Algonquin College Plans Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship

 Marie-Cecile Nottaway, photo credit to Wawatay Catering. As graduates made their way to the stage at Algonquin College’s recent convocation ceremonies, there were no violins. Instead, the graduates’ processional moved to the powerful beat of the pow-wow drum. It was a way for the College to acknowledge that the ceremony, and

Health Reform in Ontario Must Include Oral Health

 A healthy mouth is part of a healthy life. The Ontario government’s proposed reform of the provincial health care system is going forward with a glaring omission: primary mouth care. To make this reform truly "Patients First," Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, must include primary

Why it’s time for a National Autism Strategy

 Over a year ago, I was invited to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on Parliament Hill.  It was attended by a dozen or more Senators from both major parties, political staffers and invited guests mostly from autism non-profit organizations.  I expected a predictable ‘feel good’ event about how far we’ve

The Heart of Wild Labrador: Adventure Canada Style

 All photos courtesy of Don MacLean. Once in his life a man ought to concentrate his mind upon the remembered earth. He ought to give himself up to a particular landscape in his experience; to look at it from as many angles as he can, to wonder upon it, to

Seniors Housing Can be Affordable

 Older adults living on low and fixed incomes need options It was recently reported that Calgary has some of the most expensive seniors’ housing in Canada, at $3,100 a month, some $1,000 over the national average. Headlines like these catch people’s attention, especially during an election. There’s no doubt that

Saskatoon’s housing crisis is a health emergency

 Recently, a disturbing photo of five people sleeping in a Saskatoon bank lobby became headline news and filled social media feeds. An earlier photo had contrasted the lush yards on the east side of the riverbank with tents in the bushes on the west side. A few days later, homelessness

The Memorial to the Victims of Communism: It’s Complicated

 There seems to be a general agreement that the Memorial to the Victims of Communism—Canada a Land of Refuge is a worthy project. However, controversy surrounds the current proposed location and design. Canada, a Land of Refuge— More than a Memorial “People are trying to make this political,” says Ludwik

Dangerous Cargo

 The average number of rail accidents per year in Canada has changed very little over the years. While it’s fair to say that rail transportation is extremely safe, the number of those accidents which have involved dangerous cargo has risen. The new king of that cargo, crude oil, has had

Better Health Together – How Technology is Transforming Health Care

 Dr. Ewan Affleck is a physician practicing in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The remoteness of communities, the vast distances and the inhospitable climate all make health care access a special challenge there. “Last year we moved 27 per cent of our patients for health-care purposes,” he says. “The question is, can

Youth on the Streets: Anything but Hopeless

 Kevin Belisle begs for money and attention. He sits on Bank Street, holding a carton that reads, “Extremely hungry. Please help.” In his backpack: high school equivalency, a criminal record and a dirty jacket. Homeless Kevin Belisle, 23, asks the government for a job, so he doesn’t have to beg

The IBEW Has Spent 120 Years Building a Better Canada

 Photo courtesy of IBEW Canada  When it comes to unions, there are few who can boast a longer presence in Canada than the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The IBEW has been around since 1899. Today, it represents 67,000 members working in construction, utility, manufacturing, government, telecommunications and railroad

Back to School in Style

 Vintage Wings of Canada is a public charitable organization committed to inspiring young Canadians to become outstanding citizens and leaders in their communities. It operates year round from its newly completed state-of- the-art hangar and maintenance facility at the Ottawa/Gatineau Airport (CYND) just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Designed in

Why You Can’t See a Psychiatrist

 And why adding more psychiatrists to the mental health system may not be the answer. We are talking openly about mental illnesses and addictions now more than ever--and that’s a good thing. Efforts to address the stigma associated with mental illnesses have made it easier for people who have been