Journalists Sabrina Nanji and Émilie Gougeon-Pelletier join Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath to discuss party efforts in the final stretch of the Ontario 2025 election. Despite the Conservative lead in the polls, there are some tight races. The group discusses some ridings where the contest is heating up. We also discuss the French-language debate that took place this week and what came from that. And the group tackles some controversial comments made by candidates throughout the election and if it will have any effect. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-lightning-strike-twice-for-the-greens-in-kitchener-centre JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-the-ndp-and-liberal-platforms-say-and-why-it-mattersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family Day marked the final leaders' debate during the 2025 Ontario Election. Bonnie Crombie, Marit Stiles, and Mike Schreiner were on the offensive while Doug Ford made an apology over the Greenbelt. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dissect the event and how each leader fared. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/for-family-day-a-father-son-political-profile JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-someone-please-talk-about-housingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, was in Washington this past week alongside Canada's other premiers trying to make headway on the tariff threat. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this trip defies norms and why the opposition leaders say it probably didn't help. Ontario's post-secondary sector is facing a huge financial crisis and parties are laying out their plans on how to fix it; however, the Ontario Liberal plan is getting bashed by advocates. The Ontario Green Party has released its platform entitled "Our Plan For Fairness." Steve and John Michael dig into the details and see what policy ideas other parties might steal. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-this-liberal-candidate-jump-from-journalism-to-queens-park JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-theres-no-negotiating-with-donald-trump-on-tariffsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Bowl Sunday had a little injection of Ontario politics with the Ontario Liberal Party and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives buying ad space during the big game. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the strategy and if it will move the needle. United States President Donald Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on steel and aluminum. How does that impact Ontario's economy? Steve and John Michael discuss the implication for our province and its auto industry. What have the parties promised in order to tackle the various healthcare crises we're facing in Ontario? And are these promises doable? Elections Ontario website: https://www.elections.on.ca/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath are joined by Jessica Smith Cross, editor in chief of the Trillium and Charlie Pinkerton, reporter at the Trillium, to discuss the latest update in the Greenbelt scandal. Premier Doug Ford has received plenty of endorsements this election campaign, and mayors are now entering the game. The team discuss the new trend and why local politicians are weighing in. Ontario Progressive Conservative candidates have been told not to participate in local debates and to instead focus on door knocking. What effect does this have on our democracy? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/politics-doesnt-have-to-be-so-impolite-just-ask-my-lunch-dates JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-cancelling-starlink-is-easy-trump-proofing-ontarios-electricity-will-be-hardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump tariffs may be on pause, but they’ve taken over the narrative of this Ontario election campaign. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this looming threat is changing the race and heating up rhetoric between party leaders. The Liberals are determined to keep the focus on Doug Ford’s health care record with a bright-red campaign bus. And Steve and John Michael discuss the Conservatives's labour union endorsements, including fire fighters, a public sector union, that has benefitted under Ford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election campaign is on for the Province of Ontario. Voters will head to the polls on February 27. Doug Ford, Marit Stiles, Bonnie Crombie, and Mike Schreiner will now vie for leadership as Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath expand their coverage during the writ period. The Financial Accountability Office probed Doug Ford's plan to expand alcohol access early, and taxpayers could be picking up a $1.4 billion tab. Ontario New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles says, if elected, she will eliminate tolls on Highway 407 for everyone, but is that a good plan? Steve and John Michael dive into the costs. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/saying-goodbye-to-the-loveliest-person-ive-ever-met-in-ontario-politics JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-this-provincial-election-isnt-just-about-trump-its-also-about-ottawaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As early as next week, Premier Doug Ford could call an election in Ontario. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath go over what comes next. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association have just wrapped up their annual meeting. Steve and John Michael discuss how Premier Doug Ford dropped an election bombshell on the event and how the opposition reacted. Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States and is now threatening punishing tariffs as soon as Feb. 1. What happens next and will Canada be able to escape this economic threat? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-justin-trudeau-joe-biden-and-a-growing-club-leaders-who-dont-know-when-to-leave JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-amo-is-getting-into-election-advertising Nerds on Politics "Another election?": https://youtu.be/BbEKb_jCBwU?si=EvZDFRxIYsMkgaui Nerds on Politics "Why you never drop a writ": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdyQJtAzbjISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier Doug Ford says he needs a fresh mandate to combat Donald Trump's tariffs, but opposition MPPs believe he has all the tools he needs already. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why the premier may be pushing for an early election. The province moved some ServiceOntario locations to Staples Canada, which they said would save taxpayers money. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario says otherwise. What will you do with the $200 cheque coming your way from the provincial government? One website is pitching Ontarians on donating the money to charitable organizations. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-how-doug-ford-became-an-unlikely-figure-of-national-unity JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-ontario-is-betting-big-on-nuclear-powerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would resign. The move has many speculating whether Ontario Premier Doug Ford will still call an early election. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next and why Donald Trump is calling for the United States to annex Canada. There's little financial security in becoming a Member of Provincial Parliament as former Scarborough Southwest MPP Lorenzo Berardinetti has experienced. Steve and John Michael discuss his story and the trouble with the housing crisis in Ontario. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act set January 1 2025 as a deadline for making the province accessible. Disability advocates say the there's still a long way to go. Steve and John Michael discuss what more needs to be done. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-doug-fords-most-difficult-decision-yet-just-got-a-whole-lot-more-complicated MM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-get-ready-for-ontario-to-become-an-election-battleground Nerds on Politics: How do parties pick their leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZmQDmiaAm0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.