The two leading London mayoral campaigns had launch events this week - and released platform ideas.

Josh Morgan's platform is out and includes promises aimed at transit, taxes, and homelessness.

Meanwhile, Susan Stevenson released priorities at her launch event - with the promise of more detail to come.

Craig was joined for the Friday Round Table by former council candidate Jeremy McCall and advocate Dr. Jeff Preston to look at the promises and whether they'll convince more Londoners to actually head to the polls in 2026.

Then, they talk council races. With less than two months to go, are those engaging the public?

Those stories and more on this week's Friday Round Table -  powered by London Hydro, Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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It's been a brutal construction season in London - no way around it (literally).

How can we speed up these projects and maybe not have so many ongoing at once?

Incumbent councillors and candidates Shawn Lewis and Steve Lehman have an idea and joined Craig on the podcast - along with Ryan Aarts, CEO at J-AAR - to discuss it.

What if, for big projects, crews work until 11pm? What if they work some Saturdays? It might make a big difference.

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As we get closer to the 2026 election, council is debating an issue that many voters have identified as a high priority: transit.

London Transit Commission – which is now run by councillors – is asking for a $2-million budget increase to help stay ahead of rising fuel costs and other price increases.

Should council go for this?

Former City Councillor Cheryl Miller and London Development Institute Executive Director Scott Collyer joined Craig for the Friday Round Table to breakdown that story and look at the latest in the municipal election.

Also, a whole lot of by-elections federally and provincially. Are governing parties just going to keep winning until Donald Trump is out of office?

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We go to the polls in less than two months - should candidates be talking about the environment more?

Some have release platforms with little to no environmental mention. Others haven't released platforms at all.

What should a council candidate be talking about?

Dr. Brendon Samuels, and instructor at Western in the Masters of Environment and Sustainability Program joined Craig on the podcast to share his thoughts.

Read more about the report on London's infrastructure here. The city's climate plan can be found here.

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Would LHSC and St. Joseph's Healthcare returning to a one CEO model save some cash?

In the Windsor area, a hospital partnership is being hailed as a multi-million dollar savings move.

Craig asked hospital officials about this and then breaks it down on the Friday Round Table with advocate Frances Moore and political insider Matthew Newton-Reid.

They also look at council's recent conversations surrounding drugs and homelessness shelters, and then they take a look at the upcoming election - which is less than two months away!

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Where does she think London can improve? How would city hall be different if she were mayor?

What can we do about homelessness? What about traffic concerns?

She's running against an incumbent and another candidate who has been on council for four years - what challenges does that bring in a campaign?

Craig and Kirsten explore those topics and more on the latest podcast - powered by London Hydro, Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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Craig asked Mike Donachie of London Ontario Online News to join him for a podcast episode to analyze the races for Mayor and the 14 council seats.

Who's running? Who are the favourites? Which incumbents are in trouble?

Craig and Mike breakdown those questions and more.

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First, they look at Kirsten Krose's mayoral campaign and the news stories that came out of that this week - the $536-per-person fundraiser in Toronto and her pledge to not take developer donations during the race.

Then, they discuss renovictions in London and ways to make developers keep their promises, followed by new numbers showing a drop in London's murder rate.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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 Dann is the director, Construction and Infrastructure Services at City of London, and joins Craig on the podcast to provide some answers.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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.

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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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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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?

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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!).

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought you by Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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.

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.

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.