The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

As if there isn't enough going on with trade talks broken down with the U.S., new trade possibilities with China, and a crucial budget set for Tuesday, Canadians could be facing an election within a week. And then there's the case of "Profanity Pete" the US Ambassador to Canada. Let's get some analysis with Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert as we convene another Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the Prime Minister in Asia and talk of a much closer trade relationship with China, the question this week is "Should We?". Listeners weren't shy, as the emails came tumbling in. And the Random Ranter came by with his toughest rant yet on Donald Trump -- move over Doug Ford! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An encore of an interview with celebrated Canadian military historian Tim Cook about his latest book hitting the shelves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do two former Ottawa pros see the Trump, Carney, Ford story -- does it really matter? will it make a real difference? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau advisor Gerald Butts get together for their Conversation #26. In the program's second segment, they also talk about the importance of debt and deficit as we approach the upcoming federal budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China and the United States could be on the verge of a deal that could have a huge impact on world trade. All eyes will be on a Thursday meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping -- could Canada be far behind? And Venezuela -- is regime change in the offing? Dr Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto joins for her regular Monday appearance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump has terminated the trade talks with Canada after Ontario ads running in the U.S. use Ronald Reagan's voice condemning tariffs. Is this serious or just Trump bluster?  Meanwhile, the Carney government's first budget is now just days away, and the PM says Canadians will need to make sacrifices. And, Pierre Poilievre has another bad week. All this and more with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's question followed the new peace deal in the Middle East, which is still being tested. We asked: "What are the chances of everlasting peace in that region?" As always, you go beyond just saying yes or no, which makes for some interesting answers. Then, as he does every week, the Random Ranter drops by with his thoughts this week on, Canada's team -- The Toronto Blue Jays. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is your relationship on rocky ground? One of today's endbits offers some HELPFUL suggestions that only take one minute. Wednesdays are usually encore episodes of the Bridge, but occasionally we save up our collected endbits and give you a special show. This is one of those days. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Journalists hear lots of things in the course of a day on Parliament Hill, and then they work towards trying to nail things down. What's real, what isn't? On the latest edition of Reporter's Notebook Rob Russo and Althia Raj talk about it all from Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre to trade talks and a possible cabinet shuffle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a week since Donald Trump heralded a peace deal for the ages in the Middle East. It hasn't all gone easy in the seven days since, so the question is -- can the deal hold? Dr Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto is with us for her regular Monday chat as we discuss that plus Ukraine and China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are going to be a lot of special programs done in the next few weeks, leading up to the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Quebec Referendum. A night that those of us who witnessed it will never forget. Tension and emotion ruled the evening. Chantal, Bruce and I were all in different roles watching the story unfold, and this week we talk about what was a historic moment. in the story of Canada, and what it still means in today's world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We've thought about asking this question before but something else always came up, but not this week. It's time. Would you run for public office? Any public office. If so, why?  If not, why not?  I think the answers are quite revealing about how Canadians feel about public office holders, and perhaps not what you think. Plus the Random Ranter is here, and he's ready for hardball on autos. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 8th. At popular request, no encore this Wednesday, but instead an end-bits special. News you can use, and some you probably will choose to ignore! Everything from what's best to do - shower in the morning or evening, to which car colour holds it resale value best? And a lot more -- enjoy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 9th. Even in the darkest of times, there are things to be grateful for in our lives. And this week, listeners to The Bridge have a selection of reasons they are thankful as we approach Thanksgiving weekend. Even the Random Ranker gives thanks too! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Donald Trump and Mark Carney met in the White House for the first time a few months ago, the meeting looked, and was, tense. Not so this latest time. Smiles, laughs and lots of almost boyish banter. What was that all about?  Has anything really changed? Could a deal be in the offing, or was it all for the cameras? Bruce and Chantal have their say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even in the darkest of times, there are things to be grateful for in our lives. And this week, listeners to The Bridge have a selection of reasons they are thankful as we approach Thanksgiving weekend. Even the Random Ranker gives thanks too! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At popular request, no encore this Wednesday, but instead an end-bits special. News you can use, and some you probably will choose to ignore! Everything from what's best to do - shower in the morning or evening, to which car colour holds it resale value best? And a lot more -- enjoy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is PM Mark Carney's second face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump, and, added to numerous phone calls and texts, they know each other's positions pretty well. Does that mean some kind of a deal could happen at this latest session? Maybe. Althia Raj and Rob Russo bring us up to date with what they're hearing as the two leaders sit down in the White House today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Carney heads to Washington for his latest meeting with Donald Trump. How critical is this one? What can be accomplished? Key questions for Dr Janice Stein on her weekly Monday appearance on The Bridge. Also, the latest talks around peace in Gaza are taking place in Egypt ... what chances for success are there? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everyone knew this was coming, but now we are here. It's the great pipeline battle playing out between Ottawa and Alberta, and between Alberta and BC. What's at stake? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here to discuss this and what it means for Mark Carney, the upcoming budget, and the future of the country. And, Donald Trump's "war within" makes the discussion as well. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is your view on gun control in Canada? A variety of answers, with a variety of perspectives, from coast-to-coast-to-coast highlight this week on Your Turn, with guest host Will Mansbridge. Plus the Random Ranter is back taking on Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the last fifteen years different governments in Ottawa have known tough choices were going to have to be made about the Post Office. But those choices were delayed or postponed. Now it's tough-choice time again. Is there a better way to deal with situations like this? Just one of the angles faced in today's episode of Moore-Butts Conversation #24. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 24th. We're featuring two mini interviews with first-time authors who have great stories to tell. Both are friends and former colleagues of mine .... former CBC foreign correspondent Brian Stewart on his new book, On The Ground; and former CBC field producer Halina St. James on her remarkable book, The Golden Daughter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The former British Prime Minister isn't talked of much anymore but he may become the key to peace in Gaza. He's well liked by Palestinian leaders, by Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, and by Donald Trump. A meeting at the White House this afternoon may lead to Blair's entry into the equation. Dr Janice Stein has her thoughts on Blair and how this may actually lead to something everyone can embrace. That and more on today's episode of The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

We've spent a lot of time this year asking questions about the future of Canada, so this week we look south and ask about the U.S. future. Once again, the emails came flooding in from across the country. Also this week the Random Ranter on the issue of "outrage" and why it has become so popular. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No encore this week; instead, we're featuring two mini interviews with first-time authors who have great stories to tell. Both are friends and former colleagues of mine .... former CBC foreign correspondent Brian Stewart on his new book, On The Ground;  and former CBC field producer Halina St. James on her remarkable book, The Golden Daughter.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are more than two dozen members of Mark Carney's cabinet, but who, aside from Carney himself, is the most powerful, the most influential? That's one of the questions up for discussion this week on Reporter's Notebook with Althia Raj and Rob Russo. The upcoming budget and the PM's trip to the United Nations are also on the agenda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three major issues for Dr Janice Stein today on her regular Monday foreign affairs conversation. What difference, if any, will Canada's recognition of Palestine make? Why the increase in public support of the extreme right in Britain? And Canada is about to spend billions of dollars on defence expenditures -- are we buying the right things? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Keir Starmer with help from the royals sucked up to Donald Trump this week in a big way. Does that work? Is there something for Canada to learn? Plus, you never want to lose a senior cabinet minister, unless.  Unless you think you are better off without that person. What is the case with Chrystia Freeland? And, Jimmy Kimmel. There's a lot in today's Good Talk with Chantal Hebert, and sitting in for Bruce Anderson this week, former Harper Communications Director, Andrew MacDougall, in London. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Social media was a much heralded community sharing experience at its inception, but is it still so? It's this week's question and answers came from across the country. Views are divided, and both sides present strong arguments for their opinions. Plus, the Random Ranter drops by with his latest rant -- this time on Jimmy Kimmel's departure from ABC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 1st. Those who follow these things say they're never seen anything like it before. Donald Trump wants a Nobel prize and he's not shy about pushing for one. As The Bridge kicks off season six, our regular Monday contributor, Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto makes her view known on that, Ukraine, Russia, China and the Middle East. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a week of soul searching in the United States and beyond, James Moore and Gerry Butts take on the question of how to "disagree better". Society is trying to understand if there is an answer to this dilemma of disagreeing with respect and not hate. In the 23rd of their conversations on The Bridge, two top political minds, from different parties, look for a way of achieving non-partisan talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Second World War began after Germany and Russia invaded Poland. Last week, Russia invaded Poland again in a story that made headlines in North America, but for only 24 hours. We know why the story was eclipsed, but should we revisit? Dr Janice Stein joins us for her regular Monday episode on this and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Five projects, two in BC, one in Saskatchewan, one in Ontario and one in Quebec headline Mark Carney's initial nation building push. Surprisingly perhaps, the list got a big thumbs up from Alberta's premier. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here to discuss that and much more.

During the April election campaign, Mark Carney dropped a lot of hints and some promises about what he would do if Canadians gave him their vote. The question this week, is Carney retreating? You had lots to say. And the Random Ranter drops by with another of his takes on AI.

An encore of Lee McIntyre philosopher & author who's written extensively on the issues of truth & disinformation.

Althia Raj and Rob Russo work the halls and corridors of Parliament Hill every day that the House of Commons is in session. Althia is a senior columnist with the Toronto Star, Rob is the Canadian correspondent for The Economist. They'll alternate Tuesdays with the Moore-Butts Conversations.

Some key elements of the United States military are assembling in force off Venezuela. Is this a real operation or a distraction? A "wag the dog?" Dr. Janice Stein starts with that on her regular Monday conversation on The Bridge.

Recent polls suggest Canadians are now more concerned about basic economic issues than they are about the Carney-Trump talks.  Housing, affordability, inflation and government spending top the list. All this in the run up to an expected October budget, but also at a time when hugely expensive "nation building projects" are on the table. How do you square cuts and spending is up for discussion with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson.

The first Your Turn of 2025 asks the question, what did you notice about the summer of 2025 and a surprising number of you mention the issue of Artificial Intelligence. Is it a huge advance or does it come at huge cost? AI is also the focus of the Random Ranter as he takes on AI as well.  

One of our loyal listeners wrote in the other day suggesting that instead of our regular Wednesday encore episode that we try a program just of endbits. Enbits have been a popular part of our program over the last few years to fill out shorter programs. So, maybe once a month might be possible as a program on its own? Interesting idea so we decided why not?  

The first Moore Butts conversation of the new season is the 22nd in our series of going behind the doors of political intrigue. In this case, the discussion centres around the negotiations that have to take place if anyone is going to make a trade deal with the US President. Gerald Butts is Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary who was in the room when Canada and Trump hammered out a new trade deal in 2018. James Moore is a former Harper-era cabinet minister, and as always, has thoughts on this subject too.

Those who follow these things say they're never seen anything like it before. Donald Trump wants a Nobel prize and he's not shy about pushing for one. As The Bridge kicks off season six, our regular Monday contributor, Dr Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto makes her view known on that, Ukraine, Russia, China and the Middle East. 

Four months and a day since the election and the summer ends with signs that the Carney government is moving on some of its major agenda promises. Or is it? That's the line item for Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on this our final summer special before our new season begins next week. 

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 27th. After the pomp and pageantry of the King's visit, Parliament gets down to work and for a lot of MP's it will be a new experience. How to hit the ground running is the focus of this latest episode of the Moore Butts conversations -- this is #21. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary to a prime minister, Gerald Butts give their thoughts.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 19th. 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.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that last aired on November 26th. 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.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 22nd. 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.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that last aired on July 25th. The statistics are pretty impressive. Canadians are staying home or at least they are staying away from the U.S. in this summer of 2025. This doesn't look like a one off, it could become generational. The deadline for a new trade deal between Canada and the U.S. is one week from today, what are the chances? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here for our first of the summer's Good Talk specials.