The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Many people think Vladimir Putin has, to put it mildly, lost his way, and he's become irrational in his actions.  One of the most internationally respected writers on the Putin legacy, Professor Timothy Frye of Columbia University in New York, joins us with his thoughts.  Then a different angle to the story that has the world's attention -- how the story is being covered.  My old colleague and one of the best war correspondents I've known in my career, Brian Stewart, is with us for that discussion. 

First up today, we go to Kiev to talk to the internationally known academic Olexiy Haran for an on-the-ground description of life in the embattled city.  And why morale remains so high.  But it's also Monday and we hold true to our weekly commitment to stay on the pandemic story with a focus this week on masks and the push to end use of them.  Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine is with us for that.

Bruce and Chantal are back with a full agenda.  Canada's position on Ukraine, Justin Trudeau revoking the Emergencies Act and the latest on the Conservative leadership race.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has juggled today's normal lineup around.  Dr Janice Stein, internationally recognized U of T professor of conflict management, joins me after a night of attacks in Ukraine.   Also, some of your best letters in our Mail Bag for the past week, all relate to the trucker's story. 

Bruce Anderson and Smoke Mirrors and The Truth is all over the continuing fallout from the trucker's story.  From the US fascination with Justin Trudeau to the impact of Ukraine to the Conservative leadership race -- it's all here! 

It's our regular weekly (day later than usual because of yesterday's holiday) check-in on Covid.  But first some thoughts on the Ukraine story, and the trucker's story and the importance of words.  Epidemiologist Dr. Zain Chagla joins us with his take on yet another vaccine shot, and also how concerned we should be about the variant BA2

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on February 15th. This is a fabulous and important discussion to have with two normally political foes engaging in a thoughtful, for the most part non partisan discussion about current leadership patterns.  Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau Principal Secretary Gerry Butts.

You'll never guess what the topic is for this week with Bruce and Chantal.  Has the government justified its use of the Emergencies Act -- a full show's back and forth on this one.

More letters than ever sent in this week and today's Bridge highlights some of them.  Also lots of comments on our Gerry Butts/James Moore Tuesday episode -- seems like you loved it.  Plus some thoughts from you on the latest COVID situation. 

Bruce brings his latest data book with him and gives us a sense of how Canadians feel about the convoy mess.  Also the big question -- will this ever end and how will it end?