The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 331: "Where are people supposed to go?"

Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to crack down on encampments - which could include using the notwithstanding clause.

There's just one problem. As much as they've discussed increased addictions help and housing, those things aren't ready yet, so where will the people leaving the encampments go?

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner joins Craig to discuss.

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

Episode 330: Anybody else secretly paying Navigator?

Navigator makes a lot of money in London, apparently!

The latest publicly funded institution revealed to be paying them is the Thames Valley District School Board - to the tune of more than $225,000, according to the London Free Press.

Craig has questions. Why won't trustees tell us what the money was for? Why did they need a hired gun if they had so many communications people on staff already? If you're communicating with parents and students, why are the stakes so high that you need Navigator?

He tackles those questions and more.

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

Episode 329: Jeff Preston and Frances Moore talk accessibility

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day!

Also, less than a month from today, Ontario was supposed to be fully accessible as a province. We aren't there yet.

Advocates Dr. Jeff Preston and Frances Moore joined Craig in the studio to talk about where we are and where we need to go next.

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

Episode 328: Friday Round Table with Shawn Lewis, Cheryl Miller and Ryan Gauss

On this week's Friday Round Table, London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, former city councillor Cheryl Miller an political insider Ryan Gauss join Craig at the Covent Garden Market studio.

The panel gives their thoughts on London's 7.4% property tax increase and where additional savings could have been found. Also, are London city councillors underpaid?

Then, they talked about how council meetings are conducted. First, a move to "call the question" at London City Hall during committee meetings - and an unhinged rant by a councillor at a budget meeting in Sarnia.

Also, businesses don't seem thrilled with the upcoming GST break. Will this policy help the federal Liberals?

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

Episode 327: The Salvation Army aims to raise $650,000 and needs volunteers

The Salvation Army has an ambitious goal with their kettle campaign in 2024: They want to raise $650,000.

Can they do it? They'll need your help.

London Community Services Executive Director Nancy Kerr joined Craig on the podcast to explain why they set a high goal, talk about the need in the community and share how you can volunteer.

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

Episode 326: Friday Round Table with Steve Cordes, Frances Moore and Carol Dyck

On this week's Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by Y.O.U. Executive Director Steve Cordes, Indigenous activist Frances Moore and former Green Party candidate Carol Dyck.

They look at he ongoing council budget deliberations and how council spending will impact homelessness in the community, including ArkAid. Also, there's a new hub opening in the city - but why aren't there more?

Then, conversation shifts to federal politics including the promised GST cuts from the Trudeau government along with $250 being sent to Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023.

And the scandal surrounding cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault - who appears to have lied about Indigenous heritage while a company he owns was bidding for government contracts. 

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

Episode 325: Will the Ford government step up with homelessness solutions?

Dozens of councillors in municipalities all over Ontario have signed a letter asking Premier Doug Ford not to use the notwithstanding clause to remove people from homeless encampments.

One of those councillors is Skylar Franke, who joined Craig on the podcast to explain why she signed the letter and what she hopes the provincial government will do next.

Also, the new Youth Opportunities Unlimited hub has opened at LHSC's Victoria Campus. Mayor Josh Morgan spoke to Craig at the news conference and shared his thoughts on what the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change has and will accomplish.

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

Episode 324: Federal government helps London with homelessness, transit costs

After many pleas from London politicians, the federal government has stepped up to assist with some big expenditures in London - including $11.3-million to keep Londoners in their homes, $5-million to help limit encampments, and $5.1-million for transit projects.

How did this all come together? What can be done with the money? London North-Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos joins Craig on a rare Saturday edition of the podcast to explain.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by Downtown London and Covent Garden Market.

Episode 323: Friday Round Table With Hadleigh McAlister, Kelly Elliott And Scott Kitching

Lots for the panel to chat about on this week's Friday Round Table.

London City Councillor Hadleigh McAlister, former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching.

They breakdown the speculation about a provincial election. Are we going to the polls in February or March?

Also, the local non-profit sector has an issue with London City Council. Pillar Non-Profit has launched an advocacy campaign, aimed at getting councillors to change their minds. Will it work?

Then, they look at some of the other small (in financial terms) decisions that council will grapple with as they finalize this year's budget next week.

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

Episode 322: The Truth About Ark Aid

There's been a lot of conversation - some true, some false - surrounding Ark Aid Street Mission in Old East Village.

Why did they make a $4-million funding request to council? What actually happens at Ark Aid? What services do they provide? What about the people who live and work in EV having trouble with Ark Aid clients? Should Ark Aid leave their Dundas location?

Executive Director Sarah Campbell joins Craig on the podcast to answer those questions and more.

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