Consider This - Politics, Life and Journalism in Northumberland CountyConsider This | Politics, Life and Journalism in Northumberland County

Impact of residential schools on generations of children felt in Alderville, says Chief Dave Mowat

By: Robert Washburn | September 26, 2020

Show interview:

Full interview with bonus material:

Sitting on the Second Line Road, just a short drive east of the Alderville Memorial on County Road 45, is a white, long building next to a very old United Church. The elongated building stretching back from the road is home to the administration offices of the Alderville First Nation. But before that, it was a Day School for the local Indigenous community. Prior to that, it was an industrial school dating back to 1838 when the government of Upper Canada decided it wanted to train boys from Indigenous communities.

Drought hits crops hard, but food supply secure says Northumberland farmers

By: Robert Washburn | September 19, 2020

Full interview with bonus material below:

Six months ago, I spoke with this same group of farmers from the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture. The lockdown had just started. Some grocery store shelves were empty. Everyone was buying toilet paper.

Creating affordable housing in Cobourg subject of public meeting Sept. 28

By: Robert Washburn | September 19, 2020

The full interview with bonus material below:

So often it is easy to take things for granted. A roof over your head. A warm bed. Food in the fridge.

Navy League one of many extracurricular activities facing challenges during fall startup across Northumberland

By: Robert Washburn | September 12, 2020

Many parents like to keep their kids busy outside of school. Whether it is playing rep hockey, martial arts, or music lessons, extracurricular activities are a part of many children’s lives. Usually, these activities gear up come September. This year is different.

Venture 13, police and local entrepreneur launch tool to fight pandemic

By: Robert Washburn | September 12, 2020

As many of us brace for the possible second wave of the virus to hit, there are efforts across Northumberland looking at how we adjusting to the ongoing challenges we face. Today’s show looks at two aspects of the ways our community is adapting. When the pandemic first hit Northumberland during the lockdown in March, within a two-week period, Venture 13 pulled together a micro-manufacturing operation to create personal protective equipment for hospitals, senior’s homes, and others within the county. If that wasn’t enough, it was recently announced another innovative enterprise is helping to protect frontline emergency workers in the county.

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Eight new nurses hired as health unit collaborates with school boards as classrooms reopen

By: Robert Washburn | September 5, 2020

As the clock ticks down to the reopening of local schools, the debate over safety and the concerns of parents, teachers, and others continue to be hashed over in meetings and in public. School boards are finalizing plans while reaching out to parents to keep them informed. Yet, in some aspects, it is a very fluid situation. Teachers unions are seeking the intervention of the Ministry of Labour, adding uncertainty. The province is making last-minute decisions to provide school boards with flexibility around opening dates. Continue Reading →

Health unit continues inspections and tracking as braces for fall season

By: Robert Washburn | September 5, 2020

In the face of the pandemic, the transition to fall represents a pivotal moment on many levels. The most significant is the prediction of a potential second wave of the COVID-19 virus spreading. Students from kindergarten to university and college will be returning to the classroom either face-to-face or online. School boards and educators are working diligently to ensure students and teachers will be safe. For the rest of us, it has been around two months since the provincial government slowly transitioned into Stage 3 of its Economic Recovery plan. Continue Reading →

Local MP shares insight and inside story about Conservative Party leadership victory

By: Robert Washburn | August 29, 2020

Back in January, when I last interviewed local MP Philip Lawrence, he was tight-lipped about who he was about to endorse for the leadership race for the Conservative Party of Canada. It was very early days. Peter MacKay had announced. Lawrence said nothing. Then, a few days later, Durham MP Erin O’Toole raised his hand. Continue Reading →

Annual financials get jazzed up in latest county report; contents remain vital to taxpayers

By: Robert Washburn | August 29, 2020

As long as anyone can remember, Northumberland County has issued his annual audited financial statement. I know, could anything be more boring to anyone other than an accountant. But, the financial report for 2019 was different. It was released recently. But not as that snooze of a document. Continue Reading →

Teachers prepare to return to the classroom in Northumberland in the face of pandemic

By: Robert Washburn | August 22, 2020

August always brings a sense of anticipation for teachers preparing for another year at school. But nothing can match the challenges facing educators returning to classrooms this fall. The pandemic has placed huge stresses on those in front of students regardless of their age. They must create a learning environment that is safe from a deadly virus. Educators need to protect the students and themselves. Continue Reading →

The Conversation

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WE Charity demise shows why trust, transparency are so critical for NGOs

On paper, WE Charity could have been the best partner to implement the federal government's student grant program. But the failure to be transparent eroded the public's trust and led to its demise.
Even in 2020, a double standard is still applied to women in the spotlight

Women in visible leadership positions are subject to personal attacks as less competent and reliable than their male colleagues. Acknowledging this double standard is the first step in addressing it.
Canada's 'me first' COVID-19 vaccine strategy may come at the cost of global health

With $1 billion in advance purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines, Canada has joined the vaccine nationalists: rich countries buying up more than half the global short-term supply of vaccine.
'No physical injuries' minimizes the emotional trauma of assault survivors

Police news releases and media reporting of assault incidents sometimes mention victims suffered no physical injuries. Here's why that's so dismissive and harmful.
The designated driver role gets a modern update, covering dangers from COVID-19 to social media

Buddy circles expand on the concept of a designated driver, encompassing other substances and risks — including COVID-19 and social media — to build a harm mitigation strategy for the 21st century.

By: Robert Washburn | September 26, 2020

By: Robert Washburn | September 19, 2020

By: Robert Washburn | September 19, 2020

By: Robert Washburn | September 12, 2020

By: Robert Washburn | September 12, 2020

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Politics

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Education, Politics