On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast cover art

On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

On The Ledge - your Ontario politics podcast

Written by: Dave Trafford and iContact Productions
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About this listen

 The Ledge, n: slang for the legislature. Mostly used by members of the legislative press gallery.
On the Ledge posts weekly when the Ontario Legislature is sitting. But there have been times when we've had to "recall" the Ledge for an emergency session to address pressing matters of Ontario politics when Queen's Park isn't sitting!

Our OTL team includes former Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, former Progressive Conservative Leader, (and Wynne's erstwhile parliamentary sparring partner), Tim Hudak, Queen's Park broadcast commentator Keith Leslie, John Wright, our veteran pollster and co-founding host, and Dave Trafford, Chief Executive Producer at Story Studio Network.Copyright D. Trafford Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • FEED DROP: From Davos to Deepfakes. How Politics and Communication Are Shifting

    FEED DROP: From Davos to Deepfakes. How Politics and Communication Are Shifting
    Feb 8 2026
    HERE'S AN ADDED BONUS FOR ALL YOU ON THE LEDGE LISTENERS!
    I'm adding this week's edition of NOW&NEXT to the OTL feed
    BTW: We have nearly 400 episodes of NOW&NEXT and you can find them all here.

    Enjoy!

    This episode of *Now and Next* brings the C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) back together for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, political tone, and credibility in a rapidly shifting media environment.

    The conversation opens with an in-depth analysis of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech and why it continues to resonate weeks later. Panelists explore how the speech marked a clear pivot in Canada’s global posture and aligned closely with current public attitudes, as reflected in recent polling.

    From there, the discussion turns to how Carney’s approach reshaped expectations for opposition leaders—particularly Pierre Poilievre—and how his Calgary speech signaled a tonal adjustment toward optimism and hope. The panel examines the emerging contrast between “global leadership” and “kitchen-table politics,” debating whether Carney can translate high-level strategy into tangible, day-to-day outcomes for Canadians.

    The episode closes with a sobering look at misinformation and deepfakes, sparked by a viral but fake video attributed to Warren Buffett. The panel considers the implications for political communications, public trust, and the growing difficulty of distinguishing authenticity from manipulation in what some are calling a “post-news” era.


    You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)

    Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X

    And you can leave us a voice comment here!

    For more information go to Dave's website.
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    39 mins
  • Carney's AUTO CORRECT strategy: Will it boost Ontario's auto manufacturing?

    Carney's AUTO CORRECT strategy: Will it boost Ontario's auto manufacturing?
    Feb 6 2026
    Host: Dave Trafford
    Guests: Kathleen Wynne (Former Premier of Ontario), Keith Leslie (Political Analyst), John Wright (CEO, Canada Pulse Insights)

    This episode of On the Ledge focuses on the future of Ontario’s auto sector amid shifting federal policy, global trade uncertainty, and evolving consumer demand.

    The panel examines Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to move away from rigid EV mandates while incentivizing hybrids and electric vehicles, debating whether the strategy goes far enough to protect Ontario manufacturing jobs.

    The discussion highlights infrastructure gaps, affordability challenges, and the vulnerability of Canada’s auto supply chain as U.S. policy under Donald Trump disrupts long-standing trade assumptions.

    The conversation broadens to Canada’s political moment, with strong public support for Carney’s leadership contrasted against instability in the federal and provincial NDP, Liberal Party leadership dynamics in Ontario, and Doug Ford’s continued electoral strength.

    The episode closes with reflections on political legacy, symbolism, and leadership amid a rapidly changing global order.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction and political context
    01:25 – EV mandates, hybrids, and Ontario’s auto sector reality
    08:30 – Trade disruption, USMCA uncertainty, and global market shifts
    21:15 – Mark Carney, national unity, and public opinion polling
    33:10 – NDP turmoil, Liberal leadership questions, and Ontario politics
    56:05 – Political legacy, leadership, and Kathleen Wynne’s portrait reflections


    You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)

    Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X

    And you can leave us a voice comment here!

    For more information go to Dave's website.
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • WE'RE BACK! Are Mark Carney and the Premiers back on Team Canada?

    WE'RE BACK! Are Mark Carney and the Premiers back on Team Canada?
    Jan 29 2026
    WE'RE BACK!

    Dave Trafford, Tim Hudak, Keith Leslie and John Wright are at the OTL table!

    The conversation covers a range of topics including:
    • The premiers' meeting with the PM and it sounds like they're all playing nice.
    • Mark Carney's leadership style is seen as a refreshing change in Canadian politics whilePierre Poilievre's leadership is under scrutiny as he faces his leadership review.
    • Trade relations with the U.S. remain complex and influential on Canadian politics.
    • Are the concerns about the impact of electric vehicles on Canadian manufacturing overhyped?.
    • The electric vehicle market is evolving, but consumer choices are still limited.
    • Innovation in the automotive sector is crucial for Canada's future.
    • Navigating relationships with China is a delicate balance for Canadian leaders.


    Chapters
    00:00 Holiday Reflections and Personal Updates
    02:51 Premiers Meeting and Regional Discord
    05:56 The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Canadian Manufacturing
    09:07 Mark Carney's Leadership and International Relations
    11:54 The Future of Canadian Politics and Elections
    14:54 The Role of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre
    17:50 Trade Relations and the Influence of the U.S.
    20:56 The Electric Vehicle Market and Consumer Choices
    23:53 The Importance of Innovation in the Auto Sector
    27:12 Navigating Relationships with China
    29:56 The Future of Canadian Defense and Manufacturing
    33:01 Final Thoughts on Political Dynamics and Future Elections

    You can watch OR listen to this episode on our YouTube Channel (Be sure to subscribe!)

    Follow Dave on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X

    And you can leave us a voice comment here!

    For more information go to Dave's website.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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