#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Earlier this week, a second unanimous consent vote to reverse a ban on wearing keffiyehs at Queen's Park failed to pass. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath follow up on the ban at Queen's Park and ramifications of it. The Province of Ontario is investing billions into electric vehicle plants from car manufacturing giant Honda. The new plants announced this week are part of a larger plan to make the province into an EV powerhouse, but there have been a few stumbles along the way. The Ontario Basic Income pilot was abruptly cancelled in 2019 when Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party formed government. Many years later, a class action lawsuit certified by the Ontario Superior Court has the government paying for legal fees and the plaintiffs seeking millions more in damages. Steve and John Michael discuss what the program did and what the cancellation meant to participants. UDPATE: On Thursday after this week's episode finished recording, Independent MPP Sarah Jama was asked by Speaker Ted Arnott to remove her keffiyeh while in the chamber at Queen's Park, and when she refused she was asked to leave the chamber, which she declined to do. That came after the events on Tuesday that we discuss in this week's episode. We'll have an update on all of this in next week's episode. John Michael’s column: Former basic-income recipients are taking Ontario to court. Do they have a shot? | TVO Today You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has tabled its budget, which includes money for municipalities on housing and a tax on the rich. Details have been released piecemeal over the last several weeks, but now Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath will finally be able to digest the whole thing. Highway 413 has cleared a major hurdle with the federal government removing the need for an environmental assessment. So, will shovels finally get into the ground for this new project? Not so fast, because there are several other issues that could get in the way. Several MPPs at Queen's Park were quietly removed from their committee assignments last week. Steve and John Michael discuss these unusual removals and what they might mean. Steve's column: John Michael's column: You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Paul Calandra unveiled The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, a new piece of housing legislation designed to get more housing built. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the omnibus bill and look at the housing policy blitz we've seen from both the federal and provincial government. The Office of the Premier has 48 staff members on the Sunshine List, which makes it one of the most expensive incarnations of this office ever. How does this expense square with Doug Ford's brand of fiscal responsibility? The Ontario New Democrat Party recently hit a record for donations, leader Marit Stiles is travelling the province, and the party has been putting forward strong legislation. So, why isn't Doug Ford taking notice? Steve and John Michael discuss the premier's choice of opponents. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/do-doug-ford-and-pierre-poilievre-get-along John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-needs-to-get-real-about-its-own-housing-statistics You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian government has announced a new infrastructure fund that would provide billions to provinces and territories to build up wastewater treatment capacity and housing. The money comes with strings that include a pledge to build ,missing middle, housing, which Premier Doug Ford has opposed. The premier says he would rather let municipalities decide what and where to build. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the premier's hesitancy to change course. Ontario has decided where its allotment of international students will go, and public universities and colleges are the big winners. Private career colleges will see a drop in enrolment and could be the first casualties from this new federal cap. There's a deadline to call a by-election and the time has come for Lambton Kent Middlesex, the former riding of MPP Monte McNaughton. Steve and John Michael discuss who will be running. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/a-conversation-in-hamiltons-tent-city John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/renters-in-canada-need-all-the-help-they-can-get-will-a-bill-of-rights-make-any-difference See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy has unveiled Ontario's budget and it's a big one. The province is spending an unprecedented amount on building infrastructure projects but is expected to see large deficits over the next two years. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the details. The Ontario Liberal Party has announced their candidate for the Milton byelection, and it's not Bonnie Crombie. Galen Naidoo Harris, the son of former Milton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris, will run. However, his candidacy leaves open the question of where the new Ontario Liberal leader will plant her flag. And in Your Column, My Column, Steve and John Michael go over some specific parts of the budget that really grind their gears. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-should-the-government-send-me-9-a-month-to-help-me-pay-my-hydro-bill John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-2024-budget-means-for-housing-affordability-in-ontario See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has said that if she becomes premier, she will not impose carbon tax on residents. This, among many other announcements, has made this a big week for her. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what's been announced so far. In Your Column, My Column, Steve talks about Roy McMurtry who died on March 18. McMurtry was one of two Ontarians to hold the positions of both attorney general and chief justice of the province's highest court. He also championed human rights and legalized same-sex marriage in Ontario. Then, we bring an end to the CPR West Toronto station story in our mailbag segment. Steve and John Michael remember that this story was never about the destination, it was about all the interesting train facts they learned along the way. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column on Roy McMurtry: https://www.tvo.org/article/remembering-roy-mcmurtry-one-of-ontarios-most-influential-attorneys-general An interview with Roy McMurtry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SrxkBkJuKI Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.com JMM’s column on Bonnie Crombie’s new housing policy: https://www.tvo.org/article/will-bonnie-crombies-new-housing-policy-light-a-fire-under-the-ford-government See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier Doug Ford has been seen in recent weeks handing out large cheques to cities who have hit their housing targets through the Building Faster Fund. Most recently, he praised Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, whose record is worse than former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why the premier is willing to forgive when it comes to certain cities. The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has picked their nominee in the upcoming Milton byelection. Will Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie also run in that race? Meanwhile, Durham's new federal MP Jamil Jivani has stirred up the conflict between the provincial and federal conservative parties. It's all getting a bit messy. There's a good chance this summer will be a lot like last summer. Wildfire smoke could blanket the province, so the climate is on our minds. Steve and John Michael highlight some upcoming changes to two environmental acts that could have implications for the future of the province. John Michael’s column on Halton Region and CN Rail: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-halton-region-both-won-and-lost-in-its-fight-against-cn-rail-in-just-one-week The Narwhal’s reporting on conservation authorities: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-conservation-authorities-changes/ How wetlands are becoming toxic time bombs: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-wetlands-are-becoming-pollution-time-bombs Why Ontario shouldn’t pave paradise to put up a highway: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-ontario-shouldnt-pave-paradise-to-put-up-a-highway You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official opposition is calling on the Ontario government to remove tolls for truckers on Highway 407. Their argument is moving truck traffic to the toll road would save truckers time and taxpayers money while removing the need to build highway 413. But will Doug Ford budge on his plans? The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is the last union to sign a tentative agreement with the province. If ratified, all the big teacher organizations will then have agreements for the next three years. We discuss the history of these conflicts throughout the years. And Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the legacy of former prime minister Brian Mulroney who died at 84. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve’s column on Brian Mulroney’s unlikely friendships: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-brian-mulroneys-unlikely-friendships-say-about-his-political-legacy Steve’s column on the titans of ‘80s politics: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-titans-of-80s-politics-are-gone-lets-hope-their-legacy-of-mutual-respect-endures Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give John Michael's column on sewers: https://www.tvo.org/article/want-to-boost-housing-affordability-then-start-thinking-about-sewers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's provincial government is infusing $1.3 billion into the post-secondary education system, but is it too little and too late? Faced with funding pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and new regulations around international students, Ontario's higher learning institutions were looking for closer to $2.5 billion and for tuition hikes. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next. Doug Ford has tripled down on his hope to appoint ,like-minded judges, on Ontario courts by appointing former staffers onto the committees that choose judges. We discuss whether this is a new practice or something all political parties do. Mike Schreiner's housing bill has been sent to committee or, as John Michael calls it, legislative purgatory. We discuss the possible reasons for the move and how the bill could potentially be brought into other housing policy. A note to listeners, the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/half-a-century-ago-ontario-got-its-youngest-ever-cabinet-minister John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/if-governments-are-serious-about-fighting-climate-change-they-should-tackle-transit-report Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Clip courtesy Legislative Assembly of Ontario See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPPs have returned to Queen's Park after their winter hiatus to a jam-packed schedule with the Ontario PC Government introducing the "Get It Done Act." Steve and John Michael dig into what's in that bill. We're also responding to your questions and comments from the last episode of the podcast. Email us at onpolitics@tvo.org if you have a question you'd like addressed on the show. A note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give A Place to Stand (1967): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0F10Sc3Vcw Ontario.ca's resource page about A Place To Stand: https://web.archive.org/web/20190622184444/https://www.ontario.ca/page/place-stand-ontario-song Clip of Aislinn Clancy's entry to Queen's Park courtesy Legislative Assembly of Ontario See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late last year, Energy Minister Todd Smith said he'd introduce legislation to reverse a decision made by the Ontario Energy Board. The decision would have put the cost of hooking up new homes to the gas grid onto developers, which, the minister said, would delay shovels getting into the ground. Steve and John Michael discuss the impact of this decision. Online investigative magazine The Narwhal is reporting that the Government of Ontario is planning to expand its powers to expropriate land. Taking land is one way the government can use its powers to help infrastructure projects get done, but the normal process can take months and requires public consultations. Why is the government so keen to speed things up? Premier Doug Ford said Ontario will soon see one of the biggest projects in the world coming to the province. It was a mysterious announcement that has Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wondering what it could possibly be. And a note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays starting February 16th. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed a request that would allow for the release of the Government of Ontario's mandate letters. While the decision puts an end to one hot button issue, it may have spawned another surrounding transparency in the government's decision-making processes. Olivia Chow's gambit to lower the tax hike for Torontonians seems to have paid off. The Federal government has announced $362.4 million dollars in funding for refugee supports without which, Chow said, the tax increase would have been higher. Her recent interactions with the Federal government have put many partnerships across levels of government into the spotlight. The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is getting refurbished. The project is already slated to cost $2 billion for the initial phase, but it could cost billions more to complete. Why invest in nuclear? Why not invest in more solar like the rest of the world? Dr. Chris Keefer joins the podcast to discuss nuclear energy and why he thinks it's necessary to reach a clean energy future. And a note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays starting February 16th. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-pickering-nuclear-refurbishment-is-the-path-of-least-resistance-for-clean-energy Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-former-cabinet-minister-has-seen-his-life-transformed Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private emails sent between two aides have added a new chapter to the Greenbelt scandal that has plagued the Ontario PC Party. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this revelation might affect public confidence in government decisions. A new cap on the number of international students could see Ontario's post-secondary schools facing dire financial straits. Schools are saying the decision was rushed, the Federal government says the two-year pause is necessary. Parm Gill, MPP for Milton and Minister of Red Tape Reduction, has resigned from Queen's Park to run federally for Pierre Poilievre. His goal is to take down Justin Trudeau, but his move highlights a schism in Canada's conservative political parties. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/rocco-rossi-isnt-retiring-hes-rewiring John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/will-there-be-enough-evs-to-meet-canadas-target-or-do-we-need-a-plan-b David Moscrop's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-greenbelt-scandal-takes-another-turn-and-trust-in-the-ford-government-takes-another-hit Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government of Ontario is set to expand the number of private health clinics allowed to perform certain types of surgeries and diagnostic procedures. Critics say the plan will further burden the healthcare system by pulling away hospital staff, while supporters say it's a necessary step to help struggling hospitals. Mike Schreiner has called on the Attorney General to probe the recent deal allowing for ServiceOntario kiosks in Staples stores. Part of that announcement included the planned closure of a number of ServiceOntario locations, a detail that's caused some concern. The Hazel McCallion Line is getting a new business case to lay out how it will connect Port Credit, Mississauga, and Brampton. It's one of several transit projects still being built in the province, but when will it open? That's the $4.6 billion dollar question. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/at-95-ontario-political-legend-bob-nixon-still-has-stories-to-tell JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/is-first-past-the-post-unconstitutional-an-ontario-court-says-no-but-the-fight-isnt-over JMM's column on Staples: https://www.tvo.org/article/please-premier-ford-dont-ruin-serviceontario Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give Nerene Virgin on the TVO@50 Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/tvoat50/todays-special See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a new year, but the same old priorities for the Government of Ontario: Housing, affordability, and healthcare. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how they're going to, as Doug Ford says, ,Get it done?, Toronto has released a first look at its budget. The city has a huge deficit to fill and a property tax hike seems to be the answer, but how have Torontonians responded to that? Not well. Cyber-attacks seem to be growing and it feels like it's only a matter of time before the province gets attacked. The guys are joined by Donald Blair, an IT director, to discuss how to prevent a disaster. Kat Eschner's piece on social-assistance rates: https://www.tvo.org/article/social-assistance-rates-in-ontario-should-set-off-alarm-bells-report More from Kat: https://www.tvo.org/author/kat-eschner Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Region of Peel will remain whole for the foreseeable future, bringing a close to a months-long ordeal for the workers in the region. Regional staff were working toward a January 2025 timeline to dissolve the region, but now the transition board assigned to oversee that will look to create efficiencies instead. So, why cancel the deal? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the details and the shrewd politics involved. The sale of alcohol is expanding in the Province of Ontario to include corner stores, big box retailers, and gas stations by 2026. The province has already received a failing grade for its alcohol control measures from organizations like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, so why not fail even harder? It's a deal four decades in the making, so why did it take this long and what's at stake now that it's almost here? Steve and JMM answer your burning questions before the end of the year in our annual year-end mailbag. Got a question, send it on through to onpolitics@tvo.org for future episodes. Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, newly minted Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie made her first appearances at Queen's Park. While she spoke about her priorities as leader, she also fired back against Doug Ford who had launched a series of attacks on her over luxury cars and a cottage in the Hamptons. The problem? She doesn't have either of those. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath then look into the auditor general of Ontario's latest report. The report revealed that the business case for moving the Ontario Science Centre might not be as airtight as the government said it was, and many more revelations. And finally, Peel Region could be staying together after the Hazel McCallion Act nearly tore it apart. Steve and JMM discuss how the stunning numbers around tax increases were known for quite some time and why they're coming to light right now. The Auditor General report: https://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/annualreports.html Region of Peel panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d8Ry5jeh54 Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/bonnie-crombies-first-week-couldnt-have-gone-much-better John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/doug-ford-has-no-excuse-for-sticker-shock-when-it-comes-to-dissolving-peel-region See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, newly minted Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie made her first appearances at Queen's Park. While she spoke about her priorities as leader, she also fired back against Doug Ford who had launched a series of attacks on her over luxury cars and a cottage in the Hamptons. The problem? She doesn't have either of those. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath then look into the auditor general of Ontario's latest report. The report revealed that the business case for moving the Ontario Science Centre might not be as airtight as the government said it was, and many more revelations. And finally, Peel Region could be staying together after the Hazel McCallion Act nearly tore it apart. Steve and JMM discuss how the stunning numbers around tax increases were known for quite some time and why they're coming to light right now. The Auditor General report: https://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/annualreports.html Region of Peel panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d8Ry5jeh54 Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/bonnie-crombies-first-week-couldnt-have-gone-much-better John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/doug-ford-has-no-excuse-for-sticker-shock-when-it-comes-to-dissolving-peel-region See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From mayor of Mississauga to new Ontario Liberal leader, Bonnie Crombie has seen a political rise over the last few years. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into what's next for her and the challenges ahead. Ontario's Green Party has a new MPP in Kitchener-Centre. Aislinn Clancy won her seat by a wide margin last week and doubled the size of her party's caucus. Could this be the start of a green wave? A mini wave? And the province has unveiled a so-called business case for moving the Ontario Science Centre to the Toronto's waterfront. Critics were quick to note that the numbers just aren't adding up. Ontario Science Centre promo clip courtesy the Ontario Science Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have made an agreement that will give Canada's largest city billions in exchange for it stepping out of the way for a spa planned for Ontario Place. Then, Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what could happen at the December 2nd Ontario Liberal Leadership Election. How will votes from student and women's associations play into who gets to lead the party into the next election? Will there be drama? Who will win? And they discuss the merits and pitfalls of the long-gone tradition of a delegated convention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.