By Gazette Staff

November 21st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, issued the following statement on providing new resources for teachers and students for Remembrance Day:

Veteran Square was packed during Remembrance Day this year. Does the provincial government need to tell school boards what to do?

“In Canada, Remembrance Day pays tribute to the soldiers who courageously and selflessly gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the War in Afghanistan and in numerous peacekeeping missions across the world in the pursuit of peace and freedom for our nation.

Ontario schools are currently required to hold or attend a dedicated service or ceremony for students at 11:00 a.m. and teach students about the history, purpose and importance of Remembrance Day.

To further deepen our shared understanding of the significance of Remembrance Day and ensure every student across the province receives a consistent education on our history, we are taking further steps. The ministry will provide high-quality learning resources over the next year that will ensure a consistent education about Remembrance Day for all students starting on November 11, 2026.

By providing these additional materials, all teachers and students will be able to reflect and never forget the extraordinary courage and proud sacrifice of our soldiers.”

By Pepper Parr

November 20^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Municipal World, a trade magazine that caters to the municipal sector with news and a job board

Best Mayor 2025

A team made up of its editorial staff chose Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward as Best Mayor – 2025

Susan Gardner: CEO, Nicholas Smither: Publisher, Greg Crone: Executive Editor, Sean Meyer: Senior Content Editor, Kim Costa: Executive Coordinator and Richard Daniel Hughes: Municipal Recruiting Specialist”

Award wasn’t enough to get Burlington Mayor on the cover.

Meed Ward was chosen by the magazine’s staff for the 2025 Mayor of the Year award in recognition of her leadership and advocacy for protecting democracy and fostering respectful debate.

It is important to note that this is an award given by a third-party organization and separate from municipal elections, where eligible residents of Burlington vote to elect their mayor. The next Burlington municipal election is scheduled for October 2026″

Municipal World published a review written by James Ridge, the City Manager, Meed Ward fired the day after she was sworn into office in 2018.  To date she has gone through three City Managers.

By Pepper Parr

November 20th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

It was a raucous day inside the Legislature…

Oppo NDP Leader MARIT STILES got turfed from Question Period after she dropped the C-word — calling the PCs “corrupt” over the Skills Development Fund controversy — then refused to take it back.

Sergeant-at-Arms escorts Stiles out of the Legislature, to much applause from the NDP benches.

Under the House rulebook, such unparliamentary language (think: questioning an MPP’s integrity or even mentioning their absence) is a no-no, so Speaker DONNA SKELLY officially “named” her and Sergeant-at-Arms TIM McGOUGH promptly escorted Stiles out, to much applause from the NDP benches.

Scrumming with reporters after, Stiles didn’t blink: she dared DOUG FORD to sue her if he felt defamed. (Inside the chamber, she’s protected by parliamentary privilege — outside is another story.) “I welcome the discovery process,” she quipped.

Why it matters: While it didn’t do much to change the Ford government’s tune over the SDF drama (Ford is still standing by his Labour Minister DAVID PICCINI and praising training-fund decisions), Stiles’s stunt made primetime news and was all over social media — the NDP has even launched a website where people can sign an “I agree with Marit Stiles” petition.

It’s a solid feat for an Opposition party that has few manoeuvres to pull against the majority-enjoying, popular-polling PCs, and that has struggled to get its message out there as Ford holds frequent headline-nabbing pressers.

By Tracy Brown

November 12th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Christmas feasts to cook up, there are some fantastic titles associated with this somewhat niche genre of gaming.

For many people from Burlington who are gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year, once they’ve written their Christmas cards and wrapped presents, playing some Christmas-themed video games helps them get in the festive spirit. There are solitary gaming experiences, plus titles you can play with loved ones, and they all deliver plenty of fun at this time of the year.

From Santa-themed releases to games featuring huge Christmas feasts to cook up, there are some fantastic titles associated with this somewhat niche genre of gaming. While we’ve also been exposed to shoddy gaming products that aren’t worth pairing with your board games and carol singing, there are some great options to consider exploring alongside opening your presents. With all that in mind, below are some top Christmas-themed video games to play right now.

The Legend of Santa is playable on Steam

Steam has an extensive library of games to choose from, although they aren’t all suitable for a Christmas gaming marathon. However, The Legend of Santa most definitely is. In this classic 2D platformer, players control Santa Claus while moving at high speeds and trying to avoid a variety of obstacles on the cold ice. With Christmas to save in the process, The Legend of Santa is a game many people adore.

The Grinch Christmas Adventures is one for all the family

While most of the titles on the list are more suited to lone gamers, The Grinch Christmas Adventures is perfect for the whole family. Playable on the PlayStation 5 and other prominent gaming platforms like the Nintendo Switch, players have to assist The Grinch as he attempts to cause mayhem and get up to endless amounts of cheekiness. There are presents to steal, clever gadgets to deploy, and a variety of creatures to freeze with snowballs. Overall, it’s a blast.

Online casino releases like Christmas Morning are brilliant

Be it through a smartphone device or a tablet you’ve just received from a family member this Christmas, people everywhere are exploring leading online games. As such, DraftKings Casino releases like Christmas Morning are top-notch options this year, particularly if you’re after a solitary gaming package. A festive-themed masterpiece by Red Tiger, it offers a warm and cozy homely theme as players immerse themselves in a fun product that takes place in a cozy cottage. A game that’s both fun to play and easy to grasp, Christmas Morning is excellent.

Dead Rising 4 contains a Christmas feel

First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that Dead Rising 4 isn’t exactly a Christmas game. In fact, it contains hordes of zombies in what essentially is an action-adventure release. However, the game also offers a number of Christmas themes you can enjoy, including holiday decorations, the usual festive music, and even zombie elves who are looking to take you out. A release you’ll probably want to play with the lights on, Dead Rising 4 is a more unique inclusion than the rest, but it definitely deserves some of your time and attention.

Cookie Crush: Christmas Edition is a great puzzle game

Cookie Crush: Christmas Edition is a puzzle release that has been entertaining gamers for a good few years now.

A product you can access through your web browser, Cookie Crush: Christmas Edition is a puzzle release that has been entertaining gamers for a good few years now. A classic match-3 offering that will put your brain power to the test, it features an array of Christmas-themed treats, over 20 levels to work your way through, and it’s a seriously fun game to dip in and out of. If you’re partial to puzzle games and fancy exploring a Christmas-themed puzzle, then Cookie Crush: Christmas Edition is the game for you.

By Ray Rivers

November 19^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Scheer, claimed his voting app wasn’t working then cast his negative vote for the record – once it was clear the budget would pass.

It was an unremarkable event – Mark Carney’s budget.  The political leaders were doing what they do best – pretending.  Mr. Poilievre pretended he really wanted to defeat the budget, yet positioned a couple MPs to abstain in addition to the ones who had legitimate reasons.  In fact the former CPC leader, the duplicitous Andrew Scheer, claimed his voting app wasn’t working then cast his negative vote for the record – once it was clear the budget would pass.

Poilievre has retreated to his nasty old attack-dog outer self.  Apparently that appeals to his base and there is a leadership review coming up.  But the more he plays up that side of his personality, the more his public acceptability numbers fall – even further, that is.

The last thing Pierre Poilievre wanted to do was face Prime Minister Carney in an election debate.

So the last thing he would want is an election against the popular Carney.   But instead of being honest and supporting Carney’s budget outright he pretended he was out to defeat it.  And his stated objections to the budget, inflation, were as phony as his proclamation to defeat it.

The NDP fell all over themselves trying to explain how they were opposed to the budget and its cuts to public services but abstained just enough to make sure it passed.  Without a permanent party leader and with no official party status, forcing an election, which nobody in Canada wants, might be hazardous to the health of the handful of MPs who still remain to make up that party.

Carney needs some big wins before he loses the fickle mass of voters. 

Carney, for his part kept threatening that an election could be in the offing, even though he knew that the budget would pass.   His popularity may still be in the positive zone but he knows the electorate is getting impatient.  He needs some big wins before he loses the fickle mass of voters.  Carney may be one of the most intelligent PMs in Canadian history but he needs to also be one of the more accomplished.  To that end he was fortunate that October’s inflation numbers were as low as they are.

Green Party’s Elizabeth May sided with the Liberals.

It was interesting that the Green Party’s Elizabeth May sided with the Liberals.  And this in spite of changes and cuts to the environmental agenda implemented by former PM Trudeau.  May rationalized that Carney had promised to maintain Canada’s Paris climate targets and, in these times, that was enough for her.  She didn’t want an election either.

The Elizabeth May I once knew couldn’t be impressed with some of these ‘Major Projects’ the government has announced.  The newly announced LNG project, co-developed by another American outfit, is just more carbon after all.  Doug Ford’s pet mini-nukes are a sop to allow him to keep climate friendly renewables out of the provincial grid.  And Alberta is on the wish list for another pipeline to the environmentally sensitive west coast.  But at least Nova Scotia is getting new wind energy.

Carney is planning for annual fall budgets, which raises the stakes, the risk of a miserable Christmas election, should his next budget(s) get defeated and the government and minority government be forced into election mode.

The NDP will have a new leader next year after the dismal experience of the hapless Mr. Singh.  There are some new exciting candidates for the party which throughout history has been so instrumental in promoting programs and policies to make this country so proud – and different from its dog-eat-dog southern neighbour.

Poilievre can be expected to win his leadership review.

Mr. Poilievre can be expected to win his leadership review but that doesn’t mean he’ll be the next PM.  His public polling numbers are in the toilet as Canadians ask themselves….”if he is so nasty as opposition leader what would he be like as prime minister”?    And then they look south of the border for an answer.

Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking.  Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington.  He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject.   Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa.  Tweet @rayzrivers

Background links:

A Budget Criticism –   Popularity – 

By Gazette Staff

November 19th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

DOUG FORD’s big-ticket Leader’s Dinner and cocktail reception fundraising event is back on tonight on his home turf in Etobicoke, conveniently landing on the eve of the Premier’s birthday.

It’s the first cash haul of its kind since the Greenbelt scandal iced the tradition — not exactly the best optics to be asking donors to cough up the big bucks, in tonight’s case a cool $1,500, when your government is being accused of favouring donors and PC-friendly operatives on the daily. So you’re forgiven for feeling the déjà vu — the Skills Development Fund imbroglio is casting clouds on tonight’s event, too.

Even some Tory insiders tell me they think it’s a bad idea to bring back such dinners while dealing with SDF scrutiny. The ruling PCs have consistently left their rivals in the dust when it comes to fundraising, and that will probably continue with the latest changes to campaign finance rules, like raising donation limits to a whopping $5,000.

While Ford seems to be feeling confident after scoring a rare third majority in February and hovering around the mid to high 40s in the polls since, it does appear that at least some folks at PC HQ may have recognized that it’s not the greatest look to be raking in major money when your government is dealing with questions of cronyism. Case in point: The PCs suddenly cancelled a planned fundraiser featuring embattled Labour Minister DAVID PICCINI, and while they said it was all to focus on selling tickets to tonight’s event, the timing raised eyebrows.

Still, they’ve been blasting fundraising emails to the party faithful, including over Ford’s riff re: the sex registry — a peak Ford-esque moment.

By Gazette Staff

November 19^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The Festival of Lights will celebrate its 30^th anniversary.

An event that lights up Spencer Smith Park from November 28, 2025 to January 7, 2026. 30 years of holiday magic.

Widen the eyes of every child who will stare in wonder at the display.

The detail is remarkable.

Experience the waterfront transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with more than 60 glowing displays, festive events, and photo-worthy moments.

A lot of time and patience are needed to get these installations in place.

Getting the different displays in place takes time and patience.  Hundreds of hours of volunteer time.

Bring family, friends, and even your pets to stroll and delight in Burlington’s most enchanting holiday tradition.

And who pays the light bill.  Burlington Hydro picks up that tab.

By Sofia Yaremchuk 

November 20th, 2025

Lock in profits.

BURLINGTON, ON

Stablecoin gambling sessions changed the rhythm of online play. USDC online casinos give players something most digital platforms never could: zero volatility and control. Instead of chasing wins while watching token prices swing, every chip on the table holds the same value from start to finish.

How Stability Turns into Strategy

When the value stays fixed, players plan differently. You will hardly find these edges in crypto online casinos that offer tons of coins and neglect USDC deposits. Bankrolls stretch longer because each round uses a predictable stake. A $100 session today means the same $100 tomorrow, no matter what the broader crypto market does. This stability lets players set clear targets for profit, loss, and stop points without needing to convert or hedge between tokens.

What Crypto Online Casinos Offer in Contrast

Rewarding luck, fast instincts, and high-variance play are part of USDC online Casinos.

For those who prefer high volatility and a wider selection of assets, new-day casinos remain exciting. They accept dozens of coins, run promotions across networks, and appeal to users who enjoy the thrill of fluctuating balances. These crypto online casinos reward luck, fast instincts, and high-variance play, but that same energy can wear down disciplined gamblers who prefer steady growth over adrenaline.

How Players Build Stronger Bankroll Habits with USDC

Stablecoin gaming shifts focus from just guessing outcomes to managing payment flow. Experienced players use three core principles to make sessions consistent:

• Set a daily bankroll limit before starting.
• Lock profit once the balance rises 20%.
• End after three losing streaks in a row.

These checkpoints convert randomness into rhythm. They help maintain mental clarity and preserve balance for long-term sessions.

The Subtle Edges of USDC Gameplay

The true benefits of gambling with USDC reach beyond fixed value. Players who use stablecoin gaming spaces often point out five real advantages that improve overall experience:

1. Predictable wager sizing
2. Simpler record keeping
3. No currency conversion loss
4. Faster result calculation
5. Easier withdrawal planning

Each element builds confidence over time. Instead of reacting to market volatility, players can focus on odds, patterns, and timing —the factors that truly affect results.

Why USDC Appeals to Strategic Players

At USDC online casinos, precision in value becomes a real advantage. A stable dollar peg removes conversion losses and price swings, keeping profit calculations accurate round after round. This makes gambling measurable and consistent, where every outcome depends on decision quality rather than crypto market movement.

By John Carpay 

November 18th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

If Parliament passes Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, Canada will become more like the United Kingdom, where more than 30 people are arrested every day for “speech crimes.”

UK police now routinely arrest people for offensive tweets. Police issue warnings to citizens about their political commentary. Police have even arrested parents in front of their children over private WhatsApp messages.

This is the real-world outcome of vague “hate” laws like Bill C-9.

What we’re doing about it

The Justice Centre has provided its submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. We have also informed all 343 Members of Parliament (of all parties) that Bill C-9:

• 

  John Carpay,  President and Founder, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. 

  removes the requirement that the Attorney General consent to prosecutions for hate propaganda offences, which will result in far more criminal prosecutions against Canadians for what they say on social media and elsewhere;

• is politically motivated, as was shown when Justice Minister Sean Fraser lamented “rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia and transphobia” but said nothing about the dozens of Christian churches that have been destroyed by arson;

• fails to provide a clear and coherent definition of “hatred,” such that citizens cannot know when they are – or are not – committing a Criminal Code offence. Criminal charges and prosecutions will depend on the feelings and subjective assessments of police, prosecutors and judges;

• unnecessarily increases the existing power of judges to impose harsher sentences in cases where the judge feels that a crime was motivated by hate; maximum prison sentences can be doubled;

• duplicates existing Criminal Code provisions that already make it illegal to block access to houses of worship and other buildings and structures. Canadians need and deserve better enforcement of existing laws, not virtue-signalling like Bill C-9.

In a word, this legislation is redundant, arbitrary, and damaging to your fundamental rights and freedoms.

Freedom of expression is the foundation of every other freedom. If Parliament passes Bill C-9, Canadians will face more criminal prosecutions over what they say.

If the erosion of free speech can happen in the UK – the birthplace of parliamentary democracy, it can happen here. Many Canadian journalists, writers, podcasters, politicians, commentators, and citizen activists will self-censor to avoid the risk of a hate-speech prosecution.

Our lawyers and policy analysts continue the fight against unjust laws like Bill C-9 every day.   The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. Do your part today: defend freedom of expression and urge your MP to vote against Bill C-9

We accept donations by secure e-transfer to etransfer@jccf.ca. Please include your full name, mailing address, postal code, and email address in the notes of your e-transfer or in a follow-up email. We need this information to issue official tax receipts.

We accept credit card donations here and over the phone at 403-475-3622.

We accept donations by cheque. Please mail your cheque to 253-7620 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB, T2V 1K2.

For those interested in exploring legacy gifts, please email us at giving@jccf.ca.

Please consider becoming a monthly donor so that the Justice Centre can continue to defend your rights and freedoms throughout 2025.

John Carpay,  President and Founder, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.   Freedom Convoy lawyer John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), has been disbarred by Alberta’s Law Society and can no longer practice law in the province.

By Gazette Staff

November 18th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford announced the recipients of the YMCA Peace Medal at its 38th annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast.

As part of YMCA Peace Week observed by YMCAs across Canada, the annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast serves to recognize individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.

YMCA Peace Medal

At this year’s ceremony, three individuals/groups were announced as recipients of the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal across three categories: Adult Award, Youth Award, and International Award.

“This year’s YMCA Peace Medal recipients and nominees remind us that peace begins with each of us in how we lead, listen, and lift others up. Their remarkable efforts, whether in local advocacy, youth leadership, or international collaboration, show us what’s possible when we work together. Their impact inspires us to take action, to foster connection and belonging, and create communities where everyone can thrive” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

Congratulations to the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal Recipients:

Adult Category (ages 26 and up)

Jamie Kozub, Burlington, On

Jamie Kozub (Centre), 2025 YMCA Peace Medal Recipient in the Adult Category, is shown with Paul Gibel Chair of the YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford (left) and Manny Figueiredo President & CEO (right). Photo credit Jon Evans.

Jamie Kozub is the co-founder of Burlington Dads, a not-for-profit organization that has raised over $1 million for local charities while fostering connection, belonging, and support for thousands of fathers. Since its founding in 2015, Burlington Dads has grown into a 7,000+ member strong community dedicated to strengthening families and creating lasting change. Jamie’s commitment to peace and well-being extends beyond this group — he serves on the Board of Directors for Carpenter Hospice and is a founding member of Capillary Wave Community, a grassroots movement advancing mental health for men and women. Through leadership, advocacy, and storytelling as a podcast co-host, Jamie continues to uplift others and build a more connected and compassionate community.

Youth Category (ages 25 and under)

Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Pauline Johnson Collegiate Vocational School Brantford, Ontario

YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford honours Indigenous Student Association at Pauline Johnson CVS, Brantford Ontario as 2025 YMCA Peace Medal Recipient. Photo credit Jon Evans.

The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Pauline Johnson Collegiate Vocational School is a student-led group rooted in Truth and Reconciliation. Open to all students, ISA uplifts Indigenous voices and fosters cultural sharing, advocacy, and community connection. One of their most impactful initiatives is the Every Child Matters football game, which brings together students, elders, performers, and community organizations to honour Residential School survivors and celebrate Indigenous culture. ISA members also lead workshops, fundraisers, and peer-support activities, including welcoming Grade 7 and 8 students from Six Nations. Their work is entirely volunteer-driven and deeply collaborative, involving student councils, local services, and Indigenous performers. Through inclusive programming and community partnerships, ISA builds sustainable change, strengthens relationships, and creates a welcoming space for all students to learn, lead, and grow together in the spirit of reconciliation.

International Category

Patricia Gagic, Hamilton, On

Patricia Gagic (Centre), 2025 YMCA Peace Medal Recipient in the International Category, is shown with Paul Gibel Chair of the YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford (left) and Manny Figueiredo President & CEO (right). Photo credit Jon Evans.

Patricia Gagic is a Hamilton-based peace-builder whose international efforts span Haiti, Cambodia, and Nepal. As Chief Visionary Officer of Help Heal Humanity, she has expanded education access in Haiti’s Canaan region, helping break cycles of poverty through free schooling and sustainable development. In Cambodia, her 19-year partnership supports post-conflict recovery, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment through projects like chicken farming and the Innovation House. In Nepal, Patricia supports Indigenous Sherpa communities through her role with The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation, advancing education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship supporting communities whose traditional practices are essential for Himalayan environmental conservation. Her work is rooted in cultural sensitivity and long-term collaboration, addressing root causes of conflict: poverty, lack of education, and economic instability – while strengthening local traditions and community structures.

The YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford also extends is congratulations to all nominees:

• Gustavo Rymberg
• Mamas4Palestine
• Abbie Postma
• Drew Beaupre
• The Knights Fighting Cancer at St. Thomas More Secondary School
• Tyler Thompson

About YMCA Peace Week

The YMCA views peace as more than just the absence of war; it encompasses recognizing basic human rights and fulfilling basic human needs. Since 1984, Canadian YMCAs have observed YMCA Peace Week in November, engaging people of all ages in exploring peace locally and globally. This week-long event unites YMCA Associations, international partners, and numerous schools and community organizations in our shared mission to foster a more just and peaceful world.

As part of YMCA Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community. The YMCA Peace Medal was developed in 1987 by a small group of volunteers and staff at the YMCA of Fredericton. The first Peace Medal was awarded that year in Fredericton to Jim and Kay Bedell. To date, more than 1,950 individuals and groups across Canada have been recognized for their peacebuilding work with YMCA Peace Medals.