The Premier Files: Dalton McGuinty | The Premier Files

Video Description

Ontario's 24th premier, Dalton McGuinty took back Liberal power in 2003, leading the province until 2013. His government is known for implementing full-day kindergarten, a focus on health care, the establishment of the protected Greenbelt, and the gas plant scandal. His term ended when he stepped down in 2013, leaving the helm to the next Liberal leader, Kathleen Wynne. 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - Liberal Comeback in 2003 0:53 - Relentless Leadership Style 0:58 - Returning to Queen’s Park 1:34 - Childhood in a Family of 12 2:09 - Father’s Entrepreneurial Spirit 2:38 - Discipline and Expectations 3:04 - Role as Eldest Sibling 3:29 - Managing Personalities in Politics 4:00 - Leadership Philosophy 4:07 - Influence of Parents’ Careers 4:22 - Unwritten Expectations 5:05 - Sacrifice and Public Service 5:22 - First Thoughts of Politics 6:03 - Campaigning with Family 6:11 - Father’s Political Journey 6:40 - Father’s Passing 7:02 - Emergency at Home 8:10 - Reflections on Nicknames 9:02 - Decision to Run in Byelection 10:16 - Affair of the Heart 11:02 - Winning Against the Odds 12:17 - Campaign Strategy 13:11 - Early Leadership Aspirations 14:21 - Running for Party Leadership 15:02 - Home Front Struggles 15:34 - Growing Optimism 16:03 - Fourth Place on First Ballot 17:05 - Favourite Second Choice Strategy 18:15 - Fifth Ballot Victory 19:48 - Becoming Leader of the Opposition 21:07 - Weight of Expectation 22:13 - Personal Mantra: Just Relentless 22:39 - Opposing Mike Harris 23:53 - Personal Attacks in Question Period 24:46 - Lessons in Leadership 24:54 - First Election Loss in 1999 25:51 - Conviction Over Convenience 26:21 - Call from Mike Harris 27:09 - 2003 Election Campaign 28:18 - Global Inspirations 29:24 - Kitten-Eater Controversy 29:42 - Election Night Victory 30:26 - Breaking the Tax Pledge 31:41 - Discovering the Deficit 33:11 - Health Premium Decision 34:43 - Political Consequences 35:02 - Faith-Based School Funding Debate 36:04 - Developer Pushback on Greenbelt 36:46 - Expanding the Greenbelt 37:17 - Education Philosophy 38:14 - Catholic School System Reality 38:28 - Second Majority Win in 2007 39:44 - Leadership and Teamwork 40:25 - Third Election: One Seat Short 41:49 - Minority Government Challenges 42:07 - Most Successful Liberal Since Mowat 43:47 - Legislative Gridlock 44:02 - Scandals: eHealth, Orange, Gas Plants 45:46 - Accountability and Oversight 46:03 - Managing Crisis Fatigue 47:12 - Pride in Achievements 48:04 - HST Reform and Smog Reduction 49:05 - Full-Day Kindergarten Legacy 49:26 - Longest Serving Party Leader 50:08 - Reflections at Age 70 51:13 - Legacy Questions 52:02 - New Book: *Be a Good One* 52:20 - Grandfatherhood 52:53 - Post-Political Career Choices 54:00 - No Regrets 55:02 - Would He Do It Again? Absolutely 56:04 - The Privilege of Defining Public Interest About The Premier Files: This series features candid conversations with former Ontario premiers, spanning four decades of the province's political history. With Steve Paikin, they discuss their lives before, during, and after their time in politics, and they revisit the policies and events that defined their leadership. Featured are David Peterson (Liberal, 1985-1990); Bob Rae (NDP, 1990-1995); Mike Harris (Progressive Conservative, 1995-2002); Ernie Eves (Progressive Conservative, 2002-2003); Dalton McGuinty (Liberal, 2003-2013); Kathleen Wynne (Liberal, 2013-2018).