Another over-correction

In a long long long line of political correctness out of control, enter Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who, this week, announced she wants the feds to change the lyrics to Canada’s national anthem.

The adjustment she seeks, “our home and native land” to “our home on native land.”

Now, some may remember when the nation got clowned during the NBA all-star game by a singer who opted to make the same change all on her lonesome for a North American audience.

I’m all for an artist improvising, but not with a national anthem. Sorry.

Crombie, while her intentions may be sincere, is also on the “any ink is good ink’ trail to the leadership of the provincial Liberal Party. She has Premier Doug Ford in her sights.

Team effort

Village of Hope operated a record-setting food drive on Saturday, generating 30,000 lbs of food and $20,000 in donations. The food drive was organized in partnership with Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville. (L-R) Josiah Dueck of Calvary Gospel; Village of Hope executive director Cheryl Keddy Scott; and executive assistant Nicole Holland. McDonald - Photo

Dr. Marshall left her mark

Dr. Denise Marshall - who is ending her medical director tenure with McNally House - has left an indelible mark on Niagara West and we should all be thankful for that.

Dr. Marshall - who I still recall meeting me at the door of her Baker Street home many times when I was dropping off papers for her news carrier child to deliver - has achieved what many aspire to do. She made her community better through her work to see a hospice care dream in Niagara West become reality. Thanks, Denise. M.W.

As far as Crombie’s pandering for the low-hanging fruit votes and social media approval, look at the calendar.

It’s 2023.

There are many, many Native lands across Canada, yes. That does not mean all of Canada is on Native lands. It just isn’t.

Absolutely and without question every Native tradition and lands should be supported and treasured but saying the entire nation is, today, on Native land is not a step of reconciliation.

It is just another step down a ridiculous path.

Are people so disgruntled with the present that they have to go back decades and centuries to find things they think they need to fix because they can’t fix the current issues of today?

As well as a cog in the overcorrection of the politically correct machine, this is also an example of the ongoing erosion of Canada’s fabric.

There have been many examples that seem like simple, nondescript “asks”.

As one-offs, they don’t seem onerous or egregious, but they nibble and nibble. At some point, what is left will not resemble the country we have come to know. While it is well on its way, I’ll be long gone by then, but it does concern me what will be left upon my exit - and it should concern you.

We need leaders on all levels who will say, this is our country - warts and all - who understand warts of the past are what got us here, allowed us to learn and made the country great. And it is a great country!

There is no need to get deeper into this. It is a transparent shot at winning some support and needs to no further review.

I cannot go another week without a quick acknowledgement of a very nice lady in Joan Friesen. Joan was a regular in our office - certainly every year when she came in to book an In Memoriam for her son, Jerry (who many will remember) - but she also dropped in regularly just to say “hello”.

Jerry was a good friend from his days managing Grimsby’s arenas and the Grimsby Peach Bud Road Race - and later, triathlons. Joan would come in every year and every year I explained I would not take her money. So every year she went out and spent twice as much on gifts she brought to the office to be donated to GBF. It was a sweet little tradition which I will miss right along with Joan. RIP, Joan!

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Grimsby’s inaugural Culture Gala is set to take over the art gallery and library next week.

It has been in the works for months as the trio of Alexandra Hartstone from GPAG, Kathryn Drury from the library and Janet Oakes from the museum have combined forces to put together a great program. Tickets have been selling well but are still available at grimsby.ca You really cannot go wrong for entertainment, food and drink for $75 per ticket, with a $25 tax receipt to boot.

Lions ‘wing it’

(Right) Almost 85 years service in the community and the Beamsville and District Lions Club members are still rolling up their sleeves to make their community a better place. Monday was the first monthly wing night held at the Beamsville Lions Park.

(L-R) Cooks Bob Kelly and Edward Nemett.

Below: Enjoying the wings (L-R) Polly Gall, Maggie Nemett, Jon and Verna Van Velden.

Ye OldE Shopping Fair

June 3, 2023

10 am - 3 pm

West NIAGARA Fair Grounds

7402 Mud St., Grassie

Sandra Baird’s Highland dancers, Celtic music, Live Princesses, food trucks, swag bags, photos ops, baker, demos, door prizes, food tastings and much more!

90+ artisans & Vendors inside and out Penny Sale for animal rescue. Come dressed in period gear (optional) Prize for best period-dressed vendor. Hosted by West Lincoln Craft Guild