The West Block Transcript – Episode 28, Season 13

THE WEST BLOCK
Episode 28, Season 13
Sunday, March 24, 2024

Host: Mercedes Stephenson

Guests:
Bill Blair, Defence Minister
Rick Smith, President, Canadian Climate Institute

Location:
Ottawa Studio

Mercedes Stephenson: Shaking up national defence: how are Bill Blair’s big decisions being received?

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

From how changes in sexual offences in the military will be addressed, to controversial attempts at getting recruitment numbers up, the defence minister joins us in studio to talk about his new directives. This, as Global News broke the story JTF2, Canada’s elite counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit is in Haiti to help protect the Canadian embassy.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Energy and Natural Resources Minister: “Shame on you!”

Mercedes Stephenson: Plus, carbon showdown. As the war of words over the carbon tax reached fever pitch, we take a reality check on which taxes actually work best for the environment.

Plus, remembering Brian Mulroney—the final goodbye to Canada’s 18th prime minister.

Caroline Mulroney, Brian Mulroney’s Daughter: “We adored him. I miss you, daddy.”

Mercedes Stephenson: Canada’s elite military unit has landed in Haiti. Global News has learned JTF2 is there to help secure the Canadian embassy as the country devolves into lawlessness. JTF2 has deployed frequently in recently years, as the capabilities of the rest of the armed forces have declined.

The military is facing a crisis from recruiting, retention and equipment, to its ongoing efforts to grapple with sexual misconduct.

Change has been slow to come. Two years ago, former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, recommended that the military stop investing and prosecuting criminal sexual offences after she raised