To The Editor,
2024 was Earth’s warmest year, followed by 2023. Climate disasters threaten our very existence on this Earth. They are also extremely costly. Scientists agree that we must stop burning fossil fuels.
Elections are your opportunity to have your say on the climate. This federal election in Haldimand-Norfolk, only two candidates have a realistic chance of winning. These are the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate and the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) candidate. How do these two parties compare in their stance on climate change?
At the leadership level, Pierre Poilievre, CPC, promises to ditch industrial carbon pricing, build more LNG (“natural” gas) plants, and build pipelines “south, north, east, and west.”
Mark Carney, LPC, will keep industrial level carbon taxes in place, incentivize investment in green buildings and consumer efforts to decarbonize, electrify transport, and institute sustainable finance measures.
What about our local candidates?
Leslyn Lewis, CPC, at the all-candidates night on April 10, acknowledged the need to protect the environment, but clarified that the first priority was the economy, and that her government would eliminate all (i.e. industrial) carbon taxes. She, along with her party, offered no alternative policy to address climate change.
Colin Walsh, LPC, expressed that he is in favour of using green building materials and renewable resources. He pointed out that “we are the caretakers for the next generation.”
Throughout this tumultuous time, the climate crisis is looming. A stable climate is the basis for all life, as well as for building a strong economy. Relying on renewable Canadian energy makes us more independent as a country. Government intervention is necessary to rein in corporate interests and the extreme power of oil and gas companies. On this I agree with something Leslyn Lewis said at the all-candidates meeting, “we can not trust the arsonists to put out the fires.”
Cathy Salvatore,
Port Dover
To The Editor,
Since 1959, Community Living Haldimand has been providing services and supports to adults with developmental disabilities across our county. Since the very beginning, the Haldimand community has whole heartedly supported our organization. To honour and express our gratitude to the people of Haldimand as we celebrated our 65th Anniversary, Community Living Haldimand hosted several community-wide events for everyone.
These celebrations began in March 2024 when CLH hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at the Jennie Deagle Complex for 140 children aged 0-12 and their families. The Art Show and Sale at the Cayuga Arena in June 2024 showcased the works of 40 local artists. Parades at the Dunnville Mudcat Festival and the Caledonia Canada Day included our floats and route walkers.
In July, the Concert in the Park in Dunnville featured the talents of international singer-songwriter Michelle Titian, local band 1220 Blast, DJ Gordy, and record-breaking illusionist Lucas Wilson. A dunk tank, bouncy castles, food trucks, and children’s activities offered participants a full day of fun. The Halloween Trick or Treat Trail at River Road Nature School in late October proved to be a lively afternoon of costumes and seasonal activities for 200 children and their families.
The 65th Anniversary events concluded with the recent Dinner Dance at the Lions Community Hall in Fisherville. Back Road Barbecue Company provided a delicious meal, Rock “N” Ray Michaels and the Retro Rockers entertained the crowd, and final draws for the Anniversary Raffle took place. The evening proved to be a wonderful way to end a milestone anniversary year.
On behalf of individuals supported and their families, the staff and the Board of Community Living Haldimand, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, or contributed in any way to make these and the other activities such a great success. #Shaping our future, honouring the past.
Heather Furtney,
Chair of the Board of Directors of CLH
