Your World Tonight – November 25, 2025 (CBC)

Episode Overview

This episode of Your World Tonight (CBC) features a heartfelt tribute to curling champion and broadcaster Colleen Jones, analysis of a contentious Alberta-Ottawa pipeline deal, unequal access to RSV immunizations for infants across Canada, reactions to author Thomas King's Indigenous identity revelation, and the fallout from major sports cuts at McGill University. The show is hosted by Susan Bonner and includes reporting from several CBC correspondents.

Remembering Colleen Jones: Curling Legend and Broadcasting Trailblazer

[00:27 – 04:51]

• Theme: Celebrating the life and legacy of Colleen Jones, six-time national curling champion and CBC broadcaster, after her passing from cancer.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Colleen Jones’ achievements on the ice: six national titles, two world championships, 21 Scotties appearances.
  • Her pioneering role as the first female sports anchor for CBC Halifax.
  • Family and colleagues reflect on her work ethic, charisma, and the impact she had on Canadian sports media.
  • Jones’ induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada for breaking barriers.
  • Personal tributes from her son, Luke Saunders, and former CBC colleagues, highlighting her perseverance and gratitude.

Notable Quotes:

• “My whole life has been shaped around curling and throwing rocks. I got my career because of curling. You know, a simple game can kind of lead to so many other things in your life.” – Colleen Jones [00:30]
• “There were moments I could barely look at her and think she was a real person. Like, it was like, how did I get this so lucky, you know, to have Colleen in all her glory driving me to tennis or wherever I was going.” – Luke Saunders, her son [02:37]
• “Colleen had a magic, a song, a sparkle about her and there was nobody like Colleen.” – Jennifer Jones, Olympic curling champion [03:20–03:22]
• “She fought just like she tackled curling, just like she tackled broadcasting. She wanted every detail. She just gave everything to the fight.” – Heather Hiscox, CBC host [04:04]
• “I think perseverance in everything in life is just a character trait we all need to develop.” – Colleen Jones [04:24]

Alberta-Ottawa Pipeline Deal Sparks Tension

[04:51 – 07:37]

• Theme: Debate intensifies over a new energy deal between Ottawa and Alberta that could pave the way for a controversial pipeline to the West Coast.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pending memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta, mentioning possible pipeline conditions.
  • Alberta may receive environmental regulation exemptions; in return, federal support could require stricter carbon policies and First Nations consultation.
  • Strong opposition from B.C. Liberals, NDP, the provincial government, and coastal First Nations.
  • Skepticism the pipeline will ever materialize due to lack of support and private funding.

Notable Quote:

• “If you’re a liberal from coastal British Columbia, you should be very deeply concerned... I live in coastal British Columbia. I can tell you that’s not true [that British Columbians support the pipeline].” – Gord Johns, NDP MP [07:05]

Mark Carney Addresses "Who Cares" G20 Controversy

[07:37 – 08:52]

• Theme: PM Carney apologizes for dismissive remarks at G20 regarding questions about Canada-US talks.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Carney admits to a “poor choice of words” and reiterates commitment to accountability.
  • Tension continues over stalled negotiations with the US, partly due to Ontario’s anti-tariff ad campaign.

Notable Quote:

• “Today I made a promise to Canadians. When I make a mistake, I’ll admit it. That was a poor choice of words about a serious issue.” – PM Mark Carney [07:46]

Recall Petitions Threaten Alberta Legislature Stability

[08:52 – 11:20]

• Theme: Growing grassroots movement in Alberta as recall petitions against UCP MLAs gain traction.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • At least 14 approved recall petitions aim to gather signatures for potential votes.
  • Dissatisfaction centers on government responsiveness and labor contract disputes, especially concerning teachers.
  • MLAs and Premier Danielle Smith question the process’s legitimacy and consider legislative adjustments.
  • Political scientists view the wave as indicative of mounting public frustration.

Notable Quotes:

• “Each recall petition needs 60% of the votes cast in the riding in the most recent election.” – Katherine Garrett, CBC [08:52]
• “I think for me the biggest motivation of course was the act to force teachers back into the schools and legislate our contract.” – Melissa Craig, Calgary teacher and petitioner [09:13]
• “I don’t think that’s how recall was intended. And so we’re taking a look at if we need to make changes.” – Premier Danielle Smith [10:26]

Disparities in RSV Immunization Across Canada

[12:28 – 15:34]

• Theme: Expensive but effective RSV shots are keeping infants out of hospital, but access varies by province.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Powerful new antibody shots and maternal vaccines dramatically lower infant hospitalizations for RSV.
  • “Game-changing” reduction in ICU admissions seen; but policies differ among provinces.
  • Only Ontario funds both infant and maternal shots for all; B.C., Alberta, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland lag.
  • Cost, logistics, and vaccine hesitancy pose barriers for more equitable access.

Notable Quotes:

• “Over 80% effective at reducing the risk of emergency department visits due to RSV.” – Dr. Jesse Papenberg, Montreal Children’s Hospital [13:49]
• “The logistics is a more complicated thing than the science because the science is very positive.” – Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, McMaster University [14:49]
• “Political winds could make it harder for us to keep tiny babies out of the hospital.” – Dr. Jeffrey Pernica [15:09]

Thomas King Reveals He Is Not Indigenous

[15:34 – 18:32]

• Theme: Acclaimed Canadian author Thomas King admits, after genealogical investigation, he is not of Cherokee descent as previously believed.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • King’s “devastated” reaction; revelation comes after scrutiny and consultation with Tribal Alliance Against Fraud.
  • Echoes of similar cases involving other high-profile Canadians.
  • Indigenous scholars and advocates urge organizations to verify heritage claims more thoroughly, not rely solely on self-identification.
  • Calls for King (and those in similar situations) to donate proceeds from Indigenous-themed work back to the community.
  • Fallout: cultural events, like Edmonton Opera’s adaptation of King’s work, are canceled.

Notable Quotes:

• “If organizations and institutions are going to hang their reputation on a particular individual and say, this is our Indigenous scholar, it’s incumbent upon them as well to take some steps to verify.” – Valden Coburn, McGill University [17:27]
• “Self identification is insufficient.” – Quoting Murray Sinclair, former chancellor, Queen’s University [17:37]
• “The money that you make off of these Indigenous stories, donate them.” – Celeste Pedri Spade, McGill University [18:20]

McGill University Cuts Dozens of Sports Programs

[22:31 – 24:43]

• Theme: Deep cuts to McGill University sports spark outcry from students and Canada’s athletic elite.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • 15 programs cut, including track and field, fencing, men’s volleyball, and women’s rugby.
  • Students, including William Sanders (track and field) and Fianna Edgerton (rugby), voice heartbreak and disappointment.
  • University cites sustainability after internal audit and review; athletes and coaches say decision lacked adequate consultation.
  • Prominent voices like Bruni Surin and Glenroy Gilbert highlight national ripple effects, especially for women’s sports and athlete pipelines.

Notable Quotes:

• “I was absolutely devastated and I was heartbroken by this decision.” – William Sanders, McGill track and field athlete [22:31]
• “As a first-year student and member of the women’s rugby team, it’s not just rugby players really, it’s the community that extends beyond… it’s the importance of having recreation, of having these athletics programs available to women at McGill.” – Fianna Edgerton [24:29]

Other Notable Segments

Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations

[18:44 – 21:47]

• US/Europe propose a new peace deal; Russia demands Ukrainian territorial concessions and NATO neutrality.
• Fighting on the ground in Kyiv persists while diplomatic wrangling continues.
• “We are united in support for a just, dignified and lasting peace for Ukraine.” – Emmanuel Macron [21:22]

Holiday Drama: Nutcracker Sets Stolen and Recovered

[25:17 – 26:59]

• Jorgen Dance’s custom Nutcracker sets are stolen, sparking community support and a police hunt.
• Sets are recovered, allowing the tour to continue as planned.
• “It’s a happy ending. You know, someone stole Christmas and now it’s back on.” – Bent Jorgen, artistic director [26:44]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Colleen Jones Tribute – [00:27 – 04:51]
• Pipeline Deal / Alberta-Ottawa Relations – [04:51 – 07:37]
• PM Carney G20 Comments – [07:37 – 08:52]
• Alberta Recall Petitions – [08:52 – 11:20]
• RSV Immunization Access – [12:28 – 15:34]
• Thomas King Ancestry Revelation – [15:34 – 18:32]
• Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks – [18:44 – 21:47]
• McGill Sports Cuts – [22:31 – 24:43]
• The Nutcracker Set Theft and Recovery – [25:17 – 26:59]