 By Tom ParkinMay 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Alberta’s economy is on the ropes, which might explain the desperate politics that has taken over the province in the past decade, and especially the past year.
Since 2014, as neighbour British Columbia’s economy has grown over 31 per cent, Alberta’s GDP has increased just over seven per cent, hampered by three years of recession and many years of weakness. Alberta’s economy contracted in 2015, 2016 and 2020.
While all provinces fell into recession in 2020, Alberta’s economy entered the recession weaker, its decline was deeper and its rebound was smaller than among the other three largest provinces.
According to the GDP data released earlier this month, 2024 was a better year for Alberta, with GDP growth of 2.7 per cent, higher then Ontario (1.2%), BC (1.2%) or Quebec (1.3%). But the oil price cut caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war has set off a new wave of worry for 2025.
Amid the economic turmoil, the province has had six premiers over the past decade.
Alison Redford quit in spring 2014 after a caucus revolt, replaced by Dave Hancock until Jim Prentice was elected by PC members that fall.
In spring 2015, as the province began two years of recession driven by the dramatic drop in oil price from over $100 a barrel to under $30, Rachel Notley’s New Democrats were elected. During her term, the Progressive Conservatives and Wildrose parties merged to create the United Conservative Party, which then won the 2019 election, making Jason Kenney premier.
But less than three years into his term, in May 2022 Kenney quit after receiving 51 per cent support in a leadership review. Danielle Smith became premier in October 2022 and won the 2023 provincial vote.
With the emergence of a two party system, the UCP has become mainly a party of rural ridings, where landowners are more likely to directly derive income from oil or gas.
The coup against Kenney and Smith’s leadership win were led by the UCP’s far-right, which has now backed Smith into a corner with their support of separatism and, one presumes, their ultimate goal of merging with the United States of Donald Trump, who unabashedly speaks for increased oil and gas extraction.
The province’s economy, when the value of oil and gas extraction is removed, has barely gained any ground in 10 years, rising from $290 billion to just $296 billion, an increase of just two per cent. In the same period, the value of oil sands extraction has increased 63 per cent from $24 billion to $39 billion.
The value of non-oil sands extraction remained stagnant from 2014 to 2021, but in the past three years has moved up from $15 billion to $18 billion, a 28 per cent increase.
The dollar value of crop and animal food production has fallen, coming in lower in 2024 than a decade ago, leaving more farms dependant on alternative revenues, such as oil and gas wells. Alberta’s Energy Regulator reports there are 53,000 active oil and gas wells across the province.
The decline in Alberta’s economy, save and except oil and gas, easily explains the wave of political desperation to hang onto the one sector providing growing revenues. It’s not just a desperation for those whose household incomes are derived from oil and gas, but also the provincial government itself, which raises almost a quarter of its revenues from oil and gas royalties.
This was predicted to be a better year for the Alberta economy, but Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariff war has cut oil prices on the expectation of lower demand due to lower international trade and lower global economic activity.
The Alberta budget is premised on a barrel of West Texas Intermediate oil selling at $68, but this morning a WTI barrel was priced at about $61. The difference could double the provincial budget deficit to $12 billion in 2025.
 By Staff
May 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Do you know where this park is located? The city is seeking input from residents on what you love about the current trail network and how it can be improved to better serve all users.
Your feedback will help shape trail improvements and guide future investments. Fill out the survey or pin the map to give your feedback.
Engagement will focus on key topics such as:
- Mobility and connectivity
- Accessibility and safety
- Trail maintenance, surface, and width
- Amenities and location
This is your chance to help ensure Burlington’s trails are welcoming, inclusive, and meet the needs of the community—now and in the years to come.
The upcoming Open House
Online Public Session
There will be an opportunity to review and provide feedback on project display boards, as well as to have one-on-one discussions with staff and project team members.
 By Staff
May 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Applications to serve on the City of Burlington’s School Traffic Safety & Mobility Committee and the Council Remuneration Review Working Group are being accepted now, until May 30, 2025.
 Members of the now-defunct Waterfront Access and Protection Advisory Committee did make some positive recommendations that were adopted. Members of the Council Remuneration Review Working Group review and make recommendations on the compensation, benefits, and all applicable expenses of elected officials.
Serving on a committee offers the opportunity to expand your network, learn more about your local government, and build new skills. Individuals aged 18+ from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit burlington.ca.
 By Pepper Parr
May 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
American Senators travel to Ottawa to talk tariffs?
 Welcome to Canada! A bipartisan group of senators will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other top officials this morning in Ottawa, as the US’ northern neighbor chafes at Trump’s trade war. The delegation includes Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.
In addition to Canadian officials, the group will meet with the Business Council of Canada and representatives from Canada’s steel and auto industries, a senior Democratic congressional aide said.
Trump and Carney got off to a decent start during their Oval Office meeting this month, and US and Canadian officials touted progress following talks on the sidelines of the G7 meeting this week.
US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is hosting the delegation, the aide said, adding that the administration is “welcoming the visit.”
 By Staff
May 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has named Sarah Stone as the Finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year
In their announcement the Chamber said: “What makes this achievement especially meaningful is Sarah’s journey, both professional and personal. She launched Stone Graphic & Web Design at just 19 years old while still in her first year of the Interaction Design program at Sheridan College. Now, at 23, she leads a thriving studio that provides branding, digital marketing, and web services to clients across industries.
“This well-deserved recognition honours her remarkable leadership, innovative thinking, and dedication to supporting businesses through design and marketing.
 Sarah Stone: “Alongside my work with clients, I also run an internship program twice a year.” Sarah founded her business not from a place of convenience, but out of a deep desire to help businesses communicate more effectively and reach their full potential. What started as a solo venture has grown into a trusted agency working with clients in retail, HR, fashion, security, education, wellness, and more. These industries all have very different needs, but they share one important requirement: strong, strategic marketing support.
Sarah’s entrepreneurial path has been anything but ordinary. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), migraines, and seizures, a trio of chronic conditions that could have limited her potential. Instead, they became part of her story of resilience. Rather than letting those diagnoses define her, Sarah used her challenges to fuel her motivation and carve a path that few would dare to take.
Stone said “This recognition means a lot to me, not just professionally, but personally. I’ve lived with chronic health conditions since the age of 12, and building this business has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
“Alongside my work with clients, I also run an internship program twice a year to help students gain hands-on experience in marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship, something I’m deeply passionate about.”
Sarah credits much of her foundational growth to her time at Sheridan College, where she studied Interaction Design. There, she honed her skills in user-centred design, visual communication, and creative problem-solving, skills that would become the cornerstone of her business.
“Sheridan taught me how to take an idea and turn it into something real. More importantly, it showed me how to solve problems for people through design, and that’s what great marketing really is.”
The Sarah Stone story shows no signs of slowing down. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when creativity, courage, and resilience come together, and it’s clear that the best is yet to come.
 By Staff
May 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This generation has spent their entire lives surrounded by screens. Generations Z and Alpha may have spent their entire lives surrounded by screens — and the deluge of content constantly streaming from them — but Brock University experts say it’s important not to confuse digital comfort with digital literacy.
“There is an assumption that this is just the world they live in as they have always had access to these technologies, but digital natives may, more than ever and more than anyone, need some kind of pause,” says Associate Professor of Communication, Popular Culture and Film Studies Jennifer Ellen (Jenellen) Good.
“When we sit down in front of a screen, we do it because we enjoy what’s happening,” she says. “Understanding screens doesn’t then mean that those screens don’t have influence over us.”
And that influence continues to evolve alongside technology.
Parents and educators now need to consider not only how children are interacting with the internet, but also with artificial intelligence (AI).
 Mohammed Estaiteyeh says students can begin learning basic concepts of AI literacy as early as Grade 4, Assistant Professor of Digital Pedagogies and Technology Literacies Mohammed Estaiteyeh says students can begin learning basic concepts of AI literacy as early as Grade 4, with key strategies involving teaching verification skills such as fact-checking and reverse image search, promoting transparency in AI outputs and encouraging skepticism toward content.
“At this stage, they are already interacting with AI in everyday tools such as voice assistants, video recommendations and personalized learning platforms, even if they don’t realize it,” he says. “Introducing age-appropriate concepts early on helps lay the foundation of AI for deeper understanding later.”
More complex topics — like data bias, ethical concerns (such as the exploitation of cheap labour in poor countries for data mining), and the applications of AI in other fields like medicine and robotics — could be discussed with older children.
“Students must also reflect on issues of privacy, evaluating how their own data might be collected and used, and responsible use of AI in their own learning,” Estaiteyeh says.
“Early exposure would specifically benefit students from marginalized communities who are typically left behind,” he adds. “AI literacy is not just about understanding technology; it is about equipping students to navigate, question and shape the digital world they’re growing up in.”
 David Hutchison is a cross-appointed Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Digital Humanities, where he serves as Director. That begins with children and teens going beyond simply being comfortable using digital tools and social media and learning to use them in a “critical or reflective way,” says David Hutchison, a Professor in the Departments of Educational Studies and Digital Humanities.
 Child and Youth Studies professor Shauna Pomerantz says there is “always more to the story. With so much information — and misinformation — readily available to youth through platforms such as TikTok, discussions on navigating what children are viewing need to begin “right away,” says Professor of Child and Youth Studies Shauna Pomerantz.
“Pretending like socials don’t exist and hoping your child won’t be exposed to potentially difficult information online is unrealistic; burying our heads in the sand is not an option,” she says. “We need open and honest communications with kids about the joys and challenges of social media existence.”
Most young people understand the role of algorithms fairly well, Pomerantz says. However, it’s important to remind them their feeds “exist in an echo chamber, where their recorded ‘likes’ are reflected back to them through an algorithm that knows what each viewer wants to see, reinforcing the young person’s pre-existing perspectives.”
There’s “always more to the story,” she adds.
“Information is rooted in the political agenda of the media outlet or person putting it online, and we need to confirm facts via other sources, such as print media, parents and teachers, and alternative websites,” Pomerantz says. “We should also be talking to all genders about how social media amplifies hate and makes extremist views appear normal and necessary — this is perfect dinner conversation.”
Hutchison says students also need to be taught the fundamentals of navigating an online existence with the caveat that the guidelines for discerning fact from fiction are constantly shifting.
“In a sense, we’re in a post-truth world where a reliance on traditional forms of what is considered to be valid data or knowledge are actually under attack,” he says. “There are also people intentionally putting out content that is meant to mislead — unapologetically so. And there is also the issue of AI-generated information.”
 Jennifer Ellen (Jenellen) Good Equally important to teaching children how to critically engage with the online world, including the moral and environmental ramifications of their digital footprint, is spending time away from the never-ending scroll, Good says.
“All of this content is being created without context and it’s important for young people to not only be without their phones, but to also be without their phones running around, playing and interacting in the world, rather than through a screen,” she says.
 By Pepper Parr
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Nate Erskine Smith in Burlington when he was running for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party. Nate Erskine Smith is a politician with an interesting background.
He tends to be direct, tries not to skate around the messy stuff. Hard to be a politician with that approach to things.
Nate served a full term in 2015, was re-elected in 2019. re-elected again in 2021 and yet again in 2025.
Had hopes of being made a Cabinet Minister – that didn’t happen so he announced that he would not be running in the next election.
 Nate Erskine Smith interviewing Mark Carney before he became leader of the Liberal Party and then Prime Minister. A while after that, he did an interesting podcast with Mark Carney who was being very coy about ever running for the leadership of the Liberal Party.
When Chrystia Freeland quit as Minister of Finance, it became evident that Justin Trudeau’s days as Prime Minister were numbered.
That resulted in a Leadership election during which only members of the Liberal Party got to vote – anyone could become a member just by saying they were a Liberal and signing a piece of paper.
The party membership chose Mark Carney – and that made him the Prime Minister – now he needed to hold a federal election and win a seat in the House of Commons where he could serve as Prime Minister.
He did that too. And so did Nate Erskine Smith – suddenly the guy who wasn’t going to run again was gung ho and going door to door to get re-elected. He got re-elected.
He won that election as well, but didn’t get the majority government he hoped for. However he would have a minority government so set out putting together a Cabinet that he said would get the government back on track.
People expected to see some major changes in the make up of the Cabinet.
Nate did not expect the changes to affect him – but they did.
Mark Carney called him into his office to tell him that he was not going to be the Minister of Housing – and that he wasn’t going to even be in Cabinet.
So there he was, serving as a backbencher in a government he thought he was going to be part of.
It has been a bumpy couple of months for Nate Erskine Smith.
And that gets me to the purpose of this article.
Nate explains what the Reform Act is all about.
With Parliament set to begin Monday and our first caucus meeting this Sunday, reporters are asking about our thoughts on the Reform Act.
It isn’t a particularly interesting debate from my perspective, but I’ve supported the measures in the past, will do so again, and thought it might be useful to explain why.
First, to start, the Reform Act requires our caucus to vote on whether to adopt four different measures. Each of the four votes is to be recorded vote, majority rules, and the caucus chair is to inform the Speaker of the outcome of each vote.
Second, the measures have nothing to do with any individual leader. Recently, Prime Minister Carney secured an overwhelming mandate from Liberal members. Adopting these measures has nothing to do with him or his mandate, just as my support for the Reform Act measures in past Parliaments had nothing to do with Justin Trudeau.
Third, there’s a defined process throughout that’s useful to understand at the outset:
1) the caucus chair receives a written notice signed by at least 20% of the members of caucus; and this prompts 2) a secret ballot vote, whereby majority rules.
With that context in mind, let’s turn to the four measures.
Leadership review – subsections 49.5(1) to (3)
How it works: subsections (1) to (2) enable caucus to call a leadership review (a process to endorse or replace the leader) via the defined process (again, written notice from 20% of members and then a majority decision via secret ballot vote).
Subsection (3) requires the caucus chair to make the written notice public immediately upon receiving it.
Analysis: This is the section that generates all of the media attention but it isn’t particularly controversial. The leader – whoever that is – should be accountable to caucus. It’s as simple as that. And if a leader can’t command support from the majority of caucus, the writing is on the wall already.
The immediate public disclosure requirement seems gratuitous and likely to prompt a media frenzy, but it’s not a fatal flaw and leaks would take care of that anyway from what I saw last year.
Interim leader – subsection 49.5(4) and section 49.6
How it works: subsection 49.5(4) enables caucus, via secret ballot vote, to appoint an interim leader should the vote for a leadership review be a success. Section 49.6 allows for the same should the current leader die or resign.
Analysis: Again, this is straightforward and non-controversial. Party members ultimately determine the permanent leader, while caucus elects the interim leader.
Election and removal of chair – section 49.4
How it works: section 49.4 provides for a secret ballot vote to select a caucus chair after every election and that the chair shall only be removed via the defined process.
Analysis: Straightforward and non-controversial.
Expulsion and readmission of caucus member – sections 49.2 and 49.3
How it works: section 49.2 provides that a member may only be expelled from caucus via the defined process. Section 49.3 provides that an expelled member may be readmitted to caucus upon their re-election as a named party candidate or via the same defined process.
Analysis: This measure doesn’t generate the news coverage, but it’s actually the most challenging. On the one hand, MPs should be free to voice concerns without reprisal and the leader shouldn’t have unfettered power to expel caucus members. On the other hand, there are important conduct-related reasons to expel members (sexual assault and harassment, for example) for which the defined process is lacking.
I would prefer a clear alternative process for dealing with conduct-related cases but otherwise default to caucus as a general rule.
And that’s it. That’s the Reform Act in a nutshell.
 Leuty Life Guard Station on the Beaches Boardwalk in Toronto. As for Nate Erskine Smith, you will see him jogging along the Beaches Board walk, passing the Leuty Life Guard Station, as he figures out what’s next for him; some have suggested he will run for the Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party when they realize Bonnie Crombie, the current leader of the Liberal Party, is never going to win a seat in the Legislature.
i
 By Anthony Lucanry
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Finding a safe online casino before playing online casino games is important because it helps protect your personal and financial information. Casinos that implement different player protection measures ensure your data cannot be lost with additional measures guaranteeing it would be useless in case of a data breach.
Gaming platforms known for the best casino security include Golden Tiger Casino, Yukon Gold Casino, Zodiac Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino. All these brands use various security features that make them the safest online casinos.
Key Security Features of a Safe Online Casino
The crucial secure casino features of a safe online casino include SSL encryption, licensing and regulation.
SSL encrypted casinos use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption on their websites to secure all data between their players’ devices and their servers. These encryption technologies turn plaintext data like usernames, passwords, and account numbers into ciphertext only readable by a server that holds the decryption key.
These casinos also implement additional encryption on their servers. This type of encryption ensures all data in storage is safe and would be unreadable.
These casinos are also licensed and regulated by different reputable gaming authorities and bodies. These bodies check that the systems and processes specific casinos use meet industry standards and are adequate to protect player data.
Certified casino sites also undergo additional audits that verify their games are secure and give all players a fair chance of landing big wins.
Canada’s Most Secure Casino Brands
Yukon Gold Casino has a long history of keeping its players safe through encryption and using different security measures.
The casino is also licensed and regulated by different gaming authorities and bodies. Holding certifications and licenses from these bodies for over two decades means the casino has maintained player safety for all that time.
Zodiac Casino is known for providing secure playing environments on its website and casino app. The casino does this using SSL encryption and working with vetted software providers and payment partners. These partners undergo specific security audits related to their industry, ensuring they use robust solutions to protect their customer’s personal and financial information.
Golden Tiger Casino also uses SSL encryption on its website and encryption on its servers and is licensed and regulated. It has certifications from multiple gaming authorities and bodies like eCOGRA that verify that it protects player data while ensuring its games and payment methods do the same.
Luxury Casino blends luxurious experiences with high-security standards. Players get exclusive experiences on its platform through its Casino Rewards Group loyalty program, with all promotions and bonuses secure through its security measures.
The casino also works closely with vetted game providers who hold certificates from eCOGRA that verify all their games are secure.
Captain Cooks Casino is committed to safe gaming practices and implements different player protection measures to do this. The casino has strict account-creation requirements and also provides 2-factor authentication that players can use to secure their accounts.
Captain Cooks Casino also partners with different payment providers to guarantee safe casino transactions since each partner has very high security ratings from multiple industry experts.
Using the Highest Win Rate Guarantee for Safe Play
The highest win rate guarantee ensures participating casinos only provide games with the highest Return to Player and win rates.
To provide this guarantee, Casino Rewards Group brands work with vetted game developers and software providers. With these partners ensuring secure gameplay on all their tables, progressive jackpot, live dealer and table games, the casinos are guaranteed an additional layer of protection.
 Facilitating the significant payouts that arise from this guarantee also requires that brands that uphold online casino safety work with secure payment partners. These partners are also vetted for secure transactions and the use of different technologies to ensure player safety.
The top safe casinos that provide this guarantee must also undergo additional audits to verify they offer these guaranteed returns. These reliable casino audits also provide additional security, making these casinos even safer.
The Role of Trustpilot in Ensuring Casino Safety
Players can use trusted casino reviews on platforms like Trustpilot for safety and reliability assurance. The player feedback they find can help them know if a specific casino is licensed and regulated. They can also check which bodies or authorities a specific casino works with so that they can verify this information themselves.
Players can also use these reviews and verified casino ratings to discover the security measures specific casinos use to secure player information. Players can search for keywords like SSL and encryption alongside the casino’s name to see if it uses these technologies.
Why Audits and eCOGRA Certifications Matter
Certified casino sites display banners from the various gaming authorities and bodies they work with. To display these banners, these casinos must undergo and pass strict audits that check if their systems and processes guarantee player safety and fair gameplay.
These casinos must also undergo specific audits that check their games’ integrity. Bodies like eCOGRA conduct the necessary audits to verify this. The third-party audit casinos use verifies that they implement the latest security measures and guarantee fair gameplay.
Steps to Verify Casino Safety
Before playing at an online casino, players should verify that it uses SSL encryption, check its licensing and regulation, and then go through reviews on platforms like Trustpilot to check what other players are saying. These reviews can help them find trusted casino brands like Golden Tiger Casino, Yukon Gold Casino, Zodiac Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino that uphold safe gaming practices and comply with industry regulations for player safety and fair gameplay.
By Staff
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What is it about these three women you might want to remember?
Carrie Fletcher, Anna Iacobelli, and Christine Herrington Named as 2025-2026 Cabinet Chairs for United Way Halton & Hamilton.
 Carrie Fletcher  Anna Iacobelli,  Christine Herrington They are going to carry the ball for the 2025-26 United Way Fundraising campaign.
$12.1 million was raised last year – the expectation might be that these ladies are going to show that they can improve on that number.
The three women taking leadership roles are described as a new chapter in United Way efforts efforts to strengthen the region’s network of social services.
Fletcher is a senior healthcare executive, currently serving as Executive Vice President, People Culture & Strategy at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Vice President, Human Resources for St. Joseph’s Health System.
She has been a dedicated member of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet for several years, bringing a thoughtful, relationship-driven leadership style that reflects United Way’s core mission and values.
Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President, Metro West Region at TD Bank, will serve as Chair of the 2025–2026 Major Giving Cabinet.
Christine Herrington has been named as the 2025 Chair of Women United. She is a Partner and National Global Mobility Services Leader at Doane Grant Thornton LLP, an accounting firm.
The Women United program harnesses the power of local women and girls who invest their time, talent, and resources to help other women in our community build strong, independent lives. Christine has served as a dedicated member of
Outside of government, United Way is the largest funder of social service programs and initiatives in Canada.
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The citizens of Burlington will be pleased to learn that –
The Niagara-bound traffic on the QEW Burlington Skyway will open this weekend.
The planned construction work and lane closures are cancelled due to weather.
 Transportation will not be doing any work on the Skyway Bridge this weekend. Travellers can visit http://511on.ca/ or@511Ontario for updates on work and traffic impacts.
I think they have tightened up the way they are handling their communications.
 By Staff
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON’
An error in the date in the original story has been corrected. The mistake wasn’t ours.
Families, students, staff and community members are invited to attend an upcoming session as part of the Director’s Panel Series.
 The Indigenous community in Canada is much much more than a culture with colourful dances – it is a deep part of what Canada is today. Each session in this series explores issues and themes impacting students and education today. Sessions are led by Director of Education Curtis Ennis and Human Rights & Equity Advisor Pardeep Nagra.
Panelists featured in the Director’s Panel series may also include HDSB students, parents/guardians and subject-matter experts.
The upcoming session in the series will be:
Indigenous Rights and Education: A Shared Responsibility Monday, May 21 from 6 – 7 p.m.
This will be a virtual event with the livestream linked on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
Registration is not required.
Indigenous Rights and Education: A Shared Responsibility will explore the ways in which the HDSB promotes Indigenous Rights through education for students and staff that advances knowledge of true history, responsibilities and reconciliation, while amplifying Indigenous voices and addressing systemic barriers to support the achievement of Indigenous students. Panelists will discuss the shared responsibility and commitment to Indigenous Rights as outlined in the HDSB’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Joining the session as panelists will be members of the HDSB’s Indigenous Rights and Education Department.
Those interested in attending the event are invited to submit a question to the panel before the session through this Google Form.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “When it comes to reconciliation, we all have a shared responsibility to continue listening, learning and reflecting on the truths and voices of Indigenous communities,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “This session provides an important opportunity for our students, staff, families and community members to deepen our understanding of the true history and current realities of Indigenous Peoples. It also serves as a platform to amplify Indigenous voices, engage in meaningful dialogue and commit to actions that uphold Indigenous Rights and advance reconciliation through education.”
By Staff
May 22, 2025
BURLINGTON. ON
Book lovers! Save Saturday, May 24 for Burlington library’s biggest book sale of the year! Our super-sized sale will be in Centennial Hall at Central Branch from 9am to 5pm.
 Since the runaway success of our past couple of sales, we have continued our in-depth review of our print, DVD, and CD collections, and we’re thrilled to offer another amazing shopping opportunity to Burlington book lovers.
“We always want to ensure our collections are relevant and desirable to our community,” says Cody Vanderslot, Digital Resources & Collections Manager. “Our print collection continues to be hugely popular, so it’s vital for us to keep it in top shape.”
The main purpose of collection maintenance is to improve our collections for the community, not to remove items, unless there are extra copies of titles we continue to own and outdated resources that have been replaced with more current information.
So Many Books!
With summer approaching, it’s a great time to stock up on leisure reads to toss in your beach bag. We hear there will be plenty of romance, mysteries, science fiction, westerns, graphic novels, adult fiction and non-fiction, and picture books.
The sale includes paperbacks, hardcovers, large-type, picture books, board books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and magazines for all ages. Everything will be on display for browsing in Centennial Hall and the tables will be restocked throughout the day.
Shoppers can buy a sturdy Books Make Me Happy zippered canvas book bag at the sale and stuff it full of sale items for $15—one price for the bag and the books.
Alternately, items are priced individually for those toting their own bags:
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- Print books: $1
- All audio-visual items (DVDs, CDs, audiobooks): $2 each or 3 for $5
- Magazines: 4 for $1
The Library accepts payment by cash, debit, and credit. The book sale is all about supporting Library initiatives and building a collection that Burlington wants. Book sale proceeds will go back into the library to help make your experience even better!
 By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Public health works!
My doctors have me doing a bunch of tests – THEY want to keep me alive.
Lungs (I never smoked), heart, ear nose and throat stuff.
 The process was simple; the time of day was a bit awkward, but there are only so many hours in a day and only so many CAT scan machines. One of the tests was a CAT scan. The appointment was at 10:15 PM – that’s what was available unless I wanted to wait a couple of months.
The CAT scan was a nice, clean, efficient process. Once I was registered and in the waiting area – it was less than ten minutes before they brought me into the room with the equipment, laid me down, ran the machine and then told me I could go home.
The only thing that bothered me was that there weren’t all that many people waiting for their CAT scans.
If the nurses and technicians can work late night shifts, the public can get off their ‘derriers’ and accept late appointments.
We get a lot of bitching and bellyaching over the quality of the service at hospitals – look south to the United States and thank whichever God you have for the public health service in this country.
The battle for Ontario is to ensure that health services continue to be public. Do everything you can to resist the privatization that Doug Ford is trying to push on us.
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Prime Minister Mark Carney Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote the members of his Cabinet, setting out what they expected to achieve during their first term of office.
We will focus on seven priorities:
- Establishing a new economic and security relationship with the United States and strengthening our collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world.
- Building one Canadian economy by removing barriers to interprovincial trade and identifying and expediting nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country.
- Bringing down costs for Canadians and helping them to get ahead.
- Making housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.
- Protecting Canadian sovereignty and keeping Canadians safe by strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces, securing our borders, and reinforcing law enforcement.
- Attracting the best talent in the world to help build our economy, while returning our overall immigration rates to sustainable levels.
- Spending less on government operations so that Canadians can invest more in the people and businesses that will build the strongest economy in the G7.
Sounds nice – let’s see how well they do.
Interesting to note that Carney did not give each Minister anything specific – the same document went to each Cabinet member. At least they are going to be able to say they did get the memo.
Feedback on the Carney mandate letter:
Keeping with Carney, he released his mandate letter to cabinet on Wednesday, spelling out a broad list of priorities for his re-elected Liberal government, including establishing a new economic and security relationship with the U.S., removing internal trade barriers and reducing costs for Canadians.
It represents a break from the tradition established by Justin Trudeau, where each minister received instructions unique to their portfolio.
Carlene Variyan, a former chief of staff in the Trudeau government, said Carney’s mandate letter was a “very effective way” of signalling that this new cabinet has “a narrow and disciplined focus in a time of perceived crisis.”
“A lot of people who have served in government and were involved in the drafting of mandate letters probably thought yesterday ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ It’s quite clever,” she told iPolitics.
Erin Morrison, who previously served as Jagmeet Singh’s director of communications and deputy chief of staff, said the mandate letter provides an opportunity for the hobbled NDP, which took only 7 seats in the April 28 vote, losing official party status.
She said Carney’s priorities “make it clear that this is a Liberal Party that’s moving quite a bit to the right,” pointing to his calls to reduce spending and using private-public partnerships to support new housing construction.
By Staff
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At Eagles Nest this spring! Online Auction – May 22 to June 1
This spring, you can bid on the Eagles Nest online auction and help them raise $8,000 to fund the affordable mental health services Eagles Nest provides.
The auction has something for everyone including,
Eagles Nest is supported by the community it supports: 
Both the Eagles Nest and their thrift store, Rescued & Restored, have been nominated in Flamborough Community Votes.
Eagles Nest was nominated as Best Non-Profit and Rescued & Restored was nominated as Best Thrift Store and Best Used Furniture Sales.
If you are looking for other easy ways to support Eagles Nest?
- NEW! Drop off Small Furniture Donations for Rescued & Restored to the HOPE Centre – read more here.
- Donate Perennials for our HOPE Centre Gardens – we are looking for perennials to make our gardens more welcoming for our clients. Do you have some plants you would like to share? Reply to this email and let us know!
- Volunteer – we need more volunteers! Help us maintain our gardens or join our team at our thrift store, Rescued & Restored. More information and the application here.
 By Staff
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Starting this Friday, May 23 in the late evening until end of service Sunday, May 25, Lakeshore West service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
 On Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, GO Train service will run every 30 minutes between Oakville GO and Union Station:
- Niagara train trips will run on an adjusted schedule between Niagara Falls and Aldershot GO.
- Replacement GO buses will be in service between West Harbour and Oakville GO stations.
- There will be no GO Transit service at Appleby or Bronte GO stations; however, existing early morning and late-night route 18 GO buses will continue to serve Appleby and Bronte GO stations.
- GO Bus Routes 12, 15 and 18 connection times will be modified.
On Friday, May 23, there will also be some late-night service adjustments, and we have arranged for a special westbound train to help get customers home from events near Exhibition GO.
Please check schedules before travelling as trip times could depart earlier or later than usual. For more information about these service adjustments and alternate route options, click HERE.
 By Alexander Blanchet
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Over the past two decades, NHL teams decision-making has evolved from purely observational and subjective to become sophisticated, data-supported processes. Early metrics like Corsi and Fenwick quantified puck possession by counting shot attempts for and against, laying the groundwork for richer analyses in the future.
This started in 2021, with the league’s NHL Edge system deployed cameras and infrared sensors to capture puck movement 60 times per second and player positions 15 times per second, thus generating millions of data points per game. Concurrently, expected goals (xG) models assign scoring probabilities to individual shots based on historical data, allowing teams to evaluate shot quality in real time.
Traditional Scouting and the Quest for Objectivity
 Hockey talent scouts could be a dying breed. Historically, NHL teams relied heavily on the “eye test”, where hired scouts and coaches would judge players by observable skills and intangible qualities, like leadership and hockey sense. While invaluable, these assessments could be subjective and inconsistent, often leading to overdrafted prospects or overlooked talent. Recognizing these limitations, front offices began seeking quantitative methods to complement qualitative judgment. Early attempts were focused on basic counting stats, such as goals; assists; plus-minus… but these metrics proved insufficient for forecasting future performance, as they failed to account for team context and randomness.
Corsi and Fenwick metrics
In the mid-2000s, analysts introduced shot-attempt metrics to capture puck possession more reliably. Corsi was the first kind of measure. It measured the net difference between all shot attempts for and against at even strength (shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots). Fenwick followed afterwards, and it was quite similar, but it put its focus on offering a slightly different lens on offensive pressure. The users of Fenwick thought that shot attempts occur far more frequently than goals, roughly 25 Corsi events per goal, so it provided a larger sample size and reduced variance, allowing teams to evaluate players’ on-ice impact more rapidly and objectively.
Real-Time Tracking Thanks to NHL Edge
Starting in the 2021-22 season, the NHL rolled out the NHL Edge puck and player tracking system, installing cameras and infrared emitters in all 32 arenas of the league. This technology records puck movement up to 60 times per second and player positions 15 times per second, yielding data on skating speed, distance traveled, shot velocity and location, and zone entries/exits. Then, third party providers like Sportlogiq apply computer vision and machine-learning algorithms to extract advanced event data, such as passes, backchecking intensity, and defensive disruptions; enabling coaches to dissect every shift with more granularity than ever.
 Data on printed reports is just part of the information now collected. The data provided through NHL Edge, also helps in the world of sports betting. Bookmakers can provide more accurate and dynamic odds during live games whilst, bettors can use this granular data – such as player speed, shot quality and possession metrics – to identify opportunities and refine their strategies. As this kind of data-driven betting becomes more common, some platforms aim to make it easier for newcomers to get started—for instance bonuses. You can find information about the Stake sign up bonus, which can be activated when signing a new account and offers a 200% Deposit bonus. This bonus can give new users extra time to explore different strategies and get familiar with the platform.
Expected Goals to Measure Quality of Scoring Chances
While Corsi and Fenwick gauge volume, expected goals (xG) models assess the quality of every scoring chance. It uses shot location, shot type, pre-shot movement, and game context in its analysis, so xG algorithms are able to estimate the probability that any given shot will become a goal. Academic work by Brian Macdonald demonstrated that including contextual factors substantially improves predictive accuracy over raw goal total.
Today, teams use xG in real time to adjust line matchups, evaluate power-play formations, and identify undervalued players whose shot profiles suggest higher scoring potential than their goal totals indicate. That way, it’s a powerful stat to work with what the teams have and future prospects.
Case Study: Tampa Bay Lightning
One of the teams that have been relying the most on data analysis is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The franchise has a partnership with TIBCO Spotfire, a data-visualization firm that allows integrating real-time tracking and performance data into daily workflows, influencing lineup decisions, shift timing, and even ticket sales strategies.
The Lightning’s front office, which includes analysts with baseball sabermetrics backgrounds, credit this “Moneyball”-style approach for improved roster construction, optimal deployment of star players, and a rapid response to in-game trends.
 Tools like player-tracking dashboards and xG overlays inform decisions – how do they explain situations like this ? Case Study: Toronto Maple Leafs
Under General Manager Kyle Dubas, the Toronto Maple Leafs expanded their analytics department, leveraging advanced metrics to guide draft selections, trade evaluations and contract negotiations with their players. Tools like player-tracking dashboards and xG overlays inform decisions ranging from defensive pairing adjustments to power-play unit construction.
The Future for This Kind of Analysis
 Metrics can miss certain intangibles, such as locker-room leadership, situational “clutch” play, and unpredictable bounces. There are clear benefits from analytics-driven choices in ice-hockey, there is still some resistance from within the franchises. Critics argue that metrics can miss certain intangibles, such as locker-room leadership, situational “clutch” play, and unpredictable bounces. Small sample sizes for individual players and model biases, especially in limited power-play or penalty-kill data, can lead to misleading conclusions if used uncritically.
Moreover, integrating analytics requires cultural shifts that only a new guard of coaches and players would accept fondly: coaches must trust data-driven recommendations, and players must adapt to performance monitoring. As new GMs, head coaches, and players enter the league, the acceptance of this kind of analysis will likely grow.
 By Ryan Charles
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Lots of people watch and play basketball regularly in their local neighborhoods because it’s more than just a fun game. Its exciting combination of athletics and collaboration has allowed it to grow from an ordinary indoor hobby to one of the most significant and prominent sports in the world. Now, people of every generation perform and watch it, from professional stadiums in the United States to school campuses in Canada.
 Poise and timing, knowing just when to let the ball leave your hands.
The universal appeal of basketball is one of its strongest attributes. Because of its simplicity, the sport has flourished in both developed and poor nations, nurturing talent and improving the stamina of players even in unusual locations. Aspiring athletes can participate in this sport because of its low entry barrier.
This article will examine the main factors that have contributed to basketball’s rise to prominence as one of the most watched sports in the world.
Influence on Culture and Legendary Players
The sport’s capacity to create transformational stars whose charisma and talent go beyond the game itself is essential to its global popularity.
In addition to dominating the courts, sports legends like Bill Walton, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Stephen Curry to name a few, have influenced popular culture around the world. Beyond their athletic ability, they have inspired millions of people and turned basketball into an international cultural icon that is appreciated by an expansive spectrum of communities.
Media and Worldwide Presence
 As the top professional league, the NBA has a huge global fan base. Basketball’s popularity around the world is increased in the digital age by media attention and online channels. As the top professional league, the NBA has a huge global fan base. It uses social media and streaming platforms to interact with its fans and broadcasts games in several languages. With a global engagement of approximately 70% of the NBA’s social media interaction originates from outside the United States (as of mid-2024), highlighting its widespread international appeal.
Hence, NBA betting has also become a major factor in fan interaction in recent years. In addition to watching the games, sports fans from all over the world take part in the thrill by placing smart bets.
Fans’ interest in game results and player accomplishments is increased by NBA betting which gives them an extra feeling of excitement and anticipation. Supporters may now interact with the league in a new way due to this expanding business which has also increased the league’s prominence.
Availability and Involvement
 Not yet – but at any moment, the ball will head for the net. Its simplicity encourages general involvement in contrast to other sports that call for specialized facilities or a lot of equipment. With just a ball and a hoop, anyone can participate.
From neighborhood pickup games to international competitions like the FIBA World Cup, basketball has been significantly helped by its accessibility.
Social Interaction and Community
Basketball’s appeal goes beyond competition; it unites communities by acting as a social anchor.
Pickup games promote connection and friendship, whether in bustling American cities or local communities right here in Canada. The collaborative character of the sport promotes cooperation and communication which create relationships that go well beyond the court. This sense of community is echoed even in Burlington which has seen its own basketball success stories such as Mfiondu Kabengele, the city’s first NBA draftee, and Ron Foxcroft, a renowned international referee and inventor of the widely used Fox 40 whistle – both of whom have strong ties to the local area.
Inclusion and Diversity
 Girls play basketball in schools around the world, and the women’s professional league grows. The sport embraces diversity and advances equality as evidenced by the WNBA’s advocacy of women’s basketball and overseas leagues that include players from a range of backgrounds.
Fans all throughout the world are moved by this dedication to diversity which gives fans as well as players a sense of strength and belonging.
In Summary
Through programs like NBA Cares and Basketball Without Borders which promote civic participation and youth development, it serves as a platform for constructive change and community involvement.
 By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
When you have someone with this kind of clout saying something about what the federal government is doing – it would be worth your time to listen.
 Jaime Watt specializes in complex public strategy issues, serving both domestic and international clients in the corporate, professional services, not-for-profit, and government sectors. Widely regarded as Canada’s leading high stakes communications strategist. Jaime Watt is the executive chairman of Navigator Ltd. and a Conservative strategist. He is a freelance contributing columnist for the Star.
Jaime Watt is the Executive Chairman of Navigator and a bestselling author. He specializes in complex public strategy issues, serving both domestic and international clients in the corporate, professional services, not-for-profit, and government sectors.
Widely regarded as Canada’s leading high stakes communications strategist, he is a trusted advisor to boards of directors, business and professional leaders as well as political leaders at all three levels of government across Canada. Jaime has led ground-breaking election campaigns that have transformed politics because of their boldness and creativity.
Here is what he had to say about newly appointed Cabinet members in the past few days.
When the boss promotes you, trusts you with a new, important file, it’s a good idea to stay on message. Reinforce the mandate. Show people why you deserved the nod.
Earlier this week, Gregor Robertson, the newly minted Housing Minister, told reporters he didn’t believe housing prices should go down. Not to be outdone, Steven Guilbeault explained to Western Canada that the country doesn’t need more pipelines right now. Both, predictably, drew media attention and public ire.
 Steven Guilbeault is a cabinet veteran with strong roots in Quebec – something Carney does not have. While he needs Guilbeault, not at any price. But the real and enduring problem for Prime Minister Mark Carney is not just that these statements directly contradict promises he made on the campaign trail — to bring down home prices and build greater energy infrastructure. Robertson was Mayor of Vancouver for a decade. Guilbeault is a cabinet veteran, and no stranger to statements that inflame Western Canada and its energy sector.
The real, more insidious issue for the Prime Minister is what these statements represent: the temptation to be distracted from the very mission that got them elected in the first place.
The weeks and months that follow an election are when governments are most prone to scoring on their own net. These are the kind of self-inflicted mistakes that drain a government’s credibility. The kind that comes back to bite you the next time voters head to the polls.
But crucially, these missteps almost always stem from the same source: a fundamental misreading of why you were elected — and what voters expected you to deliver.
It’s a strange and dangerous irony of politics that just when your mandate should be at its sharpest — fresh off a campaign — the temptation to misinterpret it is at its peak. The tunnel vision of the election clears and suddenly ministers begin seeing their new roles not as extensions of the public will, but as blank canvases for their personal agendas.
 Champaigne announced that there would not be a budget this year. The Prime Minister announced a day later that there would be a budget this year.  Prime Minister Mark Carney: He will continually need to direct and discipline his Cabinet. It is the leader’s job — above all — to arrest that drift. To enforce clarity. To instill message discipline. And to continually remind every member of their cabinet and caucus why they’re sitting on the government side of the House of Commons — and not wandering in the political wilderness.
In this election, Canadian voters were exceptionally clear on what they wanted: Mark Carney to take on Donald Trump. A decisive turn from the Trudeau years. Real answers on productivity, competitiveness, and growth.
For the new Prime Minister, the assignment couldn’t be clearer — or less forgiving. Because Canadian voters have left no margin for error. This is a relatively thin mandate. And to preserve it, Carney must not only stick to the plan — but communicate an unrelenting focus on delivering it.
So, here’s the bottom line. The biggest risk to Carney isn’t the opposition benches — it’s the risk of losing the plot. It’s misunderstanding the very assignment he was elected to complete. Of forgetting, too soon, what voters actually asked for.
That’s the test in the short term and that’s the test that will define him the next time Canadians cast their votes.
Add to that the task that voters have: keep the feet of the elected close to the flames. Don’t let them get too full of themselves.
 By Staff
May 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) are currently forecasting 30-50 mm of rain over the next few days, beginning late Wednesday morning and continuing through Friday.
 Don’t expect to see waves quite this high – unless those easterly wins pick up Elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction can be expected. In addition, although the current Lake Ontario water level is near the long-term average for this time of year, strong easterly winds with gusts up to 50 km/h may produce waves up to 1.5 m along shoreline areas that could exceed established flood thresholds.
Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses, Lake Ontario shoreline areas, and structures such as bridges, culverts, breakwalls, and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and cold water temperatures combined with slippery conditions along stream banks and the potential for waves to overtop breakwalls continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream, lake, and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook & Lake Ontario Shoreline message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook & Lake Ontario Shoreline will be in effect through Saturday May 24, 2025.
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