Frank Stronach’s GUHAH WAY could be a game changer * Maryland * Indian Rocks Beach * Ask a lawyer OTTAWALIFE.COM SPRING/SUMMER 2022 $6.95NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE Decision Time The Conservative Leadership race comes down to one thing: do party members dislike each other more than they dislike the Liberals? OTTAWA LIFE MAGAZINE TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF ByWard’s fabulous owner-in-the-store fashion boutiques.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Prud’homme said she couldn’t comment on be favouring one tow company over another.
today, ”Do You Want to Be Right…or do you
to return! SPRING/SUMMER 2022 VOLUME 24 • NUMBER 2 ILLUSTRATION&ARTFRASERJOHNPHOTO Get ready to suit up with some of the hottest fashion trends. PHOTO: CHINOOK PRODUCTION 19 contents 10 12 36 42 PHOTO : RICHARD TARDIF PHOTOGRAPHIE STAFFOLMPHOTO
Liberals? There
than they
Travel 36
Beach—you’ll go
columns Publisher’s message ................................................... 4 Best Picks ...................................................................... 6 Aristocrat of Scent ..................................................... 7 In search of style ................................................... 10 Word Skills Employment Centre 18 China/Canada ........................................................... 31 Travel: Maryland ........................................................ 36 Travel: Florida............................................................... 42 A Company of Fools 46 Frank Stronach and The GUHAH WAY 8 Canadian automotive legend Frank Stronach is busy these days launching an organic food revolution that could be a game changer in our nation’s schools. Destination style 12 Cantas Fashion, Isabelle Mode, Disegno Fine Jewellery—take a walking tour of the ByWard Market’s fabulous owner-in-the-store fashion boutiques. Conservative Party leadership race 19
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to win.”
thing: do
The Canadian Dental Association were not consulted on the dental care plan that is part of an agreement between the Liberals and NDP to keep the government in power for another three years. lawyer Paul Riley explains how a vacation home can also be a matrimonial home. Maryland: Take a road trip to America’s past and future. St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Indian Rocks and never want
The Tory race comes down to one party members other more dislike the is an perfectly fits the Conservative Party of Canada want The answer to that question by Conservative party members from coast to coast to coast will be answered on September 10th and the future of the party and Canada may well be at stake. smoke mirrors at the root of the dental dilemma?
Florida:
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The Trudeau government’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies are very troublingwhether it is their draconian use of the Emergencies Measures Act to suppress civil liberties or lying in Parliament about it afterwards when asked to produce the facts that to justify such an anti-democratic move. Their ongoing attempts to regulate the internet to counter disinformation whether its from Russia or anywhere else is problematic. Giving civil servants the power to censor the internet sets a troubling precedence that can never be pulled back.
4 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 guest editorial by Mckenzie Donovan publisher/managing editor Dan Donovan art director & web editor Karen Temple social media manager Kat Walcott social media videographer Kayla Walcott cover illustration Food Fight by John Fraser Art & Illustration • https://johnfraserart.ca photographers Jean-Marc Carisse, Chinook Pro ductions, Thomas Faull, Carole Jobin, Richard Tardif Photographie, Karen Temple, Justin Van Leeuwen fashion editor Alexandra Hunt accounts Joe Colas C.G.A bookkeeper Joan MacLean contributing writers Tatum Bergen, Michael Bussière, Sid Cratzbarg, Dan Donovan, Mckenzie Donovan, Alexandra Hunt, Paul Riley, Zhao Yong web contributors Susan Alsembach, Luke Barry, Adele Blair, Sofia Donato, Haley Donovan, Mckenzie Donovan, Dave Gross, Jennifer Hartley, Ryan Lythall, Owen Maxwell, Kate More, Zarha Nafal, Aaron Nava, Rusel Olsen, Mona Staples, Kat Walcott, Keith Whittier corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, Charles Franklin corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor in memoriam Harvey F. Chartrand advertising information For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail Canadianinfo@ottawalife.comPublicationMailProduct Sales Agreement #1199056. Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site:LikeOnFollowwww.ottawalife.comusonTwitter:@ottawalifersInstagram:ottawalifemagusatwww.Facebook.com/OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $48, includes postage, plus HST (four issues). Two years $85, includes postage, plus HST (eight issues). Add $20 per year for postage outside Canada. Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.
Banning large conservative media organizations like Rebel News from the parliamentary press gallery is wrong. Andrew Lawton of the True North Centre for Public Policy was banned from covering Justin Trudeau during the 2019 federal election and at the 2019 Global Conference for Media Freedom in London. The principle of a free press is far more important than the ‘feelings of so-called progressives who themselves are just as guilty of bias. The CBC often posits things to feed their narrative. In February 2022, during an interview with the Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino, CBC reporter Nil Koksal suggested that Russia instigated the Ottawa trucker convoy without referencing an iota of evidence. During the interview, Koksal said to Minister Mendicino, “I do ask that because, you know, given Canada’s support of Ukraine in this current crisis with Russia, I don’t know if it’s farfetched to ask, but there is concern that Russian actors could be continuing to fuel things as this protest grows, or perhaps even instigating it from the outside. The CBC went along with the narrative that Canadian citizens were being manipulated by foreign influences without their reporter providing a shred of evidence to back the claim. More troubling is that in recent weeks Mendicino appears to have deliberately mislead Parliament about the police asking for the EMA to be imposed, and many government officials have stated that much of what drove the cabinet to implement the EMA were media reports-including those from the CBC. Rebel News has 1.56 million subscribers on YouTube. Compare this to the nationally funded CBCs with three million subscribers, and it shows a substantial appetite for a different point of view. It is not the government’s job to tell citizens what news they can or cannot read or watch. There is a clear danger to democracy when a government empowers itself to cut off access to foreign media in the name of politics, completely circumventing the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Should we cut off all Arabic or Israeli media in the name of public information security? What about the Indian press, which has been extremely critical of the Trudeau administration since his 2018 visit to India? With the proposed mandate, the government can simply label it disinformation and ban it.
The Trudeau government wants Canadians to use “trusted media” curated by the government itself and spearheaded by a national broadcasting corporation that has shown itself to be highly partisan. We know this to be a fact because in a recent canard, the CBC published a list of what the government deemed to be “acceptable media” in Canada. Tellingly, the CBC has disabled the ability to comment on most of its YouTube videos and all its Facebook posts. The broadcaster says that the public can instead comment on its webpage, which is moderated by a third party, a substantial overreach in free expression, especially given that hate speech, as defined by Canadian law, must be determined by a court, not a CBC employee. The CBC does this to eliminate perspectives that differ too widely from their reporting.
The risk of having a government that can push its cultivated narrative on the people through a powerful state-funded news establishment is troubling and dangerous. By allowing the government the power to regulate what we see and read, we are creating a bigger monster than we can comprehend g
In a democracy, a free press and freedom of expression mean it is the prerogative of an individual to read or say want they want and not be beholden to what the government wants us to read or think. During the Second World War, Canadians were told that sending Japanese Canadians to internment camps was a needed measure. There was no questioning this government narrative and no ability to read or access perspectives from other countries. That sort of control would be impossible in today’s open media society.
The Trudeau government’s attempts to regulate the media are anti-democratic.
With works sold across North America and internationally, Alex Hunt’s artwork is popular with interior designers and real estate staging companies who rely on her bright, colours artwork features to add joy to life to any space. Now available, her latest work titled Deja Vu. $1,300 alexhuntstudio.com
Show up and show out on Prom night with a suit from Tip Top 2022 marks the long-awaited return of in-person Proms and Tip Top is helping students get suited for their big day. The G Grafton Slim Fit Stretch Suit is inspired by retro high society events and ‘80s Proms filled with fun colours, bright accents and pastels. This classic Slim Fit Stretch suit delivers instant versatility and an immediate confidence boost. Dress this suit up for proms and formal events, or dress is down with a pair of sneakers for casual meet and greets. It is available in five colours and is wrinkle and water resistant.
The Bike Nook saves space while protecting walls, ceilings, furniture, and cars Now you can easily store your bike in the safety of your apartment, garage, balcony, or where ever, with Bike Nook. The upright design makes it simple and easy, with no need for drilling or hammering. Bike Nook removes the struggle of lifting a heavy bike and makes storage quick and damage-free. It adjusts to accommodate bikes of various heights and size. Once the bike is stored, you’ll benefit from up to 3.5 feet of extra floor space. By providing an indoor storage solution, it keeps bikes away from thieves and the elements. For e-bikes, there is the Bike Nook Turbo. bikenook.ca Nest lets you answer the door from anywhere
The Nest Doorbell allows you to leave home with peace of mind even when you are expecting a package delivery. The battery-powered video doorbell has the smarts to detect important activity, so you can see what’s happening at your door even when you’re away. The sleek design will keep your entranceway looking sylish. From thermostats to speakers and smoke alarms, the Nest line of products will help you build a truly helpfull $239.99 home. store.google.com/ca
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Alex Hunt Studio
The ET-2850 top-of-the-line Epson EcoTank printer makes printing easy Are you looking for a great printer for your office or home? You can’t go wrong with the EcoTank ET2850 Wireless Colour All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer. Whether you need documents for work, want to print off some of your favourite pictures for a promotional photo book, or just need to print out receipts, the ET-2850 top-ofthe-line Epson EcoTank printer makes it easy. And you can save money on ink with Epson’s refillable ink tanks. The ET-2850 delivers high quality, reliable colour prints and photos with razor-sharp text, low running costs, and big ink tanks that let you print thousands of pages between refills. The ET-2850 is also compatible with Epson’s Smart Panel App. Download the app to transform your mobile device into an intuitive control centre, so you can easily monitor, print and scan right from your hand-held device. epson.ca
$350.00 TipTop.ca best picks
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THE HOTTEST NEW SCENTS
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he warmer weather is here, and it is time for you Fragranistas to find your spring GHI (Gotta Have It) fragrance. I loved smelling the new women’s scents and sampling the hottest ones for men this season. These new fragrances can be found at Hudson Bay and select Shoppers Beauty Boutiques. Enjoy finding your new spring scent that will ensure people stop you in the street and ask: What are you wearing?
2.COMBINE FRAGRANCES
aristocrat
MISS DIOR ROSE N ROSES
This new J’adore Eau De Parfum Infinissime is spicier, sweeter, and warmer than J’adore. It has been described as an infinitely sensual version of the original. Dior’s perfumer Francois Demachy added Tuberose from the Grasse region to notes of Centifolia Roses, sambas Jasmine, and ylangylang. This is a must fragrance for strong women.confidentand
HOUSE OF DIOR Christian Dior once said, “A woman’s perfume tells me more about her than her handwriting.” The luxury goods company he started revolutionized the women’s fashion industry. Dior re-established Paris as the center of the world of haute couture design and introduced his first fragrance, Miss Dior, in 1947. Today, luxurious Dior fragrances continue to be unique and are truly timeless. Hopefully, you will have a chance to try these Incredible fragrances and experience the luxury world of Dior.
Miss Dior Rose N Roses is a wonderful fresh Eau De Toilette and is a fab addition to the luxury Miss Dior Line. The rose is truly a symbol of love and beauty. Interestingly, it takes 300,000 Grasse Roses to produce 1 kg of Rose Absolute. Harpers Bazar has said this new fragrance scent is the closest you can get to a freshly cut rose. Rose Absolute, Italian mandarin, and white musk are the key notes found in this new Miss Dior scent and are guaranteed to be an addition to your perfume collection.
MISSONI WAVE Missoni Wave is the latest men’s fragrance from Missoni. It has been compared to Chanel Allure Sport and Versace Pour Homme, making it a musthave for many men who appreciate and love fragrances. Missoni Wave is an aromatic citrus fragrance with notes of Sicilian mandarin, lavender, sage, vetiver, and oakmoss and is a GHI (Gotta Have It) scent for this season and will have people asking, “What scent are you wearing?”
J’ADORE INFINISSIME
Sid’s 1.MAKEUPTips WIPES If you apply too much perfume, you can easily remove it using makeup wipes or alcohol wipes
4. OCCASION FRAGRANCE If you wish to wear a fragrance to work, it is important to wear a lighter scent. For going out, choose a warmer and more sensual fragrance g of scent by Sid Cratzbarg
T
A popular way to wear fragrance is layering them. First, test how they smell together on testing paper. If you like the results, you can try them on your skin. Remember to layer fragrances correctly. Spray the heavier one first, followed by the lighter one.
MONCLER A French and Italian-owned luxury company known for its skiwear, Montcler also has a reputation for exceptional footwear, leather bags, backpacks, sunglasses, and eyewear. I was very excited to see that they have launched fragrances for men and women, and I can’t wait to share the new Moncler Pour Femme Eau de Parfum with all you fragrance lovers. Launched in 2021, Moncler Pour Femme is a beautiful floral-woody-musk fragrance made in France. It is described as a sophisticated fragrance with notes of green mandarin, jasmine absolute, sandalwood, and musk.
SAUVAGE ELIXER The Savage Elixer was launched in 2021 and is the newest men’s fragrance in the Dior collection. According to the house of Dior, this scent is more of a warm spicy scent. If you are a Sauvage fan, you must try this new Elixer. It is a potent perfume, so two sprays on your chest or shoulder will keep the smell longer on yourYourskin. ‘GHI’ scent is waiting to be found!
3. DEODORANT PLUS PERFUME Choose a deodorant with a neutral scent. Apply the deodorant first, followed by the fragrance. You likely can also buy a deodorant with the same scent as the fragrance— so many brands have them.
MISSONI The luxury Italian house of Missoni began in 1953. Tai Missoni and his wife Rosita started the business making tracksuits for the Olympic team. The brand is known for its amazing colourful zigzag designs. The first Missoni perfume was created in 1982, and today their fragrances are a musthave for fragrance collectors. Their first male fragrance, Missoni Parfum Pour Homme, is one of my favourites and has even been described as a shareable fragrance — I love how this scent lasts on the skin for a long time.
Canadian automotive legend Frank Stronach is busy these days building a game-changing electric-powered vehicle and launching a chain of organic restaurants and marketplaces. But what’s really got him fired up is spreading the gospel of good health through organic food. This summer, on the rural outskirts north of Toronto, Stronach will open a new educational centre where school kids will swap their textbooks for garden trowels and get their hands dirty planting, growing and harvesting organic Stronachfoods.built the prototype educational centre as a place where young students can grow and harvest their own food and learn about nutritious foods and health eating. The centre will feature an indoor lecture hall, greenhouses, outdoor vegetable gardens and tree orchards, and a farmer’s market selling organic produce to local residents.
If The GUHAH Way succeeds in its efforts, school cafeterias across the country will ditch lunchtime foods made with highly processed, non-organic food ingredients and instead serve up healthy fare made with nutrient-packed organic meats, vegetables and fruits.
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The organization is pushing for school programs at both the elementary and high school level. Stronach believes that children from Grades 1-6 should spend a few hours each week learning about the importance of eating healthy by OLM staff
The exotic-sounding GUHAH is an acronym that stands for: Growing Up Healthy and Happy. And for Stronach, it’s the mantra behind his efforts to build a national organization that he says is more akin to a movement or a lifestyle philosophy.
all-natural, healthy food and author of the book Food Fix. Hyman argues that schools are ground zero when it comes to safeguarding our children’s health and helping educate our children to lead healthy lives by eating nutritious, chemical-free foods.
education/environment
Launching anorganic food revolutionin our nation’s schools
It’s part of a non-profit organization he created last year called The GUHAH Way. Its mission: to inspire an organic food revolution and help educate young Canadians about the lifelong benefits that come with eating healthy, allnatural foods.
Other GUHAH Way initiatives and activities include advocating for the creation of school programs that enable children to learn how to grow organic foods. The non-profit believes that children should learn about the importance of organic foods and the benefits of healthy nutrition both inside the classroom and out on the farms in their local community.
One of the organization’s main initiatives will be to lobby governments and school boards to establish food guidelines that only permit organic foods in school cafeterias. It’s a view that is backed up by health experts such as Dr. Mark Hyman, one of the world’s most outspoken proponents of ABOVE: Frank Stronach is working to make organic food more accessible and affordable for Canadians of all ages.
Frank Stronach: Parents want the best for their children. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly difficult to make changes in our current political system. There are many good politicians who want to bring about positive change, but when they do they often encounter roadblocks and resistance.
Frank Stronach: I think children would really enjoy digging in the soil, planting seeds and then nurturing those vegetables and fruits. And I think they would also enjoy eating the foods that they have grown and harvested with their own hands. No food ever tastes as good as the food that you grew yourself.
The fact is governments have been slow to bring about the sort of changes parents want for their children. These changes include comprehensive nutritional education and organic foods in our schools, where our children spend a large part of their day. And although organic school meals would cost a little more than what we currently spend, they would save hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs over the long term. Our children need a strong voice. They need parents who are willing to come together to represent their children’s interests in our schools. I believe The GUHAH Way can be that organization.
I could make a real difference would be to create an organization that would help make our children lead healthier Forlives.parents, their number one concern is focused on ensuring that their children grow up healthy. That’s the main reason why I established The GUHAH Way. If your children are healthy, there’s a much greater chance that they will also be happy and successful in what they do.
By serving organic foods at our schools, and by teaching young students about the nutritional benefits of an all-natural, healthy diet, we can make enormous strides in improving the health and well-being of our children.
OLM: What inspired you to start The GUHAH Way?
OLM: Do you think school kids would enjoy learning about organic foods?
9 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 and organic foods, including field trips to local farms and greenhouses, while students in Grades 7-12 should spend one entire day per week in studies and hands-on learning related to planting, nurturing, and harvesting farm-grown Throughproduce. these programs, students would learn about the nutritional benefits of foods and the critical role that food plays in human health, as well as gain an appreciation for growing natural foods. They would plant seeds, fertilize the soil, water the vegetables and herbs, weed the gardens, prune the orchards, and harvest the fruits and vegetables. All of the foods that the students would help grow would be free of pesticides, herbicides, GMOs and chemicals. Stronach even believes that once these programs are up and running, most of the food grown by the students could end up on the kitchen cutting board in their school cafeterias.
OLM: What would you say to parents who are interested in joining?
PHOTOS: ISTOCK
The GUHAH Way will inspire individuals of all ages to embrace organic foods and healthy eating and will become a large and powerful voice for parents across the country who want healthier food options at their children’s schools.
Frank Stronach: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to think a lot more about how I could be of greater service to society. Basically, I thought: could my business know-how and experience be applied to other areas? Could I do something that would improve the lives of others? And one of those areas where I thought
of my favourite words of wisdom come from Hippocrates. He is regarded as the father of modern medicine, and he is the founder of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians. Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”
The parent-based movement is guided by Frank Stronach’s profound belief that “growing food is one of the noblest endeavours anyone can pursue.” The organization says children would develop a deep and lasting appreciation for the importance of growing natural food and would carry this knowledge with them throughout their Stronachlives.believes
One of the biggest advocates today about the joy and nobility of growing food is Ron Finley. Ron lives in Los Angeles, and he has promoted his message to millions of people through media interviews, documentary films and TED Talks. Ron uses a number of catchy phrases to get his message across, but one of my favourites is “growing your own food is like printing your own money.” That’s a great lesson for any Anotherstudent.
Frank Stronach: We’re inviting people who share our philosophy to join our organization by becoming a member and participating in our efforts to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle built around a diet of organic, all-natural Iffoods.you feel the way we do, get involved and together we’ll find ways where we can bring about positive change. Visit our website or give us a call. There are so many things we can do to help our children grow up healthy and happy g If we can mobilize widespread support, we can make a real difference in improving the health of our children. That’s the greatest gift we can give to our children. For more information on The GUHAH Way please visit The GUHAH Way, call 289268-1000 or email: info@guhahway.com
Interview with Frank Stronach, Founder of The GUHAH Way
OLM: How will The GUHAH Way lobby for change?
10 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 Girl Boss Vibes in search of st yle by Alex Hunt The fashion industry is turning a corner — experimenting with different shapes, colours, patterns and cuts — and retailers are stocking a greater variety of women’s workwear. With the oversized blazer here to stay, it’s worth building a collection of statement blazers and matching pants. These suits offer a polished yet effortlessly chic look for the office and beyond. Dynamite Blazer $99.95, Pants $59.95 4 PHOTO: CHINOOK PRODUCTIONS Find Alex Hunt on Instagram @ottawastyle and Twitter @alexhuntstudio “ downrightboldBright,&FUN!”
Steve Madden Kenley Sandals $130
PHOTO: SALT ‘N STREETS PHOTOGRAPHY
Dominique Baker @dominique.baker
ALEX’S PICKS
You can get away with stylish runners, flats or anything that enhances the overall look of your suit. For special occasions, I like pairing a suit with a stiletto or strappy sandal in the spring/summer months. Keep in mind that the hem of your pants should fall halfway down the heel.
New Store Opening: Clearly Rideau Centre Located on the 2nd level in the Rideau Centre diagonally across from Sephora, the new Clearly boutique offers comprehensive eye exams, glasses and contact lens fittings. For years, I have been ordering my glasses online but it has been fun to finally try their fun frames in person.
Proenza Schouler Simone Ashley Versace Spring
NEON PINK This season’s most stylish colour is loud and audacious and right on point for 2022. From the runways to the red carpet, the hot pink trend, also answering to magenta of fuchsia, will bring some much-needed positivity to your wardrobe. This trend can be worn as a monochromatic look or added in with accents in accessories. Impossible to ignore, this trend will have all eyes on you!
Santa Carolina’s latest Rosé features expressive red fruit like cherry and raspberry and delicate hints of rose. This Chilean pick is fresh and easy to drink on a hot summer’s day. Available at the LCBO $13.95
Amika: Dream Routine Overnight Hydration Treatment My favourite hair care line has launched an overnight mask that deeply moisturizes while you catch some z’s. Wake up to hair that is 3x more hydrated. Best part, it doesn’t stain your pillow! Available at Sephora $40 Rosé All-Day!
What Shoes To Pair WITH A POWER SUIT?
I adore this suit. The colour is so vibrant and optimistic – makes me smile each time I put it on! ”
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Pecan burgers with mornay sauce replaced a pawn shop, and so began the transformation. Since then, the Market has evolved into the authentic gem that it is, with a Montreal-style openness that rebukes Ontario’s stubborn AngloSaxon mores by plunking a strip club next to a pot shop next to fine dining, all accompanied by the peel of basilica
Chapeaux de Madelaine 146 Dalhousie www.chapeauxdemadeleine.caStreet
The ByWard Market has been the heart of the old town since the canal was built. Farmers, francophones, and the Irish were the merchants, alongside a few Jewish and Lebanese families who provided oriental colour. It was always a bit rough-and-tumble, that was until a café called Daphne and Victor’s opened on William Street in the late 1970s.
PHOTOS by Richard Tardif Photographie
ByWard’s fabulous owner-in-the-store FASHION BOUTIQUES
A WALKING TOUR OF
were unlocked yet again, along roared beer bellies on hogs and a threat more inflated than gas prices.
12 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 around town by Michael Bussiere
ISTOCKFAULL,THOMASPHOTO:
Over the past two years, ByWard Market merchants and their uptown neighbours have had to stomach more baloney than a kid’s summer camp. Sure, every mall and high street in town got clobbered by Covid, but ByWard bars, restaurants and the district’s one-of-a-kind boutiques were effectively imprisoned, first by a violent crime spree fuelled by…well, flip back a couple of issues for a subtle reminder. Then, just as hope began to unlock our little corner of the world, a pig-roasting, inflatable castle-bouncing battalion with a half a brain among them sabotaged the longawaited recovery using Grade 10-level bluster with the help of Sloly Valet Parking Services. Praise the Lord, three weeks of freedom fighting and business was down 70 per cent. And just when the bums finally got the boot, and doors
OLM’s walking tour of exquisite ownerin-the-store boutiques featuring original designs, specialties, and excellent eats and Headcoffee.upto the north end of Dalhousie Street and start your walk at the corner of Cathcart where you’ll find a boutique reminiscent of Montreal’s Plateau district. Tucked into a vintage brick building with an angled corner entrance are two of Ottawa’s top independent fashion designers. Madeleine France Cormier is a modiste/milliner of women’s and men’s hats who has captured the attention of international critics at L’Oréal Fashion Week, MAC Cosmetics and Vera Wang. Chapeaux de Madeleine features styles for many functions, from weddings and gala dinners to garden parties and cruiseship holidays. Each is handmade to the highest quality standards.
bells and some drunk in a midnight ByWardchoir. is the soul of the city and a truly wonderful, resilient place with a great future. So, instead of shopping till you drop at some generic mall, get off your duff and Amazon, and come enjoy
Madeleine’s boutique mate is Frank Sukhoo, a couturier and owner of Sukhoo Sukhoo Khooture. His dazzling designs are favourites of the Capital gala set and diplomatic community. Sukhoo lists the ever-stylish, former NACO cellist Amanda Forsyth among his clientele, along with former Governors General Michaëlle Jean, and David Johnston and his wife Sharon. Turn right on Dalhousie and head south past lots of cool shops until you come to 238 and Optique Prestige, an eyewear fashion boutique where owner Pierre Ibrahim will help you select from an exclusive line of vintage frames, exotic lenses, and high-end designers including Fred Paris.
Optique Prestige 238 Dalhousie www.optiqueprestige.comStreet Sukhoo Sukhoo Khooture 146 Dalhousie www.sukhoosukhoo.comStreet F RANK SUKHOO Sid Cratzbarg models eyewear from Optique Prestige 13 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
J OHN RMOR
P AMELA COULSTON Disegno Fine Jewelly 100 Murray www.designojewellery.caStreet
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John Rmor Shoes Sussex www.rmor.caStreet
You’re steps from St. Patrick Street where you’ll turn left and find couturier Michel Antoine at number 260. Michel’s customized designs have been seen at events all around town for almost 30 years, everything from evening gowns and gala wear to suits and uniforms, all made from top-quality fabrics. Once you’re back on Dalhousie head south again and stop at the coolest new coffee roaster and stand-up espresso bar. Opulence Coffee located at number 261 is owned by local guy/ globetrotter/executive chef JP Gorley who’s returned to his old ‘hood to up the coffee experience. Grab a delicious cup at opulence coffee before turning right on Murray and stopping at Le Boulanger Français — The French Baker at number 119. It’s an authentic boulangerie de quartier where breads, pastries, desserts and other delicacies appear on the shelf each morning. There are also plenty of imported treats from France. And, discerning diners may remember Benny’s Bistro, which is now looking forward to welcoming patrons after two years of lockdowns and Crossrenovations.Murray to number 100 and Disegno Fine Jewellery, where you’ll be dazzled by owner/designer/gemologist Pamela Coulston’s big, bold creations feature sparkling, natural coloured gems
A NICA IORDACHE Cantas Fashion 700 Sussex cantas-fashion.business.siteStreet S EMIHA CANTAS 15 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
“In the Italian artistic tradition ‘disegno’ carries a more complex meaning than just ‘design’; it involves not only the ability to render the drawing but to imagine, to conceive the design,” Pamela says. Just across the lobby is ModMop. Stop in and meet owner Anica Iordache, whose highly-original stylings won the Professional Beauty Association’s annual North American Hairstyling Awards category for haircutting in Las Vegas in 2017. By now you’re probably ready for lunch, and long-time Ottawa entrepreneur Joseph Saikaley has just the place for you. Head west on Murray and you’ll find Spa Café just as you arrive at Tin House Court. It opened during the lockdown and it’s already bustling thanks to its delicious, healthy, and super-fresh menu featuring salads, juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and other wellness offerings. My personal fave is the protein power bowl. Spa Café can easily claim the most picturesque patio in the Market. Once you’re fuelled up, walk up to Sussex where you’ll find John Rmor Shoes, located on the corner of what is without a doubt a world-class urban ModMop 238 Murray Street www.modmop.com
set in 18k solid gold and platinum. She’s also done over one-thousand custom designs.
I SABELLE GAUVREAU 16 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Isabelle Mode 457 Sussex www.isabellemode.comStreet
space. John designs superbly cool footwear for men, women, and kids right here in Ottawa. The leathers are all Italian from Milan and his products are hand-crafted in the best ateliers in Portugal and Poland. Custom orders are available as well, as are gloves made from Italian leather, bags made in Italy and Portugal, and Chinese silk scarves from Bordeaux. You may just hear Puccini on the Muzak. Make a left out of John’s boutique and walk towards the (yawn) Rideau Centre. On the right side of the street at you can’t help notice the evening wear adorning the window. Semiha Cantas imports her fashions from Turkey were her family runs a clothing manufaturing and retail business. Since 1997 Cantas Fashion has been offering women affordable fashions and one-of-a-kind accessories — scarves, bags, and jewelry — to complement all your outfits. Pop back out onto to Sussex and head left. Detour on to Clarence where card lovers will find Ottawa’s best selection at Paper/Papier. Andrew and Gary have curated a terrific assortment from the solemn to the naughty for every recipient on your list, plus the city’s biggest collection of designer pens, plus journals, artful gift wrap, and fun stuff like puzzles and luxury soaps. In the back, facing la Cour Jeanne D’arc,
is Fleurissant, where Tamiko’s plants and floral arrangements are a miniature oasis of beauty. Back on Sussex, there awaits a string of fashion boutiques to round out your day. Visit Isabelle Mode, where owner Isabelle Gauvreau offers European fare by Nadia Toto, Luisa Cérano, Saint James, Hubert Gasser and many more. Valmen is a curated men’s clothing store and visual art gallery geared to the true Aroundgentleman.the corner on York is an Ottawa fashion institution. Justine’s was opened by Christine Shaiken on Sussex in 1981 and can boast a celebrity list of patrons including Margaret Trudeau, Mila Mulroney, Karen Kain, and Sandra Oh. And finally, there’s Schad, where owner Chantal and her knowledgable, friendly staff are always ready to show you around their excellent selection of women’s fashions in their very cool warehouse-style boutique. Only in the AllMarket!ofthese tenacious, dedicated owners and designers have held on and survived everything that the past two years have thrown at them. They are all looking forward to welcoming you with open doors and open arms, so be sure to make a shopping date in the Market one day soon g
Justine Studio 17A York www.justinestudio.caStreet C HRISTINE SHAIKIN 17 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
CRIW’s Operational Director, Dr. Luciara Nardon, who is leading the research and evaluation project, spoke of the partnership, saying: “We are pleased to bring our research expertise to the table to support initiatives that impact workplace inclusion efforts in the Carleton’scommunity.”Sprott School of Business is also supporting the program. Dean Dana Brown spoke of the benefits: “Partnerships connecting academia with community organizations can lead to insights and innovative ideas to create a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous society.”
PHOTO: ISTOCK
The Ottawa recruiting industry also supports the new program and sees immense benefits. Sari Cantor, a partner at Recruiting in Motion, said: “Collaborating with the World Skills Employment Centre for almost five years has been beyond a privilege. Working with the participants through their job search journeys exceeds a professional commitment. Seeing their successes as part of the Nation’s Capital’s workforce is a heartwarming experience, and we are looking forward to continuing this amazing collaboration.”
The new program will have the financial backing of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada through its Settlement Program Service Delivery service. This department focuses on better integrating newly arrived immigrants into communities across Canada and supports broader immigration to Canada as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada, stated, “Newcomers enrich the cultural fabric of our society, and are helping Canada build back better as the economy recovers from the global pandemic.” He went on to say: “That is why we are investing over $100 million over the next three years under the Service Delivery Improvement funding stream for organizations such as the World Skills Employment Centre to help position newcomers for success in their communities. Because when newcomers succeed, we all succeed.”
World Skills Employment Centre launches research initiative aimed at deepening employer partnerships to help newcomers integrate into in-demand labour sectors.
After two years of economic hardship, Worlds Skills Employment Centre is not only helping the country recover by supporting the immigrants who help build Canada to get the best employment in developing sectors, but they are also assisting Canadian businesses g ottawa-worldskills.org
Service Delivery Improvement stream that invests in projects that explore how to better integrate newcomers in their new communities and support the settlement sector as it recovers from the Thepandemic.partnership program encompasses diverse sectors, including not-for-profit, business services, finance, construction, IT, public administration, healthcare, social assistance, transportation, natural and applied sciences, education, retail, waste management, hospitality, tourism, and warehousing.
From the employer side, Tsegaye said that Work Skills will “focus on creating a larger pool of engaged employers in 15 sectors who are aware of newcomer talent and skills, and are engaged in labour market integration of newcomers through participation in coaching and networking events, mentorship, sharing of job postings, interviewing and hiring of newcomers.” He went on to say, “Employers can support this initiative by helping newcomers to acquire the knowledge, skills, and connections that prepare them for the Canadian labour market, promote civic engagement and create a sense of belonging.”
18 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 profile by Mckenzie Donovan
“This research project will be paramount in enhancing further understanding in the settlement sector as it explores the impact of a sectorspecific employer engagement strategy to increase employer awareness of newcomer talent and to meet their hiring needs. This will also further assist newcomers’ economic integration into the Canadian economy.”
The project is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada through the Settlement Program
World Skills Employment Centre, founded in 1997, responds to the needs of the Ottawa labour market while also promoting the skills and talents of new Canadians. In doing so, they help assist the economic integration of newcomers to Canada. The centre helps over 3000 people annually. Executive Director Mengistab Tsegaye explained that the time is right for this new program especially given the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting labour shortages.
As the World Skills Employment Centre rolls out the program, the Carleton University Centre for Research on Inclusion at Work (CRIW) will research the program’s effectiveness, using its expertise to support workplace integration efforts.
Ottawa partnership to further help connect immigrants to employment
19 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 The Existential ConservativeCrisisPartyIN THE cover story ILLUSTRATION by John Fraser Art & Illustration
Political Turd Agreement”“Confidence-and-SupplyPill
There is an adage that perfectly fits the Conservative Party of Canada today, “‘Do You Want to Be Right…or do you want to win.” The answer to that question by Conservative party members from coast to coast to coast will be answered on September 10th and the future of the party and Canada may well be at stake. After almost seven years of a Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has never been more divided. Mr. Trudeau clings to power with the support of barely 30 per cent of the electorate and has no support in Western Canada except a few seats in B.C. Yet he continues to rule as though he has a majority government because Jagmeet Singh and the NDP have pawned their core principles in a crass exchange for a power sharing deal. (Under Singh, the NDP has the support of 17 per cent of the population nationally, a substantial drop from the support they had under Jack Layton and Thomas Mulcair).
The Tory race comes down to one thing: Do party members dislike each other more than they dislike the Liberals?
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To secure the deal, the Liberals convinced Singh and the NDP to commit to signing on to a ‘confidenceand-supply agreement’ in March 2022, just days after Prime Minister Trudeau had dictatorially imposed the Emergency Measures Act in Canada. It was a draconian, heavy handed, breathtaking, and shocking abuse of power by the Trudeau government with the full support of Jagmeet Singh and the NDP who simply decided to suspend citizens’ civil rights in response to the Liberals mishandling of a trucker’s protest in Ottawa and at two major border crossings.
The Emergencies Act (EMA) was passed in 1988 to replace the War Measures Act, which had been used to suspend civil liberties during both world wars and the 1970 October Crisis. The new act has more checks and balances than the previous one, including parliamentary oversight and a requirement to respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. By invoking the EMA, Cabinet gave itself the power to enact wide-reaching orders without going through the ordinary democratic process.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association said that “Using this Act, the federal government gave police increased authority to shut down peaceful protests, on any issue, right across Canada” and added, “there was an insufficient legal basis for resorting to the EMA and therefore the orders the government passed under this legislation were unconstitutional.” It has since been learned that neither the RCMP, Ottawa Police, OPP or any police asked for the EMA to be implemented. Deploying the EMA was an especially bitter pill for many to swallow when Trudeau himself had refused to speak or meet with the protesters, instead choosing to falsely label them all as white nationalists, racists, and misogynists. There were certainly some bad apples in the trucker protest, but many were just hardworking Canadians from blue collar industries frustrated with and tired of Covid regulations (who wasn’t). Yet the petulant, derisive and hypocritical remarks were hard to swallow coming from Trudeau, a PM who has worn blackface himself on at least three occasions as an adult, who had groped a women when he was 28 and had to apologize for his misogynistic behavior (after first denying it) and who had broken Covid rules on multiple occasions that he expected other Canadians to follow and has been sanctioned for ethics violations on three separate occasions in while in office.
The Existential Crisis IN THE Conservative Party
cover story by Dan Donovan
Lewis opposes travel mandates for vaccines and stated that “millions of Canadians were kept from traveling during 2022 Easter weekend.”
Baber was ousted from the PC Party of Ontario for his anti-lockdown motivations calling the measures an erosion of Canadian democracy. Baber supports the unvaccinated and believes their rights are being infringed upon.
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CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON COVID 19
“The two-time MP and former mayor of Huntsville has a calmness and likeability factor that stands out. Aitchison says he wants to renew the promise that the next generation of Canadians will be better than the one before and remove divisive rhetoric from politics. Aitchison’s obvious experience as a mayor shines through.“
Aitchison seems to have avoided this topic or commented on it.
Poilievre supported the freedom convoy and has called for an end to all mandates.
A bigger challenge for Canada is that the Trudeau-Singh ‘confidence-andsupply agreement’ is entirely focused on even more spending combined with shutting down more of Canada’s energy sector rather than growing the Canadian economy. Invariably this means more taxes for Canadians. This has caused deep concern for “blue Liberals” (or “business Liberals”) and others in the party who feel betrayed by Trudeau. Many lifelong liberals are unhappy and feel they didn’t leave the Liberal Party, rather the Liberal party left them. They say that today there is not a real liberal party, only the “cult of Justin” where all his foibles and scandals and misbehaviors are excused
Scott Aitchison
The NDP continued to support Trudeau even after he was sanctioned on three separate occasions for serious ethics violations while in office. And just prior to the 2021 election Singh and the NDP had propped up the government when the WE Charity scandal blew up. In that debacle, the Trudeau Liberals were caught trying to sole source a taxpayer funded $900-million contract to an organization that had paid members of Trudeau’s family including his mother, spouse, and brother over $600k in fees and expenses. Trudeau brushed it all off claiming he was not aware of the payments to his family. Yet those trite matters were set aside by Jagmeet Singh in exchange for a deal to share power. In return, the NDP and Singh received vague promises from the Trudeau Liberals that the government would support legislation for a 10 day sick leave for workers, fund a national dental care plan, (although no details were provided), extend pharmacare support for Canadians (with no details provided), commit to more carbon taxes (no details provided) and do something about affordability and housing costs including a ‘Homebuyers Bill of Rights’ and an ‘Early Learning and Child Care Act,’ invest more in Indigenous reconciliation including supporting residential school survivors, and improve fairness in the tax system by addressing profits made by big banks during the pandemic. Jagmeet Singh justified it all by saying that his party is “using our power to get help to people.” Singh noted the NDP pressure on the Liberals had increased public spending on social files like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and other Covid support programs. Singh told reporters questions about the pact that “At this time, everyone I talk to, people are telling me that they need help now. And they expect politicians to deliver that help. And that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said.
Singh’s decision to fully support the ‘confidence-and-supply agreement’ after supporting the suspension of civil rights under the EMA came as no surprise to many pundits in the capital. After all, Singh and the NDP had supported Trudeau’s minority government in 2019 despite the fallout from the SNC scandal, even after it was learned that former Indigenous cabinet minister Jody Wilson Raybould and Treasury Board President Jane Philpott had quit over Trudeau’s failed attempts to pressure then Justice Minister Wilson Raybould absolve SNC Lavalin of multiple corruption charges.
Brown has supported the lockdown measures in the past and called Covid a pandemic of the unvaccinated.
Charest says that health experts must be listened to on lifting mandates.
The problem for Singh and the NDP is that their very relevance as a party is now at stake as they have been completely co-opted by the Liberals. If the Trudeau government is involved in more scandals, controversy, or political turmoil, the NDP has committed to propping them up regardless, and that may make them a target for angry voters in the next election.
HOWE Institute is that the Trudeau Liberal government is obsessed with redistribution of wealth instead of a plan for longer-term economic growth to get Canada going again.
The Trudeau’s government plans to “build back better” coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic are largely based on increased spending on a social, environmental, and industry programs that will be funded by increased taxes including a carbon tax that is directed to general revenues and will do nothing to decrease concerns about climate change.
Charest has not extensively commented on Ukraine but says that Justin Trudeau’s Ukraine policy is clearly not working. Lewis believes that Ukraine has pushed Canada on a path where we must increase defence spending and become energy independent. Poilievre appears hawkish and has called the European response to Russia weak.
Pierre Poilievre
“Over the past 19 years he has honed his skills to become one of the most capable MPs in the House of Commons and is an exceptional debater and critic. An effective Opposition MP, Poilievre has been a constant thorn in the side of the Trudeau Liberal government and has exposed more government corruption and scandal than any other MP “
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Consider this: When Trudeau Liberals came to power in 2015, Canada had the strongest balance sheet in the G7. Today it has one of the worst. Trudeau’s Liberal government has run up the highest debt since Confederation at close to 1 trillion dollars. To put that in perspective, the Liberals have spent more money in the past six and half years than all the governments combined since Confederation. The federal net debt rose by $253.4 billion in 2020 to reach $942.5 billion or 42.7 per cent of GDP, compared with 29.8 per cent in 2019. Financial assets for the federal government grew 13.2 per cent to $523.5 billion, while liabilities increased by 27.3 per cent to $1,466.0 billion. Canada’s relative indebtedness is among the worst in the industrialized world. In 2019, it was 86.8 per cent of GDP, which ranked 24th among 31 industrialized countries. The increase in debt in 2020 was driven primarily by massive deficits ($325 billion) generated to finance numerous relief measures, notably in the form of transfers to households and subsidies to businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the mismanagement of those programs, (including over $4 billion in CERB overpayments to non-qualified people) is said to have cost taxpayers’ tens of billions of dollars that will not be Robertrecovered.Asselin, a vice-president at the Business Council of Canada and a former Liberal advisor has said that “We will have spent $1 trillion since 2019 and it’s not clear that we’ll be in a better position on the economic front.”
Over the five years from 2019 through 2024, it is projected that Ottawa will add $1 trillion to the federal debt, well higher than the $685 billion that had been accumulated through its entire history until 2019. Another concern raised by many prominent economists and think tanks including the C.D.
2022 as “thinking liberals” are expected to check their brains at the door or hold their noses if they don’t like the smell of these deals and shenanigans. They believe the Trudeau-Freeland approach to government has abandoned the principle espoused for decades in the Liberal party that proper fiscal governance and centrist approach to fiscal policy is key to a healthy economy and growth.
Gas prices in Canada are the highest they have ever been. This due to a convergence of factors including the war in Ukraine which has put pressure on international oil supply, the carbon tax, high inflation which is partially due to the covid recovery, interest rates, and the suppression of Canada’s energy sector by the Trudeau government which has shut down pipelines and access to vast amounts of Canadian energy. Despite having huge reserves, more than half the oil used in Quebec and Atlantic Canada is imported from foreign sources including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Ivory Coast-and until recently Russia. In 2020, Canada spent close to 20 billion to import foreign
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE Aitchison has not extensively commented since 2019 but has taken a Harper-era hawk line in his comments about Putin.
Baber has said nothing of note but is of Ukrainian-Russian Jewish descent. Brown has said very little on Ukraine aside from saying we should take in more Palestinian and Yemini refugees like the Ukrainians we have already taken in. His comments were seen as anti-Israeli in a wider context of his speech.
The Existential Crisis IN THE Conservative Party
In the meantime, housing prices have never been higher in Canada and the dream of owning a home is now far out of reach for most young people.
The LeadershipConservativeRace
“On the contrary, at the rate we’re going, we’re moving closer and closer toward that scenario. Canada’s debt-toGDP ratio in 2021 was approximately 109 per cent — the same percentage as Greece just a few short years before it was bailed out. In other words, the amount of money Canada owes is more than the amount we produce in goods and services. So, with that as a backdrop, what is the alternative? Why can’t the Official Opposition Conservative Party of Canada oust the Trudeau Liberals? It’s quite simple really. It appears candidates for the leadership of the party and party members themselves dislike each other more than they dislike the Liberals, and it is that one fact that will continue to deny them government. Before they have something to offer for Canadians, Conservatives will need to resolve their existential crisis and decide who they are and whether they are truly in lockstep with the Canada of today. After all, if they could not beat a political dilettante PM who has shut down much of Canada’s energy economy, implemented a carbon tax that will go into general revenues rather than to mitigate climate change, has danced around in blackface, apologized for misogyny and has suspended everyone’s civil rights on a whim and has the temerity to lecture people on Indigenous issues but then sees nothing wrong with going to a surfing resort in Tofino on the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day to honour dead children killed in residential schools, then maybe it’s time to take a hard look at themselves and what they are offering as an alternative. If they can’t beat a government with that record, then maybe it’s time to pack it in.
Baber believes most of the economic downturn in Canada is related to lockdowns.
The C.D. Howe Institute, Parliamentary Budget office and Professor Ian Lee of the Sprott School of Business at Carleton have warned that business investment levels have been weak since 2015, productivity has sagged, and that the aging Canadian population continues to put more strain on the public purse. As a result of proliferated government spending many Canadian firms have become dependent on small bursts of government subsidies, while red tape and outdated regulatory rules are impeding private investments. This combined with lax rules and oversight has made it easy for foreign companies to effortlessly acquire Canadian innovations and move jobs and tax revenues overseas.
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON THE ECONOMY AND INFLATION
23 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 oil. It has also spent billions of taxpayer dollars to either buy or shut down pipeline projects completely. Then there is Canada’s massive debt problem at almost $1 trillion. Oh . . . and inflation in Canada is now at a 40-year high.
Poilievre wants to make Canada the blockchain capital of the world for bitcoin, he also firmly believes in balancing the budget and tackling inflation.
The Conservative leadership race will
In an op-ed published in March, Frank Stronach, founder of Magna International Inc., one of Canada’s largest global companies, said Canada is “fairly close” to a public debt crisis and Canadians need to force politicians to rein in spending. Stronach, who once ran as federal Liberal candidate for Aurora (1988) responded to BNN Bloomberg about his op-ed. Bloomberg asked how close Canada was to a debt crisis like the one that threatened the country in the 1990s. Stronach replied: “I think close, you know, our debt rises about $400 million every day, right? So that should be a great concern.” Stronach wrote that Canada is not immune to the slide toward bankruptcy seen by other countries such as Argentina and Greece.
Aitchison believes that inflation is a massive problem, but it can only be solved by balancing budget and reducing taxes.
Brown describes himself as a strong physical conservative and says that the Liberal’s spending is driving up the cost of living and inflation.
Charest wants to balance the budget and bring tax relief. He believes in a flexible taxation policy.
Lewis is the same as other candidates in most respects but believes small to medium business plays an important role in the economy and that cutting red tape would be more beneficial. She also supports supply management.
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON THE CARBON TAX
The larger question for them is to deal with the extreme elements in their party who seem to have too much of the oxygen in the room. After all, you can’t fix stupid. But you need to deal with it. And make no mistake about it there is a lot of stupid on display in the Conservative party that is drowning out the good stuff. The real test for the Tories in this race will be whether they have adequate strategies to suppress and contain the dog-whistle politics on the fringes of the party that give oxygen to racist, bigoted, and extremist voices that they don’t need or want.
Brown supported a provincial carbon tax but does not support a federal carbon tax hike. He plans a party-wide climate consultation.
Poilievre opposes the carbon tax at all levels and promises to “kill it.”
Baber thinks that Canadian energy is a “blessing” and believes that carbon taxes do nothing. He wants a cleaner and more efficient oil and gas sector. Baber does believe in Climate change but wants to focus on clean energy.
2022 decide where on the party’s political spectrum conservatives will lean. “Do they go to the right? Do they stay in the centre right? Do they move more to the centre?” Conservative party members must decide if they are going to present an idea based, thoughtful, respectful, and civil alternative to the governing Liberals or will they double down on foghorn populist politics that are fueled by anger, outrage, and the belittling of opponents.
In the 2021 election Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole became evasive and would not answer questions about Covid or how he felt about Jason Kenny’s
It is strangely ironic that so many tried and true Conservatives who pride themselves on being proud Canadians and on knowing much of Canada’s history, that have forgotten or suppressed their own recent history. Stephen Harper had a good run, but his prickly public persona eventually waned on people and as a result Canadians pivoted and went with the ‘Sunny Ways’ narrative of Justin
The Existential Crisis IN THE Conservative Party
In response, Trudeau and NDP leader Thomas Mulcair promised to dramatically increase Syrian refugee numbers. A subsequent Liberal majority government seemed to be proof of support for the policy. Harper was out. In the lead up to the 2019 election then Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer spent months legitimately haranguing Trudeau and the Liberals about transparency and accountability over multiple issues. However, Scheer would not give a clear answer on his views on the LGBTQ community. Suspicions about Scheer’s transparency and real agenda became more evident when it was learned that Scheer was a dual American citizen. Many were surprised by the revelation, yet when asked why he had never disclosed it, Scheer responded that no one had asked him.
Charest supported climate change carbon taxes as premier. He wants to repeal the tax and replace it with industrial carbon pricing and a balancing of the energy sector’s net benefit to the economy with the needs of the environment.
Trudeau in 2015. The deathblow for the Conservatives in that election was their cold response to horrific photos of a dead boy on a Turkish beach — the images of Alan Kurdi were splashed on news platforms around the world — focusing attention on the Syrian refugee crisis and on a single family whose hopes for emigration to be with relatives in Canada ended in sorrow. The family had bought passage on a boat that overturned. Two of the children drowned: Ghalib Kurdi, five, and Alan Kurdi, three, whose body was photographed on the beach by a journalist. Their mother, Rehanna, also drowned but her distraught husband, Abdullah, survived. The Conservatives had said they had committed to allowing 10,000 Syrian refugees into Canada but had let in only a few hundred.
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Obtuse comments from then Immigration Minister Chris Alexander only made things worse. By the time Stephen Harper acknowledged in an emotional voice that as a father he found the photo of a dead boy on the Turkish beach to be “heartbreaking,” and tried to defend his actions as prime minister, it was too late. There was a view that the Tories were heartless.
Aitchison would scrap the carbon tax. Believes climate change exists but must be managed with other strategies.
Lewis opposes the tax and says, “it’s a fake term that makes us feel like we are doing something for the environment” and that it is a wealth tax that does not change behaviour.
Baber has stated no plan.
Poilievre wants to go after the municipal politics he claims are stifling the development of housing. He says that too many 30-year-olds are now living with their parents. He believes building more houses will drive down the cost.
disastrous response in the summer of 2021 to Covid in Alberta. Instead, he avoided the questions and the media asking them. His trustworthiness took a big hit. He lost the election and soon after, he was toast. It was only 29 years ago that the Tories shot themselves in the head in the 1993 election when they ran an ad campaign making fun of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s facial palsy. It was a deplorable, nasty, and mean-spirited move, only made worse by the fact that the Conservative brain trust running the campaign did not think anything was wrong with it. In fact, many thought it was funny. That thoughtless act led to the complete annihilation of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada who had successfully governed under Brian Mulroney for almost a decade. In one swoop, they went from 169 to two seats. The lone survivor was the amiable and intelligent Jean Charest who had distanced himself as much as he could from the gong show and came out with his dignity intact. There is a lesson Populistthere.conservative reformer Preston Manning made gains in the 1993 election at the expense of the Progressive Conservative Party and won 57 seats for the Reform Party. But he would never win the government. There is a lesson there too. In 1993 the Conservatives were told in blunt terms by millions of Canadians what was acceptable and what was not. Nastiness and mean-spiritedness were rejected outright. It was a harsh lesson, and it would take over a decade for Stephen Harper, Peter McKay, Preston Manning, and others to rebuild the Conservative brand in Canada and bring it back to governance. But the Tories would lose it all again in 2015 because they came off as pricks at the wrong moment. The message back then is the same as it is today. Be civil. So, it should come as no surprise that several polls in recent months have shown a strong and consistent dissatisfaction with Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government. These same polls also show that most Canadians want a more socially progressive and economically centrist, Conservative Party. However, the problem for Conservatives may be that many of them are not where most Canadians are, and that could be their Someundoing.candidates in the Conservative leadership race are not focused on civility, believing they have righteousness on their side. Their beliefs are motivated by a ‘moral imperative,’ and a conviction that they are right. Their opponents, whether it the Liberals or even a fellow leadership candidate are not seen as adversaries to be respected, they are enemies. This may play well within some circles, but history has shown it is not a winning formula.
Aitchison wants to recruit more immigrant workers and cut red tape and money laundering in the housing market to get new houses built faster so that costs will go down.
Brown’s policy focuses less on home ownership and more on social housing, co-ops, and more rentals.
Lewis has no policy stated other than cutting the red tape.
Charest has a build the Canadian dream plan and wants a summit if elected with premiers to go about tackling the housing crisis so that it becomes affordable to own a home in Canada again.
Patrick Brown
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“Brown was elected mayor of Brampton in 2018 and remains popular in the role. He is viewed to be on the more moderate side of the Conservative Party of Canada and is seen by party insiders as a natural ally to Jean Charest.“
Carpet Bombs andGrenades — You can teach people everything excepthow to get along It was a chilling start to a leadership race.
On May 11, Scott Aitchison, Roman Baber, Jean Charest, Leslyn Lewis, and Pierre Poilievre all took to the stage at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre. (Patrick Brown would join in future debates). Within minutes Pierre Poilievre had eviscerated Jean Charest and accused Patrick Brown of lying even though Brown was not at the debate. Poilievre said Brown and Charest were not “True Conservatives” and insinuated that they had in some way betrayed Conservatives and by CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON HOUSING
Baber said that the CBC acted like Pravda and demonized the protestors.
Pierre Poilievre was first elected to Parliament in Ottawa Nepean Carleton in 2004 at the age of 24. Since then, he has been re-elected in seven consecutive elections in the Ottawa area. He served as a Parliamentary Secretary to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and was minister for democratic reform from 2013 to 2015 and minister of employment and social development in 2015. Over the past 19 years he has honed his skills to become one of the most capable MPs in the House of Commons and is an exceptional debater and critic. An effective Opposition MP, Poilievre has been a constant thorn in the side of the Trudeau Liberal government and has exposed more government corruption and scandal than any other MP. He is smart, quick on his feet and has a self-deprecating sense of humour that is especially effective in small Poilievregatherings.says he is running to be ‘Prime
2022 extension party principles. He suggested that Charest is keen to impose taxes, referencing the fact that as Premier of Quebec, Charest had raised the sales tax and brought in a carbon tax. Poilievre attacked Charest for his work in the private sector, including providing advice to Chinese telecom company Huawei on the Meng Wanzhou case, while Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were in jail. He would not even consider acknowledging that Charest’s work behind the scenes as a lawyer helped secure the release of the two Michaels and end the saga.
campaign has targeted disaffected conservatives and blue-collar workers like those who supported Doug Ford in the recent Ontario election.
Poilievre says he will reduce taxes and regulations, develop Canada’s energy resources, abolish the carbon tax, balance the federal budget, combat inflation by containing wasteful spending, protect civil liberties including freedom of speech, oppose internet censorship, counter Trudeau’s wokism, defend Canada’s history, rebuild the military, and defund the CBC. In one of his more controversial statements at a leadership debate in Edmonton in May, Poilievre said he would fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem, accusing him of being an ATM for Trudeau’s deficit spending and of fueling inflation. He added that those who caused the soaring postpandemic inflation rate must be held accountable. “I would replace him with a new governor who would reinstate our low-inflation mandate, protect the purchasing power of our dollar, and honour the working people who earned those dollars.”
Lewis supported the Freedom Convoy. Poilievre supported the Freedom Convoy and went out to meet with protesters.
Jean Charest “Many in Canada remember that it was Jean Charest who led the federal forces as a Conservative MP, in 1997, that defeated Lucien Bouchard and the separatists and literally saved Canada from a break-up. Those are things that should be honoured, respected, acknowledgedand.“
The Existential Crisis IN THE Conservative Party
Brown opposed the Freedom Convoy and said that he supports the rights of those to protest so long as they do not infringe on the rights of others to do the same.
Charest opposed the Freedom Convoy and stated that it was an occupation claiming that Poilievre support makes him incapable of leading the country or the party.
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Generally, people who distrust public servants and politicians and who are unhappy with what they claim is too much government in their lives. Poilievre refers to them as ‘gatekeepers’ and his solution is to have a smaller government, fewer rules and regulations and give people more ‘freedom’.
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON THE FREEDOM CONVOY Aitchison supports ending all mandates. Says the occupation was fundamentally wrong for its disruption but could have been dealt with better i.e., not demonizing Canadians.
Minister of Canada’. He describes himself as a low-tax, low-inflation candidate. His pitch is that Canadians are worried about their freedom, and he claims the invasive restrictions put on them by the Trudeau government in response to Covid have invaded their privacy and rights and adversely affected their lives. He says job security, high taxation, affordable housing, and affordability in general, community safety and managing inflation are all areas where an increasingly autocratic Justin Trudeau is failing Canadians. He believes that these issues combined with the trillion-dollar debt rung up by the free spending Liberals under Trudeau’s big government agenda are leading Canada down a path that is undermining the very future of the Poilievre’scountry.
Aitchison is avidly pro-choice and believes the state should not interfere with the right of women to choose. His support for abortion rights is vocally stronger than any other candidate.
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But Jean Charest has been around the block and his rebuttal was spot on. For Charest civility is a strength, not a weakness and he can take a punch. But he can also throw one. As Poilievre leveled his accusations, Charest glared at him and then looked straight into what appeared to be a very pro-Poilievre audience and retorted, “This mess (with the convoy protests) is the fault of Mr. Trudeau. But Mr. Poilievre, during that time, you supported an illegal blockade,” Charest said. “You cannot make laws, and break laws, and then say, ‘I will make laws for other people.’ I’m sorry.” As Poilievre tried to rebut the comments, Charest told Poilievre to stop lying. It was a clear signal to everyone that Jean Charest is no shrinking violet and will hold his own. It did not go unnoticed. However, the gloves were off and it signaled Charest and Poilievre were going to have a punch fest. Poilievre was going directly
Charest is pro-choice and will not reopen any debate on the policy.
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON ABORTION
Brown is pro-choice and will not reopen any debate on the policy.
Baber is pro-choice but would allow private members bills by Tory MP’s that are pro-life.
David Dodge, the Bank of Canada’s governor from 2001 to 2008, publicly rebuked Poilievre for his comment in an email to BNN Bloomberg over his threat to fire Macklem if he takes office and noted that the Bank of Canada’s independence is enshrined insofar as being “charged with making the operational decisions.” It was the second time in two weeks that Dodge had admonished Poilievre. On May 8, Evan Solomon asked Dodge on CTV’s Question Period about Poilievre’s comments claiming that the central bank is “financially illiterate.” “That’s bull----. I’m very insulted by that,” Dodge said.
Lewis is the only avidly pro-life candidate running.
Despite this proven record, Poilievre and his team were trying to paint Charest as a federal and philosophical Liberal, which is not true. Many in Canada remember that it was Jean Charest who led the federal forces as a Conservative MP, in 1997, that defeated Lucien Bouchard and the separatists and literally saved Canada from a break-up. Those are things that should be honoured, respected, and acknowledged yet Poilievre’s full-frontal attack on Charest seemed mean-spirited and reckless. His carpet bomb, grenade, and take-no-prisoners approach shocked even the most experienced political operatives.
Poilievre is pro-choice and will not reopen any debate on the policy.
The harsh attack on both Macklem and Jean Charest coming from Poilievre seemed a bit rich. As smart as he is . . . and he is very capable and highly intelligent, his critics argue that he has lived in the bubble of being an MP his entire adult life. They note that he was elected at 24 and qualified for his full parliamentary pension at age 30. Now at 42 — after living off a parliamentary paycheck for almost two decades, he was literally dumping on a person with an impressive and dizzying resume both in and out of government, a person with an earned reputation for fairness, broad social, business and policy experience and a storied record after serving almost a decade as Premier of Quebec. Jean Charest has given his entire life to serving Canada. Elected at the young age of 28 as part of the Big Blue Win for the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney, Charest would go on to serve in numerous cabinet posts including as Minister of the Environment. He later would become the Liberal Premier of Quebec. There is no Conservative Party in Quebec and conservatives running provincially do so under the provincial Liberal banner as members in both parties are Canadian federalists. When Charest was the Quebec Premier from 2003 to 2012, the other party was the separatist Parti Quebecois. Charest won back-to-back majority governments and remained popular in La Belle Province. He instituted conservative policies and prudent fiscal management and left office with the government in an $8 billion+ surplus position — one of the best records of all provinces at that time.
In the video, Lewis claims the World Health Organization (WHO) could impose lockdowns and restrictions in Canada as it sees fit and could restrict the types of medications doctors would prescribe. “It could give power for. . . the WHO to determine whether [in] a country like Canada, whether you’d be able to travel within or outside the country depending on the severity of the pandemic,” said Lewis. She also claimed the treaty would allow the WHO to suspend the constitutions of signatory nations. “Think about it, you would not be able to hold your elected officials accountable for the action of the WHO,” she said. “It is essentially eroding our democracy.
Professor Kelley Lee, Canada Research Chair in Global Health Governance at Simon Fraser University said that “The bottom line is that her claims are so far from the truth that it’s actually hard to know where to begin.”
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ON GUN CONTROL
pandemic treaty, Canadians’ travel and medication choices could be restricted, the Constitution could be suspended, and this could pave the way for a global government. Multiple legal experts say her claims are complete poppycock and untrue. “This is all just nonsense,” said Prof. Steven Hoffman, a professor in global health, law, and political science at York University. “This is not at all what is being discussed. It’s just trying to get people to be mad at a non-issue.
Lewis’ tripe fit perfectly with the conspiracy theories pushed by some of the trucker protesters, which may explain why she attacked Poilievre during the debates over his trucker support credentials, accusing him of being a halfhearted supporter. “You did not even go to the trucker protests,” she said. “You went, and you took a picture in your neighbourhood, at a local stop. You did not speak up for the truckers.” However, that was untrue.
Aitchison has stated when running in 2019 that gun violence is criminal problem and a handgun ban would do nothing since it would just impact law-abiding owners.
Baber says that it is not an issue on his mind and that urban centres do not understand the rural conservative view on guns, but nobody should be forced to give up their property.
Brown says Trudeau’s gun policy and confiscation would be better spent on bolstering law enforcement resources on Twitter. Charest supports not changing any firearms laws, but that includes a possible “assault weapons ban” that the Liberals have proposed (note that there is no such thing as assault rifles in Canada, this is simply the classification of already legal guns into an illegal category).
“This is nothing more than fearmongering. There is nothing to support these strong assertions,” said Prof. Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law, and Policy at the University of Alberta in a comment to the CBC. “There is no treaty the WHO could negotiate that would suspend our Constitution. They just don’t have the power to do that.”
Poilievre appears pro-criminal gun control and has shared out articles on his Twitter saying that Liberals’ policies are not about crime, they are about disdain for gun owners.
28 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 at what he called the gatekeepersthe Bank of Canada and others who were in cahoots with the Trudeau government for inflation-feeding policies that were hurting everyday folks. Poilievre would fight crime and put gun crime criminals in jail rather than punish legal gun owners; create real economic opportunity and jobs for Indigenous people, instead of the empty gestures of Trudeau. Most importantly, Poilievre would give Canadians back their ‘freedom’ from what he sees as the suffocating and intrusive policies of the Trudeau government. Charest was offering balanced budgets, a carbon tax on industry that works and unity as a message for Canadians—rather than freedom. Unity or Freedom. What to Leslynchoose?Lewis MP is a Canadian lawyer and politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for HaldimandNorfolk since 2021. A member of the Conservative Party, Lewis contested the party leadership in the 2020 leadership election, placing third and winning many accolades for her run. This time things have not gone well for her. She has positioned herself as the antiabortion candidate of the party.
Then, in a rather whacky half-hour-long live event broadcast on May 18, 2022 on Facebook and Twitter Lewis suggested that if Canada signs an international
The
Existential Crisis IN THE Conservative Party
Lewis supports law-abiding gun owners and says the government should not change any firearms laws whatsoever, rather they should target criminals.
Poilievre was visible and had spoken up for the truckers during the protests despite most residents in the capital not supporting them. On February 10, 2022 Poilievre also supported the motion by interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen when she asked those taking part in the protests to take down the barricades, stop the disruptive action, and leave. However, unlike Trudeau, and despite the vast majority of residents opposing the truckers protest, Poilievre met with them. That is what leaders are supposed to do. Supporting them was an entirely different matter and remains a sore point with many, including Charest.
Roman Baber is a former Ontario PC MPP who was ousted from Premier Doug Ford’s government over his opposition to pandemic public health measures. He is framing his campaign around what he called an “erosion” of Canadian democracy. He is concerned that Covid mandates have interrupted fundamental freedoms and that the harm done by lockdowns has not been considered by those implementing them. He wants to return democracy to Canada and end what he called “21st-century segregation,” referring to vaccine mandates. He believes he is a voice for millions of unvaccinated Canadians unable to board a plane or train due to the federal government’s vaccine mandate.
Baber disagrees with the narrative of Canadian health regulators and others in health authorities around the world who maintain that COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect populations against the deadly pandemic. Nearly 85 per cent of all Canadians have had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines. Baber said his supporters are “a truly grassroots movement” of Canadians across the country “concerned about the erosion of Canada’s democracy and Canada’s opportunity.” Baber is fighting the
In the second debate on May 11, 2022, in Edmonton, Patrick Brown joined the fray. Brown’s career has been marked by ups and downs. A former MP, in 2015 he was elected leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party, at just 36. In 2018 he resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct from two women — allegations that he denied. (After a court and legal process initiated by Brown, CTV News had to publicly apologize for making and reporting the allegations against him). Brown was elected mayor of Brampton in 2018 and remains popular in the role. He is viewed to be on the more moderate side of the Conservative Party of Canada and is seen by party insiders as a natural ally to Jean Charest. Brown used his opening statement to take a run at Poilievre’s strident approach to politics saying it’s not what the party needs to grow in suburbs and areas like the Greater Toronto Area. “The choice before the party is clear,” Brown said. “Do we want an unelectable party leader who drives voters away, walks straight into Liberal traps, gives unclear answers on divisible issues like abortion and wedges Conservatives against each other?”
“Many Canadians are forced to choose between their health and their ability to put food on the table,” Baber said in an interview, referring to Canadians who refuse to get the jab.
As Poilievre, Charest, Brown, and Lewis went at each other, Scott Aitchison watched. When it was his turn, he looked at everyone and said, “We’ve got to do better. Fear, division, and anger will not lead us to victory. We need to lead with respect, unite our party, and put forward a Conservative plan to make life better for Canadians. That’s how we win. That’s the right approach.” It was by far, the high point of the campaign to date. The two-time MP and former mayor of Huntsville has a calmness and likeability factor that stands out. Aitchison says he wants to renew the promise that the next generation of Canadians will be better than the one before and remove divisive rhetoric from politics. Aitchison’s obvious experience as a mayor shines through. He has spoken of his disappointment with the lack of leadership in the House of Commons and how he believes it is hurting the country. He believes it is important to be civil and work across the aisle when necessary to get things done for the country. His weakness is his French language ability. But there is no doubt that he is a substantive and compelling candidate and the surprise candidate in the race so far.
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Leslyn Lewis “A member of the Conservative Party, Lewis contested the party leadership in the 2020 leadership election, placing third and winning many accolades for her run. This time things have not gone well for her. She has positioned herself as the antiabortion candidate of the party.”
The Conservative Party of Canada has signed up 600,000 members who will select the next Conservative Leader on September 10th. By any standard that is an incredible feat of democracy in Whetheraction. they select Pierre Poilievre, Jean Charest or another candidate as their next leader, Conservatives will have to find a way to get along and work together, if they want to govern again.
The Crisis IN THE Conservative Party .“
30 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Roman Baber “Baber is fighting the perception that he is a one-trick pony candidate. He has policies on how to make better use of Canada’s natural resources and like Poilievre is concerned with the Bank of Canada of “printing money” saying Canada’s national debt is “unsustainable
To an outsider looking in, the common values of all candidates in the race are many: a belief in smaller government; responsible fiscal stewardship; in the rights of the individual; in freedom; in law and order; in respecting civil norms and institutions; in respecting others regardless of religion, race, or sexuality.
Candidates have been asked to deliver clear answers on policy items from Covid mandates to implementing the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, to supporting a no-fly zone over Ukraine, supply management, the budget, defence, deficits, and housing. If the Conservatives want to govern, they must have something to offer Canadians other than anger and vitriol. They need to be able to agree to disagree, agreeably.
Patrick Brown and Scott Aitchison appear to be running in the same aisle as Charest. By any measure, Leslyn Lewis and Roam Baber are outliers with zero to little chance of winning the race. That leaves Pierre Poilievre. His critics claim his campaign resonates with Canadians who are angry, anxious, and tired. They say he stokes resentment and promises quick, easy fixes to complex problems. They cite Poilievre recently coming out against any future vaccine mandates or shutdowns. They note that his Freedom Convoy approach to public health is a dangerous path. The pandemic has shown us that a Trumpian “no problem here, life as usual” approach has Theconsequences.publichealth driven posture of masks, vaccination, and temporary lockdown by Premiers Legault, Ford and Horgan worked. Over 1 million people have died of Covid in the USA, some 400,000 under the Trump administration. In Canada, 41,362 died. Then again Covid has changed the world, and maybe it has changed politics too. Poilievre seems to be banking on it. His calls for ‘freedom’ from government intrusion in all aspects of people’s lives, after six years of a paternalistic Trudeau government, have resonated with Canadians across the country. Don’t listen to overt bias of the CBC, Poilievre’s grassroots campaign is far more Ford Nation than Donald Trump, while Jean Charest’s campaign is more like a modern-day Canadian version of Ronald Reagan’s a big tent approach to conservatism where there is room for all views and some flexibility on key issues.
Time will tell if that is a bridge too far. g perception that he is a one-trick pony candidate. He has policies on how to make better use of Canada’s natural resources and like Poilievre is concerned with the Bank of Canada of “printing money” saying Canada’s national debt is Aitchison,“unsustainable.”Baber, Lewis Poilievre, and Brown have all referenced COVID-19 vaccine mandates in some way as one of the key reasons for what they see as division in the country. Charest had been more tempered and says Covid is not the main issue dividing Canadians, rather it is disagreements over energy policies related to oil and gas between the eastern and western parts of the country that are the cause of the conflict. “I see a country that is deeply divided, and I am running because I believe that national unity is the number one challenge of any prime minister,” he said.
To succeed, Conservatives must choose a leader who communicates an ambitious and optimistic vision for their party and for Canada. That leader must be able to unify conservatives from coast to coast to coast. On the surface, that candidate seems to be Jean Charest. He is pitching civility, unity, and working together. He is also in favour of an industry-focused carbon tax and balanced budgets. He is tested and has an enviable record in both public and private life.
Existential
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Chinese central government has provided updates to Taiwan about the epidemic more than 260 times, and approved Taiwanese health experts to participate in 16 WHO dialogues. The Taiwan region has established centers of focus for implementing International Health Regulations, and the information exchange with the WHO and other countries is smooth and wellestablished. The so-called exclusion of Taiwan from global health cooperation and the claim that Taiwan being unable to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer will lead to “a gap in the international epidemic prevention system” are politically-motivated lies.
The DPP authorities are trying their best to squeeze into the WHA. The fundamental purpose is to use the WHA to challenge the one-China principle and create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” in the international community. This not only goes against precedents, but also seriously interferes with international anti-epidemic cooperation and harms the interests of the majority of member states around the world. On the issue of participating in the World Health Assembly, the Taiwan authorities have repeatedly claimed that Taiwan is a “sovereign state”. The Taiwanese agency in Canada recently published an article, openly claiming that Taiwan is a sovereign country. These all show once again that the real purpose of the Taiwan authorities’ participation in the WHA is to seek independence rather than success against Covid-19.
Taiwan is part of China, a fact recognized by more than 180 countries around the world, including Canada. The one-China principle has become a global consensus. The DPP authorities are using the epidemic to engage in political manipulation. We stand against any politicization of the pandemic, and hope that Canada will stand with China against any such future attempts to bring politics to bear on global health and security g
The coronavirus epidemic continues to rage around the world, and Omicron is constantly mutating. At the same time, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and other factors are at play, posing severe challenges to human well-being. As all of this unfolds, the 75th World Health Assembly, set to take place in Geneva from May 22 to 28, will focus on the world’s public health priorities. The topics to be discussed will relate to the health and well-being of seven billion people around the world, and will attract global attention.
Since Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party came to power in 2016, it has denied the “1992 Consensus”, adhered to the “Taiwan independence” separatist line, and did not agree that both sides of the strait belong to a single unified China. They not only unilaterally abandoned the political basis for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, but also used participation as a tool to highlight its “sovereign status”, turning a health-focused organization into their own political mouthpiece.
In order to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to safeguard the seriousness and authority of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, China cannot agree to Taiwan’s participation in this year’s World Health Assembly.
The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an intergovernmental organization. As a result, Taiwan’s participation in the WHA must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. This is the basic principle enshrined in UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. Indeed, Taiwan has been invited to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer for eight consecutive years from 2009 to 2016. This is because at that time both sides of the strait adhered to the “1992 Consensus” which embodied the one-China principle. This is a special arrangement made under the premise of adhering to the one-China principle and against the background of the peaceful development of cross-strait relations at that time. China has clearly respected this premise, and fully welcomes Taiwan to participate under the condition it respects the one-China principle.
china-canada frienship
The World Health Assembly is no place for petty politics.
Unsurprisingly, on the eve of this conference, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party authorities once again decided to place politics over human well-being, claiming that China is suppressing them and that the WHO is excluding them. Despite this, anyone with common sense can see that such political displays are untenable, and are harmful to global health and security.
China’s position has won the firm support of the vast majority of countries around the world. In the absence of consensus among member states, the WHO Director-General has no basis upon which to invite Taiwan to participate in the meeting. The Taiwan authorities claimed that they were “isolated” in the matter of participating in the conference. The real reason for their exclusion is that they cut off the road to participate in the WHA that already existed, and they knew this well. If there is no consensus between the two sides on the one-China principle, all politically-motivated attempts of the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party authorities to participate in the World Health Assembly will end in failure, and this year will be no exception.
31 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022PHOTO: WWW.WHO.INT
If the Taiwan region cannot participate in the WHA, will the health and wellbeing of the Taiwanese people be harmed? Will global health and security be affected? In fact, under the premise of the one-China principle, the Chinese central government has made proper arrangements for Taiwan’s participation in global health affairs. There is no obstacle impeding Taiwan’s participation in WHO dialogues and access to information. Experts from Taiwan can participate in WHO dialogues, and WHO experts can visit Taiwan or provide assistance when needed.
Zhao Yong is the Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Canada series by Zhao Yong
Smart devices sold separately ZERO FINGERSTICKS* OR SCANNING REQUIRED * If glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. † Conditions apply. Visit dexcom.com for more information. ‡ Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Following requires the use of the Follow App. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 App or Receiver before making treatment decisions. § For a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility. II Dexcom Data on file, 2021. Individual benefits may vary by policy and plan. 1 Beck, RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. 2 Welsh, JB et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(3). © 2021 Dexcom Canada, Co. All rights reserved. LBL021346 Rev001 Dexcom, Dexcom G6, and Dexcom Follow are registered trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. • Predictive Urgent Low Soon Alert • Approved for Ages 2 and Up • Glucose readings right on your smart device§ Most private insurers cover Dexcom CGM for people with T1D or T2D on fast-acting insulinII Ask your healthcare provider about our sample program, or visit Dexcom.com for more information. CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING (CGM) SYSTEM Manage your diabetes with Dexcom CGM use is clinically proven to lower A1C, reduce hyper- and hypoglycemia, and increase time in range.1,2
Just to be clear, dentists aren’t trying to rain on anyone’s parade. This renewed interest in providing funding so everyone can access high quality dental care on a regular basis is an exciting thing! Dental care is a key part of overall health and well-being and should be considered a critical component of health care by everyone. Just like the care physicians provide, everyone deserves dental care whenever they need it. This is absolutely an achievable goal, but the homework must be done first to make sure a federal dental care program will be a truly successful one g Dr. Dan Hwang is the President of the Ottawa Dental Society
Theunderstatement.CanadianDental
The fact is, while the federal parties involved in creating this dental care plan may have done so with good intent, they did so without consulting the experts and they announced it with no details to share with provincial governments or the people on the frontlines: dentists. It still remains to be seen how this program will be run and it may work differently from province to province. Regardless, we want it done right in Ontario, which is why Ontario’s dentists must be at the table during negotiations with the province and federal government over how this investment will be used. It’s dentists who can provide the invaluable expertise and insight required to make sure resources are directed where they’re needed most, and that taxpayer money is used wisely and effectively.
33 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 politics by Dr. Dan Hwang
To put things in perspective, Ontario currently has five dental care programs, including Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) which provides care to children and youth under the age of 17 from low-income families. There are also programs for adults and seniors on low incomes, people with disabilities, and those with complex medical conditions. All of these are badly underfunded, some for more than a decade.
For example, Ontario’s relatively new dental program for low-income seniors isn’t meeting the needs of the seniors eligible for it. Only a fraction of the 100,000 eligible seniors are being treated and there are years-long waitlists in some parts of the province for appointments. Ontario’s dentists were not consulted before the creation of this program in 2019 and we know much more can and should be done to help these vulnerable members of our Thecommunities.Ontario
To say the announcement was a surprise to dentists across the country, never mind here in Ottawa, is an
There are certain things we’ve always been told, no matter what generation you’re from or where you grew up; whether it’s do your homework before playtime or eating all your vegetables before dessert, the main point is to get the fundamental and important things done first. That concept is critical to all the discussion going on about the federal dental care program recently included in the Liberal government’s 2022 budget.
No one wants or needs another level of bureaucracy getting in the way of what could be a great and efficient way to get regular dental care to those who need it the most. Ontario’s New Democrats have included a similar dental program in the election platform, but just like what happened federally, they didn’t consult Ontario’s dentists on this matter. While we are interested in learning more details on how their plan would work and interact with the federal program, the problem remains there are dental programs already in place that are poorly funded. We need to fix these programs first, not launch more broken ones.
Dental Association has been asking for the province to make a meaningful commitment to children across the province with a $50 million investment in the HSO program and sent a letter to the Minister of Health in September. A response finally came six months later with an acknowledgement of the hard work and challenges dentists across Ontario have been dealing with. Alas, there has been no concrete commitment moving forward. In the meantime, dentists are doing all they can to continue providing dental care to patients on these programs. The Ottawa Dental Society is committed to making a difference by being actively involved in the community by providing free dental care, raising money for the Ottawa Mission Dental Clinic and donating mouth care supplies to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, among other initiatives.
Will federal dental care get to the root of the problem?
Association – or any dental organization for that matter – were not consulted on this dental care plan that is part of an agreement between the Liberals and NDP to keep the government in power for another three years. While we can all agree teamwork amongst government parties to get things done is important, so is doing the research necessary to put a monumental plan like this into action in a successful and meaningful way. This is a proposed $5.3 billion dollar investment into dental care for Canadians, a massive amount of muchneeded funding to secure dental care for those who need it most, but the issue remains: will the most vulnerable in our communities be the ones who get it? Most Ontarians already have dental benefits through work or school but, there are significant gaps, particularly for people with lower incomes. We think the government’s focus should always be on targeting funding for people in our communities that need it the most.
Ontario’s existing dental care programs have been underfunded for over a decade.
“Under this definition, a vacation home or cottage could be a matrimonial home. In some cases, you could have multiple matrimonial homes ”
OLM STAFF
If you bought the cottage together, the value at the date of separation is the number you each use to calculate your Net Family Property not the increase in value. If one party owned the cottage that was used as the matrimonial home, it’s the value at the time of separation that is factored into that spouse’s Net Family Property, which could greatly increase it and result in a higher equalization payment. The other spouse is entitled to half the value of the home at the time of separation, not half the equity or increase in value. Ontario law dictates that spouses must equally divide the “profits” of their marriage. The difference between a spouse’s net worth at the beginning of the marriage and their net worth on the separation date is the net family property. The person whose net worth increased the most owes an equalization payment to the other spouse. The equalization payment is one-half of the difference between their NFP and the other person’s NFP. When the equalization payment is made, each spouse will leave the marriage having increased their wealth by equal amounts.
If Spouse B’s net worth was $10,000 upon marriage and $100,000 when they separated, Spouse B’s NFP is $90,000. Spouse A’s net worth increased $10,000 more during the marriage than Spouse B’s did, so Spouse A must split the difference with Spouse B. Spouse A will make an equalization payment to Spouse B of $5,000. A cottage owned before marriage can be protected in different ways, including by using a pre-nuptual or post-nuptual agreement.
Matrimonial homes get special treatment under Ontario property division rules. Any residence could be a matrimonial home if at least one spouse has an ownership interest in it and if it is currently occupied as a family home or was occupied as a family home at the time you separated. Under this definition, a vacation home or cottage could be a matrimonial home. In some cases, you could have multiple matrimonial homes.
If you want to protect the cottage, make sure you reach out to a lawyer g
A divorce lawyer with experience in asset division can explain whether your cottage might be a matrimonial home under the law.
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Don’t lose the cottage!
Calculating your net family property goes like this - If Spouse A came into the marriage with a net worth of $50,000 and their net worth at the date of separation is $150,000, Spouse A’s NFP is $100,000.
Special rules apply to some properties, for example, if the matrimonial home is a working farm or the site of a business.
Even if one spouse owns the cottage and the other has no ownership interest, the other spouse has an interest in the possession of the home. Therefore the owning spouse cannot mortgage or sell the cottage without the other spouse’s permission.
Paul Riley is Managing Director at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm. The firm has offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Kawartha Lakes and focuses on getting you out of bad relationships, while protecting what’s most important to you.
35 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 ask a lawyer by Paul Riley
In some cases, a cottage that had been in one person’s family for decades, has been deemed by the courts to be a matrimonial home and the other spouse ends up being entitled to half the value of the property.
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36 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 travel by Dan Donovan
If you like adventure and being out on the open road there’s nothing better than taking a road trip to Maryland to visit the picturesque and historical places that played a key role in the formation of the United States of America. The good news is all of this is just a pleasant day’s drive from Ottawa. You’ll cross into the USA at the Thousand Islands, with its breathtaking vistas and scenic beauty, and then head straight south on the I-81 Interstate as it rambles and weaves its way through the spectacular rolling valleys of upper New York State. Soon enough you’ll hit Scranton, Pennsylvania, famous home of the fictional Dunder Mifflin company in the sitcom, The Office. And trust me, as you are driving past and thinking about that . . . you will laugh. Stop along the way at one of the many comfort food joints that make America great. Stopping for lunch breaks up the drive and is energizing. Before long, you’ll bypass Harrisburg and will be on US 15 South which cuts through the lush greenery of the peaceful fields of Gettysburg, home to one of the most painful chapters in American history. It was on these fields from July 1 to July 3, 1863, that approximately 51,000 soldiers were casualties in the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Union General George Meade and the Army of the Potomac were victorious at Gettysburg in crushing the spirit and resolve of the Confederacy army. The victory was followed by President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which recognized all humans as equal and changed the course of American history by abolishing slavery. Stop at Gettysburg. Visit the battlefields and the visitor centre. The momentous nature of what happened here will touch you. It is ‘a moment’ for sure. The lovely town of Frederick, Maryland is only 35 minutes from Gettysburg. There are suburbs around the historic part of the town, so we checked in first at the Frederick Hilton Garden Inn, which is a 10-minute drive to the historic town centre. The Hilton is a perfect home base for your visit. It’s close to the Civil War sites such as Antietam, Gettysburg, Monocacy, Harpers Ferry, the Historic Weinberg Centre, Frederick Fair Grounds, Antique Shopping, Hagerstown Prime Outlets, and Frederick’s educational, business, and financial districts. It offers free parking, spacious modern rooms with all the amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, a pool, and a recreation centre, plus they serve up a hearty breakfast in the mornings and have a great bar for a nightcap.
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): The George Peabody Library, now part of Johns Hopkins University, opened in 1878 and features five floors of ornamental cast-iron balconies and a dramatic skylight. A great way to see “The Sailing Capital of America” is from the deck of a 74-foot schooner from Annapolis Sailing Cruises. The Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick County was the site of one of the most strategic battles of the Civil War.
MARYLAND
A ROAD TRIP TO AMERICA’S PAST . . . AND FUTURE
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hospitals and treatment centres and where the idea for battlefield medical stations was established along with the development or organized medical triage and evacuation units for injured Rulessoldiers.were set and obeyed by both sides that injured soldiers were designated non-combatants and given first aid. The Civil War was the dawn of the age of modern nursing and there are detailed stories about the heroism and strength of nurses during this calamity — I learned that Harriet Tubman served as a nurse in the area during the war. On display are the medical tools and devices used from the era which detail the true gruesome nature of war. Through outreach programs, school tours, lectures, living history, and general visitation to their sites, the museum conveys the importance of medical education and the consequences of war to be use applied as these lessons in the modern world.
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The Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick is famous because it is known as the “Battle That Saved Washington.” Monocacy occurred on July 9, 1864, between 18,000 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early, and 5,800 Union forces under General Lew Wallace. It was the last battle attempt by the Confederacy to seize Washington, D.C., and move the war north. While not one of the largest battles of the Civil War, its strategic impact was huge. The defeat of the Confederate forces by the much smaller union army signaled the beginning of the end for the South and Robert E. Lee
ABOVE: (TOP) The beautiful, historic town of Frederick is known for its Civil War sites but has a thriving arts community, breweries, wineries and great restaurants. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine shows visitors how the war advanced medical treatments, ultimately benefiting people worldwide.
A 90-minute drive from Frederick is big, bold Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland. Located on the Chesapeake
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The first thing that strikes you about Frederick is the manicured streets lined with beautiful trees and picture book homes and businesses adorned with American flags. Frederick’s most famous citizen is Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet best known for writing the lyrics for the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The story is that Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 during the War of 1812 and was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words: “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” His poem (originally titled “The Defence of Fort McHenry,”) was later set to music and in 1931 become America’s national Frederickanthem. which is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting with its resplendent cafes, artisan shops, pubs, and exceptional restaurants. We loved the oh-so-casual hip Mexican vibe of Taco Daddy with its tasty treats and great margaritas. If you are a real foodie, you’ll enjoy a gastronome experience at White Rabbit Gastropub on the main street. Other notable spots are Thacher & Rye (reservation recommended), Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery, and the Up on Market Bistro. So many choices . . . not enough time. But we plan to return! I’ve been lucky to have visited some of the most spectacular museums in the world but rarely have any of them touched me in the same way as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Since it first opened in 1996, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is unique in that it is comprised of three sites: an outdoor classroom at the Pry Field Hospital on Antietam National Battlefield; Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office in Washington, DC and an exhibit-based experience in Frederick, Maryland. Since opening in 1996, its goal has been to explore the successes and failures inherited from the Civil War which took 750,000 lives and left 120,000 soldiers as amputees. Frederick was home to many Civil War mass casualties’
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It is worthwhile to take the 30-minute walk from the Mount Vernon neighbourhood to Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. It’s a little touristy but it’s very modern and well done and there are lots of shops, harbourside restaurants, and hotels. We had dinner
One of the highlights of our visit to Baltimore was staying at the completely refurbished Revival Baltimore hotel, a Joie de Vivre property, located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighbourhood (location, location, location!). The friendly staff at the 107-room, 14-story boutique hotel constantly go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. It’s hard not to be captured by the beautiful interior design, exceptional restaurant, and signature bars. The property embraces Mount Vernon’s notable history of art and culture by featuring an extensive array of local artists and artisans. It also embodies Baltimore by highlighting local products, the city’s history, and native cuisine.
2022 Bay, ‘Charm City’ is known for its famous Inner Harbor and is a melting pot of cultures and neighbourhoods, ranging from modern-day metal and glass skyscrapers to historic brick row houses. Our first stop, the B&O Railroad Museum, is known as the birthplace of American railroading.
One of the wonderful things about this hotel is you can explore Mount Vernon Place on foot. This neighbourhood has a lively cultural arts center with some of the most beautiful, well-preserved 19th-century architecture in the United States. Palatial homes face small parks that surround the area’s centerpiece, the Washington Monument, which has been a part of the skyline of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighbourhood for over two hundred years.
Designed by famed architect Robert Mills, the 178-foot-tall landmark is the first in the U.S. dedicated to President George Washington. The stunning exterior of the monument is complemented by the beautifully restored white marble interior, which houses a gallery, a stair tower, and a lookout. The George Peabody Library, widely recognized as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world, is a block from the hotel. The Mount Vernon Marketplace is a smorgasbord of delights and offers the finest, freshly prepared artisanal food with over fourteen purveyors offering everything from artisan sandwiches and charcuterie, fresh local oysters & seafood, noodles & dumplings, French crepes, Ethiopian cuisine & coffee, vegetarian bean burgers, vegan soups & falafel, cold-pressed juices & salad bar, Korean style bibimbap, and more. Be sure to visit Dooby’s Korean restaurant for breakfast.
ABOVE: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) At 178 feet, 8 inches, the Washington Monument in Baltimore, then the third largest town in North America, is the first monument to honour the general and former president. The B&O Railroad is more than just a stop on a Monopoly board. The museum has the oldest and most comprehensive railroad collection. There is so much to do, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a destination unto itself. American-born merchant and banker George Peabody is said to be the father of philanthropy. His bronze statue adorns a park in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighbourhood.
It was here where the first stone of the railroad was laid, where America’s first mile of commercial railroad was constructed, and where the Mt. Clare Shops made innumerable contributions to the development of the rail industry. Every locomotive, rail car, and historical object housed at the museum is connected to a crucial part of the history of American railroading.
39 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 at the popular Italian Disco eatery — a modern pizza joint and bar with an oldschool flavour and retro yet somehow modern feel. The popular spot is the brainchild of Italian Chef Julian Marucci who is recognized as one of America’s most talented chefs. Other highlights of Charm City are the Baltimore Museum of Art’s internationally renowned collection of 95,000 objects encompasses more than 1,000 works by Henri Matisse anchored by the famed Cone Collection of modern art, as well as one of America’s finest holdings of prints, drawings, and Onephotographs.ofmyfavourite stops was lunch at R. House, a chef-driven food hall in Baltimore’s Remington neighbourhood. This popular food enclave was created as an incubator for chefs to explore new concepts. There are ten permanent stalls, including a craft cocktail bar, plus space for pop-ups. Other gems in the city include Wyman Park Dell, a scenic, 16-acre wooded hollow offers paved walkways and grassy expanses just right for warmups and cool-downs. It’s also fun to explore Baltimore Murals and Street Art. In almost every neighbourhood throughout the city, you are bound to encounter vivid art displays from local artists that pay tribute to key figures and social justice movements including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The “Wall of Pride: Back to the Future” mural features prominent Black figures of past and present including Representative John Lewis, Colin Kaepernick, Marcus Garvey, Toni Morrison, and more. It’s also time well spent to drop by The American Visionary Art Museum for outstanding original works of art created by intuitive, self-taught artists. It takes less than an hour to drive from Baltimore to Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay. Stay at the Crowne Plaza a couple of miles from historic Annapolis. They have great amenities and rooms and service and are one exit from the historic Annapolis town centre. Drive into town and park your car in a public car lot a block from the main street and walk around this beautiful town. Annapolis was settled in 1649 by Puritan exiles from Virginia. Originally called Providence, then Anne Arundel Town, it was given the name Annapolis in 1694 in honour of Princess Anne, then the heir apparent to the British throne. Its historic district includes 18th-century brick houses and the domed 1700s Maryland State House. On Church Circle, the Romanesque-style St. Anne’s Episcopal Church has Tiffany glass windows and a historic cemetery. The sprawling waterfront grounds of the United States Naval Academy feature beaux arts architecture, monuments, and a naval history museum. Annapolis seems like a place extracted from a picturesque storybook.
LEFT: Bronze statue of General George Washington in the Maryland State House resigning is commission of the Continental Army and handing command back to the civilian government. BELOW: The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital in continuous use. It served as the U.S. capital from 1783-1784.
Annapolis is steeped in history. Just walking around gives you a sense of the pride of the puritan and the fierce devotion and belief Americans have in their country and in democracy. It’s fun to see the cadets from the Naval Academy in town dressed in their best whites for a night out. They are so very professional and polite. The military, and specifically the navy are part of the DNA of Annapolis. After all, it was here in December 1783 that, in one of America’s great acts of statesmanship, General George Washington voluntarily resigned his military commission to the Confederation Congress at the State House in Annapolis, Maryland, to return to private life. You can take a self-guided tour of the oldest State House in continuous legislative use during its 250th anniversary year. This state house also served as America’s National Capitol building from November 1783 to
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August 1784. It is also home to great examples of Tiffany glass that adorn the skylight in the Senate and Member’s Annapolischambers. bills itself as “America’s Sailing Capital” and it really is a sailor’s paradise. Drop by the popular and casual Pusser’s Caribbean Grille which anchors the harbour with its festive atmosphere and dockside seating. They serve fresh seafood, local market ingredients and seasonal specialties along with islandinspired cocktails, craft and domestic beers, wines.
the main Morningsdrag.are pleasant too. Drop by the Iron Rooster for one of their hearty breakfasts before heading to the Museum of Historic Annapolis. It is worth taking a tour of the newly permanent exhibition, Annapolis: An American Story which features an inspiring theater film experience and three floors of dynamic exhibits spotlighting the chronological, diverse history of Maryland’s capital city across more than four hundred years. It shares dramatic stories of Annapolis and its diverse people – revolutionaries, visionaries, and others who helped to shape the American story.
LEFT: The impressive Rotunda at the entrance to Bancroft Hall, the largest college dormitory in the world. BOTTOM: Built between 1901-06, Bancroft Hall houses 4,000 midshipmen in 1,700 rooms and has 7.7 kms of hallways.
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The U.S. Naval Academy is a few minutes walk from the town centre. Be sure to take a tour of the academy to see where future officers are educated and trained. The “yard,” as the lush grounds of the Academy are called, reflects the beauty of Beaux Arts architecture and historical monuments commemorating naval events. As you walk around this scenic and historic academy don’t be flustered by all the student midshipmen running about doing their business or attending class. It is all quite impressive. After a day and a half of touring Annapolis we wanted to decompress and stopped at the local favourite watering hole, the Galway Bay Irish Pub/Restaurant — just up the street from the west gate of the naval academy and a five-minute walk to the State House. A hearty lunch set the stage for our last destination, Havre de Grace, a 90-minute drive away. Chesapeake culture has been tied to the making of duck decoys for generations. Years ago, decoys were used simply to lure waterfowl, but today they are pieces of art, carved using skills passed from master to apprentice. Havre de Grace is known as the duck decoy capital of the world. In January 2022, it was named as one of America’s best small It’s worth booking a sojourn with Annapolis Sailing Cruises on one of their two seventy-four-foot wooden schooners (Schooner Woodwind and Woodwind II) to sail around the front part of Annapolis harbour. They’ll pick you up right on the dock at Pusser’s. You’ll get a sense of Chesapeake Bay, the town itself, and the adjacent U.S. Naval Academy. On top of that, there is nothing better than being out in the bay for sunset on a warm spring evening. After sunset visit one of the many street cafes or go for ice cream at the Annapolis Ice Cream Company on
up was the brilliant and quirky Havre de Grace Decoy Museum which is dedicated to the preservation of Chesapeake Bay’s water-fowling culture and history. While waterfowl hunting is a way of life around many parts of the globe, it is the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum which is home to one of the most impressive decorative and working decoys in existence. The museum gives insight into an important part of Chesapeake culture, as decoys have been used for centuries to lure waterfowl for hunters. You’ll see firsthand the artistry in the intricately carved decoys from contemporary crafters and learn about this century-old art, which has been passed down from generation to generation between carving masters and in town was my favourite. We visited the new Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center (HCSMCC). Their purpose is to celebrate the students, faculty and community leaders who endeavoured to obtain quality education for African American children in Harford County. The museum is devoted to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture in Harford County, Maryland.
41 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine, noted for its gorgeous location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where it meets the Susquehanna River. We visited the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum which highlights much of the rich maritime heritage and history of the Susquehanna River region. It features two dozen permanent exhibits, including the museum’s signature Beyond Jamestown: Life 400 Years Ago exhibit, which tells the tale of a 1608 regional visit by Captain John Smith. Other exhibits detail Chesapeake Bay fishing history, native waterfowl populations, and the local United States Coast Guard operations throughout the Nextyears.
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ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Water Street Seafood is a local Havre de Grace favourite serving fresh oysters, crab, and more. The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum tells the story and displays the tools involved with making a living on the Chesapeake River. Newer content depicts the Underground Railroad. The Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center (HCSMCC) is housed in the original (1912) “colored school,” and the only high school for Black children at the time in all of Maryland. Despite lacking funding for programming, Havre de Grace Colored School graduates became doctors and other professionals. Pictured above is the first high school graduating class (1932). Havre de Grace is the duck decoy capital of the world. (PHOTOS: OLM STAFF)
The 100-year-old Colored School provides a lens for those interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through exhibits and historical displays. Its purpose is to help Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by national influences. The exhibits examine the cultural and civil context and many aspects of American life while displaying how American values like resiliency and optimism are reflected in African American history and culture. In keeping with its 100-year-old history, the former Colored School continues to serve as a gathering place for the community to hold meetings and unique events to remember, promote and preserve the rich history and legacy of the Havre de Grace Colored School.
Havre de Grace has several pubs, restaurants, and eateries all within walking distance. We loved Water Street Seafood which is located next to the beautiful Susquehanna River at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. The waterfront view, delicious food, and desserts are the best in comfort dining. We had a leisurely lunch and enjoy the smooth scenic eight-hour drive home. Talk about a great road trip! g www.visitmaryland.org
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The quieter beach is perfect for those seeking serenity with a side of tasty food and cold drinks. A kitchen, spacious bedrooms, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, barbecue, pool, and great beach chairs and umbrellas for the sun. The staff are attentive yet discreet. Steps away is the Kooky Coconut, which serves breakfast, sandwiches, and comfort food all day. Caddy’s Indian Shores, Pizza, the Indian Rocks Cafe, Sandy’s Restaurant, and Pipo N Betty’s Bakery are also popular. Keegan’s Seafood Grille travel by Karen Temple St. Pete’s and Clearwater Florida —YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE!
The problem with visiting the St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida area is that once you get there, you don’t want to leave. Seriously. After a few days, you just get into this Florida kind-of-groove where it’s — dare I say it — always 5 o’clock somewhere.
ABOVE: Indian Rocks Inn is a family-friendly resort-style inn located in the town of Indian Rocks Beach. Indian Rocks Beach has a lowkey, laid back vibe. Get close up to dolphins on Clearwater’s Little Toot Dolphin Cruise.
PHOTOS: OLM STAFF or with the occasional Uber or public Ourtransit.recent Florida discovery was the coastal village of Indian Rocks Beach, a ten-minute drive from the busier beach town of Clearwater and about 40 minutes from St. Pete’s. Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores is the perfect spot for a family or couples who want a more tranquil experience. This quaint and comfortably bohemian spot features restored 20th-century cottages that have retained the ‘Old Florida’ look. We checked in for a week ‘on the beach’ at the Indian Rocks Inn. You can’t go wrong here, and you’ll quickly get into a daily groove. Indian Rocks Inn has all the amenities that make for an easy stay.
Covid kept millions of Canadians, snowbirds, and others away from Florida for two years. However, thoughts of Florida were always close by, and people are returning and picking up where they left off. There are numerous flight options from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal to the sunshine state. It’s best to fly to Tampa and rent a car for the week. If you’re planning to stay close to the beach, you can easily stay a week in Clearwater or St. Pete’s without a car and make your way around walking
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ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Sunset a Pier 60, Clearwater Beach. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium was the home of beloved dolphin Winter who passed away in April 2022. The aquarium is a marine rescue and rehabilitation facility that also does a fantastic job educating the public.
We loved hanging out on the low-key beach at Indian Rocks, but there are so many beach options in the area, so it really depends on your mood. For example, Sand Key Park is another pristine, peaceful paradise away from the hustle and bustle. It is the place to get away without going away — a beautiful white-sand beach and dog-friendly park conveniently located next to Clearwater Pass. Endangered sea turtles frequently lay eggs on the beach at Sand Key. Visitors can observe endangered birds nesting and feeding in a rare salt marsh. The park is also the base of operations for the county’s artificial reef program. It’s a must to spend at least an afternoon or evening on Clearwater Beach, one of the best public beaches anywhere. There are lots of people, but you don’t feel crowded. It’s just a fun day of frolicking in the sun and water. The Clearwater Beach Pier offers superb views, and you can go fishing at the end of the pier. Rod rentals and bait are available. Be sure to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). The CMA is beautifully designed with committed and passionate staff and caretakers who love their jobs and whose enthusiasm is infectious. Made famous by the Disney movies Dolphin’s Tale 1 & 2, CMA was home to Winter the dolphin, the star of these movies that tell her story of survival after losing her tail to injury (both movies were filmed here, and you can see the actual movie set areas and Inprops).real life, the mission of the CMA is to restore and preserve the marine environment through education, research, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life. There are sea turtles, otters, and more at the CMA, including a working animal hospital. They have a popular visitation program for tourists so they can learn more about marine wildlife and the work that goes into protecting and preserving marine species and keeping the oceans healthy and sustainable. And their week-long Marine Science Camp for kids is open to all, even those visiting. The rescued dolphins remain the star attraction of
43 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 is a local favourite and a nice spot for lunch: the Blackened Amberjack Grouper sandwich or grilled octopus are delicious.
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(PHOTO: CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM) All of the aquatic mammals, reptiles, and birds rescued are released once they have been rehabilitated. Those that are too sick become permanent residents, liked the dolphins pictured above who can no longer echo-locate and live in the aquarium’s massive (5.678 million litres) state-of-the-art pool. A descriptive panel shows the process of rescuing dolphins in Florida.
St. Pete’s Pier is southeast Florida’s largest waterfront playground -- a picturesque urban beach area that is an extension of St. Pete’s vibrant and flourishing city centre. The design of the pier is big, bold, and breathtaking. It is home to a beautiful public beach and children’s playground, just steps away from a variety of modern-Florida dining spots, shops, condominiums, and a pop-up marketplace with local vendors. Be sure to visit Teak, a spectacular restaurant that sits atop the pier with lovely views of Tampa Bay and the ever-growing St. Petersburg skyline.
It’s a short drive from St. Pete’s to Get Up & Go Kayaking, where you can get out on the water for a couple of hours. Their eco-guided Shell Key Preserve kayak tour has several picturesque stops along the way where you will learn about local wildlife, marine life, and plant life. You’ll be able to get up close to Florida’s ecologically important natural mangroves, and there are many opportunities to hop out along the way on a sandy shoreline or sandbar. Be sure to plan a day trip to the picturesque seaside town of Dunedin. A superb excursion is to rent bikes or e-bikes at Kafe Racer Stop in Dunedin Cycle for an hour along The Pinellas Guppy’s on the Beach, Indian RocksGuppy’s on the Beach is an exceptional culinary experience in the Tampa St. Pete’s area. The ambiance, atmosphere, service, and food are exceptional. Fresh seafood, including gulf grouper picatta, Tuna Poke Bowl, and Florida lobster tail, are on the menu, along with New York strip steak and boneless beef short ribs. Their specialties are to die for and if you go, try the Lobsterscarcot and Guppy’s Ceviche as starters. Their superb cocktails, excellent wine list, and top-shelf service make for a gastronome experience in Florida that you won’t forget. Executive Chef Scott Bebell is one of Florida’s Master Chefs. He has spent three decades perfecting his fusion of bold Florida Gulf flavours, coastal ingredients, and wizardry in the kitchen to create a unique and original food experience. And don’t leave without first having dessert — Guppy’s apple walnut upside-down pie served with cinnamon brown sugar ice cream is a local legend for a reason. Many of the staff at Guppy’s have been there for decades. Their pride in the restaurant, the food and the service are a rarity today. Bravo. We’ll be back.
The Salt Rock Grill, Indian Shores
You’ll need a day to experience the beautiful seaside town of St. Petersburg.
ABOVE: Head to Florida for some grouper therapy. Wether fried, blackened, on a bun or in a salad, grouper is always available on the menu at Clearwater/St.Pete Beach restaurants.
The waterfront arts district is home to the renowned Salvador Dali Museum and St. Pete’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement (MAACM), with its stunning architecture and over eight hundred incredible works of art.
You know you want to go to a place where the locals say, “the Salt Rock Grill never disappoints!” This beach landmark is legendary for locals and tourists alike. The menu is varied, with many options from appetizers, and entrees, to desserts. The wine cellar is extensive, and the chefs here are experts at surf and turf and straightahead cooking. The proprietor began as a fisherman, and when you go, you will spot the fishing boast moored outside that brings the freshest catch back for the kitchen to cook up every night. The fresh seafood offerings include grouper, scallops, shrimps, mussels, salmon, and fish souped up in spicy broth. Their cooks have an uncanny knack for making great root vegetables and lentils and are particularly good with spicing on dishes that offer a gentle kick to your palette. Try the surf and turf or blackened grouper or Key West Mahi-Mahi piccata. Our server was top-notch. In short, the food was flavourful and cooked to perfection in a great setting with a beautiful view overlooking the Intercoastal waterway. A great evening. Be sure to have a reservation if you go!
It’s a hoot to take a ride on the Little Toot Dolphin Cruise out of Clearwater. Little Toot’s has been around since 1998 when Captain Tim Harris, a former member of the United States Coast Guard stationed in Sand Key, Clearwater, decided upon retiring to share his love of the area with tourists. The boat makes its way out of the bay through the Clearwater pass, and before you know it, you’re whipping along the coast with magnificent views of Clearwater Beach, the pier, and other points of interest. On our trip, a pod of playful dolphins followed along both sides and in the back. Dolphins are very social animals that interact with one another, hunt for fish, swim together, and protect each other. It was great to have them frolicking about and up close as we motored along.
the CMA, and it is fascinating to watch them work with these wonderful and intelligent mammals.
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Dunedin’s ‘old Florida charm’ comes alive on the main street where local specialty shops, boutiques, bars and ice cream vendors are thriving. One of the most popular restaurants in town is Casa Tina — a must-stop for margaritas and Mexican fare. Oh, and did I mention the local craft breweries, which seem to be everywhere. That makes sense of course, because in Florida, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere g www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
The leisurely bike ride back to Dunedin takes you over the coastal bridge and down and alongside the shoreline. A few blocks from Kafe Race, you’ll find one of the best dockside bars in Florida (the Tiki Bar at the Best Western).
45 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022 Trail to Honeymoon Island State Park. You’ll find yourself in a pristine setting on a natural barrier island, with four miles of sandy beaches, nature trails, and abundant wildlife. Honeymoon Island is also the launching point to Caladesi Island State Park. While not a commercial beach, Honeymoon Island has bathroom and shower facilities to freshen up. Packing your own picnic is best, but if that’s not an option, there are lunch spots.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The new St. Pete Pier opened in 2020 and is a destination unto itself. At the tip, a modern four-story structure houses the fashionable restaurant Teak and rooftop bar. The pristine beach at Honeymoon Island State Park is a great spot to spend a day. The Museum of the American Arts & Craft Movement is St. Pete’s newest museum. From lighting to furniture and stained glass, the museum highlight the movement’s designs.
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“Everyone is so happy to be back in the parks doing what they love.” Leno went on to say that there’s a great feeling in being back as it’s become a summer tradition to watch A Company of Fools in communities across Ottawa. The shows attract a wide swath of the public. Although most are not traditional theatre-goers, the performance instills a magical sense of wonder for children and renew an appreciation for live theatre in older audience members. The performances may take place in ordinary neighbourhood parks, but there’s still a stage and a set that a crew builds the afternoon before a show. Leno describes it as “all of a sudden, it’s like a theatre has just popped up in your backyard.” This year, the set is two stories high. Leno says it is ambitious and requires a lot of sweat and time, but the payoff is magical for him and Henryeveryone involved.AustinShikongo plays the role of Prospero in the upcoming staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Shikongo’s natural energy is captivating, and his love for Shakespeare is compelling — his enthusiasm is off the charts. hikongo enjoyed taking in A Company of Fools productions during his time in theatre school and said there is “just something about the energy of the actors.” He describes the shows as “funny and full of physicality.”
The Tempest runs from June 20 to August 13, 2022. A Company of Fools will also perform Hamlet from September 12 to October 1, 2022. Both plays run for 90 minutes. fools.ca around town by Mckenzie Donovan
According to Shikongo, one of the most incredible things about A Company of Fools is that “every character is treated as the main character.” The shows are ensembles, and actors often double up to perform multiple roles. “Everyone really gets equal playing time and gets to show their stuff . . . You’re surrounded by extremely talented, high calibre Shikongoactors.” believes this kind of theatre takes a specific type of determination because they are so physical, vocal, and filled with so much energy. He is looking forward to his first season performing outdoors with the company, which he explains is a right of passage for actors. By making the shows accessible to everyone, A Company of Fools is providing entertainment and a valuable community service — it is a chance to see professional actors performing their craft without the added cost of transportation and parking while also being able to pay what you can afford. This summer, grab the family, pack a picnic, and head to your local park to catch a performance of The Tempest. If the cast’s enthusiasm means anything, you won’t be disappointed.
A Company of Fools brings Shakespeare in the park to a whole new level
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46 OTTAWALIFE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Getting out to see quality classical in-person entertainment, not on the screen, is a real treat and Ottawa’s A Company of Fools is happy to be getting back to what it does so well: performing Shakespeare in the park. A Company of Fools is one of only three professional theatre companies in Ottawa. The actors are pros, but the Fools do things a bit differently. There are no advance tickets. Instead, when the show ends and the proverbial curtain drops, the audience is encouraged to pay what they can into a collection hat. The idea is to make all the performances accessible to anyone who wants to watch. And, you don’t have to travel far to see a show; chances are one will be coming to a park close to you. The group is performing 45 shows this summer in 40 different parks in and around NicholasOttawa.Leno, the artistic director of A Company of Fools, says that the energy is there for the upcoming tour.
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