The West Block

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 threats facing Canada and the growing threats facing politicians. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Bob Fife, the Globe and Mail's Ottawa bureau chief, and Stephanie Levitz, the Toronto Star's deputy Ottawa bureau chief, to look back on the key issues that dominated the spring sitting and look ahead to the parties' summer strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 as CDS, and more. Plus, Stephenson sits down with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to discuss the impact of foreign interference allegations levelled against China and India on her government's Indo-Pacific strategy. Minister Joly also addresses calls for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to investigate these alleged incidents of collusion, the calls to release the names of those alleged parliamentarians, and more. Plus, Stephenson sits down with Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of the Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine, about her efforts in documenting Russian war crimes, abducted Ukrainian children, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Virani about his government's bail reforms for violent repeat offenders. Minister Virani also addresses the recent attacks at two Jewish schools and a synagogue. Plus, Stephenson speaks with David Frum, political commentator and staff writer at The Atlantic, about the significance of Donald Trump's criminal conviction and its potential impact on his bid to be re-elected U.S. president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 senators' disappointment that Canada won't reach its NATO commitment this decade. Ambassador Cohen also addresses Canada's response to the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth (President of Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police) and RCMP Deputy Commissioner Jodie Boudreau about the impacts of the federal government's new bail reforms on the front lines for police. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 stripes safe from the rising threat of political violence. Plus, Stephenson interviews former correctional investigator of Canada Howard Sapers about the secrecy surrounding the prison transfer of notorious convicted murderer Luka Magnotta to a medium-security institution. Sapers also addresses reports of increased prison violence and concerns over Canada's parole system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 addresses concerns from disability advocates about the Canada Disability Benefit's ability to lift Canadians out of poverty. Plus, Stephenson speaks with former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram about the U.K.'s calls for NATO members to boost their defence spending, geopolitical threats, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Hardeep Singh Nijjar. LeBlanc also addresses the findings of the foreign interference inquiry, which found that instances of foreign meddling did occur but did not alter the outcomes of Canada's 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue also concluded that foreign interference did undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Plus, Stephenson speaks with former CSIS executive manager Dan Stanton and Global News' national security journalist Stewart Bell about the arrest of three suspected hitmen and their alleged ties to the Indian government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, as well as Canada's electric vehicle infrastructure. Plus, Stephenson sits down with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to talk about her life in exile, her jailed husband, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's ties to the current Belarusian regime.

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 possibility of a greater conflict between Iran and Israel, fears over the potential use of nuclear weapons, and more. Plus, Stephenson speaks with John Manley, former Liberal finance minister, and Lisa Raitt, former Conservative deputy leader, about the new federal budget. The panel also discusses proposed capital gains tax changes, the housing crisis, and how the budget might impact the Liberals' polling numbers.

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 with Iran, the crisis in Gaza, and more. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Steven Chase, The Globe and Mail's senior parliamentary reporter, and Vina Nadjibulla, an international security specialist at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's testimony at the foreign interference inquiry.

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 Canadian elections. ‘The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson is joined by Steven Chase, The Globe and Mail's senior parliamentary reporter, and Dick Fadden, former CSIS director, to discuss the latest round of testimony from intelligence officials and MPs, as well as the potential political fallout. Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired Lt.-Gen. Roméo Dallaire, former UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda Force Commander, about the 30th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide.

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, a former CIA director, to discuss concerns over terror attacks from the Islamic State (ISIS), the Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Ukraine. Petraeus also addresses Canada's capabilities to respond to global threats.

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 Canadian Armed Forces is facing a “death spiral” when it comes to recruitment. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Canadian Climate Institute President Rick Smith about his new report tracking emission reductions, the political debate over the carbon tax, and more.

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 can play in resolving the crisis. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, who discusses the international response, the flow of illegal U.S. weapons to Haitian gangs, and more.

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 possible re-elected Donald Trump. Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired general Tom Lawson, former chief of defence staff, about Defence Minister Bill Blair's comments on the state of Canada's military recruitment.

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 U.S., about Mulroney's legacy. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Justice Minister Arif Virani who addresses criticisms that the online harms bill is government overreach and impedes on free speech.

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 the plight of Ukrainian refugees. Hillier also discusses what's needed to improve the state of the Canadian Armed Forces. Plus, Stephenson interviews Dan Stanton, the former executive manager at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), about the dangers of insider threats at highly critical institutions like nuclear power plants and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

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, about the seriousness of the Republican frontrunner's NATO comments. Bolton also discusses the threat of Iranian foreign interference in North America and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Plus, Stephenson interviews Defence Minister Bill Blair about how Canada might respond to Navalny's death and pressures to boost its defence spending.

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 by Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman to discuss the ‘Team Canada' strategy, preparations for a possible Donald Trump re-election, and concerns over PM Trudeau's anti-MAGA rhetoric.

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 about what prompted her to announce these LGBTQ2S+ policy proposals, her government's plan for sex education in schools, the potential use of the notwithstanding clause, and more. Plus, Akin interviews Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, the only Alberta MP in PM Trudeau's cabinet, for the federal reaction.

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, implications for Canada's foreign relations, and more. Plus, Stephenson sits down with The Globe and Mail's Ottawa Bureau Chief Bob Fife and The Toronto Star's Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief Stephanie Levitz to discuss where the leaders stand ahead of the new 2024 parliamentary session. 

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 safeguarding Canada's medication supply. Plus, Sorensen sits down with Jonathan Madison, a Republican strategist, and Sarada Peri, former senior speechwriter to former U.S. president Barack Obama, to discuss the political stakes of the 2024 U.S. presidential race, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's concerns over a possible Donald Trump re-election, and more.

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 negotiations, on the implications of the U.S.-led strikes on Houthi sites, the White House's diplomacy in the region, and the next stages of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plus, Sorensen sits down with a panel of doctors, Dr. Kathleen Ross (Canadian Medical Association) and Dr. Trevor Jain (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians), to discuss the issue of lengthy ER wait times, how politicians should address the crisis, and more.

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, Stephenson sits down with a panel of retired top military brass, Gen. (Ret'd) Tom Lawson, Vice-Admiral (Ret'd) Mark Norman and Lt.-Gen. (Ret'd) Guy Thibault, to discuss the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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 spending cuts. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Global News' David Akin, Abigail Bimman and Mackenzie Gray to analyze the top stories of 2023, and discuss what's on their radar in 2024.

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 minister.

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 group, and possible Canadian define spending cuts. Plus, following the House of Commons rising for the holidays, Stephenson is joined by The Globe and Mail's Ottawa Bureau Chief Bob Fife and Toronto Star's parliamentary reporter Stephanie Levitz to respond new Ipsos polling numbers that show the majority of Canadians think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign as Liberal Party leader in 2024.

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 Jonathan Wilkinson about the emissions cap framework, as well as the marathon voting session in the House over the Conservative Party's carbon tax filibuster. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Kate Armstrong, the first female cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), and Lt.-Col. (Ret'd) Mark Popov, the former head of officer cadet training at RMC, to discuss military misconduct, as well as the federal plan to establish a review panel to analyze the culture, education and training at Canada's two military colleges.

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 spending, and more. Plus, Stephenson is joined by Generation Squeeze's Paul Kershaw and CanAge's Laura Tamblyn Watts to discuss Canada's looming retirement crisis, how younger and older Canadians are struggling, and more.

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 Toronto Star's parliamentary reporter Stephanie Levitz to break down the political reaction to the economic update, fallout over a vote on the updated Canada-Ukraine trade deal, and more.

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, and more. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Roy Chun Lee about Taipei's view of the Biden-Xi meeting, military activity in the Taiwan Strait, election interference, and more.

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' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Government House Leader Karina Gould on what help the feds are providing to ensure communities feels safer, potential consequences for violent hate attacks, her concerns as a Jewish woman, and more. Plus, Stephenson speaks with retired Master Cpl. Arjun Grewal about the dangers of toxic burn pit exposure for soldiers, the adverse health effects stemming from the burn pits, how the issue is playing out in Canada, and more.

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 Boissonnault about the carbon tax change, his message to Albertans who deem the Atlantic Canada carve-out unfair, and more. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Chen Zeigen, the son of presumed Canadian hostage Vivian Silver, and Irwin Cotler, former Liberal justice minister and former special envoy on combatting anti-Semitism, on efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

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 presence of the Canadian Special Operations Forces in Israel. Plus, Stephenson speaks with former Israeli PM Ehud Barak on the future of a two-state solution, concerns of a regional war, and more.

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, Stephenson speaks with former FBI negotiator Phil Andrew about the behind-the-scenes race to free hostages from Hamas.

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 negotiation team during their U.N. membership bid, on the situation in Gaza.

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. Plus, this Thanksgiving many Canadians are feeling the pinch when it comes to the high cost of food. Stephenson speaks to Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne about the federal plan to bring some relief to your grocery bill.

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 Frum, staff writer at The Atlantic, and Justin Ling, freelance investigative journalist, about Canada's response. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Michael Mostyn, CEO of B'nai Brith, and Michael Levitt, former Liberal MP and president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, about their calls for the federal government to release decades-long sealed Nazi documents to the public.

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 Stephenson speaks to Arif Lalani, former Canadian diplomat and a Distinguished Fellow with the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and Vina Nadjibulla, Adjunct Professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Defence Minister Bill Blair about how the diplomatic rift is affecting the government's Indo-Pacific strategy and Canada's ongoing commitment to Ukraine.

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 getting worse as more people move to her city: “It's really sort of the perfect storm. We started to see people in positions of vulnerability when it came to housing, especially glaringly during COVID. And since then we've been taking in a lot more people, over 60 individuals a day. If you break down the math and we just can't keep pace.” Stephenson also speaks to the "Inside Politics Panel", The Globe and Mail's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife and The Toronto Star's Stephanie Levitz, about what's at stake for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as the House returns for a new session.

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 Centre for Cyber Security, to discuss how cyber attacks affect Canadians. Plus, Stephenson speaks with Lisa Raitt, former Conservative cabinet minister and vice-chair of global investment banking at CIBC, and Naheed Nenshi, former Calgary mayor, about the highs and lows of the parliamentary session and what political leaders will be prioritizing during the summer break.

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 missteps. Stephenson sat down with The Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Bob Fife and Stephanie Levitz from The Toronto Star to discuss whether the Liberals can regain Canadians' trust or if the controversies are starting to stick to the government.

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 worst wildfire season on record. So far this year, there have been almost 2,400 fires, and more than 400 are still active. Hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces soldiers have been deployed to help, at a time when the military is already feeling the strain from limited resources and personnel shortages. Stephenson speaks to Defence Minister Anita Anand about the role of the CAF during disasters like this wildfire season and some of the other major challenges facing the military.

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 and the implications. Plus, opposition leaders are calling for special rapporteur David Johnston to resign after he ruled out holding a public inquiry into foreign interference. Mercedes Stephenson sits down with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP MP Jenny Kwan, who learned she was targeted by China, to discuss the NDP's next move and the consequences of government inaction. 

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 government if elected. Plus, UCP Leader Danielle Smith is no stranger to controversy, including during this election campaign, but Smith says she's changed and learned from her past mistakes. ‘The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson sits down with two Calgary conservatives, Conservative MP Ron Liepert and a former UCP communications director and now Crestview senior strategist, Evan Menzies, to talk about Smith's leadership and whether she can unite moderate conservatives ahead of Monday's election. 

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 offenders. ‘The West Block' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks to Justice Minister David Lametti about the bail reform changes. Plus, ahead of special rapporteur David Johnston's long-awaited announcement over whether Canada will have a public inquiry into foreign interference, Stephenson speaks with The Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Bob Fife and Stephanie Levitz from The Toronto Star, about what the foreign interference controversy means for the parties moving forward – whether or not an inquiry is called.