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This beautiful blue planet, spinning around the sun in a vast cosmos, offers everything we need to survive and thrive. There’s no reason for hunger or the pain and misery we inflict on each other in our senseless rush for… what, exactly?
We have much to learn about ourselves and our place in existence, but we have the knowledge, science, technology and solutions to take care of each other and resolve many global crises.
Unfortunately, some people value their skyrocketing wealth and power over others’ wellbeing and survival. Under a global economic system that facilitates it, anti-democratic billionaires and oligarchs are scuttling some of the limited but important progress we’ve seen over the past few decades, hell-bent on pursuing their deluded interests at everyone else’s expense.
Take Elon Musk. The South African immigrant — who worked illegally during his early years in the United States but is an immigration hardliner — was able to essentially gain control of much of the U.S. government (likely with help from his pal, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin) for what to him amounts to pocket change. He now has direct influence over lucrative government contracts, competitors’ opportunities, hiring and firing and more.
While the pace of disastrous change in the U.S. is dizzying, we should have seen it coming. Billionaires and anti-democratic libertarians have been building up to this for decades. Much of it stems from the most profitable enterprise in history: fossil fuels.
In a chapter on taxes in her book At a Loss for Words, former CBC journalist Carol Off details efforts going back to the 1960s by “dark money” forces led by fossil fuel industrialists to overturn regulations, especially environmental, and remove barriers to companies by having the U.S. Supreme Court rule that corporations have the same rights as people, among other measures. This has substantially widened the gap between rich and poor that had been shrinking since President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1930s New Deal. The richest one per cent now have more wealth than 95 per cent of the world’s population.
Referencing research by Democracy in Chains author Nancy MacLean, Off writes of “a small band of brothers” who in the 1970s created a “complete blueprint for a post-democracy world” that people in high places would put into play. The movement was sparked by political economist James Buchanan, a pro-segregationist who believed democracy and equality were incompatible with capitalism.
Charles Koch and his late brother David, oil barons whose businesses include processing bitumen from Alberta oilsands, took up the cause with a fervour, funnelling massive amounts of money into political lobbying, campaign financing and fake grassroots, or “astroturf,” organizations — all to protect unfettered capitalism and the right to private property at the expense of regulations, institutions and social programs. Koch companies have a long history of environmental violations.
“They proposed to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency, the FBI, the Food and Drug Administration, and all government health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and to put an end to compulsory education for children and laws limiting the use of child labour,” Off writes.
Sound familiar? Off notes these are similar to goals outlined in Project 2025, the current U.S. administration’s road map. Project 2025 was produced by the Kochs’ Heritage Foundation.
The movement toward undemocratic authoritarianism is spreading, creating greater inequality, misery and death worldwide. It has politicized and rejected the necessary environmental science and progress that common sense people across the political spectrum once widely accepted — science and progress that have led to cleaner air and water for people and greater accountability for corporations.
Power and wealth buy political influence; they also buy media influence, aimed at selling largely compliant audiences the absurd lie that the billionaires and oligarchs are on their side.
We’re fortunate in Canada to have a relatively stable political system in a country considered to be a good global citizen. We have a strong economy, an educated population and we value diversity. But the U.S. is showing how quickly things can change. We can’t let that happen here.
Let’s hope our neighbours to the south get back on track with everything from environmental protection to narrowing the gap between rich and poor. Meanwhile, we need to keep the True North strong and free! Elbows up!
David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.
The Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment would like to inform the public that the completion time of service work to the Highway 12 Detachment has been extended. Due to this, members of the public who require in person services are asked to continue to attend the downtown sub-office located at250 Second Street, Midlanduntil further notice.
If you require police services, you may continue to use the phone outside of the Highway 12 detachment in addition to the phones outside of our Downtown Midland and Penetanguishene offices. Alternatively, you can call 1-888-310-1122 for 24/7 non-emergent service.
If you require administrative services, you can attend the detachment at 250 Second Street, Midland from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm.
A notification will be released once full service at the Highway 12 Detachment has been restored. We apologize for the inconvenience to the community.
Our resident chaos coordinator “Frankie Malloy” is staging another animal-pocalypse, and this time it’s going down on a Tuesday (because why should weekends have all the fun?).
Picture this: a Persian Teacup ringleader and his entourage, armed with nothing but pure adorableness and a PhD in mayhem-making.
Garfield is a 2 years old male Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 4 kilograms.
Hi Friends,
I’m Garfield! I’m a sweet 2-year-old boy with a sensitive side. I love gentle pets, but I do best when things are slow and quiet-loud noises and sudden movements aren’t really my thing. If you have patience (and maybe a few treats), I’ll gladly accept chin scratches and even headbutt you to ask for more! Every day, I’m becoming more confident and adventurous, and I can’t wait to find a home where I can continue to grow. I get along well with other cats, dogs, and kids over 8, so if you’re looking for a gentle, loving companion, I might be the perfect match for you!
Could I be your new best friend?
My adoption fee is $185 and includes my spay/neuter, internal and external parasite treatments, up to date vaccinations and an ID microchip! If you want to learn more about me, please come visit the GTHS and speak with one of the amazing Adoption Counsellors! The GTHS is open for adoptions from 12pm-4:00pm, every single day of the week and they would be thrilled to introduce you to me! I can’t wait to meet you and am looking forward to starting my new life with my new family!
This is the real me “Frankie Malloy”. I’m getting prepped for an action shot… gonna jump all over my prey, kinda!
Pawsome furiends! 🐾 Which adorable critter clips would make your heart go pitter-patter? Share your suggestions in the comments below! Whether it’s playful puppies, sleepy kitties, or bouncy bunnies, we’d love to hear what makes you smile! – Love, Frankie Malloy
(OTTAWA, ON) – Ontario residents continue to receive deceptive phone calls designed to mislead them into sharing personal information or making fraudulent payments.
Callers use spoofing technology to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as though a local number, business or government agency is calling. The goal is to create a false sense of trust and pressure the recipient into responding. Many of these calls rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which allows individuals to make calls over the Internet while disguising their real phone numbers.
Common Caller ID Spoofing Tactics
Neighbouring – The caller ID is altered to match the first six digits of the recipient’s phone number, making it seem like a local call.
Mirroring – The recipient’s own phone number appears on the caller ID to encourage them to answer.
Impersonation – The caller ID is changed to appear as a trusted organization, such as a financial institution, police service or government agency.
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t trust caller ID – Numbers can be manipulated to appear legitimate.
Let unknown calls go to voicemail – If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
Never provide personal or financial information – Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask for sensitive details over the phone.
Hang up and verify – If unsure, contact the organization directly using a phone number from its official website.
Report suspicious calls – Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online via the Fraud Reporting System.
For more information on fraud prevention, visit opp.ca and sfo.opp.ca.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online via the Fraud Reporting System.
A viewer by the name Brad reached out to me and told me that the video of the Jetway turning was him in Cincinnati! He actually owns two of them… Here’s his website if you’re interested in learning more about them: nightshiftlimousine.com Video clip: • Oldsmobile Toronado AQC Jetway 707 Limo
Navigating the U.S. Tariff Spat with Unity and Strategy
The recent tariff spat between Canada and the United States has highlighted an impressive display of composure, unity, and strategic foresight from Canadian politicians, earning them well-deserved respect.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has faced the abrupt imposition of a 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on energy products by U.S. President Donald Trump with a calm yet determined response. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has been instrumental in this approach, skillfully managing diplomatic channels to challenge Trump’s provocative justifications—such as linking tariffs to fentanyl trafficking and border security—while reinforcing Canada’s international standing. Joly’s efforts have been bolstered by Trudeau’s rebuttal, backed by data showing a 97% drop in fentanyl seizures from Canada between December 2024 and January 2025, showcasing a united front rooted in facts (CBC News, 2025).
In the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States, Canadian political leaders have demonstrated commendable resolve and unity. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing the nation on February 1, 2025, emphasized Canada’s rich history of collaboration with the U.S. and underscored the nation’s commitment to defending its economic interests. He announced a strategic response involving 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, reflecting a measured yet firm stance against the imposed tariffs.
Mark Carney, the prime minister-designate who succeeded Trudeau as Prime Minister, has continued this assertive approach. Carney has pledged to maintain these countermeasures until the U.S. demonstrates respect and recommits to free trade principles. His leadership reflects a steadfast dedication to protecting Canadian sovereignty and economic well-being, even in the face of external pressures. apnews.com
Equally commendable is the cohesive strategy led by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose steady hand has guided Canada’s economic retaliation. LeBlanc deserves credit for crafting a meticulous two-phase tariff plan, imposing 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods—starting with $30 billion immediately and the rest after 21 days—demonstrating both resolve and restraint to minimize domestic harm (Globe and Mail, 2025). This approach has been complemented by provincial leaders like Ontario’s Doug Ford, who threatened to cut off energy exports, and Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who proposed redistributing tariff revenues as tax cuts, reflecting a rare cross-partisan unity (Toronto Star, 2025; National Post, 2025). Together, Joly and LeBlanc have anchored a response that balances assertive diplomacy with economic pragmatism, protecting Canadian interests without escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Beyond immediate countermeasures, Canadian politicians, with Joly and LeBlanc at the forefront, have shown a forward-thinking commitment to resilience. Joly’s push to leverage international frameworks like the WTO and USMCA, paired with LeBlanc’s encouragement of a “Buy Canadian” campaign, has fostered national pride and economic diversification (CTV News, 2025). Trudeau’s rallying cry to support local products has gained traction, amplifying their efforts. This blend of strategic patience, diplomatic finesse, and economic stewardship—exemplified by Ministers Joly and LeBlanc—stands in stark contrast to the potential for chaos, offering a mature and effective model of leadership in a high-stakes trade war that prioritizes sovereignty and stability.
Citations
CBC News. (2025). “Trudeau Rebuts Trump’s Fentanyl Claims with Border Data.” March 5, 2025.
Globe and Mail. (2025). “Canada Unveils Two-Phase Tariff Plan in Response to U.S. Measures.” March 7, 2025.
Toronto Star. (2025). “Ford Threatens Energy Export Cuts as Tariff Tensions Rise.” March 8, 2025.
National Post. (2025). “Poilievre Calls for Tax Relief Using Tariff Revenue.” March 9, 2025.
CTV News. (2025). “Trudeau Urges Canadians to ‘Buy Canadian’ Amid Trade War.” March 10, 2025.
A Thrilling March Break Spectacle, March 11–13, 2025
The Big Air Show at Blue Mountain Resort is set to captivate audiences from March 11 to March 13, 2025, during the March Break season. This annual event, held at the base of the Smart Alec trail in Blue Mountains, Ontario, runs each evening from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is free to the public, offering an accessible and exhilarating experience for families, winter sports fans, and visitors alike1.
The show showcases Ontario’s top freestyle athletes—both skiers and snowboarders—who take to an XL Big Air Jump to perform breathtaking tricks and stunts. Spectators can expect a high-energy display of aerial maneuvers, enhanced by vibrant lights, pulsating music, and a lively atmosphere. Adding a playful twist, characters like Jerry and T-Bar, iconic figures at Blue Mountain, join the festivities to entertain the crowd1. On select nights, the event may wrap up with a dazzling fireworks display, elevating the excitement even further2.
Located at 150 Jozo Weider Blvd, Blue Mountain Resort positions the Big Air Show as a marquee event of its winter season. Known for its world-class skiing and year-round attractions, the resort integrates this spectacle into a broader March Break celebration, featuring activities across the Village and mountaintop1. It’s a standout opportunity to witness elite athleticism and enjoy family-friendly entertainment in a stunning winter setting. For the most current details, such as potential weather-related adjustments, it’s wise to consult Blue Mountain’s official website or event listings closer to the date2.
From Humble Beginnings to Premier Destination: The Evolution of Ontario’s Largest Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort stands as one of Canada’s most prominent ski and four-season destinations, with a rich history spanning nearly a century. Located in the picturesque Town of The Blue Mountains, Ontario, the resort has evolved from modest beginnings into a world-class recreational complex, with Gord Canning playing a pivotal role in its transformation.
Jozo Weider’s story begins far from the shores of Canada. Born in Žilina, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) in 1908, Weider grew up with a passion for skiing in the Carpathian Mountains. He became an accomplished skier and mountaineer in Europe before political circumstances would drastically change his life’s trajectory.
In the late 1930s, with World War II looming, Weider, his wife Helena, and their young family fled Europe. They initially immigrated to Canada in 1938, settling first at Mont Tremblant in Quebec, where Jozo worked as a ski instructor. This brief chapter would prove crucial in developing his understanding of North American ski operations.
Finding the Blue Mountains
Weider’s journey to creating Blue Mountain began when he discovered the Collingwood area in 1941. The story goes that he was exploring Southern Ontario, searching for suitable skiing terrain. When he came upon the Niagara Escarpment near Georgian Bay, he immediately recognized its potential as a ski destination.
What Weider saw wasn’t just a hill—he envisioned what others couldn’t: a world-class ski resort. The location had several natural advantages:
The escarpment provided significant vertical drop (approximately 720 feet)
The area received reliable snowfall due to the “lake effect” from Georgian Bay
The location was relatively accessible from Toronto (about 100 miles away)
In 1941, Weider convinced local farmers to allow him to clear ski trails on their land. The first ski operation consisted of just three trails and a rope tow powered by an old Ford engine. This humble beginning marked the birth of what would become Ontario’s largest mountain resort.
Growth and Development (1950s-1970s)
Following Weider’s vision, the resort expanded steadily through the 1950s and 1960s. After Jozo Weider’s tragic death in a car accident in 1971, his family continued to operate the resort, adding more lifts and expanding terrain. However, by the late 1970s, the resort faced financial challenges that would require new leadership and vision.
The Gord Canning Era: Transformation and Innovation
Gordon “Gord” Canning emerged as a transformative figure in Blue Mountain’s history when he became involved with the resort in the late 1970s. As President and CEO from 1978 to 2008, Canning’s three decades of leadership fundamentally reshaped Blue Mountain’s trajectory and established its prominence in Canadian tourism.
Canning’s contributions included:
Infrastructure Modernization: Canning oversaw significant investments in snowmaking technology, chairlift systems, and base facilities. Under his guidance, Blue Mountain installed Ontario’s first high-speed six-person chairlift and developed one of North America’s most extensive snowmaking systems.
Four-Season Transformation: Perhaps Canning’s most significant achievement was pivoting Blue Mountain from a winter-focused ski hill to a year-round destination. He introduced summer activities including mountain biking, hiking, golf, and tennis to ensure the resort’s viability throughout all seasons.
Village Development: Canning’s vision led to the creation of the Blue Mountain Village, a European-inspired pedestrian village featuring shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Opened in 1999, this development revolutionized the resort experience in Ontario and created a template that many other North American resorts would later follow.
Strategic Partnerships: In 1999, Canning orchestrated a partnership with Intrawest Corporation (which had developed Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia), bringing additional investment and expertise to Blue Mountain. This partnership helped elevate the resort to international standards.
Economic Impact: Under Canning’s leadership, Blue Mountain became the largest employer in the region and a significant economic driver for the entire Georgian Bay area, creating thousands of jobs and spurring regional development.
Recent History and Current Status (2000s-Present)
Following Canning’s retirement in 2008, Blue Mountain continued to evolve. In 2014, Intrawest acquired the remaining 50% interest in Blue Mountain Ski Resort in September 2014, from Blue Mountain Resorts Holdings. Later, in December 2021, Alterra Mountain Company acquired the remaining shares to become the sole owner of Blue Mountain Resort.
Today, Blue Mountain features 43 trails across 364 acres of skiable terrain, 11 lifts, and a vertical drop of 720 feet. The resort has expanded well beyond skiing to include attractions such as the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Timber Challenge High Ropes, Cascade Putting Course, and the Plunge! Aquatic Center.
The village now comprises over 1,000 accommodation units, from hotel rooms to condominiums, with numerous restaurants, shops, and conference facilities. Annual visitor numbers have grown from a few thousand in the early days to over 1.5 million guests annually.
Legacy and Impact
The transformation of Blue Mountain Resort from a simple ski hill to a premier four-season destination represents one of Canada’s most successful tourism development stories. Gord Canning’s vision and leadership were instrumental in this evolution, creating a blueprint for how ski resorts could reinvent themselves as year-round destinations.
Blue Mountain’s development has had profound impacts on the surrounding region, reshaping the economy of the Town of The Blue Mountains and adjacent communities. What began as Jozo Weider’s dream has become, through Gord Canning’s stewardship, a cornerstone of Ontario’s tourism industry and a model for destination resorts across North America.
Citations
Duffield, G. (2011). Blue Mountain: A History of the Development of the Blue Mountain Ski Resort. Escarpment Press.
Ontario Ministry of Tourism. (2018). “Economic Impact of Winter Tourism in Ontario, 2010-2018.” Government of Ontario.
Kearney, D. (2016). “The Jozo Weider Story: From Czechoslovakia to Canadian Ski Pioneer.” Canadian Ski Heritage Journal, 28(3), 45-52.
McTaggart, S. (2007). “Gord Canning: Three Decades of Vision at Blue Mountain.” Resort Business Quarterly, 12(4), 18-24.
Blue Mountain Resort Archives. (2020). “Blue Mountain Timeline: 1941-2020.” Blue Mountain Historical Association.
Collingwood Enterprise-Bulletin. (1999, December 15). “Blue Mountain and Intrawest Announce Partnership.” p. A1.
Georgian Triangle Tourism Association. (2019). Economic Impact Study: Blue Mountain Resort and Region, 2010-2019.
Smith, J. (2008). “Gord Canning Announces Retirement After 30 Years at Blue Mountain.” Ontario Tourism Review, May 2008, p. 7.