- The PM, the protestors and the public inquiry
Monday, November 28th 2022
Guest: Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa Bureau
Live testimony at the inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act during the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests in Ottawa last winter has concluded after six weeks. The final day of hearings saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau take the stand to defend his decision. Tonda MacCharles was in the room and joins “This Matters” to discuss.
Audio source: Pubic Order Emergency Commission
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
- Greenbelt development: Looking into who owns what
Friday, November 25th 2022
Guests: Star reporters Noor Javed and Brendan Kennedy and Emma McIntosh from The Narwhal
The Ontario government has decided to change its position and build on the Greenbelt, a series of protected lands around the GTA. It has identified 15 parcels of lands that could potentially be opened up for development, but who owns these lands and who stands to benefit in their change of status? Star reporters Noor Javed and Brendan Kennedy and Emma McIntosh from The Narwhal did a joint investigation join us to discuss their findings.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
- What you need to know about Ontario’s new housing legislation
Thursday, November 24th 2022
Guest: Tess Kalinowski, real estate reporter
The Ontario government’s new housing bill is a massive piece of legislation that changes many of the rules and established practices for development in this province. While there is everything from removing development charges to changing planning and zoning rules to stripping powers from environmental agencies, many are concerned there aren’t enough provisions to create affordable housing. The government says its necessary to solve the housing crisis.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Legislative Assembly of Ontario
- Show me the money! Toronto’s $2.3 billion dollar budget shortfall
Wednesday, November 23rd 2022
Guest: Matt Elliott, contributing columnist
The City of Toronto is facing a $2.3 billion budget shortfall for this and next year’s budget. Mayor John Tory has been sounding the alarm, asking both the provincial and federal governments for a bailout and warning that there will be massive service cut, tax hike or both if one doesn’t come soon. There hasn’t been much response or cash flow yet, but it is clear there are issues about how the city plans its budgets and its use of revenue tools.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CP24
- Do mayors need even stronger powers?
Tuesday, November 22nd 2022
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
With an eye to an ambitious Ford government housing plan, Toronto Mayor John Tory asked for and received even stronger mayoral powers than he already had been given over the summer. It was a move that caused an uproar in municipal politics. While some councillor called it a power grab, others are calling it an unprecedented, undemocratic move that will sideline councillors even further. How will the new powers work and what will this mean for Toronto?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
