The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- What Makes A Good Politician? Plus The Random Ranter on Trump, Again!

Episode Date: March 6, 2025

We could be facing a national election in days and at that point control is in your hands.  So, here's the question of the week: what qualifications are you looking for that make a good politician? 

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of The Bridge. It's Thursday, it's your turn. And the question of the week, what do you see as the qualifications for a good politician? That's coming right up. And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. Well, perhaps it's because there's likely to be an election very soon. Could be within the next couple of weeks that an election is called after the Liberals pick their new leader, who will eventually be the next Prime Minister, at least for a while. An election is due this year, and perhaps it's due very soon.

So we'll find all that out in the next little while. But meanwhile, it seems to have you thinking about politicians and who should be there and who should the choice be in terms of their background. You know, it was a couple of months ago we had a question that was somewhat similar. We asked, what do you see as the qualities of a good politician? This week is a little different.

It's what do you see as the best qualifications for a prime minister and a leader and a politician. Now, you could argue those are pretty much the same. They're a little bit different, qualities versus qualifications, but they're also kind of the same. But I'll tell you this, didn't stop you from writing lots of letters once again. We're playing a little more hardball on the length of letters, by the way.

You know, we keep asking you, please keep them short so we can get as many in as possible. And yet some of you just totally ignore that. So this is the last week where we'll be editing. After that, we're just not reading the long ones. Because, you know, it takes time to edit and to edit fairly.

And the longer they are, it takes time away from others. So enough from me. Let's get at it. Don Whitmore in Kelowna, B.C. To me, the most important criterion for a politician to earn my vote is that they must live in the community and have a track record of positive secular contributions to the community. I'll not vote for an airlifted candidate or a warm body candidate.

The next criterion is, do their values align with mine? They must believe in a woman's rights for her own body. They must believe in social justice, equal rights, indigenous rights, and taxation of the rich. Brent Kobelka in Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan. That's West Central Saskatchewan. I prefer politicians to be aligned with my own personal values and appropriately consider these when making decisions. Balanced with that, I look for candidates that have real-world experience. This is another way of suggesting I loathe career politicians.

Decisions of government are multifaceted, and candidates with positive, successful CVs in areas of health, education, public safety, finance, business, etc. are all important for consideration. Lastly, I look for candidates that are not 100% ideologically centered in their approach to problem solving. I firmly believe good ideas are not only held by parties that are in government. I think if we had more working together in our political processes, we'd all be better off for it. James Ratke in Victoria, BC. Two qualifications I consider important to

be a politician. One, the person is sincere in their convictions and can express them eloquently. Two, the person can represent my country or riding with strength and dignity. Sadly, I've not seen these two qualifications in the persons I voted for in the recent past. As a result, I tend to vote for the person I hate the least in most elections. Wish that were not the case, but that is the reality we live in. David Seed in Cleveland, Ohio, one of our American listeners, and we've got quite a few, especially lately. Here's what Davidid writes from cleveland we look for politicians who can articulate

articulately aggressively and responsibly advance the agenda of the party or movement an individual who can raise money and lead a campaign and exhibit leadership skills an individual with humility and can relate to his or her constituents. Ideally, an individual who, if successful, will listen to, consider the opinions, and take into account the agenda of those who voted for the other candidate. Honesty, honestly, is a plus. Yet sadly, in 2025, that may be too much to ask for. Wouldn't that be too sad? Joe Cavallo in Toronto. Aside from honesty, character, and just plain center of the political spectrum sanity, tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. Then be prepared to take the hard action needed in as civil a way as possible.

We risk going down the drain unless somebody steps up. Marcy Taylor in Toronto. I think the most important skills for a politician are to be able to listen and learn. Politicians have to make decisions on a wide variety of complex problems. They need to listen to multiple experts, reflect on what they have heard, and then make decisions. A corollary of this means that they would need to be able to change their mind from previous positions based on new information. Kyle Ady in Peterborough, Ontario. Give me a society that values community over individualism, one that values health over wealth and education over entertainment,

one that values the environment over exploitation for profits and conveniences, one that recognizes that other people are people too. A society that can know the truth from a lie. The politician that society would elect in a free and fair election is my ideal politician. Caelan McCullough in London, Ontario. Qualifications of a politician, a record, whether political or professional, that demonstrates integrity, stewardship, courage

in the face of adversity. They must have knowledge of the office and its responsibilities, the savvy to build political consensus, and a vision for their constituency that is both inspirational and viable. Marilyn Wallace, Fanny Bay, British Columbia. Ordinary people do not make the best politicians,

but the best politicians have a clear vision for a country of ordinary people. They have both the wisdom and the experience to see the big picture. Not only can we trust their integrity, we can also count on them to make the tough decisions that are best for society as a whole. Most importantly, they genuinely care about all of us. Callum Arnold in Ottawa. I seek a simple but deceptively rare quality in politicians. I wish to support. Integrity, representatives, and leaders vary in their characters, background, philosophies, and visions, but if I know that they will adhere to their own stated principles,

to the oaths they swear, to the promises that they make to those they represent. They have my vote. Jean McCarthy in Lethbridge, Alberta. Perhaps politicians seem deceptive because of the disconnect between campaigning and governing. The skills required to win an election have little to do with the tedious, slow work that follows.

We are charmed by outgoing, gregarious individuals and send them off to a job that requires endless hours of sitting, reading, and thinking, not to mention the solitude of leaving one's community for weeks at a time. Michelle Aldridge in Calgary. She sent a list of qualities she looks for in a politician, which says, and she says they're not in any order. Here they are.

Trustworthy, skilled speaker, inclusive nature, compassionate, honest, intelligent, dedicated, and a fierce negotiator. John Minchell in Comox Valley, BC. I would like a politician whose primary goal is to serve and represent all the people of the area he or she is responsible for. I would also like someone who puts others before themselves and does their best to follow through with their plans and promises, despite challenges that may arise from previous administrations. Someone who is straightforward and owns up to their mistakes would also be desirable. Most of all, I would like someone that will represent our country

with honor, both domestically and internationally. Debbie Prince in Squamish, B.C. Truthfulness and love of Canada. Troy Wilson in Victoria, B.C. To listen well, think well, speak well, act well. These all sound simple and all sound easy, but none of them is. Pat Grassi in Montreal. I used to choose primarily based on the candidate's platform. However, in our upcoming

federal election, I will also look for character and economic know-how. We need a prime minister who can remain cool in the face of inevitable Trumpian provocations. No one wins when they become a character in the reality show in the White House. Richard Knight in Kelowna, B.C. What we would really like to see are people who have integrity and empathy and organizational skills. I believe people are really sick and tired of all the lying, deceit, posturing, and optics. It really is sickening. Even when we get into a discussion of diplomacy, it is still deceitful because it amounts to manipulation. Janus Stein suggested

that Zelensky should have lost his cool and been diplomatic in the Oval Office, not have lost his cool and been diplomatic in the Oval Office. In other words, manipulative to get what he wants. People are just sick and tired of optics, which is a euphemism for manipulation. Robin Sagan in Wasega Beach, Ontario. I believe that there are a few qualifications to be a successful politician. They are active listener, effective communicator, well-rounded knowledge about the country, including its history, well-documented decision-making skills, a problem solver that takes responsibility for good and poor outcomes, personable,

James Burrow in Victoria. Competence, morals, an understanding that your words and actions matter, and a willingness to show up publicly and be counted in good times and in bad. Nico Harvey in North Vancouver. For me, the values of honesty, integrity, and consistency, but importantly, the ability to listen and reconsider positions

when the data shows they are wrong. Politicians get things wrong all the time, but how often do they admit to getting it wrong? And not just when an election is on the horizon. Worse more often than not, it seems like they double down. Jane Keast in Canmore, Alberta. Politicians should be required to have actually worked a minimum of five years in the real world

before being a candidate for a political party, and a minimal security check. Volunteers have to have one to partake in many organizations and schools. Those in government need to prove they are trustworthy. All party leaders must have qualified for the fully detailed security clearance before taking their seat in government, federal and provincial. No exceptions. I believe this should also apply to senior cabinet members. The world has changed, and we need to update our processes. Michael Pash in Victoria, B.C.

Probity, integrity, and intelligence. Confidence without ego. A suitable resume. In other words, qualified by life and experience to do the job required. A point of view, but not a doctrinaire adherence to ideology. Practical and pragmatic. Finally, direct and forthright. Don't lie. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. An important sidebar, however, is what I expect from citizens and voters. Don't be swayed by slogans and clips. Look for substance. Recognize when you're being fired up by useless rhetoric. Roger Lavreason in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Someone who has knowledge of finance, economics, and the law, qualities that contribute to coherent policy. Sadly, what I've witnessed has been decades of repeated short-term policy decisions emanating from all major political parties,

essentially self-serving governmental minutiae encapsulated inside a bubble that outside voices of reason cannot penetrate, all lacking long-term vision. Christina Hayes in North Vancouver, B. BC, she sent a list as well. Here's her list. Good communication. Tell me your ideas succinctly and clearly. Compassion for all Canadians, especially those that are struggling. Intelligence. I don't care if you have extensive formal education,

but be able to problem solve and be aware of what's going on in the world. Someone who's done some traveling outside of Canada. I think this helps with the compassion part, especially towards new immigrants. Ken Peleshock in Newstead, Ontario. A good politician sells a vision for the country and makes the country believe we're capable of getting there.

Tim Stott in Kennesaw, Manitoba. That's on Lake Manitoba, northwest of Winnipeg. They should be from the riding and reside in the riding permanently, be open and honest in all government dealing, and in no way should they or any business they are involved with or have ever been involved profit from the fact that they are in public office. Deborah Sachs in Ottawa. I'm looking for a politician who sees their job, their responsibility, as working for all Canadians, not to advance their party in the polls, not to respond only to special interest groups, not to just criticize the actions of other parliamentarians without offering solutions. My perfect politician would be willing and able to work with everyone in all political parties and in

the private sector to find ways to make life better for all Canadians. Tracy Wang in Surrey, BC. When I was young, I thought a politician should ideally be a positive figure, someone who listens to the people, actively serves them, and possesses admirable personal qualities. However, in reality, politicians are often linked with arrogance, selfishness, corruption, and scandals, becoming objects of public criticism and ridicule. Yet in today's global political landscape, the leaders we truly need are those who can face criticism, misunderstandings, hardships, and relentless attacks with unwavering resolve. They must have the strength, intelligence, and resilience to wrestle in the mud with those formidable bullies or villains, even ten times their size, like David and Goliath. And most importantly, whether covered in mud during the fight or standing under the sunshine, they always remember who they are and whom they're fighting for.

Someone like Zelensky today. Jason Harnett in Hagersville, Ontario. That's about 45 minutes south of Hamilton. Jason writes, a person whose love for their community or country surpasses their own self-importance. That's a good one, eh? A person whose love for their community or country surpasses their own self-importance. Vane Vellampallo in Edmonton. A politician must have integrity and moral courage and an ability to listen to the people she or he represents. A politician, particularly one with

national leadership aspirations, must be well-schooled in national and world history in order to articulate a meaningful backstory to the complex issues of the day. If need be, in times of crisis, as FDR and Churchill did in the 1930s and early 40s, a politician must also educate their fellow citizens and stiffen national resolve. Zach Shalala in Moncton, New Brunswick. We elect our members to represent us in the various levels of government. So when we ask who should be elected, we should ask who are we as Canadians?

The answer being we are a mosaic of people from different cultures, religions, gender, and sexual identities. So why should one type of person represent us? When people in power reflect the diversity of those they represent, they are in a stronger position to drive meaningful change and address the unique challenges faced by these communities and thus truly represent the people. We're coming up to our break, but here, one more letter before we do that. Marilyn Sewell in Paris, Ontario. To be a good politician, you have to have very thick

skin and yet be very comfortable to your own skin and in your own skin. You have to be very self-aware and be approachable. And even if you completely disagree with the views of your constituents, you have to keep listening with sincerity because one day one of those ideas might just be what you need to be able to succeed okay let's take a break but let me thank you first of all these there's some great letters here you know i love it when you sit down and think about it for a bit before you write. And that's what you've done this week. There's some wonderful ideas in here

about what's needed, what the qualifications are to be a successful and responsible politician. And I know we have a lot of MPs and senators who listen to our program, and they listen to your turn for good reason. They want to hear what their constituents are saying, constituents being any Canadian. And they're getting some ideas here, for sure. When we come back, we're going to take our break. When we come back,

I've got a letter I want to read to you that's not one of the letters of the week. But it's not a bad preface to the random ranter who's standing by, scratching at the ground, ready to go again for yet another week on the Trump story. So this is going to be an interesting, a couple of things, but, uh, first of all, let's, uh, let's take our break because breaks are good. We'll be back right after this.

And welcome back. You're listening to the bridge, the Thursday episode. That's your turn. And the random ranter right here on SiriusXM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, or on your favorite podcast platform. Glad to have you with us from wherever you are. I got a letter this week. It came, it's kind of a circuitous route.

It came to SiriusXM, our parent company, and they flipped it on to me. A trauma woman in North Carolina who listens to our program because the bridge is heard right across North America. And therefore, well, it's actually heard around the world if you download the podcast. And as a result, we get letters from heard around the world if you download the podcast. And as a result, we get letters from all around the world, and we get a lot of letters from the U.S. So Vicki wrote this from North Carolina. I'm just going to read a little bit of it.

I live in North Carolina. I enjoy listening to Canada Talks while driving. I particularly like your program and the opportunity to hear Canadian viewpoints on current events. Most recently, actions by America's president has drawn much attention. Millions of American voters, like myself,

awoke on November 6, 2024, in total dismay that Trump was re-elected. On January 20, the Trump destruction went into full swing, and in little over a month, he has wreaked havoc, both in America and elsewhere, and alienated our allies around the world, most notably our neighbor Canada. I've heard your listeners' comments about Trump's 25% tariff and his very insulting and ridiculous statement to make Canada America's 51st state. He thrives on disruption, chaos,

and the deep-seated need to destroy norms and anyone who opposes him. I completely understand Canadians' negative reactions to Trump and thus the United States. Your Canadian pride is commendable and enviable. I hope that our Canadian neighbors will remember that tens of millions of us Americans vehemently oppose the Musk-Trump demolition team on a daily basis. And we continue to be alarmed and embarrassed by the felon president of the United States.

Thank you, Vicki, for going to the trouble of sending that letter along. And I think it's important for us to keep in mind, you know, and I hate to admit it, but sometimes we forget that there are millions of Americans who totally disagree with the attitudes of their president,

especially as it relates to our country. So nice to hear from you on that. Having said that, cue the random ranter and his latest. Here he is. What a week for the world. What a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. It really can't be understated.

This was the week the United States dropped all pretense and went full on ugly American for all the world to see. And my oh my, it's been ugly. What Trump did to Zelensky in the Oval Office was despicable. It left no doubt as to what a heinous anus Trump really is. He's consistently undermined Ukrainian sovereignty and echoed Russian talking points. But now the facade is fully dropped. He's completely cutting them off and voting against them at the UN with the likes of North Korea and Iran. It's a seminal moment, a massive tectonic shift,

and it's shaken the world to the realization that the United States is no longer the leader of the free world. In fact, they may be quite the opposite. But exactly what they are, no one knows. Maybe the easiest way to figure it out is by talking about what they aren't. And at the top of that list is reliable. Trump's America is like a meth head on a sugar high. Erratic and a danger to everyone, especially themselves. I keep hearing his officials desperately trotting out talking points like part of the deal, method to the madness, and part of the deal method to the madness and

part of the strategy but they're not fooling anyone no one knows what his end game is because there is no end game trump is driven by the whims of a toddler he has no integrity and short of his zero-sum approach to life he has no principles principles. In fact, I'd go as far to suggest we should try bribing him to make the tariffs go away. Maybe $20 billion and Banff Springs Golf Club would do it. But with the Saudis, Musk, and the Russians ahead of us driving up the price, I'm not sure even that offer would cut it. But look, even if you could buy him off, what's the point? I mean, he might be for sale, but he's also very much buyer beware. His word, his handshake, his signature, they all mean nothing. Think about it. He's torn up the USMCA that he negotiated and that he signed just so he could start a self-sabotaging trade war

with his closest ally. Add to that his Zelensky stunt and the world has finally realized without a doubt that NATO will be next. And no more NATO? That really does change everything. It makes the world a much more dangerous place. Without the nuclear deterrent of the United States arsenal, where does that leave Europe? How long will it be before Poland and Germany decide to develop their own nukes, or Turkey, or Ukraine for that matter? Remember, once upon a time, Ukraine had nuclear weapons, but they gave them up for security assurance from, you guessed it, Russia and the United States. That piece sure didn't work out too well for them.

Maybe they should have kept the nukes. Look, we can't control Trump. He zigs when he should zag. It's infuriating, but it's out of our control. This tariff war could blow over tomorrow or it could escalate. Instead of mourning what we've lost or trying to hang on to it by our fingernails, we need to embrace our new reality. We're Canadian. We live in the greatest country in the world. We're kind-hearted, we're stubborn, we're hardy, and like half the products at Canadian Tire we're cold weather tested our nation is principled we're not for sale for rent or for lease we don't just believe in diversity we are diverse and elbows up that's part of our strength no matter where I've been in this country I've always felt at home I may have been born under a big, beautiful prairie sky,

and I may have an affinity for corduroy roads and wheat standing shoulder high, but it's not just the land that I love. It's the people and what we stand for. We're rich in resources, in talent, and in character. We have so many advantages. We really do. I consider myself lucky to be Canadian, and I'm thankful for it now more than ever. I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Trump has stirred our collective passion. Now is the time for us to embrace it

and start putting it to work. The Random Ranter with his thoughts for this week. And, you know, there's a streak of, you know, nationalism in a lot of what many of us are saying these days, and none more so than our friend the Ranter. Some great lines in that one. Okay, let's get back to the question of the week, which, you know, is related in a sense,

and it's this question of what qualifications do you look for, do you want to see in a politician, one whom you would vote for? So let's keep it going. Jim Sellers in Edmonton writes, my list of qualifications is fairly straightforward. He or she should live in my writing. He or she should have actual work experience. So when we talk about mortgages, raising kids, cost of living, etc., they know what we're talking about. Yes, this is a veiled reference to any career politician

and those whose experience is working for their party, is only working for their party. That, in my view, are not qualifications for a politician. Gareth Wilson in Bowmanville, Ontario. I just want a politician that will listen, and listen some more, and communicate effectively with the electorate. Please stop this American rage and blame game style politics.

Cam Houle in Winnipeg. One thing stands out as absolutely vital to me, simple human decency. They need to empathize with the average person and truly understand the challenges people face. At the end of the day, politicians should recognize that we are all human beings, not just numbers or dollar signs, as it often seems in today's world. Glenn McLaughlin in Regina. Voting for a politician can be thought of as hiring them to represent you in Parliament or the Legislature. Warren Buffett has some good advice about hiring,

and it's good advice when considering any politician. He said, in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities, integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don't have the first, the other two will kill you. If you seek any proof of that pearl of wisdom, just look around. It's pretty clear. The guy to the south of us lacks any integrity, and it's also pretty clear which direction he's taking that nation.

Kathy Mathers in Waterloo, Ontario. She had five requirements for a politician, a rather long explanation of each, so we've whacked it down. And once again, starting next week, we're not doing any more editing. Keep it to length that we're suggesting, which is one paragraph and a normal paragraph,

and that's what gets in. Cathy writes, Politicians should know that running a government is very different than running a business. Politicians should be honest and should genuinely feel a responsibility to care and serve. Politicians should recognize that the money that they are spending is not their own.

Spend it very wisely. Politicians should value their connection to their constituents. And finally, politicians should be always striving to work as a team. There's no room for ego or ambition, but there is strength in numbers. Kathy adds that these are her requirements.

In her experience, no politicians meet these requirements. Bill Hertha in Thornhill, Ontario. Bill Davis, former Ontario Premier, summed it up, bland is beautiful. I'm not looking for someone who can perform on TikTok. I'm looking for someone who has sound, workable ideas and policies that can rally the troops without going overboard. And it certainly did work for Bill Davis, Ontario's premier from 71 to 85, second longest serving premier in Ontario's history. Wonderful guy.

I used to see him at Sunday brunch at Easter time. We went to the same families. Our families went to the same hotel for our Easter brunch. I would near the airport. It's great. And he'd always make fun of us and talk to everybody in the place. Nicole Godet in Edmonton. I expect a politician to be ethical, honest, accessible to the people who

voted him or her into office, dignified, not swayed by corporate lobbying that is not aligned with the electorate or public good. A tall order. Noah Smith in St. John's, Newfoundland. When it comes to qualifications for politicians, I like to see a candidate having relevant real-world experience outside of the political arena. This doesn't mean that I'd only consider a candidate who's previously been the head of a large corporation. However, skills in managing personnel and teams are definitely an asset. If the person has demonstrated a willingness to become involved in and give back to their local community prior to the political career, this is a big plus in my eyes as well. Lois Nisbet Wall in Weimark, Saskatchewan.

That's just south of Swift Current. Speedy Creek, as we used to call it when I lived in Saskatchewan. Lois sent a 10-point list, which we've whittled down to five. She's looking for someone who respects the dignity of every human being, is honest, kind, and has high moral principles, doesn't lie or tell half-truths, is well-educated, well-read, able to think out of the box, and willing to learn,

will protect our laws and institutions that our forebears fought and died to protect. If we had people in government who had these qualities, I think our country would be an example to the rest of the world. I'm so sick and tired of politicians trying to buy my vote. Derek Dillable in Ottawa, a major red flag for me is the extent a candidate has a command of the issues beyond talking points on a brochure. For example, do they understand the importance of a healthy environment and the necessity of care we must take for future generations to be able to live and thrive?

Do they support science-based solutions? What are their life and educational experiences? Do they exhibit empathy, but also the fortitude to make tough decisions? Kurt Edmonds of Nelson, B.C. That's the southern interior on the west arm of Kootenai Lake. What I'd love to see in a politician is the ability to really listen and act on the concerns of their constituents. Far too often, politicians routinely ignore the feedback of the people they represent

because it simply is not in line with their party's position or worse enact legislation that has had zero consultation with the electorate don mitchell in ottawa integrity service before self ability to admit mistakes willing to take bold action when required know when to talk and when to listen. I also want a leader who has failed at something, has experienced disappointment, was knocked on their arse, and was able to get back up again.

Derek Andrews, Fredericton, New Brunswick. I think politicians should have heroes. I think they need to look up to people and ask, what would they do in this situation? And then they have to ask themselves, am I living up to that? If they can look at themselves and do that, I think they're giving themselves a chance to be a good politician. Margaret Shields in Ottawa. Often tagged as naive, my views on this subject have never wavered throughout my long life. I've always hoped for a politician to be a moral, educated, and a strong speaker. A strong moral compass is the most important quality.

We need leaders who have a strong footing in good versus evil, kindness versus self-interest, and an adherence to the Ten Commandments. Pat Provo in Saint-Bazile-le-Grand-Québec. In view of recent events, it seems that many of the world's nations have adopted a rather laissez-faire attitude of qualifications for the job of representing their community. The rewards may not be enticing enough to attract the best and brightest. Our politicians need to be citizens of the nation as well as reside in the area or riding they represent.

Above all, a politician must have a stake in the community they represent and genuinely love its members. Kyle Allen in Ottawa. A politician should be someone who represents the diversity of their constituency, advocates for regional interests, and is a voice for people that have none. Unfortunately, qualifications also include the ability to lie, the ability to ignore their constituents in favor of party lines, and someone who is at least a little bit egotistical. Trevor Barry in Saanich, B.C.

Vote for good local candidates that possess leadership quality, policy expertise, human decency. Because in a changing world of risk to democratic decorum, we need as much of these three elements as we can muster for our work at home and abroad. Glenn McLaughlin in Regina. Voting for a politician can be thought of as hiring them to represent you in Parliament or the legislature.

And quotes that great Warren Buffett line again. Kay Crawford in Cambridge, Ontario. The politicians I've met over the years get into politics because they honestly believe that they can make a contribution to make other citizens' lives better. Sometimes over time they get misdirected, but the reason they get into politics in the first place is important to know.

The qualities I look for are someone with experience as a leader, who can choose quality people to advise and support them, someone who has studied some history so they don't repeat the mistakes of the past, lastly, and probably most importantly, someone who has a well-considered vision for the country and the ability to communicate that vision well to others. Henry Leese in Holland Landing, Ontario, about an hour north of Toronto. Straight up Yonge Street.

What I look for in a politician is one who is compassionate, altruistic, humble, and seeks to be there for the vulnerable in our society. Constance Elaine Menzies in Narrow, Manitoba. That's near Winnipeg. I lived in Winnipeg for six years. And I lived in Manitoba for even longer, 10 years. But I've never heard of Narrow, Manitoba. Anyway, Constance writes, For me, I'd like to see higher level work experience in

non-governmental sectors with post-secondary education on their resume, with the understanding that government is for the people and by the people. Karen Chasles in Guelph, Ontario. I think the main quality people are looking for in a politician is trustworthiness. And the one thing that politicians are trying to undermine in their opponents is trustworthiness. People should realize that politicians have learned one thing from watching Trump in action. This is that if you say something often enough, it will become the truth to many, whether it's the truth or not. Isn't that true? Isn't that the truth?

Penny Robertson in Napanee, Ontario. I think it's easier to talk about what I don't look for in a politician. They don't have to be superhuman. I don't expect them to fix every problem I encounter in life, nor to fix problems over which they have no control, like inflation caused by global events. They don't need to charm or entertain me. I don't believe any politician who claims they can achieve peace in the Middle East on day one. What I do expect is for a politician to do the best job they can for the people they represent. Liz Welsh in Petrolia, Ontario. Willingness to learn.

Willingness to do things differently. Not, this is how we've always done it. Lita Field in Picton, Ontario. It's east of Toronto. I believe the most important qualities or attributes of a leader are integrity, compassion, and the ability to remain composed even in very difficult circumstances, to keep the interests of Canada above all else. Tom Smith in Anikinish, Nova Scotia.

I look for dedication to public service and a proven track record of managing organizations, preferably both. And here's our last letter. Comes this week from Salmon Arm, British Columbia. It's from Martine Bernard. And she actually wrote this letter as a letter to Canadian voters.

Here's what she says. I'm very sad to say, but the qualities necessary to become a political leader have been dwindling in importance. Whereas political knowledge, financial literacy, worldview education, history-based learning, and community involvement used to be revered, it has sadly been replaced by social media presence, targeted unimportant issues covering an unfortunately misplaced trust. Stay strong, my fellow Canadians. Stay informed. Get your information from an array of sources.

And above all, keep the faith. All right, Martin, those are all good words of advice. Especially that last one, stay informed. Get your information from a variety of sources, but sources you trust. And that is a challenging position these days, to find sources that you can trust. Gain information from listening to conversations that you trust.

You don't have to just agree with them. You have to trust them to make you think, make you explore, make you look for more information and opinion. As always, folks, love your letters. Love them. And big thanks to my friend, my longtime colleague,

and my co-author, Mark Bulgach, who helps go through these letters every week and try to get them into some form that we can get as many as we can on the air in the time we're allotted. Mark is terrific. We're working and as usual he's doing most of the work on our latest book which should come out a year from now. We haven't told you what it's about yet.

But when you find out, I don't think you'll be surprised. I think Simon & Schuster is the publisher once again. And we're looking at, I think the latest, Mark, was fall of next year date because there's much more on these books to do than just write them, research and write them. Then you've got to go through the editing process and then the packaging process and the preparation for a book tour and all of that kind of stuff.

But there's another one on the way. Mark and I have written a couple of books together, as many of you know. The last one was How Canada Works, which is a great book. All this talk about how Canada's broken, that's something I don't believe, but it's also a political debate and

discussion and one that should be had. But we chose to look at it a different way. We chose to look at, you know, what does make Canada work these days? And what makes Canada work are the people and the jobs they do and the huge variety of jobs that are critical for making our world work. We're not talking about governments. We're talking about individuals, ordinary people.

So that book's done extremely well and it's still available in bookstores, How Canada Works. And the other one we wrote about, I guess it was four or five years ago now, was extremely successful as well, called Extraordinary Canadians. And it tells the story of extraordinary Canadians, people who face huge challenges in their lives, but turn things around. It's a good book for everybody to read

because every time you think your life is a challenge, read these stories. You'll see what a challenge is really like. All right. Enough self-promotion. Time

to set you up for tomorrow. Fridays are good talk. Chantel Hébert, Rob Russo. As always, lots to talk about. The buzz is coming your way if you subscribe to our newsletter, my newsletter. Comes out Saturday mornings at 7 a.m.

It'll go into your inbox. There's no charge. It's free, but you've got to sign up. So you go to nationalnewswatch.com slash newsletter. All you've got to do is put in your email address and you'll start getting the

buzz on Saturday mornings. Tomorrow's Good Talk, available of course on SiriusXM, also as our podcast and also on our YouTube channel. Very successful on all three. That's it for this day. I'm Peter Mansbridge.

Thanks so much for listening. Talk to you again in about 24 hours.