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ABOVE THE FOLD
PO EXODUS — BENDAYAN BOLTS: Summer’s heating up — and so are the LinkedIn alerts from PO staffers.
JENNA BENDAYAN has quietly left the Premier’s Office for the private sector, multiple sources tell me.
As head of priority initiatives, Bendayan was plugged into DOUG FORD’s most high-stakes files — but she now follows ex-director of policy RAHUL BEDI (yep, I scooped his new gig at Hydro One, too) and former longtime comms chief IVANA YELICH (whose move to Labatt is now LinkedIn-official).
That’s three high-level departures in just over a month. Ford’s messaging machine may still be cranking it out, but behind the curtain, it’s looking pretty sparse.
Eagle-eyed watchers may already sense that the vibes are off: Ford’s recent string of press conferences have a bit of a different energy without Yelich behind the scenes.
Sure, it could just be the heat, but there will be plenty of opportunity to notice what’s changed this summer — Ford is hitting the road on what staffers have dubbed the BFF Tour (doling out giant Building Faster Fund cheques for housing-hungry mayors). Loads of stage time ahead, so keep your eyes peeled.
A message from Toronto Pearson:
Toronto Pearson is more than an airport. It’s an economic engine that is responsible for generating $20 billion in GDP annually.
But Pearson wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the 52,000 men and women who dedicate their careers to helping the airport run on time.
On June 25th, help us recognize our workers for the critical role they play in both our province’s economy and our ability to travel by celebrating Airport Workers Day.
Learn more about why recognizing their contributions is so important at https://www.torontopearson.com/airportworkersday
HAPPENING TODAY
DOUG FORD’S WEDNESDAY — 9 a.m.: The Premier and Health Minister SYLVIA JONES are in Mississauga for a hospital groundbreaking ceremony.
OPPO ITIN — 10 a.m.: NDP Leader MARIT STILES and Scarborough MPP DOLY BEGUM will tour the TTC today, featuring a bus ride-along and a stop at the Birchmount garage to meet with workers. Icebreaker, via Global: The cost of the Scarborough Subway extension is going up, way up.
10:30 a.m.: St. Catharines is getting a lot of love from the PCs lately — and Transportation Minister PRABMEET SARKARIA continues the streak with another announcement today.
11 a.m.: Ontario Ombudsman PAUL DUBÉ is in the Media Studio to his annual report — chockfull of government gripes.
12:30 p.m.: PA DAWN GALLAGHER MURPHY continues her Long-Term-Care-home announcement in Tavistock.
2 p.m.: Over in the Lieutenant Governor’s suite, LG EDITH DUMONT and Seniors Minister RAYMOND CHO will shout-out 22 elderly folks with the annual Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
GRITS GET DOWN — 5:30 p.m.: Calling all Liberal lifers: It’s time to trade war stories, business cards and relive the good ol’ days over snacks and drinks. Whether you staffed a Minister or manned a phone bank, hit up the Ontario Liberal Party staff appreciation event at the Firkin on Yonge. RSVP.
FUNDRAISING WATCH — 5:30 p.m.: The PCs are putting on a $1,000-a-plate dinner in Toronto. No, there’s no ministerial lineup — yes, that means Ford could show. Invite.
CLIPPINGS
— RENDER AND WEEP: “The Ford government has unveiled final renderings for the Ontario Place redevelopment — and yes, the spa and parking lot are still a-go. The plans confirm a massive above-ground parking garage near the main entrance, while Therme’s private spa will take up most of the west island. The new visuals double down on a vision that’s been controversial since day one. Global News has the story.
Meanwhile…
— IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE: “Ontario has not made any decisions on a temporary science centre while a new one is being built at Ontario Place, the infrastructure minister said Tuesday, despite previously indicating one would be operating by Jan. 1, 2026.” The Canadian Press with the latest.
— CLAMSHELL VS. PINK PALACE: “The province says new legislation kills the city’s ‘green standard’ for construction. The city disagrees — but it’s picking a losing battle.” TVO digs into the brewing legal battle.
— IN OPPO WORLD: NDP Leader MARIT STILES was in Hamilton to announce a buy-Ontario-steel strategy in the face of U.S. tariff uncertainty.
LOBBY LIST
Here are the new, renewed and amended registrations over the past 24 hours:
Amin Massoudi, Atlas Strategic Advisors: Placemaker Corporation
Erica Wallis, Blackbird Strategies: Chiefs of Ontario
Joshua Albert, The CCS Group: Miller Paving Ltd (Formerly Miller Group)
Giancarlo Drennan, Sussex Strategy Group: Alberici Constructors, Ltd.
Alexandra Valcour, Proof Strategies: Nestlé Canada Inc.
Patrick Harris, Rubicon Strategy: Toronto Port Authority d/b/a PortsToronto
Kailey Vokes and Ed Sajecki, StrategyCorp: Essex Langstaff Limited Partnership by its general partner Essex Langstaff GP Limited (Essex Langstaff)
Chad Rogers, Crestview Strategy: Live Nation Canada, Inc.
Dylan Brenneman, Santis Health: Canadian Society of Nutrition Management
Gregory Loerts, Bluesky Strategy Group: Proterial America Ltd.
Philippe Bolduc, Wellington Advocacy: Wayfair LLC
🍽️ LUNCH SPECIAL: Smoked turkey penne in vodka sauce with garlic bread.
⏳ COUNTDOWN: T-minus 26 days until the Council of the Federation meeting in Muskoka…79 days until the Liberal AGM in Toronto…86 days until the NDP convention in Niagara Falls…117 days until the House reconvenes.
Got a tip? Document to leak? Staffer on the move? Birthday or anniversary coming up? I want to hear from you, on or off the record. Reach out to sabrina@qpobserver.ca or just reply to this email.
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Cover image: Getty