Trillium Talk - A weekly briefing from the Ontario Legislature from the team at The Trillium (Village Media Inc.)

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Joining us today is Charlie Pinkerton, part of The Trillium team of journalists recently nominated for a National Newspaper Award for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics. Pinkerton has been digging into another controversial topic: the Ford government's "signature" Ontario Line, a $17-billion-plus transit project that will build 15.6 km of rail connecting key parts of Toronto.

If you haven't read his latest story about how the Ontario Line will transform one particular neighbourhood, you should.

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Joining us today is reporter Aidan Chamandy, who delivered a major scoop this week about the Ford government's new housing bill. The night before the legislation was tabled, Chamandy got his hands on some documents outlining all the major elements of the bill — including creating exemptions for publicly funded universities under the Planning Act, and backtracking on a controversial law that froze the development charges cities can levy on new construction.

How many homes will this new legislation actually help build? The government can't say for sure. But Chamandy does have a prediction on how many goals Auston Matthews will ultimately score this season. Don't miss it.

Launched last year by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

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Joining us today is reporter Jack Hauen, part of The Trillium team of journalists recently nominated for a National Newspaper Award for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Hauen has been doing a lot of digging lately on another important issue: the rise of pay-for-access "executive health" clinics in Ontario. He explains the loopholes that allow these clinics — and others operated by nurse practitioners — to charge patients for the privilege of seeing a health care provider.

Also on the agenda this week: Why PC fundraising is way down. (Spoiler alert: Doug Ford's party cancelled its annual leader's dinner after all the negative fallout from the Greenbelt scandal.)

Launched last year by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

Send us a text

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, part of The Trillium team of journalists recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Speaking of land developers, Smith Cross brings us up to speed on the latest news on the Greenbelt file: deleted emails — and the possibility that some internal government records regarding the scandal "may be irretrievably lost."

She also breaks down this week's big byelection victories for Doug Ford's PCs, and the ongoing reaction to Stephen Lecce's promised crackdown on student cellphone use in schools.

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Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, part of The Trillium team of journalists recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Pinkerton walks us through a wild three days in the municipality of Brighton, where councillors openly admitted they were hiring a well-connected lobbying firm to "work the backroom" of the Ford government in the hopes of landing some badly needed infrastructure funding.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra later weighed in on the controversy, saying Ontario cities and towns thinking of hiring lobbyists are "wasting" their money.

We also talk about the ongoing arbitration between Ontario physicians and the provincial government. Simply put, the health ministry is arguing that there's no shortage of doctors — they just aren't working as hard as they used to.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, part of The Trillium team of journalists recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Should tenants be on the hook to the Canada Revenue Agency if their out-of-country landlord doesn't pay their taxes? That question made plenty of headlines this week, as The Trillium reported.

Privacy breaches were also in the news, with the Ford government tabling legislation that would allow the province to set cybersecurity regulations for the broader public sector, including hospitals, schools, Children's Aid Societies and other public institutions. 

As part of consultations on the bill, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced he'll be calling in the heads of the big tech companies to discuss the online safety of kids with the government and with law enforcement.

Get caught up on all the details — and more — in this instalment of Trillium Talk.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, part of The Trillium team recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

There were plenty of headlines this week involving Premier Doug Ford, from his refusal to rule out an early election call to his government's fast-tracked plan to get booze into more grocery and convenience stores.

But there was also some Supreme Court drama, with lawyers for the province once again squaring off against public sector unions over the issue of third-party election ads. Smith Cross explains everything you need to know about the contentious case.

Looking for back episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

Launched last year by Village Media, which operates this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Charlie Pinkerton, part of The Trillium team recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Speaking of land developers, Pinkerton lays out the latest annual financial statement from PC Party, which shows that over $600,000 was paid to law firms that represented many of the Greenbelt scandal's key figures.  

He also explains how the Ford government's plan to speed up the sale of more booze in grocery and corner stores could end up costing a lot more than originally expected.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, part of The Trillium team recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Doug Ford's cabinet shuffle was the big news heading into a 19-week summer break, and not only because it marked a return to prominence for a key figure in the Greenbelt scandal. 

Jessica also breaks down the results of new polls commissioned by The Trillium, including some interesting responses to the province's plan to speed up access to booze in grocery and corner stores. 

Funding for social services was also front and centre this week. We tell you why. 

Looking for back episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

Launched last year by Village Media, which operates this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On today's episode is reporter Jack Hauen, part of The Trillium team recently nominated for a CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth reporting on the influence of land developers in Ontario politics.

Hauen brings us up to speed on the latest headlines about the Landlord and Tenant Board, which managed to shave a whopping six per cent off its large backlog of cases over the past year. To be fair, Ontario is actually processing 40 per cent more landlord-tenant disputes than it was a year ago — but also dealing with 40 per cent more cases.

He also reveals the latest on a wild story from GuelphToday, in which a new homeowner hasn't been able to move in because squatters are all over the house. Not even a hefty cash offer was enough to convince them to leave.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On today's episode is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who made some big headlines of his own this week. He was part of a team of journalists from The Toronto Star and The Narwhal who won this year's esteemed Michener Award for public service journalism for their dogged reporting on the Greenbelt scandal.

It was Pinkerton who first revealed that wealthy developers who benefited from Ford government zoning decisions, including the Greenbelt land swap, had attended the Premier's daughter's wedding. For those who may not know, it was also that story that led to the launch of The Trillium. (You can learn all about that HERE.)

This week, Pinkerton has been digging deeper into what happened in small-town Brighton, Ont., where councillors openly admitted they were hiring a well-connected lobbying firm to "work the backroom" of the Ford government in the hopes of landing some badly needed infrastructure funding.

The story sparked quite a controversy at Queen's Park, where opposition MPPs delighted in the idea that town councillors believed they needed to hire a friend of the premier to get something done. Newly released documents, obtained by Pinkerton via a Freedom of Information request, shed even more light on how everything unfolded.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is reporter Jack Hauen, who breaks down the latest developments on what everyone is talking about: the sudden, permanent closure of the Ontario Science Centre.

He also reveals the details of a new report — which the Ford government refuses to release — that says Ontario's move to privatize employment aid has left behind a lot of people on social assistance. 

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who just published an eyeopening three-part investigative series on Therme, the "Austrian spa company" selected to redevelop Ontario Place.

You can find the first instalment HERE. Parts two and three are available to subscribers of The Trillium.

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Every Sunday morning, one of our legislative reporters from The Trillium provides an inside look at the week that was in Ontario politics — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who explains why Doug Ford is featured in a new video flipping burgers and talking booze. He also breaks down the big revelations contained in newly released documents about the Ontario Science Centre.

Spoiler alert: the now-shuttered building will remain permanently closed.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

Joining us today is deputy editor Sneh Duggal, who uncovered some big news about stalled plans for childcare spaces at Ontario schools. According to a document obtained through a freedom-of-information request, 56 planned childcare projects have been classified as "cancelled" — potentially costing around $11 million in "sunk costs."

Duggal also brings us up to speed on the latest meeting of the Council of the Federation (COF), a group that includes all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. Doug Ford is set to take over as chair of the group on Aug. 1, and he spoke to reporters about his top priorities.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Aidan Chamandy, who stumbled upon some very interesting internal government documents while surfing the web. (Spoiler alert: the Ford government is considering setting up a new agency to speed up public infrastructure projects.)

Chamandy also walks us through an eventful press conference with the premier, who shared his thoughts on everything from the U.S. presidential race to the now-finished LCBO strike. For the record, Ford thinks "it was time" for Biden "to move on" — but doesn't "care" who wins the election, as long as the new president is willing to work with America's northern neighbour.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who has been reporting on a disturbing trend across the province: an increasing number of parents are surrendering their children to the Children's Aid, not because they've abused or neglected them, but because the parents cannot find the services and support they need to keep them safe at home.

"It's very unfortunate that that's happening," Premier Doug Ford acknowledged, adding that his government has launched an "audit" of the child welfare system.

Also in the headlines this week: A Toronto cop flips the bird — and please don't poop on the beach.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Jack Hauen, who will be in Ottawa this week for the annual conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The big item on this year's agenda is homelessness, a challenge that continues to get worse in communities across the province.

As The Trillium exclusively reported this week, the province now puts the "unofficial estimate" of Ontario's homeless population at a staggering 234,000 people. A separate report prepared by AMO tallied at least 1,400 homeless encampments across Ontario.

As Hauen reported, big city mayors are calling for more leadership from the Ford government on mental health, addictions and homelessness — including a single point of contact and more stable funding.

Hauen also discusses another big issue that made headlines this week: the province's plan to charge child-cares centres located in government buildings "full market-rate rents" starting next year. For some operators, it could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased costs.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who unpacks the biggest news of the week: the Ford government's decision to shut down 10 supervised consumption sites in the province, and ban all new ones.

The announcement was widely criticized by harm-reduction advocates and municipal politicians, who say the sites reduce public drug use, prevent overdoses and offer a pathway toward treatment. The decision also went against the advice of two government-commissioned reports that recommended keeping the existing sites open — and increasing funding to stabilize staffing and hire permanent security guards. 

But in the end, the province listened the many neighbours who say they feel unsafe living near supervised consumption sites. Last July, 44-year-old Karolina Huebner-Makurat was killed by a stray bullet after a fight that broke out in the area around the South Riverdale Community Health Centre in east-end Toronto. 

Instead of supervised consumption, the province plans to spend $378 million creating 19 HART hubs ("Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment"). The hubs will add up to 375 "highly supportive housing units," according to the government, and aim to connect people to services including mental health treatment, primary care, employment help and other supports.

You can read all the details of the government's announcement — and what it could mean for some of the province's most vulnerable people — at The Trillium.

Also on the program this week: Is an election looming? Sure fees like it.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today — a special audio-only edition — is deputy editor Sneh Duggal, who had an exclusive story this week about what went on behind the scenes before the Ford government announced the construction of a new high school in Wasaga Beach.

It turns out a developer involved in the project hosted a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser for then-Education Minister Stephen Lecce, and arranged for town politicians and staff to attend and make their case for the new school.

Spoiler alert: the developer hung on up Duggal when she phoned to ask some questions.

Also on the show: A new school year starts this week — with strict new rules on cell phone use in the classroom. Jill Dunlop, the new Education Minister, admits the change "is going to be a big issue." Will teachers be able to effectively enforce the new rules? Should they have to? Ring the bell.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who just published an eyeopening feature story about Paul Calandra's first year as Ontario's housing minister. Spoiler alert: it involves "holy water."

Pinkerton and Sexsmith also talk election speculation — both provincial and federal. 

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is deputy editor Sneh Duggal, who breaks down some concerning numbers about school board budgets in Ontario. More than four out of 10 boards — 43 per cent — are projecting a deficit this year, for a total of $200-million in red ink.

Sticking with classrooms, Duggal also talks about why the NDP and education unions are renewing calls for more government action to address violence in schools. 

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who published an important — and heartbreaking — feature story this week about parents of high-needs children struggling to find the services they need.

As The Trillium reported in August, an increasing number of Ontario parents are surrendering custody of their kids to children’s aid societies — not because they've abused or neglected them, but because they can't find the services and support they need to keep them safe at home.

Premier Doug Ford responded by announcing an "audit" of the child welfare system, but parents who spoke to The Trillium say that's not enough. They want to see a major overhaul of not only the child welfare system but of the delivery of all provincial supports for children and families.

Also on this week's Trillium Talk: The PCs hold the line with a byelection win in the Bay of Quinte.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who walks us through the growing debate over whether people with severe mental health and addictions issues should be forced into treatment.

She also breaks down the big news from Village Media: our acquisition of two leading political newsletters — Queen's Park Today and Parliament Today. You can read all about it HERE.

Launched last year by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who breaks down the latest complaint filed with Ontario's Integrity Commissioner: NDP leader Marit Stiles wants an investigation into whether Premier Doug Ford's infrastructure minister broke ethics laws by selecting Therme as the main redeveloper of Ontario Place.

Also on this week's episode: Election-style promises!

The Ford government is reportedly planning to send $200 "rebate cheques" to every taxpayer in the province — an idea that would cost roughly $3.2 billion.

Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie responded by promising to cut taxes for all middle class families, while Stiles called Ford's idea a "stunt" that proves his government is "out of touch, out of gas and clearly out of ideas."

Check your mailbox in January. In the meantime, if you're looking for back episodes of Trillium Talk they're all right HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, whose chat turned into an all-transit episode.

Bottom line: Doug Ford hates bike lanes, loves the idea of a tunnelled expressway under Hwy. 401 — and the Premier is in the driver's seat on both issues.

We apologize in advance for the audio quality on today's episode. Scott was on the road this week for a sit-down interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and we experienced some technical difficulties. If you want to check out that Trudeau interview, it's right HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Alan S. Hale, who joined our team of political journalists last month when Village Media acquired Queen's Park Today.

Hale breaks down some of the specifics of the Ford government's fall economic statement — including the $200 rebate cheques that every Ontarian is about to receive.

He also explains why the premier had some choice words for Ontario's big city mayors, who aren't on the same page when it comes to dealing with homeless encampments in their communities. Some — but not all — want the province to use the notwithstanding clause to allow individuals living in encampments with severe mental illnesses or addiction to be forced into treatment.  

"You can't put your butt on both sides of the fence — you'll get a lot of slivers," Ford told reporters, when asked about the mayors. "You don't sit there and say: 'Well, let's see if the province is going to do it.' Guys, you are either going one side or the other."

Looking for other episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter/editor Katherine DeClerq , who joined our team of political journalists last month when Village Media acquired Queen's Park Today.

The big news of the week, of course: Donald Trump's landslide win in the U.S. presidential election — and what it means for Canada.

As DeClerq explains, Canadian politicians, including the Ford government, say they're prepared to deal with Trump's potentially protectionist administration.

"I'm very confident we'll have a very rewarding relationship with the new administration," Doug Ford told reporters. Time will tell.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who breaks down the latest on the Ford government's signature promise to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031. 

Fresh off a disastrous housing projection in its latest fiscal statement, the province got more bad news this week from the Financial Accountability Office: when it comes to detached homes, Ontario "is on track for the lowest level of annual starts on record back to 1955."

On this episode, we also talk bike lanes — more specifically, who wants them ripped out and how much it will cost taxpayers to do that. Spoiler alert: the price tag is pretty steep.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Jack Hauen, who has been pounding the pavement lately on the bike lane beat.

He brings us up to speed on a briefing document written for Doug Ford's cabinet, which points out that, according to research, prohibiting bike lanes doesn’t actually solve traffic congestion.

Hauen also explains how the Ford government amended its bike lane bill to seemingly block potential lawsuits that might arise if cyclists are injured or killed after protected lanes are removed. Advocates and opposition MPPs say the amendment proves their argument: that ripping up bike lanes will have dire consequences for cyclists.

"This is a political decision and people are going to be killed," said NDP MPP Jennifer French.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Launched last year by Village Media, which operates this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who breaks down the key findings of the auditor general's latest annual report — including blunt criticisms of the Ontario Place redevelopment, the province's outdated opioid strategy, and the prevalence of minister's zoning orders (MZOs).

In non-AG news, Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie delivered some strong words of her own, telling the audience at a major fundraising dinner that the path to beating Doug Ford is down the middle.

"If we are going to win, we have to stop practicing the kind of politics that makes regular people hate us," Crombie told the crowd. "If the results of the U.S. election teach us anything, it's this: Identity politics is dead and buried. We've got to talk about and focus on the things that are really holding everyone down."

Let the election speculation continue.

Operated by Village Media, which publishes this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Alan S. Hale, who breaks down the latest back-and-forth between Premier Doug Ford and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Ford has been engaging in a charm offensive in the United States in recent days, lobbying hard against Trump's threat to levy 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports.

On Friday, Trump suggested to a CNBC reporter that he wants to work out a deal with Canada — which Ford promptly welcomed as "good news." 

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Operated by Village Media, which owns this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who breaks down a wild few days in the world of Canadian politics — including Justin Trudeau's resignation, Donald Trump's tariffs threats, and Doug Ford's emergence as Captain Canada.

Could all this lead to an early election in Ontario? Ford certainly hinted at that possibility.

Also on the show this week: A new report reveals the total number of people facing homelessness across the province — and that figure will only get worse without billions in government dollars.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Operated by Village Media, the company behind this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

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Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead

On the show today is deputy editor Sneh Duggal, who breaks down yet another busy week in the world of Ontario politics.

Opposition parties are urging Doug Ford to scrap any suggestion of an early election and work together to combat Donald Trump's looming tariffs, but Ford continues to hint that Ontarians could be heading to the polls sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Ford is sporting a new hat. 

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Owned by Village Media, which operates this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Every Sunday, Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the week that was at Queen's Park — and the week ahead.

On the show today is reporter Jack Hauen, who is ready to hit the campaign trail.

Premier Doug Ford confirmed on Friday that he's going to call a snap election on Wednesday because he says he needs a new mandate to fight Donald Trump's promised tariffs — "the largest attack in the history of our country."

Hauen also brings up to speed on taxpayer-funded private investigators snooping around supervised consumption sites, and questions over the province's $100-million deal with Elon Musk's Starlink.

The provincial election campaign will last one month, with Ontarians heading to the polls on Feb. 27. Be sure to follow your local news site and The Trillium for all you need to know.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Operated by Village Media, the company behind this community website, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published acros

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Every weekday during the Ontario election campaign, one of our legislative reporters from The Trillium will break down all the big developments you need to know about.

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that Premier Doug Ford has officially triggered a provincial election.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at Queen's Park to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Alan S. Hale, who is ready to hit the campaign trail. He joins us from right outside the lieutenant-governor's office, where Ford today officially asked for the legislature to be dissolved.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

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Every weekday during the Ontario election campaign, one of our legislative reporters will join 'Trillium Talk' to break down all the big developments you need to know about.

Welcome to a special campaign edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that Doug Ford has officially triggered a provincial election.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the latest election news.

On the show today is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who joins us on location from the launch of Doug Ford’s campaign — at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.

The PC leader used the backdrop to hammer home the point that U.S. President Donald Trump’s looming tariffs are the key issue in this provincial election. (Ford, by the way, has still been unable to land a face-to-face with the new president.)

NDP leader Marit Stiles is in Toronto on day one of the campaign, while Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie is in Barrie.

Our team at The Trillium will remain on the campaign trail with all three major party leaders right up until election day on Feb. 27.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find all of them HERE.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found H

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Every weekday during the Ontario election campaign, one of our legislative reporters from The Trillium will break down all the big developments you need to know about.

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that Doug Ford has officially triggered a provincial election.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Alan S. Hale, on location outside Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's newly launched campaign office in Mississauga.

After kicking off her campaign in Barrie yesterday, Crombie reiterated to her supporters that the real issue of this election is health care — not tariffs, and not cheap slogans found on the front of baseball caps.

As Hale briefed us on today's developments, Crombie could be seen right behind him, hugging supporters and posing for selfies. 

As for the other party leaders, Conservative Doug Ford is in London today while the NDP's Marit Stiles was at Queen's Park showing off her new campaign bus. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner is visiting Halton Hills.

Check out our site later this afternoon for a full wrap of today's news from the campaign trail.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that Doug Ford has officially triggered a provincial election.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Jack Hauen, who is following the NDP's Marit Stiles on the lone campaign bus being used by party leaders in this year's election. (Doug Ford, Bonnie Crombie and Mike Schreiner are travelling by other means this time around).

One of Stiles' stops today was at a union hall in Windsor, where she promised to protect autoworkers from U.S. President Donald Trump's looming tariffs. Outside, Hauen protected himself from the rain as he joined us for a chat.

As for the other leaders, Ford is in Niagara Region today, Crombie stopped in Scarborough and Schreiner paid a visit to the riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

Check out our site later this afternoon for a full wrap of today's news from the campaign trail.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is Katherine DeClerq, who covered a defiant Doug Ford at a press conference today in his riding of Etobicoke North. 

A day after pulling U.S. booze from LCBO shelves, Ford also announced further retaliation against U.S. President Donald Trump's looming tariffs, scheduled to take effect on Tuesday.

Most notably, the province is "ripping up" a $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink that would have provided satellite internet to thousands of Ontario homes and businesses. 

The PC leader and current premier also announced Monday morning that Ontario would ban all U.S. companies from provincial contracts until Trump's tariffs are removed. 

"Every year, the Ontario government and its agencies spend $30 billion on procurement, alongside our $200 billion plan to build Ontario," Ford said. "U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues. They only have President Trump to blame."

Check out our site later this afternoon for a full wrap of today's news from the campaign trail.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

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Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Alan S. Hale, who covered Doug Ford's campaign stop in Pickering on Wednesday afternoon. 

As always, Hale had a question to ask the PC Leader — but was abruptly cut off because Ford's campaign has suddenly decided to limit media questions to six per press conference for the remainder of the election campaign.

Trust us, our reporters will keep trying.

As for the other party leaders, the NDP's Marit Stiles was in Toronto today, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie was in Hamilton and Mike Schreiner of the Green Party was in his home community of Guelph.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is deputy editor Sneh Duggal, who covered Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's campaign stop in Scarborough Thursday morning.

Health care was at the top of the agenda — more specifically, the Liberals' plan to ensure everyone in the province has a family doctor. 

Crombie laid out a lot of promises, including opening up two more medical schools in Ontario and improving health team networks across the province. She also made a point of saying it's time for doctors to scrap their fax machines in the name of efficiency.

At one point, Duggal asked Crombie about one of the slogans plastered on her campaign bus: "11,000 PEOPLE DIED WAITING FOR SURGERY LAST YEAR." Data obtained by The Trillium suggests that figure is actually a lot lower.

Stay tuned for more on that story.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

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In a special edition of Trillium Talk, two of our Queen's Park journalists join the hosts of TVO's #onpoli podcast for a deep-dive discussion about the Ontario election campaign.

Welcome to a very special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Now that the provincial election campaign is in full swing, we decided to team up for a wide-ranging discussion with our colleagues at TVO’s #onpoli podcast, co-hosted by Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath.

Joining the panel today from The Trillium are Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross and reporter Charlie Pinkerton.

Although our Trillium Talk segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we’ve ramped things up now that the election is set for Feb. 27. Look for episodes here every weekday throughout the campaign.

Want to watch previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who was in downtown Toronto to cover campaign events with both Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and NDP Leader Marit Stiles.

Stiles, who was joined by the president of the Ontario Nurses Association, is promising to the boost the number of nurses across the province by 15,000 over the next three years.

Crombie, meanwhile, stuck to the main agenda on her platform: the Liberals' promise to get every Ontarian a family doctor within the next four years.

Interestingly, talk also turned coyotes. Speaking to reporters, the Liberal candidate in Spadina—Fort York blamed a recent spike in downtown coyote attacks on the Ford-approved demolition of Ontario Place. (The site is being redeveloped by Therme, an Austrian spa company.)

Speaking of attacks, Ford is facing fresh criticism for tomorrow's mid-campaign trip to Washington, where he will join fellow premiers in lobbying against Trump's threatened tariffs. Look for full coverage of the Washington trip here.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium

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In a special edition of Trillium Talk, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie joins our 'Inside the Village' podcast for a deep-dive discussion about her party's campaign promises.

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

For today’s episode, The Trillium passes the mic to the hosts of our Inside the Village podcast, who sat down for an in-depth conversation with Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie.

The interview covers a lot of ground — from the province's doctor shortage to homeless encampments to the Liberal party's Super Bowl ads.

We also ask Crombie — who was elected as party leader a little more than a year ago — if she thinks she has the name recognition to catch Doug Ford in the polls.

Oh, and push-ups. We talk about that, too.

For the record, we’ve invited each of the party leaders to join us on the podcast for an election-campaign conversation. Stay tuned for those (if any others agree).

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show this afternoon is ParliamentToday editor Katherine DeClerq, who has followed Doug Ford’s campaign detour to Washington, D.C. for two days of meetings with U.S. politicians and business leaders.

Ford is definitely not alone on his anti-tariff tour. All of his fellow provincial premiers are with him in the U.S. capitol, along with federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

As DeClerq reports, the "Team Canada" contingent is cautiously optimistic they can convince Republicans that U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to impose punishing tariffs on Canada is not in anyone's best interest.

You can read our latest coverage HERE.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email new

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show this afternoon is Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross, who was in Elmvale today for a campaign stop with Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. 

NDP Leader Marit Stiles will be in Sudbury this afternoon to unveil her party's northern platform, while Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner was in the riding of Dufferin—Caledon this morning.

PC Leader Doug Ford doesn't have any public events planned for Thursday — one day after returning from Washington, where joined fellow provincial premiers in meetings with White House officials.

They didn't get any face time with U.S. President Donald Trump, but the premiers said they're optimistic that their anti-tariff message is being heard. 

As for Canada becoming the 51st state, that rhetoric isn't slowing down. As soon as the premiers left, Trump's deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs took to X.

"Pleasant meeting with the Premiers," wrote James Blair. "To be clear, we never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state."

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found

Send us a text

Welcome to a special edition of Trillium Talk, your must-see briefing from Village Media’s team of journalists at the Ontario Legislature. 

Although this segment usually runs on Sunday mornings, we're ramping things up now that a provincial election has been set for Feb. 27.

Every weekday during the campaign, Village Media's Scott Sexsmith will sit down with one of our staffers at The Trillium to talk about the big developments of the day. 

On the show today is reporter Charlie Pinkerton, who was in North Bay for a sold-out leaders' debate at Canadore College.

It marked the first time Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner squared off on the same stage during this campaign. 

You can watch the full debate HERE.

Looking for previous episodes of Trillium Talk? You can find them all HERE.

And be sure to check out our site's 'Ontario Votes' page for everything you need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, including local campaign headlines, candidate profiles, party promise trackers — and in-depth daily coverage from The Trillium.

Operated by Village Media, a leader in local journalism, The Trillium is a comprehensive news and information source devoted exclusively to insider coverage of Ontario politics.

Passionate and plugged in, The Trillium delivers the major political headlines of the day while unpacking complex policy changes and digging deeper into key issues that impact every Ontarian. Our dogged journalists also keep a close watch on legislative debates, question period, public appointments, lobbying activity and regulatory proposals.

The Trillium is a subscription-based news service designed especially for Queen’s Park stakeholders, such as public servants, political staffers, business leaders, lobbyists and strategists. But the site also features free content that is regularly published across our chain of local news sites.

Click HERE to sign up for the site's free afternoon email newsletter, The Trillium Wrap. Subscription information can be found HERE.