Members of provincial Parliament have returned to Queen's Park and there's already a flurry of activity. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the first week back and what's to come.

Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly was elected as the legislature's first female Speaker. It's an important role in the parliamentary system, and Steve and JMM take a deeper dive into what she'll be expected to do.

The New York Times has published an investigation into Therme Group alleging the company misled the Province of Ontario during its submission process to build a spa on Toronto's waterfront.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-moderating-a-leaders-debate-is-like-refereeing-a-hockey-game

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-free-trade-announcement-sounds-important-is-it

New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/world/canada/therme-spa-ontario-canada.html

Members of provincial Parliament have returned to Queen's Park and there's already a flurry of activity. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the first week back and what's to come.
Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly was elected as the legislature's first female Speaker. It's an important role in the parliamentary system, and Steve and JMM take a deeper dive into what she'll be expected to do.
The New York Times has published an investigation into Therme Group alleging the company misled the Province of Ontario during its submission process to build a spa on Toronto's waterfront.
Steve's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/why-moderating-a-leaders-debate-is-like-refereeing-a-hockey-game">https://www.tvo.org/article/why-moderating-a-leaders-debate-is-like-refereeing-a-hockey-game</a>
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-free-trade-announcement-sounds-important-is-it">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-free-trade-announcement-sounds-important-is-it</a>
New York Times: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/world/canada/therme-spa-ontario-canada.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/world/canada/therme-spa-ontario-canada.html</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

Queen's Park is back, a female Speaker, and Therme investigation

Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door for China to enter Canada's electric vehicle market. That has left Doug Ford steaming and calling on Canadians to boycott the vehicles. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what the premier could do to stymie the process. But are the economic realities of the PM's decision are already hitting home?

The Province of Ontario is looking to pause an inclusionary zoning requirement that forced developers to build affordable housing near transit hubs. Steve and John Michael discuss the government's rationale for the change.

The Rural Ontario Municipal Association held its annual conference this past week. Steve and JMM discuss the concerns coming out of Ontario's rural communities.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-them

Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door for China to enter Canada's electric vehicle market. That has left Doug Ford steaming and calling on Canadians to boycott the vehicles. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what the premier could do to stymie the process. But are the economic realities of the PM's decision are already hitting home?
The Province of Ontario is looking to pause an inclusionary zoning requirement that forced developers to build affordable housing near transit hubs. Steve and John Michael discuss the government's rationale for the change.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association held its annual conference this past week. Steve and JMM discuss the concerns coming out of Ontario's rural communities.
Steve's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset</a>
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-them">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-them</a>

Mark Carney cuts a deal with China, Doug Ford calls for a boycott

Canada's highest court will hear arguments from critics of the Province of Ontario's plan to build a spa at Ontario Place. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the stakes of the case and why they're surprised the court is taking it on.

The Province of Ontario has a plan to connect 2 million Ontarians with a primary care provider by 2029. It's a lofty goal, but the actual number might be significantly lower. Steve and John Michael discuss why the metric might change.

Ontario's public servants are back in the office five days a week, but Members of Provincial Parliament are on break from the legislature all the way until March. Steve and JMM discuss the reaction to the return to in-office work and the optics of it all.

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right

Omnibus Trion timestamp: (coming soon)

Canada's highest court will hear arguments from critics of the Province of Ontario's plan to build a spa at Ontario Place. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the stakes of the case and why they're surprised the court is taking it on.
The Province of Ontario has a plan to connect 2 million Ontarians with a primary care provider by 2029. It's a lofty goal, but the actual number might be significantly lower. Steve and John Michael discuss why the metric might change.
Ontario's public servants are back in the office five days a week, but Members of Provincial Parliament are on break from the legislature all the way until March.&nbsp;Steve and JMM discuss the reaction to the return to in-office work and the optics of it all.
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right</a>
Omnibus Trion timestamp: (coming soon)

Ontario Place goes to the Supreme Court of Canada

The OPP is launching a criminal investigation into a company that received money from both the ministry of colleges and universities and the Ontario Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss this latest development in the saga - and the headache it's becoming for the premier.

Ontario's big city mayors have called on the province to declare a state of emergency around homelessness and drug use. Steve and John Michael discuss what might change.

The Finch West LRT opened last week and already people are complaining about it. Steve and JMM talk about what Metrolinx, the TTC, and the City of Toronto can do to speed things up.

And Nam Kiwanuka, host and producer of (MIS)Treated, and Molly Thomas, host of Big [If True], join Steve and JMM for an #onpoli podcast quiz to round out the year.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-this-organization-in-hamilton-helps-men-get-clean-and-turn-their-li...

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-i-love-my-e-bike-but-ontario-needs-new-rules

The OPP is launching a criminal investigation into a company that received money from both the ministry of colleges and universities and the Ontario Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss this latest development in the saga - and the headache it's becoming for the premier.
Ontario's big city mayors have called on the province to declare a state of emergency around homelessness and drug use. Steve and John Michael discuss what might change.
The Finch West LRT opened last week and already people are complaining about it. Steve and JMM talk about what Metrolinx, the TTC, and the City of Toronto can do to speed things up.
And Nam Kiwanuka, host and producer of (MIS)Treated, and Molly Thomas, host of Big [If True], join Steve and JMM for an #onpoli podcast quiz to round out the year.
Steve's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/how-this-organization-in-hamilton-helps-men-get-clean-and-turn-their-lives-around">https://www.tvo.org/article/how-this-organization-in-hamilton-helps-men-get-clean-and-turn-their-li...</a>
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-i-love-my-e-bike-but-ontario-needs-new-rules">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-i-love-my-e-bike-but-ontario-needs-new-rules</a>

Queen's Park is back, a female Speaker, and Therme investigation

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