The West Block Transcript – Episode 24, Season 13

THE WEST BLOCK
Episode 24, Season 13
Sunday, February 25, 2024

Host: Mercedes Stephenson

Guests:
Gen. (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, Former Chief of Defence Staff
Dan Stanton, Former CSIS Executive Manager

Location:
Ottawa Studio

Mercedes Stephenson: Today marks the beginning of the third year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war is entering a precarious phase with concern that Ukraine could be faltering. What does it mean for Ukrainians and for global security?

I’m Mercedes Stephenson, and the West Block begins now.

At the sight of one of the first battles won against Russian aggression, Hostomel Airport, a show of solidarity.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Your fight is our fight.”

Mercedes Stephenson: World and military leaders standing with President Zelenskyy, including the prime minister.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “You are fighting for your sovereignty, for your territory, for your language, for your culture, for your democracy. But also for our democracy.”

Mercedes Stephenson: What’s at stake? We talk with retired top General Rick Hillier about that and his concern that Canada is becoming irrelevant on the world stage.

Plus, concerns about insider threats, including for Canadian nuclear security.

And, a new warning from Canadian intelligence that large crowds could be terror targets.

Ottawa has made it clear: this country stands with Ukraine.

In a surprise visit to Kyiv, Justin Trudeau stood with Western leaders to support Ukraine’s president and underlined Canada’s contributions and continued support.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “We’ve now passed 40 thousand Ukrainian military that we have trained and that and contributions from other countries doing training as well made a significant difference in Ukraine’s ability