Lorne Brooker Show at the provincial legislature

CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show went on the road and broadcast from the historic seat of the Ontario government Queen’s Park Wednesday.

Premier Doug Ford talked to Brooker about several issues, including the auto sector.

“We’re the EV (electric vehicle) capital of North America, right in the middle of the EV revolution as we call it. Everyone’s pitched in. I’ve got to give kudos to the municipalities and the federal government. The federal government’s been a good partner.”

“We’ve seen over $25 billion in investments just a little over two years. Six of the largest auto manufacturers, battery manufacturers now, are here in Ontario.”

Also appearing on the show was the Minister of Health Sylvia Jones.

Responding to a question about the ongoing shortage of health care workers in the province Jones said the government has been expanding education opportunities for nurses, doctors, and other professions.

Jones also said the government’s new “as of right” policy will be a big help.

“If you are able to practice in any other Canadian jurisdiction you can come to Ontario with a job offer and start tomorrow. Previously we had a very onerous red tape system.”

Another guest was the leader of the Official Opposition, the NDP’s Marit Stiles.

Stiles said her party always offers ideas to the government but one idea that she really believes the government should implement is rent control.

“Because rent for a lot of people is one of the reasons why a lot of people are ending up homeless. There are a lot of people who are seeing massive increases.”

The Progressive Conservative government did away with rent controls.

The Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop was another guest.

Brooker asked Dunlop about the rapidly increasing numbers of foreign students, not only at Loyalist College, but at other post-secondary schools in Ontario, despite the fact that the tuition fees were much higher for them than for Canadians.

“I think it speaks to the fact that you know Ontario does offer world-class education. International students are looking at coming here, not just
for the education but for the job opportunities.”

Dunlop also said programs such as “Learn and Stay” were helping areas with health care worker shortages by helping pay for medical students’ education.

Below you can hear the entire broadcast.

HOUR 1

HOUR 2