On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

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the complexity of the issue, the discussion keeps returning to a simple question: who is really paying the price for outdated tax policy?You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and XAnd you can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 XAnd 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 thinkingThe 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.Chapters00:00 - 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 SchoolDave Trafford introduces Dr. Cinde Lock and the conversation about rethinking education beyond the traditional classroom model.08:59 — Testing, Standardized Assessments and Student AnxietyThe 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 CurriculumDr. 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 InnovationCan 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 ImpactStudents 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 MattersFrom 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 XAnd 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 controversyIt’s another candid, fast-moving conversation about the stories shaping Ontario politics right now — and what they could mean for the months ahead.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and the latest “gravy plane” revelations05:00 – Opposition strategy, political tone, and Ford’s messaging reset13:00 – Affordability pressures, cost-of-living politics, and Doug Ford’s new video strategy23:20 – Auditor General reports: trucking safety, AI in healthcare, and accountability gaps34:15 – Government transparency, media decline, and the changing accountability landscape51:20 – Ontario Liberal Party turmoil, Nate Erskine-Smith controversy, and leadership speculationOntario 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 ControversyYou 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.

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.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford introduces On the Ledge and the roundtable.01:15 – Ford’s Rough Weeks and the Stephanie Smythe FalloutThe panel discusses Doug Ford’s apology, media blowback, and questions about political judgment.04:00 – Communication Discipline and OverexposureJohn 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 ConnectionThe 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 FightThe panel explores the proposed airport expansion, municipal politics, Olivia Chow, and waterfront livability.19:20 – Strong Mayor Powers and Regional GovernanceDiscussion shifts to Niagara, appointed regional chairs, municipal restructuring, and democratic accountability.24:30 – Ford’s Poll Slump and an Aimless GovernmentBrian 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?’ TestDebate 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 HypocrisyThe panel discusses reports that Ford worked from home after ordering public servants back to the office.47:30 – Cell Phones in Schools and Education CultureBrian 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 XAnd you can leave us a voice comment here!For more information go to Dave's website.

This week on On the Ledge, the panel navigates a rapidly shifting political landscape—both globally and at home. The conversation opens with the escalating instability in the Middle East, examining the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran, ceasefire tensions, and the broader implications for global security and energy markets.Back in Canada, the discussion turns to rising gas prices and the structural challenges facing Canada’s energy sector, including refining capacity, pipeline politics, and the limits of government intervention.The panel also digs into federal political shockwaves following Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu’s floor crossing to the Liberals, exploring leadership dynamics, party identity, and what it means for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “big tent.”At Queen’s Park, attention shifts to regional governance reforms and the Ford government’s move toward appointing regional chairs—raising concerns about democratic accountability and centralized power.Finally, the conversation closes with a deep dive into Ontario’s proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) changes, with the panel unpacking why a seemingly technical issue is resonating with voters and feeding broader concerns about transparency and trust in government.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Panel SetupDave Trafford sets the stage with a fast-moving political week and introduces the panel.01:15 – Middle East Crisis & Global InstabilityDiscussion on Iran, ceasefire uncertainty, and geopolitical risks shaping global politics and markets.09:00 – Gas Prices & Canada’s Energy DilemmaDebate over refining capacity, pipelines, and why Canadians still pay high fuel prices.15:30 – Floor Crossing Shock: Gladue to LiberalsAnalysis of party identity, leadership, and implications for Carney and Poilievre.27:20 – Regional Governance Shakeup in OntarioFord government reforms, appointed chairs, and the debate over democratic accountability.47:30 – FOI Changes & Growing Trust DeficitWhy transparency issues are breaking through with voters and creating political risk.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.

Dave Trafford is joined by Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie.This episode opens with a rare moment of collective optimism as the panel reflects on the Artemis II launch and the sense of wonder it inspired—especially for younger generations.That spirit quickly gives way to a wide-ranging political discussion, from the legacy of Stephen Lewis and the future of the federal NDP under Avi Lewis, to mounting economic anxieties tied to inflation, energy costs, and global instability.The conversation then shifts to Ontario’s auto sector, with debate over Stellantis’ potential role in assembling Chinese electric vehicles—raising questions about jobs, supply chains, and economic sovereignty. The panel also digs into new federal-provincial housing measures aimed at reducing development costs and spurring construction, weighing whether they will meaningfully improve affordability.Finally, will Nate Erskine-Smith be good for the Liberals at Queen's Park? The episode closes with sharp political analysis of Ontario’s Liberal leadership tensions, polling dynamics, and whether Premier Doug Ford’s high-profile leadership style is masking deeper structural challenges.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Artemis II Launch Reflections10:09 – Stephen Lewis Legacy & NDP Leadership Shift17:20 – Economic Anxiety, EV Debate & Stellantis Controversy42:18 – Housing Affordability & Government Coordination54:25 – Liberal Leadership Drama & Polling InsightsYou 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.

It’s budget day in Ontario—and before the numbers even hit the floor, the politics are already in full swing.On this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with a powerhouse panel—Keith Leslie, John Wright, Kathleen Wynne, and Jessica Smith-Cross—to break down what really matters behind the budget headlines.From the evolution of budget lockups to the strategic rollout of policy announcements, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how governments shape the narrative before a single line is read in the legislature.We dig into troubling signals in the polling, rising grassroots frustration, and the growing disconnect between headline announcements and real-world pressures on housing, healthcare, and affordability.Plus, a critical look at the Ford government’s proposed changes to Freedom of Information laws—and what they could mean for transparency, journalism, and public accountability in Ontario.And as big, bold ideas reshape Toronto’s future, one question hangs in the air: is there a plan behind the announcements?👉 Follow On the Ledge for weekly insights into Ontario politics—no spin, just straight talk.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Budget Day ContextSetting the stage for Ontario’s budget and how coverage works inside the lockup.02:30 – Then vs Now: Budget Lockups & Political MessagingHow embargoes, leaks, and pre-budget announcements have changed accountability.08:15 – Do Budgets Still Matter?Debating whether budgets are still impactful or just message delivery tools.14:30 – Polling, Vulnerabilities & Political UndercurrentsStrong headline support vs. weak issue-specific performance for the government.27:00 – FOI Changes & Transparency DebateA deep dive into the implications for journalism, accountability, and democracy.44:30 – Toronto, Big Announcements & Lack of a Plan?Examining major infrastructure ideas and questions about coherence and execution.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.

Ontario politics doesn’t slow down — even on March break.This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford is joined by Tim Hudak, Kathleen Wynne, Keith Leslie, and John Wright for a deep dive into a political moment that’s equal parts strategy, controversy, and consequence.Despite softer personal approval ratings, Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives remain remarkably resilient in the polls. What’s driving that strength — and how long can it last?We break down the growing backlash to proposed changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information laws, including concerns about transparency, accountability, and retroactive limits on access. Is this modernization — or a step backward?The panel also tackles the Premier’s call for an Ontario judge to apologize for remarks she made in her charge to the jury in the Umar Zameer murder trial, the challenges of police investigating police. And did Doug Ford really encourage vigilante violence when he congratulated a home invasion victim for shooting one of the suspects?Finally — a candid conversation about crime, public safety, and whether the current political tone is helping solve problems… or making them worse.👉 Follow On the Ledge for sharp, informed conversations on Ontario politics every week.Chapters00:00 — Introduction & Panel SetupMarch break politics, St. Joseph’s Day, and setting the stage for a packed discussion.01:30 — Ford’s Polling ResilienceWhy PC support remains strong despite softer personal approval numbers.05:30 — Opposition Struggles & Political MessagingLiberals without a leader, NDP stagnation, and Ford’s media dominance.12:30 — Freedom of Information ControversyProposed FOI changes, transparency concerns, and potential legal fallout.30:30 — Courts, Policing & Political InterferenceThe OPP report, judicial independence, and the Premier’s role in public commentary.43:50 — Crime, Public Safety & Political RhetoricHome invasions, vigilante language, and the broader justice system debate.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.

Host: Dave TraffordGuests:Tim Hudak – Partner, Counsel Public AffairsKathleen Wynne – 25th Premier of OntarioJohn Wright – CEO, (Canada Pulse Insights)Keith Leslie – Veteran Queen’s Park observerIn this episode of On the Ledge, host Dave Trafford convenes a wide-ranging roundtable with veteran Ontario political insiders to unpack another unpredictable week in provincial politics.The panel begins with the sudden resignation of Niagara Regional Chair Bob Gale after reports surfaced that he owned a signed copy of Mein Kampf. The conversation explores whether the controversy was truly about the book itself or a political flashpoint connected to the contentious debate over possible municipal amalgamation in Niagara. Panelists discuss the political optics, the context of rising antisemitism, and the challenges governments face when personal controversies collide with public office.The discussion then shifts to Premier Doug Ford’s announcement of a $750 annual classroom supply credit for teachers, intended to offset out-of-pocket spending on classroom materials. While some panelists argue the policy is practical and politically effective retail politics, others question whether it masks deeper systemic challenges in Ontario’s education system, including class sizes, governance reforms, and the future of elected school trustees.The panel dives into the broader issue of whether the province should eliminate school boards and centralize education decision-making at Queen’s Park. The debate reveals sharp differences about accountability, local representation, and whether trustees remain relevant in modern education governance.Finally, the group examines the political landscape facing Ontario’s opposition parties as the legislature remains on break. With Premier Ford dominating the agenda through policy announcements and media events, opposition leaders struggle to gain traction — highlighted by an awkward NDP press conference that was moved from a Tim Hortons parking lot during a northern Ontario tour focused on highway safety.Throughout the conversation, the panel offers candid insights into the political strategy, communications style, and governing approach shaping Ontario politics today.Chapters00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford sets the table and introduces the panel for a discussion of the week’s biggest Ontario political stories.02:45 – Niagara Chair Resignation ControversyPanel reacts to Bob Gale stepping down after reports about his signed copy of Mein Kampf and whether the controversy is tied to the Niagara amalgamation debate.19:50 – Ford Government’s $750 Classroom Supply CreditDiscussion of the new teacher supply funding and whether it represents practical support or political messaging ahead of labour negotiations.28:45 – The Future of School Trustees in OntarioDebate over whether the Ford government may eliminate school boards and centralize education governance.51:00 – Opposition Challenges and the Northern TourAnalysis of the NDP’s attempt to highlight northern highway safety and the difficulties opposition parties face gaining attention.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.

Toronto politics shifts again, questions swirl around billions in provincial spending, and Ontario’s mining future is back in the spotlight.This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, political analyst Keith Leslie, and The Trillium editor-in-chief Jessica Smith-Cross to break down the biggest political stories shaping the province right now.The panel starts with the fallout from John Tory’s decision not to run again for mayor of Toronto and the speculation surrounding who might jump into the race—including talk of Michael Ford and what that could mean for the relationship between Toronto and Queen’s Park.From there, the conversation moves to Niagara’s possible municipal restructuring, the provincial government’s push toward amalgamation, and whether the political cost could outweigh the policy goal.Mining and energy policy also take center stage after major announcements during PDAC in Toronto, including movement on the Ring of Fire and the evolving role of First Nations equity and environmental oversight in northern development.Later in the show, Jessica Smith-Cross walks through the latest developments in the Skills Development Fund controversy, including lawsuits, investigations, and growing questions about how millions in provincial funding were awarded.The episode closes with a serious discussion about the explosion of online sports betting in Ontario, particularly among younger audiences, and whether the province should impose tougher restrictions on gambling ads.📌 Subscribe for weekly analysis of the stories shaping Ontario politics.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.

Enjoy this OTL Feed Drop episode of NOW & NEXT - your independent made-in-Canada, news and commentary podcast.Host: Dave TraffordThe C.A.S.T.: Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy and Communications), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications)This week on Now and Next, the CAST — our communications and strategy team — 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 Aaron 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.