Editorial / Opinion
For decades, Northern Ontario was the undisputed engine of Canada's economy. What once powered the province---resource wealth, skilled labour, and strong communities---has been run into the ground. The engine isn't just sputtering. It has stalled entirely
We like wildlife around the camp. For many years I have declared our property a sanctuary and, despite the love of a fine fat Fort Severn goose in the pan, a local moose roast on the barbeque...
Two years ago, the Liberal finance minister claimed food prices would stabilize "soon". In a similar vein, the Prime Minister---just under a year ago---proudly stated that he should be judged by the prices at the grocery store...
Meet Wendell the Redpoll. This morning he woke up in the branches of a big spruce tree outside our cabin. Nothing distinguished Wendell from five dozen other Redpolls, comfortably clutching the branches of their overnight lodging...
On a beautiful mid-May spring day in 2002 I stood in a Manitoba farm field with Peggy Sanders, Donna Prior, and Margaret Tew, three of Sioux Lookout's beautiful, charming ladies. We were there to admire the sunflowers...
The twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway through northwestern Ontario is essential. We have all known someone who has been seriously injured or tragically lost their life while travelling this route...
Over the past year, Conservatives have been clear about one thing: Canada desperately needs to take back control of its future...
I have appreciated the opportunity to attend events in many communities over the last few weeks. Thank you to everyone who has given me their input on priorities for Parliament...
The Ignace sawmill is set to shut down on March 12, 2026. Dozens of skilled workers will lose their jobs. Another northern town will be pushed to the brink...
I finally got to cook in one of my cast iron kettles at camp. This five gallon one fits real nice on top of our wood burning heat stove and it seemed to be crying out to load up and simmer some stew...
Over the past two weeks, my focus has remained on making sure northwestern Ontario's voice is being heard in Parliament. I was also happy to have some time at home meeting residents of our region...
Andy Ward and I had lunch together in Oxford, North Carolina...
My brother Chris and I drank a special toast to Ma.
We were interrupted Thursday night as we relaxed at the patio table in Chris' backyard, enjoying some brotherly reminiscences and good-natured kibitzing after my arrival at his home in Ohio...
In Ottawa this week, I've been grateful to meet with local community leaders about the pressing issues that matter to northwestern Ontario...
MTO has basically one job when every aspect of the position is broken down to its basic form. To ensure the roads infrastructure is SAFE...
An afternoon of reflection at my lakeside bar. A fair amount of clutter - not uncommon for a Saturday afternoon at camp, but not likely a photo winner in any kind of formal showcase...
In July, I was honoured to travel to Birmingham, Alabama, as part of the Canadian delegation attending the 79th Annual Southern Legislative Conference...
It's official. I've gone cuckoo. I'm sitting in the Palace with a rack of ribs, a pork roast, and a basket of peanuts in the smoker...
Remembering Henry Legary's cheese.
Henry brought in an amazing selection of cheeses when he owned Drayton Cash and Carry in the 1970s and early '80s.,,
This summer, I've valued the opportunity to attend meetings focused on the issues that matter to people across northwestern Ontario...
I guess at one time or another everybody has been wrenched awake from a pleasant, sunny mid-afternoon snooze in their zero-gravity chair by a patio table, nine-foot umbrella, cell phone, camera...
Today, I stand before you not as a visitor, not as a newcomer---but as one of your own. A Canadian...
This week in Ottawa, I questioned the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources about the ongoing delays facing Canada's natural resource sector...
After many years of wearing glasses with photogray lenses (the lenses automatically darkened in sunlight to produce grey tinged shades - automatic sunglasses). I loved them!...