Editorials - Jan. 24, 2025

Winter has returned to Huron County with snow squalls, drifting snow, brisk winds and a polar vortex thrown in for good measure. Snowplow operators and your local snowblower guy are making good money this season, while schools and buses are cancelled more often than not. 

 

The Belgrave Community Centre, which relies on nature’s winter cold to sustain its natural ice surface, has ice for the first time in two seasons, with temperatures finally being consistently cold enough. Its first hockey game in 20 years is even set for next Saturday.

 

Snowmobilers are in heaven, with trails open and a season longer than a day or two. The gamble of a trail permit has finally paid off. The trails are humming with sleds. Yards are populated with snow forts and hill slides. The busiest websites are Environment Canada and 511 for forecasts and road conditions. Social media feeds are full of photos featuring snowy landscapes against a winter sunset. It’s a January that brings back memories of the winters of our youth.  

 

Between the shoveling and grumbling about winter driving, take a moment to enjoy the winter beauty and appreciate the four seasons that we get to experience here in Huron County. And take heart, as every winter is followed by a spring. – DS

It is happening again

Convicted felon Donald Trump has returned to the White House and he has a clear mandate from voters after winning the electoral college, the popular vote and all the swing states, in addition to control over the House of Representatives and the Senate. And in his first days back, he made it clear he is going to make some changes. He pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, pardoned Jan. 6 prisoners and made his thoughts on gender quite clear. And then there’s the tariffs. Trump did not impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China on day one, but has indicated that they will come next week. These threats have mobilized many Canadian leaders - though not Pierre Poilievre, who has remained suspiciously quiet, leading some to wonder if Chrystia Freeland is right and that he will, if given the chance, sell Canada out to Trump - who are ready to negotiate to avoid tariffs and to strike back if they do materialize. 

This shouldn’t even be a conversation, but Trump has made it one, so our leaders need to be ready to respond and take it seriously. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to reporters on Tuesday morning, urging a continued relationship between the two countries, but pledging dollar-for-dollar tariffs if that’s what the country needs to do. And yet, Canada feels prepared and unprepared at the same time. We have a lame duck Prime Minister who has said he will resign and Premiers who are not necessarily on the same page. We have party leaders who snipe at one another when we should be coming together as a country. Trump’s intent on remaking America one Elon Musk “alleged” Nazi salute at a time and Canada is clearly on his mind. We need strong, united leadership in the months ahead to ensure a bright future. – SL 

Turning the page 

The Liberal Party of Canada’s leadership race is well underway, with significant implications for the nation’s political future. By March, the party will choose its next leader, who will immediately assume the role of Prime Minister. With a federal election expected by October, this contest will set the stage for Canada’s direction in the years to come.

Candidates like Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould are presenting distinct visions for leadership. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, is focusing his campaign on economic recovery, leveraging a career that spans both public and private sectors. Freeland points to her toughness and experience, citing her role in renegotiating NAFTA as proof she can defend Canadian interests on the global stage. Gould, the youngest candidate in the race, is calling for generational renewal, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust and reimagine the Liberal Party’s relationship with voters.

While this race is an important moment for the Liberals, it also serves as a reminder to all Canadians, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, to start thinking about the inevitable election. This is a time to reflect not only on the platforms and promises of individual candidates but also on your own beliefs. If you’ve always voted a certain way, ask yourself why. What issues matter most to you today? Have your priorities shifted? Democracy is not static; it’s a process of constant renewal and elections are an opportunity to refine the path forward.

Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and engaged. The future direction of this country depends not just on who leads, but on the active participation of its people. This moment offers Canadians a chance to think critically, get involved and influence the conversation. Leadership begins with engagement and the work of shaping Canada’s future begins now. – SBS