Columns

Carol Hughes’ Column – Phoenix Pay System Slowly Coming to an End, with an Additional $1 Billion Price Tag

For a decade, we’ve been hearing, with almost comical absurdity, problems with the Government of Canada’s beleaguered payroll system, Phoenix. It’s been responsible for thousands of people being underpaid, overpaid, or worse, not paid at all. Just as problematic, it’s … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Canada Disability Benefit Needs to be More Accessible and Cover Essential Costs

When the federal budget was presented in April, many people with disabilities and organizations who assist them were looking forward to announcements surrounding the Canada Disability Benefit. The legislation that set the framework for the Canada Disability Benefit, C-22, passed … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 210621

children safe from super hot classrooms a low priority to Doug Ford June 21, 2024 I have to say; given all of the conditions and experiences we see with increasing frequency throughout the year, it is hard to fathom how … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Canada Day a Reminder of the Power of Community

Canada Day is once again just around the corner, and it means something a little different for everyone. Of course, it’s our national holiday, a day to remember Confederation and the building of our nation. It’s a day we remind … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 240614

Fixing the housing crisis is not easy work, but it’s a job we can’t afford to put off any longer June 14, 2024 We are now only days away from the official beginning of summer. Many of us count the … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Threats Against MPs are Completely Out of Hand

Last week, the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) began reviewing the House’s policy on workplace harassment and violence prevention. This, in years’ past, would register as an innocuous meeting not worthy of generating even a small … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 240607

Let’s give credit to whom credit is due June 7, 2024 I have to say that we politicians are truly a puzzling lot to understand. It is with great confidence that I say there is no standard ‘type” or particular … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Loblaws is Once Again at the Centre of Alleged Anti-Competitive Behaviour

To say that a significant portion of Canadians are getting fed up with Loblaws’ chain of grocery stores is, at this point, underselling customers’ frustrations with the grocery giant. According to Statistics Canada, grocery prices have risen by 21.4 percent … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 240531

Premier Ford’s narrative of a cash-strapped Ontario rings hollow May 31, 2024 The prevailing narrative in our province, our country and indeed globally right now is that we are facing lean economic times. I imagine most readers will agree with … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 240524

New and Rehabilitated Highway Rest Areas in Algoma-Manitoulin May 24, 2024 We are so very fortunate to live in a rugged, beautiful region with so many natural wonders and opportunities at our doorstep. What a privilege to call this place … Continue reading