Rants, Rifts, and Rulings- Ford’s Fury and Inside the Conservative Civil War

On the Ledge – May 1, 2025

Host: Dave Trafford Guests: Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, John Wright

Episode Summary:
In this week's fiery edition of On the Ledge, host Dave Trafford is joined by Kathleen Wynne, Tim Hudak, and John Wright to unpack a turbulent week in Canadian conservative politics.

The panel dissects the fallout from the recent federal election, including Jamil Jivani’s scathing remarks about Doug Ford, rising tensions between provincial and federal Conservatives, and speculation about Pierre Poilievre’s future as leader.

The discussion pivots to Premier Ford’s explosive rant about the judiciary, prompting a lively debate over judicial independence, policy-making, and political accountability.

As Ontario barrels toward a new political season, the hosts reflect on the role of pragmatism, governance, and due process in a rapidly polarizing landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Jamil Jivani’s blistering critique of Doug Ford sparked fresh infighting between federal and provincial Conservatives.
• Kathleen Wynne called the tensions “more personal than strategic,” highlighting a leadership vacuum and raw post-election emotions.
• Tim Hudak framed Ford’s popularity as a national Conservative asset, cautioning against picking fights with Ontario’s three-time majority Premier.
• The panel debated Pierre Poilievre’s silence and whether he can unify the party or is losing control of the narrative.
• Premier Ford’s controversial rant about “electing judges” led to sharp critique from Wynne and Wright, who defended judicial independence.
• John Wright stressed the importance of due process, warning that undermining judicial trust sets a dangerous precedent.
• Melissa Lantsman was identified as a potential interim leader or strong voice for the Conservatives in the House if Poilievre delays running.
• The group agreed that bigger national issues—like economic downturns and the Carney government’s next moves—will soon eclipse the Conservative family feud.