I recently had a friendly online exchange with a loyal viewer who questioned why we did so much foreign affairs programming instead of focusing on Ontario. My reply basically was: Well, we actually do a lot of Ontario-focused programming, but we think the wider world is also of interest to the people of this province.

This week kind of mirrors that argument.

Monday: What’s Killing Ontario’s Jobs?

Thousands lost, few replaced: Ontario’s job market is in trouble. The Agenda examines what’s needed to turn the tide. Plus: journalist Steve Ladurantaye on Ontario's condo craze.

Tuesday: Overhauling Ontario’s Social Assistance

Frances Lankin and Munir Sheikh were tasked with looking over Ontario’s social security system. They join Steve Paikin to discuss the findings from their second discussion paper.

Wednesday: Toronto the Dysfunctional

On the upside, municipal politics is rarely this exciting. On the downside, Toronto’s transit initiatives have been stopped and started so many times it’s hard to keep track. Is the debate over Toronto transit evidence of a functioning and engaged democracy, or a dysfunctional and broken system? Is this what politics should look like in Canada’s largest city?

Thursday: Two Interviews on Future Conflict

First, Brookings Institution senior fellow Peter W. Singer tells Steve Paikin about the increased use of unmanned military systems and the future of drone warfare in the United States. Then, the Center for a New American Security's Patrick Cronin sits down with Steve Paikin to discuss how the United States is adapting their strategy in the South China Sea, as India and China focus on increasing their naval capabilities. 

Friday: The 2012 Charles Taylor Prize

Five non-fiction works. Twenty-five thousand dollars. One winner. Steve Paikin speaks with the five finalists for the 2012 Charles Taylor Prize.