Your World Tonight - February 1st tariff deadline?, Canadian pipelines, January 6 pardons, and more

Episode Date: January 21, 2025

The federal government signals it’s ready for Trump’s tariffs, with matching penalties of its own. Late Monday, the U.S. President said he’d follow through with his threat on February 1st. Canada’s Prime Minister responded today from a cabinet meeting in Quebec, saying everything is on the table, including dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Reports suggest that the Trump administration wants to renegotiate the Canada - US - Mexico trade agreement.Also: All of this tariff talk is also reopening a conversation on pipelines in this country.Alberta's premier says Canada needs to consider projects once shelved. It's in an attempt to diversify markets for the biggest source of Canadian exports to the U.S.And: CBC News speaks with one of the Capitol riot defendants shortly after their prison release, following a sweeping pardon from Donald Trump. The President’s executive order wipes out charges and convictions for more than 1500 people accused in the January 6, 2021 incident. Trump’s actions sparked celebration from his supporters, and jeers from opponents.Plus: $500 Billion U.S. AI infrastructure announcement, crackdown on illegal immigration, West Bank violence and more.

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We don't know what to believe in. Frankly, I think this is indicative of what you're going to see from the Trump administration for the next four years. It's chaos. That didn't take long. Immediate backlash to a new administration that's moving fast. Sweeping executive orders on immigration, foreign aid and trade. Ushering in new uncertainty in America and

beyond, with unpredictability back in the White House. Welcome to Your World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Tuesday, January 21st, coming up on 6pm Eastern, also on the podcast. As I said, everything is on the table and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs. Waiting for Canada's answer to cross-border confusion with Donald Trump tossing out a possible tariff timeline late last night, crushing export taxes could be in place by next weekend and if it happens the Prime Minister insists a

plan to hit back is ready to go. a plan to hit back is ready to go. Canada might be stuck on the Trump tariff rollercoaster for a while. Day one of his presidency brought mixed messages. Then today reports he wants to renegotiate trade deals with Canada and Mexico. As Tom Perry reports from the cabinet retreat in Montebello, Quebec, federal leaders are trying to stay calm for the wild ride ahead. We know that there is always going to be a certain amount of unpredictability and rhetoric coming out from this administration.

Like it or not, Justin Trudeau and his government find themselves back in a familiar place with Donald Trump in the White House pushing a protectionist America First agenda and Canada in the crosshairs. Donald Trump is as always a skilled negotiator and will do what he can to keep his negotiating partners a little bit off balance. Trump threw Canada and Mexico off balance last night while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. The US president casually mentioned he could still impose a 25% tariff on his two North American trading partners by

February 1st. Let's not look at threats but opportunities. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has helped lead the government's efforts to stave off tariffs. Champagne was in Washington yesterday as Trump was inaugurated. He spoke with U.S. governors and other officials and says he seized on the president's pledge to usher in a golden age for America. And reminding them that in the golden age as the president presented it of America what's good for America should be good for Canada. Champagne and others have sought to remind Americans

Canada is their biggest customer and a reliable source of oil energy and natural resources. Those arguments have so far failed to sway Trump. Flavio Volpe is with Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association and serves on the federal government's council on Canada-U.S. relations. He says Trump has ordered his administration to examine its trade policy by April 1st and it's impossible to know what will happen between now and then. And until then, I think we just need to be careful and prudent with our cards. We don't play them up.

But Trump today dropped another trade bombshell, reportedly calling for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement, which his administration negotiated in its first term and which is up for review next year to be reopened early. Justin Trudeau today offering only a brief response. We negotiated a review in 2026. That's part of the negotiations. It's a review and it'll happen and we're always ready to talk. Trump throwing his trade partners off balance yet again,

being as always, predictably unpredictable. Tom Perry, CBC News, Montbello, Quebec. All of this tariff talk is reopening a conversation on pipelines in this country. Alberta's premier says Canada needs to consider projects once shelved. It's an attempt to diversify markets for the biggest source of Canadian exports to the U.S. And as Erin Collins tells us, the idea is getting some support in B.C. I can tell you the administration knows who Alberta is. They know we got a lot of oil and gas and that we want to sell more of it.

Danielle Smith still in D.C. after Donald Trump's inauguration, selling Alberta to Americans while pitching pipelines to Canadians. Alberta's premier hoping to rekindle projects like Northern Gateway and Energy East. Why wouldn't we be talking about how providing energy security to our friends in Ontario and Quebec and Atlantic Canada by having our own pipeline built? Smith using US tariff threats to make a case for getting Alberta crude to new markets and it might be working. BC's NDP government long a hard no on pipelines to the Pacific. Premier David Eby still not sold but listening.

I have some differences of opinion with Premier Smith. But where we are completely aligned is that we need to stick together as a country to defend jobs and economic activity in this province. Some of BC's indigenous leaders also thinking twice. Grand Chief Stuart Phillip once arrested protesting the Trans Mountain expansion. If we don't build that kind of infrastructure, Trump will. And there will not be any consideration for the environment or the rule of law. I think that we can do better. Heather Exner-Perot is the Director of Natural Resources and Environment at the McDonnell

Laurier Institute, a political think tank. She says it's time to revisit pipelines in Canada. Energy is our queen in this game of chess and we better want to protect it and make it strong. Northern Gateway is on top of my list because I think that's the best market. I think it makes the most economic sense, also the most logistic sense. Almost all of Canada's crude exports go to the U.S. More than four million barrels a day. We have overwhelmingly leveraged ourselves to one single market, the U.S. market. Rory Johnson is a Toronto-based energy analyst.

No one ever thought there was any risk to the Canada-US trading relationship. That has to be something that is reconsidered now. We've broken the seal on that. You know, the genie's out of the bottle. That may be, but Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, isn't sure more pipelines are the immediate answer. President Trump will be in power for four years. Building a pipeline takes a lot longer than that.

So anybody who tells you that's a short-term answer to diversifying energy systems doesn't really know what the target point is. Of course, building pipelines across Canada isn't easy these days. And there are questions about who would pay for them. Still, talking about them is making a comeback and where those conversations go anyone's guess but they're unlikely to end anytime soon. Erin Collins, CBC News, Calgary. Small businesses have been holding their breath for tariff news for nearly two months now. The expected exhale hasn't come. But entrepreneurs aren't sitting around waiting for news.

They are taking whatever actions they can with whatever knowledge they have. Anis Hadari reports. We're thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada. A surprising detail from Donald Trump. Not tariffs themselves, but the date. I think we'll do it February 1st. That caught some business groups off guard because they thought they were in the clear

for the short term. We're breathing a sigh of relief yesterday around 5 or 6 o'clock. But Laura Dawson isn't relieved now. She's executive director of Future Borders Coalition, a Canada-U.S. business group. And her mood shifted after the inauguration. Then he goes in and signs these executive orders and just sort of off the top of his head he says, oh yeah, and we're going after Canada with 25 percent. I was like, oh what the heck, where did that just come from? We don't over respond to these things.

James White is the CEO of Wellmaster in Tilsonburg, Ontario. The company has customers across North America manufacturing parts for groundwater systems. That lack of a tariff announcement on Monday morning followed by a maybe kind of sort of change on Monday evening, it's not changing anything for them. When we heard about this we thought okay great it just extends the period of urgency that we can be working with. It extends our chance to talk to customers. Wellmaster had already been preparing for tariffs. We did, in the lead up to the inauguration,

probably a month's worth of business in a couple of days. So people wanting to get products over the border so that they can continue to run their businesses. What's really gonna be challenging is, well, how long is this going to last? How long is hard going to last? How long is hard to say, because it's not just about governments and presidents. I think in terms of legal challenges to what Mr. Trump might be doing, we're far more

likely to see U.S. businesses and maybe U.S. consumer groups challenge that. Daniel Schwannen is with the C.D. Howe Institute. He's their senior vice president in Kitchener. Let's not forget that the tax or the tariff is really a tax on what they purchase from Canada. So there are a lot of people in the U.S. that are and will be very unhappy with this idea of tariffs. But he points out there are American players

who want to see less Canadian competition, aka more tariffs. The C.D. Howe Institute says any legal challenges could take years and won't change things now. So even before a tariff, businesses in Canada like Wellmaster are facing the consequences. So it is right now immediately impacting our company in terms of we could be growing at a faster rate. We could be doing additional hiring. We could be doing more innovation investment.

Canadian problems hitting before Donald Trump has actually done anything. Anis Hadari, CBC News, Calgary. Coming up on the podcast, confusion and confrontation in the United States following Donald Trump's early blitz of executive orders and a defining sound in rock and roll and the last surviving member of the band, Canadian musician Garth Hudson has died. Less than 48 hours into Donald Trump's new administration and there's already major pushback on some of his plans. From immigration to foreign affairs. Paul Hunter has the latest from Washington. On the morning after the second inauguration of Donald Trump, the traditional inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral. Among those speaking, Bishop Mary Ann Budd who

wasted no time in a service rarely used for politics in taking on Trump directly. Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. As Trump and his family sat and listened, she spoke of the LGBTQ plus community and undocumented migrants at a time Trump has pledged mass deportations. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country. We're scared now. The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. Trump stared straight ahead as he sat in the pew, though later underlining for reporters.

Indeed Trump's first full day back in office had its challenges. The president has overstaffed from San Francisco these words from California Attorney General Trump's first full day back in office had its challenges. The president has overstepped... From San Francisco, these words from California Attorney General Rob Bonta. I have one message for President Trump. I'll see you in court. Announcing California will join a number of other states already challenging Trump's new executive order

ending so-called birthright citizenship, the constitutionally protected right for all born in this country to claim U.S. citizenship. And a day after, Trump suggested again he's interested in retaking control of the Panama Canal. Panama sent a letter of protest on that to the United Nations. While Mexico's president, Claudia Scheinbaum, today underlined that body of water east of Mexico will always be the Gulf of Mexico, not, as Trump asserts, the Gulf of America,

adding, First of all, I would like to assure the people of Mexico that we will always defend our sovereignty and our independence. And Paul, the action is not over. President Trump made a big announcement this evening regarding artificial intelligence. Tell us about that. Yeah, we're tonight of a new and significant public-private partnership here, indeed with an announcement of a whack of money for developing AI and the creation of a new company to be called Stargate. Private investments up to $500 billion over

the next four years into growing AI capabilities. The US under Trump, it was announced this evening, will partner with OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, three outside organizations, said Trump a move that'll create 100,000 jobs immediately and say those involved, it'll rocket development of AI like never before. Then Susan, he gave another impromptu news conference reiterating that he's still thinking of tariffs, though he did add Canada is a nice country, those were his words. And he restated most of the executive orders he issued last night and he defended his pardons for the January 6th offenders.

And by the way, he talked a bit about that letter left behind for him by Joe Biden, the one he found while cameras rolled in the Oval Office last night. He did write me a nice letter, said Trump. I opened it last night to number 47, it said. Trump described it as inspirational, that Biden said to enjoy the job do a good job it was a nice letter said Trump I appreciated it he said letter aside Susan all of it is another reminder Trump will be moving quickly in these early days of his second administration thank you Paul you're welcome the CBC's Paul Hunter in

Washington Trump's immigration vision is becoming a reality tonight. A national emergency is in effect at the southern U.S.-Mexico border, and a promised massive deportation operation hangs over millions of undocumented migrants. Richard Madden has that story. From Boston to San Jose, California, protests erupting in cities across the US against President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown. From the tightening of the border to mass deportations, this woman is worried about her family. I can't imagine losing my parents. It's difficult to even think about it. I don't want to think about it. Because if I were to lose my parents due to deportation, my whole world would fall apart.

In his first action office, Trump signed 10 executive orders targeting immigration. Some took effect early this morning, including his declaration of a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border that lets him authorize the military to enforce it. But here in this busy border town of McAllen, Texas, there's no visible show of force of troops on the ground. There's going to be more collateral arrests and sanctuaries. White House Border Guard Tom Homan says deportations have already started, targeting known criminals living in the U.S. illegally.

They're targeting enforcement operations. They know exactly who they're looking for. They know pretty much where they'll find them. again these these are well planned operations. And those operations federal officials say are happening first in so-called sanctuary cities like New York and Chicago. Illinois Governor JD Pritzker a Democrat is frustrated the White House won't share its plans. To believe and frankly I think this is indicative of what you're gonna see from the Trump administration for the next four years. It's chaos But Trump campaigned on overhauling immigration and voters in McAllen who'll be greatly impacted by those policies are weighing in I feel that yes, he's harsh in some things but

He's also very humanistic. I think that he'll do the right thing I think it's something that we've been needing down here and pretty much all over our border. You know, we've got too many crossings, illegal crossings. Bracing for dramatic change on the U.S. southern border as Trump aggressively pushes ahead, shaping his vision of America. Richard Madden, CBC News, McAllen, Texas. It was a major promise Donald Trump made to some of his supporters. Now more than 1,500 of them, involved in the January 6th riot, are getting out of jail. The CBC's Katie Simpson was at a detention center in Washington as the rioters were released

and the tension ramped up. They're holding them illegally. They're illegally detained. They're supposed to be out. Outside of D.C.'s only jail, half a dozen members of the far-right militia, the Proud Boys, walk toward a growing crowd.

A mix of Trump supporters and alt-right media outlets, eagerly waiting for convicted January 6th rioters to be released. We're going to see our brothers come out today. Back to freedom. Back to freedom. Back to dignity. At times the scene is chaotic.

Some people shout at police demanding they respect President Donald Trump's sweeping pardons. A short time later the mood shifts. A sense of pride seems to sweep over the crowd. Oh, say can you see? With their hands up and eyes closed, some Trump supporters break out into song. All while counter protesters who live in apartments nearby

shout expletives out their windows. F*** you January 6th motherf***ers are trying to attack Capitol. Roughly 1,600 people convicted in the January 6th assault on the Capitol have been granted pardons while more than a dozen have had their sentences commuted including the head of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. Among the newly released, 47-year-old William Sarsfield of Texas. He was convicted on felony and misdemeanor charges for committing violent acts inside the Capitol.

So when did you get word you were going to be released? Pretty much when the CEO came to the door and said, pack your stuff up at 12 o'clock this morning. I knew what was going to happen. Power of prayer is a very strong thing. Sarsfield had been in a group of rioters that was seen attacking police officers, some had chemicals and shields as they tried to enter a tunnel into the Capitol.

Now that he's free, Sarsfield says he's looking forward to returning to Texas. Relaxation without the feds over my butt and being able to be just relaxing a little bit and catch up to society. Trump's decision to grant pardons has also sparked intense criticism. I've been betrayed by my country. Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone was beaten by rioters, suffering a heart attack and traumatic brain injuries. He's afraid his attackers will seek revenge. Right now, my only thoughts are for the safety of my family and myself.

Fanon says he's not surprised Trump went ahead with the pardons. After all, the pledge was part of his winning election campaign. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington. Israel's top general resigned today. The army chief said he's taking responsibility for the military's massive security lapse that led to the attacks of October 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 people were killed in Israel and more than 200 others were taken hostage by Hamas. It triggered Israel's 15-month-long war with the militant group until a Gaza ceasefire hostage deal went into effect Sunday.

Today, the Israeli military launched a major new offensive in the occupied West Bank. Chris Brown reports. No sooner did the ceasefire in Gaza kick in than Israel's military pivoted again to Jenin in the occupied West Bank, launching what it calls Operation Iron Wall. Bulldozers dug up roads, armored personnel carriers patrolled the streets and Israeli troops moved through neighborhoods in a strong show of force. A

release from the military said its aim is to target terrorist infrastructure. While there was no mention about how long the attacks will last, ultra-nationalist cabinet minister, Bezalel Smotrich was quoted as saying, it will be long-term. Fadi Al-Sadi says his brother was shopping for bread when out of nowhere he was shot by an Israeli sniper.

Jenin and its refugee camp are seen as strongholds of armed groups, some aligned with Iran, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Security forces with the Palestinian Authority have also fought deadly battles with the militants there, but today it appears they withdrew, and Israel's much larger force moved in. Not far away, Monday night, Jewish settlers attacked other Palestinian communities, torching cars and burning homes. The violence came hours after Donald Trump removed sanctions that the Biden administration had placed on violent settlers.

As the Israeli attacks on Jenin were unfolding, our CBC News team was in nearby Ramallah, speaking to top Palestinian official Ahmed Majdalani. Israeli politicians have been inciting since the ceasefire to move the war to the West Bank, he said. Israel's main goal is to create chaos that will weaken the Palestinian authority. The PA based in the West Bank and Hamas are bitter rivals both seeking to run post-war Gaza but Israel says it will accept neither without suggesting other options. That ceasefire in Gaza not only freed three Israeli women hostages, it also freed 90 Palestinians from Israeli jails, including activist Bushra al-Tawi.

The 30-year-old spent 10 months incarcerated without being charged. Now home with family, she says Israel's Janine operation is about weakening Palestinian resolve. Palestinian people are always under fire or being prosecuted or detained, she said. We do not want to submit. The Israeli raid has effectively paralyzed the West Bank with checkpoints snarling traffic. As the major military operation continues, Hamas issued a statement urging Palestinians there to escalate their fight against Israel as the chance of yet more violence soars. Chris Brown, CBC News in Ramallah. The Arctic blast hitting Canada this week is creating historic scenes south of the border. That is a snowball fight between police and firefighters in Houston.

Regions from Texas to the Carolinas are being hit with record levels of snow. Airports are closed. Classes are cancelled for millions of students. There are even whiteout conditions in Louisiana. New Orleans could get nearly 30 centimeters of snow. In northern Florida, a winter storm warning is in effect, forcing officials to declare a state of emergency. Ron DeSantis is Florida's governor. There's going to be a lot of people

that have never been in conditions like this on the road. If you're out there now thinking like you can just power through it, I mean, there will be accidents, and we don't want that to happen. Florida's storm warning is just one of several spanning more than 2,500 kilometers of the southern U.S. affecting nine states. The 1968 song, Chest Fever by The Band, that features what many consider one of the great organ performances in rock and roll history, the work of Garth Hudson, a classically trained musical polymath who painstakingly arranged and honed

the band's legendary sound. Born in Windsor, Ontario, and raised down the 401 in London, one of four Canadians in the group, Garth Hudson died this morning at the age of 87. Hudson was the last surviving member of the band whose original lineup included Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Levon Helm. Formed in Toronto in 1957, they were first the Hawks before becoming the backup band for Bob Dylan, fusing rock with country and blues, punctuated by Hudson's touches of organ and saxophone.

The band became one of the most influential acts of the 1960s and 70s with hugely successful records, tours and their 1978 concert documentary, The Last Waltz directed by Martin Scorsese. Garth Hudson's death was confirmed on the band's Facebook page remembering him as a musical genius and cornerstone of the group's timeless sound. Thanks for joining us. This has been Your World Tonight for Tuesday, January 21st. I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again. downtown. She said, I gotta go but my friend gets

stickin' around. Take a load off Fanny. Take a load off the free. Take a load off Fanny. For more CBC podcasts, go to cbc.ca slash podcasts.