On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast AN OTL BONUS: Avi Lewis a risky choice for the NDP? and Air Canada gets it wrong in both languages
Apr 5, 2026
41:03
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 Communications
First, 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.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
Welcome and overview of this week’s communications-focused discussion.
01:00 – NDP Leadership & Identity Crisis
Avi Lewis’ leadership win sparks debate about the party’s direction, messaging, and national relevance.
07:00 – Messaging vs Reality in Politics
Panel explores whether ideology, leadership style, and messaging align with voter concerns.
12:30 – Air Canada Crisis Communications Breakdown
Analysis of tone, bilingual expectations, and leadership accountability in crisis response.
29:40 – The Junos, Politics & Cultural Signaling
Prime 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 X
And you can leave us a voice comment here!
For more information go to Dave's website.
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 Communications
First, 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.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
Welcome and overview of this week’s communications-focused discussion.
01:00 – NDP Leadership & Identity Crisis
Avi Lewis’ leadership win sparks debate about the party’s direction, messaging, and national relevance.
07:00 – Messaging vs Reality in Politics
Panel explores whether ideology, leadership style, and messaging align with voter concerns.
12:30 – Air Canada Crisis Communications Breakdown
Analysis of tone, bilingual expectations, and leadership accountability in crisis response.
29:40 – The Junos, Politics & Cultural Signaling
Prime 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 X
And you can leave us a voice comment here!
For more information go to Dave's website.