CBCN - Friday, May 24, 2024 - 12:00 a.m. (ET) - Segment #27

the future?! Get your business online in minutes with godaddy airo. Wall paper or paint.We make thousands of financialdecisions every day. Stay on top of it all withalerts and insights from the cibc Smart Account. We know you care. But if this is all too real for you and your loved ones. Make the call. Because we care too. Home Instead. To us, it's personal. It's like a shower for yournose. This thing is amazing!Navage flushes salin to help clear congestionby quickly sucking out mucus, allergens, and germs. There's no other productout there like it! Navage. Clean nose,healthy life. [ ] >> Natasha: a bipartisan group of U.S. senators is calling on canada to do more to meet commitments on defence spending. Nearly a quarter of the U.S. senate signed a sharply worded letter sent to ottawa yesterday. They said canada needs to boost spend secretary-general during one of the most dangerous moments in nato's history. Janyce McGREGOR reports. >> Janyce: this letter really sets the tone early saying this is the most severe landscapes nato has faced in the history of its alliance. It says notwithstanding what the senators acknowledge have been very significant contributions on canada's part, including, for example, leading the battle group in latvia, they still think canada is falling short of meeting its obligations, particularly in a world where all nato members are under a lot of pressure to bolster ukraine in its fight against russia. They talk in the letter about how canada is failing to live up to the standard the alliance has set, how even when you go out as far as 2029 the amount of defence spending that canada has budgeted only brings it to just a little over 1.7% of canada's gross domestic product. It was supposed to be at 2% by 2024. That target was always described by nato as a floor, not a ceiling, that members were supposed to reach. Just reading some sections from the letter here, they talk about how they are concerned and profoundly disappointed that canada's most recent budget projection indicates it won't reach the 2% commitment in this decade. They also talk about norad. And of course canada and norad are key partners. Norad is believed to be in dire need of modernization. Of course, that only goes forward with canada's cooperation and investments in air defence systems. Then the letter says canada will fail to meet its obligations to the alliance to the detriment of all nato allies and the free world without immediate and meaningful action to increase defence spending. Let's talk about the signatories to this letter because there are 23 different senators who signed on from both sides of the aisle in washington. A number of them sit on the senate defence committee, although notably the chair of that committee is not among the signatories. I will note that 10 of them are up for re-election this year and there are some prominent names, both republicans and democrats. People like mitt romney, for example, ted cruz and also prominent democrats like tim cane and joe manson. The other thing that is interesting about this is defence minister bill blair was in washington just last week meeting with his counterpart defence secretary lloyd austin and other senior officials laying out canada's future spending plans in meetings. And on parliament hill yesterday when reporters caught up with him, he continued to give assurances about how canada is stepping up in terms of what it's doing on defence. Take a listen. >> The Hon. Bill Blair: we know that canada needs to invest in other capabilities that are not yet included in this year's budget but are inevitably part of the investments we need to make. Canada is on a very strong upward trajectory in defence spending. We know we have work to do. We acknowledged that from day one. That there is more we need to do. We clearly indicated in our budget the path to getting that done. >> Natasha: janyce, let's talk about the timing of this letter. Why would the U.S. senators send it now? >> Janyce: it makes you think maybe they didn't like what blair was saying in washington. That was last week. The next nato summit is scheduled for washington. The americans are the host this july. It often falls to the host to set the tone, the agenda, for these meetings and in this case perhaps that includes nagging

some of the laggards in the alliance once again about their spending. Also of course it is a presidential election year. We know there are always various ebbs and flows in the threats to canada to step up calls for its accountability on defence spending, depending on who's talking. Of course donald trump on the stump has threatened not to come to the defence of nato allies who are not paying their share. On the other hand, the biden administration itself has been more measured in its criticism. Joe biden's ambassador in ottawa, for example, david cohen when he has spoken about this this spring, talked about a whole range of factors the U.S. considers when it looks at canada's nato contributions, that percentage of G.D.P. is just one of them. Also noting the overall trajectory for canada's defence spending is increasing. And I'll note also when germany's defence minister was in ottawa just a few weeks ago, reporters were pushing him to see if he would offer a criticism of canada not meeting its target and he diplomatically declined to do so. Not everyone feels as strongly as these senators, nevertheless, it is interesting to see them sounding those notes ahead of the key summit in july. >> Natasha: the cbc's janyce McGREGOR reporting from ottawa. You're watching cbc news network. [ ] Do you remember when I gave you that? 50 years ago, and I'm still trying to figure it out. Well, one thing we did figure out was a better way to waterproof decks and balconies. Certainly did. It takes no time at all to solve your decking needs at duradek.com I've got good news. There is a murderer - Oh! - walking among us. [gasps] Fantastic! I'm sorry, what? She watches a lot of true crime. Welcome to the family. There's so much new stuff happening out there. I just can't keep up. Well it's too far to swim back now. This is amazing! I promise you I'll not let you down. Stream the best of British tv only on Britbox. Watch with a free trial at britbox.com. Air Wick. How far would you go to set the ambiance of your space? Try the Air Wick way with Air Wick Essential Mist. Infused with natural essential oils, to fill your moment with immersive fragrance for up to 45 days. Now that's a breath of fresh Air Wick. Chuck's getting a checkup thanks to a recent health scare. He's also thinking about his family, and how to protect them should anything happen to him. With North Cover Life Insurance, he'll be so well covered that it'd be like he's wearing a parka! And like a parka, North Cover keeps you well protected. Looking good, Chuck. With North Cover Life Insurance, Applying is easy. It only takes one phone call, with no medical, blood tests or forms. [Music] Chuck, there's a step stool behind you. Your family may get an advance payout to cover funeral costs. And they will be looked after with a cash payout up to one point five million dollars. Plus, if diagnosed with a terminal illness, one-hundred percent of the benefit can be received upfront. Being well protected does feel good. North Cover - Insurance the right way. Get a quote today. Call 1-833-567-1010 now or visit northcover.ca I play with myself. I just started playing with myself. I still play with myself. I'm playing with myself right now. Casino Days - register for free today. Yes yes yes! My brother and I started Duradek when that wardrobe was- groovy. For 50 years now, we've been waterproofing decks and balconies so people can relax and enjoy rain or shine. Duradek. Some things never go out of style. [ ] >> Natasha: some alcoholic drinks available for sale in ontario will become more widely available and much sooner than expected. Ontario premier doug ford made an announcement just a few moments ago. Essentially, beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails will be sold at licensed convenience stores, supermarkets and even gas stations. The cbc's linda ward takes us through some of the changes. . >> Linda: we knew these changes were coming and that there would be an expansion where these beverages could be sold in ontario and that was announced back in december. It was announced this would be in place no later than january 1, 2026. Now we know this is coming in much more quickly than originally anticipated and it will start on august 1 with a three-phased approach. Now, this approach, as I said, august 1st means that a grocery store that already sell beer and wine in the province will now be able to sell coolers and

ready-to-drink cocktails and seltzers. Beverages that come in a can premixed. Also increased pack sizes. They will be able to sell larger packs than what they are allowed to now. A 2-4 or even a 30-pack. The premier says. As of september 5th, all eligible convenience stores can sell beer, wine, R.T.D.s and ciders. October 31, all other eligible grocery stores, and big box stores that don't currently sell beer and wine can sell alcoholic beverages. Premier ford in that press conference today said this means 8500 more stores across the province will be eligible. >> Premier Doug Ford: we promised this back in 2018 and we're going to move forward for the people of ontario. They want it. We're going to do it. >> Natasha: linda, this move comes with up to $225 million of public money for the beer store. What does the premier have to say about that? >> Linda: that raised a lot of questions because taxpayer dollars, he is going to face questions on that when it comes to opening up sales of alcohol. In december the government notified the beer store that a long-standing agreement that they have to limit the number of stores authorized to sell alcohol will not be renewed, but that was supposed expire december 31, 2025, ahead of when this was supposed to come into play. So now it's coming into play earlier and they are giving $225 million to the beer store. The premier was asked why taxpayers are on the hook to speed up this deal. >> Premier Doug Ford: but it's not going directly to the beer stores. Where it's going is to make sure we protect the beer store employees, to make sure they know they're going to be taken care of. We're going to audit every single penny to make sure it's going to the right place. It's not going to the big breweries' pocket or anything like that. It's going to the front-line people who we support. >> Linda: he also said it is going to keep the stores open for their popular recycling and bottle return program. That program will keep running until at least 2031. Now, it is also important to note hard liquor, gin, whisky, vodka, things like that will still only be sold at lcbo stores in the province. They will be making less money. They will act as a wholesaler selling to these new outlets but at a discount. Ford was asked how much this will cost the lcbo in money that would otherwise go to the government and he didn't give an answer to that. He was also asked about concerns from health advocate groups, addictions advocates who say that this is going to create bigger health problems in the province. He said that his government has made major investments in health services and didn't go much further than that in terms of their concerns, natasha. >> Natasha: cbc's linda ward reporting. [ ] How can you protect yourself from continually rising health care costs not covered by your government health insurance? With SureHealth from Green Shield Canada. My SureHealth plan helps to protect me and my family from a lot of routine medical expenses. Host: Like prescription drugs, dental care and vision care. And many unexpected expenses I could face, if I have an accident or get a serious illness. Like physiotherapists, chiropractors, home care, emergency medical travel expenses, and more. And for most plans, your acceptance is guaranteed, with no health exam and no medical questions when you apply. If you're self-employed, don't have health coverage at work, are recently retired or retiring soon, get SureHealth now and protect yourself and your family from rising health care costs not covered by your government health plan. Call or visit SureHealth.ca now for your free, personalized SureHealth info package. That's SureHealth.ca. [dramatic] >> Does public transit really need more police officers? So this is it. >> Welcome to the Greenbelt. [missles fire] >> It is now believed the Titan was destroyed. >> It makes sense that they get a larger share. Or does it? >> All of this just [indiscernible]. >> Yes. >> What do we know? How is that even possible? Well, with a little bit of help, I think we can explain it. >> Announcer:About That with Andrew Chang. Watch free onCBC Gem. [ ]

>> Natasha: canada's competition watchdog has launched a probe into two grocery giants. Documents viewed by "the canadian press" the commissioner is looking into loblaws and empire to decide if they are blocking competition by other food retailers, something that limits choice and can keep food prices high. Jeannie lee is looking into this for us. What exactly is the competition bureau looking into? >> Jeannie: well, natasha, it will be poring over a ton of documents by the looks of it because there will be a lot to consider if the competition bureau is going to prove if there is any kind of anti-competitive behaviour going on. Here is what we mean. If you look at the federal court website, it shows the steps taken so far. There is the initial application of the commissioner of competition versus empire company and versus george weston which is parent company of loblaws. Each of them have exhibits a to m, that's a lot of exhibits, filed on may 6 and there will be more to come. Each dossier has documents and no court date. We know these food giants by more familiar names like sobeys and no frills and fresh co and loblaws. There are multiple grocery stores under each of the banners. So that means a lot of leases. They are such big tenants that there is a question of whether they hold a lot of power in being able to build in terms and conditions that will dictate who can set up shop near them and what kind of businesses those can be. This apparently according to the competition bureau sets up conditions for the customers. We have higher prices and less choice which is not good for consumers. >> Natasha: how does the bureau go about deciding what is normal, capitalist competition versus downright anti-competitiveness? >> Jeannie: that is an excellent question because obviously you do need some protections as a business in some cases if you're going to even set up as a business. So there are a lot of arguments here about how much we can expect companies to have in the way of restrictive covenants. Let's take a look at some of those. Those restrictive covenants or just controls on property dictate who can lease property. For example, I tried to buy an ice cream cone the other day, I had to walk a long way around the neighbourhood to find an ice cream store. I'm not saying that's the case, but basically you don't want too many businesses right up against each other because otherwise who can survive is the argument. There could be a common practice to have these property controls to justify the company making the investments, opening the stores and even expanding. You wouldn't do that if you had too much competition. Again, overly controlling, you have the ability to block rivals from expanding, that's not good for competitors or consumers. Those are the two sides of the argument. We'll be watching to see how this shakes down. >> Natasha: okay, thanks, >> Adrienne Arsenault: You are constantly on the move, and so are we, making sense of the moments that matter, together. >> I really like the good ideas that come out of these conversations. >> Adrienne: With you, and for you. >> Are you ok? >> Been quite a day, to be honest. >> I'm Adrienne Arsenault. This isThe National. I'm lost in love... (Electronic chime) So lost in love with you Get started for free on eharmony. (Giggling) Must be 18 or older to join. Get who gets you. eharmony. Let's go for a skate, and a little chat. Because retirement today is not what it used to be. The good news is we're living longer and more active lives, but planning for that longevitycan come with some challenges. Thankfully as a Canadian homeowner aged 55 and better, you have options. The chip Program allows you to access the value of your home without selling it. So you can live retirement on your terms. If you're 55 or older call now for your free no obligation chip Reverse Mortgage Guide. With chip you get up to 55% of your home's value in tax free cash take only what you need in a lump sum or over time with no monthly mortgage payments required. Call (number on screen) Maybe it's time for you to consider chip too! Call now for your free no obligation guide. Call (number on screen) or visit chip dot ca. Call chip today and live retirement your way.

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