Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

Internationally renowned Canadian journalist shares stories of women and children facing war and oppression.

Sally Armstrong

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Canadian Federation of University Women in Belleville is hosting a community event with Sally Armstrong on Saturday, April 27. She is an internationally renowned Canadian journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, and human rights activist. She is often called the war correspondent for the world’s women. Armstrong has reported for CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail, and the New York Times from Bosnia, Somalia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, Jordan, and Israel. In this interview, she is outspoken, insightful, and sometimes shocking. Continue Reading →

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Transition House officials respond to impact of Cobourg’s emergency shelter bylaw

Transition House

The full interview:

Plans for 310 Division Street continue to move forward. Senior staff at Northumberland County and Cobourg are hammering away at a deal to operate an emergency shelter. Meanwhile, the town’s bylaws are now in place to regulate operations at local shelters, including Transition House and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. County Warden Brian Ostrander and Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland appeared on last week’s show to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the provincial government provided $2.5 million to renovate the former senior’s residence, with the caveat that the work must begin within the next four months. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

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County warden addresses concerns over Cobourg emergency shelter bylaw

Northumberland County Council

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this month, tensions between Cobourg and Northumberland County were on display. Cobourg passed new bylaws impacting emergency shelters within the town. This would include Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is aimed at quelling concerns raised by many about the relocation of Transition House to 310 Division Street. Since the county is responsible for Transition House, county staff and politicians called a special council meeting on March 6. Continue Reading →

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Film festival hosted by farmers in Campbellford takes on issues and challenges facing agriculture

Aaron Theatre

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Farmers and film festivals are not always something you would think go together. Yet, the local chapter of the National Farmers Union of Ontario is screening several documentary films at the Aaron Theatre in Campbellford next Saturday afternoon. These are interviews with farmers across Canada dealing with serious issues like climate change, sustainable farming practices, loss of agricultural lands, and the family farm’s future. These are not just films for farmers. They are films for everyone. Continue Reading →

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County spending $1.5 million to support local daycare as operators struggle to stay open

Northumberland daycare

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Northumberland County spends nearly $1.5 million supporting local daycare. This is on top of fees paid by parents. Despite the county’s contribution, daycare operators are struggling to stay open. In this interview, Lesley Patterson, manager of Early Year service programs for Northumberland County, will talk about the funding crisis in daycare. Recently, operators across Ontario expressed concerns about possible closures of daycares due to a lack of funding from the province. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope resident Angela Grogan shares passion for significance of local Black History

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Port Hope resident Angela Grogan recently discovered former municipal councillor and journalist Larry Hall. Hall died in 2014. Hall grew up in Garden Hill and explored his personal history during his lifetime. His great-grandparents were fugitive slaves who fled the United States for Canada along the Underground Railroad. Hall was regularly seen at the Port Hope Public Library each year, giving presentations on the history of black people in Northumberland County. Continue Reading →

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A deep dive into the new Transition House at 310 Division Street: meet the new ED and public meetings

The show (Part 1):

The show (Part 2):

The full interview:

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses. These interviews are a deep dive into the new facility. Continue Reading →

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Transition House moves to new facility as county approves $2.3 million purchase

New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

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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Salvation Army and others working hard to bring Christmas to everyone in Northumberland

The show:

The full interview:

The Salvation Army has helped people in need at Christmas for many years. Through its family services operation, using money raised from its Kettle Campaign, it will provide food and toys to ensure nobody is missed during the festive season. This year, more than 800 families have registered to receive this assistance. That is up from 750 last year. You will hear from Jim Alford and Major Dan Broome in this interview. Continue Reading →

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