Ontario is saying so long to mask mandates. On this week's podcast, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss whether the decision is based on science or politics.

Also, Rima Berns-McGown, NDP MPP for Beaches-East York, discusses why she won't be running for a second term. Her reasons aren't what you might expect.

For more information:

Yes, we should talk about ranked ballots. But we need to talk about a whole lot more.

https://www.tvo.org/article/yes-we-should-talk-about-ranked-ballots-but-we-need-to-talk-about-a-whole-lot-more

Why nothing big gets done anymore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZf54GLQmI0

Ontario is saying so long to mask mandates. On this week's podcast, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss whether the decision is based on science or politics. Also, Rima Berns-McGown, NDP MPP for Beaches-East York, discusses why she won't be running for a second term. Her reasons aren't what you might expect.
For more information:
Yes, we should talk about ranked ballots. But we need to talk about a whole lot more.
<a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/yes-we-should-talk-about-ranked-ballots-but-we-need-to-talk-about-a-whole-lot-more">https://www.tvo.org/article/yes-we-should-talk-about-ranked-ballots-but-we-need-to-talk-about-a-whole-lot-more</a>
Why nothing big gets done anymore <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZf54GLQmI0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZf54GLQmI0</a>

#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

Goodbye mask mandates

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.

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: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/do-doug-ford-and-pierre-poilievre-get-along">https://www.tvo.org/article/do-doug-ford-and-pierre-poilievre-get-along</a>
John Michael’s column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-needs-to-get-real-about-its-own-housing-statistics">https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-needs-to-get-real-about-its-own-housing-statistics</a>
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.

Breaking down the latest housing policy blitz

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

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: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/a-conversation-in-hamiltons-tent-city" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="9eaa488b-1536-49e2-94e5-34a273503ab2">https://www.tvo.org/article/a-conversation-in-hamiltons-tent-city</a> John Michael’s column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/renters-in-canada-need-all-the-help-they-can-get-will-a-bill-of-rights-make-any-difference" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="8e756395-9f6b-48dc-84f0-4ac3a6502724">https://www.tvo.org/article/renters-in-canada-need-all-the-help-they-can-get-will-a-bill-of-rights-make-any-difference</a>

Why Doug Ford won't budge on housing

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

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: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/why-should-the-government-send-me-9-a-month-to-help-me-pay-my-hydro-bill">https://www.tvo.org/article/why-should-the-government-send-me-9-a-month-to-help-me-pay-my-hydro-bill</a>
John Michael’s column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-2024-budget-means-for-housing-affordability-in-ontario">https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-2024-budget-means-for-housing-affordability-in-ontario</a>

Goodbye mask mandates

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