Politics

Federal, provincial and municipal

Recent Posts

Hybrid health care is one of 10 things to save Canada’s system, says author

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A two-tiered health care is one of several things necessary to repair what is wrong, says Stephen Skyvington, author of a new book titled This May Hurt a Bit: reinventing Canada’s health care system. In an interview with Consider This Northumberland, Skyvington gives his critique of the Ontario government’s recent proposals to overhaul the province’s system, as well as dissecting the Canada Health Care Act. He goes on to provide his 10 fixes as recommendations to those in charge as to what can be done to change things right now. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Health, Politics

Insights into Cobourg’s cultural master plan by a politician and a patron of local culture

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Cobourg impresario Ken Prue, owner of the Loft, and Cobourg Councillor Adam Bureau talk about the work currently underway regarding the cultural master plan for the town. Consultants MDB Insights are leading the process with a series of focus groups and public meetings to gather input. A public meeting is set for March 21, 2019, at the Cobourg Community Centre, starting at 6 p.m.

The $65,000 study is meant to shape the town’s direction, not only to help enhance the arts and cultural life locally but to also find economic opportunities, as well. Prue provides insights into the significance of the study for those who actually work within the cultural community, while Bureau gives the political perspective. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Arts, Community, Politics

Northumberland high school grads face substantial changes to post-secondary tuition and fees

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As Northumberland County high school grads prepare to go off to university and college next fall, there are major changes taking place in regards to finances. In this podcast, Canadian  Federation of Students (Ontario) Chair Nour Alideeb talks about the impact of a 10 per cent reduction in tuition for post-secondary students. While it appears to be good news for some, the results will mean no more free tuition for those in need, more loans, and fewer grants, she explained. Other proposals included in this announcement by the federal government will impact student activity fees, leaving student government and other activities on campus in jeopardy, she said. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Education, Politics

Cobourg mom shares life caring for autistic son and her fight against proposed funding changes

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Cobourg mom Kristen Ellison is an outspoken critic of a proposal from the Ontario government to fund 23,000 autistic children on waiting lists currently. Her eight-year-old son, Carter, already receives funding to help cover the approximately $90,000 annual costs for support services. Families will be eligible for up to $20,000 a year for children under 6 — up to a lifetime maximum of $140,000. Children older than that can access up to $5,000 a year up to age 18, to a lifetime maximum of $55,000. The changes are slated to begin on April 1. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Politics

Affordable housing picture stark, but optimistic, Green Wood Coalition leader indicates

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There is a possibility new affordable housing may be coming to Northumberland County, said one of Northumberland most vocal advocates on poverty and homeless issues. Green Wood Coalition Community Director David Sheffield said he is aware of discussions going on that could lead to new affordable housing projects in an interview with Consider This Northumberland on Jan. 4. “There are a number of things that are not public information at this point – developers, folks working in the affordable housing realm that are essentially projects that would turn into some housing,” he said. Things are very tentative, he added, saying many factors will have to align, including federal government funding, before a formal, public announcement would be made. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Housing, Politics

Seeds of populist movements found in Northumberland County, local lawyer and activist says.

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Populist politics is finding its way into local politics, says a local lawyer and activist. Colin Browne said he notices locally a vast difference in attitudes between urban and rural people, which elsewhere in the world have been the impetus for the rise of populist movements. “There is a split between urban areas and the hinterland. And that has been associated with populism internationally,” he said. Populist movements, especially in the United States, are misrepresented by stereotypes and fail to provide a true picture of the group and its goals, he said in a recent interview. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Politics

Old hospital could be converted into affordable housing, Port Hope mayor says

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The old Port Hope hospital building on Ward Street could be repurposed for much needed affordable housing, Port Hope’s mayor said in a recent interview. Mayor Bob Sanderson said he is making inquiries into the feasibility of converting the historic building with some help from the municipal government and other levels, along with private sector partners, if needed. The owner of the property, Southbridge Care Homes Inc., has proposed redevelopment of the site to create a new long-term care facility. “If we can get all the elements, it could be a win-win,” he said in a recent interview on Consider This Northumberland. While nothing is official, Sanderson said he is optimistic a deal can be reached despite months of tension between Southbridge, and others who wish to see a new long-term care facility built. Meanwhile, architectural conservationists in Port Hope want to see the building preserved. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Politics

Divisive American-style politics comes to Northumberland, says MP

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The divisive, populist American-style politics exists in Northumberland County, says Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd. She has experienced first-hand racist rants and misogynist messages via email and social media. Rudd shares personal stories of her encounters and her personal responses. As well,  Rudd talks about what led her to step down as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a rare visit to a nomination meeting. Finally, Rudd discusses the upcoming federal election, which is just less than one year away. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Politics, Rudd