturday afternoon. The Brown University teaching assistant says students were about to leave the lecture hall when they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from outside the room.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We heard screaming from various students, and then about five seconds later, we see.

[Phil Mercer]

A gunman enter the room.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Then he just screamed something and just started shooting.

[Katie Simpson]

Oduro says he locked eyes with the gunman before he dropped to the ground, narrowly dodging bullets that ended up in the chalkboard behind him. There was a desk nearby, no more than 3 meters long. He says he and some students hid behind it, including one young woman who was shot in the leg twice.

[Pierre Poilievre]

There wasn't too much space, but we.

[Phil Mercer]

Made do because at the end of.

[Pierre Poilievre]

The day we just all wanted to survive, oduro says.

[Katie Simpson]

They stayed put until the gunman fled. Authorities spent the next 12 hours or so searching for a suspect. Using cell phone location data, they tracked a person of interest, a man in his 20s, to a nearby hotel, where he was taken into custody.

[Pierre Poilievre]

While a suspect has been detained, our work as a state is not over.

[Katie Simpson]

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee asked the public for patience as they try to determine a motive. President Donald Trump wished a speedy recovery to the injured and offered his condolences to the families of the dead.

[Pierre Poilievre]

And Brown University, great school. Great, great. Really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world. Things can happen.

[Katie Simpson]

Classes and exams at Brown are suspended for the rest of the semester. Students are being given space to grieve and process what they've lived through.

[Zoe Weissman]

I'm shocked, but I'm not surprised.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

And I think that that's probably a.

[Zoe Weissman]

Sentiment that a lot of students also have here.

[Katie Simpson]

Zoe Weissman was in her dorm room and heard the commotion of the police response, a tragically familiar experience for the second year student. Back in 2018. Her middle school was located right beside a parkland Florida high school where a gunman's rampage kill killed 17 people.

[Zoe Weissman]

Now there's more kids like myself who've been through two school shootings. And I think that's kind of just representative of the situation that the inaction.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Of Congress has put us in.

[Katie Simpson]

Gun laws in the US Are routinely criticized in the wake of mass school shootings, sparking intense debates, though rarely does it ever lead to any kind of tangible change. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Still ahead, you'll meet one of the more than 10,000 Palestinians who've been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment. Many of them are now in Turkey. But even there, getting care can be a months long wait. The full story is ahead on YOUN World tonight. A man in Montreal is dead after his tent caught fire in an encampment this morning. With temperatures plummeting, the tragic death is once again highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable people in winter. And it comes in the same week three Quebec seniors died in the cold. Sarah Levitt tells US More tragedy after.

[Zoe Weissman]

A cold night in Montreal. Firefighters and paramedics on the site of an unauthorized encampment used by some who are homeless. Jean Pierre Brabant is a spokesperson with Montreal police. A 911 call came in at around 7:50 Sunday morning, he says about a fire in a tent. A man in his 30s was found inside, but it was clear he had died. An autopsy will determine his cause of death. But homeless advocates say staying warm in Montreal's harsh winters isn't easy. Across the city, homeless encampments continue to pop up for those seeking some type of shelter. Andrew Morocco is the executive director at St. Michael's Mission.

[Phil Mercer]

They're not able to consistently have access to the resources that they need. They don't know which shelters are going to be open and which ones are going to be closed sometimes because in the winter a lot of the measures are very last minute.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Can we prepare for the winter?

[Zoe Weissman]

Since her election in November, Montreal's mayor Soraya Martinez Farada says tackling homelessness is her number one priority. The city opens an emergency shelter with 100 spots with plans for more. Claude Pinal, the chair of Montreal's executive committee, wrote in a statement that he was saddened to hear of the death this morning. Quote, this traged reminds us that we must all redouble our efforts.

[Phil Mercer]

There needs to be a clear response that's looking to not just open places, but also go to where these people are who have been left on the margins and find ways to accompany them back towards a place of better stability and of more safety.

[Zoe Weissman]

This morning's death, though not the only one seemingly related to the cold. In the past seven days alone, three seniors, all in unrelated incidents, were found dead outside, the causes not yet known. Standing outside his grandmother's senior's residence, Marc Olivier Naude says she died frozen. 88 year old Jean Goyer, suffering from an illness similar to dementia, was found in the snow on Monday. A few days later, this snowplow driver came across an 84 year old woman wearing a T shirt during a snowstorm. He performed CPR but was unable to save her. And On Friday, a 78 year old man was also found dead outside his residence. Exposure to the cold one factor being examined in these cases. So many tragic endings with winter just beginning. Sara Levitz, CBC News, Montreal.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Pierre Poilievre insists conservatives are united behind his message of making life more affordable for Canadians. Even after another MP crossed the floor, the conservative leader made the comments to CBC News in his first on camera interview since MP Michael Ma joined the Liberals. As Olivia Stefanovich reports, Poliev denies the latest defection is a sign of internal problems.

[Katie Simpson]

Is this a problem of your leadership at this?

[Pierre Poilievre]

No, it's a problem of Mark Carney's leadership.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

Speaking to Rosemary Barden live, Conservative Leader Pierre Poliev accused the Prime Minister of trying to manipulate his way to a majority.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Then you have to go to the Canadian people and have them vote for it, not do it by dirty backroom deals.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

This was Poiliev's first on camera interview since losing three MPs in just over a month.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

What are you doing now to make sure other caucus members don't leave? What are you saying to them?

[Pierre Poilievre]

Affordability. Affordability, Affordability.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

Polyev insisted Conservatives remain united behind that message, even after Alberta MP Matt Genieroux announced plans to resign. Nova Scotia MP Chris Dontermont defected to the Liberals. And in a move that almost no one saw coming.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Wow.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Such a big welcome.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

Ontario MP Michael Ma crossed the floor last Thursday, just in time for the Liberal caucus holiday party.

[Pierre Poilievre]

These people were elected by their constituents. They make decisions to leave Mr. Poiliev's caucus for whatever reason they decide.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

Dominic LeBlanc is the federal minister responsible for Canada U.S. trade. He says he'd be comfortable securing a majority through floor crossings. The Liberals are now just one seat away.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It's an absolutely legitimate parliamentary decision, and we'll see if others also decide.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

If they do, Dmitry Soudas says that could harm Poliev's leadership. Soudas was the director of communications to former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It ultimately weakens Pierre Poliev's authority. It reinforces the perception of a leader.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

Who is under pressure, but because no one's currently challenging him. Soudez says Poliev will likely win his leadership review next month, a contest that Daniel Smith is endorsing him in.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Now let's talk about the amazing and brilliant premier of Alberta.

[Olivia Stefanovich]

In his interview with Rosemary Barden Live, Poiliev suggested the prime minister got played by Smith, who got some environmental regulations reversed in exchange for federal support for a new bitumen pipeline, a project that Poliev says he would push through even if British Columbia and First nations don't want it.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Would you just say, too bad, we're.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Doing it, we're doing it?

[Olivia Stefanovich]

When asked if he took any lessons from the past year, which started off with a Conservative leader riding high in the polls, then losing the federal election along with his own riding, Poliev didn't say, focusing instead on the reason he's still in the job, fighting for better, more affordable lives, he said. For Canadians. Olivia Stefanovic, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Rainfall warnings are back across British Columbia's Fraser Valley. Overflow from Washington's Nooksack river sent a surge of water into B.C. on Thursday. Now some waters are receding, but homes and farmland remain flooded and more rain could worsen an already difficult situation. Caroline Bargut reports.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Honest to God, I was worried.

[Caroline Bargut]

Austin Vella has lived in Abbotsford for 23 years. His home was evacuated twice during the historic flooding in 2021, when floodwater started creeping closer to his property. This time around, he prepared for the worst.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We start putting stuff up high so we don't lose most of the stuff in the house if water gets in and God helped us, you know.

[Caroline Bargut]

325 properties were evacuated in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Those residents still can't return home. However, there are positive signs as the floodwaters are receding. Some evacuation warnings have been downgraded to alerts. Still more rain is on the way. Up to 80 millimeters is expected in some areas beginning Sunday night.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Every time it rains hard, when we hear that word atmospheric river, we're panicking.

[Caroline Bargut]

Vern Oestrich is a supervisor at Envirocore Recycling in Abbotsford. His facility was flooded this week and he's now assessing the damage.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We had three feet of water in our warehouse. Three feet. Well, I don't know how many thousands of dollars we're going to lose because I think this is a floodplain. So I don't think we can get insurance, you know. So it's just ugly. It is really ugly, eh?

[Caroline Bargut]

He says it's time for the federal government to do something to protect British Columbians from floodwaters coming from the U.S. the 2021 floods were the worst in B.C. history and were also caused by the Nooksack river spilling over its banks, sending the overflow into communities north of the border. 20,000 people were evacuated, 2.5 million livestock were impacted and more than 1,000 homes were flooded.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

The ground is just saturated, it's so wet.

[Caroline Bargut]

Ainsley Boyle was out for a walk this morning and says a lot of roads are washed out on the Canadian side of the border. She's not concerned about more flooding, but says there is nowhere for the water to go.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

There still standing water in dangerous places. It's going to be really difficult to get that out. It's not draining. It's not draining well. Right. It needs be to somewhere to go. And the more rain we get, the more water just remains. So that's probably my biggest concern.

[Caroline Bargut]

Highway 1 in Abbotsford has reopened, but the province says it may close again if there's too much rain. Environment Canada says more rain could destabilize land that could increase the risk of landslides. Caroline Bargut, CBC News, Vancouver.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Volodymyr Zelensky is in Berlin for peace talks. Ukraine's president says his country is dropping its bid to join NATO. He says it's a compromise to help bring the war with Russia to an end and is instead agreeing to security guarantees from the US And European allies. US Envoy Steve Witkoff says there was a lot of progress made at today's talks and they will continue on Monday. Over the past two years, more than 10,000 Palestinians have been evacuated from Gaza to receive medical treatment abroad. That's according to the World Health Organization. Thousands of others are still waiting to be transferred out. And doctors are pleading for borders like the Rafah crossing with Egypt Egypt to be reopened. Briar Stewart reports from Turkey, which has taken in nearly 500 patients.

[Briar Stewart]

Inside a very small apartment built out of a shipping container in Arana, Turkey, Mohammad Hamura sits on the floor and colors alongside his three children. The family of five left Gaza a month and a half ago. They were evacuated because Hamuda needed care after his lower legs were injured in an explosion back in June.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I admitted to the hospital, but there is not enough treatment for me.

[Briar Stewart]

He points to his badly bruised and scarred legs, burned, he says, after an Israeli bomb struck just meters away from him on a street.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It is so difficult and our children crying and afraid and asked me if you can walk again or not in.

[Briar Stewart]

The past two years. He said his family had to relocate 12 different times after his injury. That meant navigating damaged roads in a wheelchair, a problem he says, that patients endure throughout Gaza.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Patients in Gaza are suffering a lot. There is many disabled and many amputated.

[Briar Stewart]

People in Gaza's Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the rooms and hallways are crowded with patients. Some have been waiting months, hoping to receive the news that they will be transferred abroad for care. Dua Abu Mustafa has been in the hospital for four months with her one year old daughter, Mariam. She's losing weight and regressing, and Mustafa says doctor doctors aren't able to tell her why. I have hope. As long as my daughter is breathing, I have hope, she said. But how long does that last? Around a week after she spoke to a freelance video journalist working for CBC News, Mustafa said she was packing because she was told they would be evacuated and going to Italy, where a hospital had agreed to treat her daughter. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 16,000 other patients waiting for a medical evacuation out of Gaza. Dr. Ahmed El Farra is the director of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Some of them, they are waiting for two months, three months.

[Phil Mercer]

Some of them passed away.

[Pierre Poilievre]

While they are waiting.

[Briar Stewart]

Back in Adana, Turkey, Hamura is waiting for to see an orthopedic surgeon. For now, his family is staying in temporary housing.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I am afraid from the future.

[Phil Mercer]

He.

[Briar Stewart]

Doesn'T know how long he will be able to stay in Turkey and whether his children will be able to register for school. What he really worries about is his injury and what it means for his ability to find a job to support his family. Briar Stewart, CBC News, Adana, Turkey.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

A far right candidate has won Chile's presidential election. The Communist Party leader Jeanette Hara conceded defeat with only 60% of the votes cast. That means ultra conservative Jose Antonio Cast will become the country's new president. Cast ran a campaign focused on crime and immigration. He was backed by other right wing candidates. For a lot of people, Christmas isn't Christmas without a tree. But tree farmers say climate change is making it harder to grow them and that's pushing up prices. Now a lab at the University of Waterloo is looking for ways to meet the climate challenge and keep real trees at the heart of Christmas. James Charani has that story.

[Pierre Poilievre]

This is the pre cut tree area here and this is a large number of Fraser fir trees. We have them.

[James Charani]

Joe Wareham and his wife Allison McCrindle of Chickadee Christmas Trees in Puss Lynch, Ontario, are starting to see more people coming in looking for a tree, especially with the coming of snowy weather. The farm is along a quiet country road at the edge of Wellington county, just past a tiny roundabout. They're trying to keep the prices reasonable for their customers, but they used to charge $33 for a cut your own tree in 2004. Now it's $86. The problem? Climate change. For starters, the trees aren't coming up as easily as they used to.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It's taking longer now, though, with the hot, dry summers.

[James Charani]

They've had to deal with other issues too, like irregular frost. But Wareham says that the biggest challenge they face is extreme heat.

[Pierre Poilievre]

You need to be tough and clean mentally and physically and keep going and overcome all of that. And that's probably one of the reasons why the trees cost so much. Now it's tough to grow a tree.

[James Charani]

The Christmas Tree Lab out of the University of Waterloo have been collaborating with Wareham's farm and others like it across the province for their research. Their aim is to foster a more sustainable and environmental sector to keep these farms thriving. Kelsey Leonard, the lab's director, says that what Wareham is seeing at his farm isn't that uncommon.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Because we have so many unique bioregions across the province and across the nation, we're seeing a lot of different types of climate events impacting growers. From drought to flooding, to erratic freeze thaw cycles, to big extreme storms like a tornado or wind.

[James Charani]

Despite the hardships, Leonard feels that it's an industry worth saving.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

It's a climate friendly choice. When we think about an artificial tree, they're made from byproducts of fossil fuels.

[James Charani]

For an artificial tree to have the same carbon footprint footprint as a real one, it would need to be used for more than 20 years. That's according to the David Suzuki Foundation.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

They're unfortunately becoming a fast fad fashion. People are turning out their artificial trees every two to three years.

[James Charani]

Worm says that with the growers they work with, they're thinking of new ways to be sustainable and affordable, like experimenting with how they grow the trees. They also sell a variety of different types, something that helps since each variant reacts to climate events differently.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

One of the things about Ontario growers, they're really showing us how to be climate leaders. They're thinking about biodiversity, they are also thinking about species diversity. So we actually have a lot of resiliency already present in farms across Ontario.

[James Charani]

James Charani, CBC News, Puss Lynch, Ontario.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Earlier in the show, you heard some of the menorah lighting ceremony in Ottawa to mark the first night of Hanukkah. This is a little more from that event. What was meant to be a celebration overshadowed by the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia that targeted members of that city's Jewish community. Community youth leaders in Ottawa reflecting on that in their remarks.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We gather for Hanukkah to celebrate light, resilience and the courage to remain who we are, even when the world tries to extinguish us. But tonight that message feels especially urgent.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Prime Minister Mark Carney was there to help light the candle and offer these comments.

[Pierre Poilievre]

This is about thriving. This is about taking the light and spreading it today across our country and through generations, so that this is the last generation that has to struggle against hate.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Across the country, similar events were held in Newfoundland. Cape Spear MP Tom Osborne had this to say.

[Phil Mercer]

I think it's important as we celebrate the holy season of Hanukkah with our Jewish friends, neighbours, that it's also important that we speak out against what we saw in Australia. Hatred has no place. And if we speak out loud and we speak out clearly for peace and acceptance and kindness, then at the end.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

Of the day, that will win messages of strength, hope and solidarity in this country after a dark day in another. This has been your world tonight. I'm Stephanie Skenderas. Thank you for listening.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Listening.

[James Charani]

Good night.

[Stephanie Scandaris]

For more cbc podcasts, go to cbc ca podcasts.