Kirk suspect arrested, new hate crime laws, electric school buses, and more

Summary

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Your World Tonight – September 12, 2025

CBC Evening News Podcast
Hosts: Susan Bonner & Stephanie Skenderis

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Brief Overview

This episode of "Your World Tonight" delves deep into several major news stories affecting Canada and the world. Amidst political violence in the U.S., Canada reacts with policy discussions and new legislative proposals on hate crimes and worship safety. Other topics include electric school bus fires in Quebec, rising COVID-19 levels, closure of Canada’s oldest HIV service agency, record-breaking drought in Atlantic Canada, and a milestone for girls’ football on Prince Edward Island.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Arrest in Charlie Kirk’s Killing: Aftermath and Reflection

[00:37–05:23]

• US & Canadian leaders react: This week saw the arrest of Tyler Robinson, accused in the murder of conservative U.S. activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university.
• Political tensions & culture war: The case stirs debate on extreme political polarization and threats to public figures.
• Quotes and insights:
  • Pierre Poilievre: "Words are not violence. Violence is violence. And there is one person responsible for what happened here. And that person is now in custody and will be held accountable." [00:37]
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox: "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We got him." [02:38]
  • Governor Cox urges, "We can return hate with hate, and that's the problem with political violence." [04:07] urges country to seek an “off ramp” to escalating hostility: "At some point we have to find an off ramp or it's going to get much, much worse." [04:22]
  • Donald Trump on Fox News: “Radicals on the left are the problem. And they're vicious and they're horrible.” [05:01–05:06]
• Context on suspect: Police say Robinson, age 22, had a growing political fixation and left meme-inscribed casings ("hey. Fascist! catch!") at the scene. He surrendered after family intervention.

2. Canadian Political Leaders on Security and Free Speech

[05:23–08:47]

• Pierre Poilievre’s interview: The Conservative leader expresses concern for his family's safety, calling for protection for all leaders.
  • Poilievre: "I worry for my family. I'll be honest with you. We have had very serious threats..." [06:12]
• Debate on motivation and free speech: Polievre claims Kirk was killed for his views, asserting that disagreement is not a license for shutdown or violence. He highlights the line between free speech and harassment.
  • Polievre: "You can't shut people down because you disagree with them... it can't cross over into harassment because that is infringing on someone else's freedom." [07:01]
• On climate change: Poilievre describes himself as an "environmentalist," criticizing current government policy and advocating for Canadian energy exports to offset global emissions. He notably dodges firm emission targets, citing the complexities of international credits.
  • Katherine Cullen: “Are you an environmentalist?”
    • Polievre: “Sure. You can call me whatever you like…. I also have solutions.” [08:02–08:16]

3. Canada’s New Hate Crime Laws & Worship Protection

[08:48–12:00]

• Background: Rising attacks against Jewish, Muslim, and other communities prompt forthcoming government legislation to protect religious and cultural buildings and criminalize intimidation or obstruction of worshippers.
  • PM Mark Carney: "...when our laws repeatedly fail to protect those basic rights, we need new laws... this fall, we will deliver them." [09:30]
• Details from Justice Minister: Laws to target intimidation, obstruction at places of faith, and hate crimes more broadly.
• Community response:
  • Noah Shach (Jewish Affairs): Stresses the urgency amid "skyrocketing" anti-Semitism.
  • Omar Kamisa (National Council of Canadian Muslims): "We've seen threats against worshippers, assaults against Muslims that go about their daily lives... This needs to end." [11:21]
• Legal debate: Critics argue existing laws may already cover these acts; opposition Conservatives support the intent.

4. Quebec Electric School Bus Fires: Scrutiny and Safety

[12:27–16:12]

• Incident: A Montreal electric school bus fire leads to the grounding and inspection of 1,200 e-buses province-wide. Prior incidents and reliability woes highlighted.
• Safety perspectives:
  • Green Communities Canada’s Nicole Roach: “Kids with young lungs… electric school buses significantly reduce any of those harmful particles that they would be breathing in.” [15:28]
  • Yann Simon (Laval University): Recalls early promise, notes recent operational/headline setbacks.
• Parental reaction: Most parents express relief that safety checks are prioritized over convenience.

5. COVID-19 in 2025: New Variant and Vaccine Response

[16:12–19:13]

• Rising wastewater counts: Surveillance detects moderate but rising COVID-19 levels, especially in several provinces; the latest strain, “stratus” (XFG), causes mostly mild illness.
• Expert guidance:
  • Dr. Lawrence Goodridge: “Wastewater would tell us approximately 10 days to as much as a month ahead of time…” [16:44]
  • Dr. Lenora Saxinger: Reminds public, “You can't remember when you last had one [COVID shot]. It's probably time to consider getting another vaccine update.” [17:54]
• Vaccine schedule: Most vulnerable urged to get annual (or biannual) shots; fall campaign to ramp up across provinces.

6. Closure of AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)

[19:13–22:27]

• Legacy: For 42 years, ACT played a vital role in supporting those with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, adapting over time to serve changing community needs.
• Reason for closing:
  • Shrinking demand, cutbacks in funding, and improved treatment options.
  • Executive Director Ryan Lisk: “We're not in a time where we have lots of money to be as innovative or responsive as we would like to be.” [20:29]
  • HIV remains a reality for an estimated 65,000 Canadians (2022), with many newcomers facing the greatest barriers.
• Community impact: ACT was a rare safe space; its closure leaves a major gap for some.
  • Shamon Mohamed Jr. (Let's Stop Aids): “It was a space, a safe space where other individuals could come to learn about HIV, to get the services they need…” [21:45]

7. Grand Manan Island Wildfire Fears Amid Record Drought

[22:27–25:52]

• Situation: Grand Manan, NB, endures its driest summer ever. Wildfire risk is acute due to scarce rain and logistical isolation (90-min ferry rides limit emergency response).
  • Fire Chief Philip Brown: “This summer we've had no rain. It's been a lot drier than normal and it's getting dangerous.” [23:29]
  • Concerns over limited water supplies (ponds and brooks), unsuitability of saltwater for firefighting, and the delay in mutual aid.
• Community resilience: Drone squads scan for smoke; local government debates evacuation logistics.
  • Mayor Bonnie Morse: “Recognizing you can't just get in your car and drive down the road if there is an emergency and you need to leave.” [25:16]
• Need for rain stressed by all.

8. P.E.I.'s First All-Girls Football Team: The Cornwall Timberwolves

[26:00–27:43]

• Historic milestone: The Cornwall Timberwolves launch as P.E.I.’s first-ever all-girls U18 varsity tackle football team.
• Player reaction:
  • Brynlee Letner, linebacker (14): “...for there to finally be a girls team, it's awesome... I've enjoyed getting to do like the bashing too, like hitting people...” [26:35–26:50]
• Rapid growth: As the only girls team on the island, they'll play against New Brunswick teams; hopes are high for sport’s expansion.
  • Executive Director Steve Letner: “A lot of these females that are here also play on the high level flag team. So they're athletic. They know... some it might be their last year so to be able to do this before they leave the audience. Awesome.” [27:28]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hate and political violence:
  • Governor Cox: “We can return hate with hate, and that's the problem with political violence.” [04:07]
• On free speech boundaries:
  • Pierre Poilievre: "You can't shut people down because you disagree with them… it can't cross over into harassment because that is infringing on someone else's freedom." [07:01]
• On legacy organizations closing:
  • Shamon Mohamed Jr.: “It was a space, a safe space where other individuals could come to learn about HIV, to get the services they need…” [21:45]
• On climate and environment:
  • Pierre Poilievre: “Sure. You can call me whatever you like… I also have solutions.” [08:04]
• On community resilience:
  • Grand Manan Fire Chief Brown: “It's just we're a big family.” [25:48]
• On breaking sports barriers:
  • Brynlee Letner: “…for there to finally be a girls team, it's awesome … I've enjoyed getting to do like the bashing too, like hitting people…” [26:35–26:50]

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Timestamps of Major Segments

• Charlie Kirk Suspect Arrest & US Political Tensions: [00:37–05:23]
• Canadian Political Response / Polievre Interview: [05:23–08:47]
• New Hate Crime Laws / Worship Safety: [08:48–12:00]
• Electric School Bus Fire in Quebec: [12:27–16:12]
• COVID-19 2025 Update: [16:12–19:13]
• AIDS Committee of Toronto Shuts Down: [19:13–22:27]
• Grand Manan Wildfire Fears: [22:27–25:52]
• P.E.I. Girls Football Team Launch: [26:00–27:43]

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This episode powerfully captured a moment of anxiety and resilience, weaving stories of violence, protection, transition, and firsts across Canada. It balanced news with analysis and direct voices from the communities affected, bringing both immediacy and depth to the day’s events.

Transcript

[Pierre Poilievre]

Hugh is a rock climber, a white supremacist, a Jewish neo Nazi, a spam king, a crypto billionaire, and then someone killed him. It is truly a mystery. It is truly a case of whodunit. Dirtbag climber. The story of the murder and the many lives of Jesse James. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

[CBC Announcer]

This is a CBC podcast.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I hear all the time that words are violence. Words are not violence. Violence is violence. And there is one person responsible for what happened here. And that person is now in custody and will be held accountable.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

The hunt for a suspect becomes a search for answers in the murder of American political activist Charlie, a 22 year old man now in custody. Investigators probing his background, his social media, his beliefs, trying to piece together the killing that is splintering America.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I worry for my family. I'll be honest with you. We have had very serious threats.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

As one country seethes in a culture war, the leader of Canada's official opposition wants to make sure things don't boil over here. This is your WORLD Tonight. I'm Stephanie skanderas. It's Friday, September 12th, coming up on 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, think of a.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Synagogue for the Jewish community, a mosque, a church. We want to add criminal provisions that would prohibit the obstruction of those facilities and the intimidation of the people seeking.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

To use them, protecting places of worship. The federal government wants to change the criminal code to crack down on protests and gatherings that intimidate and obstruct outside of religion and cultural buildings. New legal limits to prevent hate that could also test the boundaries of free speech. For two days, there were only grainy photos of someone in dark clothing lurking on the university campus where Charlie Kirk was shot dead. Now police in the United States say the suspect is in custody after a frantic manhunt that ended when a father recognized those images and his son was convinced to surrender. Paul Hunter has more from Washington.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We got him.

[Paul Hunter]

The relief in the voice of Utah Governor Spencer Cox, palpable in announcing the arrest of Tyler Robinson, a 22 year old from southwestern Utah now accused in the brutal killing of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Oh, my gosh. He was just shocked. He was just shocked.

[Paul Hunter]

Kirk, deeply allied with the MAGA movement of US President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck and killed Wednesday during a large open air event at Utah Valley University late last night, Say authorities Robinson confessed to his family.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I want to thank the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing in this case and were able to bring him into law enforcement.

[Paul Hunter]

The family said. Cox also made clear to police that.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Robinson had become more political in recent.

[Paul Hunter]

Years, including, he said, a stated dislike for Kirk and his politics. Cox also described a rifle and bullet casings found near the scene of the shooting. The casings had inscriptions with taunting meme style phrasings such as, he said, hey.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Fascist, exclamation point, catch. Exclamation point.

[Paul Hunter]

Cox then made an impassioned and lengthy plea to all Americans calling Kirk's killing an attack on all of us, urging the country to step back from the ugly, increasingly violent politics of the moment.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We can return hate with hate, and that's the problem with political violence.

[Paul Hunter]

This latest killing coming on the heels of a number of other recent attacks targeting both Republicans and Democrats and Trump himself last year.

[Pierre Poilievre]

At some point we have to find an off ramp or it's going to get much, much worse. But see, these are choices that we can make. History will dictate if this is a turning point for our country. But every single one of us gets to choose right now if this is a turning point for us.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

We lost an unbelievable warrior.

[Paul Hunter]

On Fox News this morning, Trump himself.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Was asked directly, how do we fix this country?

[Nicole Williams]

How do we come back together?

[Pierre Poilievre]

I'll tell you something that's going to get me in trouble, but I couldn't care less.

[Paul Hunter]

Trump said radicals on the right are fueled by the crime they see on the streets. As for those on the left, the.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Radicals on the left are the problem.

[CBC Announcer]

And they're vicious and they're horrible.

[Paul Hunter]

Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson awaits official charges, likely next week, and for now is held without bail in Utah. He may face the death penalty. His mugshot shows him hair, disheveled, staring blankly into the camera. Paul Hunter, CBC News, Washington.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Pierre Poliev is reflecting on security in this country in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing. The leader of the official opposition sat down with CBC Radio's the House, where he talked about some major policy issues facing the federal government as well as the political climate in Canada. Host Katherine Cullen joins me with details. So, Catherine, first of all, what did the conservative leader have to say about the possibility of violence here and the safety of Canada's political leaders?

[Katherine Cullen]

Well, Stephanie, it is public record that he's dealt with security concerns, including threats of violence against his wife. Both Poliev and the prime minister responded to Charlie Kirk shooting by saying political violence can never be justified. I asked Poliev if he was personally worried.

[Pierre Poilievre]

I worry for my family. I'll be honest with you. We have had very serious threats to the point where the RCMP decided that it merited protection for my family and I over a prolonged period of time. And they've been multiple and they have been serious threats. And I think we need to do. We need to secure all of our political leaders, not just me.

[Katherine Cullen]

He said anyone who has faced a threat based on the RCMP assessment should get protection so that something like what happened to Kirk does not happen in Canada. He said he's not criticizing the government here. There is risk, he says, and we should do everything we can to mitigate it.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

And what about the political climate itself?

[Katherine Cullen]

Poliev argues that it seems obvious Kirk was killed because he expressed a contrary point of view. It is worth noting we know little at this point about the suspect's mindset. Poliev says this is a moment to make clear that you can't shut people down because you disagree with them. We talked about whether there's a line in terms of free speech. He says it can't cross over into harassment because that is infringing on someone else's freedom.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Catherine, you've covered Pierre Poliev for a long time now. What else stood out for you in this discussion?

[Katherine Cullen]

It has been years, Stephanie, and while he talks a lot about selling more of Canada's natural resources to the world, I really haven't heard him talk very much about climate change itself. So I wanted to know, is that something he worries about?

[Pierre Poilievre]

Sure. That's why I'm so disappointed with the very problematic approach of the Liberal government, which has been to drive up energy costs and block projects from going ahead that would help the environment.

[Katherine Cullen]

So are you an environmentalist, Pierre Polyam?

[Pierre Poilievre]

Sure. You can call me whatever you like.

[Katherine Cullen]

No, I want to know what you'd call yourself. Do you? I mean, we are talking about, like, sea levels rising, worried about loss of biodiversity. You worry about those things?

[Pierre Poilievre]

Sure. And I also have solutions.

[Katherine Cullen]

That solution is selling Canadian energy abroad to displace more polluting forms of energy like coal, he says. I asked if he worries about climate change, why has he not committed to hitting emissions reduction targets? He says that would be done easily if Canada could get credit for selling our less polluting forms of energy abroad. I will note, though, Stephanie, the way the system under the Paris agreement works, it is unlikely that Canada would get such credit.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Okay, looking forward to hearing more of the conversation. Thanks so much, Katherine.

[Katherine Cullen]

Thank you.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

The host of CBC Radio is the House Katherine Cullen in Ottawa. There you can hear more of her interview with Pierre Poiev on the House that is on CBC Radio One Saturday at 9:30am Eastern Time or wherever you get your podcasts. CBC News has details of the Carney government's plan to address anti Semitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred. During the election, the prime minister promised to respond to what he called a horrifying rise in hate. As Tom Perry reports, the new legislation is expected to crack down on anyone intimidating people or blocking access to religious and cultural buildings.

[Pierre Poilievre]

All Canadians must be able to get up, go to their church, temple, mosque, community centre and then come home and sleep soundly at night. And when our laws repeatedly fail to protect those basic rights, we need new laws this fall. We will deliver them.

[CBC Announcer]

Speaking to his liberal caucus this week in Edmonton, Prime Minister Mark Carney made clear new legislation is on the way to protect places of worship and other cultural institutions. Justice Minister Sean Fraser filled in some of the details we should expect to.

[Pierre Poilievre]

See in the very near future. The legislation dealing with intimidation and obstruction of those participating in their faith community, as well as hate crimes more broadly.

[CBC Announcer]

A source tells CBC News the government will introduce a bill as early as next week making it illegal to intimidate, scare or obstruct anyone trying to access a religious building, school or cultural center. Noah Shach, CEO of the center for Israel and Jewish affairs, wants to know more about the plan but says the government should have acted long ago.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Over the last two years, we've seen a skyrocketing of anti Semitism hate targeting the Jewish community all across Canada, shaq says.

[CBC Announcer]

Rhetoric around Israel's war in Gaza, a war that's killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and was launched after Hamas slaughtered 1200 Israeli soldiers and civilians on October 7, 2023, has led to synagog dogs in Canada being firebombed, Jewish schools shot at and Jewish parents harassed while dropping their kids off at daycare. Muslim Canadians say they too have come under attack. Omar Kamisa with the National Council of Canadian Muslims spoke this week in Markham, Ontario, after police charged a local man with threatening a Muslim family and mosque.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

We've seen threats against worshippers, assaults against Muslims that go about their daily lives. We've seen Islamophobia graffiti that says Deport Islam sprayed across various buildings. This needs to end.

[CBC Announcer]

Camisa's group says it's waiting to see what's in the new bill before commenting on it. Some lawyers have argued the legislation could be redundant as there are already laws that prohibit threats and intimidation. Opposition conservatives say they'll assess the new bill once it's tabled, but add they've been calling for new measures to protect places of worship for two years and the government failed to act. Tom Perry, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

The United Nations General assembly has voted overwhelmingly to endorse a two state solution to the decades long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. 142 countries, including Canada, supported a declaration that condemns both Hamas for the attacks of October 7th and Israel for its actions in Gaza causing a humanitarian catastrophe. The Palestinian observer at the UN called it a vote for peace. ISRA UN ambassador says the declaration doesn't recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and devalues the lives of the hostages. The US also opposed the declaration. Coming right up. Bus stopped Families across Quebec were left scrambling after a dramatic fire on board an electric school bus forced hundreds of vehicles out of service and COVID 19 in 2025. New wastewater research shows levels of the virus are up in some provinces as vaccine makers try to target the latest variant. Thousands of Quebec parents couldn't put their kids on school buses today, but they may have felt relieved about that. On Tuesday I an electric school bus burst into flames in Montreal, forcing hundreds of the vehicles to be pulled off the road. As Sarah Levitt reports, the fire wasn't the first.

[Sarah Levitz]

A dramatic Tuesday morning in a Montreal neighborhood. An electric school bus empty and in flames, thick black smoke spewing into the sky. Valerie Le Tincere witnessed it all.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

I looked outside and I saw a huge, huge fire. It was horrible.

[Sarah Levitz]

Five kids safe. The bus driver pulled over after smelling smoke. Transport Canada is investigating, but it's believed the heating system was to blame. Two other buses, both from the company lion, caught fire in the past year, one in Ontario, the other in Quebec. Now the Quebec Education Ministry has grounded all 1200 electric buses across the province for inspections. Yann Simon of Laval University says the company lion was once lauded.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It was a dire of the electric revolution in Quebec, Canada and North America. And the reason behind that was that it was at a time of its inception, a pure electric bus maker Simon says.

[Sarah Levitz]

Things for Lyon soon went south, though. In 2021, problems surfaced in Prince Edward Island's fleet of more than 100. From engine issues to heating system problems, the province scrapped plans to buy more. As a result of what's happened in Quebec, PEI is doing additional maintenance checks in the US var. Various school boards have also been vocal over issues with Lyon. Andrew Duliff is the superintendent of schools in Yarmouth, Maine. The town received two Lyon buses in 2023 combined.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

In the last two school years, they've.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Been on the road for about three weeks because they have constant error messages.

[Sarah Levitz]

In December 2024, Lyon went into creditor protection with a group of investors then taking over some worry the powerful images from the fires will turn people off electric. Nicole Roach is with Green Communities Canada.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Kids with young lungs, they're more susceptible to asthma and other respiratory illnesses, so electric school buses significantly reduce any of.

[Sarah Levitz]

Those harmful particles that they would be breathing in. She says safety checks are important, but notes there's less risk in an electric bus catching fire than a diesel one. In Quebec, the pulling of the buses led to hectic last minute drop off and pickup for some parents across the province. Many, though, didn't mind.

[Pierre Poilievre]

If they're checking buses for the safety of the kids, that's the most important thing.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

I'm happy that they're doing this because it's a precaution.

[Sarah Levitz]

Lyon has declined interviews, but says it's collaborating with operators and Transport Canada. Sara Levitz, CBC News, Montreal.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

It's the time of year when cooler weather and more time indoors helps drive the spread of colds and the flu. According to new data, Covid is also making a comeback. It's at a much lower level than previous years, but with workers returning to the office, there could be a heightened risk. Alison Northcott has more.

[Alison Northcott]

At his lab at the University of Guelph, microbiology professor Lawrence Goodrich and his team fill vials with wastewater and screen it for the virus that causes COVID.

[Pierre Poilievre]

19 wastewater would tell us approximately 10 days to as much as a month ahead of time, ahead of clinical illness, what variants were entering the country and circulating.

[Alison Northcott]

The latest federal wastewater data shows moderate levels of COVID across Canada, with higher levels in parts of bc, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and pei. Goodridge says the current variant is called xfg, or stratus.

[Pierre Poilievre]

That variant causes mild to moderate illness and we also know that the current vaccines that are in production and will be available in the fall should provide coverage.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

It's all kind of going in the same direction.

[Alison Northcott]

Dr. Lenora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta, says while there's less monitoring of COVID than during the pandemic, the available data show cases ticking up.

[Nicole Williams]

There's been kind of a slow increase in Covid background numbers over the past month or two and in some places there's been some, some kind of more sudden looking jumps in the wastewater levels.

[Alison Northcott]

She stresses that people should not forget lessons learned from the pandemic, including the use of masks and keeping up with vaccinations.

[Nicole Williams]

You can't remember when you last had one. It's probably time to consider Getting another vaccine update.

[Alison Northcott]

With more people back at work and school, there are more places for viruses to circulate. At Toronto's busy Union Station, some are unbothered.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

I've thrown out most of my masks because I'm not really afraid of the.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Next pandemic or anything. I've got like the COVID fatigue, right, because you hear about it over and over and over again.

[Alison Northcott]

Others remain cautious.

[Pierre Poilievre]

We just don't know what's around.

[Alison Northcott]

And thinking about booking a fall vaccine.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

You know what?

[Alison Northcott]

I thought I was up to date.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

But maybe I'm not. I will have to call my doctor.

[Alison Northcott]

Canada's vaccine advisory committee's latest guidance says people over 65, those who are pregnant or who have underlying medical conditions should get an annual Covid shot. Those over 80 or in long term care should get it twice a year. Everyone else, Dr. Isaac Bogosh, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, says, ask your healthcare provider.

[Pierre Poilievre]

For those who are most vulnerable to hospitalization and death from COVID the vaccine does a very good job in reducing the risk of that.

[Alison Northcott]

And with flu and other respiratory virus seasons on the horizon, Bogoch says that kind of protection will be particularly important. Each province and territory will have its own vaccine rollout, most starting next month. Alison Northcott, CBC News, Montreal.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Canada's oldest and largest HIV service agency is closing its doors. The AIDS Committee of Toronto, known as act, has been helping people living with the virus for more than four decades. During that time, medical advancements have improved outcomes, but advocates say patients still need help from organizations like these. Nicole Williams reports, the purpose of this.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Press conference is to announce the formation of the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

[Nicole Williams]

That press conference was in 1983, at the height of the AIDS HIV crisis. The committee's goal to combat the stigma mostly impacting gay men at the time.

[Pierre Poilievre]

ACT will work to prevent the fear about AIDS that has spread in the United States.

[Nicole Williams]

Since then, the organization evolved to provide social and mental health services to members of the community in Toronto. Now, More more than 40 years later, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, or ACT, is shutting down.

[Kayla Hounsell]

The needs of the communities we serve has changed significantly in the last 42 years.

[Nicole Williams]

Ryan Lisk is ACT's current executive director. He says demand for its services has plummeted, as has both government funding and donations.

[Kayla Hounsell]

We're not in a time where we have lots of money to be as, as innovative or responsive as we would like to be.

[Nicole Williams]

That's because the circumstances of those living with HIV AIDS in Canada have changed. There are more resources for them than ever before. And treatment has also improved dramatically. Dr. Jonathan angel is an Ottawa based physician who has been treating patients for the last 30 years.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Medication is relatively simple and straightforward. People that are diagnosed reasonably early and take their medication live long and healthy lives.

[Nicole Williams]

Transmission rates are down. The number of cases worldwide has dropped significantly. But according to Statistics Canada, an estimated 65,000 people were living with HIV in the country by the end of 2022. That's up 5% from 2020. Experts say many of those are newcomers immigrating from countries where treatment isn't as readily available.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

This is a heartbreaking moment.

[Nicole Williams]

Shamon Mohamed, Jr. Is founder and president of the nonprofit organization let's Stop aids. He closure of ACT leaves behind a critical gap for the HIV community.

[Alison Northcott]

It was a space, a safe space.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Where other individuals could come to learn.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

About hiv, to get the services they need and also be in a space.

[Pierre Poilievre]

That'S welcoming to be part of this community.

[Nicole Williams]

Ower Alberto says that's exactly what he found in ACT when he moved to Canada more than 10 years ago. Being HIV positive, I wasn't able to.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Say one word in English, and the.

[Pierre Poilievre]

First thing that they do, they help.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Me to be connected to English as a second language.

[Nicole Williams]

ACT says it will begin winding down operations over the next six months, with a plan to officially close its doors by the end of March next year. Nicole Williams, CBC News, Toronto.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

You're listening to your WORLD Tonight from CBC News. And if you want to make sure you never miss one of our episodes, follow us on Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, just find the follow button and lock us in. They are isolated and increasingly worried about wildfire. Residents of an island in the Bay of Fundy are dealing with the driest summer on record and with wildfire risk up in Atlantic Canada. People in Grandmannan, New Brunswick, are watching closely, knowing their geography will make an emergency even more dangerous. Kayla Hounsl reports.

[Kayla Hounsell]

Grandmann Fire Chief Philip Brown and his deputy are down by a pond hauling hoses into the water to fill their trucks in case the call comes. They're bringing the water back to the fire hall for a tank that usually fills with rainwater.

[Pierre Poilievre]

This summer we've had no rain. It's been a lot drier than normal and it's getting dangerous.

[Kayla Hounsell]

Along with Digby across the bay in Nova Scotia, Grand Manan in New Brunswick has been the driest spot in the Maritimes this summer. In fact, it's the driest summer on record. The only way to get to the island is by taking a 90 minute ferry ride from mainland New Brunswick. And the chief says that brings unique challenges when it comes to wildfire.

[Pierre Poilievre]

There's only us until somebody else comes. And you can only chase it so long.

[Kayla Hounsell]

You might wonder why an island is worried about running out of water. But Brown says his crews can't use ocean water because the salt impacts the electronics in their trucks. Ponds and brooks are dangerously low. There's no municipal water supply, and he says the fire risk is very real. A house fire earlier this month was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived. They fought to stop it from spreading into the woods.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Take off.

[Kayla Hounsell]

That concern is so real, residents formed a drone group scanning the skies for smoke.

[Pierre Poilievre]

The sooner we can get people on the fire, the better.

[Kayla Hounsell]

Chris Spicer and his son have done 74 flights so far. He says it started when smoke from a wildfire burning in Nova Scotia caused panic.

[Pierre Poilievre]

If we're in trouble, we're in bad trouble. Because it would take hours, if not days for other departments to come and help us.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

I'll call this regular council meeting in the village of Grand Men to order.

[Kayla Hounsell]

It's a topic at village council meetings these days. Mayor Bonnie Morse says she's been forced to think about the worst case scenario. What if there is a wildfire and she has to get everyone off the island in a hurry?

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Recognizing you can't just get in your car and drive down the road if there is an emergency and you need to leave.

[Kayla Hounsell]

Around 2,600 people live here with two ferries.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

We think in just over 24 hours, in theory, you could move everybody off the island, including tourists and visitors.

[Kayla Hounsell]

She says she's already spoken with New Brunswick's premier to let her know she might need some help. But Chief Brown, who's been a firefighter here for 45 years, says as they work to protect their island home, Idaho is family.

[Pierre Poilievre]

It's just we're a big family.

[Kayla Hounsell]

What they really need is rain. Kayla Hounsell, CBC News on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

We close tonight with the opening drive of a history making football season.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Ready?

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Break. 1, 3. 1, 2, 3.

[Pierre Poilievre]

Wolves.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

They are pumped up on Prince Edward island and ready to kick off a game changer for football in the province. The first all girls tackle football team in P.E.I. history, the Cornwall Timberwolves under 18 varsity team is just about ready to take the field. 14 year old linebacker Brynlee Lettner can't wait. It's my fifth season and for there to finally be a girls team, it's awesome.

[Sarah Levitz]

So I feel like we've been pumped.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Up for this waiting for it and it's finally here. Most of the team has experience on a football field, but until now it's been on boys teams or playing flag football. Letner says she's looking forward to the chance to go head to head against other girls and it sounds like her opponents need to watch out. I just enjoy the thrill of it. I've always been a stronger person, taller person, so I've enjoyed getting to do like the bashing too, like hitting people, especially when you're someone who can't get hit around too much. Pretty fun to do the Hidden the lineup is made up of players from across P.E.I. and as the first and only girls team in the province, the Timberwolves are playing against teams from New Brunswick. The players say they're dedicated and don't mind traveling to games. Executive Director of Football P.E.I. steve Letner says the sport is growing on the island.

[Pierre Poilievre]

A lot of these females that are here also play on the high level flag team. So they're athletic. They know they just excited to have this opportunity and to find finally happen some it might be their last year so to be able to do this before they before they leave the audience. Awesome.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

The season and a new chapter for football and PEI all starts tomorrow night. This has been youn World Tonight for Friday, September 12th. Thank you for being with us. I'm Stephanie Skenderas.

[Paul Hunter]

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