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. "Ontario’s Healthcare System Is Unsustainable" - Bethlenfalvy

    1D AGO

    "Ontario’s Healthcare System Is Unsustainable" - Bethlenfalvy

    This WEEK: On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast It's Healthcare vs. Education: Inside Ontario’s Budget Fight Over Spending and Student Loans. Host: Dave Trafford Roundtable: Former Ontario Premier, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Partner at Counsel Public Affairs and Former Ontario PC Party Leader, the Honourable Tim Hudak, Veteran Queen's Park Political Analyst Keith Leslie and Canada Pulse Insights CEO John Wright. Ontario is staring down a hard truth: healthcare spending has surged past $90 billion — and the finance minister says it’s “unsustainable.” But what does that actually mean for the upcoming provincial budget? In this episode of On the Ledge, we unpack the warning shot fired in a Mississauga speech that took a month to gain traction. Is this about fiscal discipline? Demographic reality? Or political positioning ahead of tough choices? Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie and John Wright debate the real pressures: aging demographics, federal transfer gaps, private delivery vs. public funding, and whether Ontario has the political courage to reset the system. Then we pivot to OSAP changes and tuition policy. Are cuts to student assistance fiscally necessary — or economically shortsighted? And what does this mean for lower-income students, STEM priorities, and Ontario’s long-term workforce? Plus: Premier Ford’s retail remarks after Family Day — strategic instinct or message drift? Healthcare. Education. Sustainability. Political capital. This isn’t just a budget conversation — it’s a crossroads moment. Subscribe for weekly analysis of Ontario politics. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Panel Setup 02:00 – Healthcare Spending “Unsustainable”: What Does It Mean? 16:40 – Revenue, Federal Transfers & Private Delivery Debate 36:05 – Premier Ford’s Retail Comments & Political Messaging 39:00 – OSAP Cuts, Tuition Increases & Economic Consequences 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.

    55 min
  2. Tumbler Ridge School Shooting - Media, RCMP Failures & Canada’s Response

    FEB 13

    Tumbler Ridge School Shooting - Media, RCMP Failures & Canada’s Response

    This week's edition of On The Ledge – Your Ontario Politics Podcast, Dave Trafford is joined by John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights), Keith Leslie (Political Analyst, CHCH), Tim Hudak (Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former Ontario PC Leader), and Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario) for a wide-ranging and deeply serious discussion. We begin with the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. What happens to a small community when nine lives are lost? The panel examines trauma, media responsibility, RCMP communication failures, misinformation online, and the difficult but necessary conversations around mental health and guns. From there, we turn to Ontario. Allegations of police corruption in Toronto and Peel have triggered oversight questions across the province. Is a broader review justified — or overreach? We also unpack Donald Trump’s comments about the Gordie Howe International Bridge and what they signal about Canada–U.S. relations. And finally: does Ontario need a public inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown LRT delays and billions in cost overruns? Subscribe for weekly, in-depth Ontario political analysis — thoughtful, direct, and unfiltered. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction Opening remarks and setting the agenda. 00:48 – Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Community trauma, media coverage, RCMP communication gaps, and mental health & gun policy questions. 25:20 – Police Corruption & Oversight in Ontario Toronto and Peel allegations; debate over a province-wide Inspector General review. 34:50 – Trump, Trade & the Gordie Howe Bridge Canada–U.S. tensions and the politics of cross-border infrastructure. 47:20 – Crosstown LRT: Inquiry or Overreach? Cost overruns, P3 procurement, Metrolinx accountability, and whether a public inquiry is warranted. 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
  3. FEED DROP: From Davos to Deepfakes. How Politics and Communication Are Shifting

    FEB 8

    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

  4. FEB 6

    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

  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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