Podcast Summary: "Your World Tonight" – November 23, 2025

Hosts: Susan Bonner & Stephanie Skenderis (CBC) Episode Highlights: Ukraine peace plan, G20 summit wrap-up, grizzly attack update, Alberta pipeline talks, and more.

Overview

This episode delivers a deep dive into global and Canadian news highlights from November 23, 2025. Major stories include the contentious Ukraine peace plan spearheaded by the U.S., significant diplomatic moves at the G20 Summit in South Africa, debate over a new Alberta-to-B.C. oil pipeline, the aftermath of a grizzly bear attack in British Columbia, rising political threats in the U.S., fallout from a Trump-linked hotel project in Serbia, and local initiatives for truth and reconciliation education in Manitoba.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Ukraine Peace Plan: Controversy and Diplomacy

[00:37–07:50]

• Synopsis: The Trump Administration presented a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine in Geneva. The plan includes significant concessions to Russia, including capping Ukraine’s army, blocking NATO membership, and prohibiting European troops on Ukrainian soil.
• Key Concerns:
  • Ukrainian and European representatives, including Canadian PM Mark Carney, find the plan overly favorable to Russian interests.
  • Ukrainian commander Vitaly Tracallo expresses anger over territory surrender:

    “Why are we fighting then? What’s the point of all these sacrifices?” – Vitaly Tracallo, Ukrainian Commander (01:55)

  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms the plan started from “the Russian position," but calls it a “living, breathing document” and not a final offer.
  • Professor Daniel Drezner (Tufts University) is skeptical that negotiations will yield a true peace, referencing previous failed summits.

    “I am relatively pessimistic that there will be an actual peace plan.” – Prof. Daniel Drezner (06:38)

• Current Status: Zelensky may visit the U.S. this week for further talks.

2. G20 Summit & Canada’s Trade Agenda

[07:50–13:31]

• Context: The G20 in South Africa ended with Canada moving closer to a comprehensive trade agreement with India.
• Key Points:
  • Carney met Indian PM Modi; bilateral trade could surpass $70B.
  • Ongoing Sikh activist murder investigation and CSIS warnings about Indian threats affect the relationship, but Carney emphasizes that economic partnerships do not equal endorsement.

    “All relationships are not equal… when we engage with a country, that doesn’t mean we’re endorsing everything that country does.” – Mark Carney (09:56)

  • Criticism from Edward Afuko (Fraser Valley University) about Ottawa missing opportunities in Africa despite launching South Africa trade talks.
• U.S. Relationship: Carney is focused elsewhere, brushing off queries about not speaking to President Trump.

  “Who cares? I mean, it’s a detail… I’ll speak to him again when it matters.” – Mark Carney (12:45)

3. Alberta Pipeline Negotiations & BC Opposition

[13:31–18:40]

• Summary: Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are close to a pipeline deal carrying crude to the B.C. coast, possibly overturning the Trudeau-era oil tanker ban.
• Major Pushback:
  • B.C. Premier David Eby claims the project makes “no economic sense” and is politically motivated.

    “Not being advanced by anyone other than a politician that frankly is in political trouble at home.” – David Eby (17:23)

  • First Nations, represented by Marilyn Slett (Coastal First Nations), oppose the pipeline:

    "This is our home... Adding oil tankers to this is just not something we can support.” – Marilyn Slett (18:10)

• Alberta’s View:
  • Jason Kenney, ex-Premier, argues it's necessary for Canadian economic independence.

4. Grizzly Attack in Bella Coola: Community Response

[18:40–22:14]

• Details:
  • Conservation officers are tracking a mother grizzly and her cubs after an attack on schoolchildren and teachers.
  • 11 people injured; 4 remain hospitalized.
  • Newhalk Chief Samuel Schooner on trauma and recovery:

    “It’s going to be a long road to recovery, not only physically, but mentally...” – Chief Samuel Schooner (21:05)

  • Efforts lauded for the courage of students and teachers:

    “You know how most people are running away from a fire and this one turned around and went right back into the fire…” – Chief Schooner (21:41)

  • Some bears may be relocated if uninvolved.

5. Heightened Threats to U.S. Lawmakers

[22:14–26:16]

• Background:
  • Increase in threats against U.S. lawmakers, especially Democrats, after Trump’s inflammatory social media posts.
  • Debate triggered over Trump's reaction to a video by Democratic senators urging U.S. troops to refuse illegal orders:

    “He called it seditious behavior punishable by death.” – Reporter Katie Simpson (24:08)

  • Senator Mark Kelly cautions:

    “He should understand that his words… could have serious, serious consequences.” – Sen. Mark Kelly (23:24)

• Political Reaction:
  • Republican Senator Rand Paul and other officials call for restraint:

    “The idea that calling your opponents traitors... is reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible.” – Sen. Rand Paul (25:03)

  • Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns, attributing her departure partly to Trump-fueled threats.

6. Israeli Airstrikes in Beirut and Gaza

[26:16–29:30]

• Report:
  • Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed five, targeting a senior Hezbollah leader.
  • Tensions rise as this is the first Beirut strike in months; numerous casualties in Gaza amid ongoing ceasefire violations by both Israel and Hamas.

7. Mass Kidnappings in Nigeria & Economic Fallout

[29:30–33:12]

• Facts:
  • 50 of over 300 abducted children escape; search continues for hostages.
  • Trump's threats of U.S. intervention cause economic panic: sharp devaluation of the naira, plummeting stock market.
  • Economist Andrew Ochono:

    “The government needs to engage diplomatically with the US to avoid sanctions, but more importantly, strengthen domestic production and diversify exports.” – Andrew Ochono (32:46)

8. Serbian Protests over Trump-linked Hotel Project

[33:12–37:20]

• Storyline:
  • Public outrage at plans for a Trump International Hotel (run by Jared Kushner) on the site of a NATO-bombed, culturally significant defense complex in Belgrade.

    “It undermines our national identity and disrupts our culture and traditions.” – Protester (34:44)

  • Architects and developers criticize the government for bypassing transparent bidding.

9. Truth and Reconciliation in Manitoba Schools

[37:20–41:30]

• Event:
  • Manitoba teachers participate in workshops to integrate Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation into classrooms.
  • Cultural carrier Jeannie Whitebird and Inuit helper Katie Mae Arawak Dunford lead sessions.

    “I know the knowledge that I carry... I’m happy to share those.” – Katie Mae Arawak Dunford (38:31)

  • Teachers express growth and awareness:

    “It just makes you a little more aware of why certain issues may exist...” – Denis Gringois (39:16)

  • Addressing parental pushback remains a challenge in curriculum changes.
  • Kat Marsh, Métis vice-principal, hopeful for future progress:

    “I hope they walk away today feeling more confident in their ability to bring Indigenous programming into the classroom.” (41:21)

  • Murray Sinclair’s legacy: “Education is what got us into this mess and it’s the key to getting us out of it.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We began from the early stage of this process with our understanding of the Russian position...” – Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (03:23)
• “All relationships are not equal, they're not of equal depth.” – PM Mark Carney (09:56)
• “You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.” – Democratic Lawmakers’ video (24:00)
• “It’s going to be a long road to recovery, not only physically but mentally, you know, and the nation's just standing behind them.” – Chief Samuel Schooner (21:05)

Key Timestamps by Segment

| Segment | Start | End | |---------------------------------|---------|---------| | Ukraine Peace Plan | 00:37 | 07:50 | | G20 Summit, India Trade | 07:50 | 13:31 | | Alberta Pipeline Talks | 13:31 | 18:40 | | BC Grizzly Attack Update | 18:40 | 22:14 | | U.S. Lawmaker Threats | 22:14 | 26:16 | | Israeli Airstrikes in Beirut | 26:16 | 29:30 | | Nigeria Kidnapping/Economic Shock|29:30 | 33:12 | | Serbia Trump-linked Hotel | 33:12 | 37:20 | | Truth & Reconciliation in MB | 37:20 | 41:30 |

Tone & Style

The episode maintains the CBC’s signature authoritative and analytical tone, balancing factual reporting with on-the-ground voices and diverse perspectives. Speakers express skepticism, urgency, hope, and community solidarity throughout.

This summary distills the episode’s rich narrative, headlines, and pivotal moments, making it accessible to listeners and non-listeners alike.