The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- After The Election, What Now?

Episode Date: May 1, 2025

What now after the election? How did you feel? Did you want a minority or a majority? Plus the Random Ranter is here with his analysis of what happened on Monday night and where things may go from here.

And hello there Peter Mansbridge here you're just moments away from the latest episode of the bridge it's Thursday That means your turn and you take a turn at your thoughts on the election result Plus the random renter is here. That's all coming up And hello there, another week where you were not shy about writing in in terms of your thoughts on the election result. It's only been a couple of days. Wines up a liberal minority government, but really close to a majority. Who knows what may happen in the days, weeks and months ahead.

But that's not the issue for today. The issue for today is what you thought about Monday's results. What happens now is kind of the question. So we had the normal rules and conditions and many of you met those and many of you end up on today's program and we're glad to have you with us. So let's get right at it. We'll take a break in the middle for the random ranter and his thoughts. We're starting now with Kathy Hanley in Brayshore, Nova Scotia.

Phew, phew, phew, it was close. I hope that what will happen now is that we can all relax and give the government some time to look at the issues identified by the MPs who have been talking to everyday Canadians. I would like the government to address the major issues, affordable housing, the cost of living, and tariffs. Stop calling each other names. Stop identifying what is wrong with the other party, and come together and work for the good of all Canada."

I think you're gonna see that that's a common theme in many of our letters this week. Richard Simon Prew in Hurst, Ontario. That's Northern Ontario, about 90 kilometers west of Capus Casing. Richard writes, I'm very happy with a minority government outcome for the Liberal Party. I think it assures that the NDP will keep its traditional role of being the conscience of the House. I don't like the idea of a very restrained or socially shy liberal party.

EI, social programs, pensions, dental care are not optional or open to cuts. Turn left, not right. I don't know how they're going to be the conscience of the house when they're not even an official party and they're going to rarely get time in question period. Who knows what's going to happen to the seven members of the NDP. Amrit Sekhan in Brampton, Ontario. A liberal minority is interesting. It gives Canada a test run with Mr. Carney

to enact policies and trade deals with other countries. If he succeeds, maybe liberal majority in a year and a half. Otherwise, back to the drawing board. Maybe the conservatives run someone who appeals to the center. Trudy Chapman in Ottawa. We do not need politics as usual where political actors waste energy and capital kneecapping each other. We need a new collaborative way of doing politics. The vote has been split between two main visions for Canada and we need both. We need the calm, deep knowledge and extensive Rolodex of Mark Carney on all things financial, trade and international. And we need the domestic focus of Pierre Paulyev

on our long-avoided housework here at home. Kate Wilson in Toronto. The people have spoken and Canadians may not be as patient as they were in the past with minority government failures. Given the existential issue with the USA, the parties need to work together for the sake of Canada. As well, no election within a year. Conservatives and liberals stop playing politics, find consensus and govern or you may face an angry electorate backlash. Pat Wharton in Vernon, BC. A majority would have been better. Secondly, I'm concerned about the hate

and divisiveness that Poliev has sown over the last two years, hoping he exits left. We need to heal, but I fear the obstacles Trump is creating will make that very difficult. Gene Wolting in Guelph, Ontario. I really hope the Liberals and Conservatives will work together for the benefit of all Canadians. No more slamming each other. Let's bring down the trade barriers between provinces.

Stop the pissing contest. All right. Tim Bellack in Westeros, Alberta. Not central Alberta, west of Wetascuin. Tim writes, I think these election results show again why we need electoral reform by way of proportional representation. In this current first-past-the-post, most people are forced to vote against the people they don't want, not the people that reflect their own values. This makes for a cynical electorate.

For elections to really mean something, we need to do things differently. Dave Cole in Wallaceburg, Ontario. I hope that all parties can come together to tackle the many challenges we have to overcome in the coming months. My fear is that we will not capitalize on our oil and LNG resources and bring them to new markets by building new pipelines and LNG facilities. Deb Johnston in Edmonton. I believe the election results are good for Canada, but I am worried the Conservatives, out of anger and pride, will sabotage progress instead of working together for what's best for all of us Canadians. Coming from divided Alberta, I really hope we can all

embrace unity. Justin Sagerd in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Listening to friends and co-workers this morning there's a lot of talk about separation many don't know what it would take to get representation for the West out East Mike neighbors in Charlottetown now is the time for unity and swift decisive action we need to recognize the mistakes that were made and pivot accordingly to correct them. Canada should have been paying its share into NATO, and we should have focused more at being less reliant on the US. When all is said and done, don't let there be more said than there

was done. Danny Cousineau in Ottawa. I woke up on Tuesday feeling hopeful and proud to be Canadian. Despite a very tight race, Canada ultimately showed the world that values and ethics can still prevail among the rhetoric and bullying. Poliev's writing sealed the deal on that. Now it's up to Prime Minister Carney to show this worth, his worth, and unite our divided country. to Prime Minister Carney to show this worth, his worth, and unite our divided country, deal with Trump, strengthen our economy, and work with provinces to ease the financial burden on our everyday lives.

A lot of stuff there. But you're right. That's what Canadians want to see happen. Larry Swatek in Sackville, New Brunswick, home of Mount Allison University by the way. Larry writes, what I would like to see is integrated thinking, planning and practice, a form of governance that recognizes climate action, job creation, energy, food, global and household security as interconnected and best addressed by a

whole of government approach. Tim Stott in Kinosoda, Manitoba. Well that didn't accomplish anything. We will be back at the polls within 36 months, probably 24 as Chantel predicted last week. Well Chantel and everybody else, right? I mean, the average life of a minority government is 18 to 24 months. Peter Boyd in Oakville, Ontario. Abraham Lincoln said, you can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.

I guess in Canada you can fool 43.5% of the people all of the time. If you didn't know already, that's roughly the liberal share of the vote. So I guess we know where Peter's coming from. I just asked the prime minister to remember the 56.5% of the population that didn't vote for him. It's a good point. We make this point every election. We live in a country of multi-parties.

And you know, the last time I can remember anybody getting over 50%, Mulroney did it in 84, like 51. I don't think Kraytchen got very close, but he never got anything like that. And Philippe Dos Santos in Mississauga. My reaction to this election is one of cautious optimism. I agree with what Dr. Stein said about Prime Minister Carney having a deep understanding of the machinery of government, and my vote reflected that. On that note, I do not envy the job RPM has ahead of him. It will be tough, it will be thankless, and I highly doubt he will have a full term. and I highly doubt he will have a full term. Leo Bourdon in Ottawa.

For the Liberals, get to work. For the Conservatives, stop insulting our intelligence. Many of us didn't vote for you, and it's not because you were stupid. Pretending that's the reason will only make you more permanently irrelevant and many Canadians will not consider you in future elections. Keep in mind, more Canadians thought of the Conservatives and voted for the Conservatives than have done in 40 years. Even Stephen Harper, who won a majority government in 2011, did not receive the same number of votes that Poliev's Conservative Party did this time around. Not even close, actually. But the collapse of the NDP is what did it. The result of the liberals winning a minority government. Frank Wang in Surrey, BC.

I'm expecting a government that will quickly resume its work to deal with the southern economic threat. It's also possible for us to see a very quick swearing in of the new cabinet immediately followed by a new parliamentary session. With Trump being so erratic, it's hard to predict anything beyond that. This is just step one in weathering the coming storm. I think it'll probably be a couple of weeks, you know, 10 days or so before the swearing in and new cabinet and all that.

And we'll see how quickly they call house into order. Michael Attendale in Sudbury, Ontario. I write this in the wee hours of election night. I feel the vote reflects the two main feelings of Canadians anger and fear. My hope is that the MPs work to unite all of Canada, not just against the challenges from the south but our internal challenges. We have now seen that a new leader can win an election and come from very far behind. We have learned a minority government can last. Both of these are from hope, not fear, and not anger. Corey Wilenga in Brandingham, Manitoba. This moment calls for cooperation.

With the liberals elected, we have a chance to build stronger relationships across provinces and parties, reject imported division, and focus on solutions that actually improve people's lives. John Minchel in Comox Valley, BC. I expect that the new government will work together to address the issues facing the country. What do I want to happen? That the government presents a united front against potentially hostile opponents and addresses the challenges the country faces. As for what happens now, honestly, I can't really say. There are too many unknowns to guess. Mike Repire in Fonthill, Ontario, that's west of Niagara Falls.

Time to unite. Make a point to reach out to someone whose political opinion is different than yours and don't talk politics. Find common ground for conversation. Political preferences have divided the country for too long. It's time to change that. Philippe Mathieu in Sudbury, Ontario. I would love to see a government that challenges the status quo and takes bold initiatives, notably to address the cost of living crisis and unite this country. I'm 26 and about to welcome my first daughter in this world. I want her to feel like she has a chance to succeed and not struggle as my wife and I

have. Ken Pelshock in Newstadt, Ontario. I believe Canada's future is bright. I think about the swing in the polls over the last three months. What other democracy is so politically untribalized that this is possible? The vast majority of us haven't pledged allegiance to a tribe. Keep it up Canada. Paul Kiba in Qualicum Beach, BC. That's on Vancouver Island along the Strait of Georgia. What should be next is electoral reform, which would provide a more representative parliament

and limits the disinformation pushed out by polling aggregators, which predict local results based on national vote intention data. That would diminish the bandwagon influence of aggregators on voting behavior. Denis St. Hilaire in Winnipeg. Here's what I want. Do not reduce my taxes, regardless of promises. Military spending on procurement and personnel. Unity cabinet or government. Select from the NDP, the Bloc, the Conservatives, get rid of provincial trade barriers, be smart with health, education, and safety.

Ed Ponicaver in Burlington, Ontario. I'm very glad that Mark Carney is our Prime Minister. Though I was initially disappointed with the minority result, I believe that it represents an opportunity to put together a union government for the next four years with a cabinet that crosses party lines and truly reflects a nationally unified country in spite of the divided election result. We've heard this unity government thing a number of times from a number of you.

And we've talked about it on the Moore-Butts conversation a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure we're going that way, but you never know what might happen. Brent Bush in Nanaimo, BC. In listening to Pierre Pauliev's speech after being defeated, I was surprised that he didn't take more responsibility for the loss of the election. The policies presented by the Conservative Party resonated with many Canadians, but the

person who delivered those comments did not. The fact that he lost in his own writing should be a signal that the party needs a new leader who can set a different tone in the House of Commons. I'm sure we'll be talking about this tomorrow in Good Talk with Chantelle and Rob, so stay tuned. Joe Henshell in Calgary. The Liberals may want to attract a small group of non-liberal MPs to cross the floor and join government. That would force the conservatives to dump their leader and start afresh. Wendy Cecil in Toronto. I'd have preferred a majority, but the liberal win with inspiring capable Mark Carney is great.

The noxious negative Poliev deserved to lose. Mark Carney is great. The noxious negative Poliev deserved to lose. Sorry to see the NDP lose status as it has long contributed constructively to the national discussion. The bloc should be eliminated since it's not a national party, ultimately wanting to break up Canada, not serve it. Now we must work together with Carney for Canada's best future. Now we must work together with Carney for Canada's best future. Marie Quentin in Gatineau, Quebec. The most efficient version of a government I've seen in my lifetime was the collaboration between Liberals and NDP during the last few years. Dental care and pharma care can help many Canadians. I hope to see the same

collaboration between the two parties in the coming months. I'm mostly glad that Bruce Fanjoy took the writing from Pierre Poliev. Fanjoy put so much effort into this. Jeff Robin in Ottawa The Trump effect has galvanized many Canadians. It has also moved all things politics significantly to the right. Over the last few months, I overheard people refer to the Liberal Party as the left. Not a label I agree with. A two-party system does not suffice. What happened to reforming the votes that the

more Canadians felt meaningfully represented and involved? Pradeep Rao in Oakville. Pradeep Rao in Oakville. Canadians choose hope, now it's time to deliver. I expect Mark Carney's government to focus on real solutions, housing, skill trades, and preparing for AI's impact on jobs. Success will also depend on a strong digital team that communicates achievements clearly and counters misinformation. We can't afford to let trolls write the narrative. Canadians deserve facts, results, and a Parliament that works for the country, not for partisan headlines. Lee DeFeo in Stony Creek, Ontario, near Hamilton. What now? Get going on promises made. Respectful stance by politicians of all stripes.

Mud-slinging rhetoric season needs to be over. Difficult conversations about issues and solutions with a willingness to compromise for the good of the country. Clear, concise communication of exactly what the government is doing. I'm staying hopeful here. Clear, concise communication of exactly what the government is doing. I'm staying hopeful here. Brian Wagner in Ottawa. National unity tops my agenda. The comments on Pierre Pelliev's concession speech on his YouTube channel are full of comments that show fear and anger at another liberal government and loathing and contempt for the other half of the electorate that voted for it.

We are a divided country. No matter how we got here, it's time for the governing party and the official opposition to mend fences and build bridges. Paul Higgins, who writes from Vacation in St. Kitts. Today we have a confirmed leader of Canada voted in by the people. I'm going to give him a chance to demonstrate his education, experience, knowledge and intellect. Even though I don't agree with the party's platform, I do believe they want the best for Canada. We are rich in many ways and now we will invest those riches in our children's future.

Years from now we may say great wake-up call. Michael Hambrook in Delta BC. I'm thinking about how we get well and truly past Justin Trudeau. We need to be proud of Canada's history. We need a strong economy. We need a CBC that works for all Canadians. We need a serious armed forces. We need a renewed dynamic business culture that tackles issues such as internal trade barriers, revamping foreign trade, the future of Canada Post, etc. Prime Minister Mark Carney certainly has a full inbox. David Ennis in Fort Lley, BC. My vote was strategic. With proportional representation, I could have voted differently. Canada deserves a system that reflects all voices, not just dominant ones. Trudeau's broken promise

on reform is overdue. Over 75 democracies use proportional systems which foster cooperation, minority governments, and honest voting. Let's be better than the broken US two-party model. We need a system that empowers voters, not parties, and encourages collaboration over division. It's time for real electoral reform. One more before we take our break. Harold Gold in Calgary. Our prime minister with a mandate in hand now must walk the talk. Mark Carney has already started by reaching out to the other party leaders.

President Trump and soon again with the first ministers. He promised to build and needs to lay the groundwork for that as quickly as possible. They talk about the first hundred days setting the agenda and he must rise to that occasion. Okay, good start. Lots of thoughts from across the country And there are lots more still to come. We're going to take our break, and we'll come back with a random ranter, and then it's back to your letters. We'll do all that right after this. And welcome back.

Peter Mansbridge here with the Thursday episode of The Bridge, which is of course your turn. You're listening on SiriusXM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, or on your favorite podcast platform. Glad to have you with us. Well, as you know, on Thursdays, we like to hear from our friend, the random renter. The renter lives in Western Canada. He lives on the prairies, to be exact. He doesn't work for any party. He's not involved in political activity in that way, although he is involved in

political activity in the sense that he follows politics and he votes he's one of those Canadians who actually exercises their right to have a say in what government you have no matter what level municipal provincial federal and each week he rants for something. He's all over the place on these things. And just like you, he has his thoughts about what happened on Monday night. So let's get at her. Here he is, the random renter.

I think it's fair to say that nobody escaped Monday's election completely unscathed, including the process itself. Because as much as this was supposed to be an existential election, and as busy as early voting was, one in three voters still took a pass on the process. It's a disappointing number in an election that had no shortage of disappointments. I mean the liberals seemed destined for a majority, but ended up losing just enough steam at the end to fall short, and it happened in the last place they ever expected, southern Ontario.

The conservatives? Well they blew a 25 point lead by failing to adapt to change while actively promoting, of all things, change. As for the other parties, well the BQ glimpsed a reality where in the wake of American threats, many Quebecers reevaluated their relationship with Canada and concluded, better the devil you know. The NDP got straight up destroyed and the Greens, well sorry Elizabeth May, but you should just stop trying to party by yourself.

It's a lot to unpack, but here are my takeaways. I know it's a bit of a duh, but Pierre Poliev has a likeability problem. Not so much with men, but oh so much with women. While he managed to deliver historic vote counts for his party, he lost the popular vote and his own riding of 20 years. For every voter he attracted with his attack dog politics, he seemingly drove another one and then some to the Liberals. Say what you want about Aaron O'Toole or Andrew Scheer, but they both managed to win the popular vote.

It seems to me that the Conservative Party is at an impasse. They've moved so far to the right that I'm not sure they can find a leader who is palatable to both their base and enough of the general electorate to ever carry the day. But it isn't just a likeability problem. If the powers of B go back and review the game tape, they'll see a leader that made a lot of poor decisions, and who out of arrogance or lack of ability just couldn't pivot his message or diverge from his plan. Which brings me to the NDP and poor Jagmeet Singh.

He really deserves a better legacy than ushering his party into obscurity. I mean, with the passage of dental care and pharma care, Jugmeet enacted more change for Canadians than any other federal NDP leader ever has. Getting turfed so hard is not much of a thank you. But that said, I think this loss could be good for the NDP. It could be the rude reminder they need to finally realize that they are largely a baseless party. Simply put, I think the Workers Party has lost the workers. They need to use this monumental defeat as a wake-up call to reclaim their roots. Because Canada needs a third party. It's healthy for

democracy. As for Mark Carney and the Liberals, well, against all odds he won. And so I've got no criticism for him, but I do have some hopes. He said many times that he's a pragmatist. I'm hoping he follows through on that and puts as much of the politics aside as he can when making decisions. I'm hoping most of all that he reaches out directly to the West. The West is disgruntled and like every angry person ever, they want to be heard. Carney needs to listen. A good start would be to depoliticize Canada's gun restrictions. I know guns aren't popular in the East, but in the West and in the North, guns matter. I have no problem with the ban on the sale of some guns, and I think the buyback program is great, but there should be some kind of grandfather clause so that people who legally own newly restricted firearms should be allowed

to continue legally owning them. They're not criminals, but when it comes to crime, I do hope that Mr. Carney takes some pages out of the Conservatives playbook. In many ways, crime is out of control in this country. Our courts have become a revolving door, and that needs to change. Finally, I've read that Mr. Carney is fond of making to-do lists. I sincerely hope he keeps his list to just a few short things and gets them done. It would be nice for a change to have a government that actually gets things done, and it would

be the pragmatic thing to do. The random renter for this week. And let me just say this about the ranter. The ranter, as I said, is not involved in politics. He doesn't work for any of the parties. He's not a journalist. He has a job that takes him around the country, especially around the West and the Prairies. And he's a thoughtful guy. You know, I read a lot of opinion pieces every week from papers right across the country. I think one of the best opinion columnists in the country is our friend, the random ranter. We don't always agree with him, but he makes

us think. And I think he's a very, very talented guy. I'm biased, of course. I found him. I discovered him. But I think he's great. Anyway, onward with your letters. Nando Salviolo in West Kootenay, BC. I don't believe the NDP are done. They will live to fight another day.

In my opinion, the NDP vote has split both to the Liberals out of fear of Pierre Poliev and Populous Stone, and to the Conservatives as a protest vote of the Liberals. Naly Lang in Orillia, Ontario. It feels like Canadians wanted the Conservative Party without the Conservative leader and the Liberal leader without the Liberal party. And just enough NDPR is to make sure the bloc cannot make the rest of the country be at their beck and call. It's an interesting combination.

Let's hope it works and the Parliament can actually achieve something. Mark Noordem in Listerwell, Ontario. That's out Stratford country. They got great golf there. About an hour west of Guelph. I voted for my local conservative MP who is fantastic. I don't mind Paul Yev, but I didn't trust him to protect supply management. In Wisconsin, they have more cows than all of Canada combined, but they lose an average of one and a half dairy farms a day due to consolidation. I may not have voted for Mark Carney, but I hope for the best and that he stands up to protect Canada's rural economy and Looking out West to help farmers who are hit hard with China canola tariffs

Ian Powell in Nanaimo, BC Vote splitting in several BC ridings prevented a majority Liberal government This election was not all about a two-party system majority Liberal government. This election was not all about a two-party system. The riding I live in, Nanaimo, now has a Conservative MP despite seven out of ten of us voting progressive. I live in a progressive riding and Canada is a progressive country. Michelle Brizbois in Thorold, Ontario. That's on the Niagara encampment. I'd like to see all parties with strong leaders who challenge and improve each other in a way that puts Canada first.

A team of rivals. The current seat division gives all parties influence, even without huge numbers. My dream team for leaders of the parties would be Mark Carney, Liberal PM, Charlie Angus, the NDP leader, and Ronna Ambrose, leading the Conservatives. A couple of points there. Charlie Angus didn't run in the election after holding a seat in Northern Ontario for 21 years. Ronna Ambrose left politics in 2017 after holding several cabinet positions in the Stephen

Harper years, and then she was leader of the opposition between Harper's defeat and the election of Andrew Scheer as conservative leader. She was great on air on Monday night she was on one of the CTV panels. Always admired Ronna Ambrose. Leanne Britnell in North Van- Thank you for that little additional musical comment. Leanne Britnell in North Vancouver. I wish a majority had won simply to ensure what's needed to be done could more quickly be achieved. If any party makes progress on key issues, difficult than their desire

to make Canada strong is false. We need everyone to work together and I will be looking for unity. Tom Farlow in Woodstock, Ontario, that's near London. With the closeness of the election affirming a deep divide in our country, both regionally and philosophically, I'd like to see both parties more closer to the centre, where I believe most of us are. One Look South shows us the pitfalls of extreme politics in our time. As a liberal and a conservative riding in southern Ontario, I believe both parties have

to find a way to work together more. Another letter from Woodstock, this one from Peggy Fraser. Would you please address why Pierre Poliev lost his seat and is allowed to take over someone else's seat? I understand how it can physically happen, but it seems very disrespectful to the people in his writing that decided he shouldn't have a seat in the next parliament. Okay, I'll try this. It's simply a long tradition for someone holding what's considered a safe seat to step aside to allow a party leader to win a seat. It's usually someone who's had a long parliamentary career and isn't too heartbroken to step aside. In 1984, remember, Elmer McKay stepped aside for his seat as the MP for Central Nova in Nova Scotia

to allow Brian Mulrooney to win the by-election in that seat. In 1990, Fernand resigned from his seat in Quebec to allow the new Liberal leader, Jean Chrétien, to enter the House of Commons in the by-election that followed. In the last Ontario election, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie did not win a seat, but she has chosen not to ask another Liberal to step aside and she is trying to be an effective opposition party leader from outside the legislature. The different thing about the Poliev situation, of course, is that he lost a seat and then looks for one of his MPs to step aside to let him run. So that made it different than Mulroney or Krechen.

But there are presidents, you know, Tommy Douglas, I think, I think it was Tommy Douglas, lost his seat in the election and then run in a, ran in a by-election. Michelle Kaufman in Toronto. My hope is that Mr. Carney and Mr. Poliev shake hands and work together as two grown men who both care deeply about Canada and Canadians. Let's show the world how a true democracy can work when egos and partisanship are not at play. I want to see respectful compromise. They both have a role to play in our future. Sebastian Mostovac writes from Zhuhai,

China. That's in the southern Guangdong province on the border with Macau. I'm grateful we're moving forward. I want to see visible progress by year's end to earn trust and momentum. I expect leaders across party lines choose unity over polarization. We have been a country of great potential for so long

that we've grown comfortable deferring it enough. Let's go Sean Aiken in Whitby, Ontario. I'm feeling a sense of relief that the election is now over We have a new leader and the country can relax somewhat and refocus on the USA trade issue I'm hoping Mark Carney can integrate some conservatives I'm hoping Mark Carney can integrate some conservatives, hopefully from Alberta and Saskatchewan, into his cabinet, or as advisors within special committees responsible for big ideas like immigration or energy exports. I'm hoping the country can take a rejuvenating, mind-clearing breath of fresh air and begin the process of change. Carolyn Amyott in Eels Lake North Coortha Township in

Peterborough County Ontario. Our new government's priority must be electoral reform. Despite the record-breaking voter turnout, it wasn't record-breaking. But in spite of what there was, the Canada is still a country divided. To protect our democracy and to bring civility and decorum back into our politics, we need to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. I believe proportional representation would help us address the anger and hate and foster unity. We only need to look south to see the results of two-party politics.

Alex Dueck in Vancouver. I'm hoping for unity and a stable government. Every minority election, federal or provincial, I hear some commentators saying, voters have sent a clear message. They want a minority and expect the parties to work together, as if there's some unified consciousness that directs our collective will. This is ridiculous. Most of us wanted either a red or blue majority, and almost half will be

disappointed with the result. Anita de Rosier in Toronto. I hope to see much-brill bridge building, physical bridges as part of promised infrastructure, but also many metaphorical bridges, bridges between parties and the supporters to acknowledge polarized views held especially between different age ranges, bridges between provinces to create one Canada with one economy, bridges to other countries to diversify our trading and defensive partners. And most importantly at this time, a huge bridge to the

US and Trump with no bridge tolls. Andrew Wilson in Harrow, Ontario. It's not far from the Point Pelley National Park. It's time to get to work. The carbon tax is gone. Trudeau is gone. Canada has had lethargic responses for my entire life, 26 years, 28 years. It's time to get to work, regardless of political stripe and partisanship. John Rowland in Kingsville, Ontario, just down the road from Harrell. Jagmeet Singh did the right thing for the party. He lost and stepped down. Pierre Poliev, you lost the popular vote, lost the election, lost your seat. Make room for someone new for a change.

For a change? Please, don't be so much like Trump, narcissistic and blind to the obvious. We've had enough of the both of you. Oh, and move out of your taxpayer funded, Stornoway opposition leader's residence too. He's got a problem on that story. In a similar vein, here's Peter Hackett in Stouffville,

Ontario. Now that Pierre Poliev is no longer an MP, does he get to continue to live in the residence at the expense of the taxpayers? We've all done some reading on that and I believe that Poliev remains leader of the Conservative Party, but without a seat, he cannot perform the duties of the official leader of the opposition in the House of Commons, which means he cannot live in Stornoway. That's why he wants somebody to step down and create a by-election for him, but that could take months.

Months. Rose McKee. It's another letter from Woodstock, Ontario. It's mind-boggling to me that it's even a discussion that Mr. Poliev should stay on as leader. I think Canadians have been pretty clear that they do not want any leader from the last 10 years, save for perhaps Ms. May. He lost his seat and was unable to pivot for an election that was an open net win. The Conservatives did well in spite of him, not because of him.

Carol Cornwell in LacCombe, Alberta. I think a minority government may make the governing party more accountable. What I would really like to know is why there were 91 candidates running in Ottawa-Carlton. PRP at Poliev's writing. I didn't know we had 91 registered political parties. Okay, the answer to the question, we don't have 91 registered parties, we have just 16. Only a registered party can have its name appear on the ballot with its candidates, can issue tax receipts for contributors, can access voter lists for electoral districts where it runs a candidate, and may be eligible for a partial reimbursement of its election expenses. That said, you don't have to be in a

party to run an election. Almost any Canadian citizen who's at least 18 years old can run as an independent by collecting a hundred signatures from people on the riding. Something called the Longest Ballot Committee recruits all these extra candidates to push its agenda for electoral reform. The candidates don't campaign and most don't live in the writing. As for why Poliev's writing, because it's high profile. The committee says it would have gone after Mark Carney's writing too, but he picked a writing so late that there wasn't enough time to collect signatures. Jothan South Farley in Cambridge, Ontario near Waterloo. The Conservative Party stands at a crossroads,

not between left and right, but between division and direction. True conservatism is about freedom, to believe, to disagree, to belong. Canada doesn't need more culture wars or regional battles. It needs a party that builds unity, not resentment. The future isn't oil or innovation. It's both. The question for me now isn't who leads, but whether they have the ability to move the party forward.

Melanie Ducharm in Verner, Ontario. That's not far from North Bay. I'm a proud member of the female over 55 demographic that did not and would not vote for Pierre Poliev if he was the last candidate on earth. Conservatives, in determining your next steps regarding your leadership, please remember two things. Statistically speaking, we are likely to outlive our golf-playing husbands, and most of us have raised smart, independent daughters who think like us. That's a good letter. Peter Thompson, Halifax.

The divisions in this country are not regional, they are generational. One generational cohort, the Boomers, consumed all of the work and savings of their parents, in Halifax. The divisions in this country are not regional, they are generational. One generational cohort, the Boomers, consumed all of the work and savings of their parents, consumed everything they produced themselves, and consumed everything their progeny will produce for two generations, all for their own pampered selves. I take offense to that. I think you're overgeneralizing for us Boomers. Carney promised them one last rate of the larder. As a Genzer, I followed these naval-gazing selfish hogs all through life and was able to carve out a good one despite them. My children have no such chance. Every public institution is

breaking or broken. My kids have left for the US. I will follow. Well, good luck with that. Ken Malegas in Regina. After the election, we still have a large segment of our population feeling disenfranchised from financial security in having housing, food on the table, and gainful employment. In the past feelings were expressed in the 1919 strike, the Christie Pitts riots, the battle at old Market Square, on to Ottawa Trek. My fear is that a segment of this group will be comfortable wearing brown shirts. What will Parliament do? Let's hope it doesn't get to that. Lynn Erickson, Calgary.

Mr. Trump will do what he wants regardless of who is sitting across the table from him. My priority is change within Canada and Mr. Carney started well by cancelling some liberal policies. Fast-tracking LNG projects would make our economy more resilient and lower worldwide emissions more than the carbon tax did. The productivity of our economy needs to increase. We can't keep depending on inventing new taxes to pay for our wishless. Yikes.

I'm not going to get anywhere near all these letters done today. Lynn Erickson in Calgary. Mr. Trump will do what he wants regardless of who is sitting across the table from him. I think I just read this. I did. Mark Manchester in Toronto. I am fairly happy with the results. The near majority reminds one of how any newcomer or marginalized person might feel the need to be keen, extra cooperativecooperative, industrious. Aim at becoming a team player in order to succeed and thrive. Humility, ambition, and unity.

I mourn the devastation of both NDP and Green parties, but hope their mindful missions and voices will still be heard. The new parliament feels distinctly Canadian. Marilyn Wallace in Fanny Bay, British Columbia. My post-election hope is that the Albertan political climate is less combative and more supportive of our new government. I grew up there. I know how hardworking and entrepreneurial Albertans are. Any talk of WExit is deeply concerning. I believe that our new PM will recognize the concerns and find the compromises we need for national stability.

Ian Gorman in Ottawa. We are fortunate in having a large minority government with multiple ways to form a coalition. As good as he is, Mark Carney will still benefit from a need to consider and reconcile multiple viewpoints. First priority is to extricate Canada from excessive dependency on US trade. Then we can start on longer, harder tasks like free trade within Canada and housing. Karen Shaw in Newcastle, Australia. Disappointment. A clear majority, liberal or conservative, would signify unity and resounding mandate in the face of upcoming US negotiations. A divided country, looming recession, Mr. Carney has many a challenge ahead. Rachel Evans in Aliston, Ontario. Carney's election presents

a unique opportunity for Canada because the population that elected him is comprised of voters from across the political spectrum. Although Carney's minority is strong, I would like to see MPs from other parties cross the floor. A united Canada is necessary to deal with Trump. Ian Gold Godsmann in Calgary. When it comes to parliamentary democracy, I generally favor a minority government, but this time is different.

Our PM needs an uncluttered path, as uncluttered a path as possible, to do what he needs to do to deal with our current situation vis-a-vis comover, collicula. That means majority. We need the skills that only Carney can offer. He's connected and he's smart as a whip. I trust him. Is it just me or does he kind of have an Obama vibe? Jacob Peterson in Winnipeg. After this election both parties must listen to the electorate's message.

For the liberals, they won, yes, but record conservative turnout shows that there is deep dissatisfaction with the last decade of governance that they ignore at their peril. For the conservatives, while there's clear support for change, Poliev losing his seat and weak personal polling

over highlight major issues with their upper leadership. Penny Robertson in Napanee, Ontario. I'm relieved that the Liberals won the election, but I am concerned that conservatives, especially in Alberta, will add it to their long lust of grievances. If the past is prologue, they'll cite it as another example of being ignored and disrespected in order to sow division. I don't expect them to give Prime Minister Carney a chance to succeed before starting

to play the independence card. Roger Labrisson in Prince Edward County, Ontario. I expect the Prime Minister to meet and actively engage with each of the opposition leaders on a regular basis, similar to the First Minister's meetings that have been held. There are many perilous obstacles that need to be navigated. This would be a key part of the nation-building process necessary to show the people of Canada that we are serious about being a unified country. Trying to squeeze in a few here.

Stephen Sands in Uxbridge, Ontario. The Conservatives should choose a leader who unequivocally condemns Manning's and Smith's inflammatory stoking of Albertan prairie separatism. Even Moe hasn't gone as far as them. That's the Saskatchewan premier. If the party doesn't and digs in with reactionary poly-Everest types, then principal progressive conservatives should sit as independents, or better yet, cross the floor. David Prime in Ottawa. Excuse me.

I'll be looking to see if our new parliament will be much more seized with their responsibilities than the last parliament, and seriously get to work to respond to the current challenges. This means in particular that the liberals and conservatives tone down their partisanship. Between them they won 85% of the vote. There's no one else to look to. Get to work. Two more. Greg Millage in Kingston, Ontario.

I worked the election on Monday and I interacted with virtually every voter who came through. We saw voters from every political persuasion and from every socioeconomic category. We saw young families and we saw the elderly. And we saw people who were almost certainly new Canadians. Everyone was polite. Everyone was cheerful. Everyone was visibly proud to be voting. That bodes well. Robin Banerjee in Calgary is our last letter for this week.

The vast majority of Canadians are united on several issues the federal government can meaningfully address, reducing barriers to intra-provincial trade, diversifying our international trade partnerships, increasing green and conventional energy production, better transportation infrastructure, and fortifying our national defense. It's time to put the energy of this unique historical moment to good use and get to work. Get it done. That's going to wrap up a very busy Your Turn for this week. Thanks so much for your comments and your letters from all across the country. It's always a treat to read them, even though I butcher some of the reading. Sorry about that. Tomorrow it's Good, it's good talk with, um, Chantelle Bear and Rob Russo. Can't wait to do that on a week like this. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Thanks so much for listening.

We'll talk to you again in almost 24 hours.