Your World Tonight - Election Day, tragedy in Vancouver, and more.

Episode Date: April 28, 2025

Canadians go to the polls to decide which party and leader will guide the country through economic turmoil, and threats from the U.S. president.And: More details about the victims in the ramming attack Saturday in Vancouver. Eleven people were killed, and more than a dozen are still in hospital. A 30-year-old man is charged with multiple counts of murder. He has no criminal history, but has had multiple mental health-related interactions with first responders in the past.Also: The Crown gave its opening statement in the trial of five former Canadian junior hockey players in London, Ontario.Plus: Trump’s immigration crackdown, Israel opposes ICJ hearing, BC wine boom, and more.

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. This is a CBC Podcast. This election matters because it's touching every facet of our life this time around. Because we are under an existential threat.

Because it's deciding the future of the country. It matters because we're under threat. Because of our children and our future. It only takes a few seconds making a little X on a small piece of paper and slipping it in to a cardboard box. A short, simple act with consequences that couldn't be bigger. In a time unlike any other and facing an unprecedented threat,

Canadians vote for their next government. A few seconds that'll shape the future. Welcome to Your World Tonight. It's Monday, April 28th, just before 6 p.m. Eastern. I'm Stephanie Scanderis. Also on the podcast. This belief, I can't believe something like this would happen here. Confusion, not understanding why. I personally don't think I can make sense of this.

It's such a horrible thing. Processing the pain in Vancouver, where a shattered community comes together to cope with unthinkable loss. Some of the victims have been identified, where a shattered community comes together to cope with unthinkable loss. Some of the victims have been identified, and more information is emerging about the man accused of murder in Saturday's deadly car ramming at a Filipino street festival. After five weeks of political rallies and party promises, it is now up to voters.

Their choice will determine Canada's next government and who will steer the country through a storm of cross-border hostility and economic uncertainty. We have extensive election coverage for you tonight, beginning with Cameron McIntosh. We should all vote and we shall be informed. As his polling station opened, Amir Karbassi gladly got in line to vote in the Toronto riding of Scarborough Southwest, feeling motivated. Yeah, just making sure that, you know, we're prepared to deal with the tariffs and the trade war coming up.

You hear a lot of that. Well, we all worried a little bit about Trump, aren't we? The U.S. and President Donald Trump, one of many issues weighing on the minds of voters. Probably housing, immigration and the economy overall. That's my main focus. Yeah, I want parliament to work. I'm 25 right now,

but I have no hopes of owning a house in this country. A record 7.3 million people voted in advance. Raising expectations, turnout will be high this country. A record 7.3 million people voted in advance. Raising expectations, turnout will be high this election. Mail-in votes are already being counted at an Elections Canada facility in Ottawa. Numbers are up. While ballots sent to Canadians abroad is double the last election, up to over 101,000.

Matthew McKenna is a spokesman for Elections Canada. So overall it's been a high interest election and we expect that'll happen tonight to probably a lot of turnout, lots of people having food holes after they get home from work. After a 36 day campaign, the main leader's all out today.

All right everyone, get out to vote. For a change. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Conservative leader Pierre Paglia voting this morning in his Ottawa rioting of Carlton. Liberal leader Mark Carney casting his ballot this afternoon, giving the cameras a thumbs up.

Let's do whatever he's got to say, sir. Thank you very much. NDP! NDP! NDP! NDP! NDP! NDP!

NDP! NDP! NDP! NDP! N So remind people, vote NDP to defend our kind of Canada. Bonne journée tout le monde. La Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet also cast his vote, cautioning no one should assume the election's results. One should never declare himself winner before winning. A snap election brought on by the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, featuring new leaders for the conservatives and liberals. All of it, influenced greatly by the musings of the American president.

David McLaughlin was chief of staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. That has created a very unique dynamic that we haven't really seen. It has reinforced for Canadians that it is a very consequential campaign. Peter Donallo is former director of communications for Prime Minister Jean-Claire Chen. It's kind of re-elect Canadian the passion and patriotism for Canada, but it's also put Canadians on guard. In an Election Day social media post, Trump made his presence felt, encouraging Canadians to vote while again suggesting Canada become the 51st state.

But today is about Canadians deciding what's right for Canada. Cameron McIntosh, CBC News, Ottawa. And CBC News is here with you throughout the night as results come in. Our special election coverage will be led by your World Tonight host, Susan Bonner, and Sunday magazine's Pia Chattopadhyay. Susan joins me now. Susan, what are you watching for tonight? Well, you know, the way I'm thinking about this election is that of course all elections

have consequences, but this one, Stephanie, is really quite unparalleled. We have a party leader who is talking repeatedly about how the US president wants to end the country, break it and take it over. We have talk of sovereignty issues inside the country, not from Quebec, but from the West. We have all the party leaders talking about real economic pain ahead for Canadians, a possible recession as we deal with Donald Trump's trade war. The Liberals are trying for a fourth term, albeit with a new leader.

That's something that traditionally doesn't happen in Canada. This should be a real change election. So here we are on this night looking at, and all party leaders agree on this, a two party showdown. And that comes after a dramatic reversal in the political narrative in this country in just a few months. And what about the program itself? What are we going to hear? I think it's going to have a dramatic reversal in the political narrative in this country in just a few months. And what about the program itself? What are we going to hear? I think it's going to be a really good program.

We're going to be on the air from 7 p.m. Toronto time right through until we hear the leaders speak. So into the early morning hours of Toronto, we're going to bring you the results from the 343 writings in this country. 172 is the number that you need to win to get a majority government. We are gonna talk to people from C to C to C in communities, the party headquarters.

We have a results desk with our reporters and CBC personalities from across Canada. We have an outstanding panel and we're really lucky to have Rob Russo with us, who's the former CBC Parliamentary Bureau editor and who now writes for The Economist. Big consequential day. It's going to be fascinating. Really looking forward to it.

Thanks so much, Susan. Me too. Thanks. Your World Tonight host, Susan Bonner, joining me in studio and that special election night coverage with Susan and Sunday magazine host, Bea Chopadhyay begins at 7 p.m. Eastern on CBC Radio 1. In Vancouver, voting is happening in the aftermath of a devastating tragedy. Tonight we're learning more about the victims and the suspect involved in Saturday's deadly car ramming at a Filipino street party. Eleven people are dead, including a five-year-old girl and her parents.

Seventeen others are in hospital, some in critical condition. Georgie Smythe has the latest from a community in mourning. We were hoping at least like there were some survivors, but... Tonely is distraught. His brother Richard Lee, along with his wife Ling Huang and their five-year-old daughter Katie were killed at Lapu Lapu Day, leaving behind a 16-year-old son who stayed home to finish his homework. I think he's still in a state of shock and he's still processing everything. His entire life just changed overnight. Lee says he's speaking so other families can grieve in private. We're just one of many, many families that are going through this experience

and it's a senseless violence to innocent people and as a society we have to be better. and as a society we have to do, we have to be better. On the edges of the vast Vancouver crime scene, memorials swell with flowers, candles and messages of love. Community members stand dazed in their grief. We just came off a night shift and we missed the vigil. These two workers just finished a shift at a local hospital where some of the injured were taken. Then when we found out where all of the casualties were coming from I was very shocked.

It took a little bit of time to process. A few tears. The hours since the alleged attack on Saturday haven't been enough for David Nacho to process the horror of what happened in his neighborhood. I don't think there's been something like this in the history of Vancouver that I can remember. The Vancouver blocks where a black SUV drove through a tightly packed crowd enjoying a

Filipino festival on Saturday night are still closed to the public. The lives of the people who died there are being shared and celebrated. That includes Kira Salim. The Brazilian national, YouTuber and school counsellor worked with the new Westminster School District outside of Vancouver. In a statement it said Kira Salim was a valued member of its community whose wisdom and care for its students had a powerful impact.

Their work and great spirit they brought to it changed lives. We're also getting more information on the accused, KG Adam Lowe. CBC News has confirmed Lowe is the registered owner of a 2017 Audi SUV along with his mother. Police say they've had multiple interactions with him in the past involving mental health. The 30-year-old Vancouver man was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder on Sunday. More charges are expected. He remains in custody and will face a Vancouver court again on May 26. Georgie Smythe, CBC News, Vancouver. CBC News, Vancouver. Still ahead on the podcast, a London, Ontario court hears from the first witness in the

sexual assault trial of five former Team Canada junior hockey players. And Donald Trump is marking the first hundred days of his administration by signaling his stance on one important issue will be holding firm. Plus, why more Canadians are rejecting American wines in favour of homegrown ones. The trial of five former World Junior hockey players has resumed. The men are charged with sexual assault in a case that dates back to June 2018. All five have pleaded not guilty. The court heard the Crown's opening statement and testimony from the first witness.

Karen Pauls is covering the trial. Once world junior hockey heroes, five players, now defendants, in a sexual assault case. A jury today heard the Crown's opening statement. Assistant Crown Heather Donkers told them this case is all about consent. What it is and what it is not. She challenged jurors to keep an open mind about what's alleged to have happened nearly seven years ago when the then 20 year old complainant who's known as EM under a publication ban left a London, Ontario bar for consensual sex with Team Canada player Michael McLeod.

Donkers said those circumstances changed when McLeod invited some of his teammates to his room for what he promised would be three-way sex. Donkers alleges each of the five men accused had sexual contact without EM's consent. The Crown said she expects to present video evidence that she says was recorded by McLeod and another hockey player that night. Go Knights go! Go Knights go! This case doesn't seem to be making much of an impression on passionate London Knights hockey fans

out on Sunday afternoon wearing jerseys and carrying noisemakers for their team's playoff game. There was a lot of talk about it like a little while ago when they first brought the charges to them so we're just hearing a little bit on the news now. For me more attention to the playoffs to be honest. All that happened what happens. Just let it let it play out. That's what that's what the court system is for. Mark Lazarus is a senior NHL writer for the Athletic in Chicago.

He says it was a pretty big deal when the players' names came out. We were able to put names to this kind of like mystery because everybody knew who was on that roster. But once you have, you know, the actual players' identities, that, I felt like that was going to be a watershed moment. I remember. But he says while his publication is covering the trial, it isn't top of mind for most sports reporters or hockey fans right now. It doesn't seem to have had the impact that I thought it was going to have.

It was kind of moving on to the next thing. Like the current NHL playoffs. Lazarus hopes the trial, no matter what the verdict, will ultimately draw attention to problems within the junior hockey system, a culture many have criticized for creating an atmosphere of misogyny and homophobia and maybe provide an impetus for change. Karen Pauls, CBC News, London, Ontario. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a ceasefire in Ukraine

starting on May 8th. It's a three day pause and it coincides with the day Russians celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union 80 years ago. Putin plans to hold a lavish ceremony, including a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt says a temporary pause is not enough for the US. The president has made it clear he wants to see a permanent ceasefire first to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed and while he remains optimistic he can strike a deal. He's also being realistic as well. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also says the world wants a permanent ceasefire and not a brief one just for the sake of a parade. Well tomorrow will be 100

days since Donald Trump took office and the US president is marking the occasion by highlighting his administration's stance on immigration. Trump is expected to sign more executive orders tonight, stepping up a crackdown that shows no signs of letting up. Sasha Petrusic has more from Washington. President Trump's first 100 days have undoubtedly been the most monumental and historic. As the first benchmark of Donald Trump's term approaches the opening act of a president who promised to send shockw waves across the U.S., the White House is claiming an early victory with its crackdown on illegal migrants. Tom Holman is Trump's so-called border czar.

We are the most secure border in the history of this nation, and the numbers prove it. President Trump's policies are saving lives every day. Migrants have definitely been scared away from the southern border. Officials say only 7,200 showed up in the month of March, less than half of the average daily number before Trump took office. Canada's border wasn't even mentioned today. Trump must go now! Trump must go now!

But it's the arrests and deportations that worry an increasing number of Americans. Detention centers are overflowing. Hundreds of thousands risk being stripped of legal immigration status. Protesters in cities like Los Angeles are speaking out. It's heartbreaking but it's also kind of scary. Like, it's supposed to be a country built on freedom. Opposition senators like Bernie Sanders are raising the alarm. We're living in a moment with a president who has no understanding or respect

for the Constitution of the United States. Judges have ruled against the administration. The Supreme Court has even ordered it to try to bring back one man sent to El Salvador. But Trump officials are pushing back, even arresting a judge in Milwaukee on Friday for allegedly helping an undocumented migrant evade arrest. Trump makes no excuses. Look, we have to bring our country back from all these criminals that Biden allowed to come in.

These are world-class criminals and people that are insane, people from jails, murderers, drug addicts, drug dealers. As his signature policy, the crackdown is being cheered by Trump's core supporters. I believe that he's restoring law and order within our country. And there's no sign the campaign is slowing. Indeed, on the White House lawn, the administration has posted a hundred photos of immigrants who have been accused of serious crimes,

as officials vow to go after even more. Sasha Petrusik, CBC News, Washington. The ancient and secretive process of choosing the next pope will begin on May 7th, that's next Wednesday. Known as a conclave, it'll involve Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world who will come together at the Vatican to choose a successor to Pope Francis. 135 cardinals are eligible to participate. The last conclave took two days.

The United Nations Highest Court has started hearings on Israel's blockade of Gaza. It's not a trial. The court is being asked for its opinion on whether Israel is obligated to let aid groups into the territory. Crystal Gomancing reports. Barely audible, Baby Gazelle offers up a tiny whimper as she's fed. She's about half the weight a six-month-old should be. Ghazal was born only two kilograms says her father Mahmoud Taleb al-Khalout. She's only gained

a kilo and 400 grams he says. The family in Dyr Al-Bala in central Gaza says getting any food at all has been nearly impossible. The World Food Program says all of its supplies have been depleted. So the situation is really, really desperate. Sam Rose is the senior deputy director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza. What we're seeing right now is an entire civilian population, two million people, one million children who are going without. And if that food doesn't come in, those children will start to die and that will happen very quickly. Please be seated.

In the Hague Netherlands, the International Court of Justice has been asked for a non-binding advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate aid to Palestinians. Ammar Hajazi, UN's Palestinian ambassador, told the court the case isn't about the number of trucks of aid. It is about Israel unraveling fundamental principles of international law. It is about Israel turning Palestine, and particularly Gaza, into a mass grave for Palestinians and those coming to their aid. The judgment request was made by the UN in December after UNRWA was banned from operating in Israel and in occupied territories. Individuals and groups were also banned from cooperating with the agency.

Since then, conditions in Gaza have deteriorated. No aid or commercial goods have been allowed in since March 2nd. Israel issued a written statement of defense but refused to attend in person. The case being heard in The Hague this week is fundamentally distorted. It should be against UNRWA under the disguise of UN agency. UNRWA is a Hamas proxy. Speaking in Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the hearings a circus.

The goal is to deprive Israel of its most basic right to defend itself. The UN says Israel as an occupying power is obliged under international law to ensure supplies for the 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza. Israel says it is complying with international law and says there is no aid shortage. The ICJ will hear from nearly 40 countries this week. Crystal Gamansing, CBC News, London. You're listening to Your World Tonight from CBC News. And if you want to make sure you 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.

They are saying no to Napa Valley and okay to the Okanagan, Canadian wine drinkers passing on American brands in favor of reds and whites from this country. Now wine producers in British Columbia who were in crisis this time last year are overflowing with optimism. The CBC's Kyle Backs has the story. Our Pinot Gris is one of the most popular white wines sold in British Columbia. British Columbia wineries are ready to raise a glass,

anticipating a banner year as the boycott of U.S. booze continues. Absolutely that's an opportunity. Tony Haller is the owner of Poplar Grove Winery near Penticton. I'm excited first of all and very very optimistic. Everything looks really really good here in the Okanagan. Most of the country united to pull U.S. liquor last month in response to the escalating trade war. For local wineries it's a unique opportunity with more space at stores and on restaurant menus. Busier tasting rooms too as many Canadians choose to spend their travel dollars at home. We're having some very early signs of both increased visitors, increased sales.

A dramatic change of fortune for BC wineries, devastated by extreme cold last year that wiped out the crop. These big trunks got badly damaged by the cold. Now vines are recovering, demand is up and the movement by provinces to boost domestic trade could lead to more BC wines on store shelves across the country. That's turned into a positive for us. Paul Saller is with Wine Growers British Columbia. A lot of consumer sentiment certainly seems to be shifting and saying I don't want US wines so I think think it opens up a lot of doors for the Canadian wine industry.

South of the border, it's a bitter situation. I mean, we're neighbours and partners. Canada is the top export market for US wine, worth more than a billion dollars US every year. At Ironstone Vineyard in California, orders have been cancelled and much of its product is stuck, collecting dust in warehouses in Ontario, Quebec and other provinces. Joan Coutts, head of global sales, says it's tough to swallow.

It's frustrating. We'd love to have it back out on the shelves and love to be back doing our business as usual. For now in BC, Haller says the surge in national pride continues. A lot of people who've never tasted our wine hardly have any choice but to try some of the Okanagan wines and once they taste them, I'm telling you they're going to keep buying them. No shortage of optimism and wine as the busy summer season soon begins. Kyle Backs, CBC News, Calgary.

Finally tonight, the federal election means there are no Canadian teams on the ice in the NHL playoffs. But we have some other results to tell you about. A Canada-USA hockey rivalry in a form of the sport that continues to break down barriers, allowing players who lost their vision to find their game. I thought I was done. Like I thought I'll never be able to play the game again. And then I discovered a team in Toronto, the Ice Owls. And later we found out about the team in Montreal, Les Ibu, a team in Vancouver.

And then we found out about more programs, more teams. We built the community. We standardized the rules. We created one puck and one community. Mark DeMontes was playing AAA hockey as a teenager when he started developing a visual impairment. It's what drove him to establish a national program for blind hockey. There are now blind hockey teams in 13 cities across Canada, with others in the United States, England, Finland, Sweden and Russia. The sport is played very much like traditional hockey with some tweaks to the rules and equipment.

That's the puck. It's larger, slower and much noisier than a regulation puck, allowing players to track it around the ice. To go from not seeing the puck 90% of the time to being able to hear it the entire game just changes everything. It's been incredible and I'm so grateful for the sport. Amanda Proven has been part of Canada's national blind hockey team for three years and was on the squad this past weekend for the International Blind Hockey Series in Montreal. Canada vs. the United States in a three game series. The Canadians took all three, including the final game by a score of 11 to nothing. This has been your World Tonight for Monday, April 28th.

I'm Stephanie Scanderis. Good night. [♪ music playing