Your World Tonight - Government’s economic update, U.A.E. leaving OPEC, the King’s speech, and more

Episode Date: April 28, 2026

A drop in the expected deficit, and a boost in global oil prices have put Canada on a stronger fiscal footing than was projected in November’s budget. Ottawa is using that resilience to justify billions in new spending. We’ll have the details.And: The United Arab Emirates is quitting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The U.A.E. has been a longtime member of the cartel that controls oil flow from about a dozen countries. But it now says the organization is limiting its ability to sell more oil.Also: King Charles gives a 30-minute speech to the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the connections between the U.S. and the U.K. His remarks were met warmly, including several standing ovations.Plus: Albertans on separatism, settler violence in the occupied West Bank, bail is getting harder to get in Ontario, and more.

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Canada is resilient. Canada is resourceful. Canadian are resourceful people. The government releases its spring economic update with a smaller deficit than forecast, partially thanks to a boost in oil revenue. But there's also billions in new spending, some going towards sports,

as well as skilled workforce training and that new sovereign wealth fund. There's also criticism, questions about how the government will pay for the spending and keep the deficits shrinking. This is your world tonight. I'm Stephanie Skanderas. It's Tuesday, April 28th, coming up on 6 p.m. Eastern, also on the podcast. King George, as you know, never set foot in America. And please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action. King Charles addresses the U.S. Congress stressing the connections between the two countries and recognizing that relations are strained, perhaps as much as they've been in 250 years.

While diplomatic, the king made sure to mention some of President Donald Trump's favorite targets. Ukraine, NATO, climate change, and his own prime minister. You could think of it as a report card on the Canadian economy. Today's spring economic update from the country. The Carney government features a shrinking deficit and a plan to spend billions of dollars in new measures. Critics aren't sure the document deserves a passing grade. Some Canadians struggling to make ends meet might agree. We have comprehensive coverage tonight beginning in Ottawa with Karina Roman.

In budget 2025, Mr. Speaker, we made generational investments to build communities, to empower Canadians and to protect our country. Now the journey must continue. Finance Minister Francois Filippe Champagne says that journey includes new measures worth $37.5 billion over six years and a $67 billion deficit for the past fiscal year, $11 billion smaller than expected. Mr. Speaker, those are serious times and Canadian expect us to be good stewards of our economy and manage our public finances with thoughtful fiscal discipline. Spending controls are certainly part of the better bottom line, say economists. But so are higher revenues from income tax and surging oil prices.

And experts say it's how the government decided to spend that windfall that matters. Sahir Khan is Executive Vice President of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy. The economy doesn't respond to announcements and budget allocation. response to shovels in the ground. And I think this government will be judged on the delivery, and not just on the narrative. The fiscal update includes previously announced measures, such as the groceries and essentials benefit, which will cost nearly 12 billion over six years. But a major plank of this update is a new plan to spend $6 billion over the next five years to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 skilled trades workers,

aiming to create the workforce Canada needs to make the government's plan to build a reality. We're doubling down. I mean, this is not just an incremental measure. There's also a cut to the Canada Pension Plan contribution rate, new rules to make it easier for eligible Canadians to get the disability tax credit, and a plan to hire an outside contractor to deal with the massive backlog of airline complaints. But also significant is what is not in this update. How are the government spending cuts going? Where did the billions to get to 2% of GDP on defense spending go?

Where is the $25 billion coming from to start the new sovereign wealth fund? Conservative leader Pierre Palliev says today's fiscal plan is irresponsible. Today's liberal fiscal updates brings more costs, more debt, and more bills on the national credit card. Bloch-Chibecois leader I. Francois-Blanche says the update has nothing substantial to help Quebec industries that are suffering. It's a lot of paper for not much to tell. The fiscal update does not sugarcoat the worst case scenario, a risk of a recession due to potential global supply disruptions

because of the war in Iran. There's a clear attempt at explaining to Canadians why their own budgets still feel strained and assurances that the government is on it. The hope being that by the time the fall budget comes around, Canadians will see an improvement in their bottom line. Karina Roman, CBC News, Ottawa. Also in Ottawa is Catherine Cullen, host of CBC Radio's The House.

She has more details on today's fiscal update. Catherine, what are your big takeaways? Well, it is worth saying, Stephanie. This is an update. It's not a full budget, even a mini budget. And we don't see the same scale of big moves that a lot of Canadians have gotten used to seeing over the past year from the Kearney government.

I'd suggest. But there is one big program here focusing on getting more young people into the skilled trades. And yeah, that has a retail politics upside in terms of trying to speak to youth unemployment, getting people into well-paying jobs. But the truth is having this program work more skilled tradespeople, that's an imperative for this government. Mark Carney has practically trademarked the world, the words, build Canada, both when it comes to housing and big infrastructure projects. And right now, there are not nearly enough people. to do that work. So this program needs to succeed in order to deliver more than a million new workers to actually turn Carney's aspirations into reality. What about things to make life more affordable for

Canadians? There is not a lot new here that's going to have a big impact on affordability. There's a relatively small change involving the Canada pension plan contribution rate that would save someone perhaps, say, $100 a year depending on their income level. And of course, there were, were a suite of other measures that have been announced recently, things like temporarily decreasing the fuel tax, offering some money to low and middle income Canadians that was branded as a grocery and essentials benefit. The finance minister argues that the measures his government has taken on affordability are some of the most comprehensive in the G7. But he also says he wants to be prudent when it comes to managing Canada's finances. Let's talk about the deficit. For the last year, it was

smaller than expected. What does that tell us? Yeah, more than $11 billion lower than projected in the fall. And the Prime Minister insisted yesterday it's a sign of a government skill as a fiscal manager. I spoke to one economist who said it's partially true, but it's also about the improving economic picture. And oil prices do get a lot of credit here when it comes to the government's bottom line because they do, of course, increase government revenues. It's also worth noting that that decreased deficit from the last fiscal year is $67 billion, that is still a pretty big number. The opposition parties are all giving this document a pass. We should say too, saying that both on affordability and economic uncertainty, it does not meet the moment. Stephanie.

Catherine, thank you so much. Thank you. Host of CBC Radio's The House, Catherine Cullen, in Ottawa. Coming right up, King Charles spends a day of pomp and circumstance in Washington. in a speech to U.S. lawmakers. Also, the UAE leaves OPEC, a huge change with big political and economic ripples. But it might not affect the price at the pump yet. Later, we'll have this story.

For months, the issue of Alberta separatism has dominated headlines and conversations in the province. Supporters have held rallies, town halls, and spent countless hours canvassing. But a new poll commissioned by CBC News shows interest in separatism is virtually unchanged from the year before. What was amazing was how very close the numbers this year were with last year, well within the margin of error. I'm Julia Wong in Edmonton, the numbers and what they mean coming up on your world tonight. It was a closely watched speech, big on praise, history, and friendship.

King Charles delivered a rare address in front of American lawmakers at a time he says is filled with great uncertainty. The king underscored what he calls one of the most consequential alliances in human history, but did not shy away from areas of disagreement. Katie Nicholson has more on his message and how it's being received. The pomp and splendor of a full military ceremony fit for a king. The clouds hanging over the White House's south lawn, perhaps making King Charles feel at home. What a beautiful British day this is.

U.S. President Donald Trump playing the warm host, remembering his own mother's admiration of the man who became king. I also remember saying very clearly, Charles, look, young Charles, he's so cute. My mother had a crush on Charles. Can you believe it? Trump may adore the British monarch, but his relationship with the UK, notably less cordial.

The two nations at odds over Britain's refusal to be drawn into the Iran War, and there have been tensions around trade, support for Ukraine, and NATO. This visit, seen as a bomb to soothe those jagged edges in the centuries-old relationship between nations. Mr. Speaker, their majesty's King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Underscourt in the King's historic address to Congress. Bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable.

But there were more specific points to be made. He spoke to NATO's support after the 9-11 attacks. We stood with you then and we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten. And the value of trade. The millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. supported across both economies. And made a bold assertion on the importance of supporting Ukraine and protecting the environment,

stances not necessarily entirely aligned with his host. The king, I think, can get a little bit closer to lines in the sand that other international figures or politicians might be afraid of approaching in order to avoid antagonizing President Trump. Ed Wang is a royal commentator. The king also is aware of how much. much affection that this president has for him and for the royal family. And I think he is willing to take just a little bit extra step to convey a very subtle message. Not in his speech, a direct

reference to the survivors of the late Jeffrey Epstein. They had asked to meet privately with the king whose brother, the former Prince Andrew, is tied to the late sex offender. Overall, the king's message was met with robust applause in Congress. But there are hopes his words resonate well beyond this visit and help mend rifts across the ocean. Katie Nicholson, CBC News, Washington. In the middle of a global energy crisis created by the U.S.-led war in Iran, the United Arab Emirates says it's leaving OPEC, the oil producers' cartel based in the Middle East.

Business reporter Nisha Patel has more on the potential consequences for Canada and the world. The decision is taken at the right time in our view. After belonging to OPEC for nearly 60 years, the United Arab Emirates is quitting the coalition of major oil-producing nations. The country's energy minister, Sejel Almazrui, telling Bloomberg News, the UAE will now have the flexibility to export more oil. We don't want to be constrained by any other groups. That group OPEC was formed in the 1960s, made up of mostly Middle East nations. The cartel sets production quotas for its members controlling supply, which enables it to influence oil prices. Before the Iran war, OPEC controlled nearly half of the global energy supply, though in recent years its power has waned as U.S. oil production soared.

If you're part of a cartel that operates in a shrinking market, then the incentives to remain in the group are less and less. Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producer and has clashed with the UAE over OPEC's direction. Jorge Leon, head of geopolitical analysis at Reistad Energy in Vienna, says the breakup is a huge blow. He really puts the focus back into Saudi Arabia. Are they going to manage the market or is it going to be a free-for-all market given that the UAE has left? While the Iran war chokes off oil exports from the Persian Gulf, there isn't likely to be much immediate impact on prices. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq have been forced to slash production, with Brent crude oil trading above 111 U.S. dollars a barrel today.

I think for UAE, they'll see an opportunity. Heather Exner-Piro expects in the future the UAE will boost its energy production to serve its own national interests. She's Director of Energy at the McDonnell-Loree Institute. There won't be as much discipline in the market going forward, that there could be more flooding, that there could be more price wars. That could mean more competition for Canadian oil producers. She says the Iran War has reshaped energy markets forever.

This is just one more sign of this new geopolitical era we're in, where multilateral organizations and alliances don't matter as much. It's really, you know, kind of a hunger game's dog-eat-dog world out there, everyone doing it for themselves. Once the Strait of Hormuz reopens and exports start to normalize, more oil could translate into lower energy prices. analysts say that's a positive for consumers and the global economy. Nisha Patel, CBC News, Toronto.

Palestinian parents in a West Bank village say they fear for their children's safety. After a shooting by an Israeli reservist killed two people last week outside a school, there has been a surge of settler violence against Palestinians in recent months. Tom Perry traveled to the occupied West Bank to hear how life there has been changed by this shooting. A mother consumed by grief, Nida Al-Nasan making her way to the spot where her 14-year-old son was shot and killed. Aos Al-Nasan struck by a bullet outside his school in the West Bank village of Almurarir. A 32-year-old man was also killed in the attack. Video from the day of the shooting shows students running to their fallen classmate

and a figure dressed in what appeared to be military fatigues firing at the shooting. the school. A week later, students are back to their studies, though, not all of them. Basam Abu Asaf, the school's headmaster says half his students are staying home. Their parents too afraid to send them back. Sadna Asan says his two sons used to walk to school, now he drives them and then waits for them to finish their day to bring them home. It's becoming extremely dangerous, he says, not just for settlers but from the army. Attacks by settlers have intensified in recent months, as Israel has approved widespread expansion of settlements, which the UN and countries, including Canada, have declared

illegal. Human rights groups and the UN say the assaults are often ignored, enabled, or actively encouraged by Israeli security forces. In this case, witnesses say, rather than pursuing the people attacking the school, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at students. It's happened so fast. I didn't know what happened. I just couldn't realize everything. 17-year-old Omar Nassan found himself in the thick of the chaos. He knew both victims and is a distant relative of the 14-year-old boy who died. He's not the first or the last friend I lose. So I already accepted that I'm going to be next. So it's not really much of a life. In its initial report on this incident, the Israel Defense Forces said it's

soldiers were dispatched following reports of rocks being thrown at a vehicle carrying civilians, including a reserve soldier. The IDF says that soldier opened fire on what the military calls suspects in the area. The military says the reservist has now been dismissed from his duties and his weapon confiscated. When asked whether this individual would face criminal charges, the IDF said the matter is under review by military police. Tom Perry, CBC News, Al-Murayir in the Occupied West Bank. More people accused of crimes are being denied bail in Ontario. The number has doubled over the past two years.

It comes at a time when the province's jails are already overcrowded. As Jamie Strachan tells us, some say the courts could be picking up on the Premier's repeated messages. We urgently need bail reform. For years, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has railed against his province's bail system. some other JPs and judges that just think letting him out on bail is the right thing to do. It's the wrong thing to do. According to data from the Ontario Court of Justice, where most bail hearings are conducted,

in 2023, 2,300 people. About 3.5% of cases were denied bail in 2025. That number more than doubled to nearly 4,900. And while 40% of those denied bail are charged with violent offenses, including assault and murder, a majority face less serious charges. Queens University's Nicole Myers, who has analyzed the data, says Ford's rhetoric may be having an impact. We listen to the kinds of things that have been being said by our politicians,

by the police and in the media. We've been generating this sense that we have an incredibly lenient bail system. More charges are ending up in bail court. In 2023, a little more than 69,000. In 2025, that number jumped to 104,000. And there are a number of implications, says Shakir Rahim, a lawyer with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Around 44% of charges in Ontario do not result in a finding of guilt. So we are really dealing with one of the most important protections for those who are innocent of what they are charged with.

Jeffrey Goldglass has worked as a criminal defense attorney in Toronto for more than two decades. Bail courts are busier than ever. He says increasingly some of his clients are simply pleading guilty rather than risk being denied bail. They plead guilty. They get out in 30 days or something to that effect. So we have a lot of people pleading guilty to offenses that they may have had defenses to. Goldglass says this means more people in the provinces already overcrowded jails. I don't think people realize the state of the jails. The jails are a place where there's three in the cell, regular.

cell is made for two people. So there's two beds. There's a third person in there. The province says it supports the shifts being seen in the courts. In a statement to CBC, a spokesperson for Ontario's attorney general said, dangerous criminals belong behind bars, and our government will never apologize for the action we are taking to protect Ontario communities. Jamie Strasson, CBC News, Toronto. A Nevada judge has sentenced dances with wolves actor, Nathan Chasing Horse to life in prison for sexual assault. The actor was found guilty on 13 of 21 charges back in January. Prosecutors say Chasing Horse used his position as a Lakota medicine man to prey on indigenous women and girls. Sierra Begay and Karenna Leone LaCroy delivered impact statements

during the sentencing hearing. They say the decision is a victory. You're listening to Your World Tonight from CBC News. And if you want to make sure you 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. Health Canada has approved a generic semaglutide injection. It's a copy of the brand name drug, Ozempic. Although intended for treatment of type of type 2 diabetes, use of semaglutide for weight loss has been increasing. Canada is the first G7 country to approve a generic version. Alberta is just a few days away from a deadline that's made headlines across the country. The deadline to sign a petition calling for a provincial referendum on separation.

A new poll commissioned by CBC News shows how much support for separatism has changed over the past year or hasn't. Julia Wong has more. From large rallies outside the Alberta legislature to more intimate town halls. supporters of Alberta's separatism have been trying to get the issue before voters. We deserve a lot of government.

But a new poll for CBC News shows, despite all the talk and attention, interest in separatism hasn't really budged. It found in May 2025, 28% of those surveyed say they would vote for separation. Nearly a year later, that number is virtually unchanged at 27%. Janet Brown's opinion research firm conducted the poll for CBC News. separatist sentiment seems to really be baked in. And despite all the activity over the last year, raising signatures and holding rallies, it doesn't seem like too many people were persuaded to change sides. The poll surveyed 1,200 Alberts between April 7th and 22nd. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Feelings of Western alienation have fueled separatism supporters, canvassing the province for signages.

trying to get the question in a referendum this fall. The movement's been around a long time. It's gotten noisier in recent months, but they don't seem to be growing their support. It's getting louder, but it's not growing. Albert Forsy wants Alberta to separate. Yeah, Alberta gets a shaft. Originally from Newfoundland. Forci has been living in Fort McMurray since 1998.

We spoke with him before the poll results came out. It doesn't make any sense to stay in my eyes. We've got to push forward because the very least we'll get. better representation, maybe take them a little more seriously. Fellow Fort McMurray resident Brenda Rye disagrees. The retiree wants the country to stay intact. Canada has a confederation and that is it. I don't think we need to be fighting about it or anything.

I love my country, Canada. Separatism proponents say they've gathered more than the roughly 178,000 signatures needed on the petition to trigger a vote. But an Alberta judge has paused the process. after applications from First Nations groups. If the referendum does go ahead, Brown's poll finds 68% believe it isn't likely the majority of Albertans would vote to separate from Canada.

Just last week, Alberta Premier Daniel Smith made clear where she stands. My position is that we should remain in Canada. That's the position of our government. A judge will rule on the separatism petition next month. Until then, those on both sides of the issue continue their push to persuade Albertans and win both hearts and minds. Julia Wong, CBC News, Edmonton.

Finally. Well, it was a little surprising, to be honest. Like, I'm sure it took a couple of seconds just to realize where I was. That's Christine Kilback describing a strange incident that happened this weekend in Winnipeg. She was out with friends. They were dropping her off at home. And while they were chatting, she moved away from her side of the car. And I stepped over a couple of...

steps and they said I was gone. And so they thought I had tripped on the boulevard. So when they came around, it was quite surprising to find my head and shoulders just above the ground. She'd fallen into a sinkhole. Panic would be understandable, but she says she found it mildly amusing, if a little bit cold. And then the ground began to erode under her feet. Her friends propped a shovel and broom under her arms to keep her head above the surface until firefighters could get her out. Only then did Kilback notice the metal pipes. She'd narrowly avoided hitting when she was swallowed up. She says the city told her the hole was possibly a catch basin that was missing a proper cover

and they'll do a permanent repair soon. Yeah, well, I really hope that people don't think they're going to fall into their boulevards, you know, because it's sort of a freak accident or incident. I can now check that off my list of life experiences. I should never fall into a sinkhole again. Keelbeck says she spent about 40 minutes in the hole. The only injury was a slightly dirty coat that she cleaned that evening. This has been your world tonight for Tuesday, April 28th.

I'm Stephanie Skendaris. Thank you for being with us. Good night.