Mark, the Monarchy and the Canadian RESET

Now and Next – May 29, 2025**
**Host:** Dave Trafford
**Guests:** Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategies), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications)

In this wide-ranging roundtable episode, the Now and Next team dives into a pivotal moment in Canadian politics and public leadership. With Mark Carney’s first throne speech and question period as Prime Minister, the panel reflects on a noticeable shift in tone in Ottawa—from performative partisanship to focused governance.

They explore public expectations, the symbolism of a renewed national identity, and Carney’s pledge to “get shit done.” The conversation also spans urban transit challenges, the appointment of a new TTC CEO, long-delayed infrastructure upgrades, and how leadership credibility can reshape civic trust. The show ends on thoughtful notes about civic space design, public safety at festivals, and the complex debates surrounding historical memorials like the John A. Macdonald statue.
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Chapters
**00:00 – Introduction**
Dave Trafford opens the show with the cast, setting the tone for a deep dive into recent political and civic developments.

**02:00 – Royal Visit & Carney’s First Question Period**
The panel discusses public enthusiasm for King Charles’ throne speech and the symbolic weight it carried for Canadian sovereignty and unity. Carney’s confident, disciplined tone in Parliament signals a hopeful reset in political culture.

**10:28 – A New Government With Old Expectations**
Carney’s high approval ratings come with equally high public expectations. The panel considers how his hands-on leadership style and bold rhetoric signal readiness for transformational change.

**18:03 – TTC Leadership & Transit System Challenges**
A new CEO is announced at the TTC, sparking discussion on what leadership style is needed to restore trust in Toronto’s transit system.

**37:15 – Urban Safety, Summer Festivals & Security Design**
As cultural events return to city streets, the team weighs how to protect public space without eroding its vibrancy. They discuss how good design can serve both beauty and safety.

**54:06 – Reconciling With History: The John A. Macdonald Statue**
With the statue set to be uncovered in Queen’s Park, the panel grapples with the legacy of historical figures, emotional literacy, and the importance of learning rather than erasure.