Ontario's 2026 budget and a proposed overhaul of freedom-of-information laws have dominated headlines, but critics warn some of the most significant changes are escaping scrutiny. As the Ford government moves to rewrite access-to-information rules and quietly advance key budget measures, transparency advocates and political observers ask what is being overlooked, and why it matters. We're joined by The Trillium's Jessica Smith Cross, Transparency International Canada's Salvator Cusimano, and TVO Today columnist and #onpoli co-host John Michael McGrath.

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. Each episode focuses on one topic that’s making headlines, examining it from different angles and through diverse points of view — providing the context you need to understand what’s happening in the province and around the world.

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. Each episode focuses on one topic that&rsquo;s making headlines, examining it from different angles and through diverse points of view &mdash; providing the context you need to understand what&rsquo;s happening in the province and around the world.

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. 

The Rundown

What Do Ontario's FOI Changes Mean for Transparency?

Under Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, the Ford government gave itself new powers to create "special economic zones," promising faster development and fewer regulatory hurdles. Those powers are now being tested at Billy Bishop Airport, where the province is considering expropriating Toronto's stake, overriding a decades-old governance agreement, and declaring the site a special economic zone to accelerate plans for jets. To probe what this shift means for economic growth, democratic oversight, and environmental risk, we're joined by Pedro Antunes of Signal49 Research, University of Toronto professor Jessica Green, and Ontario Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Tisch.

Are Special Economic Zones Redefining How Ontario Governs?

As the federal government’s gun buyback program faces growing criticism, questions remain about whether it will meaningfully improve public safety, or miss the forces driving gun violence in the first place. From the legal challenges surrounding firearms policy, examined by lawyer Edward Burlew, to decades of crime-prevention research outlined by University of Ottawa professor emeritus Irvin Waller, the debate extends well beyond legislation. It also intersects with lived realities on the ground, highlighted by a November 2024 shooting at a Toronto recording studio linked to rival gangs. Drawing on insights from youth advocate David Mitchell and music producer and business owner Shakkir Brown, this conversation looks at how policy, community, and culture collide, and what real change might actually require.

As the federal government&rsquo;s gun buyback program faces growing criticism, questions remain about whether it will meaningfully improve public safety, or miss the forces driving gun violence in the first place. From the legal challenges surrounding firearms policy, examined by lawyer Edward Burlew, to decades of crime-prevention research outlined by University of Ottawa professor emeritus Irvin Waller, the debate extends well beyond legislation. It also intersects with lived realities on the ground, highlighted by a November 2024 shooting at a Toronto recording studio linked to rival gangs. Drawing on insights from youth advocate David Mitchell and music producer and business owner Shakkir Brown, this conversation looks at how policy, community, and culture collide, and what real change might actually require.

Can a Firearms Buyback Reduce Gun Violence?

Ontario says its Primary Care Action Plan is working and promises universal access by 2029. But with many still without a family doctor and a deadline to publicly fund medically necessary care from nurse practitioners about to be missed, is the primary care crisis really easing or just shifting? Family physician and researcher Dr. Tara Kiran, Ontario College of Family Physicians CEO Deepy Sur, and Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario CEO Michelle Acorn examine whether government optimism matches reality and what stalled nurse practitioner funding means for the future of care.

Ontario says its Primary Care Action Plan is working and promises universal access by 2029. But with many still without a family doctor and a deadline to publicly fund medically necessary care from nurse practitioners about to be missed, is the primary care crisis really easing or just shifting? Family physician and researcher Dr. Tara Kiran, Ontario College of Family Physicians CEO Deepy Sur, and Nurse Practitioners&rsquo; Association of Ontario CEO Michelle Acorn examine whether government optimism matches reality and what stalled nurse practitioner funding means for the future of care.

What Do Ontario's FOI Changes Mean for Transparency?

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