Petition to Peter Mansbridge and CBC – don’t leave our media!

In reference to the retirement of Peter Mansbridge, we the undersigned are petitioning to urge the reconsideration of the decision and action of Peter Mansbridge to retire from the public media. While we understand and respect Mr. Mansbridge’ s decision to retire from the public life and media community – in the same time we understand that Mr. Mansbridge has stated that he is facing this decision with some regret and with sorrow for the change. In late May while Mr. Mansbridge was speaking with Bob MacDonald (the scientific host of Quirks and Quarks on CBC) during the program One on One that Mr. Mansbridge hosts for the CBC. During this interview Peter Mansbridge had reflected to Bob MacDonald that “sadly, this is the last time I sit with you to present this program.” This shows us that there is a sense of loss that Mr. Mansbridge will feel as a journalist and the public will feel a great loss as well with Mr. Mansbridge deciding to leave the public channel.

As Canadians we have a rich history and a vibrant community, through the hosting of programming and journalism with Mr. Peter Mansbridge we have been able to learn of our lives, our country, and the challenges that Canadians are facing each day. Watching the National with Peter Mansbridge has showcased his skills and abilities as an extraordinary journalist, Canadian and as the voice of our Nation.

Mr. Mansbridge has announced that his last connection with the CBC will be in July of this year. We are asking that Peter Mansbridge consider the ability to keep connecting with us as Canadians and still allow himself time to spend with family and friends. It is with deep understanding and sympathy that we respect his decision to retire – however we are asking him to stay connected with us. Our admiration and love for Peter Mansbridge goes beyond him being a journalist – he is the voice of our Country, the mirror that we look upon ourselves through, and his ability to tell a story that captivates us, educates us, and involves us is really second to none.

A few years ago in 2015 Rex Murphy had retired from the CBC radios show Cross Country Check-Up. Today, Rex still has options and a presence as a guest speaker on a weekly basis with The National. Still, Rex is bringing his opinions, views, and challenges to us as Canadians and allowing us to grow and challenge our thoughts and norms. We are asking that Peter Mansbridge could have the same opportunity to connect with us, although perhaps not each day but still once each week. Our love and devotion to the work that Peter Mansbridge has done in presenting his program to us is something that we already are sorely missing – and we hope that although we cannot tune in each night to hear his thoughts that we would still have a chance once a week to be entertained, educated and enlightened by his works, his thoughts, and his commentary.

Peter Mansbridge has made a lifetime career out of telling the truth – truths that are not comfortable or easy to tell. Speaking to our country as a journalist about storied ranging from corruption to human trafficking, from elder abuse to changes in domestic policy that affect the Canadians that have very small voices (indigenous, elderly, immigrants, and more). As a specific example each week Peter would host Chantal Hebert and Andrew Potter to speak of issues that are facing Canada from abroad. These serious issues might not have been brought to light or even discussed as broadly with Canadians as they have been as they are on The National. The issues of POTUS Trump and the NAFTA accord impacting Canadians is a relevant news story that has been discussed. We are only asking for more of the same – more honesty, more open dialogue, and more communication. If Peter Mansbridge disappears from the media – it is a fear these discussions and dialogue will go with him.

Mr. Mansbridge we also want to reflect to you that age is not a barrier to success and the fact that you are in excellent health and that you would compare to another great Canadian, Mr. David Suzuki. As the long time host of The Nature of Things Mr. Suzuki has been a steadfast and constant communicator to all of us Canadians. When you had Mr. Suzuki on your program One on One David mentioned that he is 80 years old and is still energized by the work that he does. If we could reflect back to you that you are much younger than Mr. Suzuki and that by choosing to do more of the work you love that you will be able to also keep your youth and vitality as he did.

As Canadians – as concerned citizens – and as people that would miss Mr. Mansbridge please sign this petition. Please help us to connect with the CBC and Peter Mansbridge to communicate just how much we will miss him in our living rooms each day. Talking to us through his show, helping us to understand what the issues are going on inside our country, talking to us through his show “The National” or talking to us “One on One” – even if it is only once a week.

El Sayed Magdy Hussein – Petition Creator and Supporter

June 2017

Peter Mansbridge – Please Keep Talking With Canada!

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