Your World Tonight - Fighter jets, Epstein vote, MBS goes to Washington, and more

Episode Date: November 18, 2025

Swedish officials are pitching a big defence deal to Canada. Officials are courting Ottawa to supply the military with fighter jets — which could mean thousands of jobs here in Canada. But any deal could collapse a long-standing agreement with the United States.And: Fighter jets were also on the agenda in Washington. The White House hosted Saudi's Crown Prince on his first trip to the U.S. since the high profile murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Also: Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives vote overwhelmingly to release all files related to late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. And their colleagues in the Senate promised to quickly follow suit. It is a dramatic turn of events — after the president tried to stop the release, then changed his mind.Plus: West Bank violence, budget aftermath, lack of Canadians hurting Florida tourism, Alberta uses notwithstanding clause again, and more.

You may have heard of the sex cult nexium and the famous actress who went to prison for her involvement, Alison Mack. But she's never told her side of the story, until now. People assume that I'm like this pervert. My name is Natalie Robamed, and in my new podcast, I talked to Alison to try to understand how she went from TV actor to cult member and what she thinks of it all now. How do you feel about having been involved in bringing sexual trauma at other people? I mean, I don't even know how to answer that question. Alison, after Nexium from CBC's On Cover, is available now, wherever you get your podcasts. This is a CBC podcast.

We're really interested in seeing what can be done. There was an unsolicited bid that came up. 10,000 jobs is indeed a very interesting offer. Canada's Minister of Economic Development, is intrigued as a Swedish jet set touched... Canada's Minister of Economic Development is intrigued as a Swedish jet set touches down in Ottawa, hoping to land a deal.

A European pitch to build this country's next fleet of fighter planes with the status of an American contract still up in the air. Welcome to Your World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It's Tuesday, November 18th, coming up on 6 p.m. Eastern, also on the podcast. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happened. But he knew nothing about it.

And we can leave it at that. You don't have to embarrass our guests by asking a question like that. That gentleman is journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And things happen is how Donald Trump characterized his death and dismemberment. The U.S. president defending the Saudi crown prince on a visit to Washington and brushing aside questions about his role in a murder. To understand the serious business behind this royal visit, just look at the entourage joining the King and Queen of Sweden in Ottawa.

Aerospace executives and top ministers are also here, courting the Canadian government, with a proposal to supply the country with fighter jets and thousands of jobs. But taking them up on the offer would mean Canadian officials turning their back on the United States. Senior defense correspondent Murray Brewster has more. I don't believe that we've had enough jobs created and industrial benefits done out of the F-35 contract. Industry Minister Melanie Jolie, going further than she has in the past, about her expectations

when it comes to the signed $27 billion fighter jet purchase with U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin. We can use military procurement to get more. and that is why we're looking indeed at the Gripin and we're having conversations with Saab. So I'm having conversations with Saab, which is offering at this point 10,000 jobs. We'll see how that is concrete. And at the same time, we're looking at what Lockheed Martin can do more.

Jolie's enthusiasm for leveraging more out of the deal comes amid a royal full court press by Sweden. We're assigning a strategic partnership between Canada and Sweden. Prime Minister Mark Carney, greeting Sweden's King and Queen who are in Ottawa, along with senior defense and corporate leaders. King Gustav praised Canada. It is my hope that this state visit will contribute to further depending on excellent bilateral relations. Warm words that stand in contrast to the ongoing war of words with the United States

since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Sweden and its top defense company have sensed an opportunity ever since Karni Orrin. ordered a review of Canada's purchase of the F-35s last winter. Sobs Grypen finished second to the F-35 in the federal government's fighter jet competition. The suggestion has been the Air Force would accept the first batch of 16 F-35s on order and then shop elsewhere for the remaining fleet. Aside from enticing Canada with building the Grypen in this country, some believe there may be other reasons to consider a mixed fleet.

70% of the cost of any acquisition is the life cycle, it's a statement cost? Alan Williams is a former senior defense official who has long urged Canada to keep an open mind. So I would be shocked if, in fact, the cost analysis didn't say, Prime Minister, you can save a ton of money by having two fleets. The Air Force and many senior defense officials are quietly opposed to revisiting the F-35 contract. That opposition may be getting louder. Radio Canada has reported, former high-ranking officers are hoping to put an end to the courtship between Canada and Saab. They've sent a letter to the federal government to reiterate the benefits of acquiring a full fleet of F-35s to meet Canada's military needs.

Murray Brewster, CBC News, Ottawa. Defending the Arctic is at the heart of an agreement Canada just signed with the U.S. and Finland. The country's plan to work together to bolster their fleets of icebreakers. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously said he didn't say. support the pact. Today, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem said all three countries could pool their experience. The Arctic is the world's last most wild frontier, and our adversaries are racing to claim its strategic position and its rich natural resources for their own. If we give up that high ground, then we will condemn future generations to permanent insecurity. And we're not going to let that

happen on our watch. To thrive in the Arctic, we need icebreakers. Washington has chosen a Canadian companies designed for six new icebreakers, which will be built in the U.S. with help from Finnish companies. Canada will also build two new polar icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. The day after winning a critical vote on the federal budget, the work is not over for the liberal government. As the Prime Minister prepares for an international trip, Mark Carney now faces the tough task of making his economic vision a reality. Olivia Stefanovic reports. It is such an honor to welcome you, your majesty, to Canada.

With the red carpet rolled out in the frenzied halls of parliament, Prime Minister Mark Carney returned to his diplomatic duty, greeting the King and Queen of Sweden. And we're meeting at exceptional times. Before departing for a week-long international trip, the day after his first budget overcame a crucial test. Very pleased that we passed the budget vote. There are more votes, of course, to come through the budget process,

but an important step for our country. Kearney is now heading to the United Arab Emirates, then South Africa for the G20. Finance Minister Francois Philippe Champagne says he was supposed to join the Prime Minister. Well, I have to change my schedule, actually. But is staying back to stick handle the budget's next steps. And obviously I understand politics is part of this place, but I think in moments like that, there's a moment in our nation history

where you need to elevate yourself from politics and say, let's do something for the country. Shall I dispense? With no one prepared to defeat the government, the House of Commons passed its second confidence vote this week, a ways and means motion, bringing the government closer to implementing its budget. But it won't always be that easy.

Canadians are cash strapped and needed a break. Instead, the Prime Minister gave them the costliest budget in Canadian history and put it all in the national credit card. The Conservatives continue to criticize the fiscal policy for tens of billions of dollars in new spending, while stalling the government's bail reform bill from being studied at committee, a key liberal federal election promise. They refuse the possibility of having a support from us with very clear conditions. Block Quebecois leader I Francois Blanchet is also putting the government on notice after the liberals declined to entertain any of the separatist party's requests

in exchange for support on the budget. Because they were not good partners for anybody, they exploited the momentary weaknesses of everybody. and this is not our policy should be done. So I believe it will come bite their ass. Asked how comfortable the liberals feel moving forward, government house leader Stephen McKinnon replied. I have very good advice for everyone.

If you want to be comfortable, don't enter federal politics. Noting nothing was offered to any of the opposition parties for their help thus far. So the game of chicken continues. News. Olivia Estefanovich, CBC News, Ottawa. Coming right up, bridging a gulf. Saudi Arabia's crown prince gets a warm welcome from Donald Trump on his first visit to Washington since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

And simmering violence in the West Bank as questions swirl about a U.S.-backed plan for peace in Gaza. Later, we'll have this story. As cold weather settles over much of the country, Canadian snowbirds are starting the trek. But this year, fewer are expected to flock to the United States. As long as the politics are the way they are, and there's tariffs on Canada, and we're trying to protect Canada economically. I don't want to go back. I'm Julia Wong in South Florida, with the snowbirds who made the trip,

those who migrated elsewhere, and what it all means for the Florida economy. That story is coming up on your world tonight. Canada's not the only country with a royal visit today, and fighter jets were also on the agenda in Washington, but that's where the similarities end. The White House hosted the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, his first trip to the U.S. since the high-profile murder of a journalist. A killing, Mohammed bin Salman, was asked about this afternoon,

but Donald Trump answered for him. Paul Hunter has the latest. Outside the White House, a grand welcome from Donald Trump for Saudi Arabia's controversial crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. A military flyby and warm words from the U.S. president. I want to just tell you what an honor is to be your friend. It's the first visit to the U.S. for the effective Saudi leader in seven years.

Not since U.S. intelligence concluded, bin Salman likely signed off on the brutal killing of a Washington Post journalist and Saudi critic in 2018. When a reporter asked about that in the Oval Office, said Trump, A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happened, but he knew nothing about it. And we can leave it at that. You don't have to embarrass our guests by asking him. question like that. Said bin Salman, who's always denied any involvement,

we've did all the right steps of investigation. We are doing our best, that this doesn't happen again. Key to the trip for both countries' business deals, from AI to pharmaceuticals to weaponry. As you said, Mr. President, it's the most hardest country in the planet. The Saudis today taking an earlier pledge to invest some $600 billion in America and nearly doubling that. saying to me now that the 600 billion will be one trillion. Definitely because what we are signing it will facilitate that and I like that very much. Among the transactions the sale of American F-35 fighter jets, raising concerns in Israel with its own U.S. made weaponry and U.S. guarantees that its sales to other countries would never leave Israel's force diminished. Also, on the agenda.

We've had a very good talk on the Abraham Accords. Trump's hope to have the Saudis sign the Abraham Accords, aimed at stabilizing the Middle East, though Bin Salman seemed to underline that would hinge on Palestinians, getting their own state, something U.S. ally Israel continues to reject. We want peace for the Israelis, we want peace for the Palestinians, we want them to co-exist peacefully in the region. Trump also made mention of his predecessor in the White House, Joe Biden,

and Biden's fist bump with bin Salman a Biden visit to Saudi Arabia. Trump, by contrast, shook hands with the Saudi. And Trump doesn't give a fist pump. I grabbed that hand. I don't give a hell where that hand's been. Soon enough, private talks began with a big dinner tonight and more meetings set for tomorrow.

Paul Hunter, CBC News, Washington. One Israeli is dead and three others injured after an attack in the occupied West Bank. It comes a day after violent clashes and attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. It is the latest in a series of assaults that has Israel's Prime Minister speaking out. Tom Perry has more from Jerusalem.

Police and soldiers at the scene of a deadly attack. Israel's military says two Palestinian assailants rammed a vehicle into pedestrians in the occupied West Bank and then began stabbing people. The military says both attackers were illicit. eliminated and that explosives were discovered in their vehicle. This assault targeting Israelis comes amid a rising wave of attacks by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, the latest happening near Bethleh.

Video shows a passenger van engulfed in flames and other scorched vehicles with windows smashed. We were at home and heard banging, says Ali Abu Loha. I went outside and saw mask. men throwing rocks toward the house. We got scared so we left, and it turned out they were settlers. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, denounced the violence, calling the attackers a small extremist group, urging authorities to pursue them to the fullest extent of the law, though human rights groups and the UN say those authorities often turn a blind eye, that settlers who enjoy strong support from far right parties in the Israeli government often act with a sense of

impunity. I shall put the draft resolution to the votes now. While the West Bank Simmers, the United Nations Security Council has now endorsed a peace plan for Gaza put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump. It calls for a demilitarization of the territory and an international stabilization force to provide security. That idea already rejected by Hamas. Regarding Gaza and the deployment of security, regarding Gaza and the deployment of security, forces, it doesn't meet the needs of the Palestinian people or their rights, says Hazem Qasem, spokesperson for Hamas. On Gaza's streets, views are more mixed. Inashabur sees merit in the plan. This agreement will stop conflict and stop war on Gaza strip between the

Israeli side and the Palestinian side. So I'm totally agreed with this. Mohamed al-Turk takes the opposite view. I don't like it because the decision brings foreign troops into Gaza to use force. There are still many questions about Trump's peace plan, including whether Hamas will ever voluntarily disarm. For now, the ceasefire in Gaza is holding, even while tensions in the West Bank continue to grow. Tom Perry, CBC News, Jerusalem.

Women who were victimized years ago by Jeffrey Epstein say they feel a sense of vindication tonight. U.S. lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly to release all files related to the convicted sex offender. It comes after Donald Trump abruptly changed his mind about the release. And as Katie Simpson reports, the U.S. President could soon be asked to formally approve it. The bill is passed. It was nearly unanimous, lawmakers voting 427 to 1 in support of a bill to compel the government. to release all files related to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

A lone Republican from Louisiana opposing the bill, he says because innocent people could be unfairly named. Still, this is a remarkable moment, considering President Donald Trump and his powerful allies had tried for months to stop this from happening. It's an honor to stand here again for something America is finally united on. Lisa Phillips and Epstein abuse survivor welcomed the story. surge in support at an emotional news conference on the Capitol Hill lawn held before the vote. Anticipating the victory, Sky Roberts credited the advocacy work of his sister, Virginia Joufrey, the Epstein victim who died by suicide earlier this year.

You didn't just make a small debt. You made a monumental impact. There were plenty of tears along with bursts of frustration. Elaine Rochard, among the survivors, angry the pursuit of justice has been politicized. Let me be clear. This is not a hoax. Another survivor, Jenna Lisa Jones, calling on the president to be more supportive. It is not about you, President Trump.

You are our president. Please start acting like it. Show some class. I voted for you, but your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment. Trump changed his position and backed the bill only after it was clear, many in his party plan to defy him, though his tone has not changed. You just keep going on the Epstein files. And what the Epstein is is a Democrat hoax.

Trump lashed out at a journalist in the Oval Office after she asked about the release of the Epstein files. You're a terrible person and a terrible reporter. He even threatened to punish ABC News, the reporter's employer. I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake and it's so wrong. Trump campaigned on releasing all Epstein files and has angered his supporter base by failing to follow through. And the American people won't tolerate any other bullshit. That's where we are today. Sparking a public split with MAGA leaders, including Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green. And he called me a traitor for standing with these women.

The bill moved quickly to the Senate where it was passed with unanimous consent and now heads to the White House. If Trump signs it, it starts a 30-day timer for the files to be made public. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington. Nearly a year after passing controversial legislation that impacts transgender people, Alberta's government is now proposing another bill that would shield those laws from legal challenges, including at the Supreme Court. Erin Collins explains how the not-withstanding clause could do that. Before it was even tabled, backlash to Bill 9,

building on the steps of Alberta's legislature. I can't think of a single person whose life is being improved by what's happening with Bill 9. Bill 9 uses the notwithstanding clause to stop challenges to three laws passed last year. All impact transgender Albertans, but opponents like trans-advocate, Bernie Pannis say using the notwithstanding clause impacts everyone. When a government uses the notwithstanding clause to strip away rights, it is not just targeting one group. It's attacking the very foundation of our democracy.

The laws shielded by today's bill cut a wide swath, restricting access to some gender reassignment treatments for youth, requiring parental consent for students under 16 to change their pronouns, and limiting participation in women's and girls' sports to those who were born. female. These measures reflect the views of an overwhelming majority of Albertans. Alberta Premier Daniel Smith says using the notwithstanding clause is about ensuring that elected bodies aren't overruled by the courts. By invoking it, we're keeping these decisions in the hands of those who are directly accountable to

Albertans. This is the second time in under a month, Alberta has used the not withstanding clause, which prevents a constitutional challenge to a law. It was embedded in back-to-work legislation that forced teachers back to the classroom. A move the teachers' union says it will challenge in court. And in neighboring Saskatchewan, the use of the not-withstanding clause to prevent challenges to its pronoun legislation is already being fought in the Supreme Court. Jeffrey Sigelette is a constitutional expert at UBC's Okanagan campus. He says some provinces have started using the not-withstander.

standing clause more often to protect their laws from being overturned by the courts. The provinces have used it more, also since there's been a kind of ideological non-alignment between a federal liberal government and provincial conservative governments that's sort of kicked off since 2015. It's unclear if Alberta's latest use of the clause will be challenged, but the province insists today's bill will stop ongoing court challenges of its existing transgender laws in their tracks. Aaron Collins, CBC News, Calgary. This is Your World Tonight from CBC News. If you want to make sure you stay up to date

and 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. Some important changes to note in the migratory patterns of a well-known species of Canadian. Snowbirds are not flocking to the U.S. in the same numbers this season. Turned off by Trump and tariff turmoil, many are finding new winter habitats, and it's having an impact on local economies. The CBC's Julia Wong is snowbird watching in South Florida. White sand beaches, hot weather, and relaxed lifestyle. It's what drew retiree, Joanne Row to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the past 10 years.

But her feelings changed after U.S. President Donald Trump was re-elected. Soon after, turmoil over tariffs. Then, conversations with friends about Canada becoming the 51st state. It bothered me that they didn't really pay attention to Canada and what we offered

and how much we supported their economy and vice versa. Rose says there were already challenges, including the low Canadian dollar, but says friction between the two countries compelled her to leave. My little thing to do was changed my winter vacation. She will spend her winter in Mexico instead. At Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club, a Florida retirement community with a heavy Canadian

presence, Silvio Conte from Ontario says nothing will stop him from flocking south. I'm not going to let one individual dictate what makes us happy. Florida is one of the top destinations for Canadian snowbirds, but the most recent state tourism data shows a 20% drop from the same time last year, ruffling feathers over what that that means for the lucrative snowbird economy. The rhetoric on trade is certainly offended Canadians. Josh Levy is the mayor of Hollywood, Florida. The city has welcomed snowbirds for decades.

They're a big part of the economy, he says. Over half a million jobs in Florida that are directly contributed to that economic presence of Canadian snowbirds. The beachside Atlantic Hotel and Spa has always had a strong Canadian presence, according to sales director Amy Faulkner. But Canadian occupancy at the hotel has fallen 5% since the start of the year. year. The disappearing connects are the talk of the business community, Fultner says. All you hear is we're missing the Canadians. We are trying to fill the gap because that's how much that business also slipping away from realtors like Larry Mastropieri. The longtime agent says

fewer Canadians are buying Florida homes and more Canadians are unloading their homes. The exchange rate is one factor, he says, political rhetoric is another. Given the political environment, it's been a topic without question. He hopes all of this will be short-lived, but for Roe, the cost of changing her behavior hinges on one thing. As long as the politics are the way they are, and we're trying to protect Canada economically, I don't want to go back. For lawmakers and businesses in Florida, there's hope the long-standing friendship between the two countries will ultimately prevail over politics. Julia Wong, CBC News, Hollywood, Florida. closed tonight on British Columbia's Central Coast, where animal researchers are used to hearing

the howl of the wolf. But some fishing traps had them saying, how did they do that? Our jaws dropped. It was not what we were expecting to see, to say the least. Folks who know wolves, who get to spend time with wolves, it's not surprising that they are intelligent enough to be able to do something like this. But this kind of behavior has not been seen yet in wild wolves. Kyle Artel is a biologist in researcher who was on the case of some trap set in the water near Bellabella. The traps are used to control an invasive crab species. They were being damaged and the crabs were being eaten. Researchers suspected a marine animal. But cameras set up on shore found the real culprits were wolves. And

capturing how they did it could be a groundbreaking discovery. Mark Beckoff is a professor emeritus from the University of Colorado. two and two together to get four, that if I do something with this rope, I'll be able to pull a cage and get a crab. The traps were deep underwater and out of sight for the wolves, but each was attached to a rope, linking it to a buoy floating on the surface. The footage shows the animals retrieving the buoy, bringing it to shore, and then pulling on the rope until the trap emerged. In a study published this week in the journal Ecology and Evolution, researchers say it's the first time wild wolves have been observed using tools, and the animals may have learned to

retrieve the traps by watching humans do it. Findings that could prove wolves are more intelligent than previously thought. Thank you for joining us. This has been your world tonight for Tuesday, November 18th. I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again. For more CBC podcasts, go to cBC.ca.ca slash podcasts.