Ontario’s public broadcaster TVO announced Tuesday the new TVO Today series The Premier Files — in which longtime TVO current affairs host Steve Paikin sits down with six former Ontario premiers to discuss their private lives and political legacies — will premiere Sept. 26.
Paikin speaks with Liberal leaders David Peterson, Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne, Progressive Conservative leaders Mike Harris and Ernie Eves, and NDP leader Bob Rae, getting insight into their motivations and early political careers, as well as the challenges of governing Ontario’s highest office and the weight of making important political decisions on behalf of all Ontarians.
“Viewers will revisit historical moments and key decisions from this ‘unique club’ while discovering what went on behind the scenes — from family life and political journeys to reflections on their legacies and what still keeps them up at night. Do they stand by policies they became known for? With reflective insights, candid answers, and rare poignant moments, this six-part TVO series explores that question and more,” reads a synopsis in a TVO press release.
“The Premier Files plays on the idea of advancing the cause of history and encouraging interest in something distinctively Ontario,” Paikin said in the press release. “I’ve been to the JFK, Nixon, and Carter presidential libraries in the U.S. They are spectacular. So this series is our unique, TVO way of shining a spotlight on our leaders. It’s our contribution to 15 million Ontarians’ better understanding this unique club of only 26 people since Confederation.”
Starting Sept. 26, the first episode of The Premier Files will premiere on digital via the TVO Today YouTube channel, website and smart TV app. Linear broadcast of the episode will begin at 8 p.m. ET on TVO.
Photo of (l-r) former Ontario premier David Peterson and host Steve Paikin courtesy of TVO
