The West Block

A conversation with Green Party leader Elizabeth May...her thoughts on the images of Justin Trudeau in blackface brownface, what she will do if the election results are for a minority government and what she says about possible changes to NATO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we take a look at the latest twists and turns in the federal election plus Global news has exclusive new details on the charges against an RCMP intelligence officials which may have serious implications for Canada's intelligence community. Guests: NDP strategist Anne McGrath; Liberal strategist Richard Mahoney; Conservative strategist Fred DeLorey; National security expert Stephani...

The West Block visits a riding just outside Toronto where Canada’s two largest parties are hoping for a win to form the next federal government on October 21st Guests:  Todd McCarthy, Conservative candidate-Whitby, Ontario; Ryan Turnbull, Liberal candidate-Whitby,Ontario; Peter Graefe, McMaster University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                  In this edition we look at the upcoming federal election campaign....what are the strategies, slogans and issues going into the October election.  We will also preview the Manitoba election where voters will decide on Tuesday September 10th who will lead that province. Guests: Darrell Bricker, Ipsos CEO; Anne McGrath, NDP strategist; Fred DeLorey, Conservative strategist; Richard...

A former federal finance minister says Canada will benefit economically from climate change and its time to stop stoking fear to our children with a climate crisis.  Is he correct?  If not, what are the costs?  And as we head into an election, we'll rate the environmental policies of the liberals, conservatives, ndp and greens. Guests:  Joe Oliver, Former Federal Finance Minister; Kai Chan, Univer...

In this edition of The West Block we take a look at what the global community can do with regards to China...Canada tells local employees at the consulate in Hong Kong they can no longer travel to China on official business.  The U.S. is pushing its allies to bring home their citizens who have fought for ISIS, why?  And students across Canada are being threatened if they speak out against China, w...

In this episode we focus on the fallout from the SNC-Lavalin affair and the findings of the ethics commissioner against the prime minister.  Will this hurt his government at the polls in October?  And why can't he say he's sorry? Guests: Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Attorney General; David Coletto, Abacus Data; Shachi Kurl, Angus Reid Institute; Barry McLoughlin, McLoughlin Media   Learn more abou...

In this episode we focus on the fallout from the SNC-Lavalin affair and the findings of the ethics commissioner against the prime minister.  Will this hurt his government at the polls in October?  And why can't he say he's sorry? Guests: Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Attorney General; David Coletto, Abacus Data; Shachi Kurl, Angus Reid Institute; Barry McLoughlin, McLoughlin Media Learn more about...

In this episode we look at why more asylum seekers are crossing into Canada at irregular border crossings? Is the new Trump administration policies and clamp down at the southern border affecting the numbers coming to Canada?  And do the customs and border agents have enough resources to do their job? Guests: Jean-Pierre Fortin, National President Customs and Immigration Union; Bill Blair, Ministe...

With climate change threatening the North as we know it, the government moves to protect massive expanses of the Arctic sea and promises millions of dollars in infrastructure. But is it enough? Then we'll unpack the politics of campaign prep from war chests to talking points. And we talk drop shots and the drop of the writ over a badminton match with NDP MP Don Davies.  Guests: Nunavut Senator Den...

In this episode of The West Block, Five Eyes allies meet in London this week to discuss national security and intelligence issues. We'll ask Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale what's on the agenda. Then the U.K. has a new prime minister. What impact will Boris Johnson have across the pond, and here at home? Finally, when it comes to Hill Hobbies, Liberal MP Mona Fortier takes the cake.  Guests:...

In this episode of The West Block, we scope out the shape of the electoral landscape exactly three months before Canadians go to the polls. Then we talk to CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta about fake news, truth and how Donald Trump is changing America. And we get a flavour for Green Party Leader Elizabeth May's Hill Hobby.  Guests: Wilfrid Laurier University's Barry Kay, CNN White House C...

In this episode of The West Block we talk to the chair of the public safety and national security committee about the Desjardins data breach which affects nearly three million Canadians and many businesses across the country. Then we talk to two seasoned Hill watchers about politics away from Ottawa as candidates and party leaders prepare for the upcoming election.  Plus another in our hill hobbie...

In this episode we take a look at what may be on the agenda heading into the last premier's meeting before the federal election.  Then we talk to three MPs who have decided not to seek re-election in October.  And then we go off the hill to meet up with one MP to find out why music strikes a key for this politician. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The West Block we take a look at the Trans Mountain expansion project with an insider from TMX.  Then what does Ukraine need/want from Canada and the international community when it comes to Russia?  And another in our occasional Hill Hobbies....this time we throw on a pair of ghillies and take a turn. Guests: Ian Anderson, President & CEO Trans Mountain Corp.; Ambassador Andriy...

A national climate emergency,  pipeline approval-a new environmental plan and a long awaited meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau on China and trade. Guests: Andrew Scheer, Conservative Party Leader; Andrew Weaver, B.C. Green Party Leader; Susan Delacourt, Ottawa Bureau Chief Toronto Star, David Akin, Chief Political Correspondent Global News Learn more about your ad choices....

Our weather is changing...we are seeing more fires, more drought more frequently.  Yes the planet is warming up, but are we adapting enough to those changes?  What can we do to help mitigate disasters that come with the changing weather? Guest: David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The West Block we look at pipelines in Canada and the approval process to get these energy project built.  How will the government's proposed legislation affect this process?  Plus when Canada's Prime Minister heads to Washington to meet with President Trump trade and China will be top of the agenda.  What does Canada want from the White House?  And fake news, 86 respondents in...

What happens if President Maduro does not soon leave office in Venezuela? We'll talk to a former mayor of that country who is now living in exile in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The West Block we look at the report of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and discuss their findings of genocide.  Then we talk to three MPs about Bill C69 and the environmental assessment process and what this means for the energy sector.  And we finish with a discussion on Huawei and what a deal with this company for Canada's 5G network could mean for relations with...

In this episode will CUSMA ever be ratified? Unifor's Jerry Dias has his doubts. Plus there's a power struggle between Ottawa and Manitoba. Premier Brian Pallister explains. And we'll talk Brexit, corruption and politics with U.K. Minister of State for Northern Ireland John Penrose. Guests: National President of Unifor Jerry Dias, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and U.K. Minister of State for Nor...

What more can be done to protect the privacy of our citizens against tech giants? Is it too late to act?   Guest: Steven Hill, author and journalist who has written extensively on this topic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The West Block we talk to two veterans to get their reaction to the unveiling of a memorial in Ottawa where veterans and family members were not invited.  Plus given the war of words between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump, will this affect the ratification of the new NAFTA?  And then how will the federal government respond when Alberta repeals the carbon tax? Gue...

In this podcast we talk about artificial intelligence...getting businesses up to speed, adapting with AI and why this is so important for businesses moving forward and for the economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good news for Canada and the U.S. on Friday as Trump lifts steel and aluminum tariffs...will this mean a ratification of the new NAFTA is just around the corner?  Then a new minority government in Newfoundland and Labrador, did the scandals affecting the federal liberal party hurt their provincial counterpart?  And we'll talk to a former political prisoner in China, what was his experience like? G...