On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

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.

  1. 5D AGO

    Another week. Same question. WHAT ARE YOU HIDING, DOUG?

    Doug Ford’s government is facing mounting pressure — and this week on On the Ledge, the panel breaks down why the controversy around the “gravy plane,” freedom-of-information changes, and Highway 413 transparency questions just won’t go away. Host Dave Trafford is joined by former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, veteran pollster John Wright, and longtime Queen’s Park journalist Keith Leslie for a wide-ranging discussion about political tone, accountability, affordability, and the future of Ontario politics. The conversation examines Ford’s increasingly testy exchanges with reporters, the government’s effort to move the agenda back toward trade and economic issues, and whether voters are paying more attention to affordability concerns than political scandals. The panel also digs into the Ontario government’s handling of Greenbelt-related information requests and why critics keep asking one central question: “What are you hiding?” Plus: The escalating tone at Queen’s ParkMarit Stiles vs. Doug FordWhy teacher negotiations could define the fall political seasonHonda’s pause on Ontario EV investmentsWhether Ontario missed its chance to build EV infrastructure properlyNate Erskine-Smith and the Scarborough Southwest Liberal nomination battleWhat Ontario Liberals still need before they can seriously challenge Ford The episode also includes a preview of an upcoming conversation about the future of education and innovative student-led learning models at Pickering College. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Ford’s difficult return to the spotlight 06:45 – Transparency fights: FOI battles, Greenbelt questions, and the “what are you hiding?” problem 17:05 – Schools, labour unrest, and why the fall political season could become explosive 27:40 – Political tone, civility, and escalating rhetoric at Queen’s Park 36:45 – Honda pauses EV investment and Ontario’s uncertain automotive future 45:25 – Scarborough Southwest nomination battle and Ontario Liberal leadership speculation You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    51 min

  2. MAY 1

    All's Quiet on the Ford Front

    It was a rough week for Ontario Premier Doug Ford. His Tories are looking up at the leaderless Liberals in latest polling. His tone-deaf, off brand decision to buy a jet. An unhinged rant against Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth. And gutting the Freedom of Information laws paint the Premier as unaccountable and sneaky. This week’s On the Ledge former Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario PC Leader and Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, veteran political commentator Keith Leslie and Toronto SUN columnist Brian Lilley join host Dave Trafford to dig into a challenging stretch for Premier Doug Fordand broader questions about the government’s direction.  For the first time in months, the conversation on the pod has NOT been dominated by comments Premier Ford made at "an unrelated news conference". The legislature is not sitting this week and, uncharacteristically, Ford has not used the off week to make his usual podium pronouncements from various provincial locales. Is the premier purposefully stepping away from the media this week? Probably advisable given the comms, policy, polling and political grief he's been taking - including his decision to expropirate most of the Toronto Islands, Little Norway Park and big-foot his way into municipal politics across the province. It leads us to focus on his apparant  lack of vision and messaging discipline. With no election on the horizon, the question isn’t just what happens next. The question is whether the Ford government can reset, refocus, and recover by articulating a compelling agenda for the years ahead. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Dave Trafford introduces On the Ledge and the roundtable. 01:15 – Ford’s Rough Weeks and the Stephanie Smythe Fallout The panel discusses Doug Ford’s apology, media blowback, and questions about political judgment. 04:00 – Communication Discipline and Overexposure John Tory, Keith Leslie, and the panel examine why premiers get into trouble when they answer for every issue. 06:15 – FOI, Accountability and the Greenbelt Connection The discussion turns to freedom-of-information changes and concerns about what the government may be trying to shield. 09:20 – Billy Bishop Airport and Toronto’s Waterfront Fight The panel explores the proposed airport expansion, municipal politics, Olivia Chow, and waterfront livability. 19:20 – Strong Mayor Powers and Regional Governance Discussion shifts to Niagara, appointed regional chairs, municipal restructuring, and democratic accountability. 24:30 – Ford’s Poll Slump and an Aimless Government Brian Lilley’s column frames a broader debate about whether the Ford government has lost its sense of purpose. 28:45 – What’s the Vision for a Fourth Ford Mandate? The panel looks at polling, “time for change” numbers, affordability, infrastructure, and whether Ford can reset. 37:30 – Taxes, Public Services and the ‘Am I Better Off?’ Test Debate over Ford’s no-tax-increase record, education funding, health care, housing, and day-to-day affordability. 41:55 – Remote Work, Queen’s Park and Political Hypocrisy The panel discusses reports that Ford worked from home after ordering public servants back to the office. 47:30 – Cell Phones in Schools and Education Culture Brian Lilley and the panel discuss school cell phone rules, parents, teachers, and broader challenges in education. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    54 min

  3. APR 24

    Ford's GRAVY PLANE is a failed Vanity Project

    Host: Dave Trafford Guests: John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights), Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario), Keith Leslie (CHTV, veteran Queen’s Park observer) This week’s episode captures a fast-moving and volatile moment at Queen’s Park, anchored by a controversial exchange in the legislature involving Premier Doug Ford and Liberal MPP Stephanie Smythe. The panel unpacks what they describe as an inappropriate and personal attack, with discussion centering on political tone, leadership under pressure, and the broader implications for Ford’s public image. Beyond the incident itself, the conversation expands into the political context driving it: backlash over the government’s now-cancelled private jet purchase, growing scrutiny around retroactive changes to freedom of information (FOI) laws, and questions about transparency—particularly tied to Greenbelt-related decisions. The panel debates whether these issues represent short-term political noise or longer-term damage to the Premier’s credibility, with differing views on how much it will impact polling versus shaping a future ballot question. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on Ontario Liberal leadership contenders, evolving opposition strategies (particularly from the NDP), and how digital campaigning and AI-driven messaging could reshape the next election cycle. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Week in Flux A rapidly shifting political week sets the stage, with multiple controversies colliding at Queen’s Park.02:13 – Legislature Blow-Up & Political Tone Panel reacts to the Premier’s comments and the broader implications for decorum and leadership under pressure.07:01 – Fallout, Apology Debate & Leadership Optics Discussion on whether the Premier crossed a line and what an apology would—or wouldn’t—fix.14:03 – Policy Pressure: FOI, Greenbelt & Governance Concerns Examination of deeper structural issues driving political tension, including transparency and decision-making.27:19 – The Jet Controversy & “Gravy Plane” Politics Breakdown of the failed aircraft purchase, messaging missteps, and why it resonated so strongly with the public.49:39 – Liberal Leadership Race & Opposition Strategy Early candidates emerge as panel assesses the opposition’s path forward and evolving campaign tactics. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    57 min

  4. APR 9

    War in Iran cause affordability crisis across Canada

    This week on On the Ledge, the panel navigates a rapidly shifting political landscape—both globally and at home. The conversation opens with the escalating instability in the Middle East, examining the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran, ceasefire tensions, and the broader implications for global security and energy markets. Back in Canada, the discussion turns to rising gas prices and the structural challenges facing Canada’s energy sector, including refining capacity, pipeline politics, and the limits of government intervention. The panel also digs into federal political shockwaves following Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu’s floor crossing to the Liberals, exploring leadership dynamics, party identity, and what it means for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “big tent.” At Queen’s Park, attention shifts to regional governance reforms and the Ford government’s move toward appointing regional chairs—raising concerns about democratic accountability and centralized power. Finally, the conversation closes with a deep dive into Ontario’s proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) changes, with the panel unpacking why a seemingly technical issue is resonating with voters and feeding broader concerns about transparency and trust in government. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Panel Setup Dave Trafford sets the stage with a fast-moving political week and introduces the panel.01:15 – Middle East Crisis & Global Instability Discussion on Iran, ceasefire uncertainty, and geopolitical risks shaping global politics and markets.09:00 – Gas Prices & Canada’s Energy Dilemma Debate over refining capacity, pipelines, and why Canadians still pay high fuel prices.15:30 – Floor Crossing Shock: Gladue to Liberals Analysis of party identity, leadership, and implications for Carney and Poilievre.27:20 – Regional Governance Shakeup in Ontario Ford government reforms, appointed chairs, and the debate over democratic accountability.47:30 – FOI Changes & Growing Trust Deficit Why transparency issues are breaking through with voters and creating political risk. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    57 min

  5. APR 5

    AN OTL BONUS: Avi Lewis a risky choice for the NDP? and Air Canada gets it wrong in both languages

    AN OTL BONUS DROP! This week on Now and Next, Dave Trafford and the comms and strategy team break down the stories shaping Canada’s political and media landscape. Guests: Bob Reid - Broadway Strategy & Communications; Lindsay Broadhead - Broadhead Communications; and Anne Marie Aikins - AMA Communications First, the panel dives into the NDP leadership race and what Avi Lewis’ win reveals about the party’s identity, messaging, and future. Is the NDP aligned with what Canadians are actually worried about—or drifting further from the national conversation? Then, a sharp look at Air Canada’s crisis communications response following a tragic aviation incident. What went wrong on tone, language, and leadership—and what should have happened instead? Finally, the Junos take centre stage. With the Prime Minister making headlines and Canadian music icons back in the spotlight, the panel explores how culture, politics, and communications collide—and why moments like this still matter. Three big stories. One consistent lens: strategy, messaging, and what actually resonates. Subscribe for more conversations on politics, communications, and the forces shaping what’s now—and what’s next. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Welcome and overview of this week’s communications-focused discussion. 01:00 – NDP Leadership & Identity Crisis Avi Lewis’ leadership win sparks debate about the party’s direction, messaging, and national relevance. 07:00 – Messaging vs Reality in Politics Panel explores whether ideology, leadership style, and messaging align with voter concerns. 12:30 – Air Canada Crisis Communications Breakdown Analysis of tone, bilingual expectations, and leadership accountability in crisis response. 29:40 – The Junos, Politics & Cultural Signaling Prime Minister’s appearance, Canadian identity, and the communications power of cultural events. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    41 min

  6. APR 2

    From Artemis to Electric Autos and the Lewis Political Legacy

    Dave Trafford is joined by Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie. This episode opens with a rare moment of collective optimism as the panel reflects on the Artemis II launch and the sense of wonder it inspired—especially for younger generations. That spirit quickly gives way to a wide-ranging political discussion, from the legacy of Stephen Lewis and the future of the federal NDP under Avi Lewis, to mounting economic anxieties tied to inflation, energy costs, and global instability. The conversation then shifts to Ontario’s auto sector, with debate over Stellantis’ potential role in assembling Chinese electric vehicles—raising questions about jobs, supply chains, and economic sovereignty. The panel also digs into new federal-provincial housing measures aimed at reducing development costs and spurring construction, weighing whether they will meaningfully improve affordability. Finally, will Nate Erskine-Smith be good for the Liberals at Queen's Park? The episode closes with sharp political analysis of Ontario’s Liberal leadership tensions, polling dynamics, and whether Premier Doug Ford’s high-profile leadership style is masking deeper structural challenges. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Artemis II Launch Reflections10:09 – Stephen Lewis Legacy & NDP Leadership Shift17:20 – Economic Anxiety, EV Debate & Stellantis Controversy42:18 – Housing Affordability & Government Coordination54:25 – Liberal Leadership Drama & Polling Insights You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    1h 1m

  7. MAR 27

    BUDGET BONUS with Jessica Smith Cross: Will Ontario be better off a year from now or just further in debt?

    Ontario’s latest budget is out—and as always, the real story isn’t just what’s in it, but what’s not. In this bonus episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford is joined by Jessica Smith Cross from The Trillium to unpack the government’s fiscal plan just hours after it was tabled. From Freedom of Information changes buried inside a massive omnibus bill, to record levels of spending and persistent deficits, this conversation cuts through the political messaging to focus on what matters. We dig into the government’s new $4 billion Protect Ontario investment fund, the lack of clarity around long-term economic strategy, and the ongoing question: how does all this spending translate into real improvements—especially in healthcare? Plus, what didn’t make the cut? From infrastructure projects to transit priorities, the omissions may be just as telling as the announcements. If you want to understand where Ontario is headed—and what to watch next—this is your essential post-budget breakdown. 🔔 Subscribe for more Ontario politics insights 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Budget day recap and setup for post-budget analysis01:15 – FOI Changes & Omnibus Bill Concerns How FOI reforms are embedded in broader legislation03:31 – What’s Missing: Infrastructure & Transit Projects Lack of substantive updates on highways and major projects04:11 – Spending vs Strategy Debate Record spending levels and questions about fiscal planning08:35 – Protect Ontario Fund Explained New investment strategy and private-sector partnerships13:09 – Political Framing & What Comes Next Opposition reactions and timeline for passing the budget You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    17 min

  8. MAR 26

    It's Budget Day: Ford Government Under Pressure on Housing, FOI & Cost of Living

    It’s budget day in Ontario—and before the numbers even hit the floor, the politics are already in full swing. On this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with a powerhouse panel—Keith Leslie, John Wright, Kathleen Wynne, and Jessica Smith-Cross—to break down what really matters behind the budget headlines. From the evolution of budget lockups to the strategic rollout of policy announcements, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how governments shape the narrative before a single line is read in the legislature. We dig into troubling signals in the polling, rising grassroots frustration, and the growing disconnect between headline announcements and real-world pressures on housing, healthcare, and affordability. Plus, a critical look at the Ford government’s proposed changes to Freedom of Information laws—and what they could mean for transparency, journalism, and public accountability in Ontario. And as big, bold ideas reshape Toronto’s future, one question hangs in the air: is there a plan behind the announcements? 👉 Follow On the Ledge for weekly insights into Ontario politics—no spin, just straight talk. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Budget Day Context Setting the stage for Ontario’s budget and how coverage works inside the lockup. 02:30 – Then vs Now: Budget Lockups & Political Messaging How embargoes, leaks, and pre-budget announcements have changed accountability. 08:15 – Do Budgets Still Matter? Debating whether budgets are still impactful or just message delivery tools. 14:30 – Polling, Vulnerabilities & Political Undercurrents Strong headline support vs. weak issue-specific performance for the government. 27:00 – FOI Changes & Transparency Debate A deep dive into the implications for journalism, accountability, and democracy. 44:30 – Toronto, Big Announcements & Lack of a Plan? Examining major infrastructure ideas and questions about coherence and execution. You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!) Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X And you can leave us a voice comment here! For more information go to Dave's website.

    57 min
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About

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.

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