Online betting is out of control and Niagara Mayors say NO to Amalgamation

Toronto politics shifts again, questions swirl around billions in provincial spending, and Ontario’s mining future is back in the spotlight.

This week on On the Ledge, Dave Trafford sits down with former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, political analyst Keith Leslie, and The Trillium editor-in-chief Jessica Smith-Cross to break down the biggest political stories shaping the province right now.

The panel starts with the fallout from John Tory’s decision not to run again for mayor of Toronto and the speculation surrounding who might jump into the race—including talk of Michael Ford and what that could mean for the relationship between Toronto and Queen’s Park.

From there, the conversation moves to Niagara’s possible municipal restructuring, the provincial government’s push toward amalgamation, and whether the political cost could outweigh the policy goal.

Mining and energy policy also take center stage after major announcements during PDAC in Toronto, including movement on the Ring of Fire and the evolving role of First Nations equity and environmental oversight in northern development.

Later in the show, Jessica Smith-Cross walks through the latest developments in the Skills Development Fund controversy, including lawsuits, investigations, and growing questions about how millions in provincial funding were awarded.

The episode closes with a serious discussion about the explosion of online sports betting in Ontario, particularly among younger audiences, and whether the province should impose tougher restrictions on gambling ads.

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