NOW and NEXT

• Olivia Chow's Communications Crisis

  Now and Next – June 24, 2025Host: Dave TraffordGuests: Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications)In the final episode before a summer break, host Dave Trafford and the NOW AND NEXT C.A.S.T., (Comms And Strategy Team), tackle growing concerns over Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s leadership. The panel digs into the controversy around pool closures during a major heatwave—an issue that’s become emblematic of a deeper, recurring pattern of communications stumbles and public mismanagement by the mayor’s office.From blaming staff and past administrations to vague, delayed responses, the team highlights how Chow’s failure to take ownership is eroding public trust. They contrast her handling of crises with more direct, action-oriented leadership styles seen in figures like Doug Ford and Rob Ford. The conversation also considers the cumulative impact of these missteps on Chow’s reelection prospects, especially as political challengers begin to circle.Later, the panel unpacks Toronto’s latest move to create a “traffic czar” to deal with congestion—another decision that seems more about optics than real solutions. The team questions whether adding new titles without clear accountability can truly fix broken systems.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Summer Break UpdateDave sets the stage for the summer hiatus and introduces the panel.01:12 – Pool Closures and a Pattern of DeflectionThe team dissects the city’s delayed, disjointed response to the pool shutdowns, calling it another chapter in a series of recurring communications failures.07:00 – Missed Messaging and Leadership GapsPanelists analyze how Chow’s press presence consistently lacks clarity, urgency, and ownership—traits essential for modern leadership.22:00 – What This Means for ReelectionDiscussion shifts to Chow’s political vulnerability, examining whether she can pivot in time to recover public trust.36:00 – Traffic Czar: Leadership or Lip Service?Critique of the city’s congestion “solution” and the optics of passing the buck to a newly created role.44:00 – Wrap-Up and What’s Coming This SummerDave previews upcoming special episodes and invites listeners to stay subscribed during the break.

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• When is a Protest an Insurrection

  Now and Next –June 10, 2025Host: Dave TraffordGuests: Anne-Marie Aikins (AMA Communications), Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy)Summary:In this episode of Now and Next, host Dave Trafford is joined by our C.A.S.T. (Comms And Strategy Team) Anne-Marie Aikins, Lindsay Broadhead, and Bob Reid for a dynamic conversation that begins with a reflection on the 30th anniversary of Ontario’s Common Sense Revolution. The panel dissects the political legacy of Mike Harris and how it continues to echo in Canadian politics. The discussion transitions to the nature of protests—historic and contemporary—with particular focus on recent unrest in Los Angeles, the influence of social media, and the blurred lines between activism and insurrection. The episode closes with a forward-looking view on the upcoming G7 meeting and the political ramifications for leaders like Mark Carney and Donald Trump.Chapters:00:00 – IntroductionDave introduces the regular panel and sets the stage with Bob Reid’s reflection on the 30th anniversary of the Common Sense Revolution.00:56 – Mike Harris and the 1995 Election StrategyReid recounts his time as press secretary for Mike Harris and how early branding and clear messaging shaped a surprise win.10:07 – Protest Then and NowAnne-Marie reflects on how protest culture evolved from her early activism to today’s often volatile public demonstrations.17:21 – Violence, Messaging, and Hijacked MovementsThe team analyzes how emotion-driven protests are often derailed by fringe elements, distorting the original message.24:13 – Civil Rights vs. Today’s TacticsDrawing contrasts between disciplined, strategic protests of the 60s and chaotic modern demonstrations, the panel questions effectiveness and media portrayal.33:08 – G7 Summit and Global StakesAs the world prepares for the G7 summit, the discussion turns to how leaders like Carney and Trump will navigate political pressure and geopolitical optics.

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• There's no stopping a missile attack on Canada

  Now and Next (May 28, 2025)Host: Dave TraffordGuest: Scott Clancy, Retired Major General, RCAFEpisode Summary:This episode of Now and Next dives deep into the national security implications of King Charles’s historic throne speech, which outlined the Carney government’s legislative agenda. Retired Major General Scott Clancy returns to evaluate whether Canada is finally ready to meet the moment on defense and sovereignty—particularly in the Arctic.Clancy underscores the urgency of continental defense, Canada’s vulnerabilities, and the economic and strategic importance of Arctic infrastructure. The conversation weaves through Canada’s transactional relationship with the U.S., defense spending shortfalls, and how dual-purpose Arctic infrastructure could become the pivot point for national unity, sovereignty, and long-overdue policy execution.Chapters:00:00 – IntroductionDave Trafford previews the show and introduces the throne speech’s historic setting and implications, including King Charles’s presence in the Senate.01:59 – Sovereignty and Security in the Throne SpeechScott Clancy reacts to the throne speech, emphasizing its resonance on themes of defense, sovereignty, and the symbolic power of King Charles’s remarks.07:06 – Defense Alliances and Rearm Europe CommitmentClancy evaluates Canada's commitment to Rearm Europe, highlighting its dual benefits for Canadian industry and alliance-based diplomacy.12:28 – The Illusion of Security and North American VulnerabilitiesClancy explains Canada’s critical gaps in continental defense, especially against cruise missile threats, and the lack of public urgency about security.19:31 – Arctic as a Strategic Pivot PointClancy argues that Arctic sovereignty and infrastructure development offer a unique opportunity to align public support, defense priorities, and Indigenous community interests.29:41 – Bureaucratic Barriers to Innovation and ReadinessFrustrations with federal silos and budgetary constraints are laid bare, revealing how interdepartmental inefficiencies hinder real progress in Arctic readiness.33:25 – Infrastructure, Personnel, and the Path ForwardClancy outlines the real indicators of defense commitment: boots on the ground, infrastructure in the Arctic, and the political will to empower leaders within the system.

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• Mark, the Monarchy and the Canadian RESET

  Now and Next – May 29, 2025****Host:** Dave Trafford**Guests:** Lindsay Broadhead (Broadhead Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategies), Anne Marie Aikins (AMA Communications)In this wide-ranging roundtable episode, the Now and Next team dives into a pivotal moment in Canadian politics and public leadership. With Mark Carney’s first throne speech and question period as Prime Minister, the panel reflects on a noticeable shift in tone in Ottawa—from performative partisanship to focused governance.They explore public expectations, the symbolism of a renewed national identity, and Carney’s pledge to “get shit done.” The conversation also spans urban transit challenges, the appointment of a new TTC CEO, long-delayed infrastructure upgrades, and how leadership credibility can reshape civic trust. The show ends on thoughtful notes about civic space design, public safety at festivals, and the complex debates surrounding historical memorials like the John A. Macdonald statue.---Chapters**00:00 – Introduction**Dave Trafford opens the show with the cast, setting the tone for a deep dive into recent political and civic developments.**02:00 – Royal Visit & Carney’s First Question Period**The panel discusses public enthusiasm for King Charles’ throne speech and the symbolic weight it carried for Canadian sovereignty and unity. Carney’s confident, disciplined tone in Parliament signals a hopeful reset in political culture.**10:28 – A New Government With Old Expectations**Carney’s high approval ratings come with equally high public expectations. The panel considers how his hands-on leadership style and bold rhetoric signal readiness for transformational change.**18:03 – TTC Leadership & Transit System Challenges**A new CEO is announced at the TTC, sparking discussion on what leadership style is needed to restore trust in Toronto’s transit system.**37:15 – Urban Safety, Summer Festivals & Security Design**As cultural events return to city streets, the team weighs how to protect public space without eroding its vibrancy. They discuss how good design can serve both beauty and safety.**54:06 – Reconciling With History: The John A. Macdonald Statue**With the statue set to be uncovered in Queen’s Park, the panel grapples with the legacy of historical figures, emotional literacy, and the importance of learning rather than erasure.

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• Politics, Petitions, and Pete Rose

  Now and Next (May 14, 2025)Host: Dave TraffordGuests:Anne-Marie Aikens (AMA Communications), Bob Reid (Broadway Strategy)As the long May weekend approaches, Dave Trafford returns with the Now and Next Comms And Strategy Team (C.A.S.T.) roundtable. The conversation begins wit the posthumous reinstatement of Pete Rose into MLB Hall of Fame consideration; a Florida Panthers executive’s inflammatory Twitter spat, and Canada’s growing boycott of U.S. travel amid political and economic tension. The group also dives into the divisive debate over renaming Dundas subway station, raising deeper questions about how we remember—and rewrite—history in the name of reconciliation.And, finally, why doesn't Nate Erskine-Smith just quit as MP for Beaches-East York if he's so disappointed about being dumped from Mark Carney's cabinet?It’s a spirited and sharp-edged episode that explores where leadership, accountability, and public trust intersect—from the House of Commons to the hockey arena.Key Takeaways:00:00 – Cabinet Snub: Nate Erskine-Smith’s Self-Inflicted Wound**The team critiques Erskine-Smith’s public response to being left out of cabinet and how it reflects on political judgment and public service.00:02:16 – Hall of Fame Controversy: Pete Rose and Posthumous Pardons**Does lifting a lifetime ban after death honor legacy or undermine integrity? A debate over forgiveness, ethics, and consequences in sport.00:10:34 – Twitter Firestorm: Panthers Exec Crosses the Line**A senior executive’s offensive social media exchange erupts into controversy. The panel discusses brand damage and digital self-sabotage.00:20:16 – Trump’s Plane Gift: Ethics and Optics of Presidential Favors**Why Donald Trump accepting a private jet from Qatar is more than just a headline—and what it signals about governance norms.00:25:07 – The Dundas Debate: Renaming, Reconciliation & Erasure**Should we rename public infrastructure tied to historical figures? A thoughtful look at memory, education, and cancel culture’s limits.00:40:45 – Borderline Fatigue: Why Canadians Are Staying Home**From tariffs to political tension, Canadians are choosing not to travel to the U.S.—and the ripple effects are being felt on both sides of the border.

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