The World This Hour - The World This Hour for 2026/01/05 at 05:00 EST

Episode Date: January 5, 2026

The World This Hour for 2026/01/05 at 05:00 EST

This ascent isn't for everyone. You need grit to climb this high this often. You've got to be an underdog that always over-delivers. You've got to be 6,500 hospital staff, 1,000 doctors, all doing so much with so little. You've got to be Scarborough. Defined by our uphill battle and always striving towards new heights. And you can help us keep climbing.

Donate at lovescarbro.cairbo. From CBC News, the world this hour, I'm Neil Hurland. We begin with breaking news from Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has just announced that he's appointing Krista Freeland as an advisor on economic development. On the platform X, he says, Krista is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transfer.

formations. Freeland is still a member of Parliament representing the writing of University Rosedale in Toronto, although she resigned her cabinet post last September and says she doesn't plan to run again. The watchdog agency meant to ensure Canada's intelligence and security agencies aren't breaking the law, is sounding the alarm over liberal budget cuts. The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has been asked to find savings of 15% as Catherine Tunney reports, it's warning those cuts could lead to important national security issues falling through the cracks. We will have to reduce the degree of scrutiny that we conduct. Craig Foresees is vice chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency,

one of the watchdog bodies that keeps tabs on Canada's secretive intelligence and security organizations, making sure spies and Mounties are behaving above board. But the watchdog says liberal cuts are putting that work at risk. It's been asked to cut close to $6 million from its budget by 2029. Forcese, says that will likely mean fewer reviews going forward with a lighter touch. At a time when the government is trying to pass legislation, that would make it easier for CES and the IRMP to get private electronic information. We may not be able to follow every thread to the extent that we currently do.

And both those outcomes would be regrettable and I think perilous. Public safety minister, Gary Nandes Sangri, says he'll work with Anzira, but made it clear, cuts are coming. Catherine Tani, CBC News, Ottawa. Some women in Quebec's Gas Bay region are being forced to drive several hours to give birth. Many hospitals have had to reduce service in their obstetrics units. Franco Minyaka has more. Camille Arsenault never imagined she'd be so far from her family

when she gave birth to her first child. When her water broke, she headed for the near-beyeye. by hospital in Mariah. But because of a staffing shortage, she was transferred to Chandler, a two-hour ambulance right away to give birth. The hospital in Mariah isn't the only one that saw its obstetrics unit temporarily shut down.

The one in St. Anne Desmond was closed for more than half of 2025, and it's closed again now until January 7th. Jean-Saint-Pierre with the Regional Health Authority says the unit could be closed every other week. An infirmier who is really an interest for obstetric. He says nurses, interested in obstetrics usually choose to work elsewhere because there are so few births in the

region. Sante, Quebec says it is aware there are issues. It says it's looking to see whether obstetric services should be reorganized. Frank Mignacca, CBC News, Montreal. In homes across Pakistan, gold has long symbolized wealth and tradition. Warrant for weddings and important social occasions, gold jewelry is now beyond the reach of many. Skyrocketing prices are making silver the new choice. Here are Mustafa reports from Islamabad. In Islamabad's jewelry markets, the once familiar sound of jingling gold bangles is fading. Shops that once bustled with customers during wedding season are now quiet.

As gold prices hit record highs, a new tradition is taking hold. Silver is now the first choice for many. Durers say they haven't seen demand like this in decades. Heritage designs in Selvo are back in fashion and a widely loved in our culture. For generations, gold has been a trusted investment in Pakistan, worn, gifted and saved. Gold prices planned sharply last year, rising from around 2,600 US dollars in ounce in January to more than 4,000 US dollars by October.

In response, dealers are adapting. Hiram Mustafa for CBC News, Islamabad. And that is your world this hour. I'm Neil Hurland.