The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn on The Olympics, and The Random Ranter

Episode Date: February 5, 2026

For the next two weeks, people around the world will be making a choice about what they watch on their various devices -- the Olympics or anything else. Billions will choose the Olympics, but not everyone. And those different feelings are reflected on this week's Your Turn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

And hello there, Peter Mansperch here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of the bridge. The Olympics, they've started. It's your turn. And the random ranter coming right up. And hello there. Welcome to Thursday. Welcome to your turn.

Welcome to your thoughts about the Olympics, which you've kind of got underway to it already. But tomorrow is the official start when you have the opening ceremony. By the way, this is always. used to get me when I was helping with Ron McLean, Brian Williams, Scott Russell, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. We always used to, you know, when you talk about it and I know when when you write about it, most often people say the opening ceremonies and the opening and closing ceremonies. It's actually just one ceremony. It's the opening ceremony. It's the opening ceremony. Funny that. Anyway, that's tomorrow. In Italy, I've been broadcast around the world.

It's one of those moments. The Olympics are one of those moments where you have a sense the whole world is watching the same thing. There is a certain unity in it and it's captured in the opening ceremony when there's the parade of nations, oh, whatever it is now, almost a couple of nations involved in that march into the stadium. So we'll be looking for that tomorrow. The question this week was pretty simple. How do you feel about the Olympics? You're excited?

You care? What do you watch? That kind of stuff. So we've got lots of your answers. There's quite the story that unfolded last night, which we'll be talking about tomorrow on Good Talk with Shantown. Alan Bruce, but the Prime Minister Harper's speech last night, the former conservative leader, former conservative prime minister, was a bit of a blockbuster. I mean, he really came out swing on the issue of Canada-U.S. relations.

He wants no more Mr. Nice Guy. It's time to take on the U.S. in a big way. and Stephen Harper certainly made his feelings clear. And they're very different. I mean, let's not forget that just a couple of days ago when the current conservative leader, Pierre Polyev, gave his big speech in Calgary, before his party, the delegates to the convention

who represent all the members of the party, or that's what they're supposed to do, he never mentioned Donald Trump once in that speech. Never mentioned them. Stephen Harper did. Big time. So we'll hear that we'll have a discussion about that tomorrow

as it continues to sink in. But today is all about your turn and the random renter. But your turn is on the Olympics. So let's get at it. First letter comes from Robert McMillan in Hope River, PEI. Love it, watch it, miss it for four years. Winter, more than summer, as we are truly a winter nation. Eddie the Eagle, Edwards, remember the British ski jumper?

The Crazy Connects. Remember them? Four Canadian downhill skiers, Dave Irwin, Dave Murray, Steve Poborski, Ken Reed. Franz Klamor, the Austrian downhiller. The Miracle on Ice, 1980, the U.S. hockey team winning gold. Karen Magnuson, Elizabeth Manly, Taller Cranston, and Kurt Browning, of four Canadian figure skating champions. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

I won't miss it and will be tuned in for curling, downhill skiing, hockey, freestyle skiing, biathlon, and figure skating. All right, Robert. Robert's sitting in the couch. She's ready to go. Ken Pelashok in Newstad, Ontario. Traditionally, I haven't cared about sports.

However, I predict this Olympics I'll be cheering on Canada and Ukraine, just as I have lately with the four nations hockey and the Jays. I don't know why, but something about geopolitical turmoil has me wanting a scream at a ball or a puck. Go Canada and Slava Ukraine. Darren Shemmer in Vancouver. I've loved the Winter Olympics since Calgary in 1988. I watch everything I can. including documentaries on bobsled and ice dance.

Kate Wilson in Toronto. The Olympics are fun, but I really enjoy seeing the Paralympic Games. Such skill, enthusiasm, and tenacity of the athletes is something to be truly admired. The Paralympics, by the way, begin on March 6. So another month before they start, and they continue until March 15th. Obviously not as much coverage as the Olympics, but there is coverage every day for the Paralympics on CBC. They're good for them.

Mark Engleton in Barrier, BC. The Olympic organizations are corrupt. They profit on unpaid amateur athletes and local taxpayers. I believe Vancouver is still paying for their winter games years later and should have spent the money on housing or transit. The average Vancouverite could not afford to actually buy tickets for many events. I will not watch or support any Olympic Games for that reason.

Vancouver 2010 costs somewhere between $7 to $9 billion. That includes infrastructure costs like highways, which aren't officially Olympic costs. The organizing committee reported spending just under $2 billion and says its budget was balanced at the end. The city of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia turned down the chance to bid for the 2030 winter games, estimating a cost to taxpayers of $1 billion.

Don Dufour in Ottawa. As a bit of a sports nut, I'll absolutely be watching the Olympics, although I don't adjust my daily schedule to watch certain events live. I tune in during my downtime to enjoy whatever's on. Having said that, I'm fascinated by the new sport, Schemo, ski mountaineering, and we'll be sure to watch that. and will adjust my schedule to watch certain women's and men's hockey games live.

Ever heard of that skimo? Ski mountaineering is mostly about skiing up mountains, though some of the climbing is done on foot, and there is some downhill skiing involved as well. There are three medal events, one for men, one for women, and a mixed relay, but no Canadians qualified to participate. By the way, if you're planning to watch Canada's hockey games live, the women always play in the early afternoon, Eastern time.

That includes the gold medal game we hope they're in on Thursday, February the 19th. Canada's men play in both the morning and afternoon, Eastern Time. And the men's gold medal game is at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on the last day of the games, Sunday, February 22nd. Let's hope we're all up at 8 a.m. on that day. because obviously we want Canada to be in that game. Deb Broomfield in Montevideo, Uruguay, normally in Owens Sound, Ontario. I love the Winter Olympics.

Being from a country which experiences winter for a significant period of the year, we have some of the most exciting athletes to watch. I take in as many of the events as possible, and I'm drawn to ones on the hills that feature speed and real skill, as well as curling. Exciting.

Constant menzies in narrow Manitoba. I keenly watch both summer and winter games, but much prefer the sheer beauty of the Winter Olympics. All the ski events are most incredible, as is all the ice skating and speed skating events. Moguls and snowboarding make me wince, though. Watching high-calibre athletes compete is awe-inspiring and cheering for Canada,

is always thrilling. John Minchall in Comox Valley, BC, I'm not very concerned to the, sorry, I'm not very connected to the Olympics this year. I enjoy watching the Olympics when they are on. The Olympics are a good forum to allow for the best of every country to compete without conflict.

As for what I watch, I don't have a specific sport I favor over any other. I like to watch it all. It's fun to see all the various sports, and enjoy the competition. Rob B. Arneson in Carbury, Manitoba. My consternation with the modern corporate Olympics grows with the increase in wealth disparity

and affordability worldwide. The millions of tax dollars that support elite athlete endeavors and the CBC coverage is obscene to me in light of increasing societal and global disparities. I harken back to a time when true amateurs and reasonable costs made it more palatable. I love the competition and national pride factor, but not the hype and the cost.

Poor priorities. Ken Malagos in Regina. I leave shortly for Columbia, South America, for holidays, spending an extended staying with my families and my wife's family. Columbia will be sending a small contingent to the games. I'll say that only two athletes. These are the fourth winter games for Columbia. It's never won a medal.

Most countries have never won a medal. They're in the games. So I'll be watching when I can and see how the two countries, Colombia and Canada, will fare in Italy. Don't know how easy it will be to see the games there, but I'll like to see their impression. But I'll like to see their impression of curling. Lawrence Rainey in Muscoca, Ontario.

I love the Olympics. I love the pageantry of the opening closing ceremony, often quirky when in Europe, reflecting their unique cultures. The hockey, skating, skiing, snowboarding, everything. We'll be watching it a lot. Go Canada Go. Sure, the opening ceremony tries to reflect the country

they're being held in. And sometimes it's a challenge to know what exactly is going on. I remember doing the hosting the show in Alberville and France in, I think it was 92. And they never gave us a briefing and they never gave us any paperwork on what they were planning for their opening ceremony. And we got on there as I think it was Brian Williams and myself. And we didn't know what the heck was going on. It was really quite something. Lawrence Rainey.

Excuse me, in Muscoca, Ontario. I love the Olympics, love the pageantry of the opening and closing ceremony. Oh, I did that already. Michael Pash. Where's Michael? He's in Victoria. Here we go again.

Every two years, a goodly part of society, they alternate, right, every two years, winter, summer. A goodly part of society gets all hyped up about the Olympics. Some of us don't get it. Turns out that it's about a 60-40 split. About 40% of the population is just not that interested in sport. I don't know where you get the figures, but I assume they're correct.

It doesn't mean that we don't appreciate the athletic ability and prowess. We just couldn't care less about the whole team and competition thing. Ryan Hoyle in Bedford, Nova Scotia. I moved to Calgary months before the 1988 Winter Games. Eddie the Eagle, the Jamaican bobsledders, and watching the biathlon were very cool. Then came the tragedy of the Munich Summer Games. That was actually before, right? It was 1972.

The rise of steroids. That was 88. The morphing of the winter and summer games into massive advertising campaigns and the ever-escalating costs. In 1988, I was on the edge of my seat. In 2026, I doubt I'll even watch. watch. Cameron Chapas in LaSalle, Ontario. Our family has been avidly tuning into the Olympics since Beijing in 2008. I was there for that one, too. It's one of the few consistent world events

that is purposefully held to bring people together and invigorate humanity with a boost of optimism and fun. I'll never forget the Vancouver 2010 hockey final between the U.S. and Canada. Our entire family leaped into the air when Crosby scored the winning goal. It's definitely brought us together. Randy Nessett in Victoria, BC. As a Norwegian-born Canadian who grew up on skis and whose sons went through the Nancy Green program, we will all be following and watching the Olympics. I lived in Calgary during the 88 Olympics and went to many events, but mainly the skiing and

skating events. So much fun. You know, this is interesting, right? No country has won more medals in the Winter Olympics than Norway, which has secured 405 medals heading into 2026. The United States is second, way behind, with 330. Canada has 226. Norway is a winter nation, but small, right? Small country in terms of population.

and certainly smaller than the U.S. Ruth Ridley in Winkler, Manitoba. I watch as much of the Olympics as I can. I watch because I love to see the athletes get a chance to showcase their skills. After all of their hard work, it's their time to shine, and it's only right for the country to cheer them on.

Michelle Langen in Maple Ridge, B.C. The Olympics, I love them. I watch every event that my day-to-day life will accommodate. My favorites, are at the Winter Olympics. Speed skating, curling, skiing, snowboarding, hockey, and everything in between. I'm going to visit my best friend tomorrow for a week

and she isn't as captivated as by these games. I'm hoping I can open her eyes to the joy of cheering on our athletes. Mark Manchester in Toronto. Yay, Olympics, summer, winter, both are important, fun to watch, inspiring. Mostly it's wonderful to view. the athleticism and camaraderie of all the participants. Goodwill and harmony is on display, so desperately needed, especially now.

Liz Robinson in Leith, Ontario. That's just outside of Owen Sound. Oh, Peter, you will be disappointed in me. I do not watch or care about the Olympics. I do not associate it with nationalism. It's also stilted, defining who is allowed to perform for which country, on what criteria. Not disappointed in you.

I'm just eager to hear different opinions and we're certainly getting them today. Marilyn Sewell in Paris, Ontario. I'll be taking special interest in the Olympic speed skating events this year. My nine-year-old granddaughter is in her second year of this sport. She's already had race times that put her into the provincial level for next year. The smile on her face when she races is a little. just magical. I want to help her see what's possible.

Love that. Thank you, Marilyn. John Cockburn in Chelsea, Quebec, just north of Ottawa. Beautiful little town. I'm a big fan of sports in the Olympics. Despite the financial and political corruption in the movement, the sport performances are usually transcendent, positive in so many ways, and promote unity. I really enjoy the sports that we seldom have a chance to see. Jim Steele in Toronto The Olympics have become over-commercialized

with sponsorships and advertising The host city selection is corrupt and ultimately an expensive and bogus infrastructure investment The judged events are subject to bias and corruption They matter to those who are interested And not everyone is interested Chetch-Sani in Vancouver As an immigrant to Canada, the Olympics were the first event that gave me a true sense of patriotism.

Watching the country rally behind our athletes made me embrace Canada on a deeper level. I watch as many events as I can because the athletes reflect the best of us. The 2026 Winter Olympics will feel extra special and I'll be especially tuned in for any Canada versus United States matchups. Bring on the hockey game, right? We all remember what happened in the Four Nations Cup, those American players, many of whom pick up Canadian checks because they play for Canadian teams,

really get up for these games. Remember what happened on that last one. So you won't be alone, chat in waiting for that Canada-US hockey game. But as you say, Canada versus U.S. and other sports as well. Wendy Cecil in Toronto, I love all things winter, so all sports in the upcoming Olympics hold great appeal. But it isn't just the snow and cold.

I watch to appreciate the stunning, physical, and emotional discipline and beauty of athletes, dedicated for many years through tough conditions, injuries, and financial hardship to perfect their skills and compete to be the best. My passion for Canada and our youth

with powerful dreams compel me to watch. Let's get one more before we take our break and then also hear from the Random Renter. T.C. Sang in Vancouver. I always enjoy the winter games more than its summer counterparts because I find the speed and element of danger in winter sports to be exciting.

Besides hockey, I'll be watching short track speed skating and snowboard and ski cross. Furthermore, in any Olympics, I'll be cheering for two teams. Canada, my adopted home, and Hong Kong, my place of birth. T.C. added a PS, which is interesting. I always follow international sporting competitions because I participated in one, the 2007 Asian Winter Games, representing Hong Kong in men's hockey. We didn't do very well, but it was a great memory. He also added a couple of pictures of what he looked like in hockey gear, and he looked great.

You know, I can remember one of the last times I was in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, in spite of the political issues that's around it. There's something about Hong Kong going on a star ferry from across the waters to Hong Kong Island. I used to get up early 5.36 in the morning just to go on the star ferry, just for the experience. But one of the last times I was there,

I spoke to a Canadian group who had something to do with the hockey league there. and they gave me for Willie actually because it didn't fit me the hockey like sweater and that was great and you know I had no idea they played hockey in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's like almost on the equator right that's not exactly hockey town but they play and there's a good little league there and T.C. was in it look good for him. Okay. We're going to take our break. And then we're going to come back and

and hear what the random ranter has to say today. He's always got something to say, right? So we'll do that right after this. And welcome back. You're listening to The Bridge, the Thursday episode. That means it's your turn and it's your comments on the Olympics, which are just getting underway and how you feel. about them, whether you'll be watching, what you'll be watching.

There's lots more of your letters coming up. But you're listening on Sirius XM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, are on your favorite podcast platform. Time now, though, for the weekly random renter. What does he got to say about whatever's on his mind? We're going to find out all about that right now, right? me cue them up. We love the Randobrancher.

Here's his take for this week. When BC Premier David Eby called Alberta separatists, traitors, I really think he was letting his emotions get the better of him. I mean, calling people traitors just gets their backs up. Remember when Hillary called Trump supporters deplorables? Once the Maga Masses learned what that word meant, they leaned right into it. So I don't think calling people traitors is all that constructive. It's emotional. And if Alberta

ends up having a referendum, the last thing we need is people voting to send a message based on the feeling of being disrespected. Instead of calling people names, we should be listening to their concerns and calmly addressing them with facts. Because to me, the facts overwhelmingly point to a better, more predictable, safer future for Alberta within Canada. So let's talk about what a sovereign Alberta would look like financially. And let's use some of the separatists' own numbers. They've been pretty open about meeting with some high-level Americans in order to secure $500 billion U.S. dollars of credit.

So let's use that number. Now let's add in their share of the Canadian national debt. That sits at about $44,000 per person. So with 5 million people in Alberta, that's another $220 billion. Plus, there's the provincial debt of another $85 billion. So talk about starting in a hole. That's a lot of debt right off the hop. And just servicing it would be about $32 billion a year. That's a lot more than the roughly $4 billion Alberta pays right now. equalization payments. But hey, maybe my numbers are off. Maybe a sovereign Alberta won't need all of the

$500 billion from the U.S. to set up their own military or to replace all the federal government support for health care, education, social services, and infrastructure. But if they haven't managed to balance the provincial books with all that oil revenue, how are they going to balance them with all that extra debt and all the added federal responsibilities? That's a lot to saddle taxpayers with, yet I don't hear separatists acknowledging the obvious tax increases that will come with sovereignty. But hey, maybe business will boom without the shackles of woke federal oversight. Well, if we use Brexit or the near miss of the Quebec referendum in 1995 as an example, it probably won't. Where separatists see nothing but opportunity, capital

sees risk. They want stability. Separatists might be willing to, jump in the deep end, but foreign investment will want to test the waters first. Then there's the issue of labor. Canada has fueled the Alberta labor market for generations through internal migration. Will all those people want to stay in a separate Alberta? How much of a brain drain will there be? And what about the future of Alberta? Sure there's oil, and Alberta has been a half province for over 50 years because of it. But nothing lasts forever. You can stick your head in the oil sands all you want, but there's a reason it's tough to find private takers to build a new pipeline, and it's not all the fault of BC or coastal First Nations or federal regulations. Peak oil is looming, and when it hits,

what's the plan? I know it sounds crazy, but at some point in the next 50 years, Alberta could be a have-not province. Still want to go it alone? Look, I know I'm approaching this like it's pretty black and white, stay or separate, when in reality an independent Alberta could exist in a redefined Canadian Federation or some other type of relationship. It could even end up as the 51st state, or worse, it could end up entirely dependent on a mercurial U.S., the same way Belarus is to Russia. Part of me thinks that would be just fine with a lot of the conservatives driving the separatist movement. I mean, I know of only one premier that's been to Mara Lago, and that's Daniel Smith. But my point is, no one knows what a sovereign Alberta would look like.

It could be all prairie roses, or it could be a nightmare. But why take the chance? Why risk it? Do you really believe it would be greener on the other side? Are you watching so much Fox News you're missing? what's really going on in America right now? We don't need weaker bonds between us. We need a strong federation and leaders at all levels and in all parties to step up. Now is not the time for playing politics, and it's certainly not the time to entertain separation of any kind. There's just too

much risk involved. And for those of you, Albertans out there harboring thoughts of separation, who think I'm overstating things, let me ask you this. How many, you, divorces start amicably and then go completely off the rails. In a breakup of any kind, anything is possible. Just ask a lawyer. There you go. The random ranter for this week, strong words about some of the stuff that's going on in Alberta. And we go back and forth every week trying to assess exactly what's the strength of that movement to leave Canada. Let's just say it's not insignificant. And as a result, the discussions will continue, the debates will continue, and in some cases, the anger will continue.

The Random Rantor for this week. All right, let's get back to your turn, your thoughts, your letters. about the Olympics, which, as I said, I've already kind of started in some sports, but the actual kind of official start is tomorrow night in Italy, so it's earlier in the day here in North America, with the opening ceremony. And you, of course, can watch that broadcast live on CBC. All right, back to our letters.

Frank Wang in Surrey, BC. I'll be primarily watching curling and hockey. The winter games lack head-to-head events, which makes them less exciting than the summer games, in my opinion. I think what Frank's getting to there is, he means there are more judged and timed events rather than races where first to the finish wins or team games where outscoring the opposition gives you a winner.

In fact, back to his letter, in fact, that's how I discovered Olympic, Back in 2014, I was trying to find an exciting sport to follow. And, oh, boy, was I rewarded with a spectacle? And it is a spectacle. You know, I've been watching curling since my Manitoba days. And, you know, we had some great curlers in Manitoba back in those days. The Big O-horse, Melischuk.

It was a Melischuk. Donny Doogood. The Dudar twins used to love watching them when they were curling the front end of the Barry Fry rink. Anyway, I used to watch a lot of curling. Not so much now, but during the Olympics I'll watch. Incredible shot making. Harold Gold, that's a good name for an Olympic fan. Harrell's in Calgary.

It's not any one sport, not even hockey, that I love about the Olympics. It is that we get together, regardless of race, religion, politics, and rally around the Canadian flag and those who represent it. now with all the talk of separation, we need this more than ever to remind us of who we are. Marilyn Wallace, and now Maryland, as we all know, is normally in Fannie Bay, B.C., but she's on holidays in Southeast Asia these days. She's in Hoyan, in Vietnam, but she still listens to the podcast. I hardly pay any attention to sports until the Olympics are happening. That's when I become interested in the personal stories of the Olympians, marvelling at their determination and grit.

But this year, I'm so angry with the United States that my attention will be drawn to any Canada-US competition instead. More than ever, I want our Canadian athletes to win. Victory would be ever so sweet. Susan McAvoy in Halifax, I love the Olympics. Yes, the Canada U.S. hockey games top the list, but I do watch all the sports that Canadians are participating in. CBC offers the best coverage, bar none. They cover every sport and don't just focus on Canadian athletes, but the world's best athletes.

I just pulled out my $10 maple leaf mittens from the 2010 Olympics and will be sporting them with pride for the next few weeks. 2010 was a great year, Vancouver Olympics. I carried a torch for a stretch. in those Olympic games in Stratford, the hometown. Avis seeds in Galliano Island, British Columbia. The Olympics are unnecessary, too much money spent by countries who go into massive debt to host them.

For what purpose, really, someone can jump, higher, ski, faster, run faster? So what? Millions spent for an elite group of people who do nothing else. They should be canceled. Don Charlton in Waterloo, Ontario. In these unsettling times, the chance to support Olympic athletes coming together to represent their countries will be a breath of fresh air. And it will be especially fun to watch women's hockey, including 61 players from the brand new PWHL, on eight of the competing teams.

Most of all these winter games are an opportunity for Canadian citizens. to celebrate with national pride. United, strong, and free. Go, Canada, go. Ian Hebblethwaite in Moncton, New Brunswick. Will I watch the Olympics? Yes, every moment I can. We here in Canada are so lucky.

There probably isn't another nation with better Olympic coverage than ours. My favorite story about watching the Olympics is many years ago I had a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax that didn't own a TV, but every four years would rent one to watch. Chris Irwin, who was a great CBC sports broadcaster

and now an executive. He was the executive producer of CBC's Olympic coverage for years. Chris says his family was exactly the same. No TV, but his dad rented one. for the Olympics. Michael Sue in Waterloo, Ontario. I plan to watch the Olympics to support our Canadian athletes. Elite athletes don't become elite without the hard work,

focus, discipline, struggles, and the relentless support from their families, friends, and teammates. I plan to watch the skiing, snowboarding, bobsled, and luge events, plus some of the hockey games. Scott Burke in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Like most Canadians, I usually focus on hockey, curling, and speed skating. However, during these games,

I will also watch and learn about freestyle skiing, especially the aerial competition as I have a cousin who may be representing Canada in a future Olympics. Christine Franzen in Dundas, Ontario. I can't wait. I love watching these talent. young athletes who have worked so hard to achieve such a level of excellence.

I have my family hat, excuse me, I have my Canada hat ready to cheer on our team. It feels even more important to support our team in our country in light of the threat lurking to the south. Let the games begin. Mariam Rajabali in Colonna, BC. I enjoy the Olympics in a very low commitment way, opening ceremony, closing ceremonies, it's ceremony, and lots of background TV.

While I go about my day, but really figure skating is my favorite, always has been. Erica Wyborn in Victoria. I may watch some. I like non-juried, measurable events of which there are more in the summer. I do prefer Olympic hockey to the NHL.

Bigger rink no-wads is, no fighting. Well, it's going to be a smaller rank. Usually is in Europe. I think you'll see ads, either on players' jerseys or on the boards or something. I could be wrong about that, we'll see. No fighting? Let's see.

Let's wait for the Canada-U.S. game, see what happens. Mike Wright in Amhertsburg, Ontario. I love the Olympics. It's great cheering for Canadian athletes. And I'm excited to be on vacation this week to watch. I love hockey, curling, ski jumping, and those painful-looking moguls. I'd never watched rugby until the Olympics, but what a gladiator sport. Summer or winter, love them all.

Robin Ward in Edmonton. My favorite Olympic event to watch is long-track speed skating. I love the long, slow. glides of the longer distances. I remember in the 1990s being transfixed watching Johnny or Johann Koss glide smoothly across the ice. He was a Norwegian athlete.

He won four gold medals over the years. Canada's had some outstanding long-track speed skaters over the years. In fact, Canadian long-track speed skaters have won 42 Olympic medals, the country's greatest total in any winter sport. There you go. Didn't know that.

Richard Favreau in Colonna's. Well, in Colonna, BC. I'm an Olympic junkie. 1960 to 1972 games, I read every relevant article in the local paper. At 76, I burst with pride when Team Canada entered the stadium in Montreal's opening ceremony. 2000, I took my son to Sydney, Australia,

games, and marveled at the range of Languble. which is in the stadium. 2010, I was in Vancouver and saw one of the best hockey games ever. Looking forward to Milan, Los Angeles, and future games. Murray Sherman in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I've watched the Olympics since I was 13. Even in our overly commercialized society, it's nice to see athletes come together to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.

And even though I prefer the Summer Olympics, I'm really looking forward to the upcoming games. games because if nothing else, I think all of us Canadians could use a two-week distraction in the middle of the coldest month of the year, and cold it has been. Ben Sumac in Regina I'll probably watch some Olympic hockey and the occasional highlights, but the Olympics are not must-see TV for me. The corruption of the IOC going back to the days of Avery Brundridge, and continuing through

Sochi in 2014. and beyond. The ridiculous sports like breakdancing, surfing, and golf have turned me off it. I try to watch the Paralympics, as for me, these athletes embody the true Olympic spirit. In my opinion, they do not get near enough exposure as they deserve. Well, that's maybe the case, but you're a national broadcaster that you pay for, the CBC, covers the Paralympic games with programming every day. Now, it's nowhere near the exposure. The Olympics that are to start now I get, but it is exposure.

Here's our final letter of the week. It comes from Garden Bay, British Columbia, and it's written by Deborah Bram. I love the passion, the enthusiasm, and the dedication to athletes, athletic and artistic excellence that the Olympic Games represent. Respectful competition with the highest standards and under strict regulation may be criticized and can continually be improved. But I believe that bringing global attention to the ideals of fairness and exceptional human achievement

is always uplifting and inspiring. Interesting note to end on. As I've said, you know, I've been at the games, you know, is it almost every games between 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, those were summer games, to the summer games in Rio, and whatever year that was, 2016. And I always, I always enjoyed them, even when the challenging ones that kind of ended up in controversy. like the very first one I was at. Soul, Ben Johnson, steroids. But the thing that always captured me was knowing that this is one of those

few events on the calendar where you can assume a good part of the world is watching the same thing, especially the big ceremony, the opening ceremony, where billions are said to be watching. So when you look at the globe,

no matter what time of day it is in any particular location, the odds are people in that part of the world are watching the same thing that we are. And there's a certain global unity in that. Whether that will happen over these next two weeks, I guess we'll have to wait and see. But there's no doubt that a good part of the world could use that kind of feeling,

that kind of global unity now more than ever. Thank you for all your letters this week. Have enjoyed reading them. Looking forward to tomorrow's good talk, there will be, as there always is. Lots to talk about with Bruce Anderson and Chantelle-A-Barre. That'll come your way on all our platforms.

That means here on Sirius XM, but also in our podcast and also on our YouTube channel. Hope you pick one of those platforms or all of them to watch and listen. It's a good talk. That's going to do it for today. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Thanks so much for listening. We'll talk to you again in less than 24 hours.