Social Justice

Issues related to social injustices within the community

Recent Posts

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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More families with children and seniors using food bank as numbers rise, says board chair

Fare Share Food Bank

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Fare Share Food Bank is seeing a rise in demand. Over the last year, the number of people using its services is up by 50 percent. These are two of many organizations trying to help those in need. Dick Kauling, chair of the board for the Fare Share Food Bank, will describe the pressures it faces and the response to the increase in demand. You may be surprised to learn that more young families with children are accessing the food bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. Continue Reading →

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National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →

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

Cobourg Police cars

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

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

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

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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