Consider This Northumberland

In the midst of the pandemic, it is particularly hard to be the Official Opposition in the federal government. With all the attention focused on the government’s actions in dealing with COVID-19, people are not paying attention to much else. For Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Phillip Lawrence there is lots to keep him busy. In an interview today, you will hear exactly what he has been doing over the past six months since we last spoke, as well as getting an idea of what to expect in 2021.

The provincial government is facing intense scrutiny these days. This includes the resignation of former Finance Minister Rod Phillips over a trip to the Caribbean as the number of new cases of COVID-19 skyrocketed. Plus, he was away at the start of the second province-wide lockdown.

Then, the crisis in long-term care got worse. The virus the hardest hits workers and residents in these homes as the second wave continues. It raises concerns about the support of workers in these facilities and the protection levels for the elderly.

Next, there is the vaccine rollout. Some say it is moving too slowly.

It is a lot for the start of a new year.

Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini took time out of his busy schedule to talk about these pressing issues and more. Not only does he address the breaking news and concerns of the day, but he also reflects on the past year. He looks at some of his accomplishments within Northumberland, but also some of the big challenges. He also shares some more personal moments, frustrations, and insights.

It is a unique opportunity to hear a frank, unfettered conversation with an elected representative as he explains, defends, and acknowledges the success and challenges of a most unusual time.

Drive Time host Dave Glover and I exchanged views on the resignation of former Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips last Thursday. One of the main reasons for the conversation was my concern over Phillips and his staff’s use of social media. He left for his vacation on Dec. 13 and did not return until Dec. […]

The numbers are not new. For some, they may not even be shocking.

Violence Against Women in Northumberland is on the rise. Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, the Cobourg police, and others will tell you the same thing.

What makes this report from Thrive Northumberland different is how it brings the situation into a sharp perspective. Collecting data from 20 various organizations and service providers from across Northumberland, and in some cases Peterborough, a new picture emerges.

As you will hear in this interview on Consider This with Nicole Beatty, project coordinator for Thrive, there are countless opportunities for strategic alliances, cooperation, and efficiencies that would help women facing domestic violence, sexual assaults, and human trafficking. It is the most comprehensive report of its kind in Northumberland.

The big question is: Are those 20 organizations and services willing to take the steps necessary to make a difference? That answer might surprise you.

This interview looks at a draft of the Cobourg town budget. Last year, it was $24 million. And, the town is currently sitting at a 1.9 percent increase. However, Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin aims to get that figure down to zero or, at most, one percent.

You will want to hear how she hopes to do that in the face of the council's fiscal challenges.

Racism is complicated. That was made really clear during my conversation with this week’s guest, Brian Beaver. He is a band council member for the Alderville Frist Nations. He was born and raised in the community. Then, he went off and worked elsewhere. But he eventually returned. One of his jobs was working for the […]

Show: The full interview with bonus material: Putting out garbage can be so frustrating. You go to put out the waste and you don’t have a bag tag. Or, you are lying in bed and suddenly the sound of the screeching brakes from the garbage truck snap you out of a deep sleep. You frantically […]

Show: The full interview with bonus material: I don’t know about your neighbourhood, but where I live there are lots of Christmas decorations going up. On my social media, friends are posting pictures of decked-out trees already. If you go to the stores, the Christmas sections are looking pretty decimated. People seem really keen to […]

Quite often, when talking about women who are abused, people will say, “Why don’t they just leave.” But, it is never that simple. On today’s show, Nicole Thompson, a Cobourg resident, will share her story of abuse. It is a story told with conviction and with brutal honesty. More than anything, it is a story […]

Show: The full interview with bonus material: When Valerie Gallagher came to Cobourg, she was looking to make a fresh start. She was impressed by the small-town feeling and it looked like a welcoming place for her and her family. But before she even moved into her new home, she was confronted by harassment. From […]