#onpoli, a TVO podcast TVO

LCBO workers are in legal strike position, and they've set a deadline of July 5 to get a deal made. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this mixes with recent policy decisions surrounding beer, wine, and mixed drinks in corner stores.A legal challenge surrounding the redevelopment of Ontario Place has been dismissed by the Superior Court of Justice. Do advocates have any other ways to slow down the provincial government's desire for a waterfront spa or has this paved the way for builders?Talk of an early election has made Ontario's political parties spring into action with the Ontario Liberals calling for fast local contests and NDP rallying support. Steve and John Michael discuss what's been happening.

Ontario Heritage Trust Plaque Guide: https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/online-plaque-guide

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-upcoming-toronto-byelection-could-be-momentous

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/is-canada-actually-facing-a-productivity-emergencyYou can also see the podcast on the TVO Today YouTube channel and every Friday night at 8 and 11 pm ET as the first half of The Agenda.
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Fresh polling shows the Progressive Conservatives would emerge victorious if an election was called early.Carolyn Parrish will be the next mayor of Ontario's third largest city.Premier Doug Ford signs another memorandum of understanding with a U-S state, this time it's Illinois. Are these deals really ,a thing,, or just fancy photo ops?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford announced a new cabinet with some major changes. We'll give you the backstory on who is in, who is out, and why now?Mississauga will vote for a new mayor next week. With no one named McCallion or Crombie on the ticket, the race seems to be wide open.Ontario is looking to grow the number of private health clinics offering publicly funded MRI and CT scans. Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced a call to expand the number of clinics currently offering the services. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the pros and cons of the plan.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/one-last-hurrah-for-ontarios-18th-premier

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/ontario-will-never-live-down-the-shame-of-grassy-narrows
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Reaction continues to pour in after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the government would pay $225 million to end an agreement with the The Beer Store one year early. One of the questions being asked repeatedly - why pay millions to end an agreement that was due to expire next year anyways? Does it have anything to do with theories the Premier will call an early election? Steve and JMM discuss the possibility.The Ontario government is insisting it complies with public disclosure laws. That's after reporting from Global News revealed government staff are using their Gmail accounts in order to avoid disclosure under the freedom of information act. But will there be any consequences beyond the political arena? Plus, a historic moment in the legislature as NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa asks a question in Oji-Cree. It's the first time a question is officially asked in the Ontario legislature in a language other than English or French.
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Back in 2021, the Ontario government used the notwithstanding clause to push through changes to campaign finance laws. Critics say these changes violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This week, the Supreme Court heard the case and its decision could have a major impact on the next provincial election.Back during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, provincial courts began offering a deal to certain cases where a person was charged with driving under the influence. The person could plead guilty and rather than face federal charges, they would be charged under the Highway Traffic Act, which offers less severe penalties. This deal was offered to clear a backlog of cases. Steve and JMM discuss how this squares with a provincial government that has made itself known for being tough on crime.And, another story where politics run into reality as the federal government squashes an attempt by the city of Toronto to decriminalize drugs for personal use. All thanks to a letter from Doug Ford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official opposition is accusing the Ontario government of shutting down debate on a private member's bill called Lydia's Law. The bill deals with sexual assault and was set to be debated this week before Progressive Conservatives sent it to committee. The PCs say they are trying to speed up the legislative process, but the NDP are crying foul.Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said this week that Ontario does not have a doctor shortage, a statement that raised a lot of eyebrows. Steve and John Michael dig into the story behind the comments.And, this week brought some significant new penalties for car theft. John Michael explains why this law could lead to a challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.