#onpoli, a TVO podcast

How do Ontario's new housing policies work?

NDP and Liberal finance critics break down why Ontario's 2026 budget might not 'protect' Ontarians after all. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack the latest suite of housing announcements that went beyond the HST exemption: an $8.8 billion fund to get municipalities to cut development charges and a new bill that would allow for smaller lots and impact local planning matters and housing development. And of course, Steve and JMM nod to the life and career of Ontario political icon Stephen Lewis and his legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Does the 2026 budget really 'protect' Ontario?

Ontario's 2026 budget is out. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins #onpoli to discuss the Ford government's spending choices, why it has not produced a balanced budget, and when it would ever raise taxes. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath zoom out and take a broader look at the government's plans: the HST exemption for home purchases, the province's overall fiscal health, electricity subsidies, and how transportation changes might make it harder for northern Ontarians to access Toronto - and why the government is fine with that trade-off. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How free is information under Ford's government?

The public’s access to government records might get restricted -- How free will information be if the Ford government’s proposals go through? Global News journalist Isaac Callan joins the podcast to break it down. Then, hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath unpack new announcements made to the Ford government’s law and order file, and breakdown Ontario municipal elections to watch. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Will Doug Ford's airport plans take off?

Premier Doug Ford says his government intends to take over Toronto's downtown airport - and it will even pay the city for its trouble. Can he do that? And what does the future hold for the Toronto Islands? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath break it down. Then, the province named a military defence representative. What will they do? And how might it connect to the Ford government's larger ambitions? Finally, it's March 13 and MPPs are still not back at Queen's Park. How unusual is that? Steve and JMM answer a listener's question with a deep dive into the legislative calendar. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ontario's energy strategy, Niagara amalgamation, and how to run for city council

The province will accelerate access to the Ring of Fire, a potential hub for mining critical minerals like nickel and chromite. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the plans, and how the provinces are laying the groundwork for a national energy grid. Does Niagara Region have too many politicians? Doug Ford certainly seems to think so. Steve and John Michael discuss the pros and cons of amalgamation - and how Peel serves as a case study. You've been asking us about municipal politics, so Steve and JMM speak to Toronto City councillor Amber Morley about what it takes to run and the surprises awaiting those who make it to city council. Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti [https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti] JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-money [https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-money] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.