The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

SMT - Is The Voting System Fair?

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce is in the UK this week so not surprisingly he has a few things to say about the chaos the latest British Prime Minister finds herself in.  Als...

How Do You Respond To A Nuclear Threat?

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's another Brian Stewart Tuesday as the former war correspondent helps us put the various elements of the Ukraine War into context while giving us ...

The Moore Butts Conversation #4

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

They’re back! James Moore and Gerald Butts are back by popular demand. The two experienced political observers drop their partisan positions (or sur...

Good Talk - Inflation versus Climate Change, Who Wins?

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce is off for this week's Good Talk but Rob Russo fills in with Chantal.  Is there reason for optimism with progress on Truth and Reconciliation? ...

Your Turn - Your Comments, Plus The Latest From The Random Ranter

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of different questions, comments and ideas this week.  Plus the Random Ranter takes a shot at a very popular Bridge topic: EV's! Hosted by Simpl...

SMT - From Covid to The Media To Italy

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Anderson with his take on a potpourri of issues that really do the range.  A new study on Covid in The US, questions about questions in the med...

A Misunderstanding Now Could Be Catastrophic

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Stewart is with us again after a critical week in the war over Ukraine.  Threats and counter threats, especially ones involving nuclear weapons...

Picking Up The Pieces

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some comments about the destruction of Fiona on Canada's east coast.  Plus a new study from Mainstreet Research with results that suggest almost half...

Good Talk -- The First Round: Trudeau vs Poilievre

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After much pre-event discussion, the opening round of the Justin versus Pierre match took place and Chantal and Bruce have their scorecards ready.  A...

Your Turn -- From The Media to the Monarchy, And The Random Ranter Too.

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of comments and opinions from all parts of the country today as you weigh in on the issues of the day.  Plus the Random Ranter, (with new mu...

SMT -- WILL THE NEW COVID VACCINE BE OVERWHELMED BY THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST IT?

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

More than ninety percent of Canadians have had a COVID vaccine in the past 18 months, but will they take another shot?  An organized social media ca...

WILL PUTIN USE NUKES?

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

He's got his back up against the wall in Ukraine and he's losing some support at home.  What options does Vladimir Putin have and will he use them, i...

THE FINAL GOODBYE

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The long goodbye for Queen Elizabeth is over with her body now on its way to its final resting place at Windsor Castle.  The end of an historic ten-...

Good Talk -- A Referendum on the Monarchy?

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new IPSOS survey says 60 percent of Canadians want a referendum on whether to keep the monarchy.  Really?  Good grist for a start to this week's G...

Your Turn And The Random Ranter

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last week was the debut of the Random Ranter, an anonymous contributor from western Canada.  It was extremely popular in his first offering so he's ...

SMT - is the media the enemy?

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Poilievre's first meeting with the media didn't go that well for either Poilievre or the media.  What should be taken from the encounter?  An...

Ukraine, what's really happening?

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Ukraine story this past few days has been intriguing.  Have we reached a turning point?  Brian Stewart is back with his insight and research on ...

The Poilievre Win and a Lot More

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A few comments about the Poilievre win, the royal weekend of mourning, the Ukraine developments, and then a special feature interview.  Thomas Sadows...

Good Talk on The Queen, The King, The Prime Minister and The Question Mark

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce on all things relevant on this day from the death of Elizabeth The Great, to the questions about King Charles, to the Prime Minister...

Your Turn and the Random Ranter!

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Thursday "Your Turn" episode has all the regular features of your comments and ideas, plus the introduction of a new segment -- the Random Ranter ...

SMOKE MIRRORS AND THE TRUTH - THE TEN YEAR ITCH

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do people rarely last more than ten years with any government?  Bruce Anderson has his take on today's season opening SMT.  And more from Liz Tr...

ANITA ANAND UNPLUGGED

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The minister of defense on dealing with the Generals, fighting Putin, and what she's learned about leadership.  Anita Anand has only been in cabinet...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - SMT - How a Lack of Trust in Media and Government Relates to the Growth of Conspiracy Theories

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 15th. Bruce Anderson has the results of some new data on the relationship bet...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Moore-Butts Conversation #3 -- Are We Electing Leaders The Right Way?

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 6th. James Moore, Conservative and Gerald Butts, Liberal, continue their very...

Good Talk for an Age of Conspiracy.

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce and Chantal join in with some Good Talk about whether the summer has changed anything on the national political landscape. There were great exp...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Moore-Butts Conversation #2 — Canada’s Position On The World Stage.

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 25th. If there are two guys who can "bring it" in a non-partisan conversatio...

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

15 Aug 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...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - "This story isn't under-reported, it's under-appreciated."

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 7th. Brian Stewart on the potential of a global famine because of the Ukraine...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Margaret Macmillan On Whether We Are Already In A World War

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 22nd. One of the world's most celebrated historians, Margaret Macmillan, put...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Lisa Raitt On The Bridge

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 13th. The former deputy leader of the CPC on the leadership race and what to believ...

A SUMMER GOOD TALK -- IT'S ALL HERE, FROM COVID TO POILIEVRE TO TRUDEAU TO TRUMP

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce take a break from their summer routine to join me for a special summer Good Talk.  We touch a lot of bases from the Covid surge an...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Hate and Trying To Confront It

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 16th. There are many forms of hate and sadly we see that unveiled in different ways...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Is the Media in Crisis?

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 26th. At a time when a lot of people are wondering about the changing nature of th...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Rethinking The Beatles Almost 60 Years Later

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on Dec 7th. This is fun. The  documentary made from archival film by director Peter Jackso...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Bob Rae On Negotiating With A War Criminal

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 4th. A special episode featuring an exclusive interview with Canada's Ambassador ...

Good Talk -- Guess Who's Back and Who's Welcoming Them?

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The convoy organizers are back in Ottawa town, and one in five Conservative MP's were there to greet them.  What does that mean and how does that pl...

Your Turn -- From Jan 6 To Conspiracies To Podcasts And A Lot More.

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your thoughts, ideas and questions about the issues of the day.  We get lots of emails, hundreds of them every week, at The Bridge, with thoughtful, ...

SMT - Is The Jan 6 Committee Making A Difference?

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Anderson puts his lens on the committee hearings in Washington into the Jan 6, 2021 insurrection.  Is it having an impact and will it make a re...

Panic Buttons for MP's? This Is What It's Come To.

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Those on Parliament Hill who protect parliamentarians have  asked those they protect to start carrying panic buttons with them wherever they go. ...

A Consumer's Guide to Fighting Inflation

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Preet Banerjee is in the house today.  One of the country's leading personal financial advisors drops by to help demystify living in a period of risi...

Good Talk -- Are The Liberals Out of Gas?

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After hinting the Liberal's solution for inflation would be in a speech by the finance minister yesterday, observers were left disappointed. Are the L...

Your Turn -- Conspiracies Anyone?

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's Your Turn with letters about everything from aging to conspiracy theories.  Your thoughts, comments and ideas about the issues of the day.  An...

SMT - How a Lack of Trust in Media and Government Relates to the Growth of Conspiracy Theories

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Anderson has the results of some new data on the relationship between people's trust, or lack of it, in media and government, and how it connec...

A Critical Moment for the War in Ukraine

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our regular Tuesday check-in with veteran correspondent Brian Stewart about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Brian sees things in a critical ...

Lisa Raitt On The Bridge

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The former deputy leader of the CPC on the leadership race and what to believe and what not to believe.  And, her up-close candid assessment of Pier...

Good Talk -- A Mixed Bag Today -- Jan 6, Emergencies Act, and Pierre Poilievre.

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The finger of blame was pointed directly at Donald Trump last night for the  January 6, 2021 insurrection on Capitol Hill.  Chantal and Bruce wit...

Your Turn - Guns, Airports, Leadership and More

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our weekly collection of your thoughts about some of the pressing issues of the day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo...

SMT - What's With Low Voter Turnouts?

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Voter turnout -- it's not just an Ontario issue.  Bruce Anderson brings the SMT lens to this story.  Also, tomorrow is the start of the prime time ...

"This story isn't under-reported, it's under-appreciated."

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Stewart on the potential of a global famine because of the Ukraine/Russia conflict. Plus, everything from high gasoline prices to the width of a...

The Moore-Butts Conversation #3 -- Are We Electing Leaders The Right Way?

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Moore, Conservative and Gerald Butts, Liberal, continue their very special conversations on The Bridge.  Special because they've agreed to keep...

Good Talk -- Who Cares What Happened in Ontario?

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are there lessons about Doug Ford's second majority government win?  Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on that. And what's the real reason form...

Guns Guns Guns -- Now It's Your Turn.

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After Buffalo, after Texas and after new gun laws in Canada, it's time for your turn and you certainly deliver.  Lots of your letters this week wit...

SMT: Handguns -- Why and Why Now?

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Trudeau government moves on handguns as part of its latest firearms policy.  How are others not only in Canada but outside the country reacting? ...

The Airport Chaos Continues

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cancelled flights, long delays, and angry passengers.  Its chaos for hundreds of thousands of passengers in different airports around the world. It'...

Monkeypox - What You Need To Know

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How seriously should we take the threat of "monkeypox".  Dr Isaac Bogoch is back to help us with that one.  Plus are we about to see the return of t...

Good Talk - Will Texas Change The Canada-US Relationship?

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

National security experts say Canada should be re-examining its relationship with the United States -- will we? And Canada's airports are a mess -- wh...

"There's Something Rotten At The Core Of This Nation"

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The latest US mass shooting is awful but will anything change?  That's just one of the subjects on this week's Your Turn, your thoughts, ideas and co...

SMT - Why Is Right-Wing Cable News Successful In The US But Not in Canada or the UK?

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Anderson brings the SMT take to the Bridge's latest discussion about the media and journalism.  Britain has only recently started a right-wing ...

Death Of A Colleague -- Sirius XM's Loss is Your Loss Too.

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The loss of Andrew Krystal is a loss to his colleagues, but a major loss to his listeners too.  Plus,  Brian Stewart's regular weekly commentary on ...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - "Ukraine Can Win This War." Really? Is That The Right Thing To Say Right Now?

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of The Bridge: Special with an episode that first aired on May 17th. Some bold statements about how Ukraine can win what ...

Good Talk -- Canada Dumps Huawei, Alberta Dumps Kenney

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce and Chantal are focused on two subjects this week  -- Ottawa's decision to shut Huawei out of Canada's 5G networks, and Conservatives in Alber...

Your Turn -- From Stratford to Buffalo to Ukraine, Your Thoughts on The Issues of the Day.

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Not sure I've ever seen quite the same amount of reaction to a Bridge episode, as was seen by the combination of the Buffalo shootings and the stor...

SMT - What Can Charles Learn in Three Days?

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce joins us from Edinburgh, Scotland on the topic of Charles and Camilla's visit to Canada.  What can the heir to the throne do to gain affection...

"Ukraine Can Win This War." Really? Is That The Right Thing To Say Right Now?

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some bold statements about how Ukraine can win what was thought to be an unwinnable war against Russia are being made by some top western leaders. Vet...

Hate and Trying To Confront It

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many forms of hate and sadly we see that unveiled in different ways and in different places almost every day.  It leaves many of us with q...

Good Talk - Was The Peterborough Incident A Sign Of Where Protest is Heading?

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It was ugly and dangerous ..and Peterborough Police now claim they are investigating who was behind it.  Jagmeet Singh was visiting the Ontario city...

Death of a Journalistic Icon

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shireen Abu Akleh may not have been known that much in North America, but she was an icon in the middle east for her coverage, over a quarter of a cen...

SMT - From The Monarchy to The Ontario Election to Donald Trump

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Not exactly a potpourri edition of SMT but close as Bruce Anderson joins in on the conversation you love to hear.  The image of Prince Charles readi...

Putin's War -- and His Reasoning For It.

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For weeks the world has waited to hear Vladimir Putin give his detailed reasoning for the war in Ukraine.  Yesterday they finally heard it when the R...

Trudeau in Ukraine As The War Goes On.

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The parade of international celebrities continues into Ukraine as the war continues.  The Bridge reaches out to leading Ukrainian academic Olexiy Har...

Good Talk -- The Gloves Come Off

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you were looking for a hockey brawl kind of debate amongst those who are competing for the Conservative Party leadership, well then you got what y...

From Abortion to The Emergencies Act to Guy Lafleur, It's Your Turn!

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A real cross-section of your thoughts on the topics of the day.  Plus, if Maradona's old jersey can sell for more than ten million dollars, think of...

SMT - So, How Different Are We?

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The uproar surrounding the decision by the US Supreme Court over the future of abortion in that country has brought new focus to the question of how d...

Could It Happen Here?

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An unprecedented leak of a draft decision by the United States Supreme Court has shocked the legal community and abortion rights advocates.  Basicall...

"Not Ripe For Resolution Right Now." Ukraine Could Go On For Months.

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Missing the forest for the trees.  It's a common mistake we all make when looking at big issues and right now there's little bigger than Ukraine.  S...

Good Talk - From the Aga Khan to the Convoy to Climate.

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce is away this week and Rob Russo joins in with Chantal on what was a very interesting week.  What did those three topics have in common and why...

How Ukraine Is Going Deeper Into Russia

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While the focus through the Ukraine war has been on Russia's invasion, it's clear now that the Ukraine forces are now starting not to just defend, but...

SMT - Why Would Elon Musk Spend 45 Billion on Twitter?

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a huge purchase but why.  Elon Musk is no dummy, so why this move and what's he really thinking? Bruce Anderson puts the SMT microscope on the...

Is the Media in Crisis?

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At a time when a lot of people are wondering about the changing nature of the media landscape, The Bridge raises some questions.  What and who do peo...

The Moore-Butts Conversation #2 — Canada’s Position On The World Stage.

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If there are two guys who can "bring it" in a non-partisan conversation about Canadian politics it’s these two. One Conservative, one Liberal.  Tod...

Good Talk - Is Pierre Poilievre Getting The 2016 Donald Trump Treatment?

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce debate just what kind of treatment the media is giving Conservative Leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre and compare it to the trea...

Why The Sinking Of The “Moskva” Was So Important.

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Stewart us back with his latest commentary on the Ukraine war. In this episode, the veteran foreign correspondent focuses on the sinking of the ...

Covid Isn’t Over So Is It Ok That We Are Acting Like It Is?

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Back on The Bridge after ten days off and we get right to it with a major interview with Dr Isaac Bogoch. The Bridge is known for blunt talk and no on...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Kaleb Dahlgren Story

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of The Bridge: Special with an episode that last aired on December 23rd.  The Kaleb Dahlgren Story. Hosted by Simplecast...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Rethinking The Beatles Almost 60 Years Later

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on Dec 7th. This is fun. The  documentary made from archival film by director Peter Jackso...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - The Big Bad Budget -- or Was It?

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 8th. Chantal and Bruce on Chrystia Freeland's budget -- its had some not-so-good r...

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

14 Apr 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...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Blunt Talk On Ukraine

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 28th. General Andrew Leslie knows what its like to be in battle.  The former Cana...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Bob Rae On Negotiating With A War Criminal

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 4th. A special episode featuring an exclusive interview with Canada's Ambassador ...

The Bridge: Encore Presentation - Margaret Macmillan On Whether We Are Already In A World War

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 22nd. One of the world's most celebrated historians, Margaret Macmillan, put...

The Big Bad Budget -- or Was It?

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chantal and Bruce on Chrystia Freeland's budget -- its had some not-so-good reviews, and, at the same time, some surprisingly good reviews from places...

Your Turn -- Was Bob Rae Right or Wrong?

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of reaction to Bob Rae's appearance on The Bridge this week -- most felt Canada's Ambassador to the UN was bang on about negotiating with a war...

SMT Ukraine -- How A Moment Can Impact A Country's Point of View

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The charge of atrocity has horrified the world.  Or has it?  Ukraine says it happened and we believe them.  Russia says it was faked and their fol...

"How To Fight The Latest Covid Wave"

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Governments may have dropped restrictions but it's not pretty out there as Covid marches back with a new wave.  What to do not that you are basical...

Bob Rae On Negotiating With A War Criminal

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A special episode featuring an exclusive interview with Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae.  At issue: whether its right to negotiat...

Good Talk - Will It Make A Difference?

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Pope apologizes but how will that change the situation on reconciliation?  Bruce and Chantal on that and much more -- the billions to be spent o...

YOUR TURN -- Different Views On What To Do About Putin

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiate or force an unconditional surrender? Some of your views in the weekly mailbag are different when it comes to how to end the situation in U...

SMT - The Claim That Trudeau Is A "Dictator"

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a perfect Smoke Mirrors and The Truth topic -- a relatively unknown Conservative MP quotes from a dictionary to claim "many people" believe J...

How And Why Would You Negotiate With A War Criminal?

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In his regular  Tuesday commentary long time foreign correspondent Brian Stewart takes us beyond the headlines to focus on what we know and what we d...

Blunt Talk On Ukraine

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

General Andrew Leslie knows what its like to be in battle.  The former Canadian Army General knows what its like to deal with the Russians too.  His...