Global conflicts and annexation threats: What's Canada's role in a changing world?

Sep 27, 2025

Guest

Paul Wells

Guest

Emma Godmere

Guest

Bob Rae

Bob Rae, Canada's UN Ambassador, discusses the significance of recognizing Palestine amidst global security concerns and Trump’s provocative UN address. Emma Godmere shares firsthand accounts from Nuuk, Greenland, revealing local sentiments about international attention and strengthened ties with Canada. Paul Wells analyzes the political repercussions of a leaked audio involving the public safety minister's comments on gun policy, shedding light on internal government dynamics. The conversation touches on pressing geopolitical trends and the evolving role of Canada in global affairs.

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INSIGHT

Canada's Conditional Recognition Of Palestine

Canada recognized Palestinian statehood while insisting on elections, demilitarization, and no Hamas role.
Bob Rae framed recognition as supporting Palestinian self-determination alongside concern for both peoples' safety.

ADVICE

Keep Quiet Diplomacy And Explain It

Bob Rae urged Canada to continue quiet, practical diplomacy and humanitarian assistance in the region.
He recommended public communication so Canadians understand Canada's ongoing support and security work.

INSIGHT

Rejecting Science Undermines Global Security

Bob Rae called Trump's UN attacks on climate science and migration 'profoundly regrettable.'
He warned rejection of science and hostility to migrants undermines global responses to displacement and climate crises.

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World leaders gathered at the United Nations HQ this week in New York to discuss a wide-ranging set of issues — and Canada made headlines by announcing it now recognizes the state of Palestine. Ambassador Bob Rae joins The House to talk about the federal government’s decision, Trump’s change of heart over Ukraine and what to make of the U.S. president’s hour-long, combative address to the world.

Plus, Canada and Greenland already had plenty in common before facing threats of annexation from the White House — but all that attention could make for a timely reason to strengthen a key relationship. CBC's Emma Godmere travels to Greenland’s capital of Nuuk to hear from residents about being in the international spotlight and pursuing stronger ties with Canada. Her reporting was made possible by the R. James Travers Foreign Corresponding Fellowship.

Then, two Hill watchers discuss how Prime Minister Mark Carney is managing the fallout from the leaked audio recording of his public safety minister appearing to undermine the Liberals’ long-promised gun buyback program.

Finally, as a group of federal and provincial privacy commissioners raise alarms over how much information TikTok collects from Canadian users, Vass Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute, explains why these concerns matter and how Canada should manage the social media powerhouse.

This episode features the voices of:

Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations
Miilu Gehlert and Hans Peter Leibhardt, Nuuk boat tour operators
Joint Arctic Command Deputy Commander Lars Nielsen
Christian Keldsen, director of the Greenland Business Association
Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s ambassador to Denmark
Sara Olsvig, international chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council
Nikoline Ziemer, biologist and resident of Nuuk, Greenland
Frederik Fuuja Larsen, curator at the Greenland National Museum and Archives
Shannon Proudfoot, columnist for The Globe and Mail
Paul Wells, author and podcaster
Vess Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute