The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

It's the final regular episode of Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth and we focus on some comments Justin Trudeau made in his annual year-end interview with podcaster Terry DiMonte. The prime minister is clearly worried about the influence the American right is having on Canada. Are we seeing a preview of the next election campaign? Bruce is here with his collector's edition of SMT! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's an end bit special today as we approach the holidays. Topic One is that old daydreaming habit many of us have when we fly on a passenger jet -- if something happens to the pilots, could we takeover even with no real flying experience? A surprising number of us think we could. That's just one of more than half a dozen end bits you will find interesting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The accidental killing of three Israeli hostages by Israeli troops has led to new calls, many from Israelis, for a ceasefire in Gaza. Would Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agree, would Hamas agree? Those questions and many more for our regular Monday guest Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. Plus, the latest from Ukraine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the year closes some Liberals seem to have their bounce back, while some Conservatives are a bit anxious. The CPC still has a double digit lead in the polls which is more than enough for a majority, but as Yogi used to say, it certainly "ain't over till it's over". Bruce and Chantal have lots on this and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hard to believe at a time with so many issues facing Canadians that the number one topic in your letters this week was the claim that 77 percent of Xmas trees sold in the USA this year are artificial trees. Your thoughts on that seem to indicate you agree with the direction of tree purchases, plus lots of comments about the latest Moore Butts conversation which we aired on Tuesday. And of course the random Ranter -- this week again on housing and specifically, affordable land. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Going back to the future may be one way to look at Housing Minister Sean Fraser's latest announcement for a housing fix. Another way may be to listen again to what the Random Ranter had to say on housing on September 7th! Bruce Anderson is here for SMT. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

The US government continues to be pressured to speak up louder against the continued Israeli invasion of Gaza and the thousands who have been impacted by it. At the same time questions are being asked as to why the world is ignoring the sexual violence charged against Hamas during the October 7th attacks. Dr Janice Stein has strong views on both issues during her regular Monday appearance on The Bridge. Plus is Putin now winning the Ukraine war? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce and Chantal discuss what Justin Trudeau told the editorial board of one of the country's most influential newspapers. The key question is, is he staying in the job as Liberal leader and Prime Minister or is he going to step down? The role of an editorial board in how we get our news is the subtext of this discussion on Canada's number one political podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Another on-the-road edition of The Bridge, this time from Calgary. And this week the Random Ranter finishes his three-part series on his advice for each of the three main national political leaders. His focus this week is Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The CBC has decided to make up its budget shortfall of 125 million dollars with a series of cuts in personnel and programs. Is the public broadcaster worth saving and if so how? Bruce is with us for SMT and he has some thoughts about all this and the way CBC management is handling it. Not surprisingly, so do I! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

From Halifax today (on my book tour for "How Canada Works") we focus as we do every Monday on the two big wars affecting our world -- the Middle East and Ukraine. Conflict analysis expert Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto is with us again as she helps guide us through both stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A committee exchange in Ottawa brings back a debate that we thought was long over. What's the real reason behind the affair? Plus we start with allegations of rape and harassment inside CSIS and ask is this the last straw for CSIS leadership? If the spies aren't accountable who is? Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on this plus a series of other issues dominating talk in Ottawa. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of your comments on this week's special episode on disinformation. Seems you loved it and want more. Plus the Ranter continues his three-part series on advice for the party leaders -- this week it's for the NDP. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At least four members of Parliament accepted free trips to Israel last week to hear about the Israel-Hamas war. Members of the Liberal and Conservative parties took the deal, and members of the NDP and the Bloc said no. The full delegation included 53 people. Some of those numbers are misreported in this podcast and will be corrected in episode 905. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

We are in the final day of a four-day pause in the Middle East war, but the question now is will the pause continue? The hostage for prisoner swap seems to be going fairly well and there are now calls for it to be extended, but are the two sides willing to do so? Middle East analyst Dr Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday conversation about the situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After weeks, perhaps months, of being pummeled by the opposition, the media and Good Talk, Justin Trudeau got a bit of a break this week. Pierre Poilievre found his actions under the microscope, and to many, it didn't look good. Bruce and Chantal are all over this on Good Talk this week and they sure don't hold back. 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 a cultural icon prompted a lot of emotional reactions from across the country this week. A surprising amount considering many mentioned they had never heard of the person whose memory was being marked. And the Ranter begins a three part series on advice for the nation's political leaders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It is the morning after the day before, or in other terms, the day after the FES, the Fall Economic Statement. Was it a good day or a bad day for the Liberals as they try to climb out of their double-digit deficit to the Conservatives in the opinion polls? Bruce is here for a spirited discussion about that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

Dr Janice Stein is with us again after a weekend of informative discussions at the Halifax International Security Conference. Janice shares with us some of what she heard and what she learned on both the Middle East situation and the war in Ukraine. The road ahead on both is not going to be easy or short. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We have set the normal political conversation aside for the first segment of Good Talk this week. Instead an emotional discussion about the loss of a Canadian cultural icon. His name -- Karl Tremblay, and for many Canadians they may not have heard of him, but today we'll tell you why he's someone, if you didn't know about, you should. Chantal and Bruce have their memories. Plus more potential splits in both the Liberals and the NDP, and what to expect with Pharmacare next week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it the issue of our times or is it the forgotten issue of our times? Climate change. You had lots to say about comments we made yesterday on SMT and today you get the Bridge to air your thoughts. Plus the Random Ranter is by with his take on the "axing the taxing" debate. And some special letters about your feelings on last week's Your Turn on Remembrance Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You only have to be away from Ottawa for a few weeks to sense things have changed. Like the mood and the tone of the Parliament Hill community. It seems the polls have had an impact on the feel of the place. Bruce joins for SMT and there's lots to talk about. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Israel-Hamas war is in its fortieth day and new information from the Committee To Protect Journalists says 44 journalists have been killed during that time period. Why is this war so dangerous for journalists? We'll touch on that plus a series of other wide-ranging issues from climate change to artificial intelligence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The debate around "pause" versus "ceasefire" continues but meanwhile, people are still dying in the Israel-Hamas war. Janice Stein is with us for what has become her regular Monday briefing on where the conflict stands. Plus her thoughts on a new a study into Canada's role in the Afghan war and why very few people can get their hands on the report. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Conservative's double-digit lead in the polls seems to have the NDP nervous about its deal with the Liberals which helps keep Justin Trudeau in power. Every week it seems the NDP is looking for more concessions from the Liberals to stay on board. How long can that last, how long will it last? Bruce and Chantal are with us with their thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I asked for your stories about your family's connection to Remembrance Day. I wasn't sure what to expect but the emails just poured in. Today's episode is all you, and your stories. These represent some of the best of what you sent but there were lots more that could have easily made the cut! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

It’s an old saying but perhaps truer today than ever. Dr Samantha Nutt from War Child Canada has seen it all in sone of the most desperate corners of the world. And what frustrates her almost more than anything else if the fact that many countries just don’t learn the lessons of our history. She’s our guest for this conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some stunning remarks from the head of the Ukrainian military have analysts around the world wondering whether Ukraine has decided no one can win its war with Russia. At the same time questions are now being raised about whether, in spite of its military advantage, Israel can "defeat" Hamas. Janice Stein is with us again for her regular Monday visit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a disastrous week for the Liberals and equally so for Justin Trudeau. How deep does the problem go, and what may happen as a consequence? Some things that were held private are not being hidden anymore. What happens now? Bruce and Chantal are here to give their thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why am I not surprised? You had a lot to say about the Trudeau government's decision to change course, for three years anyway, on its carbon tax plan. The Random Ranter joins in too. Plus your thoughts on the Middle East, the CBC, and a lot more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The reverberations of the Trudeau carbon tax decision continue inspite of the PM’s own denial that there will be more changes in other areas. Was this a really bad move on the part of the government or one from which they can recover? Bruce is here for that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A major speech by the foreign affairs minister yesterday prompts questions about whether this marks a shift in Canada's overall position on foreign policy. While most of the attention the speech received was about what Canada wants to see in the current Middle East conflict, there is more to talk about. So we spend a few minutes with former diplomat Colin Robertson on what he takes from what was said by Melanie Joly. And as promised, a major catch-up on the "end bits" front, from energy, to health care, to pay phones! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Janice Stein is with us again for an important conversation that goes beyond the headlines in the Israel-Hamas war. Context is everything in the Middle East and that’s the goal of this week’s discussion. We start on the mic talked about hostages for prisoners swap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The carbon tax has been a signature part of the Liberal's climate change policy but last night may have been the beginning of the end of that signature. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on the prime minister's latest move on the energy front and wonder what might be next. That plus another good discussion on the national implications already coming out as a result of Alberta's plan for its own pension plan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, the Random Ranter has ignored Donald Trump since he debuted on The Bridge in September 2022. But not today. He's all in on debunking the former US President and he doesn't hold back. That plus another wide range of opinions from you on Your Turn -- from the Middle East, to EV's, to the CBC, to Alberta's pension plan idea. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a day of meetings in Ottawa, the prime minister has announced that Canada is joining the call for "humanitarian pauses" in the Israel-Hamas war so civilians in Gaza can receive aid. Is there a distinction between humanitarian pauses and ceasefires? Does it matter? Bruce Anderson joins to discuss on this week's SMT. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the pressure shifting to a ceasefire in the Middle East? France and the EU are now pushing for a ceasefire. The US and the UK remaining supportive of Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7th attacks. Meanwhile, what is the thinking on the Arab street to all this? Dr Samantha Nutt is just back from Yemen and Jordan and joins us to talk about what she’s seen and heard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Israel has been saying a full scale ground invasion was imminent and while some elements have been underway “full scale” has yet to happen. Why? Janice Stein is with us again with a wide ranging discussion on the latest of what is happening 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.

Both some of the international media and some country's leaders found out this week what happens when you jump to conclusions on blame. Especially in the Middle East. Bruce is away this week but The Economist's Rob Russo sits in with Chantal Hebert for an important conversation on the latest from the Israel-Hamas war. Also, discussions on the House of Commons, the NDP and Pierre Poilievre's position on the Alberta Pension Plan idea. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After an intense two weeks of watching the Middle East on the edge of a full-blown crisis, you share your thoughts and feelings about what you've witnessed. From who's to blame to what happens now? Plus other comments on the potential of LNG to WFH, work from home. And of course, 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.

Another horrific scene, this time in Gaza, and of all places a hospital. Who did it and why? That is the question today as accusations and counter-accusations reverberate across the Middle East and the world. Bruce Anderson is by with a classic SMT on this. Plus some thoughts on Pierre Poilievre's apple-picking video. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

It is a very complicated question and today we have Middle East expert and friend of The Bridge, Janice Stein, to help us answer that and some other basic questions on a rapidly evolving story. Dr Stein's expertise also involves conflict management, so how does this conflict end? Also today, the CEO of Enbridge, Greg Ebel, on his idea to move Canadian natural gas to export markets in Europe and China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does one describe the past week -- the hatred, the images, the response, the fact all could go on indefinitely? Chantal is in Banff this week, Bruce is in Ottawa. Their thoughts on the dominant story of the week and their expectations for the weekend's NDP convention in Ottawa. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your thoughts and your questions about the horrible events in Israel over the past few days. The shock is still settling in for many of us but you do have thoughts and want to share them. The Random Ranter has thoughts too on something very different -- the issue of working from home. All this and more this week on Your Turn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.