The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 155: The government of Alberta wants you to move there

A new ad running on Classic Rock 98.1 piqued Craig's interest. The Alberta government trying to sell Ontario professionals on moving to that province - citing affordability issues. Craig asked Smart Prosperity Institute Economist Mike Moffatt for his thoughts on people - especially young professionals - leaving Ontario and what we can do about it.

Episode 154: Friday Round Table with Cheryl Miller, Roger Caranci and Steve Holland

On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland and former city councillors Cheryl Miller and Roger Caranci to the studio.

They discuss violence against police, the proposed closure of Thames Pool and Volkswagen bringing a battery plant to St. Thomas.

Episode 153: Skylar Franke talks Thames Pool closure

A summertime staple for many Londoners - the Thames Pool - could soon be no more. Staff have recommended a closure due to needed repairs caused by flooding near the pool. Ward 12 councillor Skylar Franke joins the podcast to discuss the options and Craig wonders why city staff have little to say on the matter.

Episode 152: Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

The Ontario Liberal Party has been crushed in two straight elections.

How do they rebound? Federal Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is considering running for the party's leadership. He joins Craig on the podcast to talk about his vision for the future of the party and challenges facing Ontario.

Episode 151: Friday Round Table with Shawn Lewis, Jennifer Dunn and Carol Dyck

On this week's Friday Round Table Craig is joined by London Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, London Abused Women's Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dunn and regular political candidate Carol Dyck to talk about the issues of the week.

They discuss violence in schools, foreign election interference and Tim Horton's flaking on prize winners.

Episode 150: Craig Smith on violence in schools

A new report from People for Education says the school system is in a "downward spiral" after COVID-19 shutdowns over the last three years. Kids with mental health issues that are going untreated, some students that have become violent. Craig Smith, President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario's Thames Valley local comes on the podcast to discuss.

Episode 149: Friday Round Table with Cheryl Miller, Jessie Rodger and AJ Wray

On the Friday Round Table, Craig welcomes former city councillor Cheryl Miller, ANOVA Executive Director Jessie Rodger and Western PhD candidate AJ Wray joined Craig on this week's edition of the Friday round table.

They talk about whether federal and provincial leaders think we're stupid, the next steps in the city's plan to combat homelessness, policing in London and the idea of high school students taking the LTC to class.

(NOTE: This episode contains language that may not be appropriate for all audiences)

Episode 148: Jeff Preston on Paratransit

London city council and the London Transit Commission have some big choices coming up on accessibility.

How can we make getting around London easier for everyone? Craig talks with Dr. Jeff Preston, who is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, about that and more on this episode of the podcast. They also very quickly talk about the deals the Leafs have made, before the flurry that came down on Tuesday afternoon.

Episode 147: Friday Round Table with Mariam Hamou, Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci

On this week's edition of the Friday Round Table, Craig is joined by former London City Councillor Mariam Hamou, as well as political insiders Ryan Gauss and Nathan Caranci.

They talk about the new plan to combat homelessness in the city, and calls to reform the bail system from London.

Episode 146: The Whole of Community System Response

After the City of London received an anonymous to battle homelessness in the community, leaders in the sector held a news conference to explain their plans for overhauling the system. Craig spoke with three people who were on the stage at the event and shares his thoughts on this edition of the podcast.