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Your World Tonight
Remembrance Day, cuts to veterans benefits, baseball betting, and more
00:27:47
<p>Ceremonies of remembrance mark the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers.</p><p><br></p><p>And: Some veterans say budget changes mean they’ll get less money in their disability pensions.</p><p><br></p><p>Also: Major League Baseball has been thrown a curveball. Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers face a host of federal charges. They are accused of taking bribes from sports betters for rigging their stats.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus: Technology’s effect on the symbolism of the Unknown Soldier, power outages after early winter snow wallop, effects from Typhoon Fung- Wong, and more.</p>
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The veterans who have survived those horrors and those who have not. To see them all laying on the ground, sewn up in a blanket, it was devastating. Welcome to youo World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Tuesday, November 11, just before 6pm Eastern. Also on the podcast, winter weather affected some of today's ceremonies. Canceling the parade in St. John's grounding vintage planes in Ottawa, even knocking out power in parts of Quebec. The only thing you can do with that kind of snow is waiting for it to come down and then repair the damages. You can't prevent it from falling, of course. Still, veterans as old as 100 years or more came out to bear witness to the statement, lest we forget, powerful words that some veterans say the federal government isn't backing up with actions. They worry changes laid out in the budget will mean less money for them and their families. But we begin with a day of remembrance. The war to end all wars didn't. And while current conflicts rage on in the world, across this country, in communities big and small, Canadians came together to honour those who have served and sacrificed. Marina von Stackelberg was at the ceremony. In the Nation's capital, nearly 30,000 people watched in silence as wreaths were laid one by one at the snow covered war memorial. It's been 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Veterans affairs estimates less than 3,700 Canadian veterans from that war are still alive. You know, it was just something special to sit here and think that I'm still around. One of them is 103-year-old Elmer Friesen. This is my first time here, and it's been so different from watching it on TV to just be here, and I was thinking of the guys that I came for. Friesen shook the hand of Prime Minister Mark Carney, just one of many Canadians shaking Friesen's hand. We've been all over the city. People have been thanking him for his service, and he just feels so proud to be here. His son, Ken. Yeah. Makes me emotional just seeing him and how much that means to him. So when you ask him questions, he's got all kinds of stories. Lyn Silvest's dad, Lucien, served in Belgium and the Netherlands. While she and her sister bundled up to attend the Ottawa ceremony, their 101-year-old father laid his own wreath at his Winnipeg retirement home. Many veterans from the Second World War are now too frail to attend formal ceremonies. But as he aged, it was more difficult for him to get out, so he hasn't been in quite a few years. Canada is gradually losing its living memory of the Second World War. Veterans like Bob Dunlop say it's as important as ever to remember the costs of conflict. His dad came back alive from that war, but several of his uncles didn't. So I'm really glad to see how many people are out here to honor our veterans, but for them to also realize that, you know, we're living in dangerous times now, and it's really important that we all pull together as a nation. It's one of the reasons why Ottawa University student Liliana Wagstaff and her friends came to watch the ceremony for the first time. War should never have been like our first resort, especially since we're talking about that more and more. I think it's important to just remember the cost that it came with and remember the impact that it had. It's a message Elmer Friesen hopes the next generation won't forget. I just want them to know that war is something you don't want to get involved in. It's something we try and try and treat our children, make them aware of what war is all about. Marina von Stackelberg, CBC News, Ottawa. Some veterans say there was a different kind of message being sent by the federal government. Last week's budget includes changes to how disability pensions are calculated. As David Thurton reports, the veterans worry the changes could mean less money. I think it's a really nasty little Remembrance Day gift that's been hidden in the budget. Chambrier is a former intelligence officer in the Canadian Air Force. The retired captain served during the Persian Gulf War. On Remembrance Day, he says he's upset about proposed changes to disability benefits. The veterans will definitely get less over the long term. And we're talking about the most vulnerable, vulnerable of the veterans, the ones that are highly dependent upon these benefits to recognize their pain and suffering. The changes were announced quietly in the federal budget. Mr. Speaker, the budget I present today. In it, a couple of lines signaled Ottawa's intention to modify the formula for how disability pensions are calculated for current members of the military, veterans and serving a retired rcmp. The rate used now is based on an amount equal to the after tax income of certain federal public service workers or the average change in the consumer price index, whichever is greater. The Veterans affairs Minister, Jill McKnight, confirmed the modification increases will be based on the consumer price index alone. So what we're doing is making an adjustment to bring it in line with many other services and benefits that are offered and bringing it in line across government for consistency. But will they be getting less money? My understanding is that we are going to be having everything in alignment across government now. The minister did not answer the question, but Bruyer is convinced vets will lose out. And as time goes on, that discrepancy between the two calculations could result, for instance, in the past 20 years in as much as 5,000 or more dollars less per year for a veteran on 100% disability. But the potential impacts go beyond just the wallet. Most of my PTSD is not from fighting for my country, but fighting my country. Bruce Moncur is a vet and the founder of Valor in the Presence of an Enemy. The nonprofit aims to recognize the bravery of Canadian soldiers. It's called the Triple D policy. Delay, deny, die, and eventually, if they delay you long enough and deny you enough times that eventually you just die. And dead veterans cost no money. He says veterans like him are tired of fighting. The change, if passed, wouldn't go into effect until January 2027. But Moncur says those who serve already feeling defeated and are losing hope and may not have the energy to fight back. David Thornton, CBC News, Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney will include at least two critical mineral projects in his next announcement on nation building. CBC News has learned some details of the projects that will be on the list. They include mines in New Brunswick and Ontario, as well as a liquefied natural Gas project in B.C. and a hydro project in Iqaluit. The government's stated goal is to spur private investment and cut red tape to get projects built faster. Carney will make the announcement on Thursday in Prince Rupert. British Columbia Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is hosting her G7 counterparts in southern Ontario. On the agenda, the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. But shifting economic alliances will also be top of mind as US Tariffs take effect around the world. One of Annan's first meetings is with a country that isn't a member of the G7 but is invited as a guest in the CBC's. Rafi Bujkanian is in Niagara on the lake. Rafi, Canada and other countries are turning more attention to India as the world tries to realign itself economically. What are Canada's goals here? Susan the government seems very intent on resetting its relationship with India. This is a continuation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Alberta during the G7 and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand's own trip to India earlier this fall. Fall we've seen the two countries reappoint high commissioners to each other's jurisdictions. But of course, this recent thaw is coming after a dramatic two years between Ottawa and New Delhi after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused agents of the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijar, on Canadian soil, an accusation India denied. But Anand insists it is now openly cooperating on the investigation. We are ensuring that in the bilateral engagement with India that these rule of law concerns, that these public safety concerns are foremost in the advancement of the relationship. So we're seeing these baby steps on the relationship advancing both on the economic and security front. Now, tomorrow the minister meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That country, of course, is the source of much of the economic tension we're seeing playing out. What can these two ministers accomplish? Rafi, when the two national leaders are still not talking, you know, that time honored tradition of G7 countries just not talking about things they can't agree on. Well, these are not the main two representatives on trade issues, so you can expect them to sort of carefully avoid that file while speaking about international conflict resolution, particularly focusing on Ukraine and the tenuous Gaza ceasefire. Though here too, Canada and the U.S. have not seen completely eye to eye. Canada and Europe are pushing for resettlement in the Russia Ukraine war, where Ukraine is not forced into any concessions it does not want. While the Trump administration has been more fickle on the matter. And of course, on the Middle east front, Canada recently recognized the Palestinian state, while the US has not. Still, the Canadian government has publicly supported the Trump administration's proposed peace initiatives on both fronts, something that's unlikely to change as Canada tries to revive those trade talks in other forums. Susan. Thank you, Rafi. You're welcome. CBC's Rafi Bujkani in Niagara on the Lake Ontario. Coming right up. The gales of November came a bit early for much of eastern Canada, leaving parts of Quebec without power and digging out from wet, heavy snow. A deadly super typhoon slams the Philippines, the second powerful storm in just a few days. Also trying to pull a fast one with a fastball. A cheating scandal in baseball has baseball fans baffled. Later, we'll have this story. I'm Murray Brewster in Ottawa, where Canadians mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a victim of the Great War, whose identity is deliberately kept a mystery in the age of DNA and scientific certainty. Will he be the last of his kind? There aren't going to be any more unknowns in future wars. I'll have the story of how on this Remembrance Day, science is colliding with sacred symbolism. That's later on youn World Tonight. In pictures, the blanket of snow covering trees across eastern Canada looks lovely. But on the ground, that early winter storm has created some ugly moments, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of households and businesses in Quebec, prompting school closures and and causing chaos on the roads. Colin Butler reports. In a Montreal auto shop, mechanics hustle from car to car, swapping summer tires for winter ones. Cesar Rounet is one of the owners that says everybody wants their appointment yesterday. You know, that's the problem because outside winter isn't coming. It's here earlier than usual. We were caught off guard by the amount of snow in Montreal. Environment Canada forecaster Julien Pellerin says the night brought far more than anyone expected. Forecasts called for 5 cm, maybe 15, but Montreal woke up under 20. It's always difficult to forecast that kind of event. Many people still still haven't installed their winter tire yet. And I don't blame them because like I said, climatologically, it's really early in the season. In Ontario, the storm broke records in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Kitchener. Hydro, Quebec says snow collected on leaves, weighing down branches that snapped and pulled down power lines, closing schools and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. It also snarled traffic, leaving roads slushy slippery, and all during a public transit strike in Montreal, making the commute a slog. It's really hard for us, for students, for workers. It's hard with the snow. It's hard to go with a bike. Montreal threw all its plows into action, scrambling to keep up. More snow is expected, expected, likely leaving Montreal with a new round of problems. We know for sure in the coming hours, coming days, the temperature will warm up and then we will have to deal with the melting of the snow. Philippe Sabourin speaks for the city of Montreal. We're trying to make sure the entrance for the sewer will be cleared in order to canalize the water comings from the melting of that snow. As Quebec digs out, Newfoundland is next, trading snow for more than 100 millimeters of rain and strong winds. It's the season's first storm, and this year winter didn't knock. It just blew the door wide open. Colin Butler, CBC News, London, Ontario. Taiwan is bracing for Typhoon Fung Wong, evacuating communities and canceling flights. They know what's coming. The storm left a path of devastation in the Philippines, killing at least 25 people and forcing more than a million from their homes. As Yasmin Renea tells us, Canadians are quickly mobilizing to help from here. Super Typhoon Phong Huang is the biggest storm to hit the Philippines so far this year, knocking out power to entire provinces and sweeping away homes. Seeing your place get like, destroyed, your memories just literally getting washed away. Ali Gonzalo is watching the devastation all the way from Winnipeg. He left the Philippines in 2016 and is worried about his friends and family forced to evacuate their homes. Most of the uncertainty is really like, how can people go to work for like, public transportation? The schools are going to be shut down. There's not going to be any power. Gonzalo is one of the nearly 1 million people of Filipino descent living in Canada and across the country. Many are now mobilizing the Filipino Catholic community. Community is incredible. Neil McCarthy, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Toronto, says donations have been pouring in and being sent to Catholic partners in the Philippines. They're on the ground. They can assess what's needed in the area. He says financial donations are the quickest way people can help to avoid costly transport fees associated with food, clothing or other items. The need is urgent. Christina Korpan Moser is the executive director of Filipino bc, a non profit organization that has partnered with the Red Cross to collect donations. She says Typhoon Feng Wang is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. The damage to infrastructure, to agriculture, the way that these sorts of disasters make already vulnerable people, like children, like the elderly, more vulnerable, you know, the time to give is now. Feng Wang ripped through the Philippines just days after Typhoon Kalmegi struck the country, dumping a month's worth of rain in a single day and killing more than 200 people. Lord please send some help. Lord. Weeks earlier, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the country, killing more than 70 people. We're very, very resilient. Michelle Sartakis owns a Filipino dessert cafe in Ottawa. She lived through a typhoon in the Philippines in 2012 and is heartened to see the diaspora lending a no matter what is happening, everything could be falling apart. We always stick together. Xi and others living in Canada hope their donations can make a difference for victims of the typhoons before catastrophe strikes again. Yasmin Raneh, CBC News, Vancouver. A suicide bomber in Islamabad has killed 12 people and injured 27. The explosion happened near a police car outside a district courthouse. It was the first attack in Pakistan's capital in years. No group has claimed responsibility. The attack happens as tensions continue to rise on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with recent peace talks at an impasse. 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, follow us on Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, just find the follow button and lock us in Major League Baseball is being rocked by a major scandal. Two Cleveland pitchers are facing a host of federal charges for gambling on the game. They are accused of taking bribes from sports bettors and rigging their stats. It's the latest strike against pro sports and its links to a booming betting industry. Cameron McIntosh reports. Luis Ortiz, a hard throwing right hander on the mound for the Guardian June 27 Cleveland Guardians vs St. Louis Cardinals Guardians Luis Ortiz, the starting pitcher, 46 K's of this 14 walks, so his first pitch of the third a ball, a seemingly benign development that prosecutors say paid out $37,000 US in sports bets. Ortiz, shuffling by reporters leaving court a hoodie over his head, is accused of being in on it, along with teammate Emmanuel Classe, also accused of tanking pitches looking for his 20th save, including this game in June 2023. Class A coming into the game in the ninth to protect a three run lead, prosecutors say he deliberately threw a ball into the ground, one of several rigged pitches over time that authorities say netted co conspirators over $400,000 with Class A and Ortiz both alleged to have gotten kickbacks between 5 and $7,000 for each rigged pitch. Both deny the charges, which include conspiracy, fraud and bribery. They face up to 65 years in prison. It's truly baffling. Hannah Van Bieber is editor of sports Gambling for the Athletic. These players are getting millions of dollars and then seem to have done something very illegal for not that much money. Both cases revolve around prop bets, which allow fans to bet on a specific event within a game, like a pitch or how many points a player may score, things that can be discreetly manipulated and may not affect the final outcome of the game. Michael McCann is a professor of sports law at Harvard. There's going to be a lot of pressure to ban prop bets, but there will also be significant pushback because a lot of people like prop bets. Prop bets are also central to a betting scandal last month in the NBA. This is the insider trading saga for the NBA FBI director Cash Patel announcing charges against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and against former player Damon Jones for allegedly conspiring with betters. Bet live with FanDuel and make the game come alive. As legalized gambling grows, sports leagues are becoming increasingly dependent on its revenue. Sportsbooks are to flag suspicious bets. They see everything. Joe Maloney is with the American Gaming Association. Leagues, regulators and integrity monitors have visibility into all of the volume of betting that's happening. Major League Baseball and major sports books are now adjusting their rules, capping bets on pitches at just $200 as pro sports built on stats struggle to balance the trust of fans with the revenues of betting and the temptations that come with it. Cameron McIntosh, CBC News, Winnipeg. We return now to Remembrance Day. At the foot of the National War Memorial in Ottawa is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a somber reminder of every service member killed in battle who can't be identified. But as advances in technology help unearth the past, some experts question whether these powerful symbols will hold a place in future commemorations. Murray Brewster has that every Remembrance Day, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa is reburied under the gentle weight of poppies, a spontaneous outpouring for a soldier who died more than a century ago and whose duty to the country is never ending, a soldier whose identity is unknown and kept deliberately so there aren't going to be any more unknowns in future wars. Stephen Trout is a history professor at the University of Alabama. An expert in the phenomenon of unknown soldier tombs. He says advances in DNA technology and family pressure in the late 1990s led to the identification of the Vietnam era unknown Soldier in the United States. I don't think that anyone who was involved in the in the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the United States ever imagined a moment when this sort of technology would exist. It would have been incomprehensible to the people who really launched that project. After World War I, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which administers Allied war Cemeteries forbids attempts to identify remains given up for Unknown Soldier tombs. While there's powerful symbolism in not knowing, the practice is at odds with the scientific certainty of today. It is the complete opposite of what my job is. Dr. Sarah Lockyer is the forensic anthropologist at Canada's Defence Department's Casualty Identification Team. She respects the symbolism of the Unknown Soldier and is not suggesting we violate the sanctity. But in essence her job is to make sure no one remains unknown. It is the complete opposite of one of the major points of forensic anthropology, of being able to identify unknown individuals and return their names and their faces to them. Admittedly, I still struggle with having had to do the exact opposite of what my field sort of requires and what my job typically requires. Lockyer's team has identified the human remains of 36 soldiers and confirmed the identities of 12 unknown graves since its creation in 2007, all of them from wars before 1970. It is gratifying to see that we are doing things to, you know, identify them. Phil Ralph is a retired Canadian military captain and padre. He acknowledges the sensibilities of people today are different. Ralph doesn't believe the Unknown Soldier will lose any of its symbolic power, even though future casualties will not share his anonymity. It's such a powerful symbol, but on the other hand, you know, I'm a dad and if it was my child, I would want to know. It is often said no one is truly dead as long as you remember them and speak their name. It is more complicated, but nonetheless true for the Unknown Soldier. Marie Brewster, CBC News, Ottawa. Finally tonight, you may have noticed a difference in some of the poppies. During this year's Remembrance Day ceremonies, for the first time ever, all members of the armed forces were allowed to wear indigenous crafted poppies on their uniforms. Floyd Powder is an Indigenous veteran who has worked for more representation in the armed forces. Whether it's beaded sealskin or porcupine, as long as it meets the dimensions. And the red color for the, for the flower part and the black center, that's an outstanding gesture for, you know, in part for reconciliation. Powder was on hand when the policy was announced in Ottawa just a couple of weeks ago and even gifted a poppy to the commander of the Canadian army, one made by his sister Gwen Pischinger, a member of the Fort Smith Metis Council. You know, having a northern made poppy made by, you know, a Metis artisan and with him proudly wearing that, that makes me extremely proud. And I know the history on that. It's just not somebody manufactured by someone else. This is, you know, a Metis artisan. Jerry Sharp is an indigenous artist in Yellowknife. She says the policy has already led to more demand. A friend of mine who works for the military actually sent me a message. She wanted to know if I could make her some puppies. And I said, well, normally I don't make them. I will custom make some. But then she sent me the guidelines, and I kind of went, oh, wow, this is awesome. And at that moment, I thought, yeah, I could probably make 10 or 15 of them to have available. And that turned into, like, 35. The Armed Forces says the poppies can be sourced from anywhere. Powder says anyone who gets one should still make a donation to their local legion. Wearing the poppy is important. And what is what was really disappointing. Even when I was at the airport, there's only three or four of us that were wearing poppies. And those veterans that are still around and, you know, are dealing with issues and the poppy, the funds raised during the poppy campaign will benefit them. Thank you for joining us on youn World Tonight For Remembrance Day, November 11th. I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again. For more CBC podcasts, go to CBC CA podcasts.