The West Block

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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'The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, Larisa Galadza, about Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest efforts to claim territory in Ukraine by holding sham referendums and announcing the mobilization of Russian reservists. One of the lead plaintiffs in a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit against the federal government describes allegations of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in the federal public service that date back decades.

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The season premiere of The West Block looks at Pierre Poilievre's landslide victory in the Conservative Leadership Race and how he intends to shake-up federal politics as Official Opposition Leader. Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Harper-era cabinet ministers James Moore and Poilievre campaign co-chair John Baird. Governor General Mary Simons reflects on the Queen's legacy and the future of the monarchy in Canada.

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The Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre discusses the challenges facing Canada's military in a wide-ranging interview. Conservative Party veteran and retired Senator Marjory LeBreton expresses concern about the direction the party is taking during the Conservative leadership race. 

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Transport Minister Omar Alghabra discusses airport bottlenecks and changes to travel rules as vaccine mandates are lifted for air and train passengers travelling within Canada or leaving the country. Economist Don Drummond looks at Ottawa's affordability plan. Conservative Leadership Candidate Jean Charest discusses his path to winning the leadership and why he's the best candidate to unite the party and the country.

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‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, for a wide-ranging conversation. Cohen discusses the risk to democracy from populist movements, Canadian defence spending and Alberta's oil industry. Brampton mayor Patrick Brown speaks about his Conservative leadership campaign and whether he will run again for mayor before the leadership race wraps up.

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Defence Minister Anita Anand reacts to reports of Chinese fighter pilots buzzing Canadian planes and discusses moving forward on the recommendations into military sexual misconduct by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour. Former Governor General David Johnston reflects on his personal encounters with the Queen and the future of the monarchy in Canada.

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Justice Minister David Lametti discusses the federal government's gun control measures and reaction to Quebec's new French language law Bill-96. The Atlantic Staff Writer David Frum discusses the challenges in getting tougher gun laws passed in the United States. The Toronto Star's Robert Benzie and Queen's Park Observer Sabrina Nanji weigh-in on the final week of the Ontario election campaign.

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This week on ‘The West Block,’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, who says Canada plans to ban ‘high-risk vendors’ in other sensitive industries in the wake of barring Huawei from the nation’s 5G infrastructure. Then, Stephenson speaks with former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith about her goal to lead Alberta’s United Conservative Party following Premier Jason Kenney’s shocking resignation. Plus, the racially motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket thrust a white supremacist conspiracy theory into the spotlight. Stephenson is joined by extremism research Amarnath Amarasingam on what needs to be done to address white supremacy.

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