The West Block

The Liberal government recently unveiled its nearly $4 billion strategy to position Canada as a global supplier of critical minerals. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson about the national security implications of these minerals, and what the government’s plan does to protect Canada. Plus, Stephenson speaks with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh about the health-care crisis plaguing emergency room departments across the country, a key priority in the NDP-Liberal supply and confidence agreement.

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to 'The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson about her government's controversial Sovereignty Act. Smith says the proposed legislation is a warning to Ottawa 'to stay in their lane'. Stephenson also speaks to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about Russia's war in Ukraine. He says Russian President Vladimir Putin only understands force and Ukraine needs membership in NATO and the European Union to protect its independence.

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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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