The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- What You Want To See In Tonight's Debate

Episode Date: April 17, 2025

For many Canadians, it all comes down to this -- how do the candidates perform in tonight's debate?

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 today it's your turn on tonight's English language debate. What do you want to see happening at that debate? We'll find out right after this. And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. Yes, big day, the national political scene. Here we are, the Thursday night before the Easter weekend and it is debate night in Canada.

The English language debate tonight, last night was the French language debate and from all indications it was a pretty good one but no seems to be the agreement here that no major shift took place within that debate. I'm sure different people have different thoughts on that but so far that's kind of the analysis that I've seen. Tonight, big night for, well, for everyone, especially for Mark Carney and especially for Pierre Poliev. Will something happen tonight that will change the story? Well, what I asked this week for your turn was your comments on what you'll be looking for tonight,

what you wanna see happen on that stage. So we'll get to your answers and there's lots of them. I just want to before we get there you know a lot of the discussion and debate we've had over the last few years is about what we expect of our politicians versus what we're getting from our politicians. And a lot of it's not very flattering. But I want to talk about someone who is different. And in fact, it was kind of a different era. It was an era when politicians held the respect of most Canadians and where politicians held the respect of most Canadians, and where politicians held the respect of each other.

And this particular person was a classic example of that. His name was Ed Lumley. He was the mayor of Cornwall at one point, very successful in the private sector, but when he went into serving the public, it started as mayor of Cornwall. And then he was an MP for 10 years or so, a liberal. He was a member of the Pierre Trudeau cabinet. I think he had two or three different portfolios at least, and they were always senior and on the economic front. But he was also just a hell of a nice person and had friends across the spectrum. We got to, you know, I covered him obviously,

I was a reporter in Ottawa, But we became friends after he left politics in the sense that he became the chancellor of the University of Windsor. And when I became chancellor of the great, the one and only, Sackville, New Brunswick. You got it, Mount Allison University. When I was the chancellor there, the first person I heard from was Ed Lumley. He said, Peter, here's my advice to you as chancellor. Don't wear those funny hats they make you wear. I'll never forget that. And that was my excuse because I hated wearing those hats. But it's tradition and some people were very upset that I wouldn't wear the hat. But I said, well, Ed Lumley and I, we're starting this little group of chancellors where we're

boycotting the hats, the caps. We were the minority. It didn't last long, but it lasted as long as we were both chancellors. But Ed Lumley was somebody who, as I said, held the respect of his colleagues, no matter which side of the house they were on. And that was clear. His gentleman, great politician, excellence was the word to describe him. He passed away yesterday and I was very sorry to hear that. All right. Let's see what you're looking for tonight in your politicians of 2025. in your politicians of 2025.

We'll get right at it with the letters. Starting with Francine Payne in Port Dover, Ontario. Stick to the facts of the question. Noble double talk, trying to skirt around the issue. Be clear in your thought and concise. Be honest, no mudslinging, blaming, or he said, she said. That just wastes everyone's time. Be substantive. And it was a version of this that seemed to thread through all the dozens and dozens and dozens of letters that we got this week. This sense of stick to the facts of the question,

answer the question. Pat Wharton and Vernon B.C. I want to hear a leader who's going to work positively for all Canadians. No slogans, no name calling, just answers to the questions. Pradeep Rao in Oakville, Ontario. Looking for a builder, not a brand. Someone who trades rage clicks for results. We need housing, healthcare, and a real plan for the jobs AI will erase, not another bro with a slogan.

Give me competence over charisma, vision over virality. Canada needs a grown-up in the room, less performance, more policy. That's leadership. That's 2025. Michael McAckie in Waterloo, Ontario. That's leadership. That's 2025. Michael McAckie in Waterloo, Ontario. I'll be tuning in and watching to see how our Prime Minister deals with Poliev. I think many Canadians, myself included, may see this as an audition for how he'll stand up to Trump, which I believe he's more than capable of doing. If both leaders stay true to their

brands, these debates could be the final nail in the coffin for the conservatives this election. Ellen Schaffner in Halkirk, Alberta, not central Alberta, east of Red Deer. I hope to see dignified composure and approachable humans on the debate stage. Marilyn Wallace, Fannie Bay, British Columbia. I'm a debate skeptic. It often seems like the goal has become sound bites that look good on social media even as the participants trade personal jabs while they talk over one another. But this year, more than any other, I need to hear about strategic, proactive plans that will lead

us through this turbulent time. There are simply too many issues to narrow my focus. I just want to be reassured that overall, Canada will be okay. Rick Frost in Winnipeg. While I have no Ukrainian heritage I believe Ukrainians are the heroes of our age. I want to hear our leaders confirm Canada's steadfast support for the people of Ukraine. Laura Plant in Chilliwack BC. I'm not interested in hearing about how bad the other parties are. I'm looking for a leader who can tell me what they will do to lead our country. A debate is not the best way to test the skills of a prime minister, in my opinion.

A good leader needs to make measured decisions, informed by their team and their experience, not be good at quick retorts on a soundstage. Tim Braun in Saskatoon. I'll be looking for solid responses to questions. I'm not interested in slick slogans or taglines and I'm not interested in listening to candidates telling us what is wrong with another candidate's position or comments. I wanna hear what exactly is each candidate's plan

and why they think that is a realistic plan. I also want to hear a commitment on the timeline to implement their plan. Peter Arato in Toronto. Ask each candidate to outline a comprehensive business plan as Canada's CEO, describing what bills, policies, and investment program milestones will be delivered quarter by quarter over the next four years, supported by the revenue and expenditure estimates of key line items. Explain how this plan will be funded

and will impact trade, the economy, jobs, living costs, healthcare, crime, and security. My gosh, Peter, you're not asking for much. It's a two hour debate with four people and lots of questions. But you want details. You just want, you don't want just vague promises. I get it.

Jonathan Young in Brussels, Belgium. Jonathan's originally from Nova Scotia. What I'm looking for in this time of permacrisis is answers that evoke a sense of optimism, opportunities, and solutions to the challenges of the nation. Complaints, negativity, and fear-mongering won't do it. Canada is in a state of crisis. Let's get on with the ways to address it. Denis St. Hilaire or Denis St. Hilaire in Winnipeg. One, honesty. Stop promising tax cuts. It's not possible. Tell me instead how you will wisely manage the tax dollars we pay. Two, accountability. What's your plan to fulfill the current promises made

during this campaign, such as increased housing, increased military recruitment and procurement, energy diversification and trans-Canadian pipelines, increased global trading partners and reducing USA dependency? Virginia Philip in Calgary. I'd like to see all the candidates answer the questions, not dance around them as politicians tend to do. In their response, I would like to hear

what they are going to do and why. How they're going to do it and how much it will cost. Where that money will come from and show and how all Canadians will benefit. Completion date with a let's get it done attitude. Wendy Cece in Toronto. In these troubling times I want a leader with well-tested emotional maturity and deep international experience who represents Canada to the world like a true

statesman. The leader must have empathy for our citizens experiencing financial setbacks combined with long-range practical solutions to put Canada on a solid footing even if the vision is challenging to implement. This is not the time for catchy rhyming criticisms, slick ideas, and hollow promises. John Dunn in Cowley, Alberta, west of Lethbridge. The Liberals introduced Bill C-69. Tanker ban, oil and gas emissions cap, UN declaration on the rights of Indigenous people, policies that handcuff energy infrastructure development. people, policies that handcuff energy infrastructure development. Mark Carney says he'll retain those policies yet simplify regulations to accelerate

project timelines. That is a contradiction and so I'm looking for specifics on what energy export projects he will actually get behind. Jeff Ostic in Fergus, Ontario. The most important issue in this election is the protection of our sovereignty. I would like to know how our various leaders intend to counter its possible erosion. Tariffs are one thing and a very serious matter, but only the tip of the iceberg. Manifest destiny and territorial expansion are front of mind with many in the current American administration. How do we protect and strengthen our independence?

Wade G. Giffin, J. Giffin in Vernon, BC. Repeat over and over Janice Stein's comments on Monday about what she wants to see from any future government. We need someone to do what's correct on behalf of their electorate and country, not for self-enrichment. Someone who believes that currently 13 protected countries within one country cannot work in unison and need to be fixed. Someone who can make mistakes, owns up to them, corrects moving forward. Someone who believes that after an elected term or two, new people and ideas are brought in to keep the energy moving forward.

Paula Wubbin in Ottawa. I want to see a leader who can express a capacity or state of desire to work with the other parties. This may be necessary in case a minority government is elected, or if American aggression escalates or another pandemic emerges. To show a depth of understanding of what the impact of the American president's actions on Canada are and will be, I'll be looking for an explanation of a deliberate, measured, and impactful response. Elbows up is a nice rallying cry, but it is not an action plan. Dave Cole in Wallaceburg, Ontario. That's about a half hour south

of Sarnia. Two things. First, a significant commitment to strengthen our military, and second, build an east-west pipeline and expand our liquid natural gas exports to new markets. Leo DeFeo in Stoney Creek, Ontario. I'm looking for the leader who answers the questions put to him. No spinner redirection, does not degrade, name-call, attack his colleagues, but does point out discrepancies inconsistencies in policies. No slogans please. No arrogance. Let others have their say before rebuttals and remain calm, cool and collected under fire. Explain what they would do and when. I guess I'm describing

an authentic, credible, mature and believable individual. That's not a big ask. Thanks, Lee. Mike Phillips in London, Ontario. He's actually living right now in Auckland, New Zealand, but he's watching. I'm looking for evidence of a knowledgeable, competent prime minister to lead during unheard of economic times. Someone who can unite the provinces and territories while celebrating and rewarding their differences.

Kam Hool in Winnipeg. I've mostly decided who I'll vote for, but I want to see the debate to confirm. I'm especially interested in how Mark Carney handles pressure. This will help me judge his leadership potential. I'm also curious to see how Poliev performs and whether he comes across as too aggressive or just confident. Doug Clark in Castlegar, BC. I want to know how the leaders plan to meet Canada's 2% defense spending commitment, build new pipelines, and balance the budget given the tax cuts all of the parties have promised during the campaign.

Also, I want to learn how the leaders would remove obstacles to building pipelines and purchasing defense equipment and infrastructure within the term of the next parliament. Sandra Hill in Victoria, BC. I'll watch for sound and vision. In this season of strain and growth, we need leaders who offer more than promises. We need steadiness, safety, and the courage to build. Housing, stability, connection, these aren't slogans. They're foundations and they need plans. The debate is a moment of clarity. Who sees the whole country and

who serves it? Mondi work is vision made real, with hands, with heart, with home. Mondi refers to a Christian practice, commemorating the Last Supper and Jesus' commandment to love one another. Experience matters, so does tone. Thank you, Sandra. Christine Ramos in Toronto. I'm looking for a Canadian debate, a courteous exchange of thoughtful, opposing arguments. I'm so tired of politicians performing like

politicians rather than respectful statesmen and women. I don't want to cringe when I hear my Prime Minister speak. I would like to be able to be proud of our highest office, regardless if I agree with the policies put forward." I think you get a lot of people agreeing with that. Sarah Allinger in Westminster, BC, I'll be looking for real answers, not slinging mud at opponents or vague I'll fix it promises, but things like where the money will come from and how provincial and municipal governments might be brought on board. Answers that show their thought about the issues,

understand the complexities, and have a plan to actually lead rather than simply tell us what they think we want to hear. Doug McDougall. McDougall in Stratford, Ontario. I'll be listening carefully for the leaders' vision and policy plans with timelines for improving productivity for free trade within Canada as well as their approach to all things Trump. I will also be watching for civility and indeed respect for each other as they debate

differences in vision and policy as well as who would be open and collaborative enough to have a war cabinet with representatives from all parties? Jennifer Hogan, she's from Stratford as well, but it's the other Stratford, Prince Edward Island, just a few minutes from Charlottetown. Everything's just a few minutes from Charlottetown in PEI. Everything's just a few minutes from Charlottetown in PEI. I'm looking for Carney to answer the question on how he plans to bring his party back to center and how does he plan to manage his party who still fundamentally support a carbon tax considering his cabinet ministers, many of them have kept their jobs. Tyler Power in Mermaid PEI. That's a little north of Stratford PEI. I'll be looking

for tough talk on Trump. Not careful diplomatic speak. I want to hear them address him for what he is. A threat to global stability and security. I want to hear a plan for housing and a way to lift our young people into the same economic class as their parents. Plans not slogans. Andrea Bayer or Bayer in Kleinberg, Ontario. That's home for the McMichael Canadian Art Collections. It's north of Toronto. I'll be looking for a leader who I can trust.

Kelly Pratt in Guelph, Ontario. What I'd like to hear from the candidates is maturity and professionalism when debating with each other, direct answers to the questions, confidence in the policies and plans their respective party is putting forward. What I don't want to hear is use of derogatory language to dismiss or diminish their opponent. Word salads, slogans. Blaine Gates grew up in Calgary but for the last three years has lived in Lagodecky, Georgia. That's Georgia, the country, not the US state. It's close to the Russian border. Too close for some. Georgia, that's Georgia the country, not the US state. It's close to the Russian border.

Too close for some. I'd like to see Pierre Pelliev put his money where his mouth is. Canada first sounds great, but to truly put Canada first, it needs to demonstrate subject matter, expertise. How does he plan to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations? How will he reduce tariffs? Wait until after the election isn't good enough. Mike Jones in Victoria, I'm looking for a candidate who will demonstrate a real grasp of the issue he's promoting. If he's going to build pipelines, what's the business case? If he's going to promote harsher sentencing, can he show that it's effective as a deterrent?

The issues are complex and I want to see a candidate who's confident enough to not dumb down the issues. Vicki Collins in Peace Point, Saskatchewan, a few minutes outside Saskatoon. Intelligence, vision, integrity, that's all. Lisa Post, the mayor of the town of Orangeville, that's an hour and a half northwest of Toronto. Mayor Post writes, I'm looking for the leader who brings solutions not criticism and if affordable housing plans include eliminating reducing development charges I want to hear how

you'll make municipalities whole ensuring reliable, predictable funding for infrastructure needed to support growth. I'm also seeking leadership that understands the value of strong communities and supports, not blames, local governments. Someone who's accessible, collaborative, and focused on making a meaningful, positive impact where people live, work and raise families. Norman Dorff in Orleans, Ontario. I don't know what each leader will do with the funding of the CBC. I think that the CBC is so important to the unity of this vast country and it is essential that the national broadcaster continue and if anything expands their mandate. continue and if anything expands their mandate. Well, Norman, plans for the CBC are not exactly top secret. Pierre Poliev says he plans to defund CBC while keeping Roger Canada. Mark Carney says he wants to give the CBC 150 million

dollars more than it gets now and make future funding a parliamentary responsibility, not a government responsibility. That is so clear, I suspect it won't come up in the debate as a question, though party leaders may bring it up to differentiate themselves from the other person. James Radke and Victoria, looking for three things, first, leaders should answer the question they're asked,

a simple concept that we all learned in elementary school. Second, insiders should describe how they plan to, or sorry, leaders should describe how they plan to implement any new program they promise. That show your work concept is also something we learned in elementary school. And third, the moderator should ask questions and follow-up questions that force the first two items to occur. Nick Lemieux in Barrie, Ontario. I'm looking for which candidate can truly demonstrate

Canada first fiscal responsibility. I'm not just talking about debt or deficits, but about prioritizing Canadians, for example, ensuring clean drinking water for Indigenous communities before sending billions to the International Monetary Fund, or funding shelters for the homeless instead of nearly 10 billion for Ukraine. We need to take a step back and ask, are we taking care of our own first? back and ask, are we taking care of our own first? Well, Canada's actually committed almost 20 billion dollars to Ukraine since Russia invaded. Double what you mentioned there, Nick. Susan Morby has an opposite point of view. She's a dual Canadian US citizen

currently in Florida. Of paramount importance to me are loud commitments to NATO, including a firm date for meeting a contribution of at least 2% of GDP and to other alliances with countries that share Canadian values for fair trade and human rights and want collaboration with respect to world health issues, including the environment. I'm looking for a leader who will prioritize the prevention of war. How about one more before we take our break? Michael Blair Day in Aurora, Ontario. I seek a prime minister who exhibits these qualities, intelligence and integrity, leadership and organizational skills, patience and calm in face of adversity, compassion and understanding, and the wisdom, strength and resolve required when difficult

times arise. In addition, this PM must be one who ensures that things get done. Add to these a healthy dose of patriotic pride and you have the recipe done Lots of good letters, huh? And we're sort of we're kind of halfway through. I hope we get to them all These are just solid the the ones I picked out of the many many that came in this week So they're not all making it but a a lot of them are. And thank you for keeping them short, 75 words or less. And thank you for so many of you mentioning Will and my son and his work last week on doing your turn. He was terrific filling in for me.

He'll be back. He'll be back at some point, no doubt about that. You'll be back. You'll be back at some point. Nobody ever about that. Um, okay. Let's, um, let's take that break. We'll be right back after this. And welcome back Peter Mansford here. This is the Bridge Thursday episode.

It's your turn. Your, your letters, your comments on what you're looking for out of tonight's English language debate among the national party leaders. It should be a good one. You're probably saying, okay, time for the renter. Well, this is the time for the renter, but not this week. The renter begged off. He's like totally preoccupied with his regular job this week and got a little bit behind. So he's asked him for the week off and said he wanted to stay out of the

way of the debaters anyway tonight. I mean, he didn't want to give anybody any last minute ideas. Anyway, so the renter gets the week off and he'll be back next week. You're listening on SiriusXM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, or on your favorite podcast platform. Tomorrow, it's Good Talk, available also on YouTube. Back to your letters for this week. Leah Richards in Toronto, I want a laundry list of things that must get done, prioritized by urgency, and they include costs and deadlines to complete. And

I want to know where I can volunteer my skills to pitch in. Ronnie Villam-Paulo in Edmonton. I'm not looking forward to these debates because something that we'd all look forward to has been denied us. A debate at this existential time between the only two leaders with a chance to govern. A five-liter cacophony, now it's four with the Greens having been turned away for failure to meet the guidelines. A five-liter cacophony fails Canada. Three debates should have been planned, two with all the leaders, then a third between Poliev and Carney,

so that these two men would figure, figuratively stand naked before us. Yikes, what a thought. Denise Boudreau in Regina, I will look for a leader who can speak in full sentences without using a single slogan. A leader who will protect women's reproductive rights. Mary Ann Van Wattegem in Windsor, Ontario. Windsor getting mentioned a lot in today's program.

The most pressing issue for myself and fellow Windsorites being completely surrounded by the United States and their threat of annexing us. Their military has been a little too quiet for comfort. They may be backing off or planning their war games attack. I'm witnessing Blackhawk helicopters and Chinooks up and down the Detroit River daily. What plans, protections and warnings are in place

if they attack? You know, it does seem amazing that we're living in a time where we're even thinking this on any level, but we are. And I'm sure people like Mary Ann is seeing it every day and making her think. Tim Bellack in Westeros, Alberta, Central Alberta. I want to see our leaders rise to the crisis. No rhyming slogans, no lies, no hyperbole, no alternate facts. I want a serious, sober, and doable plan to extricate us from our dependency on the U.S.

I want a timely action plan that will employ Canadians and attract investment and pull us all together and unite the country. Patriotism, not partnership. Robin Seguin in Wasega Beach, Ontario. I'd like to hear hope in the answers given by the leaders. We're all feeling a little hopeless and nervous right now. A leader that can soothe our tattered nerves would be welcome.

Let's see if I clear my throat here. I'm back. Angela Reed in Centre Hastings, Ontario, an hour east of Peterborough. I'm hoping to see some truth and real-time fact-checking at the debates. I don't like votes being cast based on lies being spread and voters being manipulated. I'd love to see candidates called on this in the moment whenever possible. Okay, that's a tough ask of the people producing the debate. Apart from you, apart from you know who in the United States, politicians mostly fudge things. They

don't usually make things up out of nowhere. Catching a debater in a little white lie has traditionally not been the role of the debate moderator. It's been left up to the other debaters. Of course, that leads to the voter not knowing the truth. That's why mainstream trustworthy newscasts usually do the fact checking in the hours and days right after the debate. Brian Ross in Kincardin, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron.

Who has a plan and how they will execute it on issues such as dealing with Trump, helping to ease trade between our provinces and territories and building pipelines. Speeding up the procurement process and cutting out the BS to aid in building up our military would be a big plus. Our military abusing outdated equipment is just not acceptable. Glenn Richardson in Ottawa. What I'm going to be looking for are indicators that inform me that the economy is not more important than our society, a society that has been the envy of much of the world. I get that we live in a world that runs on a complex web of economic activity, but we

don't live in economies, we live in societies. Carmen Bowles in Quebec City. I'll be looking for a concrete plan to affirm Canadian sovereignty, from the border with the U.S US to the Arctic. I'm hoping that this plan includes a way to leverage our natural resources, minimizing the impact on the environment and on Indigenous rights. Not holding my breath though. Kristen Gitte in Telkwa, BC, just south of Smithers.

I'm looking for a plan to govern, rooted in reality, not rage farming or offense policing. I want vision that meets the moment, bold on climate, serious about Indigenous rights, clear on equity, and honest about our economic and geopolitical realities. No empty slogans, no pipelines as a one-size-fits-all solution. If they're still selling fear or vibes, they're not fit to lead. This isn't about branding, it's about doing the damn work. All right, Kristin. Garth Wilson, Bowmanville, Ontario. I want someone who actually wants to nation build

and knows what he's doing and does it. Who wants to tear down barriers and not divide us? Who accentuates our positives? This country has everything, facilitate. We once built a transcontinental railway in four years, 81 to 85, yet high speed from Toronto to Quebec City, planning four to five years. Construction seven to nine, completion 10 to 12. watching Mark Carney and Pierre Poliev the closest. I hope Carney can keep his temper and irritation in check because everyone's going to be trying to get under his skin. For Poliev, I want to see a side of him that doesn't creep me out.

Roger Laverson in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Can the candidates effectively articulate and justify policy positions nationally that then translate into international settings? If a leadership candidate cannot be viewed as competent in an international setting, then they're just food in shark infested international waters. Dave Urb in Balmortown, Ontario. That's 500 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay. Wow. Dave writes, I don't care who is elected or in

opposition. Can they be part of a team Canada and not get lost in buzzword partisan politics? Peter Johnson in Upper Oxford Mills, Ontario, just south of Ottawa. I don't want to hear what you're going to do for me. Rather, what are you going to do that is in the best interest of the most number of Canadians? I want clear, thoughtful, respectful, positive answers. I do not want to hear a disciple of Arthur Finkelstein attacking the other candidates. I'm done with American style dirty politics. Okay, explanation. Finkelstein was one of the most innovative political consultants in history, revolutionizing campaign polling and financing, helped elect a ton of conservative including Ronald Reagan. He died in 2017. Donna Uez in Waterloo, Ontario.

I'm looking to see if the candidate is listening and actually answering the question. For my PM, I wanna feel heard, and I wanna see confidence and someone willing to be responsible and lead. Jeff Lozanski in Windsor, Ontario. It's Windsor again. I'll be looking for a budget plan. With the government spending beyond our means

for the last 10 years, how are they planning to cut taxes and somehow pay for all their promises? Rebuilding our military, health transfers and new infrastructure. Trump is trying to bankrupt us. You need money to fight an economic war. Jeff, you may be right.

Canada has spent beyond its means during Justin Trudeau's years, but remember, Stephen Harper's government had five straight budget deficits as well. Sean Bartlett in Cupid's Newfoundland. I have no interest in the big gotcha moment. I want to see who can offer ideas that will benefit the economy as well as keep our country a strong sovereign nation. I'm retired, but I strongly believe

that it is very important that the candidates speak directly to the young people of this country. They need assurances they will have the same opportunity to build a life in this country that my generation did. That's such a big issue, big issue. Gordon Kidd in Malagash, Nova Scotia, it's along the Northumberland Strait. How will the leaders open up inter-provincial trade? What legislative mechanisms are available to cut through the provincial and municipal exemptions if this process is to be enacted by Canada Day 2025? Nova Scotia has brought in legislation to begin the process. Does it have to be a province-by-province process?

How would other provinces be brought in to achieve this? Janice Craig in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. In times of uncertainty, I need to hear a voice of reason in a calm and collected manner, similar to the reassuring words from a parent, a grandparent, a lawyer, doctor, pilot, clergy, or roles of wisdom and trust. I'll feel a whole lot better knowing our country is in good hands on the world stage and more importantly I can sleep at night. Zach Drake in Ottawa. The main thing I'll be watching for is Trump-esque rhetoric. What we

need to see in these times is someone who can stand up to him, not perpetuate his ideas. Millwood Sutherland in Toronto. I want to hear the word trade-off. If elected, will the candidate give government officials the authority to make the trade-off judgments necessary in order to actually get something done? If elected, how will the candidate get the various players to make the necessary trade-offs required to implement frictionless trade between the provinces? There are no solutions, only trade-offs. Alan Mendez in Vancouver. Here's what I'm looking for. A plan

for dealing with Trump, a plan for immigration challenges, a plan for bail and criminal justice challenges, and a plan for actually building more housing. Jeff Ireland in Toronto. I prefer a candidate who can look straight at a problem and get to work. A candidate who has no aspirations of celebrity, power, or material gain. One who is courageous but shows empathy. A candidate with a humbleness who would admit when they're wrong. I know I'm asking a lot, but the very best people I've worked with have all of these attributes, so why not reach for the top? May Farrer or Farrer, I think it's Farrer, in Sun Valley, Saskatchewan, that's north of Moose Jaw. I will be looking for a party that

governs from the middle of the political spectrum. The pendulum has swung too far to the left. If we don't want a country that looks like our southern neighbours, we need to remove barriers that prevent infrastructure and industrial growth, including pipelines through Canada to eastern and western ports, without removing all regulations that keep environmental damage to a minimum. What would each of the political parties do to facilitate this? Paul Getty is in Zurich, Ontario. That's southwestern Ontario, almost on Lake Huron. I'm looking for authenticity, period, which candidate can demonstrate a genuine, thoughtful,

and authentic disposition that instills a confidence that Canada can not only weather this storm, but come out stronger and more self-reliant. The strategy of attacking the credibility of the other candidates does not resonate with those who are in the center and undecided. Let's see who can remain composed enough to show us their true self. David Uteye in Welland, Ontario. I'm seeking a Prime Minister whose values in decision-making will remain or will maintain my Canadian values. Honesty, politeness and civility, respect for nature, a strong state that provides programs and policies that advance a minimum standard of living and social services for all citizens,

practical can-do mentality that uses science and technology to efficiently achieve social and infrastructure necessities, fiscal responsibility, globalism and international cooperation, human rights, respect for the rule of law. Dave McKinnon in Pemberton, BC, is a little north of Whistler. I'm looking for a frank discussion of how indigenous communities fit into the future we're discussing.

On January 31st, Mark Carney said, reconciliation is a process. It is not a process without end. I'd like to hear the leaders asked whether they agree with this and Carney challenged to describe the end state he has in mind. in mind. Owen Blythe in London, Ontario. An inspiring vision for Canada that accounts for past strategic errors and adapts previously held beliefs in response to the new realities of the day. The vision then needs to be backed by focused national projects which have achievable deadlines within a four-year period. Hugh Dawson in Vancouver,

I'll be looking for leaders who are not only looking for the present, but also planning for the future. I worry that repeating, excuse me, I worry that repealing the carbon tax was done for short-term political gain at the cost of long-term environmental considerations. There are many other considerations that should be made with the long-term future in mind. Harry Gold and Calgary. There are two things I'll be looking for at the leaders debate. One, if Carney can maintain a collective cool during any heated moments, as that has been his main weakness.

Two, can Poliev go from attack dog to prime ministerial and come across as sincere? He's demonstrated that he makes a good opposition leader, but nothing much beyond that. Zandonalee in Quebec. Truthful responses, authenticity, and a focus on providing solutions. Susan Arthurs in Saskatoon. I'll watch for responses that clearly answer questions and how candidates respond under pressure. It may give me an idea of how they'll do

if they sat where Zelensky sat. That reference, of course, to the Trump-Zelensky meeting. Anne Lee Haw in Ottawa, as an immigrant, welcome to Canada in 1980. After fleeing a war-torn country, I will forever love and be grateful to this country. I'm looking to hear from the leaders, pragmatic solutions, not political rhetoric, that will sustainably grow our economy, help lower costs of living, and strengthen the overturned and overburdened healthcare system. I hope to

hear viable plans to integrate qualified immigrant professionals into our healthcare system. Brian Hoyle in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Civility and respect, especially during vigorous discussions. Our prime minister needs to reflect the best of us. Civility and respect are part of what makes us great as a nation. Adela Chimbindi in Ottawa. I'll be looking for who gives concrete ideas and plans

to manage the economy, job creation, and the cost of living instead of using fear to get my vote. Melanie Ducharm in Verner, Ontario. It's near Sudbury. I'll be looking at how the candidates address each other. I understand the purpose of a debate is to best your opponent. However, doing so in a manner that denigrates or diminishes is beneath the values we aspire to in Canada. We all see the Trump-Harris debate last year and are witnessing the outcomes of electing

someone who respects no one. Sebastian Mastavak in Ottawa. Currently, Sebastian's vacationing in Wuhan, China. I see these things in this election, a leader who respects not scapegoats the public service, a nation building vision, efficient, purposeful and ambitious. Let's get things done. Canada's potential is vast. I'm eager for a candidate who sees it too. Edward Hyde in Pembroke, Ontario. Enough promises and posturing. I want to hear Carney express how he can relate to the challenges of common people and the way that Poliev seems to.

I want to hear that Poliev can demonstrate leadership and economic understanding, the way Carney has lived and achieved. I must hear how each of them will actually achieve promises." Sean Bennett in Saskatoon. This is what I'm looking for the debate. Liberals can Carney handle the pushback in opposition? Conservatives can Poliev speak with substance and sentences longer than three words. The NDP, does Singh have anything to actually offer or should he just be shown the door? Getting near the end here, Rodrigo Lopez in Burnaby, BC. An ambitious vision for tomorrow's Canada, touching on Professor Stein's closing remarks from,

sorry, from Professor Stein's closing remarks from Monday's edition, how can Canada shake off the rust and form a more productive economy, less bogged down by panels, impractical regulations, and corruption? I want a concrete plan to develop our own submarines, build impressive infrastructure, properly leverage our immigrant talent and trade interprovincially. All right, Frank Wang from Surrey, BC gets the last spot on this edition of Your Turn, this pre-debate edition of Your Turn, this pre-debate edition of Your Turn. Frank writes this from Surrey.

As a political junkie, you would watch these debates from start to finish. I want to be surprised and entertained. Maybe Mr. Pedneau crushes everyone. Maybe all five leaders, four now, have a shouting match. Or maybe Mr. Poliev. Okay, let me start this one again. Because Pedneau's not in it now, right? As the Green Party didn't make the final cut.

So Frank, let's make your point anyway. As a political junkie who would watch these debates from start to finish, I wanna be surprised and entertained. Maybe Mr. Poliev puts his glasses on again. We know the debates won't have a big impact on the results. So the best we can hope for are some entertaining moments to spread on social media. I don't know Frank, it would be nice if there was a moment somewhere in there that people actually all smiled. That might be fun. But I think the general thrust of your answers today is that you want substance.

You want when Steve Paikin, who's the moderator with a lot of experience, asks his well thought out questions. What you want is answers. You don't want dodging. You don't want dodging, you don't want slogans, you actually want answers to the questions that are asked. And when you make promises, you want to hear those leaders explain how they're going to deliver on those promises. Whether it's wait times at hospitals or wait times on infrastructure projects, you want to know how these things are going to happen.

So again this week, thank you so much for your letters. It really is a treat to get a snapshot of what Canadians are thinking and I know there were many, many more that didn't make it to here today. But you get the drift, you get the thrust of what Canadians are saying. And the ones that didn't make it are saying many of the similar things here. So watch tonight, watch the reaction over the next few days. Listen to good talk tomorrow with Chantelle Bair and Rob Russo. Get our take on what happens tonight. But in the end, it's your take that matters. You've got the vote.

Your vote's no less powerful than any of the rest of us. So use it. All right. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Good to talk to you. And we'll talk again tomorrow. We'll good talk tomorrow with Chantelle and Rob, which is always a treat. Until then, take care. See you in 24 hours.