The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Really? Donald Trump now says he will refuse to allow the multi-billion-dollar new bridge between Canada and the U.S. to be opened. That's the bridge Canada paid for, and Trump heralded just a few years ago. It's the latest twist in the trade war, and it's just one of the stories we focus on today with Althia Raj and Rob Russo in their Reporter's Notebook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It used to be seen as a passing, dirty, American sex scandal in the beginning, but over time it has also involved an ex-President, business, political and entertainment figures, and the current President. But now, over the past few weeks, the Epstein scandal threatens major figures in other countries. Today, on her regular Monday appearance, Dr Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto has her say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Not even a week after Pierre Poilievre's resounding victory at the leadership review vote in Calgary, the Conservative leader found himself struggling. Why? Because he seemed offside on strategy with the often referred to "Godfather" of his party, Stephen Harper. That and a lot more Good Talk with Chantel 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.

For the next two weeks, people around the world will be making a choice about what they watch on their various devices -- the Olympics or anything else. Billions will choose the Olympics, but not everyone. And those different feelings are reflected on this week's Your Turn. 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 Wednesday End Bits special has a potpourri of useful (and yes some useless!) information. From the latest artificial intelligence concerns, to the Trump's Yukon brothel...and then even more. It's all here in this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does and what should Pierre Poilievre do now after receiving a ringing endorsement from his party? Was the Poilievre we saw on the weekend the same Poilievre we will see in the future? James Moore and Gerald Butts have another one of their very popular conversations, now also available on our YouTube channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canada is about to spend billions of dollars on upgrading its defence capabilities. Has the discussion about what to do been broad enough? There's one for Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto as she makes her regular Monday appearance on The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alberta is at the centre of two major stories as the week ends -- Pierre Poilievre is in Calgary tonight waiting for his party's verdict on his leadership. Meanwhile Albertans who want out of Canada say they have the White House on their side and some of the things being said by Trump officials would seem to agree. Bruce and Chantal discuss both issues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The third and final installment in our January series of "Ask Me Anything", your questions for me about, well, about anything! And questions you sure had. We thought this would be just one show, but it's been three. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Look what we found for this week's Wednesday End Bits special --- a huge study, done over thirty years, and what it concludes is the best secret of longevity. It's pretty simple, but are you doing it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a big week for Conservatives. On Friday night in Calgary Pierre Poilievre gets the verdict from his party membership -- a leadership review vote will determine his future. Rob Russo and Althia Raj have their thoughts on that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we said on Good Talk, everything changed last week Is the government, and are Canadians, ready for the situation we now find ourselves in with the United States. What happens now is the question for Janice Stein in her regular Monday appearance on The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First, Mark Carney said the rupture is real and our days tied to the US are over. Twenty four hours later, Donald Trump implies "You better be careful Mark." So now, its game on, the fight is real and who knows just where it will all end up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More, in fact a lot more, of your questions in our latest attempt at an Ask Me Anything program. Again I try to get to as many of your questions about country, politics and career, but there are still lots left to go through. Plus the Random Ranter and Trump and Carney at Davos. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start today with a few thoughts about yesterday's Davos speech by Prime Minister Carney -- its had, for the most part, a very positive reaction from around the world. This though, is our usual Wednesday special, this week an end bits special. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Calling Trump a "fascist" or a "Nazi" has become far more commonplace in the past few months given ICE, Venezuela and Greenland. But is it correct? That's the question for the opening segment of the latest Moore Butts conversation with former Stephen Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former senior aide to Justin Trudeau, Gerald Butts.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots to discuss with Dr Janice Stein on this week's conversation with the director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. We call the segment "Our Changing World" and again this week the list of examples continues: Greenland, NATO, China and Canada's new relationship with it after PM Carney's visit last week.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Carney was in China for the past few days and leaves with a pocketful of deals. Sounds good but how good is it? It's a busy Good Talk with more on the agenda, from the resignation of Quebec's premier to what exactly is Canada's position on Greenland? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We've never tried this before and it's a legitimate question to ask, why not? We've never had so many entries and we are likely to have enough for two or three weeks of Thursdays! Plus the Random Ranter makes his first rant of 2026 and the target is a familiar one -- Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A collection of "news you can use" stories from The Bridge's end bits favourites. Why day dreaming is better than doom scrolling; why a second passport is useful -- all these stories and more today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a "Reporter's Notebook" Tuesday with The Economist's Rob Russo and The Toronto Star's Althia Raj joining forces again to give us what they're hearing as the Prime Minister heads to China. Mark Carney is trying to reset the relationship with China.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mondays on The Bridge mean Dr Janice Stein, and this week she outlines her theory about what was really happening behind the scenes in Venezuela as the Americans arrived. Also, more talk about why Canada should be worried and also ready. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The year is off to a fast start, and so is the Good Talk panel. How worried should Canada be after the US invasion of Venezuela and Donald Trump's constant threats towards some of his closest neighbours? That and more in our first 2026 Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First Your Turn of the new year and the question fits the timing. We were looking for your predictions for 2026, and as always you delivered. Plus, The Random Ranter is on the DL this week, down with the flu, so the show is all yours! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The latest episode starts with how to prepare yourself if US Customs searches your phone records. You like end bits and we enjoy giving you some every once in a while. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are hardly any governments in the world right now who aren't faced with an "affordability" crisis? Voters want action but what action is even possible? That's the question on our first Moore Butts Conversation of 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump invades Venezuela, grabs Nicolas Maduro and his wife, says he will run the country for a while, and he's going to fix the country's oil production while he's at it. Our first Monday of the new year and Dr Janice Stein is ready to talk about how worried Canada should be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with another one of their highly anticipated "Conversations". This time it centres around the possibility that the near future could see two referendums, one in Quebec and one in Alberta. Is Ottawa ready to handle that fight?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Alberta and Canada seem close to a deal on a memorandum of understanding about a new pipeline to the west coast. But now how do you make that MOU become a real finalized deal because let's face it, pipelines in Canada are hard to build. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Last week was quite something, even for Canadian politics. A big-time Liberal budget with a huge deficit, while chaos ruled in the Conservative opposition. How do you explain that? Strap in for this one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. 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.

Encore Episode. 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?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Society is trying to understand if there is an answer to this dilemma of disagreeing with respect and not hate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. 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.

Encore Presentation. She's the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, a great storyteller and a proud Canadian.  Lyse Doucet has her first book out , and it's the story of Afghanistan.  Her book is called "The Finest Hotel in Kabul". Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Presentation. Some of you have been writing, asking "where is Keith Boag?" Today the answer, as the former Washington correspondent brings us up to date on his latest thinking about Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With both Chantal and Bruce away this week, a special program for our final Good Talk of 2025. Bob Rae, fresh from his five years at the United Nations as Canada's Ambassador, and with his wealth of political experience, joins us to talk Canada and politics. 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 was simple: What made you happy in 2025?They shared them with us for this week's Your Turn. Even the Random Ranter was asked to join us on the happy tone -- but some things are hard to do! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some of the best of what was left over -- another Wednesday end bits special.  More proof of how the rich get rich, how social media is not working for your kids, and what you didn't know about obits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Days after the latest floor crossing it's still the talk of Ottawa. Althia Raj and Rob Russo are back for their every second Tuesday, Reporter's Notebook, with the latest of what they are hearing in the nation's capital. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the year ends, are we finally seeing some significant movement on a path to a ceasefire in Ukraine? Dr. Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto drops by for her final 2025 session on The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the third time in a month a Conservative jumps ship, with two of them joining the Liberals. Will there be more? Ottawa starts to close down for the holidays and Good Talk assesses where things stand at the end of 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's Thursday and that means Your Turn ...the question this week is soft and cuddly -- are you looking forward to winter? But Thursdays also mean the Random Ranter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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? Our guest is historian and author, Professor Adam Lajeunesse of ST FX University in Nova Scotia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with another one of their highly anticipated "Conversations". This time it centres around the possibility that the near future could see two referendums, one in Quebec and one in Alberta. Is Ottawa ready to handle that fight? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canada says it hasn't taken part in the alleged drug boat attacks in the Caribbean, but why hasn't Canada condemned the US actions. That's the first question for Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto this week.  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 quite the week, especially in Quebec, where there are lessons for politicians across the country. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join the virtual discussion table again for some Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The emails coming into The Bridge this week were humming. You wanted your say on the debate about which fighter jet Canada should buy and you didn't hold back with what you had to say. Emails came from across the country and at least by the ones we received your choice is clear. The random Ranter is here as well and he has a very different take on the MOA signed between Alberta and Ottawa last week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The best of the leftovers we call the Endbits Specials and they've become very popular. Today, another session on how to relieve stress; where not to travel to; can air travel re-live its golden days; five foods you shouldn't eat; and is it time to make Richard Nixon great again? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What to make of Mark Carney's decision to reach back into the Trudeau cabinet to replace another minister who quit? That's the question to the Toronto Star's Althia Raj and The Economist's Rob Russo on this latest episode of Reporter's Notebook. Also, what our two correspondents are hearing about the ongoing competition between the U.S. F35 fighter jet and Sweden's Gripen. Billions are at stake and thousands of jobs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.