By Pepper Parr
March 1st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
This was news to me.
Came to us from Brian Heagle, a former Burlington resident who, we think, practices law in Burlington.
Heagle was once a Tory, then tried to become a Liberal, Was never able to get the Tory nomination.
Heagle wrote:
Brian Heagle
“Where do you go for local news, opinion and gossip? Pepper Parr’s online “Burlington Gazette” was often the go-to place. I say “was” because the Gazette “is” no more – according to its latest headline…. http://www.burlingtongazette.ca/?p=44728 Regrettably, there’s no story beyond the terse message that “the Burlington Gazette is dead” – just readers speculating and […]”
The link Heagle passes along is valid. What Heagle didn’t catch was that it was a story published in February of 2016. Glad Heagle doesn’t do my legal work
Then there was an additional comment from Nick Leblovic, also a lawyer and understood to be deeply involved in Mayor Marianne Meed Ward’s re-election campaign. Nick is the penultimate political junkie.. The Gazette knows Leblovic very well. He once sued us for $1 million, which impressed my banker, he didn’t know I had that kind of money.
Leblovic comments:
Nick Leblovic, former Chair of the Waterfront Advisory Committee – it was sunset, much to Leblovic’s chagrin.
“Oh Pepper, Pepper, Pepper. Even though you don’t seem to have a “paper” any longer, you continue to shoot from the lip without doing the necessary fact checking. I suspect the reason that Brian did not reveal that his firm acted for Adi is because the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Upper Canada specifically state the following:
“Generally, unless the nature of the matter requires such disclosure, a lawyer should not disclose having been retained by a person about a particular matter.”
Perhaps this shows why you always seem to be in trouble..”
Leblovic served us with a Notice of Libel but didn’t do anything else. Those with vested interest who feel they aren’t getting the respect and attention the are due tend to issue libel notices hoping that the journalist will go away.
We are still hear Nick.
And to our loyal readers – we are very much alive and doing what newspaper are supposed to do: The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
In its early days – what you know as the Gazette was once known as Our Burlington
Related news stories:
Leblovic’s experience with the Waterfront Advisory Committee
Brian Heagle toyed at becoming a Liberal; really wanted the Tory provincial nomination
Don and Pepper.
Here’s a 1st I agree and concur with every word Don said.
Another case of unexpected consequences of the technology we depend on yet barely understand. One recent event “suddenly activated” an old comment, resulting in fake news. Remember: on the internet, nothing ever dies!
Editor’s note: It is our belief that the old news was deliberately released, not an error on the part of Brian Heagle. As for Leblovic – what to say. He has always wanted to be near the political action. Keep an eye on him and pay attention to who he works for in the October municipal election.
The article that was pushed was true – at the time.
Pepper, thanks for sharing old news from my old blog – including some intriguing commentary from Mr. Leblovic! Who knew the Burlington Gazette would promote a Lawyers’ Day?
Not to worry, while my wife and I moved several years ago to Cambridge, I still absolutely love working from and in Burlington. Our law firm has been a local fixture for over 25 years.
So you know, my blog was suddenly activated by a new comment. Incredibly pertinent for Burlington today, and forever. The passing of the great and legendary Walter Mulkewich, A remarkable mentor and wonderful friend to so many of us from this community and beyond.
Here is the heartfelt comment provided by John Williams on my blog, which led to your story:
“I had the honor and privilege to work closely with Walter from 1994 until he left the City in 1997.
We worked on creating public / private partnerships to help the City revitalize the downtown and overall city economic development as we transitioned out of recession. Although our politics were on opposite ends of the spectrum, he always placed our city first in any political decision. He was astute, intelligent , frugal and always respectful of any ideas presented to him from all sectors….he was a joy to work with.
I believe Walter was a giant among the mayors that preceded and followed him in office. Men of character like Walter will be missed by our City…..God’s speed my friend.”
Quite a tribute. One of many to follow celebrating a life well lived.
I look forward to reading yours. Let the stories flow. Walter’s legacy will continue to grow, and he will live on through his family, friends, admirers and one of his true loves, Burlington….
Not sure what drives you to do what you do, Pepper? From the outside, seems like a pretty thankless job. Regardless, you have demonstrated that you have a heart for Burlington, added local colour to our otherwise bland culture and provided a meaningful venue for residents to voice their opinions. As one of your readers, I say “thank you”.