The West Block

The federal government has unveiled their draft framework for an emissions cap on the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas industry, as well as the province of Alberta, has criticized the federal plan as being a ‘backdoor’ production cap, while environmental groups blasted the plan for not going far enough. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson about the emissions cap framework, as well as the marathon voting session in the House over the Conservative Party’s carbon tax filibuster.

Plus, Stephenson is joined by Kate Armstrong, the first female cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), and Lt.-Col. (Ret’d) Mark Popov, the former head of officer cadet training at RMC, to discuss military misconduct, as well as the federal plan to establish a review panel to analyze the culture, education and training at Canada's two military colleges.

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The federal government is facing heat for its sole-sourced contract with Boeing to replace Canada’s aging Aurora aircraft patrol fleet. This comes as the Royal Canadian Navy’s top commander released a video saying their was a naval recruitment shortfall. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Defence Minister Bill Blair about military procurement, ammunition shortages, defence spending, and more.

Plus, Stephenson is joined by Generation Squeeze’s Paul Kershaw and CanAge’s Laura Tamblyn Watts to discuss Canada’s looming retirement crisis, how younger and older Canadians are struggling, and more.

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The federal government made a push for housing in its fall economic statement, while attempting to show some fiscal restraint. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen speaks with Treasury Board President Anita Anand about the government’s housing measures, the federal debt, spending cuts, and defence funding.

Plus, Sorensen is joined by The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa Bureau Chief Bob Fife and Toronto Star’s parliamentary reporter Stephanie Levitz to break down the political reaction to the economic update, fallout over a vote on the updated Canada-Ukraine trade deal, and more.

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Iran’s alleged links to proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas have come under increased scrutiny after the October 7th attacks on Israel—raising questions about the Iranian regime’s reach into Canada. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with human rights activist Masih Alinejad about her warnings to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian public, the threats made against her, and more.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Roy Chun Lee about Taipei’s view of the Biden-Xi meeting, military activity in the Taiwan Strait, election interference, and more.

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Protests and demonstrations have erupted across Canada since the start of Israel-Hamas conflict in October, many of which have been peaceful. But officials have become concerned about a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in light of recent escalations, including attacks on a Montreal synagogue and two Jewish schools, as well as a violent clash on Concordia University’s campus. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Government House Leader Karina Gould on what help the feds are providing to ensure communities feels safer, potential consequences for violent hate attacks, her concerns as a Jewish woman, and more.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired Master Cpl. Arjun Grewal about the dangers of toxic burn pit exposure for soldiers, the adverse health effects stemming from the burn pits, how the issue is playing out in Canada, and more.

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After the federal Liberals paused carbon pricing on home heating oil, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there will be no further carbon tax carve-outs despite blowback that the policy change only benefitted Atlantic Canada. The Opposition is now calling for that freeze to be extended to other forms of home heating. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault about the carbon tax change, his message to Albertans who deem the Atlantic Canada carve-out unfair, and more.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with Chen Zeigen, the son of presumed Canadian hostage Vivian Silver, and Irwin Cotler, former Liberal justice minister and former special envoy on combatting anti-Semitism, on efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

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Israel has escalated its offensive in Gaza– expanding its ground operation, unleashing more airstrikes, and knocking out communications in the regions. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with retired Maj.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the former force commander of the peacekeeping Multinational Force and Observers, about the operational considerations for the Israeli ground offensive and the presence of the Canadian Special Operations Forces in Israel.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with former Israeli PM Ehud Barak on the future of a two-state solution, concerns of a regional war, and more.

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U.S. President Joe Biden visits the Middle East to show support to Israel and de-escalate tensions in the region. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Frank Lowenstein, a former U.S. special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, on what the White House is doing to contain the conflict in Gaza from spreading, the situation in the West Bank, and what happens next.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with former FBI negotiator Phil Andrew about the behind-the-scenes race to free hostages from Hamas.

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A week after Hamas’ deadly attacks, Israel prepares its ground offensive. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Brig. Gen. (Res.) Amir Avivi, a former Israel Defense Forces’ deputy commander, on the IDF’s offensive in Gaza, rescuing hostages and the role of Iran in the conflict.

Plus, Stephenson speaks with human rights lawyer Zaha Hassan, a former legal advisor to the Palestinian negotiation team during their U.N. membership bid, on the situation in Gaza.

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A surprise attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel has left hundreds dead. Israel immediately launched air strikes into Gaza and has vowed to wipe out the militant group. With fears the conflict could spread 'The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security advisor for Israel and a professor at Columbia University and Tel Aviv University. Plus, this Thanksgiving many Canadians are feeling the pinch when it comes to the high cost of food. Stephenson speaks to Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne about the federal plan to bring some relief to your grocery bill.

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