NOW and NEXT

This week on Moore in the Morning:An OPP report ‘exonerating’ Toronto cops of perjury in the Umar Zameer murder case.Round One on March 18th turned into a vivid exchange of takes on the matter. In the end, the exoneration does little to benefit the reputation of the Toronto Police Service or the officers who testified at Umar Zameer's murder trial. (FTR: Zameer was acquitted)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.

The world feels increasingly unpredictable — but how did we get here, and what might come next?In this episode of Now and Next, host Dave Trafford speaks with futurist Richard Worzel about the forces reshaping global politics, economics, and geopolitics. Rather than predicting the future, Worzel explains how futurists analyze current trends to help governments and businesses prepare for uncertainty.Their conversation explores how decades of globalization helped lift millions out of poverty but also created economic dislocation that fueled populist political movements across the Western world. They also discuss the evolving trade relationship between Canada and the United States, the strategic differences between leaders, and how energy policy and EV manufacturing could reshape economic alliances.The discussion widens to the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the risks of broader conflict involving multiple global powers. Worzel also explains why today’s economic strength may be more fragile than it appears — and why corporations and governments should focus on resilience rather than expansion.If you’re trying to understand the forces shaping the global economy, geopolitics, and the uncertain road ahead, this conversation offers valuable insight into the risks, possibilities, and strategic choices facing the world right now.Subscribe for more conversations exploring what’s happening now — and what might be coming next.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Now and NextDave Trafford introduces futurist Richard Worzel and discusses the role of futurists in preparing for uncertainty rather than predicting the future.02:00 – How Decades of Globalization Led to Today’s Political InstabilityWorzel explains how globalization created prosperity for many but also left some communities behind, helping fuel modern populist politics.07:00 – Trade Strategy: Canada vs. the United StatesDiscussion of trade negotiations, Canada’s strategic preparation, and how shifting global alliances and energy markets influence bargaining power.12:45 – Oil, EVs, and the Future of Energy and TradeHow energy policy, EV manufacturing, and supply chains may reshape economic relationships between Canada, the U.S., and global markets.15:00 – Escalation in the Middle East and Global RiskWorzel analyzes the geopolitical dynamics behind the U.S.–Iran conflict and how regional tensions could widen into a larger international crisis.20:15 – What Governments and Businesses Should Do NowPreparing for worst-case scenarios, protecting financial stability, and understanding the fragility of the current economic system.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.

Canadian politics is shifting—and so is the tone of its key players.In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by our C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Bob Reid, Lindsay Broadhead, and Anne-Marie Aikins to break down the latest developments shaping Canada’s political narrative.The panel explores whether Pierre Poilievre is intentionally repositioning himself, following recent appearances—including a speech in Toronto and an interview with Peter Mansbridge. He's pivoted to a calmer and more “stoic” style hoping to expands his reach beyond his traditional base. Is this a genuine evolution—or a strategic pivot designed to win over new voters?They also examine Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership approach, as he focuses heavily on global diplomacy and trade relationships. While those moves may strengthen Canada internationally, could they leave space for opponents to reconnect with voters on everyday economic concerns at home?The conversation then shifts to crisis communications and global uncertainty, including rising tensions in the Middle East and the communications challenges Canada could face as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches amid global instability.From political strategy to international events, this episode explores how messaging, perception, and leadership style are shaping what comes now—and what comes next.Chapters00:00 — IntroductionDave introduces the panel and frames the rapid pace of political and global developments shaping the discussion.02:00 — Poilievre’s “Stoic” RebrandAnalysis of Poilievre’s evolving tone, recent speeches, and interviews, and whether the shift is authentic or strategic.09:00 — Opposition Strategy vs. Carney’s LeadershipHow Poilievre is repositioning himself against a globally focused prime minister.21:20 — Domestic Politics vs. Global LeadershipDebate over whether international diplomacy risks disconnecting leadership from Canadians’ kitchen-table concerns.32:20 — Crisis Communications and the FIFA World CupHow governments and communicators must prepare for protests, security issues, and geopolitical tensions during a global sporting event.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 happens when a Toronto Police staff sergeant — who also happens to be the Premier’s son-in-law — faces 15 disciplinary charges?In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford sits down with Village Media journalist Gabe Oatley to break down the case involving Dave Haynes. These are not criminal charges — but they are serious. We unpack the allegations of insubordination, discreditable conduct, and breach of confidence, and explain where the hearing stands right now.The conversation digs into the “abuse of process” motion filed by Haynes’ lawyer, the whistleblower argument being advanced, and what internal emails and testimony have revealed so far. We also explore the tension between freedom of expression and chain of command inside a police service — and why this case is getting more attention than most disciplinary proceedings.This is about transparency, accountability, and how internal police discipline actually works.Follow, subscribe, and stay with us as this story develops.CHAPTERS00:00 – IntroductionDave introduces Gabe Oatley and the background of the disciplinary case.02:22 – The Charges ExplainedClarifying the 15 disciplinary charges and separating them from criminal allegations.03:09 – Abuse of Process MotionHaynes’ legal strategy and whistleblower claims.08:19 – Evidence and Internal EmailsMass emails, certification issues, and internal tensions.12:48 – The Ford Connection & Media AttentionWhy this case is drawing public scrutiny.15:41 – The Police Association’s RoleUnion representation, precedent concerns, and broader implicationsYou 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 week on Now and Next, the CAST — our Communications And Strategy Team — Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy and Communications), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications) breaks down the stories when communications wasn’t background noise… it was the headline.We begin with the response to the Tumbler Ridge school shooting and examine what effective crisis communications looks like in real time. From Premier David Eby’s remarks to the image of federal leaders standing together, we explore tone, humility, and whether political adversaries can momentarily transcend partisanship.Then: Metrolinx. A derailment at Union Station caused system-wide disruption — but the bigger issue was transparency. Why did it take so long to explain what happened? And what role should a CEO play in moments of operational consequence?Finally, we unpack a viral parliamentary exchange between Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Corey and MP Sandra Cobena. Was refusing to “give the clip” smart strategy — or a communications misfire?As always, we focus on the intersection of leadership, strategy, and the stories behind the story.Subscribe for more conversations on politics, policy, and the communications shaping both.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Introduction: A Week Where Comms Led the Headlines01:28 – Tumbler Ridge: Crisis Leadership, Tone, and Media Framing13:56 – Message vs. Messenger: Carney, Poilievre & Political Pivot Points29:58 – Metrolinx Derailment: Transparency, CEO Visibility & Operational Comms42:41 – Ottawa Theatre: Canada Infrastructure Bank & “Giving the Clip”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 week on NOW and NEXT:A shrinking landscape for transparency. In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford sits down with veteran journalist Dean Beeby to examine why fewer Canadians — including journalists — are filing Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.Beeby reflects on how FOI once powered major investigative work, but today faces systemic delays, heavy redactions, vague legal definitions, and rising administrative costs that produce fewer results. As journalism accelerates toward instant reaction and digital churn, governments have slowed the machinery of transparency. The result? A system that often delivers information long after its “best before” date — if at all.The conversation explores the collapse of newsroom resources, the inefficiencies of paper-based government systems in a digital era, escalating court battles over mandate letters and cellphone records, and why legal ambiguity benefits bureaucracy.Yet there is a modest bright spot: the federal Information Commissioner’s expanded authority to order document releases.This episode asks a critical question: What are we losing when depth gives way to speed — and transparency becomes optional?Chapters00:00 – IntroductionDT introduces Dean Beeby and the shrinking use of FOI requests.01:07 – Journalism’s Speed vs. Government’s SlowdownWhy reporters are abandoning FOI as delays grow longer.06:07 – Delays, Redactions & Fewer UsersHeavily censored documents and falling public participation.11:20 – Paper Systems in a Digital AgeGovernment inefficiencies driving rising costs.16:23 – Legal Battles & The Push for ReformMandate letters, cellphone records, and the Information Commissioner’s new powers.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 week on RADIO DAYS: I dropped in on Gene Valaitis on 610 CKTB Niagara’s News Talk.Toronto Public Health spends $200k on giveaway condoms at FIFA World CupPierre Poilevre wins the room in Calgary. Can he win the hearts of Canadians?Canada Revenue Agency workers are misbehaving on the job.Days before the Olympics kick off in Italy, there's no running water in the hockey rink in Milan.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.