Board balancing risk with back-to-school plan

By

-

September 3, 2021

By Kirk Winter

Since early August, senior staff at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board have been working with principals, local health units and the provincial Ministry of Education to safely re-open schools on Sept. 7.

While parts of the plan remain fluid, Director of Education, Wes Hahn, hopes to see students return to schools with recess, music and choir, open cafeterias and libraries and a full buffet of extracurriculars being offered to enrich the lives of students.

“There has been a lot happening this summer,” Hahn told trustees at their Aug. 24 regular board meeting. “Area COVID cases remain low and they are not rising like they were in the spring. As of today, there are seven confirmed cases in Muskoka, one in Haliburton and 20 in Kawartha Lakes. Those numbers are hopeful, but we will still be continuing with many of the protocols that we have already been doing like deep cleaning high touch surfaces and improving air quality with the installation of HEPA filtration systems in area schools.”

Hahn said masks will be required on board supplied buses, and for kindergarten to Grade 12 students while in class.

Cohorting will continue for elementary students while they are inside the building, but students will be allowed to mix freely on the playground and share balls and equipment during recess without masks.

“Clubs and teams are back on,” Hahn said. “Many parents want these back and we believe that the opportunities for peers to make connections will be important for students at all grades.”

Secondary schools will be following the quadmester model with one subject in the morning and one subject in the afternoon for approximately 40 days until the end of semester one. Hahn is hoping that all secondary schools will be able to move back to full semesters as quickly as possible.

“Libraries and cafeterias will be open at secondary schools.” Hahn said. “It is important that we re-open these spaces and the month of September will be a learning curve as we try to do this safely for all. We are still in negotiation with companies like Aramark who provide our cafeteria services and we are hoping they will be open when school returns.”

School sports will be encouraged

Hahn also said that OFSSA, the umbrella organization for secondary school sports, is up and running, and locally “sports are going to be encouraged.”

Visitors to schools must be vaccinated if they are going to be interacting with people inside the building, Hahn added.

Trustee John Byrne wanted to know the vaccination status for school bus drivers and was told that drivers should be vaccinated.

Trustee Gary Brohman asked for more clarification about elementary school recesses, wanting to know how much freedom the kids will have on the playground. He was assured students will be able to mix and share sports equipment.

Vice-chair David Morrison was excited about the return of music but wondered how safety could be ensured in music rooms where singing and instrument playing are occurring.

Hahn told Morrison that, particularly in some elementary schools, the space currently being used for the delivery of the music program is too small to allow social distancing. Principals in those schools have been asked to find larger spaces to host music classes.

Student trustee Alexia Evan-Turnbull wanted to know if secondary students would gain access to lockers again. Hahn said that at this point lockers encourage gathering and become additional high touch surfaces that need to be cleaned. Hahn said students made do without them last year, and will again this school year.

Student trustee Ryder Lytle asked when students will receive their timetables and was told sometime during the week of Aug. 30.

Craig Horsley, President of OSSTF District 15, said, “I think our members’ comfort levels with the current COVID restrictions are similar to that of the general public and it covers quite a large spectrum. We have members very concerned about personal safety with the unknown of the Delta variant, the effectiveness of ventilation and lack of cohorting while at the same time other members are quite open about being double vaccinated with a willingness to follow health unit guidelines to get things like extracurriculars up and going. We firmly believe that extracurriculars are voluntary and the criteria for them to run should be based on the comfort level and willingness of a teacher to facilitate them.”

NDP and Greens enter election fray

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

Zac Miller will represent the NDP in the upcoming federal election.

The university student stood for the party in the 2018 provincial election won by sitting Member of Provincial Parliament, Laurie Scott.

Along with the Green party’s Angel Godsoe, the electorate has four candidates to date.

Miller and Godsoe join incumbent Conservative MP Jamie Schmale and Liberal candidate Judi Forbes.

Miller is completing his Masters of Information after already completing a Bachelor or Arts degree in Political Science. He lives in the City of Kawartha Lakes. He has served with the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition and is vice president of the museum in Lindsay.

Godsoe grew up in the east end of Toronto and served as a legislative page at Queens Park. She now lives on a farm north of Lindsay and is a mother of nine children. She identifies as a parent, farmer and small businessperson. She has never been a political candidate but worked for the Greens’ Elizabeth Fraser during the last federal election.

She further describes herself as a Biblical scholar and believer.

Miller said some of the key local issues for him include: rising debt due to stagnant wages, a need for improved health and long-term care, jobs, housing and recreational activities.

He said young people need free post-secondary tuition and all student debt cancelled.

“No longer do we have a generation that sees themselves doing better than their parents but we now have hard-working Canadians looking at the realities of never affording their own homes, buried under massive student debts, and stagnant or shrinking wages with little or no health care or pension benefits,” he said.

He said families want youth to stay close to home but to do that there must be more opportunities for jobs, housing and recreational activities.

“The area was once booming with industry, providing great jobs and resources in the local communities and it could be again with improved infrastructure and a determination to attract new businesses in green technology fields to the area,” he said.

Miller said businesses assess entire communities with a high focus on housing, health care and recreational amenities when looking to locate their new or expanded facilities and he wants to work with local municipalities to address those needs.

Godsoe said working for the Greens in 2019 was “an invigorating learning experience.”

“Our Green presence and platform was well received, thanks to Elizabeth’s exceptional poise and debating skills. When I witnessed the positive feedback from the public and even the camaraderie of the other candidates, I felt the Green’s time to have a strong presence in this County has come.”

She said some of her key beliefs include a need for electoral reform and being better stewards of the planet. She said she’s also interested in international affairs, human rights and immigration.

“I am concerned about equal representation. I believe our government would be much improved and the confidence of the people regained by electoral reform. We’ve got to put First Past the Post in the past.”

“And, the Green Party is the party that will best ensure our future as a species on this planet and facilitate the responsible use of our natural resources.”

She said she also shares the social values of the party: a guaranteed livable income, housing, all aspects of health care, clean water and nutritious, accessible, locally-produced food

Minden Pride’s ‘come a long way, baby’

By

Lisa Gervais

-

August 27, 2021

0

He may not have been there in person, but the spirit of Minden Pride co-founder, Sinclair Russell, has been felt during the first four days of Pride Week in Haliburton County.

During a flag-raising event at the Minden Hills township office Aug. 23, mayor Brent Devolin borrowed the expression ‘you’ve come a long way, baby.’

He said passing by the rainbow bench overlooking the Gull River, that was placed in honour of the late Russell, he remembers “an imperfect person like the rest of us” who had a dream.

Growing up gay in Minden Hills at a time when the community was not as inclusive as it is today, Russell helped co-found the event six years ago.

Devolin said Russell knew there was a long way to go and was proud of the acceptance that continues to grow.

“Certainly, as I look at the bench across the water I will continue to be reminded of Sinclair and the journey he began. We’ve come a long way, baby.”

The Pride committee will officially dedicate Russell’s bench Aug. 27 at noon. There will also be a video tribute on mindenpride.ca

Pride chair Allan Guinan said this year’s theme is proud and hopeful.

“For the pride committee, it represented many ideas. We are very proud of all we have accomplished over the past six years, building Minden Pride into one of the largest events in the County.”

“The community support we have gained, the business partnerships we have established and the extent of our reach around the County is nothing short of incredible.”

He said they were also proud of their work advocating for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. This past year, they petitioned the federal government on Bill C-6 an act to amend the criminal code which would have made conversion therapy illegal.

Pride committee member Bob Fisher, along with the committee, is hoping to raise $10,000 to help a refugee from Afghanistan or another county where their life is being threatened due to their sexuality.

The remainder of the week’s activities include a trivia night at the Dominion Boat House Aug. 26 from 7-9:30 p.m.; a parade your Pride colours float down the Gull Aug. 28 from 1-3 p.m.; and a multi-faith service Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. online.

Huskies to round out roster after camp

By

Lisa Gervais

-

August 27, 2021

0

MILTON, ON - SEPTEMBER 13: Whitby Fury Head Coach Ryan Ramsay talks to his players in the first period, Whitby Fury vs Milton Menace on September 13, 2019 at Milton Memorial Arena in Milton, Ontario, Canada. (Shawn Muir / OJHL Images)

The Haliburton County Huskies will hold their inaugural tryout hockey camp at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena this coming Aug. 27-29.

The ice is in and team head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay said the squad is looking to sign four players from the weekend camp.

There will be goalie evaluations Aug. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. and the forwards and defence will have an opportunity to show if they belong in the Ontario Junior Hockey League on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.

Ramsay said he is looking to find one defenceman and three forwards.

“The OJHL is a fast league so they have to be able to skate,” he said of prospects, adding he is looking for a compete level and some urgency in the players’ games. He said top prospects tend to stick out at camp.

The Huskies got to evaluate their current roster during a tournament in Toronto the Aug. 20-22 weekend.

Ramsay said they played in seven shortened games, losing in the final, with “a lot of good positives we took out of the weekend.” He said part of the reason they went was to get their game timing after a COVID-impacted couple of seasons.

“It takes some time to get your timing back so that’s why we put a team in the tourney.”

The team will soon begin a month-long training camp. Players are to report to their billet families Sept. 5. Ramsay said they have about a 50 per cent player turnover from the Whitby Fury team that has now moved to Minden.

The squad also picked up goalie Nicolas Heinzle in a trade. Ramsay said the 19-yearold played last weekend for the first time in a Huskies jersey and “looked really good.”

The team has also gotten some of its players back that were loaned to other teams when the OHJL was shut down due to the pandemic.

“They’re back. Two defencemen and a forward. We’re happy. We’re excited to see their progress and how far they’ve come,” the coach and GM said. They will also be looking to some affiliate players to round out the roster.

Ramsay said renovations of the former Scout Hall at the arena to give the team its own dressing room, lounge, training rooms, officers and showers are underway.

“They are coming along nicely. We got really lucky with a local contractor, Tom Neville, who has really helped us out. Time is of the essence with players coming next week and he says he will have it done by next week.”

There will be a blue versus white game Sept. 11; a preseason clash with the Aurora Tigers Aug. 18 and a game against Collingwood Sept. 25.

The OJHL has also released the regular season schedule for the 2021-22 season. It will see the Huskies play 27 home games and 27 on the road. The season opener is Oct. 1 on the road in Lindsay. The squad will debut in Minden Oct. 2 against the Muskies. The season finale is slated for March 5 at home versus Trenton.

Ramsay said he is pleased with the schedule, which includes an early New Year’s Eve game and a Family Day clash.

He said season ticket sales are going well and added they will be working with the HKPR district health unit on capacity for the arena during COVID as well as vaccine requirements for entry.

He also plugged for area families looking to billet a player. He said they still need three homes for players that are coming soon. Billet families receive financial compensations, do not have to supply transportation and are given regular season and playoff tickets.

For more on the Huskies go to: huskieshockey.ca.

All-day biking challenge returns to Haliburton Forest

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

An eight-hour cycling race will test riders’ grit and endurance as they pedal through the Haliburton Forest Sept. 18.

The 8 Hours of Hurtin in Haliburton’ race began in 2019 and has attracted more and more riders each year who test their limits on the 27 kilometre gravel course. The idea is simple: complete as many laps of the scenic forest route as you can in eight hours.

“It’s just something unique compared to other places in Ontario,” said event organizer Marc Sinclair. “It’s fast and slow, it’s got beautiful vistas, lakes: tons of climbing to keep your legs hurting!”

It’s open to riders of all skill levels: some just want to compete a lap or two while others ride the whole eight hours.

Last year, one competitor completed eight laps or 216 kilometres.

“It’s a huge feat. But that’s part of the challenge: people really want to push themselves,” Sinclair said. “It’s super flexible and you’re not committed to a point-to-point race where you have to get rescued if you’re unable to make it to the finish line.”

Cyclists can also compete in a relay system, each taking turns speeding through the gravel roads lap after lap.

After completing the marathon, camping options are available with food vendors being announced in the coming weeks.

Sinclair said gravel cycling has become very popular with all types of cycling popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Registration has been very strong,” Sinclair said. “It’s hard to tell if that’s a boom in cycling or if that’s just interest in the race.”

Since the event is outside, COVID-19 guidelines will be easy to accommodate and Sinclair doesn’t expect issues with attendance limits.

This year, they’re starting an electronic timing system to account for the increase in participants.

It’s a gruelling challenge, but as the event website states, no more so than an eighthour work shift: “it’s easier than a day in the office.”

Registration closes on Sept. 4. For more information or to register visit valleyworks.ca.

Williams trusted his talent

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

“You have to know where you want to go. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time,” said Taly Williams.

Williams hasn’t wasted much time. Originally from Haliburton, he’s a co-founder and managing partner of a water management firm in Los Angeles and an inventor with multiple patents for sports technology that’s used by top athletes. That’s not to mention his professional football career.

Now he has one more accomplishment to add to the list: a spot in the Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame.

“What’s interesting for me is I’ve never been one to chase awards,” Williams said, adding he greatly admires the work the hall of fame committee has done.

He, along with his sister, Lesley Tashlin, have been a big focus of the Haliburton County sporting community this year, with local students winning the push to have their murals installed on the side of the A.J LaRue arena. For Williams, the hall of fame and mural conversations have renewed his connection to the community he grew up in.

“To actually have this award and this mural, it really does provide a new level of connection,” he said.

Williams studied engineering at Waterloo. After that, he spent a stint playing football professionally for the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger Cats from 1994-96.

However, while playing, he was also working in engineering. He said he feels fortunate to have had the choice to switch into engineering full time after his playing career.

“Professional sports are very cutthroat. You, at the end of the day, are just a number to them, they’ll cut you in a second,” he said. The lessons he learned on the field spurred him on.

“To be a professional athlete and to ‘make it’ gives you a higher level of confidence in anything you do,” he said.

That confidence and desire to combine academics and sports led him to develop the Talynt Point system for golfers, a device which attaches to your arm to guide your swing.

“It’s actually about trust, talent, still executing something,” he said. The device was the result of hundreds of hours of practice,

“They always say ‘fail faster.’ They’re right. We played almost every day,” explains Williams.

He’s patented the TALY MIND set system with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

“Instead of focusing on the movement that you are attempting to execute, I give you a new point of focus that results in the action occurring correctly,” he explained in an email. It’s about knowing what to focus on and trusting the process along the way.

Trusting your talent (or Talynt, as the brand’s slogan reads) is a central part of Williams’ worldview.

“We all have a talent. In my opinion we are all the best in the world at something.”

His inventions have roots in the Highlands: “As with most things in my life it starts in Haliburton,” he said. That’s where he started playing golf and football.

Growing up in Haliburton

Williams circles back to the students at J. Douglas Hodgson elementary school who rallied for his recognition on the wall of Haliburton’s arena. All five athletes currently depicted are white.

“Diversity and inclusion in Haliburton is important. That wasn’t there when I was there.”

Being Black in a community almost exclusively made up of white people meant he had to tread carefully sometimes.

“I know that I had to be careful when I was up there,” he said. “Sure, Haliburton’s a fun cottage-loving town, but not everyone’s accepting of minorities up there.”

He said both the hall of fame and mural could be a chance to motivate change.

“I’m hoping that this opens up the conversation and starts allowing others who feel left out and not a part of Haliburton to start connecting to it.”

He attributes much of his early success to teammates and coaches at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School where he set multiple track and field records and starred as quarterback for the football team.

Through his life, Williams has seen how keeping an eye on the goal pays off. And that’s what he wants to share with the youth of Haliburton as a new inductee into the hall of fame.

“I would like kids to believe anything is possible, understand that they have a talent. Always differentiate themselves. Go the other direction and explore.”

Banquet postponed

The Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame has postponed its Oct. 23 inaugural induction ceremony. Chairman Scott LaRue said, “The board felt that it would be best to postpone the event due to the ongoing uncertainty around COVID. Naturally we are very disappointed but we look forward to the time when it will be safe to bring everyone together for a wonderful celebration of the inductees’ many contributions and accomplishments. We will be watching the situation closely and plan to reschedule when it looks appropriate to do so.”

The Turtle Guardians: saving turtles, a Tupperware at a time

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

By the reedy shores of Head Lake, Leora Berman gently scoops a baby snapping turtle from a Tupperware container and places it on a semi-submerged tree branch.

With a “plop” the turtle’s shiny green shell disappears underwater as it begins life in the big wide world of Haliburton.

Its chance of surviving just increased tenfold because of the care of a dedicated crew of Turtle Guardians.

That turtle is just one of thousands which Berman and her colleagues at The Land Between nurture at their hatchery.

The creatures are scooped as eggs from their nests around the County to keep them safe from predators including humans.

“Little ones don’t know where water is instinctively. They would scatter and they would get run over easily,” said Berman beside Head Lake.

She explains how nests around the County are monitored. Once a mother lays her eggs in the late spring, the group comes in and brings the turtles to the hatchery on Gelert Road, where they’re stored in cool, humid conditions until they hatch.

Then Berman and her volunteers spend much of August transferring turtles to their new homes or making sure the miniature guests are happy and healthy at the hatchery.

But how can you tell if a turtle is ready for the adventure?

“See this little belly button?” Berman points to a little bump on the turtle’s soft underbelly.

“As soon as it’s flush then they’re ready to go. Then they’re good swimmers.”

She explains how since turtles have great memories, it’s important to release them where they were born in case they’re drawn back to the area.

“Instantly they start memorizing these pathways that they walk,” she said.

And turtles are in trouble. Eggs make a tasty treat for many animals and despite awareness campaigns and monitoring by groups such as Berman’s, hundreds of turtles are hit by cars each year. Adults also need longer to reach reproduction age than most animals.

“Since it takes so long to replace themselves, the populations are really dumping,” she said.

In order to help the turtle population, it’s important for her and The Land Between to know the genetic makeup of locations around the County too. That’s why each Tupperware travels back to where the eggs were found.

“We can’t just put them anywhere.”

With each Tupperware, Berman and her team release a new generation of turtles into the Highlands’ vast ecosystem of wetlands, rivers, ponds and lakes; spreading hope for a species at risk along the way.

It’s all about the wood at The Toolbox

By

Lisa Gervais

-

August 27, 2021

0

Opening a side door to The Toolbox in Minden, one is greeted by T-Rex, the German Shepherd, and the smell of wood.

There are trademark Haliburton Garden chairs, a more age-appropriate version of the Muskoka chair. There’s wood everywhere and tools can be heard in the back of the store.

The Toolbox has taken over the former Organic Times building in Minden, just over the main bridge.

Opening over the Victoria Day long weekend, it’s an extension of Lakeland Millwork and Windows, which Andi Schollig has owned and operated for nearly 30 years.

Schollig sits at a wooden table with daughter, Kirsten Schollig, who is handling marketing, and store manager, Krista Hoover. T-Rex circles the table and Mike Thompson operates tools at the back.

Lakeland Millwork and Windows has been around 28 years, doing construction and cabinetry, including millwork at the local hospitals, and pretty much every school from Haliburton County to Cobourg, Schollig said.

“Cabinetry is my forte. Windows, doors and trim is my passion. Stairs and furniture. In all of that, we’ve always needed a place to do it,” she said. “I’ve always had a shop of some sort.”

Schollig moved to Toronto in 2009 with her family while still owning a home and serving loyal customers in Minden while traveling between the two areas before permanently returning home to Minden in 2019. After losing her shop in Oakville, she was looking for new space.

One day in 2019, after tending a public garden her late wife had planted, she was walking down Bobcaygeon Road in front of the former Organic Times which was up for sale.

“I’m sure I’d walked past the sign 100 times but this particular day it was like she [her wife] hit me in the back of the head with a two by four and said ‘buy it’ so in doing that, it just opened the whole idea.”

That idea is that Lakeland Millwork and Windows continues to operate out back while The Toolbox is its own enterprise out front. That storefront will also be a project venture place.

“I love Lee Valley, it’s an impression of mine as to what a good tool store is. Yeah, we rely on hardware stores but this is going to be a different tool store. It’s unique tools for the people in the area, the artisans, the home hobbyists and people who just want to do something different,” she said.

For example, the Bosch tools that they are promoting will be accessible. “You can try them out. We’ll have a full work bench with full access on any tool. So, you can fit yourself to the tool you need.

“If you need extra help with the parts that you need for your project, we can facilitate it in our 1,000 square foot shop at the back.”

She said artisans and others will be welcome to come and use the space, including if they have their own wood but need it milled.

“Anything to do with wood, we can facilitate for the customers.”

She also talked about venue nights.

“We’ll pick a night and say ‘sanding’. Learn how to sand from start to finish. Or, we’ll have finishing if you want to finish what you’ve just sanded. We’ll have finishing products as well, just simple style or suggestions on how to finish your products.”

Schollig believes there is a need in the area with a lot of interest expressed to date.

“A lot of people just want to come and see me work a day in the shop so that they pick up some of the ideas on how to do something. They’re willing to help me a day so that they learn. That experience.”

They also plan to have a display area so artisans can have a storefront for a month and offer their own show and tell evenings.

Other plans include a kitchen, barbecue, living room assembly, full working shower and bathroom for use, but to show off the kind of work they can do.

They will donate money from proceeds of chairs to mental health, no cutoffs are wasted as they are made into garden markers and it is an LGBTQ+ safe space. “Everybody is welcome here,” Schollig said.

Hoover said it’s been a great experience to date for her. “I love everything to do with woodworking. I love that Andi actually shows me how to do everything while we’re making projects, just different things that people have ordered, it’s just been amazing.”

For more information, visit lakelandmillworkandwindows.com or call Schollig at 416-427-9050.

Kennisis Lake Marina aims to be community ‘destination’

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

On a sunny Saturday in August, Kennisis Lake Marina and Storage is full of conversation and laughter. People play corn hole with a scenic view of the lake, chat dockside or sip lattes and eat ice cream outside the newly refurbished store, cafe and ice cream bar.

Gary Bouwmeister, Chad Burden and Jim Dale said their goal is to create a community “destination” that’s a whole lot more than a place to store boats.

Bouwmeister, in an interview beside the marina, gestures to a crowd of corn hole players chatting in the sun and tossing bean bags across the parking lot.

“Stuff like this brings people together,” he said with a smile.

The trio met on the lake: Bouwmeister and Dale, longtime cottagers, joined up with Burden to buy the marina last year. Burden had been leasing the space from its previous owners.

“The three of us got together and talked about what the future could bring here,” Dale said. They all had a part in planning changes, and getting the marina operational for the summer. Now Burden handles most of the day-to-day operations.

“I can’t ask for better partners, they’ve been great,” Burden said of Dale and Bouwmeister. He mentioned how the first goal of the renovations was to make use of all the marina’s property.

The renovated storefront and cafe, cleaning up the lot and installing pickleball courts came together fast. Those spring renovations meant they could open for the 2021 cottage season. Kayaks, water skis and paddle boards are available to rent and the trio is planning self storage units to be available in the future. Dale said they’ve also chatted about expanding food and beverage options in the main store.

Whether through corn hole tournaments, pickleball games, concerts or their busy storefront, Dale said he wants to invest in the community through the marina.

“It’s a very tangible thing. People on the lake can see it and experience it,” said Dale, who works in the financial industry in Toronto. And for the owners, it was important the marina become a place they’d want to hang out as well. “We’re cottagers here too, we want it to be fun as well,” Dale said.

Throughout the marina’s grounds, staff and customers greet Bouwmeister, Dale and Burden by their first names. They pose with the corn hole tournament winners and chat with onlookers in the hot summer sun.

On Aug. 28, they’re inviting the community to the famous annual “Rock on the Dock” concert at the marina, with proceeds going to SIRCH Community Services.

“It’s a business venture,” Dale said, “but it’s a lot more than that to us as well.”

Schmale puts focus on post-COVID economy

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 27, 2021

0

THE HIGHLANDS VOTES

MP Jamie Schmale’s campaign for a third term in office is well underway.

“Besides the heat, it’s been pretty good,” said Schmale.

He said this campaign includes a lot of younger volunteers helping out alongside “veterans” as the team goes door knocking with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

“We knock on the door, we step back. Most people have been very good, a lot of good conversations.”

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock has been Conservative since 2004, however 2021’s election is shaping up to be entirely unique as issues such as COVID-19 take center stage. For Schmale and the Conservatives, the focus is stimulating the post-COVID economy

“I think the one that’s on a lot of people’s minds is jobs and the economy, what we’re trying to do to move things along.”

He highlights support for small business owners, which includes incentives for new hires and $200,000 loans for small and medium-sized businesses.

A central talking point in the Conservative’s economic plan is an overhaul of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, which Schmale suggested is a key factor in why there have been staffing shortages around the County.

“As our vaccination rates increase, as the economies re-open we need to incentivize employees to go back to work where possible. We also need to ensure the business owners, who have been hanging on by their fingernails, are on stable ground,” he said.

According to Schmale, that could boost employment in heavy-hit industries such as tourism and hospitality in the Highlands.

Housing and long-term care

Affordable housing options, either to rent or buy, are scarce in Haliburton County.

“Housing is one of the top three concerns we’re having here,” Schmale said. His party proposes to free up 15 per cent of Crown land for housing developments. The plan would also temporarily block foreign buyers from purchasing real estate in Canada. He supports foreign investment, but said “the problem is, it’s gotten a bit out of control where we as a government have to step in.”

“Stepping in” also applies to helping out long-term care facilities. Schmale was critical of the Liberal approach to investing in long-term care support, including increasing transfers to the long-term care funding system.

Similarly, Schmale detailed how the Conservatives would replace a hallmark Liberal campaign promise, $10 a day childcare.

“The kids that are in daycare now are going to be paying this back. The question is how are they going to be paying that back?”

Schmale’s party would introduce a 75 per cent tax credit, paid throughout the year, to help fund childcare.

Vaccine hesitancy

Conservative leader Erin O’Toole will not support vaccine passports or mandatory vaccines for federal public servants or travellers. That’s a position Schmale agrees with, though he urges people to get vaccinated.

“Personally, I think the best way to combat this pandemic is to get vaccinated,” he said.

Some claim that vaccination requirements infringe upon privacy and their rights. Others claim a workplace’s obligation to provide a safe work space means mandating vaccines for employees, or requiring vaccine passports, is a necessary next step in the battle against COVID19. A poll from Abacus Data reports Conservative voters are the most likely to oppose mandating vaccines for employees, or requiring vaccine passports.