The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

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 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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.