Your World Tonight (CBC)

Episode: Trump pressures NATO, NDP retreat, Lilith Fair documentary, and more
Date: September 13, 2025
Hosts: Stephanie Skenderas, Susan Bonner

Episode Overview

In this episode, Your World Tonight dives into the most pressing global and Canadian stories of the day. The program covers President Trump’s new demands on NATO regarding Russian oil, the aftermath of the Nepal government’s collapse, dramatic shifts in Norway’s Sami parliament, the federal NDP’s struggle after historic losses, the challenge of bringing LNG to Canada’s east coast, Nova Scotia’s extraordinary volunteer response to wildfires, and the legacy of Lilith Fair as celebrated in a new documentary premiering at TIFF. The episode also marks Super Mario Bros.’ 40th anniversary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Trump’s NATO Ultimatum and Ramifications for Canada

[00:40–04:44]

• President Donald Trump has issued a series of demands to NATO allies aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, notably insisting all NATO members stop buying Russian oil and implement massive (50–100%) tariffs on China.
• Trump suggests that these actions would cripple Russia’s war effort by collapsing its economy.
  • Trump’s quote: “What is clamping down on Vladimir Putin? Well, it'll be hitting very hard on with sanctions and having to do with oil and tariffs also.” (02:18)
• European dependency on Russian oil persists, especially for countries like Turkey and Hungary.
  • Expert analysis: “Trump's demand isn't likely to go down smoothly for Turkey and Hungary, who are some of Russia's top buyers.” (02:59)
• For NATO and Canada, Trump’s timing is notable—a Russian drone recently violated Polish airspace, raising security stakes.
• While Canada could partially help replace Russian oil in Europe, export limitations exist due to infrastructure shortcomings.
  • Julian Karagastyan: “We could at least partially replace some of the oil and gas that EU member countries import from Russia, directly or indirectly.” (03:55)
  • But: “We don't have enough transportation, pipeline and port infrastructure.” (04:09)
• Imposing steep tariffs on China could severely harm Canada’s agricultural exporters, as seen by Chinese counter tariffs on canola, beef, seafood.
  • Karagastyan: “Maybe we'd benefit in energy markets, but I think we would lose much more by cutting ourselves off from China.” (04:25)

Gaza Conflict Update

[04:44–06:24]

• Israel carried out widespread airstrikes in Gaza City, killing at least 32 people and ordering mass evacuations as its military pushes to retake control.
• Israel’s government blames Hamas leadership abroad for stalling ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu publicly suggests that targeted assassinations could enable hostage releases and end the war.

Nepal’s Political Revolt and a Gen Z Uprising

[06:24–09:58]

• Massive anti-corruption protests led largely by youth topple Nepal’s government within days.
• Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is sworn in as interim prime minister after days of violence left over 50 dead and thousands of prisoners escaped.
• Protesters blame entrenched corruption and a social media ban for the unrest.
• Generational divides reflected in a family’s reactions:
  • Man Maya Kadka (93): “They were corrupt… the youngsters had to rise up.”
  • Sangin Kadka (25): “Whatever the younger generation wants is possible.”
  • Dal Khadka (58): Cautions about chaos, suggests the Gen Z movement was “hijacked.”
• Challenges ahead: army lacks experience in peace processes; Gen Z movement is leaderless, raising questions about Nepal’s political future.

Norway’s Sami Parliament Election: Identity and Internal Division

[09:58–12:52]

• The Nordkalotenfolke party (NKF) scored its best-ever results, nearly a third of the Sami Parliament vote, capitalizing on opposition to traditional indigenous policies and eligibility scrutiny.
• Torlbach and Kaven (Party Founder): “We have to lose this national romantic… view of the Sami people and say that everyone, even though you are a farmer, a fisherman, you're still a part of the Sami society.” (11:16–11:26)
• The NKF is accused by critics of undermining land claims and expanding eligibility for political advantage.
• Divisions between coastal and inland Sami communities are highlighted as a source of tension.
  • Anne Henrietta Nidut: “I think the NKF have managed to kind of set word to a feeling that a lot of Samis have—this not being good enough.” (12:21)
• For now, NKF remains in opposition, but its doubled vote share signals potential future shifts.

Federal NDP: Retreat, Reflection, and Rebuilding

[12:52–16:31]

• The NDP caucus, reduced to seven MPs and saddled with debt, met on Vancouver Island for a retreat following a historic electoral setback.
• Don Davies (interim leader): “The NDP has to take a hard look at why our messages didn't resonate in the way that we wanted it to.” (13:58)
• Public infighting played out before the retreat; now, MPs are trying to rebuild unity.
  • Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre MP): “We're having fun in there… I feel very hopeful going forward.” (14:49)
• Grassroots support persists, but resource constraints and lack of leadership remain challenges.
• Gord Johns (lone Island MP): “This is a moment where Canadians need the New Democratic Party. They need us more than ever.” (15:58)

LNG Ambitions on Canada’s East Coast

[16:31–19:28]

• FRMuse Energy proposes Canada’s first east coast LNG export plant in Vermieuse, Newfoundland, using gas from offshore oil projects.
• CEO Swapin Kattaria cites a supportive political climate for moving forward.
  • Kattaria: “If Canada keeps a share of that pie, what's wrong with that?” (17:23)
• Local residents question the promised local benefits and environmental impacts.
  • Virginia Pennell (local opponent): “We do not want to see that out here in our harbour.” (18:25)
• Experts highlight long-term European demand uncertainty due to the continent’s focus on renewables.
  • Sarah Hastings Simon: “I think there is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of reason to be concerned about the mid to long term demand for LNG… I think there's a big question mark there.” (18:49)
• The company must secure $15 billion in investment and long-term customers.

Grassroots Hospitality: Nova Scotia Wildfires

[19:28–22:37]

• Volunteers in Nova Scotia have supported nearly 200 firefighters battling the Long Lake wildfire, offering meals and care.
  • Cheryl Pistorius (volunteer): “I just want some delight in their life… It’s nothing for me to come down here and help.” (20:21)
• Rapid community mobilization transformed a disused naval base into a home for first responders.
• Firefighters’ morale has been greatly improved by the gestures.
  • Peter Rowan (retired firefighter): “I know the morale of the firefighters will be high because of the community support here.” (21:09)
• Volunteers, some displaced themselves, cook classic Nova Scotian meals, aiming to make the situation as comforting as possible.
  • Cheryl Pistorius: “We just want them happy and we want their families to know when they come home, they have a warm bed, a full belly, and they're safe because that's all parents want. They just want their children to be safe.” (22:19)

John Candy, Sports Legend

[23:01–23:51]

• The Toronto Argonauts held a tribute game for late actor/comedian John Candy, who co-owned the team in the early 90s.
• Chris Candy (John’s son): “It’s a perfect cherry on top of a very long week of getting to reintroduce my dad to the world. And it’s an honour.” (23:28)
• A new documentary on John Candy, John Candy: I Like Me, premiered at TIFF.

Lilith Fair: New Documentary and Lasting Legacy

[23:51–28:32]

• Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, a new documentary, tells the story of the iconic women’s music festival.
• Sarah McLachlan (Lilith Fair founder) describes fighting industry skepticism:
  • “Promoters said you can't put two women on the same bill. People won't come. And it put a huge fire under my butt to prove them wrong.” (24:00)
  • “At the press conference, I had to defend every piece of it… You're too feminist. You're not feminist enough. You're not diverse enough. Why do you hate men? That was a real common sentiment.” (25:55–26:06)
  • “Whenever you try and push back against industry norms, against social norms, there's always going to be pushback.” (26:08)
• Lilith Fair ran from 1997–99, with a ripple effect seen on modern artists.
• Dan Levy (producer, Schitt’s Creek) shares its personal significance:
  • “As like a closeted kid, going and seeing so many different types of people living so joyfully and outwardly. It really was a celebration of inclusivity across the board.” (27:06–27:19)
• The TIFF festival’s energy is described as vibrant and the best since before the pandemic.

Super Mario Bros.: 40th Anniversary

[28:32–30:23]

• The beloved video game franchise marks 40 years since its release.
• The hosts reflect on its cultural impact, from the original games and TV show to its recent hit film adaptation.
• A new Super Mario Galaxy movie is slated for April, with Chris Pratt returning as Mario.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on NATO sanctions: “What is clamping down on Vladimir Putin? Well, it'll be hitting very hard on with sanctions and having to do with oil and tariffs also.” (02:18)
• Julian Karagastyan on tariffs: “Maybe we'd benefit in energy markets, but I think we would lose much more by cutting ourselves off from China.” (04:25)
• Nepali Matriarch: “They were corrupt… the youngsters had to rise up, but the army didn't handle the situation well.” (08:00)
• Sarah McLachlan (Lilith Fair): “Promoters said you can't put two women on the same bill… it put a huge fire under my butt to prove them wrong.” (24:00)
• Dan Levy: “As a closeted kid… it really was a celebration of inclusivity across the board.” (27:06–27:19)
• Cheryl Pistorius (volunteer): “We just want them happy and we want their families to know... they have a warm bed, a full belly, and they're safe…” (22:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump’s NATO ultimatum: 00:40–04:44
• Gaza conflict updates: 04:44–06:24
• Nepal's Gen Z protests and government collapse: 06:24–09:58
• Norway’s Sami Parliament election: 09:58–12:52
• Federal NDP retreat: 12:52–16:31
• East Coast LNG project: 16:31–19:28
• Nova Scotia wildfire volunteers: 19:28–22:37
• John Candy tribute & documentary: 23:01–23:51
• Lilith Fair documentary at TIFF: 23:51–28:32
• Super Mario Bros. 40th anniversary: 28:32–30:23

This episode of Your World Tonight is a rich recap of global headlines, Canadian politics, community resilience, pop culture, and music history, told with the CBC’s signature mix of clarity and Canadian context.