Are the RCMP currently investigating the allegations of some MPs ‘wittingly’ colluding with foreign states? ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme to discuss foreign interference and whether the names of MPs flagged in the NSICOP report should be publicized. Duheme also addresses the national security thre…

As Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Wayne Eyre, is set to step down from his post as chief of the defence staff this summer, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Gen. Eyre about the Canadian Armed Forces being a target of foreign interference. Gen. Eyre also discusses the state of Canada’s military, the major challenges during his tenure…

What is the fallout from the bombshell NSICOP report that alleges some parliamentarians “wittingly” co-operated with foreign states? ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Garry Clement, former RCMP superintendent, and Thomas Juneau, former analyst at the Department of National Defence, about the ability and limitations of the RCMP t…

Crime has been on the rise, according to Statistics Canada’s Violent Crime Severity Index. RCMP officials have told Global News that 53 per cent of the homicides committed in their jurisdiction have been perpetrated by someone on community release, parole or probation. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson interviews Justice Minister Arif Viran…

Ahead of the summer NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan group of U.S. senators have written a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to meet the NATO two per cent of GDP defence spending target. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with David Cohen, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, to discuss if the White House shares…

The shooting of Slovakia’s prime minister highlights the growing threat of violence towards politicians. So what does it take to be an officer of a VIP detail for a high-profile politician? ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson gets exclusive access to the RCMP program to train protective policing officers to keep politicians of all political s…

With the rise of pro-Palestinian encampments across North American university campuses, concerns have been raised over police response and safety of Jewish students. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson interviews Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Minister Kamal Khera to discuss the campus protests. Minister Khera also address…

The issue of foreign interference returns to the spotlight as the public inquiry into election meddling releases its first report and the RCMP make an arrest of suspected foreign hitmen. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc to discuss the new arrests in the 2023 killing of B.C. Sikh leader …

Following the federal government’s announcement of a $15-billion Honda electric vehicle plant in Ontario, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson asks Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne for a follow-up to his government’s efforts to increase grocery store competition. Minister Champagne discusses his talks with foreign grocery chains, …

What are the risks of a greater escalation between Iran and Israel after more retaliatory strikes are exchanged between the two countries? ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson interviews the Atlantic Council’s Jonathan Panikoff, the former deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council, about the po…

Heightened tension in the Middle East after Iran launches missile and drone attacks against Israel. Tehran says the attack is in retaliation for Israel’s suspected strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett to discuss the threat of a wider conflict …

Big revelations have emerged from the latest rounds of foreign interference inquiry hearings. At the inquiry, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director David Vigneault said the agency had intelligence before Canada's 2019 election that China's government attempted to funnel about $250,000 through a network, possibly to interfere in Can…

Ahead of the federal carbon price rise in April, ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault about the push by some provincial premiers and Conservative MPs to scrap the levy, the role of large emitters in reducing emissions and more. Plus, Stephenson is joined by retired U.S. general David Petraeus,…

The federal government introduced new legislation to reform the Canadian military justice system, which will transfer military sexual misconduct cases to the civilian justice system. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Defence Minister Bill Blair to discuss the court reforms. Blair also addresses his comments saying the Canadia…

The crisis in Haiti continues to grow more and more precarious following the rise in gang violence and the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Canadian Ambassador to Haiti André François Giroux about the situation on the ground, preparations for a possible evacuation, and the role…

Canada has committed to upgrading its NATO mission in Latvia, Operation REASSURANCE, to a brigade-level force by 2026. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with Andris Sprūds, Latvia’s defence minister, to discuss Latvia’s preparations for Russian threats, Canada’s defence spending, and the future of the NATO alliance under a possibl…

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney died at the age of 84 on Thursday, Feb. 29. Mulroney, Canada’s 18th prime minister, governed from 1984-1993 and oversaw the signing of NAFTA and international treaties on acid rain. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Frank McKenna, the former N.B. premier and former Canadian ambassador to the …

What more can Canada do to assist Ukraine as the world marks the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion? ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with retired general Rick Hillier, the former chief of defence staff and member of the Ukrainian World Congress's Strategic Advisory Council, about Canada’s role in supporting Ukraine and th…

Fallout continues over former U.S. president Donald Trump’s comments suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin could do whatever he wanted to NATO allies who didn’t meet the alliance’s 2-per cent defence spending targets. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with John Bolton, the former U.S. national security adviser to Donald Trump, …

The federal government convened a national summit to combat the growing problem of auto thefts in Canada. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen interviews Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc about the jurisdictional roadblocks in tackling organized car thefts, possible new penalties for repeat car thieves, and more. Plus, Sorensen is joined …

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a suite of new policy proposals aimed at gender identity and transgender youth, triggering political shockwaves across Canada. Some of the proposed changes impact gender-affirming medical treatments for minors and pronoun changes at school. ‘The West Block’ guest host David Akin speaks with Premier Smith abo…

The national foreign interference inquiry will hold its first public hearings this week. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Dick Fadden, a former CSIS director, and Vina Nadjibulla, an international security specialist at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, about the threat of foreign interference, protecting national security…

Following the Canadian Medical Association’s calls for urgent political action to fix the crisis in Canada’s emergency rooms, ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen speaks with Health Minister Mark Holland about how his government is addressing the issue. Minister Holland also discusses Ontario’s plan for more private health-care clinics and saf…

Concerns in the Middle East are rising following U.S. and U.K. targeted airstrikes on Houthi-linked sites in Yemen. These airstrikes come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up his latest tour of the region. ‘The West Block’ guest host Eric Sorensen speaks with Frank Lowenstein, a former U.S. special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negoti…

When he was elected, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he was going to deliver “immediate help” to Manitobans when it comes to affordability and health care. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about the state of progress on his promises, his priorities for the new year, the carbon tax, and more. Plus, Steph…

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…

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 maj…

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 Islami…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 th…

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 o…

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 S…

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 consid…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 hav…

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 Jyot…

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 inter…

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…

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 cal…

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 commande…

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…

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…

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 dow…

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 ho…

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-bor…