#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Premier Doug Ford says his government intends to take over Toronto's downtown airport - and it will even pay the city for its trouble. Can he do that? And what does the future hold for the Toronto Islands? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break it down. Then, the province named a military defence representative. What will they do? And how might it connect to the Ford government's larger ambitions? Finally, it's March 13 and MPPs are still not back at Queen's Park. How unusual is that? Steve and JMM answer a listener's question with a deep dive into the legislative calendar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a national energy grid. Does Niagara Region have too many politicians? Doug Ford certainly seems to think so. Steve and John Michael discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation - and how Peel serves as a case study. You've been asking us about municipal politics, so Steve and JMM speak to Toronto City councillor Amber Morley about what it takes to run and the surprises awaiting those who make it to city council. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States Supreme Court struck down some of Donald Trump's tariffs, and now Ontario premier Doug Ford wants a refund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why that probably won't happen and the larger implications this move will have on relations with Canada's largest trading partner. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario has a new report on Ontario's economy - delivering both good news and bad news. Steve and John Michael look into how the economy's modest growth belies the bigger issues of unemployment and housing starts. Ontario's public servants are being asked to return to the office, even while a renovation at their largest office in downtown Toronto is behind schedule and over budget. Steve and JMM examine the motive behind the government's move. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-rob-cerjanec-defy-the-odds-again JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-burlingtons-housing-bet-pay-offSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario and Diageo have cut a deal to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, but how much of the money is actually going to those affected by the liquor maker's decision to close its plant? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why everyone else seems to be benefiting at Amherstburg's expense. Big changes are coming to how Ontario funds post-secondary education, including major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Steve and John Michael discuss why students are in an uproar, and how a comment from the premier about baskets isn't helping. The fate of Ontario's school trustees looks grim, and a letter from the Waterloo Region District School Board is unlikely to move the needle. Steve and JMM discuss how legislating this elected position out of existence could come with huge consequences. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-bettingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath leave the studio and hop on the Eglinton Crosstown, where they discuss what's new on the line, what could be improved, and where public transit in Toronto goes from here. U.S. president Donald Trump has set his eyes on the Gordie Howe Bridge — making several inflammatory claims about the project and threatening the opening. Steve and John Michael discuss why this latest salvo could be a bridge too far for our largest trading partner. Queen's Park is stepping in after accusations of corruption in numerous Ontario police services. Steve and JMM discuss the province's plans and who will be conducting the investigation. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviouslySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Blair's resignation as MP for Scarborough Southwest has spurred a flurry of political moves in Ontario. Doly Begum, formerly the Ontario New Democratic Party's deputy leader, announced she will run for the federal Liberals in the riding; Liberal MP Nate Erskine Smith announced he'll run in Doly's former provincial riding. John Michael McGrath, Émilie Gougeon-Pelletier, and Sabrina Nanji discuss why this is such a big deal. The Eglinton Crosstown finally has an opening date, but will the opening be full steam ahead or go off the rails? John Michael, Émilie, and Sabrina discuss how the line got here and the precedents that could signal how rocky its start may be. The Darlington Refurbishment Project was delivered early and under budget. This project is part of Ontario's energy strategy and will allow the reactor to continue functioning for years to come. So, why did the province scrap its climate targets when it's on the cusp of a nuclear boom? JMM, Émilie, and Sabrina dig into the larger, legal context. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-lastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath speak with Canadian Press reporter Liam Casey about the Indigenous communities affected by the proposed development of the Ring of Fire. Some are embracing the opportunity, others are afraid of what access might bring. Steve and John Michael preview Ontario's municipal election season. They dig into some of the big races, and why many, in smaller municipalities, are acclaimed. Spoiler alert, it's a hard job and made more difficult by a lack of a provincial code of conduct.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door for China to enter Canada's electric vehicle market. That has left Doug Ford steaming and calling on Canadians to boycott the vehicles. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what the premier could do to stymie the process. But are the economic realities of the PM's decision are already hitting home? The Province of Ontario is looking to pause an inclusionary zoning requirement that forced developers to build affordable housing near transit hubs. Steve and John Michael discuss the government's rationale for the change. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association held its annual conference this past week. Steve and JMM discuss the concerns coming out of Ontario's rural communities. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-themSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's highest court will hear arguments from critics of the Province of Ontario's plan to build a spa at Ontario Place. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the stakes of the case and why they're surprised the court is taking it on. The Province of Ontario has a plan to connect 2 million Ontarians with a primary care provider by 2029. It's a lofty goal, but the actual number might be significantly lower. Steve and John Michael discuss why the metric might change. Ontario's public servants are back in the office five days a week, but Members of Provincial Parliament are on break from the legislature all the way until March. Steve and JMM discuss the reaction to the return to in-office work and the optics of it all. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right Omnibus Trion timestamp: (coming soon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OPP is launching a criminal investigation into a company that received money from both the ministry of colleges and universities and the Ontario Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss this latest development in the saga - and the headache it's becoming for the premier. Ontario's big city mayors have called on the province to declare a state of emergency around homelessness and drug use. Steve and John Michael discuss what might change. The Finch West LRT opened last week and already people are complaining about it. Steve and JMM talk about what Metrolinx, the TTC, and the City of Toronto can do to speed things up. And Nam Kiwanuka, host and producer of (MIS)Treated, and Molly Thomas, host of Big [If True], join Steve and JMM for an #onpoli podcast quiz to round out the year. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-this-organization-in-hamilton-helps-men-get-clean-and-turn-their-li... JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-i-love-my-e-bike-but-ontario-needs-new-rulesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelley Spence, Ontario's auditor general, published a narrowly tailored report on health-care spending in the province. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why OHIP overbilling, COVID personal protective equipment, and primary care connections are highlighted.  Ontario has introduced a number of proposed legislative changes aimed at justice and crime. Steve and John Michael discuss how change to the bail system might be unconstitutional, and how dogs and cats fit into story. Education minister Paul Calandra has finally released the province's EQAO scores, and he's not happy with the results. He's creating a two-person team to investigate the test. Steve and JMM discuss how much that will cost to do and how there might be some pitfalls in store for the minister. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-many-ways-to-honour-ken-dryden JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-does-the-new-empties-scheme-sell-out-northern-ontario IJB story: https://ijb.utoronto.ca/news/ontario-unveils-legislation-to-restrict-invasive-medical-research-on-dogs-and-cats/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles has called on the Integrity Commissioner to investigate Labour Minister David Piccini as the skills development fund controversy deepens. But will it amount to anything? John Michael McGrath and Jessica Smith Cross discuss the importance of the information that will come out as a result. Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act passed its third reading at the legislature, and some are sounding the alarm around water safety in the province. John Michael and Jessica discuss what effect the legislation will have on water infrastructure in Peel Region. If Ontario Place wasn't enough, now we need to ask if the Ford government is eyeing Exhibition Place as well. JMM and Jess discuss the text of Bill 68 and how a confluence of confusing legislation and distrust in government lead to a controversy. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ford-threatened-to-audit-his-critics-can-he-do-that How a political disaster brewed in Brighton: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/how-a-political-disaster-brewed-in-brighton-9095416See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini is at the centre of a growing hubbub over the Ontario's Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the latest developments, and why Ontario New Democratic party leader Marit Stiles got herself thrown out of Queen's Park over the controversy. Doug Ford and Peter Bethlenfalvy are usually in agreement on financial matters, at least until a proposed cut to the harmonized sales tax for first-time home buyers. Ford believes the criteria is too narrow, Bethlenfalvy says he and the premier work together on these matters. Steve and John Michael discuss where this conflict will go and what's happened in the past when a premier and minister of finance disagreed over policy. Bills 33 and 60 are making their way into law this week, and, as you might expect, there was major disagreement over the lack of committee time to debate these bills. Steve and JMM discuss how a short legislative calendar and procedural moves pushed these through. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-anyone-miss-fixed-election-dates JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-one-small-trick-to-build-new-affordable-housingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are advocates for children with autism comparing Ontario education minister Paul Calandra to Breaking Bad character Saul Goodman? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the implications of the comparison. Last year, Lieutenant-General Richard Rohmer issued a challenge to Ontario premier Doug Ford to have the north side of the Ontario Veterans' Memorial engraved. Steve and John Michael discuss how the premier rose to the challenge and what that means for veterans. Brian Lewis, Ontario's former chief economist from 2015 to 2021, joins Steve and JMM to dig further into the province's fall economic statement and discuss the province's fiscal future. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/i-sat-down-with-ontarios-living-former-premiers-heres-what-i-learned JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-a-pro-cyclist-court-decision-could-create-headaches-for-rural-ontarioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath take a look at Ontario's fall economic statement, which paints a picture of the province's financial health. Mark Carney has tabled his first budget as prime minister. Some have called it unprecedented, others say it lacks ambition. Steve and John Michael pick apart the federal government's document and break down its chances of actually passing. Quebec is picking a fight with its doctors, and Doug Ford is trying to poach physicians looking to leave the province. Steve and JMM discuss the strong reaction to Ford's appeal from Quebecers who think he should keep those thoughts to himself. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/bless-you-boys-for-being-a-team-anyone-could-fall-in-love-with JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-if-conservative-premiers-want-change-they-can-do-more-than-talkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the province released an ad featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan decrying the use of tariffs. At first, Donald Trump liked the ad, saying he would have put out the same if he was in Canada's position. Then he had a hissy fit and announced retaliatory tariffs on Canada if the ad wasn't taken down immediately. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the fallout of the ad and whether this will ultimately benefit Ontario's push toward a tariff-free future. The province has backtracked on a controversial plan to effectively end rent control. Steve and John Michael dig into why the government reversed its decision and who would have benefitted from a policy like this. Doug Ford is putting a stop to fixed election dates in Ontario. It's a big change and runs contrary to fixed-election laws in most other provinces and territories in Canada. Steve and JMM discuss why the government wanted to get rid of it and whether the law was effective in the first place. Steve's column(s): https://www.tvo.org/article/i-witnessed-joe-carters-historic-home-run-in-1993-the-memories-just-came-flooding-back & https://www.tvo.org/article/saying-farewell-to-the-most-talented-mpp-youve-never-heard-of JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-want-real-political-reform-in-ontario-amend-the-constitution Publications Ontario's website: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/asearch.html?vid=20170501121&cname=%5B*+TO+*%5D&key=official+road+map&keyword=official+road+map&iu=  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPPs have returned to Queen's Park and the government is pushing through an agenda of cutting red tape; however, Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss another change that has all members steaming. There are some unusual developments at the municipal level in several small Ontario towns. Steve and John Michael discuss why local politics matter. There's a doctor shortage in Ontario and the government has just made it harder for international medical graduates to find residency spots. Steve and JMM discuss why. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-want-to-solve-the-housing-crisis-try-a-marriage-counsellor JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-it-time-for-a-public-grocerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stellantis, which produces Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep vehicles, among others, is making a huge investment in the United States and leaving two Ontario plants in jeopardy. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about the fallout of this news and the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs.  During a public appearance, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told a story about threatening an alleged shoplifter with a beating. Steve and John Michael discuss the reaction - and what experts are saying. The province is buying ad space in the U.S. to promote the removal of trade barriers. Will the ad, which invokes Ronald Reagan, be able to reach the current commander in chief? Steve and JMM discuss the cost of the ad - and how effective they think it will be. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-former-mpps-want-in-on-doug-fords-new-pension-plan-will-he-let-them JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-is-starting-to-enforce-its-rules-around-empty-beer-cans-now-whatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The notwithstanding clause allows governments to set aside certain charter rights and supersede the courts on decisions. Quebec's Bill 21 has set up the latest fight between the premiers and the prime minister over how it can be used. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the historic precedents that set out its use. Ontario's handling of the Skills Development Fund is under the microscope following an auditor general's report, so a minister attending a lobbyist's wedding in Paris has the opposition's hackles up. Steve and John Michael delve into the optics and what the other parties may do. Doug Ford received a letter from 20 municipalities asking him to consider exemptions to his ban on automated speed enforcement cameras, specifically allowing them in school zones. Steve and JMM discuss the premier's response. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-who-wants-to-lead-the-ontario-liberals JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-fords-crown-royal-threat-a-distraction Explainer on the Notwithstanding clause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcGuYh_cEg Ontario labour minister attended lobbyist's wedding after granting his clients millions in training funds: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ontario-labour-minister-attended-lobbyists-wedding-after-granting-his-clients-millions-in-training-funds-11318999 Vehicles registered to Ford cabinet ministers caught by speed cameras more than 20 times: https://globalnews.ca/news/11463735/ontario-cabinet-minister-vehicle-speeding-ticketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath sit down with Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles to discuss the aftermath of her recent leadership review. Where does she take the party now? Jim Bradley, the longtime MPP for St. Catharines, has died. Steve and John Michael look at his legacy as one of the most influential environment ministers in the province's history. Algoma Steel has received financial support from the federal government and the province of Ontario, but KAP Paper has not. Steve and JMM delve into the tricky economic situation for the province's northern industries. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-conservative-stalwart-cheated-death-and-has-a-message-about-ontarios-health-care-system JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-grocery-oligarchs-are-betting-ford-will-chicken-out-he-shouldntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.