The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

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

The dust has settled on one of the largest shuffles in Canadian political history but at the end of the day what really changed? If anything. Bruce and Chantal are here for a special mid-summer Good Talk and they don't hold back. Also updates on Pierre Poilievre and some thoughts about that recent swarming and what it says about us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 6th. 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.

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.

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.

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.

For our final Good Talk of the season, Bruce, Chantal and I talk about the mood of the country and how it's changed in the last couple of years. Then we talk about the politics of the country and how it has changed in the years of the Trudeau government. Lots for everyone in this conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Random Ranter sure started something last week with his rant on bike lanes and you certainly responded both for and against what he had to say. If his job is to provoke, it worked! Also your comments on the Erin O'Toole exit interview. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Four byelections this week have some Conservatives worried about the future. Should they be or is it all just smoke and mirrors?Brian Mulroney gives Justin Trudeau a rousing introduction -- what's up with that? And are news organizations making the right call on their breathless reporting of the latest Titanic story? Veteran journalist Rob Russo sits in for Bruce Anderson this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two of our favourite people join The Bridge today. War Child Canada's Dr. Samantha Nutt is not far from where the weekend's horrendous attack on Ugandan school children took place and she talks to us from there, and Brian Stewart is by with his regular Tuesday commentary and analysis on 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.

The former Conservative leader is leaving politics softly but not quietly. He's making appearances, speeches and giving interviews and they all are chock full of his concerns about the current state of politics and some hints of what went wrong for him in his short term as leader. It's a straightforward and honest look at himself and his party. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the verge of four federal byelections on Monday, there's a lot of Ottawa bubble talk about the problems facing the Liberals. Bruce and Chantal wonder just how serious things are and if the byelection results will tell us anything meaningful on that question. Also, what really led to the layoffs at CTV News? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The other day on a short "end bit" we had a story about some backlash to tipping and that got some of our listeners writing. Today we have their letters. Also a fair amount of comment about last Friday's Good Talk segment about whether here is a growing backlash against Pride in Canadian Politics. And the Random Ranter has his thoughts about bike lanes. 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 serious indictment against a former US President, but like almost everything that involves Donald Trump it turns into a circus. Bruce has his thoughts on everything from the courtroom to the newsroom. Also today Erin O'Toole's farewell speech to the House of Commons where there were lessons for everyone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Trudeau by his side, Ukraine's Zelensky says his country's counter-offensive against Russia has begun. But very little is known about just how the fight is going. Brian Stewart explains why and assesses what we know so far. 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 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.