Broken Bones - Broken Trust. Alarms raised over school violence

On the Ledge – Your Ontario Politics Podcast - June 12, 2025
Host: Dave Trafford
Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright, Keith Leslie

This episode of On the Ledge confronts a deeply troubling issue: the lack of accountability and transparency following a violent assault involving Anwar Knight’s son at school. The discussion focuses on Knight’s public appeal for justice, after an 18-month struggle with school board officials, the police, and legal hurdles to get answers and action.

He posted his appeal on Facebook. You can see it here.

The panel unpacks the layers of systemic opacity, privacy shields, and administrative inertia that often frustrate parents and fail vulnerable students.

Former Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on her experience as a trustee, highlighting how critical leadership and culture are within schools, beyond policy.
Keith Leslie underscores the serious consequences of denying parents access to basic information, while Tim Hudak and John Wright stress the need for more courage and common sense in school administration and governance.

The conversation is wide-ranging but grounded in a central question: How do we ensure schools remain safe, responsive environments for every student? And what needs to change when systems designed to protect kids instead protect institutions?

The OTL crew also discussed:

• The 30th anniversary of Mike Harris’ 1995 win and 40th anniversary of Peterson’s 1985 election.
• John A. McDonald's statue is unveiled at Queen's Park.
• The possibility of new trade frameworks or deals, especially involving the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Anticipating the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Light Banter
04:00 – Anwar Knight’s Story: Assault, Silence, and Court Orders
13:42 – Leadership, Accountability, and the Failure to Act
19:27 – School Culture, Transparency, and Administrative Gaps
26:03 – Reflecting on 30 Years Since Harris, 40 Years Since Peterson
28:52 – Political Parallels and What Meaningful Change Looks Like
39:20 – Revisiting Historical Legacies and John A. Macdonald’s Statue
42:16 – Anticipating the G7 Summit and Its Global Stakes