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.

#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

When Politics and Reality Collide

Where does freedom of religion end, and freedom from discrimination begin? In 2019, a Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) trustee's provocative and polarizing remarks ignited a firestorm. Michael Del Grande argued that if protections for queer and trans individuals were added to the TCDSB code of conduct, then protections should also be added for those who commit pedophilia and cannibalism. His comments sparked outrage, legal battles, and a fierce debate that continues to shape discussions on sex, gender, and inclusion in Ontario's Catholic schools.

Teachers, students, parents, and politicians remain deeply divided. Who holds the power to define the future of queer and trans inclusion in education? How does the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity impact religious rights?

In a new series from TVO Podcasts, co-hosts Matt Nethersole and Tiff Lam delve into the ways that human rights, sexuality, gender, religion, and politics are colliding in Ontario's Catholic schools-and beyond. In this episode, they speak to a 2SLGBTQ+ advocate fighting for change in Catholic schools, a former Ontario premier who thinks school boards can do more to comply with Ministry expectations and a historian explains the connection between Catholic schools and the birth of Canada.

To listen to the full series, visit http://tvo.org/podcasts/queries

#onpoli presents: Queries

Doug Ford is threatening to turn off the province's energy exports to the United States, as a measure to combat proposed tariffs from president-elect Donald Trump. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what seems like an inevitable tit-for-tat tariff war.

The Ford government has put forward its proposed legislation on how to end homeless encampments across the province.

And Steve and JMM take a look at some end of session bills and why they might be telling on the timing of a spring election.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/david-frum-on-canadian-history-and-the-battlefield-of-ideas

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-new-legislation-shows-that-ontario-is-still-digesting-the-lessons-of-the-pandemic

Ontario Road Map: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/109168_U

Doug Ford is threatening to turn off the province's energy exports to the United States, as a measure to combat proposed tariffs from president-elect Donald Trump. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what seems like an inevitable tit-for-tat tariff war.
The Ford government has put forward its proposed legislation on how to end homeless encampments across the province.
And Steve and JMM take a look at some end of session bills and why they might be telling on the timing of a spring election.
Steve's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/david-frum-on-canadian-history-and-the-battlefield-of-ideas">https://www.tvo.org/article/david-frum-on-canadian-history-and-the-battlefield-of-ideas</a>
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-new-legislation-shows-that-ontario-is-still-digesting-the-lessons-of-the-pandemic">https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-new-legislation-shows-that-ontario-is-still-digesting-the-lessons-of-the-pandemic</a>
Ontario Road Map: <a href="https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/109168_U">https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/109168_U</a>

Doug Ford will turn the lights off on Donald Trump

Every year, the Auditor General of Ontario releases an annual report detailing how money was spent in the Province of Ontario. This year's report has called some of the province's dealings "not fair, transparent, or accountable." Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the findings.

Phil Verster, the embattled CEO of Metrolinx, has resigned. With the Eglinton LRT still unopened, we look back on his tenure in the role and what still needs to get done.

Ontario is spending millions on primetime ads on Fox News in hopes of avoiding tariffs. Will this gambit work or are we in for some inevitable pain?

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/my-final-conversation-with-one-of-the-really-good-guys-of-politics-0

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/can-ontario-get-nuclear-power-plants-built-in-new-places-were-about-to-find-out

Every year, the Auditor General of Ontario releases an annual report detailing how money was spent in the Province of Ontario. This year's report has called some of the province's dealings "not fair, transparent, or accountable." Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the findings.
Phil Verster, the embattled CEO of Metrolinx, has resigned. With the Eglinton LRT still unopened, we look back on his tenure in the role and what still needs to get done.
Ontario is spending millions on primetime ads on Fox News in hopes of avoiding tariffs. Will this gambit work or are we in for some inevitable pain?
Steve's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/my-final-conversation-with-one-of-the-really-good-guys-of-politics-0">https://www.tvo.org/article/my-final-conversation-with-one-of-the-really-good-guys-of-politics-0</a>
JMM's column: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/can-ontario-get-nuclear-power-plants-built-in-new-places-were-about-to-find-out">https://www.tvo.org/article/can-ontario-get-nuclear-power-plants-built-in-new-places-were-about-to-find-out</a>

When Politics and Reality Collide

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