Ford the Unifier - Premiers, Pipelines, and the Push for One Market

On the Ledge -- May 8, 2025

Host: Dave Trafford

Guests: Kathleen Wynne (former Premier of Ontario), John Wright (founding pollster at On the Ledge), Keith Leslie (journalist, joining from Nova Scotia)
Absent: Tim Hudak (former PC leader, expected back next week)

This episode of On the Ledge revisits last week's fiery discussion on judicial independence and fairness in Canada's legal system, sparked by contrasting views on elected judges and bail reform. The panel expands the conversation into a wide-ranging discussion on infrastructure, Indigenous partnerships, interprovincial trade, and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s growing role as a unifier on the national stage. Doug Ford’s emerging “Captain Canada” persona, new federal-provincial dynamics, and the urgency of equitable economic development also take center stage. Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
  Dave Trafford recaps listener reaction to last week’s “vigorous” episode and sets the table for a continued conversation on courts, politics, and policy.
• 02:15 – Elected Judges, Bail Reform & Judicial Backlogs
  The panel debates whether Canada’s legal system is broken, the Ford government’s appeal of the Toronto bike lane decision, and the recent judicial appointments.
• 13:36 – Autism Supports & Political Neglect
  Kathleen Wynne passionately defends her government’s investments in autism services and critiques the Ford government's mismanagement of the file.
• 16:44 – Mark Carney in Washington & Premiers Meeting
  The group analyzes Carney’s Oval Office meeting with Trump, Ford’s supportive role, and the symbolic shift in federal leadership.
• 33:16 – Pipelines, Interprovincial Trade, and the July 1 Deadline
  Doug Ford’s push to remove internal trade barriers is explored, alongside provincial MOUs, environmental regulations, and infrastructure ambition.
• 43:17 – Ring of Fire, Indigenous Equity & Infrastructure Readiness
  Focus shifts to northern development, highlighting the need for Indigenous equity, smarter permitting, and climate-resilient investments.