This week, I would like to start my column by offering condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed, injured, or otherwise affected by the massive train runaway, derailment, and fire in Lac Megantic, Que. People around the world were shocked by this accident, and I offer […]
Columnists
Recently, I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror like usual—and I saw something different. For years, the wrinkles in my face were smiling wrinkles. I’ve always been upbeat, and I’ve always laughed and smiled a lot. Thus the wrinkles! But this time my wrinkles were different. My mouth was […]
Why? Why? If I were able to list three questions that I could pose to whomever is in charge, given the opportunity, I would not have to ponder said collection of questions very long before arriving at three—with a whole line-up of questions on stand-by. I would inquire as to […]
The crops are progressing nicely and many of our cereal plots are heading out. I was concerned last week that they were going to be rather short, but they seem to look pretty decent. It is difficult to get right in the plots since things are pretty darn wet (with […]
In the spring of 2011 a Toronto Star investigation uncovered the Ontario Government’s past use of Agent Orange—a herbicide associated with potential long-term health problems. The news was particularly troubling for northerners, many of whom were involved in spraying programs with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Ministry of Natural Resources […]
It is amazing how much a week can change the look of a community. Two weeks prior to the opening of the Calgary Stampede, the city and the Stampede grounds were awash in water and mud. Yet through the perseverance of the city, its people and its friends, the community […]
If there were any anglers that stayed dry during the six hours of heavy rain we got on Day 2 of the Lake Despair “Castin’ For Cash” tournament this past weekend, I want to know what kind of raingear they were wearing. After a week of beautiful weather leading up […]
So it finally happened. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Brazilian MMA fighter Anderson Silva was knocked out in the second round of the main event of UFC 162 by American Chris Weidman in a middleweight championship fight, which ended Silva’s nearly seven-year title reign and a 17-fight unbeaten streak […]
This past week, I had the opportunity to interview students from across the region for a summer position in my constituency offices. Having posted the position in late June, and not having previous opportunities to hire students, I was not sure of the quantity or level of interest of the […]
It is a Friday morning, and the sun and the rain keep drifting across the sky. The forecast calls for a mixture of sun and rain all day. As I sit in the sunroom of our cabin, I can’t help but think of the tune “Circle of Life” from the […]
I’m hoping everyone was able to enjoy a very beautiful Canada Day! Those of you who know me well know I’m a huge fan of our great country—and my office is themed after it! I likely have as much Canadian collectibles now as I did cows! • • • My […]
The Rainy River Valley Food for All committee is a group of individuals and representatives of organizations associated with agriculture and community health who hope to improve the awareness and economics of locally-produced foods in the Rainy River Valley by fostering more effective direct marketing, education, and promotion. In addition […]
