The West Block

As tensions grow on the open seas– confrontations with China, Russia’s growing interest in the Arctic– ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, about the challenges facing the naval force, including personnel shortage. Vice-Admiral Topshee also addresses concerns about ship procurement and possible federal defence spe...

In a year-end one-on-one interview, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss some of year’s top political issues, including Canadian protests concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, foreign interference in Canada, the housing crisis. PM Trudeau also addresses an exclusive poll that says the majority of Canadians say he should resign as prime m...

Ottawa and Washington are no longer on the same page publicly on the Israel-Hamas war following Canada’s vote in favour of a United Nations resolution demanding an ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire.’ ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with U.S. Ambassador David Cohen about the U.N. vote, calls for Canada to label the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist gro...

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 Jo...

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 spendin...

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 Toron...

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, a...

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’...

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 Bo...

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...

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, Stephe...

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...

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. Pl...

Canada has been making global headlines with back-to-back international incidents. Parliament cheered for a man who fought for the Nazis while Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ottawa and India-Canada relations are strained in light of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging New Delhi is linked to the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with David...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ignited a diplomatic firestorm with India when he announced that Canada had credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of Canadian citizen and Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has called Trudeau’s allegations “absurd” and accused Canada of being "a safe haven for terrorists". ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes...

In a candid conversation on the season premiere of ‘The West Block’ London’s mayor Josh Morgan tells host Mercedes Stephenson that all levels of government need to get around the same table and cooperate because “blaming one level of government or another does not get more units in the ground quicker.” Stephenson also speaks with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek who says the housing crisis is only getti...

A Canadian intelligence agency is sounding the alarm that Russia may be stepping up its cyberattacks against Canada for supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. A new threat assessment says Russia-aligned hackers’ next goal could be compromising Canada’s oil and gas sector. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sat down for an exclusive interview with Sami Khoury, head of the CSE's Canadian...

After nearly 11 years in federal politics, former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole gave his final speech to Parliament. 'The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sat down with O’Toole to discuss political polarization, defence spending and the government’s handling of foreign interference. Plus, with the summer recess fast approaching, the Liberals are on the defensive after a number of political...

Special rapporteur David Johnston resigned late last week from his role investigating foreign interference, citing a “partisan atmosphere” around his appointment. "The West Block" host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc about the government's next moves and whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will call a public inquiry. Plus, Canada is facing its wor...

A Chinese warship came within 150 yards of colliding with American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon during a joint Canada-U.S. mission sailing through the Taiwan Strait. The close call was captured on video exclusively by Global News onboard HMCS Montreal. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to retired Vice Admiral Mark Norman, former commander of the Royal Canadian Navy about the incident an...

Rachel Notley ended decades of Conservative rule when she was elected Alberta premier in 2015. She lost the last election to Jason Kenney and the United Conservative Party. Now she’s locked in a tight battle with UCP Leader Danielle Smith. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Notley in Calgary to talk about her campaign platform, including how she would work with the federal go...

Police chiefs across the country are sounding the alarm over a recent rise in violent crime. Ten police officers in Canada have been killed since September, and violent attacks on public transit have many Canadians concerned about safety in their communities. After pressure from the provinces and police, the federal government introduced changes to bail aimed at cracking down on repeat violent off...

Amid pressing global security concerns, experts are sounding the alarm over how prepared Canada is to deal with modern-day threats. They say the federal government’s reactive response to recent foreign interference allegations points to the urgent need to update Canada’s national security strategy. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Vincent Rigby, former national security adv...

Another explosive revelation regarding China’s alleged interference in Canada erupted last week. Conservative MP Michael Chong was informed he and his family were allegedly targeted by a Chinese diplomat in Toronto, and he says the federal government failed to act. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen sits down with Michael Chong to discuss how this situation has affected him personally, and...

A rise in violent crime, including attacks on public transit, has many Canadians concerned about safety in their communities. Pair that with debates over gun control, bail reform and worries about human trafficking, and there is a lot to talk about with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino. Following a recent pledge to do more to combat cross-border crime alongside the U.S. attorney general and...