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. FEED DROP: From Davos to Deepfakes. How Politics and Communication Are Shifting

    3D AGO

    FEED DROP: From Davos to Deepfakes. How Politics and Communication Are Shifting

    HERE'S AN ADDED BONUS FOR ALL YOU ON THE LEDGE LISTENERS!  I'm adding this week's edition of NOW&NEXT to the OTL feed BTW: We have nearly 400 episodes of NOW&NEXT and you can find them all here. Enjoy! This episode of *Now and Next* brings the C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) back together for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, political tone, and credibility in a rapidly shifting media environment. The conversation opens with an in-depth analysis of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech and why it continues to resonate weeks later. Panelists explore how the speech marked a clear pivot in Canada’s global posture and aligned closely with current public attitudes, as reflected in recent polling. From there, the discussion turns to how Carney’s approach reshaped expectations for opposition leaders—particularly Pierre Poilievre—and how his Calgary speech signaled a tonal adjustment toward optimism and hope. The panel examines the emerging contrast between “global leadership” and “kitchen-table politics,” debating whether Carney can translate high-level strategy into tangible, day-to-day outcomes for Canadians. The episode closes with a sobering look at misinformation and deepfakes, sparked by a viral but fake video attributed to Warren Buffett. The panel considers the implications for political communications, public trust, and the growing difficulty of distinguishing authenticity from manipulation in what some are calling a “post-news” era.  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.

    39 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Carney's AUTO CORRECT strategy: Will it boost Ontario's auto manufacturing?

    Host: Dave Trafford Guests: Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario), Keith Leslie (Political Analyst), John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights) This episode of On the Ledge focuses on the future of Ontario’s auto sector amid shifting federal policy, global trade uncertainty, and evolving consumer demand.  The panel examines Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to move away from rigid EV mandates while incentivizing hybrids and electric vehicles, debating whether the strategy goes far enough to protect Ontario manufacturing jobs. The discussion highlights infrastructure gaps, affordability challenges, and the vulnerability of Canada’s auto supply chain as U.S. policy under Donald Trump disrupts long-standing trade assumptions. The conversation broadens to Canada’s political moment, with strong public support for Carney’s leadership contrasted against instability in the federal and provincial NDP, Liberal Party leadership dynamics in Ontario, and Doug Ford’s continued electoral strength. The episode closes with reflections on political legacy, symbolism, and leadership amid a rapidly changing global order. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and political context 01:25 – EV mandates, hybrids, and Ontario’s auto sector reality 08:30 – Trade disruption, USMCA uncertainty, and global market shifts 21:15 – Mark Carney, national unity, and public opinion polling 33:10 – NDP turmoil, Liberal leadership questions, and Ontario politics 56:05 – Political legacy, leadership, and Kathleen Wynne’s portrait reflections 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.

    59 min

  3. JAN 29

    WE'RE BACK! Are Mark Carney and the Premiers back on Team Canada?

    WE'RE BACK! Dave Trafford, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie and John Wright are at the OTL table! The conversation covers a range of topics including: The premiers' meeting with the PM and it sounds like they're all playing nice.Mark Carney's leadership style is seen as a refreshing change in Canadian politics whilePierre Poilievre's leadership is under scrutiny as he faces his leadership review.Trade relations with the U.S. remain complex and influential on Canadian politics.Are the concerns about the impact of electric vehicles on Canadian manufacturing overhyped?.The electric vehicle market is evolving, but consumer choices are still limited.Innovation in the automotive sector is crucial for Canada's future.Navigating relationships with China is a delicate balance for Canadian leaders. Chapters 00:00 Holiday Reflections and Personal Updates 02:51 Premiers Meeting and Regional Discord 05:56 The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Canadian Manufacturing 09:07 Mark Carney's Leadership and International Relations 11:54 The Future of Canadian Politics and Elections 14:54 The Role of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre 17:50 Trade Relations and the Influence of the U.S. 20:56 The Electric Vehicle Market and Consumer Choices 23:53 The Importance of Innovation in the Auto Sector 27:12 Navigating Relationships with China 29:56 The Future of Canadian Defense and Manufacturing 33:01 Final Thoughts on Political Dynamics and Future Elections 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 3m
  4. FEED DROP: How does Carney's New World View change NATO

    JAN 28

    FEED DROP: How does Carney's New World View change NATO

    ENJOY THIS BONUS FEED DROP EDITION OF NOW AND NEXT! THIS WEEK ON NOW AND NEXT Retired RCAF Major General Scott Clancy discusses the evolving landscape of global security, the implications of American foreign policy, and Canada's role in the new world order. He emphasizes the complexities surrounding defense spending, military readiness, and the future of NATO amidst geopolitical instability. Clancy argues for the necessity of strong leadership to navigate these challenges and the importance of trust in international alliances. Takeaways The world is increasingly dangerous due to shifting power dynamics.The American century is not necessarily over, but evolving.Canada's leadership on the global stage is crucial.Defense spending must be prioritized to ensure military readiness.Bureaucratic hurdles hinder effective defense procurement.NATO's effectiveness relies on trust among member nations.Geopolitical instability is a growing concern for all nations.Leadership is key to navigating complex defense issues.Public perception of defense spending impacts political decisions.A strong Canada is essential for global security. Chapters 00:00 The State of Global Security 02:58 The American Century: Decline or Transformation? 05:56 Canada's Role in the New World Order 08:52 Defense Spending and Military Readiness 11:40 Navigating Complex Defense Decisions 14:49 The Future of NATO and Global Alliances 17:53 Geopolitical Instability and Its Implications 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
  5. FEED DROP: Trump Blinks in the Face of NATO pressure

    JAN 23

    FEED DROP: Trump Blinks in the Face of NATO pressure

    Hello OTL listeners! We're planning to get the gang back around the table before the end of January. In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy the re-boot of NOW and NEXT. David Schultz is a professor of politcal science and and a legal expert on the U.S. Constitution. He teaches at  Hamline University in Minnesota AND he's also the Editor in Chief of the Minneapolis Times. He brings a unique perspective to the international and domestic poltics playing out in the United States this week. We dive into the Circus in Davos - from Canadian PM Mark Carney offiicially declaring the old world order a thing of the past to Donald Trump's insistence on the United State acquiring Greenland to his whiplash reversal in the face of opposition from NATO and Wall Street. David also offers his perspective on the occupation of Minnesota by ICE and US Border Patrol agents. He likens it to a pending civil war. 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.

    23 min
  6. OTL SPECIAL REPORT: Ontario's Integrity Commissioner Probes Labour Minister Piccini

    12/19/2025

    OTL SPECIAL REPORT: Ontario's Integrity Commissioner Probes Labour Minister Piccini

    We ALWAYS say, things may have changed since we recorded our latest episode of On the Ledge. And we usally leave it that. Not this week. Hours after posting our weekly roundtable with Kathleen Wynne, John Wright, Tim Hudak and Keith Leslie, news broke at Queen's Park - news we couldn't ignore. Ontario's Integrity Commissioner has responded to two separate complaints filed by the Opposition NDP and Liberals and has decided to launch an investigation into Labour Minister David Piccini and his handling of the controversial Skills Development Fund (SDF). Commissioner Cathryn Motherwell’s office confirmed the investigation Thursday afternoon. So, Dave Trafford sat down with Jessica Smith Cross, Editor-in-Chief at The Trillium to walk through the latest developments the story. 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.

    15 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    Doug Ford and Ron DeSantis are fighting

    In the final episode of the year, Dave Trafford is joined by Keith Leslie, Kathleen Wynne, John Wright, and Tim Hudak for a wide-ranging, end-of-year roundtable on Ontario and national politics. The discussion opens with sharp criticism of the Ford government’s decision to extend the legislature’s recess, raising concerns about accountability, democratic health, and the loss of pre-budget scrutiny. The panel examines fallout from the Skills Development Fund controversy, including the human consequences of funding being cut to mental-health services under OPP investigation. Attention then turns to the Ford government’s major tourism and infrastructure push in Niagara Falls, including casinos, an observation wheel, airport expansion, and broader questions about branding, economic impact, and whether “Las Vegas North” makes sense for Ontario. The conversation broadens to Canada–U.S. relations after Premier Doug Ford publicly says he will not travel to Florida, prompting a pointed response from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The panel explores declining Canadian travel to the U.S., symbolism versus substance, and what it signals about shifting public sentiment. The episode closes with reflections on federal politics, Pierre Poilievre’s media performance, ongoing trade negotiations under CUSMA, and what lies ahead politically in 2026.  Chapters & Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction & year-end setup 01:05 – Legislature extended recess & democratic accountability 10:02 – Skills Development Fund fallout and mental-health impacts 14:35 – Niagara Falls mega-tourism plan: promise and pitfalls 28:30 – Ford vs. DeSantis: Florida travel, symbolism, and Canada–U.S. tensions 50:20 – Federal politics, Poilievre, trade talks, and year-ahead outlook 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.

    1 hr

  8. 12/11/2025

    Ford Nation takes a Long Winter's Nap

    This episode finds the ON THE LEDGE panel assessing Ontario politics as the legislature heads into an unusually long nine-week winter recess. Dave Trafford is joined by political analyst Keith Leslie, former premier Kathleen Wynne, pollster John Wright, and Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley for a wide-ranging conversation about a government under strain, an opposition struggling to connect, and a public increasingly fatigued by political noise. The panel digs into the Ford government’s limited sitting days, its retail-style governing approach, and the widening fallout from the Skills Development Fund scandal—now under OPP investigation. They examine why concerns about transparency and favoritism are sticking with voters, including Conservative supporters, and debate whether a cabinet shuffle, structural reform, or strategic reset is needed to rebuild credibility. Healthcare dominates much of the discussion, especially the Ford government’s plan to expand private clinics for hip and knee surgeries. Panelists question the province’s long-term capacity to meet demand, the risk of draining talent from the public system, and the absence of a coherent strategy for primary and geriatric care. The episode wraps with a frustrated look at Ontario’s transit saga—from the Finch LRT's early shutdowns to the endlessly delayed Eglinton Crosstown, now pushed to 2026. The panel considers whether public-private partnerships are failing large transit builds, and what systemic lessons have yet to be learned. Chapters & Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction & Final Sitting Day 01:00 – Legislature’s Short Calendar & Governing Priorities 04:20 – Skills Development Fund Scandal & Political Impact 10:45 – Healthcare Capacity, Private Clinics & System Pressures 22:30 – OPP Investigation, Public Trust & Opposition Dynamics 32:00 – Transit Failures: Crosstown, Finch LRT & PPP Lessons 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.

    56 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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