On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

The Ontario legislature adjourned for a five month break on June 3rd - the same day opposition parties and advocates called on the province's Financial Accountability Office to review the cost to build and operate Doug Ford's pet-project Highway 413.So far, the government has refused to offer any real details.It prompts the question: What is the Ontario government hiding about Highway 413?In this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford speaks with investigative journalist Paul Webster about his years-long battle to uncover the true cost of Ontario’s proposed Highway 413 project.Webster explains how Freedom of Information requests led to a major legal confrontation with the Ontario government over land acquisition records tied to the controversial highway.The conversation digs into cabinet confidentiality claims, the role of the Information Commissioner of Ontario, and why the province is spending significant legal resources fighting disclosure requests.Webster also explores the larger implications of Highway 413 — from environmental concerns and urban sprawl to developer interests and taxpayer accountability. This episode examines:Ontario Freedom of Information lawsHighway 413 land acquisition costsGovernment transparency and accountabilityCabinet confidentiality disputesDeveloper influence and land speculationEnvironmental concerns surrounding Highway 413The legal battle between the Ontario government and the Information CommissionerIf you follow Ontario politics, infrastructure debates, environmental policy, or government accountability stories, this conversation offers an important look at one of the province’s biggest ongoing controversies.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’s commercial property tax system is broken and it's costing business across the province tens of millions of dollars A YEAR. And all because of the municipal assessment policies set at Queen's Park. Premier Doug Ford knows there's a problem, yet has done nothing about it since taking office in 2018.In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario Politics Podcast, Dave Trafford sits down with property tax advocate Paul Sullivan to unpack the hidden consequences of Ontario’s decade-long property assessment freeze.Sullivan argues that because Ontario properties are still being assessed using 2016 values, the province has created a distorted and increasingly unfair tax system — especially for small businesses. While municipal budgets and tax rates continue to rise, the underlying assessments haven’t kept pace with dramatic changes in commercial real estate values, consumer behaviour, development pressures, and post-pandemic economic realities.The conversation breaks down how “ad valorem” taxation is supposed to work, why regular reassessments matter, and how freezing assessments has shifted disproportionate tax burdens onto local retailers, restaurants, and independent businesses. Sullivan shares findings from his analysis of more than 3,000 GTA property sales and reveals that many neighbourhood businesses are unknowingly paying thousands more in property taxes than they should.Dave and Paul also explore the broader political and economic implications: municipal dependence on property taxes, provincial reluctance to reform the system, development slowdowns, rising costs for consumers, and the erosion of trust in public finance. Despite the complexity of the issue, the discussion keeps returning to a simple question: who is really paying the price for outdated tax policy?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 is a SPECIAL EDITIO of On the Ledge - you Ontario politics podcast. It's a "feed drop" from Newstalk 1010's Moore in the Morning.The politics of trade, tariffs and public space all collide in this week's roundtable .John Moore stickhandled ROUND ONE, featuring former Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak, Nexus Strategy Group CEO Marion Nader, and Story Studio Network’s Dave Trafford for a wide-ranging discussion on reports that the White House intervened to cancel meetings Premier Doug Ford had planned during his latest trip to Washington.What does it tell us about the state of Canada-U.S. relations? Is it a negotiating tactic tied to CUSMA talks, or a signal that trade discussions are entering a more difficult phase? Dave doesn't think the "snub" was hostile at all. It suggests there may be some opportunities brewing behind closed doors.The panel also examines Ford’s pledge to keep American alcohol off LCBO shelves until a trade deal is reached. Has Ontario’s boycott already changed consumer behaviour? And could Ontario wineries, breweries and local producers emerge as long-term winners regardless of how the trade dispute ends?If you want smart, informed analysis of the issues shaping Ontario politics and public policy, this episode delivers plenty to think about.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's legislature is heading into a remarkably long summer recess, but the political debates aren't cooling down.In this episode of On the Ledge, I’m joined by Tim Hudak, Kathleen Wynne, John Wright and Keith Leslie for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when MPPs leave Queen’s Park for nearly five months. Is this a reasonable balance between constituency work and legislative duties, or does it weaken accountability and democratic oversight?We also dig into the growing controversy surrounding Billy Bishop Airport expansion plans, including questions about lobbying, transparency and who ultimately stands to benefit from major changes on Toronto’s waterfront.The conversation then shifts to Ottawa, where reports of internal Liberal caucus tensions raise questions about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership style and how leaders manage dissent behind closed doors.Finally, we look ahead to Ontario’s next round of teacher negotiations, examining funding pressures, class sizes, declining enrolment, school infrastructure and what parents can expect heading into the next school year.As always, the panel brings experience, perspective and a healthy dose of political realism to the discussion.#OntarioPolitics #DougFord #MarkCarney #BillyBishopAirport #OntarioEducation #QueenPark #TeacherNegotiations #OnTheLedge #OntarioNews #CanadianPolitics 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.

Premier Doug Ford’s latest comments about homelessness encampments and judges sparked another political firestorm — and the On the Ledge panel has a lot to say about it.This week, Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, former PC leader Tim Hudak, veteran political journalist Keith Leslie, and pollster John Wright for a wide-ranging conversation about the politics behind homelessness, addiction, encampments, and public frustration across Ontario.The panel digs into the Waterloo Region court ruling that stalled a transit project, Ford’s escalating rhetoric toward judges, and whether governments are addressing the root causes of homelessness or simply reacting to public anger.They also unpack the growing debate around safe consumption sites, forced treatment, and the political risks surrounding Alberta separatism and Danielle Smith’s referendum strategy.Plus: Canada’s Saab defence negotiations, trade tensions with the U.S., the fallout from the Nate Erskine-Smith controversy inside the Ontario Liberal Party, and Caroline Mulroney’s surprise exit from provincial politics.Sharp analysis, strong opinions, and a few laughs along the way — this week on On the Ledge.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Ford’s “Wolf Howl” MomentThe panel opens with lighter conversation about Premier Ford’s now-viral wolf howl before pivoting into the week’s major political stories.03:21 – Encampments, Courts and the Waterloo Transit DisputeA heated discussion about the court ruling preventing the removal of a homeless encampment tied to a delayed transit project, including debate over judicial activism, constitutional rights, and municipal responsibility.16:01 – Homelessness, Public Opinion and Social Policy FailuresThe panel examines addiction policy, supervised consumption sites, stigma around homelessness, public frustration, and whether Ontario’s government is addressing root causes or simply reacting politically.37:18 – Alberta Separatism and Referendum PoliticsThe group breaks down Alberta’s referendum-on-a-referendum strategy, the risks of separatist rhetoric, and the political calculations facing Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney.44:02 – Defence Deals, Trade Tensions and Canada-U.S. RelationsDiscussion turns to Canada’s Saab negotiations, F-35 procurement questions, and the broader political messaging around trade and sovereignty amid strained Canada-U.S. relations.50:02 – Ontario Liberal Turmoil and Caroline Mulroney’s ExitThe panel reviews the Nate Erskine-Smith nomination controversy, the Ontario Liberal leadership race, and Caroline Mulroney’s decision to leave politics after years in public service.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.

What should school look like in an age of AI, anxiety, disengagement, and rapid social change?In this episode of NOW and NEXT, Dave Trafford speaks with educator and author Dr. Cinde Lock about redesigning education for a generation that needs more than standardized testing and rigid curriculum structures. Drawing on innovative programs developed at Pickering College, Dr. Lock explains how schools can connect academics to purpose, community engagement, entrepreneurship, creativity, and real-world problem solving.The conversation explores why traditional education models are struggling to keep students engaged, how AI could help personalize learning, and why the future of school may depend on giving students greater ownership over what and how they learn.Dave and Dr. Lock also discuss:Student mental health and absenteeismProject-based and experiential learningAI-assisted curriculum designCivic engagement and community partnershipsEntrepreneurship, creativity, and resilienceThe future role of teachersWhy education systems must evolve beyond industrial-age thinkingThe episode also features remarkable examples of students working on homelessness awareness campaigns, environmental restoration projects, bee hive sustainability initiatives, and community advocacy efforts that produced real-world impact beyond the classroom.Dr. Lock’s new book, Connections, Academics and Purpose: Designing the Future of School, explores how education systems can evolve to better prepare students for an uncertain future while helping them discover meaning, purpose, and confidence along the way.Chapters00:00 - Dave welcomes you to this special edition of On the Ledge. This episode was originally recoreded and produced for his NOW and NEXT podcast.03:00 — Introduction: Designing the Future of SchoolDave Trafford introduces Dr. Cinde Lock and the conversation about rethinking education beyond the traditional classroom model.08:59 — Testing, Standardized Assessments and Student AnxietyThe discussion examines EQAO testing, academic pressure, and whether schools have become too focused on evaluation rather than engagement.14:46 — AI, Personalized Learning and Student-Driven CurriculumDr. Lock outlines a future-facing vision where students navigate curriculum through personalized projects, mentorship, and AI-supported learning systems.23:34 — Breaking the System: Scaling Educational InnovationCan innovative learning models work beyond elite schools? The conversation turns to implementation, teacher culture, and public education reform.34:08 — Real-World Learning: Homelessness, Civic Engagement and Community ImpactStudents work with Blue Door and local organizations to tackle homelessness stigma, influencing public debate and local political thinking.40:43 — Failure, Resilience and Why Real Learning MattersFrom bee hive collapses to environmental restoration projects, Dr. Lock explains why experimentation, setbacks, and iteration are essential parts of meaningful education.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.

Alberta separatism, Billy Bishop Airport expansion, Metrolinx transparency, Niagara politics, and Doug Ford’s latest infrastructure ambitions — this week’s On the Ledge covers a wide stretch of Canada’s political fault lines.Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak, pollster John Wright, and veteran political journalist Keith Leslie for a wide-ranging conversation on the political tensions shaping Ontario and the country.Kathleen Wynne joins from Calgary with firsthand insight into the growing conversation around Alberta separation and Western alienation. The panel debates whether a referendum vote could become Canada’s version of Brexit, the role Danielle Smith is playing inside Alberta politics, and whether Ottawa is taking the threat seriously enough.Back in Ontario, the panel breaks down the political and economic questions surrounding proposed Billy Bishop Airport expansion plans, including concerns about waterfront development, infrastructure planning, transparency, and the lack of a public business case. The discussion also explores delays tied to Metrolinx projects, Niagara’s proposed mega Ferris wheel tourism concept, and the ongoing debate over accountability and political distraction at Queen’s Park.Plus: Niagara regional chair speculation, strong mayor powers, and a championship track-and-field story from the Hudak household to close out the show.#OntarioPolitics #DougFord #Alberta #BillyBishop #DanielleSmith #Metrolinx #TorontoPolitics #OnTheLedge #CanadianPolitics #NiagaraFallsChapters00:00 – Introduction and Kathleen Wynne’s Calgary observations02:40 – Alberta separatism, referendum fears, and Brexit comparisons15:18 – National unity, provincial politics, and Danielle Smith’s political balancing act23:01 – Billy Bishop Airport expansion and Toronto referendum debate36:35 – Metrolinx transparency, infrastructure delays, and the Niagara Ferris wheel49:43 – Niagara regional chair politics and closing momentsYou 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.

The “gravy plane” story refuses to go away — and this week on On the Ledge, the panel breaks down why the Ford government’s latest document dump may have created more questions than answers.Host Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, veteran political journalist Keith Leslie, and pollster John Wright for a wide-ranging discussion about accountability, affordability, and the political risks facing the Ford government heading into summer.The panel examines the nearly $200,000 in added costs tied to Ontario’s controversial aircraft purchase and resale, why opposition parties continue to hammer the issue, and whether Doug Ford’s recent messaging reset is actually connecting with voters struggling with grocery prices, fuel costs, and economic anxiety.Also in this episode:The Auditor General’s troubling findings on trucking safety oversightAI use in Ontario healthcare and the politics of “hallucinating” headlinesOngoing failures at the Family Responsibility OfficeDeclining media scrutiny and the erosion of accountability mechanismsOntario Liberal Party infighting and the Nate Erskine-Smith nomination controversyIt’s another candid, fast-moving conversation about the stories shaping Ontario politics right now — and what they could mean for the months ahead.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and the latest “gravy plane” revelations05:00 – Opposition strategy, political tone, and Ford’s messaging reset13:00 – Affordability pressures, cost-of-living politics, and Doug Ford’s new video strategy23:20 – Auditor General reports: trucking safety, AI in healthcare, and accountability gaps34:15 – Government transparency, media decline, and the changing accountability landscape51:20 – Ontario Liberal Party turmoil, Nate Erskine-Smith controversy, and leadership speculationOntario Politics Podcast: Doug Ford Gravy Plane Scandal, Cost of Living Crisis & Auditor General ReportFord Government Accountability Questions Grow | Ontario Politics, AI Healthcare & Liberal Party DramaOntario Politics Explained: Gravy Plane Costs, Affordability Anxiety & Nate Erskine-Smith ControversyYou 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.

Doug Ford’s government is facing mounting pressure — and this week on On the Ledge, the panel breaks down why the controversy around the “gravy plane,” freedom-of-information changes, and Highway 413 transparency questions just won’t go away.Host Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, veteran pollster John Wright, and longtime Queen’s Park journalist Keith Leslie for a wide-ranging discussion about political tone, accountability, affordability, and the future of Ontario politics.The conversation examines Ford’s increasingly testy exchanges with reporters, the government’s effort to move the agenda back toward trade and economic issues, and whether voters are paying more attention to affordability concerns than political scandals. The panel also digs into the Ontario government’s handling of Greenbelt-related information requests and why critics keep asking one central question: “What are you hiding?”Plus:The escalating tone at Queen’s ParkMarit Stiles vs. Doug FordWhy teacher negotiations could define the fall political seasonHonda’s pause on Ontario EV investmentsWhether Ontario missed its chance to build EV infrastructure properlyNate Erskine-Smith and the Scarborough Southwest Liberal nomination battleWhat Ontario Liberals still need before they can seriously challenge FordThe episode also includes a preview of an upcoming conversation about the future of education and innovative student-led learning models at Pickering College.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Ford’s difficult return to the spotlight06:45 – Transparency fights: FOI battles, Greenbelt questions, and the “what are you hiding?” problem17:05 – Schools, labour unrest, and why the fall political season could become explosive27:40 – Political tone, civility, and escalating rhetoric at Queen’s Park36:45 – Honda pauses EV investment and Ontario’s uncertain automotive future45:25 – Scarborough Southwest nomination battle and Ontario Liberal leadership speculationYou 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 was a rough week for Ontario Premier Doug Ford.His Tories are looking up at the leaderless Liberals in latest polling.His tone-deaf, off brand decision to buy a jet.An unhinged rant against Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth.And gutting the Freedom of Information laws paint the Premier as unaccountable and sneaky.This week’s On the Ledge former Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario PC Leader and Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, veteran political commentator Keith Leslie and Toronto SUN columnist Brian Lilley join host Dave Trafford to dig into a challenging stretch for Premier Doug Fordand broader questions about the government’s direction. For the first time in months, the conversation on the pod has NOT been dominated by comments Premier Ford made at "an unrelated news conference". The legislature is not sitting this week and, uncharacteristically, Ford has not used the off week to make his usual podium pronouncements from various provincial locales.Is the premier purposefully stepping away from the media this week? Probably advisable given the comms, policy, polling and political grief he's been taking - including his decision to expropirate most of the Toronto Islands, Little Norway Park and big-foot his way into municipal politics across the province.It leads us to focus on his apparant  lack of vision and messaging discipline.With no election on the horizon, the question isn’t just what happens next. The question is whether the Ford government can reset, refocus, and recover by articulating a compelling agenda for the years ahead.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford introduces On the Ledge and the roundtable.01:15 – Ford’s Rough Weeks and the Stephanie Smythe FalloutThe panel discusses Doug Ford’s apology, media blowback, and questions about political judgment.04:00 – Communication Discipline and OverexposureJohn Tory, Keith Leslie, and the panel examine why premiers get into trouble when they answer for every issue.06:15 – FOI, Accountability and the Greenbelt ConnectionThe discussion turns to freedom-of-information changes and concerns about what the government may be trying to shield.09:20 – Billy Bishop Airport and Toronto’s Waterfront FightThe panel explores the proposed airport expansion, municipal politics, Olivia Chow, and waterfront livability.19:20 – Strong Mayor Powers and Regional GovernanceDiscussion shifts to Niagara, appointed regional chairs, municipal restructuring, and democratic accountability.24:30 – Ford’s Poll Slump and an Aimless GovernmentBrian Lilley’s column frames a broader debate about whether the Ford government has lost its sense of purpose.28:45 – What’s the Vision for a Fourth Ford Mandate?The panel looks at polling, “time for change” numbers, affordability, infrastructure, and whether Ford can reset.37:30 – Taxes, Public Services and the ‘Am I Better Off?’ TestDebate over Ford’s no-tax-increase record, education funding, health care, housing, and day-to-day affordability.41:55 – Remote Work, Queen’s Park and Political HypocrisyThe panel discusses reports that Ford worked from home after ordering public servants back to the office.47:30 – Cell Phones in Schools and Education CultureBrian Lilley and the panel discuss school cell phone rules, parents, teachers, and broader challenges in education.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.