Artificial light studied on Paudash Lake

May 1, 2025

‘Our Power, Our Planet’ was the theme for World Earth Day this year, with Environment Haliburton! (EH!) drafting in a pair of Trent University student researchers to discuss the impacts of artificial light on the environment around Paudash Lake.

Ella Honey and Angus McBride are pursuing master’s degrees in freshwater ecology and spent some time in the Cardiff area last fall. The pair told an April 22 webinar their focus was on how light pollution affects the natural environment, wildlife, and human life on the lake.

They were approached by the Paudash Lake Conservation Association (PCLA) last year, with the group challenging them to investigate ways to reduce the effects of artificial light at night, or ALAN, Honey said.

“They identified light pollution as a concern with both ecological and atmospheric,” Honey explained, noting wildlife can be negatively impacted and displaced.

The students studied three locations on the lake in August and September and distributed a survey through PCLA membership. The case study involved assessing insect attraction to four types of white light, ranging from warm to cool. They found fewer insects were attracted to warm wavelength light, with numbers increasing through neutral to cool light.

“Using warm lights may reduce insect attraction,” McBride said, noting artificial light may affect the nocturnal behaviour of insects, impacting their interactions with cottages and their broader roles within the ecosystem.

McBride noted insects are a foundational part of the circle of life, particularly for aquatic creatures.

“Increased attraction to cottage properties reduces the number available to be eaten,” he said. “This impacts fish, birds, amphibians, leading to possible reductions in their populations.”

While the pair didn’t have hard numbers to show how many properties utilized bright lights on their property after dark, Honey said they observed, “many cottages with unnecessary outdoor lighting, contributing to scattered light.”

She said of the 72 people who responded to their survey, about two-thirds agreed or strongly agreed that artificial lights negatively impact the environment.

Humans impacted too

Honey said low-intensity, low blue-light emission LED and CFL lights are the least attractive type of lights and can negatively impact humans too.

“Blue light can disrupt our circadian rhythm,” Honey said, noting how our internal clock, responsible for releasing hormones and mood regulation, can be thrown off.

Research shows blue light can impact the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, by disrupting melatonin production and delaying sleep onset. While blue light is beneficial during the day for alertness, its exposure at night, especially before bed, can hinder sleep quality.

Honey and McBride said there are some ways to limit impacts – they recommend turning lights off whenever possible and utilizing motion sensors or timers. They also suggested shielding lights to reduce skyglow.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has strict controls when it comes to artificial lights, especially in environmentally significant areas. Honey said the organization has many dark sky preserves in Canada – including Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve near Huntsville, which was the world’s first permanently designated dark sky preserve.

“Towns around the preserve have established bylaws to minimize light pollution and preserve nighttime darkness for future generations,” said McBridge. “It would be sad if future generations grew up not being able to see the stars and the sky.”

Highlands East has a bylaw designed to reduce the negative impact of artificial light on wildlife and preserve the natural beauty of the night sky, while Algonquin Highlands and Dysart et al have policies regulating outdoor lighting and promoting responsible lighting practices.

How about a spot of green tee, ladies?

Lisa Gervais

May 1, 2025

With the Haliburton Highlands Women’s Golf League (HHWGL), and The Gals on the Green league, there’s no reason for women not to get out on the links this summer and fall.

HHWGL president, Dale Rider, said, “we are thrilled that we have not only the HHWGL, but also The Gals on the Green league promoting the sport of golf to women of all ages and abilities in Haliburton.”

The HHWGL returned to play in late April. An ice breaker tee and sign-up will be held at the Haliburton Curling Club May 2 at 7 p.m. Rider said it’s an opportunity for people to learn about the group, which boasts between 130 and 150 members.

“We hope ladies will join us as we have league news, golf clinic sign-ups, and league clothing available. and it’s a great night with great ladies,” she added.

The local club was formed in 1995 by Kathy Purc and Kelly Moore as a nine-hole league, that encouraged women to come together for some relaxed, yet competitive, play. Riina Ennist started an 18-hole league in 2000.

The nine-hole group, ‘the Chippers and Putters’, play Tuesday afternoons, with tee times starting at 3 p.m. at five courses across the County.

The 18-hole group (handicapped and a little more serious) ‘the Drivers’, meet Wednesdays for a 2 p.m. start, alternating between Blairhampton Golf Club and Pinestone Golf Course.

They’ve added a Tuesday morning nine-hole league, the ‘Eary Birdies’, that will rotate between Gull River, Pinestone, Haliburton Highlands, and Carnarvon Family Golf courses.

Membership for players looking to compete in one league is $40 annually, or $50 to play in all. This does not cover the cost of golfing – though Rider says playing fees are reduced for league members.

Rider said 2025 marks the 31st year for the HHWGL.

She said all new members are assigned to one of four team captains, who each organize different themed events and fun activities – on top of regular golf play – through the season.

Play will conclude in late September. The group comes together for a season-ending banquet and awards night. For more information, visit hhwgl.ca. Gals on the green Haliburton

Gals on the Green

Haliburton Gals on the Green began in spring 2024 when Nicole Baumgartner and Kayla Gardiner wanted a league that was inclusive, suitable for all abilities and levels of experience. They also wanted a strong social element, and a way to make new connections.

The league’s Facebook page boasts more than 220 followers and on average they get between 24-30 players each week.

They golf at the Pinestone Resort Golf Course and this year will be playing every Tuesday at 5.30 p.m. starting on May 20, with players arriving at 5.15 p.m. Golfers play in pairs, so single players are matched up with another single. Parties of four play best ball for nine holes, and there is a shotgun start. People can sign up or do drop-ins. All ages 16 and over are welcome. Every week there are different themes and prizes. They said their full calendar of events, updated pricing and membership packages will abe announced soon.

To sign up, visit Haliburton Gals on the Green on Facebook or instagram @ golfgalshali and click on their sign-up sheet or email nicole@baumgartnerrealty.ca or kayla@bonnieviewinn.com.

Schmale returned to Ottawa for fourth term

April 29, 2025

Conservative MP Jamie Schmale, elected for a fourth time in the rejigged Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes riding in Monday’s federal election, said he noticed a major change while campaigning in the area over the past five weeks.

“An outpouring of support and interest in politics among youth. While door knocking, I’m noticing young Canadians are more dialed-in than I’ve seen in a long time. They do care about what happens, and what decisions made today mean for their future.

“They were voting for hope, voting for the fact they’d like to get a good job, buy a house, maybe start a family. If the polls and what we’re hearing tonight are true, it will show young people came out in force. And that many of them voted Conservative,” Schmale said.

His win was confirmed about an hour after polls closed in Ontario. As of 3 a.m. April 29, Schmale held a massive lead over Nell Thomas, the second-place Liberal candidate, having earned 42,056 votes in 310 of 314 reported polls. That was good enough for 56.8 per cent, Schmale’s highest return yet after taking 52.3 per cent in 2021, 49.05 per cent in 2019, and 44.83 per cent in 2015.

Thomas had the Liberals’ best showing in the riding in a quarter of a century, receiving 28,476 votes (38.5 per cent). The NDP’s Alyea Teel came third with 2,576 votes (3.5 per cent), and Michael Penman of the People’s Party of Canada getting 937 votes (1.3 per cent).

During his victory speech at The Cat and Fiddle in Lindsay, Schmale indicated it had been a tough campaign for him emotionally. He told how, daily, he encountered people struggling, forced to go without some basic necessities due to the cost of living.

“People are hurting. Seniors have seen their savings accounts dwindle. The paycheques of the working person are becoming less and less. We’re seeing record numbers at the food bank, with almost two million Canadians forced to ask for help to feed themselves and their families. The cost of housing has doubled, crime is up. There’s a feeling of helplessness, but also a real hunger for change,” Schmale said.

It wasn’t enough for the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, to win, with most major media outlets declaring a minority for Mark Carney’s Liberals, projecting they will fall five seats short of a majority with 167.

The Tories, meanwhile, are expected to grow their total seats from the 2021 vote, up to 145 from 119. The Bloc Quebecois is projecting 23 seats, down from 32, while the NDPs are major losers, expected to take seven seats, an 18-seat drop from four years ago. The Greens won one seat through leader Elizabeth May.

Voter turnout nationally has been pegged at 63.89 per cent, with 18.2 million of 28.5 million eligible voters casting a ballot. In Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes, that number increases to 71.02 per cent, with 74,045 of 104.259 registered electors voting.

SUB: Schmale predicts early vote

Depending on where the final numbers lie, Schmale said the public should brace themselves for another early election – likely in a couple of years, rather than the usual four.

With a minority, the Liberals will require support from other parties to pass new legislation. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who announced his resignation following Monday’s vote, ended an NDP-Liberal coalition last September.

While disappointed in the result, Schmale said the fact it’s a Liberal minority and not majority is a silver lining.

“That will allow the Opposition a bit more say into how the government conducts itself… the government can’t just run its own agenda. This allows other voices to be heard too,” Schmale said.

Seeing his party finish as the bridesmaid for a fourth election in a row, Schmale acknowledged his job is a little harder as a member of the Opposition but said that isn’t going to stop him from advocating for Haliburton County and Kawartha Lakes.

He blamed U.S. president Donald Trump’s “tariff distractions” for the loss and projects more pain for Canadians under the leadership of prime minister-elect Mark Carney.

“For a lot of people, the last five years have been the hardest. That’s because of the decisions made by the Liberal government, which has been getting economic advice from Carney the whole time,” Schmale said.

While there’s no date for Parliament’s return, Schmale said he hopes to get back to Ottawa soon. The federal government has yet to sit in 2025.

“With everything we’re going through as a country, all the problems we’re facing, the sooner we can get back to doing what we should be doing, the better,” Schmale said, noting his first priority once back will be following up on leads for more affordable housing in the riding.

SUB: Thomas ‘thankful’

In a message posted to her social media channels, Thomas thanked everyone who contributed to a busy campaign that saw her visit most communities in the riding.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has supported us – whether by volunteering, sharing kind messages, or helping spread the word. Your dedication, generosity, and belief in what we are building together means more than we can express,” Thomas wrote. “We truly could not do this without you.”

She had the best showing of any Liberal candidate in the riding since John O’Reilly formed government in the late 90s and early 00s, almost doubling the numbers done by Judi Forbes in 2021, who earned 15,645 votes (23.1 per cent).

Haliburton County included in tornado warning

Mike Baker

April 28, 2025

Haliburton County residents are being told to prepare for another potential serious weather event, with Environment Canada projecting severe thunderstorms across Southern Ontario starting April 29.

The federal authority, in a media release Monday afternoon, is forecasting wind gusts up to 110 km/h, two-to-four centimetres of hail, and rain. It says there’s also a risk for tornadoes.

The weather system is blowing in from the U.S. Midwest, Environment Canada says.

“Confidence is increasing in severe thunderstorm development… despite strong forcing to trigger the storms, confidence is moderate due to the possibility of morning convection using some of the energy in the atmosphere,” it wrote in a forecast update at 4 p.m. Monday.

Many in Haliburton County are still feeling the effects of last month’s ice storm, which left more than 6,500 residences without power.

The Town of Minden has been in a state of emergency since March 31. In an update April 28, the township told people to brace for further bad weather this week. It indicated flooding was a concern.

“This weather has the potential to impact on our high-water levels in area lakes and rivers. Also, the winds may affect our fragile forest and trees… many trees were damaged during the storm. Damaged overhead branches can pose a serious danger.

“The community is reminded to be aware of surroundings when cleaning up your property or spending time outdoors. Use caution around trees,” the township said.

Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources continue to monitor water levels and weather conditions, though has stopped short of issuing any alerts as of press time.

Should banks break, the township is offering sandbags and sand at the Minden Curling Club parking lot and Irondale Community Centre.

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter is reminding people to have 72-hour emergency kits at home just in case. Some suggested items include non-perishable food, water, battery-powered radio and flashlight, first aid kit, toiletries, cash, and warm clothing/footwear.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP is also urging people to stay vigilant and safe during this projected storm. Cst. Rob Adams said the detachment is still hearing about downed power lines and fallen/damaged trees, saying the potential for high winds could cause further damage.

“Residents are advised to avoid these hazards… caution is also urged when walking near trees, or when clearing brush… high winds could lead to additional falling trees and debris,” Adams said.

The force also offered some flood safety tips, advising people to stay away from fast moving water, avoid driving through flooded roads, and pay attention to local weather updates.

Minden Hills Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s social assistance programs. Applications can be made online at Ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance.

Demand spikes again at County food banks

Mike Baker

April 24, 2025

Minden Community Food Centre (MCFC) manager Jean Munroe said things have never been busier at the Newcastle Street pantry, reporting an 18 per cent increase in demand through the first quarter of 2025, with Tina Jackson from Central Food Network reporting similar activity in Highlands East.

The figureheads from two of the County’s three major food bank operations told The Highlander, in an April 18 interview, that there’s been a “non-stop surge” in numbers stretching back to 2019.

According to Munroe, that’s putting considerable stress on the Minden food bank’s staff, volunteers, and bottom line. In 2024, the operation served 3,248 people, averaging 271 visits per month. Through January, February and March that total had reached 966 people – or 322 per month.

“It’s been six years of increase after increase after increase. I haven’t seen demand go down yet,” said Munroe, who celebrated her third year with the operation in February. “The big issue I’m hearing from people is rent. People are struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over their head. Unfortunately, food is one of the first things people opt to go without.”

The recent ice storm had an impact, with some clients telling Munroe they lost all their frozen and refrigerated foods due to the prolonged power outage.

Jump in the Lake foodbank fundraiser set for May 17

After seeing just over 3,000 visits in 2023 – the first time the Minden hub crossed that annual threshold, Munroe said she’s preparing to hit another new milestone this year. With economic uncertainty stemming from the Canada-U.S. trade war, she feels things may get worse for those struggling before it gets better.

So, she and the MCFC board have decided to pivot. Beginning in mid-March, staff started sending clients home with three weeks’ worth of food, rather than the usual four, allowing the needy to visit more frequently.

It’s the second major transition in the past eight months, after the food bank, last summer, increased the amount of food people get each visit.

“We’re seeing the crunch everywhere – food is flying off our shelves faster than ever before. Trying to keep up with that is bringing its own challenges right now,” Munroe said, noting when she started the operation spent about $3,500 a month on food. Now, its bill is more than double that.

As a result, Munroe said the food bank is heavily reliant on community donations. More bins were set up across Minden last fall, which has helped keep non-perishables stocked – with 8,710 pounds collected so far this year.

Proteins and produce are more limited, though Monroe said some businesses, like Coneybeare’s Butcher Shop, have established programs where people can purchase things at cost, which is then donated.

“We’re getting lots of ground beef, which has been amazing,” Munroe said.

She’s also looking forward to the community garden at the fairgrounds reopening, which also helps.

Surging demand

Last year, CFN saw 4,128 visits to its food banks in Cardiff and Wilberforce, averaging 343 stops per month. Those numbers have increased slightly in early 2025, with CFN seeing 336 visits in January and 361 in February.

Compared to pre-pandemic levels, Jackson estimates the operation is serving an additional 57 people – or 100 extra monthly visits. The Wilberforce food bank assisted 25 more households this January compared to last, with an additional 19 in February. In Cardiff, five new households were welcomed in January and seven in February.

CFN also distributed over 900 frozen meals to people in January and February through its Community Cooks program.

“Poverty in Canada is spiraling out of control. In the last five years, visits to Canadian food banks have almost doubled,” Jackson said.

In 2023, CFN was able to buy a cargo van, which Jackson said has allowed the local food banks to access reserves from bigger facilities in Belleville, Peterborough, and Lindsay. Last year, that brought 235,299 pounds of food valued at approximately $750,000 to the County.

That’s brought the facility’s monthly food spend way down, with Jackson saying CFN spent $2,200 in January. Before, she said they would have spent “considerably more.”

While she didn’t have numbers, Judy MacDuff, who runs the 4Cs Food Bank in Haliburton, said demand has been “a lot higher” through the first quarter of the year. She registered four new clients in a single day April 17.

In 2024, the site registered 2,213 visits, assisting 2,726 adults and 1,109 children, which MacDuff said was up from 2023.

“We need to see food prices come down and incomes go up… if it wasn’t for the Lily Ann, we wouldn’t be able to operate [at current levels]. It pays for our rent, heat, hydro and other things we need,” MacDuff said. “Donations [to the food bank] go directly to purchase food.”

Jump in

MCFC and CFN are partnering again this year for Jump in the Lake, scheduled for May 17. The annual event challenges people to get pledges before jumping in a local waterbody on the day.

It raised $11,500 last year, with Jackson hoping to eclipse that total this time around. As of press time, MCFC has 12 people registered, raising $2,000, with CFN at nine participants and $1,950 raised.

This will be the first time Jump in the Lake doesn’t run alongside the same-named Coboconk initiative, which happens May 3.

Munroe said this was done to try and encourage more cottagers to get involved. There will also be prizes for top individual fundraisers, Jackson noted. Munroe said she’ll be taking a dip in the Gull River this year, with Jackson diving into Halls Lake.

“We want this to be fun – something people can have a little competition with. Our organizations are facing lots of challenges and struggles right now. So get together, talk to your neighbours, form a team and help make a positive impact in our community,” Jackson said.

Carter and Fearrey to get strong mayor powers

Lisa Gervais

April 24, 2025

They will soon have strong mayor powers, but Dysart et al’s Murray Fearrey and Minden Hills’ Bob Carter are still figuring out what that means for them and their townships.

On April 9, Ontario proposed to expand strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities effective May 1.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said the expansion “reflects Ontario’s commitment to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development.”

The powers will allow heads of councils of six members or more “to support shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including roads and transit,” the ministry said.

Dysart et al and Minden Hills have seven councillors, while Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East five.

Rob Flack, minister of municipal affairs and housing, said by extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, “we are providing mayors every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster. Mayors know their municipalities best, and we support them in taking bold actions for their communities.”

Ontario’s strong mayor powers, initially introduced for Toronto and Ottawa in 2022, have been gradually rolled out across the province. There are 47 municipalities in Ontario with these enhanced powers, which the province says has helped to cut red tape and accelerate the delivery of key priorities in their communities.

“These enhanced powers come with increased accountability for heads of council and maintain essential checks and balances through the oversight of councillors,” the ministry said.

Fearrey said he’s just learning what it all means but, “it’s not going to change the way I operate in terms of being involved with staff hiring, and things like that. I’ve always been involved. I think it’s important that it be a team effort.”

He believes, “it’s going to help us on some of the planning issues; to free things up and make it a little bit easier to get housing started because we need to do that desperately. It should help us leverage provincial funding for some of these projects because it’s all about getting some housing built, getting some rental units out there. If we have a proposal, I think it’ll go a long way to disposition now. I think it’s going to help.”

Fearrey said one reservation he has is, “when you make one move, are you going to make that move all the time? That’s the dangerous part of shifting away from policy.”

Carter said the news caught Minden Hills by surprise, finding out when the minister made the announcement last week. They’ve only briefly looked at the implications.

He wants more clarity on the fact Minden Hills, and Dysart, work with the County of Haliburton. “We have Dysart and Minden, who have these powers, but the County does not and our plans are tied into the County. We need to be able to clarify and figure that out.”

He sees a benefit in things such as being able to move official plans ahead faster.

“The primary thing is … hopefully good news that we can use the power to help the community.”

Strong mayor powers and duties include:

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s CAO.

• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments.

• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.

• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.

• Proposing certain municipal bylaws if the mayor thinks the proposed bylaw could potentially advance a provincial priority. Council can pass these bylaws if more than one-third of council members vote in favour.

• Vetoing certain bylaws if the head of council thinks all or part of the bylaw could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.

• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council thinks considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.

Tariffs timeline

Mike Baker

April 24, 2025

Jan. 20: Trump sworn in, announces plans for 25 per cent tariff on Canada

Feb. 1: Trump announces 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, effective Feb. 4

Feb. 3: Trump agrees to a 30-day delay for tariffs on Canada Feb. 10: Trump removes 2018 steel exemptions, raising tariffs to 25 per cent on all steel imports. Aluminum tariffs increased from 10 to 25 per cent, effective March 12.

March 4: Trump enforces 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, though only 10 per cent on energy. Canada responds with $100 billion in retaliatory measures

March 5: Trump agrees a one-month pause on tariffs for auto imports from Canada

March 12: Canada imposes $29.8 billion retaliatory tariffs on U.S.

March 26: U.S. announces a 25 per cent tariff on all imported vehicles, including those made in Canada, effective April 3.

April 2: Canada implements additional $95 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods

April 3: Canada announced 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on all non-CUSMA vehicles and non-Canadian auto parts, but only those imported from the U.S. April 9: The U.S. imposes reciprocal 10 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, a 25 per cent tariff on non-USMCA goods, and 10 per cent on energy and potash. Canada retaliates with additional $125 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports.

April 11: Trump announces 90-day pause on new tariff increases for most countries, but existing tariffs on Canadian imports remain.

Conn wants more supports for County’s small businesses

Mike Baker

April 24, 2025

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce executive director Amanda Conn said it’s been a difficult few weeks for County-based businesses adapting to “seemingly ever-changing, on-again, off-again” tariffs proposed by the U.S. government.

After initially announcing plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports effective Feb. 4, president Donald Trump delayed implementing measures until March 4. Since then, a series of retaliatory strikes from the federal and Ontario governments has resulted in more threats, though on April 11, Trump declared a 90-day pause on new tariff increases for most countries, including Canada.

The initial 25 per cent levy remains on imports, including non-United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliant goods and 10 per cent on energy and potash.

Conn said some County businesses are starting to feel the pinch.

“A few are definitely seeing some significant cost increases – those who rely on getting their raw materials from the U.S. or who have to ship things. We’re helping where we can, but I would say the nervousness many have been feeling is still there and it’s starting to worsen because we’re seeing some of the things we were concerned about coming true.

“The uncertainty and not knowing is probably the most frustrating thing, because it’s leaving people in limbo. For a good run there, we were seeing things change on a daily basis. New tariffs being added, then taken off. It’s created a sense of chaos and confusion. Businesses are finding it very difficult to plan because they never know what’s coming next, if they’re going to get hit or not,” Conn said.

With the Ontario Legislature getting back underway April 15, Conn said there’s some encouraging news coming out of Queen’s Park. Premier Doug Ford announced an $11 billion support fund for businesses, with $9 billion in deferrals for things like the employer health tax and insurance premium tax. He said that will be in place retroactively from April 1 to Oct. 1.

There’s also a $2 billion rebate the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will issue to “safe employers.”

Conn said full details have yet to emerge on how that relief will be rolled out. She’s unsure, too, how much it will help small businesses.

“I think there’s some employers in our County that will benefit, but you have to have a pretty substantial payroll. I’d like to see more about the supports for smaller businesses,” she said.

Chamber president Joe Cox also felt the announced measures would have “little to no impact” on those struggling in Haliburton County.

Following last week’s throne speech, there’s an expectation the new government’s first bill will focus on interprovincial trade, breaking down internal barriers to bolster Ontario’s economy, as well as diversifying trade partnerships with other countries.

MPP Laurie Scott told The Highlander, “these measures will help us build a more competitive and resilient economy, ensuring that businesses are better equipped to thrive in the global market.”

Cox, controller at Francis Thomas Contracting in Algonquin Highlands, felt that would be a positive move.

“This could be an opportunity for local businesses to source alternative solutions without having to pay hefty import fees. Although, this will not have a considerable impact on our operations [at Francis Thomas], I can see this being beneficial to a number of organizations,” Cox said.

Focus on tourism

Conn said one benefit to the Canada-U.S. trade war is an expected bump in local tourism. She said locals should brace themselves for a summer like those seen in 2021 and 2022, when the Canadian border was closed for travel.

“The Ontario chamber network is doing a lot of advocacy around staycations – we did that a few years ago and it was a good boost for Haliburton County. Many businesses are driven by tourism here, so hopefully that’s something that will help,” Conn said.

Angelica Ingram, the County’s manager of tourism, noted many County-based tourism operators reported a strong winter and are optimistic for a busy summer. She believes the Highlands now one of the premiere four-season destinations for visitors from across the world – especially the U.S.

A recent Destination Ontario poll revealed more than half of U.S.-based respondents are likely to take a trip north of the border this year, Ingram said.

“Americans still feel that Canada is a welcoming destination. That is positive news, and we hope that translates to continued tourism from the U.S.,” Ingram said.

Jamie Schmale, Conservative candidate

Mike Baker

April 24, 2025

Many people in Haliburton County continue to struggle with the rising cost of living. Tell me something tangible you/your party will do to help put more money in their pocket?

Our party understands that the past 10 years of the current Liberal government have been a disaster on the pocketbooks of the average family and working Canadian, especially in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes. The stories I hear at the doors of so many people not being able to afford groceries, rent, and other necessities are heart-breaking. We must act quickly to provide relief and kickstart our economy. Conservatives are proposing a plan where workers will keep more of their paycheques by cutting income taxes by 15 per cent so the average worker can keep an extra $900 each year, while dual-income families will keep $1,800 more. We will also make each dollar go further by axing the federal sales tax on new homes worth up to $1.3 million.

With the U.S. proving to be an unreliable trade partner, what plans does your party have to diversify Canada’s economy, and what partnerships will you be targeting?

Canada will never become the 51st State and Canada can no longer rely on the United States to act in fair negotiations for free trade under the current president. Our party has been advocating for interprovincial free trade within our borders for over a decade, and we have the plan to make our economy self-sufficient, while trading our goods with allies overseas. Conservatives will bring premiers together to agree on removing as many trade barriers as possible, we will create an energy corridor that enables us to quickly build infrastructure for pipelines, LNG plants, and small modular reactors, and we will create a “Blue Seal” standard so that doctors and nurses can quickly be certified and work anywhere in the country through a streamlined process.

What’s the most significant item in your party’s platform and how do you feel it will impact people in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes?

As sad as it is to say, addiction and homelessness have spiked across our riding over the past 10 years, and residents in our communities have been expressing the need for a change in policy to solve these issues. The solution to these problems requires compassion. That’s why Conservatives are proposing a plan that will fund 50,000 Canadians in treatment centres with a proven record of success of sending patients home, drug-free. We will require existing federal recovery sites to focus on connecting users with treatment and meet stricter regulatory standards through a results-based system. To fund this policy, our government will stop federal funding for opioids and sue the opioid manufacturers, along with their consulting companies, who created this crisis in the first place.

You’re seeking a fourth term having spent 10 years representing the riding in Ottawa. In your opinion, what’s your biggest accomplishment as a politician?

My office has a series of little victories each and every day because of the amazing team I have who work so hard and passionately for the people in our riding. Each year, we handle thousands of everyday issues that constituents need solving, whether it’s involving the CRA, passports, OAS, or for any inquiry someone may have at a given moment, my team is always there to hear what you have to say. Carrying on from my Conservative predecessor, Barry Devolin, I have proudly kept the “Capital Experience” going, an annual opportunity for two students from the seven high schools in our riding to travel to Ottawa and learn about various career options our capital city has to offer after post-secondary. I will continue this tradition that creates opportunities for our youth.

If elected, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has said he’ll make history and become the first prime minister to use the notwithstanding clause to override the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to impose consecutive life sentences on multiple murders. What are your thoughts on that?

We must advocate for the rights of victims of these heinous crimes. Sadly, the Supreme Court has made decisions that result in the sentences of some of Canada’s most notorious killers being reduced, giving them a chance to walk free early. We see examples in cases involving Alexandre Bissonette, Justin Bourque, among many others. I stand with Pierre Poilievre, and I firmly support our Conservative plan to use our constitutional powers under the Charter of Rights, and Freedoms to bring justice back to our criminal justice system and end discounted sentencing for murderers. We will introduce life sentencing for criminals convicted of five or more counts of human trafficking, importing/exporting 10 or more illegal firearms, and fentanyl trafficking.

Nell Thomas, Liberal candidate

Mike Baker

April 24, 2025

Many people in Haliburton County continue to struggle with the rising cost of living. Tell me something tangible you/ your party will do to put more money in their pockets.

Building resiliency against trade wars/ tariffs; Cutting taxes for middle-class families; Supporting seniors and retirees by reducing RRIF withdrawals 25 per cent per year; Increasing Guaranteed Income Supplement by 5 per cent; Eliminating GST for first-time buyers; Covering $8,000 in apprenticeship training; Expanding union programs to help workers enter high-paying trades; Cancelled carbon tax, saving 18 cents/litre at the pumps; Making permanent $10 a day childcare and National School Food Program; Expanding Canadian Dental Care Plan; Protecting pension and benefit transfers, employment insurance, Canada Child Benefits, GST/HST credits, disability savings grants; Funding home retrofits, lower utility bills for mid/low-income homeowners and renters (heat pumps, energy efficiency upgrades); Funding home protection against floods, wildfires, extreme weather (funding roof repair/replacement, installing sump pumps, sealing foundation cracks).

With the US proving to be an unreliable trade partner, what plans does your party have to diversify Canada’s economy, and what partnerships will you be targeting?

Prime Minister Carney’s Liberals are: Rapidly mobilizing investments in electricity, transportation, building, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing; Expanding training in trades, healthcare, high tech; Building local businesses to be tariff-resilient using Canadian resources and markets; Fast-tracking made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines; Growing food locally; Keeping raw materials here instead of shipping out for manufacturing (make beer cans here from our aluminum, build greenhouses, furniture here, etc.); Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers; Establishing with European leaders a unified response to Trump’s tariff threats (already done); Developing a national energy and electricity plan; Developing ports, supply chains and new trade corridors away from the US.

What’s the most significant item in your party’s platform and how do you feel it will impact people in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes?

Canadian self-sufficiency – energy, jobs, food, and housing. Stop importing lamb and beef. We want our eggs, chickens, beef, vegetables produced in Canada. All components of the food industry must be Canadian, from farm machinery to greenhouses to food processing and distribution.

If Ontario replaced the top ten imported fruits and vegetables by growing, processing, distributing them here, $250 million could be created for the economy, producing 3,400 jobs. Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes has all the major farm equipment dealers, large commercial grain elevators, input suppliers, a livestock sale barn and large animal veterinary service to support over 1,100 crop and livestock farming operations.

We are a regional centre for Agri-business retail and support services. By adding new technologies, food production and processing will flourish here.

It’s been 25 years since a Liberal was elected to represent this riding in Ottawa. Why should that change this month and why are you the best person for the job?

Canada is facing unprecedented threats from the U.S. Donald Trump wants our water and resources. We need a strong and unified country and a leader who knows how to manage trade wars.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has already met with European leaders to unify a stance against the Trump tariffs… he has already met with the premiers and established a commitment to unite in trade.

Carney is a globally recognized financial expert with a track record for managing crises. I am a crisis manager, too. I bring real world experience (farmer, business owner, physician) and a life of community service that directly applies to finding solutions to big and urgent problems. I am practical and disciplined. I advocate, most emphatically for the neediest.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new federal housing entity that he says will speed up affordable housing construction and provide financing to home builders. How much money has been committed through this? How will it help encourage more development in Haliburton County?

Carney plans four million homes by 2035, guaranteeing everyone has a safe and stable place to call home by: Unlocking private investment to build new homes for younger Canadians; Cutting developer fees 50 per cent, spurring $8 billion private investment annually; Eliminating GST for homes under $1 million; Removing tax and regulations for contractors/builders to get permits for new builds; Standardizing national building codes; Reintroducing home builders tax incentive Multi-Unit Rental Building (MURB); Accelerating construction training, covering $8,000 apprenticeships; Doubling non-profit and co-op permanent homes; Injecting $10 billion in middle/low-income rental homes; Investing $25 billion in sustainable technologies that speeds builds, lowering costs making it cheaper to own/maintain homes; Eliminating need to relicense when crossing provincial borders; Expanding Rapid Housing and Rental Protection Fund programs.

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