Now and Next –June 10, 2025
Host: Dave Trafford
Guests: Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy)
Summary:
In this episode of Now and Next, host Dave Trafford is joined by our C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Anne-Marie Aikins, Lindsay Broadhead, and Bob Reid for a dynamic conversation that begins with a reflection on the 30th anniversary of Ontario’s Common Sense Revolution. 
The panel dissects the political legacy of Mike Harris and how it continues to echo in Canadian politics. 
The discussion transitions to the nature of protests—historic and contemporary—with particular focus on recent unrest in Los Angeles, the influence of social media, and the blurred lines between activism and insurrection. The episode closes with a forward-looking view on the upcoming G7 meeting and the political ramifications for leaders like Mark Carney and Donald Trump.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
Dave introduces the regular panel and sets the stage with Bob Reid’s reflection on the 30th anniversary of the Common Sense Revolution.
00:56 – Mike Harris and the 1995 Election Strategy
Reid recounts his time as press secretary for Mike Harris and how early branding and clear messaging shaped a surprise win.
10:07 – Protest Then and Now
Anne-Marie reflects on how protest culture evolved from her early activism to today’s often volatile public demonstrations.
17:21 – Violence, Messaging, and Hijacked Movements
The team analyzes how emotion-driven protests are often derailed by fringe elements, distorting the original message.
24:13 – Civil Rights vs. Today’s Tactics
Drawing contrasts between disciplined, strategic protests of the 60s and chaotic modern demonstrations, the panel questions effectiveness and media portrayal.
33:08 – G7 Summit and Global Stakes
As the world prepares for the G7 summit, the discussion turns to how leaders like Carney and Trump will navigate political pressure and geopolitical optics.

Now and Next (May 28, 2025)
Host: Dave Trafford
Guest: Scott Clancy, Retired Major General, RCAF

Episode Summary:
This episode of Now and Next dives deep into the national security implications of King Charles’s historic throne speech, which outlined the Carney government’s legislative agenda. Retired Major General Scott Clancy returns to evaluate whether Canada is finally ready to meet the moment on defense and sovereignty—particularly in the Arctic.

Clancy underscores the urgency of continental defense, Canada’s vulnerabilities, and the economic and strategic importance of Arctic infrastructure. The conversation weaves through Canada’s transactional relationship with the U.S., defense spending shortfalls, and how dual-purpose Arctic infrastructure could become the pivot point for national unity, sovereignty, and long-overdue policy execution.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
Dave Trafford previews the show and introduces the throne speech’s historic setting and implications, including King Charles’s presence in the Senate.

01:59 – Sovereignty and Security in the Throne Speech
Scott Clancy reacts to the throne speech, emphasizing its resonance on themes of defense, sovereignty, and the symbolic power of King Charles’s remarks.

07:06 – Defense Alliances and Rearm Europe Commitment
Clancy evaluates Canada's commitment to Rearm Europe, highlighting its dual benefits for Canadian industry and alliance-based diplomacy.

12:28 – The Illusion of Security and North American Vulnerabilities
Clancy explains Canada’s critical gaps in continental defense, especially against cruise missile threats, and the lack of public urgency about security.

19:31 – Arctic as a Strategic Pivot Point
Clancy argues that Arctic sovereignty and infrastructure development offer a unique opportunity to align public support, defense priorities, and Indigenous community interests.

29:41 – Bureaucratic Barriers to Innovation and Readiness
Frustrations with federal silos and budgetary constraints are laid bare, revealing how interdepartmental inefficiencies hinder real progress in Arctic readiness.

33:25 – Infrastructure, Personnel, and the Path ForwardClancy outlines the real indicators of defense commitment: boots on the ground, infrastructure in the Arctic, and the political will to empower leaders within the system.

Now and Next – May 29, 2025**
**Host:** Dave Trafford
**Guests:** Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategies), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications)

In this wide-ranging roundtable episode, the Now and Next team dives into a pivotal moment in Canadian politics and public leadership. With Mark Carney’s first throne speech and question period as Prime Minister, the panel reflects on a noticeable shift in tone in Ottawa—from performative partisanship to focused governance.

They explore public expectations, the symbolism of a renewed national identity, and Carney’s pledge to “get shit done.” The conversation also spans urban transit challenges, the appointment of a new TTC CEO, long-delayed infrastructure upgrades, and how leadership credibility can reshape civic trust. The show ends on thoughtful notes about civic space design, public safety at festivals, and the complex debates surrounding historical memorials like the John A. Macdonald statue.
---
Chapters
**00:00 – Introduction**
Dave Trafford opens the show with the cast, setting the tone for a deep dive into recent political and civic developments.

**02:00 – Royal Visit & Carney’s First Question Period**
The panel discusses public enthusiasm for King Charles’ throne speech and the symbolic weight it carried for Canadian sovereignty and unity. Carney’s confident, disciplined tone in Parliament signals a hopeful reset in political culture.

**10:28 – A New Government With Old Expectations**
Carney’s high approval ratings come with equally high public expectations. The panel considers how his hands-on leadership style and bold rhetoric signal readiness for transformational change.

**18:03 – TTC Leadership & Transit System Challenges**
A new CEO is announced at the TTC, sparking discussion on what leadership style is needed to restore trust in Toronto’s transit system.

**37:15 – Urban Safety, Summer Festivals & Security Design**
As cultural events return to city streets, the team weighs how to protect public space without eroding its vibrancy. They discuss how good design can serve both beauty and safety.

**54:06 – Reconciling With History: The John A. Macdonald Statue**
With the statue set to be uncovered in Queen’s Park, the panel grapples with the legacy of historical figures, emotional literacy, and the importance of learning rather than erasure.

Now and Next (May 14, 2025)
Host: Dave Trafford
Guests:Anne-Marie Aikens (AMA Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy)

As the long May weekend approaches, Dave Trafford returns with the Now and Next Comms And Strategy Team (C.A.S.T.) roundtable. 

The conversation begins wit the posthumous reinstatement of Pete Rose into MLB Hall of Fame consideration; a Florida Panthers executive’s inflammatory Twitter spat, and Canada’s growing boycott of U.S. travel amid political and economic tension. 

The group also dives into the divisive debate over renaming Dundas subway station, raising deeper questions about how we remember—and rewrite—history in the name of reconciliation.
And, finally, why doesn't Nate Erskine-Smith just quit as MP for Beaches-East York if he's so disappointed about being dumped from Mark Carney's cabinet?

It’s a spirited and sharp-edged episode that explores where leadership, accountability, and public trust intersect—from the House of Commons to the hockey arena.


Key Takeaways:
00:00 – Cabinet Snub: Nate Erskine-Smith’s Self-Inflicted Wound**
The team critiques Erskine-Smith’s public response to being left out of cabinet and how it reflects on political judgment and public service.

00:02:16 – Hall of Fame Controversy: Pete Rose and Posthumous Pardons**
Does lifting a lifetime ban after death honor legacy or undermine integrity? A debate over forgiveness, ethics, and consequences in sport.

00:10:34 – Twitter Firestorm: Panthers Exec Crosses the Line**
A senior executive’s offensive social media exchange erupts into controversy. The panel discusses brand damage and digital self-sabotage.

00:20:16 – Trump’s Plane Gift: Ethics and Optics of Presidential Favors**
Why Donald Trump accepting a private jet from Qatar is more than just a headline—and what it signals about governance norms.

00:25:07 – The Dundas Debate: Renaming, Reconciliation & Erasure**
Should we rename public infrastructure tied to historical figures? A thoughtful look at memory, education, and cancel culture’s limits.

00:40:45 – Borderline Fatigue: Why Canadians Are Staying Home**
From tariffs to political tension, Canadians are choosing not to travel to the U.S.—and the ripple effects are being felt on both sides of the border.

Now & Next (May 1, 2025)
Host: Dave Trafford
Guests: Lindsay Broadhead, Anne-Marie Aikins, Bob Reid

As the federal election dust settles, Dave Trafford is joined by the NOW and NEXT C.A.S.T (Comms And Strategy Team) to dissect the results, implications, and missed opportunities across Canada’s political landscape.

The panel delves into voter behavior shifts, the polarization amplified by social media, and the changing allegiances of younger voters.

They also explore leadership dynamics, party branding woes, and what Prime Minister Mark Carney must prioritize as he takes the reins—from unifying a fractured nation to navigating a looming Trump encounter.

The episode rounds out with sharp commentary on Toronto's congestion crisis and the mayor’s controversial decision to delegate traffic solutions to a new "czar." Key Takeaways:

• The 2025 federal election was unexpectedly close, revealing deep demographic and regional divides, particularly in Ontario.
• Conservative success among younger voters was linked to economic disenfranchisement, misinformation, and online echo chambers.
• The NDP's identity crisis and leadership challenges have sparked questions about the party's future viability.
• Personality and trust—not policy—dominated this election cycle, with voters focused on perceived leadership strength.
• Mark Carney faces high expectations: unifying the country, managing Canada–U.S. relations, and addressing interprovincial trade barriers.
• Toronto's traffic woes prompted the appointment of a “traffic czar”—a move criticized as an abdication of mayoral accountability.
• Public frustration with political inaction and lack of transparency continues to grow at all levels of government.

Now & Next – April 16, 2025 

Host: Dave Trafford
Guests:

• Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications)
• Bob Reid (Broadview Strategy)
• Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications)

Episode Summary In this episode of Now and Next, Dave Trafford is joined by communications and strategy veterans Anne-Marie Aikins, Bob Reid, and Lindsay Broadhead to assess the rapidly shifting terrain of the federal election campaign in Ontario and beyond.

With the Liberals gaining ground and Mark Carney emerging as a surprisingly strong contender, the group explores the evolving dynamics, including Pierre Poilievre’s media strategy, the role of televised debates, and how both leaders are positioning themselves ahead of key showdowns.

They debate the effectiveness of the leaders' communications tactics and scrutinize the role of media and debate formats in shaping public perception. Key Takeaways

• Liberal Surge in Ontario: Polls suggest a double-digit lead for the Liberals in Ontario, marking a sharp reversal from earlier expectations of a Conservative stronghold.
• Carney’s Popularity: Mark Carney is gaining traction with voters, not just as an anti-Poilievre candidate but as a leader people are actively supporting.
• Debate Format Flaws: The panel critiques the debate commission’s decision to schedule debates around NHL games, highlighting the need for more rigorous and accessible formats.
• Media Access Matters: Poilievre’s strategy of avoiding media access may be backfiring, limiting his ability to shape his narrative while journalists like Katie Simpson shape it for him.
• Gender Gap: Poilievre’s support remains low among women, driven by personality and perceived lack of trustworthiness rather than policy alone.
• Strategic Silence or Stagnation?: While Carney is running a front-runner campaign, his lack of major announcements is raising questions about momentum.
• Calls for Debate Reform: There’s strong consensus that Canadian debates need to move away from performative brawls and toward meaningful, fact-checked discourse.

Host: Dave Trafford
Guests: Lindsay Broadhead, Bob Reid, Anne-Marie Aikins

Episode Summary:

On this special Liberation Day edition of Politically Speaking, Dave Trafford convenes his regular comms and strategy roundtable—Lindsay Broadhead, Bob Reid, and Anne-Marie Aikins—to dissect Canada's precarious position in the wake of mounting trade tensions and looming U.S. tariffs.

Against the backdrop of misinformation, political spin, and international economic friction, the team explores how these dynamics are reshaping the current federal campaign.

With Donald Trump’s trade threats dominating headlines and domestic affordability crises compounding voter anxiety, this episode dives deep into the question: who can Canadians trust to lead through an economic war?

Here's the latest from POLITICALLY SPEAKING.

We're three days into the federal election campaign in Canada and the latest polling aggregators have seat modelling suggesting Mark Carney's Liberals are in a position to win a strong majority.

But hey! It's early yet.

One thing we do know is it's shaping up to be a very close race between the Liberals and the Conservatives.

Veteran pollster John Wright joins Dave Trafford to take the pulse on the popular opinion.

Welcome to this edition of POLITICALLY SPEAKING!

John Wright and Dave Trafford break down the election call in Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has set April 28, 2025 as Election Day in Canada.

AND...Donald Trump and his trade tariffs are THE BALLOT QUESTION.

Who can handle Trump?

Who can manage the cultural and economic angst of Canadians?

This week on Now and Next:

It's THE C.A.S.T. - our Comms and Strategy Team: Lindsay Broadhead, Bob Reid, and Anne Marie Aikins.

"Elbows Up!" isn't just a cute slogan, it's a posture Canadians are assuming on a number of levels knowing tough times are coming thanks to the stupid antics of the useful idiot and his White House minions.

Also, Olivia Chow rings the right bell banning US companies from doing business with the City of Toronto.

AND, Prime Minister Mark Carney chastises two women in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, telling one of them to "look into yourself". It was a disastrous exchange for the rookie PM on two levels - one, the reporters were asking legitimate questions about his financial assets and he refused to answer; two, "Look deep within yourself" said Hannibal Lecter to Clarice Starling!