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Tim Hudak, (former Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and now Partner Counsel Public Affairs) joins Dave Trafford for a wide-ranging look at the political landscape as Queen’s Park prepares to return. They begin with Toronto’s seemingly indestructible bike-lane debate and the bigger issue underneath it: congestion, transit, construction and whether anyone has a coherent plan for moving people through a growing city. Hudak argues Toronto went too far with some bike lanes and weighs in on whether congestion pricing could ever find political support in Ontario. The conversation turns to the relationship between Toronto City Hall and Queen’s Park, including Doug Ford’s ability to work with politicians from different political stripes. Dave and Tim also dig into the very public dispute involving Paul Godfrey and the Ford government. Hudak sees it less as a fracture inside Ontario conservatism and more as a fight involving family. Then it’s Liberal leadership time. With Ontario’s Liberals trying to rebuild after successive election defeats, Hudak argues a healthy leadership race should be a genuine competition of ideas — and says the contest needs more passion and spark. He also offers a prediction about who could emerge as the non-Nav Bains candidate. Finally, with the legislature preparing to return, Hudak assesses the Ford government’s political energy, the impact of tariffs and Donald Trump, the emerging OSAP/career-college issue and the prospect of labour disruption in education. The episode closes on a personal note as Tim announces he’s stepping away from his regular On the Ledge appearances as his work at Council Public Affairs grows — although the door remains open for a return visit. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: Tim Hudak Returns to the Ledge Dave welcomes Tim Hudak and sets the table for the conversation. 03:02 — Toronto’s Bike Lanes, Congestion and the Search for a Plan Is the bike-lane fight finally nearing its end? Dave and Tim tackle congestion, transit, construction coordination and the possibility of congestion pricing. 09:10 — Toronto City Hall, Queen’s Park and Doug Ford’s Pragmatism What happens to the provincial-municipal relationship regardless of who occupies the mayor’s office? 11:44 — Paul Godfrey vs. the Ford Government Hudak weighs in on the dispute involving Paul Godfrey, his son, the Skills Development Fund and Godfrey’s removal from the Order of Ontario advisory council. 15:05 — Can Ontario’s Liberals Find Their Spark? The Liberal leadership contest, the need for a competition of ideas, Hudak’s own leadership experience and his prediction about where the race could go. 21:09 — Queen’s Park Returns — and Hudak Signs Off The Ford government’s next challenges, tariffs, the OSAP/career-college issue, education labour relations and Tim’s decision to step away as a regular contributor. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

This is a FEED DROP special for the On the Ledge audience. This is the first episode of a new series we've developed and produced at Story Studio Network. It's called This Will Make You Uncomfortable. In the debut episode of This Will Make You Uncomfortable, you’ll meet host Brian Mirsky, a fourth generation Canadian Jew who believes that Canada's reputation for tolerance toward Jews doesn't match reality, past or present. He traces his family history from his great grandfather's flight from Belarus to his father's WWII service and firsthand witness of the liberation of Bergen Belsen, through his own experience with antisemitism in university and corporate Canada, and how a posting in France showed him how bad things can get when a country looks away.  If anything you heard made you think or make you uncomfortable, reach out to Brian at this website: www.thiswillmakeyouuncomfortable.com SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW This Will Make You Uncomfortable On Apple On Spotify You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

This is part two of my sitdown conversation with the Honourable Kathleen Wynne.  We talk about the future of the party she led and what's in the cards for her immediate future? Ontario’s Liberal leadership race is about more than choosing a new leader. In this conversation, Kathleen argues the party needs to use the contest to demonstrate what it actually stands for — and, more importantly, what it would actually do. With the final leadership vote coming in November, she says Liberals need to move beyond criticism of Doug Ford and offer practical, understandable solutions to problems confronting Ontario. She points specifically to education, post-secondary funding, OSAP, healthcare and the reliance on agency nurses. The leadership race, she argues, provides an opportunity to position the party as a credible problem solver rather than simply an opposition voice. Kathleen draws a parallel to 2003, when Dalton McGuinty and his team developed practical responses to problems they believed had been created under the Harris government. She suggests the next Liberal leader could follow the leadership contest with some form of policy convention — taking the strongest ideas from the campaign and turning them into a broader conversation about the party’s direction. The conversation also provides an insider’s perspective on leadership campaigns themselves. Kathleen recalls the unusual challenge of debating people who are political competitors but also friends and future colleagues. Winning an internal race, she says, means eventually working with the candidates, their supporters, MPPs and riding associations — making it important to keep lines of communication open. Then the conversation becomes decidedly more personal. Kathleen explains her decision to step back from regular media commitments after decades immersed in politics and public life. She talks about family, grandchildren, teaching, aging, the demands of caregiving and her desire to be more spontaneously available to the people who matter to her. It becomes a thoughtful farewell conversation about politics, family, careers — and the costs that come with choosing where to spend our time. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

What the hell happened? Canada’s trade relationship with the United States has gone from tense to an all-out trade war.  In this special edition of On the Ledge with Dave Trafford, we trace how negotiations unravelled, how Donald Trump’s threatened 50% tariffs escalated the confrontation, and what the fallout could mean for Ontario workers, businesses and the auto sector. Monday, the war of words went nuclear, starting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford telling Newstalk 1010's Bill Carroll "(Trump) can kiss my ass). Tuesday, I drop in on the Gene Valaitis Show on 610 CKTB News, to update the latest in Doug Ford’s blunt response to Trump, the Presidents threat to rename Lake Ontario and the debate over whether Canada should retaliate with tariffs, energy, oil, potash and other strategic resources. We also discussion also examines the potentially devastating impact on businesses dependent on the U.S. market — and why Americans could ultimately pay through higher prices and scarcity. On Wednesday morning, former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne joins me for a deeper look at what she calls “uncharted waters.” We discuss Mark Carney’s decision to walk away from the negotiating table, Canadian sovereignty, national unity, Alberta separatism, the future of North American trade and the particular vulnerability of Ontario’s auto industry. Wynne also looks beyond Washington. As Canada tries to diversify its trading relationships, China presents both economic opportunity and significant strategic risk. And with U.S. midterm elections approaching, we ponder whether political change in Washington would actually bring Canada any closer to resolving the trade war. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: How the Canada-U.S. Trade Deal Fell Apart Dave sets up a chaotic week that ended with 50% tariffs and an escalating trade war. 02:35 — Doug Ford, Donald Trump and the Politics of Retaliation Dave’s CKTB conversation examines Ford’s response, counter-tariffs, energy threats and the immediate risks to Canadian jobs and businesses. 16:58 — Kathleen Wynne: Canada Enters “Uncharted Waters” The former Ontario premier discusses political uncertainty, national unity, Mark Carney and Canada’s decision to walk away from the U.S. negotiations. 28:46 — Who Really Pays for a Canada-U.S. Trade War? Tariffs, product scarcity, American businesses and the escalating economic consequences on both sides of the border. 38:10 — Ontario’s Auto Industry Faces an Existential Threat Wynne and Trafford examine auto tariffs, plant investment, EV policy and whether manufacturing jobs could migrate south. 47:17 — China, Free Trade and What Comes Next As the North American trading relationship fractures, Canada confronts new opportunities — and risks — in China and other global markets. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

It's an EMERGENCY SESSION of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast! This special summer edition of On the Ledge breaks from the usual hiatus to examine a turbulent stretch in Ontario politics. Dave Trafford is joined by veteran Queen's Park journalists Jessica Smith Cross (Editor-in-Chief at The Trillium) and Keith Leslie , (Former Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Canadian Press), to assess how a series of controversies has altered the political landscape heading into the fall. The discussion explores the Ford government's mounting challenges, including the fallout from the government Gravy Plane fiasco, MPP expense claims scandal, caucus tensions, declining public approval, and an increasingly "off-brand" image for Premier Doug Ford. And then...there's the federal decision to pause Billy Bishop Airport expansion, and Ford Nation's uncoordinated response - starting with a veiled threat from the province to stop the federal plans for a high speed rail corridor between Ontario and Quebec. All this while Doug Ford's government is roundly criticized for Ontario's wildfire response or lack thereof. Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop was ill=prepared for a recent radio interview she did on As It Happens. (It was a comms disaster that cost Dunlop's press secretary her job. LISTEN TO IT HERE)  And heading into August teacher contract negotiations are going nowhere, while the province's preparedness for AI data centres. The conversation analyzes how these stories have been covered by journalists, why they are resonating with the public, and what they could mean for Ontario politics when the Legislature returns this fall. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Summer Political Reset Dave Trafford welcomes Jessica Smith Cross and Keith Leslie for a special summer roundtable examining Ontario's biggest political stories. 02:05 – Expense Scandals, the "Gravy Plane" & Ford's Brand How MPP expense claims, leaked caucus memos and the government aircraft controversy have reshaped public perception of the Ford government. 23:45 – Billy Bishop Airport, Federal Pushback & Political Fallout The panel discusses Ottawa's decision to pause Billy Bishop expansion, provincial reactions, and the broader implications for federal-provincial relations. 35:30 – Wildfires, Forest Management & Emergency Response Ontario's record wildfire season, evacuation challenges, forestry policy and questions surrounding government preparedness. 51:45 – Looking Ahead to Fall Politics Teacher contract negotiations, AI data centre regulation, and the political issues likely to dominate Ontario's agenda when the Legislature returns. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

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 X And 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 X And 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 X And 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 X And 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. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Ford’s “Wolf Howl” Moment The 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 Dispute A 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 Failures The 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 Politics The 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. Relations Discussion 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 Exit The 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 X And 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 thinking The 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. Chapters 00:00 - 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 School Dave Trafford introduces Dr. Cinde Lock and the conversation about rethinking education beyond the traditional classroom model. 08:59 — Testing, Standardized Assessments and Student Anxiety The 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 Curriculum Dr. 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 Innovation Can 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 Impact Students 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 Matters From 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 X And 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 #NiagaraFalls Chapters00:00 – 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 moments You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And 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 controversy It’s another candid, fast-moving conversation about the stories shaping Ontario politics right now — and what they could mean for the months ahead. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and the latest “gravy plane” revelations 05:00 – Opposition strategy, political tone, and Ford’s messaging reset 13:00 – Affordability pressures, cost-of-living politics, and Doug Ford’s new video strategy 23:20 – Auditor General reports: trucking safety, AI in healthcare, and accountability gaps 34:15 – Government transparency, media decline, and the changing accountability landscape 51:20 – Ontario Liberal Party turmoil, Nate Erskine-Smith controversy, and leadership speculation Ontario 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 Controversy You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And 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 Ford The episode also includes a preview of an upcoming conversation about the future of education and innovative student-led learning models at Pickering College. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Ford’s difficult return to the spotlight 06:45 – Transparency fights: FOI battles, Greenbelt questions, and the “what are you hiding?” problem 17:05 – Schools, labour unrest, and why the fall political season could become explosive 27:40 – Political tone, civility, and escalating rhetoric at Queen’s Park 36:45 – Honda pauses EV investment and Ontario’s uncertain automotive future 45:25 – Scarborough Southwest nomination battle and Ontario Liberal leadership speculation You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And 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. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Dave Trafford introduces On the Ledge and the roundtable. 01:15 – Ford’s Rough Weeks and the Stephanie Smythe Fallout The panel discusses Doug Ford’s apology, media blowback, and questions about political judgment. 04:00 – Communication Discipline and Overexposure John 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 Connection The 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 Fight The panel explores the proposed airport expansion, municipal politics, Olivia Chow, and waterfront livability. 19:20 – Strong Mayor Powers and Regional Governance Discussion shifts to Niagara, appointed regional chairs, municipal restructuring, and democratic accountability. 24:30 – Ford’s Poll Slump and an Aimless Government Brian 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?’ Test Debate 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 Hypocrisy The panel discusses reports that Ford worked from home after ordering public servants back to the office. 47:30 – Cell Phones in Schools and Education Culture Brian 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 X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.