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SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Doug Ford’s big-ticket gala is back.
The $1,500-a-pop Leader’s Dinner is set for Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto, per an invite circulated Thursday. RSVP.
From the email: The dinner is “an opportunity to celebrate our milestone victory, hear directly from Premier Ford and stand with our team as we continue to deliver results for the people of Ontario,” wrote Tony Miele, the chair of the PC Ontario Fund. “Seating is limited and we expect to sell out quickly.”
Recall: Last year, it was politically toxic. The Tories skipped the dinner under the cloud of the Greenbelt saga (some privately conceded the optics of a gala was “problematic” for the government). Instead, Ford opted for a province-wide road show, headlining a string of $1,000-a-plate fundraisers.
Say what you will, it’s a cash cow: Just a year prior, 4,000 people turned out to the Leader’s Dinner, which pulled in a record-breaking $6 million.
— T-21 days until the House is back.
— The fundraising front is all but empty this week.
— Tomorrow at 6 p.m.: Project Ontario is hosting an “evening of mingling and policy discussions” at the Gardiner Museum. Admission is $100.
According to the invite: “This will be a chance to connect in person, hear a few remarks, and continue building momentum behind the work we’ve started.”
Who’s speaking: Greg Brady, Alexander Brown, Matt Spoke, Ginny Roth, Brian Dijkema, San VanderVeer, Adam Zivo, Josh Dehaas, Shawn Whatley, Chris Spoke, Ariella Kimmel, Peter Copeland and more.
Next week, we’re dropping a spicy Q+A with one of those driving Project Ontario. You’ll want to read it. Become a paid subscriber.
— Save the date — “Rethinking the Vote:” The East Toronto Liberals are hosting an event “on electoral reform,” feat. guest speakers, a Citizens’ Assembly plan, a look at voting alternatives — and some nibbles. RSVP.
— The pre-launch: The Ontario Liberal Party has formed a working group that will sound out members, study best practices and report back to the executive council on how to run the race to replace Bonnie Crombie.
Who’s who: Treasurer Gabriel Sékaly will chair, with Kathryn McGarry, David Farrow, Jonathan Espie, Mandy Moore, Tim Shortill, Sean Torrie and Simon Tunstall.
What we know: The group “will launch a survey to hear directly from Party members on how to build a fair, engaging, and accessible leadership vote,” according to McGarry. “Member input will help shape the recommendations that guide the contest’s structure and process.”
Over on the leadership bench:
Mohamad Fakih — who placed third for “most exciting candidate” in a hypothetical August poll — is out.
Yvan Baker says he’s “considering it.” (Sources say some organizers have been phoning around for Baker.)
Lee Fairclough is also weighing a run, she revealed at a riding association meeting in Mississauga last Tuesday. So too are Adil Shamji, Ted Hsu, Rob Cerjanec and Stephanie Bowman.
Another clue Josh Matlow is eyeing a run? This X post:
Recall: As we reported last week, the Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor says he’s “listening” to those pushing him to run for Liberal leader.
— Ford v. Carney: “Premier Doug Ford took aim at the federal government and judicial ‘overreach’ Thursday over a move to have the Supreme Court of Canada weigh in on provincial overuse of the notwithstanding clause.” Read on from CTV.
— Hiring on ice: “The provincial government is freezing hiring at provincial agencies, including Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario and Ontario Health… Brian Lewis, a former chief economist for the province, said it’s a good thing that the province is signalling financial controls and fiscal discipline, but also warned that hiring freezes can come with some unintended consequences.” More from The Trillium.
— Trial run: “... Natalia Kusendova-Bashta has announced a pilot project that will award 15 homes — with roughly 1,800 residents — $9 million in funding for individual-first philosophies and models that are focused on people living with dementia.” Catch up from the Star.
— Raise v. reality: “The minimum wage is rising in October. But is it enough for workers to support themselves full-time?” Go deeper.
— Municipal squeeze: Over in Fauquier-Strickland, residents are bracing for a 20 per cent property tax hike next year, following a 26 per cent hike last year. “A staggering 80 per cent hike was even floated at a council meeting this summer.” Global News is on it.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Can anyone unite the Ontario Liberal Party? Barbara Patrocinio digs in.
— We showed the value of grassroots organizing and building a movement, even against the odds, the co-founders of the New Leaf Liberals write.
— Ford has just won the prize of a humbled, hobbled opposition as he dreams of being re-elected premier yet again, says Martin Regg Cohn.
— Without an overhaul, an ex-trustee argues the role is more illusion than influence. “The ministry should act now to replace the illusion of trustee power with a model that delivers real accountability and meaningful change,” Nokha Dakroub says.
— One housing expert says if governments treat the housing problem as a blip confined to Toronto’s skyline, they will miss the bigger crisis.
— Josh Matlow says his vote to contract out Toronto’s garbage service is one he wishes he could take back.
— In memoriam: Jim Bradley, the chair of Niagara Region, has died. Bradley, well-liked around the Pink Palace, was the second longest-serving MPP and an ex-cabinet minister.
Some of our top tributes:
Bradley was suffering from liver cancer and decided to seek medical assistance in dying.
— On our follow list: Looks like @QPFashun’s got a rival: @QP.gae on Instagram.
— Former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders and former cabinet minister Michael Ford have joined Westbridge Strategies. Travis Dhanraj is the new PR shop’s founder and president. Karman Wong is a partner and Liberal strategist Tom Allison is vice-president.
— Speaking of Dhanraj and Wong, they’ve launched their new podcast: “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Mitch Heimpel — known to some as “Mitchapedia” — has joined Texture, where he's leading their new GR shop.
— One cabinet minister isn’t too happy with Air Canada. In an Instagram post, Natalie Kusendova-Bashta ripped the airline for cancelling not one but two flights — including her husband’s $600 ticket to Ottawa for AMO weekend — and then refusing a refund.
— Steve Paikin has a new project: The Premier Files.
— Ex-Bonnie Crombie spokesperson Bahoz Dara Aziz made her debut on Moore in the Morning.
— Shamji’s Mamdani moment? Watch.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Showing up for Project Ontario tomorrow? Is bringing back the Leader’s Dinner the right call? Reach out and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox tomorrow.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.