The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Dr Janice Stein is with us again on our regular spin around the world to note the stories we are missing when our focus is consumed only by the major stories of the day. On today's list, among others, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Poland, Israel and Haiti. And then if you are a frequent flier, an "endbit" worth keeping in mind for your next flight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June is Pride month in Canada but is the story different this year. Especially when it comes to the link between politics and Pride, the organization representing LGBTQ rights. The question is just how different are we compared to our US neighbours? Plus a rundown of where the five political parties are on the national landscape as the summer of 23 begins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was a busy week managing the incoming letter's file as you had a lot to say about Moore-Butts Conversation #9 and particularly the issue of political messaging. There were also some climate change thoughts brought up with comments on the wildfires, and some memories about D-Day. Plus the Random Ranter drops by with some sage advice for all politicians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the smoke from Canadian wildfires descends on major parts of the United States the debate intensifies about the impacts of climate change. Bruce is by with his thoughts on that plus the David Johnston affairs, and is Donald Trump about to shed whatever is left of his Teflon image? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The great correspondent Brian Stewart has been with us almost every Tuesday for the past year. His commentary has been about Ukraine but today we look back to another famous June 6 and that of course was in 1944, D-Day. Both Brian and I have been to the Normandy beaches many times and today is all about remembering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest from two political veterans is another winner. Why do politicians say the things they say -- are they deliberately trying to mirror the views of potential supporters and if so is the message going through a generational change? Conservative James Moore and Liberal Gerald Butts are back for their last conversation before the summer break. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The RCMP is going to set up special units to protect politicians and senior civil servants. What has the country become that has led to this? Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on that plus the latest on the David Johnston story and whether he can carry on with his job. Also what to believe about the latest poll showing the Conservatives may have reason to be concerned about their position in their fight for power. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of issues from your letters this week starting with an important warning from my trucker friend in the Maritimes. The forest fire problem in that region could get a lot worse before it gets better. Also thoughts about our guests this week and one very much in particular. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It looked like the NDP leader was in a political jam criticizing the government while at the same time propping it up. But someone, maybe Jagmeet Singh himself, came up with a great line to get himself to safe ground. Bruce does his SMT analysis on that plus the Alberta election and artificial intelligence too. Lots to listen to this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Brian Stewart also drops by for a condensed Stewart Report on the latest developments in the war. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

You could be excused if you thought all the posturing this week from the two major parties was all "just politics". But was it? Chantal and Bruce have their say on that plus, who is Michael Sabia and why does he matter to so many people? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of emails with your views in the first twenty-four hours after the release of the Johnston Report on Election Interference. Those views reflect in many ways the different views we witnessed on Parliament Hill when the report was released. And the Random Ranter has his take as well focusing on how this week has impacted the state of political leadership in the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The classic example of the morning after the day before. It all boils down to one question, who do you trust? Yesterday had it all, a respected person with a controversial report, an opposition party not buying it, a government trying to defend it and the media caught in the middle. Bruce has his thoughts and 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.

You could be excused if you didn't realize Henry Kissinger was still alive, but he is and as he turns 100 this week, he's still actively proposing plans for world peace. The controversial former US Secretary of State forms part of what Brian Stewart's weekly Ukraine commentary is all about this week. 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.

Thursday night was a big night in Alberta politics. It was debate night in the province's election campaign. But it was also the same day that Alberta's Ethics Commissioner came down with a report on the behaviour of Premier Danielle Smith. There was a lesson in her report that could and maybe should affect all politicians in Canada. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on that. Also some good talk on Pierre Poilievre's decision not to meet with special rapporteur David Johnston. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of letters this week reacting to The Moore Butts Conversation #8 which focused on the power in politics of the lie. You have some pretty strong feelings on this issue and also on the passport issue that surfaced last week. And then there's our regular Thursday feature, 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.

Artificial Intelligence was on the minds of Washington legislators yesterday and the discussion was not only important it was for the most part non-partisan. Some important points are being made and one wonders whether Ottawa will soon do the same. It was more than two months ago on this program that Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner rang the bell on the issue and could more be around the corner? Bruce Anderson is back with his thoughts 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.

We all have bad weeks but the Russians have just had a VERY bad week and Brian Stewart is here to tell us why. Plus what is Volodymyr Zelensky up to as he globe-trots to some of western Europe's key capitals? And some quick end bits on polls, four day school weeks, and a bizarre US space program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

It's a simple issue but one that gets people talking and today some "good talk" with Chantal and Rob Russo filling in for Bruce. Images of Canadian history or drawings of Canadiana -- what do you think best reflects our passports? Plus a new challenge for Conservatives, and a controversial return of Donald Trump. All talkers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A wide range of opinions on various issues today are headlined for the most part by things triggered by the Random Ranter. Last week he tore into the monarchy, some of you agreed but others argued for the tie to be kept. And then the Ranter heads off in a new direction - China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Look out, he may be on his way back. The People's Party leader is said to be about to enter a byelection. race for a federal seat in Manitoba. If he does what impact would that have not only on his party but on the Conservative party as well. Bruce is off this week, but Toronto Star columnist Althia Raj is here with her take on that story and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Brian Stewart's regular Tuesday commentary, this week we profile the man who has brought mercenary armies to the forefront of discussion. Yevgeny Prigozhin operates the Wagnedr group and while we have talked about him before, today we take a wider look at the issue because mercenaries are operating in a lot more than just the battle for Ukraine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After lots of talk on The Bridge about television journalism, today some thoughts on the struggle to keep print journalism alive. A feature interview with Jordan Bitove the owner and CEO of TorStar, which controls the Toronto Star and 80 others newspapers in the country. 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 analyze the pros and cons of Thursday night's major speech from Justin Trudeau to Liberal delegates in Ottawa. Does he still have the royal jelly to lead. the liberals against Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives? Plus does the Michael Chong story just keep the drip, drip, drip going against the government on the China election interference issue. 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 mail on the passing of Gordon Lightfoot and today I highlight a few with great stories to talk about the impact the legendary singer had on our lives. Then the Ranter comes by with his take on the monarchy. Cover your ears if you want it to survive! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New York Times has looked at how Presidents in the last thirty years have been doing fewer and fewer news conferences and one on one interviews. Is that becoming the new normal and is it spreading to Canada? If so what do we lose? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He became a legend and an icon for the stories he told and the songs he wrote about them. Gordon Lightfoot loved Canada and loved singing about our story. And we loved listening. Some thoughts about Gordon and what he meant to us and to me. And then our regular Tuesday commentary with Brian Stewart about the war in Ukraine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

It was supposed to be a throwaway two-minute chat, but we ended up talking about PM Trudeau and the Coronation for 12 minutes. Why? You might want to listen! Chantal and filling in for Bruce, our friend Rob Russo. Also some substantial talk about the biggest strike in Canadian history and why its taking so long to settle. Plus the Liberals meet in convention next week where among other things, lowering the voting age is on the agenda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your Turn - Love and Hate on the CBC. There are few things that generate more discussion from Bridge listeners than the debate about the CBC and this week is another example of that. Lots of comments about the national public broadcaster's future. Plus the Random Ranter on whether Joe Biden is just too old to keep being President. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joe Biden announces his re-election bid and his most likely contender, at least at this point, is Donald Trump. Bruce looks at the opening volleys in the 2024 US election campaign and we wonder if this is the best they can do. An 80 something Democrat and a multi-indicted Republican who could be perp walked and in an orange jumpsuit before the voting begins. Plus the PSAC strike and new talk of a new arena in Calgary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If NATO Is Considering a New Strategy, Where Does Canada Fit In? On Brian Stewart's regular Tuesday commentary, his thoughts on what a lot of NATO countries are considering - a new strategy for the defense of Europe. And just as important, if there is going to be a new strategy how does Canada fit in, especially in light of Prime Minister Trudeau's reported comments about how much the country is prepared to contribute. That plus my thoughts on hockey and Fox. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russia may be losing the war in Ukraine, but are they, and China, winning the wider war for global influence? War Child Canada's Dr. Samantha Nutt joins us to talk about just that with her on-the-ground experience.Plus we start with another climate change update that should interest anyone who travels by air. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce has just completed a deep dive on the CBC and how Canadians feel about it. The results aren't pretty and along with Chantal and me, we have some thoughts on whether the nearly 100-year-old national public broadcaster will even make it to the centennial in 2036. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A chance comment the other day on retirement prompted a fair amount of mail from young and old listeners, forming the opening act of today's Your Turn. Plus The Random Ranter has his take on the popularity of lithium and why we should think twice about it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fox pays almost 800 million dollars to shut down a lawsuit against the news network for fabricating stories. No apologies, no firings -- Bruce wonders whether democracy was served by that decision. Was the prime minister right or wrong to take a holiday in Jamaica at a wealthy friends resort? And the latest on the CBC, all on this week's Smoke Mirrors and The Truth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After almost 15 months of war in Ukraine, Brian Stewart's regular Tuesday commentary on The Bridge suggests there could be a possibility for peace negotiations just around the corner. It's far from certain but Brian makes the argument that certain pieces which could lead to talks are starting to fall in place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have we grown accustomed to taking the Canada-US relationship for granted? If so, is it time to rethink that assumption? Former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts and former Harper cabinet minister meet again for Moore-Butts #7 and there's lots to think about after hearing their take on the old "best friends" scenario. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was ten years ago this month that Justin Trudeau became leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He's been prime minister for almost eight of those years. Is it time to go or is there still "gas in the tank"? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on the meaning of the anniversary, plus some comments on Pierre Poilievre's latest attack moment with the media. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After an Easter break you are back with your emails about the issues of the day from coalitions to Pierre Poilievre to the CBC. And the Random Ranter makes his return by joining the discussion about Climate Change. It's a packed episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce does his deepest dive yet on Canadians' attitudes towards Pierre Poilievre, and the numbers are good for Poilievre and not good for Justin Trudeau. This is not your ordinary party preference poll, its much different and is quite telling about where Canadians are today in how they feel about leadership in Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Stewart uses that comparison to talk about the latest bit of skullduggery and intrigue we discover inside the story of the Ukraine war. Plus BR Ian's take on the latest version of the Pentagon Papers -- what happened and what did we learn? Plus, an endbit on the power of the nap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She's back! The Munk School's founding director joins for her regular look at those parts of the world we should keep an eye on. Among those for discussion today: Northern Ireland, Finland, France, Israel and Mali. Also today, who is Flight Sgt Peter Brown and why is his story one you won't forget. And one more thing, this time about The Beatles. 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 6th. For years this has been a topic of conversation for political junkies. It drives some partisans on both sides crazy, but not Good Talk. Chantal and Bruce are all in for the discussion about whether it's time the two parties made their current arrangement a little more permanent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For years this has been a topic of conversation for political junkies. It drives some partisans on both sides crazy, but not Good Talk. Chantal and Bruce are all in for the discussion about whether it's time the two parties made their current arrangement a little more permanent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Its been a wild forty eight hours in the United States so how much did you watch? Bruce puts the Smoke Mirrors and The Truth microscope on the media and the way its covered the Trump indictment. And then on the same theme, what is happening at "60 Minutes"? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian's commentary on the Ukraine War this week has it all from questions about whether there are cracks in the alliance's commitment, to China's positioning on the war, to stories of spies, mercenaries and deserters. Plus on Endbits, this shocker - is 24 Sussex Drive full of dead rats? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.