The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 29: Susan Toth and Policing in London

The chair of the London Police Services Board, Susan Toth, joins the podcast to talk about why she wants the province to put a Black or Indigenous person on the board, policing in the city and what changes we could make in the future. Then, Craig offers his thoughts on how what's happening in Ottawa could change the conversation entirely.

Episode 28: Peter Fragiskatos and Canadian Democracy

As the convoy continues to block Ottawa streets, London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos joins the podcast to discuss what's happened, how it may end, and the long term outlook for democratic norms in Canada.

Episode 27: Kristin Raworth and the Future of the Conservative Party of Canada

Political staffer Kristin Raworth shares her thoughts on the leadership of Erin O'Toole and where the Conservatives should go from here, then Craig talks about local businesses who advertise plans to break public health rules (23:14).

Episode 26: Scott Kitching and Covering Protests

In the wake of the "Freedom Convoy" weekend in Ottawa, Craig and Blackburn News Manager Scott Kitching talk about the protest and why the media covered it, then Craig shares his thoughts on the CPC leadership situation (27:34).

Episode 25: Michael Landsberg and Mental Health, Peter Inch and the Brier

Craig opens the podcast with his thoughts on the 'Freedom Convoy', what he saw when it passed through London and the political gamble Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole is taking (5:42). Then, he's joined by broadcaster and mental health advocate Michael Landsberg to discuss the ongoing conversation about mental wellness in the country and his virtual event with parents and students in Middlesex County next week (23:46). Also, Canadian Curling Hall of Famer Peter Inch talks about bringing the Brier to London and the impact the event could have on the city and the downtown (38:51).

Episode 24: Mike Moffatt and Forecast for Failure

The cost of housing is rising in the GTHA - and that's having an impact in London. Economist Mike Moffatt joins Craig to discuss his latest report (found here: https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/) and what politicians can do to ease the housing affordability crisis.

Episode 23: Dr. Prachi Srivastava and Returning to the Classroom

At the end of the first week back in the classroom for Ontario students, Craig is joined by Western University education professor and advisor to the Ontario Science Table, Dr. Prachi Srivastava to talk about the return to in-person learning.

They discuss the impacts of school closures on the community, making up for lost time in the educational system and more.

Episode 22: Matt Farrell, Cheryl Miller and the 2022 Ontario Election

The Ontario provincial election is less than 140 days away. Poll numbers look bad for Premier Doug Ford as the Omicron wave of the pandemic continues. Will we have a new party in government this summer?

Fanshawe College politics professor Matt Farrell gives his analysis, then Craig's friend and former London City Councillor Cheryl Miller (21:25) shares her thoughts on how the province feels about the options they'll have in June.

Episode 21: Craig Smith and Back to School, Dave Warren and Mental Health

Craig Smith, the Thames Valley President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, joins the podcast to talk about back to school on Monday, the government's response to COVID-19 in the classroom and more.

 

Then Dave Warren, who appeared on Craig's radio show several times when his wife Dawn was hospitalized to talk about conditions at the London Health Sciences Centre, discusses about mental health after Dawn's death in late 2021 (28:14).

Episode 20: Dave Gilmore and the London Police Association, Jeff Yurek and leaving politics

Craig opens with his thoughts on the potential return to in person learning at Ontario schools.

Dave Gilmore, the President of the London Police Association, joins the podcast (4:09) after officers voted in favour of a non-confidence motion in Chief Steve Williams last month. 

Then (26:53) Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek explains his decision to leave politics in February.