The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Panelists debate whether rising Canadian hostility toward the United States is real or media exaggeration. They dissect Alberta's referendum move and the political forces driving separatist sentiment. The conversation also covers Conservative and NDP leadership struggles, oil-driven economic anxiety, and worries about US actions toward Iran.

A wide range of listener concerns are shared, from Olympic moments and Paralympic scheduling to shifting U.S. politics and worries about democratic decline. Voices debate military spending, defense procurement and recruitment. Listeners raise climate urgency, rising provincial deficits, foreign media ownership, gambling ad harms, heavy snowfall impacts and everyday struggles like accessibility and homelessness.

Practical questions to ask aging parents about health routines, medications and emergency planning. Tips for evaluating home safety and when to consider assisted living. A quick look at a study that could raise world population estimates. How to spot low-quality AI videos and why they often look off. A calming plant nook idea and Rome’s new rule about tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain.

James Moore, former cabinet minister known for caucus management, and Gerry Butts, longtime political adviser just back from the Munich Security Conference, discuss Europe's push to self-defend and Germany's rearmament. They debate NATO trust, Canada's role amid transatlantic realignment, and the risks when an MP goes rogue on an overseas visit. Short, sharp takes on defence, diplomacy, and political discipline.

Discussion on whether Donald Trump is losing political support and how that could affect Canada. Debate about Trump’s messaging, polls, and potential midterm consequences. Examination of reports linking Alberta separatists to U.S. staffers and how credible those ties seem. Consideration of policy shifts that might harm Canadian industries and national unity.

A lively debate about whether Donald Trump is losing political support and what that could mean for Canada. Discussion of Republican pushback, internal U.S. controversies and how midterm dynamics might shift momentum. Examination of possible Alberta separatist moves and questions about U.S. involvement. Concerns about how U.S. climate and vaccine policies could affect Canada's economy and health.

Listeners debate whether office returns are necessary, with letters on hybrid schedules, wasted commutes and hot-desking woes. Stories highlight childcare gains, pajama-day perks and regional fairness. Discussions touch on leadership, management trust and the limits of virtual collaboration for certain roles.

Practical guidance on preparing for U.S. border phone searches and how to reduce the risk of deep forensic exam. Tips on device security like passcodes, backups, and burner phones. A look at why passport stamps are fading and how travel will change by 2026. Short takes on an AI vending machine failure and trends in ultra-luxury dining and political fact patterns.

Althia Raj, Toronto Star political reporter who explains Canada–U.S. dynamics; Rob Russo, The Economist journalist who analyzes trade and political strategy. They dissect Trump threatening to block the Gordie Howe Bridge, motives and negotiation posturing, Michigan lobbying and swing-state pressure, fact-checks of his claims, and the wider strain on Canada–U.S. ties.

Dr Janice Stein, political scientist and founding director of the Munk School, offers sharp analysis of how the Epstein scandal has spread beyond the US. She discusses links to British politics, potential ties to senior US figures, and possible connections with Russia. She also examines intelligence failures, modern surveillance limits, and broader geopolitical ripples in Iran, Russia-Ukraine and Hungary.