I read an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune recently that looked at the costs of job-based health care in the United States. I was shocked by the cost being pegged at $15,745, which struck me as being unbelievably high. The costs had risen by $2,400 over the past four […]
Columnists
For decades, our publicly-funded health-care system has been the pride of Canadians. Every citizen, regardless of social standing and ability to pay, has equal access to essential health-care services. Time and time again it is cited as Canadians’ most valued-service. Yet at the same time, many express frustrations with their […]
Well, it’s cattle sale week, which always was a big deal for us. Tensions built because you never knew how well the cows would co-operate since they are suspicious of why all of a sudden you want them in the barnyard after a summer of grazing. The old cows know […]
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” Gandhi said that, a very wise man who lived his life as an example of non-violence and justice. Those are words we all should live by. Justice and fairness […]
Last week, my daughter raved about a book she was reading from my library titled “The Difference Maker.” She insisted that I had to introduce the book to my readers. Since I respect her judgment, and the whole title intrigued me, I decided to write about “The Difference Maker: Making […]
There are men who somehow just grip your eyes and hold them hard like a spell and such was he, as he pointed the flashlight in my direction and with inflection, all bundled in woollies and lumberjack red, his face unshaven, said—as I turned my head—“The lady that’s known as […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo The Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO) recently received funding to lead and execute an investigation into the entrant barriers young farmers in Ontario might face when trying to enter the agricultural industry. The purpose of this project is to identify what resources/assistance are […]
Since being elected, I have recognized the challenges that face our region and province, but have been filled with a sense of optimism: the road may be long, but I know that we are poised to get there, if we work hard, together, and make the right decisions. This feeling […]
This week there were some rather important developments for many constituents in our riding. The City of Thunder Bay has announced information sessions for flood disaster relief for affected citizens, and the Electoral Boundaries Commission has announced changes to our riding that could affect the services people receive in the […]
We have had a hot, dry summer—very hot and very dry. We’ve seen our blackberries dry up before they were ripe and our flower gardens wilt. It has been so hot that our tomatoes and cucumbers didn’t “set on.” And we had to deep water our tallest trees to make […]
I was sitting on my wicker couch by the creek a couple of days ago on one of those windy September afternoons that produces very bad hair and smacks of a season I am not yet prepared for. Where did the summer go? I could have sworn it was June […]
We certainly shouldn’t be complaining about this beautiful fall weather but many of us are wishing we would get some rain! My biggest complaint (besides the rain) is the fact it is dark by 8 p.m. now. This limits my daylight hours after work and my precious farming time. I […]
