Columns

This past week the Conservative government of Stephen Harper defeated a New Democrat motion to help Canada’s veterans during what is sure to be a slash and burn budget process this spring.

In recent months and years a great deal of attention has been paid to the impacts of bullying in our schools. A lot of this attention has been focused on high profile suicides that have been caused by bullying.
As a result, the government introduced Bill 13, better known as anti-bullying legislation, which is intended to promote a healthier environment for our schools.
I am inclined to support this bill. There are, however, some concerns I have with provisions in the legislation that I would like to see addressed before giving it my full support.

By Walter Wagner
President

As you know a General Meeting was held February 29th. At this meeting we admitted four new members.

By Melanie Mathieson
Gardening Guru

Throughout the world in military conflicts, leaders are often encouraged to cut off the head of the snake. The action clearly calls for assassination. In Afghanistan and into Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, drone strikes have been used to eliminate many Al Qaeda leaders.

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

By Al Lowe
Contributor

In a democracy free and fair elections are absolutely essential. Put simply, without free and fair election you simply can’t claim to live in a democratic country. Unfortunately, after spending years promoting democracy abroad and assailing other countries for not holding ‘free and fair’ elections of their own it would seem that some within the ranks of the Conservative Party and the Harper Government are unable to uphold those same values and principles at home.

On March 1, MPPs from all three parties passed an NDP motion that asked the government to create a legislative committee for Northern Ontario issues. Once created, the committee will be made up of all Ontario MPPs whose ridings are located north of the French River. The committee will be charged with providing input and recommending changes on legislation and policies that affect Northern Ontario.

In Fort Frances we receive three television stations from Detroit. Although I have been following the Republican primary season, I was determined to not to write anything about their process. But watching the Oscars on Sunday evening, it was refreshing to see Ellen DeGeneres spoofing the hastle of returning products to stores and shopping was done differently.