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.