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Marketing board changes demand farmers, consumers on same page

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If famers are not having a hard enough time dealing with this summer’s incredible drought, the Ontario government decided to hurt them some more. Changes to the Farm Products Marketing Act, recently proposed by the Farm Products Marketing Commission, wants to gut the role of one of the marketing boards, effectively wiping out the authority of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers. This means the body in charge of negotiating price contracts for 14 of the province’s vegetable crops, including carrots, beans and tomatoes, will be completely transformed. Until now, the system has maintained a pretty equitable deal between farmers, processors and retailers. Like all marketing boards, it provides stability of prices, allowing farmers to plan and invest. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Agriculture, Politics

Great news for hospital, but with a grain of salt

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Well, finally some really good news for Northumberland Hills Hospital came last week when the provincial government decided to lift the fiscal jackboot and provide an additional $613,700 to its annual funding. Unlike previous grants, which are given to shore up expenses for a particular purpose or short-term, which alleviates the financial pain only briefly, this money is annualized, meaning it will come every year from now on. The sighs of relief were almost audible, as Chief Executive Officer Linda Davis says the hospital will now be closer to balancing its budget. Margaret Risk, acting chairperson for the Central LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network) was also present, taking a bow. With all the reports filed over the recent years, there was undeniable evidence the local hospital was being underfunded. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health

No more delays as East Pier needs to be addressed

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With the Waterfront Festival wrapped up, it seems like a good time to review the future of the area and, in particular, the state of the east pier. Cobourg council seems content to crawl along carefully when it comes to the waterfront. Certainly, previous councils have moved with caution as projects have moved forward. The development of the lands was carefully planned, along with a staged approach to the walkway, the marina and Rotary Park with the pond/ice rink. It is no wonder politicians are guarded going forward. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Orlando reminds local PFLAG group of its own struggles

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The tragic death of 50 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando is a somber reminder of the gurgling homophobia laying beneath the surface within society. Despite decades of legal victories and social transformation, there continues to be a segment of the population who are unaccepting of homosexuality, despite rebuffing any direct accusations. As the deadliest attack in American history, it sparked a massive response. Sadly, there are elements of events tying this to terrorism, distorting the hard truth: this was an attack aimed at the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) community. And, while some may wish to focus on the perpetrator’s affiliations with the Islamic State, his own father has clearly said he suspects it was triggered by the shooter witnessing two men kissing. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics, Social Justice

School board must go further when it comes to Gilchrist

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The censure of school board trustee Gord Gilchrist failed to go far enough in its actions when it took steps to reprimand him over comments made during the recent opening ceremony at Cobourg Collegiate Institute. According to local news media, a report brought before the board last week alleges Gilchrist made inappropriate comments regarding Indigenous people and their music to several students related to a drumming ceremony that was part of the celebrations. News stories also said students reported the remarks to their parents and later to school officials. A third-party investigation was launched into the incident. An adult witness also substantiated the claims, according to the third-party report. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Education

Skateboard park about reaching out, not showing up

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It is puzzling sometimes to listen as the Cobourg Taxpayers Association makes their case. Whether it is a debate over the budget or keeping the skateboard facility in Donnegan Park open, the conversation centres around a central word: priorities. In a recent interview Treasurer Paul Pagnuelo made his case regarding the town’s annual budget. One fundamental point he repeatedly came back to was the lack of time for public input, despite Deputy Mayor John Henderson’s Herculean efforts to hold open public meetings and other consultations starting last November. (Forget the fact Henderson scored a major victory when he made a budget deliberation discussion and meeting open to the public that was normally held behind closed doors.)

Still, it was not enough. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Duffy given opportunity to do good following scandal

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Sometime in the near future, Senator Mike Duff will end the Upper Chamber to take his place once more as the representative for Prince Edward Island. Basking in his recent victory in the courtroom, where 31 criminal charges were dismissed, he is now allowed to return to his old job. Pundits, commentators and columnists are already trying to predict the outcome of his return. Some argue it will be a moment of triumph – one he is likely to milk for all its worth as he may take a pound of flesh owned to him for his treatment of the past four years. Still others suggest the Senate leadership will try to outmaneuver him, working hard to quickly get past any efforts Duffy might have to avenge himself. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics

Time to start streaming council meeting is now

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By Robert Washburn

The local public school board took a major step forward to become more democratic when it announced the live streaming of its monthly meetings earlier this month. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board chair Cathy Abraham gushed in a press release, saying it was the trustees’ responsibility to be more open, transparent and accountable. This comes as local municipal councils in West Northumberland are trying to undertake similar initiatives. The Citizen’s Council of Hamilton Township is actively pursuing the ability to record and post audio and video of meetings to its website. It made the request back in November. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics

Economic stimulus needs creative solutions

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By Robert Washburn

Economic development in West Northumberland is undergoing a major transformation as politicians search outside the box to find solutions to stimulate growth locally. Port Hope council chose to clean house in both tourism and economic development very shortly after coming to office as a way to start fresh, while Cobourg council has taken a more lengthy and deliberative path with numerous studies over the past 18 months. But a tipping point is imminent. With the closure of the IdeaHub in Port Hope, an important catalyst for stimulating entrepreneurship is lost. The 31 businesses using the facility designed to help support start-ups was providing opportunities for business development in the region. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics

Heartfelt welcome for local refugees

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By Robert Washburn
When Hillary Veley and Gloria Peters-Matthies met the refugees they had worked for more than a year to bring to Northumberland County, they cried. So did the Syrian family. As two of the leaders of the Better Together Refugee Sponsorship group, it was a poignant moment and a huge relief. The core teams who are looking after the families had gone to the airport. The local translators, a group of Arabic-speaking families from Cobourg had gone along too. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics