Your World Tonight - PM Harper honoured, Ontario bomb-making allegations, Milan’s Olympic ‘Meh’, and more

Episode Date: February 3, 2026

A showing of political unity, as politicians and dignitaries of all stripes celebrate former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the unveiling of his official portrait.And: Disturbing allegations in London, Ontario after four people are charged with stockpiling chemicals that could be used to make explosives. The three men and one woman are all linked to Western University, in an investigation that started with a trespassing arrest.And: ‘Non mi va’: Why Milan’s locals aren’t catching Olympic fever.Plus: Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine, Trump wants to run federal elections, Canada’s ‘Ice Master’, and more.

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This is a CBC podcast. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank you for your remarkable service to our country and for the legacy upon which we are now called to build. Merci Bukry. Thank you very much. The Prime Minister, a liberal, praising Stephen Harper, the last conservative to serve in that role, with the current leader of the conservative seated a few meters away. The occasion,

unveiling of Harper's official portrait, part of a week of celebrating the former PM. Behind all the pomp and circumstance is the message. Harper faced crises at home and abroad, financial and diplomatic, and Canada's facing them again. Welcome to Your World Tonight. I'm Susan Bonner. It is Tuesday, February 3rd, just before 6pm. Eastern, also on the podcast. They don't seem like professionals, you know, professional criminals. You know, to break in a university with handguns in their pockets. It's not very bright. The charges are explosive, the identities of the accused perplexing.

Four students or former students at London, Ontario's Western University, one who sold pens, now facing numerous charges of making a weapon and storing the chemicals needed to make a bomb. His legacy has lessons for politicians on both sides of the aisle. Canada's 22nd Prime Minister led minority and a majority government, guiding Canada through crisis and bitter political fighting. And today Stephen Harper was honored by party leaders and watched the unveiling of his official portrait.

Olivia Stefanovic reports on Harper's experience and how it connects to current challenges. If you would please unveil the portrait. Standing in front of a tightly packed crowd, including current and former parliamentarians, high-profile political and business elites, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper pulled a green curtain to unveil his official portrait. I have to tell you, I have not had a greeting that enthusiastic since the opposition used to welcome me to the House of Commons. In his speech, Harper spoke about Canadian history, values and the need for you.

in perilous times. We must preserve Canada. This country handed down to us by providence, preserved by our ancestors, and held in trust for our descendants. We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and the unity of this blessed land.

Harper was introduced by the current Prime Minister, Mark Carney. As those who have known him privately can attest, Stephen Harper has never been drawn to spectacle, but always to service. Harper appointed Carney, governor of the Bank of Canada, just as the 2008 recession was taking shape. The crisis was a defining moment of Harper's time and power, Prime Minister for more than nine years, governing with a decisive and at times divisive style. He did not let ideology prevent him from doing what was necessary. running deficits for five years to support the Canadian economy through the worst global downturn

in generations. This was not a betrayal of principles. It was an expression of a deeper principle. The purpose of sound fiscal management is to serve Canadians, not the other way around. Harper's portrait painted by Toronto artist Phil Richards shows Harper seated in a dark blue pinstripe suit, smiling with a pen in hand and a book. If you look closely, you'll see one member of our family who consistently pulled better than I, Stanley the cat. After more than a decade out of office, the CEO of Abakas Data, David Coletto, says Harper's appeal is still high. He is remembered as somebody who kind of led the country with some steadiness, not without controversy or things they disagreed with, but half the country still say they've got a level of trust in him, which shows the legacy that he's built over time.

That legacy will now sit literally in the halls of parliament, among more than two dozen other former prime ministers, securing Harper's place in Canadian history. Olivia Estevanovich, CBC News, Ottawa. The charges are many and serious, but the details are few. Four people are in custody. In London, Ontario, awaiting their next court appearance, police say they were found with firearms, chemicals and explosives,

Jennifer Eune explains how they're all connected and what we know about the suspects. The explosives, I think, are serious. The firearm is serious. What started as a break and enter has resulted in four arrests, a slew of charges and plenty of questions, says former CESA's counterterrorism analyst, Phil Gersky. What they were seeking to do with that weaponry and with the possibility of bombs is completely unclear at this point. London police were called to Western University about a week and a half ago. They say campus security had arrested a trespasser, 27-year-old Jerry Tong, after he allegedly tried to flee on foot. Police say they found and seized a loaded handgun.

Further investigation led them to a home in a quiet neighborhood near the school where officers say they found chemicals to make explosives. It's not clear what specifically, but court documents say there were precursor chemicals along with finished high explosives. Now Tong is facing multiple. criminal charges, as are three other people who live in the house. 26-year-old Dekun Wang, 25-year-old Faye Frank Han, and 21-year-old Fay-Young Astrid G. All four are charged with possessing explosives and a series of gun charges, including manufacturing firearms. The story is very weird.

Francis Langlois is a firearms expert in Tuare, Quebec. He says it has gotten easier to manufacture illegal guns. They are more and more easily easy to make, and plans are available on the internet, and the machines used to print them are also easier to get. All for accused to study or studied sciences or engineering at Western University. Hahn was even part of the rocketry team there. In a statement, Western University said little, but that it continues to work closely with London police.

Police have also searched additional homes in Gatineau and Ottawa linked Tong. A specialized RCMP unit is also on the ground in London to provide support on national security issues. But the motive remains unclear. CBC News spoke to several people who knew Tong. They expressed shock at his arrest, describing him as a professional, intelligent, and business-oriented young man who ran a fountain pen-making business. One former classmate described him as socially awkward and that he would get angry about small things. All four of the suspects are still in police custody. None of the charges have been proven in court and we're expecting more details as the court case plays out.

All but Jerry Tong have requested a Mandarin court interpreter. Police also remain at the home as the investigation continues. Jennifer Yun, CBC News, Toronto. Coming right up, Russia target. its power plants inside Ukraine launching missiles as temperatures plummet. Also, Donald Trump has repeated the false claim of fixed elections for years. Now he's promising his opponents say threatening to change how elections in the U.S. are held. Later, we'll have this story.

I'm Breyer-Steward of Milan, where the opening ceremonies are just a few days away. Olympic officials say there's a definite vibe on the city streets, but many residents aren't so sure. So do you think people in Milan are excited both the Olympics? Not so far, I have to say, that we will see afterwards. Milan is getting set to welcome the world, but the city is still divided on whether it's all worth it. I'll have that story later on your world tonight. Sweden and Denmark are pledging millions to supply Ukraine with Tridon Air Defense systems as hundreds of Russian missiles and drones hit energy sites across Ukraine.

Ukraine is now facing the worst electricity, heating, and water shortages in the nearly four-year war. And as Crystal Gamensing reports, it's pushing many residents to a breaking point. Ignoring the cold and an air raid alert siren in Kiev, NATO's Secretary General Mark Ruda, honored fallen soldiers, placing a lantern at a memorial alongside Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, A peaceful moment on a day Ukrainian lives were thrust into chaos. Ukraine's Air Force says Russia attacked with 71 missiles and 450 drones. Zelensky says multiple energy sites were hit.

At least nine people injured as buildings sustained damages from falling debris. Glass from shattered windows cover the floor of Natalia Holbenko's apartment in the capital. A large shard shaped like an icicle protrudes out of her curtains. I just want to scream, what is this? How much longer can it go on? She said while crying. As it stands, her apartment isn't livable, but it wasn't much better earlier in the week. Continuous supplies of heat, electricity, and hot water are nearly non-existent.

The energy grid has been heavily dead. by Russian strikes as the country is gripped by bitter cold. The Russians once again disregarded the efforts of the American side, said Ukraine's president. It's a reference to a request by U.S. President Donald Trump to Russia. He asked that they refrain from strikes on energy facilities and critical infrastructure during the freezing weather. Last week, Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri Paskoff, confirmed Trump personally called, with that request. Zolensky said there would be discussions about de-escalation efforts

when the U.S., Russia and Ukrainian negotiators meet Thursday and Friday in Abu Dhabi. The head of NATO says he's sure the Americans have noted the strikes. They see what happens. They will hear this. Ukraine is being forced to fight a war, repair power stations, often while under attack. Yuri Bandaiev says he comes to the center to eat. he lives with his elderly father. Their home, he says, is just too cold. Back in the capital, Ukraine's energy minister, Denis Shmihal, toured the head of NATO through a power plant

or what used to be a power plant. Instead, there were piles of rubble in a large hole in the ground and heavy machinery moved debris. Even if crews worked around the clock, the plant wouldn't be operational any time soon. and no amount of donated generators can fill the void. Crystal Gamanssing, CBC News, London. The U.S. President is calling for Republicans to take over the management and running of federal elections.

It's a move that would upend the Constitution, which grants that power to local and state authorities. The White House insists it's all about election integrity. Gady Nicholson reports. Mr. President, thank you so much for joining us today. We appreciate it. Well, thank you very much, Dan. In a cozy chat with his former FBI deputy director, now once again a podcaster, Dan Bojino, U.S. President Donald Trump floated this idea.

We should take over the voting in at least many, 15 places. The Republicans order to nationalize the voting. We have states that are so crooked and they're counting votes. I'm pretty sure it's not a good idea to have one party be in charge of the elections. California's Attorney General Rob Bonta among those quick to push back. The U.S. Constitution, which he swore to uphold and defend, makes it very clear that states primarily have the authority and power to determine the time, place, and manner of elections.

But White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says that's not what the president meant. What the president was referring to is the SAVE Act, which is a huge common-sense piece of legislation that Republicans have, supported? The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act is a contentious piece of legislation that toughens voter identification rules and which critics say could make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast their ballot. But hours later, Trump insisted he meant what he said. I want to see elections be honest. And if a state can't run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it. These comments come a week after the FBI executed a warrant

on the Fulton County elections hub. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more that we have, because we won the state. The county that prompted Trump's now notorious phone call to local officials after the 2020 election and which birthed allegations of voter fraud he continues to cling to, despite three recounts that proved him wrong. On Wednesday, as federal agents seized 20, 2020 ballots and voter rolls, Trump's Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was spotted at the scene. There, she said, at the president's behest.

But the very idea of the FBI going in to do that is deeply, deeply concerning. New York University law professor Rick Pildes says actions like that can undermine democracy. The continuing de-legitimation of the election process of the United States without a real factual basis for that, is deeply, deeply troubling because it undermines confidence in the election process. A confidence that could be further shaken in the nine months leading up to the midterms. Katie Nicholson, CBC News, Washington. Canadians are eating worse than they did a decade ago. Only about half are getting enough exercise.

And while fewer adults are smoking, youth in this country are among world leaders when it comes to vaping. Those are just some of the findings. in an annual report by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Helena Mahalek takes a closer look. Looking back, I kind of wish I had actually taken those risks more seriously. At just 40 years old, Alana Trainoff had an unexpected heart attack while working as a TV producer in Toronto.

Now, 11 years later, she says the experience has changed how she lives her life. I lost quite a lot of weight. I started to become really active and I went to the gym, and I did a lot of outdoor activities. The Heart and Stroke Foundation's data says only half of adults meet the weekly exercise requirement of two and a half hours of movement. Trainoff says she had to start small to make her new lifestyle sustainable. Because I think any small step in the direction towards choosing your health is the best possible step that you can take. Poor diet choices are also a key contributor to health problems.

The report says nearly 8 and 10 Canadians, eat less than the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables. The report uses data from 2023. Since then, grocery prices have only gone up. Abby Langer, a registered dietitian, says money is a big barrier for people when it comes to healthier eating. We've all been to the grocery store lately. It is crazy how expensive food is, in particular, the fresh stuff like fruits and vegetables. Another study published Monday by the American-based Mill Bank Quarterly Journal says ultra-processed foods use the same craving and addiction tactics as cigarettes. Langer says this checks out.

I think fruits and vegetables, they're just basic and boring. I think people are really looking for something novel, for a quick fix, and they just don't have the basics down. Smoking rates among adults have dropped significantly, down from 50 percent in 1964. to 11% in 2024. But it's a different story for the next generation, with one in four grade 12 students admitting to vaping. Guillaume Paray is a professor of pathology at McMaster University. He says it's a very troubling trend. In terms of the long-term consequences,

I don't think we really know because this is still a relatively recent phenomenon. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is urging people to check their family history and to use the heart and risk screen tool. for health care providers to explain simple ways to manage risk symptoms and for the government to implement policies that support healthy eating. Helena Maholic, CBC News, Saskatoon. 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. Organizers for the Milano Cortina Olympic, say they have sold more than a million tickets, and they expect a full house for the opening ceremony on Friday. But their excitement is not shared by the locals. Milan is a city known more for its passion for fashion and football. As Breyer Stewart tells us,

many residents are giving these winter games a much cooler reception. In one of Milan's grandest piazzas, Next to a sprawling Gothic cathedral, a souvenir store is doing brisk business. People are shelling out for Olympic swag, including a stuffed animal mascot that costs about $100. In a place like this, it's not hard to find those excited for the games. Well, Wivis hockey is going to be the best ever. We're so lucky to catch anything. Michael Kreiser and Krista Maloney are from Alberta. They happen to be in the city for a conference and are staying longer to see the first Canada

women's hockey game. I'd say it's definitely ramping up for sure. There's more people celebrating. There's more people around. But beyond the most touristy areas, the signs of Olympic fever are fewer and far between. And there aren't many chances for the public to soak up the atmosphere if they wanted to. Ticket prices vary, but run into the hundreds of dollars. The city is like a split in two. Those who are enthusiasts for the Olympic Games, for the sports, And those who say, oh, this is just, this will be a big traffic jam. It will not bring anything to the city. Felipe Soliblo hosts a show in Italy called Paparazzi, alongside his co-hosts Marco Ajamani.

Ajumani says part of the reason some may be ambivalent is because Milan is used to hosting large marquee events. Let's say the Olympics can fall in the middle between the Fashion Week and the Design Week. are many, many spread all around the city, which is not quite the same so far for the Olympics. On the eastern edge of Milan, where crews are scrambling to put the finishing touches on a hockey arena, lies the neighborhood of Santa Julia.

It's part of a multi-year revitalization plan that was supposed to accelerate with the Olympics, but Alessandro Balducci, Professor Emeritus with Milan's Polytechnic University, says so far not much. has changed. A lot of discussion has been concentrated upon critical dimension instead of the positive impact of the Olympics on the city. So do you think people in Milan are excited about the Olympics? Not so far, I have to say, that we will see afterwards. He says before Milan hosted the

World Expo in 2015, residents were skeptical that it would all be worth it. But attitudes changed once it was over, and Balducci says the same thing could happen with the Olympics. The city could perk up once events are well underway. Breyer-Stewart, CBC News, Milan. The Milano-Cortino Olympics haven't even started yet, but a Canadian has already made history. He was brought in to do something never seen at an Olympics before, build a temporary indoor rink for speed skating. Chief correspondent Adrian Arsnoe has more on the challenge and the pressure. sure to get it right. Speed skaters on a crystal clear mountain lake, can you hear the hollow sound of the ice?

Bit of a romantic notion to that sound. It goes back to the origins of the sport. But it is not the sound. Long-track speed skaters are used to hearing when they take to Olympic ice at an indoor oval. And yet, Tyler Malk, the high-performance manager for speed skating in Canada says that's what some of the first athletes to test the ice in Milan told him. That's what I've been hearing. And even going full tilt in the corners, they're afraid that the ice might break out and then give way. So I think it'll be a big learning curve for the bigger boys and the 500 meters. So you say that with a smile on your face, but you're not describing perfect ice.

No, and I think that's what these athletes are used to going all over the world. You have to adapt to all the different kinds of ice. So just because it's not Calgary or Salt Lake where it's fast and you know you're getting quality ice, you still have to be able to perform at your best regardless of where you are. And where they will be here in Milan is on the very first temporary indoor speeds getting oval. If this is successful, it could make this sport accessible almost anywhere. So you can't screw this up? Well, we can never screw this up.

Number one, we're Canadian. We don't screw it up. That's Canadian ice master Mark Messer. He's worked multiple Olympics, but has never been tasked with an experiment like this. So the first time you got a phone call and said, okay, hey, Mark, this is what we want to try to do. What was your first instinct? I'd just sit down for sure, yeah.

The reviews from athletes at a test event in the fall were his cue to keep finessing. It tells me that we haven't fine-tuned the water composition, for one, and the temperatures that we want. The ice is made over. over a layer of insulation with rubber matting every element of it affected by the number of spectators, a humidity, whether it's raining outside. To be Mark Messer is to be constantly calculating, adjusting, so while the world's eyes will soon be on the finish line here,

spare a moment for a Canadian who won't ever take his eyes off the ice. Adrian Arsenault, CBC News, Milan. Finally tonight, he gave music lovers one of the most recognized. recognizable and enigmatic opening lines in rock and roll history. That's Chuck Negron, one of the founding members of the band Three Dog Night and Number One hit, Joy to the World. Negron died yesterday at the age of 83. Fans of the band have wondered for years about that line. Who was Jeremiah?

Was he actually a bullfrog? Negron always maintained it was just a silly line for a silly song. when the other band members didn't actually want to record. Here's Negron from an interview with music journalist Adam Reeder. You know, we're working at it. If I hadn't heard the playback of me singing Jeremiah, well, it's real for it. Who knows what I would have happened?

I might have passed with the rest of the guys. You know, I knew that was a hit. I knew that that line was going to be in everyone's head. It was just too bizarre and, you know, it was coming, you know, hitting you right in the face. That wasn't the only big hit for the Three Dog Night. There was also one is the loneliest number, black and white, old-fashioned love song, and many others. Negron jumped fully into the party life of a rock star, estimating he spent millions of dollars on drugs during his early career.

The band eventually broke up, in part because of his addiction. He entered rehab in his 40s and became an advocate for mental health. Chuck Negron was 83. We're going to leave you now with a little bit more of joy to the world. Thank you for joining us for this edition of Your World tonight for Tuesday, February 3rd. I'm Susan Bonner. Talk to you again. For more CBC podcasts, go to CBC.ca.com.