The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

When the longtime CBC news anchor began his career as a reporter in the early 1970's, giving people the news was among the most trusted and important occupations in the country. When he retired in 2017, it was the era of "fake news", as trust in the media was at an all-time low. Seven years later, it's even lower than that.So what happened? Did the media lose people's trust? Did the internet do it for them? How does a legendary face of Canadian news grapple with the fact that, if he were in the chair today, less than half of Canadians would trust the news he delivered? Can anything be done to fix it? Or is it already too late?GUEST: Peter Mansbridge, former anchor of CBC's The National, host of The Bridge podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The statistics are surprising to say the least. Wildfires are burning in different parts of the country already, some have been burning through the winter. Are we prepared for what seems almost certain to come from fires to drought? Chris Hatch covers climate for the National Observer from Vancouver and he's our guest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They've been going on for months now, but what's really happening inside the Gaza Peace Talks and are things close to resolution. We've been here before but never clinched a deal. Could this be different? Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday briefing. Plus we reveal our 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.

Little things can make a difference is the old saying. And this week a little thing seemed to have some people wondering whether the Liberals have given up any chance of winning the next election. Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on that and a lot of other things from Ukraine, Pierre Poilievre to walks in the snow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A potpourri of concerns this week as the question was pretty general -- What's On Your Mind? Most deal with concerns about the world stage and specifically how desperate things look to many of you. Letters from across the country today, plus a commentary you won't soon forget from the Random Ranter. 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 2nd. Watergate and Richard Nixon brought him fame, and fifty years later Bob Woodward is still doing the journalism that is chasing another U.S. President. A wide-ranging interview to kick off another year of The Bridge -- Woodward's take on everything from Donald Trump to the state of the media. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This weekend marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now experts worry whether this prolonged conflict could threaten the future of world peace. Today a special edition of the Bridge that brings together two of our favourite foreign affairs experts. Veteran correspondent and author Brian Stewart and internationally respected analyst Janice Stein. Their thoughts on where we are entering the third year of a major European based war. 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. It's Black History Month in Canada but what do we really know about black history in our country? And more importantly, what should we know? This is an important and fascinating conversation with McGill University professor Debra Thompson, recognized around North America as an expert analyst on race politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two potholes for the Liberals in their path to try and find recovery. One serious. A scandal that could last a while. The other perhaps not so much. Plus the ugliness surrounding demonstrations in Canada on both sides of the Israel-Hamas war -- what does it say about the country. Plus a lot more with Bruce and Chantal. 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 -- what one thing would you do to improve air travel in Canada? Your answers certainly show what concerns you most and it has to do with baggage. Lots of entries today competing for the first place prize! Also the Random Ranter takes his swing at auto theft -- what he thinks the real problem is. 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. With issues surrounding what you are allowed to read in some American schools, some Canadians may be surprised there are similar issues in Canada. That's why next month will include "A Freedom to Read" week. An important discussion on that today with the CEO of the Halifax Public Libraries, Asa Kachan. Plus, what you should actually believe about expiration dates? An end bit worth its name! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marci Ien made her name as a Canadian television journalist anchoring some of CTV's most important programs. Today she's a federal cabinet minister responsible for women and gender equality. She was born in Toronto of Trinidadian descent. Today a feature interview with Marci Ien about her path as a Black Canadian and how she reflects on Black History month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump's latest claim of what to expect from a second Trump presidency has the alarm bells ringing in NATO capitals around the world. Trump says he'd abandon any NATO country that fell behind in defense expenditures and would tell the Russians to invade if they want to. Really? What would that mean? Dr Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday appearance on this subject and a lot more - Ukraine, Israel, Pakistan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Auto theft was the issue for the national political leaders this week and it's worth asking why. So we do on Good Talk this week including focusing on the minister of public safety, Dominic LeBlanc and why we should keep an eye on him for the future. Also today, who's buying Jagmeet Singh's threat to pull the plug on the deal keeping the Liberals in power? And BCE's latest slash at journalism in Canada and what it means. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your answers to this week's question -- what's one thing you or your family do to fight climate change? Once again, there are lots of answers from across the country. Some expected, some innovative, some surprising. Plus the Randon Ranter on what for some Canadians may be the country's biggest issue this year. 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.

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.

The fear since October 7th has always been that this Israel-Hamas conflict could turn into a wider war. Well, it has and Dr Janice Stein joins us to give us her take on what it now means. Plus some surprising intrigue in Ukraine, and Janice delivers on her promise to also give us some "good news". We'll also 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.

Some new intelligence on Canada's vulnerability to foreign interference is worrying to say the least. It suggests that interference by foreigners is deeply embedded in Canadian politics on every level. But the unanswered question is are we any different than most western countries? And Alberta's trans-gender decisions have not surprisingly become an issue too. Bruce and Chantal have their say on this and electoral reform plus more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The question of the week was "If you could say one thing to a new immigrant to Canada, about Canada, what would that be?" Once again you weren't shy about your advice, sending in many, many emails from across the country. We read some of the best and award the prize to this week's winner. Plus, the Random Ranter does his take on Question Period and more. 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 29th. A week after the Johnston Report we leave the politics out of the discussion and talk only about what we learned, including what do we know about how we handle our secrets. And when a top-secret report goes up to the Primer Minister how many people may have first seen it -- you might be surprised. Special guest is security and intelligence expert Stephanie Carvin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A special edition today as 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.

Talks in Paris between Israel, Qatar, the US and Egypt began over the weekend and optimists feel they could lead to a deal to stop the fighting in Gaza within days. Dr Janice Stein gives us her take on what's possible and what's not. Also, Ukraine and North Korea add to today's agenda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Strange week for Justin Trudeau --one day a member calls for a leadership review, and the next his caucus almost hoists him on their shoulders. What's going on? Bruce and Chantal on that and a lot more. Tucker Carlson in Alberta, convoy promoters get a court decision in their favour, and the ICJ rules on Gaza. 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 struck a chord: name the one thing you like best about winter. It's a pretty soft question but you delivered again, lots of answers and many of them quite poetic in their description of what many think strikes to the heart and soul of being Canadian. Plus, it being Thursday, the Random Ranter is by with his latest take on EVs, electric vehicles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Presentation. A young Canadian medic fighting with the Ukrainians takes us inside the story with his first-hand account of what it's like at the frontlines of the war. His name is Brandon Mitchell and he's from Miramichi, New Brunswick. His story is one that tells us what this war is really like. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the most part the old saying that foreign policy isn't what Canadians vote on, but does that mean Canadian governments and political parties take a pass on worrying about foreign matters? Time for another great Moore Butts conversation, this time #13 of our series. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary to the prime minister Gerald Butts take us inside the process. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Benjamin Netanyahu's hold on power has been tenuous at best for the past year, but even more so after the past few days. There's a sense that the prime ministership of Israel may be slipping away from him. Dr. Janice Stein has her weekly Monday take on the Middle East story, the Ukraine-Russia war, and a very bleak outlook from the new Defence Secretary in the United Kingdom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Kennedy used to say, aside from indigenous people, we are all either immigrants or descended from immigrants. That was true in the US and it's true in Canada. So how do we resolve what is becoming a major issue in Canada -- immigration? Plus, the Liberals have a cabinet retreat next week, so what? Will it make a difference? And, what now for Rachel Notley? Bruce and Chantal on all these and more. 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 this: If you could name one thing to make us better communicate with each other, what would that change be? Do you have the answer to polarization? You sure offered a lot of possibilities and today we air them out. Plus the Random Ranter in a way you've never heard him before. Literally. 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 15th. Our two political heavyweights, Conservative James Moore and Liberal Gerry Butts, move their latest non-partisan discussion to the question of lies and their growing place in modern politics. Like it or not the lie is in the toolbox of politics and Donald Trump isn't the only one using it. How did that happen and where does it lead? Those are the questions we tackle in Moore-Butts #8. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump wins the opening round in the race for the Republican nomination for the US presidency. But does that mean it's all over already? One of the best analysts I know is our guest today. Someone who has covered Trump, someone who understands politics and history and where the two intersect. He's Keith Boag former CBC Washington correspondent and former CBC Chief Political Correspondent in Ottawa. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's our regular Monday discussion with foreign affairs expert Dr Janice Stein. On topic. today: Taiwan, the Houthis, and a two-state solution for the Middle East. It's a master class in geopolitics. Also, we'll unveil this week's big question that you have a chance to answer and win a coveted prize! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ed Broadbent and Jean Chretien. Two giants on the country's political landscape, but are they symbols of an era long past? Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on that, plus how significant are the changes taking place in the prime minister's office? Also, does Canada have a position on genocide in the Middle East? 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 a popular one: "What one change would you make to Canada's news media?". People from coast to coast to coast wrote in with their thoughts and some pretty good ideas. Also today the Random Ranter makes the case for Canada's teachers -- what he thinks they need. 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 28th. Some say it's the scourge of our times, but if so what can be done about it? Lee McIntyre is an American philosopher and author who's written extensively on the issues of truth and disinformation. He's studied the impact of both and shares his thoughts about how best to deal with them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The former senior Conservative cabinet minister takes aim at some of her former colleagues, both Liberal AND Conservative for wasting time on non-issues and ignoring the important ones, especially one issue in particular. It's a kind of Lisa Raitt "unplugged" episode and she doesn't hold back. Plus, a look at six good news stories we've missed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The United States Secretary of State is on a week-long dash through seven mid-east countries desperately trying to prevent a wider war than the one already underway between Israel and Hamas. Janice Stein walks us through the challenges he faces, plus her latest assessment of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the importance of this week's upcoming election in Taiwan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Both the Liberals and the Conservatives appear to have stumbled in the holiday season and the question now, is will they pay for the slip-ups? Trudeau in Jamaica, again -- and a Conservative frontbencher calls for Canada to withdraw from the UN. Bruce and Chantal handle both of those issues and more as Good Talk kicks off the 2024 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The question to you was "Name the one change you would make to Canada's political system". And you had answers, lots of them and today we scan the mail and award one of the suggestions with a special prize. It's a new format for the Thursday edition of the Bridge. But the Random Ranter remains in place! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After more than a dozen year end interviews by some of Canada's political leaders, who benefited most? The leaders? The media? The public? That and more about the relationship between the media and the leaders with a former bureau chief at the Canadian Press and the CBC in Ottawa, Rob Russo. WE cover a lot of ground, so enjoy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our first episode of a new year, we ask the provocative question about whether the world is moving towards expanded conflict. Not just Israel-Hamas, not just Russia Ukraine but beyond. Dr Janice Stein is with us for her weekly discussion but this time she includes a segment she made popular in the past, "What are we missing?" touching upon an area she feels we just aren't talking about enough. 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 December 5th. Some of my favourite stories are about the history of Canada's Arctic and almost all of them have been written by Ken McGoogan. He's our guest today with his exciting new book Searching for Franklin. If you think you know the Franklin story you'll want to hear this, if you don't know it. this just might get you hooked. 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 December 22nd. It's that time of year when the Good Talk panel convenes to talk about the year-end position on the political landscape in Canada. Bruce and Chantal with their thoughts about the leaders and the parties, with some questions unlike any we have asked before. Good fun and good analysis all rolled into one. 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 December 12th. James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with us for the Moore Butts Conversation #12. We talk a lot about polls but what happens behind the scenes when the polls are released? What do the public and the press not see when the numbers cause chaos in one party or another? These conversations are one of the reasons The Bridge continues to be ranked #1 by Apple in their lists of which Canadian political podcasts Canadians listen to. 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 October 17th. What happens behind the closed doors when a government faces a crisis -- who says what, and what are the do's and don'ts of crisis management? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts take us inside with their latest "conversation". 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 September 11th. In the tenth instalment of what has become a very popular conversation, former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary to prime minister Trudeau Gerald Butts focus on helping us understand political trends. Today, again burying their partisan feelings, the two look at the issue of how to campaign in an era of polarization. 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 December 21st. Your letters this week are very moving, your memories of holidays past for family and friends. I thank you for all of them. I'll read as many as I can today and I'll pick one to be the recipient of the new book by Mark Bulgutch and myself, "How Canada Works". And of course the Random Ranter with his take on this time of year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's that time of year when the Good Talk panel convenes to talk about the year-end position on the political landscape in Canada. Bruce and Chantal with their thoughts about the leaders and the parties, with some questions unlike any we have asked before. Good fun and good analysis all rolled into one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your letters this week are very moving, your memories of holidays past for family and friends. I thank you for all of them. I'll read as many as I can today and I'll pick one to be the recipient of the new book by Mark Bulgutch and myself, "How Canada Works". And of course the Random Ranter with his take on this time of year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.