 By Gazette Staff
August 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
With lazy, hazy August days soon giving way to school bells and homework, Michael Savage says parents should slowly start re-introducing September routines now to give children the strongest start to the year.
 The Brock University Professor of Educational Studies says that’s especially true for families that opted to have a more unstructured summer rather than taking part in a slew of camps and other activities.
“Introducing more structure and school-type activities over these next few weeks is important because otherwise it’s like jumping into a cold pool when you’re hot — it will be a shock to the system,” he says.
Savage, who has a background in education and clinical psychology and was also an elementary and secondary school teacher, says kicking back in the summer has proven benefits.
“There is absolutely good rationale for giving them a break; children and adolescents need to destress because toxic stress does build up and can lead to educational and mental health issues,” he says.
That’s part of what drove this year’s “feral/wild summer” social media trend, he says, which encouraged families to provide more time for independent play and exploration during the summer break instead of racing from one planned activity to the next.
 “Research has shown that unstructured play for children is beneficial for problem solving, social skills and co-operative skills,” “Research has shown that unstructured play for children is beneficial for problem solving, social skills and co-operative skills,” Savage says. “Really, unstructured time and play is beneficial for people of all ages because you cannot have your entire life dictated by somebody else. If you do, you won’t be able to think as independently, be as creative or be able to take risks, and you will have more anxiety and depressive symptoms as a result.”
It’s important, however, not to take an all-or-nothing approach, he says.
“The key, as with almost everything, is that you want to have a balance between structured versus unstructured play,” Savage says. “It’s not one-size-fits-all approach, either. You have to look at your circumstances and child and find an individualized plan that works for your family.”
He says access to safe spaces for free play, arranging appropriate supervision, limiting screen time and navigating financial barriers are important considerations when incorporating more free play.
“If you have a child on the autism spectrum or with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you will also want to have some level of structure in place all the time, because unstructured environments for people with those particular challenges can be exacerbating,” he adds.
Savage encourages families to spend the remaining summer days balancing between safely engaging in unstructured play and building routines that will help kids be successful in the classroom.
He suggests gradually trying to roll back bedtimes to get children ready for earlier wake-up routines, playing educational games and reading independently and as a family, and spending time socializing with school friends.
Educators should also take an easing-in approach when returning to the classroom, he says.
 They’ll want to be doing some review and reinforcement — particularly in math. “It’s very important for educators to recognize that students will not be at the optimal level when they first enter the classroom in September,” Savage says. “They’ll want to be doing some review and reinforcement — particularly in math, because research shows there is often a lot of loss there due to the ‘summer slide’ phenomenon — and not expect students to take on new material right away.”
He also suggests striking a balance between drilling down on the fundamentals and engaging with one another to build a sense of community in the classroom.
“Let students get used to working with each other, being in the school environment and getting into the routines again — as well as having a say in what those routines are,” Savage says. “From a psychological point of view, allowing students to have a say in what that structure looks like is beneficial. If they do, there will be more buy-in and they will then help you enforce those rules overall.”
 By Tom ParkinAugust 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Young worker unemployment is up. But it’s not them, it’s the economy (stupid).
As the national unemployment rate has climbed, many news reports have focused on a specific group of victims: young workers.
Unemployment is most sharply up in Ontario, with now 700,000 joblessness. Ontario’s unemployment rate has increased from 0.1 percentage point below the national rate in April 2023 to a full point above in July 2025.
Within Ontario, unemployment is highest in the manufacturing cities of Windsor and Oshawa, at 10.2 and 9.7 per cent. Unaffordable Toronto, the recent ground-zero of a housing inflation and market explosion, is third at 9.0 per cent.
But there’s an alternate view on unemployment, one that shifts the focus from Ontario’s economic problem in manufacturing and affordability to the victims. That narrative shift has real dangers. Or opportunity.
A focus on economic problems can lead to economic analysis, public pressure and hopefully economic solutions.
A focus on who is unemployed can easily divert people into moralizing, helping a politician dodge responsibility for lousy economic management. And it doesn’t take much work to divert people onto age-old moralizing about what’s wrong with young people today.
Aiding dodgy politicians are systemic reasons news media prefers the youth employment narrative rather than focusing on economic problems.
It’s a simpler story. Explaining that soaring housing costs crushed affordability, in turn crushing consumer spending, in turn crushing jobs means maintaining public attention on the bouncing ball. That’s hard. Victim stories are simple. The interviews and pictures are more compelling.
And youth unemployment is a story for a national audience. For almost any news reporter, there is a bias toward crafting a story interesting to a bigger audience. The economic problems of Ontario manufacturing and Toronto unaffordability that are driving national unemployment (including among young workers) are not national stories.
There are some great reporters who take their local or topic beats seriously. But business and economics reporters are full up with Trump tariff stories. Those reporting on Ontario politics are overwhelmed by Ford’s “flood the zone” approach.
At press conferences, Ford yarbles from flights of fantasy to threats of action not in his jurisdiction. Some of those words deserve a mention at the end of a news story. But in a celebrity-focused media space, this inanity gets top space. In the gossipy style of the Toronto Star, inanity doesn’t just lead, it headlines.
Do we need to remind business reporters that Canada can’t fight Trump with 700,000 Ontario workers’ hands tied behind their backs? Or tell certain Queen’s Park reporters to leave gossip, celebrity and inanity to the National Inquirer, 700,000 Ontarians don’t have a job?
Those reminders bring us back to young workers.
It’s always those least integrated into the labour market who suffer most from unemployment.
As hiring slows, finding a job is tougher — and toughest for those with short resumes. And because they are just starting out, more young people are job hunting. So when unemployment rises, young people are the canaries in the coal mine.
Ontario’s 700,000 unemployed workers are a massive waste of economic potential and a massive social cost. Ontario cannot beat back Trump’s attacks when 700,000 workers are sidelined from the fight.
Politicians can try to divert attention onto victims and away from causes, using systemic media biases to help them. But actually helping unemployed young workers requires a reminder that full employment and households with paycheques is how we best protect a strong and independent Canada.
 By Gazette Staff
August 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Rory Nisan Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan makes mention of the forthcoming City Budget and explains that “Budgets are more than dollars and cents. They fund the services you depend on like safe streets, reliable transit, resilient infrastructure, welcoming parks, flood protection and swift emergency response.
“Work to build the 2026 budget is underway, beginning with the 2026 Financial Forecast report (FIN-24-25). The forecast report is one of the first steps in the annual budget process and provides a preliminary look at the economic pressures and service needs that will shape the 2026 city budget. Burlington City Council approved the 2026 Financial Forecast report on July 15, 2025, with a focus on limiting tax impacts for residents.
The Burlington Finance people continue to fudge the numbers.
In the column: 2026 Budget Change the number that matters to you is the 5.80%. The 4.49% at the bottom of that column is pure mathematical rubbish.
The less than 3% mentioned in the cut line is a hope – that probably doesn’t have even a prayer going for it.
Watch for those occasions when the Finance people tell you what the impact of the budget is likely to be. Impact is not a unit of measure. Each person is “impacted” differently depending on their circumstances.
There is a lot of mumbo jumbo to the way Burlington Finance people tell you what you are going to be taxed.
You deserve better in the way of financial stewardship from the city.
 By Gazette Staff
August 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Changes have been made on some departure times. Check the schedule for lines you travel on. Metrolinx has made some changes to its schedule
With the start of school around the corner, they are sharing service updates that include new GO Transit options, returning school service, and schedule changes on some routes.
Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, they are adjusting train service to better reflect actual travel times. Some trains on the Lakeshore West line will depart a few minutes earlier or later. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules before travelling.
As the summer winds down, seasonal GO Bus service to Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto Zoo and route 17B (University of Waterloo/Burlington GO) will wrap up for the year.
The last day for these services will be Sunday, August 24th.
GO is also taking students back to school. As in previous years, GO Bus service to post-secondary schools will be reinstated starting on Saturday, August 30th, with new additional express trips:
Route 15A –McMaster / Burlington
 By Max Brown
August 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Let’s be honest: Canada’s weather is acting like a confused mood ring, so there’s no better time to stay indoors and spin some reels. And thank goodness for us slot fans, 2025 has brought us a new crop of online slot games that are hotter than a Tim Hortons coffee on a frigid morning in Toronto.
The new games that came out earlier this year are full of originality, great graphics, and features that are even better than a maple-glazed doughnut. These five new slots have something for everyone, whether you’re hunting legendary gods or partying with chickens. They’re also great for both experienced players and those who are just starting out.
So get your fave snack, crack your knuckles, and get ready for five games that could become your new favourites. Spoiler alert: one of these online casinos selected from BonusFinder CA has a chicken that dances. Let’s go.
 Blade Runner and Vegas Strip Neon Nights from NetEnt
Neon Nights is what you’d get if Blade Runner and Vegas Strip had a baby. This slot has a cyberpunk skyline and a synthwave soundtrack that sounds like something out of a retro dream. It also has luminous symbols and techy animations that make it feel like you’re in the future.
This game means business, even though it looks slick on the outside. It feels more like a digital racecourse than a slot machine because the games go by quickly, you win a lot, and there is a cool bonus game mode. Get ready, plug in, and go crazy.
 You can get surprise when you scatter, and a purring tiger that might lead you to a jungle jackpot. Red Tiger Gaming’s ‘Tiger’s Treasure’
There have been jungle-themed slots before, but Tiger’s Treasure makes the wild feel new and royal. This game has a beautiful white tiger directing the reels. It mixes calm elegance with the possibility for a lot of noise.
What’s the main draw? You can get surprise respins, extras that happen when you scatter, and a purring tiger that might lead you to a jungle jackpot. It plays like a dream, is smooth, and looks great.
Yggdrasil: Legends Awaken
 Legends Awaken takes you to a world of old gods, swirling storms, and big wins. This would be the slot machine that Zeus would have in Olympus. Legends Awaken takes you to a world of old gods, swirling storms, and big wins. Think of a high-stakes drama with thunder and lightning on the side. There are lots of wins, mystery symbols, and a bonus round so big that even Hercules would break a sweat.
With Yggdrasil’s trademark polish—beautiful graphics, absorbing music, and seamless gameplay—this is a mythological wonder that you should worship (or at least bet on).
Barnyard Bonanza by BGaming
 Free spins round when a chicken lays a golden egg This isn’t the land your grandma grew up in. Barnyard Bonanza takes the typical farm motif and turns it into a cartoon mess. The pigs are rude, the chickens are excited, and the cow is a whole other story—she has multiple wilds hidden in her moo-ves.
It has a lot of colours, is fun to play, and is really addictive. Also, it’s always fun to start a free spins round since a chicken laid a golden egg. You can trust us: you’ll be talking about this one.
 Fiesta is all about fun, fast-paced action. Hey, jackpots! This Latin-inspired slot is like a mariachi band coming to your house with a tray of tequila shots. Pragmatic Fortune Fiesta is all about fun, fast-paced action. The colours are vibrant, the soundtrack is festive, and the reels almost dance.
It has a parade of free spins, bonuses that may be retriggered, and multipliers that make the fun even more fun. It’s loud, it’s fun, and if you’re lucky, it’s muy lucrativo.
Quick Spin Reference Table
| Slot Name |
Provider |
Theme / Vibe |
Key Feature Highlight |
| Legends Awaken |
Yggdrasil |
Mythical, dramatic |
Bonus rounds, cascading wins |
| Barnyard Bonanza |
BGaming |
Playful farmyard fun |
Animal multipliers |
| Pragmatic Fortune Fiesta |
Pragmatic Play |
Festive, Latin-inspired |
Free spins, vibrant visuals |
| Neon Nights |
NetEnt |
Futuristic, neon cityscape |
Rapid gameplay, flashy UI |
| Tiger’s Treasure |
Red Tiger Gaming |
Jungle elegance, stealthy thrills |
Respins, scatters |
These five new slots are making the Canadian market more exciting, and 2025 is going to be a great year for anybody who enjoys reels. There’s something here to make your equilibrium bounce, whether you want divine drama, cyber-cool looks, or just some pandemonium from the farm.
Each title has its own gameplay and beautiful design. This shows that the modern slot scene is more than just flashing lights and spinning wheels; it’s also about engaging experiences and imaginative themes that make every spin matter.
Now go ahead and pick one and try it out. Just remember: if the cow starts talking to you during Barnyard Bonanza, it might be time to take a break.
 By Gary Smith,
August 20th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The following was first published in the Hamilton Spectator
The local playwright wrote “Never the 51st State” as a warning. It’s a shoutout to any state or country facing a big bully living just next door.
 Peter Anderson in “Never the 51st State.” Photo credit: Gwen Gilhooly “It’s a warning about the dangers of getting too close to a neighbour who has expansionist designs,” Rivers says. “There is a phrase that best summarizes things. ‘Good fences make better neighbours.’”
 Rivers, who wrote and directed the play – also played a bit part. Originally Rivers’ title was “Bridges to Nationhood,” since bridges feature prominently in the text of his drama. It’s been changed however to emphasize the fact the play is more of a cautionary tale than Rivers ever suspected.
“I started writing this play about a year ago, before the current hostility between Canada and the U.S.A., but the story has become more relevant in today’s context.”
Rivers’ play is about a smaller nation defending itself from the aggression of a larger neighbour. Sound familiar? And as events in America’s economic war on Canada started evolving, Rivers’ play grew even wider in scope.
“Whether we’re talking about Canada, or Ukraine, neighbours can be threatening,” Rivers says.
That’s the truth at the heart of Rivers’ play. And that’s the thing that makes it so frightening.
A new work produced by Hamilton’s Classical Theatre Company, “Never the 51st State” is a double-hinged story.
“The first act is about the War of 1812,” says actor Peter Anderson. “It’s about two soldiers who find themselves intoxicated under the River Canard Bridge in Windsor. They wake to find they have been abandoned by their battalion and are facing several hundred American soldiers coming to occupy the bridge. In their drunken, hungover state they don’t run, or raise a white flag, they pick up their guns and start firing.”
Anderson’s character, John Dean, is one of the two renegades.
“He evolves from being a gritty, snivelling, ruthless fighter, to someone compassionate and caring.”
 The two actors play low ranking low-ranking British soldiers who fought in the War of 1812. Peter Anderson on the right and Nicholas Ruddick on the left. “These two men, low ranking British soldiers, defended the initial invasion by the Americans in the War of 1812-1814,” Rivers adds. “It’s a story of a smaller nation defending itself from the aggression of a larger one. We have researched the circumstances in the story and we have adhered to the facts as we know them. But because it’s a story for an audience, some literary licence exists.”
Act 2 of Rivers’ play takes a sudden leap to today and the war between Russia and Ukraine. How these two stories dovetail with amazing significance is what gives “Never the 51st State” vital dramatic connection.
 “The overriding theme is the current American tariff aggression and the state of Canadian-American relations today,” Rivers says.
“The play deals with humanity, politics, history, social dynamics, love and romance, and the power of believing in yourself and your country,” Anderson adds.
Rivers is quick to say this is not his own personal story.
“It’s not about me. My grandparents were Ukrainian immigrants, and I have distant relatives there. I have visited and taught language and culture in the school system there. But recounting history is best done with personal feelings on the sidelines.”
Anderson is bullish on River’s play.
“People should come see the play to gain a better appreciation of Canada as an independent nation with a rich history of standing up for that independence in the face of American adversity. Today’s tension is based on America looking beyond its borders to see what they want, and what they can take without asking,” Anderson says.
“The current American government,” he continues, “feels that Canada’s rich resources, including minerals and water, are well within their grasp, so it may only be a matter of time before real conflict becomes inevitable. This play highlights the need to take that threat seriously and to stand up for our country and the nation we believe in.”
 Mariia Zaichenko, a Ukrainian citizen, is living in Canada. Her husband is serving in the Ukrainian armed forces. She took a break from preparing for the production to visit her husband last week. It is produced by Anderson and Donald Cudmore and features a strong cast of community theatre players, including Valerie Kay, Julian Nicholson, Emily Bolyea and Nicholas Ruddick. It’s directed by Rivers and will use video projections to create the world of the play. It also features Ukrainian actress Mariia Zaichenko who moved to Canada three years ago.
“My husband has been a volunteer since 2014. When the full-scale invasion began, he joined the territorial defence forces. In 2025 he was called to serve and is now part of the Azov unit. It’s a difficult time, but I’m proud of his courage and dedication,” she says.
Zaichenko talks about the role she plays in Rivers’ drama.
 Peter Anderson opposite Mariia Zaichenko “I play a soldier, a woman who after the full-scale invasion began, made the difficult decision to defend her country. She’s a symbol of strength, sacrifice and the painful choices many Ukrainians have faced, especially women. The play is important for Canadians to see because it brings the human side of the war to life. It’s one thing to read the news, but another to feel someone’s story through theatre. The play is deeply personal to me. It gives me a way to process emotions and connect with others. A play like this one helps me turn pain into purpose. It’s healing in a way. It’s not just a script. It’s part of my lived experience,” Zaichenko says.
How the play encompasses its War of 1812 setting and the horror of the current Russian aggression against Ukraine is something that gives Rivers’ work a timeless sense of universality.
Is Rivers’ play a history lesson? Yes, it certainly is. “But it is also a drama and a love story,” Rivers is quick to add.
“The play encompasses valour and passion, including romance,” Anderson says. “We want to bring Canadian history and culture to the hearts and minds of audience members, to make them feel emotionally connected to this wonderful country we live in. In times like these, with war and neighbouring threats all around us, we need a show that displays our cultural and military history in a powerful way.”
The production opens at the Staircase Theatre on Thursday – runs through to August 24th, and the returns on August 28th and runs to the 30th
Ticket sales are being handled by Eventbrite. Click here to place your order.
 The full cast – preparing for their final bow. Along with being a playwright, a director and an actor, Ray Rivers is a Contributing Editor for the Burlington Gazette
 By Gazette Staff
August 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The designs are often different – the message is always the same. Indigenous educator Kate Dickson returns to Burlington Public Library to discuss Orange Shirt Day and its direct connection to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Each year, September 30 holds historical significance acknowledging over 500 years of colonial oppression and discrimination of Indigenous people in Canada. This no-holds-barred presentation will have a positive conclusion that outlines what we can do to change the narrative and stresses Every Child Matters. Due to the subject matter, young people may attend at the discretion of parents but it is recommended that participants be 16 years and older.
Kate welcomes thoughts and questions in addition to the respect and energy attendees bring to the talk. Participants are invited to wear an orange shirt if they have one.
About the Author
 Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia. Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia – Lax Kw’alaams Band, Royal House of Niis’gumiik, Giluts’aaw Tribe, Gispudwada Clan (Orca), is a notable speaker on the culture, history, spirituality, and justice issues of Indigenous people, and a singer, drummer, storyteller, and writer. A retired secondary school vice principal and teacher, she was one of the first Indigenous educators to teach full semesters of pan-Indigenous history, bringing accurate, unflinching truths to her students. She stays engaged in the arts and is a singer with the Red Cedar Sisters.
Tuesday, September 30
7:00pm – 8:30pm
There are just 55 seats left. Events like this go quickly – Register now.
 By Pepper Parr
August 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATED: Correction made to the dates the event is running at the Staircase Theatre: opens this Thursday Thursday and runs through to the 24th, then again from the 28th to the 30th
 Big week for Ray Rivers and the cast of Never the 51st State, which opens at the Staircase theatre on Thursday and runs through to the 24th, then again from the 28th to the 30th
 Ray Rivers, on the left, wrote the play and is directing the cast – plays a part as well. For those who attend they will be part of a unique approach to live theatre.
Not going to tell you any more than that.
The costumes are superb.
The cast looked great at the rehearsals.
The approach to this piece of theatre is very interesting – it will be interesting to see when it is live.
 The female lead, who is not in the scene with these three combatants, is just back from a short visit to Ukraine, where her husband is serving in the army. Her role brings both an immediacy and a poignancy to this production.  Differences are worked out on the stage.  The full cast practicing their thanks to the audience.
By Gazette Staff
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Vital Signs, a report on the health of the community prepared by the Burlington Community Foundation will be released on September 16, followed by a panel discussion.
 Vital Signs is Canada’s most extensive community-driven data program, led by Community Foundations of Canada and implemented by Community Foundations locally.
The report data, collected in partnership with Leger, presents a timely snapshot of how Burlington residents are feeling about, and engaged with, their community. We will discuss areas where our community is strong and where there are opportunities to grow.
This report, which will be the first Vital Signs Report BCF has released since 2017, is meant to serve as an important community resource to help inform decision-making, enliven conversations and spark civic engagement.
There is no cost to confirm your ticket. Click on “Burlington’s Vital Signs 2025 Launch” to reserve your spot. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; free parking is available on site.
 Foundation CEO Megan Tregunno Location: Art Gallery of Burlington (Shoreline/Rotary Room), 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1A9
Foundation CEO Megan Tregunno will host a panel discussion with community leaders and subject experts about vital issues facing Burlington.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to create collective action to strengthen our city.
Click HERE to get your free ticket.
Related news story:
Vital signs report 2017
By Gazette Staff
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Great Disconnect is a documentary that features Canadian voices, asking the questions:
“Can we be individualistic and communal?”
“Is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?”
The film explores themes around how isolation and conversely connection are critical health issues.
 Join Community Development Halton (CDH) as we celebrate 41 years of connecting community as we offer a screening of The Great Disconnect, followed by a panel featuring local research, solutions and shared stories from CDH members about how we bridge disconnection to belonging in Halton. The panel guests include:
· Elizabeth Wells from Our Kids Network
· Steven Barrow from CDH
· Hanadi Al-Masri from HMC Connections
· Michelle Sparling from Just be You
The event is free but registration is required. Click HERE to register
We hope to see you in September 9th. Doors open at 5:30pm with refreshments. The program begins at 6:00pm.
 By Gazette Staff
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Premier Ford thinks City Hall staff should be at their desks every day. Premier Doug Ford received one of his biggest rounds of applause when he touted his government’s recent decision to mandate a full return to the office for Ontario’s public service starting in January next year.
Will newly minted CAO Curt Benson change the current policy that has a significant number of full-time staff working virtually?
 By Tom Parkin
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The right to bargain and strike is Charter-protected in Canada. But when Air Canada wanted Mark Carney to break the law for them, he did.
Almost 20 years ago the Supreme Court confirmed the Charter’s guarantee of freedom of association protects collective bargaining. And 10 years ago, the court agreed collective bargaining rights includes the right to strike.
It’s not absolute. That freedom isn’t protected if it would threaten the life, safety or health of another person. Police, fire fighters, paramedics, many hospital workers and others can’t strike. But flight attendants sure can. In theory.
 Prime Minister aboard an Air Canada flight in better days: As Prime Minister, he has access to a government-owned jet. Air Canada asked Carney to violate Charter and he did
Yet on the weekend, Liberals, who like to boast about their commitment to a rules-based order, committed some flagrant rules-breaking.
The current Air Canada dispute has its roots in the years when the company was struggling financially. Flight attendants, among others, took major pay concessions. In 2015 they signed an unprecedented 10 year collective agreement to give stability to the airline. Then the inflation surge of 2021-22 added to the concessions they’d already given.
 Michael Rousseau, Air Canada CEO, pockets a “grotesque $12 million last year.” But that 10 years deal is now up. Last year Air Canada earned $3.9 billion. With company executives paying themselves millions — including a grotesque $12 million last year for CEO Michael Rousseau — employees are looking to use collective bargaining to win back the concessions they took.
 Patty Hajdu “unaware of the practice” Flight attendants also hope to end the practice of receiving no pay for ground hours worked. Unbelievably, Minister Patty Hajdu late today on Twitter implied she was unaware of the practice, which she called “allegations.”
Determined to repay their helpful employees with disdain equal to that they regularly inflict on paying passengers, Air Canada executives asked Prime Minister Mark Carney to issue orders taking away flight attendants’ collective bargaining rights. And Carney did.
Carney used an obscure section of the Canada Labour Code the government says gives them the authority to take away the rights to bargain and to strike. It doesn’t.
Canada Labour Code section 107 says the Minister can direct the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to “do such things as the Minister deems necessary.” But the section isn’t exempt from the Charter. It doesn’t invoke the notwithstanding clause. Section 107 itself may not be illegal, but the way it has been used by Carney certainly is.
NDP rediscovers purpose as Poilievre goes silent
Politically, Carney’s attack on worker rights has restored a sense of purpose among NDP MPs dispirited by their epic routing in this spring’s election. NDP leader Don Davies, formerly a staff lawyer for the Teamsters Union, has spoken at picket lines strongly denouncing Carney’s attack on workers’ Charter rights.
In contrast, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has remained silent, offering no public comment, perhaps because his party pioneered use of section 107.
 Lisa Raittwhen she was Minister of Transportation . She knew what she could do with Section 107 of the Labour code. Section 107 was added to the Canada Labour Code in 1984. But it was never used until 2011 when Lisa Raitt, Stephen Harper’s Transport Minister, first used it against flight attendants.
After that, the section went unused for over 10 years. During that time Liberals, with Conservative help, reverted to using special-purpose legislation to take away the right to bargain and right to strike:
- November 2018 — Liberals and Conservatives voted in support of bill C-89, taking away the bargaining and strike rights of postal workers after three days of rotating strikes. NDP and BQ MPs voted against. CUPW took the law to court but four years later, in June 2024, the Ontario Superior Court dismissed CUPW’s case, arguing the case was moot because there was nothing left to remedy. CUPW is appealing the decision.
- April 2021 — Liberals again team up with Conservatives to pass bill C-29, taking away negotiating and strike rights from workers at the Port of Montreal. The NDP and BQ opposed the bill. CUPE is fighting the legislation in court.
Liberals’ Charter violations leaves labour stuck in court
Then suddenly in mid-2024, the Liberals rediscovered section 107 and have since used it rapid-fire, at least six times:
- June 2024 — Liberals take away the bargaining and strike rights of mechanics employed by WestJet
- July 2024 — Liberals take away the bargaining and strike rights of longshore workers at the Port of Vancouver
- August 2024 — Liberals take away bargaining and strike rights of railway workers at the request of railway companies CN Rail and Canadian Pacific Kansas City; Teamsters launch a court challenge
- December 2024 — Liberals take away bargaining and strike rights of postal workers; CUPW launch a court challenge
- May 2025 — Liberals take away the bargaining and strike rights of workers at the Port of Quebec. The order came after an 89 day lock-out during which the employer used replacement workers.
- August 2025 — the current orders against flight attendants.
It’s standard advice for union members to “obey now, grieve later.” And pursuing legal appeals of section 107 orders has been the path the labour movement has followed, up to now.
 Airline strikers defy federal back-to-work order. Their Union leader said he was prepared to go to jail over the issue. He just might. But when court cases drag on for years, later never comes. Meanwhile the hits keep coming. So flight attendants aren’t waiting for later, instead refusing to obey illegal orders now. This is historic stuff.
How this strike plays out will have historic importance to the labour movement and in deciding what kind of Canada we will become.
Hopefully it becomes a searing lesson to Mark Carney.
By Pepper Parr
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Interesting story coming out of the Ontario Liberal Leadership choices.
The provincial Liberal Party will be hold a membership meeting in September at which many hope there will be a ballot question on whether or not to hold a leadership convention or keep Bonnie Crombie who is the current Liberal leader without a seat in the provincial legislature.
Politics is all about choices, so who would voters actually pick if they had to choose between Crombie and another candidate?
Among the general population, Karina Gould is the only candidate who has an advantage over Crombie. She is selected by 54% of voters, to Crombie’s 46%. Crombie is tied with both Andrew Boozary and John Fraser, and she’s preferred over Nate Erskine-Smith, Marco Menicino, Mohamad Fakih, and Navdeep Bains.
This needs a much deeper look – but the data below will surprise a lot of people in Burlington.
 Provincial Liberals are excited about Gould – did anyone see that coming?
 Gould bests Crombie in favourability as the Ontario Liberal Party leader.  Mike Wallace congratulates Karina Gould on her 2015 election win. Gould defeated Mike Wallace for the Burlington federal seat and has been the MP ever since.
During the recent federal leadership race, she ran against Mark Carney and was soundly trounced.
 Eleanor McMahon and Karina Gould at a Remembrance Day event in Burlington. She was not made a member of the Carney Cabinet once he was elected Prime Minister.
Gould currently serves as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
Nothing has come out in the way of comment from Gazette readers, and there has been no word whatsoever from Gould.
Eleanor McMahon, a close confidante of Gould was at one point the MPP for Burlington.
The data for this article came from Queen’s Park Briefing. Queen’s Park Briefing is a membership-based information source, covering all political and legislative movements at the provincial level.
 By Lou Tasmin
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There’s no doubt about it. The previous college football season was a true classic that ended in a spectacular playoff series.
Twelve teams entered the national championship game for the first time instead of the previous four, with Tennessee, Clemson, Indiana, and SMU failing to progress from the first round to the quarterfinals.
 Ohio State prevailed over Notre Dame, winning by 34 points The final itself was a closely fought encounter. Ohio State prevailed over Notre Dame, winning by 34 points to 23.
While discussing any underdog teams that may make it to this December’s playoffs may seem a little premature, speculation is already rife. But speculation needs to be based on facts and logic, so what are the indicators of possible underdog success?
The anatomy of an underdog
Counterintuitively, one of the key signs is whether a team had a particularly bad previous season, and one that went against previous form. Often, there have been a number of factors behind this, but they may well be ready to bounce back this season. Another supporting point will always be whether the team is from one of the power conferences.
It’s also helpful to see how the team has fared in college football betting lines in the past. If they have been consistently backed to win but have failed to deliver, it suggests that there’s real quality that didn’t translate into a good result for whatever reason. But you can’t keep a good team down for long.
This is particularly true when teams have found themselves on the wrong side of very close results. Often, teams can be written off for observers who look at the scoreline alone. A sudden injury to a key player in a game may have been the catalyst for the loss, but it was not foul play.
Another thing to look at is when the incumbent coach arrived. Time and time again, it’s been found that when one is in their third or fourth season in charge, it hits something of a sweet spot. They’ve managed to mould the squad to their preference, and their way of doing things has been well-established. Further seasons may see cynicism and familiarity creep in, but the coach could be on a roll for the moment.
So, who could we realistically be looking at when compiling our list of underdogs for the playoffs this year?
Five to watch
While we wouldn’t put our shirts on it, five teams could surprise us all.
Nebraska
 Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule The first of our teams could benefit from the third season of the coach rule. Matt Rhule should now have the team as he wants it. He’s also enjoyed success in the same circumstances with Temple and Baylor. They’ll also be helped by the fact that they’re only scheduled to play two teams from the Big Ten this season: Michigan and Penn State.
 Brent Venables’ team could enjoy real success this season. Oklahoma
Despite a season schedule some have described as brutal, there’s genuine optimism that Brent Venables’ team could enjoy real success this season. With a new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, on board, as well as the arrival of quarterback John Mateer from Washington State, the tide could well be about to turn.
Utah
 Devon Dampier: They loved him in New Mexixo. Last season was undoubtedly miserable for Utah. They were plagued by injuries and results that just didn’t go their way. But they also have a new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck, who’s moved in from New Mexico, bringing quarterback Devon Dampier with him. If things gel as they are predicted to and the offensive line becomes as strong as it can, then the sky could well be the limit.
Iowa
 Mark Gronowski, helped South Dakota State win two FCS national titles. Iowa’s offensive capabilities have long been a source of mild ridicule in college football. But maybe now the laughing will have to stop. The newly transferred quarterback, Mark Gronowski, helped South Dakota State win two FCS national titles. During his time with the team, he also made over 10,000 passing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns. If the team’s defense can back him up, then Iowa might just make it to the playoffs.
 In defense, Keldric Faulk is equally strong. Auburn
Finally, here’s one of those teams that has shown a certain inability to win close games. However, this season’s line-up of players may just give them the competitive edge that’s previously been lacking. For the offense, they will now boast Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. There’s also the freshman Deuce Knight, who shows huge potential. In defense, Keldric Faulk is equally strong. We’ll see how strong they are in the season opener against Baylor.
So there you have them—five that could surprise you, but we’ll have to wait until December to find out for sure.
 By Pepper Parr
August 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What is now the Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Corporation (Tourism was recently added to the mandate) is looking for new members to serve on its Board of Directors.
 They are currently recruiting new members for our Board of Directors and Board Committees. Seeking candidates who bring expertise in areas such as:
- Large employer and corporate leadership
- Governance, strategy, and risk management
- Land development
- Finance and investment
- Business growth and sector strategy (manufacturing, technology, professional services, life sciences)
- Destination development, tourism, retail, and hospitality
- Innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment attraction
Application deadline: August 22nd
If there is a criticism to this story, it would be the rather short timeline to submit an application
 Heidi McGraw: This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping Burlington’s economic vision at a transformative time for our city.
Our Board of Directors is a governance-focused body seeking to strengthen its membership with community leaders who bring expertise in advanced manufacturing, commercial real estate and land development, main street business/small business ownership in Burlington, or professional finance and accounting experience. The Board meets 6–8 times per year, and members are also expected to actively contribute to one of its standing committees (HR & Governance, Finance and Risk) or working committees: (Destination Development and Marketing, Business Growth and Renewal, Innovation and Entrepreneurship).
Board Members and Committee Advisors with experience in one or more of the following areas for a 3-year term, renewable up to a total of 9 years of membership:
- Finance/Accounting
- Main Street Business
- Commercial Real Estate and Land Development
- Key Sector Leadership from Burlington’s Major Employers, including Advanced Manufacturing (Manufacturing/Process/Technologies), Food & Beverage Processing, Clean Tech, Biomedical & Life Sciences, ICT, Destination Development & Marketing Committee:
 Lou Frapporti: Lawyer, senior adviser to Alinea Land Group Why Join?
- Contribute to the development of Burlington’s economic and tourism strategies
- Collaborate with municipal leaders and private sector peers
- Provide strategic oversight and thought leadership
- Make an impact through committee participation and generative board discussions
- Be part of a forward-thinking, high-impact governance model
An organization is only as good as the people who serve on its Board and Committees.
This group currently has some exceptionally talented people. You might want to think about serving.
Deadline to apply: Noon August 22nd,2025.
Submit your resume and a short statement of interest to: invest@burlington.ca
By Pepper Parr
August 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Premier Doug Ford made his obligatory speech to the Association of Mayors of Ontario earlier today in Ottawa.
It was hard to keep track of the millions and billions of dollars that were to be handed out.
Most of the speech was about how Canada had to stand up against the Americans and hang tough until it was all over.
 Premier Ford didn’t look like his usual glad-handing self. while addressing municipal Mayors and Councillors. The problem is – it isn’t going to be over. Ontario, along with the rest of Canada, is going to have to re-invent its economic future, which the country can do – but it is going to take time and a lot of being prepared for very significant changes.
What has been a tremendous trading relationship that has led to a significant rise in the prosperity of both Canada and the United States has come to an end
The Canadian automotive industry may never be the same in a couple of years.
 The incivility and harassment facing municipal politicians is a threat to ‘democracy itself,’ said Marianne Mead Ward, the chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors, as the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference got underway Sunday in Ottawa. (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press) Ontario’s economy is going to be different, probably quite a bit smaller.
Not a word about that from the Premier.
Not a word from the Premier on the failure of most municipalities to reach their housing start targets.
Not a word from the Premier on how many people in the province are looking for and cannot find work.
Not a word about the number of people leaving Ontario for Alberta and British Columbia.
Not a word either about Ontario being a place to grow.
By Pepper Parr
August 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As housing costs soar and new builds stall, a report released today by United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) outlines a costed, delivery-ready plan to tackle Ontario’s deepening housing crisis – and build the housing that people actually need.
 The report, Built for Good, identifies what it would take to transform Ontario’s housing system, with ten, five and two-year targets, and investment estimates grounded in reality. For example, a $16.7 billion investment over two years would jumpstart a province-wide affordable housing strategy, led by the co-op and non-profit housing providers whose mission is long-term affordability for low- and moderate- and middle-income households. n On par with other major infrastructure commitments, the investment would create stable homes for thousands while generating jobs and economic activity across the province and relieving pressure on public systems like healthcare and emergency shelters.
“Ontario’s protracted housing crisis continues to rob our communities of potential and prosperity, and we’ve identified a new roadmap for getting out of this,” said Heather McDonald, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. “Built for Good opens the door to opportunities for real progress by focusing on non-profit partners and the right investment, so we can build and protect the deeply affordable homes people need. This benefits all Ontarians, no matter where they find themselves on the housing continuum.”
“Ontario’s housing crisis demands bold, proven solutions,” said Tim Ross, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, Ontario Region. “The co-op housing sector is ready and able to deliver affordable homes that strengthen communities. With an existing pipeline of co-op projects across the province, we can build quickly, create good construction jobs, and ensure public dollars result in homes that stay affordable for generations. The Built for Good report lays out both the need and a clear path to deliver more homes that meaningfully address the housing crisis.”
The province’s goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031 includes all types of housing — but without targeted investment, the most affordable options will continue to fall behind.
 A housing development that was a mix of co-operative houses and market-priced homes as well as condominiums, was created between the railway tracks and the Gardner Expressway on the south and and walking distance from the St Lawrence market.
Housing crisis by the numbers:
- Nearly 400,000 households will need housing support by 2030 through new builds, rental supports and preserving community housing
- Over 55,000 affordable homes are at risk of being lost without investment
- More than 80,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in the past year
- Ontario lost 120,000 affordable rental units between 2006 and 2021
 Built for Good’s two-year plan would:
- Build 15,150 new deeply affordable homes
- Provide rental assistance to 170,000 low-income households
- Develop 8,250 moderately affordable homes
- Preserve and repair 65,000 existing affordable homes
The report urges all levels of government to treat affordable housing as critical infrastructure and commit to a province-wide plan to scale non-market housing. Many projects are ready to go, they just need funding to break ground.
There was a time in Ontario, across the country actually, when Cooperative housing was a working model that housed a lot of people. CMHC was involved in the financing. Over time the model fell out of favour – it might be returning, which would be good news.
This particular initiative is focused on Toronto; there is no reason why it cannot be used in Burlington. Cooperative Housing is a model in which the residents do not have any equity – what they do have is well below market rents and no one can evict them. The residents run the complex – they can be as small as half a dozen units or a twenty-storey high rise.
You don’t have to wait for city hall to do this for you – you approach CMHC, and they will take you through the process. If you want to know more – get in touch with me. In my book publishing days, I did two books on Co-op Housing. They work.
By Gazette Staff
August 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It won’t be long before parents are doing their return to school shopping and the students get into the routine of going to school each day.
It is that returning to school that has the NDP Opposition government very concerned as well.
Global News revealed that violence in schools rose by 77 per cent since the Ford Government was elected in 2018, with more than 4,400 incidents reported last year.
 Teachers have to cope with unruly students and at the same time, deliver the curriculum during the term. “The numbers tell a clear story: we are seeing a crisis of violence develop as our children’s needs go unmet at school. Unfortunately, this is only the tip of the iceberg as many incidents go unreported,” said NDP MPP Pasma.
“Our kids are bearing the brunt of Doug Ford’s cuts to education, from larger class size to fewer EAs and support staff, to the lack of mental health professionals, and less supports for special needs students. Our education workers and teachers shouldn’t have to put up with injuries as a routine part of the job.
“The Premier has been busy listening to his developer friends about moving highways and building fantasy tunnels, but it’s about time he listens to concerned parents who just want their kids to be safe at school. We have the solutions, the Government just needs to act – it must hire more qualified staff in classrooms so our kids have a safe place to learn.”
The Ontario NDP announced its Emergency Plan to End School Violence and is calling on the Ford Government to implement it. The plan includes:
- Funding to hire additional qualified staff, including mental health professionals, education assistants, child and youth workers, and other education workers.
- Funding for comprehensive training for all workers and supervisors.
- A sector-specific regulation for education under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- A permanent provincial health and safety working group to review and adapt current policies regarding workplace violence in the education sector.
- A single province-wide online reporting system for violent incidents and data collection to understand the full scope of the problem.
By Pepper Parr
August 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Anne Marsden: Plucky as ever Dave Marsden sent us a note this morning.
Anne is in a hallway bed in a Hamilton hospital because an urgent care visit declared she could not be at home with leg spasms that prevented walking and standing and caused tremendous pain.
Anne wanted people to know that “There has been a lot of negatives said about hallway beds and we agree it’s not the ideal but I am grateful for the care I am getting.”
An MRI and other testing was done in less than 24 hrs. after leaving for an urgent care clinic.
Plucky as ever Anne expects to be up and around soon.
By Gazette Staff
August 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This article first appeared in Storeys, the most-read real estate news site in Canada. The company is made up of experienced journalists, content creators, and data scientists.
Earlier this week, the Government of Canada quietly launched public engagement on Build Canada Homes (BCH), the new federal housing entity that Mark Carney and the Liberals pledged to create during the election campaign as a way to “get the government back in the business of building.”
From what was announced at the time, Build Canada Homes has drawn mixed reactions, with some saying it is long overdue for the feds to get back into homebuilding and others arguing that the federal government should support private developers rather than compete with them.
This week, the Government of Canada published a “Market Sounding Guide” for Build Canada Homes, which provides many more details about the government’s vision for the new entity. All details are currently subject to change and the Government of Canada is holding public engagement until August 29.
Build Canada Homes
“Build Canada Homes will be Canada’s new federal entity responsible for building affordable homes, providing financing to affordable home builders, and catalyzing a more productive homebuilding industry,” the guide begins. “It will bring together key partners from across the housing ecosystem to get homes built by addressing barriers, reducing risk and helping to navigate the process of building non-market housing.”
Build Canada Homes will have two major objectives, the first of which is to “Build affordable housing at scale.”
“We need to dramatically scale up affordable housing to create a mix of homes that respond to needs of a diverse range of households, including low-income, while building strong, resilient communities, following the clear example of those countries that have been successful,” says the Government of Canada in the guide.
The second objective is to “Build faster, better and smarter.”
“We need to build housing using advanced materials with manufacturing and construction methods that improve productivity and scalability to reduce the cost, time, and environmental impacts of building,” the guide states.
Structurally, Build Canada Homes is currently envisioned as “a single window for proponents at every phase of the development process, working in close partnership with developers, investors, manufacturers, other orders of government and Indigenous partners to get housing financed and built.”
How Build Canada Homes Will Work
Build Canada Homes will partner with builders and housing providers “focused on long-term affordability,” accelerate timelines to bring federal lands to market, reduce project costs and support the delivery of affordable housing, speed up the modernization of construction methods (such as standardized designs, Building Information Modelling, and offsite manufacturing), and “filling market gaps in financial product offerings.”
How BCH will operate can generally be split into two branches: financing and development.
Under the financing branch, BCH could provide a mix of flexible low-interest loans and contributions to get pre-construction projects off the ground. It could also provide long-term commitments towards multiple projects to affordable housing providers to help them grow their portfolios, or provide financing towards other financing programs such as the Canada Rental Protection Fund.
Other financing approaches could be more sector-focused, such as financing to support technology acquisition, incentivizing the use of modern methods of construction, and more unique financing options that may not currently exist.
A summary of the current vision for Build Canada Homes. / Government of Canada
On the development side, the guide notes that “A range of development approaches could be available to Build Canada Homes, from directly contracting builders to construct housing and leasing it to affordable housing providers, to acting as a facilitator by bringing together land, financing, project proponents, and other orders of government to move projects forward.”
The BCH could also inject equity investments in development partnerships and leverage market intelligence to drive efficiencies (such as bulk procuring for its own projects), on top of showcasing construction methods with its own projects.
Other financial tools BCH may utilize include loans at below-market interest rates and with more flexible terms, such as with greater risk shares or longer amortizations. It may also provide loan guarantees, contingent liabilities, contracts for differences, and offtake agreements that reduce investment risk and provide federal assurance.
The Build Canada Homes Approach
“Build Canada Homes’ investments may depend on the needs, risk profile, and potential to achieve Build Canada Homes’ policy objectives,” the guide says. The investment approach has four underpinning principles:
- Investment funding reflects housing outcomes;
- Sharing risk-taking to drive sector change;
- Sharing rewards in successful projects; and
- Leveraging sector expertise and convening partners.
BCH’s investment selection criteria will also have four major pillars: scale (the number of affordable units or number of projects), affordability/community sector growth (such as co-ops, non-profits, and Indigenous housing providers), innovation in homebuilding (such as prioritizing Canadian-made materials and modern construction methods), and efficient use of public dollars (such as ensuring that private investors do not disproportionately benefit from public investment).
Finally, the federal government emphasizes partnerships.
“Build Canada Homes will not be able to drive results alone,” the guide concludes. “The housing sector must be ready to respond to the opportunities Build Canada Homes presents. Strong partnerships with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous partners are necessary to coordinate action to deliver key outcomes in the investment strategy.”
During this public engagement period, the government says it is hoping to receive feedback from developers, community housing providers, governments, Indigenous governments, and financial institutions, as well as academics, research groups, and even institutional investors. The public engagement period ends on Friday, August 29.
Public Engagement | Market Sounding Guide
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