Canada Post strike, cybersecurity VPN attack, Trump hints more indictments coming, and more

Summary

"Your World Tonight" - CBC News

Episode Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: Anand Ram (main host, with reporting by Nicole Williams, Margaret Evans, Katherine Tunney, Olivia Stefanovic, Kate McKenna, Christine Birak, Katie Nicholson, and others)
Main Theme:
An evening wrap-up of the day's most pressing global and Canadian news, covering the Canada Post strike, a major cybersecurity threat to VPN systems, escalating political tensions in the US with more Trump-era indictments, international relations updates, and provincial disparities in COVID-19 vaccine policy.

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Episode Overview

This episode offers an in-depth look at several high-impact stories from Canada and around the world, focusing on labor unrest at Canada Post, a significant security vulnerability in global and Canadian VPN systems, mounting US domestic political upheaval under President Trump, ongoing conflict in Gaza, shifting Canada–UK relations, tensions in cross-border travel with the US, and policy challenges surrounding COVID-19 vaccine access.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Canada Post Strike: Workers Walk Off Amid Drastic Reforms

• Overview: Postal workers strike for the second time this year due to Ottawa's sweeping operational reforms, including ending home delivery and closing rural post offices. There is no contract and no official talks planned.
• Union Perspective: Workers demand inflation-matching wage increases and job security for future generations.
  • “We're only the middle class and we want reasonable cost of inflation increases in their payments and we just want to survive.” – Canada Post worker (00:39)
• Government’s Position: The reforms are intended to bring Canada Post out of its $10 million per day loss, after a $1B bailout earlier in the year.
  • “The problem is the union cannot come agreement that we are actually in a financial crisis ...” – John Hamilton, VP of Communications, Canada Post (04:19)
• Rural Impacts: Mayors and residents in remote regions voice concern due to unreliable alternatives and an aging population.
  • “We don't have a newspaper service. And sometimes it's spotty on connectivity geographically. Here people want their mail.” – Lori Hodnot, mayor, McNab Braeside (03:55)
• Union Blame: Continued labor disruption blamed for lost customers.
  • “Would they sat down negotiated seriously. And if we had a contract in place right now, we would not be in this scenario right now.” – Mark Lubinski, Toronto union president (04:40)
• Parliamentary Response: Government claims reforms set a “lasting path” and expresses hope for agreement.

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2. Gaza Conflict: Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomatic Isolation

• MSF Withdraws: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) halts operations in Gaza due to escalating dangers.
• Netanyahu at the UN: Israeli PM’s fiery speech defends military actions; denounces countries (including Canada) for recognizing Palestine.
  • “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere. It will be a mark of shame on all of you.” – PM Benjamin Netanyahu (06:06)
• Hostage Families Protest: Families outside the UN accuse Netanyahu of blocking war-ending deals.
  • “The only thing we’re trying to do now is convince all world leaders that... The war needs to end.” – Nadav Rudaev, family member (07:02)
• US Position: President Trump offhandedly claims a peace deal is close; skepticism remains.
  • “It’s going to be peace. I think we have a deal.” – President Donald Trump (07:20)
• Ground Reality: Airstrikes continue, little sign civilians hear or believe Israeli messaging.

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3. Trump, the DOJ, and the Rule of Law: Indictments Escalate

• Ex-FBI Director Comey Indicted: Comey faces charges of lying to Congress over media leaks; indictment brought by a Trump appointee, after previous attorney resigns.
• Trump’s Stance: Portrays indictments as “justice, not revenge,” but openly hopes for more.
  • “I hope there are others because you can't let this happen to a country.” – President Trump (01:33); “It's about justice, really. It's not revenge.” (09:55)
• Critics' Alarms: Law experts argue this is political retribution, with the rule of law at risk.
  • “President Trump is on a retribution tour... He's got a sledgehammer that's chiseling away at that wall between his White House and the Justice Department ... a sad, dark, really scary day for America.” – Gene Rossi, former federal prosecutor (11:23)
  • “Vengeance and vanity are the reasons for these charges.” – Senator Richard Blumenthal (11:50)
• Fox News Response: Even typically Trump-friendly outlets question strength of charges.
• Potential for More: Comey’s October 9th arraignment may not be the last.

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4. Global Cybersecurity Threat: State-Backed VPN Attacks

• Nature of Attack: Canada joins US and UK in warning about a “serious and urgent” state-sponsored attack on Cisco VPNs—core devices securing hospitals, banks, utilities, and government networks.
  • “It’s a critical hit ... described as breaking down the front door of the very devices that guard... critical infrastructure.” – Katherine Tunney, CBC (13:07)
• Scope & Scale: Exploited since May; attacks target stealing data or disrupting services at strategic moments.
  • “The Cisco hackers are described as stealthy, advanced and highly skilled.” (14:26)
• State Actor Suspicions: Suspected actors are likely China or Russia; not outright named, but attack style points to espionage, not ransomware.
  • “At a critical point, maybe in the time of war in trade talks, things like that, they would want to then disrupt those services to have some additional leverage.” – Mike Grop, cybersecurity advisor (15:04)
• Urgency: Patch is available, but it’s unclear if data has already been lost.

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5. Canada–UK Relations: Diversifying Beyond the US

• Carney in the UK: PM Mark Carney aims to build trade and security ties with UK PM Keir Starmer and other world leaders at a “progressive leaders” summit.
  • “I'm grateful that the relationship is so strong because I'm now going to test the relationship. We're going to test each other.” – PM Carney, in jest (17:51)
• Defence and Trade: Canada weighs contributing troops to Ukraine/Middle East peacekeeping, seeking greater relevance in global affairs to secure trade partnerships.
  • “If we want to be more engaged ... Canada has to increase its relevance and visibility ... taking on a bigger ability to help shape constructively some of the world's key challenges.” – David Perry, Canadian Global Affairs Institute (18:51)
• Domestic Political Pushback: Conservatives question outcomes of Carney’s international engagements.

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6. US-Canada Travel: Tensions Over Declining Canadian Tourism

• Preclearance Debate: US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggests ending airport preclearance for Canadians, citing cost and a drop in Canadian visitors—a potential response to perceived anti-American sentiment.
  • “Preclearance is something that is done at the expense of the US Government ... if you can't make the numbers work anymore ... you gotta take a look at some of these things.” – Pete Hoekstra (20:41)
• Canadian Response: Experts question the economic sense; travelers worry about delays.
  • “My immediate reaction was that this is kind of like someone who feels jilted in a relationship ... a recognition that Canadians are not traveling to the United States as much.” – Moderator/Colin Robertson (21:00)
  • “Yeah, that does sound very annoying, actually ... longer waits for everyone.” – Jeremy Cote, dual citizen (22:06)
• Tech Reduces Costs: Border apps and kiosks lower personnel costs, undermining US argument.
• Political Undertone: US ambassador’s stance linked to support for Trump and criticism of Canadian government.

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7. COVID-19 Vaccines: Patchwork Access and Public Frustration

• Policy Divide: Most provinces provide free COVID-19 vaccines, but Alberta and Quebec will charge (up to $180 per dose); affects families and high-risk individuals.
  • “We are one of the most susceptible groups. I think it's cruel.” – Edmonton senior (23:32)
  • “Their families simply cannot afford 5, 6, $700 to immunize the whole family. They're going to have to take their chances...” – Darren Basmidjian, Montreal pharmacist (24:57)
• Expert Concerns: Restricting access jeopardizes public health and may drive up healthcare costs.
  • “You actually will get nice fourfold increase in the antibody levels compared to if you didn't get this vaccine.” – Dr. Donald Vin, infectious diseases (24:21)
  • “It's just looking at that cost of the vaccine itself, but ignoring those long term costs. And it just doesn't make sense from that perspective.” – Jeff Johnson, public health researcher (25:15)
• Anecdotal Response: Some seniors plan to travel to other provinces for free shots.

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8. Memorable Human Interest: Fruitcake Fame in Saskatchewan

• Jim Hadfield’s Baking Venture: Retiree Jim Hadfield fills hundreds of orders for homemade fruitcake, now worried Canada Post strike could affect deliveries.
  • “I have no help. I do it all myself. All the purchasing, all the taking the orders, the baking, the basting, the shipping, everything.” – Jim Hadfield (27:14)
• Stats: 724 cakes, 600m foil, 150kg butter, 2,000 eggs, 1,000kg of fruit.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “We're only the middle class and we want reasonable cost of inflation increases ... we just want to survive.” – Postal worker (00:39)
• “The problem is the union cannot come agreement that we are actually in a financial crisis ...” – John Hamilton, Canada Post (04:19)
• “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism ... a mark of shame on all of you.” – PM Netanyahu to UN delegates (06:06)
• “It's about justice, really. It's not revenge.” – Donald Trump (09:55)
• “President Trump is on a retribution tour ... it's the wild, wild West. It is a sad, dark, really scary day for America.” – Gene Rossi (11:23)
• “At a critical point, ... they would want to then disrupt those services to have some additional leverage.” – Mike Grop, cyber advisor (15:04)
• “Preclearance is something ... if you can't make the numbers work anymore ... you gotta take a look at some of these things.” – Pete Hoekstra (20:41)
• “It's cruel.” – Edmonton senior, on vaccine charges (23:32)
• “I do it all myself. ... the baking, the basting, the shipping, everything.” – Jim Hadfield (27:14)

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Timestamps by Segment

• Canada Post strike coverage: 00:39 – 05:06
• Gaza/Netanyahu at UN: 05:06 – 08:31
• Trump-Comey indictments: 09:12 – 12:27
• Cybersecurity/Cisco VPN attack: 12:27 – 15:39
• UK-Canada relations: 16:24 – 19:52
• US–Canada cross-border travel: 19:52 – 23:04
• COVID vaccine policies: 23:04 – 25:57
• Jim Hadfield fruitcake story: 25:57 – end

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Tone and Style

The hosts and reporters maintain a brisk, factual, but human-centered tone throughout, balancing direct quotes from policymakers and affected individuals with concise analysis. Cutting through government spin and corporate statements, the episode allows for authentic, sometimes blunt, voices—whether from workers, politicians, or everyday Canadians—to surface.

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Summary Takeaway

This news-packed episode captures the complexity and interconnectedness of current Canadian and global events, highlighting how major political, economic, and technological shifts have immediate impacts on ordinary people—from postal strikes to vaccine access—while keeping a close eye on growing international instabilities and political risks.

Transcript

[Anand Ram]

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[Interviewer/Host]

This is a CBC podcast. We're looking for decent jobs for Canadians for not only current postal workers, but future postal workers. We're only the middle class and we want reasonable cost of inflation increases in their payments and we just want to survive.

[Anand Ram]

Not signed, not sealed. And so no delivery. Still, without a contract, postal workers walk off the job for the second time in a year. After news, the federal government will allow sweeping changes to how Canada Post operates. And with no official talks planned, Canadians are bracing for another long wait for letters to arrive. Welcome to your world tonight. I'm Anand Ram. It is Friday, September 26, coming up on 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, they weaponized the.

[Interviewer/Host]

Justice Department like nobody in history. What they've done is terrible and so I would, I hope there, frankly, I hope there are others because you can't let this happen to a country.

[Anand Ram]

Donald Trump has said he hates the people who oppose him. His own former FBI chief, James Comey has been a target for the president's anger for years. Comey has now been indicted on two charges, accused of lying to Congress, and Trump suggests he's just the first. All over Canada, postal workers have hit the picket lines. The union representing 55,000 people has launched a nationwide strike over the changes Ottawa's making to the way Canada Post does business. The government says the goal is to get the Crown Corporation back in the black, but the reforms seem to be causing workers to see red. Nicole Williams reports.

[Nicole Williams]

Across the country, Canada Post workers are back on the picket line for the second time this year.

[Anand Ram]

We want a contract.

[Nicole Williams]

Mike Brown is in Halifax, but works for Canada post out of St. John's employees like him have been in contract talks for nearly two years over many issues, including wages and part I want to retire.

[Anand Ram]

I have eight years left. I want to actually retire.

[Interviewer/Host]

Right.

[Anand Ram]

But for the future of the post office, the way this is going is not a good future.

[Nicole Williams]

The federal government proposed major changes Thursday, including an end to home delivery and the closure of post offices in some rural areas. In response, the union representing those workers called a surprise strike.

[Interviewer/Host]

You know, the world has changed, so I don't know if Post has to be delivered to your house.

[Nicole Williams]

Some customers agree that it's time to make changes. Only a quarter of Canadians still get mail delivered to their door. The rest have already transitioned to community or rural mailboxes over the past few decades.

[Interviewer/Host]

It's a good thing to cut down on things. I'm retired, so it doesn't really matter.

[Anand Ram]

Everything's online.

[Nicole Williams]

Lori Hodnot says that isn't the reality where she lives. She's the mayor of the township of McNab Braeside, west of Ottaw, a rural area with a lot of dirt roads and a lot of seniors.

[Interviewer/Host]

So we don't have a newspaper service. And sometimes it's spotty on connectivity geographically. Here people want their mail.

[Nicole Williams]

But Canada Post has a big problem on its hands, losing approximately $10 million a day. Earlier this year, the crown corporation was given a $1 billion bailout to keep it operational. John Hamilton is VP of Communications for Canada Post.

[Interviewer/Host]

And the problem is the union cannot come agreement that we are actually in a financial crisis and that has not provided any basis for us to provide a service.

[Nicole Williams]

But union president of the Toronto chapter, Mark Lubinski says the blame is entirely Canada Posts, saying the service has lost customers because of the ongoing labor disruptions.

[Interviewer/Host]

Would they sat down negotiated seriously. And if we had a contract in place right now, we would not be in this scenario right now.

[Nicole Williams]

In the House of Commons, former Labour Minister Steve McKinnon fended off accusations that the government caused the strike, saying we have put Canada Post on a lasting path and I hope both parties will reach an agreement. Nicole Williams, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Anand Ram]

Medecin Sans Frontiere says it is suspending its work in Gaza City. MSF says the security is deteriorating, putting their staff at too high a risk. Meanwhile, speaking at the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to defend the war in Gaza and vowed that Israel will finish the job there. Our senior international correspondent Margaret Evans has more on that speech and the reaction.

[Interviewer/Host]

Place order in hall.

[Margaret Evans]

Israel's growing isolation on the world stage reflected at the UN General assembly dozens of delegations walking out ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. It came with defiance.

[Interviewer/Host]

Much of the world no longer remembers October 7th, but we remember Israel remembers October 7th.

[Margaret Evans]

He hit out at countries, including Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state earlier in the week.

[Interviewer/Host]

Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere. It will be a mark of shame on all of you.

[Margaret Evans]

And there were theatrics. Netanyahu holding up a map of the Middle east and ticking off enemies eliminated by Israel. And he addressed Israeli hostages in Gaza directly through loudspeakers he said were broadcasting his speech along the border.

[Interviewer/Host]

Our brave heroes, this is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not even for a second.

[Margaret Evans]

Families of the hostages, dead and alive, demonstrated outside the UN Many long accusing Netanyahu of blocking a deal to end the war. Nadav Rudaev lost his father on October 7.

[Interviewer/Host]

The only thing we're trying to do now is convince all world leaders that.

[Katherine Tunney]

This is what needs to happen now.

[Interviewer/Host]

The war needs to end.

[Margaret Evans]

In Washington, in an almost throwaway remark, US President Donald Trump told reporters a deal is close.

[Interviewer/Host]

It's going to be a deal with. It's going to be peace. I think we have a deal.

[Margaret Evans]

Netanyahu gave no indication of that. And there was little mention of the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza beyond denying Israel was deliberately targeting or starving civilians in Gaza City. This morning, yet another airstrike and chaos as people pull survivors and bodies from the wreckage, including that of a little girl. Few here would have heard Netanyahu's speech, which he claimed Israeli intelligence was live streaming to Gazan's mobile phones. I didn't hear anything, says Mohammed Wadi. We didn't get voice notes, and God willing, we won't. She says she's counting on the international community to end the war. But with the world's leaders gathered in New York and all the pleas for peace, Gaza looks set to bleed a while longer. Margaret Evans, CBC News, London.

[Anand Ram]

Coming right up, Canada's prime minister is in England looking to strengthen economic ties with the UK as relations with the US Stay shaky. Speaking of which, fewer Canadians are crossing the border into the U.S. which has the U.S. ambassador to Canada wondering if they should make changes that could make crossing that border harder. And later, health experts recommend the COVID vaccine be available for free, especially for the most vulnerable. But Alberta and Quebec say they will be limiting who gets the free version, leaving some people with a difficult choice.

[Interviewer/Host]

5, 6, $700 to immunize the whole family. They're going to have to take their chances, and that may end up being worse for them and may compromise their health.

[Anand Ram]

Christine Birack on the charges and challenges to getting vaccinated. That's all coming up on youn World tonight. One day after a grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey. U.S. president Donald Trump is hinting that more indictments could follow. Trump has long urged the Justice Department to go after his perceived enemies. As Katie Nicholson reports, critics say this could signal a turning point for the rule of law.

[Katie Nicholson]

From the White House lawn, US President Donald Trump insisted James Comey's indictment isn't about retribution.

[Interviewer/Host]

It's about justice, really. It's not revenge.

[Katie Nicholson]

But he said he hoped others might soon join the former FBI director.

[Interviewer/Host]

It's not a list, but I think there'll be others. I mean, they're corrupt.

[Katie Nicholson]

Trump has urged the FBI and the Department of Justice to go after his perceived enemies many times over the years. In the eight months he's been back in the Oval Office, there have been investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, Trump's own former National Security Advisor John Bolton and and former Obama era CIA chief John Brennan, to name a few. All subjects of the president's ire.

[Anand Ram]

My family and I have known for.

[Interviewer/Host]

Years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump.

[Katie Nicholson]

Comey defiant in a Thursday video message.

[Anand Ram]

We will not live on our knees and you shouldn't either.

[Katie Nicholson]

Comey faces two charges, both stemming from allegations he lied under oath before Congress when asked about FBI media leaks. The case was brought forward by an Acting U.S. attorney appointed by Trump just days ago after the previous lead attorney refused and resigned.

[Interviewer/Host]

It's what they call a bare bones indictment. Okay, in this, this indictment, you know, you want a little meat on the bones, but this indictment doesn't even have any bones. That's how bare it is.

[Katie Nicholson]

Gene Rossi is a former federal prosecutor. He says the rule of law is being ignored.

[Interviewer/Host]

There is no crime. But President Trump is on a retribution tour. He's got a sledgehammer that's chiseling away at that, at that wall between his, his White House and the Justice Department. And it's, it's the wild, wild West. It is a sad, dark, really scary day for America.

[Katie Nicholson]

Senator Richard Blumenthal is among the many Democrats speaking out.

[Interviewer/Host]

Vengeance and vanity are the reasons for these charges.

[Katie Nicholson]

But even on Trump friendly Fox News, a sense the case against Comey may be weak.

[Interviewer/Host]

First, give us your reaction to the indictment. Well, I don't think there's a case and a wariness.

[Katie Nicholson]

The wall between the once independent DOJ and the White House is eroding.

[Interviewer/Host]

This was completely and totally orchestrated by President Trump. He says he's leaving into justice, but you know, he very much out in the open.

[Katie Nicholson]

Comey will be arraigned on October 9th. By then he may have company. Katie Nicholson, CBC News, Toronto.

[Anand Ram]

Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media say Jimmy Kimmel will be allowed back on their airwaves. Between them, the two companies control nearly 70 ABC affiliates. Kimmel's late night program was suspended, then reinstated a week later after comments he made about the reaction to the murder of Charlie Kirk. Canada's Cyber Security Agency is joining others around the world to warn about a widespread attack, one it calls serious and urgent. The critical warnings are about a months long attack on virtual private networks, systems that are used by government and businesses to keep information safe. Katherine Tunney has been looking into this. Katherine, how serious is this attack?

[Katherine Tunney]

It's a critical hit on Cisco, a security technology company that offers a very popular VPN service. So it's the firewall that allows workers, including government, government workers in Canada to do their job securely and safely. Well, now we're learning of an advanced and sophisticated attack on Cisco going back to May. The company says the hackers were able to exploit vulnerabilities in their system and can potentially steal data from compromised devices. I spoke to Mike Grop, a senior cybersecurity advisor with Roger Cybersecurity Catalyst out of the Toronto Metropolitan University. He described it as breaking down the front door of the very devices that guard corporate and government networks, the critical infrastructure used in critical infrastructure.

[Interviewer/Host]

So you have banks, hospitals, utilities, public agencies, they depend on these firewalls. So a successful attack can expose things like patient records, financial data or even government communications and even disrupt essential services.

[Katherine Tunney]

Canada's Cyber Intelligence Agency calls the threat serious and urgent. The communications security establishment joined its counterparts in the US and the UK issuing a red alert, saying basically take this seriously and if you're in charge of your company's it, follow our advice and.

[Anand Ram]

Patch those known vulnerabilities so there is a fix. But do we have any sense of who's behind this attack?

[Katherine Tunney]

So Cisco says it believes the attackers are the same state sponsored actors who ran a previous espionage focused campaign against its systems. It is not named that suspected actor and the cyber agency here in Canada would not say who they think is behind the global attack. The techniques used in this attack do match the MO of government backed attackers versus, you know, cybercriminals who are looking to make some money in a ransomware hit. The Cisco hackers are described as stealthy, advanced and highly skilled. Grop says state sponsored actors like China and Russia are looking for government communications or information on new technologies or infiltrating a system to play the Long game.

[Interviewer/Host]

Gathering credentials, gathering information, seeing how once they're in the network, how it's architected, how it's secured, what software is in use, what people are there, and potentially at a critical point, maybe in the time of war in trade talks, things like that, they would want to then disrupt those services to have some additional leverage in those strategic situations.

[Katherine Tunney]

And finally, the patch that Canada and its allies are recommending was described to me as relatively straightforward to fix the holes in the system. But it's still not clear whether any private or sensitive information has already been stolen.

[Anand Ram]

All right, thanks, Katherine. The CBC's Katherine Tunney in Ottawa. A judge in London, England has thrown out a terrorism charge against a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap. Liam Ogilhani, also known as Makara, was accused of waving a Hezbollah flag during a London concert last year. The group has said the flag had been thrown onto the stage and that the charge was an attempt to silence them for their support of Palestinians in Gaza. Mekara spoke to supporters outside the court after the ruling.

[Interviewer/Host]

This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public.

[Anand Ram]

Never about terrorism, a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress.

[Interviewer/Host]

It was always about Gaza, about what.

[Anand Ram]

Happens if you dare to speak up.

[Interviewer/Host]

Your attempts to silence us have failed.

[Anand Ram]

Because we're right and you're wrong. The judge ruled the case null and unlawful because the charge was issued outside of a six month limit. Last week, Ottawa banned the group from entering Canada, citing publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. There's no word yet on whether or not this news will affect that decision. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, meanwhile, is in the United Kingdom meeting with the UK Prime Minister and other world leaders. Carney is hoping to diversify Canada's trade relationships and reduce its reliance on the U.S. carney is also showcasing Canada's defence commitments. As Olivia Stefanovic reports, he's making the case for Canada as a trusted economic and security partner.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

Prime Minister Mark Carney arriving at 10 Downing street for a reception with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, after the two reconnected earlier on the sidelines of a summit in London for progressive leaders.

[Interviewer/Host]

And obviously we've got Ukraine to discuss, we've got the Middle east to discuss and thank you for the way we've been able to work together on both those issues.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

The two well established allies now pushing each other ahead on uncharted priorities.

[Anand Ram]

I'm grateful that the relationship is so.

[Interviewer/Host]

Strong because I'm now going to test the relationship. We're going to test each other.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

That may have been a friendly joke between two rugby rivals, but senior government officials say Carney is in the UK to explore how Canada can contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine and the Middle East. This after the prime minister signalled the possibility of participation by Canadian troops in both conflicts.

[Interviewer/Host]

Those things are going to take time to transpire. Right now, I don't think he's got a lot of options other than to shift around some of the existing troop deployments that we have right now.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

David Perry is the president and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. He says Canada is limited in what it can offer its allies in terms of its defence capabilities and readiness, but there is still a meaningful role it can play, one that Perry says will benefit the federal government's other priorities.

[Interviewer/Host]

If we want to be more engaged in a number of different ways, including economically and from a trading relationship, that I think Canada has to increase its relevance and visibility to some of our other potential key partners. And so part of that would be taking on a bigger ability to help shape constructively some of the world's key challenges.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

If Canada can prove it's carrying its weight, Perry says more countries might be more willing to open their markets.

[Anand Ram]

We're partners in the Arctic with Australian.

[Interviewer/Host]

Technology over the horizon radar.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

Carney spent the day meeting with like minded counterparts, many for the first time in person in an official capacity, including the prime ministers of Iceland, Spain and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

[Anand Ram]

But we're also countries that trust each.

[Interviewer/Host]

Other when it comes to security issues.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

While Carney strengthens ties abroad, the Conservatives continue to question what the prime minister is coming home with and whether his trips are worth it. Olivia Stefanovic, CBC News, London.

[Anand Ram]

Well, we know Canadians have been taking fewer trips to the US Since Donald Trump started this trade war. And the US Ambassador has noticed. Pete Hoekstra recently suggested Canadians are being anti American. Now he's saying Washington might want to reconsider its customs pre clearance for Canadian travelers because of that drop in tourism. Kate McKenna has more.

[Interviewer/Host]

I think Canadians like the pre clearance process.

[Kate McKenna]

At a business forum in Banff on Thursday night, US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra once again said something provocative, this time floating the idea of ending pre clearance at major Canadian airports that allows Canadians to clear customs before boarding a flight to the US Speeding up time spent traveling. Hoekstra says with fewer Canadians traveling south, it might become too expensive.

[Interviewer/Host]

Preclearance is something that is done at the expense of the US Government. We pay for it, which you know if you can't make the numbers work anymore, you're all business people. You know what that means. You gotta, you gotta take a look at some of these things.

[Kate McKenna]

Moderator Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat, challenged the ambassador.

[Interviewer/Host]

We're your biggest source of tourism. If you end preclearance, doesn't that cut off your nose despite your face? Nobody said we were ending pre clearance. Don't put words in my mouth. No, and I'm just asking because I heard you say we have to look at it. These are all business people. My immediate reaction was that this is kind of like someone who feels jilted in a relationship that, you know, why don't you love me anymore? And in this case, you know, a recognition that Canadians are not traveling to the United States as much.

[Kate McKenna]

Benjamin Mueller is an expert in borders and sovereignty and a professor at King's University College in London, Ontario. He questions the ambassador's reference to costs, saying preclearance has become cheaper to administer.

[Interviewer/Host]

The US and they're not alone in this. Many countries have done this, have moved to a reliance on apps on our phones. So the mobile passport control or MPC app that the United States uses, along with, you know, electronic kiosks, and these all enable pretty substantial reduction in personnel costs.

[Kate McKenna]

But he says preclearance does make a difference in Canadians travel time.

[Interviewer/Host]

Yeah, I mean, my flight here last week was completely empty.

[Kate McKenna]

Jeremy Cote is a dual citizen who travels between both countries often. He spends winters in Canada and summers in the U.S. he says the end of pre clearance could add a lot of hassle.

[Interviewer/Host]

Yeah, that does sound very annoying, actually. Sounds like longer waits for everyone for I don't know what the point is.

[Kate McKenna]

Hoekstra's time as ambassador falls in an era of historic turbulence. He's been a fervent supporter of US President Donald Trump, saying as recently as last week, Hoekstra was disappointed. He came to Canada accusing the Mark Carney government of running an anti American elbows up campaign. But whether preclearance is actually in jeopardy remains to be seen. Neither the White House nor the American Embassy indicated that there's a plan to push forward with this for now. Kate McKenna, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Anand Ram]

COVID 19 vaccines are rolling out across Canada, starting with high risk groups. But this year, provinces aren't all on the same page. Quebec and Alberta are now charging some people for the shots. Christine Birack reports.

[Christine Birak]

Inside a senior center in Edmonton, a friendly game of badminton turns glum when we ask about COVID 19 vaccines and Alberta's decision not to cover them. For everyone over 65, we are one.

[Katie Nicholson]

Of the most susceptible groups. I think it's cruel.

[Interviewer/Host]

I will pay for it because I need it. I don't want to get Covid again.

[Christine Birak]

Now made In Canada, Moderna's COVID 19 shots, along with others are going into arms. So we asked an expert in do we still need one?

[Interviewer/Host]

By far, COVID 19 is not a thing of the past. It is an ongoing problem with ebbs and flows. But right now we're on the uptick.

[Christine Birak]

Donald Vin is an infectious disease doctor at McGill. He agrees with Canada's independent vaccine panel that is recommending COVID 19 shots for high risk groups, including anyone over 65 or pregnant, along with those over six months with underlying medical conditions, living in long term care or in underserved communities. Dr. Vin says updated COVID 19 vaccines offer everyone strong protection.

[Interviewer/Host]

You actually will get nice fourfold increase in the antibody levels compared to if you didn't get this vaccine.

[Christine Birak]

For most Canadians, Covid vaccines will be free except in Alberta and Quebec which plan to charge residents up to $180.

[Interviewer/Host]

Sainte Quebec has been talking about is let's go preventative, preventative, preventative, which I think is laudable. And yet now we're going backwards with.

[Christine Birak]

COVID Darren Basmidijan is a pharmacist in Montreal. He says offering free flu and Covid shots was a logical way to protect people. Now some families will have to make tough choices.

[Interviewer/Host]

Their families simply cannot afford 5, 6, $700 to immunize the whole family. They're going to have to take their chances and that may end up being worse for them and may compromise their health.

[Christine Birak]

While Quebec plans to cover all high risk groups, Alberta isn't and shots won't be offered in pharmacies, citing waste and cost.

[Anand Ram]

It's just looking at that cost of the vaccine itself, but ignoring those long term costs. And it just doesn't make sense from that perspective.

[Christine Birak]

Jeff Johnson is a public health researcher at the University of Alberta. He says the average cost estimate of a COVID 19 hospital stay is over $24,000. Covid ICU admissions are over 50,000. Back at the badminton game, Donna Tatchuk says she won't pay.

[Interviewer/Host]

No, I will not. I will go to Saskatchewan to visit.

[Olivia Stefanovic]

Family or BC to visit friends and.

[Interviewer/Host]

I will get the shot there.

[Christine Birak]

For her, it's a simple step to stay out of hospital and on the court. Christine Birak, CBC News, Toronto.

[Anand Ram]

Finally, for Milestone, Saskatchewan's Jim Hadfield. It all started with a post on.

[Interviewer/Host]

Facebook and about six years ago, I thought, I wonder if anybody eats fruitcake anymore? So I threw it on there and I got, I believe, orders for 28.

[Anand Ram]

Hadfield had taken up baking after he retired, but nothing prepared him for what he'd now started. That original 28 orders turned into more than 200 the following year, 500 last year, and this year more than 700. His living room is filled with storage containers. Hadfield had to cut off orders on June 15 and started baking the day after. He finished on Wednesday.

[Interviewer/Host]

Well, I'm going to be 75 next year, and I'm thinking that that's probably the limit. I have two ovens and I do 20 a day. I can do five at a time in each oven, but they take three and a half hours to bake. So to do 724 Christmas cakes, that's how long it took me.

[Anand Ram]

That's a lot of math. So 724Cakes, most of which he is now basting with syrup or alcohol and prepping to send out in November. If that sounds like some sort of record, Hadfield says, it might be.

[Interviewer/Host]

People have told me on my my Facebook page that they don't know anybody else who does what I do. Given the fact that I do everything myself, I have no help. I do it all myself. All the purchasing, all the taking the orders, the baking, the basting, the shipping, everything.

[Anand Ram]

Hadfield's list of ingredients is also impressive. 600 meters of foil for wrapping, 150 kilos of butter, nearly 2,000 eggs and more than 1,000 kilos of fruit every nuts. Hadfield says he's watching the Canada Post strike closely and is looking at other ways to ship out the fruitcakes. And he says he'll start taking orders for 2026 around April or May. Thanks for being with us. This has been youn World Tonight for Friday, September 26th. I'm Anand Ram. Good night.

[Interviewer/Host]

Foreign.

[Anand Ram]

For more CBC podcasts, go to CBC CA podcasts.