#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Ontario and Diageo have cut a deal to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, but how much of the money is actually going to those affected by the liquor maker's decision to close its plant? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why everyone else seems to be benefiting at Amherstburg's expense.
Big changes are coming to how Ontario funds post-secondary education, including major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Steve and John Michael discuss why students are in an uproar, and how a comment from the premier about baskets isn't helping.
The fate of Ontario's school trustees looks grim, and a letter from the Waterloo Region District School Board is unlikely to move the needle. Steve and JMM discuss how legislating this elected position out of existence could come with huge consequences.
Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics
JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-betting
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath leave the studio and hop on the Eglinton Crosstown, where they discuss what's new on the line, what could be improved, and where public transit in Toronto goes from here.
U.S. president Donald Trump has set his eyes on the Gordie Howe Bridge — making several inflammatory claims about the project and threatening the opening. Steve and John Michael discuss why this latest salvo could be a bridge too far for our largest trading partner.
Queen's Park is stepping in after accusations of corruption in numerous Ontario police services. Steve and JMM discuss the province's plans and who will be conducting the investigation.
Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa
JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviously
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Blair's resignation as MP for Scarborough Southwest has spurred a flurry of political moves in Ontario. Doly Begum, formerly the Ontario New Democratic Party's deputy leader, announced she will run for the federal Liberals in the riding; Liberal MP Nate Erskine Smith announced he'll run in Doly's former provincial riding. John Michael McGrath, Émilie Gougeon-Pelletier, and Sabrina Nanji discuss why this is such a big deal.
The Eglinton Crosstown finally has an opening date, but will the opening be full steam ahead or go off the rails? John Michael, Émilie, and Sabrina discuss how the line got here and the precedents that could signal how rocky its start may be.
The Darlington Refurbishment Project was delivered early and under budget. This project is part of Ontario's energy strategy and will allow the reactor to continue functioning for years to come. So, why did the province scrap its climate targets when it's on the cusp of a nuclear boom? JMM, Émilie, and Sabrina dig into the larger, legal context.
JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-last
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath speak with Canadian Press reporter Liam Casey about the Indigenous communities affected by the proposed development of the Ring of Fire. Some are embracing the opportunity, others are afraid of what access might bring.
Steve and John Michael preview Ontario's municipal election season. They dig into some of the big races, and why many, in smaller municipalities, are acclaimed. Spoiler alert, it's a hard job and made more difficult by a lack of a provincial code of conduct.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.