The West Block

Fallout continues over former U.S. president Donald Trump’s comments suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin could do whatever he wanted to NATO allies who didn’t meet the alliance’s 2-per cent defence spending targets. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with John Bolton, the former U.S. national security adviser to Donald Trump, about the seriousness of the Republican frontrunner’s NATO comments. Bolton also discusses the threat of Iranian foreign interference in North America and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Plus, Stephenson interviews Defence Minister Bill Blair about how Canada might respond to Navalny’s death and pressures to boost its defence spending.

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The federal government convened a national summit to combat the growing problem of auto thefts in Canada. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen interviews Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc about the jurisdictional roadblocks in tackling organized car thefts, possible new penalties for repeat car thieves, and more.

Plus, Sorensen is joined by Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman to discuss the ‘Team Canada’ strategy, preparations for a possible Donald Trump re-election, and concerns over PM Trudeau’s anti-MAGA rhetoric.

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a suite of new policy proposals aimed at gender identity and transgender youth, triggering political shockwaves across Canada. Some of the proposed changes impact gender-affirming medical treatments for minors and pronoun changes at school. ‘The West Block’ guest host David Akin speaks with Premier Smith about what prompted her to announce these LGBTQ2S+ policy proposals, her government’s plan for sex education in schools, the potential use of the notwithstanding clause, and more.

Plus, Akin interviews Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, the only Alberta MP in PM Trudeau’s cabinet, for the federal reaction.

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The national foreign interference inquiry will hold its first public hearings this week. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Dick Fadden, a former CSIS director, and Vina Nadjibulla, an international security specialist at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, about the threat of foreign interference, protecting national security, implications for Canada’s foreign relations, and more.

Plus, Stephenson sits down with The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa Bureau Chief Bob Fife and The Toronto Star’s Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief Stephanie Levitz to discuss where the leaders stand ahead of the new 2024 parliamentary session. 

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Following the Canadian Medical Association’s calls for urgent political action to fix the crisis in Canada’s emergency rooms, ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen speaks with Health Minister Mark Holland about how his government is addressing the issue. Minister Holland also discusses Ontario’s plan for more private health-care clinics and safeguarding Canada’s medication supply.

Plus, Sorensen sits down with Jonathan Madison, a Republican strategist, and Sarada Peri, former senior speechwriter to former U.S. president Barack Obama, to discuss the political stakes of the 2024 U.S. presidential race, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s concerns over a possible Donald Trump re-election, and more.

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Concerns in the Middle East are rising following U.S. and U.K. targeted airstrikes on Houthi-linked sites in Yemen. These airstrikes come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up his latest tour of the region. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen speaks with Frank Lowenstein, a former U.S. special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, on the implications of the U.S.-led strikes on Houthi sites, the White House’s diplomacy in the region, and the next stages of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Plus, Sorensen sits down with a panel of doctors, Dr. Kathleen Ross (Canadian Medical Association) and Dr. Trevor Jain (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians), to discuss the issue of lengthy ER wait times, how politicians should address the crisis, and more.

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When he was elected, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he was going to deliver “immediate help” to Manitobans when it comes to affordability and health care. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about the state of progress on his promises, his priorities for the new year, the carbon tax, and more.

Plus, Stephenson sits down with a panel of retired top military brass, Gen. (Ret’d) Tom Lawson, Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman and Lt.-Gen. (Ret’d) Guy Thibault, to discuss the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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As tensions grow on the open seas– confrontations with China, Russia’s growing interest in the Arctic– ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, about the challenges facing the naval force, including personnel shortage. Vice-Admiral Topshee also addresses concerns about ship procurement and possible federal defence spending cuts.

Plus, Stephenson is joined by Global News’ David Akin, Abigail Bimman and Mackenzie Gray to analyze the top stories of 2023, and discuss what’s on their radar in 2024.

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In a year-end one-on-one interview, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss some of year’s top political issues, including Canadian protests concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, foreign interference in Canada, the housing crisis. PM Trudeau also addresses an exclusive poll that says the majority of Canadians say he should resign as prime minister.

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Ottawa and Washington are no longer on the same page publicly on the Israel-Hamas war following Canada’s vote in favour of a United Nations resolution demanding an ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire.’ ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with U.S. Ambassador David Cohen about the U.N. vote, calls for Canada to label the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group, and possible Canadian define spending cuts.

Plus, following the House of Commons rising for the holidays, Stephenson is joined by The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa Bureau Chief Bob Fife and Toronto Star’s parliamentary reporter Stephanie Levitz to respond new Ipsos polling numbers that show the majority of Canadians think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign as Liberal Party leader in 2024.

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