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.

Last week's phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu marked a new chapter in US-Israel relations and is not a good one. What will happen now? Is the rift fixable? Dr Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday discussion. Also in the conversation, Is Russia really as powerful as some NATO allies are making it sound?

We start this week with a simple question -- where is all the money coming from to pay for massive new housing and school lunch programs? With a budget now less than two weeks ago and multi billion dollar programs being dropped almost daily it's an important question. But so is the future of the NDP, with some high profile new departures from Jagmeet Singh's next campaign candidate list. Rob Russo filling in for Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert have their say.

This week's question has again prompted dozens and dozens of answers. What Canadian TV show, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you as a Canadian? The answers tell us a lot about ourselves and our television industry. Also today the random Ranter with his own provocative take on the carbon tax.

Today an encore presentation of an episode that originally aired on March 26th. Circle April 8th for the chance to see something you may never see again during your lifetime.  A total solar eclipse will be witnessed in a specific path through Canada on that day, and in almost all of the rest of the country, a partial eclipse will be experienced. So what to do, where to be and how to safely watch the eclipse are all good questions and today Science Sam, Dr Samantha Yammine, joins us to answer them.

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.

While Israelis keep up the pressure for negotiations to free the hostages, there's another issue dividing Israelis. It's the issue surrounding Ultra Orthodox Israelis and military service. Janice Stein is with us for her regular Monday appearance to explain this, plus new issues confronting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Chantal and Bruce join Peter on location from Carleton University in Ottawa answering their questions!

From Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador to the High Arctic, your choices for the question of the week -- name your favourite inside Canada but outside your own province, holiday spot. Some really terrific answers. Plus the Random Ranter with a really different rant -- don't miss it!