#onpoli, a TVO podcast

Premier Doug Ford says he needs a fresh mandate to combat Donald Trump's tariffs, but opposition MPPs believe he has all the tools he needs already. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why the premier may be pushing for an early election. The province moved some ServiceOntario locations to Staples Canada, which they said would save taxpayers money. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario says otherwise. What will you do with the $200 cheque coming your way from the provincial government? One website is pitching Ontarians on donating the money to charitable organizations. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-how-doug-ford-became-an-unlikely-figure-of-national-unity JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-ontario-is-betting-big-on-nuclear-powerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would resign. The move has many speculating whether Ontario Premier Doug Ford will still call an early election. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next and why Donald Trump is calling for the United States to annex Canada. There's little financial security in becoming a Member of Provincial Parliament as former Scarborough Southwest MPP Lorenzo Berardinetti has experienced. Steve and John Michael discuss his story and the trouble with the housing crisis in Ontario. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act set January 1 2025 as a deadline for making the province accessible. Disability advocates say the there's still a long way to go. Steve and John Michael discuss what more needs to be done. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-doug-fords-most-difficult-decision-yet-just-got-a-whole-lot-more-complicated MM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-get-ready-for-ontario-to-become-an-election-battleground Nerds on Politics: How do parties pick their leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZmQDmiaAm0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/queriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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_USee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.