Ontario has launched a new online portal to enlist people with health-care experience in the fight against COVID-19. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss whether this initiative means the province will allow foreign-trained doctors and nurses to join the battle. Also, the podcast explores why Ontario's testing numbers remain so low.

#onpoli, a TVO podcast, is all about Ontario politics. Join hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath for candid interviews and a deeper understanding of how politics touches our day-to-day lives. When it comes to #onpoli, we're here to give you the bigger picture.

#onpoli, a TVO podcast, is all about Ontario politics. Join hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath for candid interviews and a deeper understanding of how politics touches our day-to-day lives. When it comes to #onpoli, we're here to give you the big

#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Ep. 20 - Calling for backup in the COVID-19 battle

Reaction continues to pour in after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the government would pay $225 million to end an agreement with the The Beer Store one year early. One of the questions being asked repeatedly - why pay millions to end an agreement that was due to expire next year anyways? Does it have anything to do with theories the Premier will call an early election? Steve and JMM discuss the possibility.

The Ontario government is insisting it complies with public disclosure laws. That's after reporting from Global News revealed government staff are using their Gmail accounts in order to avoid disclosure under the freedom of information act. But will there be any consequences beyond the political arena? 

Plus, a historic moment in the legislature as NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa asks a question in Oji-Cree. It's the first time a question is officially asked in the Ontario legislature in a language other than oEnglish or French.

Reaction continues to pour in after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the government would pay $225 million to end an agreement with the The Beer Store one year early. One of the questions being asked repeatedly - why pay millions to end an agreement that was due to expire next year anyways? Does it have anything to do with theories the Premier will call an early election? Steve and JMM discuss the possibility. The Ontario government is insisting it complies with public disclosure laws. That's after reporting from Global News revealed government staff are using their Gmail accounts in order to avoid disclosure under the freedom of information act. But will there be any consequences beyond the political arena? Plus, a historic moment in the legislature as NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa asks a question in Oji-Cree. It's the first time a question is officially asked in the Ontario legislature in a language other than oEnglish or French.

Will Doug Ford call an early election?

Back in 2021, the Ontario government used the notwithstanding clause to push through changes to campaign finance laws. Critics say these changes violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This week, the Supreme Court heard the case and its decision could have a major impact on the next provincial election.

Back during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, provincial courts began offering a deal to certain cases where a person was charged with driving under the influence. The person could plead guilty and rather than face federal charges, they would be charged under the Highway Traffic Act, which offers less severe penalties. This deal was offered to clear a backlog of cases. Steve and JMM discuss how this squares with a provincial government that has made itself known for being tough on crime.

And, another story where politics run into reality as the federal government squashes an attempt by the city of Toronto to decriminalize drugs for personal use. All thanks to a letter from Doug Ford.

Back in 2021, the Ontario government used the notwithstanding clause to push through changes to campaign finance laws. Critics say these changes violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This week, the Supreme Court heard the case and its decision could have a major impact on the next provincial election. Back during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, provincial courts began offering a deal to certain cases where a person was charged with driving under the influence. The person could plead guilty and rather than face federal charges, they would be charged under the Highway Traffic Act, which offers less severe penalties. This deal was offered to clear a backlog of cases. Steve and JMM discuss how this squares with a provincial government that has made itself known for being tough on crime. And, another story where politics run into reality as the federal government squashes an attempt by the city of Toronto to decriminalize drugs for personal use. All thanks to a letter from Doug Ford.

When Politics and Reality Collide

The official opposition is accusing the Ontario government of shutting down debate on a private member's bill called Lydia's Law. The bill deals with sexual assault and was set to be debated this week before Progressive Conservatives sent it to committee. The PCs say they are trying to speed up the legislative process, but the NDP are crying foul.

Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said this week that Ontario does not have a doctor shortage, a statement that raised a lot of eyebrows. Steve and John Michael dig into the story behind the comments.

And, this week brought some significant new penalties for car theft. John Michael explains why this law could lead to a challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The official opposition is accusing the Ontario government of shutting down debate on a private member's bill called Lydia's Law. The bill deals with sexual assault and was set to be debated this week before Progressive Conservatives sent it to committee. The PCs say they are trying to speed up the legislative process, but the NDP are crying foul. Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said this week that Ontario does not have a doctor shortage, a statement that raised a lot of eyebrows. Steve and John Michael dig into the story behind the comments. And, this week brought some significant new penalties for car theft. John Michael explains why this law could lead to a challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Ep. 20 - Calling for backup in the COVID-19 battle

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