 By Pepper Parr
November 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The day that the worlds comes to an end isn’t something I spend a lot of time thinking about.
Others do.
If Doomsday interests you, here is an update on what’s supposed to be taking place.
2005–2026 21st century
Predicted by: Neil Howe, William Strauss
 In their 1997 book The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy, historians William Strauss and Neil Howe predicted that between 2005 and 2026 the United States would experience a “Fourth Turning” crisis—a period of social upheaval on the scale of the Revolution, Civil War, or Great Depression.
Multiple commentators link recent U.S. crises (2008 recession, 2020 pandemic, political polarization) to this forecast, though no conclusive “cataclysm” has occurred. The cycle is set to resolve by ~2026.
2020–203021st century
Predicted by: Donella Meadows, et al., MIT System Dynamics Group (World3 model team), The Club of Rome
In The Limits to Growth (1972), Donella H. Meadows and colleagues at the MIT System Dynamics Group, commissioned by the Club of Rome, modeled global development using the World3 system. Their “business as usual” scenario projected industrial output peaking around 2020 and population peaking 2025–2030, followed by decline from resource depletion and pollution. Later analyses, including Nebel et al. 2024, reaffirm a similar overshoot-and-collapse dynamic.
Empirical updates such as Herrington 2021 and Nebel et al. 2024 find observed trends still track Limits to Growth “business-as-usual” ranges.
Industrial output growth has slowed since the late 2010s and may be near a plateau, consistent with model expectations, while population continues to rise slowly. The projected 2020–2030 overshoot window remains debated—recent recalibrations reproduce the same pattern driven mainly by resource depletion.
 By Axel Blanc
November 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
While there are many reasons Canada is one of the most sought-after travel destinations on the planet, we also must admit that winter temperatures are far from accommodating . When the mercury begins to dip below zero, it makes perfect sense that countless Canadians begin looking for ways to keep the cold at bay. One common option is to book holidays associated with warmer portions of the world .
 Why not take this opportunity to visit one of the many tropical paradises the world has to offer? Considering the fact that Black Friday will often represent a long weekend away from the workplace, why not take this opportunity to visit one of the many tropical paradises the world has to offer? ☀️ We will first discuss some of the most impressive deals to keep an eye out for before moving on to highlighting a handful of practical travel tips.
This year, Barceló Hotel Group stands out ️ for opening up its most attractive Black Friday rates to all travellers — not just loyalty members. On the official Barceló website, guests can explore limited-time packages that combine strong discounts with valuable on-property extras like free nights, resort credits, upgrades and flexible cancellations. Clear booking terms, real-time availability and broad travel windows make planning easy and worry-free . If you’re looking to explore the best Black Friday travel offers Canada has to offer, start your search directly at Barceló’s Black Friday deals. ✨
Personalised Discounts at a Glance
There are literally hundreds of Black Friday travel deals available, and well-known brands such as Barcelo Hotel Group will often provide a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the packages travellers can access. So, how can you make an informed decision? Let’s examine some common bargains, and the benefits associated with each.
Group discounts
 If you and your family plan on escaping old man winter, it could be a good idea to search for offers that provide reduced prices for groups. These lower the average rate per person, and they can even equate to hundreds of dollars in savings when compared to standard rates. Note that it may also be possible to combine these packages with other all-inclusive travel arrangements.
Hourly flash sales ⚡
Limited-time bargains, often known as “flash sales”, are also used by hotels during the run-up to Black Friday. A flash sale is essentially a short-term offer associated with substantial rebates. These may also be augmented by other perks such as free gifts, or complimentary hotel meals ️. The main point here is that flash sales provide a means to get in on the proverbial “ground floor” when it comes to Black Friday deals, so be sure to keep an eye out for any opportunities .
Early bird bargains
Early bird specials are some of the most well-known Black Friday offers, and these appeal to a wide range of audiences. Individuals who confirm reservations well in advance can leverage significantly reduced pricing packages. If you hope to take advantage of such possibilities, it is a good idea to begin researching the options at least two weeks before Black Friday . You might otherwise find that the deals have already expired.
Surf, Sun, or Sand? Your Choice
Most Canadians avoid travelling to locations such as Northern Europe, as the climate here often represents more of the same. On the contrary, why not take a short-term dip in paradise, and enjoy a dose of much-needed sun before returning home? ☀️
One extremely popular destination is the Iberian peninsula . Boasting pristine beaches, amenable winter temperatures, and plenty of tourist attractions, Spain is a distinct possibility that should never be taken for granted.
If you are instead not a fan of long-haul flights, you can instead visit one of the numerous Caribbean islands ️. The temperatures here are truly balmy, and there are few chances that your plans will be interrupted by a rainy day. Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Martin, Antigua, and Saint Kitts truly represent tropical bliss.
Finally, do not discount your friendly neighbours to the south . Those who are dealing with a limited amount of time before returning home could always visit Central American destinations such as Cozumel, Panama, and Cancun. Either way, you will not be disappointed with what is in store.
Travel Tips and Tricks
We will now assume that you have chosen the most appropriate Black Friday hotel deal. There are still some important concerns to address. Planning will ultimately determine if you can make the most out of your holiday, so keep these expert recommendations in mind:
 ✅ Make certain that your passport is valid.
✅ Determine if any type of travel visa is required.
✅ Check weather conditions well in advance of your departure.
✅ Bring along all important travel-related documents.
✅ Speak with a travel agent to determine any other obligations that might need to be addressed.
Furthermore, it may be a good idea to purchase travel insurance if you happen to be heading to an unknown destination . This type of protection will provide you with an additional peace of mind, and there are many short-term plans that are available. Consulting a travel agency could provide even more insight if you are not certain where to begin.
Remain Proactive
It is rather unfortunate that Black Friday only occurs once per year. However, there are still plenty of possibilities to escape the early Canadian winter; even if only for a handful of days ️.
The best way to move forward is to research the latest Black Friday hotel offers, and determine where it is that you wish to visit. It will then be much easier to plan ahead, and to create memories to last a lifetime .
 By Tom Parkin
November 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Doug Ford deflects responsibility for crime-on-bail onto judges and federal politicians, but it’s his own trial delays that are putting more people on bail.
Fewer charged with crimes receive decision within a year
Percentage of charges decided within one year:
After a disappointing leadership support vote in September, opposition NDP leader Marit Stiles has vowed to “take down” the Ford PC government with a strategy that aims at the legs of PC support and competes with Ford on the central concerns of votes.
The fist salvo in that plan has been a persistent line of attack on Doug Ford’s over his poor jobs record. Ontario unemployment has been persistently above the national average under the Ford PCs and while 800,000 Ontarians are jobless, the premier offers no jobs plan or even any Buy Canada policy.
Another line of attack serving the same strategy could be to actively redirect Ford’s “crime-on-bail” deflections. Certainly there is a clear path.
Ford has frequently picked up on crime-on-bail incidents, a problem he deflects onto judges and federal legislators. But it’s a problem Ford has caused and cynically seeks to benefit from.
Up to now, his deflections haven’t received much push-back. For both electoral and deeply principled reasons, they should.
Numbers out on bail up due to Ford’s trial delays
Longer trial delays mean longer time on bail for those charged. It means more people on bail awaiting trial. And Ontario’s trial delays are getting significantly longer, data shows.
For example, in 2010/11, over 75 per cent of robbery trials were decided in less than a year. But by 2024/25, only 52 per cent of robbery charges were decided in less than a year. The result of delayed trials is a lot more people on bail for robbery.
And while bail time of a year or less used to be the norm for those charged with sexual assault, attempted murder and murder, under the Ford PCs the norm is bail lasting longer than a year.
Percentage of cases decided within one year from first hearing
No evidence of a provincial bail-check program
And even as Ford’s trial delays increase the numbers on bail, it appears that once a judge sets bail conditions there is no provincial follow-up program to ensure bail compliance.
Despite research and requests to police forces and the Ministry of the Solicitor-General, Data Shows can find no evidence of any provincial strategy, or even data being provincially collected, on bail checks by police, who are responsible for enforcing bail orders.
Perhaps municipal speed cameras could free many officers from traffic duty, allowing them to be reassigned to enforcing bail conditions.
A public safety agenda is open to NDP
A public safety agenda that cuts trial delays and checks bail compliance is wide open for Ford’s political competitors. Adopting it may be strategically valuable both electorally and as an important counter-move against conservative anti-charter politics.
For Conservative politicians, it’s been open season to use crime-on-bail incidents to bolster their campaign against the Charter and to normalize notwithstanding clause use.
Feelings of fear, victimization and rage about crime-on-bail are being used by conservatives to build an emotional reservoir of antipathy against the Charter. That reservoir is then used to drown Charter rights for any reason, as is currently being done in Alberta, where Premier Smith justifies elimination of workers’ rights “because I can”
Those feelings need to be redirected and that reservoir needs to flood back as disgust against those who create a crisis by mismanaging public institutions then cynically attempt to political benefit from the crisis their mismanagement created.
Opposition counter-attacks — or better yet, pre-emptive attacks — on crime-on-bail incidents by citing Ford’s failure to manage public institutions can likely redirect at least some of the emotional flow, protecting democratic rights.
And those opposition attacks would be strengthened if backed by propositions, tested with stakeholders, to reverse court delays and implement a provincial bail-check program.
Such attacks and propositions could advance Stiles’ “take down” strategy, undermining strength of another leg of PC support, a perceived advantage on crime and public safety. But they would also serve a historic purpose: defending rights and freedoms from the conservative campaign against them.
 By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Chris McKhool:
Earth, Seas & Air
Sun, Nov 16 | 1pm
A Pay-What-You-Can performance at the Performing Arts Centre
Looking for something to do with the kids this Sunday without breaking the bank?
Take them to Earth, Seas & Air in BPAC’s Studio Theatre!
Part musical performance, part environmentalism and 100% fun!
This award-winning show is fully interactive, as kids join Chris McKhool on stage to play percussion instruments from around the globe and sing songs about taking care of our planet.
No cost tickets: Click HERE
By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite the cold, the citizens of Burlington stood on the sidewalks and in Veteran Square to take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
 Some of the WWII ordinance made its way down Brant Street during the parade. Tanks and jeeps were at the head of the parade that rolled down Brant Street, followed by the Teen Tour Band.
 The Teen Tour Band never disappoints. The Drum Major, I think that is the title, was exceptional. The occasion had Bob Ankrett, Legion Liaison officer to the city at the podium most of the hour and a half ceremony.
The chill in the air was enough to keep the sign language facilitator rubbing her hands to keep them warm.
The five women who made up the choir kept their mitts on as well.
 These boys and girls were cold. They had to stand still for long periods of time. The laying of the wreaths took up much opf the time. Ankrett explained that many of the more than 45 wreaths were from ordinary people who wanted to remember. Several parents had six and seven year old setting up the wreath.
Most of the political parties laid a wreath, as did every official in Veteran Square.
There was a wreath laid by the people who had worked with Ann Marsden – her passing had been announced earlier in the day.
 This is not a skimpy crowd. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the event was seeing Gordon Schottlander , more than 100 years old, standing with others at the parade reviewing stand. You can see him on the left side of the photograph below.
 Most of the people watching the parade would not have known the role he played in the D Day landings.
By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
You read about these university-level students who come up with these brilliant ideas and create a new business.
How does that happen? A lot of hard work and some good mentoring is part of the process. The Innovation Factory, located in Hamilton, is there to help. Link below could get you started.
Innovation Factory’s Founders Fast Track is an 8-week intensive training program that offers your business a free, comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics, including pitch refinement, investor communication, funding strategies, and due diligence preparation. Eligible start-ups gain access to mentorship, network-building activities, and educational workshops.
What is the Innovation Factory?
Learn more about what they might be able to do for you. Click HERE
The Fast Track program culminates in a speed pitching event where your company will have the opportunity to connect and pitch to a minimum of three angel or pre-seed/seed stage investors.
Apply by December 7, 2025.
Program Timelines
Week 1 – Program Kick-off and Funding Essentials: Meet your cohort and receive a program introduction. Learn what angels and VCs look for in a start-up and about the different types of funding available for your stage.
Week 2 – Founders Unplugged: Network with your cohort and hear from successful later-stage founders as they share their growth journeys and valuable insights.
Week 3 – Investor Communications: Learn how to communicate effectively with investors. Develop strategies to tackle objections and master the art of the Q&A portion of your pitch.
Week 4 – Dollars, Data & Diligence: Learn the do’s and don’t’s of establishing your valuation. Focus on building your data room and ensuring your financials are ready for investor due diligence.
Week 5 – Pitch Practice: Deliver your pitch to an expert advisor and receive specific feedback. This essential session helps you strengthen your narrative and refine your investment pitch.
Week 6 – On-demand Learning and Partner Office Hours: Explore critical funding options beyond equity through our on-demand course. Connect one-on-one with our partners across finance, legal, and intellectual property for focused feedback.
Week 7 – Demo Day Rehearsal: Your final preparation. Practice your 5-minute pitch in front of an expert advisor and a former LiONS LAIR judge to ensure your presentation is flawless for Demo Day.
Week 8 – Investor Demo Day: Deliver your 5-minute pitch to investors, build early relationships, and potentially qualify for the final pitch competition.
 By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The swimming pool allocation issue and the Audit that will take place once Council approves the motion at a meeting on the 18th.
In the meantime, the newly minted Burlington Aquatic Devilrays(BAD) executive had been meeting with people at City Hall as they prepare to make the case for a change to the swimming pool allocation agreement that is in place.
Seeking a decision at the judiciary level is not out of the question.
 BAD Executive Vice President – Zohair Khan We are advised that their Executive Vice President – Zohair Khan has met or talked with Emilie Cote, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture.
Many feel decisions made at that level are what got the city into the mess it is in.
Council knows that if anything is taken away from Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) will result in a lawsuit.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has yet to learn how to admit that a mistake was made. If this matter is to be worked out, it is going to have to be at the municipal diplomatic level.
Mayor Meed Ward has yet to say she was wrong on an issue in the 12 years I have been covering her political career.
I was in the room when she held her first meeting with supporters who were getting ready to run Meed Ward for the Ward 2 council seat.
The woman we heard that evening in 2012, is not the woman who is currently Mayor of the City.
By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This one crossed our path.
It shows when the provincial legislature was sitting and when it wasn’t.
Great jobs
Superb benefits and the hours – to die for.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them…
 By Sadie Smith
November 12th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In recent years, interest in live games has grown significantly among Canadian gamblers. Baccarat holds a special place among these. Baccarat has always had its own charm. It’s easy to learn, but every hand still keeps you guessing, which is probably why people never get tired of it. Players on sites like Onlyspins often say it hits that sweet spot between luck and strategy enough to keep things exciting without feeling complicated. And the best part is, you can feel that real casino buzz without leaving your couch.
What is Baccarat, and where did it originate?
 Baccarat slowly spread across Europe and eventually found its way to the big casinos of Las Vegas. Baccarat has been around for hundreds of years. It started out in Italy as a simple card game that anyone could pick up, then caught on in France, where the upper class made it part of their evening gatherings. From there, it slowly spread across Europe and eventually found its way to the big casinos of Las Vegas.
Now the same game has moved online. Players in Canada and everywhere else can join live tables on sites like Onlyspins casino and watch real dealers deal the cards right in front of them. The stream looks sharp, the dealers are friendly, and the whole setup feels surprisingly close to being in a real casino, just without the noise or the travel.
Why do players enjoy Baccarat?
 High probability of winning. On average, the house edge in Baccarat is only about 1% Among all live games, Baccarat remains a favorite for its simplicity and style. Here are reasons why it keeps winning over Canadian players:
- Simple rules. Baccarat doesn’t require complex combinations: the player chooses a bet on the «player», «banker», or «tie». This makes the game accessible even to those new to online casinos.
- Minimal randomness. Unlike slots or roulette, betting strategy and an understanding of probabilities play a significant role. This appeals to players who enjoy control and analysis.
- High probability of winning. On average, the house edge in Baccarat is only about 1%, especially when betting on the banker. This makes the game one of the most profitable live casino games globally.
- An authentic casino atmosphere. Modern studios with live dealers create a sense of presence. The croupier communicates with players. The action is streamed live. On sites like Onlyspins casino, gamblers can watch every hand in HD, feeling like they’re right in the middle of the action.
Online Baccarat has retained its classic feel while becoming more accessible and dynamic. This is precisely why it consistently holds the attention of Canadian gamblers.
Popular Baccarat Variations in Online Casinos
Modern studios and providers offer numerous variations of the game, each adding its own unique features to the gameplay. Here are the most popular formats found on popular gambling sites, including Onlyspins casino:
Today’s Baccarat proves that a classic never truly goes out of style. The game has evolved in exciting ways, offering players numerous options to explore and choose the version that feels most enjoyable for them.
By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ann Marsden delegating before Council Jason Marsden advised us that Ann Marsden passed away this evening.
She passed at her home peacefully after being diagnosed with colon cancer back in June. Her husband Dave, sons Dale and Jason were by her side.
She had a renewal of vows back in September, which was also her celebration of life. “In my moms true fashion if she was paying for a party she was gunna be there and enjoy it” said son Jason.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Ann was a consistent and persistent citizen who delegated at City Hall frequently.
 She once ran for the office of Mayor and for the office of chair of Regional Council.
She deserves much of the credit for the recent work at Veteran Square and for getting the fountain refurbished.
More later
By Tom Parkin
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Fewer employers who skirt workplace safety laws are paying consequences under the Ford PCs, according to data from the Ontario Court of Justice.
But workers continue to pay the price. At least 305 Ontario workers died from workplace injuries or exposures in 2023, the most recent year of settled data from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. That’s an eight per cent increase from 2015, when 283 were killed.
Yet the number of employers who pay any court cost for violating health and safety law has dropped by more than half under the Ford PCs.
In 2015, prosecutors working for the Ministry of Labour brought 2,974 OHSA charges to court. By 2023 it had fallen by half to 1,524.
Workers paying the price for Ford PCs, says OFL
“Doug Ford lowers costs for unsafe employers, and workers are the ones left paying the price – sometimes with their lives,” said Laura Walton, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour.
Under the PCs, not only have OHSA charges dropped by half, but charges against employers for violating the Employment Standards Act have fallen 90 per cent, the Ontario Federation of Labour and Data Shows recently revealed.
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) is intended to protect workers and prosecute employers who commit wage theft, stealing tips or not paying wage premiums, such as vacation pay, holiday pay or overtime rates.
 By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Special Council meeting that took place this afternoon was a continuation of the meeting that took place November 4th that heard comments from the Burlington Economic Development & Tourism Corporation who were responding to a report from Rubicon Strategy, a consulting group that was hired by the city to do a review of BEDT’s operations and the value they city was getting for the $1.9 million they spend each year.
BEDT has a staffing complement of 15 people and a 13-member board that includes two members of Council, along with the Mayor.
Why is this an important matter? Attracting new business to the city is vital toits growth; retaining what we have is equally as important. Having a tourism unit that can attract visitors and play a major rile in making the city a tourist destination.
This is a complex story that needs to be told in pieces.
A conclusion was reached. Staff were instructed to come back in April of 2026 with
Direct Staff to report back by April 2026 on two options for Council’s consideration.
1: Fully detailed options for integrating economic development and tourism functions within the municipal structure and
2: Provide a draft Services Agreement that retains an independent entity while permitting a collaborative decision-making relationship with Council.
Getting to that point was the roughest experience CAO Curt Benson has experienced since he took up that office several months ago. Benson was appointed CAO on very short notice when Hassaan Basit resigned after serving just 16 months of his five-year contract; he left Burlington to join the provincial government
During his time with the city, one of the things Basit did was merge the existing Tourism department with BEDT. Why?
The province created a 4% Municipal Accommodation tax that is collected by the city.
The city keeps 50% of what is collected in a reserve fund to be used as Council directs.
The remaining 50% is made available to eligible tourism entities to be used to promote tourism, including product development.
Council designated an eligible tourism entity, governed by a board, to receive and spend these funds in the community. That entity was Tourism Burlington. The tourism community and city hall came to the conclusion that they were not up to the job.
Basit merged Tourism Burlington with Economic Development to create BEDT.
The problem was that important City Hall staff did not feel Economic Development was doing a very good job, and they brought in Rubicon Strategy, a consulting group to do a review. They issued a devastating report which recommended dissolving BEDT.
Benson wanted to act on that recommendation and explained his reasoning at the Tuesday Special Standing Committee meeting saying:
 CAO Curt Benson explaining his thinking to Council. “As a part of a continuous improvement approach, it’s important to do periodic reviews of services to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, value for money, and to address areas of alignment to strategic objectives, policies and practices here at the city. The work to review the economic development function was initiated back in May 2024 through the endorsement of a report that identified an opportunity to address deficiencies and agreements between the city and the agency partners that deliver important services that our residents and visitors depend upon.
“Having detailed agreements in place helps to ensure mandates and services are aligned with Council’s expectations where there is discretion. The report recognized the need to advance this work in Priority sequence.
“There has been feedback shared on this approach, namely that we need to look at all agreements for city agency partners, comprehensively and staff will get there. We have been deliberate in addressing our approach with economic development as the highest priority. It represents the greatest opportunity to correct the alignment and integration challenges that have persisted under the model. The learnings from this work, in particular, the collaboration and consultation in developing a new arrangement will provide the clarity and accountability that can serve as a model for agreements with the city’s other agencies. It’s important that, based on staff’s initial assessment, there is no intent to assume or internalize the valued functions of any other city agency.
“Most of the other agencies have a mandate that are either back stopped by existing arrangements derived from parent legislation that drives governance and accountability, or they are at a point in maturity that reflects a steady or stable state, given some of the change over in city leadership roles. Work needs to continue to strengthen the relationships with all agency partners. It’s important that progress is made before coming back and providing council with an update on this work early next year.
“For Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, from my perspective, there is a strong desire for the city to have a clear line of sight to the full range of activities associated with business retention, business attraction, and leveraging of tourism in driving business outcomes. The line of sight currently does not exist. To address this gap and to address other issues of alignment we recommending that council in principle endorse the integration of Economic Development and Tourism services and operations into the city’s organization structure.
“There are other recommendations to ensure that this is done in a careful and coordinated manner through the development of a transition plan. That transition plan would be prepared and provided to council no later than April 2026, highlighting key milestones, timelines, resource implications and options for a model to ensure effective oversight.
“This represents a material change, and we do not take these recommendations lightly. The changes proposed in the report are two governance and structure, and are meant to build on accomplishments made under the current model and to seize an opportunity to keep what works, the business insight, the relationships, the tourism partnerships, but place it in a model that gives Council clear line of sight, gives businesses a single front door, and uses public funds in a transparent and effective way.
“The review and its recommendations are by no means a reflection on the commitment and significant value driven by the volunteer board or its staff. We are quite fortunate to have a highly skilled, engaged board of volunteers who are passionate about supporting businesses in our community.
“There are a few points addressed in the report that were also raised by the delegations on Monday that I’d like to address really briefly. Comments on the review itself.
 The consultants released a devastating report that recommended dissolving the Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Corporation, a city not-for-profit organization. “For example, some question the process, its independence, the fact that it did not take stock in the positive outcomes delivered by the model, or did not address the significant effort or value of the merger. While many had comments and criticisms about the nature of some of the statements in the report, none of the delegation suggested there was there wasn’t room for improvement.
“As staff, we take stock in that, and as was mentioned by a couple of the delegates, we also want the very best for the city and the business community to thrive. We’ve heard from delegates that the current model is superior from the perspective of agility and speed and working in the gray area, that means independence and minimizing bureaucracy or politics.
“Well, if speed is a concern, there are remedies to design a fit for those purposes, tools within that framework, standing offers, pre qualified vendors, templated scopes, rather than operating outside of municipal controls.
“Unwinding: We’ve also heard that unwinding, the model led by the independent board could come at significant cost. It could be disruptive, and it could include an issue of garnering compliance with the MAT tax rules. City staff maintain that all these things, can be solved as a part of a new model. If specific barriers are identified, the intent was always that we would review them and propose targeted fixes as a part of a transition plan.
“There is an opportunity through the work of a transition plan to define how best to leverage the value and community based business perspectives through different models. It’s really important to take stock in where we are in our growth and maturity as a municipality. For example, in 2019 After launching the red tape red carpet initiative, there are key lists of a long list of recommendations on how the city can be better partners with businesses and developers, you heard from us in July 2025 through a report that nearly all the recommendations falling out of the red tape red carpet initiative have been operationalized.
“There has been significant process reviews undertaken and many of those overhauled. There’s been an establishment of a small team to address support for high impact files and also support for Main Street small businesses, as evidenced over the past two years, our relationship with the development industry is strong. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for our relationships with the business community. We have no direct opportunity to build those relationships and strengthen those relationships without going through an intermediary. Board, council has important levers under the system, under its decision making under the municipal act, we want to make sure that our plans, policies, incentives are there to support business in our community, and that that is done in a way that represents accountability over budget and defining key service standards to support.
“Those are my opening comments.”
Much of the questioning from staff that followed could not be described as a pretty picture. We cover that in part 2.
By Pepper Parr
November 10yj, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
They are an hour and a half into the plan to dissolve the Economic Development and Tourism not-for-profit that the city operates.
CAO Curt Benson isn’t getting what he wants – and he is going through the toughest day has had since he got into the job a couple of months ago.
And the Mayor isn’t getting what she wants.
So now they are going to debate amendments – this will get sticky.
More to follow.
By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The agenda for the Special meeting of a Committee of the Whole (COW), scheduled for 2:00 pm this afternoon might end up being closed.
Here is what the city has posted on the meeting agenda:
This item was referred from the Committee of the Whole meeting of November 4, 2025
-
Endorse, in principle, the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations into the City’s organizational structure, consistent with chief administrative officer report CAO-06-25. That Council endorse the staff recommendation, informed by an independent third-party review, to internalize Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (BEDT) functions into City’s structure to optimize existing resources, minimize duplication, enhance operational effectiveness, and align economic development and tourism with the City’s broader strategic priorities; and
 Curt Benson was the Commissioner of Development, then got upgraded to Chief Administrative Officer for a one-year term. He might not be around to manage the changes expected. Direct staff to work closely with BEDT’s Board of Directors to approve BEDT’s 2026 budget and to ensure continuity of operations and support during the transition recommended above. That Council direct Staff to engage and collaborate with key representatives of BEDT’s Board of Directors and members of its Finance & Risk subcommittee to facilitate the agency’s 2026 budget approval to support the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations under the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Office by 2027. Concurrently, the annual funding designated for BEDT’s 2026 Service Agreement (SA) would need to be retained within the City‘s 2026 budget; and
Direct staff to develop a transition plan with a report back by April 2026 to outline deliverables for integrating economic development and tourism functions within the municipal organizational structure. That the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) will lead the development and implementation of this plan, which should include key milestones, timelines, resource implications, and the proposed model to ensure effective oversight of the economic development function by Council; and
Direct the CAO to establish a strategic advisory group to provide strategic industry advice and guidance to the City that will inform the transition plan. That this group or committee, chaired by the CAO or designate, be established to leverage private-sector expertise without duplicating a formal board role. Key representatives from BEDT and its Board of Directors should also be invited to inform the transition plan, including efforts to minimize any disruption to ongoing economic development and tourism initiatives and to stakeholder relations during the changeover.
Confidential reports may require a closed meeting in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Meeting attendees may be required to leave during the discussion.
Confidential Appendix B to chief administrative officer report CAO-06-25 regarding findings from third party review of Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (CAO-06-25)
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board; and
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; and
Pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose
 By Joe Gaetan
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont resigned from the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, a move that nudges Prime Minister Mark Carney closer to a majority government.
 Prime Minister Mark Carney and MP Chris d’Entremont. In Canadian politics, this kind of move isn’t new. From time to time, an elected member who ran under one party’s banner decides to “cross the floor.” One side pops the champagne, the other fumes. It’s the political version of a player switching teams mid-season, except the fans who bought the tickets don’t get a refund.
Crossing the floor always comes down to choice. A member can stay loyal to the party they ran for, sit as an independent, or, as d’Entremont just did, join another party altogether. Those who defend the move often say it’s about principle. Maybe the party changed. Maybe the leader lost their confidence. Maybe they believe they can do better somewhere else. Fair enough.
But here is another side to this story that rarely gets airtime: What about the people behind the scenes?
Every election campaign runs on an army of volunteers, ordinary folks who knock on doors in the rain, answer phones after work, deliver and collect lawn signs, and stay up until midnight as scrutineers making sure every vote is counted properly. Then comes election night, the hugs, the cheers, the victory speech, and the thank-you. Everyone there feels part of the winning team.
So when an elected MP decides to cross the floor, it’s not just their party that’s blindsided, it’s the very people who helped put them there. Were they given a heads-up? An explanation? Or did they find out on the evening news, coffee in hand, wondering what all that hard work was really for?
 Politics will always be a mix of principle and pragmatism. This image is the pragmatism angle. Politics will always be a mix of principle and pragmatism. But at the heart of it, what about the lost trust, what about the people who believed in you enough to give you their time, effort, and vote.
Standing up for your values is one thing. But crossing the floor sends a confusing message: are you standing on principle, or simply finding a more comfortable seat?
Maybe it’s time Canada and the Provinces took at a better look at how to handle this. When an MP of MPP, MLA,OR MNA changes teams, voters deserve a say. A simple rule should be: Holding a by-election. This would give constituents the final word. It would restore trust, show respect for the volunteers who made it possible, and remind every elected official who they really work for: us the people, not the party.
By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Council will meet this afternoon as a Committee of the whole (COW) to discuss just what they want to recommend to a full Council meeting on – what to do with the Burlington Economic Development & Tourism (BEDT) department, which is organized as a not-for-profit corporation.
 Burlington CAO Curl Benson, with less than three months as CAO under his belt has to deal with a messy situation. Council made public a devastating report from a consultant that recommends the organization be dissolved and the work they are doing be brought in-house: it would become a department that would report directly to the CAO. Currently that would be Curt Benson.
A portion of the Rubicon Strategy 20 page report is set out below:
The relationship between the City and BEDT is broken and leaving the current model in place risks further erosion of trust, wasted resources, and lost economic opportunities. T
The recommendation is to dissolve BEDT and bring the economic development and tourism functions into the City’s corporate structure.
To preserve the advantages of private sector expertise and business-facing credibility, an advisory council of business leaders should be established and chaired by the City Manager. This approach would deliver clearer accountability, better alignment with municipal priorities, and a unified vision for Burlington’s economic future, while still retaining a channel for private sector input.
In an increasingly competitive regional environment, Burlington requires not only strong ideas but also a governance model capable of delivering measurable results and maintaining public trust.
If the COW accepts that recommendation, BEDT will cease to exist sometime in 2027, and several careers will end.
Economic Development took on Tourism about a year ago and has only just begun to have an impact.
It’s a confusing story and an important one.
BEDT doesn’t get tied up with policy issues that take months to get worked out. The belief was that a not-for-profit would be both nimble and agile and be able to respond quickly to issues and opportunities. City Hall staff didn’t see BEDT the same way.
 Ron Laidman, Chair of the BEDT Board explains to Council that mergers are always messy and that bringing Tourism into Economic Development was a messy business. During the delegation last week, I watched members of the BEDT board explain how they operated: it was impressive. One of the Board members (they are all volunteers) works full-time in the office of the Provincial Auditor General. The people in that group are amongst the best the province has – for BEDT to attract that level of talent is very telling. There isn’t much at City Hall that compares favourably.
One Council member suggested that the issue was one of control with city hall wanting to take on tasks that it didn’t handle all that well in the past.
Tourism was a disaster – there was no focus, nothing that helped Burlington become a destination. BEDT had only just begun to create a tourism focus. That may not happen.
Council wasn’t able to complete the debate on this issue last week. Thus the special meeting this afternoon at 2:00 pm
 By Gazette Staff
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is not something Canada should be proud of.
 The measles outbreak in Canada and how we reacted to it has resulted in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) advising the The Public Health Agency of Canada that it has lost its measles elimination status — a designation it has held since 1998.
PHAC said it is collaborating with the PAHO and working with the federal, provincial, territorial and community partners to implement co-ordinated actions. These include focusing on “improving vaccination coverage, strengthening data sharing, enabling better overall surveillance efforts, and providing evidence-based guidance,” the statement said.
 A severe case of measles. Canada has recorded more than 5,100 measles cases this year, the majority tied to the multi-province outbreak, according to the most recent federal data.
By Tom Parkin
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In October, Ontario lost 14,700 full time jobs and total hours worked fell by 20.7 million hours.
Though full-time employment fell by 14,700 jobs in October, Ontario’s unemployment rate dropped 0.2 points to 7.6 per cent due to a large increase in part-time employment, according to Statistics Canada’s October Labour Force Survey, released Friday.
Part-time work increased by 100,400 positions, offsetting the full-time job losses.
The trend to part-time work and a cut in average hours of full-time employees resulted in 20.7 million fewer paid work hours in October.
StatsCan estimated the total hours worked in October was 256.9 million, down from 277.6 million hours in September.
Ontario’s construction sector lost 3,000 more jobs in October, seasonally adjusted. Construction job losses now total 41,000 since an employment peak in 2023.
Despite falling job numbers, the Labourers Union continues to publicly praise the Ford PCs and very activity deflect corruption concerns over management of the government’s $2.5 billion Skills Fund, from which LIUNA has received tens of millions of dollars.
LIUNA representatives have characterized the opposition NDP’s questions about public fund misuse as an attack on workers. LIUNA recently withdrew from the Ontario Federation of Labour after the labour umbrella group raised concern about misappropriation of money intended for worker skills training.
Jobs in retailing rebounded in October after slumping to a 13 month low of 821,000 in September. Jobs rose by 23,000 to 844,300, but October employment in retailing remained the second-lowest over the past years and remains 5,300 jobs below levels of October 2024.
Retail sector employment strength is an indicator of affordability and consumer strength.
 By Gazette Staff
November 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Winter as seen by Teresa Seaton.
This view is about as good as it can get.
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