Columns

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

Carol Hughes’ Column – Disruptions on the Horizons Report Gives Us a Guide to Canada’s Upcoming Challenges

This week, Policy Horizons Canada, a think tank that explores trends to examine potential challenges future Canadians and governments may need to contend with, released a report titled Disruptions on the Horizons. It’s an interesting document that tasked over 500 … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Federal Government Doesn’t Need to Use the Notwithstanding Clause

This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms being signed. The Charter forms an enormous part of our Constitution, and carries with it the fundamental guarantees of our freedoms, including the freedom of association, … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 240510

The Ford government is denying thousands of Ontario children access  to the education they need Admittedly, it has been a few years since I last attended school. But you know, sometimes we have seemingly minor links to our past that … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Foreign Meddling Didn’t Affect Election Outcomes, But Did Undermine Our Trust

“Our electoral system is robust. Active foreign interference did occur during the last two general federal general elections, but they did not undermine the integrity of our electoral system. Our system remains sound. Voters were able to cast their ballots, … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 240503

‘What’s happening in Wilmot Township could happen in any farm community in Ontario’ May 3, 2024 The other morning, I enjoyed (well, sort of I enjoyed) a particularly energetic workout at the gym before heading into the Legislature. I know … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – We Need to See Leadership to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Last week, Ottawa hosted the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international plan to combat plastic pollution, otherwise known as INC-4. The meeting was designed with the hope that UN Member States would agree to a … Continue reading