The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

We've never tried this before and it's a legitimate question to ask, why not? We've never had so many entries and we are likely to have enough for two or three weeks of Thursdays! Plus the Random Ranter makes his first rant of 2026 and the target is a familiar one -- Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A collection of "news you can use" stories from The Bridge's end bits favourites. Why day dreaming is better than doom scrolling; why a second passport is useful -- all these stories and more today! 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 "Reporter's Notebook" Tuesday with The Economist's Rob Russo and The Toronto Star's Althia Raj joining forces again to give us what they're hearing as the Prime Minister heads to China. Mark Carney is trying to reset the relationship with China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mondays on The Bridge mean Dr Janice Stein, and this week she outlines her theory about what was really happening behind the scenes in Venezuela as the Americans arrived. Also, more talk about why Canada should be worried and also ready. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The year is off to a fast start, and so is the Good Talk panel. How worried should Canada be after the US invasion of Venezuela and Donald Trump's constant threats towards some of his closest neighbours? That and more in our first 2026 Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First Your Turn of the new year and the question fits the timing. We were looking for your predictions for 2026, and as always you delivered. Plus, The Random Ranter is on the DL this week, down with the flu, so the show is all yours! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest episode starts with how to prepare yourself if US Customs searches your phone records. You like end bits and we enjoy giving you some every once in a while. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are hardly any governments in the world right now who aren't faced with an "affordability" crisis? Voters want action but what action is even possible? That's the question on our first Moore Butts Conversation of 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump invades Venezuela, grabs Nicolas Maduro and his wife, says he will run the country for a while, and he's going to fix the country's oil production while he's at it. Our first Monday of the new year and Dr Janice Stein is ready to talk about how worried Canada should be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with another one of their highly anticipated "Conversations". This time it centres around the possibility that the near future could see two referendums, one in Quebec and one in Alberta. Is Ottawa ready to handle that fight? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Alberta and Canada seem close to a deal on a memorandum of understanding about a new pipeline to the west coast. But now how do you make that MOU become a real finalized deal because let's face it, pipelines in Canada are hard to build. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Last week was quite something, even for Canadian politics. A big-time Liberal budget with a huge deficit, while chaos ruled in the Conservative opposition. How do you explain that? Strap in for this one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. How do two former Ottawa pros see the Trump, Carney, Ford story -- does it really matter? Will it make a real difference? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau advisor Gerald Butts get together for their Conversation #26. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. The country was founded on the principle that it's a confederation where both federal and provincial levels of government have powers and responsibilities. It's worked for 158 years, but does it still work? Another fascinating Moore-Butts Conversation, especially relevant to the times Canada is living in today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. For the last fifteen years different governments in Ottawa have known tough choices were going to have to be made about the Post Office. But those choices were delayed or postponed. Now it's tough-choice time again. Is there a better way to deal with situations like this? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Society is trying to understand if there is an answer to this dilemma of disagreeing with respect and not hate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada was in Banff yesterday for what turned out to be a tense conversation with former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson. The ambassador, a seasoned American politician, and Robertson, no stranger to Canada-U.S. relations, went at it over some of the things that have been said between the two countries this year. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson have lots to say about it all, too. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Presentation. She's the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, a great storyteller and a proud Canadian. Lyse Doucet has her first book out , and it's the story of Afghanistan. Her book is called "The Finest Hotel in Kabul". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Presentation. Some of you have been writing, asking "where is Keith Boag?" Today the answer, as the former Washington correspondent brings us up to date on his latest thinking about Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With both Chantal and Bruce away this week, a special program for our final Good Talk of 2025. Bob Rae, fresh from his five years at the United Nations as Canada's Ambassador, and with his wealth of political experience, joins us to talk Canada and politics. 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 question was simple: What made you happy in 2025?They shared them with us for this week's Your Turn. Even the Random Ranter was asked to join us on the happy tone -- but some things are hard to do! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some of the best of what was left over -- another Wednesday end bits special. More proof of how the rich get rich, how social media is not working for your kids, and what you didn't know about obits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Days after the latest floor crossing it's still the talk of Ottawa. Althia Raj and Rob Russo are back for their every second Tuesday, Reporter's Notebook, with the latest of what they are hearing in the nation's capital. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the year ends, are we finally seeing some significant movement on a path to a ceasefire in Ukraine? Dr. Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto drops by for her final 2025 session 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.

For the third time in a month a Conservative jumps ship, with two of them joining the Liberals. Will there be more? Ottawa starts to close down for the holidays and Good Talk assesses where things stand at the end of 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's Thursday and that means Your Turn ...the question this week is soft and cuddly -- are you looking forward to winter? But Thursdays also mean 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.

Ottawa has been studying whether Canada should purchase up to a dozen submarines to help protect Canada's Arctic. It's a program that would cost dozens of billions of dollars. Is it worth it? Our guest is historian and author, Professor Adam Lajeunesse of ST FX University in Nova Scotia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with another one of their highly anticipated "Conversations". This time it centres around the possibility that the near future could see two referendums, one in Quebec and one in Alberta. Is Ottawa ready to handle that fight? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canada says it hasn't taken part in the alleged drug boat attacks in the Caribbean, but why hasn't Canada condemned the US actions. That's the first question for Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto this week. 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 quite the week, especially in Quebec, where there are lessons for politicians across the country. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join the virtual discussion table again for some Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The emails coming into The Bridge this week were humming. You wanted your say on the debate about which fighter jet Canada should buy and you didn't hold back with what you had to say. Emails came from across the country and at least by the ones we received your choice is clear. The random Ranter is here as well and he has a very different take on the MOA signed between Alberta and Ottawa last week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The best of the leftovers we call the Endbits Specials and they've become very popular. Today, another session on how to relieve stress; where not to travel to; can air travel re-live its golden days; five foods you shouldn't eat; and is it time to make Richard Nixon great again? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What to make of Mark Carney's decision to reach back into the Trudeau cabinet to replace another minister who quit? That's the question to the Toronto Star's Althia Raj and The Economist's Rob Russo on this latest episode of Reporter's Notebook. Also, what our two correspondents are hearing about the ongoing competition between the U.S. F35 fighter jet and Sweden's Gripen. Billions are at stake and thousands of jobs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whether it's voluntary recruitment or a form of military draft, it's happening in different parts of Europe as fear of war with Russia mounts. Ukraine was the tipping point here but the moves are taking place, and the question is will the same concerns become apparent in Canada. Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto joins us for her regular Monday session, "Our Changing World". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twelve hundred people were on their feet in Calgary yesterday applauding Mark Carney and Danielle Smith for the deal they signed that could lead to a new pipeline to move Alberta oil to markets. But there was a cost too ...Carney lost a minister, and the BC government and indigenous groups are more than a little bit upset. What happens now? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson look for answers in this week's Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the day a memorandum of understanding is about to be signed between Alberta and Canada, listeners to the Bridge have their say about a new pipeline to British Columbia's west coast. None of the writers are shy about their opinions and both sides of the argument are reflected. And then, the Random Ranter drops by with his take on a very different issue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some of you have been writing, asking "where is Keith Boag?" Today the answer, as the former Washington correspondent brings us up to date on his latest thinking about Donald Trump. Throughout last year's campaign we relied on Keith's assessment of all things US political. And now, a year later, where are we? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week seems to be all pipelines all the time. Alberta and Canada seem close to a deal on a memorandum of understanding about a new pipeline to the west coast. But now how do you make that MOU become a real finalized deal because let's face it, pipelines in Canada are hard to build. James Moore and Gerald Butts talk pipelines and the shift topics to talk jet fighters and the intense lobbying going on for those. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump puts forward a peace deal for Ukraine, a deal pretty well everyone rejects except Russia. But is this just the first step in a real attempt to find a way to end the war in Ukraine? Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto, fresh from the annual Halifax International Security Forum, joins for her regular Monday commentary. Also up for discussion, Europe and Canada's fears about the future of democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Another week where there's lots to talk about with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson. The US is playing hardball through its ambassador to Canada over which jet fighter we "must" buy, while Sweden sends its King and Queen to push its option. And then there's the pipeline story -- could a deal between Ottawa and Alberta be close on that? All this while the PM is off on another global trade mission. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The price is high, very high, like at least twenty thousand dollars. But would you buy a robot designed to help you do housework around the home? It's not only coming but it's kind of there already. That's our AI based question of the week and as you always do, you had thoughts on this. And the Random Ranter is here this week as well and you won't want to miss him either. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A potpourri of things you just might want to know about: why too much coffee is dangerous for drivers; how to reduce your salt intake and why you should; new moves to restrict social media for youngsters; and, wait for it, the top ten trending names for puppies and kittens. Yes, it's come to this 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.

So in the end the Mark Carney government survived the budget vote. But you have to wonder whether the 140-138 vote in the Commons was what they really wanted. Sure it avoids a messy Christmas season election, but it also avoids what may have been the PM's best chance of turning a minority into a majority. We'll discuss that and what happens now with The Economist's Rob Russo and the Toronto Star's Althia Raj on this Tuesday's Reporter's Notebook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mondays mean Dr Janice Stein, and today is no different. The Munk School Director from the University of Toronto drops by for her regular Monday session. The topics vary, from India and Pakistan on edge again to the Ukraine war to the very real possibility that the United States is about to launch broad-scale action against Venezuela. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The numbers certainly conclude that if all opposition MPs vote against the budget then the government will fall. But will that happen and will it happen next week? All that on the heels of the budget and the latest major projects list? That and this question -- Is Mark Carney still green? All this with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on this week's Good Talk. 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 budget and the floor crossing, many Canadians are still talking of both and mainly the latter. So we asked this week's question -- What do you think of floor crossers?". Your answers plus this week's rant from the Random Ranter whose message this time is about AI -- and he's still not impressed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week was quite something, even for Canadian politics. A big-time Liberal budget with a huge deficit, while chaos ruled in the Conservative opposition. How do you explain that? That's the question for our extremely popular panel feature, a former top Liberal advisor and a former Conservative cabinet minister. Strap in for this one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An encore of last week's Your Turn episode, it's our annual Remembrance Day program where you share your memories with us. And again this year, you didn't disappoint with letters and emails from coast to coast to coast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our weekly conversation with Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto. New developments in Venezuela, special "rich mineral" visitors at the White House, and the latest from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Budgets, especially minority government budgets, always bring a degree of parliamentary drama. That and a lot more with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson joining Good Talk for their weekly commentary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.