The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- With A New Leader Is There Hope For The NDP?

Episode Date: April 2, 2026

The NDP is mired in the basement of Canadian politics, but is there new hope for the country's traditional third party? That was our question to you this week in the days after the NDP picked Avi Lewis as their new leader. Plus Thursdays mean the Random Ranter who drops by with his thoughts about Donald Trump. 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. It's your turn. The question this week and your answers are all about the NDP. Can a new leader fix the NDP's problems? We'll do that right after this. And hello there.

Well, what's that exciting last night? Watching Canadian Jeremy Hanson rocket into space. It's going to be an interesting. interesting next week or so as we watch his voyage to the moon and back. Now he's not landing, but he's going to go around the moon. I'm going to go around the dark side, going into deep space in places no one has ever been. He and his fellow three astronauts. So that's exciting.

And looking forward to watching that as I was very much excited by watching the launch yesterday. Also last night, Donald Trump, lathering away from the White House, trying to explain to the people, well, the people of his country and the people of the world, as to what was he actually doing in Iran and why? Well, guess who will have a thoughts on that? The random ranter will be by.

Halfway through the program today to let us know what he thought of the U.S. President's speech last night. But the majority of this show is what you have to say about the future of the NDP. They have a new leader in Avi Lewis. So what is that going to mean? Will I make a difference? Will I bring the NDP back onto the stage? Right now they're not even an official party.

So we ask for your thoughts and you certainly gave them. So we're going to get to those right now. starting with Julie McGonicle in Allora, Ontario. That's about a half hour northwest of Guelph, Ontario. Julie writes, I understand why Avi Lewis won the race, policy and pedigree, but I'm unconvinced of his ability to attract working class voters. He speaks in an idiom that won't resonate.

Polyev has tapped into the blue-collar desire to feel reflected in a party's culture. even if it often comes off as smar me. I want to see the NDP move forward, but I'm concerned they still don't get it. And far-right populism will tragically continue its assent. Jonathan Young writes from Brussels, Belgium, Jonathan's formerly of Nova Scotia. In his victory speech on Sunday,

Avi Lewis spoke of the sky-high price of everything in the cost of living crisis. As long as the other federal parties continue to leave the vast majority behind and work for the money, not the many, then there is still a lot of room for the NDP at the federal level of Canadian politics. Ken Peloshock in Ustad, Ontario,

there's a path for another orange crush, perhaps in an election or two. Carney is popular right now, but liberal fatigue will eventually return as it did for Paul Martin. Polyev's rebrand is making him less frightening to centrist. If you squint, he almost looks Harper-esque. Is Avi Lewis another Jack Layton?

I don't know. I believe history rhymes, but you could lose a lot of money betting on exactly where or how. Tom Smith in Antiginish Nova Scotia. I voted NDP my whole life. Last year was my first liberal vote. The NDP doesn't appear to have much time for rural working-class people anymore. We see that in their choice of a leader who is essentially no experience in or ideas about anything relevant to my family. Avi Lewis, Naomi Klein, Zoran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, rich urban people who never had to work.

I wish them well, but their future doesn't involve me. Glen Rigby in Ottawa Avi Lewis needs to lead from inside the house not from the front lawn don't make Jagmeet's first mistake challenge for a seat as soon as possible Carney is vacating the center left time for the NDP to come back

Ryan Hoyle in Bedford Nova Scotia Avi Lewis doesn't have the skill or the will to engage in the give and take of politics his views of Canada will remain too extreme for most of us to get on board. He will not be elected and will remain a voice crying in the political wilderness, like the far right Maxim Bernier. Sadly, the federal NDP under Lewis will remain a fringe party. Mark Renick in Guelph

I believe in a multi-party system. Avi says he doesn't want pipelines. Didn't I read somewhere that Mark Carney thinks that demand won't warrant more pipelines. I think Avi has his work cut out for himself, getting his Western base to support less growth for them. I don't know where we get the revenues to fund all his social programs, but it is curious how governments always seem to find the money for a war.

Tim Stott in Minnesota, Manitoba. I think the NDP federally are finished as a national political party and have now become a left-wing socialist activist group. Their base will shrink and voters will move to either the liberals or conservatives and Canadians will be stuck in a two-party system. And in my opinion, that is not good for the country. Don Whitmore in Colonna, BC. I welcomed the news that Avi Lewis had been elected leader.

Since the death of Jack Leighton, the NDP has been a rudderless boat in a sea of turmoil. Malker was out of his league, and Jagmite Singh never figured out. that he was the leader of an independent party and not a quiet crutch for Trudeau, Avi comes with a fine pedigree and has what it takes to set the party back on the path to a fair society. It's interesting, right? There's a good mix of opinion here today. Rodney Knop in Vernon, BC. I truly believe that Canada is better off with three or more strong federal politicians.

political parties, even if it means the occasional minority government propped up by one of the other parties. A two-party system leads us towards a yes or no with me or against me mentality. I think this is a counterproductive divisive mentality. The NDP needs a charismatic, likable leader with platforms and policies that inspire Canadians. They're not there yet, but hang in there. Patrick Chung in Toronto. I think the NDP has dug a deeper hole for themselves. I'm expecting more MPs will leave for the liberals. We need to build our economy based on low-carbon fossil fuels to fund social programs

and green renewable energy. But Avi thinks the opposite. We need to seize the opportunity while the Gulf regions have reduced their output. Let's go, Canada. Kristen Gite in Telqua, BC. The federal NDP chose a media-savvy movement to lead them through the most consequential moment in Canadian politics in a generation.

Provincial New Democrats govern. Federally, the party trades execution for aspiration. It is not governed. It has performed. Worse, it is hemorrhaging blue-collar workers and union households. Visibility is not governing capacity and performance is not policy. Relevant? We'll see. Powerful? No.

Spencer Stinson in Blenham, Ontario. I grew up in an NDP household but gave up in the Jugmeet Singh years. A pragmatic approach seemed to be lacking. Now the NDP with a chance for a turnaround has elected someone that will drive the party further into obscurity. Maybe my kids will have some hope with the NDP in 15 or 20 years. Mark Campbell in Vancouver. I think Avi Lewis is just keeping the seat warm for Wob Canoe. More broadly, it's interesting that after Canadians decidedly rejected right-wing populism in the last election, the NDP went with left-wing populism. Karni,

is the anti-populous, and he's only been getting more popular, so I don't know if that bodes well for Mr. Lewis. With that being said, he's a good communicator, and a strong, progressive voice is good for Canadian politics. Evan Panton in North Vancouver. Unfortunately, it's just not a good time for third parties in Canada. With today's high stakes, voters believe more in the ever-growing liberal caucus. Mr. Lewis could get everything right, but the NDP's future will depend more on factors beyond his control. At the end of the day, people just like to be on the winning team. If Canada wants to empower third parties, we should revisit the idea of proportional representation. Scott Burke in Halifax

The NDP will be irrelevant in federal politics as long as Pierre Pollyev is leader of the conservatives. People dislike him more than they like the NDP and will vote liberal to make sure he doesn't become prime minister. Brian Perry in Ottawa. Avi Lewis will sink the NDP. He doesn't seem interested in listening to other points of view. Ideologues like Avi within the NDP,

only wish to lecture people and don't value harmony or compromise. Raging against the machine or big oil won't win elections. They'll become a fringe party like the Greens. They'll struggle to have more than a few seats. But I hope they will be re-erexer... Let me try and get that again. but I hope they'll be resurrected someday. Ray Cohannock in Winnipeg.

Having no seat in Parliament, no opportunities to raise profile during question period, and with ongoing global crises which make his proposed policies increasingly irrelevant, Avi Lewis could be the death knell. Watching the speakers at the convention, the impression screamed fringe. God helped them if some of their caucus

decide to join the liberals, or greens. Ruthie Muller in Toronto could mix geographically, right, today? They're from all over the country, although, you know, lately we've not been getting any from the north.

No yellow knife, no white horse, no ecalibate, no Rankin inlet, Baker Lake, coral harbor. Oh, Greece Fjord. Where are you, Greece Fjord? Let's get a lot of

letter in there. Okay, Ruthie Muller in Toronto. Canada needs another federal party. Just look at the lack of accountability in a two-party system in the United States. The NDP has a proven track record on implementing some fundamental national policy on social, health care, and labor. First, we have to redistribute the wealth of the nation, and that responsibility lies mostly, with elites. The NDP is needed and will help tip the scales towards the center, and that's the sweet spot. Mike Brown and Brockville, Ontario.

I've never voted NDP. My father used to say, NDP, no darn possibility of winning the election. In all seriousness, they need to pick a lane. Do they want to form a government, or do they want to serve in governing coalitions? or do they want to be the progressive voice that uses political brinksmanship to bargain for implementation of policies?

They had a lot of success with the former. I wish Lewis luck. He'll need it. Mark Engeldine in Barrier, BC, he says he's an ex-NDP supporter. In a time where Canada needs to build up its military, a time where the United States is becoming a fascist state, threatening our sovereignty, dismantling NATO, and pointless Mide's war

threatening global security. Canadians want a Mark Carney who can address economic issues and influence the international community. Traditional NDP values and policies just don't work in this time. Michelle Kaufman in Toronto. I tend to vote where the country is

at the time and the vibes of the leaders. I think the NDP will forever struggle to form government. But we need them because they represent voices of left-leaning Canadians. Like every human soul, a country is most centered when it has a handle on all dimensions of itself. The NDP offers balance and its voice must be valued. Harmony shines bright in the center. Deb Greening in District of Lakelands, Saskatchewan.

Living in a province where oil and gas is a significant factor, my main concern is the environment and sustainable development. That does mean I do not see the NDP as a party worth voting for with their choice of a leader, twice defeated at the polls and with extreme views on resource development. Watching their amateur hour of a convention clinched it. A female MP from Alberta as leader may have won me over. But I'm out. Constance Menzies from Narl Manitoba. Observing national and world politics,

there is a definite place for the NDP and leader Lewis in the months and years to come. One looks to New York, Denmark, Germany, France, the UK and possibly Hungary. PM Carney is managing right of center at the moment and the opposition leader is maneuvering nearer to the middle too. A strong NDP in the House will temper our minority government and appeal to that vast population below the top 1%.

Doug Yarnel in Codette, Saskatchewan. That's an hour and a half east of Prince Albert. I used to live in Prince Albert. One of the many communities in this country that I at one time or another have called home, I lived in Prince Albert in 1968 in the first months of 1968

up until actually June of 1968 and June of 1968 and June of 1968 marked a couple of things I was living in a boarding house in Prince Albert with five

women five girls and myself And one night in early June when I was asleep, this is when I was working for Transair, the little airline that covered Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwestern Ontario, and the Arctic. And I was based in, I was running the, or no, I wasn't running it, I was based in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. And one night I was asleep, I'd worked all day and I'd fallen asleep.

one of the girls came into my room, woke me up, said, you got to get up. I said, what do you mean, I got to get up? She said, Bobby Kennedy's just been shot in Los Angeles. So I got up and watched television all night. As I had done five years before that, when Bobby Kennedy's brother, John Kennedy, who was president of the time, was shot and killed in Dallas.

So here we were again. This time with Bobby Kennedy, who was running for the presidency in 1968. Later that month, there was a federal election in Canada. It was Trudomania. But I was living in Prince Albert, and you guess who the candidate was there who was going to win the race?

The same guy who'd wanted a number of times already before. The former Prime Minister, John Defenbaker. And I can remember sitting in a barbershop on the main street in Prince Albert the day they were having the funeral service for Bobby Kennedy and Teddy Kennedy was speaking, his brother, was giving the eulogy, and I was watching that on the TV in the barbershop

when John Diefenbaker walked by as part of his campaign for Prince Albert. So anyway, this is a long way from Doug Yarnel's letter, but Doug lives not far from Prince Albert. So here we go. Here's Doug's letter. The NDP has, in my opinion, become irrelevant. They are essentially a party of need and want and not one of contribution. Their ideas are unrealistic and unsustainable. One simply has to read the Leap Manifesto. That was a document, by the way,

that Avi Lewis and his wife, Naomi Klein, tried to have the party adopt about 10 years ago. Proposals on topics range from the environment to, infrastructure, but which the NDP did not adopt. They also confuse and muddy our already chaotic and dysfunctional political system, says Doug. Frank Padisi in Toronto. The root of the NDP is democratic socialism, defined by the British, which has now evolved into the current labor government. Like labor, the NDP is an amalgam of supporters who are left of center on every issue, but

who accept capitalism's guardrails. To survive today's tribal and populist zeitgeist, they must go silent on all issues, except for wages and jobs. Avi Lewis was the wrong choice. So says Frank, Padisi in Toronto. Pat Wharton in Vernon, BC, I think that the election of Avi Lewis

has put the NDP farther away from success. His anti-development pro-climate agenda is not in keeping with the feelings of most Canadians at this time in our history. Greg Slowski, or Slavski, in Edmonton, Greg calls himself an NDP pipeline and environment supporter. I believe, says Greg, I believe Avi needs to maintain momentum with breadth, not depth. His approach to social and new media clearly is working. With this approach, I don't think he needs to,

a seat immediately to uphold credibility and relevance. If he truly wants to stick to his natural resource-averse platform, he needs to start messaging directly to Alberta and Saskatchewan what his labor and energy transition plan is. Well, let's throw one more in here before we take our break and hear from the random ranter. Jonathan Hamilton in Carstairs, Alberta, about, that's about 50 clicks north of Calgary. I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, the heartland of the NDP.

In my mind, the federal NDP has no future. The liberals have come back to the center. The conservatives may have the wheel not so far to the right, but the NDP has wandered into left field across the foul line. The ninth inning ended two hours ago and the stadium lights are about to turn off. Wow. We sure got the baseball analogy down pat there, Jonathan. Okay, so as I said, you've heard a mix of feelings about the future of the NDP,

and you've heard them from across the country. And there's lots more to hear from as well. But we're going to take our break. Come back with the Randabranter who's on Trump this week. And then we get back to your letters. So time for a pause. We'll be right back after this. And welcome back.

You're listening to The Bridge, the Thursday episode, which of course is your. turn and the random ranter. We're getting to the random ranter in just a moment. A reminder that you're listening to The Bridge on SiriusXM, Channel 167, Canada Talks, or you're listening on your favorite podcast platform. Glad to have you with us. Whatever platform you've chosen to connect with us on. Okay, more letters to come on your feelings about the future of the NDP with Avi Lewis. But first, the random ranter. And the random ranter. And the random rancor.

was glued last night to his television, watching the president of the United States. Let's see how he feels about that. So I held off preparing my rant last night so that I could hear Trump's big White House address. And let me tell you, I'm never going to get those 25 minutes back. It was all hot air, lies, lies, and more hot air. There was nothing new and nothing really of substance.

He provided no co-consumption. coherent timelines or even thought processes. It was just more of Trump being Trump, blaming Barack Hussein Obama and Biden and then making outrageous claims like, there is no inflation. I don't know who's buying any of this, but he's selling it like it's Trump's stakes.

Oh, wait, no one bought those either. Yeah, I really don't know what to say, except that if cars ran on Trump's gaslighting, the world wouldn't care about the straight of Hormuz. Look, I've never seen Trump as pathetic as he was last night. For all his tough talk and brave-facing, Trump came off like a drowning man, desperate and flailing. There's no question, the guy is rattled.

But he should be rattled. He's way, way, way over his head. He's got no plan for getting out of Iran and his cabinet of suckups, yes men, and Pinocchio endowed brown-nors. are every bit as damaged and as incompetent as he is. And that's really saying something. Look, for the longest time, Trump's gotten away with throwing his weight around with,

Don't you know who I am, a plumb? But something's changed. The world's had enough. Maybe little Donnie's cried wolf one too many times. Or maybe countries are finally coming around to the new reality of a United States that can't be trusted or relied upon. Either way, with... Donny's schick, people just aren't having it anymore.

I mean, he keeps telling Iran they're defeated and that they stand no chance and they're at his mercy. And yet they keep launching missiles, including during his address last night. Then look at NATO. He demanded they bail him out of the straighter Hormuz, and NATO responded with a big, fat, no. Now he's openly threatening to quit the alliance, but I don't see NATO rushing to say, please don't go. And look, there's no doubt NATO is better off with America as a core member,

but I think it's questionable when you consider it's Trump's America. I mean, does anyone believe Trump would answer the call against Putin in Estonia? I think if that happened, he'd coordinate the situation to seize Greenland for defense purposes and leave Europe to their own devices. To me, this all comes down to respect. Most people have traditionally respected the office of president, and countries have traditionally respected the power and the promise of the United States. But Trump isn't most people. He's a con man with no respect for anything, including himself. Under him, America is for sale to the highest bidder, whether they be crypto bros, tech titans, Saudi sheikhs, or Christian Zionists. For those groups, Trump is the perfect frontman. He has no

ethics, no integrity, no real principles. He's happy to play the useful idiot as long as he gets paid. But therein lies the problem, because even for guys like Trump, useful has a shelf life. But idiot, that's forever. There he is, the random ranter. You know, I don't always agree with the ranter. you know I I sometimes agree with him

he definitely makes me think which is what we always try to do here just like your letters make us think but it's hard to argue with a lot of what he said today but Trump is Trump how many times have we counted this guy out

now it seems pretty much Much, well, it seems right now there are many people counting him out, including many of his former supporters. Some of that MAGA wing is counting him out, saying he's done. Stick a fork in him. But this is a guy who's come back so many times when we thought he was finished. Let's see what happens this time. Anyway, that's the Rantters take for this.

week. And as always, we're glad to have them around. Okay, back to your letters. Frank Wang in Surrey, BC, Frank has written before. While I agree with some of Avi Lewis's ideas, the NDP does not have the right leader with the right plans of the right time. The party is better suited to compete when there is less turbulence on the international stage. It would likely take at least another leadership cycle for the NDP to make a comeback. Okay.

Eric Barube in Sudbury, Ontario. The new NDP leader is inconsequential. Warming the seat for future leader Wob Canoe. The story for me about this whole convention was the equity cards. While likely well intended, they have come to garner much ridicule among many Canadians, including myself. Equity that gives a priority to anyone to speak. speak over others is not the ideology that is going to win the day in the hearts of Canadians.

The NDP should focus on true equity, as it used to be. Febrian Butterman in Milton, Ontario. My politics don't align with Lewis's, but I watched his leadership launch video. He highlighted issues that I agree with, though we disagreed on the solution. I love the passion that comes through from the video. NDP will not raise their support level by being a knock-off carney. So I think this political stance will gain them support from parts of the population that don't feel represented by liberal or conservative.

Bill Flowers in Amherst, Nova Scotia. I think the NDP will come back and become a factor in future elections. Canada is a small L liberal. Liberal. country and there is always a need for a voice in that center space. There is precedent for this when they were reduced to nine seats in 1993. We're talking about the NDP. Then in 2011, the orange wave happened. Is Avi Lewis the right person to lead the party back?

Don't know, but I think the national party needs Wob Canoe. Manitoba Premier, right? Joe Henshiel in Acumo, Mexico. that's on the Yucatan Peninsula. But Joe's from Calgary. I voted NDP once but won't again. By orders of magnitude, the biggest policy failure of our lifetimes

is addressing climate change. Only the liberals have the ability to take this on and manage Danielle Smith, but will they? Rest in peace, federal NDP, says Joe from Mexico. Robert McMillan, in Hope River, PEI.

The NDP no longer represents anything recognizable as the party of the working class blue collar in Canada. Utopian rhetoric, with the promise of a society with rainbows, guided by unicorns, with impossible policies, is out of step with Canadians. Lewis drags the party even further left that is barely recognizable from its roots. Sheila Kinsell in Calgary Albertan here supporting the Alberta NDP. I'm deeply concerned having Avi as the federal NDP leader. His policies do not align with most Canadians,

especially in the West, so the NDP will lose any relevance. Canadians are generally more centrist in their political orientation and believe our governments should make life better, not control it. His policies are no better than the Alberta United Conservative Party except his lean far left versus theirs far right. Rachel Evans in Alston, Ontario.

Having just learned of Stephen Lewis's passing, I write this with a heavy heart, but also gratitude and optimism. I don't know if the NDP will ever form a government, save a coalition, but it is to Canada's great credit that Parliament will have an informed and compassionate voice in Avi Lewis. Regardless of one's political stripe,

Canadians are the beneficiaries of his having grown up in an intellectually and ethically enriched environment. Joe Bazina in Park Hill, Ontario, that's northwest of London. The future of the NDP, unless they can represent those affected by poverty and the middle class, they will have a limited and short future. to last longer than the next election they will need to be seen as protecting and promoting universal health care, workers' rights, and care for the environment. Marilyn Wallace and Fannie Bay, British Columbia.

In September 2024, I wrote a letter to the bridge with the theme, The parties with a central ideology have faded away. The governing parties had migrated to the edges, while the NDP will offer insightful ideas, is necessary for healthy political discourse, it will not be enough to detract from the current liberals. Sound economic planning, combined with socially progressive ideals, puts them squarely in the middle. Amid global chaos, Canada has found its anchor.

Greg Heller in Thordbury, Ontario. That's up on Georgian Bay. The NDP has lost its working class base by shifting its tone, priorities, and identity away from everyday economic concerns, while still advocating policies that could benefit workers. It has struggled to communicate in clear, relatable terms about affordability, jobs, and economic security.

At the same time, alignment on urban progressive issues, like climate and diversity, has pushed many working-class voters toward the conservatives. Lewis's policies may alienate the working class even further. Colette Bersey in Montreal, I've never voted NDP, and I am a political junkie since the age of 15, and have had the privilege of working and living in three provinces, two of which had NDP governments during my stay. What Mr. Lewis proposes is to bankrupt Canada. We're land of resources, both renewable and non-renewable, and that is our strength.

Yes, we need social acceptability for projects, but we also need to have this country move forward an asserted strength, or we might as well be part of the states, maybe Mr. Lewis forgot the lessons of history. The Canadian people will never adhere to his socialist ideology. Mr. Lewis either takes the party to the center left, or they will be extinct by the next federal election. Mark McLeod in Rockland, Ontario. That's also up near Georgian Bay, west of Collingwood,

right in the middle of Ontario's cottage country. I voted for all parties, both federally and provincially in Ontario. Regarding Avi Lewis and the NDP, I have only two words. Who cares? In the current political environment, it wouldn't matter what he says. He isn't being heard. That's all that matters. Julie Mulnard in Burlington, Ontario.

The NDP is an integral part of Canada. Their voice brings another viewpoint and it matters in the landscape, whether one votes for them or not. Our democracy benefits from them getting back on their feet. Is Avi Lewis the solution? He's a step in the process, and hopefully he can help further the party along to official party status. With the headwinds they're facing, that would be an accomplishment.

Eric Wees in Ottawa. This is potentially a period of comeback for the NDP for two reasons. First, Carney and the liberals have shifted rightward. This opens up space on the left side of the spectrum that had been previously co-opted by the Trudeau liberals. The NDP can reoccupy that space and communicate a new presence, relatively unchallenged. Secondly, Avi Lewis and his unvarnished progressive conviction may regalvanize that wing of the party and attract a new, younger, urban base. Christian Roski in Calgary, I'm happy that a radical rather than a moderate voice will be, leading the NDP.

Avi Lewis will bring a progressive perspective, which is sorely needed in mainstream Canadian politics today. What concerns me is his apparent disinterest in getting elected. Without Lewis in the House of Commons, I don't understand how the NDP is expected to create policy change or challenge this liberal government's conservative agenda, which has sadly gone uncontested. Bill McVeigh in Calgary

I considered voting for Ovi as the most dynamic candidate, but ultimately felt he was too tied to the progressive wing of the party and chose Heather instead. The progressive wing and the Workers' Rights wing of the NDP seem more and more divided in their views on the economy, on the environment, and on culture. Hopefully now that he is elected, Ovi will be able to bridge that divide. Liz Dobson in Toronto. The NDP may herald a return to public. discourse on economic inequality, a subject that has been out of favor, perhaps even suppressed,

in recent decades. After Reagan, Thatcher, public attention has been focused instead on free market economics and the subsequent rise of powerful elites, globalization, fostering identity, politics, and woke postmodern critiques of traditional Western values, and technological change endlessly engrossing with both positive and negative effects. NDP impact will depend on Canadians' readiness to listen. Christine Franzen in Dundas, Ontario. The NDP remains relevant. Having looked at the policies that Avi Lewis would like to implement,

I think he speaks to many people who are struggling. Young who cannot afford to buy a home, elders who cannot afford their groceries. While Mark Carney is working diligent to promote investment in Canada, such things take time. People who are looking for a break now may look to a different government, such as the NDP, for help. Neil Douglas Fraser in Edmonton.

I'm an Albertan in my early 30s, and I voted for Lewis in the leadership race because he actually seems authentic to me. While I don't agree with everything he says, I think his views on climate change and the potential for Canada to be a future global powerhouse, in renewable energy, were enough to get me on board. If we committed to getting off the boom and bust of the oil economy and work together through interprovincial trade and energy grids, we would work and build a stronger Canada.

And yes, that's a born and raised Albertan saying that, folks. All right, we're into the last five or six letters here now. Lisi Legg in Calgary. The NDP is mired in debt. It held a leadership convention that was unable to spark widespread interest. Now it has a leader who doesn't seem motivated to take part in the democratic process and seek a seat in Parliament. There are more pressing issues close to home, so why dwell on the NDP who are not destined for power? Get that NDP, not destined for power?

Well, we'd like to hear everybody's view on these things, and that's why we spent some time on it, today and we've got a lot of letters, lots of letters more than we needed. So obviously it's on the minds of some people. Jennifer Campbell, Jennifer's a Canadian living in Osaka, Japan. As a Canadian overseas, I've been so proud lately of how Canadian politicians are avoiding polarization, trying to work together, showing decorum and respect. This is what will ultimately define the increasingly divergent future. of Canada and America.

Lewis's interviews have been disappointing. The tone and criticism towards Mulcair, former NDP leader, and provincial leaders. Canadians don't want that divisive, petty, self-serving discourse in our politics. Jean-Fourg in Notre Dame de Las

in Quebec. That's in the Laurentians. Is the NDP done? I don't think so. All I need is to get a charismatic, bilingual leader, and Bob's your uncle. But hey, who am I to say this? I asked an expert. Excuse me, I asked an expert, chat GPT.

And here's what it says. No, the NDP is not done, but it is in one of the weakest positions in its history. And that says Jean, is a brilliant reply. Here's our last letter for this week. It comes from Jennifer Mancini in Toronto. Avi Lewis is communicating a message that is similar to Pierre Polyev during last year's general election campaign.

If he can get his message out across the country, he will appeal to the voters who supported Mr. Poliyev. Mr. Lewis is a likable character and presents as warm and relatable qualities that can't be attributed to Mr. Poliyev. We know how much. many Canadians are facing difficult economic circumstances, particularly young people. The NDP has an important future in Canadian politics. You know, when on Monday we suggested this is the topic for this week, I thought, you know,

I wonder how many people are going to write in. And I wonder whether it's going to be mostly negative about the future of the NDP, given the fact that they're doing so poorly in the polls. Now they had a little bit of a bump in terms of discussion about them as a result of their leadership convention, even though it attracted nothing but flies for the six months or so that the leadership race was on. He did garner a certain degree of interest on the weekend of the vote.

Anyway, I wondered whether we'd get many letters. Well, we got a lot of letters. You know, clearly, some from our regular letter writers, but a lot from people who haven't written before. And there was a mix of opinion. I guess it probably tilted more to negative possibilities for the future of the NDP,

but just a tilt. There were a lot of positive letters, too, about the need for a progressive party. Some nice things being said about Avi Lewis. So there was a mix, and that mix helps us think. Right? And we'll all come up with our own views about what we think will happen as a result of it all. But we also know we're living through a time where views change.

Opinions change. Intentions change. So we'll see how it plays out in the weeks, months, and years to come. All right, a note about tomorrow. Tomorrow is Good Friday. Tomorrow is a holiday, statutory holiday, for a lot of workers across the country, including those who work here at the bridge. And it's parent company, Sirius XM, satellite radio.

So tomorrow there will be no new good talk. It'll be hard anyway. Chantelle's away. She's away for two weeks. She's away next week as well. We've got something special planned for next Friday. I'll tell you about it next week. But tomorrow we're going to have an encore edition,

and our encore edition tomorrow will be the program that perhaps generated the most discussion, interest, and fallout of the ones we've done in this calendar year so far. And that was our interview with Pierre Poliev. So that will be our encore edition tomorrow. And look forward to bringing that. to you one more time. If you didn't hear it, the first time, you'll want to hear it here. And if you did hear it, you might want to hear it again. Either way, I'm hoping you have a great

holiday weekend. And we'll see again on Monday with Dr. Janice Stein. We'll be here on Monday to discuss all the latest back and forth in our changing world. All right, I'm Peter Mansper. Thanks so much for listening on this day. We'll talk to you again in less than 24 hours.