Your World Tonight – September 12, 2025

CBC Evening News Podcast
Hosts: Susan Bonner & Stephanie Skenderis

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.

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]

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]

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]

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.