The West Block – Episode 38, Season 13

THE WEST BLOCK
Episode 38, Season 13
Sunday, June 2, 2024

Host: Mercedes Stephenson

Guests:
Arif Virani, Justice Minister
David Frum, The Atlantic

Location:
Ottawa Studio

Mercedes Stephenson: Murders, gun crimes, and sexual assaults are all on the rise, so it’s no wonder Canadians say they feel less safe. Does the Liberal government have a plan?

I’m Mercedes Stephenson. The West Block starts now.

After a week of antisemitic attacks, we go one-on-one with Justice Minister Arif Virani to talk about crimes rates, bail, and repeat offenders.

It took just 10 hours for the jury to convict, but what does a Donald Trump guilty verdict mean for the long term? U.S. political commentator, David Frum, joins us with his thoughts.

Canada’s murder rate is the highest it’s been in three decades. Violent gun offences have risen, and criminal trials involving murder and sexual assault cases are being thrown out because they can’t be processed quickly enough.

What’s behind all of this and what can be done to correct it? Well, over the past few weeks on The West Block, we’ve been taking a critical look at this country’s justice system. What’s working and what isn’t?

Joining us now from the House of Commons lobby is Justice Minister Arif Virani. Minister, thanks so much for joining us today. Nice to see you.

Arif Virani, Justice Minister: Thank you for having me.

Mercedes Stephenson: Minister, there’s been an alarming spike in antisemitic attacks over the past week. There were two schools, children’s schools that bullets were fired at and into. At a Vancouver synagogue, somebody threw an incendiary device. This is obviously very frightening for the Jewish community. And the special envoy for antisemitism, Debra Lyons, put out a statement. And in that