Bhutila Karpoche is the third NDP MPP to seek a federal nomination. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about why now might be the time to make the leap to Ottawa.

Another transit headache for the City of Toronto as Mosaic, the builders behind the Finch LRT, sue the province over delays in opening the line.

Should the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation be a provincial holiday in Ontario? Sol Mamakwa thinks it should be; the government isn't so sure.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/honouring-americas-first-centenarian-president

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-are-the-federal-liberals-facing-an-extinction-event

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Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie joins Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath to discuss her plans ahead of a potential spring election, the OLP's new slogan, and how she tries to get under Doug Ford's skin.

Premier Ford's comments telling homeless people to get off their butts and get jobs has him taking heat, and leaves many wondering if he's unaware of the pervasiveness of this issue.

Doug Ford wants to build a highway underneath the 401. Will a feasibility study build his case or show that this is simple a pipe dream?

John Michael's column: Coming Soon

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-can-we-learn-from-the-ontario-liberals-new-slogan

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Earlier this week, a second unanimous consent vote to reverse a ban on wearing keffiyehs at Queen's Park failed to pass. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath follow up on the ban at Queen's Park and ramifications of it.

The Province of Ontario is investing billions into electric vehicle plants from car manufacturing giant Honda. The new plants announced this week are part of a larger plan to make the province into an EV powerhouse, but there have been a few stumbles along the way.

The Ontario Basic Income pilot was abruptly cancelled in 2019 when Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party formed government. Many years later, a class action lawsuit certified by the Ontario Superior Court has the government paying for legal fees and the plaintiffs seeking millions more in damages. Steve and John Michael discuss what the program did and what the cancellation meant to participants.

UDPATE: On Thursday after this week's episode finished recording, Independent MPP Sarah Jama was asked by Speaker Ted Arnott to remove her keffiyeh while in the chamber at Queen's Park, and when she refused she was asked to leave the chamber, which she declined to do. That came after the events on Tuesday that we discuss in this week's episode. We'll have an update on all of this in next week's episode.

John Michael’s column: Former basic-income recipients are taking Ontario to court. Do they have a shot? | TVO Today 

You 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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The federal government has tabled its budget, which includes money for municipalities on housing and a tax on the rich. Details have been released piecemeal over the last several weeks, but now Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath will finally be able to digest the whole thing.
 
 Highway 413 has cleared a major hurdle with the federal government removing the need for an environmental assessment. So, will shovels finally get into the ground for this new project? Not so fast, because there are several other issues that could get in the way.
 
 Several MPPs at Queen's Park were quietly removed from their committee assignments last week. Steve and John Michael discuss these unusual removals and what they might mean.
 
 Steve's column:
 
 John Michael's column:
 
 You 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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Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Paul Calandra unveiled The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, a new piece of housing legislation designed to get more housing built. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the omnibus bill and look at the housing policy blitz we've seen from both the federal and provincial government.

The Office of the Premier has 48 staff members on the Sunshine List, which makes it one of the most expensive incarnations of this office ever. How does this expense square with Doug Ford's brand of fiscal responsibility?

The Ontario New Democrat Party recently hit a record for donations, leader Marit Stiles is travelling the province, and the party has been putting forward strong legislation. So, why isn't Doug Ford taking notice? Steve and John Michael discuss the premier's choice of opponents.

Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/do-doug-ford-and-pierre-poilievre-get-along

John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-needs-to-get-real-about-its-own-housing-statistics

You 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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The Canadian government has announced a new infrastructure fund that would provide billions to provinces and territories to build up wastewater treatment capacity and housing. The money comes with strings that include a pledge to build ,missing middle, housing, which Premier Doug Ford has opposed. The premier says he would rather let municipalities decide what and where to build. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the premier's hesitancy to change course.

Ontario has decided where its allotment of international students will go, and public universities and colleges are the big winners. Private career colleges will see a drop in enrolment and could be the first casualties from this new federal cap.

There's a deadline to call a by-election and the time has come for Lambton Kent Middlesex, the former riding of MPP Monte McNaughton. Steve and John Michael discuss who will be running.

You 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.

Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/a-conversation-in-hamiltons-tent-city

John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/renters-in-canada-need-all-the-help-they-can-get-will-a-bill-of-rights-make-any-difference

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Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy has unveiled Ontario's budget and it's a big one. The province is spending an unprecedented amount on building infrastructure projects but is expected to see large deficits over the next two years. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the details.

The Ontario Liberal Party has announced their candidate for the Milton byelection, and it's not Bonnie Crombie. Galen Naidoo Harris, the son of former Milton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris, will run. However, his candidacy leaves open the question of where the new Ontario Liberal leader will plant her flag.

And in Your Column, My Column, Steve and John Michael go over some specific parts of the budget that really grind their gears.

You 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.

Steve’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-should-the-government-send-me-9-a-month-to-help-me-pay-my-hydro-bill

John Michael’s column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-2024-budget-means-for-housing-affordability-in-ontario

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The Ontario PC Party has won the riding of Bay of Quinte, replacing former education minister Todd Smith. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into how this may affect a possible spring election.

The Government of Ontario has released its public accounts, which show that revenues are up and the deficit is down, but the debt just got bigger.

And the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario will launch an investigation into the early expansion of alcohol sales. The report, set to be released in early 2025, could be a bombshell for an early election.

Steve's column: (coming soon)

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/do-the-costs-of-wind-power-outweigh-its-benefits-for-ontario

Caretaker Convention explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gkOtfh0-hQ

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Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has said that if she becomes premier, she will not impose carbon tax on residents. This, among many other announcements, has made this a big week for her. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what's been announced so far.

In Your Column, My Column, Steve talks about Roy McMurtry who died on March 18. McMurtry was one of two Ontarians to hold the positions of both attorney general and chief justice of the province's highest court. He also championed human rights and legalized same-sex marriage in Ontario.

Then, we bring an end to the CPR West Toronto station story in our mailbag segment. Steve and John Michael remember that this story was never about the destination, it was about all the interesting train facts they learned along the way.

You 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.

Steve’s column on Roy McMurtry: https://www.tvo.org/article/remembering-roy-mcmurtry-one-of-ontarios-most-influential-attorneys-general

An interview with Roy McMurtry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SrxkBkJuKI

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Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.com

JMM’s column on Bonnie Crombie’s new housing policy: https://www.tvo.org/article/will-bonnie-crombies-new-housing-policy-light-a-fire-under-the-ford-government

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Premier Doug Ford has been seen in recent weeks handing out large cheques to cities who have hit their housing targets through the Building Faster Fund. Most recently, he praised Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, whose record is worse than former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why the premier is willing to forgive when it comes to certain cities.

The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has picked their nominee in the upcoming Milton byelection. Will Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie also run in that race? Meanwhile, Durham's new federal MP Jamil Jivani has stirred up the conflict between the provincial and federal conservative parties. It's all getting a bit messy.

There's a good chance this summer will be a lot like last summer. Wildfire smoke could blanket the province, so the climate is on our minds. Steve and John Michael highlight some upcoming changes to two environmental acts that could have implications for the future of the province.

John Michael’s column on Halton Region and CN Rail: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-halton-region-both-won-and-lost-in-its-fight-against-cn-rail-in-just-one-week

The Narwhal’s reporting on conservation authorities: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-conservation-authorities-changes/

How wetlands are becoming toxic time bombs: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-wetlands-are-becoming-pollution-time-bombs

Why Ontario shouldn’t pave paradise to put up a highway: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-ontario-shouldnt-pave-paradise-to-put-up-a-highway

You 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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Clip courtesy: Office of the Premier of Ontario/youtube.com

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The official opposition is calling on the Ontario government to remove tolls for truckers on Highway 407. Their argument is moving truck traffic to the toll road would save truckers time and taxpayers money while removing the need to build highway 413. But will Doug Ford budge on his plans?

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is the last union to sign a tentative agreement with the province. If ratified, all the big teacher organizations will then have agreements for the next three years. We discuss the history of these conflicts throughout the years.

And Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the legacy of former prime minister Brian Mulroney who died at 84.

You 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.

Steve’s column on Brian Mulroney’s unlikely friendships: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-brian-mulroneys-unlikely-friendships-say-about-his-political-legacy

Steve’s column on the titans of ‘80s politics: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-titans-of-80s-politics-are-gone-lets-hope-their-legacy-of-mutual-respect-endures

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

John Michael's column on sewers: https://www.tvo.org/article/want-to-boost-housing-affordability-then-start-thinking-about-sewers

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Ontario's provincial government is infusing $1.3 billion into the post-secondary education system, but is it too little and too late? Faced with funding pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and new regulations around international students, Ontario's higher learning institutions were looking for closer to $2.5 billion and for tuition hikes. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what happens next.

Doug Ford has tripled down on his hope to appoint ,like-minded judges, on Ontario courts by appointing former staffers onto the committees that choose judges. We discuss whether this is a new practice or something all political parties do.

Mike Schreiner's housing bill has been sent to committee or, as John Michael calls it, legislative purgatory. We discuss the possible reasons for the move and how the bill could potentially be brought into other housing policy.
A note to listeners, the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. You 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.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/half-a-century-ago-ontario-got-its-youngest-ever-cabinet-minister

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/if-governments-are-serious-about-fighting-climate-change-they-should-tackle-transit-report

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Clip courtesy Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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MPPs have returned to Queen's Park after their winter hiatus to a jam-packed schedule with the Ontario PC Government introducing the "Get It Done Act." Steve and John Michael dig into what's in that bill.

We're also responding to your questions and comments from the last episode of the podcast. Email us at onpolitics@tvo.org if you have a question you'd like addressed on the show.

A note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You 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.

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

A Place to Stand (1967): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0F10Sc3Vcw

Ontario.ca's resource page about A Place To Stand: https://web.archive.org/web/20190622184444/https://www.ontario.ca/page/place-stand-ontario-song

Clip of Aislinn Clancy's entry to Queen's Park courtesy Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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Late last year, Energy Minister Todd Smith said he'd introduce legislation to reverse a decision made by the Ontario Energy Board. The decision would have put the cost of hooking up new homes to the gas grid onto developers, which, the minister said, would delay shovels getting into the ground. Steve and John Michael discuss the impact of this decision.

Online investigative magazine The Narwhal is reporting that the Government of Ontario is planning to expand its powers to expropriate land. Taking land is one way the government can use its powers to help infrastructure projects get done, but the normal process can take months and requires public consultations. Why is the government so keen to speed things up?

Premier Doug Ford said Ontario will soon see one of the biggest projects in the world coming to the province. It was a mysterious announcement that has Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wondering what it could possibly be.

And a note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays starting February 16th. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week. You 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.

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

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The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed a request that would allow for the release of the Government of Ontario's mandate letters. While the decision puts an end to one hot button issue, it may have spawned another surrounding transparency in the government's decision-making processes.
 
Olivia Chow's gambit to lower the tax hike for Torontonians seems to have paid off. The Federal government has announced $362.4 million dollars in funding for refugee supports without which, Chow said, the tax increase would have been higher. Her recent interactions with the Federal government have put many partnerships across levels of government into the spotlight. 
 
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is getting refurbished. The project is already slated to cost $2 billion for the initial phase, but it could cost billions more to complete. Why invest in nuclear? Why not invest in more solar like the rest of the world? Dr. Chris Keefer joins the podcast to discuss nuclear energy and why he thinks it's necessary to reach a clean energy future.
 
And a note to listeners, audio episodes of the podcast will be dropping on Fridays rather than Tuesdays starting February 16th. #onpoli is very excited to be introducing a video component to our show, but you'll still get the same high-quality audio in your feed every week.

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-pickering-nuclear-refurbishment-is-the-path-of-least-resistance-for-clean-energy

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-former-cabinet-minister-has-seen-his-life-transformed

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

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Private emails sent between two aides have added a new chapter to the Greenbelt scandal that has plagued the Ontario PC Party. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this revelation might affect public confidence in government decisions.

A new cap on the number of international students could see Ontario's post-secondary schools facing dire financial straits. Schools are saying the decision was rushed, the Federal government says the two-year pause is necessary.

Parm Gill, MPP for Milton and Minister of Red Tape Reduction, has resigned from Queen's Park to run federally for Pierre Poilievre. His goal is to take down Justin Trudeau, but his move highlights a schism in Canada's conservative political parties.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/rocco-rossi-isnt-retiring-hes-rewiring

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/will-there-be-enough-evs-to-meet-canadas-target-or-do-we-need-a-plan-b

David Moscrop's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-greenbelt-scandal-takes-another-turn-and-trust-in-the-ford-government-takes-another-hit

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The Government of Ontario is set to expand the number of private health clinics allowed to perform certain types of surgeries and diagnostic procedures. Critics say the plan will further burden the healthcare system by pulling away hospital staff, while supporters say it's a necessary step to help struggling hospitals.

Mike Schreiner has called on the Attorney General to probe the recent deal allowing for ServiceOntario kiosks in Staples stores. Part of that announcement included the planned closure of a number of ServiceOntario locations, a detail that's caused some concern.

The Hazel McCallion Line is getting a new business case to lay out how it will connect Port Credit, Mississauga, and Brampton. It's one of several transit projects still being built in the province, but when will it open? That's the $4.6 billion dollar question.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/at-95-ontario-political-legend-bob-nixon-still-has-stories-to-tell

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/is-first-past-the-post-unconstitutional-an-ontario-court-says-no-but-the-fight-isnt-over

JMM's column on Staples: https://www.tvo.org/article/please-premier-ford-dont-ruin-serviceontario

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

Nerene Virgin on the TVO@50 Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/tvoat50/todays-special

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It's a new year, but the same old priorities for the Government of Ontario: Housing, affordability, and healthcare. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how they're going to, as Doug Ford says, ,Get it done?,

Toronto has released a first look at its budget. The city has a huge deficit to fill and a property tax hike seems to be the answer, but how have Torontonians responded to that? Not well.

Cyber-attacks seem to be growing and it feels like it's only a matter of time before the province gets attacked. The guys are joined by Donald Blair, an IT director, to discuss how to prevent a disaster.

Kat Eschner's piece on social-assistance rates: https://www.tvo.org/article/social-assistance-rates-in-ontario-should-set-off-alarm-bells-report

More from Kat: https://www.tvo.org/author/kat-eschner

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

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The Government of Ontario is spending millions on upgrading the water infrastructure in Prince Edward County — ahead of a by-election next week. Coincidence? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss.

Doug Ford believes Jagmeet Singh won't trigger an early election at the federal level due to his pension. The NDP leader fires back telling the Premier to stop focusing on alcohol in corner stores.

Food bank usage has spiked in Ontario with over a million people visiting one in the last year. It's a grim milestone and one group is calling for change.

Steve's column:

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-good-economic-news-during-a-housing-crisis

The Thread's episode on food insecurity: https://youtu.be/uTGKHJnBF3M?si=0Eq_pZd4UCYc_6eC

TVO Today Live in Mississauga: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-today-live#upcomingevents

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The Region of Peel will remain whole for the foreseeable future, bringing a close to a months-long ordeal for the workers in the region. Regional staff were working toward a January 2025 timeline to dissolve the region, but now the transition board assigned to oversee that will look to create efficiencies instead. So, why cancel the deal? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the details and the shrewd politics involved.

The sale of alcohol is expanding in the Province of Ontario to include corner stores, big box retailers, and gas stations by 2026. The province has already received a failing grade for its alcohol control measures from organizations like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, so why not fail even harder? It's a deal four decades in the making, so why did it take this long and what's at stake now that it's almost here?

Steve and JMM answer your burning questions before the end of the year in our annual year-end mailbag. Got a question, send it on through to onpolitics@tvo.org for future episodes.

Donate to TVO: http://tvo.org/give

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Last week, newly minted Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie made her first appearances at Queen's Park. While she spoke about her priorities as leader, she also fired back against Doug Ford who had launched a series of attacks on her over luxury cars and a cottage in the Hamptons. The problem? She doesn't have either of those.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath then look into the auditor general of Ontario's latest report. The report revealed that the business case for moving the Ontario Science Centre might not be as airtight as the government said it was, and many more revelations.

And finally, Peel Region could be staying together after the Hazel McCallion Act nearly tore it apart. Steve and JMM discuss how the stunning numbers around tax increases were known for quite some time and why they're coming to light right now.

The Auditor General report: https://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/annualreports.html

Region of Peel panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d8Ry5jeh54

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/bonnie-crombies-first-week-couldnt-have-gone-much-better

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/doug-ford-has-no-excuse-for-sticker-shock-when-it-comes-to-dissolving-peel-region

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From mayor of Mississauga to new Ontario Liberal leader, Bonnie Crombie has seen a political rise over the last few years. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into what's next for her and the challenges ahead.

Ontario's Green Party has a new MPP in Kitchener-Centre. Aislinn Clancy won her seat by a wide margin last week and doubled the size of her party's caucus. Could this be the start of a green wave? A mini wave?

And the province has unveiled a so-called business case for moving the Ontario Science Centre to the Toronto's waterfront. Critics were quick to note that the numbers just aren't adding up.

Ontario Science Centre promo clip courtesy the Ontario Science Centre.

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Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have made an agreement that will give Canada's largest city billions in exchange for it stepping out of the way for a spa planned for Ontario Place.

Then, Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what could happen at the December 2nd Ontario Liberal Leadership Election. How will votes from student and women's associations play into who gets to lead the party into the next election? Will there be drama? Who will win? And they discuss the merits and pitfalls of the long-gone tradition of a delegated convention.

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the upcoming Ontario Liberal leadership election. Bonnie Crombie, Nate Erskine-Smith, Ted Hsu, and Yasir Naqvi have made their case as to why they should lead the party into the 2026 election, but we'll have to wait and see who will get the top spot.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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Last week, Bonnie Lysyk, Ontario's auditor general, released a report detailing recent changes to the Greenbelt and how there’s evidence of bias in the selection of lands that were removed. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what's been levied against Doug Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and what steps the government will take to fix their process.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath get caught up on all things Ontario during the month of July including the two Ontario Liberal byelection victories, a debate about age in Ontario politics, and how an ill-advised new title for Ontario lawyers is a off-brand misstep for Doug Ford.

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/fighting-the-housing-crisis-will-take-more-than-just-a-cabinet-shuffle-in-ottawa

Steve Paikin's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/at-75-bob-rae-is-still-going-strong

Check out the Ontariovision Song Contest: https://www.tvo.org/current-affairs/tag/ontariovision-song-contest

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the results of the Toronto mayoral by-election, and how the city's politics will shake out over the next few years under Olivia Chow's leadership.

It's letter time! It's letter time! We take a read through the podcast mailbag to answer all the questions we couldn't get to over the last few weeks. Can the United States sue Canada over wildfire smoke? How far back does Ontario's financial debt go? And who are the political Crombies of the world?

Finally, Steve and John Michael reveal the winner of our book giveaway before they take a summer break.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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Strong mayor powers are coming to 26 Ontario municipalities giving mayors a greater ability to win votes and appoint officials.

Toronto deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie has given her endorsement to Anna Bailao. We check the race to see if that has changed the numbers.

Bonnie Crombie has officially thrown her hat into the ring in the Ontario Liberal leadership race. We're still waiting to see who else will enter the fray, but things are heating up in determining the direction of the party. Nate Erskine-Smith wants to keep the party progressive while Crombie wants to rear to the centre.

And Kat Eschner, TVO's affordability reporter, joins the podcast to speak with Steve Paikin and John Michael about the financial mess the new mayor of Toronto will inherit when they take office. How will Canada's largest city work its way out of a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall?

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Last week, parts of Ontario and the U.S. spent a number of days under a special air quality advisory from the smoke and dust lingering in the air from wildfires in Quebec. In all, Canada is experiencing more than 440 wildfires across the country and even this early in the season, the country has already exceeded the number of hectares burned in 2021. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dive into the crisis and look at the government response.

Reverberations from the federal probe into alleged election interference by China during the last Canadian election are still being felt in Ontario. Vincent Ke, MPP for Don Valley North, has filed a statement of claim against Global News for its reporting on him.

There are just two weeks to go before the Toronto mayoral byelection. Steve and John Michael check-in on how the race is progressing and the job that Jennifer McKelvie, who replaced John Tory in the interim, has done as the city's temporary leader.

Steve’s column on remembering one of the most thrilling leadership conventions in Canadian history: https://www.tvo.org/article/remembering-one-of-the-most-thrilling-leadership-conventions-in-canadian-history

John Michael’s column on what the Liberals got wrong in government in the past and what Yasir Naqvi says we can learn from that: https://www.tvo.org/article/its-easy-to-be-against-privatization-when-youre-in-opposition-what-about-when-youre-in-power

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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A new ban on smartphones in Ontario's secondary schools has come into effect. How will students react to the new policy? Or will the province reverse course like the Toronto District School Board?

Alcohol sales have expanded in Ontario to convenience stores and gas stations while supervised consumption sites have been shuttered. Steve and John Michael discuss the two decisions and their cognitive dissonance.

They also discuss the by-election for the Bay of Quinte following the resignation of MPP Todd Smith. Smith is the latest Tory MPP to leave the party for the private sector, so how will this by-election affect a potential election in spring?

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/checking-in-with-ottawas-former-mayor

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/on-energy-the-government-has-some-difficult-choices-to-make

You 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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Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. He's among a few heavy hitters now who are vying for the top job, along with Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie who is exploring the idea. But would Ontario Liberals want someone who has ties to previous governments?

Bill 5 - The Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act - was shot down last week by the PC government. The bill, which could call for the ouster of municipal councillors who do not comply with violence and harassment policies, seemed like a slam dunk, so why would the government oppose it? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss.

On this week's "Your Column, My Column," Steve talks about a fireside chat he had with Vic Fedeli. John Michael talks about what's going to happen with all those unoccupied office buildings in Toronto.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-vic-fedeli-is-trying-to-sell-ontario-to-the-world

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/remote-work-isnt-going-anywhere-so-what-do-we-do-with-torontos-office-buildings

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is poised to enter the Ontario Liberal Party leadership race, and her political opponents were quick to jump on the decision. Is she destined to become the next leader of Ontario's Liberal Party?
 
A multi-billion-dollar deal with automaker Stellantis is still not signed, making a lot of people in southwestern Ontario very nervous. What do Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have to do to get the deal inked? How did the Volkswagen deal change the game here?
 
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath check-in on the Toronto mayoral race. With less than a month to go, will anyone overtake Olivia Chow in the polls?

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/how-a-birthday-tweet-revealed-the-ugliness-of-social-media

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/blast-from-the-past-the-tories-are-sounding-a-lot-like-the-liberals-when-it-comes-to-air

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga will one day be separate cities, ending a decade's long fight between the municipalities. But what does this mean to the people of Peel Region? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the future of the region and how this might shake out.

NDP MP Bhutila Karpoche - critic for GTA issues - joins the podcast to discuss what has gone wrong with the Eglinton Crosstown transit project. Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the conglomerate of private companies building the line, have said they are intending to stop work and sue the province of Ontario.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/its-time-for-queens-park-to-decide-the-fate-of-john-a-macdonalds-statue

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/toronto-did-more-for-housing-this-week-than-the-ford-government-has-done-all-year

Clip credits: Nathaniel Erskine-Smith/Liberal Party of Canada/youtube.com

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Could Mississauga and Brampton officially be splitting up? At a press conference Monday, Premier Doug Ford all but announced that Mississauga will have the ability to separate from Peel Region. This news comes after Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown launched a broadside attack against Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie over separation. How will the region handle a divorce? And does Brampton's mayor have ulterior motives for stepping up his attacks?

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is jumping from federal politics as Liberal MP for Beaches-East York and diving into the race for the Ontario Liberal leadership. He's the first contender for the role.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath are joined by Ontario's outgoing financial accountability officer Peter Weltman to discuss his exit from the role. For the last five years, Weltman has been holding the province to account, but now the office's fate seems to be in the balance.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/its-time-for-queens-park-to-decide-the-fate-of-john-a-macdonalds-statue

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/toronto-did-more-for-housing-this-week-than-the-ford-government-has-done-all-year

Clip credits: Nathaniel Erskine-Smith/Liberal Party of Canada/youtube.com

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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When landlords and tenants can't get along, the Landlord and Tenant Board steps in to provide speedy justice; however, that hasn't been the case since Doug Ford took over as premier. The board is in a state of disarray and the ombudsman of Ontario, Paul Dubé is calling for major changes.

The Auditor General of Ontario has lost a court case against Laurentian University after the institution refused to release some documents related to their troubled finances.

Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama has found herself in hot water again over her social media usage. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how the spotlight on her Twitter usage may be taking away from her other priorities.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/what-is-queens-park-doing-with-the-financial-accountability-office

John Michael's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/why-is-the-landlord-and-tenant-board-in-chaos-ask-doug-ford

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Doug Ford's desire to move Ontario Science Centre to Toronto's waterfront is facing some vocal opposition. But is there anything critics can do to stymie the government's plan?

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the province's decision to pay tuition for people looking to become police officers and dropping a requirement for recruits to have post-secondary education. Is that wise, or dangerous?

Metrolinx has finally provided some details on why the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is so delayed. Steve and John Michael give their analysis on when the thing's going to get built.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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There's a $13 billion dollar plan in motion to bring a Volkswagen gigafactory to St. Thomas, Ont. It promises to create thousands of jobs. But should we be subsidizing global auto manufacturers?

The "Better Schools and Students Outcomes Act" is having a huge effect on Ontario's 72 school boards. The bill puts more focus on labour-ready career choices for students and it can force the sale of land owned by boards.

A group of young environmentalists had their case against the Government of Ontario dismissed, but the justice involved in the case had words for Doug Ford. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what was said and how the young appellants can still appeal the decision.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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Will Mississauga exit Peel Region? Or will Mississauga join Brampton in a new super-city of Peel? And what about Kitchener-Waterloo? Questions, questions, and more questions about regional government in Ontario - still controversial 50 years later.

Is the Ontario Science Centre on the move? Is it moving to Ontario Place? Doug Ford drops a big hint that it may be headed to a new location amid outcry over the fate of public land.

Russian sanctions on Queen's Park? Yep. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath tell you who's on Vladimir Putin's you-know-what list.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

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TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

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The Ontario government's latest housing strategy, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act helps renters avoid bad-faith evictions and gain access to air conditioning, but also encourages sprawl, endangers farmland, and puts redevelopment pressure on rental housing.

Mitzie Hunter is resigning from her seat at Queen's Park to fully commit to a run at becoming Toronto's mayor. That also means her riding of Scarborough-Guildwood is now heading for a byelection with Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith signaling his intention to run. However, just because they're in the same party doesn't mean it'll be an easy win. Many, including other Ontario Liberal hopefuls, may want to run in the riding, which could make this interesting.

Should polls be banned shortly before an election? Ontario's chief electoral officers seems to think so, but the federal government attempted to implement a polling blackout law back in the 1990s, which ultimately failed. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath poll one another on their thoughts on this idea.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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The federal budget came down last week with little love for municipalities. Toronto will have to deal with its $1 billion budget fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and it will likely result in property tax increases or cuts to services. This is the backdrop on which the Toronto mayoral race officially got underway with candidates, such as Mitzie Hunter, putting their names forward for the big job.

The Ontario NDP just released a postmortem on the 2022 provincial election. A highlight of the report is the idea to engage voters earlier. It's something we see a lot in the United States with their perpetual election cycle. Could that be coming here?

And Ontario's first Poet Laureate Randell Adjei joins the podcast to talk about the last two years of being in the role. Steve and John Michael speak to him about resilience, positivity, and poetry.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

Listen to more TVO Podcasts: https://www.tvo.org/podcasts

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See more ways to access The Agenda with Steve Paikin and TVO Today: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-anytime-anywhere

TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath return to the #onpoli podcast for a midsummer check-in from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/heres-how-to-beat-doug-ford-in-the-next-election

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/ottawa-is-in-rough-shape-what-will-the-province-do-about-it

Councillor Nagy question at the AMO – The Women of Ontario Say No/instagram.com

Mayor Meed Ward question at the AMO – marianne.meedward/instagram.com

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Peter Bethlenfalvy unveiled the province's budget with an eye to balancing it during some extraordinary financial times. The document outlines plans to get inflation back to its ideal target of 2 per cent and return to a surplus by 2025, but will it happen? If a recession hits, will Ontario be prepared? We also dig into health care spending, the biggest ticket item in the document.

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Doug Ford are at loggerheads over plans to develop around Rouge National Urban Park. We explain the federal act that's preventing development from going ahead.

Merrilee Fullerton, the MPP for Kanata-Carelton and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, has resigned. Michael Parsa, will take over. We look at the ramifications of this resignation.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

Listen to more TVO Podcasts: https://www.tvo.org/podcasts

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Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy will present the province's budget on March 23rd. He talks to Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath about who exactly has a say on what gets included important document. Consultations with the public play a role, but so does Premier Doug Ford, as well as former finance ministers. Sarah Jama was elected as the MPP for Hamilton Centre, which was Andrea Horwath's former riding. We discuss her win and what comes next, but also the controversy that has surrounded her past advocacy. Volkswagen announced it will be opening a battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. Very little is known about the deal or how taxpayer dollars might have gone into wooing the German auto manufacturer. But will producing more batteries offset the environmental cost of mining?

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

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Follow Steve Paikin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spaikin

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Get the TVO Today app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tvo.tvomediaapp&pli=1

See more ways to access The Agenda with Steve Paikin and TVO Today: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-anytime-anywhere

TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Financial Accountability Office's latest report, Ontario's outlook on health care is looking a little precarious. The province will need 7,500 new hospital beds, 86,700 additional nurses and personal support workers, and a lot more money - about $21 billion more. Peter Weltman joins the podcast to discuss these figures in detail and layout what Ontario needs to do to reach its targets. The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled Bill 307 unconstitutional last week - a bill that the Ford government used the notwithstanding clause to push through. We look at the ruling and what happens next. And, Vincent Ke, MPP for Don Valley North, stepped down from the Conservative caucus last week due to allegations of political interference from China's Toronto consulate.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

Listen to more TVO Podcasts: https://www.tvo.org/podcasts

Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters

Subscribe to The Agenda with Steve Paikin on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theagenda

Follow Steve Paikin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spaikin

Follow John Michael McGrath on Twitter - https://twitter.com/jm_mcgrath

Get the TVO Today app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tvo.tvomediaapp&pli=1

See more ways to access The Agenda with Steve Paikin and TVO Today: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-anytime-anywhere

TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ontario Liberal leadership race will have a new system for balloting that will give more power to members to decide who will take the reins of the party. Will a leader rise to capture the hearts of Ontario Liberals? Independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady tells us about Bill 62, the Farmland and Arable Land Strategy Act. It's a bid to get the government to protect precious farmland, but, with recent developments in the Greenbelt, that might be a tough sell. Ontario and Quebec are calling for project proposals to help nurture French-language development. It's an important relationship between two of Canada's largest provinces and a sign of co-operation.

Stay connected to #onpoli and the latest politics across Ontario and at Queen’s Park: https://www.tvo.org/

For questions or to suggest topics, email us at onpolitics@tvo.org

Listen to more TVO Podcasts: https://www.tvo.org/podcasts

Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters

Subscribe to The Agenda with Steve Paikin on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theagenda

Follow Steve Paikin on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spaikin

Follow John Michael McGrath on Twitter - https://twitter.com/jm_mcgrath

Get the TVO Today app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tvo.tvomediaapp&pli=1

See more ways to access The Agenda with Steve Paikin and TVO Today: https://www.tvo.org/tvo-anytime-anywhere

TVO Today is a trusted source of insight and information about life in Ontario and beyond. Our award-winning current affairs journalism, documentaries and podcasts explore relevant issues and inspiring solutions. Visit https://www.tvo.org for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.