The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge
Episodes
A Mix of John Le Carre and The Marx Brothers
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Stewart uses that comparison to talk about the latest bit of skullduggery and intrigue we discover inside the story of the Ukraine war. Plus...
What Are We Missing? -- Janice Stein's Take On Our World
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She's back! The Munk School's founding director joins for her regular look at those parts of the world we should keep an eye on. Among those for d...
Encore Presentation - Is It Time For The Liberals' And The NDP To Talk About A Joint Future?
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 6th. For years this has been a topic of conversation for political junkies. ...
Is It Time For The Liberals And The NDP To Talk About A Joint Future?
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For years this has been a topic of conversation for political junkies. It drives some partisans on both sides crazy, but not Good Talk. Chantal a...
SMT: "America Is Going To Hell" Says Donald Trump, and Maybe He's Right.
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Its been a wild forty eight hours in the United States so how much did you watch? Bruce puts the Smoke Mirrors and The Truth microscope on the me...
Spies, Mercenaries, Deserters -- Brian Stewart on Ukraine This Week
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian's commentary on the Ukraine War this week has it all from questions about whether there are cracks in the alliance's commitment, to China's posi...
What Did We Really Learn Last Week About The RCMP?
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Mass Casualty Commission in Nova Scotia reported last week on its findings on the 22 murders that happened in that province in April of 2020. ...
Good Talk - What Does The Trump Indictment Say About America?
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lots to talk about today ...we lead with the story that's the lead almost everywhere in the world this weekend -- the Trump indictment. But then the...
Your Turn on Your Way to Fight Climate Change
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners outdid themselves this week by answering in a big way their own methods of fighting climate change. Some of the ideas are quite unique and...
SMT - Whose Budget Was It Anyways?
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Of course, it was Chrystia Freeland's budget but some could argue it was Jagmeet Singh's budget too. Whatever the case the NDP was pretty happy and ...
Putin and Nukes -- Is This Another Bluff or Is He Serious?
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Stewart is by for his regular Tuesday commentary and he's got more great observations, ranging from a new Nordic alliance forming to questions ...
Climate Change -- Let's Talk About It
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Katharine Hayhoe is a Canadian atmospheric scientist living in Texas who is one of North America's leading academics talking about climate...
Good Talk -- How Responsible Is The Media On The China Story?
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At a time when trust in the media is at a low ebb, is the media's work on the China story helping or hurting its reputation? Chantal and Bruce have th...
Your Turn -- You Want More Talk On Climate Change!
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You went after me this week for saying you'd had it with climate change talk as nothing is changing. You want more talk not less and your many lett...
SMT - If Telford Can Testify, Why Can't Trudeau?
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Katie Telford is the prime minister's most senior staffer and his closest advisor. And now she has agreed to testify before the parliamentary commit...
What If Putin Wins? What If He Loses?
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Stewart takes his hand at war gaming one of your questions. A "what if" question. What if Russia wins, what happens then? What if Ukraine ...
Three Years Later, What Did We Learn?
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you remember those days of March 2020? Looking back today it seems like a long time ago, and just how confused we were trying to understand how t...
What Does It Say When The Most Trusted Person in Canada Isn't Trusted?
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Johnston seemed to have it all when Stephen Harper picked him as Governor General in 2010. Everyone lined up from all parties to praise Johnston...
Your Turn on Curling (My Bad!) and The Ranter.
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How could I have forgotten about curling but I did and listeners pounded. On that plus China, AI, submarines and a lot more. And then the Random Ra...
SMT -- Is Poilievre Finding His Footing?
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre implied that Justin Trudeau was a traitor. This week a different Poilievre emerged and Bruce was imp...
Nice Photo Op -- Where's Canada?
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia meet in California to discuss how to deal with China in the Pacific. The picture...
Yikes, Not Another Bank Failure
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's program is all about regulation -- first in the banks and then in sports. The latest bank crisis brings back memories of that classic "ru...
Good Talk -- Should Someone Walk The Plank for The China Mess?
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chantal is back from Iceland and along with Bruce its time to put the China story in context. And, should someone pay the price for it all? That, ...
Your Turn on Election Interference, AI and The Ranter!
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of comments this week on two of our programs this week -- how the PM has handled the election interference story, and our discussion with Michel...
SMT - Is Implying The PM Is A Traitor Over The Top?
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Poilievre has never been shy about levelling a charge but did he go too far by suggesting Justin Trudeau was guilty of treason? Bruce and...
The Battle For Bakhmut
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why are the Ukrainians so desperate to keep the battle for Bakhmut going when every analyst says it's a battle they can't win? Brian Stewart takes ...
Should Artificial Intelligence Be Regulated?
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is an important discussion about Artificial intelligence -- what you should know and why legislators seem so slow-footed on dealing with the is...
Good Talk -- The China Story That's "Eating The Government"
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The pressure keeps mounting for some sort of real inquiry into how China tried to influence Canadian elections, and what if anything the Trudeau gover...
Your Turn and The Random Ranter on, wait for it, HYDROGEN!
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A potpourri of opinion from you on Your Turn - everything from China to the RCMP to declawing cats! And then the Ranter steps forward as the hype s...
SMT - Are The Liberals Botching The China Issue?
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did the Chinese interfere with the Canadian elections in 2019 and 2021 and did Canada know they were doing so? Those two questions continue to hang...
Provocative Words From Michael Ignatieff on Ukraine
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
He's been gone from Canadian politics for almost a decade, but Michael Ignatieff's insight on international affairs is read around the world. His ...
What Are We Missing? (2)
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
International Affairs analyst Janice Stein joins us again for the latest installment of "What Are We Missing". We look at countries that should be i...
Is The Doug Ford Story As Bad As It Looks?
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it as bad as it looks or not as bad as it looks? That's the question being asked of the Doug Ford wedding party thrown for his daughter and atte...
Your Turn on The RCMP, And The Ranter on Jagmeet Singh
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of your comments about whether the RCMP needs to be reorganized following our Tuesday interview with Paul Palango on his book 22 Murders. And th...
Is China interfering in our elections to benefit the Liberals'?
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Globe and Mail has been all over this story for a week now and leaves many things to be discussed. Bruce takes up the challenge on SMT today. Also...
Is It Time To Remake The RCMP
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week the Commissioner of the RCMP said she would not seek a reappointment to the Mountie's top job, so the question becomes should a new Commi...
The Bridge Encore Presentation - What We Should Know About Black History Month
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 6th. It's Black History Month in Canada but what do we really know about...
Are The Polls Tied, Or Is The CPC Way Ahead?
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some polls say the Conservatives are up by seven points, but some say the CPC and the Liberals are all tied up. What to believe? Chantal and Bruce...
Your Turn and The Ranter on Justin Trudeau
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week the Ranter took of Pierre Poilievre, this week he focuses on Justin Trudeau. And on Your Turn, lots of your thoughts on the CBC, Ukraine, ...
John Tory, Doug Ford and The "Aliens"
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Toronto and Ontario are rocked by two scandals while at the same time, much of the country gets focused on unidentified flying objects. Bruce Anders...
Ukraine One Year Later
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we approach one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, Brian Stewart looks at nine commonly asked questions about the war and gives his thoughts on th...
MOORE-BUTTS #6 -- How Leadership Works
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Moore-Butts conversations are like poli-sci 101, using anecdotes to explain politics. The former Conservative cabinet minister, now a senior ad...
Do Conservatives Really Hate The CBC?
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On a week where the President of the CBC attacks the Conservative Party of Canada and its leader, Pierre Poilievre, Chantal and Bruce wonder about the...
Your Turn, and Then The Ranter Rates The Leaders
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The first of a trilogy by the Random Ranter with his take on the national party leaders. First up CPC leader Pierre Poilievre. Your letters range...
What Happened To Buy North American?
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There were so many angles to last night's State of the Union address by President Joe Biden, but one line may have an impact on Canada. Meanwhile, i...
Why Does Putin Keep Mentioning Stalingrad?
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Putin keeps us guessing. Why are no crowds visible at his public appearances? Why did his honour guard go on parade without weapons? Brian Ste...
What We Should Know About Black History Month
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's Black History Month in Canada but what do we really know about black history in our country? And more importantly, what should we know? This ...
Good Talk -- Erin O'Toole's Two Log Theory
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chantal and Bruce have a lot to talk about this week starting with the former Conservative leader's not so flattering description of the split with...
Your Turn and the Random Ranter
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our regular Thursday episode features your thoughts on everything from the NHL to doctors to the cause of freedom to read. Plus the Random Ranter h...
SMT -- Are The Liberals Corkscrewing To The Ground?
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Liberal's polling numbers are not good, in. fact they are bad. Can they recover? Bruce brings the SMT thermometer to the program and has his ana...
Who Is That Guy Next To Putin?
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Stewart breaks down the story on General Valery Gerasimov --- who is he? why do his opponents respect him? and could he make a difference in t...
Do You Have The Freedom To Read?
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With issues surrounding what you are allowed to read in some American schools, some Canadians may be surprised there are similar issues in Canada. ...
Good Talk - Is Canada Really Broken?
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For months, Pierre Poilievre has been saying Canada feels like it's broken and it's all Justin Trudeau's fault. Is it? Chantal and Bruce have their...
Your Turn and The Random Ranter on Hockey
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your take on a variety of this week's issues from trust in media, to the Dominc Barton interview to the Ranter's Rant on doctors. And then the Rant...
What Will The Liberal Cabinet Group Hug Accomplish?
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Liberal Cabinet meets in retreat to plan the year ahead - what's the plan and can it work? Bruce is by with that and a lot more from tanks to co...
Will Canada Send Its Leopard 2 Tanks To Ukraine?
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In his regular Tuesday commentary on Ukraine, Brian Stewart details why the Ukrainian army so covets the German-made Leopard Two tank and whether Cana...
Dominic Barton on China, Good and Bad.
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
He's the internationally known Canadian at the centre of two big stories -- the negotiations that led to the release of the two Michaels, and the cont...
Good Talk -- A Global Liberal Icon Resigns
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Russo sits in for Bruce this week as he joins Chantal for more on health care, and an intriguing suggestion of what Justin Trudeau may be up to wi...
Your Turn and the Ranter on Taxes and Doctors
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You were still on this week about the Ranters suggestion that we all pay higher taxes. But he's moved on by going after doctors. Seriously. Also y...
SMT - Pierre Poilievre Unplugged
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It happened a few days ago but some interesting moments during an interview Pierre Poilievre had on Winnipeg regional television. He talks about his...
Some Encouraging News in Covid
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's our regular Tuesday commentary from Brian Stewart on the Ukraine-Russia war with new insights on the disarray inside the Russian military. But ...
What Are We Missing?
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With all the attention placed on Ukraine and Russia In the past year, "what are we missing" with developments in the rest of the world? Foreign affa...
Good Talk - Could There Be Real Movement on the Health Care Front?
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chantal and Bruce explore the new hints that there could be progress between Ottawa and two key provinces on finding a deal on health care for the fut...
Your Turn -- You Obviously Listen Closely!
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You pounce on my inability to remember a movie title by pouring in the mail with the answer. Your Turn on everything from taxes to F-35s, and then ...
SMT - Is the F-35 Purchase Worth the Multi-Billion Dollar Price
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Anderson grab-bag from cameras in the House, to the F-35 huge price tag, to Nexus cards to Danielle Smith. Smoke Mirrors and The Truth and lot...
Ukraine -- It's All About Tanks Now.
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Six months after we thought the era of the tank was over, tanks are now what the Ukrainians are begging for .. and it looks like they're about to ge...
From Covid to Harry We've Got It All!
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We may be titillated by Prince Harry but will we be infected by a new wave of Covid? Two interesting topics and you can count on The Bridge to do the...
Good Talk -- The Re-Emergence of Erin O'Toole
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The former Conservative leader is back and he's got people talking. Bruce and Chantal have their views on that. Plus, are government-paid consulta...
Your Turn on Bob Woodward and The Random Ranter on Taxes
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of reactions to the Bob Woodward interview on Monday's The Bridge. Plus more of your thoughts on a variety of issues on this week's Your Turn. ...
SMT - When Overconfidence Backfires
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Anderson has his take on the Kevin McCarthy mess in the United States. Far from the lock he thought it was McCarthy may have blown his chance t...
New Examples of How Sports Can Bring The World Together
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A terrifying moment on Monday Night Football last night left players in tears and embracing their opponents. And in a little village in Brazil a nat...
Bob Woodward: Is Trump a Crook?
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Watergate and Richard Nixon brought him fame, and fifty years later Bob Woodward is still doing the journalism that is chasing another U.S. Presiden...
Good Talk Encore Presentation - Good Talk Year Ender
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 16th. A different kind of year-ender as Bruce and Chantal focus on how 2...
Good Talk Encore Presentation - Did The Public Follow The Convoy Inquiry?
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 25th. Journalists spent a lot of the past weeks covering the convoy commi...
The Bridge Encore Presentation - Moore Butts #5 - The Year Ender
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 12th. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau ...
The Bridge Encore Presentation - The Moore Butts Conversation #4
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 3rd. They’re back! James Moore and Gerald Butts are back by popular dema...
The Bridge Encore Presentation - Who Is The Real Danielle Smith
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 24th. Kathleen Petty joins us from Calgary to talk about the new Alberta P...
The Bridge Encore Presentation - Good Talk Year Ender
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 16th. A different kind of year-ender as Bruce and Chantal focus on how 2...
The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Your Turn On Remembering
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 10th. Some truly wonderful and sometimes emotional letters from you, list...
The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Inside The Book Buying Business
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 21st. With the holiday season unfolding in front of us, these are the bus...
The Bridge: Encore Presentation - SMT - Is The Media The Enemy?
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 14th. Pierre Poilievre's first meeting with the media didn't go that wel...
The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Final Goodbye
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 19h. The long goodbye for Queen Elizabeth is over with her body now on ...
Good Talk -- The Year Ender
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A different kind of year-ender as Bruce and Chantal focus on how 2022 may have changed our sense of democracy, leadership and country. And yes, w...
Your Turn and The Random Ranter -- The Year End
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Its year-end time both for you through Your Turn and through the Random Ranter. And this is a very different Ranter, so get ready! Hosted by Simpl...
SMT — The Clash Between Opinion Polls and Voter Polls
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce’s take on the by election outcome versus the reality of national opinion. Also should the first ministers sit down on camera and do battle o...
What's Brian Stewart's Favourite Book On The Origins Of War?
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the year-end in sight, Brian Stewart's regular weekly commentary on the war in Ukraine takes a twist: questions for him from you. Including my ...
Moore Butts #5 -- The Year Ender
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts pick up their conversation again, this time on a ...
Good Talk - Is Poilievre Rethinking His Media Strategy?
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce and Chantal discuss the decision by Pierre Poilievre to scrum with the parliamentary press gallery after months of ignoring them. Why? And deba...
Your Turn And The Random Ranter on Guns
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Ranter (should he be formerly known as "Random") has his take on the gun issue and so do you with Your Turn. Plus a lot of other issues from why...
SMT - Is The Gun Legislation a Wedge Play?
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Liberals have introduced amendments to their Gun Legislation that have caused major opposition -- was that the plan all along? The Democrats win G...
The Return of Trench Warfare
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you thought trench warfare was something for the history books, think again. Just look at Ukraine. Brian Stewart brings us his regular Tuesday...
What's Going On Inside The Royal Family?
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Will and Kate versus Harry and Meaghan. How serious is the royal battle and what damage will it cause? And can King Charles do anything to fix it....
Good Talk - "The Permanently Unhappy But Not Moving Out" Bill
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce takes liberties and renames the Alberta Sovereignty Act in a lively discussion about the latest apparent blunder by Alberta's new government. ...
Your Turn on Drugs, and The Random Ranter on Justin Trudeau
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of different issues on your mind this week from the convoy inquiry to safe injection sites to the tasty benefits of SPAM. And the Random Rante...
SMT - The War of Words Between Alberta and Ottawa
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is the Alberta Sovereignty Act all hat and no cattle? Is Ottawa's response just performative? A classic Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth as Bruce Ander...
Could Poland Become Europe's New Superpower?
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What a difference a year makes. Remember when autocracies had the edge on democracies -- that was in January. What about now? And then Brian St...
Something is Happening in China
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There's a story behind that title above and you'll hear it on today's podcast. As for China, how serious is the situation for China's President Xi a...
Good Talk - Did The Public Follow The Convoy Inquiry?
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalists spent a lot of the past weeks covering the convoy commission but was the public actually following the story? Chantal and Bruce have a ...
Your Turn and The Ranter --- Books, Protests and Safe Injection Sites
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of your thoughts on the book business following our episode earlier in the week. Plus the convoy inquiry. And then The Random Ranter returns w...
SMT - Do We Now Know What The Tipping Point Was For Ottawa On The Convoy?
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino tells the convoy inquiry about the moment that was key for him as the Emergencies Act was about to be introduc...