strongmayor

This is the full show for February 16, 2023. We ask our American Mamas where they get their news. We Dig Deep into which American cities have the most unfunded debt. Plus, it's Fake News Friday! And, we finish off with a story of election fraud that will leave you saying, "Whoa!"

Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief

With an eye to an ambitious Ford government housing plan, Toronto Mayor John Tory asked for and received even stronger mayoral powers than he already had been given over the summer. It was a move that caused an uproar in municipal politics. While some councillor called it a power grab, others are calling it an unprecedented, undemocratic move that will sideline councillors even further. How will the new powers work and what will this mean for Toronto?

This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.

Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen's Park bureau chief

The Ontario government unveiled its massive new housing plan this week, with sweeping changes and housing targets for municipalities across the province, all to get to the goal of building 1.5 million homes in the next decade. Critics are already concerned about density, availability of tradespeople to build the homes, impacts on affordability and the environmental considerations, but also, without penalties for not hitting targets, how is the government going to actually make this happen?

This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.

Audio source: CPAC

Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief

After a long election campaign, it comes as no surprise to many that John Tory won a third term as mayor of Toronto. What is surprising is the new makeup of council, with many progressive, diverse candidates winning seats. Some won in surprising wards, while a number of other familiar faces easily took their seats as voter turnout was around 29 per cent. The new look at city hall is something that everyone is going to have to get used to, as there are looming problems ahead for the city including a billion-dollar budget hole.

This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.

Audio source: CP24

Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief

Ontario has brought in new legislation to give “strong-mayor” powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa. As it turns out, there are some strings attached. “Strong-mayor” powers generally are supposed to help a mayor cut through red tape and push their agenda through, but now it is clear mayoral powers will be tied to provincial priorities and it’s unknown how those will be decided. Many experts feel that while this will make the mayor stronger in council, it will make them more beholden to the province.

This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar

Audio sources: CP24 and Global News

Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief

The Ontario government is going to give enhanced powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa. Described as being similar to U.S. style “strong-mayor” systems, it’s an idea that has been discussed for years as a way to quickly push the mayor’s authority and potentially expedite things like financial matters and appointments. But critics say Premier Doug Ford is once again messing with a municipal election right after it has gotten underway, just like he did in 2018 when he slashed Toronto city council from 47 to 25 seats. The “strong-mayor” plan will change this ongoing race and city governance in the future.

This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.