https://feed.tvo.org/politics News, commentary and analysis on politics in Ontario en-CA https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-carney-wants-fast-trains-he-should-call-kathleen-wynne The federal Liberals are learning the same lesson as their provincial counterparts: high-speed rail is a necessary project — and a political headache Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:54:21 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-carney-wants-fast-trains-he-should-call-kathleen-wynne https://www.tvo.org/article/what-i-learned-from-stephen-lewis He could move a crowd unlike any Canadian politician I’ve seen. But he’d never let partisanship derail a worthy cause. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:20:34 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/what-i-learned-from-stephen-lewis https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-biggest-housing-announcement-monday-was-the-one-you-probably-didnt-see The prime minister, premier, and mayor of Toronto introduced new policy Monday morning. The more exciting stuff came later on. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:57:53 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-biggest-housing-announcement-monday-was-the-one-you-probably-didnt-see https://www.tvo.org/article/does-anyone-remember-nathan-phillips You may have skated, strolled, protested, or celebrated in a square with his name. But do you know who he was? Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:10:52 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/does-anyone-remember-nathan-phillips https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-please-ontario-stop-subsidizing-my-hydro-bill The province continues to help people pay for their electricity usage, even when they don’t need the help. Why? Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:25:34 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-please-ontario-stop-subsidizing-my-hydro-bill https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-to-know-from-a-familiar-provincial-budget  A new(ish) investment fund, tax changes, and a big unanswered question. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:04:22 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-to-know-from-a-familiar-provincial-budget https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-were-long-past-tinkering-with-the-housing-crisis An HST cut on new homes is a fine idea. But it’s nowhere near enough. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:03:38 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-were-long-past-tinkering-with-the-housing-crisis https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-your-hospital-in-good-financial-health Several hospitals across the province are in dire financial straits. Most Ontarians have been kept in the dark. Until now Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:15:31 EST Stacey Kuznetsova Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-your-hospital-in-good-financial-health https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-doug-ford-waging-a-war-on-cars Soaring gas prices. Worsening congestion. Fewer options. Are drivers better off than eight years ago? Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:22:28 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-doug-ford-waging-a-war-on-cars https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-to-expect-from-ontarios-2026-budget ‘Unsustainable’ health-care spending. Post-secondary changes. War in the Middle East. The government has its work cut out for it. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:58:42 EST Brian Lewis Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-to-expect-from-ontarios-2026-budget https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-does-a-struggling-city-actually-need A new report looks at how governments can help Sault Ste. Marie modernize. But helping can sometimes hurt. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:42:56 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-does-a-struggling-city-actually-need https://www.tvo.org/article/saying-goodbye-to-bill-saunderson From the political backrooms to Mike Harris’s cabinet, Saunderson made his mark as a decent, well-liked man — and prescient observer. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:42:39 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/saying-goodbye-to-bill-saunderson https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-an-intra-party-battle-says-about-the-politics-of-byelections-and-the-future-of-the Contenders for the Liberal nomination in Scarborough Southwest aren’t getting along. Does that matter? Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:33:21 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-an-intra-party-battle-says-about-the-politics-of-byelections-and-the-future-of-the https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-public-has-a-right-to-know-what-its-government-is-doing Doug Ford’s changes to FIPPA are troubling. They could also backfire. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:05:14 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-public-has-a-right-to-know-what-its-government-is-doing https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-toronto-has-bigger-issues-than-the-island-airport The city needs to address housing, transit, and homelessness. The premier is focused on convention centres and jets. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:05:26 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-toronto-has-bigger-issues-than-the-island-airport https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-anything-solve-ontarios-homelessness-crisis A new report says homelessness is only set to worsen. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:32:52 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-anything-solve-ontarios-homelessness-crisis https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-torontos-mayoral-race-will-test-a-split-on-ontarios-right The conservative movement is beginning to splinter. Which side will emerge on top? Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:23:40 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-torontos-mayoral-race-will-test-a-split-on-ontarios-right https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-john-tory-wanted-his-old-job-back-and-why-he-wont-seek-it The former mayor is sitting out the upcoming election. Who will fill the void? Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:58:43 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-why-john-tory-wanted-his-old-job-back-and-why-he-wont-seek-it https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-money The premier wants to compete for the largest conventions in North America. The math doesn’t add up. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:41:32 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-would-a-bigger-convention-centre-just-be-a-bigger-waste-of-money https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti The long-time politician’s tragic death leaves behind a grieving family. He also made public life more crude and less civil. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:43:04 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-to-remember-giorgio-mammoliti https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ottawa-shouldnt-be-trading-submarines-for-cars Tying a major defence purchase to Ontario’s auto sector makes a certain kind of sense. That doesn’t make it right. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:21:34 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ottawa-shouldnt-be-trading-submarines-for-cars https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-rob-cerjanec-defy-the-odds-again He has a seat and a proven ability to win elections. He’s also 37. Could he be the next Liberal leader? Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:31:01 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-can-rob-cerjanec-defy-the-odds-again https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-burlingtons-housing-bet-pay-off The city is desperate for more housing starts. It’s set to try something new. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:12:17 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-will-burlingtons-housing-bet-pay-off https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-are-fords-osap-changes-a-preview-of-whats-to-come The days of easy money are over. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:36:54 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-are-fords-osap-changes-a-preview-of-whats-to-come https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-wants-a-new-tax-plan-heres-how-it-should-look The province wants both lower taxes and a balanced budget. It won’t be easy. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:45:45 EST Brian Lewis Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-wants-a-new-tax-plan-heres-how-it-should-look https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics It can feel like an antiquated idea. A new poll suggests it’s anything but. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:18:27 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-do-canadians-still-want-civility-in-their-politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-betting The harms of legalized sports gambling are being understated, and the benefits overstated. It's time to admit we made a mistake.  Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:01:06 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontario-should-ban-sports-betting https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviously The U.S. doesn’t get to steal critical infrastructure because the president’s poll numbers are in the sewer. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:56:49 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-no-donald-trump-cant-have-the-gordie-howe-bridge-obviously https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa Betrayal. Ambition. Intrigue. The upcoming byelection will have far-reaching implications. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:40:21 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-the-scarborough-southwest-byelection-will-reshape-queens-park-and-ottawa https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-nate-erskine-smith-just-got-his-luckiest-break-yet In politics, timing is (almost) everything. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:04:07 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-nate-erskine-smith-just-got-his-luckiest-break-yet https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-last The premier says he’ll lead the party through at least the next election. But things change fast.  Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:52:01 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-ford-looks-invincible-will-that-last https://www.tvo.org/article/fifty-years-ago-the-ontario-liberals-took-a-big-step-toward-winning-again The Liberals were once a rural rump with almost no presence Ontario cities. Led by Stuart Smith, they began the modernization that eventually brought them into power. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:21:41 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/fifty-years-ago-the-ontario-liberals-took-a-big-step-toward-winning-again https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-2026-the-year-ontario-will-finally-get-to-work-taking-on-the-housing-crisis For five years, the Ford government has done anything on the housing file except the things that would make a difference. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:36:35 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-2026-the-year-ontario-will-finally-get-to-work-taking-on-the-housing-crisis https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-them The premier worries that, once we let them in, they’ll be hard to get rid of. But that’ll only happen if drivers demand them. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:22:01 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-the-big-challenge-for-doug-ford-with-chinese-evs-ontarians-might-like-them https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset The last two leaders were experienced politicos. But there’s at least an outside chance members may be ready for something different. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:02:55 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-the-ontario-liberal-leadership-race-poised-for-an-upset https://www.tvo.org/article/at-age-97-former-liberal-leader-robert-nixon-remains-irrepressible Sixty-four years ago this weekend, one of Ontario’s longest-living MPPs was elected for the first time, amid tragedy. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:15:01 EST Steve Paikin Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/at-age-97-former-liberal-leader-robert-nixon-remains-irrepressible https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-fords-problem-isnt-chinese-evs-its-tanking-ev-sales Ontario staked its vision of the province’s future on building demand for electric-vehicle manufacturing. Does it have a Plan B? Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:10:47 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-doug-fords-problem-isnt-chinese-evs-its-tanking-ev-sales https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-hoping-the-supreme-court-will-save-ontario-place-dont-hold-your-breath The court’s willingness to hear this case doesn’t necessarily mean the Ford government’s redevelopment plans are in peril. Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:12:38 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-hoping-the-supreme-court-will-save-ontario-place-dont-hold-your-breath https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-lets-pump-the-brakes-on-talk-of-subways-subways-subways-in-toronto Now that the Finch West LRT is open, various people have decided to relitigate the decision to build light rail. Can we please put this discourse to rest already? Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:27:22 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-lets-pump-the-brakes-on-talk-of-subways-subways-subways-in-toronto https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right The party seems to be in no hurry to get the contest underway. But waiting could come with some serious costs. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:41:41 EST John Michael McGrath Politics https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-its-2026-the-ontario-liberals-will-choose-a-new-leader-eventually-right