On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

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.