Jan 20 2020 — John Milloy — St. Catharines Standard — For many of us, the recent holiday season was a time for rest and relaxation. Not for political parties. In the political world, the countdown to New Year’s represents a fundraising bonanza. Their pitch is simple: Give before Jan. 1 and through a generous tax credit system (far better than anything enjoyed by any charity), […]
Dec 23 2019 — John Milloy — St. Catharines Standard — Ontario Liberals are in the middle of a leadership contest and, depending on who wins, Liberals could be making some fairly bold promises in the next provincial election: eliminating public funding of Catholic schools; free public transit; a citizens’ assembly on electoral reform; a basic income program; or the nomination of 30 Liberal candidates under […]
Dec 10 2019 — John Milloy — St. Catharines Standard — In our post-letter society Christmas cards seem out of fashion these days. The one glaring exception is cards from politicians. You may not give these cards much thought. But as a former MPP, I can tell you that these seasonal missives take over the lives of many politicians and represent much work and painstaking planning. […]
Aug 4 2019 — John Milloy — St. Catharines Standard — There was something endearing about Doug Ford’s unusual habit of giving out his personal cellphone number to anyone and everyone. He invited them to call or text him with questions or concerns. The practice was so unorthodox that when he ended it a few weeks ago it made headlines. According to Ford’s office, the phone […]
Jul 29 2019 — Geoffrey Stevens — St. Catharines Standard — Does it matter what the polls say in late July about a general election that will not happen until late October? For most folks, the answer is a resounding No. Just about anything that occurs today, barring some ghastly gaffe, will be long forgotten before voters bring their minds to bear on their Oct. 21 […]
Jul 29 2019 — John Milloy — St. Catharines Standard — Ah summer — long lazy days, BBQs and trips to the cottage. For Premier Ford, this should be a time to unwind and forget about unpopular budgets, being booed in public and potty-mouthed cabinet ministers. Unfortunately, this is not going to happen. In response to the current patronage scandal facing his government, the premier has […]
Jan 10 2016 — Grant LaFleche — St. Catharines Standard — There are moments when Rick Dykstra wonders where all the time went. When the former St. Catharines Conservative MP took office, his children were 9, 11 and 13 years old. Ten years later, they are all adults, living their own lives. “You do wonder what happened,” Dykstra said Sunday, in his first interview with Postmedia […]