#onpoli, a TVO podcast
News & Politics
About
#onpoli, a TVO podcast, is all about Ontario politics. Join hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath for candid interviews and a deeper understanding of how politics touches our day-to-day lives. When it comes to #onpoli, we're here to give you the bigger picture.
Episodes
- Unexpected fallout from the latest Liberal nomination race
Choosing the new Ontario Liberal candidate in Scarborough Southwest has gone sideways. Ahsanul Hafiz won by 19 votes, but runner-up Nate Erskine-Smith says he has reason to appeal. Is he right? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath p…
- Will Doug Ford go to jail?
Doug Ford accuses the NDP leader of Trump-style rhetoric. With the opposition heating up its criticism against the Ford government, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath wonder whether Doug Ford is getting a taste of his own medicine…
- Ford's Conservatives lose double-digit lead
Is Doug Ford's drop in popularity just a blip, or is there reason for Ontario's Progressive Conservatives to be concerned? Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the latest poll numbers and how they would translate to seats…
- Doug Ford's flight plan now cancelled
Premier Doug Ford walks back his jet-plane purchase, and says the media is picking on him for trying to run the province more efficiently. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath get into whether that political communication works for…
- Is Ontario's renewable energy turnaround too little, too late?
Is the Ford government's latest renewable energy procurement enough? Green Party leader Mike Schreiner weighs in on that, the province's takeover of Billy Bishop airport, and where he thinks the budget missed the mark (see: housing). Then,…
- What are the limits to council authority in a strong-mayor era?
Do new appointees in Niagara and Simcoe threaten local democracy? Have stronger mayors even helped to build more housing, as promised? Who will foot the bill for proposed changes to the Greater Toronto Area commuter trains? And what does t…
- How do Ontario's new housing policies work?
NDP and Liberal finance critics break down why Ontario's 2026 budget might not 'protect' Ontarians after all. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack the latest suite of housing announcements that went beyond the HST exemp…
- Does the 2026 budget really 'protect' Ontario?
Ontario's 2026 budget is out. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins #onpoli to discuss the Ford government's spending choices, why it has not produced a balanced budget, and when it would ever raise taxes. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and…
- How free is information under Ford's government?
The public’s access to government records might get restricted -- How free will information be if the Ford government’s proposals go through? Global News journalist Isaac Callan joins the podcast to break it down. Then, hosts S…
- Will Doug Ford's airport plans take off?
Premier Doug Ford says his government intends to take over Toronto's downtown airport - and it will even pay the city for its trouble. Can he do that? And what does the future hold for the Toronto Islands? Steve Paikin and John Michael McG…
- Ontario's energy strategy, Niagara amalgamation, and how to run for city council
The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a…
- Doug Ford wants a refund
The United States Supreme Court struck down some of Donald Trump's tariffs, and now Ontario premier Doug Ford wants a refund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why that probably won't happen and the larger implications this mov…
- Booze, boards, and rumours
Ontario and Diageo have cut a deal to keep Crown Royal on LCBO shelves, but how much of the money is actually going to those affected by the liquor maker's decision to close its plant? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why ever…
- A long-awaited tour of Line 5
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath leave the studio and hop on the Eglinton Crosstown, where they discuss what's new on the line, what could be improved, and where public transit in Toronto goes from here. U.S. president Donald Trump ha…
- A federal resignation, a provincial race
Bill Blair's resignation as MP for Scarborough Southwest has spurred a flurry of political moves in Ontario. Doly Begum, formerly the Ontario New Democratic Party's deputy leader, announced she will run for the federal Liberals in the ridi…
- Navigating the Ring of Fire
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath speak with Canadian Press reporter Liam Casey about the Indigenous communities affected by the proposed development of the Ring of Fire. Some are embracing the opportunity, others are afraid of what ac…
- Mark Carney cuts a deal with China, Doug Ford calls for a boycott
Prime Minister Mark Carney has opened the door for China to enter Canada's electric vehicle market. That has left Doug Ford steaming and calling on Canadians to boycott the vehicles. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss what the p…
- Ontario Place goes to the Supreme Court of Canada
Canada's highest court will hear arguments from critics of the Province of Ontario's plan to build a spa at Ontario Place. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the stakes of the case and why they're surprised the court is taking i…
- Another lump of coal for Doug Ford
The OPP is launching a criminal investigation into a company that received money from both the ministry of colleges and universities and the Ontario Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss this latest develop…
- Ontario's auditor general takes aim at health-care spending
Shelley Spence, Ontario's auditor general, published a narrowly tailored report on health-care spending in the province. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why OHIP overbilling, COVID personal protective equipment, and primary c…
- Ontario's Skill Trades Fund investigation
Ontario New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles has called on the Integrity Commissioner to investigate Labour Minister David Piccini as the skills development fund controversy deepens. But will it amount to anything? John Michael McGrath…
- Pressure mounts on Doug Ford's labour minister
Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini is at the centre of a growing hubbub over the Ontario's Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the latest developments,…
- Better call Paul Calandra?
Why are advocates for children with autism comparing Ontario education minister Paul Calandra to Breaking Bad character Saul Goodman? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the implications of the comparison. Last year, Lieutenant-G…
- Ontario releases its Fall Economic Statement
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath take a look at Ontario's fall economic statement, which paints a picture of the province's financial health. Mark Carney has tabled his first budget as prime minister. Some have called it unprecedented…
- Doug Ford's $75 million gambit paid off, maybe?
Last week, the province released an ad featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan decrying the use of tariffs. At first, Donald Trump liked the ad, saying he would have put out the same if he was in Canada's position. Then he had a hiss…
- First orders of business at Queen's Park
MPPs have returned to Queen's Park and the government is pushing through an agenda of cutting red tape; however, Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss another change that has all members steaming. There are some unusual development…
- Stellantis leaves Ontario assembly plants in jeopardy
Stellantis, which produces Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep vehicles, among others, is making a huge investment in the United States and leaving two Ontario plants in jeopardy. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about the fallout of this ne…
- A clash over the notwithstanding clause
The notwithstanding clause allows governments to set aside certain charter rights and supersede the courts on decisions. Quebec's Bill 21 has set up the latest fight between the premiers and the prime minister over how it can be used. Stev…
- Marit Stiles on the Ontario NDP's next steps
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath sit down with Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles to discuss the aftermath of her recent leadership review. Where does she take the party now? Jim Bradley, the longtime MPP for St. Catharines, has died. St…
- Doug Ford to outlaw automated speed cameras
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the fallout of shutting down speed cameras. What will municipalities do next? Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles had a bruising leadership review. Unlike Bonnie Crombie, she's staying on the job&n…
- Bonnie Crombie resigns and Doug Ford rails against speed cameras
Bonnie Crombie resigned as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party after a disappointing leadership review. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how her vote collapsed, how she left the party in better shape, and who comes next. Ontar…
- Bonnie Crombie faces a leadership review
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie is facing a leadership review during the party's annual general meeting. It's a make-or-break vote that will speak volumes about the party's confidence in its new leader. Steve Paikin and John Michael…
- Doug Ford unveils his vision for Ontario Place
Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled design plans for Ontario Place once it reopens, including a five-storey parking structure. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down this development and look at the timeline of what happens next.…
- Project Ontario, Greenbelt Code Words, and the Eglinton LRT
Project Ontario is a grassroots organization calling on the Ontario government to adopt more fiscally conservative policies. But how does their charge stand up against Premier Doug Ford's three majority governments? Steve Paikin and John M…
- Doug Ford and Queen's Park break for summer
The legislature has broken for the summer with MPPs set to return in October. Why such a long break? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath dig into the hiatus. The Council of the Federation is set to meet in the Muskoka region this summer…
- What happens next with Bill 5?
Resistance to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing its Economy Act, is heating up as it passed into law this week at Queen's Park. Will the bill lead to highway blockades and a resurgence of the Idle No More movement? Steve Paikin and…
- The King's speech, controversy with Bill 5, and #onpoli live
For third time ever, the monarch read the Government of Canada's speech from the throne. King Charles III reiterated Canada's sovereignty and ran through a laundry list of government priorities. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break…
- Should the province get tougher on drunk drivers?
A 19-year-old man is facing impaired driving charges after a crash that killed three children. The incident has some wondering if the province needs to implement even tougher rules for driving under the influence. Steve Paikin and John Mic…
- Ontario's 2025 trade war budget
Ontario has delivered its budget for 2025 during an uncertain time for the Canadian economy. Steve Paikin, John Michael McGrath, and Jessica Smith Cross discuss the ins and outs of the budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…
- Doug Ford's letter, pre-budget announcements, Ontario Liberals denied
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney outlining what projects he believes are in Ontario's best economic interest. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how the relationship between the two level…
- Doug Ford explodes at Ontario's judges
Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched into a tirade against Ontario's judges during a press conference about strengthening the province's bail system. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how we got to the point where the premier say…
- Mark Carney wins, Pierre Poilievre loses his seat, Jagmeet Singh resigns
It was by a narrow margin that Liberal leader Mark Carney declared victory last night to become Canada's 24th prime minister. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the race as it unfolded and the role Ontario's voters played. St…
- Ontario puts school boards on notice
Minister of Education Paul Calandra is sending investigators to several school boards in Ontario to probe their finances, and, in one case, is recommending the ministry take control. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss how this h…
- A post-debate, post-mortem special
Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath look back on the Federal debate where Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and NDP Leader Jagm…
- Queen's Park is back, a female Speaker, and Therme investigation
Members of provincial Parliament have returned to Queen's Park and there's already a flurry of activity. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break down the first week back and what's to come. Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly was el…
- Ontario braces for Donald Trump's tariffs
The 90-day reprieve on Donald Trump's global tariffs do not extend to Canada, so Ontario is offering tax breaks for businesses. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why these temporary measures might need to be followed by long te…
- Trump's Liberation Day, the Greenbelt, and dropped candidates
Donald Trump's Liberation Day has unleashed a suite of tariffs on the world, but Canada has escaped any additional ones. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath examine what effect the tariffs Canada is facing are having on the economy. A fo…
- Has Donald Trump flipped the script on the Canadian election?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for April 28. John Michael McGrath and The Trillium's Jessica Smith Cross discuss how the Liberal Party's fortunes have changed amidst United States President Donald Trump's trade threa…
- Doug Ford and Mark Carney swear in their cabinets
It's unusual to have both the Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Ontario swear in their cabinets at the same time, so Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath compare and contrast the different approaches. A legal challenge from cyclists…
- The tariff war heats up and cools off
Doug Ford imposed an electricity surcharge on Monday, Donald Trump responded with doubling the tariffs on steel and aluminum, and then they called the whole thing off. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath examine a chaotic week in Canada…