 By Julieta Belen Correa
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Since the beginning of the internet and the popularization of computers, the way we work, play, and socialize has been rapidly changing. The digital transformation isn’t just beginning – it’s already transformed our world enormously – and, at the same time, it’s still far from over.
Since the beginning of the internet and the popularization of computers, the way we work, play, and socialize has been rapidly changing. Both tools and entertainment have developed markedly in the past 20, 10, and even 5 years. As the digitalization of our country marches on, here are 4 trends to keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond.
Cross-Platform Tools and Entertainment
Today, most of us have at least a computer and a phone, if not also a tablet and a smart TV. This means that compatibility between different platforms and operating systems is increasingly important. We want to be able to pick up where we left off on whatever device we have in front of us, and that’s why seamless cross-platform compatibility is increasingly in demand.
For those of us with work-from-home days, the home laptop and office computer need to be flawlessly connected. This doesn’t just mean cloud storage – we’ll also want to see how different software, tools, and platforms integrate without hiccups.
 A digital poker table. The same thing is true for entertainment. For example, you can explore Canadian poker rooms on your PC, phone, or tablet. Whether you’re running Windows or macOS, Android or Apple, you can seamlessly play digital poker or join a live room. You can access your account and pick up where you left off from any of your smart devices.
Users also want to make sure they have access to the games or apps they’ve paid for on all devices. Integrations and fewer centralized platforms will both help make this possible.
Personalization Powered by AI
How much AI, and specifically generative AI, has already impacted our society is impossible to miss. But AI is much more than what LLMs have to offer. Arguably, one of the most powerful uses of AI could lie in personalization through machine learning.
Although not all of us are aware of it, we’ve already seen how powerful this technology can be through algorithms used by TikTok and Instagram. If the same advanced technology could be used to promote learning, for instance, education might change as much as entertainment has in the past few years.
By personalizing how technology responds to us through advanced algorithms, we can ensure everyone gets what they need, regardless of what that might look like. Each experience will be customized to fit each user, and the devices we own can be as unique as the personalities we have.
Augmented Reality in Daily Life
 VR shows amazing promise in entertainment The sectors where VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) can affect are virtually endless. Although VR shows amazing promise in entertainment, AR is likely to be more of a utility. The technology can be used to gamify boring or routine tasks and provide information in any way it’s needed. Whether that be automotive controls, tools for healthcare professionals, or allowing potential customers to test products virtually before buying them.
Education is another sector where VR and AR show promise. 3D models and interactive learning can help students truly understand concepts in a practical way.
Cleantech and Green Innovations
Canadians consistently report high levels of concern for the environment, so it’s expected that green technology will also be an important part of future developments.
Digitalization will without a doubt play an important role in increasing sustainability. Already, the digitalization of papers eliminating the need for physical papers is having a positive impact. There are lots of sectors where digital technology can be used to further drive important change and make technology clean – not the least through monitoring and localizing the most important areas with the highest impact on our planet.
Concluding Remarks About Canada’s Digitalization
Canada might not be known to lead the way when it comes to the technological revolution, but we’re taking important strides that are slowly changing lives – and hopefully for the better.
We should pay attention not just to the new technology being introduced, but more importantly how it’s applied, and how it affects both us and the planet we live on. To ensure the digital revolution is changing our lives in the way we want it to, it’s important to both understand what’s happening and take active action to steer the direction in which we’re headed.
 By Pepper Parr
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
British MPs are calling for an inquiry into labelling of black pupils as ‘educationally subnormal’.
 Black elementary students – someone in the UK decides to put a label on them? I had to read that twice.
Some bureaucrat came up with the label, someone further up the food chain said it was Ok and so it got used.
And we wonder why our Black friends are so angry. We wonder why Black young men turn to stealing cars, selling drugs and violently breaking into homes in the middle of the night.
What these young men are doing is not acceptable – we treat it as criminal and lock them up.
Is labelling someone as ‘educationally subnormal’ not criminal?
If this gets done at the elementary school level those Black children don’t have a chance.
And if they don’t have a chance we as a society don’t have a hope.
Black Lives do matter – just as much as every other colour.
If there are learning difficulties, and there are, then we deal with them.
By Katerina Orr
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s job market isn’t what it was a few years ago. Back then, things felt stable—predictable even. Not anymore. Industries are shifting, businesses are rethinking what they need, and the skills that once guaranteed employment aren’t enough on their own. Experience still matters, but being able to adapt matters more.
As Burlington’s job market shifts, new industries are creating fresh opportunities for professionals who are ready to adapt. One sector seeing substantial growth is the online gaming and entertainment industry, with Canada’s iGaming market expected to surpass $5.71 billion in revenue by 2029. According to CasinoBeats.com, online casinos are rapidly expanding, attracting players with diverse game selections and generous promotions like deposit match bonuses and free spins.
 Jobs as cashiers are disappearing. Self-checkout are taking over. This surge has led to an increasing demand for game developers, digital marketers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts, as companies compete to enhance user experience and platform security.
Fintech isn’t just expanding—it’s charging forward. Digital banking, blockchain breakthroughs, and AI-powered financial tools are shaking up the industry, leaving businesses in a race to find the right talent. The demand? Huge. Software engineers, compliance officers, and risk analysts are more sought after than ever, especially those who can navigate the ever-changing landscape of regulations and emerging tech.
At the same time, renewable energy is doing more than just growing—it’s reshaping the future. Companies are pouring investments into solar power, energy storage, and smart grid technology, all of which need skilled minds and hands to push them forward. Engineers, project managers, and sustainability consultants aren’t just filling roles; they’re driving the shift toward a world where clean energy isn’t a privilege—it’s the standard.
Burlington’s workforce is in a prime position to seize these opportunities. In today’s job market, experience alone won’t cut it. The real advantage? Staying sharp, adapting quickly, and being open to change. Those who embrace this mindset won’t just keep pace—they’ll set it, thriving in an economy where agility now outweighs routine expertise.
Retail, manufacturing, and healthcare have long been Burlington’s economic pillars. That hasn’t changed. What has is how these sectors function. Step into a store today, and the shift is obvious—self-checkouts dominate, online shopping is king, and cashier roles are disappearing fast.
But retail itself isn’t vanishing—it’s evolving. Businesses are still hiring, just differently. Instead of cashiers, they need e-commerce specialists, logistics coordinators, and customer experience strategists who understand the digital-first landscape. The physical storefront remains, but the real game? It’s unfolding behind the scenes, where technology and shifting consumer behaviour are redefining how companies engage with their customers.
 Robots are taking over many of the manufacturing jobs. Being able to handle a wrench doesn’t take a worker very far. Manufacturing used to be all about assembly lines—repetitive tasks, steady hands, predictable routines. Not anymore. Robots and AI-driven systems have stepped in, taking over the monotonous work. But that doesn’t mean jobs are disappearing. If anything, demand is shifting. Companies now need automation technicians, industrial engineers, and data specialists—the kind of professionals who don’t just operate machines but fine-tune, optimise, and push them to perform better.
Healthcare isn’t just expanding—it’s undergoing a complete transformation. With Burlington’s aging population, the demand for nurses, personal support workers, and mental health professionals is soaring. But this shift isn’t just about filling roles. The way care is delivered is changing, and hospitals and clinics are no longer the only hubs of healthcare. Telemedicine, wearable health tech, and AI-assisted diagnostics are redefining patient treatment, creating new opportunities for those who can blend medical expertise with digital innovation. The future? It belongs to professionals who can move effortlessly between hands-on care and cutting-edge technology.
Beyond these industries, Burlington is seeing a surge in professional services and technology. Cybersecurity, digital marketing, and AI-driven analytics are reshaping the job market. It’s not just tech firms hiring anymore—small businesses, construction companies, and healthcare providers all need experts who understand automation, cloud computing, and data security. The workforce is changing fast, and those who keep up will stay ahead.
 Knowing how to navigate complex projects, think critically, and solve unexpected problems is now very important. Even trades are evolving. Construction is booming, but it’s no longer just about hammering nails. Sustainable building practices and energy-efficient design are becoming the norm, meaning the people leading the industry will be those who understand green technology.
Skills matter more than ever, and the ones that make the biggest difference aren’t just technical. Knowing how to navigate complex projects, think critically, and solve unexpected problems is just as important. Employers want adaptability—people who don’t just keep up with changes but drive them. Certifications in high-growth fields like cloud computing, project management, and automation are opening doors faster than traditional degrees. Even more valuable? Connections. Burlington’s business community is tight-knit, and the right introductions can be just as powerful as the perfect résumé.
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mark Carney era will begin Friday when the former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England will be sworn in as Prime Minister at Rideau Hall.
 Mark Carney – Prime Minister designate It has been a hectic whirlwind of events. A short leadership race that gave Carney 86% of the votes. Then meeting upon meeting with the current Prime Minister, meetings with the security establishment and meeting with current Cabinet Ministers.
 24 Sussex isn’t habitable. So where does the Prime Minister live? No one has asked where Carney will live. He has a home in Ottawa. 24 Susex isn’t isn’t fir for habitation; Rideau Cottage has been home to Justin Trudeau as long as he has been Prime Minister.
Where he will bed down at the end of each day is the least of his problems – but personal security is an ongoing concern. The Mounties that keep a close watch on have to be very nearby.
Carney is expected to announce his Cabinet sometime Friday as well. He has indicated that it will be a smaller Cabinet.
Carney wants a speedy move into getting the government he will lead in place. Will the Cabinet he names go on to be the one that runs the country – assuming the federal election that will take place sometime before March 24th
 Burlington MP seen with Mark Carney during the quick trip to Hamilton. Does that suggest she is Cabinet bound? When he was in Hamilton talking to steel workers, Burlington MP Karina Gould was seen as part of the group with him – decked out in orange construction clothing with hard hats and safety goggles.
Gould is no longer a member of Cabinet; she resigned when she ran for the leadership
 By StaffMarch 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 This one is worth supporting.A night to celebrate HDSB student talent, music, dance, and more, LIVE on stage!
This fundraiser helps the Halton Learning Foundation remove financial barriers for HDSB students.
Secure your spot and support a great cause!
Some students aren’t able to take part in some of the events a class does. The days when lunch is pieces of pizza with each student paying whatever the cost is. Some families don’t have the kind of disposable income.
Sometimes, there are tours that have a fee – some just don’t have that extra money.
The Halton Learning Foundation fills that gap. With the funds they collect they are able to cover the costs for students who can’t.
Being part of social activities is an important part of an education
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I think we were just had.
 A photo op – is this the way the country is going to be led? It was billed as a breakfast meeting between Prime Minister designate Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford – where they were going to talk about the meeting Ford has with the US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Turns out it was just another photo op that took place at Wally’s Grill on Rexdale Boulevard in Etobicoke.
“Thanks for the breakfast meeting, Premier @fordnation — and for standing up for Ontario,” Carney enthused on social media.
Serious stuff isn’t discussed in this kind of location.
Disappointing – very disappointing.
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I don’t think we saw this one coming.
 The Swiss Army Knife of swipable card world. Presto cards were created to allow people to put funds on the card that would be used when they wanted to use public transit.
The cards were later used by seniors who don’t have to pay for some public transit. By giving Metrolinx the needed data that is loaded onto the Presto card – a senior just has to tap their card on the bus or Presto card reader at a GO station and off they go.
We later learned that Presto cards are going to be branded with the name of the municipality you live in. There seemed to be no end to what a Presto card could do for you.
In March, PRESTO cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts on amazing events, restaurants, and attractions to welcome the warmer weather this season!
Cardholders can take advantage of the following exclusive PRESTO discounts for a limited time only:
Toronto Comicon: On Friday, March 14 only, show your PRESTO card at the box office save 20% on your Friday Single Day Adult, Youth or Family Pass admission.
One of a Kind Spring Show: PRESTO cardholders get exclusive savings on Transit Wednesday – adult tickets are $15 when you show your PRESTO card in-person at the box office on March 26.
 Save $3 on entry fee National Home Show: PRESTO cardholders get $3 off admission when you use the code PRESTO at checkout! This special offer is available online only from March 7-16, 2025.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Immersive Quest: Save 20 per cent on admission with code PRESTO20 online or in person with your PRESTO card to this fantasy experience at Square One in Mississauga. Offer ends March 16, 2025
Niagara IceDogs: Use code PRESTO20 online or show your PRESTO card in person to save 20 per cent on Value or Bronze section tickets for IceDogs hockey games. Offer expires March 25, 2025.
ROM After Dark: Use code PRESTORAD at check out to save 15 per cent on admission to this 19+ themed after-hours event series. Offer ends March 31, 2025.
As the days get longer, enjoy these attractions for some family-friendly fun:
Aga Khan Museum: Show your PRESTO card to save 20 per cent off general admission and 10 per cent off gift shop purchases.
 Art Gallery of Hamilton. Get a free tote bag – $10 value
Art Gallery of Hamilton: PRESTO cardholders get “buy one get one free” on general admission, or 10 per cent off the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Friends of the Arts membership.
Art Gallery of Mississauga: PRESTO cardholders can get a free tote bag ($10 value) by presenting their card at the reception desk.
CN Tower: Until June 19, 2025, get 15 per cent off general admission timed tickets and save 15 per cent off purchases at the shop when you show your PRESTO card.
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls: Save up to 25 per cent off overnight stays from Monday to Wednesday with code PRESTO.
 Hockey Hall of Fame once a Bank of Montreal branch. 20% off regular admission.
Hockey Hall of Fame: Show your card to save 20 per cent off regular admission.
Apparently there is more: Metrolinx adds that “These are just a few of the fantastic savings available. PRESTO cardholders and members can see all available offers HERE. Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to save on some of the most unforgettable experiences this season!
Amazing what bureaucrats can do when they get creative.
 By Staff
March 12, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Most of the US will have a great chance to see the first lunar eclipse since 2022.
The filtering of sunlight during a total lunar eclipse can give the moon a red or orange tint.
The full moon in March will be extra special. This Friday, a total lunar eclipse is expected to turn the moon into a visible glowing red color, sometimes called a “Blood Moon.” Although the space show will take place late at night, it should be visible to most of the US and North America. Here’s when and how to watch this remarkable event in the sky.
While eclipses may feel like rarities, they come around throughout the year in different forms. There are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses and partial eclipses and total eclipses.
The March event is a total lunar eclipse thanks to the positions of the sun, Earth and moon in relation to each other. Earth will drape its shadow over the moon until the moon is blanketed by the darkest part of the shadow. This doesn’t blot out the moon, but it creates a change in its color.
Depending on where you are, the eclipse will kick off late on March 13 or early in the morning on March 14. Check in with Timeanddate.com and look up your location for the exact start time, the time when the eclipse is at maximum and when it ends.
If you like staying up late, then you’re in luck. Where I’m at in New Mexico on Mountain Time, the eclipse will kick off at close to 10 p.m. on March 13 and come to an end around 4 a.m. on March 14. It reaches maximum at close to 1 a.m., which is past my bedtime, but worth losing a little sleep over.
“This is a great eclipse to watch because the full moon will be passing through the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow (called the umbra), and it is well-timed for night-owl observers in the US,” says Emily Rice, associate professor of astrophysics at the Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York.
Rice points out the eclipse happens for most of the US on March 14, also known as Pi Day because the date can be written 3/14, the first three digits of Pi, 3.14. She calls it a “nicely nerdy coincidence.” This could be the perfect time in indulge in a MoonPie for an eclipse snack.
Earth’s western hemisphere is in line for good eclipse viewing, according to NASA. Most of North America and South America will be prime viewing locations. You have a shot at seeing it as long as weather conditions are clear.
“Lunar eclipses are easier to observe than solar eclipses, because the Earth’s shadow is much larger than the full moon, so anyone who can see the full moon will be able to see the eclipse,” says Rice. “This is different from a solar eclipse that is usually only visible along a very narrow path on the Earth.”
Cloudy weather in the forecast? Too cold to stand outside? No problem. You can tune into a total lunar eclipse livestream and watch the action from the comfort of your screen with Timeanddate.com’s coverage.
What is a blood moon?
Lunar eclipses have attracted a slew of sensational nicknames, so you might see terms like “super harvest wolf moon.” A total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon thanks to the red or orange tinge it takes on from sunlight filtering through our planet’s atmosphere. “It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon,” NASA said.
The color effect can be subtle, so don’t expect a moon that’s as red as a Corvette.
“They are usually a bit overdramatic,” Rice says of the moon nicknames, “so I worry people will have high expectations and be disappointed, but really anything that gets people paying attention to the night sky like this is wonderful.”
Tips for viewing the lunar eclipse
Five phases in a curve of a blood moon lunar eclipse with the full moon looking red at the end.
This composite image shows the phases of a 2015 lunar eclipse as seen over NASA’s Glenn Research Center. NASA/Rami Daud
Rice has two key pieces of advice for eclipse viewers: get comfy and be patient. The full duration of the eclipse in New Mexico, for example, is about 6 hours. March evenings can still be chilly for much of the US, so you may want to bundle up or grab a blanket. Even better if you have a comfy chair and a spot with a clear view of the night sky. Try to avoid light pollution if possible.
Eye safety is a key issue with solar eclipses, but lunar eclipses don’t require eye protection.
“You don’t need any special equipment, but it’s still a good opportunity to try out binoculars or a telescope if you have them,” says Rice. She recommends scoping out the moon prior to the eclipse start time to get a sense of its location and brightness.
If you only catch part of the eclipse, aim for totality, especially if you’re setting your alarm and only plan to witness part of the celestial show. Totality is when the moon is entirely covered by our planet’s shadow.
“At first the change will be very gradual as the partial phases begin, but once totality starts the moon will grow dark and look orange or red for about an hour during totality,” Rice says. “How striking it is will depend on local weather conditions.”
March’s blood moon may not be at the most convenient time for a lot of people, but consider taking a late night or setting an alarm to witness the eclipse peak. It’s a worthwhile moment of awe.
“We’ve become so disconnected from the natural world,” says Rice. “And a lunar eclipse is a great way to experience it first-hand.”
By Staff
March 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
60% of Americans say they have no interest in Canada joining, 32% say only if Canada wants to
U.S. President Donald Trump continues to escalate his trade war and annexation rhetoric this week, leaving economists, commentators, and even supporters wondering about his motivations.
 New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Trump’s repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state out of line with the views and opinions of his own country and voters. Asked about this idea, three-in-five Americans and 44 per cent of Trump voters say they have “no interest” in seeing Canada join the U.S. Further, one-in-three Americans and 42 per cent of Trump voters say they would only be interested if the idea was supported by Canadians.
It isn’t.
For the second time in 2025, Angus Reid Institute finds nine-in-10 Canadians saying they would vote ‘no’ to joining the United States if given the option.
Amid continued threats, more than half of Canadians now think Trump is serious about this (54%). In January, just one-in-three (32%) felt this way. South of the border there has also been in increase in the proportion who feel Trump is serious, but to a smaller extent, rising from 22 to 34 per cent.
One notable domestic dynamic at play is the higher number of current Conservative Party supporters who would vote ‘yes’ on this question, and the implications of the expected federal election. At present, one-in-five would-be CPC voters say they would vote yes, compared to almost zero Liberal (2%), NDP (3%), and Bloc Québécois (1%) voters. Angus Reid Institute asked those Conservative supporters if they would change their vote to join the U.S. in the event of a Liberal majority in the next federal election and found a 12-point increase in yes voters, up to 33 per cent.
 By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Managing the tariffs that President Donald Trump declares and then changes his mind on, only to change his mind again, is what concentrates the thinking Prime Minister designate Mark Carney and his team on a daily basis. What sits at the back of their minds is the rock hard date of March 24th – that is the date at which Parliament must meet.
 Prime Minister designate Mark Carney. While Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre would love to call a vote of confidence that would result in an election if the Liberal government lost the confidence of the House. The Liberals are not about to let that happen.
The New Democrats might once again come to the aid of the Liberals and vote with them to keep the government alive.
The rules of the game call for the Government to prepare a Speech for the Governor General to deliver. That Speech would set out what the Liberals intend to do.
Keep in mind that Justin Trudeau will still serve as Prime Minister.
There are all kinds of procedural steps the Liberals can and will take if that’s what is needed to stay in office until THEY can ask the Governor- General to call an election
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Governor-General Mary Simon. Tricky – it certainly is.
For the average person the issue is – what are groceries going to cost, and is there a chance that I will be laid off because my employer isn’t able to operate under the tariffs that are in place?
The balancing act for Mark Carney and his team is to do everything they can to manage what President Donald Trump does with his tariff dreams to show Canadians that they can do the job of protecting the economy and put an end to the silly 51st state game that Trump is playing.
 Donald Trump on March 9th, 2025 There are two major political forces at play here. A decade from now historians will write about how those two forces – the American attempt to muscle their way into what Canada has in the way of an economy and what the Canadian government is going to do to reshape its economy and ensure that the Dominion of Canada prevails, and the border that Trump sees as nothing more than a line that someone put in place years ago. The man has no idea what makes a country what it is – for Trump it is a deal that he thinks he can make – something similar to his Trump University – remember that one?
We are living through perilous times with a leader of the most powerful nation on the planet who controls a nuclear arsenal that could prove to be very dangerous should the wheels fall off the train that is moving very very rapidly.
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the observations and musings of the publisher of the Gazette, an on-line newspaper that is in its 12th year as a news source in Burlington and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Pepper Parr
March 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s an awkward situation.
The man standing up to the President of the United States is the Premier of Ontario: Doug Ford.
 The province is seeing a very different Doug Ford. Speaking for the country is usually the job of the Prime Minister. Our current Prime Minister is waiting for the Prime Minister designate, Mark Carney, to take over: that should happen any day now. Couldn’t be soon enough.
Premier Ford implement the surcharge on an estimated 1.5 million homes and businesses in the three states, – New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Ontario government filed an “urgent” regulation under the Electricity Act of 1998. It amends the market rules used by the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator, which manages day-to-day energy needs.
Didn’t take long for the White House too squeal like pig about to be butchered.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, called Doug Ford, asked for a meeting (that is expected to take place on Thursday); based on that Ford suspended the surcharge. Federal Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc is said to be taking part in the meeting.
Will the meeting include President Trump? Don’t bet on it – the Americans are beginning to realize that they are on the ropes – Trump doesn’t get into the ring unless he is certain he is going to win. He knows that he isn’t going to be able to bully Doug Ford.
And when he eventually meets with Mark Carney he will quickly realize that Carney is cut from very different cloth. It should be a very interesting meeting
 The breakfast meeting on Wednesday will be the first time we get a sense as to how Carney is going to work with a Premier who has been carrying the tariff fight to Washington. On Wednesday Ford is going to have breakfast with Prime Minister designate Mark Carney – hopefully they will see the next steps forward the same way and the country can put out a single solid voice that represents the federal government and all the provinces and territories.
Pray that they don’t get mired down in any of that who does what when stuff.
We will get through this Trump incident, but there will be more until the American Senators begin to do their job and stand up to the President.
The American midterm elections, that will take place in 2026, should result in a significant difference in the number of Republican Senators and members of the House. That assumes that the American Supreme Court will uphold the Constitution and limit what Trump can actually do.
Still very very perilous
At some point, Carney will meet with Trump; will he address Carney as Governor?
One never knows exactly which tariff is in place and how long it will amount to what Trump first said it would be.
Is this man unravelling as we watch?
While all this drama is taking place the federal government under the new Prime Minister can begin to get on with creating an economy that doesn’t rely on the Americans as much as it has in the last two decades.
The NAFTA agreement and the USMCA that followed were great examples of economic integration that certainly served Canada very well.
The NORAD agreement is another example of how two friendly nations can protect themselves.
 US Secretary of Commerce Lutnick watching President Trump sign yet another Executive order. Trump changed all that, and we now realize that relying on the Americans the way we have was not in our best interest – we need to broaden our economic base and sell our products to other countries. That will result in some disruption, but we will be a better country for it with an economy that has us taking our products and services to mixed markets rather than selling to just the Americans.
The damage Donald Trump has done will take a decade to repair.
The challenge to the free world is to contain a very desperate man until he is no longer in office.
By Staff
March 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canadians and Americans agree Russia started the war and Russia is prolonging it
After a seemingly calm conversation in the oval office exploded between American President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, many Canadians and Americans alike have taken a renewed interest in the conflict underlying it. And while U.S. officials are hopeful of “significant progress” during peace talks this week in Saudi Arabia, few have faith in Trump’s boast that he would bring the war to an end within his first 100 days in office.
 The Americans were supplying the Ukrainian forces with tanks and ammunition. New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds residents in both Canada and the U.S. dubious that the war will be brought to an end by April 29, Trump’s 100th day of his second term. More than half of Americans (54%) and seven-in-10 Canadians (70%) view this prospect as unlikely, even as the parties meet in Saudi Arabia this week.
Trump’s position on Russia has been criticized in recent weeks, after he appeared to blame Ukraine for starting the war. On this he is out of step with his own country, his own supporters, and Canadians. Seven-in-10 Americans say Russia began this conflict, while 82 per cent of Canadians agree. Just 16 per cent of Trump voters agree with him that Ukraine is to blame, while 63 per cent blame Russia.
With negotiations ongoing, but the productivity coming out of them uncertain, there is a sense among Canadians and Americans that Ukraine stands to lose if Trump is the one making a deal. Seven-in-10 Canadians believe that Ukraine will be hurt by a Trump-negotiated peace deal (71%), while a similar number say a such a deal would benefit the U.S. (71%) and Russia (77%). In the U.S., most say Russia (54%) will benefit, while fewer than half say the U.S. (42%) or Ukraine (30%) will see value.
 By Staff
March 1th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A small creature that few people have ever seen has had an impact far out of proportion to its size.
 Jefferson salamander There was a point in the history of the city when protecting the salamander was the reason for an application from a local quarry being refused.
Nelson Aggregates report that “Although no direct or indirect impacts will occur to Jefferson Salamander habitat, an off-site ecological enhancement plan on 4.0 hectares of land regulated as Jefferson Salamander habitat is proposed. These lands are located to the south of the South Extension, on lands owned by Nelson.
“The ecological enhancement plan is focused on improving Jefferson Salamander habitat; improving local landscape connectivity; improving buffering of existing features. The off-site ecological enhancement plan will result in an additional 4 ha of upland forest and vernal pools, which is the preferred habitat for Jefferson Salamanders.”
The communications people at city hall refer to the Jefferson salamander as a “local and beloved endangered species in Burlington.”
 Portions of King Road closed from March 12th to April 9th. On Wednesday, March 12, the City will close a section of King Road to allow for Jefferson salamanders’ breeding migration. King Road, from North Service Road to Mountain Brow Road, will be closed so the salamanders can cross the road safely in their search to find a mate.
Local traffic for all properties between North Service Road and the escarpment will be maintained. King Road will reopen for through traffic on Wednesday, April 9, when the salamanders are predicted to finish their annual crossing.
The City of Burlington has partnered with Conservation Halton since 2012 to protect the Jefferson salamanders by closing a section of road to allow the salamanders to safely cross. They are a nationally and provincially protected endangered species.
About the Jefferson salamander
The Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
This endangered species spends most of its life underground. When the weather starts to warm up and spring rain begins, the salamanders surface and migrate to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off. They lay their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing juveniles and leave the pond to head into nearby forests.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They are drawn to the pond where they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes crossing busy roads to get back to their birthplace.
Quick Facts
- The Jefferson salamander is protected at both the provincial and national levels. It was added to Ontario’s endangered species list in 2011.
- Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females tend to be larger than males. The males have swollen vents during the breeding season.
- Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.
Chandra Sharma, President and CEO, Conservation Halton explains: “Each spring, the Jefferson salamander’s journey reminds us of the importance of conservation and collaboration. Through our longstanding partnership with the City of Burlington, we continue to support the recovery of this remarkable species and maintain a healthy ecosystem in our watershed.”
Links and Resources
Learn more about the Jefferson salamander
By Staff
March 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The day of the gold watch given at retirement seems to have come to an end.
Prime Minister Just Trudeau wanted the chair he sat on in the House of Commons and got to take it home with him.
He used the opportunity to ham it up a bit as he carried the chair out of the House of Commons.
 By Ray Rivers
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
My opponent, Pierre Poilievre, is a lifelong politician who worships at the altar of the free market, despite never having earned a paycheque or made a payroll. His reflex is always to cut and destroy. (Mark Carney)
It was an impressive victory for Canada’s new PM designate on Sunday. All four candidates were clearly qualified for the job but Liberals voted overwhelmingly (86%) for Carney. After all, these are troubled times. Canadians are feeling threatened and insecure because of the economic and political assault from south of the border.
In a crisis, the public generally prefers electoral stability and the status quo. And that tends to work for incumbents. It’s why Doug Ford, who has a miserable record in managing the province but cast himself as captain Canada, won his election so convincingly. And he has not disappointed in his defence of the province and country.
 Churchill became British PM as WWII was underway and Roosevelt was elected for an unprecedented third term when it became clear that the US was about to enter the war. What Canada needs now is competence and experience, not a political attack dog, as it navigates the path we’ve been forced onto. Globalization is dead, and so is USMCA/NAFTA. Canada needs to rebuild our national economy and that will require public as well as private investment as we strive to once again make and buy Canadian.
 Brian Mulroney Blame Brian Mulroney for selling out our industries in the hope that some kind of free trade deal with the US would make us better off. But that deal was made some forty years ago and most Canadians believe it had been working – until now. But that experiment in the economic theory of comparative advantage hollowed out our manufacturing sector, leaving us little choice but to become as reliant on trade in raw materials as were our forefathers – hewers of wood, and drawers of oil.
Surrendering our once robust manufacturing sector has made us vulnerable to the vagaries of international markets, as we saw with the supply issues and the ensuing inflation during the pandemic. The US and Europe have also realized this, perhaps one of the reasons all EU members have still not ratified the Canada/EU trade agreement.
And now Trump is completely overturning the gaming table and tearing up USMCA, all the while whistling America first. But this is not a game. Trump is determined to end non-tariff access to US markets, in the interest of returning manufacturing jobs to America and using tariff revenue to finance his promised income tax cuts.
The US president is not likely to change course now and has already warned the US public to expect inflation and a recession as they experience this transition. And Canada’s transition threatens to be even worse without proper guidance. Then there is all the other nonsense pouring out of the Donald’s mouth – the hostility and the expansionist threats that is unnerving Canadians and all of America’s one time friends and allies.
 It was a happy night for everyone – will we see a repeat in the next 60 to 90 days? So over 150,000 Liberals cast their votes for a new leader in response to the public’s demand for a change from Mr. Trudeau. And they put their fate in the hands of someone with impeccable credentials and very credible skills at a time when this country needs exactly that kind of leadership. As Carney said in his victory speech, Canada needs a strategic plan to deal with the inevitable fallout from the end of free trade, not political slogans.
Trudeau gave one of his best speeches as he stepped down. He was positive, gracious and passionate and sat emotionless as he watched the new leader designate promise to end Trudeau’s signature carbon tax. Still, Trudeau’s best moments came in his two recent addresses to Canadians outlining Canada’s immediate responses to Trump’s 25% tariffs. I have never been prouder to be a Canadian as I watched our prime minister stand up for Canada in no uncertain terms.
Canadians will likely be in an election in a matter of weeks. Some will complain about having an election in the midst of a crisis. But we survived a federal election in the midst of the pandemic and the recent Ontario election was held in one of the coldest and snowy winters in recent memory. And given the political temperature on Parliament Hill, we should expect the federal election closer to April than its October due date.
 Kim Campbell  John Turner Kim Campbell and John Turner provide a case study of the perils for a governing party changing horses at the last minute before a horse race. Hopefully Carney will learn from their mistakes. Canadians demanded turning the page on its PM and his priorities for the country – and the Liberal Party has responded.
 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:
Tariff War – Trudeau on Tariffs
By Staff
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The province expects to raise an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 per day, through a “tariff response charge” that will be paid by utilities in New York, Michigan and Minnesota importing power from generators of electricity in Ontario.
 Ford: “We’ll stand strong, use every tool in our tool kit and do whatever it takes to protect Ontario.” And they will remain in place “Until the threats of tariffs are gone for good, Ontario won’t back down,” Ford said in a statement Monday. “We’ll stand strong, use every tool in our tool kit and do whatever it takes to protect Ontario.”
To implement the surcharge on an estimated 1.5 million homes and businesses in the three states, the Ontario government filed an “urgent” regulation under the Electricity Act of 1998. It amends the market rules used by the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator, which manages day-to-day energy needs.
Ford said his Progressive Conservative government can raise or lower the surcharge “at any time” in response to actions taken by the Trump administration.
That includes the possibility of shutting off electricity exports to the U.S. if the president escalates the trade war.
Ontario transmits electricity to the three states through 12 cross-border connections — seven with New York, four with Michigan and one with Minnesota.
By Staff
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s an awkward compromise – squeezing a heritage structure in between two mid-rise buildings.
The creative thinking that exists wasn’t brought to bear on this project.
A less than fitting end to the contribution the Walker family made to the growth and evolution of the city.
 By Staff
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Donald Trump’s threat of a 250 per cent tariff on Canadian dairy products was walked back by his commerce secretary
 By Staff
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Doug Ford made the comment and opinion section of the Washington Post: Ontario’s Doug Ford is channeling a national backlash to the White House.
Noah Richler, writing in the comment and opinion section of the Post said:
Donald Trump knows the value of a good external enemy to unite his nationalist base, and — for reasons that might baffle even some of his staunchest supporters — Canada has taken on the role. With Parliament in abeyance following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, and with the country’s reputation for civility, Trump probably thought Canada would be an easy target to bully. What the U.S. president didn’t count on, however, is the nationalism he would prompt in Canadian politicians more than happy to use his playbook against him.
 Doug Ford, the right-populist Ontario premier who has captured the prevailing mood with an uncompromising resistance of his own. Enter Doug Ford, the right-populist Ontario premier who has captured the prevailing mood with an uncompromising resistance of his own, with steps ranging from pulling American-made liquor off shelves to threatening the United States’ power supply. “If they start hurting families anywhere in Canada, especially Ontario, well, the lights are going off,” warned Ford, who come Monday will be imposing a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exported from Ontario to some 1.5 million homes in Michigan, Minnesota and New York state. He’s been unrelenting even after Trump delayed many tariffs, demanding they go to “zero.”
From the very first moment of Trump’s Canadian excesses — the ridiculing of the prime minister as “Governor Trudeau,” the talk of Canada as a “51st state,” a covetous eye cast toward our wealth of minerals and water, threats to abrogate border agreements, and ultimately the yo-yo game of tariffs — Ontario’s resolute premier has been proactive about retaliating and the need for the country to act as one.
“Ford Nation,” the less-incensed predecessor of the MAGA movement that brought the premier to power for the first time in 2018, has lost the moniker but is now a much larger force. Even in my own household — I ran (unsuccessfully) for federal office back in 2015 for the left-wing New Democratic Party — we find ourselves buoyed and validated in this utterly discombobulating fight by Ford’s steadfast resolve, this very Canadian quality the great Nova Scotia poet Alden Nowlan once described as “stubborn disinclination.”
 Canada beats the American team. Hockey is a metaphor for just about anything in Canada, and Ford is our enforcer, the tough guy who’s not the best skater, who’s not on the ice to score, but is ready for a scrap and to protect those who can. You want him on your side, this guy in the corner with his elbows up. He might throw an errant punch now and then, but a good enforcer makes his presence felt, and Ford has done that. To wit: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick personally urged him to back down in a phone call and failed — another point scored.
Noah Richler is a Canadian author based in Toronto.
 By Juliana Carmona
March 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A UK-based high-end sports betting and casino operator is set to exit the Ontario online gambling market after two years of operations. The company will cease its operations by March 31st, citing challenges with a competitive market. Fitzdares Ontario released a statement to users on their company website last week, thanking their customers for their loyalty and their business over the previous years.
 In the UK, Fitzdares is well-known for its strong allegiance with horse racing. Despite the challenges that Fitzdares has had, the Ontario gambling market has seen huge success over the last few years. Online casinos are legal in Canada, and Ontario is Canada’s first and only province to operate regulated online casinos and sportsbooks. January alone saw a record-breaking month for sports betting in Ontario, with almost $1.2 billion in wagers, a 134% increase in wagers month on month.
There are dozens of gambling sites across Ontario and Canada, with platforms offering an array of benefits, bonuses, and top-tier entertainment to players. Many players in Canada now take to online platforms for their diverse range of games and the convenience the best platforms provide (source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/canada).
However, today, Canadians enjoy a range of gambling options, with many residents looking towards interactive and skill-based games. The most popular options are slots and table games, live dealer games, lottery, bingo, poker, and sports betting. Many across the country now take to online platforms for speedy transactions and fast payouts.
Fitzdares is a UK-based company that entered the Ontario market with high expectations. However, their expansion outside of the UK has not been hugely successful to date. On top of the announcement last week, Fitzdares has shared key dates for their customers to note. Bonuses were no longer given after March 3rd, account deposits ceased on March 10th, and from March 24th, no new bets will be accepted. Players’ final opportunity to withdraw funds will be on March 31st.
 Entry into the Canadian market did not live up to expectations for Fitzdares. Fitzdares’s ultimate goal was to bring a premium casino and sports betting experience to the Ontario market. A market that has seen $63 billion in wagers and $2.4 billion in revenue between April 2023 and March 2024. The company was founded in 1882 and has positioned itself as a high-end bookmaker for premium clients. It was hoped that Fitzdares could appeal to VIP customers, particularly within the Toronto Metropolitan area.
 Cricket is a sport that Fitzdares was able to penetrate – it didn’t have the depth needed to be financially viable in Canada. However, the result did not live up to expectations. Fitzdares’ Ontario market share only reached 0.2% over the two years. Despite the rapid growth of the Ontario online and sports betting market, Fitzdares believed that the lack of year-round sports offerings was a huge barrier to their growth and profit.
In the UK, Fitzdares is well-known for its strong allegiance with horse racing. The company faced significant barriers when it couldn’t establish itself in this market in Ontario unless it sought out partnerships with local operators.
Fitzdares, however, is not the only online operator to be leaving the Ontario market. Operators such as UniBet and CoolBet have left the sector in Ontario since the market launched in April 2022.
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By Julieta Belen Correa
