Podcasts about ontario politics

40 years ago, something quite extraordinary happened at Queen's Park. The opposition parties combined forces to defeat the Progressive Conservative government of the day, thus, bringing to an end, 42 straight years of Tory rule. The previous time a government had changed hands on a lost confidence vote? 1871! So this was rare. And even a few months earlier, there was little indication any of that drama would unfold. David Peterson, Ontario's 20th premier; Hershell Ezrin, former chief of staff to the premier; and Helen Burstyn, former deputy secretary of the Premier's Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relations between Canada and Indigenous Peoples have certainly evolved since The Agenda first began covering these issues in 2006. There was Stephen Harper's historic apology to former students of Residential Schools in 2008. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission that followed, led by the late Senator Murray Sinclair. The Idle No More movement of the early 2010s. And much more. As we mark National Indigenous History Month, we thought we'd look back at some of these flashpoints in our history, and find out how much progress has been made. From Kanesatake First Nation, council Chief Serge Simon; Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair on Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University; Karyn Pugliese, journalist and instructor at Carleton University; and Riley Yesno, PhD candidate in political science and Indigenous studies at the University of Toronto, join Steve Paikin to discuss.Chief Serge Simon; Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair on Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University; Karyn Pugliese, journalist and instructor at Carleton University; and Riley Yesno, PhD candidate in political science and Indigenous studies at the University of Toronto, join Steve Paikin to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the level of toxicity in Ontario politics today gotten out of hand? Does Premier Doug Ford ever come across the floor and talk to the opposition members? And how big of a problem is it for the Ontario Liberals that their leader, Bonnie Crombie couldn't win a seat in the last election? Parliamentary leader for the Ontario Liberals and the MPP for Ottawa South, John Fraser, joins host Steve Paikin for a wide-ranging discussion on life at Queen's Park. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda has welcomed to this studio this country's perhaps best known and most tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled over the years. David Lepofsky has been blind since he was a teenager. And he'd love it if this province were just a bit more mindful of its nearly three million citizens who are dealing with some kind of disability. Here's David Lepofsky, author of "Swimming Up Niagara Falls! The Battle to Get Disability Rights Added to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms." He's also the chair of the AODA Alliance and joins Steve Paikin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy joins Steve Paikin to discuss the government's budget for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition critics Chandra Pasma, NDP MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean; Stephanie Bowman, Liberal MPP for Don Valley West; and Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario and the MPP for Guelph react to the Ontario government's 2025 budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda welcomes four of the five new Liberal MPPs to discuss returning to Queen's Park with official party status for this first time in seven years: Rob Cerjanec, the MPP for Ajax; Lee Fairclough, the MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore; Jonathan Tsao, the MPP for Don Valley North; And Tyler Watt, the MPP for Nepean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Warner went through many wins and losses in his time in politics. He was also the first to be elected as speaker of the provincial legislature. He talks about all of this and more in his new book, "Against the Odds: The Life and Times of an Accidental Politician."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Donald Trump launched his tariff attack, towns and cities along the border between Canada and the United States have faced enormous economic and political challenges. Just how are the leaders of those communities dealing with the pressure of being on the frontlines of a trade war? Matthew Shoemaker, mayor of Sault Ste. Marie; Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor; Corinna Smith-Gatcke, mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands; and Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls, join Jeyan Jeganathan to discuss what they are seeing in their communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the erratic threats of Trump's tariffs, many Canadians are switching to "Made in Canada" products. But in today's market, what does "Made in Canada" mean? How much of anything we buy is made right here in our country? Despite the highly integrated economy that Canada and the U.S. share, can we become more self-reliant by shifting all production to our home and native land? Jim Stanford, economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work; Vass Bednar, executive director of the Master of Public Policy Program at McMaster University and host of the "Lately" podcast; and Jim Hinton, owner and founder of Own Innovation and a Senior Fellow at CIGI, the Centre for International Governance Innovation, join Steve Paikin to discuss what it takes to make more in Canada.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From George Drew in 1943 to Leslie Frost in the 50s then onto John Robarts and finally Bill Davis, the Progressive Conservatives had quite the run in Ontario spending more than four decades in power. But, it would all come unraveled in 1985 after Premier Bill Davis announced his resignation. In episode four of Ontario Chronicle Steve Paikin tells the story of the raucous 1985 PC leadership convention. It involved plenty of strategic backstabbing, chicanery, and "just a little bit of antisemitism" and would ultimately lead to the end of the Tory dynasty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, Doug Ford promised to end overcrowding in hospitals so that patients aren't relegated to hallways and other unconventional areas. Each party leader during this election has pledged considerable health care spending. Including more primary care doctors, and additional beds. But there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. So, how does a new government tackle this complex issue that's been decades in the making? For insight, we welcome: Dr. Samir Sinha, director of health policy research at the National Institute on Ageing; Joanna Frketich, health reporter for the Hamilton Spectator; Rosalie Wynoch, associate director of research at the C.D. Howe Institute; Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition; and Paul Woods, CEO of Southlake Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of a provincial election in Ontario, rabble's Jack Layton Journalism for Change fellow Eleanor Wand sits down with Sarah Jama to talk about her re-election campaign as an Independent MPP for Hamilton Centre and how Jama believes that voters between parties have more in common than they think. About our guest Sarah Jama is running for re-election to continue representing Hamilton Centre as MPP. Her community work spans over a decade in Ontario and beyond, including leading intersectional leadership programs, civic engagement initiatives for youth, and grassroots efforts addressing social inequities such as food insecurity. Before being elected, Jama was a sessional faculty member at McMaster University and the executive director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario. Sarah creates and amplifies spaces for young people by promoting skill-building, knowledge-sharing, and community organizing. As an MPP, Sarah Jama brought her grassroots organizing experience and deep community connections to Queen's Park, providing platforms for disenfranchised individuals who are often dismissed. She has consistently advocated for public healthcare, rent control, affordable and supportive housing, childcare, protected bike lanes, environmental sustainability, and increased funding for education. She has also opposed unnecessary highway expansions, private healthcare, and policies that fail to prioritize the well-being of our communities. Sarah puts working people first, and working people are the heart of Hamilton Centre. If you like the show please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts. And please, rate, review, share rabble radio with your friends — it takes two seconds to support independent media like rabble. Follow us on social media across channels @rabbleca. 

Super Bowl Sunday had a little injection of Ontario politics with the Ontario Liberal Party and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives buying ad space during the big game. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the strategy and if it will move the needle. United States President Donald Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on steel and aluminum. How does that impact Ontario's economy? Steve and John Michael discuss the implication for our province and its auto industry. What have the parties promised in order to tackle the various healthcare crises we're facing in Ontario? And are these promises doable?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario has ponied up billions and billions of dollars to be the electric vehicle capital of the world. But with the Trump administration's pivot away from EVs, and tariffs on top of that, has this province's investment been misguided? Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association; Rachel Doran, VP of Policy and Strategy of Clean Energy Canada; Josipa Petrunic, President & CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium; and Greig Mordue, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University and the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Policy join Steve Paikin to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's 44th election has been called. There will be many issues discussed between now and election day, February 27. But clearly the big issue for discussion on Day One is: Can the premier justify calling this election nearly a year and a half before he needed to? For insight, we welcome: JOHN MYKYTYSHYN, a Conservative political consultant and public-opinion researcher; KIM WRIGHT, principal and founder of Wright Strategies and an NDP strategist; DAN MOULTON, partner at Crestview Strategy and Liberal strategist; SABRINA NANJI, journalist and founder of Queen's Park Observer; and RICHARD SOUTHERN, Queen's Park reporter for 680 NewsRadio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus an excerpt from my onstage interview at the Montreal Holocaust Museum with Auschwitz survivor, George Reinitz.

Guest host Kevin Vuong is joined by Bob Richardson, the president of Hammersmith Consulting, to discuss the news that the NDP has had possibly its most successful fundraising campaign in years. But will it be enough to help them hold onto the provincial official opposition, or could Bonnie Crombie's liberals sneak in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once a year, Ontario's Auditor General takes a deep dive into several aspects of provincial spending. The highlight of this year's report: how the Ford government managed the situation on Toronto's waterfront. The verdict: not great. Shelley Spence, who last week issued her first ever report as the province's newest auditor general, joins Steve Paikin to discuss this and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a time in Ontario when the provincial government focused on the really big issues: clean air and water, inter-city rail service, provincial parks, good education policy, effective hospital care. Not anymore. Doug Ford's government is different. Exhibit A: deciding where the capital city can and cannot put bike lanes. What's going on here? Why is it starting to feel like Toronto vs. Ontario? Former Toronto mayor and longtime community activist John Sewell; Amanda Galbraith, Co-Founder & Partner of the Oyster Group; and Laura Stone from the Globe and Mail join Steve Paikin to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A GST holiday, 250 dollar cheques, what's next as the Liberals try to win back Canadians in the months before an election.

Almost every province has an identity. Whether you're an Albertan, a Quebecer, or a Newfoundlander, identifying with your province comes a lot easier for some. But what about here in Ontario? How often do you hear anyone refer to themselves as an "Ontarian"? Joining Jeyan Jeganathan to discuss whether there is such a thing as an Ontario identity are, Gord Knowles, Councillor for the town of Atikokan and the Director of Economic Development for Destination Northern Ontario; Andrew Parkin, Executive Director of the Environics Institute; Helen Chimirri-Russell, CEO of Ontario Heritage Trust; George Carothers, Senior Director of Ideas and Insights at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship; and Amanda Simard, former MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawyer and activist Pamela Cross has been at the forefront of helping survivors of intimate partner violence for 30 years. She shares her insights on the problems and solutions to addressing IPV in her new book. It's called: "And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence." Pamela Cross joins Steve Paikin to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are difficult times to be a student at one of Ontario's colleges or universities. The provincial government is contributing less, it's frozen tuition for more than six years, and the federal government has cut way back on international student visas, depriving the system of hundreds of millions of dollars it was counting on to keep the lights on. If you've got a kid in post-secondary or are a student there yourself, what are the implications of this perfect storm? David Agnew, who's been president of Seneca Polytechnic since 2009, joins Steve Paikin to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ontario legislature returns after a long summer break. MPPs head back to Queen's Park under interesting circumstances as parties are also getting ready for a potential snap election. Aidan Grove-White, Fraser Macdonald and Kelly Baker join the podcast to analyze what the priorities of each party will be this fall. They also highlight the key risks and opportunities the Ontario Progressive Conservatives, NDP and Liberals could face. With an election looming, our guests discuss how the parties are preparing to hit the campaign trail.

Reports have shown that there's a nursing shortage in Ontario. Why are nurses leaving the profession and what are we going to do about it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-and-a-half years ago, the Ontario government identified that we would need 1.5 million new homes over the next decade to meet demand. What will it take to solve Ontario's housing crisis? Mike Moffat, the Founding Director of PLACE Centre at the Smart Prosperity Institute; Lisa Helps, the Executive Lead of BC Builds; Neil Rodgers, Strategic Advisor for the Ontario Home Builders Association; and Jag Sharma, Deputy City Manager of Development and Growth Services for the City of Toronto join Steve Paikin to discuss possible solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What changed at Queen's Park this summer? A new – and the biggest – provincial cabinet of all time. A new education minister, but only for a few months because he liked the job so much, he quit politics altogether. A new policy on safe injection sites. But what stayed the same? Doug Ford's Conservatives are still the overwhelming first choice among voters. To discuss what's percolating at the Pink Palace, we welcome: Toronto Sun political columnist Brian Lilley; Globe and Mail Queen's Park reporter Laura Stone; The Trillium editor-in-chief Jessica Smith Cross; and Greg Brady, "Toronto Today radio host at 640 Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our review of the week begins with Andrew Lawton discussing his book on Pierre Poilievre. Then, how food can bridge cultural, political, and religious divides. What does a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas look like? And, assessing Canada's record on reconciliation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.We're going to get right to it. A deep dive into Ontario Politics and Queen's Park. The stories and the players. With us to do that, two journalists who know the scene better than most: Steve Paikin and Jessica Smith Cross.Steve is making his third appearance on the pod. Journalist, author, documentary producer and anchor of TVO's flagship current affairs program, the Agenda.Jessica is making her second appearance. And with that, has attained official “friend of The Herle Burly” status. She's helped launch the excellent TheTrillium.ca and serves as its Editor-in-Chief. Prior to the Trillium, she was Editor-in-Chief of iPolitics and Queen' Park Briefing.Join us to discuss Ontario and the start of the next election!Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

Fresh polling shows the Progressive Conservatives would emerge victorious if an election was called early.Carolyn Parrish will be the next mayor of Ontario's third largest city.Premier Doug Ford signs another memorandum of understanding with a U-S state, this time it's Illinois. Are these deals really ,a thing,, or just fancy photo ops?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford announced a new cabinet with some major changes. We'll give you the backstory on who is in, who is out, and why now?Mississauga will vote for a new mayor next week. With no one named McCallion or Crombie on the ticket, the race seems to be wide open.Ontario is looking to grow the number of private health clinics offering publicly funded MRI and CT scans. Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced a call to expand the number of clinics currently offering the services. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the pros and cons of the plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2021, the Ontario government used the notwithstanding clause to push through changes to campaign finance laws. Critics say these changes violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This week, the Supreme Court heard the case and its decision could have a major impact on the next provincial election.Back during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, provincial courts began offering a deal to certain cases where a person was charged with driving under the influence. The person could plead guilty and rather than face federal charges, they would be charged under the Highway Traffic Act, which offers less severe penalties. This deal was offered to clear a backlog of cases. Steve and JMM discuss how this squares with a provincial government that has made itself known for being tough on crime.And, another story where politics run into reality as the federal government squashes an attempt by the city of Toronto to decriminalize drugs for personal use. All thanks to a letter from Doug Ford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official opposition is accusing the Ontario government of shutting down debate on a private member's bill called Lydia's Law. The bill deals with sexual assault and was set to be debated this week before Progressive Conservatives sent it to committee. The PCs say they are trying to speed up the legislative process, but the NDP are crying foul.Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said this week that Ontario does not have a doctor shortage, a statement that raised a lot of eyebrows. Steve and John Michael dig into the story behind the comments.And, this week brought some significant new penalties for car theft. John Michael explains why this law could lead to a challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When politicians hold a news conference to make an important announcement, then take questions from reporters, only to not answer the questions, then what? Four guests from all sides of the experience join Steve Paikin to discuss whether ministers and other politicians are being over-prepared for their public interactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientist and educator Stella Ng answers a student's question about health care advocacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With funds infused into the initiative, is Ontario poised to become a electric vehicle superpower? Then, how can post-secondary institutions be better funded?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are nearly 50 colleges and universities in the province of Ontario, and they're all screaming for more money. It's a complicated problem. They say the province doesn't fund them enough. They say the federal government cost them nearly $2 billion by cutting back on visa for foreign students, who pay six or seven times the tuition of Canadian students. And the province has frozen tuition fees for the past five years and will do so for another three, which will deprive the post-secondary of even more money. For insight, we welcome: Peggy Sattler, NDP MPP for London West; Adil Shamji, Liberal MPP for Don Valley East; Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario and the MPP for Guelph; and Alex Usher, president of Higher Education Strategy Associates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even after 30 years since Mike Harris ushered in the Common Sense Revolution, people debate the merits of his policies. If you liked him, he was the guy who did what he said he was going to do: cut taxes, balance budgets, and make government smaller. If you didn't like him, he was the guy responsible for deaths in Walkerton and Ipperwash. Alister Campbell, one of Harris' senior-most advisers, has put together a collection of essays designed to give the premier's time in office a second look. The book is called, "The Harris Legacy: Reflections on a Transformational Premier." He's joined by Sandra Pupatello, Liberal MPP from 1999-2011; Marilyn Churley, New Democratic MPP from 1990-2005; Chloe Brown, policy analyst at the Future Skills Centre and a former two-time Toronto mayoral candidate; and Robert Benzie, Toronto Star Queen's Park bureau chief. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should we make of the Ford government reversals on policies such as the Greenbelt and Peel Region? Then, does Ontario's energy source need to change? What is ailing post-secondary institutions? And what are some solutions to curb the opioid crisis?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than three million homes in Ontario use natural gas for home heating. And it accounts for about 10 per cent of the energy supply in the province's electrical grid. But municipalities across the province are saying ,no, to new natural-gas fired power plants citing climate change concerns. Does this signal the beginning of the end for natural gas in the province? Do we need to ditch natural gas? Or do we need it to ensure we have affordable and reliable power? Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Ontario Legislature set to resume next week, we focus on issues that have bedevilled the current government: the Greenbelt and the dissolution of Peel Region, two issues that Premier Doug Ford has famously taken firm stands on, then thought better of it and retreated. Panelists: Columnist and former Stephen Harper speechwriter, Michael Taube; Kim Wright of Wright Strategies and a former NDP adviser; and Martin Regg Cohn, the Toronto Star's Queen's Park columnist. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did we end up with a guy like Doug Ford and how do we get rid of him?

How did the coroner's inquest decide that Soleiman Faqiri's death was a homicide? Host Yusuf Zine and co-producer Kevin Young examine key pieces of evidence from the long-awaited inquest, including new testimonies, emails, and never before seen footage of the final moments of Soleiman's life. Yusuf and Kevin unpack what the jury took into consideration to rule Soleiman's death as a “homicide”, answering questions that the Faqiri family have been after for seven years. Clips: This did not need to take so long,' says Soleiman Faqiri's brother on new report by Ontario's top pathologist - Global News/Corus Entertainment Inc./globalnews.ca   ‘A walk down a hallway turned violent': Inquest into Soleiman Faqiri's death begins - Global News/Corus Entertainment Inc./globalnews.ca   ‘Jury rules Soleiman Faqiri's death in Lindsay jail was homicide' - City News/Rogers Media/youtube.com   MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: Soleiman Faqiri's Death Must Be Re-Investigated - Kristyn Wong-Tam/Legislative Assembly of Ontario/youtube.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Anderson joins for an attempt to deconstruct two key political moments -- one in Ontario and one in Manitoba.  One happened here and what are the lessons for all of us who consider ourselves political junkies.  

Steve Paikin talks to Ontario Liberal leadership candidate Ted Hsu - the current MPP for Kingston and the Islands - about his reasons for entering the race and his plans for the direction of the party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yasir Naqvi has had some of the bigger jobs in cabinet: attorney-general, minister of community and social services, minister of labour. But like so many Liberal MPPs five years ago, he was a casualty of the province's desire to sweep the Grits out of power. A little over a year and a half ago, Naqvi made a comeback into public life, becoming the federal member for the same riding he represented provincially. Now, he's decided to enter the Ontario Liberal leadership race. He talks to Steve Paikin about his plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks as if the mayor of Mississauga would like to become the premier of Ontario. Bonnie Crombie was once a federal Liberal MP. She's been the mayor of Ontario's third largest city for almost a decade. But now, it seems, she'd like to give provincial politics a try. Crombie announced today she's setting up an exploratory committee as a necessary first step to running for Ontario Liberal leader. She talks to Steve Paikin about her plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The provincial government announced that Ontario will create its first-ever urban park in Uxbridge. Regarded as ,a major step forward for conservation and biodiversity protection in Ontario, by Minister David Piccini, the new provincial park will require collaborative effort from different levels of governments, conservation groups, and communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it as bad as it looks or not as bad as it looks?  That's the question being asked of the Doug Ford wedding party thrown for his daughter and attended by figures who paid for entry, figures that may have eventually benefitted from the Ford government.  Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on that plus on Justin Trudeau and his handling of the leaked CSIS story.