Mitchell Davidson@MitchWDavidson

VP, Policy @EntCanada. Author of thepolicyshop.substack.com. Prev policy head to Premier of Ontario. General friend of the show.

 Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Joined June 2011
117 Photos and videos
My daughter just turned one and my big sister Ashley won @HouseandHome's 2026 Designer of the Year! In both cases, I saw the pride of parenthood and thought how can we help families? Here's the result: The Case for Funding Medically Necessary Infant Formula (link below)
1
1
1
100
more replies
In the U.S., all 50 states have a formula assistance program for low- and middle- income families. In Canada, you can only get this help if you're on social assitance - and it cuts off at some $32,000 of household income. Can and should we do more?
1
1
25
In the post, I look at the options including expanding the drug formulary, creating a bespoke program, or using existing programs like OHIP+ to cover formula. Income test it and only allow it when a doctor prescribes, but it's worth doing. Read it here: thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
18
Hockey Night Has Left CBC. Should Government Act? If you're a fan of the NHL the regional blackouts, higher prices for out of market games, and off-tv app subscriptions have angered you. It's natural to want government to do something about it. But can they? (Link in comments)
1
1
3
224
This week, at The Policy Shop, I look at how we got here and 3 options government(s) have to act. From legislative committees to including regional sport networks in the CRTC's price capped packages to a one-off return for culturally signifcant games. Let me know your thoughts.
1
1
54
thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
20
Is there room for a conversation about gambling ads? Yes. But the lack of education on the rules is obvious. Here's a clip from a TVO program with an example of an ad for a product that is not legal here, is not even regulated by gambling regulators, and has not run in Canada.
The Rundown
@therundowntvo
Oct 2
"They just don't pay you enough when you do win for the times that you lose." — Nigel Turner (@CAMHnews), tonight at 11pm with Robin Campbell of Ban Ads on Gambling and @JeyanTVO | Producer: @carlamari

Is Online Betting Putting More People at Risk?

1
1
4
1,323
If it was a gambling product regulated by the AGCO, the standards prohibit ads that "Link gaming to seduction, sexual success or enhanced attractiveness." This ad wouldn't fly. People fail to realize their arguments against gambling are often the best arguments for regulation.
1
4
2
1,790
Ever wondered how a mandate letter gets written? I've been lucky enough to draft four sets: twice as a political staffer and twice as a civil servant. I've taken those learnings and used them to answer key questions about the process this week at The Policy Shop. Link below!
1
2
87
thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
40
Mitchell Davidson retweeted
Enterprise
@EntCanada
Sep 16
VP, Policy @MitchWDavidson was in Edmonton today moderating a panel at @SmrForum's Pioneering New Nuclear in Western Canada. The discussion focused on what comes next after Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy and the policy, investment, regulatory and industrial conditions needed to turn ambition into deployment. A timely conversation on advancing nuclear projects in Western Canada.
2
3
5
287
We released a report with the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association about unlocking that sector with a goal of growing Atlantic Canada's GDP by 1% by 2035. Regulations might not be sexy, but it's the hard work that grows our economy piece by piece. Link to the Policy Shop ⬇️⬇️
1
68
thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
21
As the trade war heats up, two common ideas for our economy surface: tackle internal trade barriers and pursue labour mobility. Both are good, but our economies are so linked that those ideas will likely benefit America too. Check out my latest at The Policy Shop (link below)
1
1
37
thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
1
23
Last year, we started The Policy Shop with a core idea: don't complain, fix. Fast forward one year and 50,000 words and Season 2 is here. Please subscribe, reach out, and share if you're interested in content that lives at the nexus of policy and politics. Substack link below.
1
1
3
103
thepolicyshop.substack.com/
1
31
This week marks 8 years since Premier @fordnation was first elected. It's a natural time to wonder, what is his legacy to date? The Premier's legacy is not transit or COVID-19 stewardship, it's the rise of provincial influence within the federation. (link to the Substack 👇👇).
1
2
225
more replies
A few years ago, Ontario tried to drive a national debate on pension reform via the ORPP. It was dismissed immediately by the PM. Even the incoming Liberal PM choose an alternative. Hard to see that happening to Ford. The rise of provincial influence can be his enduring legacy.
1
131
thepolicyshop.substack.com/p…
36
Load more