The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

A provocative weekend column co-written by our Dr Janice Stein looks at Canada's impact in the United States and asks, Do We Even Matter Anymore? Also today, our regular check-in on Ukraine and the Middle East. Plus we ask our "question of the week" as part of this Thursday's Your Turn.

Political commentators discuss Pierre Poilievre's controversial actions flag-waving in the Maritimes. Mark Carney's potential political entry is explored. Insights on recent budget announcement's impact and the shift from policy to personality in Canadian politics.

This week's question was about social media and whether you like or dislike it. I was surprised at the answers and maybe you will be too. Plus the Random Ranter is back after a week off and he's got some strong words for the rich!

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on May 1st. An extended conversation with Canadian author, comedian and yes, icon, Rick Mercer.  If he was still doing his famous rants today what and whom would he be ranting about?  But we start with an engaging story about a meeting between a young Prince Charles and an amazing woman from northern Scotland. All this as the excitement (not) builds towards Coronation Day on Saturday.

Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts discuss the differences between democracy and autocracy, exploring the erosion of trust in democracy, the power of misinformation in the digital age, and the challenges faced by democracies in maintaining freedom and citizen participation against authoritarian tendencies.

Our regular Monday conversation with Dr Janice Stein includes one of her specialties. The University of Toronto professor is an expert in conflict management so why can't the historic conflicts that have been a part of the middle east for centuries ever be resolved? But we start with Dr Stein's analysis of the likely impact of the US on the edge of approving a huge new aid package for Ukraine. Also today we unveil our latest "question of the week" for Bridge listeners who love to offer answers.

Exploring the fallout from the new budget, including a shift to the center by Liberals. Delving into Pierre Poilievre's plans if in government and analyzing Dominic LeBlanc's actions. Speculation on potential successors to Justin Trudeau and their impact on party dynamics.

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!

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.

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.