The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

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.

The Mass Casualty Commission in Nova Scotia reported last week on its findings on the 22 murders that happened in that province in April of 2020. The results of the report were highly critical of the RCMP and on The Bridge today a return appearance from Paul Palango, author of the best-seller "22 Murders". Plus some opening thoughts on Canada's space history given today's announcement of Canada's first lunar astronaut. 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 today ...we lead with the story that's the lead almost everywhere in the world this weekend -- the Trump indictment. But then the mess around the RCMP, the mess around Danielle Smith, and finally the NDP in a post-budget world. Chantal and Bruce continue their trash the host talk! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listeners outdid themselves this week by answering in a big way their own methods of fighting climate change. Some of the ideas are quite unique and perhaps worth considering. Plus the Random Ranter drops by with his weekly commentary, this time on violence in our downtown cores. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Of course, it was Chrystia Freeland's budget but some could argue it was Jagmeet Singh's budget too. Whatever the case the NDP was pretty happy and it sure seems the Liberal/NDP deal will stay intact meaning no election this year. Lots to talk about and Bruce is up for some good back and forth. Also the latest on the election interference story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Stewart is by for his regular Tuesday commentary and he's got more great observations, ranging from a new Nordic alliance forming to questions about Putin's latest nuclear gambit. Plus some thoughts about the budget, and an "end bit" on how the pandemic has changed hotel service! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

At a time when trust in the media is at a low ebb, is the media's work on the China story helping or hurting its reputation? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts, and then Chantal beats me up over the use of the term "traitor". Just another day in the life of Good Talk! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You went after me this week for saying you'd had it with climate change talk as nothing is changing. You want more talk not less and your many letters made that very clear. And the Random Ranter is back with his take on AI, Artificial Intelligence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Katie Telford is the prime minister's most senior staffer and his closest advisor. And now she has agreed to testify before the parliamentary committee looking into the alleged Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. If she could appear why can't the prime minister? That and a lot more up for discussion with Bruce Anderson on SMT. And we'll also discuss Joe Biden's visit to Ottawa this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Stewart takes his hand at war gaming one of your questions. A "what if" question. What if Russia wins, what happens then? What if Ukraine wins, what then? The questions are easy but the answers are much more challenging. Also today some thoughts on climate change on the heels of a blistering report from some of the world's leading scientists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you remember those days of March 2020? Looking back today it seems like a long time ago, and just how confused we were trying to understand how to live with a pandemic. How long would it last? Would we survive? One of those who helped listeners of The Bridge through it all was Dr Isaac Bogoch and he joins us today to talk about what we went through and where we are now. Plus, could this be the real story of the 400 highways? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Johnston seemed to have it all when Stephen Harper picked him as Governor General in 2010. Everyone lined up from all parties to praise Johnston. The man with twenty-one letters AFTER his name was golden, until this week. Chantal and Bruce on why some pretty heavy hitters don't think he's the right choice to look into the China story. And, do you have your party planned for Coronation Day? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How could I have forgotten about curling but I did and listeners pounded. On that plus China, AI, submarines and a lot more. And then the Random Ranter wades into dangerous waters by taking on a subject that always causes controversy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre implied that Justin Trudeau was a traitor. This week a different Poilievre emerged and Bruce was impressed -- to a degree. The China story keeps moving along but with the budget approaching there's also more turf, familiar for the Conservative leader, to tread on. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia meet in California to discuss how to deal with China in the Pacific. The pictures of the three standing in front of a nuclear sub were impressive, but is it worth asking "where was Canada?" And then our regular Tuesday update with Brian Stewart on the war in Ukraine -- is a spring offensive on its way from Ukraine? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's program is all about regulation -- first in the banks and then in sports. The latest bank crisis brings back memories of that classic "run on the bank" scene in everyone's favourite Christmas movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". Meanwhile in sports, many athletes are railing against referees getting in the way of the game. Author Bruce Dowbiggin tells us what's happening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chantal is back from Iceland and along with Bruce its time to put the China story in context. And, should someone pay the price for it all? That, plus Pierre Poilievre -- are we now seeing what the opposition leader 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.

Lots of comments this week on two of our programs this week -- how the PM has handled the election interference story, and our discussion with Michelle Rempel Garner on Artificial Intelligence. Plus the Random Ranter worries about our American neighbours. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pierre Poilievre has never been shy about levelling a charge but did he go too far by suggesting Justin Trudeau was guilty of treason? Bruce and I weigh in on that one, plus more on whether Trudeau himself has botched the whole issue of election interference. We don't call this segment Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth for nothing! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why are the Ukrainians so desperate to keep the battle for Bakhmut going when every analyst says it's a battle they can't win? Brian Stewart takes us behind the frontlines to try to understand the strategy. Plus, the China angle -- what is Beijing up to on Ukraine. And on Endbits, the resistance to the growth of Dollar Stores. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is an important discussion about Artificial intelligence -- what you should know and why legislators seem so slow-footed on dealing with the issues AI brings. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner is trying to raise awareness on something that is happening very quickly in our world, perhaps too quickly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.