Shelley Spence, Ontario's auditor general, published a narrowly tailored report on health-care spending in the province. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss why OHIP overbilling, COVID personal protective equipment, and primary care connections are highlighted. 

Ontario has introduced a number of proposed legislative changes aimed at justice and crime. Steve and John Michael discuss how change to the bail system might be unconstitutional, and how dogs and cats fit into story.

Education minister Paul Calandra has finally released the province's EQAO scores, and he's not happy with the results. He's creating a two-person team to investigate the test. Steve and JMM discuss how much that will cost to do and how there might be some pitfalls in store for the minister.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-many-ways-to-honour-ken-dryden

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-does-the-new-empties-scheme-sell-out-northern-ontario

IJB story: https://ijb.utoronto.ca/news/ontario-unveils-legislation-to-restrict-invasive-medical-research-on-dogs-and-cats/

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Ontario New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles has called on the Integrity Commissioner to investigate Labour Minister David Piccini as the skills development fund controversy deepens. But will it amount to anything?

John Michael McGrath and Jessica Smith Cross discuss the importance of the information that will come out as a result. Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act passed its third reading at the legislature, and some are sounding the alarm around water safety in the province. John Michael and Jessica discuss what effect the legislation will have on water infrastructure in Peel Region.

If Ontario Place wasn't enough, now we need to ask if the Ford government is eyeing Exhibition Place as well. JMM and Jess discuss the text of Bill 68 and how a confluence of confusing legislation and distrust in government lead to a controversy.

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ford-threatened-to-audit-his-critics-can-he-do-that

How a political disaster brewed in Brighton: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/how-a-political-disaster-brewed-in-brighton-9095416

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Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini is at the centre of a growing hubbub over the Ontario's Skills Development Fund. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the latest developments, and why Ontario New Democratic party leader Marit Stiles got herself thrown out of Queen's Park over the controversy.

Doug Ford and Peter Bethlenfalvy are usually in agreement on financial matters, at least until a proposed cut to the harmonized sales tax for first-time home buyers. Ford believes the criteria is too narrow, Bethlenfalvy says he and the premier work together on these matters.

Steve and John Michael discuss where this conflict will go and what's happened in the past when a premier and minister of finance disagreed over policy. Bills 33 and 60 are making their way into law this week, and, as you might expect, there was major disagreement over the lack of committee time to debate these bills. Steve and JMM discuss how a short legislative calendar and procedural moves pushed these through.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-anyone-miss-fixed-election-dates

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-one-small-trick-to-build-new-affordable-housing

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Why are advocates for children with autism comparing Ontario education minister Paul Calandra to Breaking Bad character Saul Goodman? Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the implications of the comparison.

Last year, Lieutenant-General Richard Rohmer issued a challenge to Ontario premier Doug Ford to have the north side of the Ontario Veterans' Memorial engraved. Steve and John Michael discuss how the premier rose to the challenge and what that means for veterans.

Brian Lewis, Ontario's former chief economist from 2015 to 2021, joins Steve and JMM to dig further into the province's fall economic statement and discuss the province's fiscal future.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/i-sat-down-with-ontarios-living-former-premiers-heres-what-i-learned

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-a-pro-cyclist-court-decision-could-create-headaches-for-rural-ontario

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath take a look at Ontario's fall economic statement, which paints a picture of the province's financial health.

Mark Carney has tabled his first budget as prime minister. Some have called it unprecedented, others say it lacks ambition. Steve and John Michael pick apart the federal government's document and break down its chances of actually passing.

Quebec is picking a fight with its doctors, and Doug Ford is trying to poach physicians looking to leave the province. Steve and JMM discuss the strong reaction to Ford's appeal from Quebecers who think he should keep those thoughts to himself.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/bless-you-boys-for-being-a-team-anyone-could-fall-in-love-with

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-if-conservative-premiers-want-change-they-can-do-more-than-talk

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Last week, the province released an ad featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan decrying the use of tariffs. At first, Donald Trump liked the ad, saying he would have put out the same if he was in Canada's position. Then he had a hissy fit and announced retaliatory tariffs on Canada if the ad wasn't taken down immediately. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the fallout of the ad and whether this will ultimately benefit Ontario's push toward a tariff-free future.

The province has backtracked on a controversial plan to effectively end rent control. Steve and John Michael dig into why the government reversed its decision and who would have benefitted from a policy like this.

Doug Ford is putting a stop to fixed election dates in Ontario. It's a big change and runs contrary to fixed-election laws in most other provinces and territories in Canada. Steve and JMM discuss why the government wanted to get rid of it and whether the law was effective in the first place.

Steve's column(s): https://www.tvo.org/article/i-witnessed-joe-carters-historic-home-run-in-1993-the-memories-just-came-flooding-back & https://www.tvo.org/article/saying-farewell-to-the-most-talented-mpp-youve-never-heard-of

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-want-real-political-reform-in-ontario-amend-the-constitution

Publications Ontario's website: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/asearch.html?vid=20170501121&cname=%5B*+TO+*%5D&key=official+road+map&keyword=official+road+map&iu=

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MPPs have returned to Queen's Park and the government is pushing through an agenda of cutting red tape; however, Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss another change that has all members steaming.

There are some unusual developments at the municipal level in several small Ontario towns. Steve and John Michael discuss why local politics matter.

There's a doctor shortage in Ontario and the government has just made it harder for international medical graduates to find residency spots. Steve and JMM discuss why.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-want-to-solve-the-housing-crisis-try-a-marriage-counsellor

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-it-time-for-a-public-grocer

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Stellantis, which produces Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep vehicles, among others, is making a huge investment in the United States and leaving two Ontario plants in jeopardy. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath talk about the fallout of this news and the economic impact of Donald Trump's tariffs. 

During a public appearance, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told a story about threatening an alleged shoplifter with a beating. Steve and John Michael discuss the reaction - and what experts are saying.

The province is buying ad space in the U.S. to promote the removal of trade barriers. Will the ad, which invokes Ronald Reagan, be able to reach the current commander in chief? Steve and JMM discuss the cost of the ad - and how effective they think it will be.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-former-mpps-want-in-on-doug-fords-new-pension-plan-will-he-let-them

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-is-starting-to-enforce-its-rules-around-empty-beer-cans-now-what

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The notwithstanding clause allows governments to set aside certain charter rights and supersede the courts on decisions. Quebec's Bill 21 has set up the latest fight between the premiers and the prime minister over how it can be used. Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the historic precedents that set out its use.

Ontario's handling of the Skills Development Fund is under the microscope following an auditor general's report, so a minister attending a lobbyist's wedding in Paris has the opposition's hackles up. Steve and John Michael delve into the optics and what the other parties may do.

Doug Ford received a letter from 20 municipalities asking him to consider exemptions to his ban on automated speed enforcement cameras, specifically allowing them in school zones. Steve and JMM discuss the premier's response.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-who-wants-to-lead-the-ontario-liberals

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-fords-crown-royal-threat-a-distraction

Explainer on the Notwithstanding clause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcGuYh_cEg

Ontario labour minister attended lobbyist's wedding after granting his clients millions in training funds: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ontario-labour-minister-attended-lobbyists-wedding-after-granting-his-clients-millions-in-training-funds-11318999

Vehicles registered to Ford cabinet ministers caught by speed cameras more than 20 times: https://globalnews.ca/news/11463735/ontario-cabinet-minister-vehicle-speeding-tickets

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath sit down with Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles to discuss the aftermath of her recent leadership review. Where does she take the party now?

Jim Bradley, the longtime MPP for St. Catharines, has died. Steve and John Michael look at his legacy as one of the most influential environment ministers in the province's history.

Algoma Steel has received financial support from the federal government and the province of Ontario, but KAP Paper has not. Steve and JMM delve into the tricky economic situation for the province's northern industries.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/this-conservative-stalwart-cheated-death-and-has-a-message-about-ontarios-health-care-system

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-grocery-oligarchs-are-betting-ford-will-chicken-out-he-shouldnt

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Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath discuss the fallout of shutting down speed cameras. What will municipalities do next?

Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles had a bruising leadership review. Unlike Bonnie Crombie, she's staying on the job — but the same can't be said for some of her top staffers. Steve and John Michael discuss where the party goes from here. 

Ontario has announced its latest round of funding for primary care teams, which the government hopes will connect 500,000 more people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Steve and JMM dig into the numbers.

Chris Scott, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, is facing charges domestic violence charges of assault and assault with a weapon. Scott has been ejected from the PC Party caucus and now sits as an independent. Steve and JMM discuss the rules around criminal records and sitting in elected office, and the opposition's differing reaction to the news.

Steve's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/their-public-spats-helped-build-toronto-can-they-get-along-in-private

JMM's column: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-should-ontario-change-course-on-renewable-energy

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