Podcast appearances and mentions of dalton mcguinty

  • 16PODCASTS
  • 55EPISODES
  • 41mAVG DURATION
  • 1MONTHLY NEW EPISODE
  • Oct 15, 2024LATEST

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024


Best podcasts about dalton mcguinty

Latest podcast episodes about dalton mcguinty

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Ford Government's Plans to Ease Traffic Gridlock

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 50:57


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: THE LATEST IN SPAT BETWEEN OTTAWA AND INDIA  Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Cheri DiNovo, a former NDP MPP,  and John Milloy,  a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. This week: we take a look at the tense relations between Canada and India, and we also discuss the latest effort from within the Liberal party to oust PM Justin Trudeau as leader. ONTARIO PLANS TO GET TOUGHER ON BIKE LANES AS PART OF CONGESTION-EASING EFFORTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Trevor Townsend, Founder of Keep Toronto Moving and Albert Koehl, Cycling and pedestrian advocate. The Ford government has tabled legislation around bike lanes as part of its strategy to ease traffic gridlock. We discuss that plan in greater detail and whether or not it is a good idea. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LATEST CAMPAIGN BY SOME LIBERAL MPS TO OUST TRUDEAU Libby Znaimer is joined by Charles Bird, Managing Principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group in Toronto, and John Capobianco,  Senior Vice President & Senior Partner, FleishmanHillard HighRoad. Let's get a closer look at the latest move to oust PM Justin Trudeau and what he might do to get out of it. The Liberals have said they don't intend to pull the plug on this parliament to avoid a snap election. Do we believe them?

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
The Annual Salmon Run Through Mississauga

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 51:18


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: HOW HARD ARE OUR CITY WORKERS ACTUALLY WORKING?  Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheri DiNovo, a former NDP MPP, John Milloy, a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments, and John Mykytyshyn,  a Conservative Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the October 7th massacre and we got to hear speeches from both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre at a commemoration in Ottawa. And a report from Toronto's Auditor General shows that city workers responsible for the upkeep of our parks are working less hours than they are reporting in their logs. What will Mayor Olivia Chow do about this? THE SPENDING HABITS OF OLDER VS YOUNGER CANADIANS THIS UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON  Libby Znaimer is joined by Ellen Roseman, a consumer advocate and journalist and Bruce Winder, a retail analyst. We get a picture of what we can expect regarding the spending habits of younger Canadian adults versus older adults during this year's holiday season according to a new survey by PwC Canada. THE ANNUAL SALMON RUN THROUGH MISSISSAUGA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Andrea Dunn, Natural Areas Specialist with the City of Mississauga. It's that time of the year when you can witness the salmon run through Mississauga. Our guest details the best locations to spot it.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Political Pickles and E Scooters

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 53:04


THE RECOVERING POLITICIANS An emergency committee hearing was held in Ottawa this morning to vote on whether to call Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Immigration Minister Marc Miller to testify about how the recently arrested father-son accused terror team was able to immigrate to Canada. Libby Znaimer is joined by Cheri DiNovo, former Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario; Lisa Raitt, former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada; and John Milloy, former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments to discuss this, and other political news of the day. OTTAWA TURNS A BLIND EYE TO QUESTIONABLE PRO-PALESTINIAN CHARITIES The federal government wants to take away the charity status of the 100-year-old Jewish National Fund of Canada for allegedly breaking the rules, but the Trudeau Liberals aren't doing likewise with a number of pro-Palestinian charities, some with questionable links to terrorist organizations. Libby Znaimer is joined by Canadian lawyer and author Warren Kinsella to unpack this troubling issue. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH E-SCOOTERS? They seem to be everywhere, and while they are banned in Toronto, the City has reported that they don't have the capacity to enforce the ban. This, as The Hospital for Sick Children says it is seeing a notable uptick this summer in the number of injuries related to e-scooters and e-bikes in Toronto. Libby is joined by David Shellnut, personal injury lawyer and founder of The Biking Lawyer; and Aaron Binder, Chief Experience Officer at Go Tours Canada to discuss. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Rational View podcast with Dr. Al Scott
Edgardo Sepulveda gives Ontario wind energy a failing grade

The Rational View podcast with Dr. Al Scott

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 62:45


In this episode I am interviewing a returning guest to the show to examine the economics surrounding Ontario's foray into renewable energy.  As is typical in divisive topics such as this, the government has made it very difficult to track down the actual costs of ideologically driven policies such as Ontario's 2009 Green Energy Act that brough in juicy Feed In Tarriffs on 20 year contracts for renewable energy to kick start the green economy. The act was brought in by Liberal premiere Dalton McGuinty and aggressively pursued by his successor in that office, Kathleen Wynne who was driven out of office by angry voters in the 2018 election, losing official party status. A key element of that loss was her mishandling of the energy transition, the privatization of Hydro One, and the disastrous costs downloaded onto voters. Our guest today is investigating the costs and benefits of renewable energy in Ontario's nuclear and hydro-dominated electrical grid. Edgardo Sepulveda is a telecommunications and electricity economist with the last several with his consulting firm in Toronto, Canada. He was born in Chile and has an MA in Economics. As part of his civic policy-related engagement, he also writes about inequality, COVID-19 and other issues, including at the Progressive Economics Forum. Support the podcast at patron.podbean.com/TheRationalView Join the Facebook discussion @TheRationalView

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
What It Would Take For OPSEU to Go Back to the Table Amid LCBO Strike

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 51:34


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: HOW OTTAWA SHOULD PREPARE FOR A POTENTIAL TRUMP ADMINISTRATION Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, a former deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, John Milloy, a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments and Robin Sears, a former NDP strategist and crisis communications consultant. This week, there is lots to unpack with our panel: we get reactions from them about the attempted assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump this past weekend at his Pennsylvania Rally, and we explore Canada's relationship with the U.S. U.S. INTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL SUGGESTS IRAN IS FUNDING AND INFLUENCING ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS IN AMERICA Libby Znaimer is now joined by Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer and human rights activist and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. A U.S. intelligence official has accused Iran of influencing and funding anti-Israel protests in America. So, how exactly are they doing this? Kaveh explains.  FORD GOVERNMENT ACCELERATES ALCOHOL EXPANSION PLANS + WE HEAR FROM OPSEU Libby Znaimer is joined by JP Hornick, President of OPSEU, Bob Richardson, a Public Affairs Consultant, and Tony Elenis, President and CEO of The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) Today: we hear directly from OPSEU about why they are striking and what it would take to bring them back to the table to negotiate with the Ford government. And, amid the strike, here is how Premier Ford is accelerating alcohol expansion plans. 

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
A Look Ahead to the Federal Budget Being Released Today

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 51:56


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: A LOOK AHEAD TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Lisa Raitt, Former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada, Cheri DiNovo, Former Ontario NDP MPP, and John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivers the federal budget to Canadians. STAFFING SHORTAGES IN LONG-TERM CARE  Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Vivian Stamatopolous, a professor at Ontario Tech University who conducts research on long-term care issues and is an advocate for residents. What we know about staffing shortages in long-term care and how that may be impacting the province's ability to meet the required number of hours of hands-on care for residents. A MEMORIAL RIDE FOR CYCLIST KILLED IN TORONTO Jane Brown is joined by Albert Koehl, cycling and pedestrian advocate and an environmental lawyer and Fraser Chapman, President and Co-Founder of The Morning Glory Cycling Club. Hundreds of cyclists got together this week to pay respects to Toronto-based cyclist Vladimir Zotov who was struck and killed by a driver near the DVP on April 8th. He was 59 years of age. He also happened to be a member of the Morning Glory Cycling Club that Fraser helps to lead.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Conservatives Win Durham & Ottawa's New Tool to Support Nurses

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 36:12


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL:  CONSERVATIVES WIN DURHAM & ANGRY MOB DISRUPTS MELONI-TRUDEAU MEETING Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, Former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada, Cheri DiNovo, Former Ontario NDP MPP, and  John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Conservative Jamil Jivani has won the federal riding of Durham in Ontario: obviously this is great news for Pierre Poilievre. Meanwhile, earlier in the week, a meeting that was set between PM Trudeau and Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni at the AGO was cancelled after an angry mob of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked entrances to the building. And, of course, our panelists weigh in on the life and times of the late Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.  OTTAWA DELIVERS NURSING RETENTION TOOLKIT Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Doris Grinspun, Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). This week: Federal Minister Mark Holland announced the launch of a nursing retention toolkit designed to support nurses in the healthcare system. Dr. Grinspun explains why it just isn't enough to help these front line healthcare workers grappling with burnout and other challenges. 

The Vassy Kapelos Show
Netanyahu promises to 'finish the job' in Gaza

The Vassy Kapelos Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 78:12


Professor Elliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss Netanyahu's comments.  On todays show:  Sahir Khan, Vice President of the University of Ottawa's Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy on the erosion of public trust following the ArriveCan scandal.  Amy Knight, Russian Politics and History Expert on Navalnaya stepping up to lead fight vs. Putin as morgue retains her husband's body. Jérémie Harris, the co-founder of Gladstone AI, an AI safety company on Canadian authorities cautious, nervous about AI in political campaigns. The Daily Debrief Panel with Lisa Dominato, Vancouver City Councillor, Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former NDP Leader and Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data.   Lindsay Maskell, Liberal Strategist, former advisor to Dalton McGuinty's government on the inception and history of Family Day. 

The Herle Burly
Dalton McGuinty, the 24th Premier of Ontario

The Herle Burly

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 61:28


The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail. Alright, you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites!  I'm so chuffed to introduce our guest today on The Herle Burly: The 24th Premier of Ontario. Dalton. I mean, that's pretty much all I have to say, eh? You all know who I'm taking about. But if you're looking for the full deal … Dalton James Patrick McGuinty Jr.The first Liberal leader to win 2 successive majority governments since Mitchell Hepburn, 70 years earlier. And then a 3rd consecutive term after that. His government established education, health care, the environment, and the economy as areas of priority. Test scores rose by 17%. Wait times went from Canada's longest to shortest. Ontario closed its coal plants in the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America. And the McGuinty government cut the marginal tax rate on new business investment in half.Today, he's involved in the study and teaching of leadership. He's a Fellow at Carleton University, served as a fellow at Harvard, and is a Senior Fellow at U of T's School of Public Policy and Governance. On the 20th anniversary of forming government in 2003, we're going to talk to Mr. McGuinty about lessons learned and his life in politics.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Three Canadians May Be Among Hamas Hostages

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 51:25


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: PM TRUDEAU SAYS CANADIANS COULD BE AMONG HAMAS HOSTAGES 12:00-12:30 Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Andrew Cash, Former NDP MP, Toronto-Davenport district, John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments, and Lisa Raitt, Former Deputy Leader of Conservative Party of Canada. According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, there may be three Canadians taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. Meanwhile, Ottawa is calling for a humanitarian corridor to be set up in Gaza to help aid innocent civilians trapped in the enclave. Closer to home, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling for NDP Sarah Jama to not be permitted into the legislature following her apology for making offensive remarks about Israel. The motion by the Ford government said that Jama made "antisemitic and discriminatory statements" and defended "Hamas terrorists in her statements on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). And, amid an investigation into the Greenbelt landswap scandal by the RCMP, the Ford government has tabled a bill to return land back that was removed from protection in the Greenbelt and to enshrine the boundaries into law. GEORGE SMITHERMAN ON FIVE YEARS SINCE THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS IN CANADA 12:30-12:40 Jane Brown is joined by George Smitherman, President of the Cannabis Council of Canada and a Former Ontario Liberal MPP for Toronto Centre who also served as a health minister and deputy Premier. Today marks five years since Cannabis was legalized in Canada. George reflects on how the industry has evolved since this happened, the problem around the continued presence of illegal sources of Marijuana and why being the President of the Cannabis Council of Canada was a very personal one for him. THE AVERAGE COST OF A CAR HAS SPIKED DRAMATICALLY IN A SINGLE YEAR 12:40-1 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Consumer Advocate, Ellen Roseman. Get this: the average cost of a new car in Canada has gone up by almost 20 per cent over the last year (averaging  $67,817 in September)! So, what factors have contributed to this? Ellen weighs in and gives consumer tips for navigating the car market.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Toronto's Delayed Infrastructure

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 53:37


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL:  MPs TO ELECT NEW HOUSE SPEAKER TODAY 12:00-12:30 Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Lisa Raitt, former deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Andrew Cash, a former NDP MP for Toronto Davenport district and John Milloy,  a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Today: members of Parliament are expected to vote in a new speaker of the house today. It comes in the aftermath of house speaker Anthony Rota 's resignation over inviting a Nazi war veteran to Parliament during Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit. And, Bonnie Crombie says she's raised over $1 million for her campaign to become leader of the Ontario Liberals. Crombie, who is taking a leave of absence from her post as Mississauga mayor, is firing back against her political opponents including candidate Nate Erskine-Smith who are criticizing her for getting donations from developers. FINANCIAL STRESS AMONG CANADIANS IS UP: ARE WE IN A NATIONAL EMERGENCY? 12:30-12:45 Liz West is now joined by Lesley-Anne Scorgie, Founder of MeVest, a leading edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. According to a new survey by the National Payroll Institute, the number of Canadians reporting financial stress-- as much as 20 per cent. They are calling it a national emergency. Lesley-Anne reacts to the findings. WHY ARE SO MANY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN TORONTO DELAYED 12:45-1 PM Liz West is now joined by Councillor Mike Colle, City Councillor Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence, and Josh Matlow, Toronto Councillor, Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul's. Last week, we heard yet another announcement from Metrolinx that followed the same old: no clear timeline on when the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is going to be completed. How fair is this to local residents and businesses? And the reality is that there is $107 billion in infrastructure work planned for the city. how can we be confident that none of these projects will get delayed much like the Eglinton LRT.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Premier Doug Ford's Cabinet Shuffle Amid Greenbelt Scandal

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 50:44


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: ONTARIO HOUSING MINISTER RESIGNS & A FORD GOVERNMENT CABINET SHUFFLE 12:00-12:30  Libby Znaimer is joined by Peggy Nash, the former NDP Member of Parliament for Parkdale—High Park, John Milloy, former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments and John Mykytyshyn, a Conservative political consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Two major developments have emerged from Queen's Park this week. The first being that Ontario Housing Minister Steve Clark has resigned amid the Ford government's controversial Greenbelt plans. Then we learned that Premier Doug Ford has shuffled his cabinet and appointed Paul Calandra (previously minister of long term care) as the new housing minister. Our panel weighs in on the latest. SEGMENT 2-MORE REACTION TO THE FALLOUT FROM THE GREENBELT SCANDAL 12:30-12:50 Libby Znaimer is now joined by Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario followed by Bob Richardson, Senior Council, National Public Relations. Mike and then Bob react to the latest news of Ontario Housing Minister Steve Clark's resignation amid the Greenbelt scandal as well as Doug Ford's cabinet shuffle that sees Paul Calandra taking over as the new housing minister. SEGMENT 3: NON-PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN CANADA UNDERCOUNTED BY ONE MILLION 12:50-1:00 Libby Znaimer is now joined by Guidy Mamann, a Toronto immigration lawyer and Partner at Mamman, Sandaluk & Kingwell LLP Immigration Lawyers. Ottawa has undercounted approximately 1 million non permanent residents according to a leading economist at CIBC. Why is this a problem? I  means that the government is underestimating the amount of housing that needs to get built as the country continues to grapple with this issue.

ThinkEnergy
Summer Rewind: Responding to emergencies and disasters with the Canadian Red Cross

ThinkEnergy

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 41:16


Summer Rewind: Responding to emergencies and disasters with the Canadian Red Cross – thinkenergy Podcast Episode 103  When a natural disaster strikes, your electricity is at risk. And Canada is no stranger to extreme weather. During these large-scale emergencies, a coordinated effort is needed to aid Canadians – and millions around the globe. Enter the Canadian Red Cross, a leader in providing disaster relief at home and aboard. In episode 103 of thinkenergy, we chat with Guy Lepage, a Disaster Management Volunteer with the organisation, to learn more about his role and what it's like having ‘boots on the ground' during a disaster. Related links The Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada  Guy Lepage, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-lepage-8568289/  Hydro Ottawa safety resources: https://hydroottawa.com/en/outages-safety --- To subscribe using Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinkenergy/id1465129405 To subscribe using Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wFz7rdR8Gq3f2WOafjxpl To subscribe on Libsyn: http://thinkenergy.libsyn.com/ --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/user/hydroottawalimited Check out our cool pics on https://www.instagram.com/hydroottawa More to Learn on https://www.facebook.com/HydroOttawa Keep up with the Tweets at https://twitter.com/thinkenergypod #ThinkEnergy #HydroOttawa #EnergySolutions ____________________________________________________ Transcript: Dan Seguin  00:06 This is think energy, the podcast that helps you better understand the fast changing world of energy through conversations with game changers, industry leaders, and influencers. So join me, Dan Seguin, as I explore both traditional and unconventional facets of the energy industry. Canada has experienced a number of natural disasters in the last number of years in 2022. There was a devastating May long weekend Derecho in Ontario, forest fires and floods in British Columbia. And of course, Hurricane Fiona on the East Coast, to name just a few. For those of us in the energy sector, we know that when disaster strikes, a stable supply of electricity is jeopardized. Electricity represents safety, shelter, sanitation, warmth, and clean water. As extreme weather and other large scale events occur around the world. A coordinated global reach is needed to provide aid to millions. There is one leading organization in particular that comes to mind when you think of disaster relief with the skills, resources and people to mobilize in almost any region of this world. I'm talking about the International Red Cross. When it was created back in 1863, the Red Cross the objective was to protect and assist victims of armed conflict. Of course, their work has expanded to many types of crises, including disasters caused by extreme weather events. In total, the Red Cross has a network of more than 80 million people across the world that they can draw on to help in times of need, many right here at home. So here's today's big question. As leaders in emergency preparedness, response and execution, what is it like to be a Canadian Red Cross volunteer with boots on the ground during a disaster. Our guest on the show today is Guy Lepage, a disaster management volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross. Gi has been deployed to some of the world's biggest disasters and relief operations here in Canada and overseas. No matter the emergency, big or small. The Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need, and supporting them in strengthening their resilience. Guy. Welcome to the show.   Guy Lepage  03:16 Thanks for having me.   Dan Seguin  03:17 Guy, perhaps you can start by telling us how long you've been with the Canadian Red Cross. And what inspired you to get involved?   Guy Lepage  03:27 You'll recall back in 2005, 17 years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit the Deep South and of course, that made headlines around the world and then was working for the provincial government at the time and the premier at the time. Dalton McGuinty was contacted by the Canadian Red Cross asking him to send 100 members of the Ontario Public Service to help the American Red Cross. So I put my hand up as a former journalist to help as a communications or a public affairs officer. And I went to the deep south for three weeks as a public affairs officer and I got to see up close what the Red Cross does, whether it's American Canadian, choose your country, we all work under the same guidelines and rules. So you know, I saw how it was done. And so I came home and I said, Okay, I've been to the Deep South, what can I do in my own backyard. And that's when I started thinking about all the courses and the training I should have had before we're going to the Deep South. And it was just an amazing experience and the start of my Red Cross career. Now I can tell you that before I worked for the province, I worked as a journalist in Ottawa for the Ottawa Citizen and CJ wait gender Max Keeping for the your listeners who remember Max, and they covered disasters from house fires to train derailments to, you know, high winds, tornadoes, and there was one case in Gatineau. Across the river, there was cottage country, where high winds came through and pushed a canoe literally through the walls of a cottage. And it was something out of a movie and I said wow, that's amazing. So when I saw that kind of devastation in person in the Deep South. That's, that's okay. This is where I want to be. And giving my time my efforts as a volunteer is for people who go through this kind of disaster.   Dan Seguin  05:13 Okay. Now, what are some of the roles you've had with the organization?   Guy Lepage  05:20 I guess the main role has been as a personal disaster assistance team member, and I will PDA for short, that's when we respond to house fires. So you know, God forbid you and your family, there's a fire at your home at two o'clock in the morning, two volunteers will show up at your home and make sure you've got a place this day and give you gift cards. So you can buy food and clothing if need be. So I've done that the entire time, my 17 years with the Red Cross. I've also been a site manager, when there is a disaster. For example, in the Ottawa area after the tornadoes a few years ago, there were different shelters set up information centers. So someone had to run those centers to make sure they were properly run and offered the services that were needed. So I've been a site manager. And basically, it's other duties as assigned. The Red Cross is very good at training us to do all kinds of things in emergency management.   Dan Seguin  06:16 Okay, I've got a follow up question here. Now, Curiosity is getting the best of me. Talk to me about the role that was the most difficult. And what was the most memorable?   Guy Lepage  06:30 Wow, that's kind of like asking a parent which is their favorite child. I mean, I've been on 18 deployments in Canada, the US, Haiti and in Europe. So it's really difficult to choose. But I'll give you an example. This past summer, I was in Budapest, Hungary working with the International Federation of the Red Cross. On the Ukraine relief operation, we all know what's happening overseas. And my role was a public affairs officer or media relations officer to tell people in the media what was going on, from a red cross point of view. And we've held a news conference. And we told people inflation is making life difficult. But more importantly, winter is coming. Even though this was August, in the middle of a heatwave, winter is coming. And it's going to be a major issue. And now, if you look at the stories out of Ukraine, that is a major issue because of hydro shortages, natural gas shortages, and so on. So that's a memorable one because as a volunteer, I was part of a major relief operation, you know, who would have thought there'd be that kind of conflict anywhere in the world in this day and age, closer to home. A couple of years ago, there was a COVID lock down into Szechwan First Nation in northern Ontario, a fly in community. So there was a COVID outbreak, the entire community was locked down. So even the local store where they buy their groceries was locked down. So I was up there, the team of 12, where groceries, supplies were flown in, they were taken to the local hockey arena, where we put together boxes of essentials like milk, butter, bread, canned goods, dry goods, cereals, and so on. And we assembled boxes of these goods, and they were delivered, the boxes were delivered by the military, they were the rangers to every household in the community. So people could feed themselves. I mean, talk about basic, bare basic service that we all need. So that was a challenge because we were in the middle of a cult COVID lockdown community. So we had to really, really respect the rules of social distancing, sanitizing wearing a mask, we were goggles, we weren't gloves. And we stayed in a church because there was no hotel infrastructure, and we had to stay in a church. We slept in, and top tents on the floor of the church. And whenever that was the only time I could be without wearing a mask. And as soon as you step out of your tent, you have to wear a mask just because we have to protect ourselves. So that's memorable. But I guess the most memorable cases for me then, is when I show up at two o'clock in the morning, and I'm dealing with a family or an individual who's just been burnt out of their home, their apartment, and they've lost everything that they own. And they just have no idea how they're going to cope with this. Because first responders after firefighters, we're the next people they see wearing the red cross vest, and I'm there to tell them, are you okay? We're going to get you a place to live, a safe place to stay. We're going to give you gift cards for clothing, gift cards for food to help you get back on your feet. And people are so thankful. And I tell you the hugs. And I know it sounds strange to say this in a COVID environment. But the hugs I've received over the years from people who are so, so grateful. It makes it all worthwhile. Whether it's getting up at two o'clock in the morning or responding at two o'clock in the afternoon. People are so appreciative, so those are the big memories I take away from this.   Dan Seguin  10:05 Okay. I read that you've assisted in some big operations all over the world. Can you tell us what some of those were, and perhaps your biggest takeaway from those experiences?   Guy Lepage  10:21 I've been very fortunate then and that I've responded to emergencies across Canada. I've been to three hurricanes in the US, Hurricane Sandy in New York, Hurricane Michael in Florida. And Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Well, the Deep South. I went to Haiti in 2010. And as I mentioned, I went to Europe this past summer. So my biggest takeaway is the resilience of people who are affected by a disaster. Um, yes, the initial shock is overwhelming. I mean, no one ever expects to lose their home to a hurricane or a forest fire or an earthquake or whatever. No one sits around the kitchen table and says, Hey, what will we do if we lose our home. So we arrived, wearing the red cross vest to work with local, other responders and governments and we came to the rescue to help them rebuild their lives. So the resilience of people when they get over the shock, they are so appreciative of the work that we are offering the relief we're offering, rather, and they start immediately to rebuild their lives, where am I and my family going to stay? How we're going to feed ourselves and clothe ourselves and get back to normal. So that is, that is the one constant that I can share with you. And the other is, of course, how they are so appreciative. So it doesn't matter where you're from, it is where it happens. They are so happy that the Red Cross and other responders are there to help.   Dan Seguin  11:51 Okay, deep. I'm probably going to embarrass you just a little bit. In November 2021, you received the Order of the Red Cross, considered the Canadian Red Cross highest award, it recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding services at home and abroad. Can you tell us what your service and that honor has meant to you?   Guy Lepage  12:21 Other than my wedding day, and the birth of my children, it's the highest honor of my life, because to be recognized, to do something that I enjoy, and something that I get a whole lot more out of, than what I put in, was just a complete shock. It was emotional, it was overwhelming. I mean, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. So I don't mind telling you that I cried, it was so overwhelming. And, you know, most, I'd say all volunteers with the Red Cross and even outside of the organization, don't do this for the accolades. We do it because we like to volunteer, we like to help people in a time of crisis. And in my case, because I've been doing this for 17 years, I enjoy it so much, I will keep doing it as long as I can. And as I've just mentioned, I get a whole lot more out of it than what I put in. Let me put that into context. Yes, it's a lot of hard work, I deploy for two weeks, three weeks a month, I'm away from my family, my friends, I'm out of my comfort zone, long, stressful days. But in return, I work with other like minded volunteers from around the world. I learned from them, I help people in a time of need. And I tell the new volunteers that I train in my backyard, that you will get warm and fuzzies when you help people. Now by that, you know, we've all helped people in a time in our lives. And if you help someone move a friend of yours, having a bad day and try to console them either on the phone or in person, you know, you feel good about yourself, because you've helped someone you've done something for someone else, you know, because you want to not because you have to or you get paid or anything like that. So I've had the opportunity to do that on a bigger scale. So I've had a ton of warm and fuzzies in my career. All this to say that the Order of the Red Cross was just unexpected, but an incredible, incredible honor. Very good. Very good.   Dan Seguin  14:20 I think it's fair to say that the Red Cross is synonymous with disaster relief. For those that don't know, can you highlight how the Canadian Red Cross gets activated in communities?   Guy Lepage  14:33 That's a very good question. Because every time I go out, regardless of if it's a local fire or something big, you know, people say wow, you know, how do you guys do it? We didn't call or you know, we didn't know you guys did this. Most people need to know that we don't just show up on our own. We work with the local municipality, the local government, provincial federal, depending on where the disaster is. We are invited to assist. You may already know that in Ontario, most municipalities by law have to have an emergency management plan in place, which means when there is a need for a shelter, they have designated a school or a community center or even a church as to where the Red Cross and other organizations can do their thing. So we work with all levels of government and local municipalities, other first responders just to deliver the emergency aid that's needed at the time. Now, this could be an emergency lodging shelter, as I said, in a community center, for example, we could set up a reception center where people can get information, they can get gift cards, personal services, or reunite with their families. We offer a wide variety of services. But again, I want to stress that we are invited by the local municipality or level of government that needs assistance, and then we come to the rescue.   Dan Seguin  15:55 Okay. In the past six years alone, Ottawa has had 100 year floods, tornadoes, a Derecho, heat waves, and multiple wind and ice storms. A lot of these events result in lengthy power outages. I know the Canadian Red Cross has been involved with boots on the ground for some of our emergencies here in the nation's capital. What does a typical operation look like?   Guy Lepage  16:26 Every disaster is different. So the first thing that we do is first boots on the ground, work with local governments to assess how bad is the damage caused by, as you mentioned, ice storm, a windstorm, heat waves, tornadoes, and so on. And then we call in the volunteers, the staff, you know, the personnel and the supplies needed to meet the demand. That is the first thing because if you don't know how bad things are, you can't respond appropriately. Now, once we determine what's needed, then we bring in the troops and we bring in the gear and we bring in the gift cards that we need to meet the demand. For example, after the tornado in Ottawa, back in 2018, I was deployed to Gatineau to work at one of the shelters that was set up there where people were staying, and we're also showing up to be assessed for gift cards and so on. So by the time I arrived, the people who had done the advance work knew how many people were needed to work at the shelter. I was one of the site managers, and how many volunteers were needed to meet the demand at the time. So that is the key. How does the operation work? We assess then we bring in what's the personnel and the supplies that are needed to meet the demand.   Dan Seguin 17:44 Okay. Now, wondering if you could share with our listeners, what are some of the ways the Red Cross team helps residents during a crisis?   Guy Lepage  17:55 That's a very good question. We help in a number of ways. The first one would be an emergency shelter, if people have been burned out of their homes, or they just can't go home for whatever reason. And they don't have the funds to go to hotels or they're no hotels available. or for whatever reason, they just have nowhere else to go, they can come to the shelter which can be in a school in a church and a community center. We will set up cots with Red Cross blankets, so people have a place to stay. We set them up to have an area for single men, an area for single women, an area for families, an area for families with family members who need assistance, you know, wheelchairs, that kind of thing. We also set up reception centers where people can show up to get information, they can show up to get gift cards, or just have a shoulder to cry on. We have people who are trained to deal with the psychological impact that disasters have on people. And I can tell you that is as important as giving people a place to stay and gift cards to eat food and clothing. Because it is such a shock. And some people have difficulty dealing with it and they need specialized care. We will distribute funds through gift cards, as I mentioned, and will provide emergency items. For example, hygiene kits, you know, you've lost everything in your home, you don't have your toothpaste, your toothbrush, you don't have your shampoo, you don't have the basics of life that we all come to depend on. We will supply those kinds of things as well. So we are there to help people get back on their feet. And we do the best we can and I think we do a pretty good job. We're always learning to, you know, to get better. But I believe having been around as long as I have. Most of the time things work really, really well.   Dan Seguin  19:43 Now Guy, I read each year the Canadian Red Cross helps more than 100,000 people in Canada. How do people volunteer? What kind of roles are there? And is there a minimum time commitment   Guy Lepage  19:59 There are several ways for people to get involved. The first is emergency management, which is what we've been talking about, and the area I focus on. That's to help people impacted by small or large disasters and emergencies. Now, we're always also looking for Meals on Wheels, delivery drivers, you know, people I think, are familiar with Meals on Wheels. You deliver, you know, hot, nutritious meals to members of the community who are unable to prepare their own food. And, you know, this allows them to stay in their homes for a longer period of time, we have a program called friendly calls, this is where trained Red Cross volunteers or staff members, they talk with adults who are feeling isolated or lonely, for some reason, you know, they've got limited social or family connections, and you know, who feel that they could benefit from having a more social interaction. I mean, during the pandemic, you know, there are a lot of people who were on their own, they couldn't go visit their families. And if you're living by yourself, and you've got no one to talk to, it can have a very negative impact on your well being. So this friendly calls program, you know, someone will pick up the call and say, Hey, Daniel, how you doing? Let's talk and talk about your family, talk about the weather, talking about whatever, just to have a social connection, so you're not by yourself. And we're also looking for transportation drivers, you know, to get people, elderly or disabled people in the community who are unable to use public transportation or other private means. So there are many ways to get involved in the redcross.ca has a lot of information about that. And every program is different. And as far as your minimum commitment, you know, for example, here in Durham Region, and I'm sure it's the same in the Ottawa area. My disaster management volunteers have to fill out their availability for 32 hours a month, and you say, Wow, that sounds like a lot. No, it's not because you're not going to be out and about doing 32 hours worth of work. You're just available for 32 hours a month. And if there isn't, if there's no fire, or no emergency, you don't do anything. Okay, so every program is different. But I want to make the stress the point, again, Daniel, that you'll feel so good about the amount of time that you donate to the organization, whether it's emergency management or as Meals on Wheels, delivery, driver friendly calls, however you choose to get involved, you will feel so good about donating your time and your expertise, that the four hours, 10 hours, whatever the number of hours you volunteered for, will make you feel so good.   Dan Seguin  22:39 Okay, follow up question here. Are you seeing an increase in the need for volunteers? And if so, why?   Guy Lepage  22:47 There are many reasons why there's an increase in the need for volunteers. You know, we've all talked about climate change, and how that that's increased the number of weather related disasters and you look at British Columbia with the flooding, fall of 2021, the forest fires. Those are just a couple of major incidents in Canada and around the world. When it was in Europe this summer, there were massive forest fires all across Europe with an incredibly hot and dry summer that was happening over there. So the more disasters happen, we need more volunteers to step up and deliver the services that we need to deliver. You know, you look at Manitoba flooding, British Columbia flooding I just mentioned mentioned earlier, every spring, they flood out in that community, and they're evacuated to other communities in northern Ontario, where they're living in hotels, until the water recedes, and then they go home. So I've responded to Timmins Ontario, for example, where I was a site manager, making sure that the tuck shops that we operated in hotels were fully stocked where people could get their deodorant, their diapers, their baby food, whatever, why they lived at the hotel. So we are always looking for new people because things happen. And you know, we've helped 9000 people this year and provided over $300 million in recovery funding across the country. I doubt very much that amount is going to go down in 2023. That's just the reality. One more example I can give you. Hurricane Fiona hit the Maritimes on September 24. I was in Nova Scotia in November. And we were still giving out $500 gift cards to people affected by the storm. Two months later. We've helped in the Maritimes. We've provided 5700 emergency items to people. And we've had 520 people, volunteers and staff respond, you know from across the country. We've had seven 6000 conversations with people who needed to talk to someone about hey, I'm having some real psychological issues here, this is having a major impact on my mental well being. So you know, 45 Oh sorry 45 reception centers were set up across the Maritimes. So that's just with one storm, one disaster. So, you know, we've got to be ready to respond to the next disaster which will happen, of course, with a warning or with a little warning. So that's why we are always looking for new people.   Dan Seguin  25:24 Guy, we usually think of major disasters, but let's talk about personal disasters, I read that 97% of Red Cross responses in the last five years have been for personal disasters, what is the most common personal disaster that Canadians experience?   Guy Lepage  25:47 House fires, it's that simple. For whatever reason, it could be a faulty electrical outlet. A lot of times as people leave stuff on the stove, on attended, it spreads, fire starts and spreads, but they happen in a home. And so people get out with their lives and but nothing else. And that's where we show up. When there's a fire at two o'clock in the morning, there will be two volunteers who will show up. And then they will assist the family to make sure they have lodging they have a place to stay, whether it's a hotel or shelter. And then we will make sure that they have gift cards to buy clothing and to buy food and take care of them for three days. And then we're an emergency service. So after three days, and people have to make their own arrangements, but we are there to make sure that they get a semblance of normalcy back as quickly as possible. And you can't do that if you don't have a place to stay, and a safe place to stay. And you don't have any money. And so that's what we do, we make sure that they get back on their feet. And we will give them a hygiene kit, with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, you know, the essentials of life that we all take for granted. So that's why forest, house fires are the biggest, the biggest sources of disaster in Canada. But if, of course, we are ready to respond to any any kind of disaster and, and, you know, if you live in an apartment building, for example, there might be a fire and another unit. But you might have water damage. I mean, first of all, if there's a fire in the unit, the entire building is evacuated until the firefighters inspect everything and decide who, when and where it's safe to go back in. Now, in many cases, the entire building has to be evacuated and stay empty until major repairs are conducted. And that's where the Red Cross will set up a shelter and a community center and in a school or even the church to take care of people for three days until the authorities deem it's safe to go back into the apartment complex. If it's longer than that, then folks have to make other arrangements.   Guy Lepage  28:00 Okay. Here's a follow up question for you. Sorry about those. Why do house fires occur more often in winter months? And what are the causes,   Guy Lepage  28:13 I'm told by fire officials that it's careless use of pots and pans in the kitchen, you know, leave something unattended, and, and it just causes a fire. But there are a wide variety of reasons. I mean, even though there are fewer smokers in Canadian society, we still get fires caused by careless cigarette use, or kids playing with lighters. I remember one case a few years ago, where there were indeed mum and dad and three kids living in an apartment. And one of the kids got a hold of a lighter and set the drapes on fire. And then of course, it was get out, get out get out. So we responded, they went to some friends, a friend's location too. So we responded to take care of them to arrange for accommodation and food and clothing. And I'm talking to the mom, and she still has soot on her face caused by the fire. And she starts crying and the teardrops are rolling down her cheeks through statements and I'll always remember that image because she was crying a) because it happened but crying that she was so happy that we were there to assist. So it's just one of those images, one of the many memories I have as a responder. But you know, you have to remind people to be very careful with all flammable situations, you know, whether it's a stove, matches cigarettes, just be careful. Just be very, very careful in your home. We don't want to respond at two o'clock in the morning because that means you've gone through a crisis. We will of course, but if you can prevent it that's even better.   Dan Seguin  29:52 This next one is important to many of our listeners. Often we feel powerless during an emergency, particularly when we lose electricity for an extended period of time. What are your recommendations on how people can prepare for emergencies? Is three days still the golden rule to follow?   Guy Lepage  30:15 Yes, three days is the golden rule. You have to plan sit around your kitchen table with your family, or do it yourself and sit and plan for 72 hours three days from now, from the perspective that I can't get out of my house because of a snowstorm, ice storm, fire, whatever the situation, can I stay in my home for 72 hours to carry on a normal lifestyle and a sense that I need to eat, I need to bays, I need medication for people who need medication in my house, you have to plan ahead because if you don't, and you figure, hey, first responders will come and take care of me well, they may not be able to because there'll be taking care of other people with greater needs. So as I said, You need to have enough water. And we're talking three liters per person a day, one liter to drink and cook two liters. To wash and bait. You need to have enough dry goods, you need to have enough food that won't go bad. If you are using an electric can opener, have a manual one. If you depend on the internet and your cell phone, you need to have a crank operated radio or battery operated radio. So you can listen to the local emergency newscast to find out hey, how long am I on my own here, okay. But most importantly, if anyone in your home needs medication, you need to have more than three days worth on hand. I'll give you an example in 2013. Here in the Greater Toronto Area, there was a major ice storm. And major portions of the area were without power for more than three days. We set up a shelter in Ajax where I live. And on Christmas morning, I'm going around the different rooms in a community Senator we've set up where people stayed overnight, there was a elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, who said, you know, last night when I arrived, I only had one pill left for my heart condition, I had to cut it in half. So I've taken half, I'm down to my last half, what am I going to do? So luckily, we had a nurse on hand who was able to find a pharmacy that was open and we replaced his medication. But if this is a scenario that you're in your home with someone who takes life saving medication, heart condition, insulin for diabetes, whatever. And then you can't leave for three days and you run out of medication that could have catastrophic consequences. So always plan ahead to have enough medication, enough pet food and enough water, enough dry goods to survive on your own for three days.   Dan Seguin  32:55 Okay, Guy, are there special considerations for seniors, or other vulnerable groups that we should be aware of?   Guy Lepage  33:05 Medication is the most important one, because I'm generalizing here, of course, but more seniors that need medication than younger adults. But even anybody can need medication. So you've got to ensure you have enough medication on hand at all times. You know, certainly for three days in case you cannot get out for whatever reason. I mean, if a senior is living on his or her own, and runs out of medication, and in a family member who normally takes care of them can't make it, that is a major problem. So you have to plan for every scenario.   Dan Seguin  33:42 Now, besides emergency response, what other programs does the Canadian Red Cross provide that people might not be aware of?   Guy Lepage 33:51 There are several programs and everything I'm going to share with you is available on the redcross.ca first aid and CPR courses. And you know, we all know we should have this course. I've taken it because I have to. I'm a Red Cross volunteer. But you know, you hear oh, yeah, I'll get to that one day. And then you have a family member who has a heart attack or needs, you know, cuts themselves badly. How do we stop the bleeding? That kind of thing. So having a first aid and CPR course under your belt is highly recommended. Transportation: we offer transportation services for those in need that mentioned you know, elderly and disabled people in the community who can't use public transportation. You know, we'll keep people connected in their community by providing this kind of affordable transportation, whether it's medical appointments, even social gatherings or to go shopping, you know, that's another service that we provide meals on wheels. We need drivers to make sure those meals get to the people that need them. This helps people stay in their homes by making sure they eat a healthy diet. They have a healthy diet. We have a mobile food bank, and this service delivers food to persons who are unable to access food banks due to omitted or temporary disabilities, the friendly calls program, that's when you know, someone calls people who live by themselves and who can get lonely. We heard all kinds of stories during the pandemic, where people, because of pandemic rules, couldn't go out and visit friends and family. So this friendly calls program really helps people connect with those who just can't get out of their homes and are lonely. And it's really does make a huge difference. So, like I said, all kinds of different services for different interests and all the details are@redcross.ca.   Dan Seguin  35:34 Okay, finally, with everything you've experienced, and witnessed, what are you grateful for?   Guy Lepage  35:44 I'm grateful for my health. I'm grateful for my family. And I'm grateful for the experience that I've had with the Red Cross, because it's taught me many things. But the most important thing is to not sweat the small stuff, when I get back from a deployment where people have lost everything they have. And they've got to start from scratch and go through a very stressful time. And then I'm standing in a coffee shop lineup. And I hear people complain about the service or the coffee is too hot, or they got my order wrong or whatever. I just shake my head and said, Come on, guys, you know, first world problems. I'm grateful for everything that I have. And I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given to help people in time of crisis.   Dan Seguin  36:28 Guy, we always end our interviews with some rapid fire questions, and we've got a few for you. Are you ready?   Guy Lepage  36:35 K, I'm ready.   Dan Seguin  36:36 Okay, cool.   Dan Seguin  36:37 Now, what are you reading right now?   Guy Lepage  36:40 I'm a big Stephen King fan. And I'm reading a book called If It Bleeds. I'm behind on my Stephen King reading, because I know there's another one that's been released, and I'm hoping one of my family members will give it to me for Christmas.   Dan Seguin  36:54 Okay. What would be the name of your boat? If you had one? Or maybe have?   Guy Lepage  37:01 No, I doubt it would either be Val after my mother, or Jane after my wife.   Dan Seguin  37:06 Now, who is someone that you admire?   Guy Lepage  37:09 My mom and my wife! They the two most important people in my life. Who teach me teach me so much. My mother who raised me, of course, and my lovely bride who, you know, married 32 years and is still a source of inspiration and my biggest fan.   Dan Seguin  37:26 Okay, moving on here. Guy, what is the closest thing to real magic that you've witnessed?   Guy Lepage  37:34 Oh, wow. I have to say, the resilience of people go through a crisis. I mean, it's, it's so inspiring that people have been knocked down, but they're the get up and shake themselves off and say, Okay, let's start rebuilding our lives. So I think that's, that's magical in its own right.   Dan Seguin  37:53 Okay. What has been the biggest challenge to you personally, since the pandemic began?   Guy Lepage  38:01 I think initially it was the stress - the underlying stress. And when you think back to 2020, when there was no, no cure, no vaccine. And we are all literally stuck in our homes totally go out to the grocery store and other emergencies. Thoughts that that was difficult to deal with. Now unfortunate that I deal with stress as a volunteer and when in through work. That was, I think, the biggest challenge.   Dan Seguin  38:27 Okay. We've all been watching a lot more Netflix and TV lately. What's your favorite show or movie? What are you watching right now?   Guy Lepage  38:36 I'm watching Ryan Reynolds, Canadian actor, as you may know, has his bottom soccer team or English football team over in Wales. And they've done a documentary on that really enjoying that. I'm rewatching Ted Lasso because the World Cup and soccer and football. I mean, I enjoyed it. First time around, and I'm enjoying it now. Anything that makes me laugh, I'm all for.   Dan Seguin  39:02 Well, Guy, we've reached the end of another episode of The think energy podcast. If our listeners wanted to learn more about you and your organization, how should they connect?   Guy Lepage  39:15 redcross.ca has all the information that we've talked about, about the services we provide during a disaster following a disaster and even before a disaster. So redcross.ca is definitely the place to go for that kind of information.   Dan Seguin  39:30 Okay, Guy, thank you so much for joining us today. I hope you truly had a lot of fun. Cheers.   Guy Lepage  39:37 Thank you so much for having me. It has been a blast. Really enjoy sharing my adventures. I truly am a very lucky man to be able to do this. And as I said, share my adventures and thank you for having me, Dan.   Dan Seguin  39:50 Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The think energy podcast. And don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening. And to find out more about today's guests or previous episodes, visit thinkenergypodcast.com. I hope you'll join us again next time as we spark even more conversations about the energy of tomorrow.  

Bill Kelly Show
Weekly Political Round-up, David Johnston's decision remembered for what it doesn't do & Will Bill 97 harm the future of agriculture in Ontario?

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 47:36


The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Topics Include: ·        Peel Region split ·        Foreign Interference ·        Tent cities & housing the homeless ·        And more… GUEST: Richard Brennan, Former Journalist with The Toronto Star covering both Queen's Park and Parliament Hill -  David Johnston's astonishing decision — to conclude that Canada does not need an inquiry into Chinese interference in our democracy — will be remembered for what it doesn't do, not what it does. GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty (3 times) - Farmers in Ontario are rallying to fight a government bill that would loosen the rules around farmland protection in the province, a move farmers say would result in more homes being built on prime agricultural land and could also threaten the very fabric of rural life.  Bill 97 — or the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act — is aimed at drastically reshaping development rules to address housing affordability and supply in the province.  GUEST: Richard Lyall, President, Residential Construction Council of Ontario.

Bill Kelly Show
Warren Kinsella on The Bill Kelly Show

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 12:57


GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty 

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Are Big Grocers Giving the Small Suppliers a Fair Deal?

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 52:42


Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group, John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments and Glenn De Baeremaeker, a former city councillor in Toronto who represented Ward 38 Scarborough Centre. Today, we discuss the tentative agreement between PSAC and Ottawa which will cost taxpayers approximately $1.3 billion per year. It includes a 12.6 percent raise over four years plus a one time payment of $2,500 that is pensionable. Did the Trudeau government cave to the union's demands? And, we also discuss the latest on the Toronto Mayoral election that has over 50 candidates running so far. ---- ARE THE LARGE GROCERS BULLYING SMALL SUPPLIERS?  Jane Brown is now joined by Ellen Roseman, consumer advocate and journalist as well as Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Small and medium-sized suppliers are calling out the questionable treatment they face from the big grocery retailers when it comes to getting their products on the shelves and the uncertainty of how long they will last there. For many, it's an issue of not knowing when or getting little to no notice about their products being delisted. And then there's the issue of the rising fees they face in doing business with the big chains and the "chargebacks". Our guests weigh in on the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Bill Kelly Show
Warren Kinsella: If the 'political climate' has changed, it is because of Justin Trudeau

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 17:41


GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty (3 times)

Bill Kelly Show
Trudeau thinks the political climate has changed, it's probably because of him. Why aren't we moving on LNG? EV's are upon us! Who will dominate the battery war? Many Cdns are still driving impaired.

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 53:09


The Bill Kelly Show Podcast:   Trudeau has been in office for a long time, and in that time he's been met with scandal after scandal. Why? Well, he believes the political climate has changed. If you ask Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien… it's probably because of him GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty (3 times) - Yet another provincial Premier out east is concerned about Ottawa's mishandeling of our contributions to the energy crisis. Obviously it's important to transition to clean sources of energy, however we have the natural resources such as liquid natural gas that the world has been asking for and Trudeau is saying no. GUEST: Diane Francis, Editor at Large with the National Post - EVs, electric vehicles, are becoming a technology that we are seeing on our roads. Governments are also pushing for technology like EVs hard. But in the war of batteries, who is set to dominate the market? Surprisingly, it's not Canada. GUEST: Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior policy analyst at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute - A recent survey conducted by MADD Canada is showing some troubling numbers, as even in 2023 there are many Canadians who are still driving while impaired. GUEST: Eric Dumschat, Legal Director for MADD Canada.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
A Canadian Is Set to Fly to the Moon

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 52:17


Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Lisa Raitt, former deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments and Peggy Nash,  the New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Parkdale—High Park electoral district in Toronto. Today: we discuss the latest to do with Toronto's mayoral race where high-profile candidates like Councillors Brad Bradford, Josh Matlow, Ana Bailao and former police chief Mark Saunders among others officially registered this week. Meanwhile, we get reaction from our panelists over Ottawa's budget which came out a week ago today and had nothing for Toronto. Will the City have the money needed to fill its own hole in the budget? We also get reaction to Premier Doug Ford calling out Ottawa for a lack of urgency when it comes to bail reform--especially as Toronto sees an increase in violence on and off the TTC. And, Donald Trump becomes the first ever former president of the United States to be charged criminally. We get into all the news. ---- DON'T BLOCK THE BOX: CITY TO INCREASE FINES FOR DRIVERS BLOCKING INTERSECTIONS Jane Brown is now joined by Jennifer McKelvie, Deputy Mayor of the City of Toronto. The City is going to be cracking down on drivers who "block the box" at intersections and adding to our road congestion. So, if you make an improper stop at an intersection, the fines will go up from $85 to $450 and from $120-$500 if the intersection happens to be in a community safety zone. One of the questions we have is: how will this be enforced? ---- ARTEMIS II AND CANADA'S ROLE IN IT Jane Brown is now joined by Prof. John E. Moores, York Research Chair in Space Exploration and Science Advisor to the President Canadian Space Agency Yesterday, NASA alongside the Canadian Space Agency announced the crew for the Artemis II mission to the moon. Joining that team is Canadian astronaut Jeremey Hansen. We ask John about the significance of Canada's participation in this mission and what Artemis II is all about. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
No Confidence Vote Over Study into Foreign Interference

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 51:51


Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by John Milloy, a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments,  John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group as well as Glenn De Baeremaeker,  a former Deputy Mayor and Toronto City Councillor. In the news: U.S President Biden is visiting Ottawa this week--the first visit to our country since he entered office. It is expected that he will talk to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about a range of issues like the Russia-Ukraine War, Roxham Road and migration, implementing a security force to help stabilize Haiti, defence spending and more. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, Prime Minister Trudeau has said this morning that a vote taking place today on a Conservative motion calling for a study into foreign interference will not be a confidence vote. ---- ANTHONY FUREY HAS OFFICIALLY JOINED THE MAYORAL RACE Marissa Lennox is now joined by Anthony Furey, Vice President of Editorial and Content at True North who is now officially running for mayor of Toronto. Mr. Furey says that the City is in decline. He joins Marissa to detail his vision for an improved Toronto and to discuss why he is running for mayor. ---- HAMILTON NURSING HOME POWER OUTAGE Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos a Professor at Ontario Tech University who conducts research on long-term care issues and is an advocate for residents. Residents of a nursing home in Hamilton (Blackadar Continuing Care Centre) suffered from a 13.5 hour power outage during a major winter storm that took place last Dec. 23rd. How did this happen? And who should be held accountable? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Bill Kelly Show
Warren Kinsella on The Bill Kelly Show

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 16:03


In Canada, the notion that no one should have the power to judge themselves is seen in Section 21 of the Conflict of Interest Act. That law reads: “A public office holder shall recuse himself or herself from any discussion, decision, debate or vote on any matter in respect of which he or she would be in a conflict of interest.” The “public office holder,” here, is one Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. The “discussion or debate,” here, is the interference of China in Canada's federal elections in 2019 and 2021. GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Trudeau's Response to Allegations of Chinese Political Interference

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 52:20


Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist and President of Enterprise, John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments, and Glenn De Baeremaeker, a former city councillor in Toronto who represented Ward 38 Scarborough Centre. This week: Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie has sent a letter out to the provincial and federal levels of government asking for help to fill the 1-billion dollar budget gap for the City. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for investigations into China's alleged interference of our 2021 federal election, but stopped short of an official public inquiry. Finally, we do a recap of the Ontario Liberals' annual general meeting. ---- GROCERY CHAIN CEOS TO APPEAR BEFORE HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMITTEE TOMORROW: A PREVIEW Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University,  and David Macdonald,  Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. This week: The CEO's of the country's largest grocery retailers will be appearing before the House of Commons agricultural committee tomorrow in Ottawa. Some critics are describing this event as "political theatre". It comes at a time when inflation is severely impacting food costs for things like meat products, dairy and vegetables, and grocery chains are being accused of "greedlation". Our experts weigh in on the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Ottawa's Healthcare Summit

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 52:47


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: OTTAWA HEALTH CARE SUMMIT 12-12:30 PM Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Peggy Nash, former Ontario NDP MPP for Parkdale-High Park, John Milloy, a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty  and Kathleen Wynne governments and John Mykytyshyn, a conservative political consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Today: Ottawa is meeting with the Premiers in a historic summit to discuss a new healthcare funding model. The premiers have been calling on the federal Liberals to increase its portion of the Canada Health Transfer from 22 per cent to 35 per cent. Meanwhile, here in Toronto, the City will be voting on a motion to expand the hours of operation for warming centres serving the homeless. Many advocates have been calling on the City to improve the conditions amid frigid temperatures outside this winter. Finally, we discuss the upcoming U.S. State of the Union address by President Joe Biden which comes on the heels of escalating tensions between Washington and China over surveillance balloons. CANADA'S RESPONSE TO EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY & SYRIA 12:30-12:50 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Rahul Singh, Executive Director of Global Medic and Jason Nickerson, Doctors Without Borders' Humanitarian Representative to Canada based in Ottawa. The total death toll, at this time, in Turkey and Syria caused by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake this past Monday has increased to over 5,200 people. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has declared a 3 month state of emergency as his government and other countries around the world try to deal with the crisis. Canada and organizations here at home are wasting no time in joining the humanitarian effort. We speak to two such organizations today on how their missions are going. MSF has been working in the region for the past 12 years, and we're supporting 23 health facilities in northern Syria. Rahul and Jason weigh in on the latest. WHAT ARE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS? 12:50-1 PM Jane Brown is now joined by Barry Choi, a personal finance expert. How confident are you about your retirement savings? According to a new BMO survey, less than half of Canadians (44 per cent) are confident that they will have sufficient money in the bank to retire as planned. Meanwhile, most Canadians (74 per cent of respondents) are worried about how inflation and rising prices will impact their personal finances. Jane and our guest weigh in on the latest.

Bill Kelly Show
Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 15:37


Bill Kelly Show
Opinion softening on Emergencies Act, will Hamilton lose the Bulldogs? And more on Mike Schreiner and the Ontario Liberals.

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 40:51


The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The tide is turning on the so-called Freedom Convoy. New polls suggest more Canadians believe the use of the Emergencies Act by the Federal Government was justified to clear out protesters occupying the capital, compared with polling done before the public inquiry into the use of the Act. GUEST: Michael Kempa, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Ottawa. Brantford is posing itself as the new home for the Hamilton Bulldogs, but our guest thinks that team owner Michael Andlauer is not telling the whole truth to the public about the team's fate. GUEST: Jasper Kujavsky, Member of Hamilton Urban Precinct. Arts & Entertainment Group (HUPEG) Mike Schreiner is a popular man right now, current leader of the Ontario Green Party and being courted by the Ontario Liberals to become their leader. The Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May issued a public statement, warning Schreiner to 'think twice' about the offer. GUEST: Warren Kinsella, Former Special Assistant to Jean Chretien and War Room Director for Dalton McGuinty

ThinkEnergy
Responding to emergencies and disasters with the Canadian Red Cross

ThinkEnergy

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 40:22


When a natural disaster strikes, your electricity is at risk. And Canada is no stranger to extreme weather. During these large-scale emergencies, a coordinated effort is needed to aid Canadians – and millions around the globe. Enter the Canadian Red Cross, a leader in providing disaster relief at home and aboard. In episode 103 of thinkenergy, we chat with Guy Lepage, a Disaster Management Volunteer with the organization, to learn more about his role and what it's like having ‘boots on the ground' during a disaster.   Related links   The Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada  Guy Lepage, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-lepage-8568289/  Hydro Ottawa safety resources: https://hydroottawa.com/en/outages-safety   To subscribe using Apple Podcasts To subscribe using Spotify To subscribe on Libsyn --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video on YouTube   Check out our cool pics on Instagram More to Learn on Facebook Keep up with the Tweets on Twitter Transcript: Dan Seguin  00:06 This is think energy, the podcast that helps you better understand the fast changing world of energy through conversations with game changers, industry leaders, and influencers. So join me, Dan Seguin, as I explore both traditional and unconventional facets of the energy industry. Canada has experienced a number of natural disasters in the last number of years in 2022. There was a devastating May long weekend Derecho in Ontario, forest fires and floods in British Columbia. And of course, Hurricane Fiona on the East Coast, to name just a few. For those of us in the energy sector, we know that when disaster strikes, a stable supply of electricity is jeopardized. Electricity represents safety, shelter, sanitation, warmth, and clean water. As extreme weather and other large scale events occur around the world. A coordinated global reach is needed to provide aid to millions. There is one leading organization in particular that comes to mind when you think of disaster relief with the skills, resources and people to mobilize in almost any region of this world. I'm talking about the International Red Cross. When it was created back in 1863, the Red Cross the objective was to protect and assist victims of armed conflict. Of course, their work has expanded to many types of crises, including disasters caused by extreme weather events. In total, the Red Cross has a network of more than 80 million people across the world that they can draw on to help in times of need, many right here at home. So here's today's big question. As leaders in emergency preparedness, response and execution, what is it like to be a Canadian Red Cross volunteer with boots on the ground during a disaster. Our guest on the show today is Guy Lepage, a disaster management volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross. Gi has been deployed to some of the world's biggest disasters and relief operations here in Canada and overseas. No matter the emergency, big or small. The Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need, and supporting them in strengthening their resilience. Guy. Welcome to the show.   Guy Lepage  03:16 Thanks for having me.   Dan Seguin  03:17 Guy, perhaps you can start by telling us how long you've been with the Canadian Red Cross. And what inspired you to get involved?   Guy Lepage  03:27 You'll recall back in 2005, 17 years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit the Deep South and of course, that made headlines around the world and then was working for the provincial government at the time and the premier at the time. Dalton McGuinty was contacted by the Canadian Red Cross asking him to send 100 members of the Ontario Public Service to help the American Red Cross. So I put my hand up as a former journalist to help as a communications or a public affairs officer. And I went to the deep south for three weeks as a public affairs officer and I got to see up close what the Red Cross does, whether it's American Canadian, choose your country, we all work under the same guidelines and rules. So you know, I saw how it was done. And so I came home and I said, Okay, I've been to the Deep South, what can I do in my own backyard. And that's when I started thinking about all the courses and the training I should have had before we're going to the Deep South. And it was just an amazing experience and the start of my Red Cross career. Now I can tell you that before I worked for the province, I worked as a journalist in Ottawa for the Ottawa Citizen and CJ wait gender Max Keeping for the your listeners who remember Max, and they covered disasters from house fires to train derailments to, you know, high winds, tornadoes, and there was one case in Gatineau. Across the river, there was cottage country, where high winds came through and pushed a canoe literally through the walls of a cottage. And it was something out of a movie and I said wow, that's amazing. So when I saw that kind of devastation in person in the Deep South. That's, that's okay. This is where I want to be. And giving my time my efforts as a volunteer is for people who go through this kind of disaster.   Dan Seguin  05:13 Okay. Now, what are some of the roles you've had with the organization?   Guy Lepage  05:20 I guess the main role has been as a personal disaster assistance team member, and I will PDA for short, that's when we respond to house fires. So you know, God forbid you and your family, there's a fire at your home at two o'clock in the morning, two volunteers will show up at your home and make sure you've got a place this day and give you gift cards. So you can buy food and clothing if need be. So I've done that the entire time, my 17 years with the Red Cross. I've also been a site manager, when there is a disaster. For example, in the Ottawa area after the tornadoes a few years ago, there were different shelters set up information centers. So someone had to run those centers to make sure they were properly run and offered the services that were needed. So I've been a site manager. And basically, it's other duties as assigned. The Red Cross is very good at training us to do all kinds of things in emergency management.   Dan Seguin  06:16 Okay, I've got a follow up question here. Now, Curiosity is getting the best of me. Talk to me about the role that was the most difficult. And what was the most memorable?   guy  06:30 Wow, that's kind of like asking a parent which is their favorite child. I mean, I've been on 18 deployments in Canada, the US, Haiti and in Europe. So it's really difficult to choose. But I'll give you an example. This past summer, I was in Budapest, Hungary working with the International Federation of the Red Cross. On the Ukraine relief operation, we all know what's happening overseas. And my role was a public affairs officer or media relations officer to tell people in the media what was going on, from a red cross point of view. And we've held a news conference. And we told people inflation is making life difficult. But more importantly, winter is coming. Even though this was August, in the middle of a heatwave, winter is coming. And it's going to be a major issue. And now, if you look at the stories out of Ukraine, that is a major issue because of hydro shortages, natural gas shortages, and so on. So that's a memorable one because as a volunteer, I was part of a major relief operation, you know, who would have thought there'd be that kind of conflict anywhere in the world in this day and age, closer to home. A couple of years ago, there was a COVID lock down into Szechwan First Nation in northern Ontario, a fly in community. So there was a COVID outbreak, the entire community was locked down. So even the local store where they buy their groceries was locked down. So I was up there, the team of 12, where groceries, supplies were flown in, they were taken to the local hockey arena, where we put together boxes of essentials like milk, butter, bread, canned goods, dry goods, cereals, and so on. And we assembled boxes of these goods, and they were delivered, the boxes were delivered by the military, they were the rangers to every household in the community. So people could feed themselves. I mean, talk about basic, bare basic service that we all need. So that was a challenge because we were in the middle of a cult COVID lockdown community. So we had to really, really respect the rules of social distancing, sanitizing wearing a mask, we were goggles, we weren't gloves. And we stayed in a church because there was no hotel infrastructure, and we had to stay in a church. We slept in, and top tents on the floor of the church. And whenever that was the only time I could be without wearing a mask. And as soon as you step out of your tent, you have to wear a mask just because we have to protect ourselves. So that's memorable. But I guess the most memorable cases for me then, is when I show up at two o'clock in the morning, and I'm dealing with a family or an individual who's just been burnt out of their home, their apartment, and they've lost everything that they own. And they just have no idea how they're going to cope with this. Because first responders after firefighters, we're the next people they see wearing the red cross vest, and I'm there to tell them, are you okay? We're going to get you a place to live, a safe place to stay. We're going to give you gift cards for clothing, gift cards for food to help you get back on your feet. And people are so thankful. And I tell you the hugs. And I know it sounds strange to say this in a COVID environment. But the hugs I've received over the years from people who are so, so grateful. It makes it all worthwhile. Whether it's getting up at two o'clock in the morning or responding at two o'clock in the afternoon. People are so appreciative, so those are the big memories I take away from this.   Dan Seguin  10:05 Okay. I read that you've assisted in some big operations all over the world. Can you tell us what some of those were, and perhaps your biggest takeaway from those experiences?   Guy Lepage  10:21 I've been very fortunate then and that I've responded to emergencies across Canada. I've been to three hurricanes in the US, Hurricane Sandy in New York, Hurricane Michael in Florida. And Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Well, the Deep South. I went to Haiti in 2010. And as I mentioned, I went to Europe this past summer. So my biggest takeaway is the resilience of people who are affected by a disaster. Um, yes, the initial shock is overwhelming. I mean, no one ever expects to lose their home to a hurricane or a forest fire or an earthquake or whatever. No one sits around the kitchen table and says, Hey, what will we do if we lose our home. So we arrived, wearing the red cross vest to work with local, other responders and governments and we came to the rescue to help them rebuild their lives. So the resilience of people when they get over the shock, they are so appreciative of the work that we are offering the relief we're offering, rather, and they start immediately to rebuild their lives, where am I and my family going to stay? How we're going to feed ourselves and clothe ourselves and get back to normal. So that is, that is the one constant that I can share with you. And the other is, of course, how they are so appreciative. So it doesn't matter where you're from, it is where it happens. They are so happy that the Red Cross and other responders are there to help.   Dan Seguin  11:51 Okay, deep. I'm probably going to embarrass you just a little bit. In November 2021, you received the Order of the Red Cross, considered the Canadian Red Cross highest award, it recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding services at home and abroad. Can you tell us what your service and that honor has meant to you?   Guy Lepage  12:21 Other than my wedding day, and the birth of my children, it's the highest honor of my life, because to be recognized, to do something that I enjoy, and something that I get a whole lot more out of, than what I put in, was just a complete shock. It was emotional, it was overwhelming. I mean, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. So I don't mind telling you that I cried, it was so overwhelming. And, you know, most, I'd say all volunteers with the Red Cross and even outside of the organization, don't do this for the accolades. We do it because we like to volunteer, we like to help people in a time of crisis. And in my case, because I've been doing this for 17 years, I enjoy it so much, I will keep doing it as long as I can. And as I've just mentioned, I get a whole lot more out of it than what I put in. Let me put that into context. Yes, it's a lot of hard work, I deploy for two weeks, three weeks a month, I'm away from my family, my friends, I'm out of my comfort zone, long, stressful days. But in return, I work with other like minded volunteers from around the world. I learned from them, I help people in a time of need. And I tell the new volunteers that I train in my backyard, that you will get warm and fuzzies when you help people. Now by that, you know, we've all helped people in a time in our lives. And if you help someone move a friend of yours, having a bad day and try to console them either on the phone or in person, you know, you feel good about yourself, because you've helped someone you've done something for someone else, you know, because you want to not because you have to or you get paid or anything like that. So I've had the opportunity to do that on a bigger scale. So I've had a ton of warm and fuzzies in my career. All this to say that the Order of the Red Cross was just unexpected, but an incredible, incredible honor. Very good. Very good.   Dan Seguin  14:20 I think it's fair to say that the Red Cross is synonymous with disaster relief. For those that don't know, can you highlight how the Canadian Red Cross gets activated in communities?   Guy Lepage  14:33 That's a very good question. Because every time I go out, regardless of if it's a local fire or something big, you know, people say wow, you know, how do you guys do it? We didn't call or you know, we didn't know you guys did this. Most people need to know that we don't just show up on our own. We work with the local municipality, the local government, provincial federal, depending on where the disaster is. We are invited to assist. You may already know that in Ontario, most municipalities by law have to have an emergency management plan in place, which means when there is a need for a shelter, they have designated a school or a community center or even a church as to where the Red Cross and other organizations can do their thing. So we work with all levels of government and local municipalities, other first responders just to deliver the emergency aid that's needed at the time. Now, this could be an emergency lodging shelter, as I said, in a community center, for example, we could set up a reception center where people can get information, they can get gift cards, personal services, or reunite with their families. We offer a wide variety of services. But again, I want to stress that we are invited by the local municipality or level of government that needs assistance, and then we come to the rescue.   Dan Seguin  15:55 Okay. In the past six years alone, Ottawa has had 100 year floods, tornadoes, a Derecho, heat waves, and multiple wind and ice storms. A lot of these events result in lengthy power outages. I know the Canadian Red Cross has been involved with boots on the ground for some of our emergencies here in the nation's capital. What does a typical operation look like?   Guy Lepage  16:26 Every disaster is different. So the first thing that we do is first boots on the ground, work with local governments to assess how bad is the damage caused by, as you mentioned, ice storm, a windstorm, heat waves, tornadoes, and so on. And then we call in the volunteers, the staff, you know, the personnel and the supplies needed to meet the demand. That is the first thing because if you don't know how bad things are, you can't respond appropriately. Now, once we determine what's needed, then we bring in the troops and we bring in the gear and we bring in the gift cards that we need to meet the demand. For example, after the tornado in Ottawa, back in 2018, I was deployed to Gatineau to work at one of the shelters that was set up there where people were staying, and we're also showing up to be assessed for gift cards and so on. So by the time I arrived, the people who had done the advance work knew how many people were needed to work at the shelter. I was one of the site managers, and how many volunteers were needed to meet the demand at the time. So that is the key. How does the operation work? We assess then we bring in what's the personnel and the supplies that are needed to meet the demand.   17:44 Okay. Now, wondering if you could share with our listeners, what are some of the ways the Red Cross team helps residents during a crisis?   Guy Lepage  17:55 That's a very good question. We help in a number of ways. The first one would be an emergency shelter, if people have been burned out of their homes, or they just can't go home for whatever reason. And they don't have the funds to go to hotels or they're no hotels available. or for whatever reason, they just have nowhere else to go, they can come to the shelter which can be in a school in a church and a community center. We will set up cots with Red Cross blankets, so people have a place to stay. We set them up to have an area for single men, an area for single women, an area for families, an area for families with family members who need assistance, you know, wheelchairs, that kind of thing. We also set up reception centers where people can show up to get information, they can show up to get gift cards, or just have a shoulder to cry on. We have people who are trained to deal with the psychological impact that disasters have on people. And I can tell you that is as important as giving people a place to stay and gift cards to eat food and clothing. Because it is such a shock. And some people have difficulty dealing with it and they need specialized care. We will distribute funds through gift cards, as I mentioned, and will provide emergency items. For example, hygiene kits, you know, you've lost everything in your home, you don't have your toothpaste, your toothbrush, you don't have your shampoo, you don't have the basics of life that we all come to depend on. We will supply those kinds of things as well. So we are there to help people get back on their feet. And we do the best we can and I think we do a pretty good job. We're always learning to, you know, to get better. But I believe having been around as long as I have. Most of the time things work really, really well.   Dan Seguin  19:43 Now Guy, I read each year the Canadian Red Cross helps more than 100,000 people in Canada. How do people volunteer? What kind of roles are there? And is there a minimum time commitment   Guy Lepage  19:59 There are several ways for people to get involved. The first is emergency management, which is what we've been talking about, and the area I focus on. That's to help people impacted by small or large disasters and emergencies. Now, we're always also looking for Meals on Wheels, delivery drivers, you know, people I think, are familiar with Meals on Wheels. You deliver, you know, hot, nutritious meals to members of the community who are unable to prepare their own food. And, you know, this allows them to stay in their homes for a longer period of time, we have a program called friendly calls, this is where trained Red Cross volunteers or staff members, they talk with adults who are feeling isolated or lonely, for some reason, you know, they've got limited social or family connections, and you know, who feel that they could benefit from having a more social interaction. I mean, during the pandemic, you know, there are a lot of people who were on their own, they couldn't go visit their families. And if you're living by yourself, and you've got no one to talk to, it can have a very negative impact on your well being. So this friendly calls program, you know, someone will pick up the call and say, Hey, Daniel, how you doing? Let's talk and talk about your family, talk about the weather, talking about whatever, just to have a social connection, so you're not by yourself. And we're also looking for transportation drivers, you know, to get people, elderly or disabled people in the community who are unable to use public transportation or other private means. So there are many ways to get involved in the redcross.ca has a lot of information about that. And every program is different. And as far as your minimum commitment, you know, for example, here in Durham Region, and I'm sure it's the same in the Ottawa area. My disaster management volunteers have to fill out their availability for 32 hours a month, and you say, Wow, that sounds like a lot. No, it's not because you're not going to be out and about doing 32 hours worth of work. You're just available for 32 hours a month. And if there isn't, if there's no fire, or no emergency, you don't do anything. Okay, so every program is different. But I want to make the stress the point, again, Daniel, that you'll feel so good about the amount of time that you donate to the organization, whether it's emergency management or as Meals on Wheels, delivery, driver friendly calls, however you choose to get involved, you will feel so good about donating your time and your expertise, that the four hours, 10 hours, whatever the number of hours you volunteered for, will make you feel so good.   Dan Seguin  22:39 Okay, follow up question here. Are you seeing an increase in the need for volunteers? And if so, why?   Guy Lepage  22:47 There are many reasons why there's an increase in the need for volunteers. You know, we've all talked about climate change, and how that that's increased the number of weather related disasters and you look at British Columbia with the flooding, fall of 2021, the forest fires. Those are just a couple of major incidents in Canada and around the world. When it was in Europe this summer, there were massive forest fires all across Europe with an incredibly hot and dry summer that was happening over there. So the more disasters happen, we need more volunteers to step up and deliver the services that we need to deliver. You know, you look at Manitoba flooding, British Columbia flooding I just mentioned mentioned earlier, every spring, they flood out in that community, and they're evacuated to other communities in northern Ontario, where they're living in hotels, until the water recedes, and then they go home. So I've responded to Timmins Ontario, for example, where I was a site manager, making sure that the tuck shops that we operated in hotels were fully stocked where people could get their deodorant, their diapers, their baby food, whatever, why they lived at the hotel. So we are always looking for new people because things happen. And you know, we've helped 9000 people this year and provided over $300 million in recovery funding across the country. I doubt very much that amount is going to go down in 2023. That's just the reality. One more example I can give you. Hurricane Fiona hit the Maritimes on September 24. I was in Nova Scotia in November. And we were still giving out $500 gift cards to people affected by the storm. Two months later. We've helped in the Maritimes. We've provided 5700 emergency items to people. And we've had 520 people, volunteers and staff respond, you know from across the country. We've had seven 6000 conversations with people who needed to talk to someone about hey, I'm having some real psychological issues here, this is having a major impact on my mental well being. So you know, 45 Oh sorry 45 reception centers were set up across the Maritimes. So that's just with one storm, one disaster. So, you know, we've got to be ready to respond to the next disaster which will happen, of course, with a warning or with a little warning. So that's why we are always looking for new people.   Dan Seguin  25:24 Guy, we usually think of major disasters, but let's talk about personal disasters, I read that 97% of Red Cross responses in the last five years have been for personal disasters, what is the most common personal disaster that Canadians experience?   Guy Lepage  25:47 House fires, it's that simple. For whatever reason, it could be a faulty electrical outlet. A lot of times as people leave stuff on the stove, on attended, it spreads, fire starts and spreads, but they happen in a home. And so people get out with their lives and but nothing else. And that's where we show up. When there's a fire at two o'clock in the morning, there will be two volunteers who will show up. And then they will assist the family to make sure they have lodging they have a place to stay, whether it's a hotel or shelter. And then we will make sure that they have gift cards to buy clothing and to buy food and take care of them for three days. And then we're an emergency service. So after three days, and people have to make their own arrangements, but we are there to make sure that they get a semblance of normalcy back as quickly as possible. And you can't do that if you don't have a place to stay, and a safe place to stay. And you don't have any money. And so that's what we do, we make sure that they get back on their feet. And we will give them a hygiene kit, with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, you know, the essentials of life that we all take for granted. So that's why forest, house fires are the biggest, the biggest sources of disaster in Canada. But if, of course, we are ready to respond to any any kind of disaster and, and, you know, if you live in an apartment building, for example, there might be a fire and another unit. But you might have water damage. I mean, first of all, if there's a fire in the unit, the entire building is evacuated until the firefighters inspect everything and decide who, when and where it's safe to go back in. Now, in many cases, the entire building has to be evacuated and stay empty until major repairs are conducted. And that's where the Red Cross will set up a shelter and a community center and in a school or even the church to take care of people for three days until the authorities deem it's safe to go back into the apartment complex. If it's longer than that, then folks have to make other arrangements.   Guy Lepage  28:00 Okay. Here's a follow up question for you. Sorry about those. Why do house fires occur more often in winter months? And what are the causes,   Guy Lepage  28:13 I'm told by fire officials that it's careless use of pots and pans in the kitchen, you know, leave something unattended, and, and it just causes a fire. But there are a wide variety of reasons. I mean, even though there are fewer smokers in Canadian society, we still get fires caused by careless cigarette use, or kids playing with lighters. I remember one case a few years ago, where there were indeed mum and dad and three kids living in an apartment. And one of the kids got a hold of a lighter and set the drapes on fire. And then of course, it was get out, get out get out. So we responded, they went to some friends, a friend's location too. So we responded to take care of them to arrange for accommodation and food and clothing. And I'm talking to the mom, and she still has soot on her face caused by the fire. And she starts crying and the teardrops are rolling down her cheeks through statements and I'll always remember that image because she was crying a) because it happened but crying that she was so happy that we were there to assist. So it's just one of those images, one of the many memories I have as a responder. But you know, you have to remind people to be very careful with all flammable situations, you know, whether it's a stove, matches cigarettes, just be careful. Just be very, very careful in your home. We don't want to respond at two o'clock in the morning because that means you've gone through a crisis. We will of course, but if you can prevent it that's even better.   Dan Seguin  29:52 This next one is important to many of our listeners. Often we feel powerless during an emergency, particularly when we lose electricity for an extended period of time. What are your recommendations on how people can prepare for emergencies? Is three days still the golden rule to follow?   Guy Lepage  30:15 Yes, three days is the golden rule. You have to plan sit around your kitchen table with your family, or do it yourself and sit and plan for 72 hours three days from now, from the perspective that I can't get out of my house because of a snowstorm, ice storm, fire, whatever the situation, can I stay in my home for 72 hours to carry on a normal lifestyle and a sense that I need to eat, I need to bays, I need medication for people who need medication in my house, you have to plan ahead because if you don't, and you figure, hey, first responders will come and take care of me well, they may not be able to because there'll be taking care of other people with greater needs. So as I said, You need to have enough water. And we're talking three liters per person a day, one liter to drink and cook two liters. To wash and bait. You need to have enough dry goods, you need to have enough food that won't go bad. If you are using an electric can opener, have a manual one. If you depend on the internet and your cell phone, you need to have a crank operated radio or battery operated radio. So you can listen to the local emergency newscast to find out hey, how long am I on my own here, okay. But most importantly, if anyone in your home needs medication, you need to have more than three days worth on hand. I'll give you an example in 2013. Here in the Greater Toronto Area, there was a major ice storm. And major portions of the area were without power for more than three days. We set up a shelter in Ajax where I live. And on Christmas morning, I'm going around the different rooms in a community Senator we've set up where people stayed overnight, there was a elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, who said, you know, last night when I arrived, I only had one pill left for my heart condition, I had to cut it in half. So I've taken half, I'm down to my last half, what am I going to do? So luckily, we had a nurse on hand who was able to find a pharmacy that was open and we replaced his medication. But if this is a scenario that you're in your home with someone who takes life saving medication, heart condition, insulin for diabetes, whatever. And then you can't leave for three days and you run out of medication that could have catastrophic consequences. So always plan ahead to have enough medication, enough pet food and enough water, enough dry goods to survive on your own for three days.   Dan Seguin  32:55 Okay, Guy, are there special considerations for seniors, or other vulnerable groups that we should be aware of?   Guy Lepage  33:05 Medication is the most important one, because I'm generalizing here, of course, but more seniors that need medication than younger adults. But even anybody can need medication. So you've got to ensure you have enough medication on hand at all times. You know, certainly for three days in case you cannot get out for whatever reason. I mean, if a senior is living on his or her own, and runs out of medication, and in a family member who normally takes care of them can't make it, that is a major problem. So you have to plan for every scenario.   Dan Seguin  33:42 Now, besides emergency response, what other programs does the Canadian Red Cross provide that people might not be aware of?   33:51 There are several programs and everything I'm going to share with you is available on the redcross.ca first aid and CPR courses. And you know, we all know we should have this course. I've taken it because I have to. I'm a Red Cross volunteer. But you know, you hear oh, yeah, I'll get to that one day. And then you have a family member who has a heart attack or needs, you know, cuts themselves badly. How do we stop the bleeding? That kind of thing. So having a first aid and CPR course under your belt is highly recommended. Transportation: we offer transportation services for those in need that mentioned you know, elderly and disabled people in the community who can't use public transportation. You know, we'll keep people connected in their community by providing this kind of affordable transportation, whether it's medical appointments, even social gatherings or to go shopping, you know, that's another service that we provide meals on wheels. We need drivers to make sure those meals get to the people that need them. This helps people stay in their homes by making sure they eat a healthy diet. They have a healthy diet. We have a mobile food bank, and this service delivers food to persons who are unable to access food banks due to omitted or temporary disabilities, the friendly calls program, that's when you know, someone calls people who live by themselves and who can get lonely. We heard all kinds of stories during the pandemic, where people, because of pandemic rules, couldn't go out and visit friends and family. So this friendly calls program really helps people connect with those who just can't get out of their homes and are lonely. And it's really does make a huge difference. So, like I said, all kinds of different services for different interests and all the details are@redcross.ca.   Dan Seguin  35:34 Okay, finally, with everything you've experienced, and witnessed, what are you grateful for?   Guy Lepage  35:44 I'm grateful for my health. I'm grateful for my family. And I'm grateful for the experience that I've had with the Red Cross, because it's taught me many things. But the most important thing is to not sweat the small stuff, when I get back from a deployment where people have lost everything they have. And they've got to start from scratch and go through a very stressful time. And then I'm standing in a coffee shop lineup. And I hear people complain about the service or the coffee is too hot, or they got my order wrong or whatever. I just shake my head and said, Come on, guys, you know, first world problems. I'm grateful for everything that I have. And I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given to help people in time of crisis.   Dan Seguin  36:28 Guy, we always end our interviews with some rapid fire questions, and we've got a few for you. Are you ready?   Guy Lepage  36:35 K, I'm ready.   Dan Seguin  36:36 Okay, cool.   Dan Seguin  36:37 Now, what are you reading right now?   Guy Lepage  36:40 I'm a big Stephen King fan. And I'm reading a book called If It Bleeds. I'm behind on my Stephen King reading, because I know there's another one that's been released, and I'm hoping one of my family members will give it to me for Christmas.   Dan Seguin  36:54 Okay. What would be the name of your boat? If you had one? Or maybe have?   Guy Lepage  37:01 No, I doubt it would either be Val after my mother, or Jane after my wife.   Dan Seguin  37:06 Now, who is someone that you admire?   Guy Lepage  37:09 My mom and my wife! They the two most important people in my life. Who teach me teach me so much. My mother who raised me, of course, and my lovely bride who, you know, married 32 years and is still a source of inspiration and my biggest fan.   Dan Seguin  37:26 Okay, moving on here. Guy, what is the closest thing to real magic that you've witnessed?   Guy Lepage  37:34 Oh, wow. I have to say, the resilience of people go through a crisis. I mean, it's, it's so inspiring that people have been knocked down, but they're the get up and shake themselves off and say, Okay, let's start rebuilding our lives. So I think that's, that's magical in its own right.   Dan Seguin  37:53 Okay. What has been the biggest challenge to you personally, since the pandemic began?   Guy Lepage  38:01 I think initially it was the stress - the underlying stress. And when you think back to 2020, when there was no, no cure, no vaccine. And we are all literally stuck in our homes totally go out to the grocery store and other emergencies. Thoughts that that was difficult to deal with. Now unfortunate that I deal with stress as a volunteer and when in through work. That was, I think, the biggest challenge.   Dan Seguin  38:27 Okay. We've all been watching a lot more Netflix and TV lately. What's your favorite show or movie? What are you watching right now?   Guy Lepage  38:36 I'm watching Ryan Reynolds, Canadian actor, as you may know, has his bottom soccer team or English football team over in Wales. And they've done a documentary on that really enjoying that. I'm rewatching Ted Lasso because the World Cup and soccer and football. I mean, I enjoyed it. First time around, and I'm enjoying it now. Anything that makes me laugh, I'm all for.   Dan Seguin  39:02 Well, Guy, we've reached the end of another episode of The think energy podcast. If our listeners wanted to learn more about you and your organization, how should they connect?   Guy Lepage  39:15 redcross.ca has all the information that we've talked about, about the services we provide during a disaster following a disaster and even before a disaster. So redcross.ca is definitely the place to go for that kind of information.   Dan Seguin  39:30 Okay, Guy, thank you so much for joining us today. I hope you truly had a lot of fun. Cheers.   Guy Lepage  39:37 Thank you so much for having me. It has been a blast. Really enjoy sharing my adventures. I truly am a very lucky man to be able to do this. And as I said, share my adventures and thank you for having me, Dan.   Dan Seguin  39:50 Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The think energy podcast. And don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening. And to find out more about today's guests or previous episodes, visit thinkenergypodcast.com. I hope you'll join us again next time as we spark even more conversations about the energy of tomorrow.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Canadian Consumer Debt Climbs this Year

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 52:03


Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, the former Deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments and Cheri DiNovo, a former Ontario NDP MPP. Today: our panel reacts to a new Mainstreet Research poll that reveals that the province's Bill 23 (also known as "Moe Homes Built Faster Act") is very unpopular including among many PC voters. The government has just started its mandate and has already been raising the eyebrows of many with this bill among others like Bill 7. Are they off to a good start? Meanwhile, executives from Canada's large grocery chains including Loblaw and Sobeys testified at the House of Commons agriculture committee and are arguing that they are not trying to profit off of inflation. ----- PARKS CANADA ARGUES THAT ONTARIO'S GREENBELT PLANS WILL CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment Program Manager at Environmental Defence. Parks Canada is critical about Doug Ford's Greenbelt plans. They are arguing that the government's plan to remove almost 5,000 acres of the greenbelt land on the border of Toronto and Durham will cause irreversible damage to wildlife in the region. Phil explains. ---- CANADIAN CONSUMER DEBT IS UP 7.3 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR Libby Znaimer is joined by Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, the Chief Executive Officer of Credit Counselling Canada. According to Equifax Canada, consumer debt in this country reached $2.36 trillion in the third quarter which is a 7.3 per cent increase compared to last year. The debt is fueled by an increase in borrowers. So, just how serious is the situation and what can you do about managing your own debt? Stacy explains. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Tensions Between Ottawa and China & Food Bank Usage

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 51:32


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: TENSIONS BETWEEN OTTAWA AND CHINA Libby Znaimer is joined by Howard Hampton, Former Ontario NDP Leader, Hugh Segal, Former Senator of Canada, and John Milloy, Former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Today: we begin the discussion with reaction to the province's Fall economic statement that was released yesterday. It included a doubling of Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System payments (GAINS), and an extension of the gas tax cut among other items. However, it lacked a concrete plan on how it was going to address the ongoing healthcare crisis. Meanwhile, we shift the focus to Ottawa and discuss allegations of foreign interference in our 2019 federal election by China. 7 in 10 CANADIANS MAY BE MAKING INVESTMENT DECISIONS BASED ON QUESTIONABLE SOURCES: FSR Libby Znaimer is joined by Joel Gorlick, the Director of Policy – Market Conduct for the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. According to a poll by FSRA, 68 per cent of respondents said that they were getting investment/financial advice from the internet, word of mouth and social media. But, should Canadians really be relying on these sources to make such personal and important decisions? WHO'S HUNGRY REPORT: TORONTO FOOD BANK VISITS ON THE RISE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto. The latest Who's Hungry Report shows that food bank visits are on the rise--1.68 million visits were recorded in Toronto during the latest reporting period, which is a 16 per cent increase from last year when 1.45 million visits were made. So, what has contributed to the rise? Is it just record inflation or is there more to the story?

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
The Day After 417 Elections

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 52:14


RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL:  THE DAY AFTER THE ELECTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Howard Hampton, Former Ontario NDP Leader, Hugh Segal, Former Senator of Canada and John Milloy, formerOntario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. It's Tuesday - time to talk politics and it is the morning after municipal elections - 417 of them - which yielded few surprises, a nod to incumbency, and the lowest voter turnout in history. In Toronto, 29% - John Tory sailed to a third term with 62% of the vote. But here is the disappointing math: 62% of 29% is just under 18 which means the mayor of the country's largest city was elected by under 18% of eligible voters. Meanwhile the province is taking the lead on issues of housing and development with an announcement on zoning and things related this afternoon. And here's one that has us scratching our heads: why is Doug Ford fighting a summon to appear before the inquiry into the use of emergency powers to end the convoy protest. Ford was the only Premier to support this and he's been vocal about his support. So why this? STEVEN DEL DUCA AND PATRICK BROWN JOIN THE SHOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan followed by Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton. Both achieved election wins last night. They share their visions for their respective cities. COMPETITION BUREAU TO STUDY FOOD PRICING BY GROCERY RETAILERS Libby Znaimer is joined by Ellen Roseman, consumer advocate and journalist. This week the competition bureau announced that it will be conducting a study looking into food pricing by grocery retailers amid high inflation. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Pierre Poilievre & Raising Awareness About Arthritis

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 54:41


Libby Znaimer is joined by Hugh Segal, Former Senator of Canada, Cheri DiNovo, former Ontario NDP MPP and recipient of the Order of Canada and John Milloy, former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Today: We begin our discussion by discussing the landslide leadership victory that Pierre Poilievre earned to become the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He got a whooping 68.15 percent of the vote on the first ballot. In a distant second was Jean Charest who only got 16.07 percent of the vote. But, becoming the head of the official opposition is only half the battle. Does Pierre have what it takes to convince voters across Canada that he is worthy of becoming the next prime minister? Meanwhile, across the pond in England, King Charles III, Canada's new head of state, continues to engage in ceremonies in his new role. He is currently on tour in Ireland. Our panel reflects on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and ponder the future of the monarchy. ---- RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT ARTHRITIS AND ITS IMPACT ON CANADIANS Libby Znaimer is joined by Trish Barbato, President and CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada. September is Arthritis awareness month. According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, as many as 6 million Canadians (or 1 in 5 of us) have arthritis. So, what exactly are the symptoms of this health condition and how does ASC support those who are suffering from it? Trish explains. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Audio)
What's the State of Democracy in Ontario?

The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Audio)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 59:43


Steve Paikin is joined by five former premiers - David Peterson, Bob Rae, Ernie Eves, Dalton McGuinty, and Kathleen Wynne - for a conversation exploring the health of democracy across the province. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Truckers Head to Ottawa & Two Years of COVID-19 in Canada

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 51:46


Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO of Variety Village, John Capobianco, Senior Vice President & Senior Partner, FleishmanHillard HighRoad,

The Herle Burly
ATTACK! Campaign Contrast Ads with Matthews & Rosenberg

The Herle Burly

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 66:56


The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail and the Ontario Real Estate Association.As the 2021 federal election comes to a close, our advertising experts are back to review the latest contrast ads, or "attack" ads, from each of the main political parties. Joining us again are Dennis Matthews and David Rosenberg.Dennis Matthews. Dennis is president of Creative Currency, a new advertising agency affiliated with Enterprise Canada. He has worked on advertising for Stephen Harper, and most recently, Dennis led advertising for the successful come from behind campaign victory for Tim Houston and the PC Party of Nova Scotia.David Rosenberg is Chief Creative Officer at Bensimon Byrne. He's worked on ads for Dalton McGuinty, Paul Martin, Kathleen Wynne and Justin Trudeau. His ads for Justin Trudeau in 2015 won Campaigns & Elections best international advertising award.A special thank you to Adam Lawson of Hub at Enterprise for editing the video for this episode of The Herle Burly.Thank you for joining us on The Herle Burly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from The Herle Burly on YouTube.

The Herle Burly
Political Advertising Analysis with Matthews & Rosenberg

The Herle Burly

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 53:08


The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail and the Ontario Real Estate Association.We're back with our advertising experts to take us through the political ads the federal parties have put out during the first week of Canada's 44th election.Joining us are Dennis Matthews and David Rosenberg.Dennis Matthews. Dennis is president of Creative Currency, a new advertising agency affiliated with Enterprise Canada. He has worked on advertising for Stephen Harper, and most recently, Dennis led advertising for the successful come from behind campaign victory for Tim Houston and the PC Party of Nova Scotia.David Rosenberg is Chief Creative Officer at Bensimon Byrne. He's worked on ads for Dalton McGuinty, Paul Martin, Kathleen Wynne and Justin Trudeau. His ads for Justin Trudeau in 2015 won Campaigns & Elections best international advertising award.A special thank you to Adam Lawson of Hub at Enterprise for editing the video for this episode of The Herle Burly.Thank you for joining us on The Herle Burly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from The Herle Burly on YouTube.

Estás Interfiriendo con mi Zen. You are messing with my Zen.
E10 - Cuando los políticos cumplen promesas

Estás Interfiriendo con mi Zen. You are messing with my Zen.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 13:36


Ivan Duque, Vacunación, Dalton McGuinty, Ontario, Dia de la Familia

Reimagine Schools
Silver Linings with Michael Fullan

Reimagine Schools

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 34:44


In this episode, best-selling author Michael Fullan, a worldwide authority on educational reform, shares insights from his work as an education advisor to Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Dalton McGuinty, former Premier of Ontario, and how each country has made systemic change in public education through the application of deeper learning strategies, Fullan also reflects on why the current K-12 education model has remained "stalled" and how the disruption of "pandemic education" might be the catalyst to create new and innovative strategies in a post-COVID-19 approach to teaching and learning. Twitter: @MichaelFullan1. Website: www.michaelfullan.ca. Meet Michael Fullan Michael Fullan, OC is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative (npdl.global). Recognized as a worldwide authority on educational reform, he advises policymakers and local leaders in helping to achieve the moral purpose of all children learning. Michael Fullan received the Order of Canada in December 2012. He holds honorary doctorates from several universities around the world. Fullan is a prolific, award-winning author whose books have been published in many languages. His book Leading in a Culture of Change received the 2002 Book of the Year Award by Learning Forward, Breakthrough (with Peter Hill and Carmel Crévola) won the 2006 Book of the Year Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and Turnaround Leadership in Higher Education (with Geoff Scott) won the Bellwether Book Award in 2009. Change Wars (with Andy Hargreaves) was named the 2009 Book of the Year by Learning Forward, and Professional Capital (with Andy Hargreaves) won the AACTE 2013 Book of the Year, and the Grawemeyer Award in Education in 2015. Michael Fullan’s latest books are: Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail, Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education (autobiography), Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World (with Joanne Quinn and Joanne McEachen), Coherence: Putting the Right Drivers in Action (with Joanne Quinn), and The Principal: Three Keys for Maximizing Impact. For more information on books, articles and videos, please visit www.michaelfullan.ca About Dr. Greg Goins As the Founder/Host of the Reimagine Schools Podcast, Dr. Greg Goins has emerged as one of the nation's leading voices on visionary leadership and the path to transforming our schools. He currently serves as the Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Georgetown College (KY) and previously spent 15 years as a school district superintendent in Illinois. Dr. Goins is a passionate keynote speaker and is available to speak at your next education conference or school PD day. To book Dr. Goins, please send inquiries to drgreggoins@gmail.com. Twitter: @DrGregGoins. Website: www.reimagineschools.net. Support The Reimagine Schools Podcast You can now help keep the conversation going by supporting the Reimagine Schools Podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes. Thanks for your support! https://anchor.fm/greg-goins/supportIn this episode, --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greg-goins/support

Culture At A Crossroads
John Milloy on Responding to 9/11 and applying Others-Centred Public Service

Culture At A Crossroads

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 48:52


He attributes his faith to helping get through 9/11 with Jean Chrétien and the 2008 recession with Dalton McGuinty.​Today, former Politician, John Milloy focuses on ​how faith and politics intertwine with each other at Laurier's Martin Luther University College. He may have been out of politics for a while but he still has a hunger for trying to get the next generation to think through their worldview.​Milloy’s job as a professor and researcher has given him the opportunity to show how having faith gives you an others-centred perspective...Read more...>>

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer
Ontario Electricity Bills

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2019 26:17


Libby Znaimer is joined by Ken Greene, Chair of Energy and Environmental Studies at The Fraser Institute, Peter Tabuns, NDP MPP and Critic on Energy, and Brian Lilley, Columnist for the Toronto Sun. A report by the Fraser Institute indicates that the cost of residential electricity bills for Ontario residents continue to rise even with a government subsidy program in place. Between April of 2018 and April of 2019, the cost of household electricity in Toronto increased by five percent and, you may be startled to know that here in Ontario, residents are paying an average of about 22 percent more for their electricity in comparison to the rest of Canadians. According to the Fraser Institute, one reason for this reality is that Ontario has a subcharge on electricity, which was implemented as part of the 2009 Green Energy Act under Dalton McGuinty's Liberal government. Libby and guests discuss the findings of the Fraser Institute study and analyze what it all means for Ontarians Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Follow-Up With Althia Raj
#45 One-On-One With Gerald Butts

Follow-Up With Althia Raj

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2019 82:09


Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary has kept a low-profile since testifying about the SNC-Lavalin affair. Now, he speaks candidly about that, his new relationship with the PMO, and the unexpected realities of political fame. In this episode: Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:43) Butts explains why he’s sitting down for this interview (26:39) “What do you mean by it was difficult on your family?” (16:49) The last conversation Butts had with Jody Wilson-Raybould (27:00) The “most difficult” period for Butts’ family after his resignation (32:28) A violation of Marquess of Queensberry rules (45:15) “One of the most surreal things about being involved in politics…” (48:36) Butts share the best piece of advice he’s ever got (Spoiler: it’s from his aunt, former Canadian senator Sister Peggy Butts) (49:57) The letter to Dalton McGuinty that marked a career turning point (1:04:47) Agreeing to disagree on Liberals’ broken promises (1:08:08) “I don’t think people appreciate how real the dangers are for people in public life right now” and talking about Michael Wernick (1:18:06) Althia notes how the prime minister seems to be “rudderless”; Butts disagrees

ON Point with Alex Pierson
Point ON Point - Friday, March 8th, 2019

ON Point with Alex Pierson

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2019 3:17


Dalton McGuinty has come out of his hole to take more of your green. As McGuinty's buddy Gerry Butts took centre stage at the SNC Lavalin scam justice committee hearing, McGuinty was pushing another one of his green schemes, this time in the form of a book. He's touring the university scene promoting his new book titled, Climate Change: Can We Win This? Be Honest, attempting to gain as many social justice warriors on his side as he can.

be honest snc lavalin gerry butts dalton mcguinty
ON Point with Alex Pierson
Global Top Talkers - Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

ON Point with Alex Pierson

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 7:57


Tonight`s Top Talkers are: Scott Thompson - Global News Radio Hamilton & Craig Needles - Global News Radio London Topics include: Justin Trudeau says low-income Canadians don`t pay taxes, Dalton McGuinty is being given the key to the city of Ottawa and the American Lung Association says vaping could lead to a health epidemic amongst young people.

ON Point with Alex Pierson
Counterpoint - Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

ON Point with Alex Pierson

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 15:46


Alex is joined by Stephen Ledrew, Toronto-based lawyer and broadcaster, and Michael Taube, Troy Media syndicated columnist and Washington Times contributor, for this edition of Counterpoint. Topics include: The United States is calling on other countries to repatriate ISIS fighters for prosecution, Ontario Provincial Police are mulling over whether or not to investigate the recent document leak from the province`s government, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says low-income Canadians don't pay taxes and Dalton McGuinty will soon receive the key to the city of Ottawa.

ON Point with Alex Pierson
David Livingston fell on a sword for Dalton McGuinty

ON Point with Alex Pierson

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2018 3:09


Bill Kelly Show
NDP complaints, Hamilton Summit 2018 and David Livingston.

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2018 52:23


Photo: (The Canadian Press) Two local Hamilton NDP politicians have had human rights complaints filed against them, alleging workplace bullying and discrimination. Guest: John Best. Publisher of the Bay Observer. Tomorrow the public summit called “Hamilton Summit 2018: Advancing Hamilton's Priorities in the 2018 Provincial Election” will be taking place. What will this include and what topics will be covered? Guest: Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton. David Livingston, the former chief of staff to Dalton McGuinty, was sentenced to four months in jail. Guest: Tom Adams. Independent Energy & Environmental Consultant.

Bill Kelly Show
David Livingston, the former chief of staff to Dalton McGuinty, was sentenced to four months in jail.

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2018 5:26


Photo: (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette) David Livingston, the former chief of staff to Dalton McGuinty, was sentenced to four months in jail. Guest: Tom Adams. Independent Energy & Environmental Consultant.

Les coulisses du pouvoir
Les coulisses du pouvoir - 21 janvier 2018

Les coulisses du pouvoir

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2018 46:33


Les ténors péquistes Alexandre Cloutier, Nicole Léger et Agnès Maltais ne se représenteront pas. Qu'est-ce que cela veut dire à neuf mois des élections? Daniel Thibeault reçoit le leader parlementaire Pascal Bérubé. Justin Trudeau poursuit sa tournée et s'arrête à Québec avec de bonnes nouvelles. Entretien avec le ministre de la région Jean-Yves Duclos. Depuis la semaine dernière, Justin Trudeau sillonne le pays à la rencontre des électeurs qu'il invite à des assemblées citoyennes. Mathieu Dion a pris part à celle de Québec et nous présente les coulisses de ce genre d'événement. En Ontario, l'ex-chef de cabinet de l'ancien premier ministre Dalton McGuinty a été reconnu coupable de tentative de méfait et d'utilisation illégale de matériel informatique. Comme le raconte Julie-Anne Lamoureux, cette affaire pourrait avoir des répercussions sur les prochaines élections. En panel, Alec Castonguay, Chantal Hébert et Michel C. Auger reviennent sur la semaine mouvementée au Parti québécois et le passage de

quest comme depuis justin trudeau janvier parti entretien pouvoir agn les coulisses auger maltais en ontario pascal b chantal h alec castonguay dalton mcguinty alexandre cloutier michel c auger daniel thibeault
Bill Kelly Show
The battle between the Ontario government and horse racing continues

Bill Kelly Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2017 4:37


Ontario racehorse breeders continue to battle the Ontario government and OLG. This is after a 2012 decision to end a lucrative slot machine revenue-sharing agreement with the horse racing industry. The Ontario government is looking to prevent the summons of 13 witnesses including Kathleen Wynne, Dalton McGuinty, former finance minister Dwight Duncan and economist Don Drummond. The breeders are seeking $65 million in damages. Guest: Jonathan Lisus, Lawyer, Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP in Toronto

Stolen Lunches Bible Study
Stop Chasing the Wrong Things

Stolen Lunches Bible Study

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2017 1:06


Daily Devotion:   Whatever you feed will grow.  If you give your energy to things that are a waste of time they will ultimately bring you down.  Let them go, now!  Stop chasing the wrong things and give the "right" things a chance to catch up.  Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." There's no wrong time to make the right decision. -Dalton McGuinty       Stolen Lunches is a bible study community of believers.  We hold men, women, and couples bible studies.  We have annual retreats, missions trips and weekly prayer calls.  You can join us from anywhere in the world.  Sign up for our newsletters & stay connected.   Steal away with us and be fed by God~ Stolen Lunches. 

Canadian Club of Toronto
Dalton McGuinty

Canadian Club of Toronto

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2015 55:29


The 24th Premier of Ontario discusses his new book Making a Difference

ontario premier dalton mcguinty
Just Right
What's going on at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre?

Just Right

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2012 58:26


Just Right
The Caledonia Situation

Just Right

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2012 55:33


Canadian Club of Toronto
Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

Canadian Club of Toronto

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2012 23:34


Keeping Ontario On Track

ontario premier dalton mcguinty
Canadian Club of Toronto
Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

Canadian Club of Toronto

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2011 28:00


Working Together to Strengthen Canada

Canadian Club of Toronto
Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

Canadian Club of Toronto

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2009 22:26


Our Way Forward

ontario premier dalton mcguinty