The Craig Needles Podcast

Episode 33: Chris Campbell and Music in London

Chris Campbell of Music Tourism joins the podcast to talk about coming out of the pandemic in the industry, what makes London a music city and share stories about artists who have come to play here.

Episode 32: Stephen Turner and Safer London Streets

A report at London City Hall says the number of serious crashes in the city has been trending down. How did we get here? What more can we do? We talk to Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner about it. Then, Craig weighs in on the Emergency Act debate (16:40) in Ottawa, and points out Conservative and Green MPs who had the right concerns about the act.

Episode 31: Shawn Lewis and Vacant Rental Properties

With London's housing market facing serious shortages, what can city politicians do to help alleviate the issue? Councillor Shawn Lewis joins the podcast to discuss solutions being debated at city hall, and whether Air BnB regulation could be in London's future.

Episode 30: Crispin Colvin and Ontario Farmland

More and more developments on fertile farmland are being proposed in our area, and critics are wondering if we've gone too far. Have we already passed the point of no return when it comes to protecting valuable spaces for growing crops? Crispin Colvin of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture weighs in. Then, we talk about a project in Mt. Elgin with local residents Cath Kindree and Paula Bartlett (17:41), two women who are part of a group opposing the development.

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.