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Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
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Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
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Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
{{LINE}}
The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
{{LINE}}
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Have a juicy tip, a slice of gossip or FOI idea? Hit me up and you’ll stay anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Have a brand or message? Looking to grab the attention of the province’s top and most powerful political players during pre-budget season? Ad space is available — reach out for our rate card.
Are you a team with three or more readers? Group subscriptions are available — reach out.
Before we dig in, some housekeeping: As of this week, we’re going behind a paywall. For just $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll receive each issue in your inbox every Friday and full access to the archive. Not ready to upgrade? Free subscribers will get one issue per month, at no charge.
{{SUB_BUTTON}}
Q+A — Whether it’s Jennifer French or Donna Skelly, history is about to be made.
That is: Ushering in a first, a woman is poised to take the Speaker’s seat. French and Skelly, who’ve both previously sat in the chair as a deputy, have spent the last few weeks privately lobbying their colleagues for support.
One’s a former educator, the other a TV veteran, but both French and Skelly say their experiences make them Speaker-ready.
Ahead of the vote, we checked in with both candidates about their vision for the Speakership, how they’d keep order in the notoriously rowdy House, and what the moment meant for the Pink Palace — and for them.
Side-by-side, here’s what they told us:
Why are you running for Speaker?
French: “Well, I’ve been very proud to serve at Queen’s Park — this is the beginning of my fourth term, so 11 years in total. In that time, I’ve had some pretty special opportunities. I spent four years as a presiding officer, which gave me an appreciation for the role of Speaker, even if only one day a week. I also chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where I got a better understanding of many of the behind the scenes and moving parts of the legislature.
I think I’m in a unique position to serve in the chair — to preside over the Legislative Assembly and Question Period — but also to be a part of the Board of Internal Economy. The role of the Speaker’s Office is significant in ways that aren’t always visible. It’s a big responsibility, and I’d be very glad to offer my enthusiasm and skills to take that on.”
Skelly: “I was very privileged to serve as Deputy Speaker in the last Parliament. It was an opportunity I hadn’t considered before being appointed. It gave me a new perspective of government and an opportunity to actually sit and listen to opposing views. It’s one thing when you’re sitting on the government side, and another thing when you’re sitting in the chair, because you truly take on a non-partisan mindset. I realized the absolute necessity for that position to be held by someone who respected the impartiality of the role and the need to be fair. I absolutely loved the job. It allowed me to develop relationships I may not have otherwise developed. I really, really enjoyed it.”
We’ve never had a female Speaker before. What does this moment mean for you?
French: “I’ll tell you a story. For many years, my office was on the first floor of the main legislative building. Every day, school groups would stop by a mock Speaker’s display outside. I’d hear tour guides say: ‘What do you notice about all the portraits?’ Of course, it was that we’ve never had a female Speaker. That planted a seed. I thought: ‘That still is an opportunity for a first.’ To open that door allows others to see themselves in that role. I think that's important. I think it's special. When I served as a presiding officer, I kept that in mind. I’d be honoured to be part of that story.”
Skelly: “It’s incredible. I came from an industry — broadcast journalism — where women had to fight to have equal opportunities. When I started, women weren’t considered ‘credible’ enough to solo-anchor a primary newscast, the 6 o’clock. These barriers are not new to me. If elected, I would be honoured and humbled to be the first woman in over a century-and-a-half.”
How have you been campaigning?
French: “For me, it’s about reaching out to relationships I’ve built over 11 years — by phone, where possible. Though it’s a challenge without direct contact info — we’re used to just crossing the aisle to talk. I’ve been engaging with members about their priorities for the next chapter. Ultimately, it’s an individual vote—members will decide who they think best represents them. And yes, typically the Speaker comes from the governing party, but not always. Jack Stokes was a New Democrat chosen by the government. The ship didn’t sink. The Speaker’s role is meant to be fair and impartial, and I would do my best to uphold that. The secret ballot is a special opportunity — it’s the only time we get that — and I trust members will consider it thoughtfully.”
Skelly: “Reaching out — calling people, texting people. I’ve spoken to one caucus and will speak to another. I’m from Northern Ontario. Growing up in the North, I was very intimidated by Toronto and the whole concept of Southern Ontario. One of my goals is to bring the legislature to remote and northern parts of the province. Many Ontarians will never, ever get to Toronto, let alone Queen’s Park — but this is their home as much as anyone else. I’m working on a strategy for how that’ll look, but it’s a goal of mine.”
We’ve seen an increase in hyper-partisanship. If elected, how do you plan to lower the temperature?
French: “I wouldn’t say it’s about bringing things down — I’d say it’s about raising the level. Debate, decorum, engagement — we all, regardless of party, are coming back from a campaign where we heard from voters that they want all of us to come together. That will help guide us. There’s a bit of my teacher background that I might draw from, in terms of navigating helps when navigating tone and dynamics. When I served as presiding officer, I enjoyed it. I built relationships from the chair. You listen differently. It was really special. I’m drawing from that now. All members come here sent by their communities, and they do this job sincerely. We aren’t ‘other’ — we may disagree, but that’s democracy. There’s space for passion, but we still have to represent our communities the best way we can. I think members will come back with that. I don’t think it’s about ruling with an iron fist — it’s about building culture and community in the chamber and allowing members to shine and to do their best to represent.”
Skelly: “It starts on day one. You set a tone. Passion is fine. Personal attacks are not. That will be very clear. Regardless of who, and if someone makes a statement that I deem to be unsuitable for the chamber, they’ll be called out. If it continues, they’ll be thrown out. I have no problem throwing people out of the chamber. I’ve done it with members on all sides. I believe we have enough chaos south of the border. We do not need it in the chamber. We need respect. We want respect from our constituents. We need to earn that respect — and it begins with our behaviour in the chamber itself.”
This Q+A was edited for length and clarity.
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The House is back. Here’s the week’s play-by-play:
— First up: At 1 p.m., MPPs will pick their next Speaker. French and Skelly have already spoken to their own caucuses and are set to make their cross-caucus pitches this morning.
The secret-ballot vote will be presided over by the Clerk. The winner will be ceremonially escorted (read: dragged) to the big chair by their nominators and give a short speech just before the House is adjourned.
— Tuesday: The Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Throne Speech. Expect a southward-facing speech, with Premier Doug Ford signaling it won’t be “business as usual” for the government amid the trade spat. Ford will then table Bill 1, the ceremonial pro-forma bill.
— Wednesday and Thursday is business-as-usual. The Ford government will table their first, trade-barrier busting bill. According to Ford, it’ll “get rid of all the [provincial] exemptions” from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Two more, one to supercharge access to critical minerals in the Ring of Fire and another to expand strong-mayor powers to more municipalities, are expected.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will be the opposition’s first opportunity to grill Ford since the snap election. With a third, recognized party, John Fraser, like Marit Stiles, will get to take on the government every day.
What we’re watching: Expect a government motion, as early as this week, carving up committee members and deputy speakers.
— Post-election, there’s a new seating plan in the chamber. Check out who’s on the front bench, where the Liberals’ bigger-than-ever caucus landed and the downsized Independents’ corner.
Caught our eye: Guess who landed a seat next to the Liberal caucus? Silvia Gualtieri — the PC MPP who beat out Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga East-Cooksville. Bobbi Ann Brady is sandwiched between Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy. Barring a few tweaks, the front bench is the same-old.
— Stakeholders say: Beyond the precinct, here’s what stakeholders are pushing for during this session:
— Who’s who on Crombie’s team: It’s onboarding time for the Liberal leader.
Sandra Jansen — a former broadcast journalist-turned-Alberta cabinet minister — will serve as her chief. Eric Osborne is Jansen’s deputy.
Liz Mendes is the next Executive Director of the Leader's Office, overseeing Crombie's day-to-day business. Mendes was the Liberal candidate in Mississauga-Lakeshore and is a former policy director at the Ministry of Finance.
Bahoz Dara Aziz is the new Executive Director of Communications.
— Meanwhile, Ford has a new principal speechwriter: Simon Bredin, who led communications for Therme Group, has joined the Premier’s team. “... I’ve been privileged to have an education and career that equipped me to answer this call to public service," he said.
— Pro-Kory Teneycke swag at the Canada Strong and Free conference, taking a dig at Jenni Byrne, the federal Conservative Party’s campaign director. (Read: “... The buttons were scattered in the event space in a way to give the impression that they were made and left by people attending the conference. In fact, the idea came from the Liberal war room.”)
— Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie out in Barrie with provincial-turned-federal candidate Rose Zacharias.
— ATU’s John Di Nino endorsing Bhutila Karpoche in Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park.
— Kathleen Wynne, former deputy Deb Matthews, and past-Liberal candidate Nadia Guerrera joining Karim Bardeesy on a canvass.
— Ex-NDP MPP Sarah Jama joining the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.
— David Paterson, the Ford government’s representative in Washington, with Vic Fedeli “doing the work” outside the United States’ Trade Representative’s office.
— Brampton’s Patrick Brown and St. Catharines’ Mat Siscoe’s motion to “tackle Ontario's court backlogs” passed at the Big City Mayors’ meeting.
— Mississauga’s Carolyn Parrish speaking about her city’s “changes in policies, fees and taxes to encourage the building of new residential units.”
— Christy Kheirallah — Marit Stiles’ spokesperson-turned-NDP candidate in Willowdale — was in a car crash but is back on the campaign trail.
— In May, Ana Bailão will join Liberal Rob Cerjanec for a $500-a-ticket fundraiser “in support of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association.”
Meanwhile, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's second $1,600 to $3,400-a-ticket Leader's Dinner — originally scheduled for March — is now set to take place on Wednesday, June 11 in Toronto.
Nothing else is on the fundraising calendar.
— As of Wednesday, Ontario has logged 804 measles cases. According to Public Health Ontario, all but 25 cases were linked to the province's multi-jurisdictional outbreak. Six have been hospitalized.
— The Ford government is opening a new ServiceOntario at Peel Region's headquarters in Brampton. It's part of a two-year municipal pilot exploring “new models to enhance customer service, optimize resources, and reduce wait times.”
— Vaughan is looking to rename “America Avenue” to “Terry Fox Avenue” — a move, which Steven Del Duca says, “was motivated by a sense of… patriotism and standing up for Canada.”
The name-change question is being kicked to the public.
— A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario found that domestic enrolment is set to spike 45 per cent over the next two decades, meaning Ontario will need room for 225,000 more students. Read here.
— A Mississauga-based group is taking credit for the “Do You Believe the Polls” campaign, which didn't sit well with Premier Ford's campaign director, Katherine Declerq and Jessica Smith Cross report.
— Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing back against Kory Teneycke's accusation of “campaign malpractice at the highest level.”
— Here's what Martin Regg Cohn thought of Utah's governor's cross-border pit stop.
— Edward Keenan says the Ford government will reclaim the 407, sooner or later.
— Yes, the budget will be bigger — but John Michael McGrath says public services will feel the pinch.
— Randall Denley says the Ford government's tariff-response should be about tax cuts, not one-time cheques.
— The one-day surcharge on energy exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota raised $260,000.
— The province is one step away from taking control of the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway.
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