エピソード

  • Rants, Rifts, and Rulings- Ford’s Fury and Inside the Conservative Civil War

    Rants, Rifts, and Rulings- Ford’s Fury and Inside the Conservative Civil War
    2025/05/01
    On the Ledge – May 1, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright

    Episode Summary:
    In this week's fiery edition of On the Ledge, host Dave Trafford is joined by Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, and John Wright to unpack a turbulent week in Canadian conservative politics.

    The panel dissects the fallout from the recent federal election, including Jamil Jivani’s scathing remarks about Doug Ford, rising tensions between provincial and federal Conservatives, and speculation about Pierre Poilievre’s future as leader.

    The discussion pivots to Premier Ford’s explosive rant about the judiciary, prompting a lively debate over judicial independence, policy-making, and political accountability.

    As Ontario barrels toward a new political season, the hosts reflect on the role of pragmatism, governance, and due process in a rapidly polarizing landscape.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Jamil Jivani’s blistering critique of Doug Ford sparked fresh infighting between federal and provincial Conservatives.
    • Kathleen Wynne called the tensions “more personal than strategic,” highlighting a leadership vacuum and raw post-election emotions.
    • Tim Hudak framed Ford’s popularity as a national Conservative asset, cautioning against picking fights with Ontario’s three-time majority Premier.
    • The panel debated Pierre Poilievre’s silence and whether he can unify the party or is losing control of the narrative.
    • Premier Ford’s controversial rant about “electing judges” led to sharp critique from Wynne and Wright, who defended judicial independence.
    • John Wright stressed the importance of due process, warning that undermining judicial trust sets a dangerous precedent.
    • Melissa Lantsman was identified as a potential interim leader or strong voice for the Conservatives in the House if Poilievre delays running.
    • The group agreed that bigger national issues—like economic downturns and the Carney government’s next moves—will soon eclipse the Conservative family feud.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Election Fallout - Carney’s Challenges, Poilievre’s Future, and the NDP Collapse

    Election Fallout - Carney’s Challenges, Poilievre’s Future, and the NDP Collapse
    2025/04/29
    On the Ledge – Special Election Edition

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Keith Leslie, Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright

    Summary:
    In this special post-election edition of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford convenes the panel to break down the federal election results.

    Keith Leslie, Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, and John Wright dive into what the Liberal minority outcome means for the country, why polling predictions missed key shifts, and how the ground game, turnout, and last-minute voter motivations shaped the final result.

    They also examine the collapse of the NDP, the future of Pierre Poilievre’s leadership after losing his seat, and the challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney as he seeks to unify a fractured Parliament and prepare for an unpredictable Trump-led U.S.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Poll Accuracy & Aggregators: John Wright defends pollsters but criticizes seat projection aggregators for inaccuracies that fueled public distrust.
    • High Voter Turnout: Motivated by stark party contrasts and affordability concerns, Canadians turned out in record numbers.
    • NDP Collapse: The New Democrats suffered devastating losses, notably in Hamilton and Northern Ontario, fueling leadership questions.
    • Pierre Poilievre's Future: Despite leading the Conservatives to strong seat gains, losing his own riding could trigger leadership challenges.
    • Carney’s Challenges: The new PM must rebuild Western trust, advance critical infrastructure projects, and present a fresh cabinet distinct from Trudeau’s.
    • Minority Government Dynamics: Carney will rely heavily on NDP cooperation to survive, though few are eager for another election soon.
    • Trump Factor: While the Trump threat remains, voters increasingly focused on domestic issues like affordability in the final campaign days.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分
  • The NDP collapse killed Poilievre's PM hopes

    The NDP collapse killed Poilievre's PM hopes
    2025/04/25
    Boomer Turnout, Betting Markets, and a Liberal Path to Victory

    On the Ledge – April 24, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, John Wright, Keith Leslie, Amanda Galbraith (filling in for Tim Hudak)

    In this edition of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford and the panel dig into the final days of the federal campaign. With polling margins narrowing, the conversation pivots to the strategic implications of the NDP collapse, the Conservatives’ stalled momentum, and whether Mark Carney’s Liberals can secure a fourth term.

    Amanda Galbraith delivers sharp insight on why the NDP’s decline may have done more to harm Pierre Poilievre’s chances than help.

    The panel also critiques political ad strategies, speculates on shifting voter coalitions, and debates whether the electorate is still moved by messages of hope or just fed up.

    In provincial politics, the crew discusses subway procurement, sole-sourcing, and the Ford government's growing tensions with school boards.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Polling Plateau: Despite breathless media reports, the polls remain largely unchanged; regional shifts are minimal and final telephone-based polls may provide clearer trends (John Wright).
    • NDP's Collapse: Amanda Galbraith argues the NDP's self-inflicted decline undermines the Conservatives' vote-splitting advantage and may cost Poilievre a path to power.
    • Ad Wars and Missed Messages: The panel criticizes a Conservative ad targeting older male voters, suggesting it misses the emotional connection needed in a campaign’s final stretch.
    • Boomer vs. Youth Turnout: Young conservative-leaning men may stay home, while reliable boomer voters help buoy Liberal support.
    • Online Betting Markets: Unofficial political betting lines show rising odds for a Liberal majority — a surprising twist not yet echoed in public polling.
    • Transit and Tariffs: Ford’s proposal to sole-source subway cars in Thunder Bay sparks debate over cost control and trade protectionism.
    • School Board Frustration: The panel anticipates a public appetite for stronger oversight and accountability in Ontario’s school boards amid financial controversies.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分
  • Does the Therme Ontario Place Development pass the sniff test?

    Does the Therme Ontario Place Development pass the sniff test?
    2025/04/18
    On the Ledge – April 17, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie, John Wright

    As Canadians look ahead to a long Easter weekend, the On the Ledge panel tackles the aftermath of the French-language leaders’ debate and the political blowback from the Ontario Place Therme spa deal.

    They analyze the debate performances of Carney, Poilievre, Singh, and Blanchet, with particular focus on tone, leadership posture, and policy signals—especially around energy, Indigenous consultation, and economic direction.

    The conversation also pivots to the explosive New York Times investigation exposing questionable claims by Therme Group, and what that means for Doug Ford’s government, Infrastructure Ontario, and the integrity of public procurement. The episode closes on what interprovincial cooperation could mean post-election—and why Indigenous governments must be included in Canada's economic vision.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Debate Highlights: Mark Carney held his own despite weaker French; Poilievre surprised by staying calm and policy-focused; Blanchet was passionate but seen as marginal to national issues.
    • Tone Matters: Multiple panelists noted voters often respond more to a leader’s demeanor than to their words—Carney’s composure and Poilievre’s restraint were seen as net positives.
    • Therme Scandal Fallout: The New York Times revealed Therme misrepresented itself, shaking trust in the Ontario Place redevelopment deal. The panel criticized both the lack of due diligence and media/political inaction before the exposé.
    • Infrastructure Ontario Critique: IO’s role in multiple procurement debacles—including Metrolinx and Ontario Place—came under fire, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
    • Permitting and Speed vs. Process: Ford’s push to streamline permits is seen as a risk to environmental and Indigenous processes if not balanced carefully.
    • Post-Election Unity Challenge: The panel underscores the need for intergovernmental cooperation on economic priorities—labor mobility, trade, and Indigenous partnerships top the list.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    56 分
  • Poilievre’s Pivot and the Polling Mirage - Inside Canada’s Election Pulse

    Poilievre’s Pivot and the Polling Mirage - Inside Canada’s Election Pulse
    2025/04/11
    It must be Thursday! We're dealing with another round of tariff chaos courtesy of the Useful Idiot.

    On the Ledge : April 10, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Keith Leslie, John Wright, Tim Hudak

    In this wide-ranging episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford and the panel dig into the volatile tariff landscape shaped by U.S. trade moves, its ripple effects on Canada, and how political leaders are responding.

    Broadcasting from Iqaluit, Trafford also introduces a new Arctic-focused podcast, The Arctic Edge.

    Meanwhile, the group dissects Pierre Poilievre’s recent tone shift, internal campaign strategies, and what polling trends really say about the state of play heading into the federal election. From trade chaos to campaign calculus, it’s a comprehensive snapshot of Canada’s political pulse.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    52 分
  • Trump's Tariffs Hit Ontario and Quebec harder than the rest of Canada

    Trump's Tariffs Hit Ontario and Quebec harder than the rest of Canada
    2025/04/04
    In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario Politics Podcast:

    Dave Trafford leads a dynamic roundtable with political veterans Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie, and John Wright, unpacking the seismic shifts in North American trade following Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement. From the economic aftershocks of “Liberation Day” to the potential realignment of Canadian politics, the panel delivers sharp, insightful analysis. The discussion touches on the targeted impacts of tariffs on Ontario and Quebec, federal political fallout, and the public’s mounting anxiety over affordability. The crew also examines campaign strategy pivots, polling signals, and the role of tone and leadership in a turbulent election cycle.

    📌 Key Takeaways:
    • Economic Fallout: Trump’s tariffs have already begun to shutter Canadian manufacturing (e.g., Stellantis plants), with the stock market in decline and global supply chains in disarray.
    • Canadian Response: PM Carney and premiers are weighing cautious retaliation. Ford is praised for a strategic, measured approach.
    • Targeted Impact: Tariffs disproportionately hit Ontario and Quebec, sparking regional tensions over national strategy.
    • Political Shift: Carney’s poll numbers are up, but Conservatives under Poilievre show grassroots strength. Affordability, not Trump, is the campaign’s core issue.
    • Campaign Strategy: Conservative tone has shifted. The panel suggests the “adult in the room” narrative and emotional tone could determine voter swing.
    • Electoral Math: Conservative success hinges on NDP vote splits—now at risk with NDP polling near single digits.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分
  • Ontario’s Silent Workforce- The Caregiver Crisis No One Talks About

    Ontario’s Silent Workforce- The Caregiver Crisis No One Talks About
    2025/04/03
    A Special Edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario Politics Podcast.

    Host: Dave Trafford

    Guests:
    • Lauren Bates – Chair, Ontario Caregiver Coalition
    • Daniel Nowoselski – Advocacy Manager, Hospice Palliative Care (Canadian Cancer Society); Board Member, Ontario Caregiver Coalition
    • Malene Stewart – Social Worker, Educator & Co-Chair, Caregiver Collective
    In this episode, Dave Trafford sits down with three passionate advocates who bring both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to the table. As Ontario marks Family Caregiver Day, the conversation sheds light on the real, often invisible, role of family caregivers in holding together our fragile healthcare and social systems. From personal sacrifice and financial strain to policy gaps and urgent reform, this roundtable discussion underscores a pressing need: support the caregivers who support everyone else.

    🔑 Key Takeaways
    • 💡 Scope of Caregiving: Nearly 4 million Ontarians are caregivers today—a number expected to hit 6.5 million within five years.
    • 75 % of all the care that's provided is provided by family and friends
    • 🧠 Mental Load & Grief: Caregiving often comes with anticipatory grief, isolation, and emotional strain, especially with illnesses like dementia.
    • 💸 Financial Strain: Many caregivers reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely, yet 92% don’t qualify for federal caregiver tax credits.
    • 🧍‍♀️ Policy Gaps: Ontario lacks a coordinated respite system, leaving caregivers without essential breaks.
    • 🏠 Aging in Place: Housing limitations and care infrastructure are ill-equipped to support aging populations at home.
    • 📣 Call for Action: The Ontario Caregiver Coalition is pushing for scalable, inclusive caregiver benefits and mental health supports.
    • 🧭 How to Help: Visit ontariocaregivercoalition.ca or follow OCC on social platforms to support and get involved.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • Donald Trump TARIFFIES the Auto Sector

    Donald Trump TARIFFIES the Auto Sector
    2025/03/28
    The Useful Idiot is at it again.

    Whether he was simply trying to distract from the Signal App scandal in Washington or is Trump deliberately asserting himself into the federal election campaign in Canada, the 25% tariffs on the auto sector caught Doug Ford off guard. And it appears to be the final nail in the Can-Am relationship.

    In this edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast former Premier Kathleen Wynne, former PC leader Tim Hudak, and pollster John Wright join Dave Trafford to dive into the latest threats from Washington and Trump's toxic tariffs.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分