The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - podcast cover

The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Manscorp Media Serviceswww.thepetermansbridge.ca
The Bridge reflects on the issues of the day, covering topics such as politics, public health, technology, and more. Find out more at https://www.thepetermansbridge.com
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Episodes

Your Turn -- Your questions to the Housing Minister, Sean Fraser

You wanted to ask questions of the Housing Minister, he agreed and you delivered. Dozens and dozens of questions poured in about immigration, affordability, mortgages, construction and a lot more. We ask as many as we can in this special episode of Your Turn. Even the Random Ranter steps aside to give you more time!

Apr 18, 202450 minEp. 1002

Encore Presentation - How To Read Polls Versus Election Results

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 8th 2023. A very strange couple of days for Joe Biden. Weekend polling was disastrous for the Democrats, but last night's voting results were anything but. What to make of that is the topic for SMT today with Bruce Anderson.

Apr 17, 202442 minEp. 1001

The Ben Johnson Story -- New Questions About The Doping Scandal

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 and today she's our featured guest on this, The Bridge's 1000th episode.

Apr 16, 202441 minEp. 1000

What now? Israel, Hamas and Iran

After a wild weekend of developments in the middle east this question looms large -- what now? Dr. Janice Stein joins us for her regular Monday session and gives us guidance on this story and all the connecting lines that intersect because of it -- Washington, Amman, Tehran, Beirut and more. Plus more information on our upcoming special Your Turn with Housing Minister Sean Fraser this Thursday.

Apr 15, 202443 minEp. 999

Good Talk -- A First Minister's Conference -- Why Not?

What's the downside for Justin Trudeau in calling a first minister's conference? What's he got to lose? On the day the NDP leader begins to back away from the Liberal's carbon pricing policy, we have a serious discussion about the pros and cons of having a televised conference to address the differences between the country's prime minister, premiers and territorial leaders. Chantal and Bruce have their say.

Apr 12, 202453 minEp. 998

Your Turn - Part Two of Your All Time Favourite Canadian TV Show

The question was simple, name your favourite past or present Canadian TV show. The answers poured in -- enough for two weeks of shows. Today the final list of your choices and they're pretty interesting. And they come from all over the world. Plus the Random Ranter with his thoughts on what is holding back Canadian productivity.

Apr 11, 202447 minEp. 997

Encore Presentation - Whatever Happened to the Concept of Budget Secrecy?

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 2nd. There used to be a time when the finance minister's budget speech was the most closely guarded secret on the parliamentary agenda. Not so much anymore. These days many budget policies are released weeks before the speech. That's certainly the case this year. The budget speech isn't for another few weeks but daily we seem to learn more about what will be in the speech. The Canadian correspondent for The Economist, Rob ...

Apr 10, 202439 minEp. 996

Billions In New Defence Spending -- Why and Will It Even Happen?

The latest round of billion dollars promises from the Trudeau government is directed at improving Canada's defence system, especially in Canada's arctic. Helping us understand what is planned and whether it's adequate or even necessary is one of the country's leading defence analysts and someone who has written and lectured often on Canada's arctic policy as it relates to defence. He's Professor Rob Huebert from the University of Calgary.

Apr 09, 202443 minEp. 995

Is This Moment The Most Serious Rift Ever Between Israel and the US?

Last week's phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu marked a new chapter in US-Israel relations and is not a good one. What will happen now? Is the rift fixable? Dr Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday discussion. Also in the conversation, Is Russia really as powerful as some NATO allies are making it sound?

Apr 08, 202447 minEp. 994

Good Talk -- Is The NDP On The Verge of Collapse?

We start this week with a simple question -- where is all the money coming from to pay for massive new housing and school lunch programs? With a budget now less than two weeks ago and multi billion dollar programs being dropped almost daily it's an important question. But so is the future of the NDP, with some high profile new departures from Jagmeet Singh's next campaign candidate list. Rob Russo filling in for Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert have their say.

Apr 05, 202452 minEp. 993

Your Turn - Your Favourite Canadian TV Show, Past or Present

This week's question has again prompted dozens and dozens of answers. What Canadian TV show, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you as a Canadian? The answers tell us a lot about ourselves and our television industry. Also today the random Ranter with his own provocative take on the carbon tax.

Apr 04, 202451 minEp. 992

Encore Presentation - The Eclipse is Coming - Are you Ready?

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 26th. Circle April 8th for the chance to see something you may never see again during your lifetime. A total solar eclipse will be witnessed in a specific path through Canada on that day, and in almost all of the rest of the country, a partial eclipse will be experienced. So what to do, where to be and how to safely watch the eclipse are all good questions and today Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine, joins us to answer them...

Apr 03, 202434 minEp. 991

Whatever Happened to the Concept of Budget Secrecy?

There used to be a time when the finance minister's budget speech was the most closely guarded secret on the parliamentary agenda. Not so much anymore. These days many budget policies are released weeks before the speech. That's certainly the case this year. The budget speech isn't for another few weeks but daily we seem to learn more about what will be in the speech. The Canadian correspondent for The Economist, Rob Russo, gives us a history lesson on budgets but also takes us inside this year'...

Apr 02, 202443 minEp. 990

Huge Protests in Israel Calling for Hostage Release

While Israelis keep up the pressure for negotiations to free the hostages, there's another issue dividing Israelis. It's the issue surrounding Ultra Orthodox Israelis and military service. Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday appearance to explain this, plus new issues confronting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Apr 01, 202447 minEp. 989

Your Turn -- Your Favourite Canadian Holiday Spot

From Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador to the High Arctic, your choices for the question of the week -- name your favourite inside Canada but outside your own province, holiday spot. Some really terrific answers. Plus the Random Ranter with a really different rant -- don't miss it!

Mar 28, 202448 minEp. 987

Encore Presentation - Fluke - How Our World Is Swayed By Chance

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 6th. 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. When you hear his stories and his theories you'll be thinking about how your own life has been impacted by "flukes". I sure did.

Mar 27, 202446 minEp. 986

The Eclipse is Coming - Are you Ready?

Circle April 8th for the chance to see something you may never see again during your lifetime. A total solar eclipse will be witnessed in a specific path through Canada on that day, and in almost all of the rest of the country, a partial eclipse will be experienced. So what to do, where to be and how to safely watch the eclipse are all good questions and today Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine, joins us to answer them.

Mar 26, 202440 minEp. 985

The Deadly Concert Hall Attack in Moscow... What Happens Now?"

A horrific attack on concert goers in Moscow on Friday night has terrorized Russians and put some difficult decisions in front of Vladimir Putin. Who did it, why did they do it and why didn't he listen to the US who warned him weeks ago that something like this was being planned? Janice Stein joins us to talk about the impact this can have on the Ukraine war; also the latest on Israel-Hamas and some encouraging news about Guatemala. Plus we unveil the question of the week.

Mar 25, 202444 minEp. 984

Good Talk -- After A Week of Votes and Motions in Parliament, Is Anything Different?

The topics were hot, from the Middle East to carbon pricing, but after all the positioning did anything really change? Chantal and Bruce are here and they have their thoughts on these and other issues including the latest mumbles about whether or not the NDP and the Liberals should get even closer. And some closing thoughts on Brian Mulroney.

Mar 22, 202453 minEp. 983

Your Turn -- Your Favourite Canadian Book Part Two

So many entries in our "favourite Canadian book" contest that we stretched things into a second week. Lots here from Berton to Atwood of course, but dozens more that we've established a catalogue of richness from Canadian authors. Plus, this week the Random Ranter on "homelessness".

Mar 21, 202451 minEp. 982

Encore Presentation - Moore Butts Conversation #14 -- Brian Mulroney

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 5th. When Brian Mulroney passed last week so did an era in Canadian politics. But did some of the lessons of leadership that he possessed carry on to new generations of leadership? 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.

Mar 20, 202448 minEp. 981

How Is The American Media Doing Covering Trump and Biden?

What are the challenges of covering a presidential race like the one underway in the United States? And how is the US media dealing with those challenges? Keith Boag is with us again to explore those questions in a way that helps us understand the stakes.

Mar 19, 202445 minEp. 980

Is The West Putting As Much Pressure On Hamas As It Is On Israel?

Our regular Monday session with Dr Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. This week's focus starts on Israel and Hamas and the question implied in the title above, but also we spend time on France's new hawkish push on Russia, and an explainer on the latest crisis in Haiti. Plus an update on the question of the week!

Mar 18, 202445 minEp. 979

Good Talk -- What's Going On With Your Money?

Carbon Taxes, Carbon Rebates, Arrive Can, the Auditor General ....another week when the questions of who's protecting your money, how it's spent, how it's promised and who's accountable are all up front. Chantal is back and with Bruce they tackle all these issues trying to determine accountability and yes, even political wisdom. That plus some new thoughts on Brian Mulroney.

Mar 15, 202452 minEp. 978

Your Turn -- Your Best Canadian Book

This week's question was simple -- name your favourite Canadian book, one that would help Canadians understand their country better. And you responded in numbers unseen since we began what's become a Thursday regular. So much so that we've had to change the format! Plus, Thursday's also mean the Random Ranter and he's in fine form on the issue of the Carbon Tax.

Mar 14, 202450 minEp. 977

Encore Presentation - On The Road in South Sudan With Samantha Nutt

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on January 30th. We ask Dr Samantha Nutt of War Child Canada to break down her most recent trip to South Sudan, basically to take us with her. So get your maps ready because this will bring you into the heart of one of the most challenging places on earth -- thousands of dead, millions of displaced .. many facing civil war and starvation.

Mar 13, 202447 minEp. 976

With Elections Coming Why Are So Many Incumbent Governments In Trouble?

It's said that half the countries in the world that have elections will have them this year. But it seems that in many of those countries the incumbent party is in trouble and set to lose. Why? Our guest, Andrew MacDougall, knows politics as a former Director of Communications for Stephen Harper while Harper was prime minister, and is now a consultant for the Trafalgar Strategy Group in London, England.

Mar 12, 202446 minEp. 975

Biden and Netanyahu -- The Relationship Couldn't Be Worse

An exchange over the weekend has set the relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden in a very hard place. Biden first gave an interview on Saturday night and then Netanyahu responded on Sunday. The two men, it seems, couldn't be further apart on how to resolve the crisis in Israel and Gaza. Today, Janice Stein deconstructs the interview with Biden that started the weekend back and forth. Plus we unveil the question of the week!

Mar 11, 202448 minEp. 974

Good Talk -- Did Joe Biden Just Save Himself?

Is he just too old, stumbling and incoherent? Not last night it seems. Joe Biden's energetic State of the Union address last night is getting mostly positive reviews and may have given him at least temporary relief from the wolves that seemed poised to ruin his re-election bid. Bruce and Susan (filling in for Chantal) start with that and quickly move into Canadian politics -- a convincing Conservative by-election win, and how long can the government sustain increased spending?

Mar 08, 202453 minEp. 973
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