#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Queen's Park's extended summer recess 12.06.2026 59min

MPPs are heading into an extended summer break. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what has, and has not, been accomplished this year. Plus, how is the opposition reacting to the long break? Ontario Premier Doug Ford is in the United States making his pitch for "Fortress North America," and making the rounds on American media. Steve and John Michael discuss how the premier is working with politicians on the ground. But will the Trump administration listen? Matthew Shoemaker, the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, joins Steve and JMM to talk about a new book on Sir William Hearst, Ontario's sole premier to come from The Soo. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/can-a-little-known-policy-wonk-win-the-liberal-leadership-race JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-does-ontario-gain-from-fortress-north-americaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PC caucus chair ousted after standing up to Doug Ford 05.06.2026 49min

Has this been a shorter-than-usual legislative session at Queen's Park? Does it even matter? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath find out, discuss whether they're convinced by the reasons of the earlier recess and what impact this shorter session could have. Then, Steve and JMM look at how MPP Will Bouma has been ousted as the Progressive Conservatives' caucus chair; Bouma was relieved after challenging Premier Doug Ford over MPP pensions and the fallout from Ford's private jet scandal. Steve and JMM take the opportunity to look at whether this is good caucus management. Also, this being Indigenous History Month, the show features a bit of MPP Sol Mamakwa's latest speech in the Ontario Legislature, which brought Oji-Cree to Queen's Park and had a notable call to action for Indigenous youth. And finally, in "Your Column, My Column," JMM highlights where democratic reform might be necessary outside of electoral reform, and Steve looks at ways to rejuvenate 24 Sussex Drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is Doug Ford mad at (another) judge? 29.05.2026 52min

A tribunal found that nothing corrupted the Ontario Liberals' controversial nomination meeting in Scarborough Southwest. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why Nathaniel Erskine-Smith's allegations were rejected, and what comes next. They also look at emerging advocacy to change the party's voting rules, as well as new names that have entered the Ontario Liberal leadership race. Plus, Ontario finally passes a new law regulating the inappropriate behavior of municipal politicians. Advocates say it's a first step, but the threshold for disciplinary action raises eyebrows. Will the law actually help? Then, Doug Ford lashed out at another judge's decision this week. A judge decided it was a Charter violation for Waterloo to clear an encampment that allegedly stands in the way of transit development. Were Doug Ford's comments out of line? Some legal academics believe Ford's statements threaten the independence of Canadian Courts. Finally, in "Your Column, My Column," JMM looks at whether new rules around grocery store leases could bring grocery prices down. And Steve pays tribute to one of Toronto's original political mavericks, Howard Moscoe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should governments subsidize Ontario's auto sector? 22.05.2026 53min

Newly released TTC documents suggest that Metrolinx is not immune to long delays and cost overruns in building new Toronto transit. The province had taken over planning, saying the city was taking too long to build essential infrastructure. So, why the delays? And what happens now? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the findings and explain how confidential documents will still find the light of day, despite recent changes to freedom of information legislation. Then JMM breaks down how the city of Stratford has launched a Charter challenge to the provincial government's so-called strong mayor powers. Does Stratford have a case? And, with Honda announcing that it's bailing on a $15-billion investment for Alliston, the local MP Adam Chambers joins the show to discuss the advisability of continuing public support for the auto sector. In Your Column, My Column, the hosts discuss whether the latest national electricity white paper has any bearing on a provincial file and what, if anything, we can expect to hear about the fallout from the Liberal nomination race in Scarborough Southwest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unexpected fallout from the latest Liberal nomination race 15.05.2026 54min

Choosing the new Ontario Liberal candidate in Scarborough Southwest has gone sideways. Ahsanul Hafiz won by 19 votes, but runner-up Nate Erskine-Smith says he has reason to appeal. Is he right? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath parse what Steve saw at the Liberal nomination meeting, including some things he found quite unusual. Then, Steve and JMM discuss the Ontario government's takeover of Conestoga College. And finally, the Auditor General issued four special reports, outlining concerns around trucker training, artificial intelligence use in government, special education services, and how the government enforces court orders in spousal and child support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Doug Ford go to jail? 08.05.2026 46min

Doug Ford accuses the NDP leader of Trump-style rhetoric. With the opposition heating up its criticism against the Ford government, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wonder whether Doug Ford is getting a taste of his own medicine. Then, Steve and JMM look at how the Progressive Conservatives voted down a bill that looked to establish guardrails around publishing misinformation and using artificial intelligence in election communications. And finally, the Canadian Civil Liberties Union says the government's latest move to give special constables the power to arrest drug users on Toronto transit is "a deliberate choice to respond to a public health crisis with coercion instead of care." Is that right?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ford's Conservatives lose double-digit lead 01.05.2026 51min

Is Doug Ford's drop in popularity just a blip, or is there reason for Ontario's Progressive Conservatives to be concerned? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the latest poll numbers and how they would translate to seats. Then, the hosts look at how Minister of Education Paul Calandra made a rare appearance at the committee discussing Bill 101, and why his comments to union leaders prompted criticism. Finally, how might Mark Carney's new Canada Strong Fund support Ontario's future goals? Just look at the Ford government's economic priorities: nuclear power and critical minerals. In "Your Column, My Column," JMM discusses how the federal government might consider positioning itself on the Billy Bishop Airport, and Steve wonders why Doug Ford has been so ornery, and discusses his ad hominem attacks against Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Ford's flight plan now cancelled 24.04.2026 50min

Premier Doug Ford walks back his jet-plane purchase, and says the media is picking on him for trying to run the province more efficiently. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath get into whether that political communication works for Ontarians. Meanwhile, Ontario's NDP leader Marit Stiles is trying to make surveillance pricing a political issue here in Ontario – will her party's new communications strategy bring the official opposition back to the forefront? And a bill is exploring putting a stop to foreign ownership of some Ontario farmland. Why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Ontario's renewable energy turnaround too little, too late? 17.04.2026 51min

Is the Ford government's latest renewable energy procurement enough? Green Party leader Mike Schreiner weighs in on that, the province's takeover of Billy Bishop airport, and where he thinks the budget missed the mark (see: housing). Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack new changes to Ontario's school system, which includes a new job description for school trustees. Is this a move to consolidate power by the Ford government? Finally, two of Ontario's colleges decided to merge, perhaps a sign of the times during a period of declining enrollment and financial support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the limits to council authority in a strong-mayor era? 10.04.2026 42min

Do new appointees in Niagara and Simcoe threaten local democracy? Have stronger mayors even helped to build more housing, as promised? Who will foot the bill for proposed changes to the Greater Toronto Area commuter trains? And what does the scheduled transformation of Queen's Park North say about how we imagine urban parks and public spaces in downtown Toronto? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath parse out these questions in this week's #onpoli. In "Your Column, My Column," the hosts break down what a Toronto planning dispute says about the housing crisis in Ontario, and discuss how Hamilton will be the best mayor's race in the province. Link:  JMM mentioned the Toronto city report about consultations of the green space. Find it here: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2026.EX29.3See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do Ontario's new housing policies work? 03.04.2026 50min

NDP and Liberal finance critics break down why Ontario's 2026 budget might not 'protect' Ontarians after all. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack the latest suite of housing announcements that went beyond the HST exemption: an $8.8 billion fund to get municipalities to cut development charges and a new bill that would allow for smaller lots and impact local planning matters and housing development. And of course, Steve and JMM nod to the life and career of Ontario political icon Stephen Lewis and his legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the 2026 budget really 'protect' Ontario? 27.03.2026 45min

Ontario's 2026 budget is out. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins #onpoli to discuss the Ford government's spending choices, why it has not produced a balanced budget, and when it would ever raise taxes. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath zoom out and take a broader look at the government's plans: the HST exemption for home purchases, the province's overall fiscal health, electricity subsidies, and how transportation changes might make it harder for northern Ontarians to access Toronto - and why the government is fine with that trade-off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How free is information under Ford's government? 20.03.2026 47min

The public’s access to government records might get restricted -- How free will information be if the Ford government’s proposals go through? Global News journalist Isaac Callan joins the podcast to break it down. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack new announcements made to the Ford government’s law and order file, and breakdown Ontario municipal elections to watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Doug Ford's airport plans take off? 13.03.2026 43min

Premier Doug Ford says his government intends to take over Toronto's downtown airport - and it will even pay the city for its trouble. Can he do that? And what does the future hold for the Toronto Islands? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break it down. Then, the province named a military defence representative. What will they do? And how might it connect to the Ford government's larger ambitions? Finally, it's March 13 and MPPs are still not back at Queen's Park. How unusual is that? Steve and JMM answer a listener's question with a deep dive into the legislative calendar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's energy strategy, Niagara amalgamation, and how to run for city council 06.03.2026 53min

The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a national energy grid. Does Niagara Region have too many politicians? Doug Ford certainly seems to think so. Steve and John Michael discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation - and how Peel serves as a case study. You've been asking us about municipal politics, so Steve and JMM speak to Toronto City councillor Amber Morley about what it takes to run and the surprises awaiting those who make it to city council. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Ford wants a refund 27.02.2026 42min

The United States Supreme Court struck down some of Donald Trump's tariffs, and now Ontario premier Doug Ford wants a refund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why that probably won't happen and the larger implications this move will have on relations with Canada's largest trading partner. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario has a new report on Ontario's economy - delivering both good news and bad news. Steve and John Michael look into how the economy's modest growth belies the bigger issues of unemployment and housing starts. Ontario's public servants are being asked to return to the office, even while a renovation at their largest office in downtown Toronto is behind schedule and over budget. Steve and JMM examine the motive behind the government's move. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-rob-cerjanec-defy-the-odds-again JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-burlingtons-housing-bet-pay-offSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Booze, boards, and rumours 20.02.2026 46min

Ontario and Diageo have cut a deal to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, but how much of the money is actually going to those affected by the liquor maker's decision to close its plant? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why everyone else seems to be benefiting at Amherstburg's expense. Big changes are coming to how Ontario funds post-secondary education, including major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Steve and John Michael discuss why students are in an uproar, and how a comment from the premier about baskets isn't helping. The fate of Ontario's school trustees looks grim, and a letter from the Waterloo Region District School Board is unlikely to move the needle. Steve and JMM discuss how legislating this elected position out of existence could come with huge consequences. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-bettingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-awaited tour of Line 5 13.02.2026 47min

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath leave the studio and hop on the Eglinton Crosstown, where they discuss what's new on the line, what could be improved, and where public transit in Toronto goes from here. U.S. president Donald Trump has set his eyes on the Gordie Howe Bridge — making several inflammatory claims about the project and threatening the opening. Steve and John Michael discuss why this latest salvo could be a bridge too far for our largest trading partner. Queen's Park is stepping in after accusations of corruption in numerous Ontario police services. Steve and JMM discuss the province's plans and who will be conducting the investigation. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviouslySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal resignation, a provincial race 06.02.2026 38min

Bill Blair's resignation as MP for Scarborough Southwest has spurred a flurry of political moves in Ontario. Doly Begum, formerly the Ontario New Democratic Party's deputy leader, announced she will run for the federal Liberals in the riding; Liberal MP Nate Erskine Smith announced he'll run in Doly's former provincial riding. John Michael McGrath, Émilie Gougeon-Pelletier, and Sabrina Nanji discuss why this is such a big deal. The Eglinton Crosstown finally has an opening date, but will the opening be full steam ahead or go off the rails? John Michael, Émilie, and Sabrina discuss how the line got here and the precedents that could signal how rocky its start may be. The Darlington Refurbishment Project was delivered early and under budget. This project is part of Ontario's energy strategy and will allow the reactor to continue functioning for years to come. So, why did the province scrap its climate targets when it's on the cusp of a nuclear boom? JMM, Émilie, and Sabrina dig into the larger, legal context. JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-lastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the Ring of Fire 30.01.2026 45min

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath speak with Canadian Press reporter Liam Casey about the Indigenous communities affected by the proposed development of the Ring of Fire. Some are embracing the opportunity, others are afraid of what access might bring. Steve and John Michael preview Ontario's municipal election season. They dig into some of the big races, and why many, in smaller municipalities, are acclaimed. Spoiler alert, it's a hard job and made more difficult by a lack of a provincial code of conduct.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.