Columns

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 240301

Premier Ford isn’t just doubling down; he’s tripling down! March 1, 2024 To be an effective politician, you can’t be a shrinking violet. You need to demonstrate the willingness and ability to listen, reliability, and the ability to learn and … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 230223

Git-r-Done : Now playing in Queen’s Park February 23, 2024 One might think that since I spend so much time in Toronto week after week, I’d take advantage of the many forms of entertainment available: music, movies, stand-up comedy shows, … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Bell Layoffs Another Clear Example of Corporate Bloodsucking

Recently, Bell Media gave layoff notices to an astonishing 4,800 people across their broadcasting arms in television and radio and also announced it would be selling 45 of its 103 regional radio stations. To call this a dark day for … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – ArriveCan Development a Textbook Example of Public Waste

Earlier this week, Auditor General Karen Hogan released her long-awaited report on the costs associated with the development of the much-derided ArriveCan app. The report is a scathing indictment of the government’s procurement process during the early Covid-19 pandemic, and … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park 240216

When it comes to Northern Healthcare, the Ford Government needs budget dollars to make sense February 16, 2024 With the start of the legislative session, I am eager to bring my Private Member’s Bill, the Northern Health Travel Grant Advisory … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 240209

Opening new surgical centres – Fool me once… You don’t have to be a learned scholar to understand the importance of Ontario’s forests. Of course, forests are integral to the economy for tourism and raw materials. However, they play a … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – We Need to Make Voting Easier for Canadians

If there’s one thing in politics that is sacrosanct, it’s the right to vote. Voting is the most fundamental expression of what a person wants out of their local representative, as well as the direction they want the country to … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park for 240201

Ontario’s Public Health Services: Creeping to the brink of collapse February 1, 2024 I am getting a bit concerned about Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s welfare. Seeing him across the aisle when the House sits, he looks fine. But I have … Continue reading

Michael Mantha’s News from the Park – Long-term Care Oversight: It’s a matter of trust

The most recent editions of News from the Park have focused on Ontario’s catastrophic hospital wait times, staffing and funding issues for hospitals and increasing funding for our ailing healthcare system. Similarly, the columns discussed the need to promote training … Continue reading

Carol Hughes’ Column – Sale of Canada Post IT Services Goes Against Government’s Outsourcing Claims

Over the years, the Federal government has increasingly relied on outsourcing to private companies to get work done. While there will always be outsourcing of services that the government is ill-equipped to do themselves, the rate in which they, and … Continue reading