The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 49: Corrine Rahman, the Provincial Election and Masks at School

Thames Valley District School Board Trustee Corrine Rahman is hoping to be the Ontario Liberal candidate in London-Fanshawe for the provincial election in June. She joins the podcast to explain why she wants to become an MPP. Then, (8:30) they talk about her motion at the TVDSB to make masks mandatory in schools once again. The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 48: Scott Kitching and Moore’s Month Off

Blackburn Media News Manager Scott Kitching joins the podcast to talk about Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore's month-long absence from the media and his vacation to the Dominican Republic. Then a conversation about making up quotes for social media clout and why that's a problem - even if the politician targeted is one you don't like.

 

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 47: Craig Smith and Closed Schools

With two London schools - and likely more to come - closing due to a lack of staffing because of COVID-19, how are teachers feeling about their work environment? Craig Smith, Thames Valley President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, joins the podcast to provide his thoughts on what the government and the board could be doing and more. Then (24:52) Craig Needles shares some thoughts on how COVID-19 is impacting the political discourse in Ontario, including the missing Dr. Kieran Moore and why the Liberal mask policy drips with political opportunism.

Episode 46: Jared Zaifman and Housing Affordability

The London Development Institute and the London Home Builders Association have put out a new report examining the types of houses being built in London - and in the surrounding area. It shows family homes are going up in places like Lucan, Thorndale or Ilderton, but not so much in London. Is there an exodus out of the city for families? LHBA CEO Jared Zaifman joins the podcast to examine the problem and discuss possible solutions.

Episode 45: Jeff Bennett and the Ontario Election

Former London West Progressive Conservative candidate Jeff Bennett stops by the podcast to talk about the vote coming up in June. What are the parties talking about, and what should they be talking about? He also discusses Conservative Party of Canada leadership race and more.

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 44: Jeff Preston and COVID Politics

Dr. Jeff Preston, Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at King's University College, joins the podcast to share his thoughts on the upcoming provincial election, whether the Ontario Liberals have opted out of COVID-criticism with their maskless rally (7:01), and what the key issues in the race might be (20:30). Then, Jeff and Craig talks about the Oscar slap and how it overshadowed other significant parts of the awards show (27:10).

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 43: Kelly Elliott and the TVDSB vs. Rural Communities

Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott joins the podcast to talk about the TVBSD ongoing battle with politicians from Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties and talk about what the future of education administration could look like in the province. Then, Chris Pinelli, the General Manager of Lexus of London, explains why they decided they wanted to become the newest sponsor of the podcast (28:04).

 

The Craig Needles Podcast is brought to you by Lexus of London.

Episode 42: Jesse Helmer and Masks in London

Three London City Councillors are hoping to bring back the masking mandate in the city, and are trying to persuade their colleagues to agree. Will it work? And where would this by-law govern? Councillor Jesse Helmer joins the podcast to explain. 

Episode 41: Dr. Alex Summers and Section 22

Ontario's mask mandate is over, should Middlesex-London have their own? Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers talks to Craig about that possibility, both from a section 22 order perspective - and discussions at London City Council.

Episode 40: Michael Coteau and Employee Privacy

Even with COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end, working from home is still far more common that it was before the pandemic. What protections should those workers have from software programs some employers mandate? Liberal MP Michael Coteau wants legislation passed to make those rules clear. He joins Craig to talk about the issue and what he'd like to see going forward.