Your World Tonight (CBC) — January 7, 2026
Hosts: Susan Bonner, Stephanie Skenderis
Episode Highlights: Deadly ICE-related shooting in Minnesota, US moves in Venezuela and Colombia, Carney’s China rapprochement, new air travel deals, Canadian TV’s global moment, and more.
Main Theme
The episode dives into a turbulent international and domestic news cycle: an ICE shooting in Minneapolis sparks fierce controversy; the US ramps up bold actions in Venezuela and faces backlash across Latin America; Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a significant trade visit to China; and a hit Canadian show captures global attention. The tone is urgent, analytical, and distinctly Canadian, tying each story to its impact at home and abroad.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. ICE Shooting in Minneapolis – Outrage and Conflicting Narratives
- Segment Start: [01:05]
- Details: A fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis has ignited outrage, with video evidence challenging official accounts.
- Federal Narrative: DHS claims the victim, a white US citizen woman, was a “violent rioter” who tried to run over officers.
- Local Pushback: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry and Police Chief Brian O’Hara refute the self-defense claim, calling the official account “bullshit” and saying the woman was not under investigation.
- Community Impact: The deployment of 2,000 federal agents in Minneapolis for immigration crackdowns, partly targeting Somali residents, is described as deeply disruptive.
- Protests: Immediate public demonstrations demanding accountability.
Notable Quotes:
- “They are already trying to spin this as an action of self defense. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly—that is bullshit.”
— Mayor Jacob Fry [04:18] - “ICE, get the out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.”
— Mayor Jacob Fry [05:26] - “We do not need any further help from the federal government. To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you’ve done enough.”
— Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (spoken by Paul Hunter) [05:43]
2. US Seizure of Venezuelan Oil – International and Domestic Fallout
- Segment Start: [06:09]
- Details: After seizing tankers and toppling Venezuela’s president, the US unveils a “three-phase” plan to take over the oil industry, drawing criticism for heavy-handed tactics.
- US Position: Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines stabilization, recovery (market access for American/Western companies), and “transition.”
- Criticism: Russian condemnation, Democratic opposition labeling it “an insane plan,” and concerns about “stealing Venezuelan oil at gunpoint.”
- Strategy: Ongoing warship blockade, proposed handover of 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil under US oversight.
Notable Quotes:
- “Step one is the stabilization of the country... Second phase, ensuring that American, Western, and other companies have access to the Venezuelan market.”
— Marco Rubio [07:20] - “They are talking about stealing the Venezuelan oil at gunpoint for a period of time undefined as leverage to micromanage the country.”
— Senator Chris Murphy [08:26] - “The president has made it very clear... their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America.”
— White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt [08:49]
3. Colombian Response to US Moves in Latin America
- Segment Start: [09:07]
- Details: Protests erupt in Colombia in response to Trump’s threats to extend intervention there, echoing actions taken in Venezuela.
- On the Ground: Anti-Trump sentiment (especially among Petro and his supporters), but also critiques of Colombia’s president’s unfulfilled peace promises.
- Geopolitical Complexity: Despite public anger, Colombia continues close intelligence cooperation with the US on drug enforcement.
Notable Quotes:
- “Trump has no business in Latin America. We can take care of our own problems. Don’t need you, don’t want you here.”
— Protesters, summarized by Paul Hunter [09:27] - “They hate each other... If it comes to that [military intervention], they will stand up and fight.”
— Paul Hunter [11:06]
4. US Interest in Greenland – Danish Outrage
- Segment Start: [11:53]
- Details: US openly discusses controlling Greenland, leading to sharp resistance from local representatives. Military action is not ruled out by Washington.
- Greenland Response: Firm rejection, defense of sovereignty.
Notable Quotes:
- “Greenland has never been for sale and never will be for sale... The US is trying to say they won’t rule out annexing our country... But it’s not interesting for us.”
— Aya Chemnitz, Greenlandic MP [12:30]
5. Carney Heads to China – Attempt to Reset Canada-China Relations
- Segment Start: [13:41]
- Details: Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for first official visit to China in eight years, aiming to diversify trade while acknowledging areas of strategic caution (AI, defense).
- Balance Needed: Experts warn about Chinese interference, lingering tariffs, and human rights issues; Carney seeks economic ties without over-dependency.
Notable Quotes:
- “Never have all your eggs in one basket... We have too many eggs in the American basket.”
— Mark Carney [14:21] - “It’s fine to sell certain amounts of different commodities or products to China as long as Canada doesn’t excessively depend... so much that if China were to cut off that trade, Canada would be somehow economically crippled.”
— Michael Kovrig [15:52]
6. Easing Air Travel Restrictions – Competition Heats Up
- Segment Start: [20:10]
- Details: Canada increases foreign flight quotas for Saudi Arabia and the UAE to boost domestic competition and improve service.
- Background: Previous restrictions were rooted in diplomatic spats and industry protectionism; new agreements signal openness and efforts to diversify economic partnerships.
Notable Quotes:
- “You’re going up against the best of the best in terms of service levels, and Canadian carriers are going to have to up their game to compete.”
— John Gradic, Aviation expert [22:45] - “The true winners are Canadian consumers. It’ll push Air Canada... and WestJet.”
— John Gradic [23:01]
7. Canadian TV’s Global Triumph – “Heated Rivalry” Phenomenon
- Segment Start: [23:27]
- Details: “Heated Rivalry,” a hockey romance series, becomes an international streaming hit, marking a major moment for Canadian media exports.
- Success Formula: Adaptation of a beloved book series, co-production with HBO Max, and support from the Canada Media Fund.
- Industry Impact: Demonstrates strong appetite for distinctive Canadian storytelling globally.
Notable Quotes:
- “The response is nothing short of a phenomenon.”
— Terry Hart, entertainment reporter [24:53] - “Canadians telling stories in their own distinctive voice still resonates on the world stage.”
— Rod Butler, Canada Media Fund [25:51] - “To quote my mother again, it’s either going to sizzle or fizzle. Well, it caught fire.”
— Robbie GK, actor [26:07]
8. Nova Scotia Grieves Tragic Dog Attack
- Segment Start: [17:25]
- Details: Outpouring of grief and community support after a young boy is killed by dogs in rural Nova Scotia. The tragedy triggers fundraising efforts and discussion on animal control laws, but no charges laid.
9. Newfoundland Wildfire Recovery – Community Generosity
- Segment Start: [26:31]
- Details: In the aftermath of devastating wildfires, the fishing community in Conception Bay North bands together with donations of codfish to affected seniors.
Notable Quotes:
- “A lot of us lost our deep freezes and everything we had in it. This is just a little bit to get back, and I really appreciate it.”
— Bruce Oliver, resident [27:01] - “It just felt like there’s something that we can do to help out... The wildfires were devastating. In some small way, we were able to help.”
— Bernard Martin, Petty Harbor Fisherman’s Cooperative [27:48]
Memorable Moments
- [03:18] Mayor Fry’s unfiltered pushback: Directly calls federal narrative about the shooting “bullshit.”
- [08:26] Senator Murphy’s sharp rebuke: Labels the Venezuela oil plan “insane” and akin to armed theft.
- [11:06] Colombia’s bracing uncertainty: “To be honest... no one knows” what US-Colombia tensions may bring.
- [14:21] Carney’s “eggs in one basket” metaphor: Emblematic of Canada’s trade balancing act.
- [24:53] Heated Rivalry’s “nothing short of a phenomenon” moment: Capture of international attention and pride in Canadian content.
Summary Table of Timestamps
| Segment | Start | |-----------------------------------------------|---------| | ICE Shooting in Minneapolis | 01:05 | | US Oil Seizure in Venezuela | 06:09 | | Colombia Protests US Intervention | 09:07 | | US Interest in Greenland | 11:53 | | Carney Heads to China (CAN-CHN relations) | 13:41 | | Nova Scotia Dog Attack | 17:25 | | Easing Air Travel Restrictions | 20:10 | | "Heated Rivalry" and Canadian TV Surge | 23:27 | | Newfoundland Wildfire Recovery | 26:31 |
Takeaway
The episode reflects a world in flux. It blends hard-hitting news—marked by violence, diplomatic gambits, and tense geopolitics—with moments of humanity, artistic triumph, and small-town resilience. The Canadian vantage point weaves throughout, asking both what’s happening and what it means for listeners at home.
