The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- Why Are You Grateful This Thanksgiving?

Episode Date: October 9, 2025

Even in the darkest of times, there are things to be grateful for in our lives. And this week, listeners to The Bridge have a selection of reasons they are thankful as we approach Thanksgiving weekend. Even the Random Ranker gives thanks too! 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 Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of The Bridge. It's Thursday. That means your turn. And your turn this week is all about giving thanks. I mean, after all, it is Thanksgiving weekend coming up. We'll be back with your turn and the random ranter right after this. And hello there.

Welcome to Thursday, as I said, it's your turn. And this your turn is all about Thanksgiving. With the weekend coming up, the holiday weekend. With the Jays winning against the Yankees last night, the Leafs against the Habs, the flames against the Oilers, hey, it was a big night in sport last night, but there's so much else going on. For us to think about giving thanks, even at this time when there are difficulties out there,

no question about that. But we're going to talk about giving thanks this week. And the ranter, well, who knows what he'll talk about, but I'll give you this hint. The ranter is a baseball fan, which probably gives you an idea of what he may be talking about. Okay, let's get started. Lots of letters, as always this week. Yvonne Clifford writes from Cambridge, Ontario. I'm thankful for scientists in a world filled with misinformation,

rapidly changing technology, and growing distrust of science, scientists continue to persevere in search for answers, from finding cures for terminal diseases to developing solutions for climate change, to building innovations like the Canada Arm 3 for space exploration. Wendy Cecil in Toronto. I'm most grateful my parents would not tolerate a complaining child, so I discovered a grateful habit of mind leads to unquantifiable joy in life. Listening all I genuinely appreciate would be tedious, but starts with my children,

grandchildren, and very dear friends. Still, how could I not mention music, dramatic weather, literature, fireplaces, theater, rugged landscape, snowfall, a cup of tea, canoeing white water, and the very idea of Canada makes my heart sing. In a pack in Fredericton, New Brunswick. One, I'm grateful for the Toronto Blue Jays. Two, I'm grateful for being Canadian. Haino Dersing in Hamilton, Ontario.

This election year brought both federal and provincial campaigns in Ontario. Despite February's bitter cold, volunteers showed incredible dedication, knocking on doors, putting up signs. Just weeks later, they were back at it for the federal election. I'm deeply grateful to these volunteers, the heartbeat of our democracy, I'm thankful for their commitment to helping neighbors and local communities get to the ballot box and for making a positive difference through their engagement. Now, you're right, Haino.

And Haino actually ran as a candidate in the last Ontario election. He finished in second place. Column Arnold in Guelph, Ontario. This year, my gratitude is going out to all the last. people who get up every morning, throw on their boots and go about making the world a better place, in spite of all the factors working against them. They are an inspiration and an example. I hope to follow in their footsteps. Christine McDonald in LaSalle, Ontario. Thankful for the opportunity to realize just how much I love Canada and the pride of being a Canadian

as the threat of losing it is very real. The words do, oh, Canada, have meaning that I am truly realizing at the age of 68. You know, we sing, oh, Canada, or we stand there while somebody else sings it, and some of us don't read and listen to the words. Next time you hear the anthem, listen to the words. Christine's right. Paula Grattan in Mirror Machine, New Brunswick. I'm sorry to sound so cliche, but I'm grateful for my children.

I was told by doctors I wouldn't have them, but these two are here or so. Jokes on them. My daughter is wise beyond her mid-teen years. My son is a gamer and attempted YouTuber. I'm so proud of them both. They are extensions of my husband and me in the world. They continuously surprise me.

Loving them is the easiest thing I've ever done. Carl Raskin in Ottawa. What I'm thankful for is being married to my wife of 54 years, my son, daughter-in-law, my granddaughters, two of them, and being Canadian. John Ward in Victoria. My wife and I are thankful that our daughter is aging out of organized homes, hockey. We plan on using the vast amounts of money saved to fund our first vacation in 10 years

that doesn't include a hockey bag in the hotel room, and once again eating at restaurants without worrying if we're going to make the next game on time. A lot of parents can sympathize with that, John. Peter Arato in Toronto. I give thanks that I don't live in the United States. My first professional job offer in 1979 was in New Jersey. I turned it down, choosing Canada's culture, values, and lifestyle over higher pay. I came to Canada in 1957 as a two-year-old refugee and learned quickly there is no better place on earth to build a life. Knowledge I have passed on to my children and my grandchildren. Grandchildren. Graham Blair in Toronto I'm giving thanks for the blessing of a healthy, resilient, and recently expanded family.

It is a major source of joy, growth, and learning for me as a father. I'm also thankful for Canada. Responsible governance, decision-making that understands solutions to complex problems, requires nuance, and a values-based approach. I'm thankful and proud to be Canadian. There's no better part of the world. You know, I think it's absolutely okay to be proud of where you live. Sometimes they get antsy when I hear people say,

the greatest country in the world. The Americans say it a lot about their country, or at least some Americans do. And more than a few said it about Canada in these letters. And I'm, you know, I'm happy that people are proud of the country they live in. But sometimes, sometimes that phrase kind of irks me. Because for so many people, they haven't been to a lot of places. There are a lot of great places in our world.

Great countries with great people. And I think we have to. We can be proud of where we are, and we should be. But we should recognize that there are other places that are pretty good, too. Kyle 80 in Peterborough, Ontario, I'm thankful for books. I once lent a book to an acquaintance who holds different political views than I do. He returned it weeks later saying that he'd read it, but it seemed the author was really trying to push his ideology. The book was about critical thinking.

I'm thankful for books. People who really read them and dogs. Ken Peloshock, Ken Peloshock in Newstatt, Ontario. I'm thankful to live in the true north, sovereign and free, from coast to coast to coast to every piece in the mosaic. Our history is far from perfect, and today there's plenty of room for improvement. But may we become the folks deserving of the beautiful,

land we inhabit. Thanks to those who fought are fighting and will fight for our land. And may we never take it for granted. Jane Sloan in Kitchener, Ontario. I'm thankful for my

family first. For being born in Canada. The greatest country in the world. Here we go again. For the Bridge podcast. Whoa. Which I listen to Monday to giving me an education better than any university could provide.

Well, I don't know that, but we do talk about a lot of things. Colleen Le Londe in Ottawa, Ontario. With so much ugliness in the world, I'm thankful for the beauty of this country. I've lived in the Ottawa area all my life and have recently retired. I've begun to reintroduce myself to this beautiful and vast land from the Gatineau Hills to the Ottawa River and beyond. Nothing but stunning nature. May we always remember that it is unseeded traditional territory of the Mishinaabe Algonquin people.

Wendy Hofstadter in Montreal. This Thanksgiving, I'm giving thanks that the U.S. military has not invaded Canada. I hope that this stays true for the years to have. come. Well, they did invade or tried to invade once. We dealt with that. Martin Bernard in Salmon Arm, BC. As I was studying Moslow's Pyramid for hierarchy of needs,

had to look that one up. That's a psychological theory by Abraham Maslow detailing five levels of human motivation so Martine writes I was studying Maslow's pyramid for hierarchy of needs with my students I realized in today's unstable world we should remind ourselves to be grateful of our basic needs and that they're met these are at the bottom of the pyramid by the way breathing food water shelter and clothing. If you're lucky enough to have health also,

the sky should be the limit. As the late Jane Goddall said, every individual matters. Now let's go take our blessings and make a positive difference. Megan Sargent in Edmonton. I'm thankful for baseball, in particular, the Toronto Blue Jays. Richard Wagamese said about baseball,

I love the central metaphor of the game. All of us helping each other to make it home. Funny how a game can teach us so much about life. There are a lot of horrific things in the world right now, but for a while I can put aside the horrors and cheer with the rest of Canada. Okay, Blue Jays, let's play ball. Brian Hoyle in Bedford, Nova Scotia. I'm thankful for over 28 years of sobriety.

The painful work in getting sober and the vigilance necessary to remain sober has allowed me to recognize and deal with my dark side that had driven me to rock bottom. The dark side of me is still there, but is contained. I have learned to embrace the good and tough parts of my life and to deal with behaviors that I need to change rather than hiding in an alcohol haze.

I took forward to a festive Thanksgiving. I look forward to a festive Thanksgiving and a celebratory glass of sparkling water. Lawrence Rainey in Musco, Ontario. I am thankful that in this turbulent year of national and global politics, with hard-right populist politics surging almost everywhere, that Canada avoided such a government here, that we have a seasoned,

highly intelligent leader, actually respected by Trump, and other world leaders. That Canada stands alone right now in this regard, it gives me hope for our country, for my grandchildren, and in future decades, we can hold on to our tolerance and decency. Chris Wilson in Barry, Ontario. I'm thankful for having the ability to achieve a sense of accomplishment and self-worth by helping someone else on a daily basis. Once a Boy Scout, always a Boy Scout. Deb Greening in the District of Lake Lane, Saskatchewan.

Being thankful for the safety and well-being of loved ones is always at the core of my gratitude. But this year it's the leadership. of two prime ministers that have my overwhelming thankfulness. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Carney's efforts to protect and improve the lives of all Canadians through the upheavals of the pandemic. Political insecurity, international insanity, and economic uncertainty have kept safe the lives of the ones I hold dear. I will, you know, I've been thinking about this.

You know, I'll say this, you know, there were more, more than a couple of people who wrote in this weekend and talked about Mark Carney and how grateful they were that he was prime minister, that he won the election. Now, at first I thought, are all our listeners liberal all of a sudden? And I know that's not the case because I get a lot of mail. And there are more than a few who are not too happy with the liberals. but when the question is what do you give thanks for this year you're probably going to tend to hear

because they won you're going to hear from liberal supporters or some liberal supporters and that's what appears to have happened this week so there are a couple of letters that talk about being grateful for Carney I think this is the only one that says they're grateful for Prime Minister Trudeau, though.

We've had a rough ride in the last few years of his turn. John Minchell in Comox Valley, BC, I'm thankful for the support of my siblings, and especially my sister's extended family and what has been a trying year full of changes and dealing with many things surrounding the loss of my father last year. The support I have received from them,

I have been very grateful and thankful for. Marilyn Wallace, Fannie Bay, B.C. Marilyn's one of our strongest supporters on your turn. She writes almost every week. We don't always run them, but we certainly run a lot of them because they're great letters. Marilyn writes this week, As the world swirls in a tornado of wars, strife, and failed,

democracies. I'm thankful for my podcast community. Not only are we educated by knowledgeable experts, we also share our ideas and worries, and there is understanding and comfort in that. Descenting opinions help us consider other points of view. So true. So true. Henry Wall in Milverton, Ontario, just north of Stratford, Ontario. where when in Canada, I'm usually sitting in Stratford. Today I'm in Scotland.

Henry writes, I'm thankful for Janice Stein, someone who actually brings objectivity to the table. While Peter tends to get swept up in a motion, whenever Trump is mentioned, Janice stays level-headed. When she suggested Trump might deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for his deal, He doesn't have a deal yet. Peter couldn't help but immediately push back.

Thank goodness for Janice's steady perspective since Peter's emotions seem to skip ahead of Canada's actual interests whenever Trump enters the chat. Well, then, you know, we should applaud Peter for ensuring that Janus is on every week, right? Good work, Peter. Melanie Gielan in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland. I'm thankful for the incredible amount of informative podcasts available nowadays.

These programs inform, educate, and make people think. In a world where it's becoming increasingly hard to discern truth in media, it is so important to have reliable options from trusted sources. Rondy Saint-Ange Peacock in Muscoca Things that I give thanks for My family, my colleagues, my friends, both old and new

Our Freedom The Blue Jays, the True North, strong and free Too many to mention, yet there is one thing I think is key That Canadians elected Mark Carney Happy we gave him a shot. Didn't know Mark had family in Muscoq. Marie Donnelly in Ottawa. I'm giving thanks for Canada's openness to immigration.

It allowed my parents to choose Canada in the 50s, for which I am truly thankful. Now, 75 years later, as my father suffered, with advanced dementia, immigration has given us the most caring of personal support workers, all of whom are new Canadians. They are patient, loving, professional, and are a profound asset to this country.

Minoculus in Guelph, Ontario. Most mornings I take time to sit by the river's edge and reflect on how grateful I am for my health, my family, my community, my country, and the nature that surrounds me. As uncertainty in the world grows, I'm reminded how fragile all of this can be. Each day I cherish the peace that still surrounds me.

Rick McKendie in Gatineau, Quebec. I'm thankful to live in a country where I feel safe and don't have to worry about gun violence, a mature country where we are quietly proud to be who we are and don't have to loudly boast to others that we are the best. A country where we listen and treat others with respect, even when we don't agree with them.

A country that values civil discourse, kindness, and respect. Patrick Chung in Toronto. I'm thankful that at 50, I managed to run a half marathon, three full marathons, and my fourth one on October 19th at Toronto Waterfront Marathon, trying to qualify for Boston, 26. also my 13-year-old boy who wakes me up every day around five does his fitness then runs five to ten clicks

he's currently on a cross-country team my wishes one day he'll join me to run one of the marathons father and son on a long run what more can a father ask for how lucky I am okay last one before the break and the random ranter. Maureen Sirwa in Toronto.

I'm grateful for the countless volunteers who support so many worthwhile causes in our communities across Canada, whatever organization you can think of from hospitals to kids' sports teams and so many charitable causes. There is an army of people volunteering to help out in some way.

This spirit of freely giving one's time, talent and energy for the benefit of others is something to recognize, admire, and cherish. Here, here. All right. The halfway mark, and today's your turn. The halfway mark always signals a break, then the random ranter,

and then we get right back at it with more of your letters. So why don't we start with the break first? We'll be back. after this and welcome back you're listening to uh the bridge the thursday edition it means your turn and the random renter our question this week is what are you grateful for we're coming up on thanksgiving weekend so it's a time to give to give thanks and to be grateful for something Many of you wrote in this week to do just that. And even the ranter is kind of thinking that he's grateful to.

Remember, the rander's from the prairies. He lives on the prairies. He works on the prairies. And guess what? He, too, is a baseball fan. Since today's show is all about, thankfulness. Let me tell you the one big thing I'm thankful for today. The Toronto Blue Jays. Look, I love everything about baseball. In my eyes, it's the greatest sport. It's one part

athleticism, two parts tradition, three parts math, and the rest is pure magic and human tragedy. So let me list off the things I'm thankful about this year's Blue Jays. First off, I'm super thankful that they managed to eliminate the Yankees last night. I love that Canada's team not only beat America's team, they humbled and humiliated them in their own house. They punched them right in the mouth and I loved every second of it. Secondly, I'm really thankful that I managed to watch pretty much every game this year. I think I missed five of them. It's admittedly a big commitment. But the way I look at it, if the game is good, then you enjoy it. And if the game is bad, well, there's nothing better than napping to baseball. I know some sports sleepers prefer golf for napping, but for me, it's

falling asleep to the dulcet tones of Buck Martinez waxing poetic. So thank you, Buck. I'm thankful to hear you're coming back to the booth next year. Which brings me to my last thankful point about the Jays. I'm most thankful for being oh so wrong about them because as many games as I watched, I never quite saw this coming. They did not start the season well and they backed into the playoffs all September long. I questioned their pitching decisions and I doubted their ability. I would have bet my house that they would have lost last night. I mean, they were facing a flamethrower rookie phenom and decided to go up against him with a bullpen day. I mean, I like to think I know a lot about baseball, certainly enough to have an opinion.

But last night proved to me that I wonderfully and thankfully know nothing. The much feared bullpen day was a stroke of absolute genius. But that's just the tip of my utter wrongness. Because I've always felt like Shapiro and Atkins were more cut out for building stadiums than they were at building teams. And I never really trusted Schneider. But man, oh man, was I ever wrong? And I'm so thankful for that, because this year's Jays have been an against all odds juggernaut of stubborn at bats, timely hits, and surprising performances. In short, they've been joyful to watch. You can tell they care about each other. And most of all, you can tell they are having fun. I think they're the most

complete team in baseball. Pretty much every guy on the bench has made a major impact at some point during the season. So I'm thankful that I got to watch so much of it. And I'm thankful most of all that October baseball remains alive and well in Canada. So Go J's Go onwards and upwards to the next round. Got to love that. The ranter stepping back from dumping on something.

or someone, as he so often does. And just talking about the wonderful nature of baseball. And what an incredible season this has been so far for the Toronto Blue Jays. And that it has. And, you know, as we sometimes say in sport, you know, this was like winning the cup, beating the Yankees in Yankee Stadium of all places, is to knock them out of the year's excitement in the year's playoffs. So good for Toronto and good for the ranteer for signaling that for us.

Okay, let's get back to your thoughts and your thanks where you're grateful on this Thanksgiving 2025. Francis Jones writes from Victoria. lately gratitude might reasonably be waning but I feel it intensely for perhaps the first time for my grandparents visiting the west coast from Wales and never leaving for Canada's openness peacefulness and breathtaking natural beauty for my children's forgiveness over their chaotic childhood and for their love for the insects squirrels birds and yes rats who fill my garden

for even having a garden and for Mark Carney I explained before Vern Claussen in Sanford, Manitoba just outside of Winnipeg I love this letter this makes me feel like I'm back on the prairies where I spent a good chunk of my

early years in the business Vern writes, as a Manitoba farmer, the fall harvest season is upon us and we are thankful to be blessed in this country with what our farmers produce. Also, I experienced a bad farm

accident four years ago and I am now doing well. I thank my family and neighbors for their help and support. Also, all the first responders, ambulance workers, doctors and nurses in our health care system that were amazing. By the way, keep this in mind. It's important.

Farming continues to be one of Canada's most dangerous industries. In recent years, on average, 70 people are killed in farm accidents, and 1,500 people are injured. Michelle Aldridge in Calgary I'm incredibly grateful for the lessons my grandmother gave me. She didn't tell me to do these things, but rather she showed me. Give more to the world than you take.

Family is important. Don't do anything for a thank you. Care for the environment. Move your body. Eat a balanced diet. Travel the world. Listen to CBC Radio. Josh Winters in Surrey, BC.

A few months ago, the city upgraded a nearby water main, and we were without running water, most of the day. Even knowing that, I kept walking to the sink, turning the tap, and being surprised when nothing came out. Moments like that remind me how lucky we are. When I'm feeling down, I try to give thanks for the basics, like having clean water whenever I want. According to the World Health Organization, 263 million people worldwide walk 30 minutes or more to access water. Here in Canada, the most of us get it instantly. Now that's something worth giving thanks for.

Rachel McDonnell in Victoria, I feel it's easy to be complacent as a Canadian who has family, friends, and opportunity. Being thankful, however, this Thanksgiving, particularly with Trump's threat of annexation, takes on a whole new dimension. I'm thankful that we live in a country which believes in the rule of,

of law and freedom of speech. I'm thankful that we respect authority and that we share the like values. I'm thankful for our elected leaders, our social programs that help them many and the fact that we have universal health care. Our educators are some of the best in the world, and I'm thankful for the opportunities this provides us as Canadians. Don Whitmore in Colonna, BC. I'm thankful for the Maple Magazine.

and his merry band of misfits that they did not form the government after the April election. While I have been disappointed with the way Mr. Carney has been dealing with the master MAGA, I voted for his party in the belief that he would be the best suited to deal with the Orange Menace,

a shutter to think where we would be if P.P. was at the helm. Anne-Marie Klein in Toronto. I'm especially grateful for our Canadian health care system. I received a much-needed shoulder replacement at the end of June and received top-notch care from my surgeon and the entire medical and support team. I can't thank all the dedicated professionals enough and look forward to resuming activities like swimming and tennis

in the new year after completing the physio stages. You know, we tend to think these things are automatic. You know, the kind of help we get in the health care system, they're not automatic. They're the result of dedicated people. They're the result of a system that's supported by people, by our tax dollars. You know, why you've heard me often talk about my friend Mark Bulguch and co-author

does the heavy lifting on a lot of our projects, including on your turn. He goes through all the letters. Well, he, too, is grateful right now for our medical system because he had a broken ankle and torn ligaments. And he's looking forward to resuming daily gym exercise, pickleball and playing an umpiring softball after physiotherapy. And I think it was actually while he was doing one of those games as an umpire, that he had his injury.

Norma Jack in Stoville, Ontario, I'm thankful for many things that Mark Carney is our prime minister, that at 79 years of age I'm still able to exercise and play pickleball, that I have seven terrific grandchildren. But most of all, I'm so very thankful. thankful that I live in this amazing country called Canada. Nicole Bienvenu in Chilliwack, BC. As a Canadian who lived in the U.S. during the First Trump administration, I can attest to

the unpredictable nature of his presidency. Now that he's back in office, I'm also back in Canada. Returning home has made me proud and grateful to be Canadian, appreciating the opportunities and freedoms this country offers. While we may not be perfect, we strive to work together. For me, this is the best country in the world. Pat Wharton in Vernon, BC, I'm grateful for small everyday things. The Blue Heron, which visits the creek where I walk my dog,

a hot bath in clean water with a roof with no leaks and food on my table. These things sound silly, but many in the world would give anything to live in the splendor of little things we have. So I have gratitude for the little things of life. This is a letter actually from a gentleman in Winnipeg. He's given us his name, but he's asked in this particular case, and we're going to agree, not to use his name for reasons of medical privacy. in November 19 or in November 2024 I was diagnosed with Peyroni's disease a debilitating condition affecting roughly 1 in 10 men

excuse me I was told to wait to see a specialist and be scheduled for surgery and that it would be a long wait I'm thankful to have been offered a cancellation opening a couple of weeks ago meaning I was able to have surgery earlier than anticipated I'm thankful for the surgeon and that the surgeon was excited about doing this surgery and very optimistic as to prospects for success. Chad Keene in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Labrador. I arrived in Canada in 2007 as a permanent resident. I'm thankful for becoming a Canadian citizen this year

and now can truly call Canada home. I'm thankful that my small business, has allowed my wife to leave her job this year to work beside me. Now it is our business, and this allows us to follow our dreams together. That is all we've ever wanted. Carrie Goethe in Ottawa, I'm thankful for the job that has purpose. I work for a charity that is a group of psychotherapists offering sessions on a sliding pay scale. We have a subsidy program, so those with different financial income,

can access mental health care. We have a compassionate professional team who care for their community. It's a privilege to assist the therapists in their important work. Bernice Ross in Nanaimo, BC, I'm thankful for podcasts. My physio has assigned many exercises to keep my 79-year-old body in good health. Listening to podcasts, I take longer with the exercises and spend more time on better technique. This means I am not a burden on the health care system. system and hopefully won't show up in a long wait list for joint replacement.

Lynn Belanger in Lancaster, Ontario. I'm grateful for my spouse being cancer-free and we did not lose our home paying for his care. For Canada, although imperfect. The lunatic down south did not annex us yet. As a woman, I'm grateful to live here. Cindy Zampa in Erdry, Alberta Cindy occasionally writes poems And this is one of them

I'm grateful because I have so much to lose A home, clean air, open space with views My health, my many friends and family near Grandkids' laughter, loud and clear The freedom to live each day A new diversity tolerated valuing what's true for peace and beauty when I roam and the safety I feel in this place called home retirement from a career that called gives time sweet time to savor it all

72 words by the way Steve Abba in Toronto thanks and ever thanks to the Toronto for giving us a summer of joy and excitement For two and a half hours, almost every day we can forget about Trump and Putin and Pollyev and lose ourselves in baseball. The games have usually been close and tense and more often than not the Jays win. The team is likable and fun, so thanks to Vladdy and George and Bo and Ernie and the rest of the team. Penny Stoker from Sunridge, Ontario. Not too far south of North Bay. I'm grateful for a sense of humor, curiosity, intelligence, and hope

as a delightful foil against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. For people who do not use the blame game and shame game, especially in leadership, and for a community that looks after each other regardless of color, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, abilities, or political views. But because we can be and need to be kind. Greg Rogers in Toronto, I'm thankful that my country is led by a banker. My province is led by a business person. And my city is led by a career socialist.

All have their faults. But together they lead a wonderful city that I truly love and enjoy. Too bad about our hockey team. Excuse me, they did win last night. against the habs. Go Jays, says Greg. James Altie in Houghton, Manitoba, south of Winnipeg, west of the Red River. I'm thankful for a free press, in particular the Winnipeg free press.

I value its comprehensive news coverage and commitment to factual reporting and its sensitivity to indigenous issues. There are opinions, and there are things you'd clearly like to believe, and then there are facts. I'm thankful for having a reliable local Canadian source of information that prioritizes truth and integrity in its reporting. Canadian democracy depends on it. Andrew McCullough in Fredericton.

I'm thankful for mud. A funny way of saying I'm thankful for clay and the community pottery studio I started a year ago. I'm thankful for the members who feel like a family supporting each other creativity, creatively, socially and by coming together to sell mugs towards charitable causes. The world is a much more positive space when you're playing with clay. Janice Craig in Laxantan, Alberta, an hour northwest of Edmonton.

Grateful for the rhythm of the rails this past year from riding via rails, Canadians, to hearing daily trains near our Laxan home. A visit to the majestic Rockford trestle this week, a short half-hour drive-away, and North America's largest, reminded us of the power and beauty of Canada's railways. Thank you for connecting landscapes, communities, and hearts across this vast country. Eric Lassard in Pierre Fon, Quebec. It's the West Island of Montreal. I'm grateful that I do not live in the USA. Don Dufour in Ottawa.

I'm grateful to my parents for teaching me two lessons which I've passed on to our children. Live by the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Enjoy nature to the fullest. In our world of climate change, wars raging and toxic political ground, or political soundbites, sorry. I see our kids exhibiting the teachings of my parents as they explore their life paths. and make the world better along the way. Peter McKean in Harrow, Ontario, just south of Windsor.

As a lifelong NDP voter, I voted for Mark Carney, and I am thankful that he's our Prime Minister. With his steady, confident presence, he is laying structural track for the next quarter century of our economy after a mostly wasted decade. That wasted decade was led by another liberal Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau. But there's no doubt that Mark Carney gets a lot of nice comments in the letters this week.

And once again, it doesn't surprise me. Carney won. So those who supported him are probably grateful. Christine Ramos in Toronto. In 1773, my father left Portugal with his young family, escaping a country ruled by a brutal dictatorship. I'm grateful that he didn't choose to immigrate to the USA. If he had, today, we would be right back where we started, an authoritarian government. Thank you, Pai.

That's dad in Portuguese, for bringing us to Canada, land of the truly free. Stephen Sands in Uxbridge, Ontario, north of Oshawa. I'm thankful that my parents choose to immigrate or chose to immigrate to Canada. So am I, by the way. You know, we came in the early to mid-50s. I'm thankful that my parents chose to immigrate to Canada. I'm thankful that their decision created the circumstances

that have given me pride in being Canadian. Good health care, opportunity, freedom, and most of all, a beautiful Canadian family. Last one today comes from Calgary. Sean Baroube. We had a number of letters like this, and we tend to get these every once in a while. And I, you know, I'm glad we do

because it is a response in a way to what we do here at the bridge. And it's nice to know that... It's nice to know that you appreciate it. You don't always agree with us, and you get mad sometimes, but you listen. So Sean writes, I'm giving thanks for your podcast. I wanted to become more informed about politics in Canada, but couldn't find anyone who brought on such unique voices. You've done an excellent job finding smart people

that present complex issues with the complexity, I guess, they deserve. many podcasts try to oversimplify issues your decades of experience have cultivated these relationships and I'm grateful for it please understand how rare this podcast is actually you know there are a lot of really good podcasts out there I appreciate the nice kind things you're saying John we don't hit a home run every day sometimes we do and you can feel it you can feel

how good the program was and how it encourages people to think, right? Not necessarily to agree, but to think. That's what we try to do every day, even with some of our silly shows like yesterday. So I'm glad that you and so many others enjoy. we've seen a real uptick in the numbers in the last year they were already really good but now they're kind of mind-boggling really but we're glad we have this little get-together

every almost every day and we certainly appreciate you joining us all right that's going to wrap it up for this day and this week's your turn and the random ranter tomorrow we'll be back with Good Talk, Shantelli Bear and Bruce Anderson, and lots to talk about this week again. So we'll do that tomorrow. Whether it's on Sirius XM, whether it's on your podcast platform,

or whether it's on our YouTube version. We hope you'll enjoy that. Fridays are big on all three platforms. All right, I'm Peter Mansbridge. As I said, thanks so much for listening. We will talk to you again. in less than 24 hours.