Grimsby scientist “humbled” to receive Order of Canada
By Mike Williscraft For NewsNow
Grimsby research scientist Derek Muir has been named to the Order of Canada.
Muir, who moved to Grimsby in 1997 when relocating from Winnipeg to Burlington, helped create baseline research into contamination issues in Canada’s far north.
For the Montreal native who studied at McGill University, the recognition was a surprise.
“I sent in my CV after I was nominated by Dr. John Smol. That was five years ago,” said Muir.
“I’m pleased but humbled by it. When you look at the list of people, some are really well known. The actor (Ryan Reynolds) and people
with that kind of level of recognition you don’t expect to be next to.”
Also factoring into his reaction is knowing the many colleagues who have been part of his research endeavours over his career, including 40 years of studying the Arctic.
“I am pleased with that level of recognition but I know quite a few people who have also contributed hugely and scientifically and haven’t been recognized. You have to be nominated, so it has me thinking, going forward, that I should be nominating some people to balance it out for other scientists,” Muir said.
Coming from a chemistry background, Muir got
See RESEARCH, Page 10
scientist
Debbie Ecker Memorial fundraiser nets $130K
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
The good works of Debbie Ecker have continued to multiply through the family and friends who honour her legacy and lifetime of helping others in need.
The 2nd Annual Debbie Ecker
Memorial Christmas Fundraiser brought a sellout crowd of 500 to Vineland Growers in Jordan and together they raised an incredible $130,000 for Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN) and FEED
Niagara.
The December 7 event truly was an evening for giving back, far surpassing the equally outstanding $90,000 raised at the 1st annual event.
“It was the craziest night of my
life,” said Debbie’s husband Michael Ecker. “I was brought to my knees with the generosity of the community.” From the sponsors and prize donors to everyone who bought tickets and auction items
Grimsby
Derek Muir at Lake Hazen, the largest lake north of the Arctic Circle by volume. By surface area it is third largest, after Lake Taymyr in Russia and Lake Inari in Finland.
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Charrois barred from deputy mayor job
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Coun. Veronica Charrois will not get to serve a term as Grimsby’s deputy mayor after a portion of a Notice of Motion was approved by Grimsby Council Monday.
A Notice of Motion calling for Charrois’ removal from her Community Services chair position, requiring her to go through training for ethical governance and teamwork training as well as being barred from being deputy mayor was put forward due to ongoing behavioural issues, said Coun. Delight Davoli.
Council voted to let her remain committee chair and Coun. Jennifer Korstanje amended the training motion to have all council members go through the training.
Charrois, who declared a conflict of interest on the matter, not only gave an eight-min-
ute prepared speech, but interjected many times during the proceedings. None of her comments were called out of order by Mayor Jeff Jordan.
One of Charrois’ accusations during the discussion was that these new measures were punitive.
Davoli, who seconded the NoM by Coun. Lianne Vardy said that was not the case.
“It’s based on continuing disappointment. When we look at qualifications in leadership positions, we’re not just looking at technical qualifications and who has an education in a particular area. We’re also looking at governance and leadership qualifications and, in those particular instances I will challenge the comments by asking how many boards and committees she has sat on in the last 20 years and where she gains this governance experience,” said
Davoli.
“We looked at this and said this is about governance,” said Davoli, who added, if this was a circumstance on another board of directors or in a different organization, “If we had someone who was doing things like this, we probably would have asked them to leave the organization or their role as a director.”
Vardy concurred.
“She is yet to offer any kind of an apology, take any accountability for her actions and the punishments, while they have been progressive, does not seem to have been a deterrent,” said Vardy.
Coun. Nick DiFlavio said education had been suggested in the past.
“Education should be the first step, not the last,” he said, adding, “This (NoM suggestions) should be the next step” if issues continue.
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FEED
From Page 1 items, it was a community coming together.
And they came to remember Debbie and the power of one person to make a difference in so many lives.
“It was overwhelming to see how this came together to support Community Care of West Niagara and FEED Niagara,” said CCWN board chair Stewart Capell.
CCWN executive director Carole Fuhrer said the need is growing exponentially, both locally and region-wide with some communities experiencing a 70 per cent increase in food and housing insecurity.
The benefits will be region-wide to the 10 members of FEED Niagara. Manager Paula Barrett said they were so grateful to be included in the fundraising event.
It was a huge undertaking for the planning committee, together last week
sharing memories of Debbie’s boundless energy and commitment.
“Debbie was amazing,” said daughter Laura Ecker, recalling her mother’s deep compassion and ability to engage and motivate others to take action. Countless acts of kindness defined her mother.
“If someone had a problem she was there,” Laura said.
“Her compassionate nature was infectious and she had such a strong sense of community,” said son Matt Ecker.
“Her humanitarianism was the foundational principle of how her heart operated,” Fuhrer said.
Debbie organized an annual Christmas fundraiser for 13 years to help families in need. It was always her dream to make the event bigger, to reach more people. She passed away July 2, 2021 of ovarian cancer and her loss impacted the community immensely.
Fuhrer earlier called Debbie a champion in the community and said that Michael inspired a whole community to stand with him to honour and continue her legacy.
“It was a humbling experience to see what a community can achieve together. From the smallest to the largest donation, it took every one of them,” Michael said.
Sponsors covered all costs for the December 7 event and all funds raised go directly to CCWN and FEED Niagara.
Kraft Heinz donated 1,882 jars of peanut butter, used to build a 10-foot peanut butter Christmas tree. The jars were ‘sold’ to guests with $1,000 donated for the star jar that topped the tree. They were later donated to FEED Niagara along with $7,400 in cash to buy more peanut butter. The total donation from the smooth and crunchy Christmas tree was $20,600.
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Public meeting set for major West Lincoln development
A public meeting has been set for Feb. 10 at town hall for the largest development proposed for West Lincoln in many years.
The project - proposed for Hwy. 20 just east of Industrial Drive in Smithville - will include nearly 350 total units built over about
• 34 townhouse
• 20 business park
• 3 single detached
The meeting will deal with a series of required zoning bylaw amendments. A Draft Plan of Subdivision application has also been submitted to divide the land into lots and blocks and local roads. Residents can sub mit written comment by Jan. 31 to: jpaylove@westlincoln.ca
The in-person/viru tal meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
"Zoi and her team were an absolute pleasure to work with. From our first meeting to the quick sale of our home we knew we made the right decision in working with Zoi and her team. The professionalism and commitment to detail were exceptional. Her experience was evident. If Zoi said I will be there at a certain time she was there or completing the task she set out to do. Her enthusiasm and passion for her clients from beginning to end was outstanding. She truly is a gem that we are so happy to have had the pleasure of meeting and working with." Petra & George M.
On behalf of the organizing committee of the 2nd Annual Debbie Ecker Memorial Christmas Fundraiser we thank everyone who played a part in making this evening so successful and helped us put food on the table of the less fortunate in our communities.
From all of our sponsors, prize donors, everyone who bought tickets or generously bought auction items, it was a community coming together - from the smallest to the largest donation - it was truly a group effort to achieve such an incredible donation to the most vulnerable in our community. THANK YOU ALL!
EVENT SPONSORS
A Bushel and a Peck
AG Resources
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Allan and Michelle
Hepple
Atlantic Packaging
Armstrong Milling
Bahco Tools
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Calamus Winery
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RAFFLE DONORS
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Max Solutions
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Lincoln sets PIC for Greenlane environmental assessment
A public information centre (PIC) has been set for Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Fleming Centre for an evironmental assessment related to Greenlane Road’s reconstruction - phases 2-3.
The work is being done to bring the road up to new standards needed due to growth in the area.
The meeting will include:
• an update on study progress including
community feedback received to date;
• an assessment of the design alternatives developed from the preferred solution shown at Public Information Centre #1;
• the identification of the preliminary preferred design concept, and;
• next steps.
The meeting will be an in-person, “dropin” format with team members ready to discuss the project.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
search scientist position which would lead him to the Arctic when he joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in
“I was studying marine mammals as a chemist, measuring contaminants in the water and biota there
Order of Canada started there. At the same time, there was a lot of interest in the dew line, military sites and PCBs. They were just in the process of starting a cleanup then, in the 70s and 80s. I was in the right position at the right time to be asked to analyze samples from one community. They wanted to study it to see what the level of PCBs and other contaminants was in their traditional food – with an emphasis more on fish, tissues and even traditional use of blubber.”
His findings bore important results which, eventually, paved the way for international environmental guidelines.
“There were issues and we were the first to document that higher levels of PCBs in the Inuit was due to their traditional diet. It turned out it was not contaminated from military use, that was small, it was really from long-range transport,” said Muir. “PCBs were used in the urban areas of Europe and North America, a small amount, but significant, was moving through the atmosphere and depositing in the ocean.”
DR. DEREK MUIR
The connection of that early work, which is now welldocumented around the world, with his investiture in the Order of Canada is not lost on Muir.
“The problem in the Arctic is you’re seeing it (contamination) in the people’s healthy foods, their traditional foods. It’s been addressed over the years, so this is old news now. These were early results that I was involved with, 1988,” Muir said.
dent was Mary Simon (now Canada’s Governor General), who was the head of the Inuit Circumpolar Council – which includes Inuit from Canada, Greenland and Alaska - was one of the people receiving these results.”
It was Simon who got the ball rolling internationally.
“The basis for my
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1. Faseruk, Lucas .......... 798
2. Young, Mark.............. 795
3. VanGeest, Owen ........ 795
4. Zdriluk, Jacob............ 793
5. Boekestyn, Sara Mae . 784
6. DeVries, Leo ............. 781
7. Langley, Carolyn ........ 780
8. Hurtubise, Isla........... 777
9. Dandridge, John ........ 774
10. Vien, Elsa Dawn ...... 774
“That was a distinctive year because it was when the study announced the results. The nice coinci-
“She suggested a global agreement to reduce this sort of thing which acknowledges the long-range transport contaminating Indigenous People’s food. There was a movement and Canada was one of the leads in it to develop an agreement, the Stockholm Convention.”
Muir’s investiture will take place later in 2025.
11. Roller, Austyn .......... 772
12. Warren, Mary-Ann ... 771
13. Hall, Keith ............... 771
14. Vander Heidi, Clarence 770
15. Bitar, Samantha ....... 769
16. Smith, Ben .............. 769
17. Hoekstra, Liam ........ 768
18. Marrama, Matteo ..... 767
19. Team Moonstone ..... 766
20. Jacobson, Sean ....... 766 Top Standings
Notice of Study Commencement: Greenlane Road
Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
The Study
Greenlane Road, in the Town of Lincoln (the Town), between the west urban boundary limit (Konkle Creek Trail) and Bartlett Road, is a local collector roadway that runs east-west in Beamsville. This roadway is in poor condition, and in combination with the construction of the new West Niagara Secondary School on King Street, the future Go Station on Ontario Street, and a predicted increase in vehicle volumes resulting from development growth in the area, this corridor has been identified as high priority for reconstruction and cross-section improvements.
The Town has retained CIMA+ to undertake a Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) that will consider the needs of the corridor and potential cross-section improvements. The Town’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) recommends that improvements for this section of Greenlane Road focus on a ‘complete streets’ approach that was previously identified in the Town’s Beamsville GO Transit Station Secondary Plan. In addition to normal vehicle travel and turning lanes, the ‘complete streets’ cross-section includes active transportation improvements and streetscaping opportunities.
The Process
This study will follow the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2023) process, which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. As part of this study, the MCEA schedule will be confirmed; however, the study is being initiated under the ‘Schedule C’ process and two public information centres will be planned to occur later in the study. Once the study is complete, an Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be prepared and filed for a 30-day public review period. A Notice of Study Completion will be published on the Speak Up Lincoln project page (see code below) and sent to the project mailing list to advise the public of the ESR review period.
We want to hear from you!
You are encouraged to visit SpeakUpLincoln.ca where project information including study notices, background information, study updates and the Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be made available as the study progresses. Your input is welcome at any time during the study. If you wish to have your name added to the project mailing list or have any comments, questions, or concerns about the study, please contact one of the following Project Team members:
Walter Neubauer, C.E.T.
Manager | Capital Projects | Town of Lincoln 4800 South Service Rd., Beamsville, ON L3J 1L3 905 563 2799 ext. 278 | wneubauer@lincoln.ca
@TownofLincolnON
David Hiett, P.Eng., RSP1
Project Manager | CIMA+ 400–3027 Harvester Rd., Burlington, ON L7N 3G7 289-288-0287 ext. 6841 | david.hiett@cima.ca
This Notice was issued: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023
OBITUARIES
Jarod richard Barkovich
January 8th, 2025
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle, Jarod Richard Barkovich, at home, in Grimsby, on January 8th, 2025. Jarod is the dearly loved son of Donna and the late Emric Barkovich. Jarod deeply missed and mourned his father, who passed away in 2016. Jarod is survived by his brother Adam and sisters Gillian (Ryan Sneek) and Ali (Cam Krajcik) who will dearly miss their older brother. Jarod was a loving uncle to his beloved nephew, Sebastian Emric Sneek, who took Jarod’s side in all arguments and considered him the authority on all things Star Wars. Sebastian will very much miss Jarod. Jarod is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Jarod loved and missed his wild tabby cat, Lando, who recently passed away.
In keeping with Jarod’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or related services.
For those who wish, please consider a donation to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA or an animal charity of your choice. Flowers and religious acknowledgments of Jarod’s passing are gratefully declined. Online condolences can be made at markeydermody.com.
Our beautiful Jarod will be forever loved and remembered.
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murphy, Linda marie Jeanne Cecile (nee hillinger)
OBITUARIES
July 12, 1939 - January 10, 2025
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It is with heavy hearts that the family of Linda Murphy announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and dear friend to many in her 86th year. Predeceased by her husband Paul Murphy (2024) and daughter Donna Zaruk (2024). She leaves behind sons Michael and Kevin (Linda) Murphy and son-in-law Brian Zaruk. Cherished Nannie to grandchildren Matthew (Chelsea Marr), Allison (Gavin Lutz) and Daniel Zaruk, Justin (Theresa Merwin) Murphy and Stephanie (Rocco) Milana. Great grandmother to Rayna, Luca, Sydney and Levi. Linda was born and raised in Montreal, where she studied at Luke Callaghan Memorial School. She was keen in the fashion and modelling industry throughout her younger years. Linda met Paul and they married in February of 1960. The family settled in Grimsby in 1965 where she was very involved throughout the community. She was known as Madame Murphy, the well-loved French teacher to thousands of students in the Niagara Catholic school board. Linda was a prominent member of Jericho House, the Canadian Federation of University Women Club and the WLMH Auxiliary team. She took pride in her many years doing prenatal tours at the hospital. Linda was fortunate to spend much of her life traveling with her husband Paul. They loved to frequent Barbados, Aruba, Florida and were able to enjoy many, many cruises. Her favourite trips were when she returned every summer to the cottage at Lac Hughes in the Laurentians. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care team and the wonderful staff and volunteers at McNally House Hospice. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will occur at Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, 11 Mountain Street, Grimsby (905-945-2755) on Friday, January 17 from 5-8 pm, with prayers and tributes at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations may be made in her honour to McNally House Hospice. www.smithsfh.com
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m’keown, Vincent
B: Aug. 18, 1936. mancot, north wales, Uk
D: Jan. 9, 2025. Grimsby, on Vincent, who passed away peacefully in his sleep, is survived by his wife of 67 years, 11 months, Irene, along with their two children Deborah (Gene) Butterwick of Burlington and Paul (Crysta) M’Keown of Acton, grandchildren Danielle, Kevin, Dyllan and Sam and three great grandchildren, Nolan, Conway and June.
Vince, who began as a carpenters apprentice, came to Canada in October of 1956 following his heart Irene, who had emigrated with family in April the same year. Vince and Irene started in Ontario but moved to Calgary where they married and began a life together. In time they moved back to Ontario celebrating the birth of Deborah in 1960 and Paul in 1963. Vince’s skills in woodworking and mathematics as well as a keen business sense secured him a lifetime career in management covering various aspects of design, fabrication and production for major companies and outlets. As the director of an international company, Vince continued in his career to become an inspiring leader and mentor to many. A jack of all trades and second to none, Vince, a natural craftsman, made every house a home through his skill and passion for quality woodworking, building, upgrading and more. An intellect, Vince also enjoyed and shared a quick wit and dry sense of humour which made him an easy person to make friends with. His knowledge of all things trivia allowed him to provide you with an answer you may or may not have been seeking. Together, Vince and Irene enjoyed travel, seeing many parts of the world from cruise ships to fine hotels, travelling by coach, car and camel, never letting the grass grow beneath their feet. More than that however was the love of family, from watching children grow to become parents, grandchildren become successful and another generation for them to love through the great grandchildren that kept them young.
Today we enter a new chapter in our lives, with an emptiness we never anticipated, all the while knowing that Vince cherished the life he had, and how fortunate he was.
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A Funeral Service was held at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 1 p.m., followed by interment at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer society would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
www.smithsfh.com
OBITUARIES
verkade, Gerritje Maria “Carrie”
Passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Jacobus “Jack” (2018). Loving mother of Wendy Short (Don), Alice Humble (Paul), Gary Verkade (Kim) and Judy Verkade. Cherished grandmother of Jessica, Christopher (Sarah), Jacob (Jessica), Benjamin (Jessica), Alyssa, Alexandra (Andrew), Beth, Chandler (Sylvia) and Rebecca and greatgrandmother of Charlotte, Remi, Catherine, Theo, Lincoln and Beau. Dear sister of Rennie Dykgraaf (late Andy), Maaike VanSpronson (late Simon), Jim Scheffel (Anne), Mina Vanderstelt (late Wally) and Frank Scheffel (Elly) and sisterin-law of the late Joop Verkade (late Marie) and Drieka Van Spronsen (late George). Missed also by extended family and friends. Visitation was held at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. A Funeral Service took place at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main Street East, Grimsby on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11 a.m. Private burial at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
LEHMAN, Elton Murray
Passed away at United Mennonite Home, Vineland, on Monday, January 6, 2025, in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Marilyn (nee Balzer) for nearly 62 years. Loved father of Murray Lehman. Predeceased by his siblings, Mel, Frank, Grace, Arlene, Bea and Laura. Murray was an employee of National Steel Care for over 33 years. Private burial has taken place at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 448 Main Street West, Grimsby, L3M 1T3, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
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Transparency needed
Grimsby DIA had its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday of this week.
You may not have heard about it, many didn’t.
The core issues with DIA, er, BIA (Business Improvement Area board) as they opted to change the name for no apparent reason, have not been altered one bit.
The financials reported to the Town have had ongoing issues which have not improved - even with Finance Department input. Hard to hold out any hope once the separation between the two is final.
The BIA has gone to great lengths to separate itself from the Town of Grimsby to eliminate those many controls and oversights which municipalities have over their downtown boards of management.
It seems that means chucking proper financials. Minutes appear to be another issue.
The Municipal Act and Ontario Ombudsman office dictate minutes have some level of detail, “Section 228(1) (a) to record, without note or comment, all resolutions, decisions and other proceedings of the council”. It is that “other proceedings” part which covers provision of details beyond saying “verbal report”, according to past Ombudsman reports.
The BIA merely lists verbal report after verbal report on most occasions not only giving no detail, but rarely even mentioning topics which get covered in those reports. Simply, it’s not a good look and does not serve the downtown businesses well, particularly since the board meets during regular business hours limiting who can attend the meetings in person.
BIA should include written reports as part of its submission of minutes if they want to have any level of transparency whatsoever. That does not appear to be the case. M.W.
Just another Grimsby council meeting
It’s been quite a while since this space has been taken over by Grimsby Council.
Is it because they’ve been on best behaviour?
No.
It’s because they haven’t met for several weeks.
Monday marked the first meeting of the year and on the front burner was a request by way of Notice of Motion to remove Coun. Veronica Charrois from her position as chair of Community Services Committee, bar her from being allowed to hold the deputy mayor position (all councillors rotate through that) and have her go through ethical governance and teamwork training.
Before we get into the heart of the matter, it needs to be noted that, procedurally, the ball was severely dropped at many points as Charrois declared a conflict of interest then proceeded to give an eight-minute speech and ran over top of debate many, many times by injecting comment and question overtop of other councillors.
True, she didn’t vote, but when you declare a conflict of interest, you don’t participate in the debate let alone drive it.
She should have been ruled out of order 10 times or more.
So there’s that.
On the NoM itself, duh! Please show me one person in this communitynot family or friend - who would think it appropriate
that Charrois would represent the Town of Grimsby at any function as deputy mayor given the litany of issues which have consistently arisen over this term.
On that, Coun. Delight Davoli said it best Monday night when she said a step in the right direction for anyone would have been to “acknowledge that what they did was wrong and how they did not meet the standards that were in front of them and whether they feel bad for their actions. Unfortunately, I have not seen that through six complaints.”
The other two matters I am indifferent to. The training will not make one iota of difference.
Removing her from a committee, meh. That won’t have any impact, either.
On this whole thing, council needs to ride the wave until the next election and hope the voters have better luck with the next crew.
During the debate
though, there were a couple of other gems.
My favourite was Coun. Jennifer Korstanje pushing for the participationribbon-for-all approach by having all members of council go through the process and teamwork training initially prescribed for Charrois.
That wreaks of schools’ policies of not letting kids keep score of games because they don’t want anyone to lose. It’s the ultimate in enabling behaviour.
Don’t recognize and punish the core of 95 per cent of council’s ongoing drama and issues. Bring the entire council down to that level. Sure, why not?
The other one was Korstanje’s passive aggressive shot at Coun. Lianne Vardy, who brought the NoM to the table.
“I feel like this is a targeted attack. It’s been planned for at least a couple of months, so I’m not sure if that was you?,” said Korstanje, who started to say she didn’t think it was Vardy who was trolling, but got cut off by Vardy’s Point of Order and Mayor Jeff Jordan ruling her “completely out of order”. Like when Charrois made a similar veiled accusation about Jordan and campaign finance, Korstanje better show up with receipts if she plans to level such accusations again.
All in all, it was just another Grimsby council meeting.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
We stand with Mr. Chrétien
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece was published in the Globe & Mail on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.
By Jean Chrétien
Today is my 91st birthday.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. To look back on the life I’ve had the privilege to lead. And to reflect on how much this country we all love so much has grown and changed over the course of the nine decades I’ve been on this Earth.
This year, I’ve also decided to give myself a birthday present. I’m going to do something in this article that I don’t do very often anymore, and sound off on a big issue affecting the state of the nation and profoundly bothering me and so many other Canadians: The totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats to our very sovereignty from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
I have two very clear and simple messages.
To Donald Trump, from one old guy to another: Give your head a shake! What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world – and make no mistake, that is what we are – to join the United States?
I can tell you Canadians prize our independence. We love our country. We have built something here that is the envy of the world – when it comes to compassion, understanding, tolerance and finding a way for people of different backgrounds and faiths to live together in harmony.
We’ve also built a strong social safety net – especially with public health care –that we are very proud of. It’s not perfect, but it’s based on the principle that the most vulnerable among us should be protected.
This may not be the “American Way” or “the Trump Way.” But it is the reality I have witnessed and
lived my whole long life.
If you think that threatening and insulting us is going to win us over, you really don’t know a thing about us. You don’t know that when it came to fighting in two world wars for freedom, we signed up – both times –years before your country did. We fought and we sacrificed well beyond our numbers.
We also had the guts to say no to your country when it tried to drag us into a completely unjustified and destabilizing war in Iraq.
We built a nation across the most rugged, challenging geography imaginable. And we did it against the odds.
We may look easy-going. Mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness.
And that leads me to my second message, to all our leaders, federal and provincial, as well as those who are aspiring to lead our country: Start showing that spine and toughness. That’s what Canadians want to see – what they need to see. It’s called leadership. You need to lead. Canadians are ready to follow.
I know the spirit is there. Ever since Mr. Trump’s attacks, every political party is speaking out in favour of Canada. In fact, it is to my great satisfaction that even the Bloc Québécois is defending Canada.
But you don’t win a hockey game by only playing defence. We all know that even when we satisfy one demand, Mr. Trump will come back with another, bigger demand. That’s not diplomacy; it’s blackmail. We need another approach – one that will break this cycle.
Mr. Trump has accomplished one thing: He has unified Canadians more than we have been ever before! All leaders across our country have united in resolve to defend Canadian interests. When I came into office as prime minister, Canada
faced a national unity crisis. The threat of Quebec separation was very real. We took action to deal with this existential threat in a manner that made Canadians, including Quebeckers, stronger, more united and even prouder of Canadian values.
Now there is another existential threat. And we once again need to reduce our vulnerability. That is the challenge for this generation of political leaders.
And you won’t accomplish it by using the same old approaches. Just like we did 30 years ago, we need a Plan B for 2025.
Yes, telling the Americans we are their best friends and closest trading partner is good. So is lobbying hard in Washington and the state capitals, pointing out that tariffs will hurt the American economy too. So are retaliatory tariffs – when you are attacked, you have to defend yourself.
But we also have to play offence. Let’s tell Mr. Trump that we too have border issues with the United States. Canada has tough gun control legislation, but illegal guns are pouring in from the U.S. We need to tell him that we expect the United States to act to reduce the number of guns crossing into Canada.
We also want to protect the Arctic. But the United States refuses to recognize the Northwest Passage, insisting that it is an international waterway, even though it flows through the Canadian Arctic as Canadian waters. We need the United States to recognize the Northwest Passage as being Canadian waters.
We also need to reduce Canada’s vulnerability in the first place. We need to be stronger. There are more trade barriers between provinces than between Canada and the United States. Let’s launch a national project to get rid of those barriers! And let’s strengthen the ties that bind
this vast nation together through projects such as real national energy grid.
We also have to understand that Mr. Trump isn’t just threatening us; he’s also targeting a growing list of other countries, as well as the European Union itself, and he is just getting started. Canada should quickly convene a meeting of the leaders of Denmark, Panama, Mexico, as well as with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to formulate a plan for fighting back these threats.
Every time that Mr. Trump opens his mouth, he creates new allies for all of us. So let’s get organized! To fight back against a big, powerful bully, you need strength in numbers.
The whole point is not to wait in dread for Donald Trump’s next blow. It’s to build a country and an international community that can withstand those blows.
Canadians know me. They know I am an optimist. That I am practical. And that I always speak my mind. I made my share of mistakes over a long career, but I never for a moment doubted the decency of my fellow Canadians – or of my political opponents.
The current and future generations of political leaders should remember they are not each other’s enemies – they are opponents. Nobody ever loved the cut-and-thrust of politics more than me, but I always understood that each of us was trying to make a positive contribution to make our community or country a better place.
That spirit is more important now than ever, as we address this new challenge. Our leaders should keep that in mind.
I am 91 today and blessed with good health. I am ready at the ramparts to help defend the independence of our country as I have done all my life.
Vive le Canada!
ROCK MASONRY INC.
