The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Governments may have dropped restrictions but it's not pretty out there as Covid marches back with a new wave. What to do not that you are basically on your own for the fight. Dr Lisa Barrett, now recovering from COVID herself, joins us from Halifax. Plus, veteran war correspondent Brian Stewart drops by with his weekly Ukraine commentary -- this week with his thoughts on the atrocities and what past wars have told him about how they happen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A special episode featuring an exclusive interview with Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae. At issue: whether its right to negotiate with a proven liar and war criminal, in this case, Vladimir Putin. Why do it, and if you do, why trust him? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pope apologizes but how will that change the situation on reconciliation? Bruce and Chantal on that and much more -- the billions to be spent on new jet fighters barely causes a ripple. And next week's budget -- who is writing it -- the Liberals or the NDP or both? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Negotiate or force an unconditional surrender? Some of your views in the weekly mailbag are different when it comes to how to end the situation in Ukraine. And for the first week in two years, no questions or comments about Covid! 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 perfect Smoke Mirrors and The Truth topic -- a relatively unknown Conservative MP quotes from a dictionary to claim "many people" believe Justin Trudeau is a dictator. Bruce Anderson on that plus, another SMT topic, is there anything but "smoke" behind Trudeau's promise to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his regular Tuesday commentary long time foreign correspondent Brian Stewart takes us beyond the headlines to focus on what we know and what we don't know about the war in Ukraine. Also some big news about The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

General Andrew Leslie knows what its like to be in battle. The former Canadian Army General knows what its like to deal with the Russians too. His thoughts on Ukraine, Putin, NATO and Canada are blunt and worth listening to. Also our regular Monday COVID update ... it's not good. Say hello to the new wave -- its already here. 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 have their say on the new Liberal/NDP arrangement and how it impacts just about everything political in Canada. Also, do Conservatives have to change to win, and Jason Kenney "unplugged". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The mailbag was full again this week with your thoughts mainly on Ukraine. Some of what you had to say, highlights this week's episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some critics, mainly Conservatives, say the deal between the NDP and the Liberals is a "subversion of democracy". Just how well do they know their own country's political history? Bruce Anderson on that with this week's Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth. And COVID and masks -- we have the latest debate on that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of the world's most celebrated historians, Margaret Macmillan, puts the Ukraine war in context -- is it already a world war? And Brian Stewart drops by with his regular Tuesday commentary on what is missing in the coverage of the war. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We begin today, as we do every Monday, with the latest Covid update and its worrying. Dr Jason Kindrachuk joins us from Winnipeg. And then a short excerpt from my conversation at the University of Toronto on Friday with China expert and former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd -- could China mediate an end to 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.

Canada's allies say we are not spending enough on defence and it shows in the support of Ukraine. Are we and if not where will the money come from to spend more? Bruce and Chantal with their take on that 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.

Our weekly chance for you to voice your thoughts and you are not shy about the situation in Ukraine, anxiety at the dropping of restrictions on COVID, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce Anderson on the scene in capitals across the world, including Ottawa, where President Volodymyr Zelensky appears on monitors asking for more help and gets standing ovations instead on his main request. Cowardice or prudence? Plus Conservatives and Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the battle for Ukraine's cities, including the capital Kyiv, steps up, the question arises about strategy. From both sides, what is the aim of the attack and what is the theory behind the defence? In his regular Tuesday commentary for the Bridge on the Ukraine war, retired foreign correspondent and military analyst Brian Stewart has his thoughts. Also, a remarkable letter later in the episode from two listeners travelling parts of western Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The long-awaited attack on the Ukrainian capital seems to be underway, and The Bridge goes inside with a first-hand account of what it's like. Olexiy Haran from Kyiv University talks to us from his home within earshot of the attacks. And it's Monday, so we have our latest COVID update, this week with Lynora Saxinger from Edmonton. AS people start going back to their offices what's the best advice to follow? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There's been no official declaration of war, but given the actions of Canada and other nations have already taken in defence of Ukraine and at the expense of Russia, are we already in fact, at war? Bruce and Chantal on that as well as what difference Jean Charest makes to the Conservative leadership race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of questions and comments about the Ukraine war including a unique one about people power and a unique walk INTO Russia. Never happen? Perhaps not, but intriguing to think about. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We know where the government stands, we know where the private sector stands, but what about Canadians? Where are they on the Ukraine war? Bruce is just out of the research field with a new survey and the results have some surprising findings. Plus, the latest on the Conservative leadership race, and some thoughts on why the PM visited the Queen this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Much has been made of how the Russian forces are botching their invasion of Ukraine. What isn't being talked about, and should be, is how effective the Ukrainian defence forces are. So veteran war correspondent Brian Stewart takes us into that angle and it's fascinating. And Dr Sam Nutt is with us for her take on the refugee situation which is overwhelming an unprecedented exodus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Veteran Canadian war/foreign correspondent Susan Ormiston joins us from Ukraine in a riveting conversation. Plus, our regular Monday check-in on Covid this week with Dr Lisa Barrett from Halifax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Russian attacks on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, indiscriminate bombings of civilians, and no end in sight, Bruce and Chantal weigh the very controversial question of just how far Canada should go to support Ukraine. Plus, should Max Bernier run for the leadership of the Conservative Party? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's the Thursday edition of The Bridge and that means your turn through the Bridge Mailbag. Lots of comments on Ukraine, the Media and Covid. But we start with some tips on how to spot fake or misleading footage about the war. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce is back with his take on what we are witnessing as the day's news looks a lot like the old documentary newsreels of the past. Bombed out European cities, long lines of refugees fleeing to nearby borders, and a dictator seemingly out of control. Are we doing enough? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many people think Vladimir Putin has, to put it mildly, lost his way, and he's become irrational in his actions. One of the most internationally respected writers on the Putin legacy, Professor Timothy Frye of Columbia University in New York, joins us with his thoughts. Then a different angle to the story that has the world's attention -- how the story is being covered. My old colleague and one of the best war correspondents I've known in my career, Brian Stewart, is with us for that discussion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First up today, we go to Kiev to talk to the internationally known academic Olexiy Haran for an on-the-ground description of life in the embattled city. And why morale remains so high. But it's also Monday and we hold true to our weekly commitment to stay on the pandemic story with a focus this week on masks and the push to end use of them. Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine is with us for that. 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 are back with a full agenda. Canada's position on Ukraine, Justin Trudeau revoking the Emergencies Act and the latest on the Conservative leadership race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has juggled today's normal lineup around. Dr Janice Stein, internationally recognized U of T professor of conflict management, joins me after a night of attacks in Ukraine. Also, some of your best letters in our Mail Bag for the past week, all relate to the trucker's story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce Anderson and Smoke Mirrors and The Truth is all over the continuing fallout from the trucker's story. From the US fascination with Justin Trudeau to the impact of Ukraine to the Conservative leadership race -- it's all here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's our regular weekly (day later than usual because of yesterday's holiday) check-in on Covid. But first some thoughts on the Ukraine story, and the trucker's story and the importance of words. Epidemiologist Dr. Zain Chagla joins us with his take on yet another vaccine shot, and also how concerned we should be about the variant BA2 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 15th. This is a fabulous and important discussion to have with two normally political foes engaging in a thoughtful, for the most part non partisan discussion about current leadership patterns. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau Principal Secretary Gerry Butts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You'll never guess what the topic is for this week with Bruce and Chantal. Has the government justified its use of the Emergencies Act -- a full show's back and forth on this one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More letters than ever sent in this week and today's Bridge highlights some of them. Also lots of comments on our Gerry Butts/James Moore Tuesday episode -- seems like you loved it. Plus some thoughts from you on the latest COVID situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce brings his latest data book with him and gives us a sense of how Canadians feel about the convoy mess. Also the big question -- will this ever end and how will it end? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a fabulous and important discussion to have with two normally political foes engaging in a thoughtful, for the most part non partisan discussion about current leadership patterns. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau Principal Secretary Gerry Butts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many provinces have started rolling back Covid restrictions. Right or wrong? Epidemiologist Dr Lisa Barrett joins us from Halifax with her thoughts on this question that goes to the heart of the question of covid management. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you feel about the leadership of Justin Trudeau during the "convoy crisis"? Is it strong or weak? What could he be doing that he isn't doing? And what about the Conservative's huge flip flop -- going from cheerleaders for the protesting truckers to demanding they, stop their protest now? Lots to discuss and Chantal and Bruce are ready for just that. 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 thoughts, comments, questions and ideas about the various "protests" across the country as they are about to enter a third week. And you haven't forgotten the pandemic, your emails on that too. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

American political strategist Steve Schmidt joins us with his theories on how and why the American far right is trying to influence the protests in Ottawa, and Bruce Anderson has his thoughts on that. Its Smoke Mirrors and The Truth for another week of talk about a situation that has paralyzed parts of the country's political and economic base. Plus the latest on the Conservative leadership race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steve Schmidt is a top American political and communications strategist with bright red Republican credentials. He's fearful of what's happening in his country and is convinced it's bleeding over into Canada, witness the dark side of the trucker's convoy. Plus an extraordinary discussion with Anthony Germain of the CBC on what it's like inside Beijing in the midst of Covid and the Olympics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A lot of reasonable people are getting frustrated and are beginning to ask "Are we still in a pandemic?" So that is among the big picture questions on our regular Monday edition of The Bridge this week with Dr. Isaac Bogoch of the University Health Network in Toronto. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three words: Truckers -- Erin O'Toole. And then many more words and lively discussion from Chantal and Bruce! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A busy week in the Your Turn department, dozens and dozens of letters, mostly to do with the so-called "freedom" convoy and listeners haven't been shy. But also comments about electric vehicles and the pandemic make the list. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the voting was taking place on Erin O'Toole's leadership Smoke Mirrors and The Truth had these thoughts on the dilemma facing the Conservatives and their leadership. Also, how are the people of Ottawa holding up to the protests in their city? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we focus on the big picture of electric vehicles. While auto manufacturers have their foot on the pedal, just how ready is the country for the massive change that electrification will mean? One of the country's leading experts on the auto industry -- Dr. Charlotte Yates, @uofgpresident is our guest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's regular Monday look at where we are in the fight against COVID involves our discussion this week with Edmonton's Dr. Lynora Saxinger from the University of Alberta. But first my thoughts on the weekend of protest on mandates. And of course, a last thought on the weekend's NFL games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the so-called "Freedom Convoy" approaches Ottawa Chantal and Bruce offer their thoughts on a protest that has authorities more than a little worried. And through it all Erin O'Toole does his weekly struggle looking for the middle ground. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the 500th episode of The Bridge and what better way to celebrate than by listening to some of your latest letters, your ideas, thoughts and comments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The cross country trucker's convoy is picking up steam, coverage and ugly words as it makes its way towards the nation's capital this weekend. What exactly is their issue? Who's funding them? And is Ottawa worried? All that and more as Bruce Anderson joins from Ottawa. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.