Latest podcasts
- ‘We’re getting screwed... make that the ballot question’
Wednesday, May 31st 2023
Guests: Scott Reid, advisor to former prime minister Paul Martin and political analyst with CTV, speaks with guest host Edward Keenan
Exactly 21 years ago, Scott Reid’s boss, then Finance Minister Paul Martin, delivered a speech on the need to give cities a new source of revenue. It was regarded as the new deal for cities, and a speech Reid recalls led to Martin’s departure from Jean Chrétien’s cabinet. Now all these years later, as Reid and guest host Edward Keenan agree, Toronto needs to demand a new deal that acknowledges Toronto is different than any other city in Canada. Reid, a “lifelong political hack,” talks through how mayoral candidates should approach it as a campaign issue to win a mandate and how it might work out in practice to create leverage if anyone won the election on that message.
Audio source: CSPAN, Canadian Question Period, June 3, 2002
- The ups and downs of the elevator industry
Tuesday, May 30th 2023
Guest: Clarrie Feinstein, business reporter
Elevators are key piece of apartment and condo living, but due to a number of factors, they often take a long time to get fixed once they break down. From a shortage of mechanics to a small number of companies who control the industry and use proprietary parts, there are several reasons why critics feel the entire sector can use better oversight.
This episode was produced by Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
- Body cams on soccer referees to deter abuse from parents and coaches
Monday, May 29th 2023
Guest: Kerry Gillespie, sports reporter
Ontario Soccer is launching a pilot project this summer that will see some referees wearing body cams to record and deter abuse. What is surprising is that this isn’t happening at the professional or adult levels, but starting with the under 9 and 11 age groups. Many sports are facing a shortage of people wanting to officiate matches and one of the biggest reasons cited is the taunting and abuse referees take from parents, spectators and coaches. Is this a way to change the culture around treatment of officials?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
- The historical context behind renaming Dundas Street
Friday, May 26th 2023
Guest: Francine Kopun, senior writer
Toronto is in the process of renaming Dundas Street, but some critics think it’s not worth the cost and trouble. Three years after City Hall acted on a petition to change the name due to the actions of its namesake, Henry Dundas, some mayoral candidates are pledging to reopen the debate. Much of it hinges on the role Dundas may have played in delaying the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: BBC, CNN
- Debating Toronto’s future: The race for mayor
Thursday, May 25th 2023
Guest: David Rider, City Hall bureau chief
We are learning a lot more about the candidates running to be mayor of Toronto, particularly the six leading contenders who have floated to the top while 96 others are in the mix somewhere else. Amid a busy week of campaigning that included a handful of debates, here’s what we are learning about their policy positions and what we know our city wants in a mayor post-John Tory.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio Sources: Twitter, City News