Province to review children's aid in Ontario
The province is undertaking an audit of children's aid societies in Ontario. This comes after Premier Doug Ford's criticized cost overruns and manager bonuses. Unions representing the organizations say the criticism is a smokescreen for decades of underfunding that have worsened conditions. Steve P…
A third NDP MPP leaves Queen's Park
Bhutila Karpoche is the third NDP MPP to seek a federal nomination. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about why now might be the time to make the leap to Ottawa. Another transit headache for the City of Toronto as Mosaic, the builders behind the Finch LRT, sue the province over delays in …
Bonnie Crombie on her vision for the Ontario Liberal party
Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie joins Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath to discuss her plans ahead of a potential spring election, the OLP's new slogan, and how she tries to get under Doug Ford's skin. Premier Ford's comments telling homeless people to get off their butts and get jobs ha…
The Tories keep hold of the Bay of Quinte
The Ontario PC Party has won the riding of Bay of Quinte, replacing former education minister Todd Smith. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into how this may affect a possible spring election. The Government of Ontario has released its public accounts, which show that revenues are up and t…
A byelection spending spree in Prince Edward County
The Government of Ontario is spending millions on upgrading the water infrastructure in Prince Edward County — ahead of a by-election next week. Coincidence? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss. Doug Ford believes Jagmeet Singh won't trigger an early election at the federal level due to …
Smartphones, alcohol, and nuclear energy, oh my!
A new ban on smartphones in Ontario's secondary schools has come into effect. How will students react to the new policy? Or will the province reverse course like the Toronto District School Board? Alcohol sales have expanded in Ontario to convenience stores and gas stations while supervised consum…
A midsummer check-in from AMO
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath return to the #onpoli podcast for a midsummer check-in from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/heres-how-to-beat-doug-ford-in-the-next-election JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/ottawa-…
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto by-election and the mailbag
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath round off another season of the #onpoli podcast with a mailbag episode. They answer audience questions including one about the Ontario Science Centre closure, talk about the Toronto St. Paul's by-election, and announce the winners of the book giveaway. You ca…
A dry summer
LCBO workers are in legal strike position, and they've set a deadline of July 5 to get a deal made. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this mixes with recent policy decisions surrounding beer, wine, and mixed drinks in corner stores. A legal challenge surrounding the redevelopment o…
An early election wouldn't hurt Doug Ford
Fresh polling shows the Progressive Conservatives would emerge victorious if an election was called early. Carolyn Parrish will be the next mayor of Ontario's third largest city. Premier Doug Ford signs another memorandum of understanding with a U-S state, this time it's Illinois. Are these deals…