The Jerry Agar Show

Party For Two | Trades Shortage | Safe Neighbourhoods | Raising Kids Without a Backyard

The Jerry Agar Show

Show Notes

It’s Party For Two, and Jerry is joined by Bob Richardson, NEWSTALK 1010 contributor and public affairs consultant, to break down the top stories of the day. Next, Jerry looks at growing concerns in the skilled trades sector. He speaks with Richard Lyall, President of RESCON, about why so many trades apprentices struggle to complete their programs despite strong demand for skilled workers. Jerry then turns to community safety with Mustapha Bendago, Executive Director of Safe Neighbourhoods Toronto, for a discussion about crime prevention, neighbourhood engagement, and keeping communities safe. The show wraps with a housing and family debate. Do children need to grow up in a detached home with a backyard to thrive? Jerry speaks with Mike Moffatt, economist and founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative, about changing housing realities, family life, and what matters most for raising kids.

More from The Jerry Agar Show

Oct 23, 2026

Jerry opens the show by asking a question: How can anyone still be undecided in Toronto's mayoral election? He then shares his thoughts on the final debate of the campaign and breaks down the key moments from last night's debate between Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford. Toronto is seeing a rise in birds colliding with buildings. Jerry speaks with Dr. Brendon Samuels, Bird Safe Buildings Coordinator for FLAP Canada, about why the problem is getting worse and what people can do to make buildings safer for migratory birds. A Dear Abby story about a bachelor trip that became a financial nightmare sparks a conversation. Jerry opens the phones and asks listeners whether they've ever been caught in an expensive wedding, bachelor, or vacation dispute with friends.

Oct 23, 2026

It's Party for Two! Jerry is joined by Jim Richards, host of The Jim Richards Show on Newstalk 1010, to discuss the top stories of the day. Brad Bradford's proposal to spin off Toronto Water into a public utility is generating debate on the campaign trail. Jerry speaks with Danny Persaud, President and CEO of InnServices and an Ontario Municipal Water Association board member, about Innisfil's experience with a similar model and what it could mean for Toronto. The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the World Series. Jerry checks in with Dobie Maxwell in Milwaukee to get a sense of the excitement surrounding the city and its long-awaited baseball moment. Plus, it's time for Touchdowns and Fumbles. Bob Reid, Principal at Broadway Strategies, joins Jerry to break down the winners and losers from the week's biggest stories.

Oct 22, 2026

It's Party for Two! Jerry is joined by Randi Rahamim, Managing Director of Teneo, to discuss the top stories of the day. Is Toronto losing its edge? Jerry speaks with Justin Ling, Toronto Star columnist, about his argument that the city's biggest challenge may be its inability to reverse a slow decline in affordability, infrastructure, and quality of life. It's time for the Blacklock's Report. Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks.ca, joins Jerry with the latest stories from Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Plus, Jerry catches up with Brady Rogers, the Kelowna city council candidate whose unconventional campaign and viral signs helped him win a seat on council.

Oct 22, 2026

Jerry opens the show questioning whether Prime Minister Mark Carney is living up to his promise to rein in government spending. He reacts to new analysis suggesting federal spending, borrowing, and debt are increasing while economic growth is slowing. More than 1.5 million Canadian Crime Stoppers tips may have been exposed in a data breach. Jerry speaks with Mark Mendelson, Newstalk 1010 crime expert and former homicide detective, about the potential impact on investigations, confidential sources, and public trust in the system. A new survey suggests nearly two-thirds of small business owners are planning to exit their businesses within the next decade. Jerry speaks with Marvin Cruz, Senior Director of Research at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and co-author of the report, about succession planning, entrepreneurship, and what the trend could mean for Canada's economy. Plus, MPs are looking at restricting gambling advertisements amid growing concerns about problem gambling. Jerry weighs in on whether tighter rules are needed and takes listener calls.

Oct 21, 2026

It’s Party for Two, and Jerry is joined by Mike Kakuk, co-host of Mornings with Mike and Meg on AM800 Windsor, to break down the top stories of the day. Next, Jerry discusses Bonnie Crombie's column in the Toronto Sun about being a woman in politics. Jerry then turns to affordability and food insecurity. Food bank visits have reached record highs as Canadians continue to struggle with the cost of living. He speaks with Richard Matern, Research Director at Food Banks Canada, about what’s driving the increase. The show wraps with a dilemma: How do you schedule job interviews while already employed without constantly calling in sick? Jerry explores the etiquette and realities of job searching while still on the payroll.

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