In today's episode of On The Ledge, the panel tackles the latest political shifts following a temporary reprieve on tariffs, giving the Ontario election campaign a new trajectory. Doug Ford’s positioning as "Captain Canada" comes under scrutiny, while Bonnie Crombie and Marit Stiles fight for visibility amid the chaos of Trump-driven global headlines.

The panel also explores affordability concerns, food insecurity, and the challenges of making meaningful policy discussions break through the election noise.Key Takeaways

• Tariff Reprieve Shifts Campaign Focus: With a 30-day pause, the Ontario election must now pivot back to healthcare, affordability, and job security.
• Ford’s ‘Captain Canada’ Strategy: The Premier continues to dominate headlines, leveraging nationalistic sentiment and upcoming meetings in Washington.
• Liberal & NDP Struggles: Both opposition parties are struggling to cut through the overwhelming media coverage of Ford and Trump.
• Food Insecurity & Affordability: More than 1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks, but the issue is being overshadowed in the campaign.
• Local Politics in the Spotlight: Bonnie Crombie faces strategic attacks in Brampton, while Marit Stiles hones in on housing and poverty in Parkdale.

Featured Speakers & Notable Quotes

• Neil Hetherington (Daily Bread Food Bank):
  “1 million Ontarians depend on food banks—why isn't this a top issue in the campaign?”
  [00:01:40]
• Amanda Galbraith (Oyster Group):
  “It is a very tough media environment right now. The opposition needs a big moment to break through.”
  [00:02:50]
• John Wright (Pollster):
  “There’s a two-thirds majority in Ontario that doesn’t want Ford, but the opposition hasn’t capitalized on it.”
  [00:45:10]
• Monique Smith (Global Public Affairs):
  “This election is about Ford securing another four years for his friends. He’s not negotiating with Trump—Trudeau is.”
  [00:19:40]

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