Podcast appearances and mentions of ron taverner

Cronyism is the name of the game! While the Chief Commissioner was hard at work to provide a shortlist of candidates to the Ford Government for new commissioners to the Ontario Humans Rights Commission - Doug Ford and the Attorney General decide to appoint candidates of their own that hadn't even applied! Adam & Mike play "Compare & Contrast" with this situation and the Ron Taverner appointment to the OPP Commissioner's position back in the fall of 2018.

While the world feverishly pours through Bob Mueller's report on the wrongdoings of the Trump white house, let Sam take you through the lesser-known findings of Ontario Integrity Commissioner David Wake's inquiry into the attempted hiring of Doug Ford friend Ron Taverner. The stakes may not be quite as high, but the parallels are striking. Also Alvin makes some important points about how Quebec is proposing to trample all over the charter of rights and freedoms.

Open Sources Guelph came on the air with a discussion of extremism back in 2015, and it's been kind of a recurring theme ever since. This week, extremism hits New Zealand and we'll talk about the implications, as well as the implications for Canada's own growing hate movements. On the lighter side, we'll also talk about the newly revealed Federal budget, and the latest follies from Queen's Park. This Thursday, March 21 at 5 pm, Scotty Hertz and Adam A. Donaldson will discuss: We're In the Money! The Federal government unveiled their last budget before the election on Tuesday, and they did it in spite of the consternation and disgust of the Official Opposition. The contents of the budget were comparatively far less controversial as the circumstances that lead up to it. The document itself is a potpourri of offers and tax incentives for a wide variety of people from first-time home buyers, to students, to seniors, and municipal governments. We'll break down the greatest hits of the budget. Hillier to Die On. Another week at Queen's Park brings another week of controversy. While the integrity commissioner said that no wrong doing took place in the appointment of Ron Taverner, there's still new controversy that involves firebrand MPP Randy Hillier, who says that he was tossed from caucus because he didn't like the way that his boss, Premier Doug Ford, was getting cozy with close friends and lobbyists. Oh yes, and there's all that education news too as the curriculum gets a shake-up and class sizes are increasing. Christchurch. An Islamophobe and white supremacist walked into two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and killed 50 people and injured dozens more. His 74-page manifesto, social media posts, and live stream of the attack itself all point to a man deeply entrenched in online racism culture, and his massacre was designed to impress and inspire like-minded people. We'll talk about the world-wide increase in terror threats from the far-right, and what role social media companies are playing in the threat. The Hateful Rate. As we provide sympathy and support to New Zealand in an official capacity, we need to look inward to Canada's own far-right hate movement. Not just the ones we know promote hatred like Faith Goldy or the Alberta-based Yellow Vest Movement of Canada, but the ones like Andrew Scheer who had to submit condolences twice and cancel an event with a European white nationalist. Can we tackle hate abroad when we're having trouble dealing with it head on at home? Open Sources is live on CFRU 93.3 fm and cfru.ca at 5 pm on Thursday.

In an explosive interview with Maclean's Paul Wells, Jane Philpott says that there'smore to the SNC story that needs to be told. Guest - Tim Powers, Vice-Chairman, Summa Strategies (has served as an advisor to a national party leader and federal cabinet ministers) According to the integrity commissioner, Premier Ford didn't breach rules in theappointment of Ron Taverner but the report says that the selection of Taverner doesn't exonerate the Ontario government, stating the process was flawed.  Guest - Allison Smith, Queen's Park Today All military style semi automatic weapons, assault rifles and high capacity magazines will now be banned in New Zealand following last week's attack, says the country's PM. Guest - Dr. Robert Huish, Associate Professor, Undergraduate Advisor, Department of International Development Studies

Photo: (Global News) Hamilton city council will be spending as much as $11 million to do a judicial investigation of the RHVP report. Guest: Laura Babcock. President, PowerGroup. Hamilton has a new city manager! Janette Smith of the Region of Peel will be replacing Chris Murray who vacated the position last year. Some councilors had wanted a more diversified process into choosing the new manager. Are they happy with the result? Guest: John-Paul Danko, Hamilton City Councillor, Ward 8. Ontario's integrity commissioner says that Premier Ford did not break the rules that govern legislators when he hired Ron Taverner last year. Guest: Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa.

Photo: (Global News) Ontario's integrity commissioner says that Premier Ford did not break the rules that govern legislators when he hired Ron Taverner last year. LISTEN: https://omny.fm/shows/bill-kelly-show/podcast-red-hill-judicial-investigation-a-new-city Guest: Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa.

The Sunday edition of the Best of Libby Znaimer

NDP MPP Taras Natyshak joins the podcast this week to talk about the controversy surrounding the aborted attempt to appoint Ford friend Ron Taverner as OPP commissioner. Natyshak has become his party's chief needler of premier Doug Ford and he weighs in on what his favourite nickname for the camper van is — and why he hopes to never have to say "personal pleasure wagon" again.

Alex is joined with Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist and President of Enterprise Canada to discuss Ron Taverner's decision to withdraw from consideration for OPP Commissioner. In a short letter sent Thursday afternoon to the Community Safety Minister, Sylvia Jones, Taverner said the decision to withdraw stemmed from the controversy surrounding his appointment and to protect the integrity of the rank. The 72-year-old Toronto police superintendent is a family friend of Premier Doug Ford, and his appointment set off accusations of political interference in the hiring process for the province's top policing job. Taverner, who had been in law enforcement for 51 years, said in the letter that he was grateful to have the confidence of the government and believed his experience and skills would have served the public in the best possible way.

Premier Doug Ford's controversial push to appoint his friend Toronto Police Superintendent Ron Taverner as OPP Commissioner has been quashed by Taverner himself. Ron Taverner's surprise decision was revealed last night amid a growing outcry over accusations of political interference. An unnamed senior government official as saying both Ron Taverner and Premier Ford shared the same concerns that the appointment was being overly politicized and its in the best interests of front line officers for Taverner to withdraw. NDP deputy leader Sara Singh praised Taverner for making what she calls the right decision, but says a public inquiry is still needed to understand how Taverner was able to be appointed in the first place. Taverner has been in limbo since requesting in December that his appointment be put on hold until the ethics investigation is completed. Former police officer and City Councillor Jon Burnside joins Libby in studio to weigh in.

Podcast: (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang) This morning, the Prime Minister spoke about the SNC-Lavalin case and the testimony of Gerald Butts and Jody Wilson-Raybould. What did he say?  Guest: Christopher Waddell. Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University. Expert in political journalism. Ron Taverner has withdrawn from consideration when it comes to being the next commissioner of the OPP, citing the need to protect the integrity of front line officers. Guest: Richard Brennan, retired journalist with the Toronto Star. Covered Queen's Park and Parliament Hill. Burlington City Council has frozen downtown development for al teast a year. They argue that doing so will allow them to work out a plan to curb a burst in development but developers argue this is politically motivated. Guest: Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor, City of Burlington.

An OPP Deputy Commissioner with concerns about a friend of the premier's being appointed the province's top cop has been fired. Deputy OPP Commissioner Brad Blair says his termination is retribution for his legal battle over the appointment of a long-time Ford family friend Ron Taverner as top provincial police officer. Blair has asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate Taverner

Photo: (Brad Blair) Justin Trudeau has lost another cabinet minister. Jane Philpott resigned yesterday, declaring a lack of confidence in the government following allegations of political interference in the SNC Lavalin case. Guest: Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa. The deputy OPP Commissioner who expressed concerns over the hiring of Ron Taverner was fired. The Corrections Minister however says there was no political interference. Guest: Richard Brennan, retired journalist with the Toronto Star. Covered Queen's Park and Parliament Hill. The OSPCA has told the Ontario government that they will no longer enforce and investigate animal cruelty laws. Guest: Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice.

The deputy OPP Commissioner who expressed concerns over the hiring of Ron Taverner was fired. The Corrections minister however says there was no political interference. Guest: Richard Brennan, retired journalist with the Toronto Star. Covered Queen's Park and Parliament Hill.

On this edition of Counterpoint, Alex is joined by: Andy Stinton, Small Business Man & Michael Diamond, campaign strategist and political commentator, UPSTREAM Strategy Group Topics include: Jody Wilson-Raybould will testify and how she holds Trudeau's fate in her hands, Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair who had wanted the top job given instead to Ron Taverner,  is now threatening to sue Premier ⁦@fordnation⁩ for defamation because Ford suggested the Commissioner may be breaking the rules by speaking out, tomorrow we are set to hear new details on Doug Ford's overhaul of our health-care system, an Alberta woman who survived cancer, but has disabilities was told not to return to a popular no frills store because she was too slow packing her groceries, and much more. 

Photo: (Global News) According to an article in the Globe and Mail, Ron Taverner met with the Premier multiple times leading up to his appointment, including dinner with the hiring official who vetted him. Guest: Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa.

Photo: (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Hamilton city staff are calling for a $200K study into downtown venues, pending council approval. Guest: Fred Eisenberger, Mayor for the City of Hamilton. According to an article in the Globe and Mail, Ron Taverner met with the Premier multiple times leading up to his appointment, including dinner with the hiring official who vetted him. Guest: Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa. The US President is denying a report that says he took extensive steps to hide details over his talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.  Guest: Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political science, Carleton University.

Alex is joined by Andy Stinton, Small Business Man, and Jamie Ellerton, Principal, Conaptus Public Relations, for this edition of Counterpoint. Topics include: the Ontario legislature goes back to work to avert a potential OPG strike, Ron Taverner rips up his resignation letter to Toronto Police, Justin Trudeau targets the Conservatives in a year-end interview, a long-time MP with the NDP is facing critisim for calling Doug Ford "white trash", and Quebecer's are quick to critize Western oil but are buying larger vehicles and bigger homes more and more these days.

Ron Taverner is tapped to be the next chief of the OPP. He has also rescinded hisresignation papers as a superintendent with Toronto Police. What's the latest on this situation? Guest - Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa

CBC Queen's Park reporter Mike Crawley says there's been pushback against the recent appointment of Ron Taverner, a friend of Ontario premier Doug Ford, to take over the provincial police force. Many worry Taverner's appointment could hurt the OPP's independence from political influence.

Tonight's Top Talkers are: Devon Peacock - Global News Radio London & Mackay Taggart - Global News Toronto Topics include: A potential strike by Ontario Power Generation has led to a recall of the province's legislature and prior to his appointment as O.P.P Comissioner, Ron Taverner was considered for other top position within Ontario.

Alex is joned by Gillian Smith, Hill + Knowlton, and Myriam Denis, Daisy Consulting Group, for this edition of Counterpoint. Topics include: Ontario's credit rating has been downgraded, the Ontario government wants to change the rules on brick-and-mortar cannabis stores, one of the nation's best lawyers is speaking out against the Ford government's hiring of Ron Taverner, provincial officials want Ontario resident's opinion on the sale of liqour in convenience stores, Quebecer's don't want to cough up for the carbon tax and can Justin Trudeau's "sunny ways" policies pull him through another election?

Tonight's Top Talkers are: Bill Kelly - Global News Radio Hamilton & Mike Stubbs - Global News Radio London Topics include: Moodys' rating agency has downgraded Ontario's credit rating, one of Canada's best lawyers is calling sour grapes on the Ron Taverner appointment, and it seems the sunny ways of Justin Trudeau could be setting rather than shining,

Alex is joined by Dennis Matthews, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Enterprise Canada to discuss the Ford government and the  growing pressure to delay the appointment of his family friend, Ron Taverner. 

OPP interim commissioner Brad Blair has called upont he province's ombudsman to investigate ‘questions of interference' when it came to the appointment of Ron Taverner.Guest - Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa. China has shed little light in regards to why a former Canadian diplomat has been detained. Meanwhile, Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou is now out on bail. What' the latest? Guest - Hugh Stephens, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; Executive Fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. It was Trump versus Pelosi and Schumer yesterday as they met (along with a silent Mike Pence), to discuss the government shutdown and the border wall. In the 17 minutes they met before the press, it was a heated show between the three.  Guest - Michael Diamond, Conservative,political pundit

The Interim Commissioner of the OPP is calling for a review on the appointment of Ron Taverner. LISTEN: https://omny.fm/shows/bill-kelly-show/licensing-rental-housing-and-ron-taverner Guest: Alan Carter, Anchor, host of Focus Ontario, Global News.

Yesterday's planning focused on rental housing. City councilors have taken a step towards licensing rental housing units near post secondary institutions in our city.  Guest: John Paul Danko, Ward 8 City Councillor.  What do those who own rental property think of this? Guest: Pete Dyakowski, conscientious landlord and a concerned citizen. The Interim Commissioner of the OPP is calling for a review on the appointment of Ron Taverner. Guest: Alan Carter, Anchor, host of Focus Ontario, Global News.

Photo: (Global News) The Interim Commissioner of the OPP is calling for a review on the appointment of Ron Taverner. Guest: Alan Carter, Anchor, host of Focus Ontario, Global News.

An old friend of the Ford family has been appointed to head the Ontario Provincial Police, a job many consider him to be under-qualified for. We look back to Doug's history with Ron Taverner, as well as the group of unofficial advisors who surrounded the Fords for years.   Plus, we introduce a new segment called... wait for it... "For the People."  

In an interview, Metrolinx' president says that the West Harbour station will be targeted for all day GO service….eventually. ALSO: Hamilton's overdose prevention site receives extension. Guest - Jason Farr, City Councillor, Ward 2 Questions are being raised in regards to the appointment of the new commissioner for the OPP. The Ontario government and the Premier say that they had no hand in appointing Ron Taverner. They did say that they lowered the qualifications in order to attract a wider range of candidates. Guest - Duff Conacher, Cofounder of Democracy Watch, adjunct professor at University of Ottawa How did Michael Flynn help the Russia investigation? Enough that the special Counsel said that Flynn should be spared prison time. What came out of Mueller's report and recommendations.   Guest - Dr. Anthony Neal, Department of Political Science, Buffalo State College

Duff Conacher, Co-founder of Democracy Watch talks about Doug Ford appointing Ron Taverner OPP commissioner