The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

It's the final Thursday of the month and as we do each month Your Turn becomes an "Ask Me Anything" session. Your questions about how we do the show and anything else came in and this is my chance to try to answer them. Also the Random Ranter drops by to give his thoughts on the issue of "greed."

The third book by the writing team of Bulgutch and Mansbridge comes out next week and today a preview. These are inspiring stories about the teachers who shape our world. My friend and colleague Mark Bulgutch is my guest as we discuss our new book, how it came about, how we wrote it, and what it tells us about Canadian teachers.

How will the future of Canada be affected by voters from the two westernmost provinces last week? The BC vote threw out the NDP and elected Conservatives. The Alberta vote showed major support for Canada on the separation question. Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and senior liberal strategist Gerald Butts with another of their conversations.

Elon Musk has shown his clout with his Starlink and Starshield Satellite systems in Ukraine, so the question is, could he do the same in Canada? He has hundreds of thousands of subscribers in Canada, and one assumes he could slow service here just as he has in Ukraine. Is that a threat? Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto is here for her regular Monday conversation.

Lots of finger-pointing as the week comes to an end -- Danielle Smith tells separatists to get out of her party; Pete Hoekstra tells Canadians to stop interfering with Washington politics, while Mark Carney seems to be taking the "take a valium" approach. Quite the week for Chantal and Bruce to sum things up on this week's Good Talk.

If this week has proven anything its that Bridge listeners are book readers. Big-time book readers. In one case, twenty books a month! We asked you about books, what they mean, and what they've meant to your life, and you responded with lots of comments. Also today, the Random Ranter gets his say on the Alberta referendum, and he doesn't hold back.

It's a Wednesday End Bits special, and while we have some great AI stories to tell you, including how AI may help you vote, that's not the big one. The NY Times has a fascinating piece titled 100 Questions that can't be answered -- yet. We'll review some of them.

The votes are still being counted, but it's clear Albertans, in large numbers, favour remaining in Canada over a second referendum on separation. But on the nine other questions, it's also clear that many Albertans want change in how the country operates. Althia Raj and Rob Russo discuss how Ottawa is likely to respond to what some might argue is a mixed message.

This could become a weekly series. Dr. Janice Stein again this week talks about how Russian leader Vladimir Putin somehow convinces Donald Trump to waive sanctions against his country. Allies are outraged, and so are, finally, some of Trump's Republican colleagues. We'll deal with that, plus what's behind the widespread riots in France.

The referendum about referendums is just days away in Alberta, and Mark Carney is pulling out all the stops.  There are ten questions on the ballot, not just one, and the results could have a big impact not just on Alberta, but on Canada as well.  Bruce and Chantal with their thoughts on that, plus the latest shot from the ever thoughtful US Ambassador to Canada.

The topic this week is about habits and how to break them. The most common habit that people have wanted to break over the last fifty years is almost certainly smoking and that was often mentioned this week. But there were more, a lot more. From food to listening habits. Also this week, the Random Ranter with his latest rant about Donald Trump. As Trump would say, it's "nasty".

As Thanksgiving fell on Monday this week, Dr. Janice Stein joins us for her regular weekly conversation on Wednesday this week. The topic is all about Donald Trump's claim that he arranged a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia...a ceasefire neither country says they were aware of. What's up with that? Well, oil, specifically diesel oil, is what.

I received a number of letters this week from loyal Bridge listeners and viewers on two topics worth exploring. From Albertans worried about being "stressed out" by the referendum in their province and what it may mean for them and the country. And from British Columbians with related concerns about the upcoming BC election and the impact it may have on the rest of Canada. James Moore and Gerald Butts have their thoughts on both.

Encore Episode. The richest man in the world says Alberta and Saskatchewan should pick up their stuff and get out of Canada, presumably to join the United States. This is after Quebecers elected a separatist government in their provincial election. It's been quite a week on all that, and Bruce and Chantal are here to discuss.

The richest man in the world says Alberta and Saskatchewan should pick up their stuff and get out of Canada, presumably to join the United States. This is after Quebecers elected a separatist government in their provincial election. It's been quite a week on all that, and Bruce and Chantal are here to discuss.

The annual clock change that most Canadians have done for almost a century may be slowly coming to an end. How do you feel about that?That was the question this week for our listeners, and as usual, they delivered a range of answers. Plus the Random Ranter is here with his views on a different topic -- faith and where you place it.

If you have high blood pressure, have you tried Bach? Or Beethoven, or Pavarotti? Maybe you should, say researchers. That story and the impact of weight-reducing drugs on the restaurant business? And some travel ideas from the Lonely Planet? It's your Wednesday End Bits special.

The PQ win the Quebec election with a promise to call a referendum at some point in their mandate. What does this do to Canada's united approach against Donald Trump? And what signal does it send to Alberta voters as they edge closer to their referendum later this month? Rob Russo and Althia Raj are here to discuss.

Zelenskyy of Ukraine says Putin of Russia has told his military leaders to ignore the "rules of war". If that's true what does it mean and what could happen as a result? Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto is here with her latest Monday analysis of our changing world, with today's focus on the Ukraine War.

Quebec elections are always interesting, but Monday's vote carries with it all kinds of questions about what the future holds for the province and the country. Bruce and Chantal tackle that and also the latest moves by Donald Trump that show just how much trouble he may well be in with his presidency.

Quebecers go to the polls on Monday and while the vote is about the formation of the next provincial government it could also lead to a third referendum on separation in the province. Then a couple of weeks later, the referendum on a referendum in Alberta. "How concerned are you?" was this week's question, and you had thoughts. Also the Random Ranter with Part 2 of his rant on immigration.

For Canada's National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we revisit interviews with the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. How to navigate the road forward, and how to discover the truth.

When David Eby called an election in BC, he seemed to be missing one thing -- a reason. James Moore and Gerald Butts are together again for another conversation and this is a natural, Conservative James knows BC and Liberal Gerald knows elections. They discuss that plus their thoughts and the relationship between then Canadian media and the politicians they cover.

Another week that had observers scratching their heads over Donald Trump. The US President gives the Chinese President a red-carpet welcome, then offers Vladimir Putin a seat at an upcoming G20 meeting. Dr. Janice Stein tries to make sense of those moves, plus what to believe concerning stories about what Benjamin Netanyahu knew about October 7th before it happened.

The Prime Minister drops a news nugget in an interview in New York -- and, not surprisingly, it makes headlines. How surprised should we be that he's asked for a risk assessment on US troops crossing into Canada? Especially in these times? Chantal and Bruce are here for that, plus a lot more, in this week's Good Talk.

Once a month, usually the final Thursday, we open Your Turn for an Ask Me Anything episode. Today follows that pattern, with more interesting questions from your host, his personal and professional experiences, his thoughts on media, and on personalities as diverse as Donald Trump and Gord Downie. Plus the Random Ranter, this week on immigration.

It's an End Bits Wednesday, and you know what that means -- news you can use. A number of different "bits" today, including a fact that may surprise you. Of all the different age groups that exist in our society, which one do you think is the fastest growing? Other stories as well, from memory retention ideas to the most "connected" airport in the world.

With Althia in sick bay with the vicious cold that seems to be going around, Andrew MacDougall joins Rob Russo for the latest Reporter's Notebook. While Andrew writes the occasional opinion piece, he's not really a reporter -- but he sure knows the business from his time as Comms Director for Stephen Harper. These days he's based in London, England, as a consultant.

There's a lot of talk about war, especially in countries located close to Russia, but does talk mean ready?  That's the discussion today with Dr. Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, in the latest of her regular Monday discussions right here on The Bridge.

For Mark Carney, this was a week to remember. Wining and dining the big players in big money, then flying over to France to be wined and dined by the EU. Plus Stephen Harper standing side by side with Mark Carney's position on the US. All this while Pierre Poilievre had to sneak out a back door from his own caucus meeting. What will all this deliver, and how will Donald Trump react? And no matter what he says, should Canada care? Chantal and Bruce are here with their thoughts.

Is the title just another alarmist threat or is there some truth to the new worries surrounding artificial intelligence? On this week's Your Turn you have the chance to answer that question and as always, you didn't fail us. Lots of replies with differing views from across the country. Plus the Random Ranter joins in with his take on one of the issues of our times.

Brian Stewart is a veteran of The Bridge but we've missed him the last few years as he was off writing, and then selling, his highly successful book -- On The Ground. A remarkable collection of tales from his life as a foreign correspondent. No surprise, it was a bestseller. Today he returns to talk about current times and how they fit in history. I've done 1520 episodes of The Bridge, this may be in the top ten! Clip and save.

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. Stick with it, there are some nuggets here! They both have experience with this from the last Canada-US talks, and you'll get a better understanding of what really happens from this chat.

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. We'll talk about that, plus: is Russia really losing the war in Ukraine? Maybe not.

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. They're putting Canada first in the trade fight against the United States, leaving criticism of each other in the background. The latest on where we are on this story, and a lot more, with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson.

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. Plus the random Ranter has his latest take on where things stand between Canada and the United States.

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. He's studied the man as close as most and has his own takeaway of what Trump means.

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. What do we know about what's really going on behind the scenes -- Rob and Althia tell us what they're hearing on that and more.

All summer I was getting mail... lots of it. Most of it starting with "Where's Janice?" Seems like many of you were suffering from Stein dependency! Over the years, you've become accustomed to listening to Janice Stein's take on the changing world we live in. Well, today the Munk Schools' founding director kicks off a new season with her views on two issues that affect us a lot.

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. Chantal and Bruce are here with their thoughts on all this.

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. Chantal and Bruce are here with their thoughts on all this.

Encore Episode. Calling Trump a "fascist" or a "Nazi" has become far more commonplace in the past few months given ICE, Venezuela and Greenland. 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. We'll also touch on the Carney trip to China.

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.

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?

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.

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. Why not? So here it is. Everything from the Gordie Howe Bridge to the latest Donald Trump utterings.

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.

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. Not to mention the renegotiated Gordie Howe Bridge deal. For Pierre Poilievre its whether his leadership can survive much longer with internal fights breaking out all the time. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson take a break from their summers to discuss.

Encore Episode. 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, especially relevant to the times Canada is living in today.

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. But those choices were delayed or postponed. 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.

Encore Episode. After soul searching in the United States and beyond, James Moore and Gerry Butts take on the question of how to "disagree better." Society is trying to understand if there is an answer to this dilemma of disagreeing with respect and not hate. In the 23rd of their conversations on The Bridge, two top political minds, from different parties, look for a way of achieving non-partisan talk.

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.

It's a very difficult decision to make whether you are a professional athlete or a practising politician. When to retire. But the time comes for everyone, so how do you decide the time has come for you? That's one of the main questions for James Moore and Gerald Butts during their latest "conversation" right here on The Bridge.

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. Also, because it's her last episode before the summer break, we'll touch on what to expect over the holidays.

Sometimes sport can be such a nice distraction. Like last night. Canada's first-ever win in World Cup Soccer. 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. What was that all about? Chantal and Bruce are here.

The final AMA before the summer break brings lots of new questions from our listeners about the podcast, journalism, politics, and me.

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. Her book is called "The Finest Hotel in Kabul."

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.

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.

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.

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. It starts tonight. The question was basically, how do you feel about the World Cup. Well, we got answers, lots of them. And FIFA won't be happy!

It's an End Bits Wednesday and some good ones again today. Lots of them. Like an ocean cruise ship that will house 80 thousand people. The battle over orange juice - is it good for you or not? And the one in our headline which may well be my favourite.

Apparently, some in Mark Carney's caucus don't like the way their leader treats them. He "yells at us" claims one. It's a small majority government, but 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.

Israel has always spied on the U.S., and the reverse is true as well - the U.S. spies on Israel. 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. She touches on many other issues today as well, including the Canadian drone issue.

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.

How do you define yourself? How do you self-identify? Do you define yourself by your country, your province, your city? Or is there something else you use to describe yourself? That's the question this week, along with the Random Ranter who goes after a regular target of his.

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? And is Pan Am Airways about to make a comeback? That and more!

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; Stephen Harper; AI; and what's happening inside the Liberal caucus and what that could mean for the NDP.

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? We also touch on the situation in the Caribbean, where the Americans keep blowing up boats they claim are drug boats. No proof and no accountability. And then we share thoughts on D-Day 82 years after the June 6, 1944, invasion along the Normandy coast.

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 and guess who was clapping? Pete Hoekstra, one of Donald Trump's leading Canadian critics, is the U.S. ambassador to Canada. It's been quite a week. Bruce and Chantal are here to discuss and put it all in context.

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. Plus, the Random Ranter takes on Artificial Intelligence.

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. Also, do you really need to drink eight glasses of water every day? And a lot more.

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? Don't worry, we do move to more traditional Moore-Butts territory -- the politics behind Alberta's referendum mess.

Donald Trump is not a good liar. Everyone knows when he lies, and it's not a good look. These days, he's claiming a huge victory in Iran, and as the two sides stumble toward a peace deal, it's clear that victory is not a word any casual observer would use. It's a Monday on The Bridge, and Dr. Janice Stein is here to give us her take on what is really happening.

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? Or both? Over a referendum. That's just one of the topics up for discussion with Chantel Hebert and Bruce Anderson. Also on tap, Breaking News - Donald Trump still doesn't like Canada.

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? Plus, the Random Ranter drops by with some surprising thoughts about the homeless issue.

Althia Raj is on holidays this week and 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. So today is designed to get a much better feel from on the ground. Rob and Kathleen are old friends too so this should be a good session.

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, and there’s lots to talk about this week. Including aside from the above, China, Cuba and Greenland.

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? Is the Liberal Party's unity at stake? Just some of the questions and one of the issues for Chantal and Bruce on today's Good Talk.

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? Is the Liberal Party's unity at stake? Just some of the questions and one of the issues for Chantal and Bruce on today's Good Talk.

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. Plus, the Random Ranter with words of empathy for Pierre Poilievre.

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. Among the others, how Jack and Rose could live happily ever after after the Titanic sank.

The former Alberta Premier wants Canadians to wake up and realize they have to speak out to show Albertans that being in Canada matters. Is he right and what does our past tell us about what needs to be done? Plus, James Moore and Gerald Butts also have something to say about Canada's increasing ties to Europe.

The question above seems almost ridiculous, that we would even consider believing the world's worst terrorist government before believing the country we once thought of as the leader of the free world. But that's where we are with the latest news from the Iran War. Dr. Janice Stein joins us from the Munk School at the University of Toronto for her latest Monday conversation.

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the federalist side is dragging its feet in organizing for a likely referendum on separation in Alberta. Are they, and if so, why? There's a lot happening on the Alberta story, and it seems to get messier by the week. Bruce and Chantal have their Good Talk thoughts on this and more.

Inspired by one of our listeners to ask this question, we were rewarded with an incredible deluge of letters that inspired us and, in so many ways, tell the story of Canada. Also today, the Random Ranter picks a topic that impacts local, regional and national politics from coast to coast to coast.

It's an end bits Wednesday special and the lead item really is shocking. A new study shows that some infants are using screens up to eight hours a day. Experts say this could be disastrous for their development. Also today, cars that will make the decision whether you should drive; why do AI companies want you to be afraid of them; and first class airline suites that offer their own bathrooms.

Watching some US television today after yesterday's European summit has left some commentators asking about a major Canadian role in a post-America world. Plus a weekend article in the Toronto Star was, and still is, a real talker. It asked whether Mark Carney was drifting away from some of the Liberals who had helped him win the leadership and the election. It was written by Althia Raj and she's here with The Economist's Rob Russo. Should be an interesting conversation!

After the German leader criticizes the U.S. over Iran, Donald Trump starts pulling thousands of American troops out of Germany. Germany is often considered the first line and the front line of defence against Russia. So what should we make of this? Dr. Janice Stein spends her regular Monday commentary on that today. Plus we talk about the latest from Ukraine.

The message from Mark Carney to Conservative MP Jamil Jivani was very clear -- there's only one player on the Canadian team negotiating with the US and that's his government. But is there? Jivani is in Washington again saying he's working for Canada. The plot thickens. Plus, Avi Lewis passes up another opportunity to run for the party he leads in an upcoming byelection - should he? And the King in the US. Bruce and Chantal have their say.

This month's Ask Me Anything program focuses on your questions on everything from challenging interviews, to challenging competition. Hope journalists do their job in general, and what experiences I had that may help you understand what's involved in putting newscasts together. Plus our regular Thursday feature -- the Random Ranter, this week on China.

It's an End Bit Wednesday special with a series of news you can use stories: from a new caution on health advice originating from AI, to a two-minute program to add longevity to your life, and the latest from Florida and the impact of a lot fewer Canadian snowbirds. That and more on today's episode.

Amid much fanfare the government announced last week that it has established a new advisory council on trade with emphasis on the challenging situation with the United States. Looks impressive with some big names and a non partisan flavour. But do these work or are they just a gimmick? Former Harper cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau PMO adviser Gerald Butts have their thoughts.

The Iran War enters its ninth week, but the fighting has been over for a while. Does that mean the war is over? Dr. Janice Stein is with us as she always is on Mondays and that's the topic today as the two sides, the United States and Iran, try to find ways to meet and negotiate. And Janice also has news about Gaza, a glimmer of hope that a new era may be coming for the people of Gaza.

The Prime Minister keeps his cool in public, but he's said to sometimes lose that cool in private. Doesn't suffer fools well and demands action not foot dragging. This week we saw him come close to bluntly telling the Americans to back off with the demands and get with the program on trade talks. That's just one of the things up for some Good Talk with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson this week.

There's a lot to worry about these days but this week we ask you to be specific. What worries you most is the question. Once again you weren't shy with your answers. We heard from so many of you, and so many of you for the first time, that we've had to be very specific as well, in getting as many new folk in as possible. Plus the Random Ranter is here with a totally new topic. It might shock you.

It's an end-bits Wednesday and some great little stories to tell. Starting with some articles about how Chinese vehicles could soon be overtaking our roadways, not just because they're cheaper but in some cases they are better made than their competitors. That's just one of the stories we'll be telling this week on your Wednesday episode of The Bridge.

YouTube is now the pre-eminent TV channel for those watching television. And now it also stars the latest attempts by both Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre to try to influence Canadians. What's behind their dueling videos? Also Doug Ford's jet - here today gone tomorrow. Could there be more to this story? Althia Raj and Rob Russo are here with their take.

When the Iran War started it was hard to know why Donald Trump ordered the attack. He kept changing the reasons why he'd taken the action. Lately he's settled on just one reason and had all his people parrot the same line. Nuclear. So what do we really know? Dr. Janice Stein has her thoughts on that in her regular Monday discussion.