The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

The Good Talk Assessment of “The Deal”.

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce have their say on the new Liberal/NDP arrangement and how it impacts just about everything political in Canada.  Also, do Conservat...

Your Turn -- Your Thoughts on Ukraine

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

A Subversion of Democracy - Really?

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Margaret Macmillan On Whether We Are Already In A World War

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Can China Mediate An End To The War In Ukraine?

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Good Talk -- It Costs Money To Fight Russia, Where's Canada's?

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Your Turn -- You Are Anxious To Talk About Ukraine

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SMT - Can Canada Do More?

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Anderson on the scene in capitals across the world, including Ottawa, where President Volodymyr Zelensky appears on monitors asking for more h...

The Battle For Ukraine's Cities

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

"This bloody Putin" -- We Go Inside Kyiv.

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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.  Olex...

Good Talk - Are We Already At War?

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 exp...

Your Turn - A Four Million Person March to Stop The War?

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of questions and comments about the Ukraine war including a unique one about people power and a unique walk INTO Russia.  Never happen?  Perhap...

SMT - How Far Are Canadians Willing To Go To Support Ukraine?

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Untold Story of The War in Ukraine.

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

"It's Feels Like Living In A Different Century"

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Veteran Canadian war/foreign correspondent Susan Ormiston joins us from Ukraine in a riveting conversation. Plus, our regular Monday check-in on Co...

Good Talk -- Should Canada Reconsider Putting Boots On The Ground INSIDE Ukraine?

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Russian attacks on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, indiscriminate bombings of civilians, and no end in sight, Bruce and Chantal weigh the very ...

How To Spot Fake Footage In The Ukraine War

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

SMT -- How Does Putin Hang On?

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 Europe...

Inside Putin's Brain -- Why Is He Doing What He's Doing?

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 re...

Going Inside Kiev -- Why Morale Is So High.

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ci...

Good Talk --- Another Great One!

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 Con...

Are We Living Through OUR 1930's Moment?

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has juggled today's normal lineup around.  Dr Janice Stein, internationally recognized U of T professor of conflict mana...

SMT - Does The Right REALLY Believe That Trudeau Is More Evil Than Putin?

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 T...

Will We Need A Fourth Vaccine Soon?

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - What Is The State of Canada’s Political Leadership In An Era of Protest?

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 15th. This is a fabulous and important discussion to have with two normal...

Good Talk for A Third Wild Week

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Your Turn -- Truckers, Truckers, Truckers

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Will This End? -- SMT with Bruce Anderson

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What Is The State of Canada’s Political Leadership In An Era of Protest?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a fabulous and important discussion to have with two normally political foes engaging in a thoughtful, for the most part non partisan discussi...

Is Science Still Guiding Covid Decisions or Are The Polls?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many provinces have started rolling back Covid restrictions. Right or wrong?  Epidemiologist Dr Lisa Barrett joins us from Halifax with her thoughts ...

Good Talk For Another Wild Week

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 doin...

Your Turn -- Truckers Week Two

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

Bruce Anderson and Steve Schmidt with SMT on the influence from south of the border on the Ottawa occupation.

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 O...

An American's Blunt Assessment of What's Happening in Canada.

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Schmidt is a top American political and communications strategist with bright red Republican credentials. He's fearful of what's happening in...

Are We Still In A Pandemic, Or Are We Using An Overabundance of Caution?

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Good Talk for a Wild Week

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Three words: Truckers -- Erin O'Toole.   And then many more words and lively discussion from Chantal and Bruce! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...

Your Turn - So How Do You Really Feel About The Convoy?

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

"Its High Noon for Erin O'Toole". SMT with Bruce Anderson.

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Trucker Convoys, O'Toole's Leadership or EV's -- What's Really Going To Change Your Life?

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Are We Losing Our Resolve in the Fight Against Covid?

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

"Lock Your Doors!" - Good Talk on the Convoy

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the so-called "Freedom Convoy" approaches Ottawa Chantal and Bruce offer their thoughts on a protest that has authorities more than a little worrie...

Your Turn on Everything From Convoys to Covid

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

SMT with Bruce Anderson - Is Ottawa Ready for the "Truckers"?

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The House Price Crisis and Why It Affects All of Us

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

"The Answer is - Shut Up!"

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Good Talk with Chantal and Bruce - Is It Open Warfare in the Conservative Caucus?

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Are You Wearing A Counterfeit Mask?

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ford, Kenney and Trump And The SMT Blues with Bruce Anderson

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 wit...

Can Bojo Survive A Coup, And If So, What Should Erin O'Toole Learn From It?

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Omicron May Have Peaked But There's Still Weeks Maybe Months To Go

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the members of The Bridge's unofficial "science table" joins for our regular Monday Covid Update.  Dr. Zain Chagla from McMaster University ...

It's A Good Talk Friday -- Legault, O'Toole, Johnson

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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'Tool...

Is The Media Biased? A New Take.

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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. Ho...

Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

Who Are You Sleeping With?

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 Was...

The Omicron Challenge -- Another four to eight weeks?

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Good Talk -- The Politics of The Pandemic

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

Is Too Much News Bad For Your Health?

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is all news bad news?  Why isn't there more good news? Is it all bad for your health?  Just one of the questions for today in our Thursday combinati...

Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth with Bruce Anderson

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is one of the biggest compensation deals ever put together by the federal government.  Why did it happen? How solid is it? What does it say about ...

Science Sam on The Bridge

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a new year starts with the same old story dominant on our minds, a new take on where we are.  And it comes from one of the big names on Canadian s...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Rethinking The Beatles

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 7th.  Peter in discussion wi...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Future of Libraries

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 11th.  The Future of Librari...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - RCAF WWII Disaster

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 8th.  The Story of an RCAF W...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Is History Accurate?

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 25th.  Peter talks with histo...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - SMT Analyzing the Media's Campaign Performance

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 22nd.  Smoke, Mirrors & The...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Residential Schools Special

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of The Bridge: Special with an episode that originally aired on June 28th.  ...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Good Talk: Top Picks of 2021

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 17th.  It is Good Talk: Top ...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Special: The Kaleb Dahlgren Story

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of The Bridge: Special with an episode that originally aired on March 16th.  ...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Energy Part 2: Electric Vehicles

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 3rd.  It is part two of a two p...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Energy Part 1: Oil

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 24.  It is part one of a two...

The Bridge Encore Presentation- Bob Rae

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking back at The Bridge in 2021.  Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 3: Peter speaks with Bob Rae....

Good Talk - The Year Ender

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce are here for their final appearance of 2021 for their picks in some key categories in a traditional year-end edition of Good Talk. ...

Your Turn - From Deicing To Covid, It's The Year End Mailbag Edition

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of variety and even a classic year end poem in this week's mailbag collection of your thoughts, questions and comments. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...

What Was That All About Ms. Freeland?

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 finan...

The End Of Smoking. Really?

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 eve...

Why Aren't Boosters Available Right Now For Everyone?

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ma...

Good Talk -- Has The West (Including Canada) Chickened Out On China?

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Who Is The Prime Minister of Finland, And Why Doers It Matter Today?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Finlan...

Smoke Mirrors and The Truth -- Trump, Cuomo and More

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Rethinking The Beatles Almost 60 Years Later

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 conte...

A Tribute To A Friend

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Good Talk - Was This Erin O'Toole's Best Week Ever?

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 on...

Your Turn - Our Weekly Mail Bag of Your Thoughts and Concerns PLUS An Embarrassing Admission From Your Host!

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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, comme...

SMOKE MIRRORS AND THE TRUTH -- OMICRON, O'TOOLE AND OH MACLEAN'S

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Just How Much Information Do Tech Giants Have On You?

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

What To Believe And What Not To Believe About Omicron

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 sho...

Good Talk - The Fatigue Dilemma

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 fati...

Canada's Vaccination Rate About To Change In A Good Way

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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.  Th...

SMT - Have Throne Speeches Passed Their Best Before Date?

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 foc...

Is Putin Bluffing on Ukraine? What you need to know

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Paging Dr. Barrett, Paging Dr. Barrett

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Good Talk -- Does Getting Along Mean Anything?

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So what actually was the result of the Biden-Trudeau talks in Washington -- did anyone actually gain anything?  Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts...

Your Turn - Your thoughts from COVID to Air Travel and Everything In Between.

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of mail to [email protected] about everything on your mind. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for inform...

SMT - No Smoke and Mirrors in BC's Latest Weather Event

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Canada/US border has been open for more than a week -- how's that working for you?

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A different way of monitoring how something is working -- nothing official, but the Instagram "diary" of a Seattle couple is more than interesting. ...

Paging Dr Bogoch. Paging Dr Bogoch.

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Good Talk - Is Canadian Politics Becoming More Progressive?

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 G...

A Topic That May Surprise You -- But It's Worth It!

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Disinformation Blues - Is It As Bad Here as In The US?

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Safe Do You Feel Inside An NHL Hockey Arena?

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 pedd...

Part Of Canada's Past You Almost Certainly Don't Know.

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

By accident, I discover a small yet important part of Canada's military past.  In a little cemetery behind an abandoned old church alongside Scotla...