The Craig Needles Podcast: Recent Episodes
Blackburn Media
Longtime London, Ontario media personality Craig Needles talks about the biggest stories in the Forest City with local newsmakers and commentators.
Medical officers of health in various Ontario municipalities say that food insecurity is growing, and they want governments to take action.
Why is food insecurity even considered a public health issue?
Should Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program rates be increased? What about basic income?
Dr. Alex Summers - the Medical Officer of Health for Middlesex-London - joined Craig to discuss those questions and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
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Friday Round Table!
Craig is joined by a panel of London Home Builders Association Executive Director Jared Zaifman, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and London Property Management Association Executive Director Nathan Caranci to breakdown the week's top stories.
First, council is being asked to cover for the federal government's share of funding for some homelessness service providers in the city - again. Should city politicians go for this? Is this the time to take a stand against an upper level of government?
Also, the pushback on data centres has reached Strathroy - where a proposed site is not going ahead. Craig and the panel examine that issue and then discuss the latest MP defection from the Conservative Party of Canada.
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Ark Aid Street Mission is one of London's key homelessness service providers - but some expiring federal funding means they're in a time of transition.
What will that mean for people on London's streets? Can city council help with this? And what could it mean for London's winter response to homelessness?
Craig explores those issues and more with Ark Aid executive director Sarah Campbell on this episode of the podcast.
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How safe is London?
Craig was joined by political insider Ryan Gauss and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to breakdown that story and more on this week's Friday Round Table.
They also tackled the TVDSB Trustee races - there is a race, but what actual powers will trustees have when they arrive in their new-look roles?
Plus, how well (or, uh, not well) are politicians and organizations in London communicating with the public?
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Is strategic voting making its way to London's mayoral campaign?
Multi-time Green Party candidate Bronagh Morgan is running for Mayor. But does voting for her, as opposed to one of the currently-elected candidates (incumbent Josh Morgan and Ward Four councillor Susan Stevenson) mean a vote split?
Morgan says she has the experience to do the job for four years - and only four years.
She joined Craig on the latest episode of the podcast to talk about the campaign, her ideas and more.
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Friday Round Table!
Craig was joined in the studio by organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad, community advocate Jeremy McCall and former Green Party candidate Dr. Carol Dyck to break down the week's top stories.
First, they tackle council's controversial vote in favour of getting staff to look at the possibility of hiring special constables to fill enforcement gaps for London Police.
What do we expect out of the staff report? Will this become an election issue?
Also, the Ford government is playing defense on a few issues including hotel expenses and forest fire problems. Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop had a... rough interview with CBC... and the government is taking criticism for cutting budgets.
Those conversations and more on this week's Friday Round Table!
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London had major cancelations and closures due to smoke-filled air courtesy of wildfires in Northern Ontario - and, sadly, that may become a regular thing thanks to climate change.
Nobel Prize winning climatologist and Western University Professor Emeritus Dr. Gordon McBean joined Craig to discuss the fires, the climate, what we can do to help and what you may need to do at your own home.
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Ron Sapsford has decades of experience in Ontario's healthcare sector and later this year, he takes over as the chair of the board at London Health Sciences Centre amid the organization's post-scandal(s?) rebuild.
However, he also comes with some baggage after the eHealth debacle during Dalton McGuinty's time as Premier, during which he served as the Deputy Minister of Health.
How did supervisor David Musyj and the current Minister of Health decide on Sapsford? What does he bring to the table? When will other board members be named?
Musyj joined Craig on the podcast to discuss the answer to those questions and more.
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We've found out that House of Hope is going to stick around until spring of 2027.
The highly supportive units run by London Cares had been under threat of closure after the province pulled $1.3-million of funding.
But now, the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change has chipped in the needed cash to give London Cares more time to find new placed for the people living at House of Hope.
How did this happen? What's next for the building? And what's the state of accessible housing in London?
Mayor Josh Morgan and London Cares Executive Director Chris Moss joined Craig for a discussion.
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It's the Friday Round Table!
Craig was joined in the studio by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former Youth Opportunities Unlimited CEO Steve Cordes to break down the week's top stories.
They begin with news that House of Hope is going to stick around on Dundas until March of 2027.
Good news for the people who live there, but... what happens next? What should the funding model of a place like House of Hope?
Then, CTV has reported that a $2-million dollar plan to hire special constables to help fill enforcement gaps in London will be discussed at a city committee meeting next week.
But, weren't we told a huge investment in London Police earlier in this council term would solve these problems? And a $2-million bill to hire 11 people seems excessive.
Then, they look at a controversial development on Wellington near Grand - two huge buildings, few amenities and only 21 parking spots. What should council do with this proposal?
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The City of London got a nice gift from the provincial government - an $11.2-million cheque for hitting housing start targets.
The money will be used on a list of 'housing enabling infrastructure projects' set to come to council later this summer.
This is all good news, but what can we do to encourage more affordable units? When can we say London and Ontario are out of the current crisis?
Craig spoke with Mayor Josh Morgan and Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack to get their thoughts.
Also, Craig provides an update on the House of Hope closure.
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On a hot Friday in downtown London, Craig welcomed political insider Matthew Newton-Reid and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to the Covent Garden Market studio.
They look at sinking London Transit ridership numbers - can the entire decline be blamed on fewer international students at Western and Fanshawe? How could we get more people on the bus?
Then, a look at London's unemployment rate, which is sitting at 8.7%, and according to a CBC piece, the city has one of the worst youth unemployment rates in the country.
How can this get turned around? Will it become an election issue this fall?
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Nicholas Saika-Voivod is a candidate in the Ward 13 London city council race - but over a dozen women have come forward telling stories of his misconduct. The messages about his behaviour have gone viral online and one of the women involved, using the name 'Chelsea', joined Craig on the podcast to tell her story. What sort of person do we want to represent us at city hall? That's the question on this episode of The Craig Needles Podcast, powered by London Hydro with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X, Bluesky and Facebook.
It's the offseason in the NHL, but that hasn't stopped league decision makers from giving out second, third, or fourth chances.
The Edmonton Oilers have made Mike Babcock their head coach - despite a past checkered with bullying and mental abuse of his players.
Their roles in the Blackhawks sexual abuse scandal haven't prevented Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville from getting new jobs and Carter Hart - who a year ago was on trial at the London court house for sexual assault - just played in the Stanley Cup Final.
Why is hockey culture so forgiving of poor behaviour? What needs to change?
Advocate Kristin Raworth joined Craig on the podcast to discuss.
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Have you been caught up in major traffic backups this month? You aren't alone.
Commissioners at Wellington has huge delays.
Highbury is down to one lane each way for a large stretch.
There's been major construction delays at Springbank and Wonderland.
Plus lots of roadwork is happening downtown.
So why is all of this happening at once? And when can we expect some relief?
Jennie Dannis the director, Construction and Infrastructure Services at City of London, and joins Craig on the podcast to provide some answers.
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London city councillors have a new downtown plan!
It isn't the first time we've made a plan - but can this one work? Will it even be implemented?
Craig was joined in the studio by London Property Management Association Executive Director Nathan Caranci and former Green Party candidate Dr. Carol Dyck to break down the plan and how the state of the core has a huge impact on other city issues.
Then, they look at the future at London Health Sciences Centre now that the organization is recruiting a new board.
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It's been a difficult half decade for London Health Sciences Centre.
Travel scandals, lawsuits, police investigations and more. But, the organization is ready to turn the page.
They're starting recruitment for a new board after the previous one was removed by the Ministry of Health, and they've released a new public report looking into the events that led to the hospital going under supervision.
LHSC supervisor David Musyj joined Craig on the podcast to discuss that report, update the legal proceedings involving the hospital, and look ahead to what's next for LHSC.
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There's some new rules surrounding the controversial safe supply program - but will those changes actually make a difference in London?
Craig was joined by political insider Ryan Gauss and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad on the Friday Round Table to discuss.
Can the changes prevent diversion? Do we need to wind the program down entirely?
Then, some new polling shows Doug Ford's approval rating is sitting at 21%. Trouble ahead for the Progressive Conservatives?
Craig and the panel break it down on a brand new episode powered by London Hydro along with Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
This week in Ottawa, Safe Social Media Act (also known at Bill C-34) was introduced.
The government says their goal is to create "a safer online space for all Canadians, especially children". Will they accomplish their goal? What about privacy concerns? And why is unfettered access to social media causing so many problems for kids?
Dr. Emma Duerden, an associate professor of education at Western University and a Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, joined Craig on the podcast for her thoughts.
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In the wake of the announced House of Hope closure, fingers are being pointed.
Should we blame the provincial government? London city council? Everyone?
Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller and advocate Dr. Jeff Preston to look at those questions.
Then, a conversation about Canadian downtowns - including London's. Big City Mayors are asking for big investments from the federal government, aimed at improving cores all over the country.
Will Mark Carney actually cut the cheque? What should the money be spent on?
Plus - a new report blames London's rat problem on... Londoners. Is a $400 fine for not having a clean property enough to solve the rat issue?
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London has often been criticized by commentators (Craig included) for being anti-fun.
But is the city shedding that label?
The Forest City London Music Awards are coming up - which means a city wide celebration that runs for more than a week!
John Pacheco and Howie Kittleson - the co-producers of the June 14th awards show - joined Craig in the studio to talk about London's music traditions and more.
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It's been a messy few years at the Thames Valley District School Board.
Scandal. Baseball trips. Criminal charges for an executive. Firings. A board of trustees sidelined.
Now, the organization has what they hope is a new long term leader.
Kevin Auckland, the board's incoming CEO, joined Craig on the podcast to explain how he plans to win back the trust of TVDSB parents, staff and students - while navigating difficult financial waters.
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A supporting housing facility in downtown London is closing after the Ford government decided to pull the plug on their half of the House of Hope funding.
45 people who live there could soon be homeless.
Can this housing be saved?
Chris Moss, executive director of London Cares, joined Craig on the podcast to explain how this all happened and what the next steps might be.
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A busy week in London!
Craig was joined by advocate Frances Moore and former Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes to breakdown whether more Londoners will vote in this fall's election than did in the one we had four years ago.
Also, a report heading to a city committee this week outlines the potential future of London Transit - should the commission still be made up of councillors or should they bring back citizen appointees?
Councillors are also looking at $300 fines for people who leave pets in their car on hot summer days and the results of the renoviction by-law passed two years ago - which appears to be working.
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When this election campaign started almost three weeks ago, we thought 13 of 15 members of council were going to run for their old jobs - then we got a surprise.
Susan Stevenson running for Mayor means the race in ward four is wide open. Tom Cull, who put in his nomination papers on the first day of the campaign, joined Craig to talk about the new race, what people at the doors are telling him and what he thinks the big issues are in London.
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It's official - Susan Stevenson is running for mayor.
The often controversial Ward 4 councillor filed her papers this week - can she win?
Craig is joined by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, political insider Scott Collyer and former council candidate Jeremy McCall to breakdown the race.
The key takeaway from Craig: This could create an unexpected coalition for Josh Morgan.
Also, the panel looks at what Craig called the worst vote of the term: the 10-5 rejection of a proposed development that featured long-term care home and neighbouring transitional housing building.
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It's election season, so let's break it down on the Friday Round Table.
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and former city councillor Cheryl Miller joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to look at whether homelessness will be the top issue, their impression of the mayor's race after the first week of the campaign and how many competitive ward races London may have.
Then, they talk about news that London Health Sciences Centre will have to replace more than 1,300 windows at University Hospital - while also in a legal battle over the allegedly shoddy work ordered by former hospital executives.
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Brett Broadfoot lost his daughter Breanna to intimate partner violence in 2024.
Now, he's an advocate for change - locally and nationally.
He and London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn joined Craig to talk about Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act.
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It's election registration day!
The municipal election is in October, but you can officially become a candidate for mayor, council or school board trustee - yes, even for the currently under supervision Thames Valley District School Board.
Craig was joined in the studio by former Green party candidate Carol Dyck and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad to talk about the upcoming vote.
First, they analyze the news that Kirsten Krose - a former staffer in Stephen Harper's office - is running against Josh Morgan for the mayor's seat. Will this be a more competitive race than the one Morgan won in 2022?
What will be the key issue in the council races? Will longtime city councillor Roger Caranci be successful in his return to municipal politics? What should Londoners expect out of the trustee races now than the Ford government has changed the rules?
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As the city rips up another major intersection for the southern leg BRT leg - this time Wellington and Commissioners - business owners and managers have concerns.
Ian Sterling Leishman, President of the Old South Business Association, joined Craig on the podcast to talk about the potential problems, how BRT construction has impacted other city businesses and his proposed solutions. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X, Bluesky and Facebook.
London City Council has asked the province for help - after downtown councillor David Ferreria noted problems popping up due to safe supply pharmacies in the core.
Craig is joined in the studio by a panel of London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, political insider Ryan Gauss and lawyer Matthew Newton-Reid to break down that story and more.
They also tackle the Doug Ford 'gravy plane' controversy, the provincial government's aggressive changes to freedom of information rules and the supervision at the Thames Valley District School Board.
They wrap up by looking at a conversation in Ottawa about changing laws surrounding intimate partner violence.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area has received funding from United Way Elgin Middlesex for 50 years.
But, amid economic pressures, the United Way has had to put a stop to the BBBSLA funding - which means the organization needs to chart a new fundraising path.
Interim executive director Lisa McIntosh joined Craig to explain what that may look like and why the work of BBBSLA is so important.
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Click here to purchase a ticket for the 2026 Big Bash.
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Former city councillors Roger Caranci and Cheryl Miller joined Craig at the studio to breakdown the issues of the week.
First, they look at the proposed changes to the trustee role at Ontario school boards. Can we make the changes needed to get the education system on the right track?
Then, the City of London has a multi-million dollar surplus from the property tax base. Should that be spent on homelessness initiatives?
And the story that ties the two together -Premier Doug Ford has gone out and bought a private jet for nearly $29-million. Maybe some of that money could have helped the school system?
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Doug Ford's education minister Paul Calandra announced changes for the trustee role this week.
He isn't eliminating the position - but instead limiting their powers and earnings potential.
What will that mean at the Thames Valley District School Board? We still don't know whether trustees will be on the ballot this October!
Trustee Marianne Larsen joined Craig on the podcast to share her thoughts on what's been announced and what could come next.
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Previous conversations with Larsen can be found here and here.
There's been lots of talk in the media and on social media about the micro modular homeless shelter on Cheese Factory Road in south London.
Is it working? Do people want to live there?
Time to separate some fact from some fiction.
London Mayor Josh Morgan and project manager Chris Green joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about rules at the site, how they're battling isolation feelings some residents have and whether the site could be recreated elsewhere in the city.
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In the midst of all the turmoil at the Thames Valley District School Board over the last 18 months, educational assistants have been in classrooms trying to keep learning happening - despite labour strife and shrinking staffing numbers.
Rebecca Avey, President of CUPE Local 7575 joins Craig on the podcast to talk about what a regular school day is like for EAs, why they need more people on staff and what can be done to improve the learning environment in TVDSB classrooms.
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Find Craig's conversation with Bill Tucker here.
The London Health Sciences Centre says 288 nursing positions at the hospital will be eliminated as they continue to battle a large deficit.
However, there won't be any layoffs - the positions will be eliminated over several years via attrition.
Supervisor David Musyj joined Craig on the podcast to explain how the plan will work, how they hope to limit the impact on patient care and why this move isn't related to the ongoing lawsuits against former LHSC executives.
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The 2026 municipal election could be a real snoozer in London - unless it isn't?
City Hall writer Mike Donachie joined Craig to breakdown the latest important issues at city hall - and how they may impact our upcoming vote.
Will Josh Morgan have a cakewalk to re-election? How many councillors will be back in 2027? Is Susan Stevenson being underestimated by her opponents?
These questions and more on this week's episode!
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London's home builders have laid off nearly 6,000 people as production stagnates for a variety of reasons. That number could increase rapidly.
How did we get here and what can we do about it?
London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman joins Craig to discuss those questions and look at the societal impacts of home ownership becoming more and more out of reach for people in the twenties and thirties.
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Friday Round Table!
Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market by city councillor and budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former city council candidate Jeremy McCall.
They breakdown the decision by the Ford government to cut off funding to the Carepoint supervised consumption site. Why do this now? What will the impact be? Craig also shares a theory on why the Premier shut down the site now, and the panel discusses London Police Chief Thai Truong's comments on the issue.
Also, tiny homes for veterans! Good news story! Is it possible we see more of them?
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A report done by St. Joseph's Healthcare London and some external bodies says the dog research being done by the hospital and Lawson was within the rules and not cruel to the animals involved.
One of the whistleblowers who made the story public disagrees with those findings.
"Alex" joined Craig on the podcast to explain the concerns about the report, why coming forward with the story was the right decision, and discuss why animal research rules need to change.
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The supervised consumption site Carepoint has been operating in London since 2018.
Now, the Ford government says they're going to shut it down in June. What will the public health fallout be?
Dr. Alex Summers, the Medical Officer of Health in Middlesex-London, joined Craig on the podcast to explain what Carepoint actually does, the impact it has had on the health of the community, and what may come after the potential closure later this year.
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London Police are looking for information, after dozens of overdoses in the city's downtown.
Is somebody giving out "free drugs" with the aim of killing people in the core? Is this a dealer experimenting with a new drug?
Craig is joined by a panel of London Cares CEO Chris Moss, political insider and lawyer Matthew Newton-Reid and London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman to break down the latest.
Then, rents are trending down in London! That's good! Does the Mayor get credit for this? How much has the immigration shift altered the market?
Those questions and more on the Friday Round Table, brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
We got more rats!
Lots of talk about the rat situation in the east end of London at city hall this week, which makes sense. It's a pretty gross problem.
So how did we get here? And what should we do about it? Dr. Brendon Samuels, a member of the environmental stewardship and action committee at the City of London, joined Craig on the podcast to discuss, and even provide some tips.
Would quicker emptying of garbage containers in parks help?
Then, Craig and Dr. Samuels talk about trees and London being named the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada. Does the city need to do a better job explaining how tree removal works?
Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Political insider Nathan Caranci and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck joined Craig for this week's Friday Round Table.
They debated Fanshawe College shutting down their south London campus as the feds slash international student numbers.
Also, councillor Susan Stevenson wants to prevent city funded agencies from handing out pipes for drug use in and around the downtown core. Should council even consider this?
And there's a rat issue in East London!
According to CTV, several neighbourhoods have been the source of complaints. Would weekly garbage pickup helps solve the problem?
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As councillors are set to debate a proposed high-rise near the intersection of Ridout and Kent - people who would have to move for the building to be constructed are set to receive a big offer.
York Developments has offered the potentially soon to be displaced tenants $10,000 for their move if they get the go ahead to build a 30-storey, 500+ unit tower on the property.
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis joined Craig on the podcast to talk about that development - and councillors taking campaign donations from builders in the city.
Does that create a conflict of interest?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller and former YOU executive director Steve Cordes.
They tackle the latest dispute about the homelessness crisis at city hall, where one councillor is questioning per bed spending totals.
Then, a look at the way the safe supply (or, 'prescribed alternatives' as some are now calling it) is administered in London and councillor David Ferriera's criticism of the "corner store" style of the way the program can be accessed.
Also, council expense reports are out! Do we really care how much a councillor spends?
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During a contentious debate over a proposed 30 floor residential high rise York Developments wants to build at the corner of Richmond and Kent Streets, there was talk of campaign donations from York employees potentially greasing the wheel for members of the planning committee to vote in favour of the plan.
This was ruled out of order during the meeting - but should it be?
Craig discusses the development plan (a rare downtown intensification proposal he doesn't like) and campaign donation rules with Ward 6 councillor Sam Trosow on this edition of the podcast - which is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
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The Thames Valley District School Board remains in a time of transition.
Trustees are sidelined, the province has put supervision in place, budgets under scrutiny and a director of education who plans on leaving his job.
Lots happening!
TVDSB Education Director Bill Tucker joins Craig on the podcast to talk about the board's future, his time back in the director's office, why education assistants are angry with the board, and more.
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Six months after controversial research involving dogs was snuffed out by Premier Doug Ford - St. Joseph's Heath Care and Lawson Research have released reports looking at what happened and what needs to change.
The reports say the research was within medical guidelines and rules - but the communication within the institution and with the public was lacking in some cases.
Roy Butler, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare, joined the podcast to discuss the findings - and some questions Craig had that weren't addressed in the reports - which leads to an abrupt finish to the conversation.
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Craig's podcast exploring this issue with Dr. Brendon Samuels from August can be found here.
A brand new Friday Round Table, as Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by Ward 13 city councillor David Ferreria, political insider Scott Collyer and consultant Mojdeh Azad.
They look at job losses in the London region and the potential challenges for those looking or work on the horizon. Also, how can we create jobs in the downtown core?
Then, a conversation about winter shelter challenges the city has and whether it's time to not only increase the amount of time when warming centres are open, but how many warming centres there actually are.
Also, the cost of tuition at postsecondary institution is on the rise - after seven years of being frozen. What will that mean for students at Western and Fanshawe?
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The micro-modular shelter in south London is open!
What impact ill it have? Is it in the right spot? How can we get more of them?
Craig was joined in the studio by London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and community advocate Jeremy McCall to break down that story and some education matters.
First, should high school students get LTC passes? It won't be easy to work out, but Craig says the juice is worth the squeeze.
Also, more cuts are coming at TVDSB. Craig asks the panel if they're concerned about what that means for kids.
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There's no way around it, the federal government's gun buyback program isn't working.
Police services say they don't have the resources - or even the desire -to participate, so, where does that leave this?
Elgin-St. Thomas-London South MP Andrew Lawton - who worked with Craig for years - joins him on the podcast to break it all down, plus a conversation about bail reform. Is the federal government going to finally get something done on this lightning rod file?
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Two former London City Councillors - Roger Caranci and Cheryl Miller - joined Craig in the studio for this week's round table.
First, they breakdown a CBC story about a man who was sent to London by health officials in Huron County because he was homeless.
Are Ontario municipalities selling each other out in the fight against homelessness? Shouldn't the province act on this?
Then, a look at Mayor Josh Morgan's State of the City address this week.
Did it seem like a pre-election speech? Will the new homeownership program actually help those trying to get into the market?
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There multiple several big discussions about London's homelessness crisis at city hall this week - and Ward 4 councillor Susan Stevenson helped bring two of them to the table. She joined Craig on the 434th episode of the podcast to break them all down.
One was about when warming centres open and how cold it needs to be for that to happen. Stevenson explains how changing one word could mean the centres are open more frequently and she and Craig talk about how many warming centres the city should have.
Then, they talk about shifting funding from outreach towards longer hours at homelessness providers and the good neighbour clause - which Craig still doesn't understand.
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The 2016 Instagram trend seems to have made its way to London City Hall.
Bus rapid transit is back!
Council is asking the province for cash to put a bus rapid transit route on Wharncliffe Road that runs by Western and to Masonville Mall.
Good idea? Or have we gone down this road before?
Craig looks at that story with London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, United Way Elgin Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck on a brand new Friday Round Table.
On the 433rd episode of the podcast, the panel also looks at council's upcoming debate over the winter response to homelessness, and a new ranking that says London has the 11th best quality of life in Canada (we did it!).
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
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Flu season has been especially brutal this year with the Middlesex-London Health Unit tracking some large case counts.
Why have so many people been getting sick?
Dr. Jennifer Guthrie, a professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, joined Craig on the podcast to explain why this year seems to be worse than flu seasons past - and what you can do to avoid getting ill.
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, London Cares Executive Director Chris Moss, and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad.
They breakdown new numbers that show homelessness is on the rise - 85,000 Ontarians were homeless last year, up 8% from 2024. Craig and the panel talk about potential solutions, how bad this can get and whether governments are actually serious about the issue.
Then, a look at the construction delay with the micro modular shelters in south London, and why the build started as late as it did.
They wrap up with Mark Carney's trip to China - did he, as Doug Ford says damage Ontario's auto sector with this new deal?
Episode number 431 of the Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's the first Friday Round Table of 2026!
Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market Studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, political insider Nathan Caranci and former TVDSB trustee Matthew Newton-Reid.
The panel looks ahead to the big political event in London this year - the municipal election.
What will the key issues be? How much turnover will there be on council? Will Josh Morgan have an easy road to re-election?
Should there be online voting in London? Woodstock is doing it!
Also, what's going on with those thrown out books at Beal? Who is to blame?
Episode 430 of the Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The Temporary Foreign Worker program has come under criticism both in Canada from the opposition Conservatives and internationally from the United Nations - is it time to get rid of it?
Peter Fragiskatos says no.
The London Centre MP - who also serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship - joined Craig on the podcast to explain.
Episode 429 of the Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig welcomes political insider Scott Collyer, advocate Dr. Jeff Preston and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck to the studio for the last Friday Round Table of 2025!
First, they talk about this "good neighbour" clause proposed at London City Hall, that would require... something of social services. We just don't know exactly what. It seems to be about maintaining property standards - or something.
Anyway, will this be effective? Or actively bad for front facing social services agencies? Craig and the panel discuss.
Then, London Police have made some new hires. And the headliner is Ali Chahbar, who is their new general counsel. Of course, Chahbar is the former chair of the London Police Services Board and also left the Thames Valley District School Board amid their financial mess.
Was this a good hire? Doesn't it look too much like cronyism?
Those questions and more on the 428th episode of the Craig Needles Podcast, brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
We have an addictions crisis and a homelessness one - is it time for the province to step up?
Ontario's big city mayors say so. Will Doug Ford act?
Meantime, there's been some big debates at city hall about the micro-modular housing in south London, and a manager at the city of London is threatening to sue a member of the media.
Craig breaks down those stories - plus the latest Conservative-to-Liberal floor crossing - with former city councillor Cheryl Miller, CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and former TVDSB trustee Matthew Newton-Reid.
The 427th episode of the Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
London is in crisis - but will the province acknowledge it?
Ontario's Big City Mayors have all signed a letter urging the Ford government to declare homelessness and the addictions crisis a state of emergency.
Will they actually do it? What would that mean?
London Mayor Josh Morgan joined Craig on the podcast to discuss that story and the new micro-shelters being built in South London - far from the city's downtown core. How will they operate? How did security firm Xpera get the contract?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
We're still trying to figure out what's next for trustees, the standard testing/EQAO results are pretty bad, school boards all over the province are in flux - strange times!
Craig was joined by education expert Debbie Kasman to tackle all of these issues and more on the latest podcast - brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's Friday Round Table time, and Craig opens the podcast by sharing what he knows about the Mariam Hamou arrest story.
He goes over where this all may have started, how was got to the point of an arrest being made, what may have been the catalyst for St. Thomas Police filing the charges and more.
Then, London Home Builders Association Executive Director Jared Zaifman and United Way Elgin Middlesex Kelly Ziegner joined Craig to analyze the big stories of the week, including council finalizing a budget - will voters be willing to live with a 3.4% tax hike?
Then, they talk about potential changes to the 'renoviction' bylaw in the City of London and another exit at the London Police Service Board.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Teaching kids about food can help fight food insecurity.
It's true - and that's one of the many things Growing Chiefs Ontario does.
The London-based non-profit has helped thousands of people learn about cooking, food preparation, food costs and more.
Executive Director Andrew Fleet joins Craig on the podcast to talk about the organization, the growing amount of food insecurity in London and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and community advocate Jeremy McCall to the Covent Garden Market Studio.
First, they breakdown a new report from the Middlesex-London Health Unit showing that opioid overdoses and poisonings are trending down.
Have we turned a corner here? Is this report not showing what's happening on the street?
Then, they chat about the work environment at London City Hall. Councillor Susan Stevenson says she's been harassed by fellow councillors and staff.
Does she have a point or is this just a political play?
Then, Bill 33.
Education Minister Paul Calandra wants to get rid of trustees. But, the panel says his plans are poorly thought out.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Unpopular take alert: Craig actually like speed cameras. And polling data says most people agree with him! Maybe the take is not so unpopular after all.
Robyn Robertson, President & CEO of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation joined Craig on the podcast to talk about speed cameras, how Doug Ford missed the mark in banning them and what other road safety measures London can deploy in school zones.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig welcomes London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, London Cares Executive Director Chris Moss and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad to the Covent Garden Market studio for this week's Friday Round Table.
They discuss the latest satisfaction survey from London City Hall - where 24% of people in the community say their quality of life is 'poor' or 'very poor'. Are you surprised?
Also, the top issue, according to the survey - homelessness.
Does the city have real answers there?
Also, they discuss London Police looking for feedback on their drug strategy, the latest at TVDSB (Student and Family Support offices?), London West MP Arielle Kayabaga getting slammed for a some big expenses, and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The reviews are in for Mark Carney's first federal budget, and, in a lot of cases, they are not good.
Economist Mike Moffatt, co-host of The Missing Middle podcast, joined Craig to breakdown what his concerns are and what he thinks would have helped create more housing in Canada.
Craig and Mike also discussed former cabinet minister Nate Erskine-Smith's criticism of the budget and whether premiers like Doug Ford and Danielle Smith have escaped criticism for their own housing failures.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
London city councillors have voted themselves a 35% raise.
Will they pay for it at the ballot box next October?
Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller and former YOU CEO Steve Cordes to discuss whether this is a story that will have staying power.
Then, thy breakdown the harassment scandal at London City Hall - should administration be asking councillors to avoid media interviews about anything?
And finally, a conversation about the federal budget, which is heavy on red ink and low on housing announcements.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Meet Ribal Zebian.
He's received the Governor General’s Award of Honour and a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for his engineering work - which included building a Mercedes out of wood.
Now, he's turning his attention to the big issue Canadians are facing - housing.
How can engineering help make housing more affordable? Zebian has some ideas.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Friday Round Table!
Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, political insider Devin Munro and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck.
They discuss councillors in London getting a raise - and severance pay. Clearly it won't be popular politically, but was it needed?
Also, a look at the budget. Mayor Josh Morgan has tabled a buget with an expected 3.6% tax hike in 2026 and 4.7% in 2027.
Good number? Will people in London accept it? This this an "election budget"?
Then, the Ford government is, uh, speeding... to get rid of speed cameras. Are they right? Is the process here a red flag?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
A massive rights violation at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in the GTA has resulted in three men who stood accused of murder having their cases thrown out - due to the, as the judge said, torturous conditions at the facility.
Will this continue at Maplehurst? Will there be other issues like this at other Ontario jails - like Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre?
Defense lawyer Alison Craig thinks so.
She joined Craig on the podcast to discuss the state of corrections in the province - and call on the government for action.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's the Friday Round Table!
Craig was joined by a panel of community advocate Jeremy McCall, former NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.
First, a quick discussion about Donald Trump saying he's cutting off trade talks with Canada because of an ad the Ontario government placed.
Then, a look at the news out of Queen's Park that the Ford government is looking at making major changes to residential rental rules in the province - and the potential pitfalls that come from that. Would it lead to more homelessness in London?
Also, London finally has a HART hub! Will that help our homelessness issues? What about those 'micro shelter' spaces south of the 401? The panel discusses.
They wrap up with a look ahead to next year's municipal election. Will Josh Morgan have any serious challengers?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's been another banner week at the Thames Valley District School Board.
One former executive (Linda Nicholls) was arrested by London Police for alleged mail theft. Meantime, former general counsel Ali Chahbar has officially left the board after going on leave back in March.
What does this tell us about what was going on at the board? How should education governance look in Ontario?
Leroy Osbourne and Marianne Larsen - who were elected as TVDSB trustees in 2022 - joined Craig on the podcast to talk about it.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The Forest City Film Festival starts on October 24th!
Screenings, workshops and more all coming to the city's core - and there's still a chance to get tickets to check it all out.
The festival's executive director - Dorothy Downs - joined Craig on the podcast for a preview and to highlight some key events!
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
London Police Chief Thai Truong - just two and a half years in to his original five year deal - has signed a contract extension with the service that goes until the end of 2031.
That's a lot of term.
So, why did the London Police Services Board give it? Why did the chief want to sign it?
Truong and board chair Ryan Gauss joined Craig on the podcast to breakdown those questions and take a look at the state of policing in London.
Open air drug enforcement, violent crime, gang enforcement. What's working? What's not?
Those questions and more on the Craig Needles Podcast, brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
London is growing - but may not as fast as we thought?
New population projections show we may not have as many people living in the Forest City as we thought in the years to come, so does that mean we change were we can build housing?
The Urban Growth Boundary has been debated at city hall this week, and Craig decided to get both sides of the discussion on the podcast.
London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and environmental advocate Dr. Brendon Samuels to discuss.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Detective Gary Bezaire has been with London Police for over 20 years, so he's seen a lot. How has the service evolved?
Bezaire, who is in charge of the London Police Human Trafficking Unit, joined Craig on the podcast to talk about how that evolution has impacted the fight against human trafficking in the community.
They also discuss the impact the budget increase has had on frontline officers, and work London Police officers are doing in the community.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Multiple YouTubers have created videos calling London, among other things, a zombie city or the most drug addicted place in Canada.
Of course, those sorts of claims are unfounded and quite frankly, dangerous.
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis joined Craig in the studio to discuss the videos and what the city may do in response.
Then, they look at the expansion of London's Urban Growth Boundary and the push to get more housing in the city.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
There's still anger and unrest in London and all over the country after the verdict in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial.
Even beyond just the verdict - which most legal experts understood - the way the trial went and the lack of systemic control for organizations like Hockey Canada and the NHL remain question.
ANOVA and London abused Women's Centre have joined together to write a letter aimed at addressing both.
The executive directors of both organizations - Jessie Rodger and Jennifer Dunn - joined Craig on the podcast to explain the change they're looking to make.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Rhys Mendes, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, was in London this week and made some time to come chat with Craig on the podcast.
They discussed ongoing concerns about tariffs and how they may impact the local economy, whether Canada has avoided a recession and whether we could see further interest rate cuts in 2026.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The City of London had an update on the Whole of Community response this week and it actually is helping! Good news! But, there's a lot more people who need help, so how can we increase capacity?
Craig breaks down that story with advocate Frances Moore, Dr. Jeff Preston and former TVDSB trustee Matthew Newton-Reid - while also looking at the progress made in the 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Then, the panel looks at removing speed cameras from Ontario cities and whether municipalities should fight the province on this one. Also, a conversation about the federal Liberals ending door-to-door delivery at Canada Post. Bad decision, or long overdue?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
London-Middlesex Community Housing has a lot of problems.
Buildings that are falling apart. Pest infestations. Plumbing issues. But - are those things getting better?
Is the organization turning a corner - even if they're staring down more than $100-million in repair bills?
Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and Ward 1 Councillor Hadleigh McAlister both sit on LMCH's board and joined Craig on the podcast to discuss.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck to breakdown the week's top stories.
They look at the misogynistic graffiti found in northwest London and analyze the way politicians and police have reacted to it - and discuss the safety of women and girls in our society.
Then, discussions about landlords skirting bylaws, whether now is the time to build a new London City Hall and when Canadians may be ready to start travelling to the US again.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Six months after the London Transit commissioners were unceremoniously removed by council - is bus service in this city any better?
Ward 11 councillor Skylar Franke, who is also the chai of the commission now, joins Craig for an update on where transit is in the city, how they hope to improve and what the future of the commission may look like.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig welcomed London Cares Executive Director Chris Moss, political insider Ryan Gauss and former YOU CEO Steve Cordes to the studio to talk about the week's top issues.
They tackle some developments in the homelessness space - including how the homelessness hubs are working and the ongoing issues with the building at Queen's and Adelaide.
Then, they examine the latest at the Thames Valley District School Board - where supervisor Paul Boniferro doesn't feel the need to actually come to the meetings.
The panel wraps up by discussing London Police finding some budget savings and how it may impact the 2026 property tax rate.
Ysni Semsedini, about a year into his role as CEO at London Hydro, joined Craig on the podcast to talk about his time on the job so far, your hydro bill, the city's grid, their affiliates and the future of the organization.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's the 400th episode of The Craig Needles Podcast!
Craig welcomes former London city councillors Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci to the studio, as well as political insider Devin Munro to talk about the week's top stories.
They go over the brewing federal battle over the temporary foreign workers program and why the Carney Liberal clearly have a problem with the file.
Then, they discuss the updated timelines for the HART hub in London and what the impact on homelessness in the community might be, followed by going over the latest multi-million dollar lawsuit launched by LHSC.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Well-known and infamous-to-some London property owner Shmuel Farhi joined Craig on the podcast for a wide ranging conversation.
They tackle Farhi's purchase of Westmount Mall, why he builds far more in other communities than he does in London, his proposal to move London City Hall, separating some facts from some fiction and more.
Craig also shares some of his past criticisms of Farhi's approach to downtown property management and they find some common ground on what needs to happen next to help revitalize London's core.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Last Friday Round Table of the summer!
Craig welcomed political insider Scott Collyer, organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad and London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman to the Covent Garden Market Studio to breakdown the issues of the week.
They start with the state of public housing in the City of London. It is not good. A piece in the London Free Press this week shows buildings that are infested with pests and falling apart. What do we need to do to improve our affordable housing stock?
Then, the Premier announced some cash for the city because housing targets are being met. Good news, but how do we keep those numbers up? It might be a challenge.
They finish by discussing some delays in getting busses into London - which means delays for new London Transit routes.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The United Way has released their Built for Good report and it's ambitious.
They want to spend more than $60-billion to bring new affordable homes online, prevent homes from deteriorating, and keep people in the places they're living now.
The CEO of United Way Elgin-Middlesex, Kelly Ziegner, joined Craig on the podcast to breakdown the report.
What role should government play here? What about developers? Where can we find the cash to make this happen?
They tackle those questions and more on The Craig Needles Podcast - brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Summer is winding down! Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market Studio by London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, political insider Nathan Caranci and community organizer Jeremy McCall for the second last round table of August.
The group tackles stories like the provincial government openly musing about eliminating elected school board trustees, when HART hubs may actually arrive in London (it was supposed to be in the spring), Doug Ford's comments about a man facing charges for fighting off a burglar who broke into his home and the Crown's decision not to appeal the Hockey Canada trial verdict.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Is the Thames Valley District School Board too big?
Is it time to separate London's schools from the ones in Oxford and Elgin Counties?
The Warden of Oxford County thinks to.
Marcus Ryan joins Craig to talk about his ideas and how they've been received by politicians at the municipal and provincial levels.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to the Covent Garden Market studio to breakdown the issues of the week.
First, they tackle the ongoing debacle at St. Joseph's Health Care. In the wake of the National Post story about research done with beagle puppies, Dr. Lisa Porter, the scientific director and vice president of research at Lawson Research Institute, has left the organization.
Will there have to be more turnover at the organization before this story goes away? Should the Premier have gotten involved in ending the research? Craig and the panel discuss those questions and more.
Then, they look at the City of London cracking down on short term rentals violating bylaws, and looking to build a new community centre in (or near?) Old South.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Last week: National Post breaks story about puppies being kept in brutal conditions at St. Joseph's Health Care and Lawson Research.
This week: Doug Ford kiboshes the entire project.
Clearly, the Premier's move is politically popular, but was that the right decision? Or maybe it was more complicated than some believe?
Maybe hospital leadership could have done more to mitigate the PR nightmare?
Dr. Brendon Samuels, a researcher and a member of the City of London's Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee joined Craig on the podcast to discuss the story.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Some former TVDSB trustees are speaking out after the province turfed them due to financial irregularities at the board.
Was poor financial planning from the province to blame for the board's red ink? Marianne Larsen says yes.
She joined Craig on the podcast to discuss that and the events that led to the trustee model being scrapped in Thames Valley.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Is downtown getting more safe? Do we need bail reform? How should LTC be managed? Should 16-year-olds be able to vote in Canada?
Those questions and more on this week's Friday Round Table, as Craig is joined by political insider Devin Munro, former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and community builder Jeremy McCall.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Do we need bail reform? How is the legal system's backlog impacting London?
Police Chief Thai Truong joins Craig on the podcast to discuss changes he'd like to see in the legal system, safety in London and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Planning expert and regular podcast guest Dr. A.J. Wray is leaving London to take a job teaching at the University of Tennessee.
So, as he waves goodbye, Craig invited him on the podcast for some thoughts on where the city is, what the future might hold, and areas London needs to improve.
The Craig Needles Podcast is presented by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Is the London Police open air drug strategy working?
They - once again - are showing off a report saying that it is. Craig and the panel break it down on this week's Friday Round Table, as he's joined by Ward 8 councillor Steve Lehman, former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz and London Cares Executive Director Chris Moss.
Later on, the panel breaks down the City of London putting those portable toilets back in Watson Park and the Thames Valley District School Board announcing another executive exit - amid questions about their budget. Has the transparency element been completely removed now that the province has taken over?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
After last week's blow up at city hall, Unity Project Executive Director Chuck Lazenby joins Craig to talk about the homelessness crisis, what's happening in the community, the next steps for the organization and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The London tax increase seems like it'll get under 5% - a win for council or will there be fallout for services?
Craig is joined in the studio by London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman and organizational consultant to breakdown that story, plus turning city-owned parking lots into housing and some concerning job trends on this edition of the Friday Round Table.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Ward 4 councillor Susan Stevenson is back in the news - this time because of a motion perceived by some to have questioned the integrity of some local social service providers.
Stevenson says that is not the case, and joined Craig on the podcast to explain why she wanted to see some agreements the city completed with Unity Project, London Cares and Atlohsa.
Why did Stevenson want to see these contracts? Why does she think the backlash was so intense? And what would she do differently in the future?
These questions and more on The Craig Needles Podcast - brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The Ford government's highly controversial Bill 5 was the big Ontario political story this week, so Craig is joined by advocate Frances Moore, former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and first time round tabler Sara Mai Chitty to break it all down.
Why is the bill so controversial? Why are Indigenous communities, especially, so concerned by it? And what could the political impacts be?
Then, Craig and the panel look at the potential budget cuts at London City Hall. Council wants to save money, can they do that without major service impacts? What should council be focused on to bring down the tax rate.
Then, they wrap up by quickly discussing the city and Farhi Holdings working together to convert office space into housing.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Seven years of legal twists and turns could soon come to an end for former NHLers Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote.
The final legal arguments in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case are being presented next week.
Craig is joined by defense lawyer Alison Craig on the podcast to talk about the case, the various bizarre legal happenings surrounding it and what the outcome might be.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's London Music Week!
Craig is joined by Mario Circelli to talk about everything happening from June 1st-8th, the music scene in London, how we can make it better and lots more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The fallout continues at the Thames Valley District School Board, as another executive has resigned in the wake of major financial scandal.
What's next for the board? Will we ever have trustees again? How did this happen?
Craig is joined by a panel of former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, organizational consultant and activist Mojdeh Azad (formerly Mojdeh Cox) and former council candidate Jeremy McCall to try and answer those questions and more.
Then, they look at a London Police officer facing criminal charges while still getting paid and potentially tough decisions council will have to make as they try and cut the tax increase.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The TVDSB audit is out, and the results are bad.
Unauthorized promotions, random COVID payouts, questionable executive decisions - all that and more on the list of things that shouldn't have happened at the school board.
Craig's question: Why are some people letting the trustees off the hook here? Shouldn't they be accountable for the actions of now former Education Director Mark Fisher? Could there be criminal charges here? And could these revelations change the way we run Ontario's education system?
Education analyst & researcher Debbie Kasman joins Craig to tackle these questions and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
We know where that $60-million surplus the City of London has is going - sort of.
Some councillors may still try to see some of the cash get to community groups. Should it?
Meantime, London politicians and police are extolling the virtues of month one of their open air drug use crackdown. Is it actually working?
Also, week one of the new Carney government. Do the missteps on the housing file show they're going to have a rough time?
Advocate Frances Moore, political insider Devin Munro and former TVDSB trustee Matthew Newton-Reid joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to discuss those questions and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Former London City Councillor and Thames Valley District School Board Trustee Cheryl Miller joins Craig to talk about the future of the board now that trustees have essentially been fired by the province.
How did this happen? Did the province make the right choice? Those questions and more, plus Cheryl shares thoughts on council compensation and the budget surplus debate.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
It's been another whirlwind news week in London.
Councillors anonymously sniping at each other (via survey), London transit busses are late (surprise) and we still don't really know what's happening with the Thames Valley District School Board after the province essentially turfed the trustees.
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis joined Craig on the podcast to talk about these issues and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
A huge announcement from Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services - as they're creating 115 new highly supportive housing apartments thanks to a big investment from the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change.
The units won't be online until fall 2026 (in SoHo) and winter 2027 (on Huron Street) but Mayor Josh Morgan says the announcement is a huge step in battling the homelessness crisis in the city.
Morgan joined Craig on the podcast to talk about the announcement and some of the positive trends he's seeing in London's core areas.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The Liberals are back in government! What's next for Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party? What about the NDP? Will the party survive?
Those election questions and more with former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci.
The panel then discusses the latest surrounding that City of London $60-million budget surplus and where the money might go.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
We had an election! Interesting stuff happened!
The Liberals won a minority - which was nearly a majority - and the Conservatives had a big night in London, while the NDP had a total disaster evening.
Craig is joined in the studio by the MP-elect for Elgin-St. Thomas-London South Andrew Lawton to talk about the results of the race, what sort of MP Andrew will be and what will be next for the Conservative Party of Canada after the loss and Pierre Poilievre losing his seat.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and organizational consultant Mojdeh Cox. The panel touches on the final days of the federal election and then gets into that $60-million surplus that the City of London has and where the money should go. They also look at the Thames Valley District School Board and the province taking the board over. Will this finally calm things down at one of Ontario's biggest boards? Then, they wrap the conversation with a look at the latest in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case at the London Court House. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
One of the longest serving leaders in London's non-profit sector is stepping away.
Steve Cordes, the the executive director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, says he'll be leaving the role in August after more than 40 years with the organization.
Craig and Steve talk about his time with Y.O.U., how the organization has grown, key success stories and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
An election, an explosion and the future of London's downtown.
Three big issues on this week's Friday Round Table and Craig is joined in the studio by City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, former city councillor John Fyfe-Millar and CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland to talk about them.
First, the Conservatives are talking about not believing the polls and there appears to be some infighting. Is the campaign going as poorly as it looks from the outside?
Then, a look at three issues that are linked.
First, should council break up the encampment at Watson Park after the explosion there this week?
What could the proposed London Police enforcement surrounding open air drug use mean for people who are homeless in the community?
And what is the city doing to help commercial building owners in the downtown?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig's former colleague Andrew Lawton is back in the news - this time, after PressProgress uncovered he was involved in a Signal chat with leaders of the convoy protest that shutdown Ottawa in 2021.
He's the Conservative candidate in Elgin-St. Thomas-London South, and the story - along with others from Andrew's history in media - have been much discussed on the campaign trail.
In an effort to separate fact from fiction on these stories, Craig is joined by PressProgress reporter Luke LeBrun on this episode of the podcast, where they discuss Luke's reporting on the convoy Signal chat and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
The NDP has struggled to break though during this campaign - with some polling aggregators saying they may have less than ten seats in the new parliament.
London-Fanshawe candidate Lindsay Mathyssen, who is projected to be one of those NDP MP's, joined Craig on the podcast to talk about the race, what she's hearing at the doors, how the party can break though and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
LTC is officially in council's hands, we have a new plan for battling London's homelessness crisis (again) and the Liberals seem to be in control of the federal election.
Advocate Dr. Jeff Preston and London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman joined Craig in the studio to break it all down.
What will the future of London Transit be? Can council right the ship (or the bus?) here? Meantime, Ark Aid got (some of) their funding request... will there finally be some stability in the homelessness sector?
And what can Pierre Poilievre do to turn this election around?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Turns out housing is still a problem!
The election is about Donald Trump, but let's talk about housing, too. Economist Mike Moffatt of the Missing Middle Initiative and the Smart Prosperity Institute joins Craig on the podcast to discuss the various platforms - plus some new data on housing in London and elsewhere in southern Ontario.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Some councillors want to axe the London Transit Commission - at least the portion of it that involve people from the community as commissioners.
Sheryl Rooth - one of the current members of the commission, joined Craig in the studio to talk about the last week of transit talks and her hopes for the future of LTC.
Why dissolve the commission now? What could council have done differently? Can the current commissioners work with effectively with councillors?
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A busy week!
A city hall, they dealt with issues like disbanding the London Transit Commission, widening Wonderland Road (again?) and the ring road conversation make a return! Oh, and they may fire the integrity commissioner.
Craig breaks it all down with former city councillor Cheryl Miller, planning expert Dr. A.J. Wray and political insider Nathan Caranci.
Then, the panel tackles the federal election. Is the Liberal lead real? What should the Poilievre team be doing to change the momentum?
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There's been a lot of conversation and arguments about London's homelessness crisis - both at and away from city hall.
But, is there common ground between the city and service providers? How should we move forward?
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis Ark Aid Street Mission Executive Director Sarah Campbell joined Craig in the studio for an in-depth conversation.
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We're gearing up for a federal election!
Craig is joined in the studio by Anova executive Director Jessie Rodger, political insider Devin Munro and community builder Jeremy McCall.
The panel discusses the upcoming vote, how everything appears to be going the Liberal's way right now, how that might change and more.
Then, conversation about Mayor Josh Morgan's quest to get the tax hike under 5% and where the money could be found, plus the TVDSB spent $300,000 on legal bills - in a month.
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Nate Erskine-Smith, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, stopped by the 700 Richmond studio to chat with Craig about his (relatively) new portfolio, how the political landscape has changed in Canada, how housing will be discussed in what will undoubtedly be a Trump-focused election and why voters should give the Liberals another chance to fix this file.
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Well, it has been a week.
Tariff talk, meetings in Washington, a new Prime Minister and more dominate the national news. Meantime in London, the turmoil at the Thames Valley District School Board seems to be getting worse and more executives have left the board or taken a leave of absence.
Plus, London West MP Arielle Kayabaga is a cabinet minister!
Craig is joined by a panel of political insider Scott Collyer, former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck to break it all down.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
As the Trump tariff chaos rages on, some Canadian politicians are talking to their US counterparts about the economic damage both countries are suffering.
Alysson Storey, a councillor in Chatham-Kent and a board member for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities joined Craig on the podcast where she talked about her trip to Washington - and talks with both Republican and Democrat politicians.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
As Canada goes through trade war turbulence, the Liberals are in a leadership race.
Canada's next Prime Minister will be revealed Sunday and candidate Karina Gould joins Craig on the podcast to talk Trump, housing, affordability and more.
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We cap off tariff week by breaking down the ever-changing news with political insider Ryan Gauss, organizational consultant and community activist Mojdeh Cox and lawyer Matthew Newton-Reid.
They tackled the latest Trump craziness, the ongoing Liberal leadership race and then the latest changes at the Thames Valley District School Board - where former education director Mark Fisher is among the latest executives to be on the outs.
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What is the government doing as Donald Trump tries to, in the Prime Minister's word, annex Canada?
London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos joined Craig to talk about the latest from the Trump administration, the 30 day auto sector pause, the Liberal leadership race and more.
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After an illness-induced break, Craig is back and talking tariffs.
The 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the US has been imposed by Donald Trump - and Canada is striking back. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have both held news conferences today, explaining their responses to the rump tariffs and reaffirming their commitment to Canada's sovereignty.
Mahmood Nanji, Policy Fellow at Ivey Business School and a former Associate Deputy Minister at Ontario’s Ministry of Finance, joined Craig to share his thoughts on what's happened and what might be next.
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What are candidates hearing about during the provincial campaign? Do voters even want to go to the polls on Thursday?
London West NDP candidate Peggy Sattler joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about those issues and more as we close in on Thursday's election.
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As we get closer to election day in Ontario, Craig is joined on the podcast by Fanshawe College politics professor Matt Farrell to talk about the race, the key issues and whether Ontario voters will actually go to the polls in large numbers.
Can we beak 40% voter turnout during a winter election?
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The provincial election is less than a week away!
London North Centre Green party candidate Carol Dyck stopped by the studio to talk about the challenges of a winter campaign, what voters are saying at the door and more.
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Council changes direction on homelessness, Londoners can't afford rising rents and the provincial election continues - with Doug Ford in Washington.
Craig is joined in the studio by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and advocate Dr. Jeff Preston joined Craig at the stuio to discs those stories and more.
What's next for ArkAid and other agencies? How do we slow down rising rents? And will the Premier's trip to Washington impact both the election and tariff talks? Craig and the panel talk about those answers and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Does the 2025 Ontario election even have a focus?
Lots of talk about tariffs and 'protect Ontario', but we seem to be short of concrete policy so far - at least from the Progressive Conservatives.
London Health Coalition co-founder Peter Bergmanis joined Craig on the podcast to talk about what the party leaders have been saying so far, what he wants to hear them say and where our healthcare system should be going in the months and years to come.
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The provincial election rolls on and Canada's next Prime Minister may have visited London this week - plus, are people sad about living in the Forest City?
Craig is joined by a panel of United Way Elgin-Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner, political insider Ryan Gauss and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching to discuss those stories and more on this week's Friday Round Table.
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Healthcare and poverty are already big election issues. But what ties them both together? Grief.
Advocate Bronagh Morgan joined Craig on the podcast to talk about why she fees navigating grief should be an election issue during the Ontario campaign.
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Busy week!
We're off and running in the Ontario election, London is fighting for cash to help with homelessness and a city councillor is in the middle of multiple media firestorms.
The Friday Round Table panel of former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, political insider Scott Collyer and Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes to break it all down.
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A video shared by CTV London shows Ward 3 councillor Peter Cuddy getting very heated when confronted by political strategist Zak Rahim - when Rahim was trying to serve him with a lawsuit.
Cuddy sits down with Craig to explain what happened, how he's trying to make sure it doesn't happen again and the status of the lawsuit.
They also Cuddy being removed from the London Public Library Board and his now-derailed plan to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination in London-Fanshawe.
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The provincial government (a few hours before calling an election) says that London is getting a HART hub.
The Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment hub - which will be run by CMHA Thames Valley - is scheduled to be open in April.
How will the hubs work? Who will they help?
CHMA Director for Supportive Housing Dean Astolfi joined Craig on the podcast to explain.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and advocate Frances Moore to talk about the week's top stories.
First, it's election season in Ontario! Doug Ford needs a new mandate - so he says - so we're voting on February 27th. Will this backfire?
Then, they look at Mayor Josh Morgan's State of the City address, which included talk of capping the property tax increase in 206 at 5%.
Also, it was very, very cold this week. Did city leaders move quickly enough to setup warming centres?
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A new documentary about homelessness in London - called Atrocity - is out and there's a screening next week (get tickets here).
The filmmaker is Nigel Stuckey, a retired London Police officer with more than 30 years of experience.
He joined Craig to talk about the documentary, the people dealing with homelessness who he had conversations with and what governments need to do to solve the problem.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, organizational consultant Mojdeh Cox and political insider Nathan Caranci to break down the week's top stories.
First, it looks like it will be Mark Carney vs. Chrystia Freeland for the Liberal leadership. Does it matter who wins as the Liberals prepare for the next election?
Then they discuss how Doug Ford and the other Premiers are getting along (or in one case, not getting along) as they try to tackle the tariff threats from Donald Trump.
And finally, London is growing. Fast. The city's population is over 480,000. How are we making the city a more welcoming place for those who are coming here? How are we keeping up with the housing demand?
The Craig Needles Podcast is rough to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
2025 is shaping up to be a doozy.
We start the year with threats of massive tariffs from Donald Trump - plus Justin Trudeau is going to resign in March and we could be heading to the polls provincially. Lots on the go!
How is that impacting municipalities? And everyone else? Bradford West Gwillimbury councillor Jonathan Scott joins Craig for his thoughts and some analysis on what might be next.
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Seems like we'll be going to the polls soon federally, will we be doing the same provincially? Things may have shifted on that front.
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner joins Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to discuss that possibility, his visit to London, trading uncertainty with the US, housing, preparing for natural disasters and more.
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The first Friday Round Table of 2025 and things have changed since the last one - and a panel of former city councillor Cheryl Miller, London Home Builder's Association Executive Director Jared Zaifman and lawyer Matthew Newton-Reid join Craig in the studio to talk about it.
For starters, Justin Trudeau has resigned, so that's important. Craig and the group breakdown the Liberal leadership race that will wrap up on March 8th and look ahead to how the federal election may go in London and nationally. Then they discuss some affordable housing projects on the go in London and how we can get more of them completed. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Justin Trudeau is resigning... eventually.
Parliament is prorogued until the end of March, and the Liberals are going to try and find a new leader. Who should it be? How quick should the process be?
Craig chats with political commentator and strategist Andrew Perez to get his thoughts on that - and the international political issues that are in the background.
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It been a crazy week in Canadian politics, and Craig is joined by organizational consultant and community activist Mojdeh Cox and former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott to break it all down.
Chrystia Freeland is out. Mark Carney won't be coming in. Justin Trudeau is facing pressure to resign. And, by the way, Jagmeet Singh says the NDP will vote to bring down the government.
Busy.
Also, Susan Stevenson has been docked 30 days pay by her council colleagues. The panel shares thoughts on that decision and about how councillor behaviour is scrutinized in Ontario.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Oft-controversial councillor Susan Stevenson is in the news again. This time because the Integrity Commissioner has ruled she violated the council code of conduct - for a second time.
However, she rejects the findings.
Stevenson joined Craig on the podcast to discuss the findings and flaws in the report, and her efforts to jump to federal politics as she seeks the Conservative nomination in the riding of London Centre for the next election.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes city building expert Dr. AJ Wray, Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and former council candidate Jeremy McCall to the studio to talk about the week's top stories.
They look at Doug Ford's pledge to fine encampment drug users $10,000 and send them to jail, whether Ontario will get an election this winter and the failures in the City of London's mobility master plan.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to crack down on encampments - which could include using the notwithstanding clause.
There's just one problem. As much as they've discussed increased addictions help and housing, those things aren't ready yet, so where will the people leaving the encampments go?
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner joins Craig to discuss.
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Navigator makes a lot of money in London, apparently!
The latest publicly funded institution revealed to be paying them is the Thames Valley District School Board - to the tune of more than $225,000, according to the London Free Press.
Craig has questions. Why won't trustees tell us what the money was for? Why did they need a hired gun if they had so many communications people on staff already? If you're communicating with parents and students, why are the stakes so high that you need Navigator?
He tackles those questions and more.
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December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day!
Also, less than a month from today, Ontario was supposed to be fully accessible as a province. We aren't there yet.
Advocates Dr. Jeff Preston and Frances Moore joined Craig in the studio to talk about where we are and where we need to go next.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Cheryl Miller an political insider Ryan Gauss join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio.
The panel gives their thoughts on London's 7.4% property tax increase and where additional savings could have been found. Also, are London city councillors underpaid?
Then, they talked about how council meetings are conducted. First, a move to "call the question" at London City Hall during committee meetings - and an unhinged rant by a councillor at a budget meeting in Sarnia.
Also, businesses don't seem thrilled with the upcoming GST break. Will this policy help the federal Liberals?
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The Salvation Army has an ambitious goal with their kettle campaign in 2024: They want to raise $650,000.
Can they do it? They'll need your help.
London Community Services Executive Director Nancy Kerr joined Craig on the podcast to explain why they set a high goal, talk about the need in the community and share how you can volunteer.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes, Indigenous activist Frances Moore and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck.
They look at he ongoing council budget deliberations and how council spending will impact homelessness in the community, including ArkAid. Also, there's a new hub opening in the city - but why aren't there more?
Then, conversation shifts to federal politics including the promised GST cuts from the Trudeau government along with $250 being sent to Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023.
And the scandal surrounding cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault - who appears to have lied about Indigenous heritage while a company he owns was bidding for government contracts.
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Dozens of councillors in municipalities all over Ontario have signed a letter asking Premier Doug Ford not to use the notwithstanding clause to remove people from homeless encampments.
One of those councillors is Skylar Franke, who joined Craig on the podcast to explain why she signed the letter and what she hopes the provincial government will do next.
Also, the new Youth Opportunities Unlimited hub has opened at LHSC's Victoria Campus. Mayor Josh Morgan spoke to Craig at the news conference and shared his thoughts on what the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change has and will accomplish.
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After many pleas from London politician, the federal government has stepped up to assist with some big expenditures in London - including $11.3-million to keep Londoners in their homes, $5-million to help limit encampments, and $5.1-million for transit projects.
How did this all come together? What can be done with the money? London North-Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos joins Craig on a rare Saturday edition of the podcast to explain.
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Lots for the panel to chat about on this week's Friday Round Table.
London City Councillor Hadleigh McAlister, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.
They breakdown the speculation about a provincial election. Are we going to the polls in February or March?
Also, the local non-profit sector has an issue with London City Council. Pillar Non-Profit has launched an advocacy campaign, aimed at getting councillors to change their minds. Will it work?
Then, they look at some of the other small (in financial terms) decisions that council will grapple with as they finalize this year's budget next week.
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There's been a lot of conversation - some true, some false - surrounding Ark Aid Street Mission in Old East Village.
Why did they make a $4-million funding request to council? What actually happens at Ark Aid? What services do they provide? What about the people who live and work in EV having trouble with Ark Aid clients? Should Ark Aid leave their Dundas location?
Executive Director Sarah Campbell joins Craig on the podcast to answer those questions and more.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by city councillor Steve Lehman, former TVDSB trustee Matthew Newton-Reid, and community builder Jeremy McCall.
They look at the ongoing battle at city hall over funding ArkAid, new rules for encampments, a plan to build a sports park near the 401/402, another expensive trip for school board executives and what another Trump administration might mean for London.
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After celebrating their 25th anniversary in their King Street building, the what's the future look like for the Covent Garden Market?
Does the changing downtown landscape (fewer office workers, more people living nearby) mean the market needs to change hours? Or vendors?
General manager and CEO Amy Shackleton joined Craig on the podcast to share her thoughts.
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A busy week to breakdown on the Friday Round Table as Craig is joined by a panel of City of London Budget Chair Elizabeth Peloza, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and political insider Scott Collyer.
They examine the news that police are investigating "past financial practices" at London Health Sciences Centre, and the community reaction.
Then, conversations about what council can (or can't) do about boards and commissions spending money on outside PR help, and the update to London's four year budget - which includes a bit of a decline in what you'll be paying next year.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
Two big stories on this episode, as Craig breaks down what we know about the ongoing London Police investigation into "past financial practices" at London Health Sciences Centre.
What does this mean for the scandal plagued hospital?
Then, (8:36) Craig interviews lawyer Kevin Egan about Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre following another death at the London jail.
Why is the facility so unsafe? What should the government be doing about it?
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by political insider Ryan Gauss, former Green party candidate Carol Dyck and Elgin-Middlesex United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner.
They chat about the turns in Ottawa as Justin Trudeau pledges to slash immigration levels and fends off challenges to his leadership from within his caucus.
Then, a focus on the London Health Sciences Centre's new direction and the "Community Advisory Committee" being appointed to oversee what's happening at the hospital.
Also, does London need tiny homes or 'quick communities'? The panel looks at the latest on the homelessness file.
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Homelessness continues to be the key issue in the City of London - so what's happening on that file right now?
London Mayor Josh Morgan joined Craig on the podcast to talk about hubs in the city, the province's HART hubs plan, addictions treatment, affordable housing and more.
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London Police say they'll be arresting - but not charging - people using drugs in public. Is this the right policy for the city?
The Friday Round Table dives into that story with Indigenous activist Frances Moore, disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston and former city councillor John Fyfe-Millar.
How should London Police approach a situation when somebody is using drugs in Old East Village? Or on Richmond Row?
Then they get into another story involving junior hockey sexual assaults - this time in an unnamed Ontario Hockey League city.
Also, Doug Ford is offering the people on Ontario $200 each! Are we just heading straight for an election?
And analyzing the ongoing discussions between the federal government and Indigenous leaders on major changes to child welfare
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Is there internal pressure for Justin Trudeau to resign?
CTV says some MPs - mostly based in southwestern Ontario and Atlantic Canada - have signed a letter asking for new Liberal leadership.
Peter Fragiskatos, the MP for London North-Centre joins Craig to discuss that story, as well as housing, bad Liberal polling, foreign affairs and more.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes organizational consultant and community actvist Mojdeh Cox, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching to the Covent Garden Market studio.
They talk about London Police sharing some stats at council and whether London will get bang for their $672-million buck. Then, they look at delays on London Transit. Lots of construction in town, will it be worth it to get BRT? And, the TVDSB missed the enrollment projections for this year... by a lot. Apparently, it cost millions. Whoops. What does this say about the way the school board is managed? The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Projections from the province of Ontario show they believe London's population could be 880,000 by 2051 - while the region could be home to 2.63-million people.
Are we ready for it? What do we need to do?
Economist Mike Moffatt - a founding director of the Place Centre and co-host of the Missing Middle podcast - joins Craig to share his thoughts.
They also tackle the federal government's proposed housing reforms and whether extra taxation on empty lots is the way to encourage building.
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A busy week in news!
Craig is joined in the studio by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, and two former city councillors - Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci.
They talk about the latest changes at the executive level at the Thames Valley District School Board, London leading the nation in downtown commercial vacancy rate, the somewhat controversial ArkAid funding proposal at city hall, and whether it's time to pull the plug on virtual London City Council meetings in the wake of a councillor possibly having a beer during a debate.
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The changes at the Thames Valley District School Board continue, as three more high level executives are either on leave or no longer with the board.
Craig shares his thoughts.
Then, did you see that video of a City of London garbage truck backing into a car?
Rebekkah Wilkin, the woman who was driving the car, joins Craig on the podcast to explain what happened.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston, police researcher Dr. Lesley Bikos and London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman.
They talk about the latest at London Health Sciences Centre, where the board has been axed an replaced by David Musyj - who is now supervisor.
Then, they look at the latest in the London Police Services Board and navigator story. There's conversations at City Hall about not permitting boards and commissions to allow this kind of spending - is that even possible?
They also breakdown Doug Ford's comments on ODSP/Ontario Works and his magical idea to tunnel under the 401.
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The London Children's Museum - a gem in the city - is in the middle of a big move from their Wharncliffe Road location to a new spot at 100 Kellogg Lane.
One problem: They're just short of their fundraising goals to get the doors open.
They're asking for the community's help to raise $1,000,000 to finalize their move by the end of the year.,
Executive Director Kate Ledgley joins Craig on the podcast to explain the fundraising push, what the new museum location will do for London, how it will educate kids and more.
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The Ontario Liberals are having their AGM in London, so leader Bonnie Crombie stopped by the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about the rebuild of party and some key provincial issues.
Craig asked her about education funding in the wake of the ongoing problems at the Thames Valley District School Board, bike lanes, and whether we may seen an early election on Ontario.
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The London Police Services Board is standing by the decision to spend $104,000 on Navigator - a PR firm who has worked with lots of high profile clients.
A member of that board - Mayor Josh Morgan - joins Craig on the podcast to talk about the broader implications of that spending.
Will the London Transit Commission feel they have to hire Navigator now? What about the London Public Library Board?
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So, how did that TVDSB executive trip to Toronto happen, anyway?
Beth Mai, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, joins Craig on the podcast to share her side of that story, and talk about the reaction parents and teachers have had to the cost of the jaunt 17 executives took to the SkyDome Hotel being revealed.
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The London Police Services Board is under fire after, as per a story in the London Free Press, they spent more than $100,000 on Navigator to do communications surrounding their massive $672-million ask during the most recent budget cycle at city hall.
Why did they do it? Why choose Navigator, a rather infamous PR provider, of all firms?
Board chair Ali Chahbar joined Craig to explain the rational behind those decisions.
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We got the receipts for the TVDSB's jaunt to Toronto, and the numbers aren't good.
$38,444.22 for 18 executives to meet at the SkyDome hotel and maybe watch a few ballgames - all while the board is facing a multi-million dollar deficit.
Not great!
Bill Tucker, who retired as Education Director in 2013, is back! He takes over for the embattled Mark Fisher, who is now "on leave" from the role.
Tucker joins Craig on the podcast to discuss the spending scandal, how to repair trust in the community and more.
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Busy week in the news!
Craig is joined by London city councillor Hadleigh McAlister, political insider Ryan Gauss and London Abused Women's Centre executive Director Jennifer Dunn for the Friday Round Table as they break it all down.
They start with the mess over at the Thames Valley District School Board, as Mark Fisher is "on leave" and Bill Tucker returns. Also, the trip Fisher and 17 other TVDSB executives took to Rogers Centre came in at a cost of more than $38,000.
Then, they look at the struggles of local food banks, proposed parking lot to housing conversions in the downtown core, the proposed Canada Life Place name change at Budweiser Gardens, the NDP potentially pulling the plug on the carbon tax and what celebrity endorsements mean in 2024.
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Mark Fisher (apparently) out. Bill Tucker in.
Big changes at the Thames Valley District School Board in the wake of the Blue Jays trip spending scandal.
What's next for the board? What's happening in the classroom?
EFTO Thames Valley President Craig Smith joins Craig on the podcast to discuss.
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300 episodes!
Hard to believe, but here we are. Episode 300, nearly three years after the podcast launched.
Who else but former city councillor Cheryl Miller could Craig have on for this milestone? They're joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and Green Party candidate Carol Dyck to talk about the week's top stories.
They discuss Jagmeet Singh pulling out of the supply agreement with the Justin Trudeau Liberals, whether that means an election is around the corner and how the local races may shape up.
Then, the conversation shifts to some building issues at city hall. First, how tall should London buildings be? Then, the criticism over the renovictions by-law - coming from both sides of the issue.
They wrap up with the changes at London Health Sciences Centre, which include 59 managers losing their jobs and 71 more being restructured into new roles. Then, they look at the latest with the Thames Valley District School Board.
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Should council have asked for a quicker redesign for Hamilton Road between Adelaide and Highbury?
Ward 1 councillor Hadleigh McAlister thinks so.
He joined Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to discuss that stretch of road, the council debate surrounding it and a larger view of road safety in London.
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On this week's round table, Craig is joined by a panel of former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, lawyer and former school board trustee Matthew Newton-Reid an former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz to break down the top stories of the week.
First, they look at the Thames Valley District School Board - which is in the middle of a scandal after Education Director Mark Fisher and 17 other executives took a trip to Toronto and stayed at the former SkyDome hotel for three nights - while the Blue Jays were playing!
What should trustees do next?
Then, they discuss the rising cost of getting high school students to class on LTC busses and whether Canadians actually want a federal election - followed by some surprises in local nomination races.
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The Ford government says they're closing 10 supervised consumption sites province-wide.
London's isn't closing, but advocates are concerned about the future of the local facility based on the Ford government's actions.
Middlesex-London Health Unit Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joanne Kearon joined Craig on the podcast to explain why supervised consumption and harm reduction are in the best interest of public health.
Then, Craig (15:20) shares his thoughts on the Ford government's decision and how the discussion around these sites has been hijacked.
PhD candidate AJ Wray joins Craig to talk about a wide variety of stories in London this week.
First, they talk about Petronella McNorgan, who woman who was sentenced this week for hitting a troop of Girl Guides with her car back in 2021. Why can't a judge take away her license for life?
They also talk about transit villages in London (10:48), AJ's belief that London needs to invest in a subway system (13:00) and NIMBYs not thinking long-term (17:30) and planning around universities (22:33).
The wrap up by discussing immigration and the temporary foreign workers program (27:51).
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes United Way President and CEO Kelly Ziegner and the father-son duo of Roger and Nathan Caranci to the Covent Garden Market studio.
They discuss the rising cost of living in Canada, an effort to cut taxes at London City Hall, and the temporary foreign workers program coming under scrutiny.
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A report unearthed by CBC last week told some upsetting stories of racism within London Police. Chief Thai Truong says the service will do better, but, will his words match the results?
Indigenous activist Frances Moore and anti-oppression consultant Mojdeh Cox joined Craig in the studio to dive into the report and share their thoughts.
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Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Anova Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Steve Cordes, the Executive Director at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, to the studio for this week's round table.
They discussed a report bout how Londoners feel about the city's police service, unearthed by CBC. The answer? Not great. But leadership is saying the right things.
Also, London is pacing way ahead of 2023 on housing approvals this year - but is that enough? And Ontario's Big City Mayors missed the mark when advocating to the province and feds on homelessness and poverty.
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Mandy Dostie was abused as a child.
It was thought, at one point, that the effects of the injuries sustained during that abuse would last for the rest of her life.
That's why Dr. Jonathan Lau stepped in.
The London Health Sciences Centre neurosurgeon was able to insert a device into Mandy's brain - alleviating her pain and changing her life forever.
Mandy and Dr. Lau joined Craig on the podcast to share their story.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her VP pick. Craig welcomes political insider Jonathan Scott to the podcast to breakdown that selection, and how the US election could impact Canadian politics.
Then they talk about Pierre Poilievre's messaging, and the potential of Doug Ford sending Ontario into an early election before the next federal vote.
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On this week's Friday Round Table from the Covent Garden Market studio, Craig is joined by former London city councillor Mariam Hamou, political insider Ryan Gauss and London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman.
They talked about Jagmeet Singh's talk about rent controls when visited London and how the city is navigating the housing crisis.
Then, a discussion about a program for low income women being saved by a major donation, the embarrassing mess (for all involved) at the Status of Women committee in Ottawa and the news that local MP Karen Vecchio is leaving politics - along with the announcement of Craig's former colleague Andrew Lawton running to replace her.
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Darlene Zaifman-Guslits has been a pillar in London's Jewish community.
Last week, she was kicked out of the Jewish Community Centre in London just before Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was set to address a crowd there.
The video of the ejection subsequently went viral.
Zaifman-Guslits joined Craig on the podcast to share her side of the story and discuss some tensions within the city's Jewish community.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by London Abused Women's Centre Executive director Jennifer Dunn, former London city councillor John Fyfe-Millar and political insider Scott Collyer to talk about the week's top issues.
First, they address the London Police news conference, which put the safe supply conversation back in the spotlight. What can doctors at London Intercommunity Health Centre, among other places, do about diversion? Will safe supply undergo big changes?
Also, council is cutting back community grants cash. A prudent way to sav money? Or nickel and diming community groups despite a large tax hike?
Ad new rules surrounding the heights of buildings could soon be on the way in London. Is bigger actually better?
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According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians, 2.5 million people in the province do not have a family doctor.
How did this happen? Why is there such a large family doctor shortage? And what can we do about it?
Dr. Mario Elia, a family doctor in London, joined Craig in the studio to discuss.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig welcomed federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault to the studio to talk about Canada's emissions, the best things this government has done for the environment, affordability problems in Canada and about the Liberals lagging significantly behind the Conservatives in the polls.
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Craig welcomes former city councillor Cheryl Miller, Elgin-Middlesex United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner and Youth Opportunities Unlimited CEO Steve Cordes to the Covent Garden Market studio talk about London's top stories of the week.
The tackle the Ontario Civilian Police Commission report on Councillor Susan Stevenson, calling her social media posts "can bring (her) compliance with the code of conduct into question.”
Then, they talk about the City of London's ongoing pursuit of affordable housing and a new report saying 2.5 million people in Ontario don't have a family doctor - what does that say about our healthcare system?
It's been a time of transition at the London Health Sciences Centre. Will a change in management help get he hospital's finances in order?
Board Chair Matthew Wilson and acting-CEO David Musyj join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to discuss what's next.
How can the budget deficit be fixed? What can the board do differently to avoid problems in the future? How will the next President and CEO be selected?
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On this week's round table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and former London city councillor Mariam Hamou to discuss the week's top stories.
They look at the LCBO strike and the impact it may have on the Ford government, the battle over money between the province and the Thames Valley District School Board ad the rapidly increasing vacant commercial space in downtown London.
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The Thames Valley District School Board is facing a funding shortfall and problems are showing up in the classroom because of it.
How did we get here?
Beth Mai, the chair of the board, joined Craig in the studio for a wide ranging conversation on education, the provincial government and the future of school boards.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, PhD candidate A.J. Wray and former council candidate Jeremy McCall to the studio to talk about the week's top issues.
They dive into the efforts of some London city councillors to save some money on your tax bill - with some controversial ideas to some. Also, a massive deficit at London Health Sciences Centre and the Conservative Party of Canada' safe supply attacks are now targeting a London doctor.
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At a meeting on Wednesday, members of the London Health Sciences Centre board of directors were told that after running a $78-million deficit in the last year, they project to run one of $150-million in the upcoming fiscal.
How did this happen? How can it be fixed? Acting President and CEO David Musyj spoke with Craig at the hospital to share what he's learned in the short time since taking on his new role.
Economist Mike Moffatt, a founding director of the PLACE Centre, joins Craig on the podcast to talk about how the housing shortage is shaping Canadian politics in the wake of the Liberal by-election loss in Toronto-St. Paul's.
How does a generation being frozen out of home ownership impact voting? Will Justin Trudeau soon exit political life? Will an Ontario election come sooner rather than later?
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by City of London Budget Chair Elizabeth Peloza, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and political insider Scott Collyer.
They talk about Shmuel Farhi's interesting (but perhaps unwanted) proposal for a new London city hall, changing ward boundaries in London, growing salaries for leaders at the Thames Valley District School Board, and whether we need to have school boards at all.
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Why are advocates of Safe Supply so passionate about the positives of the program?
Dr. Andrea Sereda of London Intercommunity Health Centre, one of the leading safe supply advocates in the country, joins the podcast to explain her side of the debate.
She and Craig discuss the program's history, it's effectiveness, and the criticisms - both the legitimate ones and the ones made in bad faith.
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Listen to Dr. Sharon Koivu's concerns about the program from last week's episode here.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by activist Mojdeh Cox, disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston and political insider Ryan Gauss.
The panel discusses the ongoing London Police investigation into what they're calling a potentially hate-motivated arson, more changes at the London Health Sciences Centre and cuts at the Thames Valley District School Board.
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London has become one of the centre of the safe supply debate in the medical community. The pro-side says that providing drugs that aren't from dealers will be safer and lead to fewer overdose deaths. The con-side believes that safe supply is only a temporary measure, with more harms than benefits.
Dr. Sharon Koivu, who has been practicing medicine in London for nearly 40 years, is firmly on the con-side of the conversation. She joins Craig to explain why and what she's seeing in the community.
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Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, as well as former city councillors Roger Caranci and Cheryl Miller to talk about the issues of the week.
They talk about the state of long-term care in Ontario and Cheryl's husband being in the system, then they talk about the provincial cabinet shuffle, housing being put over top of farmland, renoviction rules in London and the lawnmower debate being reignited at city hall.
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If you look at the polls, it shows the chances are high that Pierre Poilievre is going to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.
How did he get to this point?
Craig's former colleague Andrew Lawton has written a book about it. 'Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life' is available now, and Andrew stopped by the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about the book and what the next 18 months may look like in federal politics.
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The good news: If you like to buy a beer, soon there will be more places to do it.
The bad news: It's going to be expensive.
Premier Doug Ford says alcohol sales will be expanded, with the rollout beginning this summer. The cost a $225-million payout to the Beer Store, plus hundreds of millions more in other costs, according to the opposition.
Ben Johnson, a local beer writer and the host of the Beer and Bulls%$t podcast joins Craig to share his thoughts.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by Ward 11 councillor Skylar Franke, PhD candidate AJ Wray and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck.
Among the topics is the city hall conversation surrounding gas powered lawn mower use after 6 p.m., office to housing conversions, the troubles with transit as west London develops and the potential hub on Wellington being shot down.
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The London Health Sciences Centre has a new acting President and CEO.
David Musyj, who had been President and CEO at Windsor Regional Hospital, is temporarily taking over the top job at LHSC in the midst of ongoing questions about the LHSC's travel scandal and the absence of CEO Jackie Schleifer Taylor.
What are Musyj's priorities? Why did the take on the London challenge?
He spoke with Craig to talk about the answers to those questions and other issues facing London's biggest hospital.
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During the pandemic, the term vaccination became a lightning rod for controversy and misinformation.
Now, illnesses like measles and whooping cough that were once thought to be a thing of the past are making a return.
Dr. Jia Hu, a physician and public health advocate, joined Craig to examine the issue and discuss possible solutions.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, YOU Executive Director Steve Cordes and CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland. They breakdown the latest issues at London Police Service where three senior officers are off on leave. Then, they look at a similar story at London Health Sciences Centre (17:50), where a Windsor executive is taking over the top job after years of shuffling in the executive offices at the hospital. Also, Craig and the panel talk about council rejecting the idea of hearing a funding pitch from SafeSpace (27:10) and look at the latest on a hub proposal on Wellington Road being called 'dead' (45:32). The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
Jessie Rodger, the Executive Director of Anova, joins Craig to talk about social service agencies that have been highly scrutinized in London over the last month.
They discuss sex work laws, addictions challenges and other issues facing these organizations in the community.
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For this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Elgin-Middlesex United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner, and political insider Sarah Browning to the studio to talk about the week's top stories.
They discuss proposed changes to the council code of conduct, the ongoing feud between councillor Susan Stevenson and social service agencies in the city, whether free bus rides might catch on in London.
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After a social media challenge to come on the podcast and discuss their differences, Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes and councillor Susan Stevenson join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio to have a discussion about key issues.
They talk about homeless hubs, the non-profit sector in London, poverty, drug use in London and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
Craig is joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.
They talked about the ongoing debate about health and homelessness in London, the Ontario crackdown on cellphones in class, a PC win in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Pierre Poilievre being tossed from the House of Commons and the growing number of voices suggesting a Loblaw boycott this month.
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Ward Four councillor Susan Stevenson joined Craig in the studio to talk about some of her posts on Twitter which have drawn harsh criticism.
They go over tweets about the London Abused Women's Centre, Safe Space, ANOVA and others.
They also debate sex work, homelessness plans, encampments, her integrity commissioner reports and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
Craig is back from vacation!
He welcomed London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, political insider Ryan Gauss and activist Mojdeh Cox to the Covent Garden Market studio to talk about the issues of the week.
They discussed Pierre Poilievre's bizarre stop at an extremist protest in Atlantic Canada, a local Conservative MP being kicked off of an Ottawa committee, TVDSB administration staffers telling trustees they don't feel like doing their jobs and a London City Councillor finding herself in hot water on social media - again.
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With some big planning applications in front of London city council in the next few weeks, there's questions about how people in the city will get around.
Do we have the transit infrastructure in west London to build large residential complexes on Wonderland Road?
Councillor Sam Trosow joins Craig to share his thoughts.
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Amid some media sniping between London City Hall and the London Public Library, Craig chats with chief librarian Michael Ciccone about the issues between the two sides.
What's going on with Sunday hours? Will library branches have to close? Is there enough cash to fix leaking ceilings and other issues?
They tackle all those questions and more.
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It's the first ever Friday Round Table from the Covent Garden Market studio!
Craig welcomes London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, political insider Scott Collyer and former city councillor John Fyfe-Millar to the new recording space to talk about the issues of the week including questions about transit in west London, exactly how high London buildings should be and what could or should be done about the money being paid to suspended police officers.
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Ahead of The Forest City London Music Awards, founder and chair Mario Circelli joins Craig on the podcast.
They talk about the awards, London's music culture and what we as a city could be doing better to grow that culture.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes London city councillor Steve Lehman, disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck to the studio to breakdown the issues of the week.
The panel discusses a potential homeless hub location on Wellington Road, the London Public Library's funding, Doug Ford's desire to see 100% of medical school spots in the province go to Ontario students and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
London North Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos chats with Craig in the studio about the increase in carbon pricing on April 1st.
Was this the right time to increase a tax as Canadians are dealing with an affordability crisis?
They also discuss the federal government's $1-billion announcement on funding school lunches and whether that should be provincial jurisdiction.
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London city councillors are about to order a performance audit of the London Transit Commission.
Routes, systems, executive performance and more will all be under the microscope. How's that going over at the commission?
Commission chair Stephanie Marentette joins Craig for an honest discussion about whether the system is good enough (it isn't), what the big problem is (underfunding) and whether the LTC is ready to implement bus rapid transit (probably not).
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
On a special Saturday edition of the podcast, Ontario Liberal Party leader bonnie Crombie joins Craig in the studio.
They discuss the upcoming Lambton-Kent-Middlesex by-election, Doug Ford's anti-fourplex takes, the housing crisis, Ontario Works and ODSP rates and more.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes, political insider Sarah Browning and PhD candidate A.J. Wray to breakdown the biggest stories of the week.
They start with Doug Ford's comments on fourplexes in Ontario and how it may run counter to federal Conservative messaging.
Then, they look at the proposed re-brand at the Thames Valley District School Board and what that says about the board's priorities and the proposed London Transit audit and what may come from it.
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The US is a step closer to banning TikTok.
What will that mean in Canada? And for people who make their living on that site? And is TikTok really any worse than apps like Facebook, Instagram or YouTube?
Craig welcomes Dr. Anabel Quan-Haase, from the Faculty of Media and Information Studies at Western, to the podcast to breakdown those questions and more.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, the Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Elgin-Middlesex United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner and London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman to tackle the top stories of the week.
The discuss whether building is happening fast enough in London, the province not giving the city housing funding, the potential sale of the LCBO and traffic safety in London.
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Economist Mike Moffatt joins Craig to talk about the new report from the Task Force for Housing and Climate, called the Blueprint for Better and More Housing.
Canada needs homes. And we need them fast. How do we get them?
Mike goes over recommendations for federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, ANOVA Executive Director Jessie Rodger and political insider Ryan Gauss.
They talk about whether encampments are part of the "fabric" of London - as a city staffer said this week.
Also, increased CCTV in the downtown core and whether a lopsided by-election loss in Durham is a sign of bad things to some for the Trudeau Liberals.
The Craig Needles Podcast and Classic Rock 98.1 have a new home!
The new, extra studio is at the Covent Garden Market, in the heart of London's entertainment district. Market GM Amy Shackleton and John Fyfe-Millar, the market's board chair, joined Craig on the podcast to discuss the new partnership and the exciting days ahead.
Then, Brian Lynch, a patient at the London Health Sciences Centre, joins Craig to talk about his male breast cancer diagnosis and the stigma surrounding that illness.
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The hot debate surrounding the city's budget is the big topic on this week's Friday Round Table.
Craig is joined in the studio by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, activist Mojdeh Cox and former Green party candidate Carol Dyck to break it all down.
The group also discusses budget problems at the Thames Valley District School Board and Brian Mulroney's legacy.
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As debate over London's policing budget intensifies and council gets set to make a decision, London Police Chief Thai Truong and London Police Services Board chair Ali Chahbar join Craig in the studio to discuss the sticker shock felt by some in the community over the $672-million price tag.
What will be the markers to show this sort of expenditure is successful? Do we really need a new training centre? Or a new LAV? Those questions and more in a wide-ranging conversation. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by the Covent Garden Market and Downtown London.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.
They discuss the man who killed four members of Our London Family being found to be a terrorist, the final week of a tumultuous London budget process, and have a conversation about council debate surrounding graphic anti-abortion posters in London.
The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined on the panel by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, and political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci.
They discuss the city's budget Hunger Games (Craig's words) and whether having agencies openly lobby council is a good thing.
Then they look at the upcoming by-election in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and whether it will tell us much about where Ontario voters are at ahead of the 2026 election.
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J Stevens is the new morning show host on Classic Rock 98.1!
J and Rubino launches this week, and J sat down with Craig to talk about his new role, the state of the radio industry and how local radio still matters.
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Craig is joined by a panel of PhD candidate A.J. Wray, political insider Scott Collyer and former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz.
They talked about London's budget priorities - from police, to transit, to libraries - as well as the future of media after the news of another round of massive layoffs at Bell.
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The London Police budget ask is a massive $672-million dollars.
Do they need all of that money to keep the city safe, as their chief and board have said? Where could they find cuts?
Former London Police officer and current professor at King's University College Dr. Lesley Bikos joins the podcast to share her thoughts.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes and London Home Builder's Association C.E.O. Jared Zaifman.
They discuss the $672-million police budget ask and the London Police Association statement blasting "defund the police zealots", as well as Mayor Josh Morgan's proposed 8.8% tax increase next year and the latest on the Hockey Canada sexual assault case.
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Former Knight Alex Formenton, along with four current NHL players, have turned themselves in to London Police amid the 2018 Hockey Canada sex assault case.
What's next? How long will it take until we get some answers? How does the civil settlement impact the criminal case?
Defense lawyer Alison Craig discusses on this edition of the podcast.
City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and activist Mojdeh Cox join Craig for this week's Friday Round Table.
They discuss the Mayor's State of the City address, the police budget, the reported plan by London Police to arrest five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team and whether the kindergarten curriculum needs to change.
In the middle of a housing crisis, London needs development.
But can that development be environmentally friendly?
On the heels of a conversation at city hall, councillor Skylar Franke and London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman join Craig to breakdown what the city wants to do and how it could work for developers.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Roger Caranci and PhD candidate A.J. Wray.
They breakdown compensation for London City Councillors and what the future should look like, as well as an open meetings violation found by the Ontario Ombudsman and Doug Ford's plan to have people head to Wal-Mart or Staples to get a health card.
Doug Ford's government has announced a pilot project that will see Service Ontario kiosks be located within Staples and Wal-Mart stores.
Critics have said the plan would end good jobs and send provincial tax dollars to major US corporations. But, some advocates are worried about legal outcomes for low income Ontarians.
Jamie Hildebrand, Executive Director of the Huron Perth Community Legal Clinic, which is funded by legal aid, joins Craig to share his thoughts.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston, former Green party candidate Carol Dyck and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.
They discuss raises at city hall during a time of budget pressures, a positive report about homelessness in the London and whether a new series of complaints could move the political needle on the existence of the publicly funded Catholic school boards in Ontario.
Does London have a renoviction problem?
What rights to landlords have and when do those rights get blurred by taking advantage of loopholes in the system?
Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis joins the podcast to talk about his plan to reduce the number of tenants getting kicked out of their homes while landlords renovate.
Indwell is a name we hear a lot in the news, as they're building housing for people with mental health challenges in London and other cities.
How does the charity work? What are their housing goals?
Indwell Regional manager Natasha Thuemler and homelessness advocate Dr. Abe Oudshoorn join Craig to discuss Indwell, the state of the housing crisis and more.
It's the final podcast of 2023!
Craig is joined in the studio by United Way Elgin-Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner, political insider Ryan Gauss and former city councillor John Fyfe-Millar for the Friday Round Table.
The discuss council reprimanding Susan Stevenson following a report from the Integrity Commissioner, the cyberattack on the London Public Library and another organizational nightmare for people on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman.
They talked about the Integrity Commissioner recommending a reprimand for Susan Stevenson, the challenges in the city's upcoming multi-year budget process and the Ford government announcing expanded alcohol sale point options in 2026.
London's Integrity Commissioner says that councillor Susan Stevenson has broken the city's council code of conduct.
What does that mean at 300 Dufferin? What will the result of the December 19th vote be Craig shares his thoughts on this solo episode of the podcast.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.
They tackle the city's key priorities at budget time, the debate over whether planning staff should be working from home and the impact that has on building, plus Pierre Poilievre's housing documentary.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre - with his party already surging in the the polls - has released a documentary about housing prices in Canada.
The 15 minute video was posted to his X account and it has already been viewed millions of times.
What did he get right? Which parts are misleading?
Mike Moffatt, an economist and the founding director of the PLACE Centre joins Craig to break it all down.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig and the panel breakdown the stories about a fire at a a homeless encampment in south London and what raises for London Police officers could mean for the city's budget.
Then, they share some quick takes about federal (the Trudeau Liberals and the NDP are neck and neck in the latest polls) and provincial politics (awkward morning at ONDP offices following a by-election blowout).
This week's guests are ANOVA executive director Jessie Rodger, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and political insider Scott Collyer.
Opioid addiction, often impacting people who are homeless, is a massive issue in London and many other communities.
There's significant disagreement in the medical community on how best to treat it.
Dr. Joseph Mai and RPN Shelley West, who work at Central Community Health Centre in St. Thomas, join Craig on the podcast to discuss the way they treat the addiction - which they say has led to great success stories.
The conversation focuses on homelessness, the safety of prescribing opioids and the debate in the medical community surrounding safer supply.
On this week's Friday Round Table, activist Mojdeh Cox, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and political insider Nathan Caranci join Craig to breakdown the top stories in the city.
They discuss the LHSC travel scandal, hospital boards, the city's winter homeless response, and whether the latest fiscal update can do anything to help the Trudeau government's electoral fortunes.
The mother of a man killed in a Richmond Row alley during an interaction with two London Police officers has filed a notice of action.
Lorraine Bourassa, who's son Justin died on October 27th, 2021, and Bourassa's family, are seeking $3.9-million in damages from London Police Services Board, former police Chief Steve Williams, current police chief Thai Troung and two unidentified London Police officers.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has cleared the officer who shot Bourassa of any wrong doing, but during previous episodes of the podcast, Craig has examined how the logic of the story told by the SIU has a lot of gaps in it - to say the least.
In this episode, he looks at the notice of action and the latest in the case.
Asylum seekers, LHSC executives taking expensive trips and pedestrian safety in London are this week's topics on the Friday Round Table.
Craig is joined by YOU Executive Director Steve Cordes, United Way Elgin-Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner and political insider Ryan Guass join Craig to talk about the big stories.
They begin with concerns about a lack of support for asylum seekers creating resource challenges at London shelters, and the issue being brought to the forefront by councillor Corrine Rahman and Josh Morgan.
Then they look at institutional trust at the LHSC after a story about executives booking nearly half a million dollars in travel, and then they discuss how safe it is to walk in London after two pedestrians were killed in the city this week.
What are bird friendly windows?
Why should the province mandate them for certain buildings?
Brendon Samuels, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at Western University, joins Craig on the podcast to discuss his advocacy on the issue and why it's important.
In an episode of the podcast last week, Craig used some colourful language to describe the events surrounding a hub in northwest London being cancelled.
The hubs was cancelled because the CMHA didn't want to make people living at the Lighthouse Inn homeless, and while ignoring the residents was a massive mistake by the city decision makers, Craig suggests that the people in the neighbourhood who were opposed to the hub just wanted the hub stopped and didn't care what the reason was.
Michael Lerner, who represents members of the Ward 7 ratepayers association, reached out to Craig to discuss the issue and he appears on the podcast to break it all down.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by disability advocate Dr. Jeff Preston, lawyer Ali Chahbar and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to breakdown the issues of the week.
They talk about the plug being pulled on the homeless hub that was set to go on Fanshawe Park Road, Shmuel Farhi's rant at the Downtown London BIA meeting and more.
The homeless hub that was going to be at a motel on Fanshawe Park Road has been cancelled by the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley.
They say it's because people who are long-term tenants of the motel would become homeless if the project goes ahead.
What's changed in the last month?
Pam Hill of CMHA joins Craig to discuss and then Craig shares his thoughts on how the situation has damaged the credibility of the homeless hub plan.
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Craig is joined in the studio by City of London Budget Chair Elizabeth Peloza, political insider Ryan Gauss and former London city councillor Cheryl Miller for this week's Friday Round Table.
They talk about who is to blame for London failing to meet provincial housing targets, city hall offering to help out some businesses dealing with issues surrounding homelessness and the idea of getting high school students onto LTC busses to get to and from school.
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Some people buy products because they're environmentally friendly.
However, in some cases, they're just marketed that way.
Dr. Wren Montgomery, an Associate Professor of Sustainability at Ivey Business School, joins Craig to talk about 'greenwashing'.
What is it? How do you spot it? Why to companies do it?
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by London City Councillor Sam Trosow, Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching to talk about this week's top stories.
They dive into the City of London's winter homelessness response, why it took the city so long to finally send out green bins and the Trudeau government backtracking on the carbon tax.
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Sarah Jama has been booted from the Ontario NDP caucus.
The recently elected Hamilton MPP was removed following her controversial statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and issuing a letter indicating she may sue Doug Ford.
Some Ontario NDP members are furious and the party is in disarray.
Journalist Erica Ifill joins Craig to share her thoughts on how leader Marit Stiles handled what happened and what the next steps for the party might be - both provincially and federally.
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On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes United Way Elgin Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former London City Councillor John Fyfe-Millar to talk about the week's top stories.
They discuss the largest housing development in London's history being approved by council, the cancellation of a downtown festival for 2024, the potential of a teacher's strike in Ontario and the legal battle between Premier Doug Ford and NDP MPP Sarah Jama.
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Craig is joined in the studio by London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, activist Mojdeh Cox and former London city councillor Roger Caranci.
They talk about the RCMP's criminal investigation of the Ford government, the LHSC stepping up to combat homelessness by creating a new apartment building and whether city hall needs a lobbyist registry.
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With some concerns in the community about how homeless hubs will impact neighbourhood - Craig asked CMHA Regional Director of London, North Middlesex and Huron Pam Hill to join him on the podcast and discuss those issues.
What will security be like? What will the rules be for the people living at the hubs? How quickly to they hope to get the people from the hubs to permanent housing?
They tackles these questions and more on the Craig Needles Podcast, which is brought to you by Clearview Auto Glass.
Another busy news week in London and Craig welcomes city councillor Steve Lehman, former Green party candidate Carol Dyck and political insider Nathan Caranci to the studio to break it all down.
First, they discuss the council approval of the homeless hub locations.
What will the markers for success be for this plan? How well council, as a whole, handled this discussion? The panel tackles those questions and more.
Then, they discuss the biggest housing development in London's history at 50 King. Neighbours aren't happy. Should council approve it next week?
Also, York Development has, rather than affordable units, promised $500,000 to Indwell. Is that the wave of the future?
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As London City Councillors get set to vote on the final approval for the locations of the city's homeless hubs, Corrine Rahman joins the podcast to explain why she's opposed to the location at 705 Fanshawe Park Road.
She discusses concerns about communication with residents and business owners in the area, and why she's supportive of some of the hubs - just not the one in the northwest end.
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A busy news week!
Craig is joined by City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, lawyer Matthew Reid and political insider Scott Collyer to break it all down.
They discuss the locations for the city's homeless hubs, an integrity commissioner complaint against a city councillor, some pushback to a major residential building in downtown London and the Nazi scandal for the former speaker at the House of Commons.
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The homeless hub decision at SPPC this week had some applauding and others angry. What will the hubs actually accomplish? Why is the cost-per-bed ratio higher than some expected? When can we expect more hubs?
And what was the reaction at city hall to a councillor posting photos of people who are homeless on her social media accounts?
London Mayor Josh Morgan and Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis joined Craig on the podcast to explain.
London's homeless hubs are going ahead - despite some pushback on the Fanshawe Park Road location.
Melissa Sheehan, who has experience being homeless in London, joins Craig to talk about the hubs, what she hopes to see accomplished next, NIMBYism, costs and more.
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On this week's episode of the round table, Craig welcomes Y.O.U. CEO Steve Cordes, doctoral candidate AJ Wray and former London City Councillor Cheryl Miller to the studio to talk about the issues of the week.
The discuss the surprise resignation of Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton, Doug Ford backtracking on the Greenbelt, homeless hubs and the NIMBYism surrounding them and the big anti-LGBTQ+ protest at the Thames Valley District School Board's offices.
London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos was named Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities - which means he'll have a say in how the federal government tackles an important file.
Fragiskatos joins Craig to discuss housing, what their plans will be and how quickly Canadians might see changes in the market.
On this episode of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by advocate Dr. Jeff Preston, Jared Zaifman of the London Home Builder's Association and former London city councillor Cheryl Miller to tackle the issues of the week.
They discuss housing promises for London from the federal government, London West MP Arielle Kayabaga saying that she can't afford to buy a home in the city, the Justin Trudeau's battle against high grocery prices and some anger about the new bag rules at Budweiser Gardens.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes political insider Nathan Caranci, CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and former Green party candidate Carol Dyck to the studio.
They talk about the cabinet shuffle at Queen's Park and what that means for the Greenbelt scandal, the Trudeau government's sliding poll numbers and WSIB coming to London - but not being located in the downtown core.
Steve Clark has done what the opposition demanded and resigned from his position as Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
So, what's next for the Greenbelt scandal?
London West MPP Peggy Sattler shares her thoughts on this episode of the podcast.
On the 200th episode of the show, Craig welcomes former London city councillor Cheryl Miller, ANOVA executive director Jessie Rodger, and lawyer Ali Chahbar join Craig on this week's Friday Round Table.
They breakdown the latest in the greenbelt scandal, discuss how housing shortages are impacting the federal Liberal polling numbers and look at the latest with London's Health and Homelessness plans.
As the Ford government says they're considering removing development permissions from some of the land in the greenbelt they had already authorized - because the land owner tried to sell it. Is there any reason to push forward with any of the greenbelt development?
Diane-Laure Arjaliès, an associate professor at the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western joins Craig to share her thoughts on why the greenbelt development needs to be stopped. Then Craig analyzes what the political fall out of the latest happenings might be.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, the city's budget chair Elizabeth Peloza and activist Mojdeh Cox.
They talk about the AMO meetings in London, whether Ryan Amato's resignation will change the channel on the Greenbelt story, and if the federal Liberals would be better off without Justin Trudeau as leader.
Economist Mike Moffatt of PLACE Centre @ the Smart Prosperity Institute joins Craig to talk about his new report looking at a hot topic in politics at all levels: We're in a housing crisis, so who has to fix it?
Ontario needs 1.5 million homes in the next decade, how do we get there?
Craig stopped in at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in London to talk about student housing with London's Ward 6 Councillor Sam Trosow. They talk about the impact the shortage has on students and the community and what post-secondary institutions, cities, the province and the feds can do about the issue.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by political insiders Shobhita Sharma and Scott Collyer as well as PhD candidate A.J. Wray to talk about the big stories of the week.
They talk about the conversations coming up at the AMO meeting in London, people who are homeless being sent to the city and fireworks.
What is the National Housing Accord?
Dr. Mike Moffatt, an economist and a founding director of PLACE Centre at the Smart Prosperity Institute joins the podcast to explain why Canada needs to build two million new affordable and market rental units by 2030.
He also goes over their ten key recommendations on what policy makers should be doing next.
On this week's Friday Round table, Craig is joined by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz and former city council candidate Jeremy McCall.
They talk about the Auditor General's damning report on the Ford government's Greenbelt fiasco. Will this stick to the Premier long term? Will he be forced to remove Steve Clark from cabinet?
They also look at a motion before city council asking the province and other municipalities about sending people who are homeless to London against their will.
A new report from Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk says the Ford government's plans to develop the Greenbelt were hastily done and favoured certain Ford-favoured developments.
The developers involved saw the value of their land shoot up by at least $8-billion, Lysyk said.
Will these insider deals hurt Ford politically? Are they counting on Ontario voters to not care?
Craig talked to Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner about the report and then shares his thoughts on what's next.
London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, Jared Zaifman from the London Home Builder's Association and political insider Ryan Gauss join Craig in the studio for this week's Friday Round Table.
The panel examines the separation of Justin and Sophie Trudeau and when a politician's personal life become publicly relevant.
They also examine the recent cabinet shuffle and the local impact of news not longer being shared on Facebook or Instagram.
Steve Cordes, the Executive Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and Jordan Arsenault, who has lived experience and now works with their Clean Slate program, joins Craig to talk about the city's approach to homelessness and their hubs plan on this edition of the podcast.
On this week's Friday Round Table the panel breaks down the latest in the health and homelessness plan, the return to the office plan for some city workers and some really ugly polls for the federal Liberals.
Craig is joined by Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Councillor Susan Stevenson and political insider Scott Collyer for thoughts on those issues and more.
Nate Erskine-Smith, one of the candidates for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal leadership, is visiting London.
He sat down in studio with Craig to discuss the city's health and homelessness strategy, environmental issues, the leadership race and more.
A St. Thomas police officer lost rank and pay after being convicted of two counts of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act. But, his ex-wife, the woman he assaulted, didn't have to testify at the hearing, which could have a major impact on similar cases in the future.
Lawyers Ian and Allison Johnstone explain why the case is important on this edition of the podcast.
The City of London's plan for hubs that will assist people living with homelessness has been revealed. What does the plan look like? Craig talks with London's Deputy City Manager, Social Health and Development Kevin Dickins about the hubs, where they might be and what they'll hopefully accomplish.
As anticipation continues to build about the next steps of the city's Whole of Community Response to health and homelessness, the Friday Round Table discusses what they're looking for.
Craig is joined in studio by political insider Ryan Gauss and former city councillors John Fyfe-Millar and Cheryl Miller to discuss.
Then, they talk briefly about the future of Thames Pool.
Londoners are set to get a look at city staff's plan for the Whole of Community Response to health and homelessness next week. But, when dollar figures are being leaked and feedback has become difficult to provide, some councillors are concerned about communication.
Ward 4 Councillor Susan Stevenson joins Craig on the podcast to share her thoughts.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes advocate Dr. Jeff Preston, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and PhD candidate AJ Wray to the studio to breakdown this week's top stories.
They talk about the homelessness depots and the city's strategy for helping people without a place to live, and the rising costs of giving taxpayer money to corporations to create jobs.
Four new service depots - set up near encampments where people dealing with homelessness are living - have been set up by the City of London.
Craig chats with Chantelle McDonald of London Cares and Kevin Dickins, the Deputy City Manager of Social and Health Development, about the depots and what they're hoping to accomplish.
Then Margie, a woman who lives near the depot in Cavendish Park, shares her thoughts on how she believes the system is failing.
After months of media controversy, interviews and more - Ryan Gauss has been appointed to the London Police Services Board. How did it all happen? Craig breaks down a surprising council meeting, then Gauss joins him to share his thoughts. The runner-up, Stephen D'Amelio, then shares his thoughts with Craig.
Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and regular Green Party candidate Carol Dyck join Craig on this week's Friday Round Table.
They discuss the LTC's problems with the AODA, moving the transit commission to be under direct city control, the timing of council meetings and when green bins will finally arrive in London.
Is the London Transit Commission violating Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?
A group of advocates wants an audit and has pointed to some very specific problems in how paratransit and other part of LTC service are operating.
Dr. Jeff Preston joins Craig on the podcast to explain the letter and how the LTC can fix their failures for people with disabilities in the community.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited is one of the leading non-profits in the city.
They work with about 3,600 people between the ages of 16-30 each year. Getting them access to services that provide basic needs and housing, as well as physical, mental or dental health care, or education and employment supports.
They also work with people who are experiencing homelessness, including podcast guest Daniel Crites at one point. Now, Daniel helps run YOU's Clean Slate program.
Daniel and YOU CEO Steve Cordes join Craig in the studio to discuss his journey and how the city, province and country can help people who are struggling on London's streets.
On this week's Friday Round Table, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, activist Mojdeh Cox and Classic Rock 98.1 Program Director Dan Wylie come to the studio.
Craig and the panel discuss human trafficking in London, the government's handling of Paul Bernardo being moved to a medium security prison, 1290 CJBK being shut down by Bell and the rising cost for the Volkswagen battery plat in St. Thomas.
Barb Maly, the executive director of Downtown London, stops by the studio to chat with Craig about all things in the core. In a wide ranging conversation, talk about housing, safety, vacant office space, and the Health and Homelessness plans.
On this week's Friday Round Table, City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, and political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci join Craig to talk about the issues of the week.
They discuss how this week's air quality problems could impact federal and provincial politics, as well as the price of homes and rent in London and what some new data tells us about the housing market.
London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, the first openly gay person elected to London City Council, joins Craig to talk about a disturbing series of stories in the community and about his remarks to kick off Pride month in the city.
A report at London City Hall says emissions in the city are on the way up and we aren't on pace to get to net zero by 2050. How do we fix that? What steps do we take? Councillor Skylar Franke joins the podcast to share her thoughts.
When objections to certain planning decisions are made due to heritage concerns - is this just thinly veiled NIMBYism?
Craig and historian Robyn Schwarz break that down on this episode of the podcast.
City of London budget chair Elizabeth Peloza, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and PhD candidate A.J. Wray join Craig for this week's Friday Round Table.
They talk Budweiser Gardens improvements, downtown vacancy rates, heritage homes and David Johnston's decision to not have a public inquiry into foreign election interference.
Should the City of London spend millions in tax dollars to renovate and expand Budweiser Gardens?
It was an intense at times debate at city hall on Tuesday. Craig was there, and on this episode of the podcast he lays out the facts and shares his conversation with Budweiser Gardens General Manager Brian Ohl and Tourism London General Manager Cheryl Finn.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, political insider Nathan Caranci and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.
They talk about proposed improvements at Budweiser Gardens that the city of London is being asked to pay for. Then, they talk red light cameras and about a school that had about a third of their students absent on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Violence in schools has been a regular talking point in Ontario's education system - and it has reached a boiling point at some London schools.
Craig Smith - the President of ETFO in Thames Valley - joins the podcast to talk about what's happening W. Sherwood Fox School in the south end of the city.
There's worries about the safety of staff and students, and some in the school community have called this school year "the most challenging and traumatizing that we have
seen."
Smith discusses how what's happening there is similar to other schools in the system, and what needs to be done to make significant change.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London city councillor Susan Stevenson, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and lawyer Matthew Reid to talk about the issues of the week.
They discuss the London Transit Commissions hopes to provide service to the city's industrial areas, the city's health and homelessness plan and the Health Unit's push to increase social assistance rates.
What's the latest on the millions of dollars that's supposed to transform the way homelessness is combatted in the City of London?
Mayor Josh Morgan has met with cabinet ministers about it. City staff. Key decision makers. Even Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He joins Craig to talk about the latest and discuss timelines on when we may actually see some of these changes make an impact.
On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes lawyer Ali Chahbar, former federal NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz and former London City councillor Jared Zaifman join Craig to talk about the issues of the week.
They discuss London's new police chief, tough times for renters in the city, London being the least happy city in the country according to some new stats and if threats against Conservative MP Michael Chong may become an election issue.
London Police have a new chief - but they surprised some observers by making an outside hire.
Thai Truong comes to London from York Region - and brings a wealth of policing experience with him. But did the London Police Services Board send a bad message to the organization when they hired from the outside when interim chief Trish McIntyre was seen by some as the right person to take over the job?
Former London Police Chief Murray Faulkner joins Craig to share his thoughts.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck, former London city councillor John Fyfe-Millar and PhD candidate AJ Wray.
The group discusses social assistance in Ontario and when the provincial government could finally make a significant move with it, calls to divert funding away from Safe Space that were shutdown at London City Hall and proposed changes to requirements for becoming a police officer.
Provincial cabinet ministers Monte McNaughton and Steve Clark were at London City Hall on Tuesday, talking about homelessness. However, they didn't mention what Craig says is the biggest problem facing low income people in London - dismal social assistance rates. Craig shares his thoughts and plays his news conference exchanges with McNaughton and Clark on this edition of the podcast.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Cheryl Miller and CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland.
They talk about massive government investment in a Volkswagen battery in St. Thomas and proposed property tax hikes in the City of London - how much is too much?
London City Councillors have decided to interview five candidates who have applied for the vacant seat on the London Police Service Board - but will the process result in a fair outcome?
Then, we talk baseball (16:26)!
Blue Jays fan and fight deck expert Lesley Mak has visited the new-look Rogers Centre and joins Craig to tell us what to expect when we head to a Jays game this summer.
On the latest edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, poilitical insider Nathan Caranci and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching to discuss the issues of the week.
They tackle the full-time councillor conversation at London city hall, building of affordable housing in London and the Twitter spat between Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh.
In the wake of the Sunshine List showing massive executive pay hikes, the London Health Sciences Centre news dumped that they had reached an agreement with dismissed former President Paul Woods on a Thursday before a long weekend. Peter Bergmanis of the London Health Coalition joins Craig to discuss.
On the Friday Round Table, London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, activist Mojdeh Cox and PhD candidate A.J. Wray joined Craig to talk about the issues of the week.
First, they tackle executive salaries at London Health Sciences Centre and Bill 124, and whether the federal budget will help Canadians dealing with the affordability crisis.
London Health Sciences Centre President and CEO Dr. Jackie Schleifer Taylor made more than $750,000 in salary and benefits in 2022 - up more than 40% from 2021.
Craig discusses that with Peter Bergmanis of the London Health Coalition and then reads an e-mail from a London Health Sciences Centre staffer about how people on the front lines feel about the wage hike in a time when their increases are limited to 1%.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London City Councillor Elizabeth Peloza, former council candidate Jeremy McCall and political insider Ryan Gauss to talk about the issues of the week.
They examine the future of the Thames Pool, the costs of homecoming partying in London and the latest in the foreign election interference scandal.
A new ad running on Classic Rock 98.1 piqued Craig's interest. The Alberta government trying to sell Ontario professionals on moving to that province - citing affordability issues. Craig asked Smart Prosperity Institute Economist Mike Moffatt for his thoughts on people - especially young professionals - leaving Ontario and what we can do about it.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci to the studio.
They discuss violence against police, the proposed closure of Thames Pool and Volkswagen bringing a battery plant to St. Thomas.
A summertime staple for many Londoners - the Thames Pool - could soon be no more. Staff have recommended a closure due to needed repairs caused by flooding near the pool. Ward 12 councillor Skylar Franke joins the podcast to discuss the options and Craig wonders why city staff have little to say on the matter.
The Ontario Liberal Party has been crushed in two straight elections.
How do they rebound? Federal Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is considering running for the party's leadership. He joins Craig on the podcast to talk about his vision for the future of the party and challenges facing Ontario.
On this week's Friday Round Table Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and regular political candidate Carol Dyck to talk about the issues of the week.
They discuss violence in schools, foreign election interference and Tim Horton's flaking on prize winners.
A new report from People for Education says the school system is in a "downward spiral" after COVID-19 shutdowns over the last three years. Kids with mental health issues that are going untreated, some students that have become violent. Craig Smith, President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario's Thames Valley local comes on the podcast to discuss.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes former city councillor Cheryl Miller, ANOVA Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Western PhD candidate AJ Wray joined Craig on this week's edition of the Friday round table.
They talk about whether federal and provincial leaders think we're stupid, the next steps in the city's plan to combat homelessness, policing in London and the idea of high school students taking the LTC to class.
(NOTE: This episode contains language that may not be appropriate for all audiences)
London city council and the London Transit Commission have some big choices coming up on accessibility.
How can we make getting around London easier for everyone? Craig talks with Dr. Jeff Preston, who is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, about that and more on this episode of the podcast. They also very quickly talk about the deals the Leafs have made, before the flurry that came down on Tuesday afternoon.
On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former London City Councillor Mariam Hamou, as well as political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci.
They talk about the new plan to combat homelessness in the city, and calls to reform the bail system from London.
After the City of London received an anonymous to battle homelessness in the community, leaders in the sector held a news conference to explain their plans for overhauling the system. Craig spoke with three people who were on the stage at the event and shares his thoughts on this edition of the podcast.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former political candidates Shawna Lewkowitz and Carol Dyck, as well as Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.
They talk about the Doug Ford wedding scandal and how that will impact him politically, John Tory's resignation and London city council's decision not to allow exotic animals at Reptilia.
Critics are targeting Doug Ford's daughter's wedding - and the number of major developers who attended - as a source of scandal for the Progressive Conservative government. Also, Ford's daughter's stag and doe included $150 tickets and asks for gifts of up to $1,000.
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner joins Craig to share his thoughts on what's happened and where the story may go next.
On the Friday Round Table, former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Mariam Hamou join London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis to talk about the issues of the week.
They discuss federal polling showing Canadians believing the country is broken, health care funding negotiations and more.
The new Ontario NDP leader joins Craig to talk about her approach to the job, why healthcare needs to be at the forefront of the next provincial election and the housing crisis. Then, Craig shares a few thoughts on the federal political landscape and Pierre Poilievre's building coalition.
On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former London City Councillor Roger Caranci to talk about the issues of the week.
They look at NIMBYism in London - including a uniformed police officer showing up at a public participation meeting - as well as party shopping in Ontario politics and what the media should do and say when a famous person who did bad things in their personal life dies.
Two topics on this edition of the Craig Needles Podcast.
First, Craig chats with Marcus Plowright the lead volunteer for London's Fund for Change - which was kicked off by a $25-million donation from an unidentified London family.
What will the next steps be for the fund? Craig and Marcus discuss.
Then, Craig shares his thoughts on a London police officer who showed up at city planning meeting in full uniform - and the NIMBY comments he heard during the meeting.
On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes political insiders Nathan Smith and Shobhita Sharma as well as London Police Services Board chair Ali Chahbar to talk about the issues of the week.
They talk about a surgical backlog at London's Children's Hospital, the compassion of Londoners amid the city's homelessness crisis and Justin Trudeau facing a vicious backlash as he walked down a street in Hamilton.
Oneida Nation First Nation on the Thames has been under a boil water advisory since 2019. But, that may soon change according to Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu. She talks to Craig about how the project may unfold and about her government's record on eliminating boil water advisories.
Then, Dr. Matthew Teeter, a professor in medical biophysics, medical imaging and surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, joins the podcast to talk about a grant he received from the Arthritis Society of Canada and how his joint replacement research will be improved by it.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former London city councillors Cheryl Miller and John Fyfe-Millar, as well as CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland as the three talk about key stories from the week.
They begin with a discussion about the $25-million gift the city received to fight homelessness and how the money could be spent. Then, they wonder if the Ford government will suffer any political blowback for the investigations into their Greenbelt changes.
Fresh off his address to more than 1,300 Londoners, Mayor Josh Morgan joins Craig on the podcast to talk about his speech and what's next.
They discuss a $25-million gift from an anonymous family aimed at battling homelessness, policing in the city and transit options.
On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined in the studio by former city councillor Mariam Hamou, Green party candidate Carol Dyck and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching.
They talk about the provincial healthcare system and whether Doug Ford's government is deliberately damaging Ontario's healthcare system, a letter about homelessness written by London MPPs and the trial of the man accused of killing the Afzaal family being held in Windsor.
Is Doug Ford trying to destabilize Ontario's healthcare system? It sounds outlandish, but as we learn more about Bill 124 and other choices that government has made, those calls from the opposition and unions have increased. Doris Grinspun, the CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, joins Craig to share her thoughts.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, activist Mojdeh Cox and former city councillor Cheryl Miller.
They discuss whether London can ever land the World Juniors, the bail system in Canada, record levels of immigration, and what happens to encampments when water rises in the Thames River.
From the commissioner of the OPP to the leader of the opposition - there were critics saying Canada's bail system releasing a suspect was responsible for the death of Constable Greg Pierzchala.
However, defense lawyers like Alison Craig disagree. She joins the podcast to explain why and what actually happens when somebody gets bail.
On the last Friday Round Table of 2022, Craig talks about the issues of the week with former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and Green Party candidate Carol Dyck.
They look at a new survey showing Londoners are becoming more concerned about poverty, whether Pierre Poilievre's popularity may take a hit after a by-election loss and some polling showing Ontarians are losing trust in the Ford government.
A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry says that vaping or e-cigarettes carry health risks that to this point, were unknown. Inhaling e-liquids could negatively affect “pulmonary surfactant” – a critical layer of the lungs that allows breathing to happen with minimal effort. Dr. Ruud Veldhuizen joins the podcast to explain the study and look at what the future of the e-cigarette industry might be.
The Friday Round Table features London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jen Dunn, London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and former London city councillor Mariam Hamou weighing in on the issues of the week.
First, the examine upcoming budget pressures for the city and residents. Then, they discuss plans to help Londoners dealing with homelessness this winter, and whether Marit Stiles becoming NDP leader without much of a race hurts the party.
Craig welcomes Bradford West Gwillimbury councillor Jonathan Scott to the podcast. He talks about policies for rural communities - and how housing growth can happen there. Then, London North Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos discusses the Canada Dental Benefit and how Canadians can access it. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the latest edition of the Friday Round Table, former city councillor Cheryl Miller, political insider Nathan Caranci and Blackburn Media News Manager Scot Kitching join Craig to talk about the issues of the week. They examine remaining parks and schools in London, the impact Bill 23 will have on housing and spending more than $330-million on a new headquarters for LTC.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The Ford government says Bill 23 will create more housing for a province in desperate need of it. Critics - including city councillors in London and all over the province - say all it will do is cause municipal budget carnage. AJ Wray is a PhD candidate at Western in their environment department and joins Craig for his take on the bill and talk about what could happen with Green Belt development.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Craig chats with AJ Messier and Steven Hoffner, who directed and produced a documentary called The Cannons, about a mostly Black youth hockey team in Washington DC. It's being shown at Hyland Cinema on Saturday.
Then, a conversation with Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson following their trip to the World Series and his history playing baseball in the Intercounty League.
Also, Craig shares some thoughts on the passing of Bill 23.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes activist Mojdeh Cox, along with political insiders Shobhita Sharma and Nathan Smith to the studio. They discuss Bill 23 and the impact on housing and cities in Ontario, along with overcrowded children's hospitals and the emergency act inquiry.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
There won't be another strike, at least for now, but what is the state of Ontario's education system? How has the Ford-Lecce era impacted it? Dr. Prachi Srivastava is a professor in the department of education at Western University and joins Craig to discuss.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
At London City Hall on Wednesday, councillors appointed Londoners to various boards and commissions. However, the process for the London Public Library Board was unusual. Council had voted on seven members, but decided to re-vote because some members didn't like the gender breakdown of those seven members. The result? Ryan O'Hagan, who is non-binary, got removed from the board.
Ryan joins Craig on the podcast to discuss what happened and why picking board members based on unknown criteria has significant pitfalls.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the latest edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by London City Councillor Shawn Lewis, Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to talk about the top issues of the week.
They talk about the ongoing negotiations between the province and CUPE, the future of education minister Stephen Lecce, the location of a casino in London and the city's proposed plan to help with homelessness this winter.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Over a year after Justin Bourassa's death, both the SIU and London Police internal investigations have wrapped up. But, questions still remain about the moments leading up to his death on October 28th, 2021 when he was shot by a London Police officer on Richmond Row. London Police Deputy Chief Trish McIntyre spoke to some of those questions at the London Police Services Board meeting on Monday, and on this episode of the Craig Needles Podcast, you'll hear that conversation and get Craig's thoughts on where the case may go next.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
With CUPE education workers off the job, Craig asks former MPP Suze Morrison for her take on what's happened at Queen's Park and what might be next. Then (25:59) Andrew Lokan, the board chair from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association joins the podcast to talk about the notwithstanding clause and why he thinks it's time to remove it from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
As the provincial government prepares to use the notwithstanding clause to force a new collective agreement on 55,000 school support staffers, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn joins Craig on the podcast to talk about what's happened and what may happen next. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
It's an all-council post-election edition of the Friday Round Table. Skylar Franke, Shawn Lewis and Elizabeth Peloza joined Craig on the heels of their election victories to talk about the race, voter turnout, Londoners key priorities and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The Ward 4 councillor-elect joins Craig to talk about her campaign, a vote-splitting win, her past donations to the People's Party of Canada and how she hopes to see people in poverty get more assistance.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Only 25% of eligible Londoners voted in the municipal election. That was actually a middle of the pack total among Ontario cities. Why do so few people want to vote? Political scientist Kate Graham joins the podcast to share her thoughts. Then, Craig talks about the results of London's municipal election and what his biggest surprises were when the results were (slowly) coming in. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes activist Mojdeh Cox, former London city councillor Cheryl Miller and political insider Ryan Gauss to the studio.
They talk about policing in London in the wake of a few negative national news stories about the service, and then discuss the Ford government's plan to send parents $200 to get their kids help with math.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
London researchers have discovered some biomarkers in long COVID patients. What does that mean? Dr. Douglas Fraser of Lawson Health Research joins the podcast to discuss what this could mean for the treatment of long COVID. (Link to the story about the study here: https://blackburnnews.com/london/london-news/2022/10/13/london-researchers-say-people-long-covid-unique-blood-markers/). Then, Craig shares thoughts about Steve Williams' announcement that he'll retire from his role as Chief of London Police Service next year and how it does (and doesn't) relate to negative news stories about LPS over the last few months. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching join Craig to talk about the top issues of the week on the Friday Round Table. With ten days left until the municipal election, they talk about what may drive voter turnout and the key campaign issues, then discuss the province's ongoing negotiations with CUPE education workers (15:43), and more negative national news stories about London Police (25:46). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
DT Cochrane did a report for Canadians 4 Tax Fairness showing big corporations are avoiding paying roughly 30-billion in taxes each year. How do they do it? How do we fix it? DT joins to discuss. Then, (20:11) Craig's thoughts on the resignations at Hockey Canada and what may be next, and a few thoughts on the municipal election as we're less than two weeks out (26:10). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig talks with ANOVA Executive Director Jessie Rodger, political insider Shobhita Sharma. They talk about Pierre Poilievre's video tags, door knocking gone bad for a London City Councillor (7:30), the unfolding situation at Pillar Non-Profit Network (12:30) and the 20th anniversary of Budweiser Gardens (18:30). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The downtown arena is 20 years old this month, and has been a massive success for London's core. Craig chats with the arena's General Manager, Brian Ohl about the anniversary, his greatest memories and shows they'd love to land. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck, London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and Classic Rock 98.1 Program Director Dan Wylie to the studio to discuss the issues of the week. They look at endorsements in the Mayoral race, election sign rules (9:25), whether events on the east coast (16:08) and what's happened at Ark Aid (23:54).
The 519 Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former MPP Khalil Ramal's mayoral campaign now includes a platform. He sat down in studio with Craig to talk about it and the race for Mayor.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci join CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland on Craig's Friday Round Table. They talk about Khalil Ramal's mayoral platform, possible illegal campaigning in London (18:40), more turmoil over at Pillar Non-Profit Network (23:24) and homecoming weekend at Western (30:13).
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Jarad Fisher is a London City Council candidate. Jason Slaughter is a former Londoner who has left the city, and started a YouTube channel dedicated to making cities better places. They both joined Craig on the podcast to talk about a safer London with more transportation options. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by activist Mojdeh Cox, lawyer Ali Chahbar and Jennifer Dunn, who is the executive director of the London Abused Women's Centre. They discuss Pierre Poilievre becoming Conservative leader, Josh Morgan's mayoral platform (20:29) and the day of mourning scheduled for the Queen (35:45). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Craig is back from a quick vacation to talk with Fanshawe College politics professor Matt Farrell about the CPC electing Pierre Poilievre as their leader and what that means for the party and the country. Will voters care about the obvious attacks Justin Trudeau and the Liberals will direct Poilievre's way?
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former city councillor Cheryl Miller, former federal and provincial candidate Carol Dyck and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching. They discuss the changes to London's casino plans, the province's COVID-19 isolation guidelines (or lack thereof) (12:35) and the rising overdose numbers in London (22:30). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
At the London Health Sciences Centre this past weekend, ER wait times were posted at 20 hours. How did the system get to this point? What can we do about it? London West MPP Peggy Sattler shares her thoughts. Then, Craig shares some facts and figures for management compensation at LHSC (22:34). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the 100th episode of the podcast, former London city councillors Roger Caranci and Cheryl Miller, along with political insider Nathan Smith join Craig to talk about the big stories of the week. First, they tackle when the municipal election campaign will actually begin in London. Then, they talk about Western's decision to require masks and a booster this fall and Nazem Kadri bringing the Stanley Cup to London this weekend. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The Forgotten519 story brought homelessness in the City of London into focus this summer, but what will the results be? Steve Cordes of Youth Opportunities Unlimited joins Craig to talk about his take on the conversation and why he got uncomfortable with some of the demands that were made of the city.
Friday was the final day to register to run for council in the upcoming municipal election. So, which races are most interesting? Former London journalist Sean Meyer joins Craig to help him rank the level of intrigue in each race from least to most, and then chat about voter turnout.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Does Ontario need to build 1.5 million homes in the next decade? Can we do it?
Economist Mike Moffatt of the Smart Prosperity Institute talks about his latest report with Craig, which can be found here: https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/1.5MillionMoreHomes
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The Ford government is under fire from the opposition, while concerns about privatization of the healthcare system are the main story as MPPs returning to Queen's Park this week. Is privatization on the way? Craig asks Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner about that on the podcast, as well as social assistance rates, which the government is only raising by 5%. They also breakdown why those two stories are related.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
We have housing targets. We have immigration targets. But, are the former high enough to satisfy the latter?
On this edition of the podcast, Craig chats with economist Mike Moffatt and immigration consultant Earl Blaney about how we need more places to live if we're going to welcome more immigrants to Canada - and that especially applies in London where Western and Fanshawe are hoping to land more international students.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, former federal candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, along with political insiders Shobhita Sharma and Ryan Gauss join Craig to talk about the key issues of the week. They talk about the hunger strike at London City Hall, Ontario's healthcare system overload and additional police presence in London's downtown core. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
As a hunger strike begins at London City Hall, Kevin Dickins joins the podcast.
The Deputy City Manager of Social Health and Development weighs in on how the city handles encampments, what he'd like to see happen with #TheForgotten519 and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig talks about the issues of the week with ANOVA executive director Jessie Rodger, London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman and Blackburn Media news manager Scott Kitching. First, they talk about #TheForgotten519, then the latest with Hockey Canada. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Will London have a real mayoral race? Josh Morgan is the favourite in the campaign and joins Craig to talk about the race, his campaign team, and more. What will the campaign look like if voter engagement is low? How would a campaign with few serious competitors change the way Morgan approaches the vote? The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Londoner Melissa Sheehan, who is currently homeless, joins the podcast to share her thoughts on a potential hunger strike some advocates are planning to protest the lack of assistance for the homeless population in London. Is that the right approach? Melissa says no and explains why. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On the Friday Round Table this week, Craig welcomes former City Councillor Hollywood Cheryl Miller, City Councillor Shawn Lewis and Classic Rock 98.1 Program Director Dan Wylie to talk about the issues of the week. They talk about what measures should be taken ahead of the Pride London Festival Parade this weekend, whether the city should spend $120-million to replace London Transit Headquarters (17:24) and what Pillar Nonprofit Network owes the public, if anything, after making a leadership change (29:19). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Beth Mai wants to be a Thames Valley School Board trustee this fall. Here in the summer, she stops by studio to talk to Craig about why she wants that job and her concerns about what's happening right now at the TVDSB. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
On this edition of the Friday Round Table, Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott, London City Councillor Shawn Lewis and political insider Nathan Smith join Craig to talk about the issues of the week. First they talk about Hockey Canada re-opening their investigation into the sexual assault settlement arising from an incident in London involving eight members of the 2018 World Junior Team. Then they talk about data from Stats Canada showing significant income inequality in London - and why we can't we move that Santa house in Victoria Park? The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
With concerns about hospital wait times amid another potential wave of serious COVID cases, Craig talks to Peter Bergmanis of the Ontario Health Coalition about the state of the system in the province. Also - why wasn't healthcare a bigger topic during the provincial election? Then, Craig plays a portion of Minister of Defence Anita Anand's media availability at General Dynamics - and wonders why sending Light Armour Vehicles to Saudi Arabia seems to not bother the federal government. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman, City Councillor Shawn Lewis and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching join Craig to talk about the issues of the week. They start with the Rogers outage that was freezing the nation on Friday afternoon, then talk about Patrick Brown being booted from the Conservative leadership race and some key housing decisions in London. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has cleared a London Police officer of criminal wrongdoing after a 29-year-old tennis pro was shot on Richmond Row in October of last year. However, there's some parts of the report that don't make sense in Craig's opinion. He explains why he has questions about the narrative the SIU has provided, and then shares his thoughts on whether we even need an SIU. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
100-year-old veteran Tom Hennessey is in the middle of walking 100 miles to raise money for homeless veterans. He spoke to Craig about his walk of gratitude, why he's doing it and told some stories about flying in World War II. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former London-Fanshawe MPP Khalil Ramal wants to be London's next mayor. Why does he want the job? Does he think council made mistakes on issues like bus rapid transit or certain development choices? He talks to Craig about the issues and more on this episode of the podcast - which is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former City Councillor Cheryl Miller, Green Party candidate Carol Dyck and insider Nathan Smith join the round table to talk about the breaking news out of the United States that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. Then, they get into the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race (9:03), the continued slow pace of the municipal campaign registration (18:13), a possible new face in the Mayoral race (24:30) and another win for Tourism London (33:00). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Hockey Canada executives were in Ottawa this week to talk about the settlement for a woman who claimed in court documents she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the Canadian World Junior team in 2018, at a London hotel. Jennifer Dunn, the executive director of the London Abused Women's Centre, joins Craig to breakdown what we heard. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former London West NDP candidate Shawna Lewkowitz, ANOVA Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Blackburn Media News Manger Scott Kitching talk about the key issues of the week, including removing Trooper Mark Wilson's name from a street and a park, the Hockey Canada settlement (16:24) and the City of London delaying green bins - again (34:15). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
The City of London has announced that two pools - Thames and Glen Cairn - won't be open this summer. First, Craig explains why the city leaving out key info could have made the feedback they received worse. Then, Jon Paul McGonigle, the Division Manager, Culture, Special Events & Sport Services with the city, joins Craig to explain what happened and what may come next (7:24), and Craig wraps up by explaining why giving the public less information is usually a bad thing (18:59). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Karen Vecchio wants to see Hockey Canada officials in Ottawa, answering questions about a legal settlement paid to a woman who told the court she was sexually assaulted by eight CHL players in London in 2018. The Elgin-Middlesex-London MP and Conservative critic for Status of Women joins Craig to talk about her thoughts on the case, what Ottawa can do and what sort of accountability she'd like to see in Canadian sport. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Political insiders Shobhita Sharma and Ryan Gauss, along with former TVDSB trustee Matthew Reid join Craig to breakdown the issues on the week. First, they discuss the impact of Councillor Michael van Holst getting into the Mayor's race. Then, what sort of leader the Ontario Liberals and NDP should be looking for and what the future may be for the two parties (21:52). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Political insider Jonathan Scott returns to the podcast to breakdown election results. What went right for Doug Ford? What's next for the Liberals and NDP. Then, Craig shares his experience from the vigil for #OurLondonFamily and explains why he thinks people in #ldnont should go see the new mural at the corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road (26:20).
On the post-election edition of the round table, the panel talks about the Ford majority, the local results, the future for the New Democrats and Liberals and why voter turnout was so low.
Women being harassed or treated poorly in the broadcast industry has, sadly, become a significant story in the Canadian media landscape in the last month. Sarah Kelly was a successful radio personality for over a decade, and joins the podcast to talk about the things that were said and done to her during her career, and explain why she's coming forward. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Craig predicts the local races and explains some thoughts on why this appears to be such an easy victory for Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives. Then (12:30) Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott shares her thoughts on why pinning the results of any Ontario election on rural voters doesn't make sense. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Ontario's mental health care system is in need of a massive overhaul. On this episode, Craig speaks with Kelly Sue McCormick, a foster mom who has had a very hard time finding the right care for her daughter who clearly needs it.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former City Councillor Roger Caranci, political insider Nathan Smith and activist Selma Tobah join Craig to talk about the issues of the week. They discuss Josh Morgan's candidacy for Mayor, the provincial election's final six days and the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
We're a week away from the vote on June 2nd. Suze Morrison, the outgoing New Democrat MPP for Toronto Centre joins us to talk about polls released by candidates, strategic voting calls, why they both like Tim Hudak and more.
London Mayor Ed Holder has decided to leave politics when his term ends in November. Why make the decision now? What will he remember about his time as Mayor? He and Craig look both back and forward on this edition of the podcast. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Liberal insider Jonathan Scott joins the podcast to give his take on the election and what happens next. If Doug Ford is re-elected, what does the future look like for Steven Del Duca and Andrea Horwath? Why has this campaign been a 'sleepy' one? Then, Craig's takes on some local polling in London North Centre, (24:07), and LLondon Mayor Ed Holder's retirement from politics (26:12).
Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca visited London on Monday. Craig asked him questions about his party's ODSP plan. Then, Zach Armstrong, the campaign manager for Kate Graham in London North Centre, joins the podcast to talk about that race. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
What are the parties in the Ontario election proposing for ODSP rates? Economist Mike Moffatt joins the podcast to talk about the numbers and their impact on the election. Then Craig weighs in on Monday night's debate and why Steven Del Duca and Andrea Horwath aren't "working together" (23:11).
Jennifer Dunn, the executive director of the London Abused Women's Centre, and Jessie Rodger, the executive director of Anova, join Craig to talk about gender based violence and why candidates in the Ontario election should be discussing it. Then (17:55) Craig shares his thoughts on the "bombshell" Ontario Liberal announcement and whether elections can change due to a debate.
London Home Builders Association CEO Jared Zaifman, former federal candidate Shawna Lewkowitz and former TVDSB trustee Matt Reid join Craig for the round table. They discuss the provincial election not getting a lot of attention, ODSP (6:35), scandals for a couple of Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers (21:06), and Jagmeet Singh dealing with protesters screaming in his face in Peterborough (41:01). Then, they wonder why few challengers have put their name forward for the municipal election (49:20). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Suze Morrison, the New Democrat MPP for Toronto Centre, isn't running for re-election. We get her thoughts on the race and what the key issues are both in Toronto and province-wide.
Will the Ford government be easily re-elected? Polls are pointing that way, but what could happen in the next three weeks to change that? Fanshawe College politics professor Matt Farrell joins the podcast to discuss that and other provincial election story lines.
Taking a break from election coverage to talk about social media, Craig welcomes Sara Mai Chitty, the Indigenous curriculum and pedagogy advisor at Western University, to the podcast to discuss the blowback she faced after sending a tweet that went viral last month. Those discussions also led to chats about Canada as a country - both the good and the bad - why why these conversations can be complicated.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Former Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP and cabinet minister Jeff Yurek joins the podcast to talk about where he sees some local races going and what it's like watching an election from the outside. Then (15:39), the NDP and Liberals have shared their ODSP and OW plans - Craig says they're not nearly good enough.
Former City Councillor Hollywood Cheryl Miller, Blackburn Media News Manger Scott Kitching and CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland join Craig to discuss their thoughts on the provincial election kick off, and London councillors not voting to reprimand Michael van Holst (14:00). Then, Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner (29:56) talks about his stop in London and housing in the province.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
After that draft opinion from the Supreme Court un the US was leaked, abortion rights became the biggest political talking point for our southern neighbours. Can that spill over into the Ontario election? Will it? Reproductive justice advocate Robyn Schwarz joins the podcast to share her thoughts.
Economist Mike Moffatt from the Smart Prosperity Institute joins the podcast for the first of our daily provincial election episodes to talk about the key campaign issues, and what he hopes to hear from the opposition over the next month. Then, Craig shares his thoughts on London City Council declining to reprimand Councillor Michael van Holst (21:50). The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
London Transit Commission vice-chair Sheryl Rooth joins Craig to discuss the Ontario Liberal election promise that transit fares could be reduced to one dollar a ride in 2023 and 2024 - with the province paying the balance or municipalities. Sheryl explains her concerns with the plan, and gets into the biggest transit issues in the provincial campaign.
London City Councillor Shawn Lewis, as well as political insiders Shobhita Sharma and Nathan Smith stop by the studio to talk about the happenings at the Thames Valley District School Board and Doug Ford's pre-election budget. Then, Zorra Mayor Marcus Ryan (28:46) explains his side of that tense TVDSB board meeting earlier this week. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Chair of the TVDSB Board of Trustees, Lori-Ann Pizzolatto, joins the podcast to talk about Zorra Mayor Marcus Ryan's now viral argument with members of the board. What happened? And how can the working relationship between the board, administration and rural politicians become less toxic?
It's National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, and while it serves as a great reminder to make sure your donor card is filled out, Craig is also looking at ways to limit the number of transplants that need to happen. Jon Holmes is a Londoner who was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a treatable illness, however, many provincial health plans - including OHIP don't cover the needed medication. That meant Jon had to get a lung transplant. He joins Craig on the podcast to share his story.
Craig's Friday Round Table, once a London talk radio staple, is back in podcast form as Ward 6 Councillor Mariam Hamou, political insider Ryan Gauss and former city councillor Cheryl Miller join Craig to talk about the top issues of the week, including TVDSB masking rules and the housing crisis. Then, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault (39:00) talks about Earth Day and the federal plan to combat the climate crisis.
London West MPP Peggy Sattler joins the podcast to talk about the delay in passing the Our London Family act at Queen's Park and look ahead to June's election. Then, Chef Stephen Clark from Chop Steakhouse (23:53) talks with Craig about changes to their menu. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Thames Valley District School Board Trustee Corrine Rahman is hoping to be the Ontario Liberal candidate in London-Fanshawe for the provincial election in June. She joins the podcast to explain why she wants to become an MPP. Then, (8:30) they talk about her motion at the TVDSB to make masks mandatory in schools once again. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching joins the podcast to talk about Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore's month-long absence from the media and his vacation to the Dominican Republic. Then a conversation about making up quotes for social media clout and why that's a problem - even if the politician targeted is one you don't like.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
With two London schools - and likely more to come - closing due to a lack of staffing because of COVID-19, how are teachers feeling about their work environment? Craig Smith, Thames Valley President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, joins the podcast to provide his thoughts on what the government and the board could be doing and more. Then (24:52) Craig Needles shares some thoughts on how COVID-19 is impacting the political discourse in Ontario, including the missing Dr. Kieran Moore and why the Liberal mask policy drips with political opportunism.
The London Development Institute and the London Home Builders Association have put out a new report examining the types of houses being built in London - and in the surrounding area. It shows family homes are going up in places like Lucan, Thorndale or Ilderton, but not so much in London. Is there an exodus out of the city for families? LHBA CEO Jared Zaifman joins the podcast to examine the problem and discuss possible solutions.
Former London West Progressive Conservative candidate Jeff Bennett stops by the podcast to talk about the vote coming up in June. What are the parties talking about, and what should they be talking about? He also discusses Conservative Party of Canada leadership race and more.
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Dr. Jeff Preston, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, joins the podcast to share his thoughts on the upcoming provincial election, whether the Ontario Liberals have opted out of COVID-criticism with their maskless rally (7:01), and what the key issues in the race might be (20:30). Then, Jeff and Craig talks about the Oscar slap and how it overshadowed other significant parts of the awards show (27:10).
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott joins the podcast to talk about the TVBSD ongoing battle with politicians from Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties and talk about what the future of education administration could look like in the province. Then, Chris Pinelli, the General Manager of Lexus of London, explains why they decided they wanted to become the newest sponsor of the podcast (28:04).
The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.
Three London City Councillors are hoping to bring back the masking mandate in the city, and are trying to persuade their colleagues to agree. Will it work? And where would this by-law govern? Councillor Jesse Helmer joins the podcast to explain.
Ontario's mask mandate is over, should Middlesex-London have their own? Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers talks to Craig about that possibility, both from a section 22 order perspective - and discussions at London City Council.
Even with COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end, working from home is still far more common that it was before the pandemic. What protections should those workers have from software programs some employers mandate? Liberal MP Michael Coteau wants legislation passed to make those rules clear. He joins Craig to talk about the issue and what he'd like to see going forward.
There's a large project being proposed for the area near Masonville Mall. 22 stories. More than 200 units. Should we build it? London Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan weighs in on that and more.
Green Party of Ontario leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner joins the podcast to talk about his party's mental health platform and then look ahead the provincial election in June.
Craig shares his thoughts on the changes at MLHU as Chris Mackie leaves and Alex Summers takes over as medical officer of health. Then, Board Chair Matthew Reid (7:59) answers some questions about the process and the work atmosphere at MLHU.
Owning a bar has been difficult during the pandemic. Opening one has been even tougher. Zoltan Harasty owns Lavish, the only LGBTQ+ focus bar in the city. He joins Craig to talk about the pandemic, why his bar asked for an adult entertainment license and more.
London Police have launched a new social media campaign aimed at eradicating human trafficking in the community. #KnowHumanTrafficking focuses on telling people the signs of trafficking and what to watch out for. London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn joins the podcast to share her thoughts on the campaign and more.
Jeff Francis, who spent more than a decade pitching in the major leagues, will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys this summer. He joins the podcast to talk with Craig about his career, the 2007 Rockies and why he's decided to live in London.
Chris Campbell of Music Tourism joins the podcast to talk about coming out of the pandemic in the industry, what makes London a music city and share stories about artists who have come to play here.
A report at London City Hall says the number of serious crashes in the city has been trending down. How did we get here? What more can we do? We talk to Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner about it. Then, Craig weighs in on the Emergency Act debate (16:40) in Ottawa, and points out Conservative and Green MPs who had the right concerns about the act.
With London's housing market facing serious shortages, what can city politicians do to help alleviate the issue? Councillor Shawn Lewis joins the podcast to discuss solutions being debated at city hall, and whether Air BnB regulation could be in London's future.
More and more developments on fertile farmland are being proposed in our area, and critics are wondering if we've gone too far. Have we already passed the point of no return when it comes to protecting valuable spaces for growing crops? Crispin Colvin of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture weighs in. Then, we talk about a project in Mt. Elgin with local residents Cath Kindree and Paula Bartlett (17:41), two women who are part of a group opposing the development.
The chair of the London Police Services Board, Susan Toth, joins the podcast to talk about why she wants the province to put a Black or Indigenous person on the board, policing in the city and what changes we could make in the future. Then, Craig offers his thoughts on how what's happening in Ottawa could change the conversation entirely.
As the convoy continues to block Ottawa streets, London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos joins the podcast to discuss what's happened, how it may end, and the long term outlook for democratic norms in Canada.
Political staffer Kristin Raworth shares her thoughts on the leadership of Erin O'Toole and where the Conservatives should go from here, then Craig talks about local businesses who advertise plans to break public health rules (23:14).
In the wake of the "Freedom Convoy" weekend in Ottawa, Craig and Blackburn News Manager Scott Kitching talk about the protest and why the media covered it, then Craig shares his thoughts on the CPC leadership situation (27:34).
Craig opens the podcast with his thoughts on the 'Freedom Convoy', what he saw when it passed through London and the political gamble Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole is taking (5:42). Then, he's joined by broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg to discuss the ongoing conversation about mental wellness in the country and his virtual event with parents and students in Middlesex County next week (23:46). Also, Canadian Curling Hall of Famer Peter Inch talks about bringing the Brier to London and the impact the event could have on the city and the downtown (38:51).
The cost of housing is rising in the GTHA - and that's having an impact in London. Economist Mike Moffatt joins Craig to discuss his latest report (found here: https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/) and what politicians can do to ease the housing affordability crisis.
At the end of the first week back in the classroom for Ontario students, Craig is joined by Western University education professor and advisor to the Ontario Science Table, Dr. Prachi Srivastava to talk about the return to in-person learning.
They discuss the impacts of school closures on the community, making up for lost time in the educational system and more.
The Ontario provincial election is less than 140 days away. Poll numbers look bad for Premier Doug Ford as the Omicron wave of the pandemic continues. Will we have a new party in government this summer?
Fanshawe College politics professor Matt Farrell gives his analysis, then Craig's friend and former London City Councillor Cheryl Miller (21:25) shares her thoughts on how the province feels about the options they'll have in June.
Craig Smith, the Thames Valley President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, joins the podcast to talk about back to school on Monday, the government's response to COVID-19 in the classroom and more.
Then Dave Warren, who appeared on Craig's radio show several times when his wife Dawn was hospitalized to talk about conditions at the London Health Sciences Centre, discusses about mental health after Dawn's death in late 2021 (28:14).
Craig opens with his thoughts on the potential return to in person learning at Ontario schools.
Dave Gilmore, the President of the London Police Association, joins the podcast (4:09) after officers voted in favour of a non-confidence motion in Chief Steve Williams last month.
Then (26:53) Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek explains his decision to leave politics in February.
London City Council has approved $100,000 in spending to help a trio of groups pay for their legal challenge against Quebec's Bill 21. Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, was the first to suggest municipalities join the fight with financial assistance.
The former Progressive Conservative leader joins the podcast (16:50) but first, Craig weighs in on the discourse surrounding the closure of Ontario schools amid the rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Former Ontario Liberal leadership candidate Kate Graham talks with Craig about being a parent in the pandemic and what she wants to see the Ford government do. Then RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun is back, as the strain on nurses continues to rise.
2021 was a year of ups and downs in London. Massive Olympic success. Some horrific tragedies. All in the midst of a global pandemic. The Mayor of London, Ed Holder joins the podcast to look back on the year in the Forest City.
CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland joins the podcast to talk about new rules at city hall as COVID case counts rise. Craig has some social media advice for the holiday season.
The MPP for London North Centre joins the podcast to talk Omicron, what the Ford government has and has not done, and how we keep schools open in January.
Craig opens the podcast by discussing #FreeTheRATs and Mayor Ed Holder's comments on rapid testing. Then, RNAO CEO Dris Grinspun joins the podcast to talk bout Bill 124 and how nurses are navigating the latest in the pandemic.
The podcast opens with Craig's take on Jake Skinner's resignation from the Thames Valley District School Board, then Craig dives into the latest public health recommendations on COVID-19 and why he think public health may be asking some people in the community for too much at the end of a brutal year.
What can the City of London do to make the streets safer for pedestrians? What can drivers do? London Transit Commissioner Sheryl Rooth joins the podcast to discuss her thoughts.
Craig opens the podcast by sharing his thoughts on the death of 8-year-old Alexandra Stemp in a horrible crash near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Wonderland Road. Then, London Home Builder's Association CEO Jared Zaifman joins the podcast to discuss building housing in the city and what we can do to improve supply.
Schools in London - especially on the fringes of the city - are becoming crowded. What can the Thames Valley District School Board? Trustees Lori-Ann Pizzolato and Corrine Rahman join the podcast to discuss.
Anishinaabe activist and organizer Frances Moore (https://twitter.com/OnaagoshinAnang) joins the podcast to talk about the city's winter housing program moving, the fire that caused that move, her work, RCMP harassment of Indigenous people and journalists in BC and more.
Here's a link to the Lifespin program she talked about on the podcast: https://www.lifespin.org/christmas-program
Dr. Chris Mackie is on leave at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. He's also accused of creating a toxic work environment and is the subject of several workplace conduct complaints. In a special episode, Craig breaks down what we know and what might come next.
London is growing. But how to we want to grow? Ward 2 councillor Shawn Lewis joins the podcast to talk about planning, active transportation and more. New episodes of The Craig Needles Podcast are released every Tuesday and Friday.
For the second time in just a few weeks, there's a new London City Councillor. Mariam Hamou, a longtime volunteer and advocate in the city, is now the representative for Ward 6. What are her priorities? How can the city manage their relationship with Western University? We'll get into all of those questions and more on this episode of the podcast.
The evolution of social media has made the internet a toxic place for politicians, but has that become worse during the pandemic? And what's the impact on the people receiving those messages? Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and London Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan join the podcast to discuss.
Former City Councillor 'Hollywood' Cheryl Miller joins Craig on a Friday morning to talk about council looking for a new colleague to represent Ward 6, affordable housing and a brief foray into the separate school board debate.
Front line worker Leticia Mizon and Melissa Sheehan, who has been homeless, have different takes about the City of London's winter housing plan - but there's lots of areas in which they agree. They join Craig on this episode of the podcast.
Paulie O'Byrne was an aspiring hockey coach in 2006, when he was sexually assaulted by somebody in a position of authority. After years of battling addiction and mental health struggles, O'Byrne is now sober and using his experiences to help others. Paulie talks with Craig about the Chicago Blackhawks scandal, and issues surrounding sexual abuse in hockey.
The new downtown councillor in the City of London, John Fyfe-Millar, joins the podcast to talk about his appointment to the job, key issues in the core and more.
Longtime London media personality Craig Needles brings his well-known style of hard hitting interviews and fact based opinion to podcasting.
Check back every Tuesday and Friday for new episodes of The Craig Needles Podcast.