#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Stellantis, which produces Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep vehicles, among others, is making a huge investment in the United States and leaving two Ontario plants in jeopardy. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about the fallout of this news and the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs.  During a public appearance, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told a story about threatening an alleged shoplifter with a beating. Steve and John Michael discuss the reaction - and what experts are saying. The province is buying ad space in the U.S. to promote the removal of trade barriers. Will the ad, which invokes Ronald Reagan, be able to reach the current commander in chief? Steve and JMM discuss the cost of the ad - and how effective they think it will be. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-former-mpps-want-in-on-doug-fords-new-pension-plan-will-he-let-them JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-is-starting-to-enforce-its-rules-around-empty-beer-cans-now-whatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The notwithstanding clause allows governments to set aside certain charter rights and supersede the courts on decisions. Quebec's Bill 21 has set up the latest fight between the premiers and the prime minister over how it can be used. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the historic precedents that set out its use. Ontario's handling of the Skills Development Fund is under the microscope following an auditor general's report, so a minister attending a lobbyist's wedding in Paris has the opposition's hackles up. Steve and John Michael delve into the optics and what the other parties may do. Doug Ford received a letter from 20 municipalities asking him to consider exemptions to his ban on automated speed enforcement cameras, specifically allowing them in school zones. Steve and JMM discuss the premier's response. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-who-wants-to-lead-the-ontario-liberals JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-fords-crown-royal-threat-a-distraction Explainer on the Notwithstanding clause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcGuYh_cEg Ontario labour minister attended lobbyist's wedding after granting his clients millions in training funds: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ontario-labour-minister-attended-lobbyists-wedding-after-granting-his-clients-millions-in-training-funds-11318999 Vehicles registered to Ford cabinet ministers caught by speed cameras more than 20 times: https://globalnews.ca/news/11463735/ontario-cabinet-minister-vehicle-speeding-ticketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath sit down with Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles to discuss the aftermath of her recent leadership review. Where does she take the party now? Jim Bradley, the longtime MPP for St. Catharines, has died. Steve and John Michael look at his legacy as one of the most influential environment ministers in the province's history. Algoma Steel has received financial support from the federal government and the province of Ontario, but KAP Paper has not. Steve and JMM delve into the tricky economic situation for the province's northern industries. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-conservative-stalwart-cheated-death-and-has-a-message-about-ontarios-health-care-system JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-grocery-oligarchs-are-betting-ford-will-chicken-out-he-shouldntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the fallout of shutting down speed cameras. What will municipalities do next? Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles had a bruising leadership review. Unlike Bonnie Crombie, she's staying on the job — but the same can't be said for some of her top staffers. Steve and John Michael discuss where the party goes from here.  Ontario has announced its latest round of funding for primary care teams, which the government hopes will connect 500,000 more people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Steve and JMM dig into the numbers. Chris Scott, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, is facing charges domestic violence charges of assault and assault with a weapon. Scott has been ejected from the PC Party caucus and now sits as an independent. Steve and JMM discuss the rules around criminal records and sitting in elected office, and the opposition's differing reaction to the news. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/their-public-spats-helped-build-toronto-can-they-get-along-in-private JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-should-ontario-change-course-on-renewable-energySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Crombie resigned as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party after a disappointing leadership review. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how her vote collapsed, how she left the party in better shape, and who comes next. Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles is set to undergo her own leadership review. The party is doing objectively worse than the Ontario Liberals, so Steve and John Michael dissect her chances - and how this event could be a soft launch for the federal party. Doug Ford applauded the City of Vaughn for shutting down its speed camera program, a move that critics say will endanger pedestrians. Steve and JMM discuss why the premier has such a disdain for these devices, which, according to experts, have a lot of upside. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-bonnie-crombie-wont-regret-her-time-as-liberal-leader JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-ontarios-ndp-is-reconsidering-nuclear-power-with-an-eye-on-the-next-election Bonnie Crombie image credit to: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura ProctorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie is facing a leadership review during the party's annual general meeting. It's a make-or-break vote that will speak volumes about the party's confidence in its new leader. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next. Doug Ford and the PC Party are astonishingly popular despite the premier's unpopularity. What gives? Steve and John Michael look into how Ford's reputation as Captain Canada is both helping and hurting his brand. Finally, Steve and JMM catch you up on the events of the summer, including an Ontario Superior Court decision on bike lanes in Toronto; new developments on the proposed 401 tunnel; and Ontario public servants being recalled to the office five days a week. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/talking-with-ken-dryden JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-ford-can-jumpstart-housing-development-by-taking-a-page-out-of-kathleen-wynnes-playbook Bonnie Crombie image: Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan DenetteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled design plans for Ontario Place once it reopens, including a five-storey parking structure. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down this development and look at the timeline of what happens next. Sweltering temperatures in classrooms have the government of Ontario and school boards pointing fingers while students sizzle in the heat. Steve and John Michael discuss what schools are doing to keep kids cool while puzzling over the cost of retrofits. The province's plan to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031 could be significantly higher, according to a briefing document obtained by the CBC. Steve and JMM discuss how housing starts look even more dismal than they did before. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-toronto-is-spoiling-for-a-legal-fight-with-queens-park-does-it-have-a-case JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-david-petersons-liberals-are-remembering-the-good-times-ontarians-should-too Credit: T-shirt image of David Peterson - King's Printer for Ontario/ola.org June 20 Frank MillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project Ontario is a grassroots organization calling on the Ontario government to adopt more fiscally conservative policies. But how does their charge stand up against Premier Doug Ford's three majority governments? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what conservatives are saying. A new report from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario revealed that Doug Ford's staff members were using code words to talk about the Greenbelt deal. Steve and John Michael discuss the revelations and the connection to Ford's comments on First Nations relationships surrounding Bill 5. The Toronto Transit Commission has been given the keys to the Eglinton Light Rail Transit line, so does that mean an opening date is in sight? Steve and JMM discuss why people still need to hold their horses as the line heads into a long period of stress testing. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-1985-election-changed-ontario-politics-forever JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-could-ontarios-recycling-changes-leave-cities-holding-the-bag Credit: T-shirt image of Frank Miller - Anthony Miles/King's Printer for Ontario/wikipedia.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legislature has broken for the summer with MPPs set to return in October. Why such a long break? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the hiatus. The Council of the Federation is set to meet in the Muskoka region this summer amidst threats of road and rail blockades after the passage of Bill 5. And wildfire season is raging in the province of Ontario, so what's the government doing about it? Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-common-sense-revolution-turns-30-and-its-architects-are-still-celebrating JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-theres-only-one-way-out-of-the-housing-crisis-upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resistance to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing its Economy Act, is heating up as it passed into law this week at Queen's Park. Will the bill lead to highway blockades and a resurgence of the Idle No More movement? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the growing dissent toward the government's attempt to fast-track infrastructure projects. Members of Provincial Parliament are receiving a pay boost after nearly 15 years and access to a pension. Steve and John Michael discuss whether people will rise up in indignation at the increase or if they think it's about time. A new report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario confirms that rocky economic times are ahead for the province. Steve and JMM dig into the details and some dissonance between what the province is saying will happen and historical trends that say otherwise. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-will-uncrate-a-statue-of-canadas-first-prime-minister-what-took-so-long JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-bill-33-doesnt-dissolve-ontarios-school-boards-but-its-yet-another-hit-to-their-power Credit: T-shirt image of Mike Harris - King's Printer for Ontario/ola.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.