In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Smyth, the Ontario Liberal MPP for Toronto–St. Paul’s and the party’s Critic for Ethics, Integrity & Accountability, for a wide-ranging conversation about ethics, transparency, and the growing controversies facing Doug Ford’s government.

We discuss Smyth’s first year as an MPP, her transition from a decades-long career in journalism, and what she’s learned since being elected.

She breaks down the Ontario Auditor General’s explosive report on the $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund, explaining how the program became “not fair, transparent, or accountable,” and what needs to change to ensure it actually helps unemployed Ontarians.

We also explore the calls for an Integrity Commissioner investigation, the push for a forensic audit, and new polling showing most Ontarians believe the scandal reflects deeper systemic problems inside Ford’s government.

We also talk about Ontario’s worsening labour market, youth unemployment, the future of ethics reform, and how the Ontario Liberals can build a strong accountability agenda ahead of the next election.

If you follow Ontario politics, government accountability, labour issues, or the unfolding controversies surrounding Doug Ford’s administration, this is a must-listen episode.

Topics include: Doug Ford government • Skills Development Fund scandal • Ontario Auditor General report • David Piccini • Integrity Commissioner investigation • Ontario unemployment • Ontario Liberals • political ethics • government accountability • Stephanie Smyth • Ontario politics 2025 • provincial scandals • Progressive opposition • Toronto–St. Paul’sWhere to Find Us:Social Accounts:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressCanadaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/progress_canada_podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/progresscanadapodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/progresscanada.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/progress-canada/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@progress_canada_podcast Podcast Platforms:RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/1027adaac/podcast/rss Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Etut7tXvL8yN4PjQ96pHH?si=7d80390f146a4f07Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8dfa624c-13a8-4268-a977-b3bc509b6cd7/progress-canadaApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/progress-canada/id1802911774 YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressCanada/podcasts