Columns

Carol Hughes’ Column – Hogue Report on Foreign Interference Should be a Call to Action
Justice Marie-Josee Hogue, the Commissioner for the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, has released her final report, somewhat lost in the flurry of Trumpian threats and chaos. It felt like the report was … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – The Trump Inauguration, Tariff Threats, and the View from Canada
Last week, Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States. His inauguration day and the week that followed, from the perspective of an observer from across the 49th parallel, felt like a strange moment in time. One that … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 250124
A Good Idea is a Good Idea – No Matter Where it Comes From January 24, 2025 You know, being a politician is kind of a funny thing. I am proud to say that I work hard to get out … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Prime Minister Resigns, Trump Threatens Tariffs, Welcome to 2025
While many of us were just getting back into the swing of things following the holiday season, the news broke on January 6th that the Prime Minister was resigning, and he prorogued Parliament, shutting down debate, ending bills, and leaving … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s NFTP for 250117
Big Issues Require a Team Approach, Not Political Games While spring is still more than 8 weeks away, we’re experiencing a change in seasons here in Ontario, nonetheless. I’m referring to the transition into what is called ‘silly season,’ a … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 250110
Ford’s Ministers Just Got’a Dance January 10, 2025 In recent years, there have been several popular TV shows that feature dancers who are trying to break into the entertainment industry. Some of them pair amateurs with famous celebrities. While I … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 241220
Brandishing the Notwithstanding clause for political immunity – It’s not a game December 20, 2024 I was passing through a community in the north recently. I stopped by a constituent’s home to help her sort out some issues she was … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Canada’s Mental Health Crisis
With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental health issue each year, the state of mental health in our country is nothing short of alarming. It’s time to stop treating mental health as a secondary concern and recognize its fundamental … Continue reading

Michael Mantha News from the Park for 241206
Does Premier Ford even know homelessness is an issue in the North? December 6, 2024 With the holiday season upon us, most of us turn our thoughts to the love of family, friends and thoughts of home, past and present. … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – A GST Tax Holiday Will Help, but a Permanent Removal on Essentials Needed
Last week, the Prime Minister announced that he’d be seeking to introduce legislation in Parliament to provide a two-month break on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for groceries, some essential items, and some gift … Continue reading