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  • Poking the Bear - the Reagan Anti-tariff Ad and Ottawa’s Silence

    Poking the Bear - the Reagan Anti-tariff Ad and Ottawa’s Silence
    2025/10/30
    October 29, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, John Wright, Keith Leslie
    Featured Interview: Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank


    In this wide-ranging roundtable, Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, pollster John Wright, and journalist Keith Leslie to unpack a week of political turbulence—from Premier Doug Ford’s Reagan-themed U.S. trade ad and the resulting tariff tantrum from Washington, to the Ontario government’s omnibus legislation blitz at Queen’s Park.

    The panel explores how Ford’s “Captain Canada” messaging has inflamed an already volatile Canada–U.S. trade climate and whether Ottawa and Queen’s Park are working from the same playbook. Wynne argues for federal-provincial coordination; Wright warns about “freelancing premiers”; and Leslie questions the political wisdom of running ads that “poke the bear” during the World Series.

    Later, the discussion turns to Ontario’s new omnibus bills—from scrapping speed cameras to raising political donation limits—provoking questions about transparency, committee work, and the government’s appetite for real debate.

    In the second half, Dave sits down with Neil Hetherington of the Daily Bread Food Bank to dissect this year’s Who’s Hungry report: food-bank visits in Toronto have hit 4.1 million, a 340 percent increase since 2019, with one in ten Torontonians relying on food banks. The panel weighs policy failures, stagnant wages, and corporate responsibility amid record profits.
    They close by reflecting on poverty as an economic indicator and the political will required to address it—while predicting that both trade tensions and food insecurity will worsen before they improve.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction – Dave sets the agenda: trade, tariffs, legislation, and hunger
    02:00 – Ford’s U.S. ad and the tariff fallout
    09:45 – Ottawa’s silence and the coordination gap
    20:00 – Inside Queen’s Park: Omnibus politics and missed debate
    37:00 – Neil Hetherington on Toronto’s hunger crisis
    53:00 – Policy, poverty, and political accountability
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    1 時間 5 分
  • BONUS - TRUMP'S TARIFF TANTRUM plus Piccini takes a political pounding

    BONUS - TRUMP'S TARIFF TANTRUM plus Piccini takes a political pounding
    2025/10/24
    We recorded this week's show about 12 hours before Donald Trump flew off his social media handle and trashed the Canada-US trade talks because of Ontario's anti-tariff ads running on US networks.

    For the sake of context this version of this week's show...includes commentary around Trump's antics and what Doug Ford may...or may not do about it.

    Otherwise...here's the show.

    ON THE LEDGE – YOUR ONTARIO POLITICS PODCAST

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Keith Leslie (CH Television), Tim Hudak (Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former Ontario PC leader), John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights)

    Dave Trafford is joined by Keith Leslie, Tim Hudak, and John Wright for a lively roundtable that begins with the soaring cost of World Series tickets and quickly pivots into a sharp political discussion about Doug Ford’s government.

    Hudak shares his perspective as a former Consumer Minister on the futility of policing ticket resellers, while Wright and Leslie explore how technology, bots, and lax regulation have transformed ticket scalping into a billion-dollar business.

    The panel then dissects fresh polling data revealing Ford’s surprising strength in Toronto and the GTA—numbers showing nearly half of Torontonians approving of his performance, particularly on populist issues such as speed cameras and school trustees.

    The conversation deepens with the week’s political firestorm: the Auditor General’s revelations about the Skills Development Fund, questions surrounding Labour Minister David Piccini, and fresh allegations from “Mr. X” in the ongoing Greenbelt saga. Jessica Smith Cross of The Trillium joins the episode with her reporting, laying out the connections between political insiders, lobbying, and taxpayer dollars.

    The crew debates whether these controversies expose a deeper issue of cronyism and complacency within the Ford government, or simply the growing pains of a long-serving administration.
    The episode closes with reflections on accountability, transparency, and the political costs of loyalty—ending with a consensus that the Ford government’s biggest risk now isn’t its policies, but its optics.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction & World Series Ticket Shock
    06:00 – Polling the GTA: Ford’s Populist Edge
    14:00 – The Speed Camera Debate: Cash Grab or Safety Tool?
    31:00 – The Skills Development Fund Scandal & Mr. X Allegations
    46:00 – Cronyism, Transparency, and Political Fallout
    52:00 – Closing Thoughts
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Conflicts and Cronyism - Piccini takes a political pounding over Skills Development Fund and the Greenbelt

    Conflicts and Cronyism - Piccini takes a political pounding over Skills Development Fund and the Greenbelt
    2025/10/23
    ON THE LEDGE – YOUR ONTARIO POLITICS PODCAST

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Keith Leslie (CH Television), Tim Hudak (Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former Ontario PC leader), John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights)

    Dave Trafford is joined by Keith Leslie, Tim Hudak, and John Wright for a lively roundtable that begins with the soaring cost of World Series tickets and quickly pivots into a sharp political discussion about Doug Ford’s government.

    Hudak shares his perspective as a former Consumer Minister on the futility of policing ticket resellers, while Wright and Leslie explore how technology, bots, and lax regulation have transformed ticket scalping into a billion-dollar business.

    The panel then dissects fresh polling data revealing Ford’s surprising strength in Toronto and the GTA—numbers showing nearly half of Torontonians approving of his performance, particularly on populist issues such as speed cameras and school trustees.

    The conversation deepens with the week’s political firestorm: the Auditor General’s revelations about the Skills Development Fund, questions surrounding Labour Minister David Piccini, and fresh allegations from “Mr. X” in the ongoing Greenbelt saga. Jessica Smith Cross of The Trillium joins the episode with her reporting, laying out the connections between political insiders, lobbying, and taxpayer dollars.

    The crew debates whether these controversies expose a deeper issue of cronyism and complacency within the Ford government, or simply the growing pains of a long-serving administration.
    The episode closes with reflections on accountability, transparency, and the political costs of loyalty—ending with a consensus that the Ford government’s biggest risk now isn’t its policies, but its optics.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction & World Series Ticket Shock
    06:00 – Polling the GTA: Ford’s Populist Edge
    14:00 – The Speed Camera Debate: Cash Grab or Safety Tool?
    31:00 – The Skills Development Fund Scandal & Mr. X Allegations
    46:00 – Cronyism, Transparency, and Political Fallout
    52:00 – Closing Thoughts
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    54 分
  • Doug Ford vs Stellantis and Home Depot Bandits

    Doug Ford vs Stellantis and Home Depot Bandits
    2025/10/17
    As Queen’s Park returns from its extended break, host Dave Trafford gathers the OTL panel — former Ontario Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario PC leader, the Honourable Tim Hudak, veteran pollster John Wright, and CH TV commentator Keith Leslie — to dissect a turbulent week in Ontario politics.

    The conversation opens with the Stellantis decision to move Jeep Compass production from Brampton to Illinois — a move sparking outrage, legal threats, and anxiety about the province’s manufacturing future under a resurgent Trump trade agenda. The panel debates the economic and geopolitical implications for Canada’s auto industry and the broader economy.

    From there, the discussion shifts to healthcare, where the Ford government claims major gains in connecting Ontarians with primary care. The group questions the data, explores the roots of Ontario’s family doctor shortage, and debates the push toward privatization versus preserving public healthcare.
    Finally, attention turns to Premier Ford’s “Home Depot confrontation” story — an anecdote that, while amusing to some, raises serious questions about leadership, temperament, and the government’s focus as the legislature resumes.

    Chapters
    00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford welcomes back the OTL roundtable ahead of the fall legislative session.
    03:45 – Stellantis Shock and Auto Sector FalloutFord and Carney brace for impact as Stellantis pulls production south; Wynne, Hudak, Wright, and Leslie assess the economic and political damage.
    17:00 – Ontario’s Healthcare Reality CheckThe government touts progress on family doctor access — the panel questions the numbers and the deeper system failures.
    37:00 – Doug Ford’s “Home Depot Hero” StoryThe Premier’s vigilante tale goes viral. The panel weighs the optics, the risks, and the erosion of message discipline.
    50:00 – The Bigger Picture: Leadership and VisionAs Queen’s Park reopens, the hosts ask: what’s Ford’s long-term plan beyond political theatre?

    TRANSCRIPT
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    53 分
  • Inside Ontario Politics - the Liberal Rebuild, the NDP Divide, and Ford’s Populist Power

    Inside Ontario Politics - the Liberal Rebuild, the NDP Divide, and Ford’s Populist Power
    2025/10/09
    Dave Trafford welcomes back the full panel — former Premier Kathleen Wynne, former PC leader Tim Hudak, veteran journalist Keith Leslie, and pollster John Wright — for a fall political reset at Queen’s Park. The conversation opens with reflections on the late Jim Bradley, the long-serving Ontario Liberal who embodied integrity, bipartisanship, and a deep respect for public service. The panel shares personal memories and stories that capture Bradley’s “old-school” approach and his remarkable 55 years in elected office.

    From there, the discussion shifts to the state of Ontario’s major parties ahead of the legislature’s return. Wynne assesses the Liberal leadership race, urging a timely process to give the next leader room to grow before the 2026 election. Hudak credits Bonnie Crombie for rebuilding the party infrastructure despite her short tenure, while Leslie and Wright note the Liberals’ resilience and the potential impact of generational change.

    Attention then turns to the NDP, where Marit Stiles faces internal divisions, slipping poll numbers, and a crisis of relevance. The panel contrasts Ontario’s left with more pragmatic western NDP governments, questioning whether the party can reconnect with working-class voters.

    Finally, the team examines Premier Doug Ford’s enduring popularity, exploring how his populist instincts and “Captain Canada” persona resonate across the province, even as critics fault him for weak policy and performative politics. With the legislature set to resume, the conversation sets the stage for an intense fall session dominated by affordability pressures, the Auditor General’s reports, and the evolving federal–provincial dynamic.


    • 00:00 – Introduction – The team reunites and celebrates The Arctic Edge awards
    • 04:55 – Remembering Jim Bradley – Stories of humility, legacy, and public service
    • 19:20 – Liberal Leadership Reset – The race to rebuild the party
    • 30:55 – NDP in Trouble – Divisions, direction, and the struggle for relevance
    • 44:10 – Ford Nation Rising – Populism, polling, and political staying power
    • 59:55 – Looking Ahead – The legislature returns and new battles loom
    TRANSCRIPT
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Bonnie Crombie Quits as Ontario Liberal Leader. Now what?

    Bonnie Crombie Quits as Ontario Liberal Leader. Now what?
    2025/09/17
    What’s Next for the Ontario Liberal Party After Bonnie Crombie’s Resignation?

    Bonnie Crombie resigns after a failed leadership review. On The Ledge panel asks: why did she step down, and who will lead the Ontario Liberals next?
    In this bonus episode of On The Ledge – your Ontario politics podcast makes a special appearance on Newstalk 1010 with Moore in the Morning.

    OTL Host Dave Trafford, former Premier Kathleen Wynne and former PC leader Tim Hudak, join John Moore to analyze what happened at the Ontario Liberal Party’s AGM, what the failing leadership grade (57%) means for Crombie’s legacy, and what lies ahead for the Liberals.

    Highlights
    Kathleen Wynne
    • “There was a tension in the air the whole weekend about what the leadership vote was gonna be. I mean, that was undeniable.”
    Tim Hudak
    • “In Bonnie Crombie’s defense, she took the Liberals back into official party status… She rebuilt their fundraising and credit to her.”
    Dave Trafford
    • “The folks around Bonnie Crombie… were reading their polling from right to left as opposed to left to right because they just turned the number completely around. Their 75% ended up being 57%.”

    What happened to Bonnie Crombie at the Ontario Liberal AGM?
    Bonnie Crombie received just 57% support in her leadership review, far below the 70–75% her advisors predicted. By the end of the day, she announced her resignation.
    Why did Bonnie Crombie resign?
    Crombie acknowledged the leadership review as “a message to me” and decided it was in the party’s best interest to step aside. Kathleen Wynne emphasized it was ultimately Crombie’s decision, not caucus pressure.
    What were Bonnie Crombie’s achievements as leader?
    • Restored official party status for the Liberals.
    • Rebuilt fundraising and organizational capacity.
    • Raised membership engagement after years of decline.
    Why did Crombie’s leadership fail?
    Dave Trafford argued that the problem was not only Crombie’s performance but also “a sense of unpreparedness around the Liberal campaign” and weak organizational support. Tim Hudak noted Crombie’s defeat in Mississauga sealed her fate against Doug Ford’s stronghold.
    What’s next for the Ontario Liberals?
    The panel agreed the party needs a leader with a seat in the Legislature to challenge Doug Ford directly. Potential names include:
    • Adil Shamji and Mary-Margaret McMahon from the current caucus.
    • Federal figures like Karina Gould or Nav Bains were mentioned as possible contenders.

    TRANSCRIPT
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    10 分
  • Doug Ford Keeps Playing His Greatest Hits

    Doug Ford Keeps Playing His Greatest Hits
    2025/06/20
    On the Ledge - Your Ontario politics podcast - June 19, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie, John Wright, Kathleen Wynne

    This season finale of On the Ledge dives deep into Premier Doug Ford’s tumultuous week of unscripted rants and calculated risk. The panel unpacks Ford’s inflammatory comments on bail reform and “weak-kneed judges,” his car theft anecdote, and the problematic framing of First Nations relations ahead of a high-stakes Ring of Fire meeting.

    While Ford’s base seems solid—polling at record highs—the fallout from Bill 5 and its sweeping powers is far from over.

    The crew also reflects on the broader political landscape, from G7 diplomacy under Prime Minister Carney to interprovincial cooperation amid economic uncertainty. As the legislature pauses for summer, unresolved tensions over Indigenous consultations, democratic transparency, and civil justice reform loom large.

    Chapters & Timecodes:
    00:00 – Introduction & Season Wrap-Up
    Dave welcomes listeners to the season finale, marks his wedding anniversary, and outlines the summer hiatus.
    01:05 – Ford’s “Hoots” and the Greenbelt Scandal
    Discussion on Doug Ford’s dismissive comments about the Greenbelt, declining public interest, and polling dynamics.
    07:46 – Crime, Bail, and Communication Strategy
    Ford’s rant about judges and bail conditions; analyzing the political effectiveness and risk of going off-script.
    23:03 – Bill 5, First Nations, and Ring of Fire Rhetoric
    Panelists react to Ford’s patronizing remarks about Indigenous communities and the growing opposition to Bill 5.
    39:13 – G7 Summit and Cross-Border Strategy
    Praise for Mark Carney’s diplomatic performance at the G7; discussion on Canada’s realignment in global trade.
    53:22 – Civil Justice Reform & Legislative Concerns
    A critical look at proposed changes to Ontario’s civil litigation process and its potential unintended consequences.
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    55 分
  • Broken Bones - Broken Trust. Alarms raised over school violence

    Broken Bones - Broken Trust. Alarms raised over school violence
    2025/06/13
    On the Ledge – Your Ontario Politics Podcast - June 12, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie

    This episode of On the Ledge confronts a deeply troubling issue: the lack of accountability and transparency following a violent assault involving Anwar Knight’s son at school. The discussion focuses on Knight’s public appeal for justice, after an 18-month struggle with school board officials, the police, and legal hurdles to get answers and action.

    He posted his appeal on Facebook. You can see it here.

    The panel unpacks the layers of systemic opacity, privacy shields, and administrative inertia that often frustrate parents and fail vulnerable students.

    Former Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on her experience as a trustee, highlighting how critical leadership and culture are within schools, beyond policy.
    Keith Leslie underscores the serious consequences of denying parents access to basic information, while Tim Hudak and John Wright stress the need for more courage and common sense in school administration and governance.

    The conversation is wide-ranging but grounded in a central question: How do we ensure schools remain safe, responsive environments for every student? And what needs to change when systems designed to protect kids instead protect institutions?

    The OTL crew also discussed:
    • The 30th anniversary of Mike Harris’ 1995 win and 40th anniversary of Peterson’s 1985 election.
    • John A. McDonald's statue is unveiled at Queen's Park.
    • The possibility of new trade frameworks or deals, especially involving the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
    • Anticipating the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta
    Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction and Light Banter
    04:00 – Anwar Knight’s Story: Assault, Silence, and Court Orders
    13:42 – Leadership, Accountability, and the Failure to Act
    19:27 – School Culture, Transparency, and Administrative Gaps
    26:03 – Reflecting on 30 Years Since Harris, 40 Years Since Peterson
    28:52 – Political Parallels and What Meaningful Change Looks Like
    39:20 – Revisiting Historical Legacies and John A. Macdonald’s Statue
    42:16 – Anticipating the G7 Summit and Its Global Stakes
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    52 分