The West Block Transcript – Episode 33, Season 13

THE WEST BLOCK
Episode 33, Season 13
Sunday, April 28, 2024

Host: Mercedes Stephenson

Guests:
François-Philippe Champagne, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian Opposition Leader

Location:
Ottawa Studio

Mercedes Stephenson: Buying essential, like groceries, is becoming increasingly out of reach for many Canadians. Ottawa said they have a plan, so where are the results?

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

François-Philippe Champagne, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister: “The auto workers of Honda make us win, and today it’s their big victory.”

Mercedes Stephenson: Hot off a big electric vehicle announcement, the industry minister joins us to talk practicality and progress. From the electrification required to drive EVs in Canadian winters to an update after all the tough talk about taking on big grocery. Where are the results for Canadians?

And as Ukraine receives its latest American aid package to help fend off Russia, the neighbouring country of Belarus is strengthening its ties to Vladimir Putin. I speak with the Belarusian opposition leader on her very personal battle.

The cost of living is on the minds of millions of Canadians, and one of the most painful and unavoidable costs is shopping at the grocery store.

Earlier this year, the federal government announced it was committing $5 million a year to help investigate rising grocery prices. Months before that, the industry minister told The West Block…

François-Philippe Champagne, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister: “I’m starting to make calls to some CEOs around the world and say, ‘Hey, have you looked at Canada lately?’ It’s part of the number of things that I’m trying to do. Like I say, on day four,