#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath round off another season of the #onpoli podcast with a mailbag episode. They answer audience questions including one about the Ontario Science Centre closure, talk about the Toronto St. Paul's by-election, and announce the winners of the book giveaway. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LCBO workers are in legal strike position, and they've set a deadline of July 5 to get a deal made. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this mixes with recent policy decisions surrounding beer, wine, and mixed drinks in corner stores.A legal challenge surrounding the redevelopment of Ontario Place has been dismissed by the Superior Court of Justice. Do advocates have any other ways to slow down the provincial government's desire for a waterfront spa or has this paved the way for builders?Talk of an early election has made Ontario's political parties spring into action with the Ontario Liberals calling for fast local contests and NDP rallying support. Steve and John Michael discuss what's been happening. Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque Guide: https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/online-plaque-guide Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-upcoming-toronto-byelection-could-be-momentous JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/is-canada-actually-facing-a-productivity-emergencyYou can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/one-last-hurrah-for-ontarios-18th-premier JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/ontario-will-never-live-down-the-shame-of-grassy-narrowsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction continues to pour in after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the government would pay $225 million to end an agreement with the The Beer Store one year early. One of the questions being asked repeatedly - why pay millions to end an agreement that was due to expire next year anyways? Does it have anything to do with theories the Premier will call an early election? Steve and JMM discuss the possibility. The Ontario government is insisting it complies with public disclosure laws. That's after reporting from Global News revealed government staff are using their Gmail accounts in order to avoid disclosure under the freedom of information act. But will there be any consequences beyond the political arena? Plus, a historic moment in the legislature as NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa asks a question in Oji-Cree. It's the first time a question is officially asked in the Ontario legislature in a language other than English or French.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.

A new bill could impose major changes to the province's universities, raising concerns about the independence of the institutions.A town in northern Ontario will hold an unexpected election, after the Ontario government has dissolved Black River-Matheson's local council. But first, co-hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath examine how the Ontario NDP is coalescing around the issue of the keffiyeh ban at Queen's Park.You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queen's Park announces that ,back to basics, in Ontario schools means a cellphone and vape ban. Meanwhile, debates ensue over whether the Ford government's new Core Education Funding is a meaningful increase for our public schools. Ottawa gets their own regional office and the most vocal critic is from Doug Ford's own backbench, Nepean MPP Lisa Macleod. But first, a look into the byelections Thursday night, where Progressive Conservatives have kept their grip on Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex seats.You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, a second unanimous consent vote to reverse a ban on wearing keffiyehs at Queen's Park failed to pass. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath follow up on the ban at Queen's Park and ramifications of it.The Province of Ontario is investing billions into electric vehicle plants from car manufacturing giant Honda. The new plants announced this week are part of a larger plan to make the province into an EV powerhouse, but there have been a few stumbles along the way.The Ontario Basic Income pilot was abruptly cancelled in 2019 when Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party formed government. Many years later, a class action lawsuit certified by the Ontario Superior Court has the government paying for legal fees and the plaintiffs seeking millions more in damages. Steve and John Michael discuss what the program did and what the cancellation meant to participants.UDPATE: On Thursday after this week's episode finished recording, Independent MPP Sarah Jama was asked by Speaker Ted Arnott to remove her keffiyeh while in the chamber at Queen's Park, and when she refused she was asked to leave the chamber, which she declined to do. That came after the events on Tuesday that we discuss in this week's episode. We'll have an update on all of this in next week's episode. John Michael’s column: Former basic-income recipients are taking Ontario to court. Do they have a shot? | TVO Today  You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The AgendaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has tabled its budget, which includes money for municipalities on housing and a tax on the rich. Details have been released piecemeal over the last several weeks, but now Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath will finally be able to digest the whole thing.  Highway 413 has cleared a major hurdle with the federal government removing the need for an environmental assessment. So, will shovels finally get into the ground for this new project? Not so fast, because there are several other issues that could get in the way.  Several MPPs at Queen's Park were quietly removed from their committee assignments last week. Steve and John Michael discuss these unusual removals and what they might mean.  Steve's column:  John Michael's column:  You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Paul Calandra unveiled The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, a new piece of housing legislation designed to get more housing built. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the omnibus bill and look at the housing policy blitz we've seen from both the federal and provincial government.The Office of the Premier has 48 staff members on the Sunshine List, which makes it one of the most expensive incarnations of this office ever. How does this expense square with Doug Ford's brand of fiscal responsibility?The Ontario New Democrat Party recently hit a record for donations, leader Marit Stiles is travelling the province, and the party has been putting forward strong legislation. So, why isn't Doug Ford taking notice? Steve and John Michael discuss the premier's choice of opponents. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/do-doug-ford-and-pierre-poilievre-get-along John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-needs-to-get-real-about-its-own-housing-statistics You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian government has announced a new infrastructure fund that would provide billions to provinces and territories to build up wastewater treatment capacity and housing. The money comes with strings that include a pledge to build ,missing middle, housing, which Premier Doug Ford has opposed. The premier says he would rather let municipalities decide what and where to build. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the premier's hesitancy to change course.Ontario has decided where its allotment of international students will go, and public universities and colleges are the big winners. Private career colleges will see a drop in enrolment and could be the first casualties from this new federal cap.There's a deadline to call a by-election and the time has come for Lambton Kent Middlesex, the former riding of MPP Monte McNaughton. Steve and John Michael discuss who will be running.You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/a-conversation-in-hamiltons-tent-cityJohn Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/renters-in-canada-need-all-the-help-they-can-get-will-a-bill-of-rights-make-any-differenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy has unveiled Ontario's budget and it's a big one. The province is spending an unprecedented amount on building infrastructure projects but is expected to see large deficits over the next two years. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the details. The Ontario Liberal Party has announced their candidate for the Milton byelection, and it's not Bonnie Crombie. Galen Naidoo Harris, the son of former Milton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris, will run. However, his candidacy leaves open the question of where the new Ontario Liberal leader will plant her flag. And in Your Column, My Column, Steve and John Michael go over some specific parts of the budget that really grind their gears. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-should-the-government-send-me-9-a-month-to-help-me-pay-my-hydro-bill John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-2024-budget-means-for-housing-affordability-in-ontarioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has said that if she becomes premier, she will not impose carbon tax on residents. This, among many other announcements, has made this a big week for her. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what's been announced so far. In Your Column, My Column, Steve talks about Roy McMurtry who died on March 18. McMurtry was one of two Ontarians to hold the positions of both attorney general and chief justice of the province's highest court. He also championed human rights and legalized same-sex marriage in Ontario. Then, we bring an end to the CPR West Toronto station story in our mailbag segment. Steve and John Michael remember that this story was never about the destination, it was about all the interesting train facts they learned along the way. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column on Roy McMurtry: https://www.tvo.org/article/remembering-roy-mcmurtry-one-of-ontarios-most-influential-attorneys-general An interview with Roy McMurtry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SrxkBkJuKI Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.com JMM’s column on Bonnie Crombie’s new housing policy: https://www.tvo.org/article/will-bonnie-crombies-new-housing-policy-light-a-fire-under-the-ford-governmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier Doug Ford has been seen in recent weeks handing out large cheques to cities who have hit their housing targets through the Building Faster Fund. Most recently, he praised Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, whose record is worse than former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why the premier is willing to forgive when it comes to certain cities. The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has picked their nominee in the upcoming Milton byelection. Will Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie also run in that race? Meanwhile, Durham's new federal MP Jamil Jivani has stirred up the conflict between the provincial and federal conservative parties. It's all getting a bit messy. There's a good chance this summer will be a lot like last summer. Wildfire smoke could blanket the province, so the climate is on our minds. Steve and John Michael highlight some upcoming changes to two environmental acts that could have implications for the future of the province. John Michael’s column on Halton Region and CN Rail: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-halton-region-both-won-and-lost-in-its-fight-against-cn-rail-in-just-one-week The Narwhal’s reporting on conservation authorities: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-conservation-authorities-changes/ How wetlands are becoming toxic time bombs: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-wetlands-are-becoming-pollution-time-bombs Why Ontario shouldn’t pave paradise to put up a highway: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-ontario-shouldnt-pave-paradise-to-put-up-a-highway You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official opposition is calling on the Ontario government to remove tolls for truckers on Highway 407. Their argument is moving truck traffic to the toll road would save truckers time and taxpayers money while removing the need to build highway 413. But will Doug Ford budge on his plans? The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is the last union to sign a tentative agreement with the province. If ratified, all the big teacher organizations will then have agreements for the next three years. We discuss the history of these conflicts throughout the years. And Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the legacy of former prime minister Brian Mulroney who died at 84. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column on Brian Mulroney’s unlikely friendships: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-brian-mulroneys-unlikely-friendships-say-about-his-political-legacy Steve’s column on the titans of ‘80s politics: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-titans-of-80s-politics-are-gone-lets-hope-their-legacy-of-mutual-respect-endures Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give John Michael's column on sewers: https://www.tvo.org/article/want-to-boost-housing-affordability-then-start-thinking-about-sewersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's provincial government is infusing $1.3 billion into the post-secondary education system, but is it too little and too late? Faced with funding pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and new regulations around international students, Ontario's higher learning institutions were looking for closer to $2.5 billion and for tuition hikes. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next.Doug Ford has tripled down on his hope to appoint ,like-minded judges, on Ontario courts by appointing former staffers onto the committees that choose judges. We discuss whether this is a new practice or something all political parties do.Mike Schreiner's housing bill has been sent to committee or, as John Michael calls it, legislative purgatory. We discuss the possible reasons for the move and how the bill could potentially be brought into other housing policy.A note to listeners, the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/half-a-century-ago-ontario-got-its-youngest-ever-cabinet-minister John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/if-governments-are-serious-about-fighting-climate-change-they-should-tackle-transit-report Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy Legislative Assembly of OntarioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPPs have returned to Queen's Park after their winter hiatus to a jam-packed schedule with the Ontario PC Government introducing the "Get It Done Act." Steve and John Michael dig into what's in that bill.We're also responding to your questions and comments from the last episode of the podcast. Email us at onpolitics@tvo.org if you have a question you'd like addressed on the show.A note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give A Place to Stand (1967): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0F10Sc3Vcw Ontario.ca's resource page about A Place To Stand: https://web.archive.org/web/20190622184444/https://www.ontario.ca/page/place-stand-ontario-songClip of Aislinn Clancy's entry to Queen's Park courtesy Legislative Assembly of OntarioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late last year, Energy Minister Todd Smith said he'd introduce legislation to reverse a decision made by the Ontario Energy Board. The decision would have put the cost of hooking up new homes to the gas grid onto developers, which, the minister said, would delay shovels getting into the ground. Steve and John Michael discuss the impact of this decision.Online investigative magazine The Narwhal is reporting that the Government of Ontario is planning to expand its powers to expropriate land. Taking land is one way the government can use its powers to help infrastructure projects get done, but the normal process can take months and requires public consultations. Why is the government so keen to speed things up?Premier Doug Ford said Ontario will soon see one of the biggest projects in the world coming to the province. It was a mysterious announcement that has Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wondering what it could possibly be.And a note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays starting February 16th. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.