Quebec’s premier quits, Greenland annexation talks, telco complaints rising, and more

Summary

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Your World Tonight – CBC

Episode Summary: Quebec’s Premier Resigns, Greenland Annexation Tensions, Rising Telco Complaints, and More

Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Susan Bonner, Stephanie Skenderis

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Episode Overview

This episode of Your World Tonight offers a fast-paced, in-depth rundown of major global and Canadian stories making headlines in mid-January 2026. Key topics include Quebec Premier Francois Legault’s abrupt resignation, dramatic escalations over Greenland's sovereignty with the U.S., intensifying crackdowns and uncertainty in Iran, the Canadian prime minister’s diplomatic mission to China, alarming trends in climate, business opportunities in post-coup Venezuela, and Canadians’ rising frustration with telecom providers.

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1. Quebec Premier Francois Legault Steps Down

(00:40 – 05:01)

Key Discussion Points

• Public Reaction and Change:

  • Montage of Quebecers expressing mixed feelings at Legault’s resignation and hope for positive change.
    • "Writing was on the wall and it was time for him to go." (00:40)
    • "Most Quebecers are asking for a change." (00:47, public vox pops)

• Legault’s Legacy:

  • Brought the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) to power in 2018, breaking a 50-year Liberal/PQ duopoly.
  • Passed Bill 21 (secularism law), popular yet highly controversial and facing court challenges.
  • Had high approval ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a second majority in 2022.

• Recent Troubles:

  • Lost popularity amid fights with doctors, a public spending scandal, and ministers resigning.
  • PQ resurgence; polls show 75% now view Legault unfavorably.
    • "Even a referendum promised by the PQ is not making anyone budge." – Philippe Fournier, pollster (04:18)
    • "Many voters...are not scared of a referendum. So this fear...will not work that much in a campaign." (04:41–04:50)

Memorable Quotes

• "He shook things up right away. Legault passed Law 21 in his first mandate." (02:41)
• "They were trying to double down on issues...as a way to maybe jump back." – Emilie Nicolas, Le Devoir (04:06)

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2. U.S. Greenland Annexation Threat

(05:01 – 08:03)

Key Discussion Points

• Diplomatic Split:

  • U.S. President Trump not backing down on threats to take over Greenland; Denmark and Greenland firmly push back.
  • High-level meetings in Washington fail to resolve tensions; U.S. rhetoric described as “imperialistic.”
    • "Ideas that would not respect territorial integrity are of course totally unacceptable." – Denmark’s FM Lars Løkke Rasmussen (05:56)
    • "We want to strengthen cooperation...but that doesn't mean we want to be owned." – Greenland FM Vivian Motzfeldt (06:34)

• Military Security Talk:

  • Trump insists U.S. needs Greenland for national security and disparages Denmark’s defense capabilities (06:45).
  • European allies pledge modest support for Greenland.

• NATO/European Response:

  • Ursula von der Leyen (EU) reaffirms support for Greenlanders and alliance unity.
    • "We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders...they can count on us." (07:29)
    • "The glue between the allies is...one for all, all for one." (07:45)

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen (05:51)
• “Trump diminished the military capabilities of Denmark and NATO at large...” (06:49)

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3. Iran – Executions Amid Protests

(08:03 – 11:32)

Key Discussion Points

• State Violence and Public Response:

  • Iranian authorities continue harsh crackdown—over 3,000 protesters confirmed dead; mass funerals for security forces killed in demos.
  • Fast-track trials and executions demanded; reports that executions might be on hold (per Trump, 10:38), but skepticism remains.

• International Dynamics:

  • Trump signals possible U.S. response if executions proceed but is critiqued for inaction.
    • "You know these words will lose their significance." – Mahmoud Amiri-Moghadam, Iran Human Rights (11:06)
  • Western military personnel withdraw from Qatar and Tehran embassies close temporarily.

Memorable Quotes

• "People who shoot others from their own country are not one of us." – Young Iranian woman at funeral (09:05)
• "Right now, a major concern is the possibility of hasty executions..." – Mahmoud Amiri-Moghadam (10:05)

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4. Canadian PM’s High-Stakes Trade Mission to China

(13:00 – 16:02)

Key Discussion Points

• New Context for Diplomatic Reset:

  • PM Mark Carney in Beijing for first official visit since 2017, seeking to diversify trade amid growing American isolationism under Trump.
    • Trump’s new tariffs, U.S. threats towards Canada and Greenland, and military adventures have shifted Canadian strategy.

• Canada-China Relations Reboot:

  • Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand: "This is a new government with a new prime minister, a new foreign policy and a new geopolitical environment... necessary for us to diversify our trading partners." (14:47)

• Trade Challenges:

  • Main sticking point: reciprocal tariffs on autos, canola, pork, seafood, and Chinese EVs.
  • Balancing act for PM: Canadian producers want relief; auto sector and Ontario’s Doug Ford push to keep some tariffs.

Memorable Quotes

• “It is necessary for us to diversify our trading partners.” – Anita Anand (14:47)

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5. Hottest Years on Record—A Climate Update

(16:03 – 19:01)

Key Discussion Points

• Global Heat and Real-World Impacts:

  • 2025 was the third-hottest year on record, with devastating consequences for crops and communities worldwide.
    • In Tajikistan, rapid glacier melt led to “a decrease of the yields... minus 50%, so half of the harvests.” – glaciologist Arnold Keserman (17:33)
  • Canadian cities like Toronto and Lytton, B.C. saw record-breaking heatwaves.

• Science and Solutions:

  • Wide scientific agreement: fossil fuel combustion is the “heaviest thumb on the scale.”
    • "We certainly are in the hottest decade at the moment." – Florian Papenberger (18:26)
  • Renewables investment outpacing fossil fuels but not yet at needed speed.

Memorable Quotes

• “We are convinced that renewable is the future and we can phase out fossil fuel.” – Fahad Said, Climate Analytics (18:47)
• "It is making economic sense, but the scale and the speed at which it is needed, that is not happening." – Fahad Said (18:53)

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6. Post-Coup Venezuela: Canadian Business Eyes Oil Boom

(19:01 – 21:55)

Key Discussion Points

• Canadian Connections:

  • Venezuelan expats and Canadian oil execs weigh the possibility of investing post-U.S. intervention.
    • "We in Alberta have...knowledge in heavy oil and the viscosity...is similar [to Venezuela]." – Amit Munkaker (20:25)

• Challenges and Cautions:

  • Years of violence and uncertainty linger; Canadian experts insist stability and legal protections are needed first.
    • "It's going to be difficult to feel safe in Venezuela." – Pedro Pereira Almao (21:19)
    • "You have family that have died, people that bore with you and were killed." – Pereira Almao (21:32)

Memorable Moments

• The emotional cost of decades of dictatorship for Venezuelan Canadians.
• Surge in business interest post-Maduro, but optimism tempered by caution.

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7. Telecom Complaints in Canada Hit Record High

(21:55 – 25:01)

Key Discussion Points

• Consumer Frustration:

  • 17% rise in complaints to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-TV Services (CCTS): sky-high, opaque bills lead the list.
    • "It's quite frustrating. Consumers should definitely be more taken care of." (22:29)

• Structural Issues:

  • Mergers (notably Rogers-Shaw 2023) have reduced competition, pushing prices higher.
    • "The mergers that we've seen may have the effect of less competition, not more." – Michael Geist, U Ottawa (24:02)
  • Rogers received more complaints than any other provider last year.

• Calls for Reform:

  • Experts highlight need for real competition without making new entrants duplicate massive network investments.
    • "We really need to focus on how do we bring more competitors into the mix..." – Keldin Bester, Canadian Anti-monopoly Project (24:29)

Memorable Voices

• Everyday Canadians: "The cost really is like a lot. Everybody should just have cheaper plans." (22:43)
• Telecom industry retort: Only 0.1% of Canadians complained last year, says Canadian Telecommunications Association.

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8. Made-in-Canada Car Wins Top Detroit Auto Show Prize (Closing Note)

(25:01–26:26)

Key Discussion Points

• U.S. President Trump dismisses need for Canadian-made cars:
  • "We don't need Canada product... I want to build the cars here, not in Canada." (25:10)
• Dodge Charger, built in Windsor, Ontario, wins North American Car of the Year—praised as testament to Canadian workers and trade agreements.
  • "A Canadian assembled car, but the parts in that car are made all across North America… the trade agreements are what allow that to happen." – James Stewart, local autoworkers president (26:05)
• Ford Maverick Lobo (made in Mexico) wins Truck of the Year .

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Notable Quotes – At a Glance

• "Many voters in Quebec, even though they're against sovereignty, are not scared of a referendum." – Philippe Fournier (04:41)
• "It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland." – Denmark’s FM Lars Løkke Rasmussen (05:51)
• "We want to be owned by United States." – Greenland FM Vivian Motzfeldt (06:34)
• "We certainly are in the hottest decade at the moment." – Florian Papenberger (18:26)
• "We in Alberta have strong amount of knowledge in heavy oil... obviously a change is coming, we're just not sure what it is yet." – Amit Munkaker (20:25)
• "It's going to be difficult to feel safe in Venezuela." – Pedro Pereira Almao (21:19)
• "The mergers that we've seen may have the effect of less competition, not more." – Michael Geist (24:02)
• "A Canadian assembled car, but...parts are made all across North America and the trade agreements are what allow that to happen." – James Stewart (26:05)

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For Listeners Seeking More

This episode packs an international punch, analyzing both stories of historic magnitude (Greenland crisis, major geopolitical shifts) as well as the everyday (rising phone bills, the price of Canadian cars). Real voices, expert insight, and a lively pace make this a signature CBC news roundup—sharp, balanced, and relevant.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

This is a CBC podcast.

[A]

Writing was on the wall and it was time for him to go. Very happy. Honestly, I would understand that most Quebecers.

[C]

Are asking for a change.

[A]

I just wonder what this change will bring. I hope it's for the good from the streets of Quebec Reaction to a resignation with the province facing an uncertain road ahead. After turning an upstart party into a political powerhouse and building a nearly decade long legacy of leadership, Quebec Premier Francois Legault is stepping down just months ahead of a provincial election. Welcome to youo World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Wednesday, January 14, just before 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, the President has.

[D]

Made his view clear and we have a different position.

[A]

It is a diplomatic divide for now, with the United States threatening to take over Greenland and not ruling out using force. Some European countries vow to defend the territory as Danish and Greenlandic officials politely push back. In Washington. For a time, Francois Legault is Canada's most popular premier, winning consecutive majorities and giving voters a viable alternative to the Federalist Liberals and sovereignist parties Quebecois that governed the province for decades. But with his popularity slipping away and an election set for this fall, Legault says it's time for him to step down. Rafi Boujikanian has more Quebec Premier Francois.

[C]

Legault with one of his last greetings to a province he led for seven years.

[D]

Years.

[C]

A province with big challenges, he says, like revamping its economy, but also admitting he's no longer the choice voters want in tackling those issues. Announcing he will step down as premier and leader of the party he co founded and turned into a political force, the coalition Avenir Quebec, as soon as it chooses a successor. Legault and the CAQ first came to power in 2018, ending a nearly five decade stranglehold by the Quebec Liberals or the sovereignist Parti Quebecois, he shook things up right away. Legault passed Law 21 in his first mandate, secularism legislation banning public sector workers in positions of authority from wearing overt religious symbols. Popular in Quebec, but so controversial it still faces court challenges to this day when the COVID 19 pandemic hit. His approval surged.

[D]

Wow, wow, wow.

[A]

Merci.

[C]

That led to a second majority mandate in 2022, saying the electorate sent him a clear message. But that message quickly changed. Lego's government began facing fights with doctors after trying to change rules about how they're paid. He also came under fire last year after he and his ministers testified at a public inquiry about a half billion dollar cost overrun linked to a new website for Quebec's auto insurance board. And as his party's poll numbers fell, the Parti Quebecois rebounded leader the more.

[D]

Unpopular they were, the more they were trying to double down on issues that are very polarizing in Quebec as a.

[E]

Way to maybe jump back from that.

[C]

Emily Nicolas is an opinion columnist for Le Devoir, talking about the dangers of.

[D]

Radical Islam, talking about immigration to little success.

[C]

She says a couple of Legault's ministers resigned last year, foreshadowing his announcement today. In new polling this week by palace data, 3/4 of Quebecers view Legault unfavorably. Pollster Philippe Fournier says says the odds of a CAQ comeback are long, pointing out even a referendum promised by the PQ is not making anyone budge.

[B]

Many voters in Quebec, even though they're.

[A]

Against sovereignty, are not scared of a referendum.

[B]

And so this fear of referendum will not work that much in a campaign.

[C]

And with the provincial election expected on October 5, Legault's party is running out of Runway to figure out what will. Rafael Bujukani on CBC News, Montreal as.

[A]

Concern about a potential US Takeover rises in Greenland, officials from the Arctic territory were in Washington today trying to get the Trump administration to back off. All while some of Greenland's NATO allies are making moves. Just in case. Katie Simpson reports.

[D]

Okay.

[F]

Denmark's foreign minister let out an exasperated sigh as he delivered a remarkable update following a high level meeting with members of the Trump administration, Lars Loch Rasmussen acknowledged he and his Greenlandic counterpart were unable to convince American officials to end their annexation threats.

[A]

Here our perspectives continue to differ. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland.

[F]

Loc Rasmussen called that a red line for both Denmark and Greenland.

[A]

Ideas that would not respect territorial integrity are of course totally unacceptable.

[F]

During the meeting, he says Donald Trump's claims about Arctic security were met with a reality check of sorts, an acknowledgement that more can be done, while pointing out the US Already has the power to increase its military presence on the island. Saying that Trump's claims about hostile warships in the region are not accurate, Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt asking for the rhetoric and temperature to be lowered.

[E]

How important it is from our side to strengthen our cooperation with the United States, but that doesn't mean that we.

[D]

Want to be owned by United States.

[F]

Both ministers say they'll continue to have high level talks with Trump officials in the weeks ahead, even as the US President maintains his position.

[D]

We need Greenland for national security, so we're going to see what happens.

[F]

Trump diminished the military capabilities of Denmark and NATO at large, as he says Greenland is vulnerable to possible attacks by Russia and China.

[D]

I can't rely on Denmark being able to fend themselves off.

[F]

Before the meeting, Sweden, France, Germany, Norway and Denmark all announced modest plans to provide additional supports for Greenland, while Denmark's defense minister tried to downplay growing fear the US Will try to take Greenland by force. I can't imagine, and I don't want to speculate whether a NATO country would attack another, he said. Amid the uncertainty, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered a message of support.

[E]

We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and that they can count on us.

[F]

Von der Leyen insisted Arctic security is a priority in an attempt to address the US Concerns as she urged all members of the NATO security alliance to remain united.

[E]

And we know that the glue between the allies is the fact that there's always the clear motto, one for all, all for one.

[F]

Trump's language suggests the US Views things differently as he embraces an emboldened, imperialistic tone. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington.

[A]

Iranian officials are calling for fast trials and executions for thousands of detained protesters. The first of those executions was expected today. President Trump says he's been told they will not, but there is growing fear for the safety of Iranians who have been arrested since protests began, and growing outrage over the killings that have already happened. Senior international correspondent Margaret Evans has the latest.

[E]

Coffins draped in the Iranian flag are carried through the streets of Tehran on the backs of big open air trucks. Crowds surging forward in a bid to to touch them. This is the send off. Iran's leadership has arranged for security forces said to have been killed in the recent demonstrations. Protests blamed by Iran on what it calls outside agitators and terrorists. Mourners in the crowd believe their government when it says Iran's recent troubles have been sent from abroad. People who shoot others from their own country are not one of us, says this young woman, suggesting they're U.S. or Israeli agents who deserve capital punishment. Mass funerals are an opportunity for the regime to get its supporters out on the streets in a show of force, says Iskander Sadiqi from the School of International Relations at the University of St. Andrews.

[G]

It's concerned with showing to the world.

[D]

That it is in a strong position.

[G]

That it's not sort of ripe for the picking.

[E]

They're also busy with internal messaging. The NGO Iran Human Rights based in Norway, says the number of protesters it's confirmed killed is now over 3,000, most last Thursday and Friday just after Iran imposed its Internet blackout. Mahmoud Amiri Moghadim is the director Right now.

[H]

A major concern is the possibility of.

[D]

Hasty executions of those who are arrested.

[E]

Thousands have reportedly been detained. And today Iran's Supreme Court justice called for trials to be held as soon as possible. A 26 year old man named Irfan Sultani has already reportedly been sentenced to to death. But in Washington, US President Donald Trump announced he's been told executions are on hold.

[D]

We have been informed by very important sources on the other side and they said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place.

[E]

Trump has been threatening to intervene in Iran for days now if protesters were harmed yesterday, encouraging demonstrators to take over government institutions. Amiri Moghadam says Trump's inaction in the face of so many deaths already renders any threat meaningless.

[D]

You know these words will lose their significance.

[E]

Iran has threatened to retaliate if the US Takes action today. Britain and the United States withdrew some of their military personnel from the Uday base in Qatar. The United Kingdom has also reportedly closed its embassy in Tehran temporarily. Margaret Evans, CBC News, London.

[A]

President Trump's Mid east envoy has announced phase two of the plan to end the conflict in Gaza. It includes the creation of a technocratic Palestinian government in the territory, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the full disarming of Hamas. Trump unveiled the 20 point plan in October. It led to a ceasefire and the release of the remaining living hostages. Gaza health officials say nearly 450 Palestinians have died since then. Both sides allege violations of the agreement. Coming right up. Setting up the stakes of a critical trade trip as the Prime Minister prepares to meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing. And after record setting heat in previous years, 2025 was a bit cooler. But the forecast still is not good. Later we'll have this story.

[B]

With the cost of seemingly everything up, complaints to Canada's telecom watchdog are at record levels too. With sky high bills topping the list of gripes.

[E]

I do find it pretty expensive.

[G]

The cost really is like a lot. Everybody should just have cheaper plans.

[D]

That's way more accessible.

[B]

I'm Aaron Collins in Calgary. Have the nearly unlimited data on that story later on youn World. Tonight.

[A]

In a few hours, Prime Minister Mark Carney begins his much anticipated diplomatic and trade talks with Chinese officials. He is the first Canadian prime Minister to visit Beijing since 2017. And Carney is hoping for a reset of relations between the two countries. The CBC's Tom Perry is in Beijing. Tom, it was just a couple of years ago in 2024 that the Liberal government said China was an increasingly disruptive global force. Now the prime minister is there at Xi Jinping's invitation. Break down for us, what has changed?

[D]

Well, Susan, you know, a couple of things have changed. One, Donald Trump is back in the White House and his second term has been even more erratic, turbulent than his first. Trump has imposed tariff on Canada and on other allies. He's talked about Canada becoming America's 51st state. He sent troops into Venezuela. He's threatened Greenland. And so he's really just upset, really the whole world order that's been in place since the Second World War. And Canada isn't the only country looking around for new partners. And China is seen as one new potential partner. The other thing that we've seen is the government in Ottawa changing under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As you mentioned, we saw China detained Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in retaliation for Canadian police arresting Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei Executive. We saw allegations of China interfering in Canada's elections, a whole public inquiry into that. Now, Carney has also called China a threat. He said there's some areas like artificial intelligence, critical minerals, defense, where Canada likely won't cooperate with Beijing. But we heard from Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand not long after we landed here and we asked her about all this and here's some of what she had to say.

[A]

This is a new government with a new prime minister, a new foreign policy and a new geopolitical environment. In this moment of economic stress for our country, it is necessary for us to diversify our trading partners.

[D]

So that was Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand with a pretty clear message that this is a new government and that it wants to reset relationships with China.

[A]

Okay, so a reset, but still pretty clear potential pitfalls here. Realistically, what can we expect from these meetings?

[D]

The biggest irritant between China and Canada right now is over trade. China has imposed tariffs on Canadian canola pork seafood. That's after Canada joined the US and slapping a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. It's going to be a tough one for the prime minister to navigate because, you know, seafood and agriculture producers, they want to see tariffs on their products dropped. But Canada's auto sector and Ontario Premier Doug Ford say those EV tariffs need to remain in place to protect the Canadian auto sector from a flood of cheap Chinese EVs.

[A]

Tom, thank you so much.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

Tom Parry reporting tonight from Beijing. The results are in. And if there were a grim competition for hottest year ever, 2025 would win bronze. A new report shows last year's global average temperatures were the third warmest on a slight cooldown from previous years that was still destructive and deadly in some regions. Science and climate reporter Anand Ram explains.

[H]

A man runs out of breath filming a river of ice chunks rushing down from the mountains of Tajikistan last October. It's part of the Dedal Glacier, and its sudden melt was triggered by hotter than usual temperatures, what researcher Arnold Keserman calls a striking and rapid impact of climate change. We say it surged, which means that you can see the glacier moving from top to valley bottom very rapidly, several meters per second. Based in the capital, Dushanbe, Keserman saw how hotter temperatures last year had serious impacts on the land and on those who depend on it. We cultivate a lot of wheat, a lot of cotton, and the direct impact of this heat wave was a decrease of the yields of this year, it's been estimated minus 50%, so half of the harvests. For farmers in northeastern Senegal, the heat was inescapable, says Khadi Kamar, a climate activist based in Dakar. It particularly affects the women, the brave women who have no choice in that hot season but to go into the fields and stay out there. That extreme heat was felt in Canada, too. Toronto going through double its usual summer days over 30 degrees, and Lytton, B.C. once erased by wildfire, notching several days above 40 degrees at the end of August. This is not good news. It's quite concerning. Florian Papenberger led the European organization that released new data on the year that was 2025 was the third warmest year on record, just after 24 and 23. The heaviest thumb on the scale of all this is climate change, the report says. Humans burning fossil fuels accounts for the bulk of all that added heat. We certainly are in the hottest decade at the moment. Fahad Said is a scientist with Climate Analytics, a think tank. He says the solution is renewable energy, and the world is investing in it twice as much as coal, oil and gas. So we are convinced that renewable is the future and we can phase out fossil fuel. It is making economic sense, but the scale and the speed at which it is needed. That is not happening. And consider that there are signals that El Nino may be back by year's end. The warming climate phenomenon that gave 2024 and 2023 the mantle of the hottest years ever, at least so far. Anand Ram, CBC news, Toronto.

[A]

Nearly two weeks after the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, it still is not clear what's next for the country and its massive oil reserves. Some in Canada's energy sector see the potential for opportunity. Kyle Bax explains there is a network.

[D]

Of friends of parents that you never saw again.

[G]

Pedro Pereira Almao left Venezuela 20 years ago amid escalating government corruption, hostility and state control. He moved to Calgary, becoming a university professor and co founding an oil technology company. Now he and others involved in the industry are intrigued by the potential resurgence of Venezuela's energy industry.

[D]

We can go to Venezuela and contribute.

[G]

Ferreira Almo is a chemical engineer who began his career with Venezuela's state owned oil company. Recent US intervention and pledges by the Trump administration to rebuild the oil industry has him considering the idea of lending a helping hand.

[D]

We need technology. What type of technologies? Who are the best providers?

[G]

The country needs substantial infrastructure improvements for foreign companies. That represents an enticing investment opportunity along with Venezuela's vast energy reserves. Amit Munkaker operates consulting businesses in Canada and Colombia.

[D]

We in Alberta have strong amount of knowledge in heavy oil and the viscosity in general of the oil between Alberta and Venezuela is similar. Obviously a change is coming, we're just.

[E]

Not sure what it is yet.

[G]

Calgarian Barry Blacklock was a permanent resident in Venezuela in the late 1990s, working in the energy sector. He's now in talks with oil companies keen on Venezuela since President Nicolas Maduro was removed by U S forces.

[D]

Even that night I was getting emails from friends in Canada and then since then, 50, 60 different WhatsApp messages, emails, phone calls.

[G]

But that excitement comes with caution. The US Will have to convince its own companies to invest tens of billions of dollars. Those companies will also need to see government stability, new legal protections and certainty that contracts will be honored.

[D]

It's going to be difficult to feel safe in Venezuela.

[G]

Pereira Almo knows the violence all too well. Painful and emotional memories from when he had to leave Venezuela under the dictatorship of Hugo Chavez.

[D]

You have family that have died, people that bore with you and were killed.

[G]

Decades of hostility needing to be resolved for Venezuela to forge a different future. One some Canadians are keen to help provide. Kyle Baks, CBC News, Calgary.

[A]

This is yous World Tonight from CBC News. If you want to make sure you stay up to date and never miss one of our episodes episodes, follow us on Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, just find the follow button and lock us in. A new report on the Canadian telecom industry shows customers are not putting their dissatisfaction on silent. They've dialed up complaints about their phone, Internet and television services. Aaron Collins has more on the frustration and what experts say could fix it.

[D]

Well, it's quite frustrating.

[H]

Consumers should definitely be more taken care of.

[E]

Annoyed?

[A]

Yeah, definitely annoyed.

[B]

It's a familiar refrain. Canadians unhappy with their telecom providers.

[E]

I do find it pretty expensive.

[G]

The cost really is like a lot. Everybody should just have cheaper plans.

[D]

That's way more accessible.

[B]

And a report released today quantifies those gripes. The Commission for complaints for Telecom and Television Services annual report says complaints were up 17% last year. Nearly 24,000 complaints were accepted by the CCTS, a record. CCTS Commissioner Jose Bidal Thibault says nearly half of those complaints involve billing.

[D]

You know, the economic difficulties that a.

[A]

Lot of us are facing, the increased cost of living. And so on the one hand, it's not incredibly surprising to see an increase in billing complaints.

[B]

That price pinch a growing worry for many Canadians.

[D]

Well, I mean, cost of living has.

[G]

Just been going up these days.

[D]

I've been falling behind on my payments. So trying to make arrangements has been challenging.

[G]

Well, just everything's so expensive. I kind of had to find something. It wasn't the only thing that we cut, you know, like at this time of year.

[B]

Canada's cellular and Internet prices long seen as high compared to other countries.

[D]

For many, many years, Canadians have been concerned about the prices they pay.

[B]

Michael Geist is the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E Commerce law. He says the federal government has failed to increase competition in the telecommunications sector.

[D]

In some ways, we've stepped back. The mergers that we've seen over the last number of years may have the effect of less competition, not more competition.

[B]

Two of Canada's biggest players came together in 2023. Rogers and Shaw merging. Despite concerns from the Federal Competition Bureau, the CCTS says it fielded more complaints about Rogers than any other company last year. Keldin Bester is the head of the Canadian Anti monopoly project.

[D]

I think we really need to focus on how do we bring more competitors into the mix without forcing them to duplicate the billion dollar investments that other companies have made.

[B]

For its part, the group representing Canada's telecom company says that despite the rise in complaints, most Canadians are happy. In a statement, the Canadian Telecommunications association says less than 0.1% of Canadians complained about their telecom service last year. Aaron Collins, CBC News, Calgary.

[A]

We close tonight with a big honour for a Canadian made car coming the day after this country's auto industry took another shot from Donald Trump.

[D]

We don't need Canada product. That's the thing. You know, I want to be a nice person, but we, we don't need, I want to build the cars here, not in Canada.

[A]

The U.S. president speaking yesterday in Detroit questioning the need for Canadian auto production and North American free trade. Fast forward to today still in the Motor City. And one of those cars the president is not interested in took home one of the biggest prizes at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show.

[G]

The winner of the North American Car.

[A]

Of the Year is the Dodge Charger, the 2020. The 25 Dodge Charger is a gas powered muscle car produced over the river from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario. Dodge's CEO thanked workers at the Windsor assembly plant in his acceptance speech. James Stewart is the president of the local autoworkers union. He says the award is a testament to Canadian workers and North American free trade.

[D]

A Canadian assembled car, but that's the parts in that car are made all across North America and the trade agreements are what allow that to happen. So certainly that's important and I know it's a little push on the trade issue, but really this is a fantastic thing for Solandis and for the workers at the Window assembly plant. For the auto industry here in Canada.

[A]

The Canadian made Charger was not the only winner. Detroit's Truck of the Year went to the 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo. It's Ford's only model of truck that isn't produced in the United States, proudly assembled in Mexico. Thanks for joining us for your World Tonight for Wednesday, January 14th, I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again.

[H]

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