On the Ledge – May 15, 2025

Host: Dave Trafford
Guests: Keith Leslie, John Wright, Tim Hudak (Kathleen Wynne sent regrets)

In this episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford, Keith Leslie, John Wright, and Tim Hudak kick things off talking about the OTR Spring Fling at Queen's Park! 

Then they unpack Ontario’s budget day, dive into the affordability crisis, and explore how interprovincial cooperation and infrastructure expansion are key to Canada’s economic resilience. 
With Kathleen Wynne away, the panel examines the collegiality that once defined Queen’s Park and the real impacts of policy on housing, generational inequality, and labour shortages.

They reflect on the provincial and federal approach to accelerating housing builds, and the political and policy implications of Premier Doug Ford’s relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The group discusses how trade barriers, infrastructure, and environmental protections are converging in a time of economic uncertainty and how Canada’s unity is being put to the test—and perhaps strengthened—by global and domestic pressures.

00:00 – Introduction & Spring Fling Recap
Dave opens the show with a joke about the Leafs and introduces the panel. Keith Leslie shares behind-the-scenes impressions of the Spring Fling at Queen’s Park and the podcast’s popularity among political insiders.

05:55 – Budget Day Preview & Ford Government’s Housing Push**
As Ontario’s budget drops later that day, the group discusses anticipated housing legislation and the credibility of the Ford government’s new approach. Tim Hudak defends Minister Rob Flack’s leadership potential in housing.

13:20 – Cost of Living & Young Buyers Left Behind
The panel explores how housing unaffordability is affecting young Ontarians, from down payment challenges to increasing mortgage rates. John Wright and Keith Leslie highlight systemic barriers to ownership for millennials and Gen Z.

25:22 – Labour Shortages & Ontario’s Condo Market Slump
Discussion shifts to labour market issues and how immigration policies are mismatched with skilled trades demand. Keith and John discuss condo oversupply and shrinking urban appeal post-pandemic.

33:51 – Budget Promises: Gas Tax Cuts, Toll Relief & Trump Tariff FalloutDoug Ford’s budget announcements—including permanent gas tax cuts and 407 toll relief—are analyzed. Keith explains how these choices reflect affordability politics amid economic threats from Trump’s tariff agenda.

42:03 – Interprovincial Trade, Unity, and Carney’s Nation-Building Vision
The show pivots to national issues. Ford and Wab Kinew’s agreement on trade cooperation is discussed, and the panel praises Mark Carney’s leadership style and diplomatic success in Washington.

52:03 – Infrastructure, Indigenous Partnerships & Economic Reconciliation**
The hosts discuss the importance of Indigenous equity and decision-making in large infrastructure projects like the Ring of Fire and Nunavut hydro link. Kathleen Wynne stresses the need for government-to-government engagement.

1:05:00 – Final Thoughts: Erskine-Smith’s Exit & Budget Expectations
Closing thoughts cover Nate Erskine-Smith’s public complaints after being dropped from cabinet, and what voters will expect from Ontario’s long-term affordability strategy.