Wag The Doug artwork

Wag The Doug

74 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings

A monthly podcast grappling with the reality of four more infuriating years with the Fords and what that means for Ontario. Hosted by Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie.











Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

This Sh*t is Banana Cats

April 17, 2024 07:30 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

The next provincial election is two years away, but to turn on your TVs, you’d think we were in the midst of one. Flush with cash, Doug Ford’s party is taking out ads attempting to cast the premier as cuddly and contrite. Meanwhile, the Ontario NDP is going all in on the weird side of TikTok, churning out videos so assertively surreal as to approach the level of art. This month, Allison and Jonathan don their leotards and consider Ontario politics’ new experimental era. Hosts: Jonathan Gol...

Dougie Went a-Courtin'

March 20, 2024 07:30 - 45 minutes - 62.2 MB

Judicial independence is a foundational principle of Canadian democracy. Doug Ford sees it as an obstacle to be overcome. Because if he can’t appoint “like-minded” judges to mercilessly punish criminals, then is it really justice? Why should judges have discretion to… judge? This month, Allison and Jonathan look at the itty-bitty constitutional crisis that Doug Ford has sparked, through his doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and even quintupling down. Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith ...

Where the Wildfires Are

February 14, 2024 08:30 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MB

At this time of year, we’d normally pine for spring. But nowadays, that means wildfire season. And it’s only a matter of time before British Columbia’s new normal becomes Ontario’s as well — yet we’re not nearly as well-prepared. Doug Ford’s not too big on acknowledging a connection with climate change. But even more surprising is that his government has barely spoken about wildfires at all, let alone adequately invested in fighting them. As Allison and Jonathan look out toward our orange,...

Journey to the Centre of the Science

January 17, 2024 08:30 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

Doug Ford plans to uproot the Ontario Science Centre from the iconic Don Mills home it’s occupied since 1969. But what is the Science Centre other than its iconic Don Mills home? On a blustery afternoon, Allison and Jonathan traipse up the DVP to learn whether the dreams of their 90s childhoods are still alive in North York. They say you can’t go home again, but they will sell Science Centre tickets to childless adults. Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith Credits: Kattie Laur (Produce...

Doug Ford vs. the Mayors

December 20, 2023 08:30 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MB

We surmised that Doug Ford would punish Toronto for picking Olivia Chow as its mayor. But if anything, he seems more sympathetic to the city and its issues than before. So what gives? This month, Allison and Jonathan look at the premier’s peculiar relationships with the leaders of Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga — and how random grudges can animate policies that ultimately affect millions of people. Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofo...

I Logged On to a Mining Ring of Fire

November 22, 2023 08:30 - 55 minutes - 76 MB

Until just a few years ago, staking a mining claim in Ontario demanded banging physical posts in the ground. Now, you can simply head online and click a square on a map. But while that may be an abstract exercise for office-dwellers in Toronto, the stakes are quite real (if no longer literal) for many First Nations in Northern Ontario — including those that sought, and failed to obtain, a face-to-face meeting with Doug Ford this fall. On the new Wag the Doug, Allison and Jonathan behold th...

Doug Ford's House of Horrors

October 25, 2023 07:30 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

Some say Queen’s Park is haunted. Others say it’s merely possessed by the Progressive Conservatives. Either way, there’s some spooky stuff going down. This month, Allison and Jonathan guide you through Doug Ford’s ministry of terrors, as they probe into the perils that are — or ought to be — keeping the premier up at night, from the Therme deal to the Greenbelt investigation. Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nathan...

The End of Canadaland

October 05, 2023 07:50 - 16 minutes - 30.4 MB

Support us now! Click here: canadaland.com/join The first episode of Canadaland was published ten years ago today. If we were to announce this is the last episode of Canadaland, no one would be surprised. Journalism in Canada is in a fight for its life. You can have an impact. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roll Up for the Mr. X Tour

September 20, 2023 07:30 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

With his polls diving, housing minister resigning, and ill-begotten Greenbelt scheme unravelling, what’s a Doug Ford to do? Why, talk about anything else, of course! In the face of yet another report laying bare the haphazard chumminess with which power is exerted in the PCs’ Ontario, the premier would like to assure you that everything is fine. And also that he knows where you live. This month, Allison and Jonathan look at the (figurative) spot marked by lobbyist “Mr. X” and then play a g...

Greenbelt: The Movie

August 16, 2023 07:30 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

Ontario’s Auditor General has confirmed what we suspected: that Doug Ford’s government effectively redrew the map of the province, opening up thousands of acres of land for development, based largely on solicitations made at a party. It just wasn’t the party we thought. Either way, it could make for an entertaining movie. Allison and Jonathan look at the ways the Greenbelt story could be told on screen and who’d be best suited to star in it. Hosts: Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie Cre...

Students in Strip Malls

July 19, 2023 07:30 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MB

How did a Doug Ford policy move from 2019 lead to 10,000s of international students schlepping their backpacks to strip malls across the GTA? Allison and Jonathan investigate how Ontario colleges have cashed in on an international student free for all — and whether the party could be coming to an end. Further reading, watching and listening: Sold a Lie, Fifth Estate (https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2132310595766)  Cash Cows, W5 (https://www.ctvnews.ca/w5/priest-neighbours-issue-plea-for-he...

102 People Who Are Not Doug Ford

June 21, 2023 07:30 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MB

Toronto is in the midst of its most exciting election in a decade, tickling us with the possibility of hope. But does it still make sense to get invested in the outcome, when Doug Ford could easily run roughshod over Council, squashing the new mayor like the Monty Python foot? With Allison away this month, Toronto Star columnist and City Hall Watcher Matt Elliott joins Jonathan to look at the candidates, explain why this matters, and consider what Toronto’s next mayor might do to wag Doug F...

A Deep Dive Into Doug Ford’s Obsession with Smile Cookies

May 17, 2023 09:30 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

Ten years after becoming famous as the mean older brother of Toronto’s crack-smoking mayor, Doug Ford spends his days peddling fast-food promotions and posing for pictures with cops. Which is pretty much the future we might’ve guessed for him — just not the part about his being premier of Ontario all the while. This month, Allison and Jonathan peer into Ford’s parallel fixations on law enforcement and cookies. To him, there isn’t a problem that one or the other (or both) can’t solve. Hosts...

TVO Pursuit: After Ontario Place, Is TVO Next?

April 19, 2023 07:30 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MB

Doug Ford claims he’s all about building, but he sure has a thing for enthusiastically bulldozing the utopian public projects of yesteryear.First it was Ontario Place. Now it’s the Science Centre. At what point does he train his sights on TVO?Allison and Jonathan reflect on the legacy of Ontario’s public broadcaster and why its survival now rests on the shoulders of Steve Paikin. Hosts: Allison Smith, Jonathan Goldsbie Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nat...

Ep. 52 - The Douggie Awards: Recognizing Stag & Does, The Greenbelt and That Rogue Bee

March 15, 2023 07:30 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MB

It’s every-Ford everywhere all at once, as we celebrate the year’s most absurd and distressing developments in Ontario politics. What was the premier’s Falsest Promise? The Most Harmful Policy? The Best Fordism? You’ll never guess what insects Allison and Jonathan will swallow at the fourth annual(-ish) Douggie Awards. Hosts: Allison Smith, Jonathan Goldsbie Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (Music) This episode is supported by Douglas. You ...

Ep. 51 - Ford Weddings and a Free-for-all

February 15, 2023 08:30 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

It turns out Doug Ford and his "developer buddies" are more than just a metaphor. A recent report by Global News found a fleet of lobbyists and developers were invited to a Stag & Doe last August for the daughters of Ford, where they were "browbeaten" into making $1000 donations. While they have not been individually identified, the Ontario integrity commissioner confirmed the developers were "personal friends" of Ford. At this point are weddings and backyard barbecues in Etobicoke the only ...

Ep. 50 - "Leveraged" Health Care on Ontario's Dime

January 18, 2023 08:30 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

Conservatives don’t like Canada’s public healthcare system. They think it makes us like Cuba and North Korea. Now, after years of working to gradually undermine it, Doug Ford has declared that the “status quo” isn’t working, throwing open Ontario’s doors to new for-profit clinics. But when it comes to performing surgeries, just how steady is the market’s invisible hand? Hosts: Allison Smith, Jonathan Goldsbie Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), André Proulx (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (...

COMMONS: Monopoly #1 - Lost in the Supermarket

December 21, 2022 08:30 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

This episode is from our friends on the CANADALAND network, COMMONS! This season they are digging into monopolies and asking, is there something special about Canada that makes it especially hospitable to monopolies? To listen to the rest of the COMMONS: Monopoly season, use this link or search COMMONS in your podcast app of choice. Canadians are being squeezed at every end. When it comes to cell phone bills, grocery bills, housing, entertainment, we’re all paying more than ever before. B...

Trailer: Wag the Doug

December 14, 2022 08:30 - 1 minute - 1.87 MB

A monthly podcast grappling with the reality of four more infuriating years with the Fords and what that means for Ontario. Hosted by Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 49 - For Whom the Greenbelt Tolls

December 07, 2022 08:30 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MB

Doug Ford loves calling things “corrupt.” But just how often must his party’s friends and donors reap rewards from their policies before the word can be liberally flung back? On this month’s show, Allison and Jonathan look at who benefits from dismantling the Greenbelt and then trade fave findings from the latest Auditor General’s report. Hosts: Allison Smith, Jonathan Goldsbie Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), André Proulx (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (Music) You can listen ad-free on...

Ep. 48 - CUPE Ki Yay, MotherFORDer!

November 09, 2022 08:30 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MB

This week, Doug Ford learned that while it’s stunningly easy to toss out constitutional rights, it’s a heck of a lot harder to get away with that. By passing the Keeping Students in Class Act complete with notwithstanding clause, the government mounted an unprecedented attack on CUPE, and essentially all organized labour, picking a fight for which they were thoroughly unprepared. Hosts: Allison Smith, Jonathan Goldsbie Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), André Proulx (Managing Editor), Nathan...

Introducing our new series: Ratfucker

October 27, 2022 12:31 - 42 seconds - 1.29 MB

Meet David Wallace, political fixer. After decades in the game he says he’s getting out, telling all, and dumping his files in public. The result is the viral "Klondike Papers" theory of conspiracies, conservatives, and cults. But are the allegations true? And why is he really implicating himself, and so many others? A wild, true story. Series launches October 31st. Subscribe now (link). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 47 - The Power of the Doug

October 19, 2022 07:30 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

With electricity demand set to rise and Pickering’s nuclear plant set to close, Doug Ford’s government is now scrambling to keep the province’s lights on. Perhaps spending hundreds of millions to cancel green-energy projects and dismantle new wind turbines might not have been the most forward-thinking of ideas. With an eye on the thermostat, Allison and Jonathan plug in to Ontario’s frayed energy system, its Ticketmaster-like approach to billing, and how, in fleeing from the problem, Doug F...

Ep. 46 - Strong Mayors [COMMA] Building Homes

September 21, 2022 07:30 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

The province has got a housing crisis, and the only prescription is… more mayoral powers?? Allison and Jonathan probe the comically flimsy pretense under which Doug Ford has fundamentally, if casually, reshaped how Ontario’s two largest cities are governed. Because what doesn’t quite kill Toronto and Ottawa, apparently just makes their mayors stronger. Clarification (September 22, 2022, at 8:46 p.m. EDT): Ottawa mayoral candidate and councillor Catherine McKenney uses "they/them" pronouns —...

We’ll be back next month

August 17, 2022 07:05 - 1 minute - 1.9 MB

Wag the Doug will return in September, by which time who knows what else Doug Ford will have swallowed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 45 - Will Ontario Ever Have A Truly Left-Wing Party?

July 20, 2022 07:05 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

Allison and Jonathan talk with Jacobin’s Luke Savage about why the NDP so often provokes indifference, while its American and British counterparts sometimes seem poised to spark revolution. Might a new leader succeed where Andrea Horwath did not? Plus: The Premier’s new cabinet offers unprecedented representation by members of the Ford family. Because it’s 2022. Savage’s new book, The Dead Center, is available for pre-order here. https://www.orbooks.com/catalog/the-dead-center/ This epis...

Ep. 44 - Ford More Years

June 03, 2022 06:19 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

The PCs are up seven seats from last time, and the opposition parties are down two leaders.  We were going to record this from Doug Ford's election-night event, but Jonathan wasn't allowed in. So he and Allison met up after to talk about life in the Second Age of Ford, and what it means when a vindictive government also believes it's a vindicated one.  This episode is supported by Douglas, Oxio, Ground News, Skipper Otto and How'd You Like That Movie See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Ep. 43 - Running On Fumes In A Chicken Suit

May 27, 2022 07:05 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

As Doug Ford campaigns against fumes, his opponents are increasingly running on them. Less than a week away, the election's outcome is hardly a foregone conclusion, but the Liberals, at least, have reached chicken-suit levels of desperation. Are they telling us there's no candour available in all of Del Duca's vista? Also, Allison and Jonathan consider whether Doug Ford has actually “evolved” (he hasn't) and why the Star's Queen's Park columnist is so convinced that he has.   Further read...

Ep. 42 - Why Are These People So Happy

May 20, 2022 07:05 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Our election coverage continues into week three. This week, there was a weirdly upbeat leaders' debate, two party leaders got COVID and several trade unions came out in support of Doug Ford and the PCs. Jonathan and Allison break down what it all means. Want to try ad-free? For a limited time, get access to all of Canadaland's shows ad-free for $1/month for 3 months! Subscribe at canadaland.com/join This episode is supported by Oxio, Ground News, Skipper Otto and How'd You Like That Movie ...

Ep. 41 - Research and Destroy

May 13, 2022 07:05 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

On week two of the election campaign, the dirt starts to surface about candidates, the party leaders participate in their first debate and the Liberals release their fully-costed platform.  Links:  Read the Press Progress piece about Stephen Lecce participating in a slave auction: https://pressprogress.ca/ontario-education-minister-stephen-lecce-participated-in-slave-auction-during-time-as-frat-house-leader/ Read that Toronto Life profile of Steven Del Duca: https://www.google.com/url?q=h...

Ep. 40 - Drop Writ Like It's Hot

May 06, 2022 07:05 - 39 minutes - 36 MB

Wag the Doug is going weekly for the Ontario election! On the first weekly Wag, Jonathan and Allison talk about Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca's introductory Youtube series, Ford's campaign launch, cringey Star Wars memes, transit ideas and plenty more.  Want to try ad-free? For a limited time, get access to all of Canadaland's shows ad-free for $1/month for 3 months! Subscribe at canadaland.com/join This episode is supported by Oxio, Ground News, Skipper Otto and How'd You Like That Movi...

Ep.39 - Refund Madness

April 20, 2022 07:05 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

A listener writes in, wondering why she's getting a rebate cheque in the mail right before an election campaign. Jonathan and Allison take stock of everything the Progressive Conservative Party is doing to secure an election victory, from conveniently-timed cheques to a spree of spending announcements.  Plus, a special announcement about the show. This episode is sponsored by Rotman, Oxio, How'd You Like That Movie, Ground News and Skipper Otto See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Ep. 38 - The Third Annual(ish) Douggie Awards

March 16, 2022 07:05 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

It's once again that time of year, when the stars of Ontario politics come out to — well, not shine, exactly, so much as drably absorb a depressing fluorescent glow. The 3rd Douggie Awards honour the terrible and hilarious developments of the past 12 months or so that made us laugh 'til we cried or cry 'til we laughed. Allison and Jonathan hand out the prizes, and all signs point to a triumphant night for The Power of the Doug. Additional music credits: Isolation Swing by Admiral Bob (c) ...

Ep. 37 - Free Fearless Pancakes

February 16, 2022 08:05 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MB

When the trucker convoy cratered Ottawa, Doug Ford hoped he could turn the other cheek. However, when another protest blocked the Ambassador bridge in Windsor, disrupting his beloved supply chain, he declared a state of emergency to make sure Ontario stayed ‘Open for Business.' Jonathan and Allison discuss what prompts action from the premier and why he's behaving differently than his federal Tory cousins.   This episode is supported by Rotman's Behaviourally Informed Strategy program. S...

Ep. 36 - Kory & Nick: The Backroom Boys

January 19, 2022 08:05 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

The Toronto Sun likes to blast the “unelected” public health officials informing pandemic policy in Ontario. But who's really calling the shots in Doug Ford's government? Allison and Jonathan look at the sway held by pollster Nick Kouvalis and PC campaign manager Kory Teneycke. Not only are they unelected — they don't even work there. This episode is sponsored by Rotman's Executive Leadership Online and Canadian Politics Is Boring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Ho...

Ep. 35 - Rolling the Dice on Internet Gambling

December 15, 2021 08:05 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MB

It was only a matter of time before Doug Ford dragged us back into a casino debate. Except this time, it's not on the waterfront but in your pocket. Allison and Jonathan look at the possibly criminal implications of his government's new approach to internet gambling, and why you might soon be able to literally place a bet on that. This episode is supported by Rotman's Negotations program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Ep. 34 - Doug's Labour Loss

November 17, 2021 08:05 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MB

With an election seven months away, Doug Ford's government has suddenly decided it's pro-worker. But would any of their proposed reforms actually improve the lives of low-income and gig workers in Ontario? Allison and Jonathan talk to Brice Sopher of Gig Workers United about whether Ford is actually “Working for Workers” or — like many gig workers themselves — is simply taking instructions from app companies. Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/join This episode is sponsored by Rotman's ...

Ep. 33 - Yes, He Won't

October 20, 2021 07:05 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Support us here: https://wtd.supercast.com/ How do you put a smiling, election-ready face on a government that's done little but slash regulations and mismanage a pandemic? That calls for a brand refresh! Allison and Jonathan look at how Doug Ford's PCs are positioning themselves as The Party of “Yes,” despite a track record that's at best full of maybes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 32 - Anatomy of a Flip-Flop

September 15, 2021 07:05 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Doug Ford used to oppose vaccine passports. Now's he super in favour. That he changed his mind wasn't surprising; that he did so before Ontario hit a new crisis point was. With Allison in New York, where she's coming to love her vaccine passport, she and Jonathan pore over clues as to why Ford reversed himself sooner rather than later. What does it take to change the premier's mind? This episode is sponsored by Rotman's Executive Leadership Online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

Ep. 31 - Ghosts of Ontario Place: Past, Present, Future

August 18, 2021 07:05 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Opened in 1971, Ontario Place was an idealistic effort to celebrate and cement a provincial identity. Fifty years later, and having been left to rot, it's about to be carved up and privatized by the Doug Ford government. Join Allison and Jonathan as they take a trip to Ontario Place, where past, present, and future collide in an awkward mishmash of ambitions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing The White Saviors

August 11, 2021 07:05 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MB

Over 25 years, WE built a golden brand by inspiring children to rally around their charismatic leader. But behind the scenes, employees experienced a cult-like culture and a troubling blur of charitable and commercial activities. In the aftermath of a national scandal, thousands of donors and volunteers (and dozens of ‘celebrity ambassadors') are left wondering where the money went, and whether the savior industry creates a constant need for victims. From CANADALAND, the news company that e...

Ep. 30 - Everything You Wanted To Know About Doug Ford (And Did In Fact Ask)

July 21, 2021 07:05 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

Allison and Jonathan answer listener questions, such as: Will the government really give a boost to personal-support workers? And what's the deal with Doug Ford's brother's hat? Join them as they venture into the Ford Family Extended Universe. Guaranteed more Fords per minute than any other podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 29 - What's Doug Ford So Afraid Of?

June 23, 2021 07:05 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Doug Ford is getting ready for next year's election by increasing donation limits, shuffling his cabinet, and overriding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to pass a law limiting the criticism he'll face. This sudden bonfire of political capital has our hosts wondering: given the state of Ontario's opposition parties, just what is Ford so afraid of? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 28 - The Government's Hidden Attack On Sex Workers

May 19, 2021 07:05 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

In Doug Ford's Ontario, there's no problem that can't be solved by giving police new powers. This time, the issue is human trafficking— which, well that makes sense, right? The reality is far more complicated. Allison and Jonathan talk to Elene Lam of Butterfly, the Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network, who explains how the government's new Bill 251 will actually cause harm to vulnerable populations that are already criminalized and over-policed. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Ep. 27 - Doug Ford's Gravy Train

April 21, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

With the pandemic reaching new levels of crisis each day, and public anger at the government rising in proportion, how has Doug Ford chosen to spend his evenings? Fundraising! The Ontario PCs have built an enormously effective big-money operation and just passed a new law to entrench it. Allison and Jonathan explore the ways the party collects cash — and how such contributions appear to inform the government's life-or-death decisions. This episode is sponsored by Images Festival. See omny...

Ep. 26 - Tow Truck Mafia

March 17, 2021 03:41 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

The GTA has become the site of a massive tow truck turf war. Vehicles have been fire-bombed, a law office has been shot up, and cops face criminal charges for their involvement. And the person in charge of reining in the violence and corruption? Doug Ford. Allison and Jonathan talk with Peter Edwards, the Toronto Star's organized crime reporter, who explains how this tow truck tumult puts everyone at risk. Correction (March 17 at 4:06 p.m. EDT): This episode erroneously describes Sol Mamakw...

Ep. 25 - Canary In the Nickel Mine: Laurentian Goes Bust

February 24, 2021 07:01 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Laurentian University has filed for creditor protection, while another, opening this fall, has attracted just 47 applicants. What is going on with Ontario's postsecondary sector? And what can the premier's own brief college experience tell us about his government's peculiar approach? Allison and Jonathan also talk to Alex Usher, president of Higher Education Strategy Associates, about how the whole business model for Ontario's colleges and universities has changed dramatically in the past s...

Ep. 24 - The Second Annual Douggie Awards

January 20, 2021 07:39 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

It's the second annual Douggie Awards, where Allison and Jonathan take stock of all the hilarity and abject horror that was the Year in Ford. Who carries home the trophies for “Best Sycophant,” “Most Surreal Moment,” and the always-popular “Most Blatant Conflict of Interest”? Take a stroll down the shoddily constructed blue carpet and join us as we celebrate the worst that Ontario has to offer. Additional music: Isolation Swing by Admiral Bob (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Co...

Ep. 23 - Landlord and Tenant Board of Damocles

December 16, 2020 06:23 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

Doug Ford vowed that those who couldn't afford rent during the pandemic wouldn't lose their homes. Instead, he made evictions easier than ever. And now, thanks to online hearings, the bleak indifference of that process is on display for all. Allison and Jonathan look at what it means when housing is chiefly seen as an investment, not a right, and how the province has doubled down on facilitating shareholder profits at the expense of tenants who took the premier at his word. They also talk t...

Ep. 22 - Law & Forder

November 18, 2020 09:23 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MB

Except when they're investigating members of his family, Doug Ford really loves the police. So much so that, earlier this year, when calls for defunding became inescapable, he responded by giving them more money. In this episode, Allison and Jonathan look at his government's record on policing, and the extent to which it has and hasn't reversed recent attempts at reform. They also talk to a fifth-grader (but about different things). This episode was brought to you by Cullen's Foods. See ...

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