Host: Dave Trafford
Guests:
• Tim Hudak – Partner, Counsel Public Affairs; former Ontario PC Leader
• Keith Leslie – Political Commentator, CH Television
• Kathleen Wynne – Former Premier of Ontario

On this week’s episode of On the Ledge, Dave Trafford and the panel dig into what was supposed to be a quiet off-week at Queen’s Park — only to discover a flood of political controversies and policy battles.

The conversation begins with birthday celebrations for Neil Young and Trafford’s grandson, before pivoting to the expanding scandal tied to the Skills Development Fund. The panel dissects the province’s revelation that a 2023 forensic audit uncovered accounting “irregularities,” now referred to the OPP, and what this means for Labour Minister David Piccini and Premier Ford’s cabinet stability.

The group then unpacks the Fall Economic Statement, debating the government’s messaging around deficits, tariffs, and investments — and whether Ontario's spending priorities fail to address critical pressures in education, post-secondary institutions, and climate policy. A detailed discussion follows on the province’s renewed push for a $9.1-million feasibility study for a 401 tunnel, alongside broader questions about the Ring of Fire, Indigenous partnerships, and the massive infrastructure challenges facing Northern Ontario.

Rounding out the episode, the panel tackles the Ford government’s moves on education governance and conservation authorities. With Bill 33 centralizing power the roundtable questions transparency, local accountability, and the government’s growing pattern of sidelining community-based institutions.

Chapters & Timecodes
00:00 – Introduction & Neil Young’s 80th Birthday
Lighthearted opening, birthdays, and memories.

03:15 – Skills Development Fund Scandal Escalates
Audit “irregularities,” OPP referral, political fallout, and cabinet risks.

10:00 – Fall Economic Statement & Ontario’s Fiscal Outlook
Deficits, tariffs, spending priorities, and sector impacts.

18:35 – 401 Tunnel Feasibility & Major Infrastructure Projects
$9.1M study, withheld earlier reports, and unrealized investments.

24:40 – Ring of Fire, Indigenous Partnerships & Northern Development
Economic potential, social challenges, road access, and equity stakes.

41:00 – Education Governance, Streaming Bans & Bill 33
School board powers, parental access, centralization of authority.

47:00 – Conservation Authorities & Local Decision-Making
Cuts from 36 to 7 authorities, mandate concerns, process questions.

54:00 – Closing Notes & What’s Ahead at Queen’s Park

TRANSCRIPT

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