The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Munk School Director Dr Janice Stein of the University of Toronto joins us for her regular Monday session, this time our last discussion of 2024. And there's lost to discuss from the fallout from the Syria story, to both Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Hamas. Wars that Dr Stein argues, matter, because of the real change that has either happened or is happening as a result.

The minister of finance prepares her Monday Economic Statement while rumours fly, again, that Mark Carney is about to join the cabinet. But if that sounds crazy just look at the chaotic Canadian response to Donald Trump's trade threats. It's another Good Talk Friday as Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson settle in with their take on another crazy week.

Last week the question was "What is a Journalist?" which prompted one interesting idea for another program, "What is a Politician?"  We took the bait and you answered with an array of different opinions. Meanwhile, the Random Ranter was all too willing to get into it again with Donald Trump, this time with the President Elect of the United States and his Canada obsession.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 9th. Even the experts were surprised as in a matter of hours this weekend, Syria's Assad government fell and the dictator fled the country. It ends decades of iron fisted rule that caused millions to flee Syria. It also destroys an axis of some evil between Syria, Russia and Iran. What happens now and who will pick up the pieces? Dr Janice Stein is here to help us understand one of the most significant situations to hit the middle east in years.

He must love baiting Canada and Justin Trudeau. Donald Trump was at it again in the middle of the night with a new post aimed at Canada and the PM. People say he's joking but at a certain point one has to wonder what's really at play. That and a lot more on this "end bits" episode of The Bridge as we approach the holidays.

Even the experts were surprised as in a matter of hours this weekend, Syria's Assad government fell and the dictator fled the country.  It ends decades of iron fisted rule that caused millions to flee Syria. It also destroys an axis of some evil between Syria, Russia and Iran. What happens now and who will pick up the pieces? Dr Janice Stein is here to help us understand one of the most significant situations to hit the middle east in years.

A week after their Mar a Lago dinner what was actually accomplished by the Trudeau-Trump dinner? Bruce and Chantal join in for their assessment of the new top line item on the Ottawa political calendar.

This week's question sounded simple enough but we got lots of different answers. The question was, "What is a journalist?" Answers came from across the country and around the world, and offered an array of opinions.

Encore Episode: Bill Fox is a former senior reporter, a top political advisor to a former prime minister, and a former executive for major companies. He's also an author specializing in discussion about the media.

As the stories keep getting leaked about what really happened at the Trump Trudeau dinner last Friday night in Florida, a new one has emerged. Apparently Trump joked (was it a joke?) that Canada could always join the United States as the 51st state if it felt it was being so unfairly handled on trade issues. Really? Not that old line again.

Things are moving quickly in both the Middle East and Ukraine -- so quickly that we may be near the end on both fronts. And while that is happening, suddenly. Syria is back in the headlines.

Donald Trump threatens 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless both countries clean up their border issues and stop dumping migrants and fentanyl into the US. Mexico says Trump has it all wrong while Canada seems to suggest "yes sir, we'll get right at that". What's going on? Chantal and Bruce join to discuss.

So, podcast listeners were eager to have their say on this one. The question was how did they feel about Justin Trudeau's GST free holiday and 250 dollar giveaway -- was it good policy and good politics? We had answers from across the country and the overall answer wasn't close. Plus the Random Ranter on Donald Trump's plan for tariffs against Canada -- he's not amused.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 18th. The latest in our regular feature teaming former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Justin Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts. Today's topic revolves around the relationship between politicians and reporters. What do those in politics really think about the people who cover them? How do they prepare for the sometimes tense situation that exists between them?

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? What is the history of subs in the Arctic? Who's been there, and who hasn't? The answers may surprise you. Our guest is historian and author, Professor Adam Lajeunesse of ST FX University in Nova Scotia.

The Halifax Security Conference is a major stop on the international security circuit and this weekend's 16th annual was a critical one given recent world events. One key message heard loud and clear by delegates was that its time for Canada to step up on defence spending and the message wasn't just coming from the United States. Our regular Monday contributor Janice Stein has been a fixture at the Halifax meetings since its inception.

A GST holiday, 250 dollar cheques, what's next as the Liberals try to win back Canadians in the months before an election. If it looks desperate, then call it that, is the way some are describing the latest actions of the Trudeau government. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson have their say on yet another week where the Trudeau liberals look like they are floundering.

A potpourri of concerns from listeners across the country. Everything from climate action, to potshots at Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre, to bike lanes and pet care. And because it's Thursday, we also have the Random Ranter and he joins the chorus started by Chantal Hebert last Friday calling for a federal election soon to clarify Canada's position in the upcoming relationship with Donald Trump.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 15th .Lloyd Axworthy has been in Canadian politics and public service for most of his adult life and his reflections on that time are more than interesting for those who follow the country's ups and downs. Time in the cabinets of Pierre Trudeau, John Turner and Jean Chretien allowed Axworthy to see power close up. Also, in today's conversation to reflect on the differences between the Liberal party of that era and the one today.

A lot of things changed in our world on the night of November 5th when Donald Trump won the US Presidency and began his journey back to the White House. What about climate change? Will concerns about it drop off the radar seeing as many in the new administration are climate deniers? Professor Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist who teaches at Texas Tech, makes a return to the Bridge to talk about the latest on the climate debate.

Some of the proposed appointments to the new Donald Trump cabinet have surprised many, but none more so than his planned intelligence and security positions. Foreign affairs and defence security analyst Dr Janice Stein turns her regular Monday appearance on the Bridge into a discussion on that this week. How will US allies respond to the new appointments and what will happen to their sharing of secrets?

Donald Trump's win has changed everything so why not change the Canadian election timetable? That's Chantal's suggestion this week and it provides a lot of Good Talk with Bruce and me. In fact that suggestion is the basis for the whole hour this week with lots of off ramps into the economy, immigration and Elon Musk.

The premise of this week's question is simple: if the decision is made to cut government services and expenditures, where would YOU cut? Now, not everyone agrees with the premise and we hear from them as well, but many others do suggest ways to cut.  And then the Random Ranter joins us -- he wants to know where all the small cars have gone.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 10th. Author Ted Barris joins us today to discuss his latest book, Battle of Britain - Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour. Once again Ted recounts stories from our history we had forgotten or simply didn’t know.

So how did the media do during the most consequential election of our time? Lots of different opinions on that but today we focus on the views of one person, someone who has a great deal of expertise on this issue. Bill Fox is a former senior reporter, a top political advisor to a former prime minister, and a former executive for major companies. He's also an author specializing in discussion about the media. Today he's our guest.

A week later, what should we be thinking? Janice Stein, our regular Monday contributor, may surprise you because she's not quite as pessimistic as others. Today she explains why, by using our two common themes of the past few years -- Russia/Ukraine and the Middle East.

A lot of people were surprised on Tuesday night but now with days to ponder the Trump victory the real fallout begins. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on why Americans delivered the result they did, and then, they deal with how Canada is reacting to the decision and what it means for us.

We are just days away from Remembrance Day and as we did last year, we wanted to hear what that day means to you. And like last year, so many of you wrote in with family experiences and memories. Of parents and grandparents who served overseas, some who never returned. Of other family members who served at home in contributing to war efforts past. Important memories that so many of you don't want to see forgotten.

No encore edition this Wednesday, instead this is the real deal. Donald Trump is heading back to the White House after a huge win last night over Kamala Harris. What happened? What does it mean? And what happens next? Keith Boag and Bruce Anderson join us for a roundtable on the comeback of the ages.

Today, it's a nailbiter in the final hours before Americans decide on the outcome of their presidential election. Will it be Kamala Harris or will it be Donald Trump .. again? For Canada, the question becomes how you prepare for something so close. The Moore-Butts team has seen something similar to this before, and that's where we start our 18th episode of Moore-Butts.

It's called a "consequential" election and not just for Americans but for the world. Dr Janice Stein from the Munk school at the University of Toronto joins us for her take on what a Trump victory would mean for the globe, then she breaks down what a Harris win would mean. It's great prep for tomorrow's big event.

The US election is Tuesday, and already, the finger-pointing has started about the way the campaign has been run and the way it's been covered. Rob Russo of The Economist subs for Bruce Anderson today, and we get all of this with Rob and Chantal. And don't worry—we won't forget the drama, such as it is, that continues to unfold in Ottawa!

For many, it is the issue of our times. The use of Artificial Intelligence, AI. So, where do you stand? That is the question for Your Turn this week, and as is always the case, you responded in big numbers. Do you fear it, or does it excite you? Also, today, the Random Ranter tries to explain how and why his political views have changed in recent years.

Today an encore presentation of an episode lasted aired on October 30th. A feature interview with celebrated Canadian military historian Tim Cook about his latest book hitting the shelves today. It delves into the relationship between Canada and the US during the Second World War. It’s not as simple as you might think and there are lessons here for today.

Well, here we go into the final days of the 2024 US election campaign and if you believe the polls, a big if, then things are so close smart analysts aren't picking a winner. Throughout this year, former CBC Washington correspondent Keith Boag has dropped by to give us a sense of what's happening and why, in the campaign. His final visit before the vote comes today and it is well worth the listen.

Opening her regular Monday appearance on the Bridge this week, Janice Stein and I first have a discussion about fascism and whether the word is being used accurately these days. It's certainly being thrown around a lot but is it being used well? And, of course, Janice is here to talk Middle East and Russia-Ukraine as well, and as usual, there's lots to talk about.

So, did he dodge the coup? Does Justin Trudeau now have a clear path to the next election? After weeks of rumours and coded, secret talk, the plotters had their say in the caucus, and then it seemed everyone moved on. Or have they?

Lots of your letters again this week, and many of them are about elections. Both provincial ones in Canada and the big one south of the border. But there are lots more issues on your mind as well with your thoughts from across the country.

Revisiting the conversation with Paul Wells on his new book (or is it an essay?) "Justin Trudeau - On The Ropes". The well-known national columnist takes a hard look at the man who has been part of the Canadian landscape as a political leader for a dozen years now.

Sudan's crisis continues but the world looks away. Why? Dr Samantha Nutt from War Child joins us once again to talk about her overseas travels to some of the planet's most difficult spots. Today, her focus is on Sudan and Afghanistan, both countries she has travelled to this year. This is an important conversation and one many of you have been calling for.

Janice Stein makes her regular Monday appearance to discuss the Israeli killing of the Hamas leader in Gaza. Does Yahya Sinwar's death make a difference? Also, the latest on the war of drones between Ukraine and Russia - and should Ukraine get fast-tracked for membership in NATO? Or will that just make matters worse?

The clock is ticking on Justin Trudeau as one issue after another is somehow connected to his leadership problems. There are some very serious topics to discuss, from foreign interference to a caucus revolt to a cabinet shuffle, and Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here to give us their take on all of them.

It's one more time for the Ranter to take on DJT, maybe his last before the US election. He has answers for those of you who didn't like his last Trump rant. Meanwhile, the majority of today's program is from you -- your turn on the question, who is the Canadian from our history you would most like the chance to sit down with? Some great suggestions!

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 11th.Author and Journalist Stephen Maher joins The Bridge to talk about his new book, The Prince, which is all about Justin Trudeau. He's been covering Trudeau since he stepped onto the public stage so what has Maher learned that he didn't already know about the man who leads the country and says he's about to enter his fourth election campaign as Liberal leader?

Lloyd Axworthy has been in Canadian politics and public service for most of his adult life and his reflections on that time are more than interesting for those who follow the country's ups and downs. Time in the cabinets of Pierre Trudeau, John Turner and Jean Chretien allowed Axworthy to see power close up. Also, in today's conversation to reflect on the differences between the Liberal party of that era and the one today.

An encore of in a week when many Canadians were bored silly by the constant barrage of process stories coming out of Parliament, something else was happening. Rumours circulated that the Trudeau government was considering a procedure to shut Parliament down for weeks or even months. It's the P word. What would that mean? Also today on Good Talk, Bruce and Chantal discuss accountability with two examples that raise more questions than they answer.

In a week when many Canadians were bored silly by the constant barrage of process stories coming out of Parliament, something else was happening. Rumours circulated that the Trudeau government was considering a procedure to shut Parliament down for weeks or even months. It's the P word. What would that mean? Also today on Good Talk, Bruce and Chantal discuss accountability with two examples that raise more questions than they answer.

For our Thursday question of the week, we asked "Who is the Canadian from history you would like to have a long conversation with?" We've had so many replies we have enough for this week and next. There are the obvious answers like Sir John A and the not so obvious like Tecumseh. They're all fascinating and so are the reasons for wanting to talk with them.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 28th. An interview with Andrew Lawton the author of the new book on Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Who is the man who wants to be Canada's 24th prime minister and what does he actually stand for? The answers to those questions and more are the focus to today's program.

Less than a month to go now but the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remains so close that analysts call it a toss-up. Why is it so close? That’s the question for Keith Boag who makes another of his regular appearances on The Bridge keeping us in touch with what’s happening south of the border.

A revealing new study into the October 7th, 2023 massacre of Israeli citizens by Hamas terrorists is out today, and the author is none other than our favourite Middle East analyst, Janice Stein. Dr Stein joins us again today to discuss her incredibly telling findings. For the last year October 7th has been described as a major intelligence failure by the Israelis and this proves it in very hard detail.

We could be only months away from an election in Canada, so is there anything we need to learn from watching the debate over fact-checking in the United States? We've witnessed three debates in the US presidential race over the last few months and fact-checking has been an issue in all three. On today's Good Talk, Chantal and Bruce take up that issue and others for another spirited conversation.

Your letters this week on what's on your mind, and then the Ranter takes on J D Vance. Plus, we finally have some time for a few interesting End Bits. Like why apples really are the best health food, why restaurant portions may soon be getting smaller, and why stair climbing may be the best exercise routine.

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 Premier and Dr Isaac Bogoch calls in from his hospital job to talk about where things really stand on the latest Covid wave. Plus, some "Good Housekeeping" tips on pumpkin carving. Seriously.

A series of remarkable events has changed the face of the Middle East War. Israel is fighting and winning in two fronts but what happens now? Dr Janice Stein joins us for her regular weekly assessment of both the Middle East story and the Russia-Ukraine situation.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 24th. Former Conservative Cabinet Minister James Moore and former Liberal insider Gerald Butts get together for another of their popular conversations. This time the issue is the current minority Parliament and whether it can survive much longer. They are very blunt about that question!

A fascinating discussion about Justin Trudeau's options makes up the last fifteen minutes of today's Good Talk. But first, it's one thing when the Conservatives slam the CBC, threaten to defund it, and raise money from supporters by making the threat. But now they're suggesting there's a conspiracy between CTV and its parent company Bell, to bad mouth and lie about their party. What's going on? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson have thoughts on this week's Good Talk.

Many of you gave a lot of thought to this week's question and your answers are interesting and inspiring. From coast to coast to coast Bridge listeners wrote in to say what they'd do if they owned a local paper struggling to do business and succeed. Also, this week, the Random Ranter on The Tragically Hip.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on January 2nd. Watergate and Richard Nixon brought him fame, and fifty years later Bob Woodward is still doing the journalism that is chasing another U.S. President. A wide-ranging interview to kick off another year of The Bridge -- Woodward's take on everything from Donald Trump to the state of the media.

Former Conservative Cabinet Minister James Moore and former Liberal insider Gerald Butts get together for another of their popular conversations. This time the issue is the current minority Parliament and whether it can survive much longer. They are very blunt about that question!

With Israel declaring pagers and walkie-talkies as weapons of war, has a new line been crossed leaving civilians even more vulnerable? Dr Janice Stein with her thoughts on that plus her analysis of Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip this week to the United States.

A wild week for Jagmeet Singh from a byelection victory to an apparent challenge to Pierre Poilievre to put up the dukes as we used to say. All this in a testy House of Commons where the Conservatives seem to be losing the battle to force a quick election. And how about this? The Bloc Quebecois as the next official opposition? Chantal and Bruce are ready with their ringside observations.

Enough with the politicians -- what's on YOUR mind? This week's Your Turn, with letters from across the country, focuses on everything from climate change to harvest time. The Random Ranter stops by to address some of the complaints about Canada's economic performance.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on January 30th. With issues surrounding what you are allowed to read in some American schools, some Canadians may be surprised there are similar issues in Canada. That's why next month will include "A Freedom to Read" week. An important discussion on that today with the CEO of the Halifax Public Libraries, Asa Kachan. Plus, what you should actually believe about expiration dates? An end bit worth its name!

A feature interview with celebrated Canadian military historian Tim Cook about his latest book hitting the shelves today. It delves into the relationship between Canada and the US during the Second World War. It’s not as simple as you might think and there are lessons here for today.

The UK and the US are prepared to give long-range missiles to Ukraine for their fight against Russia. But Russia, through Vladimir Putin, is saying if they are used against Russia, the response could be nuclear. Is he bluffing or is he threatening? It's our regular Monday session on foreign affairs with Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto.

Monday is a huge day for all political parties in Canada. Parliament returns but two key byelections, one in Manitoba and one in Quebec, could impact everything. Chantal and Bruce are here to try to put everything in that context. That includes Carbon Tax, Air Canada, and Mark Carney.

The question of the week was this: "If you ran for prime minister what would your first promise be in hopes of gaining support?" Also, the Random Ranter has his take on Donald Trump's debate performance; let's just say he, the Ranter, was not impressed!

An encore of Marci Ien made her name as a Canadian television journalist anchoring some of CTV's most important programs. Today she's a federal cabinet minister responsible for women and gender equality. Today a feature interview with Marci Ien about her path as a Black Canadian and how she reflects on Black History month.

Author Ted Barris joins us today to discuss his latest book, Battle of Britain - Canadian Airmen in Their Finest Hour. Once again Ted recounts stories from our history we had forgotten or simply didn’t know.

Janice Stein is back for her regular Monday discussion of the two main international stories - the Middle East and Ukraine. Today emphasizes Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to leave the West Bank off his televised map of Israel.

A quiet political summer in Ottawa turned very different with Jagmeet Singh's decision to "tear up" the deal between the NDP and Liberals. That has led to all sorts of fallout so time to analyze what's what on the national political landscape.

The Random Ranter starts off all wound up about Jagmeet Singh as the NDP leader pulls the plug on his party's deal to keep the LIberals propped up until next year.

An encore of journalists, Nahlah Ayed, brings to light a little-known Canadian story that centres around preparations for D-Day. It really is at its heart a love story, but it's also a spy story with all the twists and turns that both elements can deliver.

Janice Stein's latest analysis of the two major international crises facing our world. In the middle east, the story remains Israel and Hamas and the Israeli prime minister's position on a ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu is facing hundreds of thousands of protestors in his own country and an enemy using murderous tactics on the other side. In Russia, Vladimir Putin talks peace, but is he serious?

Everything it seems changed in the United States, but did anything change in Canada?

An encore of Lee McIntyre an American philosopher and author who's written extensively on the issues of truth and disinformation. He's studied the impact of both and shares his thoughts about how best to deal with them.

An encore of a feature interview with the author of an extraordinary new book that explores he world of chance, chaos and why everything we do matters. He's Brian Klaas a university professor in London, England.

Kamala Harris may be positioned to win the US presidency, but can Donald Trump ever be counted out? Keith Boag joins us again for his second US election special of the summer as Democrats meet in convention in Chicago.

An encore of A new book about the Ben Johnson story raises some interesting questions about the fairness of the way the Canadian track star was treated after he tested positive in the 1988 Olympics. Mary Ormsby, a well known and very respected sportswriter, has a new book about the controversy.

An encore of today's topic revolves around the relationship between politicians and reporters. What do those in politics really think about the people who cover them? How do they prepare for the sometimes tense situation that exists between them?

An encore of the latest version of our Moore Butts series has former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore, and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts on a topic of our times.

Bruce and Chantal join me for a Summer Good Talk and what a summer it's been so far. Could the political winds that have changed things in The United States blow into Canada? That's the question and there's a lot of talk about concerning that subject.

An encore of when Brian Mulroney passed last week so did an era in Canadian politics. Conservative James Moore and Liberal Gerald Butts carry on their non partisan conversations on The Bridge, started in 2022, this week with the Mulroney legacy as the topic.

An encore of for the most part the old saying that foreign policy isn't what Canadians vote on, but does that mean Canadian governments and political parties take a pass on worrying about foreign matters? Time for another great Moore Butts conversation, this time #13 of our series.

Veteran journalist Keith Boag has been our guide this year on US politics and he's with us again today.

An encore of we talk a lot about polls but what happens behind the scenes when the polls are released? What do the public and the press not see when the numbers cause chaos in one party or another?

An encore of what happens behind the closed doors when a government faces a crisis -- who says what, and what are the do's and don'ts of crisis management?

An encore of former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary to prime minister Trudeau Gerald Butts focus on helping us understand political trends. Today, again burying their partisan feelings, the two look at the issue of how to campaign in an era of polarization.

Monday night, June 24th, is byelection night in the Toronto riding of Toronto-St Paul's. Will the voters there determine the fate of Justin Trudeau. It's the big question, the only question, in the days leading up to the vote.

We debuted this question last week asking you to name your favourite Canadian song. And we will conclude by telling you the most nominated songs and artists.  Also, the Random Ranter drops by with a very personal rant.

An encore of there are some of Canada's well-known singers and composers in these answers but there are some hidden gems as well. Plus the random Ranter drops by with a heavy geopolitical question for you to ponder.

Today's topic revolves around the relationship between politicians and reporters. What do those in politics really think about the people who cover them? How do they prepare for the sometimes tense situation that exists between them?

Dr Stein is back from another international security conference and she brings a list of things we should be thinking about for this summer. The obvious -- Ukraine and Gaza -- but also, terrorism, Haiti, Trump and more.

Who to believe? Who would you believe if you had a choice between believing Jagmeet Singh or Elizabeth May? Plus, the capital gains tax may be flopping for the Liberals; and, who will young people vote for -- you may be surprised.

There are some of Canada's well-known singers and composers in these answers but there are some hidden gems as well. Plus the random Ranter drops by with a heavy geopolitical question for you to ponder.

An encore of Author and Journalist Stephen Maher joins The Bridge to talk about his new book, The Prince, which is all about Justin Trudeau.

Author and Journalist Stephen Maher joins The Bridge to talk about his new book, The Prince, which is all about Justin Trudeau.

Four hostages were rescued from Hamas over the weekend by Israeli special forces, but does that change the situation in Gaza at all?  In fact, does it force an even longer war? Dr Janice Stein has her regular Monday analysis on this and on the Ukraine-Russia war where things may be about to change.