Wag The Doug

Judicial independence is a foundational principle of Canadian democracy. Doug Ford sees it as an obstacle to be overcome. Because if he can’t appoint “like-minded” judges to mercilessly punish criminals, then is it really justice? Why should judges have discretion to… judge?

This month, Allison and Jonathan look at the itty-bitty constitutional crisis that Doug Ford has sparked, through his doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and even quintupling down.

Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith

Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Karyn Pugliese (Editor in Chief), Nathan Burley (Music)

At this time of year, we’d normally pine for spring. But nowadays, that means wildfire season. And it’s only a matter of time before British Columbia’s new normal becomes Ontario’s as well — yet we’re not nearly as well-prepared.

Doug Ford’s not too big on acknowledging a connection with climate change. But even more surprising is that his government has barely spoken about wildfires at all, let alone adequately invested in fighting them.

As Allison and Jonathan look out toward our orange, hazy future, they talk to Noah Freedman and Mark Belanger, forest-fire veterans with leadership roles in OPSEU, about what it will take to restore the fire-fighting capacity that Mike Harris incinerated.

Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith

Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Karyn Pugliese (Editor in Chief), Nathan Burley (Music)

Doug Ford plans to uproot the Ontario Science Centre from the iconic Don Mills home it’s occupied since 1969. But what is the Science Centre other than its iconic Don Mills home?

On a blustery afternoon, Allison and Jonathan traipse up the DVP to learn whether the dreams of their 90s childhoods are still alive in North York. They say you can’t go home again, but they will sell Science Centre tickets to childless adults.

Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith

Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (Music)

We surmised that Doug Ford would punish Toronto for picking Olivia Chow as its mayor. But if anything, he seems more sympathetic to the city and its issues than before. So what gives?

This month, Allison and Jonathan look at the premier’s peculiar relationships with the leaders of Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga — and how random grudges can animate policies that ultimately affect millions of people.

Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith

Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (Music)

Until just a few years ago, staking a mining claim in Ontario demanded banging physical posts in the ground. Now, you can simply head online and click a square on a map.

But while that may be an abstract exercise for office-dwellers in Toronto, the stakes are quite real (if no longer literal) for many First Nations in Northern Ontario — including those that sought, and failed to obtain, a face-to-face meeting with Doug Ford this fall.

On the new Wag the Doug, Allison and Jonathan behold the mining megaproject the premier touts as the future, and take the first steps in a very long process toward someday, maybe having a mine of their own.

Hosts: Jonathan Goldsbie, Allison Smith

Credits: Kattie Laur (Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Nathan Burley (Music)