The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

It's the Wednesday Smoke Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson on the day after a classic smoke, mirrors and the truth session in Ottawa.The finance minister gives her economic statement and it was revealing to watch her and to watch the way the opposition reacted to it. Some thoughts on that and also about pandemic management following the first ministers' meeting last night. 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 potpourri day and some pretty interesting "stuff" to talk about. Starting with the decision from New Zealand to begin a process that will eventually, if it works, end smoking in the country. But lost more from electric vehicles to shipping containers to diversity issues. And of course, a possible hint of encouraging news on the Omicron front. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch has been one of the most listened-to guests on The Bridge all year. His expertise and advice on COVID 19 has been instrumental for many people from governments to ordinary citizens understanding how this virus is circulating and what to do in confronting it. So with the Omicron variant quickly marching it’s way through the public, what now? 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 are here with some serious Good Talk on a number of issues, the most provocative being when we raise the question of whether Canada and its western allies have chickened out on dealing with China especially and Russia too. But first up, Quebec's Bill 21, in spite of all the tough talk is there anything Ottawa will do? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's mailbag day with your letters and comments on a variety of issues from the pandemic to the Beatles. But we start with a great story from Finland. Their 36-year-old prime minister was found clubbing till 4 am on the day one of her ministers tested positive for Covid. Its made world headlines which is a story in itself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We haven't peeked south of the border to test the SMT waters for a while so why not now? Bruce is here to bat around some Trump thoughts, and then CNN fires its top anchor for issues of SMT so it's a natural for some talk too. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is fun. The new documentary made from archival film by director Peter Jackson about the Beatles just months before their breakup is rich in content. How rich? George Stroumboulopoulos is our guest in this really fascinating interview about the "fab four". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Williams is a long-time friend and colleague and when he announced his retirement this weekend it left many people wondering how to imagine how an Olympics would ever be the same. In tribute, I read one of the stories in my new book which is all about Brian. Before that, some thoughts about a critical meeting on a very important topic that is just two weeks away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So just how good was the Conservative leader's week? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts. Should the voting age be lowered to 16? And here's one to provoke some thought -- should Canada do a Barbados and move away from the monarchy? 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 begins with an admission of mine about how I made a fool of myself at last night's Leaf's game. But then, your letter, thoughts, comments and ideas on a variety of subjects from these days that never end. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have world leaders got it right this time in how they are responding to the latest twist in the Covid story? Bruce Anderson brings his latest data to SMT. Plus the latest on Erin O'Toole, and then an interesting take on Maclean's magazine's best-known recent cover. 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 potpourri day and there are lots of stories here to choose from. A Reuters study on Amazon and the information it collects on you; what's Canada's favourite password; why are fewer kids being born; is there a maple syrup shortage, real or artificial - which Xmas tree will you choose; 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.

So we are all worried and that's okay, but let's keep things in perspective. We track down Dr. Isaac Bogoch to give us an honest take on what we should be thinking about this latest twist in the Covid story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just when we thought we had turned a corner on Covid, a new variant pops up and has a lot of people worried. Bruce and Chantal try to put Covid fatigue, and Climate fatigue in context. That and a lot more on another great Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Across the country, 5-11-year-olds are starting to get their shot which will make Canada's vaccination rate, already a world leader, even better. That and a lot more, including some of your comments, ideas and questions on our dip into The Bridge mailbag. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce calls them the worst TV on-air, so is it time Parliament got with the times and revamp things? That's the optics of yesterday, and then we focus on the content and the politics. And what would SMT be with an update on radish farming? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We may not be talking about it very much but the situation between Ukraine and Russia is tense and the world is holding its breath. Russian troops have almost surrounded the former Soviet republic and threats of invasion are very evident. What will happen? How will other powers react? How should they react? One of my favourite foreign policy analysts, Dr. Janice Stein, joins us with her take on those questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A week ago we "paged" Toronto's Dr. Isaac Bogoch for his latest take on where we are on COVID 19. Today a second opinion, this time from Halifax's Dr. Lisa Barrett. This on the first day that 5-11 year olds begin to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So what actually was the result of the Biden-Trudeau talks in Washington -- did anyone actually gain anything? Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts.And Parliament reopens next week -- what are the stakes and Chantal goes out on a limb! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of mail to [email protected] about everything on your mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Words can't really describe just how devastating the flooding in British Columbia has been and the extent of the short to long-term damage it's caused. Smoke Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson weighing the consequences cuts to the facts. Also, Erin O'Toole just can't escape the knives in his own party. And Justin Trudeau heads to Washington, what will he come back with? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A different way of monitoring how something is working -- nothing official, but the Instagram "diary" of a Seattle couple is more than interesting. Plus lots more in today's potpourri edition -- is the end of COVID's worst in sight? Why are people quitting their jobs? And why are we hoarding electronic waste -- you won't believe just how much. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been almost two months since we last checked in with epidemiologist Dr Isaac Bogoch and there are lots of developments to catch up on, Where are we on Covid, what should we be thinking and finally, what the heck is he doing in Brussels? Insightful and fascinating as always. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Erin O'Toole trying to shift his party more to the centre? Did local elections in Alberta and Quebec this month also signal a shift? Lots of Good Talk to be found here with 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.

When's the last time you were in a library? If it's been a while you may not know what you're missing until you listen to this. Two professors from St. Andrew's University in Scotland with a new book just out this week on why we should care about libraries and how they are changing, and not changing, just us for us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bruce is all ready to talk about the new study in the United States that shows a shockingly high rate of Americans who believe the bogus stories they are being fed. And my question is just how pure are we?Plus the latest on the impact of any deal between the Liberals and the NDP to keep this new Parliament alive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The lessons from dealing with international flights and going to an NHL game in an era of Covid. Plus just how much of the misinformation being peddled about Covid is being believed - you might be surprised. And, the old hometown, Churchill Manitoba gets special treatment from the NY Times. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

By accident, I discover a small yet important part of Canada's military past. In a little cemetery behind an abandoned old church alongside Scotland's northeast coast. A story worth telling and I'm honoured to tell it along with the help of one of Canada's most respected war historians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Minority governments sometimes service by secret deals between parties. Is there one brewing right now between the Liberals and the NDP? Also, is a new Covid pill a changemaker on the pandemic? Plus the flag decision -- what will it take to find comfort on this issue? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode begins with a story about the wind and the power it can have to move memories. That and the return of the potpourri, an episode that touches on stories that don't often make the top of the news but carry an importance and an interest all their own. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What to believe and who to believe? That becomes the question when listening to all the promising talk coming out of COP26 in Glasgow. Bruce Anderson puts on his SMT filter to do just that. Plus, airlines in Canada start laying off people who haven't been vaccinated as the corporate world plays hardball on the pandemic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In all the big-name speeches in Glasgow, was there anyone with a Churchillian standard of speech in what is clearly a world crisis? You be the judge. And what's so special about Churchill anyway. A new book will have you thinking. And finally, a good news COVID update. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The eyes of much of the world are on Scotland this week as the COP26 climate conference begins with much anticipation of just what can be accomplished. And they're talking about it all around Scotland too, even in the 13th century cathedral here in Dornoch, Scotland. Which lads to the title of today's episode.And then, has the cashless society finally arrived? Personal finance writer Rob Carrick joins us with his take on something that affects us all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A full discussion with Chantal and Bruce about the new cabinet and what it could actually mean for Canadians; and whether Canadians could face soon what Brits are expecting -- higher taxes. And could the climate conference in Glasgow this coming week impact that question as well? And a pretty tough assessment of Jean Chretien's comments this week about Residential Schools. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some insightful letters from listeners today on everything from Covid to the issue of history’s accuracy. But first an equally insightful interview with Ralph Goodale, long time cabinet minister now a brand new diplomat as Canada’s High Commissioner here in the UK. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking down the new cabinet with Bruce Anderson. Who are the winners, what does that actually mean and is this a group built for action or more of the same? Also, did Jean Chretien misspeak about residential schools and will he regret it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new cabinet was sworn in today and as expected, half are women, and some of the top jobs in cabinet are filled by women. So what is that really like? What's remembered from day one through the often challenging times in cabinet. Catherine McKenna had two senior positions in Justin Trudeau's first two governments but chose not to run this time. Today she's our guest for the inside story of what that time in power was like, especially for a woman. 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 great debates these days revolves around truth -- what is it, and are we being told the truth about the events that are happening right in our time? Take that to its logical extension and you can ask, is history accurate? And that's what we do today with one of my favourite historians -- Dan Snow. Dan lives here in the United Kingdom but his Canadian roots run deep and as you will see roots he's very proud of. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots for Chantal and Rob Russo (filling in this week for Bruce) to talk about as we preview the decisions around and the optics around the cabinet that Justin Trudeau will unveil next Tuesday. Also, what does mandatory vaccination mean for MPs to enter the House of Commons and does it create yet another problem for Erin O'Toole? And then, inflation, and the Alberta plebiscite. As I said, lots to talk about! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Setting up camp in the Scottish Highlands for a few weeks and starting with a sense of what my first international journey since Covid was like. Bottom line -- it wasn't that bad at all. And then a lookahead to what is in store in terms of some special programs in the next little while, something I hope for everyone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The pandemic has apparently made many Americans consider quitting their jobs. How about Canadians? There has been a research study on exactly that question going on for the last two years and our guest today has been the person doing the researching. All that plus an update on Scotland, The Bridge and Off The Record. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chantal is in Montreal, Bruce is in Scotland as we tackle three issues including should the next minister of defence, if there's to be a new one, be a woman? Should whoever it is have military experience? All this in light of continuing allegations of sexual harassment in the military. But we start with Quebec's decision to hold back on its plan to have started vaccine passports in the health care system -- could that have an impact across the country? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some of your thoughts and questions and comments about everything from politics to Covid. And a little bit of me explaining what its like to launch a new book. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been months since we talked about Donald Trump, and maybe that's been a mistake. Is he dumb like a fox? Some people say he is and the media is letting him get away with a "slow moving coup". Bruce and I have our thoughts on that. And while we're at it, how should the Canadian media be treating Max Bernier? 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 big week in space as Star Trek becomes real if only for a few minutes. William Shatner goes into space and The Bridge has Canada's most famous astronaut to tell us what to think about that.Also an update on hand sanitizers -- were they ever. even needed? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Conservative Caucus moves to be the deciders on whether their leader stays or goes. Can that be contagious for other parties? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on that. Plus why has politics become so unattractive for potential candidates? Or has it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A footnote to low election turnouts. And then, when will Alberta recover from its COVID disaster? Can Jason Kenney survive the pandemic? No province has escaped the COVID challenge but Alberta has had a worse time than anywhere. Today we try to answer the question: What the heck is happening to Alberta?Guiding us through the story from Calgary is a friend of The Bridge and fellow podcaster, the CBC's Kathleen Petty of "West of Centre". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chantal is in Montreal and Bruce is on the road today but the talk is always clear -- and today it's more of the post-election talk as we head into October ten days clear of the vote that gave the country another Trudeau minority. Trudeau's agenda and cabinet , O'Toole's leadership and Indigenous rights top the good talk agenda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With vaccine rates somewhat stalled is it time for governments, businesses AND hospitals to step up their game on getting more vaccines into more arms? Smoke Mirrors and The Truth is back with Bruce Anderson. Also is it finally time to admit we lost the war in Afghanistan? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canada elected 102 women to the House of Commons last week which is a new record, but it raises the question, is it enough? Other countries do better, much better. The executive director of Equal Voice joins the program for her perspective on all this. Also, our tease for today, can James Bond save the movie theatre business? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.