Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/politics/page/3/)
Federal, provincial and municipal
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
What a difference a year can make. In this interview, you will hear from the new county Warden, Brian Ostrander. He was elected only a few weeks ago. The focus of our conversation is a new three-year budget passed by county council two weeks ago. You will learn how this approach works and the aspirations of politicians for the upcoming year. Continue Reading →
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A new year is about to begin. It can be a valuable exercise to reflect on the past 12 months. In this interview from a year ago, you will hear former Warden Mandy Martin. County council had just passed the 2023 budget. This is a great chance to compare what was promised with what happened. Continue Reading →
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If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House. It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime. In this interview, Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. Continue Reading →
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It is budget time for local municipalities. Without exception, politicians, bureaucrats, and taxpayers sweat it out to come up with a solution for the annual budget. With more pressures than ever, it is a struggle to find a balance between affordability and services. In this interview, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky outlines the decision by council to raise the levy by 6.9 percent. She outlines the complexity of trying to maintain services and address critical issues, while not creating fiscal hardship for taxpayers. Continue Reading →
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Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →
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Crime in Cobourg is on the increase. Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf says that is true everywhere. An analysis of recent statistics shows calls for service are up. There were 14 assault charges laid in the past two months. Two of those involved officers being assaulted. Continue Reading →
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Earlier this week, the federal government announced spending $162 million over the next four years to implement a National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Ontario. The timing is not by chance. Nov. 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. November is Women Abuse Prevention Month. Continue Reading →
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A proposal to create sleeping cabins was before Port Hope council recently. The gallery was packed as residents wanted to be heard. When the public learned the matter was being put off to the next meeting, things erupted into chaos. Some members of the public gallery started yelling at the councillors. Decorum broke down as politicians and citizens argued. Continue Reading →
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According to the federal government, one in five Canadians struggle to pay for prescription medicines. Three million people don’t fill prescriptions because they cannot afford it. One million Canadians will cut the amount they spend on essentials like food or heat to afford medicine. In the next few weeks, the federal government hopes to introduce a plan to cover the cost of prescriptions. Many, including the NDP, want to see a universal Pharmacare plan. Continue Reading →
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Cobourg council wants to create a thriving community, provide better services, and be more sustainable. These are the three pillars of the new four-year strategic plan it hopes to pass this Monday. For the past 10 months, Cobourg council has worked with its consultant, Capital Park, towards a strategic plan. It has sought public input. The process is now wrapping up. Continue Reading →
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