Podcasts about municipal affairs

In this podcast we take the time to dive into a range of topics that we pulled out of our experience at the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities event in Ottawa. We spoke a fair bit about Mark Carney's speech, which took place at the conference and was covered by all the national broadcast media. We also spend some time talking about our podcast friends, we had the option to meet up, the chats we had with Conservative councillors and mayors, and a big ol' rant on housing. 

Today – we cover some of the stories that made headlines this week along with a great lineup of guests including: Nicholas Jennings, music journalist, historian and board member for the Toronto Music Experience who speaks to us about the launch of this project.  Ontario minister of municipal affairs and housing, Rob Flack, who will share details of a new act designed to cut red tape and speed up home construction.  Plus, Karen Todd, Executive Director of the York Region non-profit Bridgenorth, tells us how her organization works with people caught in the sex trade industry.  Ben Eisen, Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Ontario's Economy is Broken, explains why our province has experienced a longer and deeper period of stagnation than the rest of Canada, a timely conversation with the latest Ontario budget, tabled this past week.  We meet incredible athlete and gold medallist (and York Region resident) Paul Rosen , who reached the Paralympic podium after losing his leg in a hockey injury. Paul's resilience has been tested …again …and he'll share his story. Laura Mirabella from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection has details on a new exhibit and on York Region's event of the year, Moonlight Gala 2025. And 1059's Jack Mancini has what's open and closed this Victoria Day Long Weekend plus a fantastic deal from Presto …and where to watch the fireworks. 

Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, joins Greg to talk about the province's plans to speed up housing and transit projects under the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smart Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, joins Greg to talk about the province's plans to speed up housing and transit projects under the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smart Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had the privilege of speaking with Kirstin Jensen, the Vice President of Policy, Advocacy & Relationships at the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA).Kirstin brings a wealth of experience in both government and industry relations. Before her current role, she served as political Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Policy and Acting Chief of Staff to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, focusing on key areas such as planning, zoning, and development. Kirstin also held the position of Manager of Planning and Government Relations at the West End Home Builders' Association.Today, she leads a team at OHBA, driving the organization's advocacy efforts and fostering relationships with government officials and industry stakeholders. With a solid background in municipal planning, Kirstin's leadership and strategic insights are vital to OHBA's continued growth and success in shaping the future of the housing industry.We're thrilled to share Kirstin's story with everyone.Name: Kirstin JensenOrganization: Ontario Home Builders' AssociationSocial: @ontariohbaEmail: info@ohba.caAddress: 251 Consumers Road, Suite 301, Toronto, ON M2J 4R3Website: https://www.ohba.ca/

Why is BC urging the government to scrap US contracts? Guest: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Chair of BC's Tariff Response Committee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have scientists discovered evidence of string theory? Guest: Michael Kavic, Professor of Chemistry and Physics at the State University of New York at Old Westbury and Co-Author of the Study Weekly Cecchini Check-In for Apr 11, 2025 Guest: Reggie Cecchini, Washington Correspondent for Global News How researchers are creating non-hallucinogenic psychedelics Guest: Dr. David Olson, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis, Director of the UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, and Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Delix Therapeutics Why is BC urging the government to scrap US contracts? Guest: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Chair of BC's Tariff Response Committee Kickin It with the Caps for Apr 11, 2025 Guest: Jesper Sørensen, Head Coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps Who should be the MP for Richmond East—Steveston? Guest: Parm Bains, Liberal Candidate for Richmond East—Steveston Guest: Keefer Pelech, NDP Candidate for Richmond East—Steveston Guest: Zach Segal, Conservative Candidate for Richmond East—Steveston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although housing and homelessness has been THE issue for the last few years, it feels like they didn't make a dent in the recently completed provincial election. As the news obsessively tracks the tariff war and Doug Ford's response to Donald Trump's latest drama, the struggles of growing unaffordability and homelessness seems to have taken a back seat., So now that the election is over, does anyone in authority still care about these issues? Back in December, Premier Ford held a media event at Queen's Park. In the company of several mayors he announced the Ontario Restoring Safety to Parks and Public Spaces Act, a bill that expanded police powers in dealing with encampments and offered stiffer penalties for people who repeatedly break trespass laws and use illegal drugs in public. But just before the election call there was a turnaround, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing said that maybe it wasn't needed after all. Not wanting to take chances, the Ontario Coalition for the Rights of Homeless People's tried to rally the political parties to all make the same campaign promise: A clear public commitments against criminalizing homelessness. Three of the four major parties signed up in common cause, but guess which one did not. With a new four-year majority for the Ford government secured there are now a lot of questions about what will happen next on the homelessness file. There many questions to ask, and this week we're asking  Diana Chan McNally, who is a community and crisis worker in Toronto and co-ordinator of the Ontario Coalition for the Rights of Homeless People. She will talk about her expectations before the election, how issues of poverty got overshadowed by tariffs, and her concerns about another attempt at criminalizing homelessness. She will also discuss what the action plan is now, and why the next fight with the provincial government will be through municipalities. So let's talk about where we go no on this week's Guelph Politicast! You can learn more about The Ontario Coalition for the Rights of Homeless People at their website. You can follow her on social media on Twitter and Blue Sky and you find links to her activism, op-eds and other work at Link Tree. At present there's no word on when the legislature will return or when and if the government will table the Ontario Restoring Safety to Parks and Public Spaces Act again. The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast here, or download them on your favourite podcast app at Apple, TuneIn and Spotify . Also, when you subscribe to the Guelph Politicast channel and you will also get an episode of Open Sources Guelph every Monday, and an episode of End Credits every Friday.

More than 600 families remain displaced after wildfire ripped through Jasper in July of 2024. As clean-up continues and rebuilds begin, officials are at odds over the "right way" to rebuild one of Canada's most magnificent tourism destinations. With hundreds of millions of dollars hanging in the balance, we check in with federal, provincial, and municipal leaders to figure out what they agree on, and what they don't.  2:45 | Minister Terry Duguid, federal lead on Jasper recovery efforts, tells us about his trip to the mountain town and conditions around $160M in new funding.  23:10 | We ask Hon. Ric McIver, Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, why the province is withholding the $112M it promised for housing.  46:10 | Mayor Richard Ireland talks housing crunch, tax shortfalls, and the future vision for Jasper.  1:16:45 | The next generation isn't drinking like generations before did. Why is that?  1:31:30 | Sheryl schools us on dead chickens and dancing monkeys, Jenny wants you to join the resistance, Alanna's spitting fire over the newest Alberta Health scandal, Steve's sick of being robbed, Stephanie's had enough of the "treacherous tangerine," and Cody wants everybody to rethink a specific, recurring chore. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!   HANG OUT WITH JESPO AT OTR ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: https://ontherocksyeg.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors   The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.  

Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner and senior counsel at BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS, an Alberta based advocacy and advertising agency and Diane Colley-Urquhart was a Calgary City Councillor for 22 years, ending her run in 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Paul Calandra - Ontario Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing Ontario bill would allow sacking of municipal councillors who violate code of conduct Doug Ford to crack down on homeless encampments with fines for drug use and more funding GUEST: Kevin Ashe - Mayor of Pickering Ontario bill would allow sacking of municipal councillors who violate code of conduct CALLS: Do you trust city councillors to make the right decision when it comes to their colleagues who violate the code of conduct?

 Michael Walters, was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner and senior counsel at BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS, an Alberta based advocacy and advertising agency  Diane Colley-Urquhart, was a Calgary City Councilor for 22 years, ending her run in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Munir Haque welcomes Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver to the podcast to discuss Alberta's Bill 20, a legislative reform aiming to improve transparency and accountability in municipal elections while empowering voters. Mr. McIver explains the bill as introducing the creation of municipal political parties in Calgary and Edmonton, whose affiliations will be listed on ballots, reflecting the de facto partisan nature of previous elections. They talk about corporate and union donations, vote counting, and oversight, as well as how public consultation shaped the bill.Bill 20 is explained as also expanding provincial oversight, allowing the province to repeal municipal bylaws deemed contrary to the public interest and to quicken the dismissal of councillors in extreme cases. Mr. McIver cites examples, such as Edmonton's unauthorized mask mandate during COVID-19 and Calgary's excessive electricity tax collection, as such instances. The aim is to prevent municipalities from overstepping their authority or acting against Albertan's interests. Despite criticisms, Ric McIver stresses that these changes are designed to serve the public and not elected officials.Munir learned that public consultation played a key role in shaping Bill 20, and results were published to ensure transparency. He talks about concerns raised over the impact on independent candidates and Ric McIver defines the reforms as a way to level the playing field by enhancing voter awareness. Using the province's enhanced powers sparingly, while keeping features for holding the government accountable in place, is the goal. Ultimately, this conversation with Ric McIver reveals that the reforms intend to strengthen voter confidence and uphold the integrity of municipal governance in Alberta.About Ric McIver:Ric McIver was sworn in as the Minister of Municipal Affairs on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Transportation, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, and Minister of Municipal Affairs.Prior to his service as an elected official at the provincial level, Mr. McIver served 3 terms on Calgary City Council. During that time, he served on the Police Commission and as Chair of the Calgary Housing Company, among many committee assignments. He has been a Calgary Stampede volunteer for over 15 years.Mr. McIver is a husband, father, and grandfather who is active on several charitable and community causes. He chose Alberta as his home in 1981 and has been a proud resident since that time.Ric McIver was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Hays on April 23, 2012 and was re-elected on May 5, 2015, April 19, 2019, and May 29, 2023.--Contact Munir Haque | ActionEdge Executive Development: Website: AEEDNow.comLinkedin: Action Edge Executive Development Inc.Contact Ric McIver: Website: Alberta.ca/Minister-of-Municipal-AffairsRic McIver on LinkedIn Podcast Production:Recording:  PushySix StudiosProduction Assistance: Astronomic Audio--Transcript Ric McIver: [00:00:02] If an ordinary person with an ordinary job does a good job of it, they can probably keep their job for as long as they want. Being elected is not like that. No matter how bad a job, I or a municipal councilor, does, you're stuck with us for four years. No matter how good a job we do, we have to reapply for that job every four years. That's why you need to vote carefully. Because when you give somebody that job, you're stuck with them for four years. And if they're doing a great job, that's a happy four years. And if they're doing a terrible job, that's a long four years. So after all the rest of the stuff, there is no substitute for voting carefully.Munir Haque: [00:00:40] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast. I'm your host Munir Haque, an executive coach and senior board strategist. I have partnered with Action Edge Executive Development to lead their governance and political acumen division. In each episode, we meet with governance leaders and step into their boardrooms, where decisions shape the world around us. In this episode, we look at a pivotal moment in Alberta's governance as the provincial government passed Bill 20, a landmark legislation poised to redefine the landscape of transparency, accountability and accessibility in local elections. This is according to the province. In a democratic society, the cornerstone of trust lies in the integrity of our electoral process and the accountability of our elected officials. According to the Province of Alberta, with Bill 20, otherwise known as the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, the province seeks to uphold these fundamental principles by making amendments to both the Local Authorities Act and the Municipal Government Act, the MGA. According to the Municipal Affairs Minister, the Honorable Ric McIver, these proposed reforms will enhance transparency in the local election processes, empower voters and demand clear accountability from the municipally elected representatives, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process and strengthening the voter confidence in the lead up to the next municipal election seasons in 2025. As Minister of Community Affairs, he was the sponsor of Bill 20. Some of the key legislative changes include: it allows the creation of municipal political parties, initially limited to Calgary and Edmonton, where parties can endorse candidates and affiliations will appear on the ballots. There are campaign contribution changes allowing corporations and unions to contribute to local election campaigns, and there will be manual vote counting, which will replace electronic.Munir Haque: [00:02:31] With regard to governance and accountability at the municipal level, it changes councilor training and conflict of interest rules, provides new disqualification rules, enhances provincial oversight by giving the province increased power to amend municipal bylaws and remove councilors. With regard to housing and development, it proposes measures to streamline and accelerate housing development process. The bill was passed earlier this year and most of the legislation came into force on October 31st, 2024 to share insights on governance implications of the change legislation. We are honored to have the Minister of Municipal Affairs on The Boardroom 180 Podcast. Ric McIver was first elected as a member of Legislative Assembly for Calgary-hays in 2012, and subsequently reelected in 2015, 2019 and 2023. He was sworn in as a member of the municipal affairs on my birthday, June 9th, in 2023, likely just a coincidence. He previously served as the Minister of Transportation, Minister of Infrastructure, as well as the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labor. Prior to his service as an elected official at the provincial level, Mr. McIver served three terms on the Calgary City Council. During that time, he served on the Police Commission and as the chair of the Calgary Housing Company, among many other assignments. He has been a long term volunteer for over 15 years with the Calgary Stampede. Welcome to the show, Mr. McIver.Ric ...

Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner and senior counsel at BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS, an Alberta based advocacy and advertising agency & Diane Colley-Urquhart was a Calgary City Councillor for 22 years, ending her run in 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exclusive interview, discover the journey of Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, a dedicated public servant who has been serving as the MLA for Calgary-Shaw since 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. This episode with Rebecca Schulz was recorded a few months ago. and we are excited to release it today. As Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Schulz brings a wealth of experience from her roles in Municipal Affairs and Children's Services. With a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a background in communications, Minister Schulz is committed to implementing common-sense policies that will drive Alberta's economy, protect natural landscapes, and foster innovation. As a wife and mother of two, Minister Rebecca Schulz deeply understands the challenges Albertan families face and passionately advocates for their needs. Learn more about her vision for Alberta's future in this conversation, and share your thoughts below as we continue to learn, grow, and share to break barriers and understand one another a bit better.

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a director on the boards of multiple private and public companies.  Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATION, an Alberta based advocacy and advertising agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us know that, when you get a loan or a gift of money, you should be accountable for what you do with it. But a provincial government investigation concluded that a town in Western Newfoundland didn't exactly do that, according to an access to information request. The Town of Kippens applied for and was approved to receive more than 120-thousand dollars in Covid stimulus funding, to renovate its council chambers. But the renovations to council chambers didn't proceed - and the provincial Municipal Affairs department got involved to investigate. In the end, the money was paid back. But the situation doesn't sit well with former Kippens town councillor Jeffrey Young.

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a Director on the boards of multiple private and public companies.  Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATION, an Alberta based advocacy and advertising agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg (@gregbradyTO) spoke to Paul Calandra, Ontario's Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, MPP for Markham-Stouffville (@PaulCalandra) about Sol Mamakwa spoke Anishininiimowin in Ontario legislature, MPP Sarah Jama's court challenge of her censure is dismissed & Associate Minister Rob Flack about his out of context "no one wants to live in Toronto" comment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an early morning announcement, the federal and provincial governments of Ontario announced they reached an agreement which will see $375 million in federal funding sent right to the province. And in another major first, Queen's Park has just officially allowed a new language to be spoken in the legislature! Host Alex Pierson is joined by the man involved in both of these stories,  Provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs, Housing, Minister of Legislative Affairs & Government House Leader Paul Calandra. Minister Calandra tells Alex why this deal with the feds means a big win for the province, how it can help get houses built, and why he helped MPP Sol Mamakwa gain the right to speak his mother tongue in Queen's Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Davison, former City of Calgary councillor. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Centre. He is also currently on the University of Calgary Board of Governors and Senate and is a Director on the boards of multiple private and public companies. Guest: Michael Walters was on Edmonton City Council from 2013-2021 and is currently partner, director of strategy, BERLIN COMMUNICATIONS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City of Kawartha Lakes has confirmed cases of pertussis, which is also known as the whooping cough. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is now warning parents about the illness that touches the most vulnerable among us. We spoke with Marianne Rock, the manager of communicable disease prevention and control, about the rising danger.The Mayor of Haldimand County is rejecting the accusations from the Minister of Municipal Affairs about their failure to reach housing targets. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Callandra sent a letter to the County accusing them of failing to meet the target and The county has demanded a recount. We spoke to Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, about the accusations. A small group in Merrickville-Wolford Township celebrated a huge victory against the town council vote to ban the pride flag. It came after a motion to prohibit the flag from being flown at Town Hall which was meant to declare June as Pride Month. We spoke to Carlson Card, an advocate who spoke up at the council meeting against the ban, about the celebration.Many local business owners expressed their fears and frustrations about a budding homeless tent encampment  showing up in the heart of downtown Peterborough core. Now the Trinity Center decided to respond to those fears. Christian Harvey, the executive director, gave us his perspective.

On today's show: Mayor Jyoti Gondek is with us to react to the new provincial bill that would stop Calgary from negotiating directly with Ottawa without provincial approval; Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, joins us to talk about why the province says it needs to sign off on deals between between Ottawa and a whole bunch of entities.

The Ford government has unveiled a new omnibus bill focused on streamlining home building and approvals in the province. The new Cutting Red Tape to Build More Housing Act includes a reduction in the amount of parking developers need to build, special rules to fast-track the construction of student accommodation and a long-awaited use-it-or-lose-it policy. Ontario's Municipal Affairs & Housing Minister Paul Calandra joins Toronto Today to discuss how these new rules will get housing built - fast.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL:  "SORRY" SAYS MINISTER CALANDRA TO DEVELOPERS IN AFTERMATH OF GREENBELT SCANDAL Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Lisa Raitt, former deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Cheri Di Novo, former Ontario NDP MPP an a recipient of the Order of Canada, and George Smitherman, former Liberal MPP for Toronto Centre. who served both as a deputy premier and minister of health. In the news: prominent Canadian women leaders including former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and our own panelists Lisa and Cheri have called upon the RCMP to help in the investigation of sexual violence against Israeli women perpetrated by Hamas terrorists during the atrocities of Oct. 7. Meanwhile, House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus apologized for recording a tribute video to outgoing Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser. Fergus faces the possibility of resigning from the position which he took on a mere two months ago. If he does resign, he would become the speaker of the shortest period of time in the country's history. And, closer to home in Ontario, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra apologized to developers in the aftermath of the collapse of the Ford government's Greenbelt development plans. DO CANADIAN AIRLINES GET A FAILING GRADE FOR THEIR HANDLING OF PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Gabor Lukacs, President and founder of Air Passenger Rights and David Lepofsky, a lawyer, and disability advocate and Chair Accessibility4Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance. Does Air Canada and other Canadian airlines do a bad job when it comes to passengers with disabilities? An article published by the Toronto Star's editorial board is highlighting the problem. And, amid a series of troubling incidents, the airline said that it is implementing some measures to reduce barriers for customers with disabilities. But will this be enough? And, how can we hold the airlines and their executives accountable to make real reform happen? ARI GOLDKIND ON THE KENNETH LAW CASE Jane Brown is now joined by Ari Goldkind, a Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer. Kenneth Law, who is accused of selling poison, has been charged with 14 counts of second degree murder in multiple deaths in the province. Ari reacts to the latest.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim announced that he is moving forward with a plan to disband the independently elected Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board. We talk with Vancouver city councillor Pete Fry, and our Municipal Affairs reporter Justin McElroy. In our second half we pay tribute to legacy of American screenwriter and producer Norman Lear. Our listeners share their memories of watching his groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family" and "M.A.S.H." and our guest Toph Marshall, professor at U.B.C.'s Faculty of Arts discusses his legacy and impact on the shows of today.

Cape Breton MLA's in the legislature respond to the to a comment from the Minister of Municipal Affairs on the conflict over the new Memorandum of Understanding with municipalities.

Tom Urbaniak is a professor of political science at Cape Breton University, where he teaches municipal politics. We ask for his thoughts on the legislation to give Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr new powers, that is speeding its way through the House.

A new bill gives Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr the power to approve housing developments directly, without consulting the municipality. It will also freeze all municipal permit and development fees for two years. We ask Minister Lohr about that legislation.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr introduced new legislation yesterday to give himself new powers to approve housing developments, and bypass city officials. We ask HRM Mayor Mike Savage for his take on this latest move that treads on municipal territory.

Adam Cooke is our Municipal Affairs correspondent for the Strait area.

Last week, Bonnie Lysyk, Ontario's auditor general, released a report detailing recent changes to the Greenbelt and how there's evidence of bias in the selection of lands that were removed. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what's been levied against Doug Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and what steps the government will take to fix their process. Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen's Park: https://www.tvo.org/ For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org Listen to more TVO Podcasts: https://www.tvo.org/podcasts Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters Subscribe to The Agenda with Steve Paikin on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theagenda Follow Steve Paikin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spaikin Follow John Michael McGrath on Twitter - https://twitter.com/jm_mcgrath Get the TVO Today app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tvo.tvomediaapp&pli=1 See more ways to access The Agenda with Steve Paikin and TVO Today: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-anytime-anywhere TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jill and Chris first met Laurie LeBlanc when she joined the Becoming Elli Facebook group last year. She lives in Ontario, Canada and recently retired from a rewarding 35-year career with the Ontario Public Sector. For the last ten years she held various Deputy Minister positions, leading complex departments including the Ministries of Transportation, Training, Colleges and Universities, Municipal Affairs, Housing, and Aboriginal Affairs. She has been the recipient of several awards, including being named one of the top 75 alumni of Carleton University's school of public policy. While Laurie enjoyed her career, she is thrilled to now have the chance to enjoy all life has to offer. She has made her own health and wellness her new project. Vowing to be in the best shape of her life when she reaches 60 in two years, she bought a kayak, hiking boots, and a gym membership. She is slowly making progress. A big part of her journey has been being more deliberate about how and what she eats and is having a great time exploring new cuisines. For more information, visit our website at Becoming Elli.

AffordableWhen introducing Bill 23, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark said: "The problem is clear. There simply aren't enough homes being built. And the solution is equally clear. We need to get more homes built faster." But if it's all clear to the minister, the debate that's ensued suggests that it's not as clear to others. We welcome Steve Clark, who is also the PC MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands And Rideau Lakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands honour Const. Shaelyn Yang as she is laid to rest Thousands honour Const. Shaelyn Yang as she is laid to rest. We hear from those who spoke at Const. Yang's funeral. Should Vancouver look at removing the Georgia & Dunsmuir viaducts Sarah Kirby-Yung, Vancouver City Councillor discusses whether or not the city of Vancouver would look at tearing down the Georgia & Dunsmuir viaducts. Should Vancouver amalgamate? Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute takes a look at if there is support for the amalgamation of Vancouver The federal government's plan to bring in 500,000 immigrants by 2025 The federal government's plan to bring in 500,000 immigrants by 2025 - Where will they settle? Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs discusses. Harassing elected officials in public - What is the incentive for running for office? Christy Clark, Former Premier of BC discusses her experiences with harassment from the public, while in office. The end of the cruise season Barry Penner, legal advisor to Cruise Line International Association discusses how this years cruise season fared Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Proposed legislation to amend the Halifax Regional Municipality charter — giving the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the power to unilaterally nullify bylaws created by HRM Council — has one Beachville resident concerned. Carolann Wright spoke with host Jeff Douglas about how Bill 225 could affect development plans for the area.

The federal government's plan to bring in 500,000 immigrants by 2025 - Where will they settle? Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs discusses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About a week ago, Nova Scotia's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing brought forward Bill 225 which would amend Section 204 of the HRM Charter. Section 204 essentially gives council agency and autonomy in creating bylaws. Minister John Lohr proposed to amend Section 204, allowing the minister to veto bylaws that council democratically passed. He spoke with host Jeff about what Bill 225 means.

Last Friday, Nova Scotia's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing brought forward proposed legislation which would amend Section 204 of the HRM Charter, which essentially gives council agency and autonomy in creating bylaws. Minister John Lohr proposed to amend section 204, which would allow the minister to veto bylaws that council democratically passed. Host Jeff Douglas spoke with Mayor Mike Savage about the proposed amendments and how it could impact zoning and city planning.

On today's show: The province wants in on arena deal talks in Calgary. It's liaison, Ric McIver, and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rebecca Schulz, join us; and we hear about a bike train that's running in Calgary's North Hill neighbourhood.

This week, co-hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath recap notable horseraces from the 2022 Ontario municipal elections. Then, we look at a new housing announcement from the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Finally, a story in Ottawa takes a decidedly provincial turn as Premier Doug Ford gets summoned to testify about his government's response to the so-called Freedom Convoy. Links: John Michael's piece on e-bikes John Michael's column on the housing announcement Steve's piece on Toronto mayor John Tory Clip credits: Public Hearings Webcast, Day 5 - October 19 - Public Order Emergency Commission/publicorderemergencycommission.ca Ontario Legislative Assembly Question Period, October 25 – Courtesy of Legislative Assembly of OntarioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.