The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Letters. We got letters. Lots of them on the question, "Can you name a teacher who had the greatest impact on your life?" From across the country you wrote in, enough to fill two Thursdays of Your Turn. Plus today, as every Thursday, the Random Ranter and his take for this week on the future of local news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 27th. Professor Katharine Hayhoe is a Canadian atmospheric scientist living in Texas who is one of North America's leading academics talking about climate change. She's calm. reasonable but still passionate that we aren't doing enough. She's our guest today. Plus a new answer on the old question of why do journalists only cover bad news -- you're the answer! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is publication day for Paul Wells and his new book (or is it an essay?) "Justin Trudeau - On The Ropes". The well-known national columnist takes a hard look at the man who has been part of the Canadian landscape as a political leader for a dozen years now. What's the real story behind his leadership? Today a conversation with the author. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's crunch time for Israel and Hamas. This could be the week that a ceasefire is reached in the bloody war between both sides in the Gaza conflict. If there isn't a deal, the fear is the war could get a lot worse. Dr Janice Stein is with us again for her regular Monday discussion about the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Liberal MP says she's had enough. After nine years as an MP Pam Damoff says she won't run again because she simply doesn't feel safe anymore. She afraid to go out. Lots more on this and more as Bruce and Chantal have their say on the life of a politician in Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of replies from you to our question of the week, "Name the one teacher who made a real difference in your life". From across the country, you've told us in passionate and emotional ways about the one teacher who so impacted your life. There have been so many letters we'll have enough for next week's Your Turn as well! Plus, the Random Ranter on ...you guessed it, teachers! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 21st. My fourth book, and my second co-authored with Mark Bulgutch is released by publisher Simon and Schuster today. It's called "How Canada Works" and to Mark and me is a testament to the people who quietly and without fanfare make the country work. Mark is my guest today as we explain how we found the jobs and the people who do them that are the centrepiece of our new book. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Scottish First Minister resigns, the British PM is being pushed by his own party, the polls are brutal for Justin Trudeau, and Joe Biden can't seem to pull away from a court bound Donald Trump. What's the problem here? Bruce Anderson makes a on-off return to mid-week commentary to have a chat about the mood of the electorate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A provocative weekend column co-written by our Dr Janice Stein looks at Canada's impact in the United States and asks, Do We Even Matter Anymore? Also today, our regular check-in on Ukraine and the Middle East. Plus we ask our "question of the week" as part of this Thursday's Your Turn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pierre Poilievre ends up with a group of F-Trudeau flag wavers in the Maritimes. Really? What was he thinking? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on that and much more. Whatever happened to the newly hired comms director for the Prime Minister? Has anything made a difference? And Mark Carney seems to finally enter the ring. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's question was about social media and whether you like or dislike it. I was surprised at the answers and maybe you will be too. Plus the Random Ranter is back after a week off and he's got some strong words for the rich! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 1st. An extended conversation with Canadian author, comedian and yes, icon, Rick Mercer. If he was still doing his famous rants today what and whom would he be ranting about? But we start with an engaging story about a meeting between a young Prince Charles and an amazing woman from northern Scotland. All this as the excitement (not) builds towards Coronation Day on Saturday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest version of our Moore Butts series has former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore, and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts on a topic of our times. Democracy versus autocracy -- why is it such an issue today, what are the real differences, and can democracies slide into autocracies without even realizing it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our regular Monday conversation with Dr Janice Stein includes one of her specialties. The University of Toronto professor is an expert in conflict management so why can't the historic conflicts that have been a part of the middle east for centuries ever be resolved? But we start with Dr Stein's analysis of the likely impact of the US on the edge of approving a huge new aid package for Ukraine. Also today we unveil our latest "question of the week" for Bridge listeners who love to offer answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots to talk about this week and much of it connected to the fallout from the new budget. With some Liberals calling for a move to the centre did the budget simply go further left? Is Pierre Poilievre starting to answer questions about just what he would do if he got into government? And what's Dominic LeBlanc really doing? Bruce and Chantal have the answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You wanted to ask questions of the Housing Minister, he agreed and you delivered. Dozens and dozens of questions poured in about immigration, affordability, mortgages, construction and a lot more. We ask as many as we can in this special episode of Your Turn. Even the Random Ranter steps aside to give you more time! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 8th 2023. A very strange couple of days for Joe Biden. Weekend polling was disastrous for the Democrats, but last night's voting results were anything but. What to make of that is the topic for SMT today with Bruce Anderson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new book about the Ben Johnson story raises some interesting questions about the fairness of the way the Canadian track star was treated after he tested positive in the 1988 Olympics. Mary Ormsby, a well known and very respected sportswriter, has a new book about the controversy and today she's our featured guest on this, The Bridge's 1000th episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a wild weekend of developments in the middle east this question looms large -- what now? Dr. Janice Stein joins us for her regular Monday session and gives us guidance on this story and all the connecting lines that intersect because of it -- Washington, Amman, Tehran, Beirut and more. Plus more information on our upcoming special Your Turn with Housing Minister Sean Fraser this Thursday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's the downside for Justin Trudeau in calling a first minister's conference? What's he got to lose? On the day the NDP leader begins to back away from the Liberal's carbon pricing policy, we have a serious discussion about the pros and cons of having a televised conference to address the differences between the country's prime minister, premiers and territorial leaders. Chantal and Bruce have their say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The question was simple, name your favourite past or present Canadian TV show. The answers poured in -- enough for two weeks of shows. Today the final list of your choices and they're pretty interesting. And they come from all over the world. Plus the Random Ranter with his thoughts on what is holding back Canadian productivity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 2nd. There used to be a time when the finance minister's budget speech was the most closely guarded secret on the parliamentary agenda. Not so much anymore. These days many budget policies are released weeks before the speech. That's certainly the case this year. The budget speech isn't for another few weeks but daily we seem to learn more about what will be in the speech. The Canadian correspondent for The Economist, Rob Russo, gives us a history lesson on budgets but also takes us inside this year's process. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest round of billion dollars promises from the Trudeau government is directed at improving Canada's defence system, especially in Canada's arctic. Helping us understand what is planned and whether it's adequate or even necessary is one of the country's leading defence analysts and someone who has written and lectured often on Canada's arctic policy as it relates to defence. He's Professor Rob Huebert from the University of Calgary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week's phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu marked a new chapter in US-Israel relations and is not a good one. What will happen now? Is the rift fixable? Dr Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday discussion. Also in the conversation, Is Russia really as powerful as some NATO allies are making it sound? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start this week with a simple question -- where is all the money coming from to pay for massive new housing and school lunch programs? With a budget now less than two weeks ago and multi billion dollar programs being dropped almost daily it's an important question. But so is the future of the NDP, with some high profile new departures from Jagmeet Singh's next campaign candidate list. Rob Russo filling in for Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert have their say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's question has again prompted dozens and dozens of answers. What Canadian TV show, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you as a Canadian? The answers tell us a lot about ourselves and our television industry. Also today the random Ranter with his own provocative take on the carbon tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 26th. Circle April 8th for the chance to see something you may never see again during your lifetime. A total solar eclipse will be witnessed in a specific path through Canada on that day, and in almost all of the rest of the country, a partial eclipse will be experienced. So what to do, where to be and how to safely watch the eclipse are all good questions and today Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine, joins us to answer them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There used to be a time when the finance minister's budget speech was the most closely guarded secret on the parliamentary agenda. Not so much anymore. These days many budget policies are released weeks before the speech. That's certainly the case this year. The budget speech isn't for another few weeks but daily we seem to learn more about what will be in the speech. The Canadian correspondent for The Economist, Rob Russo, gives us a history lesson on budgets but also takes us inside this year's process. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While Israelis keep up the pressure for negotiations to free the hostages, there's another issue dividing Israelis. It's the issue surrounding Ultra Orthodox Israelis and military service. Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday appearance to explain this, plus new issues confronting Ukraine in its war with Russia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chantal and Bruce join Peter on location from Carleton University in Ottawa answering their questions! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador to the High Arctic, your choices for the question of the week -- name your favourite inside Canada but outside your own province, holiday spot. Some really terrific answers. Plus the Random Ranter with a really different rant -- don't miss it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 6th. A feature interview with the author of an extraordinary new book that explores he world of chance, chaos and why everything we do matters. He's Brian Klaas a university professor in London, England. When you hear his stories and his theories you'll be thinking about how your own life has been impacted by "flukes". I sure did. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Circle April 8th for the chance to see something you may never see again during your lifetime. A total solar eclipse will be witnessed in a specific path through Canada on that day, and in almost all of the rest of the country, a partial eclipse will be experienced. So what to do, where to be and how to safely watch the eclipse are all good questions and today Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine, joins us to answer them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A horrific attack on concert goers in Moscow on Friday night has terrorized Russians and put some difficult decisions in front of Vladimir Putin. Who did it, why did they do it and why didn't he listen to the US who warned him weeks ago that something like this was being planned? Janice Stein joins us to talk about the impact this can have on the Ukraine war; also the latest on Israel-Hamas and some encouraging news about Guatemala. Plus we unveil the question of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The topics were hot, from the Middle East to carbon pricing, but after all the positioning did anything really change? Chantal and Bruce are here and they have their thoughts on these and other issues including the latest mumbles about whether or not the NDP and the Liberals should get even closer. And some closing thoughts on Brian Mulroney. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So many entries in our "favourite Canadian book" contest that we stretched things into a second week. Lots here from Berton to Atwood of course, but dozens more that we've established a catalogue of richness from Canadian authors. Plus, this week the Random Ranter on "homelessness". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 5th. When Brian Mulroney passed last week so did an era in Canadian politics. But did some of the lessons of leadership that he possessed carry on to new generations of leadership? Conservative James Moore and Liberal Gerald Butts carry on their non partisan conversations on The Bridge, started in 2022, this week with the Mulroney legacy as the topic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are the challenges of covering a presidential race like the one underway in the United States? And how is the US media dealing with those challenges? Keith Boag is with us again to explore those questions in a way that helps us understand the stakes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our regular Monday session with Dr Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. This week's focus starts on Israel and Hamas and the question implied in the title above, but also we spend time on France's new hawkish push on Russia, and an explainer on the latest crisis in Haiti. Plus an update on the question of the week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carbon Taxes, Carbon Rebates, Arrive Can, the Auditor General ....another week when the questions of who's protecting your money, how it's spent, how it's promised and who's accountable are all up front. Chantal is back and with Bruce they tackle all these issues trying to determine accountability and yes, even political wisdom. That plus some new thoughts on Brian Mulroney. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's question was simple -- name your favourite Canadian book, one that would help Canadians understand their country better. And you responded in numbers unseen since we began what's become a Thursday regular. So much so that we've had to change the format! Plus, Thursday's also mean the Random Ranter and he's in fine form on the issue of the Carbon Tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on January 30th. We ask Dr Samantha Nutt of War Child Canada to break down her most recent trip to South Sudan, basically to take us with her. So get your maps ready because this will bring you into the heart of one of the most challenging places on earth -- thousands of dead, millions of displaced .. many facing civil war and starvation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's said that half the countries in the world that have elections will have them this year. But it seems that in many of those countries the incumbent party is in trouble and set to lose. Why? Our guest, Andrew MacDougall, knows politics as a former Director of Communications for Stephen Harper while Harper was prime minister, and is now a consultant for the Trafalgar Strategy Group in London, England. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An exchange over the weekend has set the relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden in a very hard place. Biden first gave an interview on Saturday night and then Netanyahu responded on Sunday. The two men, it seems, couldn't be further apart on how to resolve the crisis in Israel and Gaza. Today, Janice Stein deconstructs the interview with Biden that started the weekend back and forth. Plus we unveil the question of the week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is he just too old, stumbling and incoherent? Not last night it seems. Joe Biden's energetic State of the Union address last night is getting mostly positive reviews and may have given him at least temporary relief from the wolves that seemed poised to ruin his re-election bid. Bruce and Susan (filling in for Chantal) start with that and quickly move into Canadian politics -- a convincing Conservative by-election win, and how long can the government sustain increased spending? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The passing of Brian Mulroney had many of you thinking about the country's prime ministers and suggesting who was the most consequential. We have your answers on this week's Your Turn. Plus a very personal commentary from the Random Ranter this week, one many will identify with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen to Peter Mansbridge's chat with Former Prime Minster of Canada Brian Mulroney in South Africa in 2013 for the CBC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Brian Mulroney passed last week so did an era in Canadian politics. But did some of the lessons of leadership that he possessed carry on to new generations of leadership? Conservative James Moore and Liberal Gerald Butts carry on their non partisan conversations on The Bridge, started in 2022, this week with the Mulroney legacy as the topic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time since Oct 7, a split is open and obvious in the Israeli war cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Benny Gantz is heading to meetings in Washington against his prime minister's wishes raising questions about Israeli government solidarity and what it means to the situation on the ground in Gaza. All this while a new temporary truce seems imminent. Janice Stein gives us her take on the situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 18th prime minister of Canada was a force, a huge force. He changed the country in many ways, some worked, some didn't. He was also a major force on the international stage for himself and for Canada. Today the full hour on Brian Mulroney with Bruce, and filling in for a vacationing Chantal, the Toronto Star's Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.