Podcast appearances and mentions of david crombie

The City of Toronto's two-term former Mayor David Miller talks about immigrating to Canada, his transformative experiences at Harvard, vivid memories from his campaign victories in 2003 [the BROOM!] and 2006 [the REPEAT!], his assessment of Mayor Chow's current reign, governing in a system with 44 Councillors that have no party affiliation, why David Crombie remains a Toronto Legend [both are former Swansea boys], why they still call him Mr Mayor in the United States [although he misses wearing the Chain of Office], the importance of hand-written thank you notes, and why it's inadvisable to play rugby while running for office [black eyes & chipped teeth are NOT a good look!] David's book Solved: How the World's Great Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisis is available at https://utorontopress.com/9781487506827/solved/ For more on David's work at C40 Cities, please visit https://www.c40.org/our-team/david-miller/ For David's Cities 1.5 podcast, please visit https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/cities-1.5-podcast TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at andrew.applebaum@gmail.com All episodes available at https://www.torontolegends.ca/episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: A BIKE PATH BOONDOGGLE Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak; David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor; and Karen Stintz, a Conservative Party of Canada Candidate for Eglinton-Lawrence and former Toronto City Councillor and the CEO of Variety Village, for a conversation about all things Toronto. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING HAHN? CUPE Ontario's president is facing backlash from some of the union's Jewish members for reposting a social media post on Facebook. On Sunday, Fred Hahn shared a video of a diver at the Paris Games, showing the athlete with a prominent Star of David on their arm jumping off the diving board before turning into a bomb that drops on innocent civilians. Libby Znaimer is joined by John Mykytyshyn, Conservative activist, political consultant, and President of Bradgate Research Group to discuss this troubling matter. TORONTO'S QUIET LIST ANNOUNCED TODAY Are you ‘fed up' with not being able to enjoy a conversation when you dine out, due to excessive noise? In partnership with Canada's Anti-Noise Pollution League, SoundPrint has released a Curated Quiet List of more than 40 Toronto restaurants that are great for conversation. Libby Znaimer is joined by the Anti-Noise Pollution League's Community Manager Siobhan Grennan to unpack this initiative.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  ANOTHER CYCLIST DEATH IN TORONTO & LACK OF CLARITY ON WHEN 24/7 GARDINER EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, David Crombie, a former Toronto mayor and Karen Stintz, a Conservative Party of Canada Candidate for Eglinton-Lawrence, a former Toronto City Councillor and the CEO of Variety Village. Our panel reacts to the latest cyclist death in the City, the question about when 24/7 construction will begin on the Gardiner Expressway after the province announced its $73 million in funding to help speed up the timeline and also the latest wave of antisemitism targeting the Jewish community in the GTA. AUGUST 1ST MARKS EMANCIPATION DAY Libby Znaimer is now joined by Rosemary Sadlier, author and a former president of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) who helped to make Emancipation Day official. Today marks Emancipation Day, the annual celebration of the day in 1834 when the abolition of slavery officially took effect in the British Empire. Rosemary details the importance of this day and gives us a history lesson. THE LATEST ON CANADA'S ATHLETIC TRIUMPHS AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Wally Rigobon, Co-host of the Naz and Wally Sports Hour on Zoomer Radio, and Sean Fitz-Gerald, Senior Editor at Postmedia. We have lots to be proud of at the Olympics despite the drone spying scandal. Our women's soccer team moved ahead after defeating Columbia despite that 6 point penalty, and we're also doing really well in tennis after Felix Auger-Aliassime's career-high victory over Medvedev. Our panel reacts to the latest.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: PROVINCIAL FUNDING TO SPEED UP CONSTRUCTION ON GARDINER EXPRESSWAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor. The province is providing funding to speed up the completion timeline of the Gardiner Expressway. Our panel reacts to the latest. HOW PHARMACISTS MAY PLAY A GREATER ROLE AMID PRIMARY CARE SHORTAGE   Libby Znaimer is joined by Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association. The Ford government is considering expanding responsibilities for pharmacists for things like treating additional health conditions and administering additional kinds of vaccines...it comes amid a primary care shortage. CANADA FACES A SCANDAL AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Michael Naraine, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport Management at Brock University. Canada is facing a scandal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with two staff with Canada Soccer being sent home. Michael breaks down what happened. 

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: DID MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW  DO A GOOD JOB RESPONDING TO THE RAIN STORM?   Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor. This week, we ask the question: did Mayor Olivia Chow do a good enough job and show strong enough leadership in response to the epic rainstorm that hit Toronto? WHAT A REPORT TELLS US ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF SHRINKFLATION AT THE GROCERY STORE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. During your trip to the local grocery store, have you noticed that the products you love to buy are getting smaller in size? Well, a new report by the non-profit group Community Researchers explored key products that are impacted. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LISTERIOSIS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Alon Vaisman, Epidemiologist at the University Health Network (UHN). In the aftermath of two Ontarians dying from listeriosis in connection to some plant-based milk products recalled earlier this month, we ask what the causes and symptoms of this foodborne bacterial illness is.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW'S RECORD ONE YEAR IN Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor. We look at Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's track record as she hits her one year milestone on the job. And, we continue the conversation about the Ontario Science Centre. THE IMPACT OF THE LCBO STRIKE ON LOCAL BUSINESSES  Libby Znaimer is joined by Erik Joyal, President of Ascari Group, which owns three restaurants and Kenny Shim, President of the Ontario Convenience Store Association followed by Jason Lietaer, President of Enterprise and a Conservative strategist. We discuss the impact of the LCBO strike on restaurants in the province and we find out how convenience store owners are planning for the future of selling alcohol. THE LATEST ON CONDO SALES IN TORONTO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW  Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage. We take a closer look at the state of condo sales and prices in downtown Toronto according to the latest numbers from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WELCOME TO TORONTO, WHERE POP STARS ARE HAVING TO WALK TO THEIR OWN CONCERTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor. If you wanted to get a clear sense of just how bad traffic congestion gets in this city, just ask pop star Niall Horan (formerly of One Direction): he reportedly had to abandon his vehicle mid-traffic and walk over to Scotiabank Arena to make it to his very own concert the other weekend. WHITE HOUSE DENIES REPORT THAT U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN IS CONSIDERING STEPPING DOWN Libby Znaimer is joined by Larry Haas, a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the American Foreign Policy Council, and Bob Richardson, a Public Affairs Consultant. Our American friends are probably off celebrating the fourth of July, but the fallout from last Thursday's presidential debate continues. Will Joe Biden stay or go? The White House went into damage control mode following a NYT report that Biden told friends he was considering stepping away. And, Britain is having an election today. What will be the outcome of that? LOBLAW ENDS MULTI-BUY DISCOUNTS AT NO FRILLS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. No Frills, owned by grocery retail giant Loblaw, is doing away with its multi-buy offers. So, what does this mean for consumers?

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: CITY COUNCIL EXPECTED TO VOTE ON RENAMING OF YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE TODAY  Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, a former mayor of Toronto, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, and Aleem Kanji, Principal at Aleem Kanji and Associates. Today is supposed to be the day City Council votes over the matter of the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square. And we react to the latest regarding the future of the Ontario Science Centre. TORONTO POLICE AND OPP MAKE 124 ARRESTS IN AUTO-THEFT INVESTIGATION  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dylan Finlay, a Criminal Defence Lawyer with Strategic Criminal Defence, and Detective Inspector Scott Wade from the Ontario Provincial Police. We hear about the carjacking crackdown called Project Titanium in which 124 arrests were made with over 170 stolen vehicles recovered and we discuss how 44 per cent of those individuals arrested were already out on bail. A NEW CAA SURVEY ON DISTRACTED DRIVING IN ONTARIO   Libby Znaimer is now joined by Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. CAA South Central Ontario has a new survey out about distracted driving in the province. We hear about that, and learn about what that kind of behaviour looks like and the penalties distracted drivers can face. 

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: OUR PANEL REACTS TO THE ONLINE PETITION WITH 30,000 + SIGNATURES CALLING FOR REVERSAL OF YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE RENAMING  Tasha Kheiriddin is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. Earlier this week, Daniel Tate, a co-organizer of a petition with 30,000 + signatures demanding that Toronto reverse the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square, presented his petition to the executive committee including Mayor Olivia Chow at City Hall. He joined Fight Back shortly after his appearance and spoke with our own Jane Brown about it. You can sign the online petition here: STOP the Renaming of Dundas in Toronto Another big issue: the anti-Israel encampment on UofT's campus. UofT is currently in day 2 of being in court as part of its application for an injunction to get rid of the encampment. Our panelists react to the latest. MEMBERS OF TORONTO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY CONCERNED OVER TDSB VOTE ON ANTI-PALESTINIAN RACISM Tasha is now joined by by Tamara Gotlieb, a founding member of the Jewish Educators and Family Association of Canada. Members of Toronto's Jewish community are expressing serious concern over the potential for the term "anti-Palestinian racism" to be added to its Combating Hate and Racism Student Learning Strategy. Yesterday the board passed a motion which endorsed a report recommending the inclusion of APR in the school boards' strategy. We have reached out to the Chair of the TDSB. She was not available to speak with us about the motion during the show. THE LATEST ON CANADIANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU  Tasha Kheiriddin is now joined by John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group and Andrew Perez, Principal at Perez Strategies and a Liberal strategist. Have Canadians had enough of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and want to see him resign? We've assembled a strategy panel to discuss just that. 

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  ROB FORD IS BACK IN THE NEWS & THE LATEST ON THE MISSISSAUGA MAYORAL ELECTION Libby Znaimer is now joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, and David Crombie, a former Mayor of Toronto. It's Thursday - time to talk about all things municipal - and last night there was a key debate in the race for Mississauga mayor. It was, as all debates except for one, a Carolyn Parrish-free debate. And on this segment we've spent a lot of time talking about the very controversial and unpopular re-naming of Yonge-Dundas Square. The other night we saw another that went down quite differently! WHAT IS BEHIND THE DRAMATIC PRICE CHANGES IN FRUIT AT THE GROCERY STORE? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. We keep hearing that food inflation is coming down yet it's not unusual to see the opposite at the grocery store  - at least when it comes to certain items. And the swings in some prices are very dramatic. THE LATEST ON LEGAL EFFORTS TO DISMANTLE THE ANTI-ISRAEL ENCAMPMENT AT UOFT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Eli Mogil, Partner with McCarthy Tétrault LLP who has experience with injunctions but is not involved at all with UofT's legal proceeding against the encampment on their campus and Paul Fruitman, Partner of Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP and representing Hillel Ontario in their filing of intervener status in support of UofT. If UofT execs were hoping to get a quick injunction for the dismantling of that encampment before convocation - they really miscalculated. The application won't even be heard until June 19 - after the festivities if those ceremonies do go ahead. 

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: THE CITY'S APPROACH TO HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS & NEW BIKE LANES FOR EGLINTON AVENUE? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, and David Crombie, a former Mayor of Toronto. They are everywhere...or so it feels like...if you live in Toronto you've likely stumbled across a homeless encampment at the local park or public space. And, this week, City staff produced a report about how City Council (which has not passed it yet) might go about addressing the problem. Will it work? REACTION TO CHARGES BEING DROPPED AGAINST SOME INVOLVED IN ANTI-ISRAEL VANDALISM OF INDIGO Libby Znaimer is joined by Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada. This week we learned that charges have been dropped against four of 11 accused individuals involved in the red paint splattering vandalism of an Indigo bookstore in Toronto--a company that is owned by Jewish businesswoman, Heather Reisman.  Richard reacts to the latest. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES Libby Znaimer is now joined by travel journalist and copywriter Doug Wallace as well as John Gradek, a faculty lecturer at McGill University in Montreal and a former executive with Air Canada. An American airline is planning to introduce cheaper fare for flying customers who don't bring on a carry-on. But is it really a good deal for the customer and can we see this becoming a wider trend among other airlines? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

AS part of Beef Central's coverage of this week's Beef 2024 event in Rockhampton, the industry's national exhibition held every three years, we present our special daily podcast series, Trendsetters. Today's fifth episode features former Australian Agricultural Co boardmember, and former MLA chairman David Crombie, reflecting on 200 years of continuous operations for AA Co. The company celebrated its bicentenary with a lively long lunch on Tuesday during Beef 2024, attended by 450 stakeholders, past and present.   This week's Trendsetters special podcast series is brought to readers and listeners by Colliers Agribusiness.  

AS part of Beef Central's coverage of this week's Beef 2024 event in Rockhampton, the industry's national exhibition held every three years, we present our special daily podcast series, Trendsetters. Today's third episode features Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture CRC chief executive, Richard Heath. The ZNE-Ag CRC was brokered by The University of Queensland and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, with a consortium of 73 partners across industry, government and education. The Australian Government's CRC contribution of $87 million is the largest in the program's history. Mr Heath says ZNE-Ag will support the industry to achieve emissions targets in Australian agriculture by 2030 and 2050. Coming up in this series: US National Cattlemens Beef Association president Mark Eisele and former MLA chair, NFF president and AACo director David Crombie reflecting on 200 years of AAco. This week's Trendsetters special podcast series is brought to readers and listeners by Colliers Agribusiness.  

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: MOST CAFETO PATIOS IN TORONTO WILL BE OPENED BY VICTORIA WEEKEND Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, and Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre. It's Thursday - time to talk about all things municipal. The encampment at U of T is apparently growing despite the university saying it would not tolerate encampments - but they do not appear to be doing anything about it. Why should these protesters, who may or may not be students, take them at their word? OZEMPIC ALTERNATIVE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN CANADA STARTING MAY 6 Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Sean Wharton, the Medical Director of the Wharton Medical Clinic in Burlington, Ontario, a community-based internal medicine weight management clinic. We've all heard a lot about Ozempic, a drug that has been all over the headlines amid amazing results as well as shortages and controversies. The makers of Ozempic say their new weight-loss drug Wegovy will be available to patients in Canada starting Monday. What is Wegovy and how does it differ from Ozempic? THE BANK OF MOM AND DAD AND THE TREND OF CO-SIGNING KIDS' MORTGAGES Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jason Mercer, Chief Market Analyst & Director of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board  and Lesley-Anne Scorgie, Founder of MeVest, a leading edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. Libby and guests weigh in on a new report that shows the extent by which parents are helping their kids by co-signing their mortgage. How does it work, and how often does it go south?

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: AN ASSESSMENT OF OLIVIA CHOW'S FIRST 10 MONTHS AS MAYOR Jane Brown is now joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, and David Crombie, a former Mayor of Toronto. What a new poll tells us about how Torontonians feel regarding the job that Olivia Chow is doing as mayor. And, the City of Toronto has made car access and parking in High Park off limits for visitors looking to get a glimpse of the Cherry Blossoms in peak bloom. Then on the panel, we discuss the next steps that the City is taking in terms of addressing dangerous dogs. City staff will be visiting owners of dogs who are listed as dangerous and will require them to post a visible sign indicating as such on their property. Currently, there are 373 dangerous dog orders across Toronto. DOSE4DOSE CAMPAIGN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Molly Yang, a pharmacist who is the Director of Pharmacy Innovation and Professional Affairs at Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, a national group with over 200 pharmacies across Canada. On this National Immunization Awareness Week, the importance of keeping up with our vaccinations is top of mind. More than 200 Wholehealth pharmacies are taking part in a campaign called Dose4Dose where they are donating up to 30,000 childhood vaccines including measles, polio, tetanus to UNICEF Canada. And, as part of the campaign, they are encouraging Canadians including older adults to get their own vaccination whether it be for meningitis B, HPV, pneumonia, RSV or shingles. For more information about the campaign, visit: wholehealthpharmacy.ca/dose4dose

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: TORONTO'S SHARE OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET It's a busy week at Toronto City Hall as Mayor Olivia Chow and councillors react to what was in and not in the federal Liberal budget delivered on Tuesday. And the mayor and councillors today and yesterday have also been taking care of city business which includes the debacle around the rollout of the vacant home tax and how to improve it. Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak and David Crombie, a former Toronto Mayor. PREMIER DOUG FORD CALLS TO REVERSE THE BAN ON KEFFIYEHS AT QUEEN'S PARK A call by all of Ontario's party leaders, including Premier Doug Ford to reverse a ban on wearing a keffiyeh in the legislature has failed to pass in a unanimous vote this morning. The speaker, Ted Arnott, who originally imposed the ban acknowledged the request to have the ban reversed and when it was put to a unanimous vote, he said he could hear some “NOs”. So for now, the ban stands. Jane Brown was joined by both Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, and Richard Robertson of B'nai Brith Canada. TRIALS OF UMAR ZAMEER WHO WAS ACCUSED OF KILLING A TORONTO POLICE OFFICER COMES TO AN END Jane Brown is joined by Criminal Defense Lawyer Ari Goldkind. The trial of a man accused of killing a Toronto police officer back in July 2021 is coming to an end. The late Const. Jeffrey Northrup was struck by a vehicle while responding to a robbery report in Toronto's city hall parkade. Umar Zameer was arrested and charged as a suspect. Host Jane Brown discusses the trial, the accused pleading not guilty to first-degree murder and the rise of recent cop killings.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  WHO'S PAYING FOR THE THERME SPA AT ONTARIO PLACE? Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto. Earlier in the week on Fight Back, Toronto Police Association President Jon Reid told Libby that the union has called on Mayor Olivia Chow to condemn a letter signed by some City councillors who expressed concern over a Pro-Palestinian protest in which some demonstrators were arrested for breaking the law. Since his appearance on the show, the Mayor has said she has no plans to condemn that group of councillors. So, how do you feel about this? And, Vaughan in collaboration with York Regional Police are working to crack down on illegal car rallies. PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU TESTIFIES OVER FOREIGN INTERFERENCE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council, National Public Relations and Phil Gurski,  President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and a former CSIS analyst. This week: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified at the Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference in Ottawa. Our experts react to what he said...and what he didn't. AMOS GUIORA GIVES US AN UPDATE ON ISRAEL'S WAR WITH HAMAS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Amos Guiora,  Professor of Law at the University of Utah and a former Legal advisor to the IDF in Gaza. Amos weighs in on potential retaliation from Iran after Israel conducted a targeted killing of IRGC generals at the Iranian consular building in Damascus earlier this month, and the recent anti-government protests taking place inside Israel that are calling for the release of hostages still being held by Hamas and for an election.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  A FREEZE ON THE "RAIN TAX" AND THE FUTURE OF TDSB ADULT CLASSES Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto. This week: The City has put a freeze on its “rain tax”, also known as a stormwater charge. And, why is the TDSB suing social media companies like Tik Tok? SO...WHAT EXACTLY IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE? AND THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE PROTECTION WHEN WATCHING ONE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Rupinder Brar, Senior Teaching Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Ontario Tech University, and Dr. Philip Hooper, president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. The day until the Solar Eclipse--Monday April 8th--is quickly approaching. Niagara Region declared a state of emergency with the expectation that as many as a million people could congregate to watch it. That's a lot of people. So...what exactly is a Solar Eclipse and why is it so rare? Also, what measures should you be taking to ensure you protect your eyes during the sighting? Our experts weigh in on it all. WHY THE COST OF OWNING A CAR IN TORONTO HAS GONE UP Libby Znaimer is now joined by Julien Brault, CEO of Hardbacon. Get this: According to Hardbacon, owning a car in Toronto in 2024 costs $1,623 per month. Back in 2019 it was $1,068 per month. So what contributed to the spike?

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: PEDESTRIAN-VEHICLE INCIDENTS ON THE RISE Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village; David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto; and Taylor Scollon, co-founder of The Peak to discuss a streamlined 311, the rash of festival cancellations in the city and the concerning rise in pedestrian/vehicle incidents. NOT SO SWEET: THE RISING COST OF COCOA The good news is Easter is just around the corner. The bad news is the price of cocoa is on the rise. Libby Znaimer is joined by Janet Music, Research Program Coordinator, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University to discuss this troubling trend. THE LATEST ON THE ARRIVECAN APP Libby Znaimer is joined by Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklock's Reporter for an update on the latest on the ArriveCan app.

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney — known for brokering a free-trade deal with the United States, introducing the GST and his vocal opposition to apartheid in South Africa — has died. He was 84. Two former colleagues, David Crombie and Perrin Beatty, and former CBC chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge reflect on the politician's legacy with The Current's Matt Galloway.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WILL TORONTO TAX COMMERCIAL PARKING? Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. It's Thursday - time to talk local politics and, of course, money! Libby and the panel discuss the climbing price tag for Toronto when it comes to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 games and Toronto mulls the idea of taxing commercial parking across the City as a source of revenue. Will it actually become a reality? THE CHAOTIC EXPERIENCE OF AIR TRAVELERS RETURNING TO PEARSON AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ARRIVECAN SAGA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Sean Davidson, a spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority followed by Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist and President at Enterprise, and Martin Firestone, President of Travel Secure Inc. Today: Libby shares the chaotic experience she had at the airport on her return flight home from vacation. Meanwhile, our guests weigh in on the latest developments surrounding the ArriveCan app.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WILL PARKING FINES GO UP IN TORONTO? Tasha Kheiriddin is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. A Toronto City staff report is recommending that fines go up for parking violations. What do you make of this? THE SHINGLES VIRUS: SHOULD VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY BE REDUCED? Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Dr. Alon Vaisman, Epidemiologist and Infectious Disease Specialist at the University Health Network, and Molly Yang, Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy Innovation & Professional Affairs at Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners.  A PEI doctor is calling for the program of free shingles vaccinations through a primary care physician to be expanded to adults 55 and older. Do you agree?  MAYOR PATRICK BROWN RESPONDS TO OTTAWA'S AUTO THEFT PLANS Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. Ottawa announced it is providing an additional $15 million in funding towards combatting auto theft in the country. But, according to Mayor Brown, more needs to be done.

LEAD-TUNE INTO THE TOWN: TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW'S BUDGET FINALIZED Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. This week: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's budget has been finalized with a 9.5 per cent tax hike for residents. The Mayor is also providing additional funding to the Toronto Police Service.  WHAT SHOULD A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Kyro Maseh, Pharmacist and owner at Lawlor Pharmacy in Toronto, and George Smitherman, a former Ontario Liberal Deputy Premier and health minister and Dr. Steve Morgan, Professor of healthcare policy at the University of British Columbia and an expert in pharmaceutical policy. The federal NDP wants the Trudeau Liberals to deliver a national pharmacare program for Canadians soon. But the question remains: what should that look like?  PPE GROUP SUES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR "MISLEADING" THEM Libby Znaimer is joined by Barry Hunt, President, Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers.  The CAPPEM is suing the federal government for a whooping $5 billion alleging that Ottawa mislead its member businesses by not delivering on a promise to buy PPE equipment during the pandemic that they ramped up production for.   Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW UNVEILS BUDGET TODAY Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre. The mayor unveiled the 2024 City budget today with a slightly reduced property tax. Our panel reacts to the latest. BEWARE OF THE TORONTO TAXI SCAM Libby is now joined by Detective David Coffey of the Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit and Kristine Hubbard, Operations Manager of Beck Taxi. There's a taxi scam that has been targeting Toronto residents for years. But it's getting worse. Here's what you need to know. ONLINE HARMS U.S. SENATE HEARING: CAN WE EXPECT REFORMS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS? Libby is now joined by Carol Todd, Mother of Amanda Todd who took her own life after years of online bullying and who became a victim of sextortion, as well as Carmi Levy, a Technology analyst and journalist based in London, Ontario. U.S. lawmakers pressed the CEOs of the giant social media companies this week during a hearing about online harms. But critics wonder whether anything will change for the better when it comes to protecting users.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WHERE DOES TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW STAND ON THE POLICE BUDGET? Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto.  How much funding does Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow plan to allocate to the City's emergency services? And Torontonians continue to grapple with a ban on tobogganing at 45 city parks.  A CONVERSATION WITH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ANDY RETI  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Andy Reti, a child survivor of the Holocaust.  This Saturday marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day. January 27th also marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945. Andy Reti is a child survivor of the Holocaust. He joins Libby to share his story.  CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST UNIVERSITIES Libby Znaimer is now joined by Sandra Zisckind, managing partner and co-founder of Diamond and Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers. Still with the issue of anti-Semitism, the law firm Diamond and Diamond are preparing legal action against schools and school boards across the country for failing to protect Jewish students targeted for abuse because of rising anti-semitism.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: MORE ON MAYOR CHOW'S PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. Today: we revisit the discussion about Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's proposed property tax increase. THE FORD GOVERNMENT'S PLAN TO REDUCE WAIT TIMES FOR CERTAIN SURGERIES AND DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES Libby is now joined by Dr. Adil Shamji, Liberal MPP and Health Critic, David Musyj, CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital followed by Dr Fouad Tayfour, Windsor Regional Hospital's chief of ophthalmology and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. The province is moving into the next stages of its plan of expanding private care clinics that provide publicly funded tests which it argues will reduce wait times for patients. Meanwhile, advocates argue that this will place more pressure on the public health system and will lead to two-tiered healthcare.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  NORTH YORK JEWISH-OWNED DELI TARGET OF SUSPECTED HATE CRIME It's Thursday - time to talk about all things municipal. And we begin the year with escalating anti-Semitic violence. Yesterday a Jewish owned North York deli was torched and defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti. Police are investigating and political leaders have come out with pious statements condemning this. But given other incidents targeting Jewish neighbourhoods, and Jewish businesses have gone off with impunity why are we surprised? And speaking of confidence in public servants - what about those typos on new signage that no one caught before they were made and installed? And there's a plan to increase the use of photo radar. Joining to discuss is David Crombie, former Toronto Mayor, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. "NO MORE NOISE" FIGHTS NOISE POLLUTION IN TORONTO The city of Toronto is reviewing the noise by-law almost five years after it was amended to better address issues like motorcycle noises. How bad has the problem become in the last five years and what should be done about it. Let's go to  Ingrid Buday, Founder of No More Noise Toronto. FREELAND'S LIMO EXPENSES AND PM TRUDEAU'S VACATION Blacklock's Reporter made a freedom of Information request regarding Deputy Premier Chrystia Freeland's transportation last July after she explained that she doesn't have a car and only uses carbon friendly methods of transportation in Toronto. Here is what Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklock's Reporter, learned.  

TUNE INTO THE TOWN It's that last gathering of the Tune Into the Town panel before Christmas, and there's a lot to unpack. Toronto just got a big Christmas gift from Ottawa - $471 million in new housing cash - and we are also getting a new 250-bed respite centre just down the street from Zoomer Radio. As well, the Chair of Yonge-Dundas Square said he's resigning over last week's city council vote to rename the downtown landmark to Sankofa Square; and Olivia Chow has made some big moves in her short time as Toronto's new Mayor. Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village; Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak; and David Crombie, a former mayor of Toronto, to discuss these issues, and more. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER The word has been getting a lot of use lately, but there is no better way to describe it. Our weather this year has truly been unprecedented. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dave Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada for a look at the Top Ten weather events in Canada this year, and the scoop on whether we're getting a white Christmas. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES? It's called the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian-North American Christmas tradition that is having a broader cultural moment. It harks back to the tradition of fasting or abstaining from meat on Fridays and other significant days, but after the arrival of Italian immigrants it morphed into a magnificent multi-course Christmas Eve feast featuring seven different kinds of fish and seafood. Libby Zniamer is joined by Katie Parla, a Rome-based food and beverage writer, culinary guide, and cookbook author; and Michael Di Giovine, Professor of Anthropology at West Chester University and Director of the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology in Pennsylvania; and Zoomer Radio's own Jeremy Logan, to explore this Christmas Eve seafood fest that is steeped in tradition.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: FORD GOVERNMENT WILL NOT DISSOLVE PEEL REGION It's our Thursday tune into the town panel and we've got lots to discuss, so let's get started with the province's announcement to not dissolve Peel Region. Joining Liz West is Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, Alex Blumenstein, Co-founder of The Peak and David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto. THE POWER OF LEONARD COHEN'S MUSIC DURING DIFFICULT TIMES We are inching closer to the shortest day of the year which means the most darkness - many of us struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder - and the news of war and strife only makes matters worse. Can music illuminate these dark times? And in particular, can the songs of Leonard Cohen? Joining Liz now is Dr. Matthew Robert Anderson, Adjunct professor of Theological Studies at Concordia University and author of "Prophets of Love: The Unlikely Kinship of Leonard Cohen and the Apostle Paul". OTTAWA SAYS GROCERY CODE OF CONDUCT WILL DEFINATELY BE IMPLEMENTED When we start a new job or join a sports team we are often asked to sign a code of conduct, something that gives us the perimeters of good behaviour. This week the Federal Industry Minister told reporters that we will have a Grocery Code of Conduct in Canada one way or another. Let's bring in Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: THE FUTURE OF TASTE ON THE DANFORTH Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, and David Crombie, a former Mayor of Toronto. It's Thursday time to talk about local politics! Up first, what is happening or not happening with the taste of the Danforth - one of our largest and most successful street fairs. Yesterday local businesses voted to cancel it rather than accept a 20% increase in their levies which their BIA said would be necessary to mount the event again. I Think this is a strategy to get either a sponsor or some level of govt to come in and provide the cash. And this is the first time we are talking since that historic funding deal between the city and the province at the beginning of the week. MOST ADULTS PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT WILL NEED TO MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES Libby Znaimer is joined by Hwan Kim, A partner at Deloitte Canada. If you are close to retirement, are your finances in order? A new report from Deloitte says most people in that cohort will have to make significant lifestyle cuts. THE LEGACY OF HENRY KISSINGER + WASHINGTON WANTS ANSWERS FROM INDIA Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University and an expert on national security issues and Phil Wasielewski, Director - Center for Intelligence and Nontraditional Warfare at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was the mastermind of US foreign policy during the latter half of the 20th century. Henry Kissinger has died at the age of 100. He was the architect of the US opening to China, and a key negotiator in the peace deal ending the Vietnam war, although many vilified him as a war criminal for supporting bombing that killed thousands of civilians. Also the US has accused India of plotting to assassinate a Sikh activist in New York - an accusation that echoes a similar one from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: THE PROBLEM WITH SARA JAMA Marissa Lennox is now joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak,  and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. This week: Independent MPP Sara Jama once again made highly offensive comments about Israel. In other news, Toronto's Preservation Board wants City Council to protect the historic Brass Rail strip club in the downtown core. And, Ottawa says it will contribute $1.2 billion in fully repayable low interest loans towards the building of over 2,600 rental homes in Toronto. So, what's that all about? Our panel reacts to the latest. THE MORAL EQUIVALENCE WHEN IT COMES TO ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR Marissa Lennox is now joined by George Monastiriakos, a lawyer and fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and Sara Teich, an International human rights lawyer, senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was called out by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his statements about the Israel-Hamas war. We take a look at how the Prime Minister has been approaching the war with his public statements. THE MOST STOLEN VEHICLES IN ONTARIO Marissa Lennox is now joined by Kevin Donovan, Chief Investigative Reporter at the Toronto Star. An Équité Association list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2022 is now out. The car model most stolen was the Honda CR-V. To get a better handle on how and why the problem of auto theft is so serious in and around the GTA, we speak with someone who encountered it first hand.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN 12:00PM-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village.  The Auditor General has launched investigations into the Ford government's Ontario Place and Ontario Science Centre development plans. Meanwhile, this past Wednesday, City Council voted 24-1 for Mayor Olivia Chow's ambitious affordable housing plan that would involve building 65,000 affordable homes and would require a substantial amount of funding from both the provincial and federal government (we're talking  $36-billion).  A LOOK AHEAD TO REMEMBRANCE DAY 12:30-12:50 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by 99-year old MajorJim Parks who served with the Winnipeg Rifles during World War 2 and heroically fought at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944  Captain (retired) Steven Dieter served in the military for a total of 21 years working with the Cadet program, as an Infantry Officer, and as a Public Affairs Officer and is also a military historian.  This Saturday marks Remembrance Day in Canada. Both our guests are veterans who share the importance of carrying on the tradition of remembering those who sacrificed their lives so that we could live in freedom.  SAFE DRIVING TIPS FOR THE WINTER WITH CAA 12:50-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Nadia Matos, Manager for External Communications at CAA South Central Ontario. The CAA alongside Toronto Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Government have launched a campaign to get Ontario motorists better prepared for driving this Winter Season.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  OLIVIA CHOW AND DOUG FORD'S SECOND MEETING & A SECRET TTC BOARD MEETING 12:00PM-12:30 PM Jane Brown is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth and Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches-East York. This week: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford held a second meeting to talk about Toronto's finances. In a letter, they both called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government to get involved in supporting the City as it faces an ongoing budget hole stemming from the pandemic. Also this week, Mayor Chow launched the 2024 budget consultations for the City and from November 1 to 30 Toronto residents can provide their own recommendations for Toronto's budget through public consultations. Meanwhile, what was that closed-door TTC board meeting that took place last week all about? And, earlier in the week, the Toronto Paramedic Union issued a  temporary code red and indicated that there were no available ambulances in the city. ONTARIO EXPANDING HOLOCAUST EDUCATION IN HIGH SCHOOLS 12:30 PM-12:45 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Michelle Fishman, The Director of Marketing and Communications at the new Toronto Holocaust Museum. The Ontario government has announced new and expanded compulsory learning on the Holocaust for students in their Grade 10 history class as part of its strategy in combating antisemitism. And, it's Holocaust Education Week in Toronto. Michelle discusses the latest. HOUSING REPORT FROM THE  TORONTO REGIONAL REAL ESTATE BOARD 12:45 PM-1 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Jason Mercer, Chief Market Analyst of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. It continues to be a buyers market for GTA homes. Are younger adults finally catching a break in trying to purchase property?

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: IT'S BEEN 100 DAYS OF MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW-HOW HAS SHE PERFORMED? 12:00-12:30 Marissa Lennox is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. A couple of days ago marked 100 days since Mayor Olivia Chow took office. So, how has she performed so far? In provincial news, the Ford government has reversed its decision to make numerous municipalities expand their municipal boundaries and earmark thousands more hectares of farm land for potential development. SHOULD IT BE EXPANDED TO THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES? 12:30-12:45 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Jitender Sareen, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Manitoba. Should Canada expand MAiD to those suffering from mental health illnesses? Ottawa plans to implement the expansion as early as March. Dr. Sareen and a group of psychiatrists have personally written to government officials expressing concern about such an expansion. Dr. Smith argues it is discriminatory to exclude these people from the legislation. Meanwhile, according to a Health Canada report, MAiD deaths in Canada jumped by as much as 30 per cent in 2022 compared to the year before: Since 2016, there have been a total of 44,958 MAID deaths in Canada. FAMILY PHYSICIANS ON THE VERGE OF QUITTING 12:45-1 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Nadia Alam A family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown Ontario. She's only 15 years into her career as a family doctor in Ontario and Dr. Nadia Alam is just about ready to quit. She joins Fight Back with Marissa Lennox to explain why she's reached a breaking point.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: ONTARIO NDP WANT FORD GREENBELT SCANDAL TO BE VERY MUCH ALIVE 12:00PM-12:30 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. The Ontario NDP want very much to keep the Ford government Greenbelt landswap deal alive with leader Marit Stiles asking the integrity commissioner to investigate the Las Vegas trip involving Kaleed Rasheed, Former Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario. Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford and his government are continuing their efforts to censure NDP MPP Sarah Jama after she made offensive and irresponsible remarks about Israel. Also, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has promised local restaurant businesses that she will work to improve the CafeTO program after it rolled out with a lot of problems this year. And, what will Toronto's snow clearing plan look like ahead of the Winter season? Our panel reacts to the latest. THE HVAC/NOSI SCAM HAS BEEN A BIG THREAT TO VULNERABLE SENIORS 12:30-12:45 Libby Znaimer is joined by Julie Patterson, a Senior law clerk with Morra Caruso Law and Graham Webb, Executive Director for the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. This week, the province announced that it was launching public consultations in an effort to figure out how to best protect homeowners from fraudulent mortgage scams.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: A NEW "RAGE POLL" & BONNIE CROMBIE TAKING LEAVE OF ABSENCE 12-12:30 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is taking a leave of absence from her role as Mayor as she pursues her leadership of the Ontario Liberal party. A spokesperson for the Ontario PC Party was quick to respond saying, "“It must be nice to take a prolonged vacation from your job. It's clear Bonnie only sees being mayor as a backup plan rather than what it is: a full-time job. She's hedging her bets on becoming leader of the Ontario Liberals when she should be serving the people of Mississauga. Classic Bonnie: It's always about her.” Meanwhile, a new "rage poll" by Pollara indicates that as many as 69 per cent of Ontarians are angry with Premier Doug Ford's Greenbelt plans which has developed into a scandal. ONTARIO SCHOOL BOARD REMOVES BOOKS FROM SHELVES. WHY? 12:30-12:50 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Libby Znaimer is joined by Brian Lilley, Political Columnist for the Toronto Sun and Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, Vice President, Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). The Peel District School Board has been undergoing a weeding process whereby it has been removing books on its library shelves from prior to 2008 all with the aim to make its library books selection more inclusive. But the move which commenced last Spring has left many parents concerned when they could no longer find important literary works like A Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. ONTARIO'S PLAN FOR PHARMACISTS AHEAD OF COVID-19 FALL SEASON 12:50-1 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Justin Bates, CEO of Ontario Pharmacists Association. The province is planning to allow pharmacies to administer flu shots to babies, and RSV vaccines for adults 60 years of age and older. Justin Bates explains why this is an important step as Fall season comes upon us.

This is a recording of the public forum we held, addressing the assault by this government on the Greenbelt.Featuring:Jeff Monague, former Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island, former Director of Treaty Research with the Anishnabek (Union of Ontario Indians) and a Canadian Forces Veteran;David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto and former chair of Greenbelt Council;Tim Gray, ED of Environmental Defence Canada;Margaret Prophet, SCGC;and Franz Hartman, Alliance for a Liveable Ontario.Support the show

Nate is joined on this episode by David Crombie for a discussion on the Greenbelt, the protection of the Greenbelt, and the Ford government corruption surrounding the Greenbelt.David Crombie is the former mayor of Toronto from 72 to 78. He's a former cabinet minister, and Clark and Mulroney governments, and most importantly for this conversation. He was the chair of the Greenbelt Council, and resigned at the end of 2020 because he saw the direction that the Ford government was heading.This episode marks a new season where we will be shifting focus to Ontario politics as Nate continues to run for the Ontario Liberal leadership.To learn more about his campaign, and sign up to vote, visit MeetNate.ca. 

Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. Toronto City staff have released a "long-term financial plan" report providing recommendations as Toronto hopes to find ways to fill the billion dollar budget hole left from the pandemic. ---- BIKE COURIERS ARE CROWDING THE GO TRAIN AND TORONTO ROADS. ARE THEY SAFE? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Brian Patterson, President and CEO, Ontario Safety League and Diane Saxe, Toronto City Councillor for University Rosedale. More and more food delivery couriers are using the Go Train as part of their daily commutes for work. So much so, that the transit system has had to adjust its operations But how does this increase in courrier traffic impact rider safety? And, with more of them using roads across Toronto, is there a plan in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians? A number of months ago, Councillor Saxe put forward a motion calling for increased safety measures for e-bike riders. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak. This week, Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk released her highly anticipated report on Premier Ford's Greenbelt plans. And, today we are learning that the Premier's office has made a request to the Ontario integrity commissioner to investigate how the housing Minister's Chief of Staff, Ryan Amato dealt with the opening of Greenbelt lands to developers. Meanwhile, closer to home at Toronto City Hall, Mayor Olivia Chow is handing out appointments to City Councillors for various committees today. We unpack who got what and why it matters. ---- REACTION TO THE AG REPORT FROM ONTARIO NDP OPPOSITION LEADER Marissa Lennox is now joined by Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP. Marit reacts to the Auditor General's report on Premier Doug Ford's Greenbelt plans. ---- NEW PAYMENT OPTION ON THE TTC Marissa Lennox is now joined by Stuart Green, Spokesperson for the TTC. The TTC is now allowing riders to pay for their fare by tapping their credit or debit card on payment systems directly at presto terminals at subway entrance gates It's all about making transit commutes more convenient and, as Stuart explains, you'll soon also be able to tap with your payment cards when boarding busses and streetcars. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Liz West is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak for Ward 6 York Centre and Alex Blumenstein, Co-founder of The Peak. In the news: A draft of the audit by Ontario AG Bonnie Lysyk looking into Premier Doug Ford's Greenbelt development plans has been shared with Ford himself. The report doesn't officially come out for another few weeks but one of the key questions we have about it is: has Ford tipped off developers in the private sector as it relates to the Greenbelt? Meanwhile, a lot of residents are complaining about accessibility issues with High Park after it underwent some changes. And, yesterday we learned that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife have separated. It opens up a conversation about how much of a toll political life can have on couples and families. ----- WILL JUSTIN TRUDEAU'S SPLIT FROM WIFE AFFECT HIS LEADERSHIP? Liz West is now joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations and John Capobianco, Senior Vice President and Senior Partner of FleishmanHillard HighRoad. As touched on in the previous segment, we learned this week from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife of 18 years, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau that they have separated “after many meaningful and difficult conversations". We don't know what really is the reasoning behind the split at this time, but some are speculating that it could be the toll that political life has on couples and their families. And, now that he is facing a very significant challenge in his personal life, how will it all impact the prime minister's role as the leader of the country? ---- WHICH GROCERY RETAILERS DO CANADIANS RESPECT THE MOST? Liz West is now joined by John Wright, Executive Vice President of Maru Public Opinion. We all have our favourite grocery store for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you go to a certain place for the good prices, or the better customer service. Well, John has released a new poll revealing which grocery stores are most respected by Canadians. Costco topped the list, followed by Metro and Walmart! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN:  DOUG FORD HIRING AUDITOR TO INVESTIGATE FINANCES OF MUNICIPALITIES 12-12:30 PM Libby Znaimer today is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is hiring auditors to investigate the finances of numerous municipalities including Toronto, Brampton,  and Mississauga. Ernst and Young LLP has been hired for the job and it is estimated that these audits will total $3.8 million. THE SCOPE OF FRAUD IN CANADA ACCORDING TO LATEST STATS CAN REPORT 12:30-12:50 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Vanessa Iafolla, principal at Anti-Fraud Intelligence Consulting and an instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University focusing on financial crimes and fraud and Detective David Coffey of Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit. According to a new Statistics Canada report, Canadians have been defrauded more than $16 billion in five years leading up to 2019. Our experts weigh in on the staggering data and what you can do to better protect yourselves from falling into the trap of fraudsters. Also, if you have a story to share, we want to hear about it. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LESLIEVILLE TOWN HALL MEETING? 12:50-1 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Derek Finkle, a Leslieville resident. The community of Leslieville held a town hall meeting to discuss safety around the South Riverdale Community Health Centre's safe consumption site. Derek weighs in on whether he thinks any change will come to improve safety in the community.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. Olivia Chow had her first official council meeting as Mayor this week and was able to successfully push a motion forward to open up additional shelter beds for refugees--150 of them. City Council approved the motion unanimously with a 26-0 vote in favour. The federal government announced this week roughly $97 million in funding to help the City of Toronto with supporting refugees. And, it looks like Chow and Premier Doug Ford can work together considering they issued a joint-statement calling on Ottawa to assist refugees and hike its stopgap funding. City Council has also approved a pilot allowing for drinking alcohol at 27 different parks (from Aug. 2 to Oct. 9), and we take a closer look at the City's plans for e-scooters and gas powered leaf blowers. ---- NEW STUDY LINKING HEARING AID USE WITH POTENTIAL SLOWING OF COGNITIVE DECLINE  Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Victoria Sanchez, An Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of South Florida who did key research for the study, and Dr. Thomas M Holland, a physician scientist in the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, investigating how lifestyle modifications can impact brain health as we age. In the news: a new study published in the Lancet medical journal this week reveals that the use of hearing aids and counselling may contribute to slowing down cognitive decline among Seniors. The research found that individuals wearing hearing aids saw their rate of cognitive decline cut almost by half over three years compared to older adults who just received education. ---- NEW STUDY LINKING HEARING AID USE WITH POTENTIAL SLOWING OF COGNITIVE DECLINE  Libby Znaimer is joined by Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist, President at Enterprise. PM Justin Trudeau is expected to shuffle his cabinet next week. Jason weighs in on what the strategy might be behind this move and which areas the government is currently weak on when it comes to the hot button issues. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer today is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate. It's official: Olivia Chow is now the mayor of Toronto after being sworn in at City Hall yesterday in a ceremony that featured Indigenous drumming and other artistic and cultural elements. So, now that it's time to get to work, what are her official priorities? ---- BANK OF CANADA HANDED OUT $20 MILLION IN BONUSES LAST YEAR Libby Znaimer today is now joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Through an FOI request, Franco found out that the Bank of Canada handed over $20 million in bonuses to its staff in 2022 despite the fact that inflation reached a forty year high. The average bonus amount was $11,200 and 80 per cent of staff got one. This all happened as the interest rate went up numerous times! How much sense does that make? Franco weighs from the taxpayer perspective. ---- BANK OF CANADA INTEREST RATE GOES UP AGAIN Libby Znaimer is joined by Barry Choi, Personal Finance Expert. The Bank of Canada has increased the interest rate again this week bringing the overnight rate to 5 per cent which is the highest it has been since 2001. So, what kind of impact will this have on your investments? Barry weighs in. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate. Today: we kick things off with a discussion about Mayor-elect Olivia Chow calling out Ottawa for not housing refugees it brings into the country. Meanwhile, on the topic of housing, our panel revisits the major encampments at popular Allan Gardens in downtown Toronto. Is it a case of neglect on the City's part? And, finally, we discuss Premier Doug Ford's differences with Olivia Chow when it comes to the future of Ontario Place.  OTTAWA TAKES ON TECH GIANTS OVER BILL C-18  Liz West is now joined by Dr. Michael Geist, A law professor at the University of Ottawa who holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law. Ottawa has received pushback from tech giants like Google and Meta (owner of Facebook) after Bill C-18 (also known as the Online News Act) got royal assent and will be implemented in about six months time. Dr. Geist weighs in on the measures that these private companies plan to implement in response. ---- FOOD INFRACTIONS AT RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO Liz West is now joined by Anita Thomson, founder and owner of Zitto Zitto Taverna in Toronto.  Toronto Public Health inspectors found major food infractions in as many as 7 restaurants in Toronto on July 4. So, what are the kinds of things that food places can be written up for? And, how do reputable establishments ensure a safe dining experience for their customers? Also, Anita weighs in on why she is not taking part in CafeTO.  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate. It's our first Tune into the Town panel since Olivia Chow became the declared winner of Toronto's mayoral by-election. What do our panelists think about this? And, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Chow on her victory. But he has ruled out major aid to Toronto which has an approximately $1.5M budget hole. He said that the provinces need to step up when it comes to supporting the cities that fall within their jurisdictions. ---- INCREASE IN DISTRACTED DRIVING IN ONTARIO  Libby Znaimer is joined by Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations for CAA South Central Ontario. Today: The CAA has released its survey showing that 44 per cent of drivers in Ontario admitted to being distracted at some point while driving--a 4 per cent increase from the year before. So, what does distracted driving mean? It could be the use of a mobile phone in your hand while operating a vehicle, watching a video and just about anything that takes away your full focus from the wheel and road ahead. Teresa weighs in on the latest. ---- A LOOKAHEAD TO SUMMERLICIOUS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Derek Valleau, Co-Owner of Pukka and Tony Elenis, President and CEO of The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA). Pukka will be one of the restaurants participating in Summerlicious this year. The event will run from July 7 to July 23rd. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: FINAL SHOW BEFORE ELECTION DAY! 12-12:30 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate. Today: It's the final Tune into the Town panel before election day on June 26 when the new mayor of Toronto will be announced. Ana Bailao got an endorsement from former mayor John Tory and Doug Ford put up a Mark Saunders sign on the lawn of his home in Etobicoke. Do these endorsements mean much and will they ultimately help the candidates? Meanwhile, Olivia maintains her lead in the polls and Libby has thoughts about how much that has to do with people associating her to a time when Toronto saw better days. ANA BAILAO GIVES FINAL PITCH AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY 12:30-12:45 PM Libby Znaimer is now joined by Ana Bailão, Toronto Mayoral candidate and the former deputy mayor of the city under John Tory. Ana rolls through the Fight Back studio to give Libby and our listeners her final pitch before election day on June 26. And she details some of the key endorsements she's been getting including from Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and most recently former mayor John Tory. Producer Ziv even got a robocall from Tory encouraging to vote for Ana. MARK SAUNDERS GIVES HIS LAST PITCH BEFORE ELECTION DAY 12:45-1 PM Libby Znaimer is now joined by Mark Saunders, Toronto Mayoral candidate and former Toronto Police Chief. Now it's Saunders' turn to make his final pitch before election day. He received a personal endorsement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Will that help is case? And how does he feel his "Stop Chow" campaign went? Was it effective?

Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, and Toronto City Councillors James Pasternak for Ward 6 York Centre and Paula Fletcher for Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. According to the latest Liaison Strategies poll, Josh Matlow and Mark Saunders are tied for second place underneath front runner Olivia Chow as the race for mayor continues to develop. Also, according to the City of Toronto, advanced voting which started on Thursday June 8th and ended on Tuesday June 13th, saw 129,745 eligible voters went to the advanced polling stations to vote--that's an 11.9 per cent increase from those who voted in advanced voting from the last election that totaled 115,911 voters in October of 2022. ---- RUSSIA-CANADA RELATIONS COULD SEVER...OVER A PLANE  Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Maria Popova, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair at McGill University. Canada and Russian relations could get a whole lot worse.  Moscow says that ties with Canada are "on the verge of being severed" after learning that the Trudeau Liberals have seized and are forfeiting a Russian cargo plane that's been idling at Toronto's Pearson International Airport since February of 2022. Dr. Popova explains how it all unfolded. ---- PMO AND MINISTER'S OFFICES KNEW ABOUT BERNARDO TRANSFER MONTHS IN ADVANCE  Marissa Lennox is joined by John Capobianco, Senior Vice President & Senior Partner, FleishmanHillard HighRoad The PMO's office knew about the Paul Bernardo transfer to a medium security facility months before it happened. And, we also learned that staff for Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino knew about the transfer months before too and didn't tell him before the transfer was actualized. How could this have happened? And, is it just us or does this feel like part of a larger problematic. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate, and  Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. Today: we kick things off with a recap of the CARP-Fight Back Toronto mayoral debate hosted by Libby Znaimer. It was the only debate that featured candidates Chloe Brown (who came in third in the previous election against John Tory) and Anthony Furey. The debate touched on key themes like Seniors, public safety and affordability. But, things certainly got heated between the candidates at times with them talking all over each other. And, the man who threatened mayoral candidates is now out on bail! What's up with that? Our panelists weigh in on the latest. --- STEVE KEE ON HOME INSURANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Steve Kee, the former Director of External Communications and the CEO of Steve Kee Communications. Steve talks to Libby about insurance for homeowners for all kinds of things including wildfires and Libby has a story to share about a recent event that happened to her home and how insurance was part of her plan to deal with the issue. --- THE WILDFIRES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is now joined by David Phillips, Senior Climatologist for Environment Canada. David weighs in on the wildfires that have been taking place in Quebec and Northeastern Ontario. It's been the cause of smoke pollution for communities including across the GTA. So, how did the wildfires start exactly, what is the impact of the pollution on residents, which segment of the population are most vulnerable to it and how can we mitigate our exposure? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and mayoral candidate and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. It's official: the Ontario government will dissolve the Region of Peel by 2025 which means that Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon will all become independent cities. So, what are the implications of that and how much will it all cost? Our panel also weighs in on the latest developments of Toronto's mayoral race. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. Today: the Toronto mayoral race continues with Olivia Chow polling as the front runner. And, Toronto taxpayers will be footing the bill for the 2026 world cup event taking place here after a deal was struck between City staff and the MLSE without being made known to the City's actually elected officials. What's the deal with that? Our panel reacts. ---- THE MINDEN HOSPITAL ER CLOSURE: WHY IT MATTERS   Libby Znaimer is joined by NDP MPP France Gélinas (Nickel-Belt) and Health Critic as well as Bob Carter, Mayor of the Township of Minden Hills Residents of Minden are deeply concerned over the closure of their local hospital's ER and are asking the province for a one-year moratorium on the matter with a petition of over 17,000 signatures. Listeners of Fight Back have been calling in about this very topic in the past two weeks. Our guests react to the latest. ---- NEW CANADIAN PASSPORT OMITS KEY CANADIAN HISTORICAL EVENTS   Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO, Historica Canada. Ottawa unveiled Canada's newest passport and it's been raising a lot of eyebrows. The new one will no longer be paying homage to the great chapters of our history including the Vimy Ridge Memorial or Terry Fox. Instead, as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre commented, it now features a picture of a squirrel eating a nut! The passport will also include polar bears, and other nature pictures. This captures the “spirit of who we are as Canadians,” according to Families, Children and Social Development Minister Karina Gould. Do you feel the same? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Paula Fletcher, Toronto City Councillor for Toronto-Danforth, David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, and Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and former mayoral candidate. The mayoral race keeps growing. There are now at least 68 candidates vying for the City's top job. Will we reach 70 by week's end? And, what about the closure of a section of Queen Street in the downtown core as construction for the Ontario Line commences there? Do we really expect that it will only last four years? And what about the impact it will no doubt have on pedestrian, car and transit traffic? There are clearly many questions left unanswered about the challenges our City currently faces. ---- MILLINER DAVID DUNKLEY ON HATS AT THE CORONATION Libby Znaimer is now joined by David Dunkley, a Toronto-based milliner who specializes in making couture hats. David is in London as part of the Coronation festivities for King Charles III. The master milliner will be on demand selling his very own hats to those celebrating this milestone in the royal family history. He will be assisting those at Canada House as well. He joins Libby to weigh in on the celebrations, his favourite colours and styles of hat and the kinds of designs he has included in his catalogue. ---- A CODE OF CONDUCT TO HOLD GROCERS ACCOUNTABLE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Michael Graydon, CEO of supplier industry group Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada and co-chair of the steering committee, overseeing the code. An official code of conduct to hold grocers accountable has reached a final draft. It includes a process to resolve disputes and impose sanctions on continuous violators. However, it stops short of actually imposing fines on bad actors. So, what exactly does this code of conduct actually look like and will it be enough to keep the grocers in check? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Paula Fletcher, Toronto City Councillor for Toronto-Danforth, David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and former mayoral candidate. Today, we discuss the latest on the Toronto mayoral race. This morning, Councillor Stephen Holyday announced that he is dropping out of the race to endorse candidate Mark Saunders. So far, the race has at least 50 candidates. ---- FEDERAL WORKERS CONTINUE TO GET SALARIES WHILE STRIKING Libby Znaimer is joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Today: we discuss the latest on the PSAC strike. Government employees who are currently striking will continue to get paid their regular salaries until at least May 10 according to Ottawa. More than 100,000 federal workers have been striking since April 19. Franco weighs in on the latest. ---- OTTAWA WANTS TO INCREASE MAXIMUMS FOR GUN CRIMES  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Chris Rudnicki, a Criminal Defence Lawyer and Partner with Rudnicki and Company. Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says that  Bill C-21's aim is to combat gun trafficking by increasing the maximums for individuals convicted of smuggling guns into the country from 10 years to 14 years. Does this go far enough? And, we discuss the realities of bail today. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Paula Fletcher, Toronto City Councillor for Toronto-Danforth, David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto,  Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and former mayoral candidate. There's been a bit of a plot twist to the Toronto mayoral election this week. Popular urbanist and mayoral candidate Gil Penalosa who lost to Mayor John Tory in the last election has announced that he is now dropping out of this one and...he's endorsing mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. Meanwhile, we get a sense from Paula Fletcher about whether Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie has had any progress when it comes to getting money from higher levels of government to address the billion dollar shortfall in the City's budget. And the Cherry Blossoms are now in peak bloom--earlier than in previous years. The flowers are a popular sight to see for many Torontonians who gather at locations like High Park to get a glimpse. ---- TUNE INTO THE TOWN: A CLOSER LOOK AT PSAC'S DEMANDS FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE  Jane Brown is now joined by David Whitten, Founding Partner with Whitten and Lublin Employment Lawyers. Today: we take a closer look at the demands of PSAC from a legal perspective. How reasonable are these demands and could they be realistic in a corporate work setting in comparison? Our expert weighs in. ---- MORE ON PSAC'S STRIKE AND THE POLITICS SURROUNDING IT  Jane Brown is now joined by Bob Richardson, Liberal Strategist and Senior Council to National Public Relations. We continue the conversation on PSAC's strike with Bob to get a sense of the politics surrounding it all. Justin Trudeau is urging the heads of the unions involved to reach a deal quickly to avoid long service disruptions ahead. How much damage will these strikes cause the Trudeau government and can we expect a deal to come out of it soon? And, Bob weighs in on some of the more interesting demands including a top up for employees working past 4 pm ET. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and Bob Richardson, Liberal Strategist and Senior Council to National Public Relations Today: we provide an update on the ever crowded Toronto mayoral race with key election issues being violence on the TTC, safer streets and the City's budget hole among other issues. Meanwhile, we discuss the news that Toronto will be on the hook for the 2026 FIFA World Cup expenses. Is that fair? There's also the debate over the future of Ontario Place. And, our panel reacts to Rogers striking a deal to be the provider of the 5G network on the TTC. Finally, new TTC data shows that because of the added presence of police officers on the transit system, there were fewer security incidents. ---- PRINCE HARRY TO ATTEND KING CHARLES' CORONATION Libby Znaimer is joined by Suzanne Boyd, Editor-in-Chief of Zoomer Magazine. This week, we learned that Prince Harry will indeed be attending his father King Charles' coronation. However, Meghan Markle will be staying home with their two children to celebrate Archie's birthday. But, could it also be because Meghan doesn't want to face the media onslaught in Britain? And, would it have been a better decision for her to go with Harry to this once in a lifetime occasion? ---- JAGMEET SINGH ON GALEN WESTON'S PAY RAISE  Libby Znaimer is joined by Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Jagmeet has made his views known about Galen Weston's recent pay raise. He tweeted,  “Every cent of Greedy Galen's 55% raise deserves to be taxed. And, then given back to you, your family, and food banks throughout Canada.” Jagmeet joins the program to weigh in on his latest beef with Weston and the hot button topic of "greedflation". Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO at Variety Village; and David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto.

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and a former Toronto City Councillor and Paula Fletcher, Councillor for Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. The candidate pool for the Toronto Mayoral race continues to grow. This week, Councillor Brad Bradford and Liberal MP Mitzie Hunter both officially declared they are running. Yesterday, we had on former Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders on the show who is also officially running. For him, the key priority is to restore a sense of safety in the community as we see concerning levels of violence on the TTC and in public spaces. But, is he too close to Premier Doug Ford? The Premier told voters openly that they shouldn't vote for any candidate who wants to make cuts to the police budget. What do we make of that? And, should the Premier really be getting involved in municipal politics?  And Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie is blaming Ottawa for not providing much needed funding as part of the federal budget to fill Toronto's budget hole of hundreds of millions of dollars. Our panel has the latest. ---- ANA BAILAO IS RUNNING FOR MAYOR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Ana Bailão, Former Deputy Mayor of Toronto who is now running for Mayor. The veteran city councillor has thrown her hat in the race  to be the City's next Mayor. For her, one of the big issues is reversing cuts to the TTC, which is certainly a great idea. But, does she have what it takes considering that the list of candidates continues to grow with names like Brad Bradford, Mark Saunders, and Mitzie Hunter now in the race as well? ---- A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FEDERAL BUDGET Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jamie Golombek, Managing Director of Tax & Estate Planning at CIBC. The federal budget promises to punish high-income Canadians making $1 million or more a year with higher taxes. These Canadians can expect to be paying as much as $59,000 more a year in tax over a five year period. Meanwhile, when it comes to dental, Ottawa wants to help low income families. They are promising families that are uninsured and make an annual household income of $90000 with dental coverage. But are those low-income people? And, what does the budget really offer middle class earners? Jamie weighs in. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher for Toronto Danforth. Today: We look at the latest on the Toronto mayoral race. This week, Councillor Josh Matlow, former Toronto Sun columnist and a current VP at True North Anthony Furey, as well as former police chief Mark Saunders have all announced that they are officially running. Last week we learned that former Toronto Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão is running too. Could this be the most exciting mayoral race in recent memory? ---- JOSH MATLOW IS RUNNING FOR MAYOR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Josh Matlow, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul's and is now officially running to be mayor. The veteran city councillor has thrown his hat in the race this week. He explains his vision for an improved City. ---- SURGERY WAIT TIMES INCREASE AS CANADA TRIES TO REDUCE SURGERY BACKLOG Libby Znaimer is now joined by Tracy Johnson, Director of  Health System Analytics at CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information). The surgery backlog is concerning, and the data put out by CIHI justifies that concern. According to their report, there were  937,000 less surgeries performed in Canada since March 2020. Cataract surgeries and joint replacements made up 24 per cent of that reduction. Only about 50 per cent of patients needing a knee replacement had their surgeries within 6 months versus 70 per cent before the pandemic. So, why do wait times persist and even get worse as our healthcare system works to tackle the backlog? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. Today: We begin with the news that former Toronto Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti has now publicly expressed his intentions of running for mayor in the City's byelection. Meanwhile, various community groups and potential candidate for Mayor Josh Matlow are considering the cost of the Gardiner Expressway construction project a major byelection issue. We dive deep into that. ---- PM TRUDEAU APPOINTS FORMER GOV GENERAL TO OVERLOOK ALLEGATIONS OF ELECTION INTERFERENCE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Bob Richardson, Liberal Strategist - Senior Council to National Public Relations and John Mykytyshyn, a Conservative Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed former governor general David Johnston to look into allegations that China interfered in our 2021 election. Johnston, of course, comes with an impressive resume and is very well respected, however there are potential red flags including the fact that he is a member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. The official opposition parties are also still calling on Trudeau's government to launch a public inquiry. Our panelists react to the latest. ---- THE PROBLEM WITH NDP CANDIDATE SARAH JAMA Libby Znaimer is joined by Michael Levitt, President and CEO Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. Ontario NDP candidate Sarah Jama is running to take over Hamilton Centre (Andrea Horwath's old riding) in a provincial byelection today. There's just one problem: according to a number of Jewish organizations, she has expressed antisemitic views. These organizations want her to step down and apologize for her past public comments about Israel and for her support of the boycott divestment and sanctions movement. The NDP have since stated that Sarah Jama is an advocate against antisemitism and any form of racism. But, this has us scratching our heads and wondering whether anything will be done to hold the candidate accountable for her past actions. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. Today: we talk about the latest happenings in the city's mayoral race that has been heating up as prominent councillors like Brad Bradford, Josh Matlow and Stephen Holyday all consider runs. And, then there's this dog barking story that has many dog owners fuming at the City: apparently a sign went up at one downtown dog park that stated that "excessive barking will not be tolerated". Needless to say, the sign was taken down after backlash from the public. ---- DEPUTY MAYOR JENNIFER MCKELVIE JOINS FIGHT BACK Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jennifer McKelvie, Deputy Mayor of the City of Toronto. This is the first time Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie has joined our program since former Mayor John Tory announced his resignation last month due to a sex scandal. She talks about her open letter to both the provincial and federal governments calling on them to help fill the $1 billion gap in the city's 2023 budget. Libby also asks her to weigh in on the mayoral race that's heating up as prominent councillors like Brad Bradford, Josh Matlow and Stephen Holyday all consider runs. And, she talks about how she might go about advocating for the city when it comes to getting much needed cash from more senior levels of government--something that her predecessor was really good at getting done. ---- THE GROCERY CHAIN CEOS HAVE TESTIFIED: NOW WHAT? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. This week: The CEO's of Canada's largest grocery retailers have testified in front of the agricultural committee in the House of Commons. The heads of Loblaw and Empire Foods pushed back against allegations that they are profiting from inflation and price gouging their customers. And, remember that price freeze that Galen Weston put on no name products a few months back? Galen brought it up and said that its saved grocery shoppers as much as $45 million at check out during the three months that the deal was in place. Plenty of critics, however, argued that it was simply a publicity stunt. Sylvain weighs in on the latest and whether any actual change will come from the testimony. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth and Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre. Today: The Toronto mayoral race is heating up--we've seen Councillor Brad Bradford, for example, set up a rather extensive advisory committee with members from a diverse range of sectors and political stripes including our very own panelist Karen Stintz. He has yet to officially declare that he's running. We've also had familiar names come up like former Councillor Rob Davis who appeared on Fight Back yesterday. The list is growing and we get our panelists' taked on who they see as winning candidates and what priorities need to be looked at to fix the City's problems. ---- CITIZEN CEREMONIES TO BE REPLACED BY MOUSE CLICK? Libby Znaimer is joined by Yaniv Or, Chief Technology Officer at ZoomerMedia Ltd, and Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Today: Canadian citizens could soon have the option to make an oath on their own through a computer instead of taking part of a citizenship ceremony. Immigration officials justify this saying it would reduce wait times and backlogs. But critics think it's a bad idea. Our guests have the latest and Yaniv shares his own story of becoming a Canadian citizen. ---- PROVINCIAL SPENDING IN THE THIRD QUARTER Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Weltman, Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer. The Province's Financial Accountability office has released its report for this quarter and once again The Ford OC's are spending less than budgeted. This has the opposition crying fowl - what do the numbers mean for the rest of us? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. Today: It's been nearly a week at Toronto City Hall since former Mayor John Tory left and it's been pretty quiet over there. Meanwhile, the number of violent incidents on the TTC has gone up by 60 per cent since 2019 according to a report from CEO Rick Leary's office. ---- OTTAWA'S HEALTHCARE DEAL WITH ONTARIO Libby Znaimer is joined by Ontario NDP MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) and the health critic. Today: Ottawa has struck a deal with Ontario. The funding will go towards improving pediatric hospitals, ER rooms, and surgery wait times. ---- HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND WORRYING ABOUT YOUR FINANCES? Libby Znaimer is joined by Lesley-Anne Scorgie, Founder of MeVest, a leading edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. A new poll published by Scotiabank shows that Canadians spend, on average, 15 hours per week worrying about their personal finances (up ten hours from last year), which equates to about 31 days per year. To break it down: 44 per cent worry about paying for day-to-day expenses, 39 per cent worry about paying off their debt. Lesley-Anne looks at more of the survey's findings and offers tips on how you might approach looking after your money if you are feeling tight. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: MAYOR TORY OFFICIALLY RESIGNS AND PREMIER DOUG FORD DOESN'T WANT A “LEFTY MAYOR” TO REPLACE HIM Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. A lot is happening at Toronto City Hall: the 2023 budget was finalized after a long and sometimes disruptive meeting in the city council chamber. Mayor John Tory made it clear that he would not use his powers to veto any of the amendments. And, Tory has officially summitted his resignation to the city clerk with his last day being this Friday. Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford openly said that it would be a disaster if a "lefty Mayor'' replaced Tory. He also said that everything is running "tickety-boo" for Toronto which leaves some of us scratching our heads and wondering if he has been aware that not all things are clearly functioning well here. CANADIANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS TIPPING Libby Znaimer continues the conversation with Lauren O'Neil of BlogTO. Together, they discuss a new survey by Angus Reid Institute on Canadians' attitudes about tipping at restaurants. THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IS HERE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International Auto Show. Front and centre at this year's show are electric vehicles! Jason details what kind of cars you can expect to see there and why the trend of electric cars is only growing. The show takes place today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. If you are a homeowner in Toronto, today is the deadline to claim that it is occupied. Finally, a group of Toronto city councillors have submitted a letter to Mayor John Tory demanding answers over his decision to deploy 80 Toronto Police officers to address the spike in violence on public transit and the mayor of King Township has a beef with incoming Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles and it has to do with the Greenbelt. ---- THE LATEST GRANDPARENT SCAM  Jane Brown is now joined by Detective David Coffey of Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit. In the latest grandparent scam to go around, a 95-year-old Senior was told that her grandson was in jail and that they needed $10,000 to cover his bail. Detective Coffey joins the program today to provide tips to protect yourself from falling for such cruel scams that circulate far too often. ---- REMEMBERING HAZEL MCCALLION AND WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HER FUNERAL  Jane Brown is now joined by Jim Murray, a long-time friend of Hazel McCallion and a spokesperson for the McCallion family. Jim reflects on the illustrious life lived by Mississauga's longest serving mayor “Hurricane '' Hazel McCallion who passed away this past January just shy of her 102nd birthday. Jim also provides details about her upcoming funeral arrangements. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

David Crombie is a politician, consultant and former Mayor of Toronto. Mayor Crombie served from 1972-1978 and is famously described as Toronto's "Tiny Perfect Mayor." Additionally, he was a commissioner of the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront and a founding chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. In May 2004, the Honourable David Crombie received the Order of Canada. Before leading a remarkable resignation in 2020, David served as chair of the Greenbelt Council here in Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Government recently passed Bill 23, more commonly known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, which opened up 7400 acres of Greenbelt land for housing development. This bill led to public outrage and the growing use of the hashtag #HandsOffTheGreenbelt. During this interview, David Crombie talks about what makes the Greenbelt special, the environmental and economic risks involved with building on it and what we as individuals can do to help protect it!   Don't forget to hit FOLLOW or Subscribe to the Earth Care podcast.   Let's connect online: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3AEJ5KW TikTok: https://bit.ly/3KwXwoT Website: earthcareshow.com

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Jon Burnside, Toronto City Councillor Don Valley East, and Chair of the TTC. Today: we have a very important discussion about the recent wave of unprovoked attacks taking place on the TTC against both transit riders and employees. Why is this happening all of a sudden? And, what does the City of Toronto and the TTC have to do in order to effectively tackle this issue? ---- VIOLENCE ON THE TTC CONTINUED Libby Znaimer is now joined by John Di Nino, National President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Canada. Yesterday, TTC CEO Rick Leary provided comment on the recent wave of violence on the transit system saying that he is planning for more uniform visibility and upping the security presence. Meanwhile, John wants a national task force to be convened to address "crisis levels" of attacks. He wants the task force to look into whether additional mental health funding, housing supports, harsher penalties, greater police presence and de-escalation training for staff is needed amid the violence. He comes on to talk all about it. ---- THE REAL ESTATE MARKET & BANK OF CANADA INTEREST RATES  Libby Znaimer is joined by Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Concordia University in Montreal, and Steve Jelenic, a Toronto Real Estate Agent with Chestnut Park Real Estate. This week: the Bank of Canada increased the interest rate to 4.5 per cent as part of its ongoing plan to tackle high inflation. So, how does this impact the real estate market? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. Today: Toronto Mayor John Tory has announced that the City alongside funding partners like Metrolinx will provide $5.4 million to local businesses. And, a number of city councillors are supporting the idea of a commercial parking levy to deal with the city's budget crunch.  Both Ontario's Integrity commissioner and Auditor Generals are doing separate investigations into the Ford government's Greenbelt plans. The question remains: did the Premier and housing minister tip off any developers? And, federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is calling out the big grocery retailers for skyrocketing prices of their products. ---- THE GREENBELT INVESTIGATIONS: REACTION FROM THE NDP  Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Tabuns, Interim Leader of the Ontario NDP. This week, both the province's integrity commissioner and the auditor general have announced that they are doing their own respective investigations into the Ford government's Greenbelt plans. Both the Premier and housing minister have denied tipping off developers as it pertains to the Greenbelt. Tabuns weighs in on the latest. ---- FOOD INFLATION REMAINS HIGH DESPITE EFFORTS TO COMBAT IT  Libby Znaimer is now joined by David Macdonald, Senior Economist of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. We all know that food inflation is rampant and outpacing overall inflation. And, there is a big debate about whether the large grocers are taking advantage and profiting excessively. After all, some of them have been reporting record profits. The likes of Loblaw Companies and Sobey's deny this vigorously - not everyone believes them. David has studied where that money is going. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. There's plenty to talk about today: Toronto Mayor John Tory has announced a property tax hike, he's also getting a 37 per cent increase to his own office budget. Yesterday, Libby asked the Chair of the Budget Committee, Councillor Gary Crawford, as well about a 31 per cent increase in food costs for city-owned long-term care homes but with food inflation being at 11.4 per cent, Libby asked him how he got to that number and he responded by saying he'll have to go back and check on the math. Our panel reacts to the latest. ---- FORD GOVERNMENT TO APPEAL COURT RULING ON LTC LAWSUIT Libby Znaimer is joined by Melissa Miller, Partner at Howie, Sacks and Henry LLP. The Ford government is appealing an Ontario Superior Court ruling to allow a class-action lawsuit against the province over COVID-19 long term care deaths during the pandemic. The lawsuit claims that 3,836 residents, workers, volunteers and visitors died 'needlessly' while 23-thousand became seriously ill. Our legal experts reacts to the latest news. ---- TORONTO RANKS POORLY WHEN IT COMES TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Shoshanna Saxe, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto. Toronto was just ranked seventh in the world for municipalities with the worst traffic congestion. According to a traffic analytics company, commuters in the GTA, on roads and highways, lost an average of 118 hours in 2022. Shoshanna reacts to the ranking and explains the factors that are contributing to the problem. And, we want to know what your daily commute in the City is like. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO. Today: we reflect on 25 years since the City of Toronto was amalgamated and whether the City improved because of it. And we talk about Mayor John Tory's announcement of plans to increase the police budget by nearly $50 million this year. Also increasing are TTC fares --by 10 cents-- and the City is going to provide the transit system with more money to hire 50 additional police constables especially since violent crime has gone up on buses and subways including deadly attacks on women. Our panel weighs in on the latest. ---- BOLSTERING SECURITY ON THE TTC Jane Brown is now joined by Stuart Green, Senior spokesperson for Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Shelagh Pizey-Allen, Executive Director of TTC Riders. Our guests weigh in on the TTC's decision to increase fares by 10 cents and on top of that security will be bolstered on the transit system, as discussed in the previous segment, to combat the rise in security incidents that have taken place--some even deadly. ---- GALEN WESTON'S CHICKEN BREAST Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. A local Toronto woman was shocked when she spotted a 5-piece pack of chicken breast for $37.03 at Loblaws. When she posted the photo of the product on social media, people complained about it and described it as "price-gouging".  When the woman, a journalist, reached out to Loblaws for an explanation, they said the price was justified on the basis that the poultry was from their premium line. Sylvain weighs in on this and on the criticism that the large grocery retailers engage in "Greedflation". Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, City Councillor James Pasternak for Ward 6 York Centre and Ana Bailão, a former Toronto City councillor and deputy mayor of the City up until 2022. Today: How well is Toronto's Vision Zero working? Meanwhile our panel guests weigh in on their respective new years resolutions and the objectives of city council moving into 2023. ---- ELLEN ROSEMAN RECAPS BIGGEST CONSUMER TRENDS OF 2022 Jane Brown is joined by Ellen Roseman, consumer advocate and journalist. The year reaches its end and with that our guest today has prepared a list of what she thinks were the biggest consumer trends of the year including air travel and passenger rights, the rise of inflation, the Rogers network outage, the decline in demand for housing and the increase in demand for rental housing. ---- THE 2022 NAUGHTY AND NICE LIST BY CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION Jane Brown is joined byFranco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. To end the show, we do a recap of this year's naughty and nice list as compiled by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The list contains those who spent a lot of taxpayers' money and those who were more...responsible. Topping the list this time around is federal finance minister and deputy PM Chrystia Freeland, Governor General Mary Simon, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem and others. Meanwhile, the nice list includes Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. Franco explains the rational on how these individuals made the cut. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN It's time to Tune In To The Town on Fight Back, and there's a lot to unpack! Toronto councillors have voted to approve Mayor John Tory's request for a report back on his 2023 housing action plan; amid this…Tory is dismissing concerns over his extraordinary new powers as mere “political theatre” of no interest to regular Torontonians. All this, as Toronto residents brace for a looming vacancy tax…AND a wintery walloping. Jane Brown is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO at Variety Village; David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto; and Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO to dig into these issues. DELAYS IN ONTARIO'S PAP TEST RESULTS Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and obstetrician gynecologist at Unity Health Toronto to discuss the concerning delay in pap test results in the province of Ontario. DRIVING IN THE FIRST WINTER WALLOPING Environment Canada says “Batten down the hatches!”...with warnings and advisories in effect across the GTA for freezing rain and significant snow on the way. Jane Brown is joined by Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division to talk road safety amid the potential wintery walloping we're in for. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and Councillor James Pasternak of Ward 6 York Centre Ontario Premier Doug Ford is telling Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie to stop "whining and complaining" and to "get on board" when it comes to his Bill 23. The Premier went on to explain that fees for new home development in Mississauga have gone up by 30 per cent during the last two years adding $126,000 of municipal costs to each new home. Meanwhile, a new report  determined that there is "egregious violations of the public trust"  when it comes to its problem-prone LRT system. Our panel reacts to the latest. ---- WHY ARE GAS PRICES BECOMING LOWEST THIS WEEK SINCE LAST JANUARY? Jane Brown is joined by Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy. This week, Ontario drivers will welcome the news that gas prices will be the lowest since last January. Today, prices reached as low as 138.9 cents per litre and the price is dropping to 135.9 in the GTA tomorrow. Dan explains the drop in the prices! ---- WHAT IS STIFF PERSON SYNDROME? Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Tara Zier, Founder and CEO of The Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation and an SPS patient herself. We are learning that Canadian icon and world-renowned singer Celine Dion has been diagnosed with a rare neurological health condition called "Stiff Person Syndrome". Have you ever heard of it? According to John Hopkins, one or two in a million people suffer from the illness. Dr. Zier explains what it is all about and shares details of her own lived experience with it. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

50 years ago this weekend, Toronto experienced one of its most memorable elections. The new mayor was a professor at what was then called the Ryerson Polytechnic Institute. He got elected on an anti-establishment, pro-reform platform. Fifty years later, that man is still deeply engaged in the big issues of the day and is still called upon by governments to solve problems. Has the city turned out the way he had hoped? We welcome the winner of that 1972 election, David Crombie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village and Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, for Ward 6 York Centre. In the news: Ontario's municipal and housing affairs minister Steve Clark is denying claims that he tipped off developers ahead of making changes to the government's Greenbelt plans. Meanwhile, Mayor John Tory says that the Ford government will provide the City of Toronto a third of the $703 M operating budget shortfall that was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And, we follow up on the Ontario Auditor General's report that indicates that almost half of the wetlands in the province were evaluated for their importance which could potentially mean that they could be under threat by development. Our panel weighs in on the latest. ---- AUDITOR GENERAL ON HER REPORT Libby Znaimer is joined by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk. Yesterday: the AG released her report and the details were damning especially on the healthcare front. For example, it was found that as many as 3.4 million vaccine doses (or nine percent roughly) of COVID-19 vaccine doses were wasted in the province's rollout program. Doctors were also getting as much as $170 to $220 per  hour when administering vaccines at a vaccination site compared to the low amount of $32 to $49 per hour that nurses were getting paid to do the same job. Furthermore, as much as $66 M of PPE expired, was damaged or got lost. The AG joins to weigh in on the report in full. ----- PSYCHIATRISTS CALL ON OTTAWA TO DELAY ITS MAID PROGRAM EXPANSION Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Valerie Taylor, the psychiatric chair at the University of Calgary and president of the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada. Canadian psychiatrists are calling on Ottawa to delay expanding its MAID program to patients with mental illnesses, insisting that proper safeguards in the program are not yet in place. Valerie explains. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Former Toronto mayors including David Crombie, David Miller and Barbara Hall have penned a letter to Mayor John Tory asking him to reject a bill that gives him power to pass bylaws with minority support. Also known as strong mayor legislation, Bill 39 was introduced by Municipal Affairs Minister, Steve Clark, on Wednesday, allowing the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa to pass bylaws aligning with provincial priorities, “if more than one-third of council members vote in favour.” We spoke with Ben Spurr, the Toronto Star's City Hall Reporter, about this and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto,  and Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village. The Ford government has introduced new legislation that would give it a tighter grip over regional governance and provide the mayors of both Ottawa and Toronto with greater power that involves being able to pass by-laws aligned with the government's priorities with just a third of council support. The province says it wants to do this to cut red tape when it comes to confronting issues like housing. Meanwhile, David and other former Mayors of Toronto including John Sewell wrote a piece in the Toronto Star arguing that the province is doing a disservice to municipal governments. ---- CUPE VS THE PROVINCE: THOUSANDS OF ED WORKERS TO RESUME STRIKE ON MONDAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Fred Hahn, President of CUPE. CUPE will resume striking next Monday because they are still not happy with any kind of offer from the Ford government for better wages on behalf of thousands of education workers. Fred details what went wrong at the bargaining table. And, we hear from listeners about whether this strike is going to affect their families. ---- CHINA'S XI JINPING CONFRONTS TRUDEAU AT G20 Libby Znaimer is now joined by  Dr. Stephen Saideman, Paterson Chair in International Affairs at Carleton University. China's Xi Jinping, with the help of an interpreter, publicly confronted PM Justin Trudeau  at the G20. In the brief encounter that was televised, Xi criticized Trudeau for leaking information of their discussion and that whatever was presented to the media was inaccurate and inappropriate. Some experts argue that this move by the Chinese President shows the disregard he has for Canada's leader. Stephen reacts to the moment and weighs in on what it says about Canada's relationship with China. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, and David Crombie, the former Mayor of Toronto. Right now, Ontarians are grappling with COVID-19, the flu and RSV all circulating. So, is it time we re-institute mask mandates? At this point, our public health officials are refraining from making that call, including Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa. And, at the same time, hospital ER wait times for patients reached a record high in September going up 44.7 percent compared to September of 2021. So, what does our municipal panel think about all of this? ---- REMEMBERING OUR WAR HEROES Jane Brown is joined, first, by WW2 veteran Jack Rhind who served in the Royal Canadian Artillery and fought in the Italian campaign among other places, followed by General Richard Rohmer who also fought in WW2. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. To mark the special occasion, we invited on two WW2 vets who share their respective stories of fighting in the war. Jack, 102, reflects on the brutality of war and has said that ‘we need to remember how stupid and unnecessary" it is. He reads us a selection of passages from his diary. General Rohmer, 98, then details taking part on D-Day. And, of course, we want to hear from you, our listeners, about your own families during the war. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is filling in for Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto. In the news: the spat between thousands of CUPE education workers and the Ford government continues with the union threatening a strike this Friday if a deal over wages is not established by then. This, despite new legislation implemented by the province to prevent that from happening and hefty fines that will be given to those who walk off the job. Meanwhile,  the City of Toronto has put out a survey and wants to know what the general public thinks regarding their CafeTO program and how it might be improved for future years. Finally, has pedestrian traffic on our downtown streets reached pre-pandemic levels? Our panel reacts to the latest. ---- A LOOK AHEAD TO OTTAWA'S BUDGET Jane Brown  is now joined by John Mykytyshyn, Conservative strategist and political consultant and president of Bradgate Research Group as well as Tom Parkin, an NDP commentator. Today at 4 pm Eastern, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be delivering Ottawa's budget. So, what can we expect from that? Our strategists weigh in. ---- LOBLAW MADE HIGH PROFITS AMID INFLATION Jane Brown  is now joined by Ellen Roseman, Consumer Advocate and journalist. According to a new report from the Agri food analytics lab at Dalhousie University, three top grocery retailers made higher profits this year amid inflation compared to their average performances over the past five years. Loblaw actually made more profits than each of the past five years individually. Last month, the company faced backlash over its announcement that it would freeze prices for over 1,500 no name products (its own brand) from many consumers who deemed it a publicity stunt. Ellen has the latest and talks about "greedflation". Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto and Ana Bailão, former Toronto Councillor for Ward 9 Davenport and Deputy Mayor This week: the Ford government introduced sweeping new legislation regarding housing that would cut the authority of Conservation authorities and give more leeway to developers. What does our panel think about that? Meanwhile, we recap the elections that took place and those who were voted back in including mayors John Tory, Patrick Brown and Bonnie Crombie. ---- NEW CENSUS DATA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Elise Herzig, Executive Director of JIAS Toronto and Dr. Sarah Wilkens-Laflamme, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate studies in Sociology at the University of Waterloo. In the news: According to new census data released by Statistics Canada, immigrants could  comprise between 29.1 per cent to 34 per cent of the population of Canada by 2041. Asian immigrants increased from just 12.1 per cent in 1971 to 62 per cent in 2021. And, India has been the lead source of Asian immigrants to the country and has contributed to 18.6 percent of total number arriving between 2016-2021. Meanwhile, as many as 34.6 per cent of Canadians do not affiliate with a religion. ---- ISIS BRIDES RETURN TO CANADA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University, and an expert on national security issues as well as Dr. Amarnath Amarasingam, Assistant Professor, School of Religion, Queen's University. In the news: at least two Canadian women and their kids are returning home to Canada from an ISIS detention camp in Syria. Our guests explain the implications of all of this. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN Ontario's municipal election day is October 24th, but eight days of advance voting for Toronto's municipal election begins tomorrow. And with Premier Doug Ford poised to introduce further measures to expedite housing construction…and boost density…immediately after the October 24th municipal elections...what might this mean for municipalities? Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village; Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO; and David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, to unpack these issues. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF GATHERINGS & GRATITUDE The Thanksgiving weekend is almost upon us. And with COVID-19 restrictions seemingly a thing of the past, many people are entertaining the idea of, well, entertaining. But with the mental toll that the pandemic, and subsequently the economy, has taken over the last few years…is it challenging for people to feel grateful? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Brent Mulrooney, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Centre For Interpersonal Relationships in Toronto; and Dr. Steven Taylor, Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and author of The Psychology of Pandemics, to explore the science of gatherings and gratitude.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, and Councillor James Pasternak of Ward 6 York Centre. In the news: Statistics Canada released a report showing that home ownership dropped 66.5 percent last year. The higher cost of homes has led more people to pivot towards renting. Meanwhile, here in Toronto, the TTC announced that it will be closing 8 subway stations over the weekend, which will no doubt be inconvenient to commuters. And, Pearson International Airport has been given a terrible rating for its overall customer satisfaction (are we surprised?) Finally, cyclists in the city are mad after a popular member of their community was sent to hospital after crashing over a speed bump. Our panel weighs in on the latest. ---- THE LATEST ON THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR AND PUTIN'S SETBACKS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Paul Goode, McMillan Chair in Russian Studies at Carleton University and Phil Wasielewski, a 2022 Templeton Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. In the news: Amid a series of setbacks in his war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a partial military mobilization this week. He also sent a very threatening message to the West that "it's not a bluff" when it comes to nuclear weapons and blames the West for using the threat of such weapons to blackmail his country. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden, in a speech at the UN, said that Russia violated the UN's charter. Our experts weigh in on the heightened tensions and what has been happening on the ground lately in Ukraine. ---- DEATH OF IRAN WOMAN OVER HIJAB SPARKS GLOBAL PROTESTS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Hadi Ghaemi, Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran. Protests in both Iran and around the world were sparked by the death of a young woman who died last week in police custody. She was arrested by the so-called morality police

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Wayne Gates, Cathryn Hoy, and David Musyj react to the new regulations facing Long-Term Care - Tune into the Town with James Pasternak, Lauren O'Neil, and David Crombie respond to the rent subsidy being offered by the federal government - Joseph Neuberger, Jon Reid, and Rev. Sky Starr react to the rising cases of gun violence in Toronto - Renee Suen reports on the Michelin Guide awarding stars to 13 restaurants in Toronto - And the best calls of the week!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto, and Councillor James Pasternak of Ward 6 York Centre. In the news: this week Ottawa announced that it would implement a $500 one-time rent subsidy for low income renters as part of the Canada Housing Benefit program. This would be initiated by the end of the year should it receive parliamentary approval and royal ascent to become legislation. Meanwhile, here in Toronto, mayoral candidate Gil Penalosa was booted out of Nathan Phillips Square by security while announcing his housing platform. Our panel reacts to the latest. ---- NEW LTC REGULATIONS BY FORD GOVERNMENT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Cathryn Hoy, President of the Ontario Nurses Association, NDP MPP (Niagara Falls) Wayne Gates followed by David Musyj, CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital. In the news: the Ford government announced specific regulations pertaining to Bill 7 this week. Patients awaiting transfer to a long-term care home may be moved to a location not of their choosing up to 150 km away if they are in Northern Ontario and 70 km away if they are in Southern Ontario. If they refuse this, they will be required to pay $400 per day. David supports this move saying that: "the status quo cannot continue" ---- CANADA'S CHIEF HERALD JOINS THE PROGRAM Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Samy Khalid, Canada's Chief Herald. Today: we introduce our listeners to Canada's Chief Herald. Have you ever even heard of a Chief Herald? Last week, he announced the proclamation of King Charles III as Canada's new head of state. Dr. Khalid explains the protocol around the historic announcement and what his role actually entails. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: -Lauren O'Neil, Karen Stintz, David Crombie, and Suzanne Boyd Queen Elizabeth's health concerns (interview was recorded before her majesty's death was announced) -Gordon Pape and Dr. Thomas Davidoff discuss yet another interest rate hike from the Bank of Canada. -Albert Koehl and Mike Layton discuss why Vision Zero isn't working in Toronto. -Tony Cornacchia and Dr. Alexander Zlotta talk bladder cancer and the annual 'Bladder Cancer Walks' happening in Toronto on September 24th. -The best calls from this week!

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: THE FUTURE OF TORONTO CITY COUNCIL Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto, and Councillor Brad Bradford (Ward 19 Beaches East York). Today: we begin with reaction to the joint health care announcement made by Ontario health minister Sylvia Jones and long-term care minister Paul Calandra which includes the plan to introduce legislation that will permit senior patients in hospitals awaiting long-term care residency to be moved to an alternative facility. And, the pledge to add an additional 6,000 healthcare workers to the province's healthcare system. Meanwhile, the registration deadline for Toronto's municipal election is tomorrow. Where are we at with that? Our panel reacts to the latest headlines. BLOGTO'S NEW FOOD EXPERT PREVIEWS THIS YEAR'S CNE FOODS Libby Znaimer is joined by BlogTO's new resident food expert, Renee Suen! She joins us a day after doing a preview of the CNE's very experimental food options coming out this year including mustard and ketchup ice cream! She tells us what was yucky and what was yummy! ONTARIO HEALTH AND LTC MINISTERS ADDRESS ONTARIO HEALTH CRISIS Libby Znaimer is joined by Donna Duncan, CEO, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and then joining in are Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network hospitals in Toronto. As mentioned at the top of the show, Ontario health minister Sylvia Jones and Long-term care minister Paul Calandra made a join-statement this morning with a plan to address the ongoing health care challenges that the province is currently facing. But, is this announcement too little too late? Our LTC and healthcare experts weigh in on the latest to come out of Queen's Park.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. Today: we start things off by placing a magnifying glass on the ongoing shenanigans in Brampton. The city's former integrity commissioner, Muneeza Sheikh, is suing Brampton and the city councillors who voted to fire her for $20M arguing that her firing was part of a conspiracy by some councillors who were not happy over previous or ongoing ethics investigations into them. It's a lawsuit that happens to have the support of the current Mayor Patrick Brown. Meanwhile, in a presser earlier this week, Brown alleged that municipal funds were used as "hush payments" in a city councillor's sexual harassment lawsuit. Here in Toronto, an integrity complaint was filed against Mayor John Tory arguing that his ties to Rogers is a conflict of interest. Finally, Toronto was just ranked the hardest city to navigate. What's up with that? THE CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP DEBATE: A RECAP Libby Znaimer is joined byMichael Diamond, Principal of Upstream Strategy Group and Janet Ecker, Former Ontario PC MPP. Yesterday, the third and final debate of the Conservative leadership race took place. All were in attendance except for the perceived front-runner Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis. What kind of an impact will their absence have on the overall race or even their own campaigns? Both Leslyn and Pierre were fined $50,000 for being no-shows. ---- UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO REQUIRING STUDENTS IN RESIDENCE TO HAVE THREE SHOTS Libby Znaimer is

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Tune into the Town, with David Crombie, Karen Stintz, and outgoing Toronto city councillor Mike Layton, who talked about why he is not running for re-election - Ryan Koeslag, Peggy Brekveld, and Chris Grossman on struggles that farmers are facing with a tariff on fertilizer - Steve Jelenic on the cooling of the housing market - Martin Firestone and John Gradek on Pearson being ranked as the worst airport for delays - And the best calls of the week!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Recovering Politicians with Charles Sousa, Lisa Raitt, and Howard Hampton discuss the nationwide Rogers outage - Tune into the Town with Lauren O'Neil, Karen Stintz, and David Crombie on the impact of urbanist Gil Penalosa announcing that he is running for mayor of Toronto - John Mykytyshyn and Bob Richardson on the latest with Patrick Brown - Allan Small and Gordon Pape react to the Bank of Canada raising interest rates by one percent - And the best calls of the week!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Lauren O'Neil, Senior News Editor of BlogTO, Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, David Crombie, Former Mayor of Toronto. Long-time Toronto City Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong has announced that he will not be seeking re-election come October. The panel reflect on his legacy. Meanwhile, prominent urbanist Gil Penalosa has announced he is joining the Toronto mayoral race. Does he have what it takes to beat the perceived front-runner, John Tory? And, in other news, nearly half of young adults in Canada are still living at home with their parents according to new census data from Statistics Canada. ---- BANK OF CANADA INTEREST RATE IMPACT ON HOUSING MARKET Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage and Lesley-Anne Scorgie, founder of MeVest, a leading edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. The Bank of Canada's interest rate increase (a full percentage point) is expected to slow down the housing market. Libby and guests discuss the impacts of that. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - John Gradek and Dr. Gabor Lukacs discuss who is really to blame for delays at airports - Jay Goldberg and Councillor Mike Colle debate the true cost of Toronto hosting the World Cup - Tune into The Town with Councillor Ana Bailao, David Crombie, and Karen Stintz on whether or not the Muzzo family should get to keep their name on a GTA Hospital - Tom Sandler on the resumption of social life post-pandemic - And the best calls of the week!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Recovering Politicians Panel with Charles Sousa, Michael Diamond, and Howard Hampton on the low election turnout - The Tune Into The Town Panel with Karen Stintz, Lauren O'Neill and David Crombie on what the election will mean to municipalities - Sean Shapiro and Teresa Di Felice on the worst roads in Ontario and road safety - Mayor John Tory on the announcement of the creation of the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation - And the best calls of the week!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Tune Into The City with Councillor Anna Bailao, David Crombie, and Lauren O

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca with a plan to ban handguns - The NDP's Peter Tabuns reponse to the handgun ban plan - Dr. Peter Juni on the latest modelling amid the sixth wave of COVID-19 - Mike Schreiner, David Crombie, and Dr. Blair Feltmate gather to discuss how Ontario can invest in combating the climate crisis in time for Earth Day - And the best calls of the week!

Host Kerry Lonergan this week turns up the heat on veteran red meat industry leader David Crombie. After forging his career as a director of Gunn Rural Management (GRM) and live exporter Austrex, Mr Crombie later became the chairman of the steering committee that moulded the formation of  the Meat Standards Australia tenderness guarantee scheme, sat as chairman of Meat & Livestock Australia for six years, and served terms as president of the National Farmers Federation. In all capacities, he acted as a high profile industry leader, prepared to engage with grassroots producers across the length and breadth of the country. Today he spends his time on his small cattle property near Warwick, and is a passionate participant in carcase competitions.

Brian interviews former “Tiny perfect Mayor” of Toronto, David Crombie. David was a very popular Mayor of Toronto for three terms, elected as the last center right MP from downtown Toronto, served as a Cabinet Minister, ran for PC leadership and headed numerous waterfront oriented organizations in Toronto. His views on the development of our waterfront are visionary and his thoughts on the current dispute between moderates and extremists in the Conservative Party are sobering. We discuss his political life, Toronto's waterfront, affordable housing, amalgamation and that his Progressive Conservative party is dead and gone and that he thinks a smaller only right wing conservative is bad for conservatives and Canada.

The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad, with David Cravit, Bill Vangorder, and Peter Muggeridge react to the commission report on Ontario's long-term care system - Dr. Brian Lichty and Dr. Peter Juni explain what know about changing the second COVID-19 dose - The Strategy Panel, with John Capobianco, Karen Stintz, and Charles Sousa discuss Trudeau's chief of staff - David Crombie weights in on the federal government stepping in to oversee the Highway 413 environmental assessment - And the best calls of the week!

The new chair of the Ford government’s Greenbelt Council was Ontario’s environment minister leading up to the Walkerton tragedy, an E. coli outbreak that killed seven people two decades ago. Norm Sterling ⁠— who oversaw cuts to the environment ministry’s budget that were later found to have contributed to what happened in Walkerton ⁠— was a Progressive Conservative environment minister under the Mike Harris government. As an MPP in 2005, he voted against the creation of the Greenbelt. Sterling replaces former chair David Crombie, who resigned along with six others late last year in protest of the Ford government’s move to limit the powers of conservation authorities. GUEST: Muhammad Ali, Senior Consultant for Crestview Strategies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connect with Michael and BobThe Climb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/Bob Wierema: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/Michael Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/Connect with David Crombiehttps://nineenergyservice.com/about/our-leadershiphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nine-energy-service/[00:00:00] David Crombie: I'll never forget. I'll mention, there were some guys, I went over to some friends of mine. I said, Hey, you know, we got all these, well, I said, I'm just a nervous wreck. You know, we've got at the time, 18 cement pumps out and I laid down at night and I don't know what's going to happen. They said, well, your problem is you need to think about how much money you're making, not what's going to happen.Michael Moore: On today's episode of the climb. Bob and I are joined by my good friend, David Crombie, chief operating officer of nine energy from humble beginnings in Jacksboro, Texas to the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. He has definitely lived the climb. His wife used one word to describe him. And that was devoted.Listen to The Climb,David Crombie, welcome to The Climb. David Crombie: How are you? Thanks for having me, Michael Moore: Bob and I are super excited about this one as, as we launched this thing and we talk about crossroads in defining moments. I've gotten the tag along in your career, in the oil field services industry, and there's no better climb. And so, um, I'm going to go ahead and throw this out there.I got on the phone with Cara this morning. Cara is not only one of the most beautiful women you've ever seen in your life. She's put up with his shit since first grade they met in Jacksboro, Texas. Bob Wierema: So this is going to be, this is going to be good. I like it. But before we dive into that, Crombie just, we're all kind of scratching our heads. Right. I [00:02:00] mean, at the same time COVID was hitting. We get negative oil prices, which still I have and figured out the math on that, but I'm not very smart or just tell us in the industry, like, what's the sentiment what's going on?Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Does wall street come back around? What are we looking at? David Crombie: Well, what I would say is, from my standpoint, the way I view it as there's two problems, I mean, Oh, you know, we, we get very good at what we do and we, we have too much oil and that's, that's one problem. And then the Covid is another problem.That's separate from that. And so I think when we come out of COVID, we still have an old oil and gas problem. That's not solved. And it's to me, you know, I don't want to be negative, but I think it's a three, three year deal three to four years or something like that before it turns around. And it's just all supply and demand and that's, that's kind of where we're at, but I think there's some that can blame more on COVID.But to me, it's just a supply and demand situation. And I think that that's, that's where we're at. Michael Moore: And so really that's a, that's a global issue. I mean, until we can figure out independence. David Crombie: Yes. Michael Moore: And so having been overseas, we'll get into that Saudi Arabia. I mean, give us, uh, your, your global perspective on that too.David Crombie: Well, I mean, I think those guys, their economy depends solely on that. And they're going to, they're going to do whatever they can to make that be in their favor. The United States has gotten so good at what they do in the, in these shell plays that I think that basically, you know, is not what they counted on.And so I think they're doing things to make it back in their favor, every chance they get. So until it, there just has to be a correction in general, in the whole one gas industry, until there is it's going to stay the way it is. Michael Moore: And so when you think about Saudi Arabia, you think about Russia, you think about Venezuela, and then you think about the United States.Like I'm not going to say when, but how do we, how do we change the game a little bit? [00:04:00] Because we seem to repeat. This supply demand problem on a, not necessarily every five years. Like you can't plug it like that, but it's, it's a cycle that we seem to not always be able to figure out. David Crombie: Yeah. But what I would say now is you, is the shell plays have changed that again to where.Now it's a matter of turning on the tap or turn it off. So until, you know, I don't think Saudi Arabia is necessarily going to run out of oil anytime soon or Russia, but I don't think that Saudi Arabia has what they. Claim they have anymore. And I think that, uh, as soon as it starts to turn around a little bit, we're going to get, we're going to get right back after to start adding rigs.And then, you know, here you go, the problem starts to come in the next few years and it's just a matter, but if supply demand comes back and we can, we can balance that better, which I believe there's a happy medium. Michael Moore: So as, as COO of nine energy vertically integrated oil field services company, what divisions have surprised you in the way that they've done in all of this and what divisions are suffering because of this?David Crombie: Well, surprisingly my old company that, you know, mine and Cody and Cole's old company, uh, depends on drilling a hundred percent and it has, it has survived probably the best of any of them right now. Uh, and that's very surprising to me, but we also are in a class there that we're competing with the Halliburton's of the world and people like that.So I think that. While it's surprising. I think that as, as what, we've lost a lot of competitors that were not very good. And when it comes back, we're going to be in a better shape, but there's really nothing. There's no rhyme or reason as to what's going on from my competitive landscape, because it's just, you don't know who's going to the next private equity is going to put money in this company and that company is supposed to go broke.And then all of a sudden they have another. They get another laugh [00:06:00] line and here where they go and eat an anticipate they were going to be in the competitive landscape anymore. And so it's just not what you expected. So it's basically, it's, it's very hard to figure out, I would say private equity. Keeps pumping money in different different service lines.But at the same time, there's gotta be an end to that at some point where there's a moment where they just quit doing that. Michael Moore: You Bob Wierema: mentioned private equity. I know there's been a lot of involvement in the industry there lately. How is that? How do you think that's affected the industry in general? David Crombie: In some cases, I don't think it's good because there's companies that.The reality is they need to go away and you find a private equity. There's a lot of private equity money out there. Right. And so they find something like that. And then they start thinking that they're going to do better than the last guy that, that had it. And it just kind of kicks the can down the road.And I think that's bad for the industry in some ways, but at the same time, I think there's going to be a point where they just go away. I mean, there's just no, after two or three times of that, it's got to go away and then things will be better. Michael Moore: Well, there were better part of a century where oil and gas did just fine without Providence.Right. So, you know, I agree David Crombie: with you. Yeah. And to give you an idea, whenever we, whenever we started crest pumping in South Texas, which is another story, you know, it, there were 13 semen and company down there and probably. 10 of those backed by private equity. And I think there's three of us left in for the whole landscape banner.That's it? So it's pretty strange deal, but there's, there's always money out there. It seems like to get the next thing going. And, but right now, you know, I'm not sure if they keep doing it or just stop at some point and say, Hey, you know, we're not going to lose money anymore. So, Michael Moore: well, it's, it's kinda like a good analogy.Somebody told me the other day, it's like, you know, when you're playing sports in middle school or high school, like everybody thinks I can play major league baseball, but then reality hits. And you're like, you know what? I stopped growing at [00:08:00] five, nine. My fast ball won't go any faster than 87. I'm not going into the big leagues.Private equity lets you keep. Believing that dream, right? Yes, sir. Yeah. Yeah. So you mentioned Cody and Cole. Yes, sir. The  family. That's a, that's where we met. I can remember the day I pulled up to the. Or tech shop in Gainesville. Bob Gainesville is a town up in cook County, right? Basically on the border of Oklahoma, you can see the red river and, uh, I see Cody standing there who I've known very well.And this, Bob Wierema: and I got, I got to imagine you're in like a real nice sport coat too. I'm just putting the whole picture together. Michael Moore: You know, I made that mistake. David Crombie: It's been a mistake Michael Moore: and almost got my ass whipped at the pub for dressing like that. Um, so no, I, uh, I think, Oh, his jeans, boots, you know, golf shirt, dress, dress like these guys.And, um, and I see this just monster of a guy standing next to Cody, which you can see. I mean, Dave is not a small man. And, uh, and I'm like, God damn, who the hell is that guy? And just this intimidating person, you should go shake his hand in your hand, just get swallowed. And he said, well, I'm David Crombie.And, uh, we're starting to submit business and I hear you're the guy I need to talk to. And that just launched, uh, not only now I was talking to care about this this morning. It's, it's rare in life when. You start out business and then friendship overtakes it, but business just gets to keep on occurring.And so I really do appreciate that about you, but that was day one, but walk us back cause this, this gets real interesting. You, you get out of high school in Jacksboro. That I think there was a little bit of a, of a college. [00:10:00] David Crombie: Yeah. Not much to speak of, Michael Moore: not much. You were learning. And then you was the first job Halliburton.David Crombie: Yes. So I guess, I think probably 1990. Four and a 93 somewhere in there, you know, I was going to a Tarleton state and the Stevenville, and it was not a very good situation because I just wasn't built for school. It didn't seem like then. Uh, so I, I basically, I remember I didn't even go take my finals. I said, you know the hell with this, um, this is not for me.And I left. And at that time, you got to remember, my, my dad had worked for Halliburton for probably at that time 20 years or 25, whatever the timing was, my father in law had to. And, uh, so I went and yeah, I thought, hell, I'll just go to work for Halliburton and see what happens. And so. I went and I applied for a job in Jacksboro where I was from, and I said, ah, you can't work with your dad, so you have to go to Abilene.So I said, all right, well, I'd never been to Abilene as crazy as that sounds. I've never been Abilene in my life at that point, I'll take the job. And, and at that time, uh, wow. I moved out there and went to work and that was in, in, I guess it was 94. So I just went to work, driving a bulk truck and. Didn't know anything about the oil and gas industry, nothing other than I needed to make money, you know, and I needed a job and I needed a career.So when I did that things, you know, at that time, you gotta understand there was not the shell plays. And there was basically, unfortunately that the gas place I took had passed away. He that's how unlikely it was to get a job at Halliburton in that, in that specific timeframe. So. I went to work and it just so happened is about the time I probably about a year after I went to work product, call it six months, things started to pick up and so I was able to move up.And at that time you had guys driving a bulk truck. I've seen that pump truck for 20 years. And here [00:12:00] I am 21 years old, you know, and it just so happened. And I had some guys mentors along the way. And in Halliburton that you know, that we took a lock on each other and they helped me out. And, and I was able to move up somewhat decently quick and I was kind of willing to go anywhere.Cause at the time I was single. And so I did that and I worked in the Permian basin a lot, you know, anywhere from Abilene to Hobbs, to down to Sonora, to, you know, almost Oklahoma. So then it took a turn and I went, I decided to go back to Jacksboro and I went there. Probably about a year and then Halliburton, I think said, Hey, we want you to come duck, duck in Oklahoma.So I went up there for probably another year or so, and, and I mean, this wasn't my favorite place to be. And so I said, look, I'm going to go back to Texas. And I, you know, whether it be with Halliburton or not, didn't know what I was going to do, if that they said no. So I went back and got back on an Abilene.Well, that was about in 97, I guess. Well things, if I don't know, if you look back, I think it was in 98, things went bad again on the oil field. So I decided at that time, Kara and I were about to get married and we, as most people know, we had a child on the way already and we decided we won't live back in Jacksboro.And so I took a job in Saudi Arabia of all places and, uh, So, Michael Moore: Hey honey. Oh yeah. But I'm going to go look at some saying, David Crombie: yeah. So I went over there and that was quite the experience, you know, and I'd always wanted to do it, but it wasn't a good situation. I actually stayed over there two and a half years.And it wasn't a very good situation as we got married and, and, you know, I was missing everything at home and I was 35 and they tell you it's 35 and 35 when he signed up for it. But by the time you get back, it's 39 and 31. So it's just a long time, you know? And so. Albeit very good experience. I did that about two and a half years and I was just done and no [00:14:00] education, no nothing.So it was basically all, uh, all I knew at that time. And so at that point probably was around 1999 and I said, Hey, I want to try it. And so my, my dad had worked off shore. And the Gulf coast. And he said, Hey, I think I can get you to help get you on down here. So he did. And I went down there and I think I went down there for training.And this, by this time you got, you know, things were still bad if, unless you were in the Gulf coast or over the middle East or somewhere international. And, uh, along that time, I was out at the Jacksborough country club of all places and a mutual, a friend of mine. And Ronnie  said, Hey, I know this guy wanting to put a cement yard in Jacksboro, Texas.And I'm like, You know about by this time I'm ready to do anything and I'd been looking and I just didn't ever find anything. And so I called him and I guess that was in probably January of 20 and he snap hell, I'm busy, but. I'll come over Saturday and visit with you. And I'm thinking all well, this, you know, this doesn't sound very formal, but I'll give him so, so he and Cody come over on Saturday and Cody had just graduated ACU and, uh, we sat down and had a glass of tea and visited and, and, uh, and, and there's a lot of funny stories, this, and, and Rania tell this.Oh me all day long, but I said, you know, he, he, we made a deal so to speak and he, but we, there was nothing, you know, I mean, we're, we're going to start this company. And I mean, when you're 25 years old and you don't, you know, it's just, there's not much I knew about doing that. And so, and, but Halliburton had shut down.So I knew there was kind of a void there to some, some point, you know, but so I said, all right, we make a deal. Well, We shake hands and we leave and I'll never forget. I asked Ronnie, I said, so what, what days off do we get around here? And he said, well, we don't have them. And I thought, well, that's interesting.I said, what? Okay, I'll go ahead. You [00:16:00] know, so anyway, I went over there and I went to, I went to work for, with him and Cody and, and at that time, Cole was still in high school and. And, you know, I get over there and you got so, so my dad, my father-in-law and myself, it was Halliburton career. And that's all you knew.And you grew up in a town where that was the employer. So people didn't really want to leave that security, although it's brought out the security, you thought it was so, so I told him, I said, well, we got a deal. So I. But I never quit my job. So I go over there and, uh, I just got cold feet and I called him.I said, look, I'm to try to back out of this deal. I made with you. I said, I'm going to go back to work at Halliburton. Cause I did. It just doesn't feel right. You know? And so the more I thought about it, you know, it was an interesting thing cause he had, he had, I don't know that he had approached anybody else, but he had talked to some other people about doing this and I had that on my mind too.And so. I went down to Louisiana and I'll never forget, I wasn't home on. They said, you, you have to go on this job or not. And, uh, so they, they dispatch me down to a flu shot, which is a port down there where, you know, everybody flies in and out of, and they said, Hey, no helicopters, you gotta ride a boat. I said, all right, well, in the Persian Gulf, I'd written a boat all the time about it, but there's a lot of difference.She knows 115 foot and you can see the rig from the land over there and all this. Well, this is for 45 minutes. They said, So I get on this boat and this turns into a four hour boat ride and I'm talking, I thought the boat was going to break in half God. If I ever get me out of here, I'm quitting this thing and I I'm done.I don't care. What Michael Moore: size, where the swells you think, Oh, David Crombie: I have no ideas, but. You know, it was so big that it turned into a four hour boat ride and we get after the rig and he said, you got one shot. And I sweet. He said, they're gonna lower that personnel basket. If you can't get on it, we're going back to shore.And I thought, there's no way I can take this boat right against the wall. [00:18:00] I don't want this person, no baskets. You know, so I did and I got up there and I finally got my, you know, my balance, my legs back, Michael Moore: bigger personnel. Now David Crombie: you've rattled outside. So she's like hanging out with her rope. You know, it's not a big deal, but yeah.So anyway, I did that and I thought, you know, I'm done. And, uh, and it was just the, it was the biggest, it was the biggest turning point in my life probably cause it was like, you know, you got to go do this because this, this isn't for you. And so the next morning they said, Hey, the job can't, we didn't even do a job.It canceled. And I said, we're going to send you in a helicopter and I'll never forget. I got no pickup. And uh, I called Ronnie and I said, Hey, you bet, deal's still on. I'm on my way back. And this was hell I don't know if it was noon or whatever during the day. And I literally drove from food Shaun and I was on a frack job with Cody.I think, I don't know if Cole, I don't remember if he was there at not the next morning and that's where it all began. And, and, and, you know, it was just, it was the craziest thing because had that not happened, I'd have probably still been at Halliburton, you know? Michael Moore: So a couple of, couple of questions on that real quick one.Had had Kenzie been born. So when you're on a damn barge, it's about to break in half. You got terrible waves as high as you can see. I mean, is it that you're living for a new purpose? It is point right. There you go. Yeah. And, uh, in talking to, to sweet care this morning, I said, Hey, give me, give me one word.You know, you've known this guy since first grade, you've been married for what? 22 David Crombie: years. Tomorrow. Michael Moore: Tomorrow. Yeah, there we go. David Crombie: Happy anniversary. Congrats. Michael Moore: I, they give me one word that describes your husband. And she said devoted and you know, I think that's, that's the absolute perfect example right there when you're looking, you know, life right in the face.And you said to hell with this I'm going with the . Another thing she told me was [00:20:00] when you told Ronnie, Hey, I'm going back to Halliburton he's he said to himself and probably to Cody to he'll be back. Oh yeah. I think he knew. So how did the Fortescue family know you? Did they heard about you in Jacksboro?How did that meeting even come together? David Crombie: Phone call. That's it. Wow. Yeah. Pretty strange deal. Really? Yeah. The one phone call, I just, you know, I was wanting to do something so bad and I had a little bit of, you know, the deal was, is as I moved on at Halliburton, I was. You know, I was making good money and I realized that I was close enough to some people I knew that had been there 20 years.And I was like, you know, hell what, what do you have to look forward to if you're that close to these guys? And they've already been there this long. And I thought, you know, worst comes to worse. Maybe they'll hire me back, you know, is what my thought process was Michael Moore: or other, you know, I mean, some of their peers or competitors or whatever, big other publicly traded companies.So, so you decided to. To branch out with your task, your family. And this was 19 David Crombie: is 2000, Michael Moore: 2000. David Crombie: February of 2000. Michael Moore: Yeah. And so job number one was what. David Crombie: Oh, gosh. Oh, I had a friend, uh, that I had worked with at Halliburton and he had Halliburton had closed. And so he had gone to work as handling some, uh, the drilling for a man named Hunter in his, so he's.Yeah. Yeah. And, uh, so he said, Hey out, you know, I'm going to let you do our work, you know? Alright, well that sounds we need it. So, so he did, he gave us the work and I never heard a Hunter in my life, you know, and, and he, at that time, there was not a lot going on and, and you got understand, this was the Barnett shale was coming, but we didn't have a clue what was coming for real.And at that time, uh, you think about the BJ's. The Halliburtons and the Lumberjacks of the world, they were it. And nobody in our area at least had ever done what Ronnie was wanting to do. And [00:22:00] so you're skeptical of that and everybody around you skeptical. So it doesn't give you much confidence to do this, but, you know, finally I've been put in situations risk.Got it. Sink or swim has got to work. And so he started, you know, Hunter. He gave us work on, I believe he had four rigs around. And then at that time that doesn't sound like much, but when there's two people doing it, it's a lot of work. So we literally, I mean, I would drive that truck out there and do the job and, and, uh, and go, you know, do what I do, everything associated with it, you know?And. And, uh, I remember I told her rusty Lawrence, which his, but recently passed away and his Memorial is tomorrow. He, uh, I said, you know what? I said, well, you call that office and tell him that you're not getting any, given us any more work. If I don't get some help, he said, yeah, I'll do that. And he did.And, and, and I'll never forget, Ron. He said, Hey, look, we need to hire a couple people. Cause we need to be able do that work over. And I said, well, that's fine. So I hired some people. And so from that point on, yeah, it was kind of where that started. And then we started to pick up more work and then we started to do more and more, and we didn't get big by any means right there at that point.But. It really, we really started to realize it was gonna be, you know, and then if you fast forward a little bit, yeah. That here comes here, comes the Barnett shale. And you know, after that it was really exploded for sure. So. Bob Wierema: When you made that change, I mean, you, you mentioned, you know, there was these three main people doing this.What made you go? I believe in this group, I believe in his, you said his name variety, right? Like this is who I want to go with, but what made you believe that David Crombie: was it? Well, I don't guess I really knew. You know, more of a leap of faith than anything. And I think, you know, there were some things that I wasn't sure about, you know, obviously, and I think there were some things that I thought, you know, surely we can figure out something and to be honest, I never, I thought, man, I can, I can get this going back to where I could kind of make a living like I was overseas and I can stay at home and, [00:24:00] and everything will be good.And then, you know, lo and behold here comes 200 and. So I'm rigs in the barn at shell Rivard of yours. And that landscape certainly changed. So I think in the beginning to answer your question, it was just a leap of faith and I hate the way we hit it off. I mean, you know, I mean, it's been, you know, ever since I'm in a good relationship, Michael Moore: so Bob, because you hadn't met him, Ronnie is especially back in the day is every bit as big as David and Evan.Every and probably way more intimidating back then. I mean, he's, he's like the John Wayne of the Barnett shell, but just like David Crombie: just salt of the earth though. Michael Moore: Unbelievable human being. So I could get that. It was probably a gut feel, a handshake, like this is a good family. Yeah. You know, Cody is didn't you mean the Apple didn't fall far from the tree, just as sharp as a whip, you know, just a serial entrepreneur mind works a million miles an hour.Like I could see you seeing that immediately, but after like two weeks, I mean, were you thinking like, what did I do? Oh, they really, there isn't a day David Crombie: off.Michael Moore: I mean, they, they, they do not. Like their day, Bob, to get together as a family, not to break bread and watch the kids play in the pool is Saturday. They all go to the office to talk about the week. I mean, there really are besides church on Sunday. There is no time off. Yeah. It's, it's, it's a work ethic that we need more of quite, quite frankly.David Crombie: Yeah, it was, uh, it was certainly, you know, but I think a lot of people wouldn't, I, I will say, I don't think people would probably not many people would would've lasted with them. Yeah. I just, you know, I don't, I don't believe that. So, Michael Moore: but, you know, but they also, [00:26:00] they could also run people off too. Right. I mean, saw, saw David Crombie: something.Michael Moore: No, no, no, but they, they saw something in you, which is we, yeah. You know, when you, when you start working with the Fortescue family and, and they don't run you off, you become David Crombie: part of the family. Right. That's right. Michael Moore: I mean, you would like, Rodney's a, a father figure kind of guy, right? David Crombie: Oh yeah, no doubt. You know, he was very instrumental and a mentor to me in many, many ways.Uh, And just on a personal level too. I mean, there's nothing, nothing better, nothing bad. I can say about anything about the family at all. I mean, it's been a wonderful experience for me. Michael Moore: See Bob. That's how this shit works in Texas, man. It's a handshake. You can join a family, pick up a dad and a couple of brothers and he'd go make a bunch of money.Bob Wierema: I'd be moving. I might be moving down then. Michael Moore: Hey, all you feed Madison. State need to stay out. There's too many. I see way too many out of state license plates right now. David Crombie: Yeah. You gotta think, you know, the guy coming from Halliburton was my deal and you know, companies like that have a hundred, the resources are just unlimited.And I remember I called Ronnie or Cody one day and I said, Hey, what about this? And he's like, I don't have, I don't know, what do you mean? I said, I don't know where to get it. And he said, well, I don't either. And I'm thinking, man, All right. So whatever it was, if some chemical we needed it. And I mean, you know, I had never ran across that.And so it just gives you a different perspective on what it's like to be an entrepreneur and, and the things that they go through, it's just totally different. And so for me, it was a transition, you know, a lot of people can't make that transition. And so he really, they really helped me through that.You know, and, and I would say that as you move on, not only in the oil and gas industry, but it's a thing to where, Hey, there's, there's resources out there, but you have to go find them and they're not going to come to you. But I just remember that specifically. It's like, we're just going to find it and we're going to [00:28:00] do it.And that's a, that's a way different perspective than a lot of people have ever run across. You know, Michael Moore: I was going to say Bob Wierema: that that whole approach is something I think that, you know, joking earlier, Mike, I mean, I think it's been lost a little bit. Michael Moore: I mean, that. Bob Wierema: That work ethic that go out and make yourself, I mean, I, I definitely feel that in a lot of respects that, you know, in our society today, that's being lost.Michael Moore: You know, or if it's done with back breaking 18 hour days, it's hotter than shit. Your Dodge and rattlesnakes. I mean, it's not like inventing an app and then it goes IPOs for $200 million and you're rich as you can file. It is. Back breaking work. David Crombie: Yeah. Bob Wierema: I thought that's what we're doing with this podcast, Michael, just talking to people and we're going to sell for a couple hundred million and be done.Michael Moore: Yeah, that happens. I'll give you half David Crombie: and there we go. Michael Moore: Okay. I gotta go back to this for a second back to take care of. When, when did she get on the radar and you thought, okay, man, David Crombie: well, hell I made it. She and I went through a phase. We were good friends, you know, and I think that's one very positive thing, but I think we went back and forth to where seemed like that Tommy Neverland up, she may like me and I might like her for a little while.And then, you know, you're doing other, you know, the things when you're that age. And then, you know, as time went on, it just kind of lined up. And I think, you know, she's been a good. You know, a good partner and that's how that, you know, we've been, I can tell you that, you know, when you think about things, I couldn't do half of what I do without her.I mean, that's just, that's just what I feel. So Michael Moore: now, if you, you know, if you don't have that, that home base, like we were talking about earlier, And that, that true North, right? I mean, we talked about this on another one of our podcasts, like our wives [00:30:00] or fiancés and in Bob's case ability to just call our own bullshit, you know, and you've, you've worked.Through some deal and you run it by her and she slices it like Swiss cheese. And you're just like, how in the world do they know us well? David Crombie: Yeah. And Fox, you know, our CEO nine, she and I both joked because her, we feel you are her, her husband and my wife hear so much about nine that we feel like she can.Like, you know, one or the other could run it. She knows something happened to us because it's just, if you don't have that support, you're not going to, it's just not going to be good. Michael Moore: You know? Yeah. That's exactly right. So, okay. So things are taken off in the Barnett shale there's light at the end of the tunnel money, starting to come in, companies grow.This is, this is pump co at the time. Okay. And so then you're in charge of the cement division, you that, right? That's right. Okay. And so kind of walk us through how that all went down and then how you ultimately ended up splitting off to run. Correct. David Crombie: Okay. So the Barnett shale took off and, you know, we started out with them.One same at bump is that's how, you know, pump go got going in that timeframe there. And so as the Barnett shell grew, I believe, and I, you know, somebody listening to this might be correct me, but as time went on and we really realized where we were at and what was going on, you know, we really started putting some Siemens pumps out and we.There were, I believe there was 226 rigs running probably in the Barnett or something like that. And we service 95 of those. And we did that probably with half the people, what people were servicing 40 with and that's the market share. Yeah. And it was just an amazing thing. And I mean, I can remember. Just people getting through with jobs, not say stay right there, because I know that, you know, there's a drilling rig I'm out on the road, probably the needs, you and we'll we'll, we'll get you over there.And [00:32:00] it, so it was the craziest thing and we never dreamed we would have that market share and, and it just took off. And, and by then, you know, we had already done started, we'd already started the frack side of things and, and Cody was running that, and that was crazy. I mean, That you just can't imagine.Because at that time we had a boat plan and people that know a lot about the same at Bennettsville appreciate this, but the boat plan was in Gainesville. We were in Jacksboro and the rigs were in Fort worth, basically call it Fort worth. And so Ronnie and Cody would actually, they would work on seam or frack pumps all day long, trying to get those running.Then they'd be trying to load semen all night because we just that's just how we were doing things. And finally, we got a boat plan in Jacksboro and that, that helped things out. And so. We did that. And I think probably around, let me see 2005, I believe we became part of SCF partners out of Houston and then a call it, you know, they added a few frat crews and we kept rocking along and semen and a product called it another eight, 12 to 18 months.We, we got bought by complete production services. So. At that time, you know, we just kept moving along. And I mean, I think, and Cody went off and did you know, this, the water transfer deal and, and Ronnie Nash stayed there. And I think so as time went on by 2011 or 10 or 12, 10 or 11, we had about 14 frack crews running across the U S and so quite a big operation, you know, we see cement and overgrew, and that was one of my deals is I was a seaman guy.I mean, I understood fracking. And worked in that. And, but I just, you know, through and through, it was a cement guy. And so as time went on, I realized that there was an opportunity to do that. And they were not, they weren't interested in that cause they had their hands trying to grow the frac business and, you know, looking back that was the right thing for them at the time at the time when they wouldn't grow the same at business, I was, I was pretty pissed off.Cause I thought, you know, Hey. They're just [00:34:00] market out here we could be doing. And so I think around in 2000 thousand and 11, I know in 2011, I went down to a customer's office and uh, they said, Hey, we want to, we want you to go to semen and South Texas and Asha. Alright. So I left there and I went back and I, you know, we had the president of complete, I talked to him about and he said, we're not interested.Michael Moore: Why not? David Crombie: That was my question. I think he said, we're not. And I said, you know, I told Ronnie, I said, well, I'm interested in it. And, uh, So along about June of 2011, you know, we kind of had already figured out that we were going to, you know, Cody and Cole and I were going to go on the same, any business. And, and so I told, you know, Funko or we're, um, I'm going to leave, you know, and so, but I didn't leave till the following February, she got her member, he said, you know, we're not interested going South Texas.So, and I mean, the numbers were big and this was the place to be. And so about the time we got up. Several million dollars of equipment down there. I understood why he didn't want to go to South Texas. Cause it was a, it was a hard, same at market and it was just, it was just not something that everybody could do.And I mean, this, I was actually scared and I got in there cause it was just not what actually. Right. So, so anyway, we started crashed and gone down there and put it in the yard in Pleasanton and we're starting to work and we had the art in Jacksboro. And in the end, about two months into it, you know, these, these jobs down there are very.Very very technical. And so I told Cody, I said, we got it, we got it. This is a real deal. We got to hire an engineering. And in lab, you know, we have lab techs and all this kind of stuff. So we did, and we were very successful there, but it was a big surprise to me because I'd been working with Lauren at show and was a different market.And it was just a total new ball game. But what it did do is make us better. And so from there, I mean, so 2012, [00:36:00] I think February one, We started Chris and you were there. We added stuff daily. Oh God, you remember this? Michael Moore: The spreadsheet was, I think it blew up on my laptop 19 times. David Crombie: Yeah. And so every morning when you got up, I mean, I don't think that the, a general person could understand what's going on there.I mean, it's, you know, it's. We went from, well, we had 40 employees when we started, we went from that to probably 329, I believe in 29 months kid. Michael Moore: Yeah. David Crombie: Wow. And it was rocking and rolling then. So, you know, in my mind I knew that we had a, we had a certain timeframe to get this done and we intended to sell the company.But we didn't intend to set it and dump it. I mean, that was never my intention. I wanted it to be a good company as it is today. And so we did, but we, we put out a same at pump every month for free 20 something months. I mean, it was just insane. And so it was, there was a lot going on, but we had a lot of good people and you gotta understand.I mean, I have people that I went to the first grade with also that work with me and so a great team, everybody devoted and here we went and that's how we did it. Michael Moore: Bob, you know how with our, with our clients, especially during the onboarding process, we'll set up like open items calls, and they might, depending on the complexity of the risk and they might be once a week or once a month, we were on the phone like four times a day.David Crombie: Yeah. Michael Moore: Just making sure, making sure that no balls had been dropped. It was on David Crombie: believable. Yeah. You were adding stuff every day. I mean, it was crazy. So Bob Wierema: during that, I mean, rapid growth in that time, what were some of your biggest challenges you ran across in managing that growth? David Crombie: You know, for me, I was focused and I mean, that was, you had it to do.I mean, that's, that's the way I felt about it. And some of the biggest challenges always are [00:38:00] people. Uh, but we had that kind of figured out because I started with a team of people that we'd been together for quite a while. And they, they wanted to do the same thing. And so I think as time went on, you know, as you grew and you grew out of those people and you start to get different people along the way, I mean, we have some people who have joined that team that are, you know, still what's today in phenomenal people that I know that I want to continue to have on my team, but I think it was more of a people and just getting things, equipment and getting things built and getting the work.I mean, Doc in South Texas. And I keep talking about that, but one of the things that hurt us there was there's a lot of companies that went there and they said, we're going to do this, this and this. And then they did this and they were gone and they didn't do it. And we really went down there, said, Hey, we're going to do this and this.And we're going to have this many trucks and we did it. And so it took a while for people to the customer to say, Hey, these guys are for real, and they're already going to do what they say, Michael Moore: but you know, you go look at these yards. And I remember going down to, to pleasant and just South of San Antonio, uh, Kind of when you'd said, Hey, you need to come check this out.Andyeah. I mean, you know, everybody talks about the border being a Laredo, but it's really San Antonio. I mean, all billboards go to Spanish, all your radio stations go Spanish. It's, it's, it's a different world and what blew me away. And I want you to talk about this. Cause I think it's, it's something that doesn't get.Talked about enough in the oil field service space was not just the infrastructure. Cause that was impressive. But when you go in to the lab, I mean, there, there is a lot of science around the makeup and the complexity and the purity of summit. Right. So I'll walk into this lab and I mean, it's like, Yeah, David Crombie: you look like, Michael Moore: I mean, they're all [00:40:00] in lab coats, but they all look like they could either be working for you or, you know, working for the cartel.Yeah. I mean, it was just this mind blowing, like, Oh my God. And they're walking around with beakers and I mean, yeah. And I'm going, what in the heck? I thought we were just making some cement down here. So talk about that. David Crombie: That was, was about like, you're probably because I've been the same any business, but I'd never, I'd never, I just knew we, you know, Halliburton had a lab and they just sent a sheet of paper and said, here's what's going on.And so we get this lab in a box and I tell this, we hired this lab tech. Who's been still this day, but he, he comes to work from Halliburton too. And I said, here's our lab. And he's locked. Okay. I said, you know, it's, we're out in a trailer. I said, we'll put it together. He said, well, I don't know how to put it together.So lo and behold, he started, he's sleeping up there and he gets again. Then, you know, he gets it all together. And that, that was before. And then we got the yard bill in the lab. You saw, you know, it, it was just, if you think about the complexity of it, you go down to South Texas and you're call it 350 degrees down hole.And so you, you have. Have that. And so we were fortunate. We hired the guys that, that really knew that area and knew a lot about it. And they knew how to set that up. And now the joke is it's almost like we go set up a new lab in the yard. It's like opening a new McDonald's or something. I just know what they do and they go do it.And that's, that's how they, you know, how we. How we move in, you know, but it is just, it's a very complex thing. And it's something that you have to have that if you don't, you're not, you're not going to make it. I mean, it's that simple. Bob Wierema: Was that not being in the world that you guys live in there? You know, is that what you were saying earlier?The difference between where you were doing it and then going down to South Texas, is that it it's just more challenging, more engineering David Crombie: to it. Technical. I mean, you got to have, I mean, not to say you don't, you [00:42:00] do lab tests and other areas, but it's just not as critical to where I may not. I'll never forget up.I'll mention something. There were some guys, I went over friends of mine. I said, Hey, you know, we got all these, well, I said, I'm just a nervous wreck, you know? We've got at the time 18 c-MET pumps out and are laid down at night and I don't know what's going to happen. And they said, well, your problem is, is you need lay down at night.Think about how much money you're making, not what's going to happen. Good perspective.Michael Moore: Bob when, when things were really humming, I mean, I'm talking like growth that you just can't, you can't even really wrap your arms around how fast this thing was growing. And, you know, we weren't having three or four calls a day. It had stabilized a little bit, at least on my end. And, and I called, called David up and I said, Hey, you know, it's been two weeks since we talked, how you doing?Yeah. You know, man, I'm pretty stressed out. I said, I can hear it in your voice. I mean, tell me what's going on. He said, my ears David Crombie: were ringing. I mean, Michael Moore: have been real that you can't live 40 plus years on this planet and not have some really stressed out moments. I'm not. So sure though that my ears have actually ever wronged.I mean, talk about managing that stress. David Crombie: Well, I mean, for me, summary, I handle stress pretty good. Now, you know, certain people might be listening. It would just kind of, I mean, what I would say is I handle it well, but I don't stop thinking, you know? I mean, it's like, Bad problem, you know, it just racing. So, but at the same time, I think that's what helped you handle stress because you're kind of prepared for what's going to happen, you know, in my opinion.But to me that I just knew that we had to get that to a certain point. And I did, I felt like there was a time limit [00:44:00] to work. I I'm not saying I could predict the oil fields going, you know, the oil and gas industry was going to go South. Like it did in 15 to some degree, not like it did now, but I just knew that we had to get ourselves to a finish line and get our company with someone.They also had a different financial structure the most, not to say there was going to be problems, but it just was going to be a better situation. And. There are sometimes in these companies that, and Cody would tell you this and I Ronnie and co, but every time you get to there, you run out of running room.You know, you run out of there's a certain time you get there where you gotta do something different. And that doesn't mean. Anything negative, but if you're going to take it to the next level, we either got to, it's a whole new arena and things change, or, or you need to sell the company and, and get with somebody who, you know, I've learned through the years.Is there certain people that can start coming as certainly with their private equity buy and there's people that can take them public there's, you know, all those things that go with it. And I think we were just at that point to where we needed to do that and it got that way and yeah, managing that stress is terrible.I mean, you know, I, I don't know. But it's is something that I always felt like it was temporary. It would get you to the next spot. And then it's. Okay. Michael Moore: So, you know, for our listeners, I mean, again, managing stress is a big part of either success or failure. What did you do to manage it? I mean, was it. Was it working out spirituality?Was it, David Crombie: I mean, I religiously work out and I mean, I think that's because, you know, at that time I was hooked up with some trainer and I mean, you're working, you're trying not to die and your workout, you know, so you forget about it, you know? So that gets it off your mind. But, you know, I mean, I think once I'm home, I kind of, I will leave it at the office, so to speak for the most part.And, you know, as you're well aware, you know, during that time Cody and I talk. 300 times a day. Uh, you know, he, you know, or whoever it might be, I talked to my wife a lot, but I think [00:46:00] once you let somebody, if you just get that off your chest and somebody else is listening to that, and you have a different perspective, it helps, but you know, there's, there's, at some point, some stress is just going to be there.You know, it's just, that's just the way it is for everyone. Bob Wierema: When, when you made that decision of Michael Moore: it's time for us Bob Wierema: to go to that next level, like. I feel like there's a lot of times that people may have too much pride to do that. They say, Hey, we started this. We grew it to here. We can keep going. What made you say, say, you know what, I'm going to, that's some of that pride aside, I'm going to go do this.I mean, was that at all in your David Crombie: mind? Yeah. I mean, I think, you know, there are several things there, you know, one of them financially, it's, it's a good thing to do. And the next thing is, I mean, you know, a lot of people you see, and this is something that I've seen in the oil field and I've been, I've experienced.It is, is you, you see these guys that start companies and they sell them and they just kind of start flagging off. And that's just never been, you know, I learned that from the word task. I mean, you know, let's stay hooked here and let's, let's make, you know, this is the next deal, you know? And so my deal was is I just wanted to get it somewhere where I could continue to do it, but that burden of, you know, the financial burden we had was not the same.It's still there. You need, you still need to perform, but if you could do that and then, you know, I mean, and that's, that's what led us in the nine and that's, that's, uh, that's how that worked, you know? Michael Moore: No, I like that. I mean, you know, back to the role of private equity and, and the role of, and I want to hear don't, let me forget.I want to hear what it felt like to stand up there and watch the bill be wrong. Cause that, I mean, not many people get to experience that, but in today's environment now, With wall street, kind of turning their back private equity, scratching their head going we've we dumped a bunch of money into this.Where's it going if David Crombie today? Is talking to David Crombie. That was [00:48:00] saying, okay, I don't want to be on this boat anymore. I want to go work for the, or task is I want to do it. The, the entrepreneurial family, grassroots money out, you know, the private equity is what's in your wallet. What would you tell somebody today?That's contemplating David Crombie: getting in. Oh, right now, you know, it's tough. And I think it's changed. Yeah, I think it depend on what business they were getting, obviously. Uh, but I do think that, you know, somebody, people, you know, the oil field for instance, Oh, it's easy. You can go make quick money. Well, you just can't throw a bunch of stuff together and expect it to be worth anything.I mean, and I think there's a misconception of that sometimes. And so what I would say is, I mean, if you're planning to do that, you need to have your homework done and be really good at what you do because you see so many people with private equity. They're not, they, you know, they convinced some private equity group.I I'm good at this. Well then, I mean, there's not. And every different service line. There's not what a handful of good companies out there. And, and if you're one of those, how do you get after it? But if you're, if you're not that kind of operator, I would say that I would probably stay on the sidelines. So that would be my thoughts.I mean, I don't, but there's always somebody there and you know, if you're. What I would call, if you continue to stay in the oil field, there's always somebody there that has that. And they're nagging at you and that's who can bring good companies down. If you're not careful, you know, cause they're lower price and there are no quality in it, but you have to match that price a lot of times, you know?So it's not a good situation sometimes. Michael Moore: No, I think, I mean, that's, yeah, that's just a lot to contemplate because there is this, this notion, right? I mean, there's been so many books written about it and, and, and, you know, movies made that, you know, if you're willing to take on a bunch of risks, you can make a bunch of money and all the gas business, and, you know, for every.Crest, right. There's 109. Yeah. You know, David Crombie: cause it's not easy. No, at all. All Michael Moore: right. So you replaced the ringing in your [00:50:00] ears with the ringing of the bell in New York. Talk about that and how it, David Crombie: well, I mean, if you back up, I think, I think it's, so when we, we did the deal with nine, we had. Several companies. I mean, at that time, things were good.I mean, yeah. We could have done a lot different things. And, and so for me, I mean, with support of the task is, I mean, it, it kind of felt like home to me to do that with them. Uh, and I liked what they were doing there. And so, you know, if you, if you go through all that, you know, I met Anne Fox and, uh, you know, you meet certain people and, and my deal was like, I don't know, Oh, this is going to work out.Cause you know, in my experience you go from one, you have your own company, you're going to work for somebody, you know, you go back and forth and all that kind of stuff. And she, she and I already hit it off and I don't want to say that it was just perfectly in the beginning, but because I didn't know.And I think she didn't know. And so. At, by that, by the time we had had gone to New York and were able to go public, I was able to be involved in some of other service bonds, which, and, and that really helped, you know, understand more about nine and what we're trying to do. But along the way, I mean, there was times we were going to do that.And then we withdrew that and cause a market was bad. And, and when we did that, that was pretty, it was pretty neat. I mean, you know, I mean, you think about. I would have never dreamed that I'd be up there doing that, you know, in a million years, I never would've thought of it, you know, and there would even cross my mind.I mean, if you'd asked me when I was 21, you're going to ring the bell at the New York Starks. And I was like, hell, I don't even know what that is. I mean, so I mean to, to go do that squat, the experience and, you know, and. And it's probably something that, you know, at the time there's, I think there's 2,800 companies on the stock exchange.And so, yeah, I mean, I can't say enough. It was, it was pretty unique and a really neat, so pretty, pretty cool deal. Michael Moore: Yeah, we talked about this earlier and Bob and I spent a lot of time just thinking about this. Like, [00:52:00] you know, whether it's COVID-19 or just, you know, the time for the next thing, you've got a moment in time, that's creating an old economy and a new economy.And so you think about New York stock exchange. I mean, it was this week that. Salesforce is replacing Exxon, like talk to me about David Crombie: that. Well, I mean, I think that it's just, you know, I'm no, I'm no stock market expert, but I just think we're in different times. That will we we've never seen any. We won't see again.And I think that the, that the world is changing, but I also think the world goes back to normal to some degree more than, uh, I think, you know, commercial real estate probably changes a little bit, but we're probably going to still be interacting in the oil and gas like we always have. But I, you know, I think when you think about Exxon or some of these people, their world changing too.And I think though they're going to be a reset. Button hit, you know, in a moment where they figure it back out. And I mean, I have no doubt and ex autumn and my gosh, it's Exxon. So, so some of these other companies, I think they they've also benefited, you know, I mean, you know, you'd think about Amazon or some of these guys.I mean, my gosh, the sky's the limit with everybody getting everything delivered at home and all that kind of stuff. So it's just changed the whole landscape of the world in my opinion. But I do think there's a normalcy that we come back to because this is not the end of the world. Michael Moore: Yeah. I mean the, the entrepreneurial spirit is not going away.We, we live and die by it David Crombie: for sure, but it is very, very uncertain times and very hard times. Oh, as you, Bob Wierema: you know, talking even about some of the times now, how have you dealt? You know, it's been interesting talking to some of our people. Have you dealt with kind of the time for going through and Michael Moore: you know, not only Bob Wierema: with your, your company, but you know, family and all that stuff as David Crombie: well?Well, with a company, we know our office has been closed since our corporate offices, since March the field off the field offices, we've had to continue on just. Pretty much like normal and monitor and [00:54:00] test over it closely. But what it's done is it made you realize how to do we need all this real estate.And if, if we, you know, what we do need the, you know, things are probably different and you structure things different to where, you know, do you need this many offices versus this many, and can you save as much money? And I think that that's a big deal for us not. So I think that's one thing that does change there and that's, and for us, I mean, we've operated fine.I mean, we've not. Seeing anything, Oh my gosh, this, this is not working cause we can't go to the office. I mean, so I think in my opinion, when it comes back, I think maybe offices are reconfigured. We have more meeting rooms and you go to a meeting w the face to face, play stuff over with, and everybody goes on about their business, you know, in our industry, because this is not.We don't punch the time clock and sit there from eight to five anyway, to start with. So it's really not mandatory that we sit in office, you know, so, but from a family perspective, you know, we're fortunate we have a place out in the country and I'm not sure that they know. How things are, you know, the city versus the country or what is way different.And so we've been spending all our time out there and at the Lake. And so it's, it's been actually, it's been a good reset for me. And I've had a pretty good time since, since March. So I enjoyed it. I've never had, I don't want to call it time off. Cause you know, you're on the phone all the time, but it's been a nice change for a Bob Wierema: while.Yeah. It's been, it's been interesting to hear how people are, you know, Michael Moore: At home, Bob Wierema: spending more time with their kids and Michael Moore: their families and, and Bob Wierema: seeing that they can still get things done. And it's, it's strengthened in some relationships, which I think is David Crombie: great. Michael Moore: Yeah. Bob Wierema: Yeah. We, we, we, I was telling, uh, Dell, Michael, we got a new dog and.I mean now I'm just finding ways to escape and go back to the office. My honey, I gotta go. I just, I don't know what's going on and we got, I gotta be in the office. She's like, I thought David Crombie: you guys are close. Yeah,Michael Moore: no, [00:56:00] because she's listening. Y'all been open for a while up there in Chicago. Haven't you Bob? David Crombie: No.Bob Wierema: And we're, you know, listen to you, you saying we're in it, you're in it. We're in the country place and I'm, I'm sitting in a little, two bedroom condo here in Chicago. You know, they're not a lot of room to get away in there. Michael Moore: So going back to, um, you know, your rock, right? Yep. Cara you anniversary tomorrow.One of the things that she said this morning when I was picking her brain, was that you're the only guy that ever told her. No. David Crombie: Yeah.Michael Moore: Which I find pretty astounding because you know, not that Jacksboro, isn't an amazing place to grow up and be, but I'm not. Thinking that there were just 200 carrots, David Crombie: demographics are a little different. I would say that no, you know, I think, you know, probably that came from us growing up together and I just, you know, she's always had a way of getting her way, but, you know, I think maybe I was putting on a little bit of show telling her no, and she probably got her way anyway, but you know, she's, she's great.You know, and you know, I mean, you got understand, she was. Kara was a phenomenal basketball player and had a lot of good things going on whenever we were young. And she was kind of the athlete of the high school and all that good stuff, which is great. And I think whenever we got together and I was like, you know, I just, probably at that time was, I don't know.I mean, I was worried about trying to go find a career and do stuff. And so I probably did tell her no or something and it probably sit wrong with her and made her probably wanna. They me more, I guess, at that time, but you know, it worked out, that's all, that's all it matters. Michael Moore: Hey man, you know, it's like, whether it's work or relationships, you gotta be willing to lay it on the [00:58:00] line.David Crombie: You gotta take a little risk every now and then Michael Moore: was she had a great quote this morning that I think just symbolizes y'alls relationship and your approach to life and how sweet you've been to me and my family. She said, God opens doors that need to be open. And it closes, he closes doors that need to be closed.And I just think that that sums it up so well, he all's approach to life the way you've raised your daughter, the way you've approached business, your relationship with the Ortowskis. It's just, it's been fun to watch. David Crombie: Yeah. Michael Moore: It's going to be a part of, so thank David Crombie: you for a minute. Good. Yeah. Michael Moore: She's just got an amazing amount of respect for how hard you work and how well you support your family.So the world needs more David Crombies.Bob Wierema: Well, I think at one of the, one of the things we always Michael Moore: ask Bob Wierema: them, the guests we have on is, you know, if you, you think about your passions in life and what you're doing numbers one and two. A lot of people are saying it's family. And then, you know, your career and your pursuits there, what would you say?Number three and four are for you? David Crombie: Oh man. You know, I'm a pretty boring guy, so that's pretty cool. I would say is, I mean, I, if I'm not spending time with them or work and that's, that's the, you know, I like to go with a like, and I like to do that kind of stuff, but I, I just. Yeah, but you know, if you think back, you know, Oh, we've done this work for 20 years.So once you get to do it right, you know, you lose any, there's nothing else to go, dude. You know? And so, so I, you know, I enjoy a lot, you know, spending time off family a lot, but I. You know, as far as that I've just never had hobbies or anything like that at all. I mean, that's never been something I did. So it's kind of a tough one for me.I don't, I don't have, I don't say, well, I have to go play golf. Cause I may not. I'd seen him go sit in an office all day where I would play golf. I mean, it'd be a turn [01:00:00] for me. Yeah. Yeah. And that's, that sounds crazy, but I just don't, it doesn't appeal to me. Michael Moore: No, but Bob, a perfect example of that was, um, you know, David and I had gotten to know each other pretty good.And he said, Hey, you need to come, just check out Jacksboro and where I grew up, come up here for the day. And there was somebody else I was calling on up there to find out what they were doing. And then they had. They invited me to play golf at the, at the expert coach club. Hey, David, let's just go play some golf.And he said he would go play all fall. You want to, I'll see you when you're done. I'm going to the Lake. I thought, well, you know, okay, let's go. Yeah. I mean, you go have fun. I'll see you I'll see you afterwards. And I said, no, no, no. I'll go to the Lake with you. And, you know, growing up in central Texas, I mean, obviously we had Lake Travis and like Austin, that was much more of a ski boat kind of like, and so we start walking down the Marina and David's boat is like, Something you'd see in Tampa.I mean, I was like, that's a boat. Okay. Fuck man. To hell with golf. And we went out on this thing can have more fun. Yeah. And ended up back at the Jacksborough country club. David Crombie: That's right. Michael Moore: Oh, it was a very long day, but now you got, you got to grow up in a neat and a really neat town. Oh yeah. David Crombie: There's a good people there.Michael Moore: Absolutely. So one other question we like to ask on this podcast is the, you know, there's the saying, it's not what you know, it's who, you know, you probably heard that. And then yeah, I heard the other saying is it's not, it's not who, you know, it's who knows you. So if you're delivering a message and another conversation we have a lot is like, you know, if you're thinking forward and you're, you know, You're 85 you've gone to heaven and somebody reading your eulogy, like what do you want people to know about [01:02:00] you?David Crombie: One thing that's probably not known about me is, is, you know, I enjoy developing people and helping them more than anything else. You know what I mean? That's just something that I've been able to. I do. And I've had a lot of, a lot of it I've been able to do it a lot, had a lot of success at that tomorrow and my career and, and brought people to some places that.I don't know that they, they, you know, you can't say they might not have been there and all that cause they don't owe me anything and that's not the deal. But in, in my career, I just think that, y