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SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
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— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.
SCOOP — Speaker Donna Skelly has quietly tightened the rules for what flies on the Legislature’s front lawn.
What’s changing? A memo circulated last week, obtained by this newsletter, detailed four key tweaks:
— The Speaker will no longer host or sponsor flag-raisings.
— Only flags of countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada will be approved, plus six exemptions: Pride, Transgender, Franco-Ontarian, Métis, Survivor’s and one more TBD.
— Every flag now needs an MPP sponsor from each caucus — Progressive Conservative, NDP and Liberal — and those MPPs must show up and speak at the event.
— If even one caucus can’t put up a sponsor, the entire ceremony won’t proceed.
The kicker: Organizers won’t be told which party blocked their request. “If [a ceremony] does not proceed because one caucus did not secure a sponsoring MPP, this will not be communicated to organizers as a failure by any caucus,” the memo read. Instead, they’ll be told it’s a no-go because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Sources say Skelly had been eager to make these changes, convinced the process as-is “wasn’t working.” Inside, reaction is split — some say it’s “reasonable,” while others warn the new protocol is “so problematic.”
“It’s reasonable,” said one source. “You only need one member from each caucus — not the whole caucus — to back it,” pointing to earlier instances when caucus support for a flag-raising wasn’t unanimous. “[Skelly] is just trying to avoid any finger-pointing.”
Not everyone shared that view. “I’ve never heard of any issues that this procedure was suddenly fixing,” a second said. “There are flag-raisings over the summer and with so few of our 124 MPPs based in Toronto, some might have to travel to get a flag-raising just so a community can be recognized.”
For smaller benches, it’s a tougher lift. “It’s way more problematic for the NDP and Liberals, who’ll have to coordinate an MPP’s attendance from a smaller cohort of MPPs.”
A third said the change creates a pipeline for silent vetoes. If a party doesn’t like the politics attached to a flag, they simply withhold a sponsor — and the request disappears with a polite “scheduling conflict.”
Meanwhile: Some are reading into the timing, privately noting the changes landed just as Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state.
A message from Next Campaign:
— The House is back at 9 a.m. 1. For those counting, it’s T-14 days until constituency week and T-50 until the winter break.
Ahead:
As for the Ombudsman: Paul Dubé awarded a Good Governance Award to the Ministry of Transportation for how it managed an extensive backlog in driver road testing. “The Ministry recognized these challenges early on — and worked closely with us as strategies were developed and implemented to reduce the backlog,” said Dubé.
— The seating spat: “The Ford government is protesting the new seating arrangements inside the Ontario legislative chamber that saw all independent members, including Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, move to the back row — a decision by the Speaker that the Progressive Conservatives believe ’conveys favourable treatment.’” Global has more.
— Meanwhile, MPPs will start combing through ministerial spending this week:
— Fundraising watch: At 6 p.m., the Tories are hosting a $120-a-ticket fundraiser in Maple. RSVP.
— Also happening this week:
— In Liberal land: Provincial council is set to meet on Saturday.
According to an email: It’s a special meeting for the organizers behind the upcoming leadership race to gather feedback.
“For clarity, this meeting will not involve voting on the details of the leadership contest process,” it read. “However, the consultation will help inform the executive council with their decisions at a later date.”
One source says we’ll know more about the leadership race post-meeting. “They’ve been gathering input over the past month,” they said.
Some expect a drawn-out race starting next year. “They’ll say there’s fatigue,” one said.
“I’m getting the sense that there’s a desire from some to have this process be more reminiscent of the last provincial leadership race than federal race earlier this year,” added a second. “We can’t let our energy go to waste.”
Those familiar say it’s too early — “premature,” as one said — for any call to have already been made on how long the race will run.
Meanwhile: The New Leaf Liberals are itching to move fast. “The leadership contest needs to resolve itself in the first half of 2026 to give the party as much time as possible before the next election,” they said. “We want to put our next leader, whoever they may be, in the best possible position to succeed. A long, drawn-out contest will not do that.”
— Weekend hours: The Legislature is expanding public access with Saturday tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Tabled: Bill 56, Building a More Competitive Economy Act — Tabled by Andrea Khanjin, the red-tape reduction bill would make changes to as-of-right labour mobility, ban speed cameras, streamline drinking water approvals and allow the forest industry to develop a single forest management plan.
Bill 57, Respect for Taxpayers Act — Tabled by Paul Calandra, the bill would expel Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson and “bar him from running for a trustee position in any school board” in the next municipal cycle.
(Watson has already quit).
Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act — Tabled by Lucille Collard, the bill would force the Ford government to appoint a Registrar of Franco-Ontarian Bookstores. It would accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores, restrict predatory pricing, direct public institutions to buy from these sellers and provide provincial support to sustain the sector.
Bill 59, Rare Disease Strategy Act — Tabled by Robin Lennox and France Gelinas, the bill would force the Ford government to implement the Rare Diseases Working Group’s recommendations.
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act — Tabled by Rob Flack, the bill would allow for zoning changes without additional approvals, streamline municipal plans, revisit the use of green development standards outside buildings.
Already: “Housing experts are sounding the alarm about [the] new bill… which they say threatens the foundation of tenant protections and rent control in Ontario.” More via The Star.
And on Sunday: The Ford government walked it back. “Our government is not proceeding with consultations on potential changes to Ontario’s tenancy lease framework regarding month-to-month leases,” said Flack. “We will continue to implement other common-sense reforms to strengthen the province’s rental housing market.”
— Killed: Second reading of Bill 28 was defeated, 40-63.
— Advanced: Report on Bill 9 was adopted 58-30, sending it to third reading.
— Over the weekend: “President Donald Trump will increase tariffs on Canada by 10 percent, he announced Saturday in a post on Truth Social, as the fallout continues over a $75-million Ontario ad campaign using quotes from former President Ronald Reagan...” Dive in.
— A1 Ford: The New York Times wrote about Captain Canada. They compared Reagan’s original speech with the Ford government’s ad.
Over at the Wall Street Journal:
— What they’re saying: “It’s all prompting questions about whether the ad is the real reason behind Trump’s move or if that was merely a pretext to put negotiating pressure on Canada,” writes Mike Crawley. “One of Trump’s top advisers says the ad is only part of the story.”
Brian Lilley says pausing the ad was the right move, even if it wasn’t wrong.
“[The ad] is questionable on ethical grounds and harmful on commercial and diplomatic levels. Not great,” said the Bloc Québécois leader on X.
“Premier Ford’s new ad using Ronald Reagan’s voice is a bold creative move — but not without consequence,” Sharan Kaur added. “Politics is about balance — and this one leans heavy on theatre.”
An ex-Canadian negotiator called Trump’s call “a tactic being used by the American leader to advance his trade agenda.”
Graeme Gordon spoke to two strategists about the $75-million spend. “[Compared to domestic] political campaigns, it’s massive,” one said.
Ford thought the ad would rally support against Trump and his administration. But failing to anticipate his response was a fundamental political mistake, noted Liberal strategist Marcel Wieder.
— Site closure: “One of the last remaining supervised consumption sites in the city’s west end will close in November following the provincial government’s decision to defund the program,” TorontoToday reports.
— System on trial: “An Ontario judge has ordered the end to a first-degree murder case over the ‘torturous’ treatment the accused experienced while incarcerated.” More from Global.
— Stream stopped: “Education Minister Paul Calandra says he will uphold a livestream ban of school board committee meetings, despite backlash. Parents say it is a politically-motivated attack on transparency that poses serious accessibility issues…” First reported by CityNews.
— The Star looked into the mess with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s billing system, highlighting one surgeon who waited three years for one procedure to be paid out.
From Megan Ogilvie: “It’s warning that Ontario’s outdated OHIP billing system is forcing doctors to wait months for delayed payments, and that hours spent dealing with rejected or unresolved claims is leading to physician burnout and taking time away from patient care.”
— Barbara Patrocinio digs into the opposition parties’ struggle to take down Doug Ford.
— Civic circus: “Someone threatened to set Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward on fire if she went to a meeting.”
— Election watch: “Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon says the government does not have enough votes at the moment to pass the upcoming federal budget — and he’s pressing opposition parties to consider whether they want another election.”
— SDF, continued: “An advocacy group whose CEO worked for the previous minister of labour of Ontario when he launched the Ford government’s Skills Development Fund recently received a $1.8 million grant from the program.” The Trillium has more.
With David Piccini feeling the pressure, here’s Theo Moudakis’ editorial cartoon:
Catch up: As we reported Thursday, some MPPs have quietly pushed for projects in their ridings to get SDF cash — including one who sought a meeting to squeeze in a late applicant, and another who backed a donor-linked bid.
— Jamil Jivani, the ex-Doug Ford advisor, is on a “Restore the North” tour. From CBC: “... following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his initiative expanded into campus tours, creating an event that is part rally, part recruitment drive, and part debate.”
— Edward Keenan writes: “This week, two pieces of news show encouraging results, suggesting that the long arc of housing policy changes may finally extend to results on the ground.”
— John Michael McGrath asked: Is it time for standardized zoning rules?
He also spoke to Avi Lewis, the would-be NDP leader, on his pitch for a public grocer.
— Ex-Harper communications director Andrew MacDougall says he worries Pierre Poilievre is chasing the wrong audience.
— Ben Eisen argues that Ford is continuing the “spend-and-borrow approach” of Kathleen Wynne.
— Seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking about Ford in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend: “A few days ago, I launched with my good friend Premier Ford- Did I say good friend Premier Ford? The always entertaining? No. The always interesting, the always unpredictable President- Premier Ford. Sorry, I don’t know why I mix the two up.”
— Seen: Doug Ford doing the 6-7. (One teacher said: “It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds.”). Ford and Gavin Newsom launch a friendly wager. Marit Stiles throwing a hit, feat. Christy Kheirallah and Olivia Akena. Her caucus cheering on the Jays.
Bonnie Crombie at a dinner with Adam Zivo, Travis Dhanraj and Eric Lombardi:
Pumpkins guard the Speaker’s door. Aislinn Clancy and Jess Dixon in Dirndls. Donna Skelly et al. commemorating Person’s Day over Pink Tea, with historian Francis Wright. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta with her suited-up son. Charlie Pinkerton’s mom, Ali, cheering him on.
— The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association presented ex-Speaker Ted Arnott with a lifetime achievement award.
— Olivia Chow is set to appear on the Travis Dhanraj-Karman Wong podcast, “Can’t Be Censored.”
— Episode 5 of The Premier Files is out, feat. Dalton McGuinty.
— Stephanie Bowman is taking over from John Fraser on the Board of Internal Economy.
— Hired: Marit Stiles has a new chief: Caitlin Pettifor. She’s an ex-advisor to Rachel Notley and Wab Kinew.
“Caitlin has a proven track record of winning and brings the kind of experience we need here in Ontario,” said Stiles.
Texted one Dipper: “It’s an inspired choice. Marit’s showing that she wants to win, and importing the Manitoba NDP’s culture to get there. It’s a sign that she’s not only running to win, but looking ahead to governing.”
Hamish Wright has joined Henley Strategies. Wright is Doug Ford’s ex-Executive Director of Transportation and Labour Policy.
“Outside of work, he’s a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan who appreciates the strategy behind every play — much like in government affairs.” Announcement.
Bill Walker is joining BWXT Canada to lead government and stakeholder relations. “Walker will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, policy makers and invested parties in Canada.”
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Yay or nay on the Speaker’s new flag-raising rules? Should the Liberals crown a new leader ASAP? Hit reply and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Monday.