What happens when a government wants to introduce a bill with a variety of unrelated items? It becomes what's called an ,omnibus bill., The current Ontario government introduced just such a bill last week, and we invite Peter Loewen, the director of the U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, to give us an explainer on the meaning and intent of omnibus bills.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO's flagship current affairs program - devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world, at home and abroad. The Agenda airs weeknights at 8:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's largest educational broadcaster.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO's flagship current affairs program - devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world, at home and abroad. The Agenda airs weeknights at 8:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's

The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Audio)

The Agenda is TVO's flagship current affairs program, devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that are changing our world. We consistently offer a diversity of viewpoints and in-depth analysis of what lies behind the headlines. Hosted by Steve Paikin and Nam Kiwanuka.

<p>The Agenda is TVO's flagship current affairs program, devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that are changing our world. We consistently offer a diversity of viewpoints and in-depth analysis of what lies behind the headlines. Hosted by Steve Paikin and Nam Kiwanuka.</p>

Are Omnibus Bills Anti-Democratic

Once upon a time, every Ontario mayor got elected by winning the majority of votes across their municipality. But when it came time to vote at council, they had just one vote like every other councillor. Not so anymore. A little over a year and a half ago, the Ontario government gave the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa so-called strong mayor powers. It meant that under certain circumstances, these mayors could override council votes that they'd actually lost. Today, 46 mayors in total have those extra powers. How's it all working out? Well, we've gathered three of the 46 here to find out: Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath; Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward; and Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.

The State of Strong Mayor Powers

We don't often get significant new books on former prime ministers, let alone on two in the same book. But from 1958 to 1968, Canada got two of its most noteworthy PMs. Journalist John Ibbitson's new book is called, "The Duel: Diefenbaker, Pearson and the Making of Modern Canada." Steve Paikin caught up with him in the House of Commons.

The Making of Modern Canada

Over the years, Timothy Garton Ash has seen a lot of European history, and now the Oxford University professor has written a book on his first-hand travels through Europe's history, some of which was apparently subversive enough that the Stasi -  the East German spy service - had a file on him. The book is called "Homelands: A Personal History of Europe," and it's won the 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize for the best book on foreign affairs.

Are Omnibus Bills Anti-Democratic

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