The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

It's crunch time for Israel and Hamas. This could be the week that a ceasefire is reached in the bloody war between both sides in the Gaza conflict. If there isn't a deal, the fear is the war could get a lot worse. Dr Janice Stein is with us again for her regular Monday discussion about the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

A Liberal MP says she's had enough. After nine years as an MP Pam Damoff says she won't run again because she simply doesn't feel safe anymore. She afraid to go out. Lots more on this and more as Bruce and Chantal have their say on the life of a politician in Canada.

Lots of replies from you to our question of the week, "Name the one teacher who made a real difference in your life". From across the country, you've told us in passionate and emotional ways about the one teacher who so impacted your life. There have been so many letters we'll have enough for next week's Your Turn as well! Plus, the Random Ranter on ...you guessed it, teachers!

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on November 21st. My fourth book, and my second co-authored with Mark Bulgutch is released by publisher Simon and Schuster today. It's called "How Canada Works" and to Mark and me is a testament to the people who quietly and without fanfare make the country work. Mark is my guest today as we explain how we found the jobs and the people who do them that are the centrepiece of our new book.

The Scottish First Minister resigns, the British PM is being pushed by his own party, the polls are brutal for Justin Trudeau, and Joe Biden can't seem to pull away from a court bound Donald Trump. What's the problem here? Bruce Anderson makes a on-off return to mid-week commentary to have a chat about the mood of the electorate.

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.

Pierre Poilievre ends up with a group of F-Trudeau flag wavers in the Maritimes. Really? What was he thinking? Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on that and much more. Whatever happened to the newly hired comms director for the Prime Minister? Has anything made a difference? And Mark Carney seems to finally enter the ring.

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.

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?

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.

Lots to talk about this week and much of it connected to the fallout from the new budget. With some Liberals calling for a move to the centre did the budget simply go further left? Is Pierre Poilievre starting to answer questions about just what he would do if he got into government? And what's Dominic LeBlanc really doing? Bruce and Chantal have the answers.

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.

After a wild weekend of developments in the middle east this question looms large -- what now? Dr. Janice Stein joins us for her regular Monday session and gives us guidance on this story and all the connecting lines that intersect because of it -- Washington, Amman, Tehran, Beirut and more. Plus more information on our upcoming special Your Turn with Housing Minister Sean Fraser this Thursday.

What's the downside for Justin Trudeau in calling a first minister's conference? What's he got to lose? On the day the NDP leader begins to back away from the Liberal's carbon pricing policy, we have a serious discussion about the pros and cons of having a televised conference to address the differences between the country's prime minister, premiers and territorial leaders. Chantal and Bruce have their say.

The question was simple, name your favourite past or present Canadian TV show. The answers poured in -- enough for two weeks of shows. Today the final list of your choices and they're pretty interesting. And they come from all over the world. Plus the Random Ranter with his thoughts on what is holding back Canadian productivity.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on April 2nd. There used to be a time when the finance minister's budget speech was the most closely guarded secret on the parliamentary agenda. Not so much anymore. These days many budget policies are released weeks before the speech. That's certainly the case this year. The budget speech isn't for another few weeks but daily we seem to learn more about what will be in the speech. The Canadian correspondent for The Economist, Rob Russo, gives us a history lesson on budgets but also takes us inside this year's process.

The latest round of billion dollars promises from the Trudeau government is directed at improving Canada's defence system, especially in Canada's arctic. Helping us understand what is planned and whether it's adequate or even necessary is one of the country's leading defence analysts and someone who has written and lectured often on Canada's arctic policy as it relates to defence. He's Professor Rob Huebert from the University of Calgary.