Global National: April 28, 2026 | Canada unveils new fiscal plan with billions for skilled trades

Added: 2026-05-06

[00:00:04]On this Tuesday night, Ottawa's spring economic update. The unprecedented strategy to beef up the skilled trades workforce. What's happening to Canada's pension plan contributions, and what's missing from the announcement, a candid royal address to US lawmakers.

[00:00:20]>> The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.

[00:00:26]>> How the king's visit is more than symbolic.

[00:00:29]The era of AI threats.

[00:00:32]>> Hey, it's Taylor Swift.

[00:00:33]>> The legal hurdles as the mega star tries to protect her voice and image. Plus, pothole patrol.

[00:00:40]>> Why we are waiting for somebody to fix it? If I can fix it myself.

[00:00:45]>> The man who lost patience with his city and took matters into his own hands.

[00:00:51]>> Global National with Donna Fzen.

[00:00:54]Reporting tonight, Eric Sorenson.

[00:00:57]Good evening and thanks for joining us.

[00:00:59]Finance Minister Franis Philip Champang unveiled the government's latest economic and fiscal blueprint late this afternoon. It includes a multi-billion dollar plan to increase the number of skilled trades workers in the country.

[00:01:11]As our chief political correspondent David Aken reports, the government is making new spending initiatives against what it says is an improved financial position. David?

[00:01:21]>> Yeah, Eric. The government's spring economic statement really confirms a lot of initiatives that it has announced over the last year. But there are some significant new initiatives announced today.

[00:01:34]Chief among them, a plan to spend $6 billion over the next 5 years to recruit and train 80 to 100,000 skilled workers.

[00:01:42]To meet this target, Ottawa proposes a $400 a week apprenticeship training grant and a $5,000 bonus for those who achieve red seal certification. Canada has a lot of of uh of advantages, but the the missing ingredient has been uh who's really going to be doing all that building and this is really the first uh document that I see uh goes in certain direction to address that. And for the first time, the federal government is also looking to the military to bolster the skilled trades workforce by setting up a pilot program that will let those who join the Canadian forces reserves get their trades training completely paid for by the government.

[00:02:25]>> This means real pathways into skilled trades with paid training and endon experience. It means more opportunities for employer to hire and train young workers. The government is also trimming Canada pension plan contributions starting next year. That will save both employers and employees. An employee earning $70,000 a year, for example, would save $133.

[00:02:50]Ottawa also proposes to make it easier to qualify for the disability tax credit that could help Canadians dealing with everything from walking impairments to Alzheimer's to get federal financial help. The government says it can afford to do all of this because it argues the federal deficit was significantly lower last year and will continue to decline over the next 5 years >> because the economy is a little bit bigger that we will see a smaller deficit in in 20 you know 2526 which is a a good thing. People will like to hear that. For 2025 2026, the deficit was forecast last November at $78 billion, but is now forecast to come in at $67 billion. This year's deficit is expected to be $65 billion, declining to 53 billion in 5 years. We also remain firmly on track to balance day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2829 and to keep the deficit to GDP ratio on a steady downward path.

[00:03:52]>> Now, the risk to all of this, well, number one, the war in Iran causes energy prices to spike and that causes a global recession. Number two, the US ramps up its trade war against the world and Canada. Or number three, both. Eric, >> so David, the the Carne government has announced ambitious goals for defense spending and new home construction. What did the economic statement have to say about that?

[00:04:17]>> We're missing some details on both of those, both defense spending and home construction. On defense spending, yes, the government for the first time hit that NATO target of 2 and a half% of of GDP spending on defense. Good. But NATO, including Canada, agreed that by 2035, we've got to double that. It's got to be 5% of GDP spending on defense. And we really didn't see any charts, any line items. Where's the path? You just can't turn it on in 2034. You've got to start now. Finally, the government has made tre tremendously ambitious goals to build homes. 500,000 home units a year, and we're nowhere near those. The government did commit to continue with spending $13 billion on its federal housing agency, Build Canada Homes. But again, looking for more details on how and where that's going to happen. This is going to be great fodder for the opposition parties block uh the conservatives, New Democrats to hold this majority government to account and explain more about defense and home construction. Eric, >> all right, David Aken in Ottawa. Thank you. Well, the leader of the opposition thanked Carney for simplifying the disability tax credit, but Pierre Polyv slammed the government for delivering what he called an 11th liberal budget on the national credit card.

[00:05:32]>> Here are the facts. He doubled the national the deficit from 31 billion to 65 billion. Prime Minister broke his promise that he would reduce the debt to GDP ratio over the fiscal horizon.

[00:05:44]Energy giant Shell has signed a $22 billion deal to take over Canadian natural gas producer Ark Resources. It would significantly expand Shell's footprint in Western Canada. And as Jillian Piper reports, analysts see it as a major bet on Canada's role in the global liqufied natural gas market.

[00:06:03]Jillian, >> Eric, it is set to be one of the biggest Canadian oil patch deals in over a decade with energy giant Shell planning to take over Alberta based oil and gas producer Ark Resources. In a written statement, Shell's CEO says the $22 billion merger establishes Canada as a heartland for Shell. The prime minister labeling the move as a good sign.

[00:06:24]>> It's a vote of confidence in Canada.

[00:06:26]>> The deal comes as the federal government is aiming to fasttrack two major LG projects in British Columbia. Salisms, a proposed LG export facility that would send over 20 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Asia annually along with another project Shell co-owns, LG Canada, which could double production.

[00:06:44]>> For Shell, they understand all of this and so they could see strong returns from LG Canada phase 2 and from developing this and from the liquids that are associated with it. And it's, you know, bodess well for everything moving forward together. More Canadian energy agreements may be on the way with companies seeking new oil suppliers due to global disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war in Iran.

[00:07:07]>> I would not be surprised to see more happen this year, especially given the war and you know the security issue is front and center now and Canada looks at one of the more secure producers in the world.

[00:07:19]>> The Shell Arc deal is still going through regulatory approvals, Eric, but the companies are hoping to close the deal later this year.

[00:07:27]>> Jillian Piper in Ottawa. Thank you. King Charles III made an historic speech to the US Congress today. Only the second British monarch to do so. He was surprisingly candid, extoing the virtues of NATO, the need to defend Ukraine and to address climate change. And yet, the king also highlighted the enduring bond between two nations.

[00:07:46]>> From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history.

[00:07:58]I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values.

[00:08:07]There has been growing political tension between the US and the UK over the war on Iran and many of the lawmakers in the room were at the White House correspondents dinner Saturday that was disrupted by gunfire. Heather Urick's West joins us now from Washington.

[00:08:20]Heather >> Eric, after a tense few days here in Washington, the US president, who usually makes a show of his power and strength with foreign leaders, appeared to delight in playing host to the king.

[00:08:33]A rare F-35 flyover above the White House, part of a massive show of pomp and ceremony as the US president formally welcomed the British monarch with a story about his mom. She really did love the family. But I also remember her saying very clearly, "Charles, look, young Charles, he's so cute."

[00:08:57]The president's clear fondness for the king in contrast to his increasingly strained relationship with the British government. As Prime Minister Kier Starmer maintains he does not support British involvement in Trump's war with Iran >> 250 years ago or as we say in the United Kingdom just the other day >> in a jovial address to the US Congress that got plenty of laughs. The king highlighted the values shared by the two countries, their history of reconciliation and the need for continued cooperation.

[00:09:29]Let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.

[00:09:41]>> A visit of this undertaking of this scale does not happen just for the symbolic aspect that there are going to be behind the scenes real world political implications that the British government is wanting. Your Congress and our Parliament are the twin pillars of our civilizations.

[00:10:03]>> It was shortly after the end of the Gulf War, the king's mother became the first British royal to address the US Congress.

[00:10:10]>> Now, against the backdrop of a new conflict, it is her son's turn to exert that subtle soft power the monarchy is known for. As longtime allies navigate this increasingly complicated time, Eric, >> Heather, Euron, Washington. Thank you.

[00:10:25]What started as a comedy monologue has reignited the debate over free speech in the US. The Federal Communications Commission will review the broadcast licenses of ABC owned stations after the White House complained about a Jimmy Kimmel joke from last week. Kimmel is defending the joke made at Donald Trump's expense and argues the backlash is disingenuous. Mike Armstrong explains.

[00:10:48]>> Thank you for joining us. Right off the top of his show, Jimmy Kimmel addressed starting his day with social media posts from the first family, calling for him to be fired.

[00:10:59]>> I greeted the day facing yet another Twitter vomit storm.

[00:11:02]>> Kimmel says his critics are trying to make a joke into something it wasn't.

[00:11:07]>> Do we have a Jesus in the house?

[00:11:08]>> Thursday night, 3 days before the White House correspondents dinner, he did a fake speech on his show. In it, he said Melania Trump had the glow of an expectant widow. It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am.

[00:11:23]It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination and they know that. I've been very vocal for many years speaking out against gun violence.

[00:11:35]>> Now, the gunfire at Saturday's dinner did change the atmosphere around Kimmel's joke with two previous assassination attempts against Donald Trump.

[00:11:44]>> Blue coming up. His press secretary accused Kimmel, the media, and Democrats of pushing rhetoric that inspires violence.

[00:11:52]>> I have a whole host of examples.

[00:11:54]>> Caroline Levit listed some of the language she says should be toned down.

[00:11:58]Things like this from Pennsylvania's governor.

[00:12:01]>> Governor Josh Shapiro said heads need to roll within the administration. While the rhetoric in this politically charged environment is hardly one way, the president has gone as far as arguing some critics have committed crimes punishable by death. Levit herself used some arguably awkward imagery, joking on her way into the dinner Saturday.

[00:12:21]>> There will be some shots fired tonight.

[00:12:25]>> Now, Kimmel and Trump have a history. In September, ABC pulled his show off the air, bowing to pressure from the White House and the head of the Federal Communications Commission. That kicked off a debate over freedom of speech and Kimmel was put back on the air. The FCC is now preparing to get involved again.

[00:12:43]Mike Armstrong, Global News, Montreal.

[00:12:46]A deadly train collision in Indonesia.

[00:12:48]Coming up, we'll show you one passenger's video during the moment of impact.

[00:13:03]That was the moment a long-distance train crashed into the rear car of a stationary commuter train in Indonesia.

[00:13:09]15 people were killed, all women who were in a designated car at the back of the commuter train. Dozens more were injured and taken to hospital.

[00:13:17]Investigators believe the tragedy began when another commuter train hit a stalled taxi, starting a tragic chain of events.

[00:13:25]to the war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump is claiming Iran told the US it's in a state of collapse and wants to open the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:13:34]In a social media post, Trump said Iran wants to keep the key shipping route open as soon as possible as they try to figure out their leadership. The president did not say who told him or if America will comply. The strait's closure has triggered far-reaching disruption of the global energy supply.

[00:13:51]Today, the United Arab Emirates announced it is leaving OPEC, the organization of the petroleum exporting countries. It's a major blow to the cartel of non-western oil producers.

[00:14:01]OPEC coordinates the production and supply of oil to control its price globally. Iran is among its members.

[00:14:07]Redmond Shannon reports on what's driving the UAE's decision to leave. The United Arab Emirates deputy prime minister arrived in Saudi Arabia to a warm welcome aware his country had difficult news to break to the Saudis.

[00:14:23]They and other Gulf allies met Tuesday to coordinate a response to Iranian attacks on their energy infrastructure.

[00:14:32]Then later in the day, the Yamiratis suddenly said they would be leaving this Saudiled Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC this week.

[00:14:43]OPEC has 12 core members including Iran from the Middle East, Africa plus Venezuela. They produce about a third of the world's oil and hold almost 80% of known oil reserves. The broader OPEC plus group also includes Russia. By coordinating to cap their production, the nations can keep the global oil price inflated. Iranian restrictions on the strait of Hormuz have reduced the UAE's oil exports significantly, although not completely, but the Emiratis say they're looking beyond the war, making the move to ensure flexibility. The UAE has made this kind of classic decision that it's it's not worth giving up the short-term gains to be part of the cartel if if the long-term prospects aren't looking as good.

[00:15:33]>> While the UAE might be looking to further pivot its alliances toward Washington, full control over its income is the priority. According to this former US Treasury official, >> as soon as they're able to, I'm sure they will be producing at high volumes.

[00:15:48]Higher Emirati output should mean lower oil prices around the world, but that math will only really fully apply after, perhaps long after the street of Hormuz is fully open again. Redmond Shannon, Global News, London.

[00:16:05]Shaking off deep fakes. How American pop star Taylor Swift is protecting herself against AI.

[00:16:14]A 21-year-old Austrian man has pleaded guilty to planning an attack at one of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna two years ago. He faces charges of being a member of a terrorist organization and other offenses, which could see him sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

[00:16:29]The terror plot to kill fans gathered outside the concert venue was foiled by authorities, but all three of Swift's concerts in Vienna were still canled.

[00:16:39]Meanwhile, Taylor Swift is joining other celebrities in taking action to protect herself from becoming the target of deep fakes. The American pop star has filed trademark applications for her voice and likeness in an effort to ward off fake images and videos of her being created by AI. Tia Isri reports.

[00:17:03]They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. But that was before the age of deep fakes. And one of the most replicated artists is Taylor Swift.

[00:17:13]>> AI is so new. We don't have a lot of cases where this has gone to court already. So she's she's trying to get ahead of the game.

[00:17:20]>> She's getting ahead of the game by protecting her image and voice from AI copycats.

[00:17:25]>> Hey, it's Taylor Swift. Hey, it's Taylor.

[00:17:28]>> Swift's legal team submitted these recordings to the US Patent and Trademark Office along with this photo from the ERA's tour. Songs are protected by copyright laws, but it's murkier when it comes to someone's likeness. Imagine you go on Spotify and hear a song that you've never heard before with a voice that sounds like Taylor Swift, but you notice that the artist name is Sailor Twist instead. Copyright Raw doesn't really address that.

[00:18:00]>> All right. All right. All right.

[00:18:02]>> She's not the first celebrity to move in this direction. Actor Matthew McConnA has also trademarked his signature voice. But the pop star has been one of the most targeted with deep fakes that have been used to scam people.

[00:18:15]>> Hey y'all, it's Taylor Swift here.

[00:18:17]>> Or create explicit content.

[00:18:19]>> If Taylor Swift is successful, this provides just another way for many, many artists and musicians to protect their not just their intellectual property, but their style and their likeness. But you don't know the life of a show.

[00:18:35]>> She's taking on the many challenges of being a showgirl in 2026.

[00:18:40]Teria Izri, Global News, Montreal.

[00:18:45]>> Pothole vigilantes. Next, the Montreal citizens helping the city one pothole at a time.

[00:18:54]Navigating around potholes is a daily challenge for Canadians in the spring.

[00:18:58]In Montreal, two men have taken matters into their own hands after seeing the number of potholes around the city. They decided to start filling them in. As Dan Spectre reports, they're being praised by many in the community, but the city's mayor isn't quite as enthused.

[00:19:14]These are not city workers. Sad Teute and Sunonny Emanuel are actually volunteering their time to fill this monster pothole in the middle of a key downtown Montreal boulevard.

[00:19:29]Some heroes wear yellow vests instead of capes.

[00:19:32]>> I'm doing this first of all for the love of the city and the love of this country.

[00:19:38]>> Teute and Manuel run a landscaping company. Driving around during the day, they couldn't help but notice the plethora of potholes afflicting the city this year. Why? We are waiting for somebody to fix it. If I can fix it myself.

[00:19:51]>> So now every day before and after work, they say they get their ashvalt bags out, dump it into the street craters, and level the surface. Dickute says it costs about $50 to fill each pothole.

[00:20:05]>> Formula 1 is coming. All the tourists are coming. It's not cool for our reputation. It feels good cuz people are happy.

[00:20:11]>> Global News watched several people stop to thank them.

[00:20:15]>> I think it's fabulous. It's really great and they should continue.

[00:20:19]>> The city admits the state of Montreal's roads is discouraging, but nonetheless encourages citizens to call 311 to report potholes directly to the administration rather than taking action themselves. In a statement, Mayor Sariah Martinez Farada says, "While we commend these citizens for taking the initiative, it's not normal that they have to fill potholes on their own.

[00:20:40]We're stepping up our efforts to prevent this kind of situation and finally give Montreal streets that are in proper shape.

[00:20:46]>> Diverting traffic illegally.

[00:20:48]>> This lawyer says if a police officer or city inspector wanted to, they could give the men a fine.

[00:20:54]>> You're working on the public domain.

[00:20:55]There are some bylaws and some security rules that you have to follow.

[00:21:00]>> But so far, nobody has dared to stop them. And the vestclad heroes say they plan to keep beautifying their city one hole at a time. Dan Spectre, Global News, Montreal.

[00:21:10]>> That is Global National for this Tuesday night. I'm Eric Sorenson. Tonight's your Canada is Lac Debbani, Manitoba. We love to see your Canada. Please email your photos to global national global news.ca. Jeff Simple will be at the anchor desk tomorrow. Thanks for watching.

[00:21:37]Heat. Heat.