Best Dave Trafford Podcasts (2024)

1
After one year on the job, how does Mayor Olivia Chow score on her first annual report card? 49:22

3h ago49:22

49:22

This week on Now and Next: Lindsay Broadhead, Bob Reid, Anne Marie Aikins and Brad Ross are around the table. These wizards of words are comms pros who've spent a good deal of their careers in and around Toronto City Hall. So who better to assess Olivia Chow's first year in the Mayor's Chair in Toronto? The consensus is: "Mayor Chow gets along well…

1
Cheers to the end of the first LCBO Strike in history. But was it the LAST strike ever? 47:36

28m ago47:36

47:36

In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: John Wright says Ford nation caved to OPSEU when it settled the two week long strike at the LCBO. Or...was the contract package already baked into the government's plans even before the workers walked off the job on July 5th? It was a long term win for Doug Ford. But he and his team k…

1
The last 30 days of the US Presidential Campaign played out like a Netflix series - written and performed in real time. 45:20

2h ago45:20

45:20

This week on Now and Next: It's been a month to the day since Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Today, with 101 days until election day, there's been a seismic change in the poltical landscape. We're joined by David Shultz, professor of political science and US constitutional law at Hamline University, and John Wright,…

1
Trump walks away from a bullet. Biden's stopped by COVID 34:45

2h ago34:45

34:45

This week on Now and Next: (We recorded the show a couple of hours BEFORE President Joe Biden was forced to pause his campaign after testing positive for COVID-19) Our Comms Crew, Bob Reid, Anne Marie Aikins, Brad Ross and Lindsay Broadhead join the show to disect the latest in the US Presidential election. They offer up first reactions to the atte…

1
BONUS: Why would it make sense for Justin Trudeau to fire Chrystia Freeland? 13:06

17h ago13:06

13:06

In this BONUS episode of Now and Next: I was inspired to post this BONUS edition after listening to the latest episode of The Line, a podcast hosted and produced by Jen Gerson and Matt Gurney. They discuss reporting by the Globe and Mail suggesting staffers in the PMO don't think Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland is managing the Liberal government's mess…

1
Who's complaining about the LCBO strike? And Joe Biden drives Dems to drink. 45:50

23h ago45:50

45:50

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: Keith Leslie, John Wright and Dave Trafford lay bets on when the LCBO strike will end. The loser buys! Another report, another reason to "decommission" the Ontario Science Centre. It's become demolition by neglect. And we just can't avert our stateside gaze, rubbernecking the s…

1
PM Trudeau's NATO commitment is meaningless. It's just another announcement. 19:32

21d ago19:32

19:32

This week on Now and Next: The NATO Summit has wrapped up in Washington D.C. and Canada’s defence spending was a more than touchy subject. House Majority Leader Mike Johnson called Canada's lack of commitment "shameful". The minimum contribution for NATO members is 2% of GDP. Canada spends less than 1.4%. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadian…

1
Going down with the political ship! Biden and Trudeau are headed for the iceberg. 57:08

27d ago57:08

57:08

This week on Now and Next: Lindsay Broadhead, Brad Ross, Anne Marie Aikins and Bob Reid join the roundtable. Calls for US President Joe Biden haven't slowed down. In fact, they're heating up a week after his disastrous debate performance. Justin Trudeau says he's "listening" to Canadians after his party's devastating defeat in the Toronto-St. Paul'…

1
The LCBO strike contingency plans are enough to drive you to drink! And we couldn't help but rubber neck Joe Biden's disastrous performance 31:06

15d ago31:06

31:06

In this edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: Keith Leslie and Dave Trafford dissect the fallout from Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Also, how does the outcome of the federal by-election in Toronto-St. Paul's affect the Ontario Liberal party? Does leader Bonnie Crombie barely see the PM or does sh…

1
It's too late for "the walk in the snow". Liberals are wandering in the wilderness with or without Trudeau. 31:08

1M ago31:08

31:08

This week on Now and Next: David Coletto, CEO and Founder of Abacus Data, joins the podcast to analyze the results from the By-election in the federal riding of St. Paul's. He says there's no way to consider this outcome as anything other than a crushing, if not shocking result from the Trudeau government. The Conservatives won the mid-town Toronto…

1
Calgary's water crisis is a #PoliticalFail. Toronto wilfully ignores history. And the federal capital gains tax prevents unwanted pregnancy. 53:43

1M ago53:43

53:43

This week on Now and Next - Story Studio Network's flagship podcast Our comms crew assembles! Lindsay Broadhead, Brad Ross, Anne Marie Aikins and Bob Reid join Dave Trafford at the Now and Next table to go hard and deep on stories that need more than just headlines. Calgary's water main break was predictable and preventable. But city council's wilf…

1
Marit Stiles is rallying the NDP ground game. Carolyn Parrish launches her charm offensive. And the Capital Gains Tax prevents pregnancy! 43:37

2M ago43:37

43:37

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: Keith Leslie, John Wright and Dave Trafford are around the table this Friday. And they start with a shout outs to Laura Babcock and the OShow! and to Sabrina Nanji at the Queen's Park Observer. Alright, now that we've taken attendance.. This week, Marit Stiles is set to light a…

1
Russian cruise missiles are within range of Toronto as US allies ponder preparations for the possibility of a second Trump presidency 44:38

30d ago44:38

44:38

This week on Now and Next: The Russian Navy is parked mere miles off the coast of Florida. A frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker and a rescue tug arrived in Havana harbour on June 12. RCAF veteran, retired Major General Scott Clancy - Leader, Author, Speaker, Mentor, Coach has a unique perspective on this. He served as Director of O…

1
What better way to celebrate 6 years on the job than to take 19 week summer break? 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In this edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast. Keith Leslie, John Wright and Dave Trafford pick through the entrails of the suprise cabinet shuffle and Premier Ford's decision to recess the legislature for more than four months. Do they only serve to set the stage for an election call in the Spring of 2025? Is Stephen Lecces danci…

1
Toronto couldn't afford a TTC Strike. Can the city afford a settlement? 48:51

1M ago48:51

48:51

This week on Now and Next: Our Comms Crew is assembled. Brad Ross spent a good portion of his comms career working for the TTC. Anne Marie Aikins has just recently retired from the provincial transit overlord - Metrolinx. And Lindsay Broadhead is the former Comms Chief at the City of Toronto. They all agree, a TTC strike would be sheer chaos for co…

1
Will the Billion Dollar Booze-doggle stick to Doug Ford? And we can't ignore the Trump conviction. 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast - Keith Leslie, John Wright and Dave Trafford weigh in on the 34 felony convictions for Donald Trump before turning to the games at Queen's Park. The Premier was commenting on the recent shooting at a Jewish school in Toronto and, in so doing, seemingly took aim at immigrants fo…

1
Super Heroes make all of us stronger. We hear Quisha Wint's experience as a live organ donor. 37:58

1M ago37:58

37:58

This week on Now and Next: We explore Music, Recovery, and Community with musician, singer, songwriter Quisha Wint. Quisha is "one of Toronto’s sought-after session vocalists, currently living in the GTA, Quisha is a rising star in the tight-knit music industry thanks to her bright personality and strong emotive vocal abilities." But she's also a l…

1
Ford Nation might be winning in the court of public opinion but continues to lose in the courtroom 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: It was a classic Friday Dump! The Friday afternoon before a long holiday weekend, the Ford government announces its intention to use an enhanced ministerial zoning order to cut the City of Toronto out of the planning process for Ontario Place. Also, the Ontario government 's de…

1
Are we commoditizing cancer as a form of entertainment? 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

This week on Now and Next: Our veteran comms crew is back at the table! Lindsay Broadhead, Bob Reid, Anne Marie Aikins and Brad Ross join SSN Chief Executive Producer Dave Trafford. The series finale of The Good Doctor sparked a spirited conversation about the commoditization of cancer by big network, prime time television dramas. We've culturally …

1
Congratulations to David Rider and could it be Ford Nation just doesn't like Colin D'Mello! 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

Ugly shirt season has begun! It's the Victoria Day Weekend edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast! Keith Leslie, John Wright and Dave Trafford pay tribute to David Rider for his 14-plus years of service as the Toronto City Hall Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star. David's moving on to take on the role of Senior Political Reporter in …

1
We need to teach our kids the value of failure 47:37

2M ago47:37

47:37

This week on Now and Next: Rocco Rossi is the inaugural President and CEO of Shift 25 - a new movement "cultivate a BOLD and thriving Canada - teaching our kids "every failure is just feedback on the way to success." And Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture joins us to talk about the challenge of balancig the need for f…

1
Are reports of the Ontario Liberal Party's demise greatly exaggerated? 37:59

3M ago37:59

37:59

In this edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: So many QUESTIONS! The pollsters are at odds over what's weighing on the Ontario Liberals. Is it the lack lustre performance of the Trudeau government? Is it Ford Nation's ability to frame and define OLP leader Bonnie Crombie as the "Queen of the Carbon Tax"? Or is it simply an electo…

1
Is the Toronto Police Service facing an integrity crisis? 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

This week on NOW and NEXT: We're excited to introduce an All-Star Roundtable including Lindsay Broadhead, Brad Ross, Anne Marie Aikins, and Bob Reid. They're all veteran Comms pros and they bring their considerable collective experience in war rooms, boardrooms, behind private and public sector podiums. In our inaugural sitdown: The Toronto Police …

1
What do the PC by-election wins mean for the Ontario Liberal Party? 28:41

3M ago28:41

28:41

In this edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: We pick through the entrails of two by-election wins for the Progressive Conservatives. Two things are clear: There's no "call for change" at Queen's Park. Are we on the verge if the next Big Blue Machine era of politics in Ontario? If Bonnie Crombie couldn't muster enough attention, …

1
The time has come to talk seriously about a Basic Guaranteed Income 32:37

3M ago32:37

32:37

This week on NOW and NEXT: We're joined by Sheila Regehr, Chair of Basic Income Network Canada and Jessie Golem, who is part of a class action lawsuit seeking $200 million in damages from the Ontario government. The lawsuit claims the government breached terms and conditions of a contract it entered with 4,000 low income Ontarians who qualified for…

1
What are we looking for in a Prime Minister? 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

This week on Now and Next: Abacus Data CEO David Coletto joins us to talk about his latest research. He wanted to know what Canadians are looking for in a prime minister. David says, "In our survey, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reigns as the premier party host, which might not come as a surprise given his charismatic and sociable public persona. H…

1
Why would Doug Ford call an early election? 45:34

3M ago45:34

45:34

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: We remember the legendary broadcaster Bob Cole and then dig in on the latest stories coming out of Queen's Park including: The Ford Nation reversal of the week. The fallout from the NOT GUILTY verdict in the trial of Umar Zumeer - accused of murdering Toronto police Det-Constab…

1
Doug Ford gives us a master class in populist politics 43:35

4M ago43:35

43:35

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: Happy 3rd birthday to Story Studio Network! Doug Ford goes on an operatic RANT about gas price hikes and manages to lay it all at the feet of Justin Trudeau and Bonnie Crombie! All four provincial party leaders want the Speaker to reverse his refusal to allow the keffiyeh to be…

1
Has the Trudeau government weaponized poverty? 57:28

4M ago57:28

57:28

This week on NOW and NEXT: We go deep on two line items in the the federal budget. Legislated poverty is now a nationally funded program. The 2024 Trudeau budget threw pocket change at the Canada Disability Benefit and, in so doing, managed to add to the $80 billion annual cost of poverty in this country. The government's refusal to fully fund the …

1
The paper bag discussion at the LCBO misses the point - ENTIRELY! 43:21

4M ago43:21

43:21

This week on Now and Next: The Ford government in Ontario is patting itself on the back for forcing the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to reversing a ban on paper bags. The LCBO made the move in August 2023, claiming it was an environmental initiative aimed at saving our forests. Premier Ford says it's a matter of affordability for Ontarians. But …

1
Tim Hudak is in the House! 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politic podcast: We're joined by Tim Hudak, CEO at the Ontario Real Estate Association, tp talk about the housing initiatives annoucned at Queen's Park and in Ottawa this week. Tim says there've been some positive steps taken, such as increasing the amortization period and providing assistance f…

1
Will the US be a more dangerous place if Donald Trump wins or if he loses in November? 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

We are seven months from election day in the United States and its outcome could prove to be the most significant since Abraham Lincoln was elected with less than 40% of the popular vote in 1860. Lincoln’s election is cited as the primary cause that triggered the US Civil War. With that in mind we ask the question: Will the United States be a safer…

1
From the Budget to Byelections - it's all about big money and big spending 40:40

4M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: It's been a busy "media week" for Doug Ford - making almost daily annoucements about government spending plans one week after the 2024 budget was tabled at Queen's Park. But announcements aside, the PCs are spending a good deal of time and political capital defining Liberal Leader Bon…

1
Remembering the Honourable Roy McMurtry 37:42

4M ago37:42

37:42

In this episode of NOW and NEXT: A funeral was held this week for Roy McMurtry, the former Chief Justice of Ontario and Ontario's Attorney General in Bill Davis' government at Queen's Park. McMurtry at the age of 91 on March 18, 2024. I had the chance to interview the Chief Justice when he retired from the bench in 2007. We replay that sit down for…

1
Ford Nation tables ANOTHER record spending budget and remembering Roy McMurtry 45:09

4M ago45:09

45:09

In this episode of On the Ledge - Your Ontario Politics Podcast, John Wright, Keith Leslie and Dave Trafford tackle the Ontario budget, the rhetorical distraction that is the Carbon Tax, and remembering Roy McMurtry. Ford Nation has coughed up another RECORD spending plan and, in so doing, have made it abundantly clear, budgets have become a nearly…

1
Tackling the tangled debate over the carbon tax and short term thinking on long term care 47:10

5M ago47:10

47:10

In this edition of On the Ledge - Your Ontario Politics Podcast from Story Studio Network: Dave Trafford, John Wright and Keith Leslie get into the tangled debate around the carbon tax, its impact on the economy and everyday life. Will a three cent per litre increase at the gas pump really be noticed? How effective is the carbon tax in addressing c…

1
Can we achieve Truth and Reconciliation in the Mining Industry? 53:31

5M ago53:31

53:31

This week on NOW and NEXT: We explore truth and reconciliation in the mining industry. It's a critical issue, especially when you consider how much mining in Canada is done on the traditional lands and territories of First Nations right across the country. Brandon Ringham, from Creative Fire, sat down with us at the PDAC confernece in Toronto. We'r…

1
Ford Nation pats itself on the back for a Ring of Fire failure 49:27

5M ago49:27

49:27

In this episode of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast, The Ford government was patting itself on the back this week after announcing a Ring of Fire agreement with two First Nations on next steps to build a road into the environmentally sensitive, mineral rich region of Northern Ontario. The announcement was long on self-congratulations bu…

1
Did Ottawa get it right with the Online Harm bill? 43:39

5M ago43:39

43:39

Today on NOW and NEXT: It's been a LONG TIME coming but the feds have finally tabled their legislation aimed at curbing online harm. That includes new measures to deal with hate speech and puts a major onus on the big tech companies to take responsibility for content posted on their platforms. Owen Charters is the President and CEO at BGC Canada. H…

1
We remember Brian Mulroney 42:24

5M ago42:24

42:24

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney passed away February 29, 2024 at the age of 84. Mulroney served as Canada's 18th prime minister from 1984 to 1993. John Wright, Keith Leslie and Dave Trafford set Queen's Park aside this week and reflect on Mulroney's legacy and career.…

1
If we need an EXTRA day every four years, could we add it to the summer months? 1:01:13

5M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

This week on NOW and NEXT We talk to Neil Hetherington, CEO at Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto. Those of you who follow us here at Story Studio Network will know we've been working closely with Neil and his team producing The 2030 Project podcast series. The latest instalment was a limited series focussed on the Canada Disability Benefit. The long…

1
It's "Back on Track" or "What the hell have you done for the past two years" at Queen's Park 35:07

5M ago35:07

35:07

In this week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast: Ford Nation is getting around to "getting it done" two years after running on the Tories' "git 'er dun" campaign that won them a majority government in June of 2022. Ontario's MPPs were back in the Ledge for the first time in 2024 following their long winter's nap, AKA the Chri…

1
We're BACK! "Back on Track" is the theme of the week and did you know human trafficking is happening in plain view and close to home? 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

Welcome to NOW and NEXT - the flagship podcast at Story Studio Network.. It’s our weekly offering - the newest episodes will drop Thursdays! Stories, issues, problems and solutions that just don’t make the cut in the assignment meetings… But they’re stories, issues, problems and solutions that affect you, your family, your home, your job and your c…

1
What GOOD thing happened to you this week? We want to know! And we're making progress in reducing child poverty 26:47

8M ago26:47

26:47

Today on NOW and NEXT: We want to know what good thing happened to you this week? You can let us know via email (hello@storystudionetwork.com), on socials @davetrafford or, better yet, leave us a recorded message. You can leave us a RECORDED or TEXT message about anything you hear on the show. It's EASY. Click RECORD YOUR MESSAGE. Hit the RECORD bu…

1
Doug Ford sends MPPs home early for the Christmas break 40:39

8M ago40:39

40:39

This week's edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast - wraps up the fall session at Queen's Park with SSN's Chief Executive Producer, Dave Trafford, John Wright EVP at Maru Public Opinion and Keith Leslie, political commentator on CH television. There's A LOT to talk about including the government's lack of strategy in healthcare, th…

1
A new UNICEF report says Canada is making progress when it comes to reducing child poverty 38:36

8M ago38:36

38:36

Today on NOW and NEXT: A new UNICEF report that ranks the UK as having the highest rate of child poverty among developed countries. Canada has made progress in reducing child poverty, but UNICEF Canada notes one in five children Canadian kids are living in poverty. The Canada Child Benefit is recognized as a successful program in reducing poverty, …

1
Can we transition from a fossil fuel based economy and avoid a climate catastrophe? 39:35

8M ago39:35

39:35

Today on NOW and NEXT: The Global Tipping Points Report was released today at COP28. It suggests the planet we call home is on the verge of five catastrophic climate tipping points. Professor Tim Lenton, from the University of Exeter's Global Systems Instiute, led the research team. Lenton says these tipping points "can trigger devastating domino e…

1
An inspiring story in this Season of Giving. How a Toronto mom got her family out of a gangs and guns neighbourhood. 35:28

8M ago35:28

35:28

Today on NOW and NEXT: We introduce you to a Toronto mom who had to teach her kids how to react to daylight shootings. Karen and her kids were living in Toronto Community Housing when she turned to Habitat for Humanity to get her family into a safe and stable community. We'll also meet Habitat volunteer and supporter Scott McGillivray. The HGTV per…

1
The Sarah Jama story creates more political problems for NDP Leader Marit Stiles 41:40

8M ago41:40

41:40

In this edition of On the Ledge - Your Ontario politics podcast The Greenbelt is still a quagmire for Premier Ford's government but it's the fallout from the war in the middle east that fuels a growing concern in the legislature and, more particularly in NDP backrooms. Sarah Jama's censure by the majority government and expulsion from the New Democ…

1
Does the Federal Fall Economic Statement do enough to address the housing crisis? 29:55

8M ago29:55

29:55

Today on NOW and NEXT: The Federal Fall Economic Statement was a collection of broad stroke promises including a commitment to invest billions into housing. It comes in the form of loans to support the construction of rental housing and support for non-profit, co-op, and public housing builds. Is it enough? REMINDER: You can now leave us a RECORDED…

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