If there’s one thing I’ve discovered over the past couple of weeks, it’s that there are few concepts more polarizing than that of a universal basic income (UBI).
I attended a workshop at Haliburton United Church on May 10 that saw around 20 area residents discuss the merits of a UBI. Most seemed to be in favour of it, but there were the usual questions of “how can we possibly afford it?” and “what will it do to our already depleted labour market?”
The answer to both those questions is… nobody really knows. UBI has been tested in two high-profile government-funded pilot projects in the past 50 years – the first in Dauphin and Winnipeg, Manitoba in the 1970s and then in Lindsay, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County in 2017.
Research compiled by a pair of University of Manitoba professors in the early 1990s suggested the impacts to the labour supply were minimal, though it should be noted this is based on data that’s now two generations old. The workers of yesteryear are a little different from the workers today.
The office of the parliamentary budget officer (PBO) said a basic income program like the one piloted by the Liberals six years ago would cost $81 billion if it were rolled out nationally. To qualify for that initiative, people had to make less than $34,000 per year to receive a maximum top-up of $16,989. Couples who made less than $48,000 could receive up to an additional $24,027.
The PBO estimates around 7.5 million Canadians would be eligible.
Even at a 50/50 split with the provinces and territories, that would be a more than $40 billion cost for the feds to swallow – around 10 per cent of the total projected budget spend in 2023/24, and just under half what the country has set aside for national defence. In fact, UBI would become Canada’s costliest file, just edging out Indigenous Services ($39.5 billion).
I’m not exactly impartial in this debate. My sister-in-law and her husband were two of the 4,000 people to benefit from the pilot in 2017. At the time, they were both working minimum wage jobs and spending a huge chunk of their take-home on rent and other household costs. When they started receiving the top-up, they used the money to go back to school. Fast-forward six years and they both have careers they love and recently purchased their first home.
I’m not sure that would have been possible without the pilot.
So, should our federal and provincial leaders be looking into this? I think so. The Basic Income Canada Network polled participants in the Ontario pilot, with results stating most experienced a significant decrease in stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. Some said they were able to buy food they otherwise couldn’t have afforded, while others improved their housing situation.
The high cost would be offset by savings in other areas, notably healthcare and social services. Would it be enough to justify moving ahead? I’m not sure, but it’s certainly something that should be investigated.
Maybe there’s a reason nowhere else in the world has done this. Maybe it is totally pie in the sky. But given the dire situation we find ourselves in today, with around five million Canadians living in poverty (with costs associated with that pegged at between $72 billion and $84 billion annually, incidentally) maybe it’s time to start thinking way, way outside the box.
Rethinking basic income
Province must take blame
The Haliburton Highlands Health Services board and management may be closing the Minden emergency June 1 – but the province’s hands are all over this decision despite their attempts to distance themselves by citing local autonomy.
It seems a bit hypocritical too, since in April 2022, the Ford government announced support for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s plans for two new hospitals: one on existing land in Huntsville, and a new hospital at a new location in Bracebridge. The province has pledged financial support for the estimated $967 million builds over the next five to 10 years.
The rationale is population growth. We guess the province has not looked at 2021 Haliburton County Census data saying our County population has increased about 14 per cent, and Minden – where they are allowing an ER to close – by about that same percentage, 14.5.
It pays when your premier has a cottage in the Muskokas.
We can thank the provincial government for Bill 124, too. That is the law they passed in 2019 to cap wage increases for nurses and other public sector workers at one per cent a year for three years. The premier insists it’s now lapsed but the damage has been done. HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer told County council this week, it will take years for health care staffing shortages to level out.
Nurses have left the industry in droves. They began to pack up prior to COVID-19 but the pandemic exacerbated an already-bad situation. Many have opted to relocate south of the border. Others have joined nursing agencies, which the Ontario government allows despite them wreaking havoc on the province’s healthcare system.
Using them has put HHHS severely in the red. It’s also impacted morale since lower-paid public healthcare nurses are working alongside agency nurses that are making a lot more money than them. They are, in some cases, coaching them through shifts, all the while knowing these outside nurses do not have skin in the game. They are here for the money, not the community.
According to ziprecrutier.com, the average annual pay for an agency RN in Ontario is $94,098 a year. The same source puts the rate of pay at $75,668 for RNs in Ontario.
Small wonder nurses do not want to work for HHHS. With the HHHS board and management saying staffing is the issue behind the Minden ER closure, let’s pass this buck onto Doug Ford, and let’s not forget about Laurie Scott.
And what about the cost of Health Force Ontario doctors? Surely it would be less costly to have a medical system that compensates ER and family doctors to practice in places such as Minden and Haliburton, rather than throwing money at highly-paid outsiders.
The list of provincial failures, sadly, goes on and on. Every year, HHHS finds itself in a deficit position because of the Ministry of Health’s tardiness in reimbursing monies owed.
Ford, Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Scott keep telling us about the millions, if not billions, they are throwing at health care. They are promising more nurses, for example. However, we are not seeing the results locally. Their failure to manage the province’s healthcare system has directly led to where we are today.
County needs HHHS’ plan
I recently returned from a walking holiday in Spain. Even though the sojourn itself was not until early April, I began my preparations in January. I booked flights, a train, and accommodation months before arriving. I set off knowing that there would be surprises but because of my meticulous planning, few, if any.
Three weeks from today, the Minden emergency room will close and services amalgamated at the Haliburton hospital site. However, when I sat down for a Zoom chat with HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer and board chair David O’Brien this week – specifically to ask them about plans for June 1 – I was disappointed by what little I was told.
I had hoped that revealing more of the corporation’s plans to the public would somehow allay some of the fear out there, as well as the rumours and speculation a dearth of information can create. In essence, I asked Plummer and O’Brien – in a Jerry Maguire kind of way – ‘help me to help you.’ I emerged from the chat feeling quite frustrated as I had little to share with readers.
We addressed the issues of doctors staffing the consolidated ER, since Dr. Dennis Fiddler had made it clear during the week that his Minden physician group was withdrawing its services – despite assurances they would have continued at the Minden ER indefinitely.
I specifically asked what doctors would staff the new ER. I received assurances they were working on it and news would be forthcoming “very, very soon.” As much as I pressed, I received no concrete answers. I understand some of the reasoning behind that. If there are negotiations ongoing between the Ministry of Health and the Ontario Medical Association, they can’t be discussed openly. Plummer did say maybe Fiddler’s group would help out. If you read the letter in today’s Highlander, it doesn’t sound like the Minden Physician Group is about to change its mind, so it’s not much of a plan.
Plummer did seem to indicate they would be okay from a nursing schedule perspective, but only two weeks previous she indicated they’d have to hire about half-a-dozen nurses.
As for the physical site itself, we did get a bit more information and an offer of a schematic floor plan up to now. It was appreciated learning that the department would endeavour to separate true emergency walk-ins or ambulance transports for those of us who do not have a local family doctor and are left with no choice but to go to the E.R., for non-emergent situations.
And while we understand the June 1 transition has to be top of mind for HHHS, it was conceded the future of the Minden site is still being considered in the background. Ideas are being bandied about. No one wants to make promises that could fall through. We’re still waiting for that plan as well.
We truly hope that HHHS’ assurance it will share its plans in a matter of ‘days’ comes to fruition. The lack of transparency has only fueled the flames of discontent across Haliburton County. Every situation that presents – whether it is pending highway works along 118 – only deepens local fears. HHHS must begin to quell that now. They really should have long ago.
We’re all going on a trip come June 1 and we’d like to know the plans are well in place so that the eventual hiccups are minor and won’t cause ripples across the Highlands.
Bringing the movies back
The brain trust behind Those Other Movies (TOM), the Haliburton International Film Festival (HIFF) and Doc(k) Day will soon be hitting the road for Sudbury and Toronto as they scour the fall film circuit for movies to elicit laughs, tears, and thought-provoking moments for local audiences.
But before they start the car, TOM will present their first autumn offering Sept. 14, with showings at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.
The Miracle Club stars Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, and Laura Linney. Set in 1967 Ireland, the dramedy is about three Irish women, best friends from a somewhat insulated Catholic Dublin suburb of Ballygar, who travel to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, each with her own miracle for which to pray.
Spokeswoman Tammy Rea said, “we’re very happy that we’re starting with what we see as a classic kind of TOM movie.”
After that, the ladies will head out on the circuit. They traditionally shop their films at Cinefest in Sudbury (Sept. 16-24) and the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept. 7-17). Their finds will round out TOM offerings, on the second Thursday in September, October, January, March and May; HIFF Nov. 3-5; and Doc(k) Day April 13.
The second TOM movie is Oct. 12. Jules stars Ben Kingsley and Jane Curtain. Kingsley plays Milton, a man who lives a quiet life of routine in a small western Pennsylvania town, until he finds his day upended when a UFO and its extra-terrestrial passenger crash land in his backyard.
Rea said the film is like “E.T. for seniors.”
After the Sept. 14 screening, they head north for Cinefest. With their VIP passes, it will be a blur of non-stop film watching. “We barely even have time to eat,” Rea said, as they pop in and out of the Cineplex showings.
HIFF returns this fall after a four-year hiatus, thanks to COVID.
“It’s really hard to think of how long ago it’s been since we’ve had something, because it would have been 2019,” Rea said.
While nothing is firmed up, they are talking to documentarian Matt Finlin about The Movie Man, about Keith Stata and the iconic Highlands Cinema. They are also chatting with Haliburton native Kate Campbell, who attended the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Once they pick the remaining TOM films and the eight for HIFF, they will turn their attention to Doc(k) Day and the four films in the spring.
Rea said in light of COVID and the passing of Lisa Kerr, they considered not restarting.
“But we just feel there’s still a need for people to get together, to see and experience. That’s why we’re looking for the positive stories to bring. Things you just aren’t going to find on Netflix or Prime. We’re trying to find the ones you haven’t, and won’t see. We hope to bring back lots of laughs, a few tears, a few touching moments and make you think.”
Ramsay says new consulting role to help Huskies
After a career that saw him rack up 324 games in the Ontario Hockey League, earn a pro contract with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, and eight seasons playing professionally in Europe before moving to the Highlands to coach the Haliburton County Huskies, Ryan Ramsay has built quite the hockey resume.
The 40-year-old added another feather to his cap this summer, joining the OHL’s North Bay Battalion as a development consultant. He’ll merge the role with his coaching duties with the Huskies for the 2023/24 season.
Speaking to The Highlander about the opportunity, Ramsay said it wasn’t something he chased or sought out, coming about due to a prior relationship with Battalion general manager, Adam Dennis.
“I played with Adam when I was a pro. We’ve always connected when it comes to hockey, we talk a lot – he asks some questions of me, me of him, and we frequently bounce ideas off each other as GMs,” Ramsay said. “We had a couple of conversations over the summer and that turned into us talking about working together on player development, which I’m really passionate about.
“I have a lot of respect for Adam and the program he runs. North Bay has gone to the conference finals two years in a row – I really like what they’re doing, so this is a great opportunity for me to work with, and learn from, some great hockey minds,” he added.
Ramsay will be charged with reporting back to Dennis on OJHL talent, while also working with the Battalion’s pool of prospects. This is good news for the Huskies, as it means Haliburton County will likely be the first stop for talented young hockey players with commitments to the Battalion who haven’t yet cracked the roster.
“It’s a great opportunity – we could get a really good kid to come in here at 16, spend a year developing and then go on to play in North Bay, and maybe even get drafted to the NHL. So, I think this will help grow the Huskies program,” Ramsay said.
Asked if this was, potentially, a first step towards leaving the Huskies, Ramsay reaffirmed his commitment to the local program.
“The last two years I’ve had a couple of opportunities to go and be an assistant coach in the OHL, but I haven’t taken them. I’m happy here. I really like what the Huskies are doing. My family is here, my kids are here, I love this community. At this time, I’m not looking to leave,” he said.
His primary goal is to bring an OJHL championship to the Highlands. He believes this arrangement with the Battalion will help with that goal.
“It shows that people are taking notice. It’s been two great years since we moved the franchise north. [Owner] Paul Wilson has done a wonderful job putting us on the hockey map, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic young players,” Ramsay said. “If we’re being honest, we didn’t think it would have gone this well when we first started. Now, I just want to build on everything we’ve already accomplished and win a championship here. That’s the dream.”
Huskies ‘getting feet wet’ in pre-season
The Haliburton County Huskies lost back-toback games last week as preparations for the new OJHL season continued.
The hometown team travelled to Stouffville Aug. 24 for a pre-season tilt with the Spirit, dropping a 4-2 decision, before falling 5-0 to the Renfrew Wolves of the Central Canada Hockey League on home ice Aug. 27.
Around 150 people piled into S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena on Sunday as hockey returned to the Highlands. They were treated to some fast-paced action as the Huskies dominated early on, forcing Ethan Dinsdale in the visiting goal into a series of impressive stops.
The Wolves took the lead against the run of play four minutes into the opening frame, Miko Khariman finding a way past Logan Kennedy in the Huskies net. Jace Letourneau made it a two-goal game at the eight-minute mark.
The Huskies kept battling, firing 15 shots on goal in the period but failing to find a way past Dinsdale.
“I thought we played OK, we had a couple of good chances early, but hats off to their goalie, he played really well,” Ramsay said
Tal Stevenson added a third for the Wolves two minutes into the second. Dane Carter put the game beyond reach with a fourth goal at 8:34, before Letourneau helped himself to his second tally at 14:21.
Not wanting to disappoint the home faithful, the Huskies came out flying in the third, taking control of the puck and creating several big openings. Patrick Saini went closest with a drive into the crease, which Dinsdale turned away. The home side kept plugging away until the final buzzer, which pleased Ramsay.
“We’ve got a lot of new players and they’re all learning a different system, sometimes results like this can happen. There was some confusion, problems with knowing who should be where, which led to a couple of errors on goals, but that’s what exhibition games are for – to get the kinks out and get everyone on the same page before the regular season,” Ramsay said.
He said the team got caught cold on occasion against the Wolves and Spirit, giving up several odd man rushes. That can happen with young players, several of whom are making the jump to junior for the first time, Ramsay added.
“It’s a big step up from U16 or U18 to junior. It takes players a month to get up to speed and really understand what we’re trying to preach and accomplish. It’s not easy hanging at this level, add to that this is the first time away from home for a lot of these guys, so we have 14 or 15 dropped into a new environment – there’s a lot to get to grips with,” Ramsay said.
“These first two games, for me, were about guys learning how to play at this level, getting their feet wet and showing a little bit of what they can do,” he added.
The Huskies will be back in action Sept. 2 at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena when they welcome the Spirit to town. Puck drop is 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Community mourns loss of Till Death BBQ
It’s last call at Till Death BBQ as the popular Fort Irwin eatery closes its doors after almost two years in the community.
Owners Joy Warner and Shannon Brown say the restaurant, located beside the Fort Irwin Marina, will close Sept. 2, bringing an end to “the best adventure” filled with laughs, love, and copious amounts of food.
“It’s been an emotional couple of weeks, lots of goodbyes, but we’re trying to focus on the positives,” Joy told The Highlander. “We’ve made amazing memories here. Our customers have really become like family to us. We have received so much love and support in the two years we’ve been here.”
The restaurant opened in November 2021, just as things were getting back to normal post-pandemic. Then, the Browns commuted to work from Peterborough, where they lived with their three children. They have since rented a place in Fort Irwin, while their eldest daughter has also relocated to the community permanently.
“We felt such a connection here, which is why it’s so hard to let go,” Joy said, noting their lease isn’t being renewed at the restaurant.
The news has hit many cottagers in the area, including Lauren Bright, hard.
“This place has brought everyone together. It’s incredible how they’ve been able to foster this wonderful spirit of community. This has been a gathering spot for everyone in Fort Irwin,” Bright said. “There’s going to be such a void now. Till Death is much more than just a restaurant.”
The Carlton family say they’ll have to find another spot to hang out too. Shaun said he and wife, Susan, and daughter, Autumn, have been regular patrons for well over a year.
“This place brought life to the community – they have live music all the time, and the food is incredible. They’re the only place around here that has vegetarian and both gluten and dairy free options. We’re really going to miss it,” Shaun said.
Specializing in Texas-style barbecue, Shannon said he enjoyed sharing his unique style with customers. While most smokers cook meat at around 250 degrees, Brown keeps his cooker north of 600. That, along with a blend of homemade sauces and spices, created a taste that kept people coming back for more
The Browns say they are actively looking for another location in Haliburton County. They are taking their food truck on the road in September, with a brunch buffet scheduled at the Haliburton Legion Sept. 17. They’ll be back in town catering a Halloween party in October.
Haliburton County is home for us now, it would be a dream if we can find another location to keep running our business and continue making memories,” Shannon said.
The Browns can be found at tilldeathbbqinc@ gmail.com.
Joy Warner and Shannon Brown have had two great years in Fort Irwin.
Abbey Gardens thriving after $240,000 Trillium Foundation grant
Ashley McAllister, director of operations at Abbey Gardens, said the Haliburton destination has been a hive of activity this summer after opening a pair of new spaces to the public.
The site, which stretches over 300 acres along Hwy. 118, added a new community event space and designated digs for its Last Forest School and Eco Explorers Homeschool programs, in the spring. The structures were brought online courtesy of a $239,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Klara Oyler, representing OTF, attended an official unveiling ceremony Aug. 28. Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott was also in attendance.
“Our mission remains simple – to help build healthier, more vibrant communities across Ontario,” Oyler said. “We are proud to support organizations like Abbey Gardens… we know the money will go a long way towards doing just that, now, and into the future.”
Oyler noted OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,022 non-profit-led community projects and partnerships last year. An agency of the provincial government, OTF has been supporting Ontario communities for more than 40 years, she added.
McAllister said the funding was “instrumental” in supporting Abbey Gardens in its efforts to rebuild and recover after three years of reduced revenue and programming due to the pandemic. She said the money went towards purchasing tents, trailer washrooms, and a storage facility, while taking care of site work and development of the spaces.
The new tent, located across from Haliburton Highlands Brewing, has played host to several events this year, including Abbey Gardens’ Easter extravaganza, Mother’s Day high tea, and more.
“We’ve hosted Juno award nominees and winners, such as Inuk singer and songwriter Susan Aglukark, Great Lake Swimmers, John McDermott, and many others. We also hosted internationally renowned Canadian comedian Ron James, provided a venue for Haliburton County Folk Society and Highland Opera Studio events, and have used the tent for weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations of life,” McAllister said.
She added the new educational space had allowed Abbey Gardens to “exponentially grow” its summer program calendar for youth.
The OTF investment is great news for our community… and is already paying off. It’s been a very busy year,” McAllister said.
To learn more, visit abbeygardens.ca.
Kennedy to lend a hand to Minden Hills
Minden Hills has hired former councillor and County staffer Pat Kennedy as its interim CAO.
Kennedy has joined the corporation to fill the void left by the departure of Trisha McKibbin.
He’s the former deputy mayor of Dysart et al, a former County councillor, and past EMS manager.
Mayor Bob Carter said the corporation would like a permanent CAO in place for the fall but realizes that might not happen. In the meantime, he said Kennedy would help to steer the municipality’s ship.
“We have a lot going on right now and need somebody in that position, because you never know how long that recruitment process is going to take,” Carter said.
Kennedy said he brings a unique perspective to the role.
Through my previous work experiences, I have gained a comprehensive background in policy and procedure development, budget preparation, report and funding application preparation and presentation, dealing with various levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, volunteers, and community partners,” he said.
Although he does not have the municipal CAO experience needed for a permanent position, his goal is to ensure the organization continues to operate with minimal disruption to services or council goals and priorities until a permanent CAO is in place.
“What I have found in the short time I have been in the position is a team of dedicated staff who have been working hard to maintain operations without a full roster. Our human resources coordinator is working hard at posting and filling vacancies as quickly as possible to lessen workloads for our existing staff and improve overall customer service,” Kennedy said.
It’s been a challenging time as he tries to become familiar with staff, issues, and the general role of a CAO. “I am enjoying the challenge but also realize the people of Minden Hills and staff need the stability of a permanent CAO,” he added.
Carter said Kennedy is the right man for now.
“You have somebody like Pat, who has lots of municipal experience, certainly through EMS, and having been a deputy mayor and been on council recently… he knows what’s going on. He knows Haliburton County, which is really important.”
For example, Carter said Kennedy understands the nuances of the Highlands, such as unusual property lots when it comes to planning. “Just knowing that kind of thing, and having a feel for it is important.”
Carter added Kennedy also has the personality for the job. “It helps with staff. They can feel a bit assured or reassured they have somebody that’s leading and not looking to fill the job necessarily, but who can be there to talk to and get advice from. I think all of that is important.”
Carter said they would like to do interviews in October and are hoping to make a choice by the middle of the month. However, they know that if the candidate is from out-oftown it may take time for them to relocate to the Highlands.
Green burials close to happening in AH
Terry Moore says he can see light at the end of the tunnel as his years-long mission to bring green burials to Haliburton County turns another corner.
Moore and his wife, Shirley, have been advocating for green burials since 2019. Following the passing of their son, Kyle, the Moores realized there were no environmentally-friendly burial practices available to County residents. They formed the Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society and began educating people about the age-old practice.
“Traditional burials as we know them today are the furthest thing from green – they involve using different chemicals and toxins that eventually leach into the earth. Cremations release horrible emissions into the atmosphere… we wanted an alternative,” Moore told The Highlander.
By comparison, green burials are extremely simple. Bodies are typically wrapped in a biodegradable shroud, or placed in a biodegradable casket, then laid into a grave site. The spot remains unmarked, meaning it can be used again in future.
Moore has been working closely with Algonquin Highlands for more than two years to establish a green burial section at St. Stephen’s cemetery on Buckslide Road. Since March, he’s sat on a committee with municipal staff, councillors, and like minded activists to try and establish rules and criteria for green burials.
“We’re making really good progress from a vague idea into an operational plan. We’re encouraged and hopeful there will be a functional plan for green burials by this time next year,” Moore said.
Adam Thorn, the township’s public works director, said he’ll be presenting options to Algonquin Highlands council in September. He noted staff have identified three potential layouts that could see between 135 and 240 green burial spots opened at St. Stephen’s.
Deputy mayor, Jennifer Dailloux, has been a strong voice on the committee.
“I’m hugely in favour of green burial spaces, I think it’s a fascinating concept. We’re so divorced from death in our culture… from accepting the reality of death and decay, that our bodies will decompose and return to nature. Our culture struggles with that,” Dailloux said. “I think green burials bring us a step closer to the normalcy of those things. It doesn’t seek to preserve us; it’s a return to the earth in the most natural, environmental, and economical way possible.”
She said once council approves a plan – it supported the concept of green burials last summer – the township will need to get a new bylaw approved by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario to open green burials to the public. Council will also need to establish fees and determine how spots will be allocated.
Moore said conversations with other municipalities are ongoing. Highlands East is still yet to approve a plan for green burials at its Deer Lake cemetery, despite sitting on a draft bylaw for over a year. Municipal clerk Robyn Rogers said the draft bylaw would need to be readdressed by the current term of council before it can be approved. Pre-pandemic, there were talks to establish a green burial-specific cemetery in Minden Hills, but that has quietened down recently, Moore said.
“Once one of the townships takes the lead, irons out the details and goes through the learning curve to get something up and running, then my sense is that’s going to release a demand for this. If we can provide proof of concept, I think the other townships will come on board,” he said.
While not a sure thing, Moore said he’s hopeful Algonquin Highlands will also sign off on year-round burials. Currently, the four townships in Haliburton County do not permit burials between November and May.
Should green burials get the go ahead from council next month, Moore said his team can start assisting with design plans for the St. Stephen’s site. He’s already contacted the Haliburton County Master Gardeners to come up with ideas to “make sure the site looks as green, feels as green, and is as green as it possibly can be.” He wants to install a gazebo and a mural, explaining the benefits of green burials. A communal memorial stone, to record names of those buried, is also being proposed.
“We’ve spent a lot of time on this file, so we’re delighted things are finally moving. People would like to see green burials become a reality. We’re almost there,” he said.