Canada has committed to upgrading its NATO mission in Latvia, Operation REASSURANCE, to a brigade-level force by 2026. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Andris Sprūds, Latvia’s defence minister, to discuss Latvia’s preparations for Russian threats, Canada’s defence spending, and the future of the NATO alliance under a possible re-elected Donald Trump.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired general Tom Lawson, former chief of defence staff, about Defence Minister Bill Blair’s comments on the state of Canada’s military recruitment.

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