On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

This week on On the Ledge, the panel navigates a rapidly shifting political landscape—both globally and at home. The conversation opens with the escalating instability in the Middle East, examining the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran, ceasefire tensions, and the broader implications for global security and energy markets.Back in Canada, the discussion turns to rising gas prices and the structural challenges facing Canada’s energy sector, including refining capacity, pipeline politics, and the limits of government intervention.The panel also digs into federal political shockwaves following Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu’s floor crossing to the Liberals, exploring leadership dynamics, party identity, and what it means for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “big tent.”At Queen’s Park, attention shifts to regional governance reforms and the Ford government’s move toward appointing regional chairs—raising concerns about democratic accountability and centralized power.Finally, the conversation closes with a deep dive into Ontario’s proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) changes, with the panel unpacking why a seemingly technical issue is resonating with voters and feeding broader concerns about transparency and trust in government.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Panel SetupDave Trafford sets the stage with a fast-moving political week and introduces the panel.01:15 – Middle East Crisis & Global InstabilityDiscussion on Iran, ceasefire uncertainty, and geopolitical risks shaping global politics and markets.09:00 – Gas Prices & Canada’s Energy DilemmaDebate over refining capacity, pipelines, and why Canadians still pay high fuel prices.15:30 – Floor Crossing Shock: Gladue to LiberalsAnalysis of party identity, leadership, and implications for Carney and Poilievre.27:20 – Regional Governance Shakeup in OntarioFord government reforms, appointed chairs, and the debate over democratic accountability.47:30 – FOI Changes & Growing Trust DeficitWhy transparency issues are breaking through with voters and creating political risk.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

AN OTL BONUS DROP!This week on Now and Next, Dave Trafford and the comms and strategy team break down the stories shaping Canada’s political and media landscape.Guests: Bob Reid - Broadway Strategy & Communications; Lindsay Broadhead - Broadhead Communications; and Anne Marie Aikins - AMA CommunicationsFirst, the panel dives into the NDP leadership race and what Avi Lewis’ win reveals about the party’s identity, messaging, and future. Is the NDP aligned with what Canadians are actually worried about—or drifting further from the national conversation?Then, a sharp look at Air Canada’s crisis communications response following a tragic aviation incident. What went wrong on tone, language, and leadership—and what should have happened instead?Finally, the Junos take centre stage. With the Prime Minister making headlines and Canadian music icons back in the spotlight, the panel explores how culture, politics, and communications collide—and why moments like this still matter.Three big stories. One consistent lens: strategy, messaging, and what actually resonates.Subscribe for more conversations on politics, communications, and the forces shaping what’s now—and what’s next.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionWelcome and overview of this week’s communications-focused discussion.01:00 – NDP Leadership & Identity CrisisAvi Lewis’ leadership win sparks debate about the party’s direction, messaging, and national relevance.07:00 – Messaging vs Reality in PoliticsPanel explores whether ideology, leadership style, and messaging align with voter concerns.12:30 – Air Canada Crisis Communications BreakdownAnalysis of tone, bilingual expectations, and leadership accountability in crisis response.29:40 – The Junos, Politics & Cultural SignalingPrime Minister’s appearance, Canadian identity, and the communications power of cultural events.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Dave Trafford is joined by Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie.This episode opens with a rare moment of collective optimism as the panel reflects on the Artemis II launch and the sense of wonder it inspired—especially for younger generations.That spirit quickly gives way to a wide-ranging political discussion, from the legacy of Stephen Lewis and the future of the federal NDP under Avi Lewis, to mounting economic anxieties tied to inflation, energy costs, and global instability.The conversation then shifts to Ontario’s auto sector, with debate over Stellantis’ potential role in assembling Chinese electric vehicles—raising questions about jobs, supply chains, and economic sovereignty. The panel also digs into new federal-provincial housing measures aimed at reducing development costs and spurring construction, weighing whether they will meaningfully improve affordability.Finally, will Nate Erskine-Smith be good for the Liberals at Queen's Park? The episode closes with sharp political analysis of Ontario’s Liberal leadership tensions, polling dynamics, and whether Premier Doug Ford’s high-profile leadership style is masking deeper structural challenges.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Artemis II Launch Reflections10:09 – Stephen Lewis Legacy & NDP Leadership Shift17:20 – Economic Anxiety, EV Debate & Stellantis Controversy42:18 – Housing Affordability & Government Coordination54:25 – Liberal Leadership Drama & Polling InsightsYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Ontario’s latest budget is out—and as always, the real story isn’t just what’s in it, but what’s not.In this bonus episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford is joined by Jessica Smith Cross from The Trillium to unpack the government’s fiscal plan just hours after it was tabled.From Freedom of Information changes buried inside a massive omnibus bill, to record levels of spending and persistent deficits, this conversation cuts through the political messaging to focus on what matters.We dig into the government’s new $4 billion Protect Ontario investment fund, the lack of clarity around long-term economic strategy, and the ongoing question: how does all this spending translate into real improvements—especially in healthcare?Plus, what didn’t make the cut? From infrastructure projects to transit priorities, the omissions may be just as telling as the announcements.If you want to understand where Ontario is headed—and what to watch next—this is your essential post-budget breakdown.🔔 Subscribe for more Ontario politics insights🎧 Available wherever you get your podcastsChapters00:00 – IntroductionBudget day recap and setup for post-budget analysis01:15 – FOI Changes & Omnibus Bill ConcernsHow FOI reforms are embedded in broader legislation03:31 – What’s Missing: Infrastructure & Transit ProjectsLack of substantive updates on highways and major projects04:11 – Spending vs Strategy DebateRecord spending levels and questions about fiscal planning08:35 – Protect Ontario Fund ExplainedNew investment strategy and private-sector partnerships13:09 – Political Framing & What Comes NextOpposition reactions and timeline for passing the budgetYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

It’s budget day in Ontario—and before the numbers even hit the floor, the politics are already in full swing.On this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with a powerhouse panel—Keith Leslie, John Wright, Kathleen Wynne, and Jessica Smith-Cross—to break down what really matters behind the budget headlines.From the evolution of budget lockups to the strategic rollout of policy announcements, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how governments shape the narrative before a single line is read in the legislature.We dig into troubling signals in the polling, rising grassroots frustration, and the growing disconnect between headline announcements and real-world pressures on housing, healthcare, and affordability.Plus, a critical look at the Ford government’s proposed changes to Freedom of Information laws—and what they could mean for transparency, journalism, and public accountability in Ontario.And as big, bold ideas reshape Toronto’s future, one question hangs in the air: is there a plan behind the announcements?👉 Follow On the Ledge for weekly insights into Ontario politics—no spin, just straight talk.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Budget Day ContextSetting the stage for Ontario’s budget and how coverage works inside the lockup.02:30 – Then vs Now: Budget Lockups & Political MessagingHow embargoes, leaks, and pre-budget announcements have changed accountability.08:15 – Do Budgets Still Matter?Debating whether budgets are still impactful or just message delivery tools.14:30 – Polling, Vulnerabilities & Political UndercurrentsStrong headline support vs. weak issue-specific performance for the government.27:00 – FOI Changes & Transparency DebateA deep dive into the implications for journalism, accountability, and democracy.44:30 – Toronto, Big Announcements & Lack of a Plan?Examining major infrastructure ideas and questions about coherence and execution.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

OTL BONUS!AI is no longer theoretical—it’s here, embedded in everything from healthcare to global conflict.In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by the C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Bob Reid at Broadway Strategy & Communications, Anne Marie Aikens at AMA Communications and Lindsay Broadhead, Broadhead Communications to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, communicate and understand the world around us.The conversation starts with new data showing doctors are rapidly adopting AI tools to streamline administrative work and improve efficiency. But the discussion quickly moves into more complex territory—how AI is fueling misinformation, amplifying health anxiety, and blurring the line between reality and manipulation online.The panel also examines how AI-driven content is being used in modern warfare, raising serious questions about propaganda, truth, and public trust.On the political front, they break down the communications fallout surrounding a delayed response to an attack near a Canadian base in Kuwait—and what it reveals about leadership, transparency, and message discipline.Finally, the episode tackles the growing tension between governments and media, including calls for “patriotic reporting” and what that means for journalism in a rapidly shifting information landscape.If AI is changing everything, the question is: are we ready for it?If you want, I can also generate social posts, audiograms, or a Substack companion piece for this episode.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Ontario politics doesn’t slow down — even on March break.This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford is joined by Tim Hudak, Kathleen Wynne, Keith Leslie, and John Wright for a deep dive into a political moment that’s equal parts strategy, controversy, and consequence.Despite softer personal approval ratings, Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives remain remarkably resilient in the polls. What’s driving that strength — and how long can it last?We break down the growing backlash to proposed changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information laws, including concerns about transparency, accountability, and retroactive limits on access. Is this modernization — or a step backward?The panel also tackles the Premier’s call for an Ontario judge to apologize for remarks she made in her charge to the jury in the Umar Zameer murder trial, the challenges of police investigating police. And did Doug Ford really encourage vigilante violence when he congratulated a home invasion victim for shooting one of the suspects?Finally — a candid conversation about crime, public safety, and whether the current political tone is helping solve problems… or making them worse.👉 Follow On the Ledge for sharp, informed conversations on Ontario politics every week.Chapters00:00 — Introduction & Panel SetupMarch break politics, St. Joseph’s Day, and setting the stage for a packed discussion.01:30 — Ford’s Polling ResilienceWhy PC support remains strong despite softer personal approval numbers.05:30 — Opposition Struggles & Political MessagingLiberals without a leader, NDP stagnation, and Ford’s media dominance.12:30 — Freedom of Information ControversyProposed FOI changes, transparency concerns, and potential legal fallout.30:30 — Courts, Policing & Political InterferenceThe OPP report, judicial independence, and the Premier’s role in public commentary.43:50 — Crime, Public Safety & Political RhetoricHome invasions, vigilante language, and the broader justice system debate.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

An early drop in the OTL feed this week:I joined Jim Richards on Newstalk 1010 this week and we wonder aloud what Premier Doug Ford has to hide. He's announced his intention to gut Ontario's Freedom of Information Act - excluding the Premier, the cabinet and parliamentary assistants from FOI requests.FOIs have driven the investigative journalism at Queen's Park that uncovered important information about the Greenbelt and the Skills Development Fund in Ontario.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Host: Dave TraffordGuests:Tim Hudak – Partner, Counsel Public AffairsKathleen Wynne – 25th Premier of OntarioJohn Wright – CEO, (Canada Pulse Insights)Keith Leslie – Veteran Queen’s Park observerIn this episode of On the Ledge, host Dave Trafford convenes a wide-ranging roundtable with veteran Ontario political insiders to unpack another unpredictable week in provincial politics.The panel begins with the sudden resignation of Niagara Regional Chair Bob Gale after reports surfaced that he owned a signed copy of Mein Kampf. The conversation explores whether the controversy was truly about the book itself or a political flashpoint connected to the contentious debate over possible municipal amalgamation in Niagara. Panelists discuss the political optics, the context of rising antisemitism, and the challenges governments face when personal controversies collide with public office.The discussion then shifts to Premier Doug Ford’s announcement of a $750 annual classroom supply credit for teachers, intended to offset out-of-pocket spending on classroom materials. While some panelists argue the policy is practical and politically effective retail politics, others question whether it masks deeper systemic challenges in Ontario’s education system, including class sizes, governance reforms, and the future of elected school trustees.The panel dives into the broader issue of whether the province should eliminate school boards and centralize education decision-making at Queen’s Park. The debate reveals sharp differences about accountability, local representation, and whether trustees remain relevant in modern education governance.Finally, the group examines the political landscape facing Ontario’s opposition parties as the legislature remains on break. With Premier Ford dominating the agenda through policy announcements and media events, opposition leaders struggle to gain traction — highlighted by an awkward NDP press conference that was moved from a Tim Hortons parking lot during a northern Ontario tour focused on highway safety.Throughout the conversation, the panel offers candid insights into the political strategy, communications style, and governing approach shaping Ontario politics today.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford sets the table and introduces the panel for a discussion of the week’s biggest Ontario political stories.02:45 – Niagara Chair Resignation ControversyPanel reacts to Bob Gale stepping down after reports about his signed copy of Mein Kampf and whether the controversy is tied to the Niagara amalgamation debate.19:50 – Ford Government’s $750 Classroom Supply CreditDiscussion of the new teacher supply funding and whether it represents practical support or political messaging ahead of labour negotiations.28:45 – The Future of School Trustees in OntarioDebate over whether the Ford government may eliminate school boards and centralize education governance.51:00 – Opposition Challenges and the Northern TourAnalysis of the NDP’s attempt to highlight northern highway safety and the difficulties opposition parties face gaining attention.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Canadian politics is shifting—and so is the tone of its key players.In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by our C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Bob Reid, Lindsay Broadhead, and Anne-Marie Aikins to break down the latest developments shaping Canada’s political narrative.The panel explores whether Pierre Poilievre is intentionally repositioning himself, following recent appearances—including a speech in Toronto and an interview with Peter Mansbridge. He's pivoted to a calmer and more “stoic” style hoping to expands his reach beyond his traditional base. Is this a genuine evolution—or a strategic pivot designed to win over new voters?They also examine Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership approach, as he focuses heavily on global diplomacy and trade relationships. While those moves may strengthen Canada internationally, could they leave space for opponents to reconnect with voters on everyday economic concerns at home?The conversation then shifts to crisis communications and global uncertainty, including rising tensions in the Middle East and the communications challenges Canada could face as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches amid global instability.From political strategy to international events, this episode explores how messaging, perception, and leadership style are shaping what comes now—and what comes next.Chapters00:00 — IntroductionDave introduces the panel and frames the rapid pace of political and global developments shaping the discussion.02:00 — Poilievre’s “Stoic” RebrandAnalysis of Poilievre’s evolving tone, recent speeches, and interviews, and whether the shift is authentic or strategic.09:00 — Opposition Strategy vs. Carney’s LeadershipHow Poilievre is repositioning himself against a globally focused prime minister.21:20 — Domestic Politics vs. Global LeadershipDebate over whether international diplomacy risks disconnecting leadership from Canadians’ kitchen-table concerns.32:20 — Crisis Communications and the FIFA World CupHow governments and communicators must prepare for protests, security issues, and geopolitical tensions during a global sporting event.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Toronto politics shifts again, questions swirl around billions in provincial spending, and Ontario’s mining future is back in the spotlight.This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, political analyst Keith Leslie, and The Trillium editor-in-chief Jessica Smith-Cross to break down the biggest political stories shaping the province right now.The panel starts with the fallout from John Tory’s decision not to run again for mayor of Toronto and the speculation surrounding who might jump into the race—including talk of Michael Ford and what that could mean for the relationship between Toronto and Queen’s Park.From there, the conversation moves to Niagara’s possible municipal restructuring, the provincial government’s push toward amalgamation, and whether the political cost could outweigh the policy goal.Mining and energy policy also take center stage after major announcements during PDAC in Toronto, including movement on the Ring of Fire and the evolving role of First Nations equity and environmental oversight in northern development.Later in the show, Jessica Smith-Cross walks through the latest developments in the Skills Development Fund controversy, including lawsuits, investigations, and growing questions about how millions in provincial funding were awarded.The episode closes with a serious discussion about the explosion of online sports betting in Ontario, particularly among younger audiences, and whether the province should impose tougher restrictions on gambling ads.📌 Subscribe for weekly analysis of the stories shaping Ontario politics.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast:Host: Dave TraffordRoundtable: Keith Leslie, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Kathleen WynneHealthcare costs are “unsustainable.” Niagara may be heading toward amalgamation. And the free trade era? It may already be over.This week on On the Ledge, we dig into what Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy’s warning really means for Ontario’s healthcare system — and whether prevention, not just spending, is the missing piece. From seniors’ falls to housing design, safe injection sites to primary care access, the panel asks: are we running an illness system instead of a wellness system?We spent some time talking about "sustainable" healthcare models. This article was cited in the discussion https://chah.ai/gesundheit-what-canadian-healthcare-can-learn-from-germany/.Then: Niagara Region. 126 councillors. Infrastructure deficits. Rising taxes. Is amalgamation inevitable — and who wins if it happens?And finally, tariffs and trade. With U.S. protectionism hardening and midterms looming, what’s Ontario’s role? Should Premier Ford be inserting himself into U.S. politics? And does it even matter who wins in November?The world has changed. Free trade may not be coming back. The question now is: how does Ontario adapt?Subscribe for weekly conversations that cut through the noise and focus on what’s next in Ontario politics.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionWinter complaints give way to a preview of healthcare sustainability, Niagara amalgamation, and U.S. trade tensions.03:25 – Healthcare Spending & Prevention Debate“Unsustainable” healthcare costs, seniors’ falls, upstream solutions, and shifting from illness care to prevention.24:25 – Niagara Amalgamation Showdown126 councillors, infrastructure deficits, political risk, and lessons from Toronto’s mega-city.43:35 – Tariffs, Trade & the End of Free Trade?A “mercantilistic world,” U.S. midterms, and Canada’s strategic response.56:05 – Can Midterms Change the Trade Reality?Republican prospects, executive authority on tariffs, and why Canada must plan for permanence.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Enjoy this OTL Feed Drop episode of NOW & NEXT - your independent made-in-Canada, news and commentary podcast.Host: Dave TraffordThe C.A.S.T.: Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy and Communications), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications)This week on Now and Next, the CAST — our communications and strategy team — breaks down the stories when communications wasn’t background noise… it was the headline.We begin with the response to the Tumbler Ridge school shooting and examine what effective crisis communications looks like in real time. From Premier David Eby’s remarks to the image of federal leaders standing together, we explore tone, humility, and whether political adversaries can momentarily transcend partisanship.Then: Metrolinx. A derailment at Union Station caused system-wide disruption — but the bigger issue was transparency. Why did it take so long to explain what happened? And what role should a CEO play in moments of operational consequence?Finally, we unpack a viral parliamentary exchange between Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Aaron Corey and MP Sandra Cobena. Was refusing to “give the clip” smart strategy — or a communications misfire?As always, we focus on the intersection of leadership, strategy, and the stories behind the story.Subscribe for more conversations on politics, policy, and the communications shaping both.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Introduction: A Week Where Comms Led the Headlines01:28 – Tumbler Ridge: Crisis Leadership, Tone, and Media Framing13:56 – Message vs. Messenger: Carney, Poilievre & Political Pivot Points29:58 – Metrolinx Derailment: Transparency, CEO Visibility & Operational Comms42:41 – Ottawa Theatre: Canada Infrastructure Bank & “Giving the Clip”You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

This WEEK: On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast It's Healthcare vs. Education: Inside Ontario’s Budget Fight Over Spending and Student Loans.Host: Dave TraffordRoundtable: Former Ontario Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Partner at Counsel Public Affairs and Former Ontario PC Party Leader, the Honourable Tim Hudak, Veteran Queen's Park Political Analyst Keith Leslie and Canada Pulse Insights CEO John Wright.Ontario is staring down a hard truth: healthcare spending has surged past $90 billion — and the finance minister says it’s “unsustainable.” But what does that actually mean for the upcoming provincial budget?In this episode of On the Ledge, we unpack the warning shot fired in a Mississauga speech that took a month to gain traction. Is this about fiscal discipline? Demographic reality? Or political positioning ahead of tough choices?Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie and John Wright debate the real pressures: aging demographics, federal transfer gaps, private delivery vs. public funding, and whether Ontario has the political courage to reset the system.Then we pivot to OSAP changes and tuition policy. Are cuts to student assistance fiscally necessary — or economically shortsighted? And what does this mean for lower-income students, STEM priorities, and Ontario’s long-term workforce?Plus: Premier Ford’s retail remarks after Family Day — strategic instinct or message drift?Healthcare. Education. Sustainability. Political capital.This isn’t just a budget conversation — it’s a crossroads moment.Subscribe for weekly analysis of Ontario politics.Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Panel Setup02:00 – Healthcare Spending “Unsustainable”: What Does It Mean?16:40 – Revenue, Federal Transfers & Private Delivery Debate36:05 – Premier Ford’s Retail Comments & Political Messaging39:00 – OSAP Cuts, Tuition Increases & Economic ConsequencesYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

This week's edition of On The Ledge – Your Ontario Politics Podcast, Dave Trafford is joined by John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights), Keith Leslie (Political Analyst, CHCH), Tim Hudak (Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former Ontario PC Leader), and Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario) for a wide-ranging and deeply serious discussion.We begin with the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. What happens to a small community when nine lives are lost? The panel examines trauma, media responsibility, RCMP communication failures, misinformation online, and the difficult but necessary conversations around mental health and guns.From there, we turn to Ontario. Allegations of police corruption in Toronto and Peel have triggered oversight questions across the province. Is a broader review justified — or overreach?We also unpack Donald Trump’s comments about the Gordie Howe International Bridge and what they signal about Canada–U.S. relations.And finally: does Ontario need a public inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown LRT delays and billions in cost overruns?Subscribe for weekly, in-depth Ontario political analysis — thoughtful, direct, and unfiltered.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionOpening remarks and setting the agenda.00:48 – Tumbler Ridge TragedyCommunity trauma, media coverage, RCMP communication gaps, and mental health & gun policy questions.25:20 – Police Corruption & Oversight in OntarioToronto and Peel allegations; debate over a province-wide Inspector General review.34:50 – Trump, Trade & the Gordie Howe BridgeCanada–U.S. tensions and the politics of cross-border infrastructure.47:20 – Crosstown LRT: Inquiry or Overreach?Cost overruns, P3 procurement, Metrolinx accountability, and whether a public inquiry is warranted.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

HERE'S AN ADDED BONUS FOR ALL YOU ON THE LEDGE LISTENERS! I'm adding this week's edition of NOW&NEXT to the OTL feedBTW: We have nearly 400 episodes of NOW&NEXT and you can find them all here.Enjoy!This episode of *Now and Next* brings the C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) back together for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, political tone, and credibility in a rapidly shifting media environment.The conversation opens with an in-depth analysis of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech and why it continues to resonate weeks later. Panelists explore how the speech marked a clear pivot in Canada’s global posture and aligned closely with current public attitudes, as reflected in recent polling.From there, the discussion turns to how Carney’s approach reshaped expectations for opposition leaders—particularly Pierre Poilievre—and how his Calgary speech signaled a tonal adjustment toward optimism and hope. The panel examines the emerging contrast between “global leadership” and “kitchen-table politics,” debating whether Carney can translate high-level strategy into tangible, day-to-day outcomes for Canadians.The episode closes with a sobering look at misinformation and deepfakes, sparked by a viral but fake video attributed to Warren Buffett. The panel considers the implications for political communications, public trust, and the growing difficulty of distinguishing authenticity from manipulation in what some are calling a “post-news” era. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Host: Dave TraffordGuests: Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario), Keith Leslie (Political Analyst), John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights)This episode of On the Ledge focuses on the future of Ontario’s auto sector amid shifting federal policy, global trade uncertainty, and evolving consumer demand. The panel examines Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to move away from rigid EV mandates while incentivizing hybrids and electric vehicles, debating whether the strategy goes far enough to protect Ontario manufacturing jobs.The discussion highlights infrastructure gaps, affordability challenges, and the vulnerability of Canada’s auto supply chain as U.S. policy under Donald Trump disrupts long-standing trade assumptions.The conversation broadens to Canada’s political moment, with strong public support for Carney’s leadership contrasted against instability in the federal and provincial NDP, Liberal Party leadership dynamics in Ontario, and Doug Ford’s continued electoral strength.The episode closes with reflections on political legacy, symbolism, and leadership amid a rapidly changing global order.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and political context01:25 – EV mandates, hybrids, and Ontario’s auto sector reality08:30 – Trade disruption, USMCA uncertainty, and global market shifts21:15 – Mark Carney, national unity, and public opinion polling33:10 – NDP turmoil, Liberal leadership questions, and Ontario politics56:05 – Political legacy, leadership, and Kathleen Wynne’s portrait reflectionsYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

WE'RE BACK!Dave Trafford, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie and John Wright are at the OTL table!The conversation covers a range of topics including:The premiers' meeting with the PM and it sounds like they're all playing nice.Mark Carney's leadership style is seen as a refreshing change in Canadian politics whilePierre Poilievre's leadership is under scrutiny as he faces his leadership review.Trade relations with the U.S. remain complex and influential on Canadian politics.Are the concerns about the impact of electric vehicles on Canadian manufacturing overhyped?.The electric vehicle market is evolving, but consumer choices are still limited.Innovation in the automotive sector is crucial for Canada's future.Navigating relationships with China is a delicate balance for Canadian leaders.Chapters00:00 Holiday Reflections and Personal Updates02:51 Premiers Meeting and Regional Discord05:56 The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Canadian Manufacturing09:07 Mark Carney's Leadership and International Relations11:54 The Future of Canadian Politics and Elections14:54 The Role of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre17:50 Trade Relations and the Influence of the U.S.20:56 The Electric Vehicle Market and Consumer Choices23:53 The Importance of Innovation in the Auto Sector27:12 Navigating Relationships with China29:56 The Future of Canadian Defense and Manufacturing33:01 Final Thoughts on Political Dynamics and Future ElectionsYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

ENJOY THIS BONUS FEED DROP EDITION OF NOW AND NEXT!THIS WEEK ON NOW AND NEXTRetired RCAF Major General Scott Clancy discusses the evolving landscape of global security, the implications of American foreign policy, and Canada's role in the new world order. He emphasizes the complexities surrounding defense spending, military readiness, and the future of NATO amidst geopolitical instability. Clancy argues for the necessity of strong leadership to navigate these challenges and the importance of trust in international alliances.TakeawaysThe world is increasingly dangerous due to shifting power dynamics.The American century is not necessarily over, but evolving.Canada's leadership on the global stage is crucial.Defense spending must be prioritized to ensure military readiness.Bureaucratic hurdles hinder effective defense procurement.NATO's effectiveness relies on trust among member nations.Geopolitical instability is a growing concern for all nations.Leadership is key to navigating complex defense issues.Public perception of defense spending impacts political decisions.A strong Canada is essential for global security.Chapters00:00 The State of Global Security02:58 The American Century: Decline or Transformation?05:56 Canada's Role in the New World Order08:52 Defense Spending and Military Readiness11:40 Navigating Complex Defense Decisions14:49 The Future of NATO and Global Alliances17:53 Geopolitical Instability and Its ImplicationsYou can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

Hello OTL listeners!We're planning to get the gang back around the table before the end of January.In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy the re-boot of NOW and NEXT.David Schultz is a professor of politcal science and and a legal expert on the U.S. Constitution. He teaches at  Hamline University in Minnesota AND he's also the Editor in Chief of the Minneapolis Times.He brings a unique perspective to the international and domestic poltics playing out in the United States this week.We dive into the Circus in Davos - from Canadian PM Mark Carney offiicially declaring the old world order a thing of the past to Donald Trump's insistence on the United State acquiring Greenland to his whiplash reversal in the face of opposition from NATO and Wall Street.David also offers his perspective on the occupation of Minnesota by ICE and US Border Patrol agents. He likens it to a pending civil war.You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.