Itâs called âPolitical Blind Date.â And far from being a hokey reality show for the political set, the popular Canadian series aims to break down walls around contentious issues from gun rights to climate change.
Take the moment Toronto City Councilor Gary Crawford confided to colleague Shelley Carroll that his daughter has a disability. Ms. Carroll, who raised a daughter diagnosed with autism, replied instinctively, âOh, Garyâ â an empathy so obvious in just two words.
Why We Wrote This
At a time when political exchanges are often caustic and unyielding, a Canadian TV show is modeling a different approach. It creates space for rival politicians to share views and experiences respectfully â and viewers love it.
Political Blind Date – Hydro Rates
Two politicians with opposing points of view try to get to know each other in each episode of this six-part series. Whether cycling around the city, or trying to rent a flat in Toronto’s red-hot housing market, the two subjects are brought together to tackle Canada’s most important issues face-to-face through in-depth conversations. Conservative MPP Bill Walker and NDP MPP Peter Tabuns examine the government’s plans for hydro rates and energy policy in Ontario, debating the merits of retro-fitted energy-efficient homes, community wind turbines, and nuclear power.
Latest Episodes
Political Blind Date – The High Tech Future
Two politicians with opposing points of view try to get to know each other in each episode of this six-part series. Whether cycling around the city, or trying to rent a flat in Toronto’s red-hot housing market, the two subjects are brought together to tackle Canada’s most important issues face-to-face through in-depth conversations. Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry and Conservative MPP Donna Skelly have different views on how to support advanced manufacturing and innovation in Ontario’s auto, aerospace and medical sectors. Is it through grants or cutting red tape for businesses?
Political Blind Date – City Finances
Two politicians with opposing points of view try to get to know each other in each episode of this six-part series. Whether cycling around the city, or trying to rent a flat in Toronto’s red-hot housing market, the two subjects are brought together to tackle Canada’s most important issues face-to-face through in-depth conversations. Provincial funding cuts have forced the City of Toronto to make some hard choices about its budget shortfall. Budget Chief Gary Crawford believes in finding efficiencies, but City Councillor Shelley Carroll believes that new revenue tools are needed.
Latest Episodes
Political Blind Date – The Food We Eat
Two politicians with opposing points of view try to get to know each other in each episode of this six-part series. Whether cycling around the city, or trying to rent a flat in Toronto’s red-hot housing market, the two subjects are brought together to tackle Canada’s most important issues face-to-face through in-depth conversations. Conservative MPP Randy Pettapiece and Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner look at how farmers are transforming their operations with technical innovations, and debate what role government should play in supporting large and small scale farms.
Latest Episodes