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On The Ledge

On The Ledge

Auteur(s): Story Studio Network Dave Trafford and iContact Productions
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À propos de cet audio

 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 Politique Sciences politiques
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  • Doug Ford Keeps Playing His Greatest Hits

    Doug Ford Keeps Playing His Greatest Hits
    Jun 20 2025
    On the Ledge - Your Ontario politics podcast - June 19, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie, John Wright, Kathleen Wynne

    This season finale of On the Ledge dives deep into Premier Doug Ford’s tumultuous week of unscripted rants and calculated risk. The panel unpacks Ford’s inflammatory comments on bail reform and “weak-kneed judges,” his car theft anecdote, and the problematic framing of First Nations relations ahead of a high-stakes Ring of Fire meeting.

    While Ford’s base seems solid—polling at record highs—the fallout from Bill 5 and its sweeping powers is far from over.

    The crew also reflects on the broader political landscape, from G7 diplomacy under Prime Minister Carney to interprovincial cooperation amid economic uncertainty. As the legislature pauses for summer, unresolved tensions over Indigenous consultations, democratic transparency, and civil justice reform loom large.

    Chapters & Timecodes:
    00:00 – Introduction & Season Wrap-Up
    Dave welcomes listeners to the season finale, marks his wedding anniversary, and outlines the summer hiatus.
    01:05 – Ford’s “Hoots” and the Greenbelt Scandal
    Discussion on Doug Ford’s dismissive comments about the Greenbelt, declining public interest, and polling dynamics.
    07:46 – Crime, Bail, and Communication Strategy
    Ford’s rant about judges and bail conditions; analyzing the political effectiveness and risk of going off-script.
    23:03 – Bill 5, First Nations, and Ring of Fire Rhetoric
    Panelists react to Ford’s patronizing remarks about Indigenous communities and the growing opposition to Bill 5.
    39:13 – G7 Summit and Cross-Border Strategy
    Praise for Mark Carney’s diplomatic performance at the G7; discussion on Canada’s realignment in global trade.
    53:22 – Civil Justice Reform & Legislative Concerns
    A critical look at proposed changes to Ontario’s civil litigation process and its potential unintended consequences.
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    55 min
  • Broken Bones - Broken Trust. Alarms raised over school violence

    Broken Bones - Broken Trust. Alarms raised over school violence
    Jun 13 2025
    On the Ledge – Your Ontario Politics Podcast - June 12, 2025
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie

    This episode of On the Ledge confronts a deeply troubling issue: the lack of accountability and transparency following a violent assault involving Anwar Knight’s son at school. The discussion focuses on Knight’s public appeal for justice, after an 18-month struggle with school board officials, the police, and legal hurdles to get answers and action.

    He posted his appeal on Facebook. You can see it here.

    The panel unpacks the layers of systemic opacity, privacy shields, and administrative inertia that often frustrate parents and fail vulnerable students.

    Former Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on her experience as a trustee, highlighting how critical leadership and culture are within schools, beyond policy.
    Keith Leslie underscores the serious consequences of denying parents access to basic information, while Tim Hudak and John Wright stress the need for more courage and common sense in school administration and governance.

    The conversation is wide-ranging but grounded in a central question: How do we ensure schools remain safe, responsive environments for every student? And what needs to change when systems designed to protect kids instead protect institutions?

    The OTL crew also discussed:
    • The 30th anniversary of Mike Harris’ 1995 win and 40th anniversary of Peterson’s 1985 election.
    • John A. McDonald's statue is unveiled at Queen's Park.
    • The possibility of new trade frameworks or deals, especially involving the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
    • Anticipating the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta
    Chapters:
    00:00 – Introduction and Light Banter
    04:00 – Anwar Knight’s Story: Assault, Silence, and Court Orders
    13:42 – Leadership, Accountability, and the Failure to Act
    19:27 – School Culture, Transparency, and Administrative Gaps
    26:03 – Reflecting on 30 Years Since Harris, 40 Years Since Peterson
    28:52 – Political Parallels and What Meaningful Change Looks Like
    39:20 – Revisiting Historical Legacies and John A. Macdonald’s Statue
    42:16 – Anticipating the G7 Summit and Its Global Stakes
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    52 min
  • Ford Fast Tracks First Nations Showdown

    Ford Fast Tracks First Nations Showdown
    Jun 5 2025
    On the Ledge - June 5, 2025

    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Tim Hudak, Kathleen Wynne, John Wright, Keith Leslie

    This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford and the panel dive deep into the fallout and implications of Ontario’s controversial Bill 5. With the legislature on summer break, the political temperature rises over Indigenous consultation, environmental oversight, and the Ford government’s legislative tactics.

    The conversation also ranges from pay raises and pensions for MPPs to the expectations around Mark Carney’s national leadership and the looming threat of Trump-era tariffs on Canadian steel. A thoughtful debate unfolds about trust, process, and the push for economic transformation in Ontario—and Canada.

    Chapters & Timecodes
    00:00 – Introduction
    Dave Trafford welcomes listeners and the panel shares anecdotes on family, school, and athletics before shifting to political topics.

    05:00 – Reflections on Youth Sports and Educational Values
    A heartwarming discussion about personal growth, character-building in school sports, and their long-term impact on leadership and public service.

    06:00 – The Bill 5 Debate and Indigenous Opposition
    A comprehensive look at the legislative chaos and political backlash surrounding Bill 5. Guests discuss environmental concerns, procedural issues, and the lack of meaningful consultation with First Nations leaders.

    24:00 – MPP Pay Raises, Pensions & Honorable Titles
    Discussion of the quiet passage of MPP salary increases and reinstatement of the “Honorable” title, with reflections on political compensation, public service, and political optics.

    36:00 – Mark Carney, Federal Alignment & Economic Anxiety
    The panel reviews Carney’s handling of premiers' meetings, expectations around economic recovery, and public optimism amid fiscal uncertainty and steel tariffs.

    48:00 – Steel Tariffs and Regional Job Impacts
    Exploring the implications of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, with a focus on Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie. The group debates economic resilience and the possibility of a trade deal ahead of the G7.

    54:00 – Closing Thoughts: Legal Reform and Federal-Provincial Harmony
    Discussion on proposed changes to Ontario’s civil litigation system, the need for thoughtful reform, and the rare federal-provincial consensus emerging around economic development and resource extraction
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    55 min
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