The Premier Files: Ernie Eves | The Premier Files

Video Description

Ontario's 23rd premier Ernie Eves led the province from 2002-2003. He talks to Steve Paikin about his time as finance minister in the Mike Harris government that preceded his, and his successes and challenges during his own leadership. 0:00 - Intro 0:18 - Ernie Eves becomes Ontario's 23rd Premier in 2002 0:29 - Challenges during Eves' tenure: Mad cow disease, SARS, blackout 0:41 - Interview begins at Eves' home north of Toronto 0:54 - Reflections on being sworn in as Premier 23 years ago 1:22 - Eves' mother’s reaction to his premiership 1:38 - Eves never planned to become Premier 2:03 - Early life and upbringing in Windsor, Ontario 2:46 - Father’s career and family background 3:30 - Family involvement in politics 4:02 - Community service and early political influences 5:04 - Mentorship and encouragement to enter politics 6:26 - Becoming the Tory candidate for Parry Sound in 1981 8:12 - Unexpected retirement of predecessor and narrow nomination win 8:45 - Winning the 1981 election by just six votes 9:10 - Mike Harris and Eves elected together in 1981 9:28 - Nicknamed the Bobsy Twins by senior cabinet ministers 10:02 - Working with Betty Stevenson as parliamentary assistant 10:35 - Supporting Frank Miller in the leadership convention 11:22 - Separate school funding controversy and Frank Miller’s stance 12:16 - Serving in opposition for 10 years 13:37 - 1995 election victory and Mike Harris becomes Premier 15:04 - Harris' consistent messaging and campaign strategy 15:30 - Eves appointed Finance Minister, Deputy Premier, and House Leader 17:56 - Enjoyment of legislative debate and question period 18:14 - Public demonstrations and sticking to policy commitments 19:03 - Fiscal challenges and welfare reform outcomes 20:26 - Economic growth and investment during Harris government 21:09 - Tax cuts and debate over raising taxes 21:45 - First budget dedication to Eves' mother 22:58 - Parents' influence and emphasis on education 23:45 - Reflection on tax and welfare cuts with hindsight 24:05 - Debate over selling LCBO and TV Ontario 25:24 - Eves' opposition to privatizing LCBO and TVO 26:33 - Tragedy: Death of Eves' son Justin in 1995 27:53 - Establishing a foundation in Justin's memory 28:45 - Selling Highway 407 and its long-term implications 30:19 - Discussion on privatization and hindsight on 407 sale 31:48 - Leaving politics in 2001 for Bay Street career 33:07 - Returning to politics to contest leadership after Harris steps down 34:46 - Advice from Bill Davis and Bob Rae on returning 36:37 - Winning the leadership and becoming Premier without a seat 37:51 - Securing a seat in Caledon and transition to premiership 38:58 - Internal party divisions and policy direction post-Harris 40:04 - Views on healthcare and private sector involvement 42:00 - Controversial Magna budget presentation and its fallout 44:22 - Series of crises during Eves' premiership 45:42 - Calling the 2003 election and campaign challenges 46:36 - Infamous 'kitten eater' press release incident 47:32 - Election night reflections and acceptance of defeat 48:53 - Post-premiership role in trade advisory council 50:03 - Reflections on missed opportunities and decisions 51:11 - Pride in special education and public service 52:12 - Unfinished goals and desire to have continued in office 54:28 - Final reflections on public service and legacy 56:16 - Closing remarks and gratitude 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).