On The Ledge Podcast Por Story Studio Network Dave Trafford and iContact Productions arte de portada

On The Ledge

On The Ledge

De: Story Studio Network Dave Trafford and iContact Productions
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 The Ledge, n: slang for the legislature. Mostly used by members of the legislative press gallery.
On the Ledge posts weekly when the Ontario Legislature is sitting. But there have been times when we've had to "recall" the Ledge for an emergency session to address pressing matters of Ontario politics when Queen's Park isn't sitting!

Our OTL team includes former Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, former Progressive Conservative Leader, (and Wynne's erstwhile parliamentary sparring partner), Tim Hudak, Queen's Park broadcast commentator Keith Leslie, John Wright, our veteran pollster and co-founding host, and Dave Trafford, Chief Executive Producer at Story Studio Network.Copyright Story Studio Network Ciencia Política Política y Gobierno
Episodios
  • Bill 5 Blowback: Ontario’s Political Fault Lines on Mining, Environment, and Indigenous Rights

    Bill 5 Blowback: Ontario’s Political Fault Lines on Mining, Environment, and Indigenous Rights
    May 24 2025
    Show Notes – On the Ledge | May 23, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Tim Hudak (Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former PC leader), Keith Leslie (CHCH political commentator), John Wright (Pollster and political analyst) Episode Summary:
    In this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford and guests dig into the political stories and policy debates dominating Ontario politics this week. From personal anecdotes about Catholic schools and long jump memories to a sharp analysis of legislative changes, the group covers a wide spectrum. Key discussions include the controversial provisions of Bill 5 and its potential impact on Indigenous consultation, environmental protection, and development processes in Northern Ontario. They also tackle the reintroduction of the “Honourable” title for former cabinet ministers, and broader concerns around MPP compensation and pensions. The episode wraps with scrutiny of proposed reforms to Ontario’s civil litigation procedures, sparking a wider conversation about access to justice and judicial efficiency. Chapters:
    • 00:00 – Introduction & Personal Anecdotes
      The hosts share stories from school days and family life, setting a warm tone before diving into policy.
    • 10:00 – The Honourable Debate
      Discussion on the reintroduction of “The Honourable” for former provincial cabinet ministers and broader issues of public service recognition.
    • 22:48 – Constituency Week & The Fallout from Bill 5
      The panel dissects Bill 5’s omnibus approach, concerns from environmental and Indigenous groups, and potential political blowback.
    • 48:51 – Changes to Civil Litigation Rules
      The team critiques proposed changes to Ontario’s civil court procedures, focusing on the removal of discovery and access to justice.
    • 59:09 – Closing Thoughts
      Reflections on the fiscal outlook, federal-provincial alignment, and hopes for effective implementation of development policy.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • Another day, another housing promise from Ford Nation

    Another day, another housing promise from Ford Nation
    May 15 2025
    On the Ledge – May 15, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Keith Leslie, John Wright, Tim Hudak (Kathleen Wynne sent regrets)

    In this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford, Keith Leslie, John Wright, and Tim Hudak kick things off talking about the OTR Spring Fling at Queen's Park!

    Then they unpack Ontario’s budget day, dive into the affordability crisis, and explore how interprovincial cooperation and infrastructure expansion are key to Canada’s economic resilience.
    With Kathleen Wynne away, the panel examines the collegiality that once defined Queen’s Park and the real impacts of policy on housing, generational inequality, and labour shortages.

    They reflect on the provincial and federal approach to accelerating housing builds, and the political and policy implications of Premier Doug Ford’s relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    The group discusses how trade barriers, infrastructure, and environmental protections are converging in a time of economic uncertainty and how Canada’s unity is being put to the test—and perhaps strengthened—by global and domestic pressures.

    00:00 – Introduction & Spring Fling Recap
    Dave opens the show with a joke about the Leafs and introduces the panel. Keith Leslie shares behind-the-scenes impressions of the Spring Fling at Queen’s Park and the podcast’s popularity among political insiders.

    05:55 – Budget Day Preview & Ford Government’s Housing Push**
    As Ontario’s budget drops later that day, the group discusses anticipated housing legislation and the credibility of the Ford government’s new approach. Tim Hudak defends Minister Rob Flack’s leadership potential in housing.

    13:20 – Cost of Living & Young Buyers Left Behind
    The panel explores how housing unaffordability is affecting young Ontarians, from down payment challenges to increasing mortgage rates. John Wright and Keith Leslie highlight systemic barriers to ownership for millennials and Gen Z.

    25:22 – Labour Shortages & Ontario’s Condo Market Slump
    Discussion shifts to labour market issues and how immigration policies are mismatched with skilled trades demand. Keith and John discuss condo oversupply and shrinking urban appeal post-pandemic.

    33:51 – Budget Promises: Gas Tax Cuts, Toll Relief & Trump Tariff FalloutDoug Ford’s budget announcements—including permanent gas tax cuts and 407 toll relief—are analyzed. Keith explains how these choices reflect affordability politics amid economic threats from Trump’s tariff agenda.

    42:03 – Interprovincial Trade, Unity, and Carney’s Nation-Building Vision
    The show pivots to national issues. Ford and Wab Kinew’s agreement on trade cooperation is discussed, and the panel praises Mark Carney’s leadership style and diplomatic success in Washington.

    52:03 – Infrastructure, Indigenous Partnerships & Economic Reconciliation**
    The hosts discuss the importance of Indigenous equity and decision-making in large infrastructure projects like the Ring of Fire and Nunavut hydro link. Kathleen Wynne stresses the need for government-to-government engagement.

    1:05:00 – Final Thoughts: Erskine-Smith’s Exit & Budget Expectations
    Closing thoughts cover Nate Erskine-Smith’s public complaints after being dropped from cabinet, and what voters will expect from Ontario’s long-term affordability strategy.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 11 m
  • Ford the Unifier - Premiers, Pipelines, and the Push for One Market

    Ford the Unifier - Premiers, Pipelines, and the Push for One Market
    May 9 2025
    On the Ledge -- May 8, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford

    Guests: Kathleen Wynne (former Premier of Ontario), John Wright (founding pollster at On the Ledge), Keith Leslie (journalist, joining from Nova Scotia)
    Absent: Tim Hudak (former PC leader, expected back next week)

    This episode of On the Ledge revisits last week's fiery discussion on judicial independence and fairness in Canada's legal system, sparked by contrasting views on elected judges and bail reform. The panel expands the conversation into a wide-ranging discussion on infrastructure, Indigenous partnerships, interprovincial trade, and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s growing role as a unifier on the national stage. Doug Ford’s emerging “Captain Canada” persona, new federal-provincial dynamics, and the urgency of equitable economic development also take center stage. Chapters
    • 00:00 – Introduction
      Dave Trafford recaps listener reaction to last week’s “vigorous” episode and sets the table for a continued conversation on courts, politics, and policy.
    • 02:15 – Elected Judges, Bail Reform & Judicial Backlogs
      The panel debates whether Canada’s legal system is broken, the Ford government’s appeal of the Toronto bike lane decision, and the recent judicial appointments.
    • 13:36 – Autism Supports & Political Neglect
      Kathleen Wynne passionately defends her government’s investments in autism services and critiques the Ford government's mismanagement of the file.
    • 16:44 – Mark Carney in Washington & Premiers Meeting
      The group analyzes Carney’s Oval Office meeting with Trump, Ford’s supportive role, and the symbolic shift in federal leadership.
    • 33:16 – Pipelines, Interprovincial Trade, and the July 1 Deadline
      Doug Ford’s push to remove internal trade barriers is explored, alongside provincial MOUs, environmental regulations, and infrastructure ambition.
    • 43:17 – Ring of Fire, Indigenous Equity & Infrastructure Readiness
      Focus shifts to northern development, highlighting the need for Indigenous equity, smarter permitting, and climate-resilient investments.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
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