Israel threatens to bar Gaza aid groups, power still out in a First Nation in Manitoba, Olympic men’s hockey roster announced, and more

Summary

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Your World Tonight – CBC

Episode Summary: December 31, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of Your World Tonight delivers a cross-section of major Canadian and global news stories shaping the close of 2025. Topics range from Israel’s move to bar major NGOs from Gaza, to a humanitarian crisis in a First Nation in Manitoba without power, to federal job cuts and the new Olympic men’s hockey roster. The CBC’s signature tone is informed, urgent, and empathetic, punctuated by on-the-ground reporting and voices from those directly affected.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel Banning Aid Groups in Gaza

[00:43–05:05]

• Key Issue: Israel plans to ban nearly 40 international NGOs—including Doctors Without Borders, World Vision, and Oxfam—from delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank, citing a failure to comply with new stringent registration rules.
  • Registration rules require NGOs to provide names of workers, details about funding and operations, and to not “deny Israel as a Jewish and democratic state” or support prosecution of Israeli forces in international courts.
• Impact: Aid agencies warn this will deepen the suffering of millions of Palestinians as winter rains worsen living conditions.
• International Response: Canada and nine other countries criticize Israel’s move, calling it “unacceptable,” warning that vital aid will not reach those in need.
• NGO Perspective: NGOs refuse to hand over staff lists due to security concerns—hundreds of aid workers have been killed since October 2023.

Notable Quotes:

• “Life is just unimaginably miserable.” – [UN aid statistics, 03:21]
• “No humanitarian organization should be forced to choose between protecting its staff and delivering life-saving assistance.”
  — Ushra Khalidi, Oxfam policy lead, 04:47

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2. Manitoba First Nation Power Outage Crisis

[06:44–09:51]

• What’s Happening: Pimichikamak Cree Nation has been without power since Sunday due to a downed line during sub-arctic temperatures, forcing evacuations and endangering health.
  • Generators are failing, homes lack heat or clean water, and water/septic tanks are freezing.
• Local Voices: Residents express exhaustion and frustration at the delayed and inadequate response from Manitoba Hydro.
• Systemic Issues: The broken power line runs through difficult terrain; calls for re-routing along highways have gone unheeded for years.

Notable Quotes:

• “We have two-month-old babies still waiting to be brought out that are trying to keep warm in their homes.”
  — Councilor Shirley Robinson, 09:02
• “This is now a human safety issue, not just a power outage.”
  — Chief David Monias, 08:31

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3. Calgary Water Main Catastrophe

[09:51–12:51]

• Recent Events: Another major water main break causes severe flooding and rescue operations in Calgary, echoing similar issues from June 2024.
  • Major portions of the city face water restrictions and boil water advisories; officials blame ageing infrastructure and unknown causes.
• City Response: Mayor and utility staff stress the complexity of the repair and lack of early-warning signs.

Notable Quotes:

• “We have to fix the pipe. And until we completely replace the pipe, this is a ticking time bomb…”
  — Calgary resident, 11:15
• “There was nothing… that would have indicated an issue before the pressure dropped at the control room.”
  — Chris Graham, Calgary utilities, 11:48

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4. Federal Public Service Job Cuts

[12:51–15:24]

• Context: The federal government will cut 16,000 public service jobs over three years, aiming to fund new programs and efficiencies.
  • Many workers face intense uncertainty; departments have not detailed how cuts will be implemented, leading to anxiety and rumors.
• Worker Perspective: Highlighting the personal toll on employees, especially newer and vulnerable staff.
• Expert Commentary: Former top bureaucrat Michael Wernick advises a “careful, slow process” to minimize unintended consequences.

Notable Quotes:

• “Providing imperfect information in a transparent way is better than providing no information and letting rumors fester at the water cooler.”
  — Crofton Steers, public servant, 15:12

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5. Canada’s New Grocery Code of Conduct

[15:37–18:10]

• Regulation Change: From January 1, 2026, new rules target unfair fees/fines imposed upon suppliers by dominant retailers.
  • The intention is to create a fairer business environment, not lower consumer prices immediately.
• Industry Impact: Experts expect improved choice on shelves, increased predictability for suppliers, and more power for independent grocers—especially in rural and Indigenous communities.

Notable Quotes:

• “It will likely improve choice… because there’ll be less risk on the part of a supplier to putting a product on the shelves at the big retailers.”
  — Mike von Massow, food economist, 16:15
• “A lot of the fees and fines… will disappear.”
  — Michael Graydon, Food, Health and Consumer Products Canada, 16:42

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6. Ontario Enacts Pay Transparency Law

[18:10–21:01]

• Legislation: As of the new year, large Ontario employers must disclose salary ranges in job postings and follow up with all candidates.
• Advocates’ View: This is seen as a tool for pay equity and transparency, potentially empowering jobseekers.
• Cautions: Some HR experts warn this may lower advertised salaries as companies align with competitors.

Notable Quotes:

• “You don’t want to undervalue yourself, but you don’t want to immediately be eliminated from consideration.”
  — Andrea Little, job seeker, 19:03
• “This is a leverage tool for people to be really honest about… if they can switch a job for that new salary.”
  — Allison Venditti, Moms at Work, 20:11

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7. Other Notable Stories & Moments

– Trump Withdraws National Guard from US Cities

[21:08]

• U.S. President Trump announces the withdrawal; reserves the right to send them back if crime increases.

– Canada’s Year-End Reflections and New Year’s Hopes

[21:53, 27:25]

• Governor General Mary Simon’s message highlights solidarity, economic cooperation, and Indigenous revitalization.
• Citizens and public figures share hopes for 2026, ranging from national sports victories to greater kindness.

– Order of Canada and New Year’s Traditions

[22:13, 26:03]

• New appointments include Olympic legends, journalists, and Indigenous leaders.
• Canadians ring in the year with fireworks in Newfoundland and skating in Ottawa; Prime Minister Carney’s resolution: “peace and prosperity.”

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8. Olympic Men’s Hockey Roster Announcement

[22:44–25:45]

• Big News: NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
• Team Highlights: Sidney Crosby named captain; both rookies (like Macklin Celebrini), veterans (Drew Doughty), and stars (Connor McDavid) included.
• Challenges: Other nations present stiff competition; venue construction still underway.

Notable Quotes:

• “He was excited, he’s honored, he’s fired up. He wants to win again. His passion… is infectious to everybody.”
  — Doug Armstrong, Team Canada GM, 24:06
• “Well, there is nothing greater than representing your country and having an opportunity to bring home gold.”
  — Chris Pronger, former Olympian, 24:58

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Timestamped Memorable Quotes

• On Gaza aid ban:
  “No humanitarian organization should be forced to choose between protecting its staff and delivering life-saving assistance.”
  — Ushra Khalidi, Oxfam (04:47)

• On Manitoba power outage:
  “We have two-month-old babies still waiting to be brought out that are trying to keep warm in their homes.”
  — Councilor Shirley Robinson (09:02)

• On Calgary’s infrastructure woes:
  “We have to fix the pipe. And until we completely replace the pipe, this is a ticking time bomb that Calgarians will continue to live with.”
  — Resident (11:15)

• On federal job cuts and uncertainty:
  “More information is better than less. Providing imperfect information in a transparent way is better than providing no information and letting rumors fester at the water cooler.”
  — Crofton Steers (15:12)

• On pay transparency:
  “You don’t want to undervalue yourself, but you don’t want to immediately be eliminated from consideration.”
  — Andrea Little (19:03)

• On Olympic hockey return:
  “His passion, he wears it on his sleeve and that’s infectious to everybody.”
  — Doug Armstrong, Team Canada GM (24:06)

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Final Thoughts

The episode delivers a sweeping tour of the final day of 2025, characterized by deep dives into hardship and hope: humanitarian crises, uncertain futures for public workers, systemic challenges in infrastructure and food supply, and the promise of new beginnings on the ice and in communities across Canada. Despite adversity, the tone remains forward-looking, giving voice to resilience and optimism for 2026.

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Transcript

[Debbie Millman]

Hi, I'm Debbie Millman and I host a podcast called Design Matters from the TED Audio Collective. Every episode I have conversations with designers, writers, artists and other luminaries of contemporary thought. People like Roman Mars, AI Weiwei, Ethan Hawke, and Ashley Ford join us for an inquiry into the broader world of creative culture. Find and follow Design Matters with Debbie Millman wherever you're listening to this.

[CBC Announcer]

This is a CBC podcast.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

People are exposed to flooding. There's the spread of diseases.

[Debbie Millman]

One in four families is still relying.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

On only one meal per day, an.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Intolerable situation which international aid agencies warn will only get worse. Israel says it's banning dozens of NGOs in Gaza for failing to comply with new registration rules, a move Canada and other countries say is unacceptable. Welcome to youo World Tonight. I'm Tanya Fletcher in Vancouver. It is Wednesday, December 31, just before 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, I'm very disappointed.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

And very frustrated in terms of how the response time came and I think it'll be a little more faster. We need more cards, we need more food, we need more water.

[Tanya Fletcher]

A northern Manitoba first nation in crisis A downed power line has cut electricity to its residents for days now, and repair crews say unexpected challenges mean those living there are in for another long, cold night. Doctors Without Borders, World Vision International, Oxfam, all among nearly 40 aid groups about to be banned by Israel from delivering humanitarian supplies in Gaz. The agencies are some of the biggest NGOs in the world, and they warn that the suffering of millions of Palestinians will be made worse if Israel moves ahead with its plan. As Caroline Barghout explains, the issue revolves around new regulations set to take effect January 1st.

[Debbie Millman]

Winter rains have made an already unbearable life even more difficult in Gaza as hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians struggle to stay dry. We woke up at 1am to find our tent flooded and rain seeping in underneath, says Suzanne inside her shelter in Deir Albella. We need blankets and mattresses. Aid groups warn things will soon get worse for millions of Palestinians if Israel bars 37 Non governmental agencies from operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee and branches of Oxfam have been told their activities will be suspended starting tomorrow because they did not comply with new regulations. The rules announced by Israel earlier this year required NGOs to register the names of their workers and their families and provide details about their funding and operations. Israel says this is to ensure organizations are not infiltrated by Hamas or other militant groups, a claim it has made repeatedly throughout the war. But provided little evidence to support life.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Is just unimaginably miserable.

[Debbie Millman]

The Norwegian refugee council is one of the affected NGOs. Spokeswoman Shana Lowe says they're afraid to hand over personal information to Israel.

[Various Experts/Officials]

Not only are they a party to.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The conflict, but they've killed hundreds of.

[Various Experts/Officials]

Aid workers in Gaza over the last two years.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

And so for us, it's a risk to hand over our staff names to them.

[Debbie Millman]

Latest figures published by the UN say at least 575 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel in 2023. The new regulations say the NGOs can also be barred if they deny Israel as a Jewish and democratic state or or support the prosecution of Israeli security forces in foreign or international courts. The Israeli defense body that oversees humanitarian aid to Gaza is downplaying the effect the move will have, saying there are plenty of other organizations that will still be able to operate, a claim strongly disputed by the international community. Canada and nine other countries issued a joint statement criticizing Israel's new requirements, saying any attempt to stem the aid group's ability to operate is unacceptable. Without them it will be impossible to meet all the urgent needs at the scale required, says the statement.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

I'm tired of hearing statements of condemnation, really.

[Debbie Millman]

Ushra Khalidi is the Oxfam policy lead in the occupied Palestinian territory. She says statements of condemnation did not stop the killing of tens of thousands of Gazans, nor will they improve access to humanitarian aid.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

No humanitarian organization should be forced to choose between protecting its staff and delivering.

[Debbie Millman]

Life saving assistance, she says. These countries should be using all their diplomatic, economic and political leverage to force Israel to comply with international law, but are choosing not to. Caroline Bargut, CBC News, London.

[Tanya Fletcher]

In Peru, First responders carry an injured train passenger. Global Affairs Canada now confirms at least seven Canadians are among those hurt in Tuesday's fatal crash. The train serves as a popular tourist route taking people to to and from Machu Picchu. Peruvian officials say one of the drivers is dead. At least 40 people were injured. Coming right up a power outage and mounting frustration. A northern Manitoba first nation has been in the dark since Sunday and now they'll need to wait until the new year for repairs. Also, federal public servants waiting for the axe to fall. Ottawa plans to cut tens of thousands of jobs, but details still haven't been shared, leaving scores of workers in limbo over the holidays and later. We'll have this story.

[Colin Butler]

I'm Colin Butler in London, Ontario. Canada's grocery code of conduct takes effect tomorrow, but it doesn't promise cheaper groceries at the till.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I don't think that there's any reasonable expectation that it will reduce food prices.

[Colin Butler]

The code isn't about price. It's about power and how it's exercised in a grocery dominated by a handful of big chains. I'll have that story coming up on YOUR WORLD tonight.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Saskatchewan RCMP are still trying to track down and identify the suspects in that deadly shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation. A 31 year old man was killed Tuesday. Three other victims remain in the hospital with serious but non life threatening injuries. Police say they're still trying to figure out the motive but have since canceled a dangerous person alert for the area. A First Nation in northern Manitoba says the lives of its members are at risk. Most residents of Pimichikamak Cree Nation lost all electricity when a power line snapped Sunday night just hours before the temperature plummeted to minus 32. Many were forced to leave home. Others hunkered down for a frigid wait. Ian Frase has the latest no generator.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

We just kept our body heat with candles.

[Ian Frase]

When the power went out in the dead of winter, Troy Papanekis says his family tried to ride it out, huddling under blankets and using candles for heat.

[Various Experts/Officials]

We thought we could tough it out.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Because he said the powers would be on the next day. It wasn't on the next day.

[Ian Frase]

That was three days ago. Since then, a broken power line has left Pimichookemac Cree Nation without heat, lights or clean water as temperatures today dip to minus 30. About 7,500 people live there. Some have been evacuated, many to Winnipeg, 750 km away.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

We're just tired. We just want to go eat now.

[Ian Frase]

Bernice Popanicis is one of the evacuees. She says the generator at her home in Pimichikamak failed twice.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

My grandsons we had to cover with blankets, even toques on her when we went to sleep.

[Ian Frase]

Chief David Monias declared a state of emergency on Monday and has been critical of the response by Manitoba Hydro.

[Colin Butler]

This is now a human safety issue, not just a power outage.

[Ian Frase]

The power company had estimated a relatively quick fix and now says it hopes the power will be restored late Thursday. But even when that happens, there's another problem. Water tanks and septic tanks are already frozen.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The homes are smelling like sewer already.

[Ian Frase]

In an emotional plea, Councilor Shirley Robinson called for immediate help from governments and the military as generators are failing.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

We have two month old babies still waiting to be brought out that are trying to keep warm in their homes.

[Ian Frase]

She says her community has been traumatized before. Evacuated twice in the last two years because of wildfires.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I will not hold back my tears because I feel for my people as a mother, as a grandmother and as a leader.

[Ian Frase]

The delays are being blamed on the rough terrain surrounding the community. The broken power line runs through dense bush and across a river, making winter repairs difficult and slow. Chief Monias says he's previously asked Manitoba Hydro to move the power line along the highway where it's easier to reach. But Hydro's been saying for years that it needs to study the idea. Ian Frase, CBC News, Winnipeg.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Over to Alberta. And for the second time in less than two years, people in Calgary are dealing with a major disruption to their water supply. The very same troubled water main broke overnight, flooding a busy roadway, submerging cars and triggering a dramatic rescue operation. City officials are calling it a catastrophic incident. And as Anees Hidari tells us, several neighborhoods are now under a boil water advisory.

[Various Experts/Officials]

That's not a river overflowing with water. It's a major road. In Calgary, after a water main break Tuesday night, 13 people had to be rescued by firefighters out of multiple cars trapped in the water. No injuries. But this break is on the largest feeder in Calgary's network. And that means restrictions across the city. Something nearby residents are thinking about.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I'm concerned that we're going to run out of water, but it's tough to save water. I mean, it's an essential thing for life. So, yeah, I mean, if asked to, I will, of course, is a good Calgarian and a good Albertan, but it's just another inconvenience, I guess.

[Dan Takam]

We live in Bowness and we know.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

We had one happen a little while ago.

[Various Experts/Officials]

That little While ago was June 2024. Calgarians lived through different levels of water restrictions for nearly four months now. Another break on the same water feeder main in the same area that saw the same type of catastrophe a year and a half ago.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

We have to fix the pipe. And until we completely replace the pipe, this is a ticking time bomb that Calgarians will continue to live with.

[Various Experts/Officials]

Jeremy Farkas is the mayor of Calgary.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

This is a much more complex fix than going in and providing a few patches. I know in a couple hours or maybe tomorrow there is going to be more detailed technical briefing in terms of what we knew, when we knew it and what specific actions are being done.

[Various Experts/Officials]

Chris Graham, who works with utilities at the city of Calgary, says there was no advance indication of this new problem.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

There was nothing in the monitoring or in the operation of the pipe. The flows, the pressures that would have indicated an issue before the pressure dropped at the control room.

[Various Experts/Officials]

And right now there's no timeline for when repairs will be completed because workers don't have a full scope of the problem. Nancy Mackay is the director of water services at the city.

[Tanya Fletcher]

We're draining that pipe and then we.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

Will prepare to dig our next steps.

[Tanya Fletcher]

What I can tell you is when we get eyes on that, we will have a better understanding of what the repair will take.

[Various Experts/Officials]

A report into the seemingly similar 2024 water main break blamed in part micro cracks along the pipe for its deterioration. Officials say the portion that broke this time dates back to 1975. Fifty years later, that pipe's breakdown means outdoor water use across Calgary is restricted, with residents being told flush less and wash less to minimize water use. And in some parts of the city, don't drink the water unless you boil it first. Annie Seydari, CBC News, Calgary.

[Tanya Fletcher]

It has been a tense time for thousands of federal government employees. Many are spending the holidays worried about losing their jobs because of the massive cuts announced in Mark Carney's first budget. Tens of thousands of positions may be eliminated over the coming years, but as Dan Takam tells us, many still have no idea whether they'll be affected.

[Dan Takam]

It's just a big stress that if.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I spend a lot of time worrying.

[Various Experts/Officials]

About it, it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger.

[Dan Takam]

Tanya King was hired by Public Services and Procurement Canada six years ago. She's autistic and spent years getting by on disability benefits. She's proud to work and just bought a house. But now the progress the 33 year old has made is at risk.

[CBC Announcer]

Worst case scenario, what would it look.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Like if I moved back into dad's basements? That's not a comforting thought.

[Dan Takam]

King is one of thousands of public sector employees waiting to hear what their future holds. The Canadian government plans to slash 16,000 positions over the next three years. Prime Minister Mark Carney says it's about paying for programs like pharmacare and dental care while making government more efficient.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

What sacrifices did we have to take? Well, the sacrifices, a lot of that is in the public service.

[Dan Takam]

The job cuts were proposed as part of the budget in November, but many departments have yet to say how they'll go about making them.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The uncertainty is going to carry on for months. We shouldn't be looking for some master plan or some moment where everything suddenly becomes clear.

[Dan Takam]

Michael Wernick is a former clerk of the Privy Council, head of the public service. He empathizes with workers, but Warnick says it's a complicated process and and makes sense to go slow.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Management teams should take the time they have and do this very mindfully and thoroughly and not rush into decisions that create a lot of unintended consequences and future headaches.

[Dan Takam]

His fear is the cuts will mostly fall on younger workers, students and new hires, leaving a lost generation of federal employees.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

There's been a sense of exhaustion, but also anxiety.

[Dan Takam]

Crofton Steers works for Natural Resources Canada. His program was shut down down, but he managed to land a new role within the department in November. His advice to the government? Say something even if you don't have all the answers yet.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

More information is better than less. Providing imperfect information in a transparent way is better than providing no information and letting rumors fester at the water cooler.

[Dan Takam]

Stiers is still among those waiting for news. His wife also works for the public service and doesn't know if she stands to lose her job. Dan Takama, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Canadian grocers will be doing things a little differently in 2026. Starting tomorrow, a new code of conduct takes effect designed to ease friction between stores and suppliers. Colin Butler looks at how that could affect consumers.

[Colin Butler]

Canadians have been watching the numbers climb at the checkout for years. Starting January 1, Canada's new grocery code of conduct takes effect. But it won't touch the price on.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The screen, and I don't think that there's any reasonable expectation that it will reduce food prices.

[Colin Butler]

Mike von Massow is a food economist at the University of Guelph. He says the change is what ends up on the shelves.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

It will likely improve choice in the grocery store because there'll be less risk on the part of a supplier to putting a product on the shelves at the big retailers because they're not going to incur a cost.

[Colin Butler]

The code rewrites the rules behind the counter targets surprise fees and fines by retailers that suppliers say drive up costs.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

A lot of the fees and fines that the large retailers are imposing on the manufacturers will disappear.

[Colin Butler]

Michael Graydon is the CEO of Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada. It represents many of the country's major food and consumer goods manufacturers.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

You've got five grocers that are in control of 80% of the grocery volume. That is done. And so that creates a power imbalance and a lot of decisions are made that are unilateral.

[Colin Butler]

The goal is predictability. In a system dominated by a handful of chains, the code sets rules for retailers and suppliers and a formal dispute resolution process. The penalty isn't a fine, it's being called out publicly by an independent adjudicator. It's a safeguard independents say they didn't have before.

[CBC Announcer]

The dispute or adjudication process is absolutely equal to everyone.

[Colin Butler]

Gary Sands is the senior vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. He says in rural and remote communities, those disputes can determine whether stores get product at all.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The issue of fair supply for independent grocers, particularly in a myriad of communities in Canada where there it's rural, remote indigenous communities getting supply is a food security issue.

[Colin Butler]

The goal is a food supply system that's less reactive, less chaotic, where access is no longer decided in the boardrooms of big grocers. For now, though, the change is in the rules, not the sticker price. Colin Butler, CBC News, London, Ontario.

[Tanya Fletcher]

In Ontario, legislation surrounding pay transparency goes into effect in the new year. Many job postings will now have to include salary range. The point is to give job seekers a better idea of what exactly they're applying for, but some experts predict transparency will not translate to higher salaries. Jamie Strashen has that story.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

I've done, let's see, 12 so far.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

And that's being Andrea Little didn't panic when she lost her job a few months ago. At the same time, the designer of user experiences for apps and websites hadn't looked for work in ages.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

Taking that time to really sit with the change and figure out what the kind of job search landscape is right now. Because it's been five years since I've.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Been doing that, it's been frustrating. For one, many jobs don't list salaries.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

You don't want to undervalue yourself, but you don't want to immediately be eliminated from consideration. And you know they have a budget for the role. So you just have to work on assumptions you have based on whatever you find on the Internet.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

It's also been disheartening to go through multiple rounds of interviews for certain jobs and never hear anything.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

With interview stages typically having kind of an average of five interviews to make it to, like, round four and then not hear anything is it's it's hard. And the more it happens, the more kind of devastating it becomes.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Starting Jan. 1 in Ontario, companies with more than 25 employees will, among other things, include salary ranges in job postings and must follow up with candidates who don't get the job. B.C. p.E.I. and Nova Scotia have similar legislators.

[Tanya Fletcher]

We just know that this is going to help sort of even the playing field.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Those who have long advocated for this, like Allison Venditti, the founder of the consulting group Moms at Work, predict it will lead to more pay equity. People will have a better sense of what colleagues earn.

[Tanya Fletcher]

This is a leverage tool for people to be really honest about, like if they can switch a job for that new salary. That's a big problem for people right now is it's a lot of work work to get a new job.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Salaries may become more transparent, but some experts like Travis o' Rourke, say the new legislation won't always benefit workers. The president of Hays Canada, a national recruiting agency, predicts it may actually lower salaries at some companies. A lot of organizations, how much they pay is their competitive advantage. And now if I can see next door exactly what my competitor pays, I'm probably going to make some adjustments internally. For Andrea Little, looking for work is a full time job.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

I would like it to be moving faster, but there's only so much you can do and I feel that everything I can do I am doing along.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The way, she says. Every piece of information helps. Jamie Strashen, CBC News, Waterloo.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Donald Trump has announced the removal of the National Guard from several American cities, the US President saying on social media that troops are leaving Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland. Trump adds they will return when crime rates rise again. Earlier this month, the federal court ordered an end to the nationalization of the California National Guard. Canada's governor general released her annual New Year's message today. Mary Simon sharing the good that she saw from Canadians this past year.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

This past year I witnessed extraordinary solidarity unfold across our country in the unity of communities affected by wildfires, in your unprecedented economic cooperation and in the revitalization of indigenous cultures and languages.

[Tanya Fletcher]

The governor general says she saw a courageous nation in 2025. She praised the country's inclusiveness and commitment to building peace. This fall, Simon was hospitalized with an illness. She thanked people for the well wishes sent her way as she was recovering and went on to wish joy, health, peace and a happy new year. Olympians, journalists and first nations leaders are all among the new appointments to the Order of Canada. In all, 80 names were announced today, including seven time Olympic medalist Andre de Gr, music journalist Nardwar and Cree activist and writer Michelle Good. She survived the sixties scoop and is recognized for her work on reconciliation. Well, Canada's Olympic hockey team is set in stone or ice, you might say. The much anticipated roster was unveiled today. This is the first time in a decade that NHL players will be returning to play in the Winter Games. There were some notable players already confirmed back in June 2014. Olympic gold medalist Sidney Crosby will be returning as captain and as Aaron Collins tells us There are some surprising additions to this year's team as well.

[CBC Announcer]

Vancouver 2010. That goal by Sidney Crosby clinching gold for the Canadians on home ice. No surprise Crosby named to the 2026 roster too. But not every decision was so easy for Hockey Canada.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

The reality is there's so many good players and we just had difficult decisions to make.

[CBC Announcer]

Doug Armstrong is Team Canada's general manager. Among those tough calls, adding 19 year old forward Macklin Celebrini to the 25 man roster and keeping 36 year old defenseman Drew Doughty on the squad. Doughty, along with Sidney Crosby, the only Olympic veterans on the team.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

He was excited, he's honored, he's fired up. He wants to put his best foot forward. He wants to win again. His passion, he wears it on his sleeve and that's infectious to everybody.

[CBC Announcer]

NHL players haven't played in the Olympics since 2014. Sitting out the last two games a reality that means Canada's best player will be an Olympic rookie. The 2025 Four Nations Cup. The closest Connor McDavid has come to.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

An Olympics, you know, it's getting closer, obviously with the roster announcement. Today becomes a lot more real. Start to picture some of those faces that will be there with you on the team, you know, playing together. So yeah, really excited.

[CBC Announcer]

It's a feeling that past players understand.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Well, there is nothing greater than representing your country and having an opportunity to bring home goals.

[CBC Announcer]

Chris Pronger represented Canada in four Olympics, winning gold twice. Pronger says this year's edition won't have an easy time.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

You hope that they bring home gold, but there's a lot of pressure and a lot of competition on them. Us on their heels as we saw with the four nations, but as are.

[CBC Announcer]

The Swedish team, the Finnish team and the on ice. Challenges Team Canada faces at these games may not just be from other countries. The arena that will house Olympic hockey, hockey still isn't completed, but Hockey Canada's Scott Salmon says he isn't worried about the rink being done.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

You know, we fully expect, and we've heard from the IHF and the IOC that the arena will be built and it will be ready. And that's our expectation.

[CBC Announcer]

The Winter Olympics open in Italy on February 6th. The men's hockey tournament gets underway on the 11th. Aaron Collins, CBC News, Calgary.

[Tanya Fletcher]

And finally tonight, today's the big day and everybody shops.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Last minute impulse. It's New Year's, we got a party, guys. We got to bring in, get rid of 25. Let's bring in 26 with a bang.

[Tanya Fletcher]

When Vic Roberts says that he means it literally. The owner of Happy's Fireworks in St. John's Newfoundland, knows a thing or two about celebrations and business, you might say is booming. Of course, Newfoundlanders are always the first in Canada to ring in the New Year, while in Ottawa there are some who prefer to glide into 2026.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

Everyone's out, everyone's full of New Year's resolutions and skating. And this is Ottawa at its best.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Canada at its best might recognize that voice. It's Mark Carney getting a head start on the Rideau Canal, the skateway opening its season early this year. And the prime Minister is intent on keeping momentum both on the ice and in Parliament.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

It's a big year coming up, and we want to make progress on everything, but personally, yes, I'd like to skate on the canal every day until the first day of spring.

[Tanya Fletcher]

The prime Minister says his New Year's resolution is peace and prosperity, no small feat with plenty standing in the way. From the affordability crisis to climate change, 2025 has not been an easy year for many. But Canadians have weathered tough times before. And as one year closes and another begins, there's still plenty of optimism to go around.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I'm hoping for the Blue Jays to win they all Stanley cup before I die.

[Job Seeker/Worker]

Push a bit more towards being greener.

[Various Interviewees/Reporters]

I would love to see people just being more kind and, you know, doing more things from the heart.

[Tanya Fletcher]

Crochet more. You want to get a puppy? Yeah. Whether it's big goals or simply small wishes, Canadians are heading into 2026 with hope for what's ahead. This has been your World Tonight for Wednesday, December 31st. I'm Tanya Fletcher. Thanks for being with us. Good night and happy New Year.

[CBC Announcer]

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