The World This Hour - The World This Hour for 2025/02/17 at 11:00 EST

Episode Date: February 17, 2025

The World This Hour for 2025/02/17 at 11:00 EST

1942, Europe. Soldiers find a boy surviving alone in the woods. They make him a member of Hitler's army. But what no one would know for decades, he was Jewish. Could a story so unbelievable be true? I'm Dan Goldberg. I'm from CBC's personally, Toy Soldier, available now wherever you get your podcasts. From CBC News, the world this hour. I'm Claude Fague. The war in Ukraine is taking center stage at two high profile meetings today. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia. He's

holding peace talks with Russia. But that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and European leaders who say they're being left out. As Crystal Gamansing tells us, they're holding their own discussions today on Ukraine's future. The Europeans are very concerned about the terms on which it comes to an end. Don Sars, the former head of the British intelligence service MI6, says Europeans need clear objectives and goals should fighting halt in Ukraine. The American Secretary of Defense and Vice President recently admonished European leaders for not doing enough to ensure their own security.

But we know that intertwined with the freedom and security and democracy for the Ukrainian people is British freedom. Representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the EU Council and NATO Secretary General will be attending today's meeting in Paris. There is concern Europe will be left to police a deal it had no role in crafting, one potentially favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin. Crystal Gamansing, CBC News, London. Today marks 500 days since Hamas launched its October 7 attack on southern Israel.

The families and supporters of Israeli hostages are marching on the Knesset. They're calling for the current ceasefire deal to remain in place until all remaining captives are freed. About 70 hostages are believed to be still in Gaza. The current phase of the ceasefire is due to expire in early March. If there's still no clear deal, it will be when it will be extended or if fighting will resume. More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza

since October 7th, 2023, and an estimated 90% of the population has been displaced. The leaders of Ontario's main political party square off tonight in Toronto. This election is about who's going to protect the people of Ontario. Where are the homes that Doug Ford said he was going to build? Where are the homes, Doug? You fly off in the middle of an election for photo ops in Washington with low-level advisers?

What's the point? Ontario Greens will fight for fairness. Doug Ford of the PCs, Marit Stiles of the N's, Myron Stiles of the NDP, Bonnie Crombie of the Liberals, and Mike Schreiner of the Green Party will all take part in a province-wide televised leaders debate. This follows Friday's debate

when they went head-to-head on issues that affected northern Ontario. Voters go to the polls in the province February 27th. Pope Francis will remain hospitalized indefinitely as he deals with a respiratory infection. The Vatican says the pontiff has been diagnosed with a poly microbial respiratory tract infection that will require a longer stay in hospital as well as a change in medication. The 88 year old Francis was

admitted to hospital Friday in Rome for bronchitis as well as medical conditions. There will be signing and singing and drumming today on BC's northern coast. The federal government and the Hada First Nation are resetting their relationship. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be there as the government recognizes aboriginal titles for the Arqueopelago Haida Gwaii. The agreement affirms the Haida have an inherent legal right to all of the islands lands, beds of freshwater bodies and foreshores to the low tide mark. This is the first time the Canadian government has recognized Aboriginal titles through negotiations. Canada faces a virtual must-win today to advance to the final of the inaugural Four Nations

Faceoff Hockey Tournament. The Canadians need a victory over Finland in regulation to secure three points, ensuring their berth in the final against the Americans this Thursday. The U.S. locked up their place in the final after beating Canada 3-1 on Saturday night. Puck dropped today just after 1 p.m. Eastern in Boston. And that is Your World This Hour. For CBC News, I'm Claude Payne.