Good Talk -- Has The Summer Changed Anything in Canadian Politics?
Bruce and Chantal join me for a wide open discussion about the politics of the summer of 2024. Everything it seems changed in the United States, but did anything change in Canada?

Bruce and Chantal join me for a wide open discussion about the politics of the summer of 2024. Everything it seems changed in the United States, but did anything change in Canada?
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 28th. Some say it's the scourge of our times, but if so what can be done about it? Lee McIntyre is 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.
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.
With just over two months to go, 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. Lots to discuss about this remarkable summer in American politics.
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 15th. 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.
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?
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 23rd. 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. Democracy versus autocracy -- why is it such an issue today, what are the real differences, and can democracies slide into autocracies without even realizing it?
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.
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.
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on January 23rd. 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. Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary to the prime minister Gerald Butts take us inside the process....
As promised, today's show is the first of four special programs during this summer of 2024. It just so happens it comes after a weekend assassination attempt on Donald Trump and on day one of his party's national convention in Milwaukee. Veteran journalist Keith Boag has been our guide this year on US politics and he's with us again today.
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on December 12th. James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with us for the Moore Butts Conversation #12. 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? These conversations are one of the reasons The Bridge continues to be ranked #1 by Apple in their lists of which Canadian political podcasts Canadia...
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on October 17th. 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? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts take us inside with their latest "conversation".
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on September 11th. In the tenth instalment of what has become a very popular conversation, 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. Chantal and Bruce have their analysis in our last full edition Good Talk before the summer hiatus.
We debuted this question last week asking you to name your favourite Canadian song. There were so many responses we have spread it into this week as well. And we will conclude by telling you the most nominated songs and artists. Also, the Random Ranter drops by with a very personal rant.
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 13th. This week's issue was "Name your favourite Canadian song" and you responded in huge numbers. So much so that we'll have to stretch your answers into next week's Your Turn as well. 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.
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?
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. Your pocket guide to the summer about to come.
Who to believe? Who would you believe if you had a choice between believing Jagmeet Singh or Elizabeth May? That question is being asked now concerning the whole "is there a traitor or traitors in the House" issue. Singh and May certainly sound like they disagree. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on this, plus, the capital gains tax may be flopping for the Liberals; and, who will young people vote for -- you may be surprised.
This week's issue was "Name your favourite Canadian song" and you responded in huge numbers. So much so that we'll have to stretch your answers into next week's Your Turn as well. 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 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?
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?
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. Plus the latest on elections in India and South Africa.
There are big issues for Bruce and Chantal to handle this week. There are good conversations on these three issues: whether certain unnamed Parliamentarians have been dealing with foreign actors and what should be done about it; an interest rate cut and whether it is a signal of a changing economic outlook; and, as Pierre Poilievre takes one of his MPs to the woodshed, he's getting great reviews for doing so.
This week's question makes you think and listeners certainly did with a variety of answers, all of which are worth considering. As always the answers come from across the country with a cross section of suggestions.
Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on June 3rd. With the 80th anniversary of perhaps the greatest military gamble in history upon us this week, we look at D-Day. Canada played a significant role that day, one in which we can be extremely proud. Today we invite the well-known and much respected British historian James Holland onto The Bridge to guide us through the highlights of a day that changed the Second World War.
One of my favourite 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. Another D-Day special as this week marks 80 years since that historic day.
With the 80th anniversary of perhaps the greatest military gamble in history upon us this week, we look at D-Day. Canada played a significant role that day, one in which we can be extremely proud. Today we invite the well-known and much respected British historian James Holland onto The Bridge to guide us through the highlights of a day that changed the Second World War.
Thirty-four out of thirty-four. All counts against Donald Trump result in guilty verdicts. What now for the former president and his country? Bruce and Chantal on that plus the Senate, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, and the latest survey results on the political race across the country.