The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- Would You Run For Public Office?

Episode Date: October 16, 2025

We've thought about asking this question before but something else always came up, but not this week. It's time. Would you run for public office? Any public office. If so, why?  If not, why not?  I think the answers are quite revealing about how Canadians feel about public office holders, and perhaps not what you think. Plus the Random Ranter is here, and he's ready for hardball on autos. 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. Would you run for public office? If so, why? If not, why not? That's the question this week for your turn. Also today, you guessed it, the random renter. Coming right up. Well, welcome to Thursday. Peter Mansperge here with your turn. And that question once again, is would you run for public office if you would why if you wouldn't why not you know there was a short window this week for answers to that question because it was a holiday of course Thanksgiving so we didn't really announce it until Tuesday so there wasn't much time when the answers started to come in initially they were

pretty negative to this idea and I guess that's not surprised given the kind of bad name the politics has had in the country in the last few years. But the more people, some people anyway, started to think about it, it turned a bit. So we have a mix of answers here this week. I think you'll find it interesting. Don't know what the random rancher is going to talk about, but we're going to find that out in due course, as we say. Let's get to our letters. Starting with Barbara Shindelka in Saskatoon, I should say right now, if this sounds a little different, I mean the audio quality, because I know some of you are real audio files, you write about, you know, your peas were popping or the this or that, and I get it. I understand how some people get upset about those things, especially if they're listening on headphones, because you hear everything.

Anyway, I'm on the road today. I'm in Montreal. And I'm using a new travel mic, and I'm not quite sure about its quality. But nevertheless, let's go. Because you're going to, it may sound a little different, but the letters are still pretty good. Starting with Barbara Shindelka in Saskatoon. Would I run for office? No. I value pragmatic, evidence-based policy solutions and good governance. Politics prioritizes the game over the people, rewarding party loyalty and personal ambition.

True democracy depends on an informed electorate, which is a problem when votes are cast based not on evidence or reality, but spin, disinformation, and illusion. Marilyn Sewell in Paris, Ontario, I often muse that when I retired, I would run for municipal government. But now I say, no. My community volunteer opportunities have given me greater insight into what is required, not only in terms of time, but in the cost of your personal life and toxic backlash that can happen.

My skin just isn't thick enough to do the job, but I certainly applaud those that do. Trudy Chapman in Ottawa. I've always wanted to run for public office. I come from a family that believes in public service, military and diplomatic service, but I wonder if political office is the best perch from which to affect change.

So right now, I offer my vocation instead, life coaching and podcasting and writing about joy in the everyday as an antidote to the fear that pervades our public space. That's enough for now. Don Whittemore. Don's writing from Pearson International Airport. I guess he's between flights or something. I know that lifestyle. Believe me, especially lately. Don actually lives in Kelowna, B.C. He writes, the short answer is no. I'm a septuagenarian. You know what that means? It means he's in his 70s.

I know that because I'm a septuagenarian too. I'm a septuagenarian, white male, and there are enough old white guys messing up the world. I'm looking at you, messrs. Trump, Putin, Netanyahu, and Orban. That's Victor Orban. ban the PM of Hungary. We baby boomers had our shot. We blew it. Time for subsequent generations to clean up our mess. Good luck. Mark Lanarsik in Toronto. I'm a big believer in fiscal responsibility. What are the chances that I could win an election if my platform was based on higher taxes and fewer

government benefits. Sadly, the electorate in general has no idea what the debt level is, nor do they know the difference between a debt and deficit. I'm not sure you're right about what they know or don't know. But sometimes I don't think some politicians know the difference either. Christine McDonald in LaSalle, Ontario. Being self-aware, I know that I do not handle disappointment well. And any level of government has more than its share. Being able to deal with the roller coaster that is politics is a skill that I know is not mine. So I fill that need with listening to those that do have that skill. Brent Harris in St. John, I'm a city councillor in St. John, New Brunswick, and I've announced that I will not re-offer in the next election.

During my term as counselor at large, I've seen a major shift in the city's political climate. Public hearings have become increasingly tense and polarized, with vilification and harassment, often exceeding what I'd consider reasonable. One hearing, the longest in our city's history, ended with a person attempting to confront me physically. We must find a way back to fair and reasonable engagement as communities in Canada. That's not good. Lisa Spallick in Penticton, BC. I watched my daughter as a member of the senior management. team of my city, gets seriously harassed on social media for her passion on bike lanes.

And my answer is a resounding no. However, I strongly believe in our democracy, and I applaud anyone who puts their name on a ballot in this country. Sadly, we live in this world where one can say things online, they would never say to our face. ain't that the truth Spencer Stinson in Blenham, Ontario that's Southwest Ontario

Yes I think I will give our local municipal council a go the next time round as many of your astute listeners will know this is the level that often has the most direct impact on our daily lives I also find that this level of government, while not immune, is much less ensnared in the toxic social media cesspool. You know, we did a little checking on the area that Spencer lives in.

The municipal council where Spencer lives is in the Blanford-Blenham Township with the mayor and four councillors. The next election will be in October of 2026. So Spencer's got a year to get organized for that one. Bruce McDonald and you, Westminster, BC, no, I would not run for any public office. My skin is not thick enough in today's environment. You know, it's sad that it's come to that. I understand where people are coming from,

those who are saying they wouldn't do it. Because of the environment, because of what the way the public reacts to politicians of any level, any stripe. But, man, wow, this is your turn, not my turn. Brian Miller. from here in Montreal. No, I am just too comfortable in my anonymity while cherry-picking

the timing and volunteer causes that I get involved in. However, I have huge respect for those that put their names on a ballot. They take the plunge to be responsible and accountable for an area. I wish more people had a reflexive respect for those seeking office. our system doesn't work without them. That's the point. That is the point. If you're going to have a democracy, if you're going to allow the people to make the decisions,

then people have to run for public office. Robert McMillan in Hope River, Prince Edward Island. It's about a half hour northeast of Somerside. I must say, we didn't get as many letters as we often get this week, but we got a lot of letters from people who've never written before. So that's interesting. Anyway, Robert McMillan from Hope River PEI. Yes, the only way you can affect change is from within. Running for office, it's an honor and a privilege.

to represent not only ideas and ideology, but the people we live with every day. Our current political landscapes operate in a hollow vacuum on a one-way communication street. The real answers come from within the government. Leo Bourdain in Ottawa. Why run? Every time I think about politics, I think of this social media meme.

I prefer apples to oranges. So basically what you're saying is you hate oranges. You also fail to mention pineapples, bananas, and grapefruits. Educate yourself. I'm literally shaking. David Forma in Calgary. i've often considered running for many levels of government municipal would be the only level i would consider because politics for me or to me is still local at its heart the struggle though for many i assume involves the following the cost of entry in other words running a campaign the perception of many that it is an insider's game

And as Andrew Coyne says in his new book and describe so well, Canadian democracy is broken, so can one person really affect change? You know, I've got a lot of time for Andrew. We worked together for a long time. And it's, you know, it is a good question. Can one person really affect change? And I know what some of Andrew's frustrations are, having seen many good people come into politics

who were there to affect change and were unable to do it, and finally gave up. Now, some people have made a difference. But the list of those who gave up, because they just found it all so frustrating, is long. And it is, it involves, you know, all the parties. I know Andrew had a lot of time for Michael Chong, the conservative MP from southwestern Ontario, who has tried throughout his career to make a difference in the way Parliament works. So it actually does respect the ideas of change.

Now, Michael Chong is still there. And he still keeps trying. And he still believes in the system, even though the frustrations he's had with it. Cindy Zampa in Erdhry, Alberta. After a fulfilling career serving others in teaching and counseling, I value my hard-earned peace and freedom that retirement brings. Public life brings scrutiny, pressures, and requires compromise.

It demands time. and energy, I'd rather put into creative endeavors and enjoying family. While I deeply respect and appreciate those who do step up to serve, it would take more from me than I'd be willing to give currently. Hmm. Josh Como in Montreal. I have no interest in running for politics because it seems like a bad job. Politicians yell at each other in question period like a bunch of schoolchildren. They face personal attack ads from the opposition,

and they get ejected from the party if they don't tow the party line. I only have one life, and it's too precious to spend it doing that. Gus Livingston, Dunville, Ontario. now southwest of Niagara Falls almost on the shore of Lake Erie would I consider running for public office writes Gus yes but only for about half a mile oh Gus you're a funny guy and we enjoy your humor Derek Dillowbo in Ottawa A career in politics. Perhaps working behind the scenes supporting a candidate, I believe, could make a difference.

However, to run as a candidate, I have serious reservations. Consider the terrible abuse that Catherine McKenna, her staff and family, injured simply by trying to do her job as the Environment Minister. You know, Catherine McKenna wrote a book recently. After she left politics, it's called Run Like a Girl, where she writes a bit about being caught in a circle of climate denial and misogyny. Derek writes, that shameful harassment should never be tolerated. However, it seems to be growing, not subsiding. You know, I know I'm going to get some letters from people who say, why do you say harassment, or Harris, instead of harass or harassment?

Well, first of all, both are acceptable. And while, most people say harass. I mean, I don't say I say embarrassment. I don't say embarrassment. So that's why I say harassment instead of harassment. That's just me. And that was my turn.

Back to your letters. Jason Jolamore in Truro, Nova Scotia. No way. Too personally damaging. In fact, I've already started sabotaging my social media accounts with controversial content to keep me from stupidly changing my mind in the future. So Jason's saying, I'm not going to run for politics because I've got so much stuff on my social media channels. That would doom me if I ever did.

Stephen Price in Calgary. When an individual can say, for example, Trudeau is going to catch a bullet with impunity, then politics is not the career for me. I was a teacher for 30 years. I'm very familiar with people who have not been in a classroom since graduating high school, telling me how to do my job. This is the curse for anyone who works in. public service. It is exponentially worse for politicians. And in this day and age, when violence

against politicians is not only acceptable, but often rewarded, I can see no upside to doing such a challenging job. Tim Stott in Kennesota, Manitoba. That's two and a half hours northwest of Winnipeg on Lake Manitoba. Just over three years ago, my friend and I decided to run for counselors in the rural municipality of Alonza. We were both successful. It's a steep learning curve, and I couldn't imagine being a provincial or federal politician, but it's rewarding in its own way. Don't be afraid to get involved in rural politics. Someone has to do it. If not, things like Winnipeg 2050 will come to pass. Alonza has a Reeve and six ward councillors. Tim represents Ward 2.

Winnipeg 2050 was a plan to coordinate regional planning for major roads and other infrastructure projects. It also called for the expansion of transit services and included guidelines for developing residential areas. but there was major opposition for smaller communities around the province and it was killed Ian Hebelthwaite in Manitam, Moncton, New Brunswick You're darn right I would run I believe that elected positions across the country and the world are what keeps us civilized as much as possible I have tremendous respect for anyone willing to put their name on a ballot because the giving of time is a great gift to the public. I am in my 14th and final year of a position on

our local district education council, the school board. I believe we have made positive changes in that time. But I know for certain we always tried to, and I believe that's what every elected person does. He ends on the district education council of the Anglophone East School District in Moncton. It's about time for our break, and it's about time for the random rancher. Here's one more letter before we take that break. It's from Scott Jansen in New Westminster, B.C. I wouldn't run for public office.

Try before and appreciate the need for good representation. I believe the highest value lies in informing and supporting governments not holding office. Our electoral system often rewards power seekers over problem solvers. I'd rather help advance participatory democracy so ordinary citizens can govern together. Volunteer boards often demonstrate intelligence and goodwill that elected politics seem to filter out. Okay, as I said, it's break time. We're going to do that. Come back with lots more letters, but also the random ranter.

He's standing by ready to give his rant for this week. But before we do all that, we'll be back right after this. And welcome back. Peter Mansbridge here with the Thursday episode of The Bridge, which is, of course, your turn and the random ranter. Our letters this week are all about running for public office. Would you or wouldn't you? You're listening on Sirius XM, Channel 167, on the Sirius XM network, or on your favorite podcast platform, wherever you're. listening. Hope you're enjoying it. Glad you're with us. All right. It's time for the random ranter. What's on his mind this week? This week, the Chinese ambassador came right out and said, if we eliminate the Chinese EV tariff, they'll start buying our agricultural products

again. So it got me thinking about Chinese EVs. And I've come to the opinion, that maintaining a 100% tariff on them is impractical, unfair, and unsustainable. Now, of course, it's easy for me to think that. I'm a Western Canadian. We don't benefit directly from having a strong Eastern Canadian auto industry. We don't have whole towns reliant on auto production. But we do have a ton of farms across the prairies that depend on their exports to China. We shouldn't have to trade one industry off against another or one region against another.

There should be room for both industries to thrive. And I think there could be a way forward where we allow Chinese EVs into our market and have it be good for our auto industry. Now, before anyone gets too upset, I want to remind them that this whole scenario was played out before in the 70s and 80s. Back then, it was Japanese cars that were the threat. They were accused of dumping, and they were met with tariffs. But the thing is, the tariffs were measured.

They weren't an exclusionary 100%. But they were enough to bring the prices up on Toyotas and Hondas to a point where Chevys and Fords can compete with them. We didn't slam the door in their face, but there was a substantial cover charge. Fast word to today, and Honda and Toyota are both juggernauts in the Canadian. market. They have the top two SUVs in the RAV and the top two cars in the Civic and the

Corolla. And what do all those vehicles have in common? They're made right here in Canada. Why couldn't we follow a similar approach with Chinese auto manufacturers? By all counts, Chinese EVs are superior in both price

and performance to anything being produced for our market. And while I believe we should be protecting our manufacturers from unfair market practices, that shouldn't mean they get a free pass on offering us inferior products. I thought business was all about competition. If we use tariffs to make the competition fair, then what's the harm of allowing Chinese EVs into our market and letting the consumer decide? We shouldn't be using tariffs to stifle innovation. We should be using them to encourage it. And I thought that's what fair competition is supposed to do. But I get it.

We're stuck in the middle on this because America doesn't want Chinese EV competition in any way, shape, or form. But the problem is, they also don't want Canadian competition. I mean, this week's Stalantis moved production of a Jeep line in Brampton to Illinois. And the U.S. Secretary of Commerce may as well have peed on our leg when he proclaimed that car assembly is going to be in America and there's nothing Canada can do about it. Well, I can think of one thing we can do about it. We can open some of our market to Chinese manufacturers. I mean, what do we have to lose? Should we just lay down and let the Americans dictate to us? Or should we leverage opening up our market to the Chinese the same way we open it up to the Japanese in the 70s and 80s? We let them in at a competitive

level with a plan that encouraged them to manufacture in Canada. And lo and behold, it worked. And anyone who lives in Cambridge, Woodstock, or Alaston will attest to it. Well, there you go. Our friend the ranter with his thoughts on this Thursday. Okay, let's get back to the letters. Because as I said, there weren't as many this week as we usually get but there was still a lot and it's interesting well it's interesting to take as it is every

thursday the takes that you take on the issues that we decided to throw out there each week the question this week would you run for public office if so why if not why not callum arnold and gulf ontario writes i've considered running often always giving some excuse for why it wouldn't work out. Today, excuses are running thin, and the temperature of politics is in an all-time high. I have to put my faith in the politicians already in office to meet this moment.

But in a few years' time, if I feel that I've built a solid foundation, I may indeed throw my hat into the ring. Wish me luck. Michael Artendale in Sudbury, Ontario. I did join a political party with the plan of running locally in a provincial election. However, after realizing how undemocratically they operated, I backed out.

I do feel I have better ideals than my current political representatives. Jen McKinnon in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Well, I've always had an interest in public service. My experience running a member of Parliament's constituency office in Atlanta, Canada, showed me the harsh reality of politics today. The level of abuse and personal attacks, often amplified online, was deeply discouraging. It made me realize that despite my passion for helping my community,

I wouldn't pursue public office given the toxic environment and frequent exposure to hostility for the elected official and staff. Paula Grattan in Miramachine, New Brunswick. Although I'd like to, I don't think I ever could run for office. I'm too opinionated, and I'm too intolerant of the opinions of people who feel contrary to me. I also think that I would be too frustrated by the inability to affect the change I want to see. Mostly, though, I don't think I could do it because I'd tell someone off. I know my flaws, or maybe their strengths.

wendy cecil in toronto as a senior i've aged out of candidacy but i have the utmost respect for most political representatives contrary to those who think people seek election for self-angrandizement or enrichment opportunities i believe holding public office is a tough selfless act The majority are motivated by a genuine desire to serve and they sacrifice family time, personal interests, and career to contribute to community and country. Bravo and brava to those who serve with distinction. All right, Wendy, you say you're too old to run because you're a senior. I don't know how old you are, but for the record, according to the Pew Revenue, research center, the largest share of global leaders today, 34% are in their 60s, 19% are in their 70s, 5% of leaders are in their 80s. Notably, the leaders of the U.S., China, and Russia are all in their 70s.

And in case you're wondering, Mark Carney turned 60 in March of this year. Gee, I wonder who this is from Fannie Bay, B.C. It's Marilyn Wallace. Even though I consider myself a political junkie, I have never wanted to hold public office. I think I'm a pretty good Canadian citizen. I recycle. I never break the law.

And I've helped educate hundreds of teenagers. But a politician's life seems fraught with conflict. Someone is always furiously angry with you. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for those who dedicate themselves to public work, but it is just not for me. Constance Menzies in Narrow, Manitoba. I tried decades ago. A well-reared political leader encouraged me to run in the municipal election, and I did.

I found it quite energetic, meeting people and hearing their stories at the doors. I didn't get elected, and I never tried again. In today's climate, it's just too mean and far too oriented towards one or two political parties and not for the citizens' politicians are meant to represent. Lawrence Rainey in Musco, Ontario I ran for town council at age 30. serving one term and i considered running for provincial parliament as i got to know the current member who had also been a high school history teacher like myself but as i considered the loss

of privacy constantly in the public eye as an mp i balked decades later with the ugliness and personal attacks now in our politics i'm glad i balked kyle cross in Thamesford, Ontario. Someone's got to run. I'd be brutal, but honestly, I think an empty bag of milk could have done a better job than half of our representatives over the last little while. We've got a mayor who's not even from here

and who has completely botched city planning. Now we've somehow got traffic jams in a rural Ontario village. Our MP was parachuted in, maybe he's driven through here once. through here once. You can probably sense my cynicism, but I'd argue it's well earned. Michael Kamok in Ajax, Ontario. I've considered running for office

because I have ideas about how affairs in Canada can be better handled. The problem is that I could not get elected because my ideas and approaches would not be popular. I'm not willing to address things up so that they would be more palatable. At the end of the day, political success in a democracy

is based on math. It's a numbers game. Andre Sandu in London, Ontario. Running for public office would be a great opportunity to make a real difference in my community. From shaping policies, improving services,

and giving residents a stronger voice. It's a chance to lead with purpose and bring people together around shared goals. However, public office would come with constant scrutiny, tough decisions, and criticism. No matter how well intention my actions would be, I couldn't please everyone, and that pressure would be challenging to live with. Mark Nordham in Listerwell, Ontario. That's about an hour northwest of Kitchener, not far from Stratford. I've enjoyed being a local councillor. I thought it was important to have a young farmer, 27 years old, around the table.

A couple of years ago, I was coming back from shipping livestock, towing a cattle trailer and wearing work clothes. I stopped in for a quick consultation meeting about playgrounds. The consultants from the big city asked town staff who the heck this guy was when I walked in. They smiled and answered. When I heard the story, I laughed and thought about how everyday people should be in public office. Good for you, Mark. Mark's one of eight counselors in the municipality of North Perth.

Jonathan Melville in Saskatoon Leading into the last federal election, I was trying to convince myself that there might be an opportunity to run as an independent to break the status quo of stagnant and ineffective representation from an area where the winning federal provincial parties are a foregone conclusion and where the alternatives are unconvincing. The probability of failure weighed against the costs

to professional work, kids, and health, led it to be nothing but a pipe dream. Patrick Mitchell in Ottawa. I would run as I was raised to believe that the most meaningful path in life is public service. My parents, a public servant and a truck driver, taught us that involvement in our community at any level is foundational to personal fulfillment and joy. Party politics is daunting. within the conservative and liberal parties makes it difficult to pick a home. But the Moore Butts Conversation Number 24, that's not this week, but a couple of weeks ago, providing

a reassuring perspective on inside baseball. John McCrae in Roebuck, Ontario, that's about an hour west of Cornwall. Yes, I would again run for public office, having done so for, out of 10 times successfully because that is how non-violently one changes their situation and the world for the better. John was a trustee at the Upper Canada District School Board. James Canoop in Shanghai, China. I considered running for office, having studied political science and diplomacy. It seemed a natural path. I never found meaningful opportunities in government or think tanks. I tried journalism for a time, but it wasn't sustainable. Eventually, I moved overseas for better prospects. In the end, I realized the economy simply had no place for my skills.

I struggled to make a living and could not run. that's a sad story but you're living in an incredible city right now in Shanghai I know I understand the politics of China but Shanghai is an amazing city it was the first time I visited it in nineteen seventy six when it was just deep in the throes of communism mal was still alive and there was a dark dingy city not so now still living in communism but not dark and dingy

brent balker in chiloac british columbia yes i've run municipally and plan to do so again our society needs candidates who represent their communities and are willing to serve. However, I won't personally use social media for my campaign. I'll have someone manage that for me. While it's an important platform where many people engage and receive information, it's often toxic, particularly for those in leadership roles. For me, it's important to maintain that boundary while still reaching constituents effectively. Bren ran for City Council in Chilliwack in 2022, but he didn't win one of these six seats available. Rick McKendie in Gatineau, Quebec, no, I would not run for office because there are too many conflicts of interest to wade through.

The greatest one being where politicians put their interests ahead of the country's best interests. We elect politicians to represent us, but they sometimes forget that it is our interests they are supposed to champion not their own. Last letter this week comes from Mike Wright. in Amherstburg, Ontario. I must say I would love to run for office. May not sound flashy, but municipal politics, I love the town I live in, and care about positive changes for all the community.

After many years in management and big business, I feel I could add some experience. Also, that old, put your money where your mouth is. Step away from my armchair politics. I think a lot of us could do that, right? Well, as I said at the beginning, a real interesting mix of opinion and thought here. Even those that say they would never do it,

recognize how important it is, and respect those who do run. So lots to think about there. Lots to think about. Okay, we're going to wrap it up for your turn with a reminder about tomorrow's special edition of Good Talk. Lots of things happening on the national political front this week, but we're checking out. I'm going to look back. This month is the 30th anniversary of the Quebec referendum, a story that shook the country.

A story that has been... I was going to say. largely forgotten. I don't think that's true. I think there's an element of the country that sort of has moved it out of their consciousness. There's a huge element, a generation who have been born since then. But we're reaching a point once again in the country where there may be referenda again, maybe again in Quebec, maybe in Alberta. So, Chantal and Bruce and I thought, This would be a good week to just relive that moment. We all were involved, the three of us, in one way or another, on that campaign.

In terms of covering it or being a part of it, as Bruce was. So that's what we're going to do tomorrow. 30th anniversary of the Quebec referendum on Good Talk. for this week. We've never done that before. We've never checked out from the current and look back. But we'll try it. See how it works out. Okay, that's going to do it for this day with our special your turn coverage and the Randabranter. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Thanks so much for listening. Thanks for putting up with what probably is not a great sounding podcast. But you know, we do what we can from where we are.

Talk to you again tomorrow. I'll have a better microphone. Cheers. Take care. Bye for now.