The West Block

By Global News / CuriouscastSociety & Culture News Politics

The West Block episodes

December 26, 2021 In Conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a revealing and candid year-end interview. Trudeau discusses the impact the pandemic is having on Canadians and the way forward. He reflects on the release of the two Michaels' and navigating Canada's relationship with China. Trudeau addresses criticism of his government's efforts in getting Afghan refugees to Canada. He also discusses the need for culture change in the Canadian military.

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25 min
December 19, 2021 The rise of Omicron, new border measures, and an update on overhauling military culture
This week on ‘The West Block’, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra joins host Mercedes Stephenson to discuss why the federal government is reintroducing travel restrictions when most Omicron spread in Canada is community based. Then, Stephenson sits down with Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan to talk about her five-year plan to reshape military culture following the sexual misconduct scandal.

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24 min
December 12, 2021 Pandemic Travel Rules, Fiscal Update and the Cost of Living, Canada-China Relations
Host Abigail Bimman speaks to Conservative Party MP Melissa Lantsman and NDP MP Jenny Kwan about the Auditor General Report critical of Ottawa's quarantine measures for travellers. Former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz weighs in on inflation, cost of living and the fiscal update. Former Canadian Ambassador to China Guy Saint-Jacques on the implications for Canada after Ottawa announces a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

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23 min
December 05, 2021 Ottawa's New Travel Rules to Stop the Spread of Omicron, Why is the new variant such a risk and Canada takes trade disputes to Washington
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra explains the new travel rules for air passengers on international flights and defends why flights to the United States are not included. Infectious diseases physician Dr. Zain Chagla answers questions about the new Omicron variant and why increasing vaccine rates globally should be a priority. An update on Canada-US trade irritants and why the new US Ambassador to Canada could be a game-changer.

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26 min
November 28, 2021 One on One with Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on the cost of living
The Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre explains why changing military culture is so important for the future of the Canadian military. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh weighs-in on rising inflation and the cost of living.

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23 min
November 21, 2021 Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole on vaccines mandates, party unity and his leadership plus reaction to BC's Record Floods
A feature interview with Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole as MPs return to Parliament. O'Toole weighs in on vaccine mandates, leadership questions and his priorities for the new session. The mayor of Abbotsford, BC describes the impact of last week's devastating floods on his community. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson discusses Ottawa's plans to adapt to climate change.

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23 min
November 14, 2021 What to watch for at the North American Leaders' Summit and Elizabeth May on COP26
Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, discusses some of the challenges facing Canada-US relations ahead of the "Three Amigos" Summit in Washington. Green Party Parliamentary Leader Elizabeth May explains why Canada's commitments at COP26 don't go far enough when it comes to fighting climate change.

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25 min
November 07, 2021 Defence Minister Anita Anand on Sexual Misconduct Cases in the Military and Safe Houses in Afghanistan shut down
Defence Minister Anita Anand explains what she's doing to address sexual misconduct cases in the military. Canadian veterans and volunteers are forced to close safe houses in Kabul due to lack of funding.

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23 min
October 31, 2021 Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc on cabinet priorities, Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan on Women in Senior Leadership Roles and Canada's Record ahead of the UN Climate Summit
Guest host Eric Sorensen speaks to Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc about Ottawa's priorities as a new federal cabinet is sworn in. Former federal cabinet ministers Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan discuss the importance of women at the cabinet table. Canadian climate change activist Tzeporah Berman says the Trudeau government doesn't have the best record heading to COP26 in Glasgow.

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23 min
October 24, 2021 Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough on implications for workers who refuse vaccine mandates and former Environment Minister Catherine McKenna on COP26
Guest host Mike Le Couteur speaks to Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough about Ottawa's changes to its pandemic support programs and whether workers who refuse vaccine mandates and leave their jobs can qualify for employment insurance. Former Liberal cabinet minister Catherine McKenna takes her fight against climate change to the UN. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gets ready to unveil his new cabinet.

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23 min

About The West Block

From the publisher's feed

The West Block with Jeff Semple is Global News weekly political and current affairs program. The show digs deep into the breaking news and major stories that impact Canadians’ lives. Through in-depth conversations with political, national, and international newsmakers.