While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Peter Mansbridge.
A week ago the talk was all about pipelines. Remember those days? Things have changed a lot in a mere seven days. It's been quite the week, especially in Quebec, where there are lessons for politicians across the country. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join the virtual discussion table again for some Good Talk.
Twelve hundred people were on their feet in Calgary yesterday applauding Mark Carney and Danielle Smith for the deal they signed that could lead to a new pipeline to move Alberta oil to markets. But there was a cost too ...Carney lost a minister, and the BC government and indigenous groups are more than a little bit upset. What happens...
Another week where there's lots to talk about with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson. The US is playing hardball through its ambassador to Canada over which jet fighter we "must" buy, while Sweden sends its King and Queen to push its option. And then there's the pipeline story -- could a deal between Ottawa and Alberta be close on that...
The numbers certainly conclude that if all opposition MPs vote against the budget then the government will fall. But will that happen and will it happen next week? All that on the heels of the budget and the latest major projects list? That and this question -- Is Mark Carney still green? All this with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson...
Budgets, especially minority government budgets, always bring a degree of parliamentary drama. But this week, a Conservative member added to the excitement by crossing the floor to join the Liberals. But at the end of the day, does it make a difference? That and a lot more with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson joining Good Talk for their weekly commentary.
As if there isn't enough going on with trade talks broken down with the U.S., new trade possibilities with China, and a crucial budget set for Tuesday, Canadians could be facing an election within a week. And then there's the case of "Profanity Pete" the US Ambassador to Canada. Let's get some analysis with Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert as...
Donald Trump has terminated the trade talks with Canada after Ontario ads running in the U.S. use Ronald Reagan's voice condemning tariffs. Is this serious or just Trump bluster? Meanwhile, the Carney government's first budget is now just days away, and the PM says Canadians will need to make sacrifices. And, Pierre Poilievre has another bad week. All this and...
There are going to be a lot of special programs done in the next few weeks, leading up to the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Quebec Referendum. A night that those of us who witnessed it will never forget. Tension and emotion ruled the evening. Chantal, Bruce and I were all in different roles watching the story unfold, and this...
When Donald Trump and Mark Carney met in the White House for the first time a few months ago, the meeting looked, and was, tense. Not so this latest time. Smiles, laughs and lots of almost boyish banter. What was that all about? Has anything really changed? Could a deal be in the offing, or was it all for the...
Everyone knew this was coming, but now we are here. It's the great pipeline battle playing out between Ottawa and Alberta, and between Alberta and BC. What's at stake? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here to discuss this and what it means for Mark Carney, the upcoming budget, and the future of the country. And, Donald Trump's "war within"...
The U.S. Ambassador to Canada was in Banff yesterday for what turned out to be a tense conversation with former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson. The ambassador, a seasoned American politician, and Robertson, no stranger to Canada-U.S. relations, went at it over some of the things that have been said between the two countries this year. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson...
Keir Starmer with help from the royals sucked up to Donald Trump this week in a big way. Does that work? Is there something for Canada to learn? Plus, you never want to lose a senior cabinet minister, unless. Unless you think you are better off without that person. What is the case with Chrystia Freeland? And, Jimmy Kimmel. There's...
Five projects, two in BC, one in Saskatchewan, one in Ontario and one in Quebec headline Mark Carney's initial nation building push. Surprisingly perhaps, the list got a big thumbs up from Alberta's premier. Just a few days before Parliament returns what does that say about how the government will fare when the action begins in the House of Commons...
Recent polls suggest Canadians are now more concerned about basic economic issues than they are about the Carney-Trump talks. Housing, affordability, inflation and government spending top the list. All this in the run up to an expected October budget, but also at a time when hugely expensive "nation building projects" are on the table. How do you square cuts and...
Four months and a day since the election and the summer ends with signs that the Carney government is moving on some of its major agenda promises. Or is it? That's the line item for Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on this our final summer special before our new season begins next week.
The statistics are pretty impressive ..Canadians are staying home or at least they are staying away from the U.S. in this summer of 2025. THis doesn't look like a one off, it could become generational. The deadline for a new trade deal between Canada and the U.S. is one week from today, what are the chances? Chantal Hebert and Bruce...
The rush to get to nation-building projects has seen at least two governments, Ottawa and Queen's Park in Ontario, push for legislation that will speed the process along. That has caused some concern by those who feel the push may be too fast. Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo are here to talk about that and much more.
Canada hosts the G7 leaders' summit. Great mountain backdrop for the photo-ops, but as usual, Trump steals the headlines as he skips out early to deal with the Middle East crisis from home. Does that matter? When the smoke and mirrors disappear, what's the truth? Bruce. Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here to sift through the details.
The upcoming G7 in Alberta will host some of the world's top leaders. The agenda has been carefully planned. But will all those plans be derailed because of Israel's attack on Iran and the chaos that may have on the world? Plus, the new Carney government is making a lot of commitments and they all add up, but where's the...
It's taken a long time, but it looks like Canada is finally going to commit two percent of its GDP to defence spending. That's what NATO has called for for years, but Canada has dodged and weaved on the commitment and failed to meet the goal. Yesterday, Prime Minister Carney said the time is now and Canada will deliver. Is...
Nothing usually ends well when you get into a relationship with Donald Trump. Just ask Elon Musk. But none of that is getting in the way of secret or private talks between Trump and Mark Carney. So what's going on and just what is possible dealing with a guy who doesn't even believe in the deals he himself signs. Rob...
That was quite the scene in Saskatoon yesterday as the country's first ministers spent the day exchanging compliments about each other in an attempt to demonstrate their ability to work together in the nation's best interests. So was it real? Time for SMT with Fred DeLorey and Spark President Perry Tsergas sitting in this week for Bruce Anderson. Then Niigaan...
The royal visit, the throne speech and the first question period are over. Performative arts mostly. Now the real work of building the so-called "new Canada" begins. What's the plan, and how will they get there? It starts with a first minister's conference this weekend. Chantal and Rob have their thoughts on that.
Ten weeks ago today Mark Carney became the country's 24th prime minister. Many Canadians really didn't know that much about him at the time. In those ten weeks we've seen a lot in terms of how he works, what he decides and who helps him achieve his goals. What have we learned about him that we didn't know the day...
There have been a few stumbles out of the gate for the new Carney government and the question is -- is this much ado about nothing? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey take up that challenge on this week's Smoke Mirrors and The Truth. Then a special chat with Arlene Bynon about her new and riveting podcast series, Calls from a...
It's only been a few days since the election but already some signs of discontent on Parliament Hill. Conservatives sure, that's expected. But some Liberals who thought they should be in cabinet aren't, and they aren't happy either. Is this all meaningless inside the Ottawa bubble stuff or is it something Mark Carney should watch out for? That and a...
We all know the election result was a minority government. But it was very close, which makes the recount story fascinating and, for some, controversial. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey have their thoughts on this and are here to explain them. Also today, we unveil this week's question for Thursday's Your Turn.
Lots to discuss after a week where Mark Carney sits down with Donald Trump in the White House, Pierre Poilievre fights to hold on to his leadership, and a new prime minister tries to build a cabinet that can deliver on the promises that won an election. But we start with a new Pope, and what that could mean. Chantal...
In the week since the election, all sides in the next House seem to be finding ways to be nice to each other. What's going on and how long will it last? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey give their thoughts on that, plus Mark Carney's approach with the media, and what's happening inside the Conservative Party.
If you thought Monday would answer everything, think again. It's left a lot of questions: How will Carney deal with Trump? Will Poilievre hang on to his job after losing his seat, the election, and perhaps even his house? What will happen to the NDP? There are lots of questions for Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo on this week's Good...
Well, that was a night. Canadians voted, and Mark Carney was the winner, overcoming what at one time was a 25-point Pierre Poilievre lead in the polls. But it was not a majority win, at least not yet. With counts and recounts still to come, the outcome remains a minority Liberal government. Fred DeLorey and Bruce Anderson are here to...
The final Good Talk before Monday's election decision. Millions of Canadians are about to decide, if they haven't already in advance polls, just which party and which leader they want to form a government. It's a significant decision, and the challenges facing Canada on multiple fronts will not be easy to manage. Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo bring us the...
Less than a week to go now before Canadians have their votes counted and a new government is declared. So what should we be watching for as the leaders hit the final days of their campaigns to woo voters. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here with their thoughts on everything from post debate analysis, to advertising, to what to...
Four leaders, one moderator, two hours of debate. In a five week campaign did those two hours change the shape of Canada's election race? That's the question for Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo on this week's Good Talk. Plus, how did the debate organizers allow a fringe advocacy group disguised as reporters to take over the post-debate platform?
Liberal Bruce Anderson and Conservative Fred DeLorey continue their 2025 election conversation with two new topics this week. The LIberals get caught playing dirty tricks, while both parties prepare for this week's debates. With little time left in the campaign, is the die cast, or is anything still possible?
We've passed the halfway point of the campaign with the television debates just around the corner. And you have to wonder when the Conservatives, or at least some of them, start to question the validity of the polls, that there's trouble in the Tory ranks. Both Rob Russo and Chantal Hebert have been travelling this week, one on the west...
As the week ends thousands of Canadians are out of work because of the Donald Trump tariffs. Thousands more could be soon. But that's not all as grocery prices and a lot more will soon start going up as well. The trade war is on. The question now is how will it impact the federal election campaign as it approaches...
Jean Chretien used to call them "nervous nellies", those who constantly worry their party's strategy is wrong. With their lead in the polls having collapsed, the Conservatives are divided about what to do. The LIberals meanwhile stumble over one of their candidates. Backroom strategists Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey give us their spin on how serious both issues are. Plus...
It was bad enough last week when Doug Ford told Pierre Poilievre he didn't have time to campaign for him. But now Ford's top strategist says Poilievre is heading for defeat unless he changes his campaign. And he has the polls to back that up. On the face of it the Conservative leader has big crowds, but behind the scenes...
It's only been forty eight hours and opening impressions rarely last long, but what about these? How damaging was Danielle Smith's US interview to Pierre Poilievre? What about Mark Carney's yes then no on the TVA debate? And more. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here with their spin.
The election will be called this weekend and the country's voters will be determining Canada's future. There could be as many as six main leaders but the main context will be between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre. Are they ready for the five or six weeks ahead? Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo are here for some Good Talk on that.
There seems to be a poll a day recently and while they're each a bit different. there is one common theme. The Liberals are back and the race between them and the Conservatives is very tight. Long gone are the huge leads the Conservatives had. And the NDP? -- they've collapsed. So how are the political pros responding to this...
Day One of the Carney administration reveals a much smaller cabinet, almost half the size of previous ones of late. But is this all about optics or does it really mean a slimmer, more accountable and effective "war" cabinet for the fight ahead? Chantal and Rob tackle that question along with the latest rumblings about what's really happening in the...
Bruce Anderson and Fred Delorey drop by for a Smoke Mirrors and the Truth episode that deals with what is now a daily issue -- how to deal with the Trump Factor in A Campaign? Can Trump remain the top issue during a campaign and if so how do you deal with it and him? The Anderson-DeLorey spin room will...
In two days, LIberals will have a new leader, and the country will know who their next Prime Minister will be. It's a huge decision and the consequences for the party and the country are significant. Chantal and Rob set the scene on that, plus where we are in the trade war with a guy who changes his mind almost...
Canada is in a series of high stakes political races, for party leadership, for an upcoming national election. But is there any focus more important than Donald Trump and the damage he could cause from tariffs and annexation talk? How do opposing parties deal with that? Enter the Bruce Anderson, Fred DeLorey spin room.
So much for Britain's PM Keir Starmer. Given the chance to stand up for Canada with Donald Trump by his side, Starmer instead left Canada, his Commonwealth ally, twisting in the wind. How bad does that look? Does it even matter? Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo have their say on that, plus Mark Carney's latest issue and the Ontario election...
Enter the Fred DeLorey/Bruce Anderson spin room as we deconstruct elements of last night's french language liberal leadership contender's debate. There were various moments, and especially one, where views differ and they are worth discussing. Also, the Ontario election is days away -- is a massive win for one side good for democracy?
Blaming the media is a common tactic when you feel your competition is getting better coverage than you are. Is that why some Conservatives are saying Mark Carney is getting a free pass from the media in his campaign for the Liberal leadership? Is it true or are Conservatives just showing they are nervous about the gains being made against...
While Canada is being beaten up, and its sovereignty questioned, both by Donald Trump, what are our friends and allies saying? Anything? Why the silence? And what does it say about our situation that Trump clearly likes Russia more than Canada? This, plus how worried are the Conservatives as the Liberals seem to get back in the political game? Chantal...
These are crazy times to be running campaigns either for party leadership, a provincial campaign or prepping for a national campaign. It's how the Trump factor has changed everything, even things that have nothing really to do with him. That's the topic for SMT this week and both Fred DeLorey and Bruce Anderson have thoughts on this. Also, a feature...
The polls suggest it, the Liberals think it, and the Conservatives look like they're trying to reposition because of it. Have two things: the tariff dispute and Trump's ramblings, changed the country's political landscape? That's the main focus for today's Good Talk with Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo. We'll also talk about the new push for dropping interprovincial trade barriers...
Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey go head to head on the tariff issue, or are they in agreement? Who blinked? Trump or Trudeau? These are strange times and this YouTube conversation provesit! Then Keith Boag joins The Bridge podcast for his always incisive, non partisan take on the same story.
Le Grand Orange is poised to hammer Canada with tariffs tomorrow, or so he says. Chantal and Rob put the Trump promise into perspective including what Canada is ready to do about it. Mark Carney is the front runner in the race to replace Justin Trudeau and he finally dropped his plans to abandon the carbon tax today -- why...
Political campaigns have often depended on candidates getting endorsements and getting interviews. Does either matter anymore? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey bounce that one back and forth on this week's SMT. Plus, will a Doug Ford campaign get in the way of the Liberal Leadership. Segment two (for the audio show only) is an excerpt from my onstage interview at...
The candidates are racking up endorsements but one thing seems clear. Most cabinet ministers are endorsing an outsider not an insider. How damaging is this for Chrystia Freeland? That and a lot more on this week's Good Talk with Chantal Hebert, and sitting in for the rest of the leadership race, the Economist's Canadian correspondent Rob Russo.
Bruce Anderson joins with former Conservative campaign manager, Fred DeLorey who joins our Tuesday lineup for insider political talk during the Liberal leadership race. Today, the two look at how campaign decisions that take place in the background can impact the race.
By this weekend the Liberal leadership race will likely be all set. Carney is in already, Freeland should be in by Sunday. What are the impressions so far? Who's up, who's down? And is the idea of a carbon tax election still likely or is that all but gone now? And what about Donald Trump and the faltering attempt at...
Liberals are gathering at the gate, with some poised to enter the race for the leadership. Meanwhile, most eyes are focused on Donald Trump and his threat of tariffs and annexation. Where's this leading? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson set things up for what is likely to be a fascinating few days ahead.
We can finally stop asking "Will he or Won't he?" because he did. He called it quits and now the race is on to see who leads the Liberals to either possible extinction or surprise recovery. No small task, yet no trouble finding names who seem like they want to give it a go. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join...