On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast Tariffs Paused—Can Ontario’s Election Shift Back to Real Issues?
Feb 5, 2025
57:03
In today's episode of On The Ledge, the panel tackles the latest political shifts following a temporary reprieve on tariffs, giving the Ontario election campaign a new trajectory. Doug Ford’s positioning as "Captain Canada" comes under scrutiny, while Bonnie Crombie and Marit Stiles fight for visibility amid the chaos of Trump-driven global headlines.
The panel also explores affordability concerns, food insecurity, and the challenges of making meaningful policy discussions break through the election noise.Key Takeaways
The panel also explores affordability concerns, food insecurity, and the challenges of making meaningful policy discussions break through the election noise.Key Takeaways
- Tariff Reprieve Shifts Campaign Focus: With a 30-day pause, the Ontario election must now pivot back to healthcare, affordability, and job security.
- Ford’s ‘Captain Canada’ Strategy: The Premier continues to dominate headlines, leveraging nationalistic sentiment and upcoming meetings in Washington.
- Liberal & NDP Struggles: Both opposition parties are struggling to cut through the overwhelming media coverage of Ford and Trump.
- Food Insecurity & Affordability: More than 1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks, but the issue is being overshadowed in the campaign.
- Local Politics in the Spotlight: Bonnie Crombie faces strategic attacks in Brampton, while Marit Stiles hones in on housing and poverty in Parkdale.
- Neil Hetherington (Daily Bread Food Bank):
“1 million Ontarians depend on food banks—why isn't this a top issue in the campaign?”
[00:01:40] - Amanda Galbraith (Oyster Group):
“It is a very tough media environment right now. The opposition needs a big moment to break through.”
[00:02:50] - John Wright (Pollster):
“There’s a two-thirds majority in Ontario that doesn’t want Ford, but the opposition hasn’t capitalized on it.”
[00:45:10] - Monique Smith (Global Public Affairs):
“This election is about Ford securing another four years for his friends. He’s not negotiating with Trump—Trudeau is.”
[00:19:40]