Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

Community canvas strives to meet concerns in east end, says police chief

Cobourg Police cars

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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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Workers should get more than $20 an hour to afford living in Northumberland, says group

Living Wage

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Currently, the minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour. But if you live in Northumberland County, that amount should be $20.60. That is what the Living Wage Network Ontario says. Recently, the Living Wage Network released its figures for 2023. It calculates how much it takes to live and work in one of 10 areas within Ontario. Continue Reading →

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Ryan inquest uncovers truths about violence against elderly women, says Cornerstone CEO

Ryan Inquest

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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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Changes to Port Hope council’s procedural bylaws impacts public input, citizen voices

PORT HOPE COUNCIL

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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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Chief Simpson discusses fallout after revelations about Buffy St. Marie’s indigeneity

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A recent story challenging the Indigenous heritage of singer and songwriter Buffy St. Marie sent shockwaves through Canada. It distressed many people but also ignited a debate regarding what it means to be indigenous. In this interview, Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson will give his perspective. He will shed light on what it means to be Indigenous but also share how the Alderville community determines who is a member and who is not. Continue Reading →

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Local chapter of Council of Canadians raising awareness of universal pharmacare in Northumberland

Pharmacare pharmacy

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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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Utility explains recent power outages, plus apologizes to frustrated customers

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Over the last few months, residents of Cobourg have faced momentary power outages. There are more than expected. For many, it is frustrating. While these last only a few seconds, it is enough to affect clocks, computers, and PVRs, among a long list of inconvenient items.

The reasons for the outages are varied and surprising. From squirrels to branches to a significant upgrade to the overall system, it will raise your eyebrows. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor applies new strategic plan to current issues facing town

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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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Chief medical officer currently optimistic about cold, flu and COVID-19 numbers for Northumberland

VACCINE

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Earlier this month, there were three places where outbreaks of COVID-19 occurred in Northumberland. Besides the hospital, the Golden Plough Lodge was hit and the Victoria Retirement residence. These senior’s homes are located in Cobourg. The health unit has tracked more than 1,400 emergency room visits across its region for COVID, colds and flu since September. All this may be a bit disturbing. Continue Reading →

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Northumberland Hills Hospital COVID-19 outbreaks part of cold and flu season, says CEO

Northumberland HIlls Hospital

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Northumberland Hills Hospital announced there was a COVID-19 outbreak recently. Eighteen cases were confirmed at the time. Patients in the medical and surgical units were hit, along with some in the rehab unit. Staff were spared. Visitors and volunteers were restricted from these units. Continue Reading →

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