Opinion Columns

Life and death of Munroe Scott

Happy Canada Day, my imperfect country

My father was a drifter before he met my mother. From the age of 15 when he left home, he… Continue reading “Happy Canada Day, my imperfect country”

Newfoundland cod, community gardens, and our fading social memory

A stinging, light rain is in the air in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland. The fishing trawler edges to the dock and… Continue reading “Newfoundland cod, community gardens, and our fading social memory”

Going green: Momentum builds for environmental action

Earth Hour was on March 30. Earth Day was April 22. Earth Week was April 21-27. But ask Pat Warren,… Continue reading “Going green: Momentum builds for environmental action”

Putting the carbon tax through the spin cycle

In 1946 George Orwell, the writer of 1984 wrote in his seminal Politics and the English Language that, “When one… Continue reading “Putting the carbon tax through the spin cycle”

Board negotiates deal with area high school teachers

Teachers: For the people

In the mid 1990s, while working at a newspaper as a young scribe, I wrote what I thought was a… Continue reading “Teachers: For the people”

“Who from their labours rest:” Lindsay factory workers reminisce

“Who from their labours rest:” Lindsay factory workers reminisce

Picture it. It’s mid-May of 1919, and you’re a 12 or 13-year-old frolicking in the waters of the Scugog River… Continue reading ““Who from their labours rest:” Lindsay factory workers reminisce”

Dandelion days: What will you have to drink?

It was a warm spring day at our food co-op as we ran the annual plant exchange. Gardeners with overflowing… Continue reading “Dandelion days: What will you have to drink?”