A Toronto city councillor is calling for a review of safety plans for Metrolinx projects after a woman was critically injured last Thursday when she was struck by a sub-contractor’s dump truck working on the Ontario Line subway. 

Hospitals in the Niagara region are seeing an alarming spike in flu cases, with a growing number of patients requiring hospitalization — including several in intensive care, according to Niagara Health.

Tariffs were back in the spotlight on the Ontario election campaign trail Monday, as the major party leaders brace for potential U.S. levies on several key Canadian goods. 

Justice Minister Arif Virani will not be running in the next federal election, he announced Monday.

Jennifer Jones will coach Rachel Homan's foursome at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts set to begin on Friday in Thunder Bay, Ont. 

Councillor Jeff Beattie has asked the integrity commissioner to look into a possible leak of Council agenda information to environmental groups before it became available to the general public. Beattie had proposed two motions that would have cut funding to a biodiversity action plan that was approved by council in June. Essentially the cuts would have delayed or cancelled the hiring of a manager and four staff members to oversee the biodiversity initiative. Beattie’s motion noted, “a distinction has been made during this 2025 budget process of recognizing needs versus wants, similar to a household’s fiscal responsibility…the Biodiversity Action Plan, approved in 2024, is an enhancement to the City of Hamilton’s core service delivery mandate.”

Beattie said his motion was leaked to supporters of the biodiversity action plan allowing them the opportunity to engage in some last minute email and social media lobbying of councillors.

When staff submitted the plan to council last summer it included over 200 pages of material including an extensive report on the public consultation that had been conducted in the development of the proposal. A webpage that was available to the public for approximately two months garnered just under 2,000 hits. 31 people attended a public information meeting and another 30 attended two open houses. In last weeks discussion of the matter, Beattie said his intention was only to pause the program in 2025, not cancel it altogether. Councillor Cassar objected to Bettie’s description of the program as a “want-not a need” saying biodiversity was a crisis, “though it may not seem like it to those who are not paying attention.”

Beattie has already been in touch with the Integrity Commissioner, who is now considering the matter.

A 43-year-old woman has been charged after driving with six times the legal blood alcohol concentration in Courtice, Ont., on Friday, Durham police said. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a suspected impaired driver near Baseline Road and Courtice Road, according to a social media post.

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County of Essex delegations recently met with Ontario government officials to advocate on three issues of importance to the region.

The presentations were made in Toronto at the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference. The conference, held Jan. 19-21, was attended by more than 2,000 municipal leaders, government officials, public servants, sponsors, exhibitors.

Essex County delegations met with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Infrastructure about funding for urgently needed road capacity enhancements and also met with the Ministry of Health about a pilot project focused on the Central Ambulance Communications Centre. Representatives from multiple municipalities also met with officials from Hydro One.

Ministry of Transportation – Roads to Prosperity

Warden Hilda MacDonald, CAO Sandra Zwiers and Project Manager Daniel Baggio met with Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, advocating for provincial support for the construction of grade separated interchanges for key intersections along County Road 22 near the new battery plant and regional hospital.

The proposal was aimed at maximizing economic development opportunities and unlocking developable lands so the region can achieve provincial housing targets.

Ministry of Health – Answering the Call

Warden Hilda MacDonald, CAO Sandra Zwiers and Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers, with Chief Greg Sage of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs there in support, advocated for support for a pilot project that would transfer the responsibility of the Windsor Central Ambulance Communications Centre to the County.

The pilot would be aimed at improving the integration, communication and value for money of the dispatch services while also providing an opportunity to advance efficiencies and better manage the increasing demands for EMS services within our growing region.

Ministry of Infrastructure – Housing Infrastructure

The County of Essex and the Town of Tecumseh jointly delegated to the Ministry of Infrastructure for funding to widen County Road 19 into its intersection with County Road 22.

The proposal, which also included stormwater management works, would enhance traffic flow in this growing area and unlock the potential to construct more than 3,000 homes in five years. Warden Hilda MacDonald, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara and the CAOs for the County of Essex and Tecumseh were in attendance.

Hydro One

County of Essex officials joined representatives from other local municipalities in accepting an invitation from Hydro One to meet and discuss issues of regional importance. The meeting was attended by CAOs from the County of Essex, Leamington, Kingsville, Amherstburg, Tecumseh and Lakeshore. Also in attendance was the Director of Finance for Lakeshore and Chris Gibb, Deputy Mayor of Amherstburg.

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Police have charged London Knights defenceman Cameron Allen with multiple offences, including drunk driving, after a crash in London's south end on Saturday. One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Toronto-St. Paul's is representative of the city's diversity at a cultural, economic and social level. It's also symbolic of fierce competition between the NDP and Liberals as voters head to the polls on Feb. 27 and could show how long-term incumbency influences voter decisions, one expert says.

Joseph Miihlroth

Passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on February 7, 2025.
Loving husband of Suzanna for over 70 years.
Cherished father of Joann (Kyle), Laura (Paul), and sons Bill and Bob.

Proud chickie grandpa of 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild.
Joseph was predeceased by his grandson Ryan and his sister Anna.
He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

His pride and joy was looking after his lawn and cutting the grass.

As per Joseph’s request, cremation has taken place.

No funeral details available.

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Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is pleased to announce the 243 finalists across 48 awards in our 10th Annual Best of Windsor Essex.

The awards celebrate the best places to go and things to do in the region, as voted on by locals.

The public are invited to cast their votes at bestofwindsoressex.ca/vote today.

Voting is live now and will run through Sunday March 2nd, 2025 at 11:59pm.

Visitors can vote once per valid email address – having their say on who may be the best of the best in the region.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Best Of Windsor Essex Awards, helping us celebrate unique and authentic experiences from across the region to our visitors” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex.

“Giving locals a voice in what we showcase and promote is important, and the ‘Best Of’ awards allows us to honour so many attractions and businesses as finalists and winners in a unique way each year. This year alone we are highlighting and profiling 243 businesses and attractions as finalists in the 48 awards including best pizza, best on-the-water activity, and best historical attraction.”

The 48 awards this year fall under the following categories:

• Arts & Entertainment
• Attractions & Events
• Drink
• Food
• Outdoor Adventure
• Shopping
• Stay
• Photo Op

Largely a social media campaign, the awards help highlight spots that locals love to visit, and are also used for marketing purposes throughout the year.

Last year bestofwindsoressex.ca saw over 34k visitors to the site to check out the ‘Best Of’ list.

As thanks for sharing their opinions, voters will also be entered to win a Best of Windsor Essex Shopping Spree with over $500 in prizes from some of our ‘Best Of’ Winners once they vote at bestofwindsoressex.ca/vote.

Winners of the Best of Windsor Essex Awards will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Wednesday April 2nd, 2025 at a grand spectacle on Cosmo’s Stage inside Caesars Windsor.

In addition to commemorative plaques, a letter of congratulations, bragging rights, and two free months of advertising on windsoriteDOTca, winners will also be prominently featured at bestofwindsoressex.ca and in our Official Visitor Guide set to be released in April.

“Over the past 9 years we have seen over 103k votes cast for the Best of Windsor Essex Awards, showing how passionate locals are about their favourite places in the region” said Gordon Orr.

“With the caliber of these finalists it will be hard for voters to just choose one, and we will be honouring multiple year winners to celebrate our 10th anniversary. This 10th annual initiative will help us tell our story and feature some of the best of our tourism assets to market to tourists.”

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How To Overcome What Happens In Your Life

Life is going to give us choices. Are you going to let it stop you? Or are you going to stop letting it? It is that simple. Let’s take a closer look and elaborate.

Someone said something unkind to you. Now what?

Will you give them all the power to consume your mind with what they said to you? Will you try to figure out why they would do that constantly? Nobody — and I mean absolutely nobody — is going to define you. Words are always going to be nothing but words. But, only you can control how you respond to someone’s unkindness.

Do not let someone’s foolishness and ignorance make you question who you are and how much value you have. Unkindness is simply a reflection of how others feel about themselves.

Someone rejected you. Now what?

Once again, will you give someone the power to question your worth? Will you put them on this distorted pedestal and think they are better than you?

Everyone in this world has faced rejection at one time or another. It does not matter who you are. And it certainly should not undervalue or make you feel unlovable or unloved! Take rejection as a redirection that you are being guided to something or someone better. If someone does not see your value remember, many others do. And I am one of them.

Someone ignored you. Now what?

Ignoring people happens often, from social media to friends, relationships, and even families. If you have done something wrong, then the answer might be clear, you need to acknowledge the situation with an apology.

If someone ignores you for no reason, they might be going through difficulties, or busy. You can ask how they are doing. If they don’t respond, then you did your job. Please do not take it personally. It happens and there is nothing you can do or say to people to want them to speak with you. We do not have that control. But you have the control to continue being a good person.

Nobody likes to be ignored and it is hurtful. However, I don’t want you to put your focus on the ones who are ignoring you. Instead, focus on the people who truly love you and value your relationship with you. These are the Gems that matter.

Somebody spread rumours about you. Now what?

If you are a good person and people in your circle know that you are a good person, then who cares what they say. People who generally spread rumours love attention and are not busy and productive in their life. They crave drama. You are above and better than that. Continue to do the right things and continue to focus ahead in your life.

Remember, rumours are about jealousy and insecurities. Some people are miserable. And putting someone in the hot seat makes them feel better about themselves. Just feel sorry for them, but don’t feel sorry for yourself. They will stay stuck, but you will keep flourishing.

You failed at something. Now what?

Oh no — life is over for you! It is the end of the world because you failed at something. This is the worst thing that could ever happen! (I hope you can sense my sarcasm.)

So you failed. And now you should take that as a great thing because failure is Part 1 of success. So, you got Part 1 all down. Now for Part 2, and that is — where did you go wrong? Find out the cause of this setback so you can move to Part 3, which is learning. What does this setback teach you? And what is it trying to teach you?

It is teaches you failing is not a bad thing, but a good thing. It teaches you success is not a first-try win. It’s a process to help you become stronger, improve more, and become better than you can possibly imagine. After, you go to the final step in Part 4, which is to keep trying. You may have to go through the parts over and over until you finally get that win. And you will, so long you stick with it.

Remember, failing is NOT the definition of failure. They are two separate words.

Your mind says you can’t. Now what?

Will you believe the negative (untrue) thoughts in your mind? Negative thoughts have only one purpose, which is to make sure you don’t do anything GREAT in your life. In addition, to make sure that you will never be happy.

When you are comfortable, in your comfort safe zone, and refusing to change, you have already given away your power to change. You have to believe you are better and more powerful than your thoughts try to tell you.

When your mindset is in a positive range, then you will start to see the chains that shackle you start to break free. Ask yourself, are you stupid? Are you a failure? Are you not good enough? If you agree, then your thoughts start to take major control and take over a piece of your life.

But if your thoughts are positive and uplifting, you feel good, happier, and you end up doing more positive things in your life. This is where your focus needs to go on every day.

Someone says you can’t. Now what?

Are you going to believe someone who does not have the slightest clue what they are talking about? You are going to have people who might not believe in you and that is fine, as long as you don’t take their comments as facts. They have no credibility.

Yes, You Can.

Believe me when I tell you that I have overcome all the obstacles in my life. What makes you think that you can’t either? What makes you think that you can accomplish so much more?

So remember, there are NO contractual obligations that say people have to love you, appreciate you, accept you, and approve of you. But on the flip side of the coin, there is no contractual obligation that says you have to give a damn!

God bless you and never give up.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @DannyGautama

Instagram: danny_gautama

The Mighty: dannygautamawellness

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

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Policymakers in Ottawa should consider replicating the British Columbia government’s successful fiscal reforms from 2001 to improve the economic and fiscal outlook for Canada, finds a new study published today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

“The blueprint for economic growth is simple—lower taxes, prioritize and lower spending, and balance budgets,” said former B.C. Liberal premier Gordon Campbell, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Federal Personal Income Tax Relief: Lessons from British Columbia.

B.C was an economic laggard in Canada for more than a decade prior to the election of the Campbell Liberals, with low levels of economic growth compared to other large provinces.

In 2001, the Campbell government in B.C. cut all personal income tax rates by an average of 25 per cent, restrained growth in annual program spending, and balanced the budget by 2004/05 and ran surpluses for four years afterwards.

As a result of these reforms, from 2002 to 2006 the province enjoyed one of the highest average growth rates in per-person GDP (a broad measure of incomes and living standards) in Canada.

Today, the federal government faces a similar situation as B.C. prior to the Campbell reforms. Poor fiscal policy and high taxes have contributed to persistent federal deficits and mounting government debt, economic stagnation, and little to no improvement in living standards.

As such, policymakers in Ottawa should emulate the Campbell government’s reforms to improve Canada’s economic and fiscal outlook. Specifically:

• Cut all federal personal income tax rates by 25 per cent.
• Reduce federal government program spending by 6.7 per cent over four years.
• Balance the budget by 2028/29.

“The dismal state of the Canadian economy and federal finances requires bold policy reforms, similar to those enacted by the Campbell government in BC more than 20 years ago,” said Jake Fuss, study co-author and director of fiscal policy studies at the Fraser Institute.

“The approach of the Campbell government offers a roadmap for policymakers in Ottawa to lead Canada back to prosperity.”

Click here to read the full study: Federal Personal Income Tax Relief: Lessons from British Columbia.

The post Feds Should Cut Personal Income Taxes 25%, Balance Budget Like BC appeared first on Kingsville Times.

A licensed Cannabis retailer in Toronto is speaking out after a delivery of around $10,000 worth of product was delivered to the wrong location, then later stolen. It happened in late December, and the store’s general manager says she's still waiting for answers.

Shalini Singh's family, who last heard from her on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., held a vigil in her honour Friday as police's homicide unit continues to investigate.

Hamilton-based author, teacher and performer Tania Hernandez wrote a book to honour Miss Lou, someone who 'challenged the status quo … to empower our Jamaican people to reclaim and celebrate our unique cultural identity,' she says.

Several copies of a book promoting white nationalist ideology have been placed in community-run library boxes in neighbourhoods across the city, prompting a police investigation.

Some local farmers say there’s a silver lining to the looming trade war between Canada and the United States: a boom in business.

A shortage of the French liqueur Chartreuse has bartenders lamenting and one Ottawa distiller inventing.

All the main parties in the Ontario election campaign are promising to ensure everyone in the province has access to a family doctor. For voters who care deeply about this issue, the question of which party they trust to turn the promise into reality will likely be top of mind when election day comes on Feb. 27. 

Both landlord and tenant groups agree Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board is letting them down. So how do provincial political parties plan to fix longstanding problems with the LTB?

Microplastics make their way into the soil, waterways and the food chain. Researchers at Carleton University are taking their inspiration from bread and beer to find a natural way to break down plastic pollution.

CBC reporter Sandra Abma took a plunge in the frigid Rideau River and spoke to people who swear by — and study — the benefits of submerging yourself in frigid waters.

Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford’s two-day trip to Washington this week in the middle of the provincial election has sparked a fresh round of criticism from other main party leaders. 

Museum London played host to a panel discussion of six museum curators and historians who shared details about the work their organizations do to save artifacts, documents, and the lived experiences of the local Black community.

Frustration was on display Friday as members of Hamilton council struggled to understand how a number of their suggestions to save taxpayers money were nonetheless out of order for discussion at a budget meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to consider some 21 amendments to the 2025 budget that were put forward by councillors. A flurry of amendments was submitted on Thursday, and apparently at a late night budget review meeting, the city clerk, Matthew Trennum determined that a number of the amendments were out of order because they lacked a specific dollar figure that would result in a change in the budget.

As a result, three of the first four amendments proposed were ruled out of order. They included three motions from Councillor Danko to:

• Have the city ask the province for more money to reduce taxpayers cost for the police budget
• Cut off funding to organizations who encouraged encampment residents to refuse shelter space when offered.
• Cut off funding to the organizations who sued the city over encampments.

As the clerk explained, since none of the motions contained a specific dollar figure, they were not in order for the budget meeting. With regard to cutting off funding to organizations that tried to thwart the city’s encampment policy, the main reason there was no dollar figure was because out of the more than a dozen activist groups who showed up in the council chambers in opposition to Danko’s motions, it had not yet been determined which of them had been the culprits.

Some councillors couldn’t understand why, in the case of two of Danko’s motions that had been In the public domain for weeks why somebody couldn’t have notified him that they were out of order and spare the embarrassment of being shot down in a public meeting.

Francis lost that challenge.

Later Councillor Pauls was frustrated to discover that two cuts she wanted to make from the Climate Change Department were also out of order. They included:

• Cutting $410,000 to purchase an electric street sweeper
• Cutting $403,000 to purchase an electric sweeper for bike lanes and an electric bike inspection vehicle
• Cancelling a $150,000 feasibility case study for air conditioning in Hamilton rental housing
• Cancelling another $150,000 Feasibility assessment for Fleet Services Electrical vehicle and grid and,
• $250,000 Feasibility study for organics.

These were ruled out of order because approval of these items had given made in December 2024 and were funded out of a reserve fund rather than the tax levy and removing them would have no impact on the 2025 tax levy. Essentially that means council has also pre-approved a longer list of items put forward by the Climate Change Office.

Its worth noting that council voted unanimously on the list of Climate initiatives in December so any change would now require a two-thirds reconsideration vote for the remainder of this council term.

Other budget highlights included:

• A Kroetsch-Hwang motion to hire a consultant for $75,000 to develop a community benefits protocol or social value framework. This is to support the work of the Community Benefits Protocol Subcommittee that has been around since 2018
• Tom Jackson’s motion to postpone hiring 17 inspectors for the safe apartment  bylaw and instead redeploy the 10 hires supervising the renoviction bylaw. Ruled out of order. It can be reintroduced as a reconsideration motion which would require a two thirds vote of council and would have to be introduced by someone who voted for it the first time around.
• Councillor Spadafora and Beattie motion to transfer funding from a community garden program to the YMCA to allow it to open up 43 shelter beds.
• Councillor McMeekin proposing transferring $335,000 from the Flamborough slot revenue fund to the city enrichment fund.
• Francis and Spadafora proposal to cut two public engagement jobs from the City Managers Office. That was passed.
• Matt Francis motion to cut $4 million that was intended to accelerate the city’s bike lane master plan. That matter will be discussed at a GIC meeting later this week.

All of these amendments, whether passed, deferred or declared out of order are still subject to the Mayor’s veto under the strong mayor system, and overturning that veto would require a two thirds majority of council.

Our take

When Doug Ford introduced the strong mayor powers he said  it was to accelerate housing starts, which his government insisted were being held up by restrictive municipal planning processes. The problem today, is that there are no buyers for houses because of affordability issues and a glut of condominiums that people don’t want to live in. While the strong mayor powers have done nothing to solve the housing process, they have stripped away an important democratic right not only from councillors but from the public that elected them, effectively disenfranchising the public and their representatives to determine how tax  dollars are spent. Assuming ford obtains the four-year mandate he is seeking, he should move to fix this unworkable mess at his earliest opportunity.