#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Where does freedom of religion end, and freedom from discrimination begin? In 2019, a Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) trustee's provocative and polarizing remarks ignited a firestorm. Michael Del Grande argued that if protections for queer and trans individuals were added to the TCDSB code of conduct, then protections should also be added for those who commit pedophilia and cannibalism. His comments sparked outrage, legal battles, and a fierce debate that continues to shape discussions on sex, gender, and inclusion in Ontario's Catholic schools. Teachers, students, parents, and politicians remain deeply divided. Who holds the power to define the future of queer and trans inclusion in education? How does the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity impact religious rights? In a new series from TVO Podcasts, co-hosts Matt Nethersole and Tiff Lam delve into the ways that human rights, sexuality, gender, religion, and politics are colliding in Ontario's Catholic schools-and beyond. In this episode, they speak to a 2SLGBTQ+ advocate fighting for change in Catholic schools, a former Ontario premier who thinks school boards can do more to comply with Ministry expectations and a historian explains the connection between Catholic schools and the birth of Canada. To listen to the full series, visit http://tvo.org/podcasts/queriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Ford is threatening to turn off the province's energy exports to the United States, as a measure to combat proposed tariffs from president-elect Donald Trump. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what seems like an inevitable tit-for-tat tariff war. The Ford government has put forward its proposed legislation on how to end homeless encampments across the province. And Steve and JMM take a look at some end of session bills and why they might be telling on the timing of a spring election. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/david-frum-on-canadian-history-and-the-battlefield-of-ideas JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-new-legislation-shows-that-ontario-is-still-digesting-the-lessons-of-the-pandemic Ontario Road Map: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/109168_USee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, the Auditor General of Ontario releases an annual report detailing how money was spent in the Province of Ontario. This year's report has called some of the province's dealings "not fair, transparent, or accountable." Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the findings. Phil Verster, the embattled CEO of Metrolinx, has resigned. With the Eglinton LRT still unopened, we look back on his tenure in the role and what still needs to get done. Ontario is spending millions on primetime ads on Fox News in hopes of avoiding tariffs. Will this gambit work or are we in for some inevitable pain? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/my-final-conversation-with-one-of-the-really-good-guys-of-politics-0 JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/can-ontario-get-nuclear-power-plants-built-in-new-places-were-about-to-find-outSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's trade threats have caused mass economic panic. Doug Ford and Justin Trudeau have threatened retaliatory tactics. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next and if this is just the president-elect's bluster. Ontario's post-secondary sector is facing a financial crisis with Sheridan College unveiling cuts to programming and staff lay offs. So, why is the provincial government ignoring the blue-ribbon panel that offered concrete solutions? The Ontario New Democratic Party and Marit Stiles have called on the integrity commissioner to investigate the province's fundraising targets. The Ontario Liberals and Bonnie Crombie have unveiled documents showing the desperate state of the family doctor crisis. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/admiration-for-trump-wont-win-ontario-politicians-any-brownie-points JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-fords-plan-a-for-the-next-trump-article-has-already-failedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ontario New Democratic party are pitching a new deal for municipalities that include re-uploading big costs to the province. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plan and react to Marit Stiles's appointment of former Toronto Mayor David Miller to a special position. Mississauga mayor Carolyn Parrish has found herself in hot water over a cancelled vigil to former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and comparing him to Nelson Mandela. So, why was Doug Ford's reaction so tame? Ontario has a found another potential site for long term storage for nuclear waste. Steve and JMM discuss why this facility will play a large role in the development of a clean energy future for the province. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/hockey-hall-of-famer-dick-duff-is-still-telling-stories-at-age-88 JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-cities-need-a-new-deal-what-should-they-have-to-give-up-to-get-oneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie has made her first major election campaign promise: a tax cut for the middle class. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how the Liberals are trying to outflank the Tories on the cost of living crisis. We now know the cost of the province's plan to remove bike lanes from Toronto's streets: $48 million. Can the city stop the removal?  Receiving presumptive care has gotten a little easier for wildland firefighters; however, union leaders argue the changes don't go far enough.  Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/toronto-honours-former-ontario-cabinet-minister-david-caplan JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-how-many-ways-can-ontario-fail-to-tackle-the-housing-crisisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. What are the implications for Ontario's economy? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what sectors will be impacted the most. The Ontario Liberal Party has a new line of attack on the family doctor shortage in the province. Ontario integrity commissioner is retiring early, so what happens to the office's investigations? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-remembrance-day-richard-rohmer-will-be-returning-to-queens-park John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-legalize-housing-is-a-taller-order-than-queens-park-realizesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fall economic statement shows the province is raking in more money than previously thought, but is it enough to justify a $200 cheque to every Ontarian? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss. Are you getting a COVID shot? Why uptake might not match previous years and why the province's chief medical officer has been silent about it. Doug Ford called out Sudbury NDP MPP Jamie West and says he's playing cards on the back bench. Is it just another signal that a spring election looms? Peter Bethlenfalvy joins the podcast to talk about the province's financial state of affairs and defends the government's books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queen's Park is back and still talking about bike lanes. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the government's first big piece legislation and why it's so laser focused on bikes. Dr. Jane Philpott is taking charge of a provincial team that's looking to connect all Ontarians with a primary healthcare provider. It's an odd job for the former Liberal health minister although well within her wheelhouse, but will Doug Ford listen to her recommendations? Marit Stiles joins the podcast to talk about the NDP's plans for upcoming session at QP, the fact that 3 of her MPPs have left for Federal politics, and why she's the alternative Ontarians need right now.  Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/celebrating-a-man-who-knows-all-there-is-to-know-about-ontario-political-history JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-ontario-could-have-a-new-option-for-turning-offices-into-homes-if-the-government-takesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner joins the podcast to talk about his hopes for the party, the new session at Queen's Park, and much more. Want bike lanes in your city? Well, you'll have to run it by Queen's Park as the provincial government wants a say on where bike lanes go. Ontario Liberals are saying the Therme Spa deal is Doug Ford's 407. The NDP are calling for an investigation into it the deal. Meanwhile, Doug Ford will be sending you $200 in the mail. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/remembering-jim-peterson John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-governments-add-red-tape-to-stuff-they-want-to-suffocate-housing-and-bike-lanesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The province is undertaking an audit of children's aid societies in Ontario. This comes after Premier Doug Ford's criticized cost overruns and manager bonuses. Unions representing the organizations say the criticism is a smokescreen for decades of underfunding that have worsened conditions. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the status of the system and what can be done to prevent tragedies. The provincial government has released the details of its lease to Therme. A 95-year lease will provide the province with $2 billion in revenue, which, if you do the math, isn't that much money per year. Steve and JMM discuss the fallout. Geoffrey Hinton, the so-called father of artificial intelligence, has words for Doug Ford over the closure of the Ontario Science Centre. The new Nobel laureate says people shouldn't elect someone who is willing to close an institution that embraced curiosity. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/is-this-marit-stiless-moment John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-toronto-gets-a-raw-deal-from-the-province-that-doesnt-mean-it-can-ignore-the-basicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bhutila Karpoche is the third NDP MPP to seek a federal nomination. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about why now might be the time to make the leap to Ottawa. Another transit headache for the City of Toronto as Mosaic, the builders behind the Finch LRT, sue the province over delays in opening the line. Should the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation be a provincial holiday in Ontario? Sol Mamakwa thinks it should be; the government isn't so sure. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/honouring-americas-first-centenarian-president John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-are-the-federal-liberals-facing-an-extinction-eventSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie joins Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath to discuss her plans ahead of a potential spring election, the OLP's new slogan, and how she tries to get under Doug Ford's skin. Premier Ford's comments telling homeless people to get off their butts and get jobs has him taking heat, and leaves many wondering if he's unaware of the pervasiveness of this issue. Doug Ford wants to build a highway underneath the 401. Will a feasibility study build his case or show that this is simple a pipe dream? John Michael's column: Coming Soon Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-can-we-learn-from-the-ontario-liberals-new-sloganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ontario PC Party has won the riding of Bay of Quinte, replacing former education minister Todd Smith. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into how this may affect a possible spring election. The Government of Ontario has released its public accounts, which show that revenues are up and the deficit is down, but the debt just got bigger. And the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario will launch an investigation into the early expansion of alcohol sales. The report, set to be released in early 2025, could be a bombshell for an early election. Steve's column: (coming soon) John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/do-the-costs-of-wind-power-outweigh-its-benefits-for-ontario Caretaker Convention explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gkOtfh0-hQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government of Ontario is spending millions on upgrading the water infrastructure in Prince Edward County — ahead of a by-election next week. Coincidence? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss. Doug Ford believes Jagmeet Singh won't trigger an early election at the federal level due to his pension. The NDP leader fires back telling the Premier to stop focusing on alcohol in corner stores. Food bank usage has spiked in Ontario with over a million people visiting one in the last year. It's a grim milestone and one group is calling for change. Steve's column: John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-good-economic-news-during-a-housing-crisis The Thread's episode on food insecurity: https://youtu.be/uTGKHJnBF3M?si=0Eq_pZd4UCYc_6eC TVO Today Live in Mississauga: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-today-live#upcomingeventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new ban on smartphones in Ontario's secondary schools has come into effect. How will students react to the new policy? Or will the province reverse course like the Toronto District School Board? Alcohol sales have expanded in Ontario to convenience stores and gas stations while supervised consumption sites have been shuttered. Steve and John Michael discuss the two decisions and their cognitive dissonance. They also discuss the by-election for the Bay of Quinte following the resignation of MPP Todd Smith. Smith is the latest Tory MPP to leave the party for the private sector, so how will this by-election affect a potential election in spring? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/checking-in-with-ottawas-former-mayor John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/on-energy-the-government-has-some-difficult-choices-to-make 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.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath return to the #onpoli podcast for a midsummer check-in from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/heres-how-to-beat-doug-ford-in-the-next-election JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/ottawa-is-in-rough-shape-what-will-the-province-do-about-it Councillor Nagy question at the AMO – The Women of Ontario Say No/instagram.com Mayor Meed Ward question at the AMO – marianne.meedward/instagram.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.