The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Our first Moore-Butts Conversation of the new season, and Gerry Butts and James Moore take us "inside the room" to get a better understanding of what happens in high-stakes trade talks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mondays on The Bridge mean Dr. Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto, and this week the topic is Iran. While Donald Trump tries to distance himself from the mess he's created, the problems remain and may be getting worse. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prime Minister Carney is in Banff, Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is in New York, and for this moment at least, they're towing somewhat the same line. The latest on where we are on this story, and a lot more, with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A summer away from The Bridge has given you lots to think about, especially about the importance of your country. Comments from coast to coast to coast make up this first Your Turn of the new season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the past two years, we have relied on the very experienced foreign and domestic correspondent, Keith Boag, to give us his take on Donald Trump. Keith covered him in Washington during Trump's first term, 2016-2020, and has been watching him from afar during his second, 2024 to the present. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our first Reporters Notebook of our new season brings together The Economist's Rob Russo and the Toronto Star's Althia Raj. The topic -- what else? Where we are on the trade war between Canada and the United States. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All summer I was getting mail... lots of it. Most of it starting with "Where's Janice?" Well, today the Munk Schools' founding director kicks off a new season with her views on two issues that affect us a lot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. It's been a week. Canada/US relations have never been so low. Attacks on each other's trade strategies, attacks on our sovereignty, even a pathetic, rather lame attack on one of the Great Lakes that shares our joint border. Sounds like enough for a final, special summer  episode of Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a week. Canada/US relations have never been so low. Attacks on each other's trade strategies, attacks on our sovereignty, even a pathetic, rather lame attack on one of the Great Lakes that shares our joint border. Sounds like enough for a final, special summer  episode of Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Calling Trump a "fascist" or a "Nazi" has become far more commonplace in the past few months. But is it correct? That's the question for the opening segment of the latest Moore Butts conversation with former Stephen Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former senior aide to Justin Trudeau, Gerald Butts.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. There are hardly any governments in the world right now who aren't faced with an "affordability" crisis. Voters want action but what action is even possible? That was the question on our first Moore Butts Conversation of 2026. The former Harper cabinet minister and the former Trudeau principal secretary combine forces to face the issue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with another one of their highly anticipated "Conversations." This time it centres around the possibility that the near future could see two referendums, one in Quebec and one in Alberta. Is Ottawa ready to handle that fight? Who would Captain Canada be if it came to that? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week seems to be all pipelines all the time. Alberta and Canada seem close to a deal on a memorandum of understanding about a new pipeline to the west coast. But now how do you make that MOU become a real finalized deal because let's face it, pipelines in Canada are hard to build. James Moore and Gerald Butts talk pipelines and the shift topics to talk jet fighters and the intense lobbying going on for those. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SMT is one of the first shows we used to do when the podcast started all those years ago;  Bruce Anderson would join me and we'd lay an SMT verdict on various issues and quotes. So as we lounge through the summer of 2026 Bruce wondered whether we should try a special holiday edition of SMT. So here it is. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do two former Ottawa pros see the Trump, Carney, Ford story -- does it really matter? will it make a real difference? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau advisor Gerald Butts get together for their Conversation #26. In the program's second segment, they also talk about the importance of debt and deficit as we approach the upcoming federal budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's our first Summer of '26 special Good Talk and there's lots to talk about. This week it's wildfires and the smoke they cause, upsetting the Canada/U.S. relationship. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson take a break from their summers to discuss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The country was founded on the principle that it's a confederation where both federal and provincial levels of government have powers and responsibilities. It's worked for 158 years, but does it still work? Another fascinating Moore-Butts Conversation Encore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. For the last fifteen years different governments in Ottawa have known tough choices were going to have to be made about the Post Office. Now it's tough-choice time again. Is there a better way to deal with situations like this? Just one of the angles faced in today's Moore-Butts Conversation encore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Society is trying to understand if there is an answer to this dilemma of disagreeing with respect and not hate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today is a big deal for The Bridge.  First, it's the 1500th episode of our program/podcast, and second, it's our last show before we begin our summer hiatus.  Content-wise, we lead with a special AI report that focuses on the things where AI still can't replace us, the qualities that only we as humans can offer.  That and a lot more on our Wednesday End Bits special.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a very difficult decision to make whether you are a professional athlete or a practising politician. When to retire. How do you decide the time has come for you? That's one of the questions for James Moore and Gerald Butts during their latest "conversation" right here on The Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mondays with Dr. Janice Stein are always a learning experience, and it sure has been since the end of February, with the war in Iran. And in spite of alleged "peace deals," we're still wondering if the conflict will ever end. It's complicated and that's why Dr. Stein is with us again this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes sport can be such a nice distraction. Like last night. Canada's first-ever win in World Cup Soccer. And what a win, 6-0 in front of a home crowd in Vancouver. Nice distraction for the PM, who was in attendance, after what some felt was a bended-knee performance for Donald Trump at the G7 in France. He wasn't alone. What was that all about? Do they still think it pays off?  Chantal and Bruce are here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The final AMA before the summer break brings lots of new questions from our listeners about the podcast, journalism, politics, and me. The Random Ranter drops by as well with his last rant before the holidays, and it's his first time exploring the issue of immigration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. She's the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, a great storyteller and a proud Canadian. Lyse Doucet has her first book out, and it's the story of Afghanistan, the country where she's been going to off and on since 1988. Covering that country has spanned her remarkable career. Her book is called "The Finest Hotel in Kabul." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's with the Conservatives using AI-created Canadians in their latest ad campaign? Plus, in this final Raj-Russo Conversation before the summer break, Althia and Rob suggest what each of the main parties needs to do over the holidays. Also, the G7 meets; will it accomplish anything? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A deal is a deal, but what kind of deal was this? Did Donald Trump accomplish anything in his nearly four-month war with Iran? Dr. Janice Stein is here for her regular Monday conversation. Also, a political resignation in Britain is considered a warning not just for that country but for all NATO countries -- it's time to prepare for a confrontation with Russia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of good talk on Good Talk this week, starting with Chantal and Bruce on Mark Carney's trip to Paris today and his talks with Emmanuel Macron.  France is hosting the G7 next week, but for many, it's really a G6 with Donald Trump's America, no friend of the group.  That and CUSMA and social media bans top the discussion agenda today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I wasn't sure when we asked this question just how many respondents we'd get. The World Cup of Soccer (Football) is being played in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. this month. The question was , how do you feel about the World Cup. Well, we got answers, lots of them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's an End Bits Wednesday and some good ones again today. The battle over orange juice - is it good for you or not? And the one in our headline which may well be my favourite. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apparently, some in Mark Carney's caucus don't like the way their leader treats them. He "yells at us" claims one. If these stories are true, does this warrant concern? That's one of the topics for James Moore and Gerald Butts today in their latest conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Israel has always spied on the U.S., and the reverse is true as well. But there are claims that the spying has stepped up; the question is, why? Dr. Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto joins us with her regular Monday appearance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

First up this week, Prime Minister Carney summed up a critical week in the Canada-US trade discussions with the phrase, "some progress." So what does that mean? Plus the AI strategy. Then both Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert discuss the fall of an iconic broadcast network - CBS, and the "60 Minutes" debacle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you define yourself? How do you self-identify? That's the question this week, along with the Random Ranter who goes after a regular target of his. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's an End Bits Wednesday, and leading the program today is a follow-up to the story about Sweden declaring itself smoke-free. If that's the case, what's Canada? And which country in the world is far from smoke-free? That and more!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Althia Raj and Rob Russo share what they're hearing on everything from Dominic LeBlanc's visit to Washington and what it says about Canada's latest stance on the relationship with the United States to what's happening inside the Liberal caucus and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start our weekly Monday conversation with Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, with another segment on the war in Iran - will it ever end?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you MAGA - Make America Great Again? According to Mark Carney, the answer is, MCS, Make Canada Strong. That was part of the message the PM gave American business leaders in New York yesterday. Bruce and Chantal are here to discuss and put it all in context. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The last week of the month means it's an "ask me anything" Thursday, and once again, lots of questions from across the country. Questions about journalism, about politics, about everything from Snowbirds to Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a Wednesday End Bits Special, and that means some news you can use. Especially as we all get ready for summer, this little nugget about mosquitoes is worth a listen.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To be clear, both James Moore and Gerald Butts are die-hard hockey fans - James for the Canucks, Gerry for the Habs. Like hockey fans across the country, they are following the Stanley Cup finals very closely - does that make Montreal, Canada's team? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump is not a good liar. Everyone knows when he lies, and it's not a good look. It's a Monday on The Bridge, and Dr. Janice Stein is here to give us her take on what is really happening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As weeks go by, this couldn't have been worse for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith It's one thing to get in a fight with Ottawa, even a neighbouring Premier, but your own party? Your own cabinet? Over a referendum. That's just one of the topics up for discussion with Chantel Hebert and Bruce Anderson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After months of heavy-duty Your Turns, time for something a little lighter this week. Do you believe in superstitions, and if so, what's your own superstition? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The host of West of Centre, friend and colleague Kathleen Petty joins us from Calgary. There is so much happening in Alberta these days and almost all of it has national implications from referendums to pipelines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the past week, there were ceasefires announced in Russia/Ukraine, Iran and Lebanon. But did that stop the fighting in any of those locations? Dr. Janice Stein from the Munk School at the University of Toronto joins us for her weekly conversation about our changing world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Encore Episode. Mark Carney says Canada can become an energy superpower, given its potential in oil, gas, electricity, solar, and wind. But as we are seeing now, to get there, some old promises need to change. Is that price too high? Just some of the questions and one of the issues for Chantal and Bruce on today's Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Carney says Canada can become an energy superpower, given its potential in oil, gas, electricity, solar, and wind. But as we are seeing now, to get there, some old promises need to change. Is that price too high? Just some of the questions and one of the issues for Chantal and Bruce on today's Good Talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There's a multibillion-dollar plan for high-speed rail in central Canada, and it's facing stiff opposition from many of those who would be affected locally. But as a so-called nation-building project, is it a good thing? You have your say today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It didn't take teachers long to realize how some students were doing their essays at home by using AI - things were just a little too perfect. So, the solution? Pretty simple, actually. It's just one of the stories we tell in this week's End Bits special. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.