We are entering the stretch run, the final two weeks, and the political ad segment of the campaign. It really started this holiday weekend as the Liberals moved to blunt Conservative momentum. Did it work? Does it work. Our Insiders look at that, plus the upcoming two debates this week -- and they give us the questions THEY would ask!
One down two to go. The debates have begun and they matter. Chantal and Bruce deconstruct last night's French language debate and look ahead to the next two next week. Everything is now at stake in a very tight race.
You've been writing a lot to themansbridgepodcast@gmail.com in the last two weeks about the election campaign, and about my Arctic travels. Today is your turn and as long-time listeners to The Bridge know, I love reading your mail. So enjoy.
Bruce Anderson takes a close-up look at what the polls are saying, and what they are NOT saying. Also, how big is the pandemic as an issue and could it get bigger.
Journalists Althia Raj and Rob Russo tackle some key questions about journalism: should Justin Trudeau be called "prime minister" during a campaign?; who pays for reporters' travel on campaign planes?; should reporters share the blame for bad answers from politicians?; and how about the touchy subject of what's on and what's off the record? It's an action-packed episode you won't want to miss.
The Insiders gather to talk about what's happening in the war rooms as we head into week three. How does the fact people are considering Erin O'Toole as a prime minister impact the way the different parties run their campaigns? Also up for discussion: how does momentum affect a campaign, and, what are the underlying factors than can impact the final vote.
Two weeks in to the campaign and there's a sense that the Liberals are struggling. Are they? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on that and a lot more.
Bruce is back, with a detailed analysis of Canadian's attitudes on a number of issues surrounding the election. It's only two weeks in but some early trends are developing. We also look at the issue of young voters and just how much of a difference they may make this time.
It was a travel day at sea today as we headed south in the Arctic Ocean. But travel days can be a chance to reflect on the history of exploration in the Arctic and there is nothing I enjoy doing more. That plus also watching the Navy go through its drills breaking in a new vessel on its maiden northern voyage.
We may not be at the North Pole but in some ways we are at the top of the world. Grise Fjord Nunavut is Canada’s most northerly residential community. It’s an exciting place but one with a difficult history. I bump into an old friend who helps me tell it. And on our election update, they say leaders tours and television ads can make a difference in a campaign. How about lawn signs? You may be surprised.
On our third podcast from the Arctic we meet Chief Petty Officer Ginette Seguin - her story is one you won’t forget. But first a bit of history about Arctic sovereignty — how it started and where it is now. Canada has come a long way.
On Day Two in the Arctic, The Bridge meets two fascinating residents of Pond Inlet who are directly impacted but in very different ways to climate change and Arctic sovereignty. One is a long-time hunter, the other a long-time ranger. Hear their amazing stories on today's show.
The Bridge heads to the Arctic to see two big issues first hand -- the impact of climate change, and how to handle Arctic sovereignty. Day One is in Pond Inlet before Friday boarding HMCS Harry Dewolf, Canada's first Arctic Patrol vessel. And we don't forget the election as we talk too about the importance of turnout.
Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are back with the first Good Talk of the 2021 election campaign. Topics range from the impact of a PC win provincially in Nova Scotia, to how Premier Legault in Quebec may impact how Quebecers vote federally which could impact the final national result, to the power of visual ads whether on TV or online and what the early ones are telling us.
What aren’t we seeing, what aren’t we hearing and what aren’t we discussing as we enter the third day of Canada’s election campaign. That’s the focus on this first segment of the "Reporters Notebook". Veteran political journalists Rob Russo and Althia Raj give a sense of what they see ahead. And a rundown of how the papers played Sunday's election call -- an interesting look at the way the country reacted to the decision.
Our political insiders give us the inside story on the first 24 hours of Canada’s election campaign. What was THE moment if there was one? Did anyone make a lasting mistake? What about the questions to the leaders - were they worthy?
With news that a fourth wave is now underway in Canada, can the Trudeau government risk an election campaign in the midst of it? Along with Bruce Anderson we weigh the possibilities. Also the impact of climate change, child care and China on how Canadians may cast their votes.
Some good talk about polls and what you need to consider at a time when you may well be bombarded with polls. Its another episode of Bruce Anderson and Smoke Mirrors and The Truth where we also weigh election possibilities as some may be getting cold feet about calling an election when a fourth wave seems possible.
The third and final in our series of interviews with the major national political party leaders. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh talks about everything from the pandemic to the indigenous issue, and also his request of the Governor General not to allow Justin Trudeau an election this summer. Then Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson offer their take on the NDP leader's comments.
A letter to SMT prompts a description on fairness in our commentary. Bruce Anderson and I have our thoughts on this, and the role it may play in the upcoming election. Plus our take on the Green Party and the NDP.
The election campaign could start in less than a month, so what does Erin O'Toole stand for? The man who leads the Conservatives wants to be prime minister but what do you actually know about what he would do if you gave him the job?
That promoting vaccine misinformation have taken a big hit with some of their biggest supporters taking to the sidelines. Bruce Anderson is in his regular spot for SMT as we talk vaccine numbers, and also we look at just how big the indigenous issue could be in the upcoming election.
Bruce Anderson joins us for the week's SMT with the topic: the election. Everyone is betting it will be called next month, but why? What's the reason? The government hasn't been defeated in Parliament so why now two years before the rules say it should be called? And what are the issues? What's the ballot question?
**Note: This episode was originally published Wednesday, July 7. Republishing episode due to technical issues. ** Mary Simon becomes GG and there's reason to be inspired and celebrate. Also, lots more with Bruce Anderson on polls, politics and vaccines. And of course, radishes.
Bruce Anderson joins for Smoke Mirrors and the Truth and the agenda is full - radishes, books, borders, election timing AND the Catherine McKenna story, what happens with her departure?
Feature interviews with the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. How to navigate the road forward. And how to discover the truth.
The pre-hiatus collection of your letters, thoughts, comments and questions. Lots of topics, and a pathetic attempt at singing.
Some opening thoughts on the latest tragic news from our history of residential schools. Then a mini Thursday Potpurri --- the devices that monitor your health, and the man behind the Zapruder film.
Bruce joins for a wide ranging discussion on everything from the looming election to vaccines to airports to the Habs. And of course England.
Two weeks ago Alberta appeared to be the province with the worst Covid problems. Now its on the verge of being the first to fully reopen. What happened? And is it safe? Dr Lynora Saxinger joins us from Edmonton for this one. Plus a lot more.
