Your World Tonight Affordability battles, CBC News in Iraq, Italy’s Olympic challenge, and more
Feb 2, 2026
Sarah Levitt, CBC reporter on the ground in Italy covering logistics for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. Peter Armstrong, CBC business journalist tracking Canada’s auto sector and federal strategy. Tom Perry, CBC political reporter on Ottawa’s fight over grocery relief. They discuss grocery affordability battles, Canada’s auto industry outlook, geopolitical tensions near Iraq, and Olympic logistical challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
GST Rebate Is Central To Affordability Push
- The federal plan boosts the GST rebate 25% for five years to help more than 12 million Canadians.
- Conservatives back fast-tracking the bill while criticizing its $12-billion five-year cost and offering alternative price-cutting ideas.
Auto Sector Has Been Declining For Years
- Canada's vehicle production fell from 2.3 million in 2016 to 1.2 million last year, driven mainly by U.S. automakers cutting output here.
- The federal auto strategy due this month aims to respond to tariffs and refocus incentives on growing manufacturers.
Prioritize Growing Manufacturers In Auto Strategy
- The automotive strategy should target companies that have expanded their Canadian footprint in the past decade.
- Focus incentives on firms showing commitment to grow here rather than firms reducing production.