Your World Tonight - Remembering 9/11, Liberal cabinet retreat, TIFF People's Festival shift, and more

Episode Date: September 11, 2026

It’s been 25 years since one of the darkest days in American history. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, on the Pentagon -- and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Today was a day of sombre ceremonies, in the U.S. and Canada. And: In the middle of a trade war the prime minister and his cabinet were talking tariffs... and unity.Also: Is it still “the people’s festival”? TIFF is big business. We look at whether the film festival is getting away from its homespun roots. Plus: Iran-backed Houthis seize positions on Yemen’s western coast, Céline Dion comeback in France, BC politics untangled, and more.

With the help of Google AI, Access Now is mapping Canada's accessible places, empowering the disabled community to explore with confidence. Innovation is Canada's story. Let's tell it together. Find out more at g.co slash Canadian Innovation. This is a CBC podcast. My brother, Alejandro Cordero, you are truly missed. You are a gem. Dad, we miss you.

I love you. I hope I'm making you proud. 25 years later, one of the darkest days in American history remembered. Nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11th attacks in New York, on the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The day also marked in somber ceremonies across Canada, the country's prime minister at the time, remembering how Canadians responded. Our closest friend was attacked. We said that was an attack on us too. And we fought back side by side. Jean-Cretchen also receiving a standing ovation for a pointed message to Americans,

not to take that support for granted. This is your world tonight. It's Friday, September 11th. Just before 6 p.m. Eastern, I'm Stephanie Scandaris. Also on the podcast. We can give greater certainty to people seeking to do that. work and we can harmonize a lot of our work with provincial governments, one project, one review. The federal liberals tease upcoming legislation in Banff as members meet for a cabinet retreat,

tariffs and trade also on the agenda, and the upcoming referendum on separation in the very province that's hosting them. The September 11th terrorist attacks left a legacy of grief, resilience, and resolve. At memorials across the U.S., Canada and the world, people gathered to remember and honor those who died that day, as well as thousands who have died since from 9-11-related illnesses. In New York, where the first planes struck, families, friends, first responders, and past presidents came together at ground zero. We begin our 9-11 coverage there with this report from Chris Reyes. Six bells, six moments of silence. and then the reading of names for each person killed in the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Salvatore Gito.

Cynthia Jugliano. 25 years later, those remain the hallmarks of the ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City. The two memorial pools that sit in the footprints of the World Trade Center towers were surrounded by friends and families and dignitaries, including all former living U.S. presidents, representing President Donald Trump's administration, Vice President J.D. Vance. In an event that often transcends politics, still there were moments of anger and advocacy. From the podium, a family member reading a name added this.

You are missed more with each year that passes. But how can it be 25 years? And still, we have no justice for the role that Saudi Arabia played in your murder. For others, the ceremony is only about one thing, remembering their loved ones. I lost one of my senior NCOs, Walter McNeil, so I will be reading his name today. At O'Harris pub across the 9-11 Memorial Plaza, a more informal gathering that has become a cherished annual tradition. Edwin Morales referred to those who gather there every year as his family. He's here to remember his firefighter cousin who died rescuing people on that day.

We never forget. Look at all these people here. The 9-11 community, we have a community. It's called the 9-11 community, and it gets larger every year. In the crowd, some Canadians like Mark Popov, a former fire captain from Kingston, Ontario. Well, as a firefighter, 9-11, is a defining event because, you know, everybody says, you know, firefighters are the ones that run into danger. Amid stories shared of grief and memories of loved ones, also stories of lingering struggles from those who worked on the site a quarter century ago, like Salon Schwalb. The conditions of the air was hideous. And I still have a ground zero cough.

That's what you call it. Mine is a ground zero cough because I've been coughing for 20 years. This year, a seventh moment of silence has been added to the 9-11 ceremony to honor those who have died from illnesses and injuries linked to that day, including from the toxic air from ground zero. That number already in the thousands only continues to grow. Chris Reyes, CBC News, New York. Colonel Canfield D. Boone, United States Army. Ceremonies were also held at the sights of the two other attacks in the U.S. that day. At the Pentagon, names of the 184 people killed there were read aloud.

President Donald Trump followed with remarks in tribute. We will never, ever forget. That's why we fight today. Outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, bells told for the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. They died when their plane was downed in a field after passengers fought back against hijackers to prevent an attack on Washington. Dozens of people and politicians attended today's events there in honor. In Gander, Newfoundland, a powerful ceremony paid tribute to the kindness shown to stranded passengers in the aftermath of the attack.

As Peter Cowan reports, many people there spoke about the importance of generosity in politically tumultuous times. And no, I'm not a hero. A stageful of candles lighting up a ceremony, remembering the dark day of September 11th. Governor General Louise Arbor says Newfoundland communities showed the best of humanity, taking in almost 7,000 stranded passengers. At the heart of a dark day, Gander shone as a powerful light of humanity. 25 years later, that light has not faded. Rafael Fusco was 17 when his flight heading to New Jersey was forced to land in Gander.

Strangers gave him food, clothes, shelter, and hope. The deepest acts of kindness and generosity imaginable. He came back 25 years later to share a song he wrote. wrote and reconnect with the friends he made. I know that there are some dark clouds obscuring the relations between our two great nations at this point, and I hope that we together can look beyond political branding and messages to be a reflection of our light. In the middle of a U.S. Canada trade war, a warm welcome for American guests, an American ambassador

Pete Hoekstra thanking a community and a country. When horrific things happen, when man treats man so badly, good will win. You represent that to the world today. But the biggest applause was for former Prime Minister Jean-Cretien. I have a message for our American friends. Yes, Canada is generous, open country, and Canadians are tolerant and kind. but never mistake our generosity for weakness. The message of Gander's kindness isn't just told one day a year.

Come from Away puts kindness into song, a musical now playing in many small cities across the U.S., including places that voted for the same president who started a trade war with Canada. Producer Michael Rubinoff hopes Gander's 9-11's story helps remind Americans of what both countries have been through together. The best way they can learn about us, the best way they can be reminded that we truly are their best friend

and their most important ally, is to see a story of when it really, really mattered. Canadians and Newfoundlanders showed up. 25 years later, the kindness continues. On the way to the ceremony, the Canadian military band's bus broke down. A bus full of American tourists picked them up and got them here on time, Another story of light. Peter Cowan, CBC News, Gander Newfoundland.

Coming right up, the Liberal Cabinet meets in Banff, top of mind tariffs, trade, and Alberta separation. Plus, the group of BCMLAs working to bring a former political party back amid an exodus in the province's conservatives. Later, we'll have this story. Thousands filled a concert hall to sing karaoke together, all songs from world famous Celendion. The next best thing to the real thing?

I have never ever seen a comeback like Celendion's comeback in Paris. Never. I'm Sarah Levin in Paris. Later on your world tonight, Celine Dion is set to take the stage again with much anticipation. So we've heard how today's 9-11 memorials are serving as reminders of a long-standing friendship between. the United States and Canada. That sentiment was echoed in Alberta today, where in the middle

of a trade war, the Prime Minister and his cabinet were talking tariffs and unity. Rafi Bujicannian reports. An otherwise ordinary day became one of history's darkest. Prime Minister Mark Carney thinking back to 25 years ago. Nearly 3,000 people among some 24 Canadians lost their lives, killed in the worst terrorist attack in American history. Thousands more injured. Canada-US relations minister Dominic LeBlanc also stressing how the events are on his mind. Early this morning, I sent a text message to Secretary Howard Lucknick. As you know, his brother died in the terrorist attacks and over 600 people who worked in his business also.

Different than the usual conversations Leblanc has with the. his American counterparts, focused as they have been on trade with the lack of an agreement between Canada and the U.S. and an ongoing trade war between the two countries. Despite no forward movement on negotiations, LeBlanc says he's optimistic. While the government is still trying to shore up Canada's economy, LeBlanc teasing new legislation coming this fall that will streamline approvals for project construction across the country. We can give greater certainty to people seeking to do that work, and we can harmonize a lot of our work with provincial governments, one project, one review.

But the trade war will present other challenges, no doubt impacting Canada's bottom line as the government prepares its fall budget. It insists deficit reductions last year mean it's in a position of strength. Ottawa also trying to show strength as it deals with another major challenge careening toward Canadians, the Alberta separatist movement, and the referendum question. voters here will have to answer about whether the province should stay a part of Canada or have another eventual vote on seceding from the country. Cardi met with a pro-unity group while in Bath. Thomas Lacazek is the president of Forever Canadian. He says he's been pleased with Ottawa's involvement so far with the unity side, though Carney has yet to make a major speech about

the upcoming vote. He is here today. He initiated this meeting. And I'm, I know that the prime minister will become much more visible when the right time comes. That date on the calendar is getting closer. Albertans head to the ballot box on October 19th, and though polls currently show a vast majority would opt to stay in Canada, there are questions over which side will muster harder to get the vote out. Rafi Bucanee on CBC News, Banff, Alberta. In the ongoing U.S. trade war,

Donald Trump's protectionist policies have also affected Canadian jobs in cultural industries. It's big business. Even the Toronto International Film Festival is more focused on the bottom line this year. Eli Glassner is here to connect all these dots for us. Eli, Tiff prides itself as the People's Festival. Cheaper tickets, easier access. Is that still the case? Yeah, I mean, before I started covering Tiff officially, my wife and I would buy packs of tickets. You could get 10, 20, 30 tickets at a reasonable price. Those package deals are rarer now with basic tickets starting at $30. And then there's the secondary market on Stubhub for premieres with markups that would make Taylor Swift blush. Now, this isn't about film fans complaining about prices, but also about what makes TIF different.

The Cannes Film Festival, Telluride. They are not open to the public. They're only for media and industry folks. TIF is a public festival with the reputation of the people. People's Choice Award being an Oscar Bellwether, but if regular film fans are cutting back on tickets, who's picking the people's choice. This year, we're also seeing this new focus towards the business side of things with a new initiative.

Can you tell us about TIF the Market? So this is kind of a business-focused forum, 70 sessions, $23 million in support from Ottawa. the idea is launching TIF as a place to make deals, package projects, basically a nexus for the business side of TV, film, and interactive content. Now, this kind of side business has always been part of TIF, but now it's been supported with programming and panels. And again, there's competition from Can and the American Film Market. The question is, can TIF carve out its own place?

And I think one of the elements might be the global factor. When I walked across the road, I saw the Thailand Pavilion, the Global Africa Hub, the Korean Film Center. So I will say the Canadian section was very busy, but positioning TIF as a meeting point for the global film business and an alternative to doing business in the States could be a good selling feature. Well, speaking of that, have you felt the presence of the trade war at TIF? Other than American visitors apologizing for their president. I mean, the truth is Canada is. under pressure. Trump has talked about creating a new federal tax incentive to bring more film and TV productions back to the USA. But an interesting example, look at the TIF opening film. This was

Being Human about a disability rights activist, Judy Human, and it shows how activists occupied government buildings in New York and San Francisco, but it was filmed in Toronto. And we talked about that with one of the actors on the red carpet, John Beavers. I'm from Los Angeles and I'd like to see more movies get shot there because, you know, the industry needs it. But Toronto is a gorgeous city and so receptive and so supportive. And so much like the auto industry, film and television is a cross-border business and it could be difficult to unwind. Eli, thank you so much.

My pleasure. The CBC's Eli Glassner in Toronto. Last time we told you about the messy state of affairs in BC politics, a third of the opposition conservative MLAs had resigned. That was seen by many as a revolt against their new leader. Some of them have already formed their own center-right party, and this week there are efforts to revive another party. Tanya Fletcher untangles it for us.

This group was a good group and it had good governance, and I think that's the piece of the missing link. Carol Fielding is lead organizer of the new Unite Liberal BC campaign, billed as a grassroots movement to revive what was once a powerhouse in provincial politics. Since 2017, the legacy BC Liberals filled the opposition benches in Victoria. In 2023, they rebranded as BC United. A year later, that party unraveled as the rival BC Conservatives rose up. But with those conservatives now facing a crisis of their own comes the attempt to reinvent.

The BC United Party has that decades-old infrastructure sitting there. There's a membership there. There's a constitution there. There's stakeholders there. There's campaign historical data there. Only a few months ago, the BC conservatives were well positioned against the NDP government as Premier David Eby's approval ratings plummeted. But a total of 10 conservative MLAs have recently quit.

That's one-third of the caucus. Much of the blame is leveled at their new leader, Carrie Lynn Finlay, and her push to steer the party harder to the right. Some of those ex-conservative MLAs have since formed their own party, still unnamed, a sixth joining today, led by Peter Millibar. The vehicle that has MLAs attached to it in an ever-growing number is the one that has the legitimate and real chance of setting that narrative and providing that serious landing spot for voters

that do not want to vote for the NDP any longer and cannot see their way to supporting the Conservative Party of BC moving forward. We are in what you might call an evolutionary moment in BC politics. UBC political scientist Stuart Press says all of this highlights a gap in the middle. an attempt to rise up as a more moderate centrist voice, and that, he says, is really not a surprise, because what's dividing the right is more significant than what's uniting them. There is a portion of conservatives that really identify with themes that we hear expressed in the MAGA universe in the United States,

even if they're not sympathetic towards Donald Trump particularly. And then we have this other version of conservatism that is more middle of the road, fiscally conservative, but also favoring a more inclusive approach to society. building here in Canada, and those two groups just don't see eye-to-eye on so many issues. That's why he believes a big tent party that can unite the right just isn't possible right now. The divide in ideology translating to numerous parties in reality and threatening to split voters spanning the center to the right. Tenya Fletcher, CBC News, Vancouver.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have seized strategic positions on Yemen's western coast, taking control of the port city of Moka and an island in the Bub El Mondeb Strait. Both locations are critical for access to the Red Sea. It's a vital global oil route, with heavier traffic since the U.S.-Iran war disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. As Sasha Petrissik reports, experts say this latest move has Iran's fingerprints all over it. With an offensive that caught Saudi Arabia and its ypresby, Yemeni allies off guard. Houthi rebels swept up the coast of the Red Sea and captured the key island of Perim, a tiny outcropping of land with huge strategic implications.

We don't even need missiles to control who passes here, says one Houthi fighter to another, standing with machine guns on the shore. Indeed, Houthis now dominate the Bhab al-Mandeb straight into the Red Sea, just as Iran threatens oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. It's no coincidence, U.S. Representative Jennifer Nidhart told the UN Security Council. The Houthis are agents and tools of Iran, and the Iranian hand behind these attacks is clear. Houthi rebels have been fighting Saudi Arabia and its allies for control of Yemen for years. But the group is also Iran's most powerful proxy in the region. Thomas Juno is a Mideast expert at the University of Ottawa.

They are very well armed. They have more than 100,000 men in arms. They have a strong stockpile of missiles and drones that keeps on growing, keeps on getting better. So from Iran's perspective, the Houthis are the most valuable asset that they have in the axis of resistance. They have attacked and sunk tankers in the Red Sea before. And says a Houthi spokesman today will continue to turn. Saudi ships which use the strait as a way to avoid the fighting in the Persian Gulf. Tehran's control over the world's oil and energy prices just tightened, says Faria al-Muslimi at the Chatham House think tank in London.

The Iranians by now basically sit over around 35% of the oil trade of the world. That's more dangerous than having a nuclear bomb, and it puts them in a huge leverage position. At the UN, Saudi Arabia warned Iran to back off, saying it holds Tehran responsible for the consequences. It has also continued to attack Houthi positions in Yemen, but it may be in trouble. Satellite images show the pipeline that delivers Saudi oil to the Red Sea for export has been hit with black smoke billowing. And the Axis News Service quotes U.S. officials, saying that Saudi asked Washington for help fighting the Houthis and was turned down.

Sasha Petrissik, CBC News, Toronto. Celine Dion is preparing for another remarkable comeback. Years after, a rare neurological disorder forced her off the stage, the Canadian singer is in Paris, beginning a run of 26 sold-out shows. Sarah Levitt is there. Paris, the City of Lights. Tourists flock to see the Eiffel Tower light up the night sky, but many are also here for another star, Celine Dion.

The city is filled with an anticipation for a return, many thought would be impossible. I have never ever seen a comeback like Celendion's comeback in Paris. Never. Lena Le Tau is a cultural reporter for France's oldest national newspaper, Le Figuero. Oh, the Celendium mania in Paris, it's very under. understandable. It's because we love Celine Dion and Celine has a very strong history with Paris. The love on full display for weeks now outside Dion's hotel, where the superstar says high to fans even sings with them.

But Celine's influence in Paris goes beyond them. Ahead of her concert, there have been karaoke nights with thousands belting out her tunes and gushing over the music. the singer. Incredible. Super. An experience incredible. I don't know the mo.

Genial. I adore. It's so true, too, too good. Salin's return to the stage on Saturday is a

redemption of sorts. Her decades-long career abruptly came to a halt in March 2020 when she was forced to cancel her courage world tour.

She was diagnosed with stiff person's syndrome, a rare neurological condition. It causes muscle spasms, including of the vocal poor

something she put on full display in an Amazon Prime documentary. But surrounded by a medical team and a determined regime of daily Pilates and voice training, Dionne made a triumphant return for the Paris Olympics in 2024. And in March, a grand announcement. She would be returning to the stage to perform at Europe's largest indoor arena. 26 shows in all, 16 this fall, and another 10 in mid. May, all of them sold out. How excited are you?

I'm very, very, very nervous, very excited. Making the track from Montreal to see Viont, her self-proclaimed biggest fan, Estevan Perrick, set to see his 100th Celine concert. Yes, 100th. You're going to make me cry, but I love Celine. That appeal leading to sold out crowds, approximately 45,000 for even. each show, a star's return that seemingly no one wants to miss. Sarah Levitt, CBC News, Paris.

Finally tonight, we want to return to Gander, Newfoundland, and revisit a powerful moment among many from a moving ceremony to remember 9-11. Jean-Cretchen, Canada's Prime Minister when the towers went down and the last speaker of today's event, opened his speech describing the memory. of that day as an un-erasable nightmare. He then turned to what is on the minds of so many Canadians right now, a once-unbreakable bond between two longtime friends, and the fractured relationship it has become.

We embrace our friends and we help them in their moment of need, but we call to no one. And the more we are insulted or threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourselves and stand united. And I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another. Friends need to be honest with each other. So, my friends. Here is to truth, to respect, to friendship, and to good neighbors. Vive les U.S.U.S.U.S.U.N. Vive la Canada.

This has been your world tonight for Friday, September 11th. Thank you for being with us. I'm Stephanie Skanderas. Good night. For more CBC podcasts, go to cbc.ca.ca.com. podcasts.