Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has released the long-awaited Indo-Pacific Strategy outlining the government’s priorities for a region it sees as key to Canada’s economic growth. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Minister Joly about the government’s economic priorities and its relationship with China. Plus, Stephenson speaks with freelance investigative journalist Justin Ling and The Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife about the revealing testimony from the public inquiry into the government’s use of the Emergencies Act, and the lasting impact of the commission.

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A cold winter looms over Ukraine as the country attempts to repair key energy infrastructure destroyed by Russian missiles. At the Halifax International Security Forum, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna about seeking light in literal and metaphorical darkness. Plus, Stephenson sits down with Adm. Rob Bauer, chair of the NATO Military Committee, about Russia’s threat to NATO and what’s at stake if Ukraine loses the war.

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Amid new allegations of Chinese political interference in Canada reported by Global News, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with national security expert Akshay Singh, former Canadian ambassador to China David Mulroney, and Global News investigative reporter Sam Cooper about the need for Ottawa to take action against this national security threat. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Minister of Veterans Affairs Lawrence MacAulay about the calls for his resignation and his failed promises to meet national standards.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland speaks to ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson about the financial challenges facing Canadians after the release of the Fall Economic Statement. Stephenson speaks to political commentator and ‘The Atlantic’ staff writer David Frum about what’s at stake in the U.S. midterm elections.

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‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to emergency room physicians about what they call a “perfect storm” of pressures that have resulted in overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait times at hospitals across the country. Stephenson also speaks to Veterans’ advocates and former Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole about the challenges facing Canadian veterans and why they support calls for the minister to resign.

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What’s the forecast for the global economy and how is Canada poised to weather the economic challenges ahead. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group. Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired Gen. Rick Hillier, former chief of the defence staff, about the recruitment crisis facing the Canadian military and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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The public inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act during last winter's convoy blockades held its first public hearings. 'The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Robert Fife, Ottawa bureau chief for The Globe and Mail, and freelance investigative journalist Justin Ling on what to expect. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, on the West’s response to Russia’s latest escalation in Ukraine.

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Outgoing Alberta Premier Jason Kenney spent 25 years in political life. He speaks to ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson about the highs and lows of the job and why he’s concerned about the future of conservatism. Plus, new UCP Leader Danielle Smith speaks to Stephenson about her political comeback and why she’s ready to take on Ottawa as Alberta premier.

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‘The West Block” host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to bestselling author and political activist Bill Browder about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent setbacks in Ukraine and the implications for Russians and the West. And, Alberta’s governing UCP prepares to elect a new leader to replace outgoing Premier Jason Kenney. Janet Brown, Principal, Janet Brown Opinion Research, discusses front runner Danielle Smith’s campaign strategy and proposed Alberta Sovereignty Act. 

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