The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

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.

For some young Canadians with good jobs and a young family will never be able to buy a home. How did it ever get to this? Preet Banerjee joins us and he's got lots to say on this. Also, EV's reach another milestone in Europe. It's way more than a fad now. 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 Monday pandemic checkup, this week with Toronto epidemiologist Dr. Isaac Bogoch. The good doctor is a straight shooter and he doesn't hold back as the quote above in today's title clearly shows! But there's a football twist in today's episode as well -- go figure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three Topics for today -- is it already open warfare over leadership in the Conservative caucus? What's the impact of the NDP's surge in many upcoming provincial races? And Bruce offers one potential solution to the housing crisis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A year from now, fully vaxed and with the pandemic hopefully a distant memory, will you still be wearing a mask? If so you might want to make sure it's a real one. And it's the Thursday mailbag edition with a good selection of your comments, ideas and questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Was it smoke or mirrors or the truth with three separate incidents over the last few days? Doug Ford, Jason Kenney, Donald Trump. Case studies with Bruce Anderson make up today's episode of SMT on The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The British Prime Minister may think he can ride out the storm but those against him haven't stopped organizing. What does it mean and what should it mean for Erin O'Toole? Andrew MacDougall should know -- Stephen Harper's former head of communications and currently a strategic consultant based in London. Also today, will it soon be time for single pilot cockpits? 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 members of The Bridge's unofficial "science table" joins for our regular Monday Covid Update. Dr. Zain Chagla from McMaster University talks about where we are, how to interpret the numbers, where we are on boosters, therapeutics, and a lot more. Then some remarkable stats on apps that are helping us through the pandemic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A leader must be a leader. That's often been a campaign slogan. So what of the leadership of Quebec's Francois Legault, the Conservative's Erin O'Toole, and Britain's Boris Johnson? All three had big weeks -- but what did Chantal and Bruce think of it all? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some stories, trends and articles you may have missed, and then your turn with your comments, thoughts and questions from Covid to sleep to tennis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will any other provinces follow Quebec's plan to tax the unvaccinated? Bruce puts the SMT lens on that one. Plus the calls for Boris Johnson to resign intensify. And then of course there's the question underlined by the Australian Open -- is there one set of rules for the famous and then the rules for the rest of us? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots on the program today starting with the explosion in the use of sleep apps because of the pandemic. But also we ask my old friend and former Washington correspondent Rob Russo to help us understand whether it will ever be possible for the US Congress to bring Donald Trump to account for what he did or didn't do on last year's insurrection day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's feature interview on the Covid story is with Dr. Lisa Barrett, the Nova Scotia epidemiologist at Dalhousie University who is tracking the virus not just there but around the country and around the world. Her thoughts about where we are, what we are doing right and wrong, and where we are heading. 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 start off 2022 with two big topics. We discuss the at times divisive politics of the pandemic in Canada; and then if Joe Biden is right and democracy is vulnerable in the United States, how ready is Canada? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.