Ah, the devil is always in the details. It’s the subtle differences that can accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.

Consider a diverse group of community members getting together to save a gold star, MNR certified rehabilitated former gravel pit that is now a migratory refuge for once endangered waterfowl in Ontario. Their work in public and for the common good is considered to be a prime example of cooperation.

Now, consider a group of politicians cooperating with a developer to change a Town By-law to permit the de-watering of a large groundwater lake and permit its infill with waste soil from nearby large city construction projects. That is a prime example of collusion. Collusion is defined as “a secret agreement or cooperation between two or more parties to deceive, mislead or defraud others, often for an illegal, dishonest, or unfair advantage.”

Cooperation is good, Collusion is bad.  And needs to be ridden out of Town on a rail. The way I see it.

Skid Crease, Caledon

If the recent municipal election in Caledon results sent shivers through developer influenced governments, remember this Peel Region: we grow your food.

Not Brampton, not Mississauga. Caledon  grows your food.

Whoever becomes the Ford Regressive Conservative government’s undemocratically  appointed Strong Peel Regional Chair would be wise to remember this. The people’s voice in this last election was clear. No more strong anything powers. No more developer influenced agendas. Respect for farmers, respect for greenspaces, respect for rehabilitated gravel pits,  respect for slow, controlled growth.

The wording of the Ontario government’s Strong Mayor/Strong Regional Chair powers would not even pass USA Republican standards. Doug Ford overstepped with the one third vote to pass a motion.  Not even rabid MAGA Republicans were willing to accept that affront to democracy. But Ontario took it sitting down.

It’s time for the Caledon spirit to wake up the rest of our province. Ontario needs a new  centrist government. The Green and Liberal and NDP parties need to get their houses in order. Caledon needs a new MPP. Remember Walkerton. Remember Ipperwash. Change the path we are walking. The way I see it.

Skid Crease, Caledon

“I’m a man, I can change, if I have to. I guess” was the famous salutation given by TV character Red Green as he opened his Moose Lodge meetings. I am hard wired to carry the sword of justice. If I see a person insulting another person because of their ethnicity, I step in between and call out the racist. If I see any person threaten a child, my wrath is godlike. And if I see or hear of any man abusing a woman physically or mentally, that man is sent packing.

Consequently, I developed heart failure issues. Too much cortisol, too much atrial fibrillation. I also developed a Spidey sense for when too many “coincidental” strands of a spider’s silk were coming together to form a perfect web of intrigue. When I began to ask too many questions in the 2026 municipal election campaign in Caledon, one of those political teams issued a Notice of Libel and Cease and Desist Order against me, served to me at my front door by one of the campaign managers.

Very clever. Days before the election, when most business offices are closed down for the weekend, and nothing to affect the outcome of a critically important Municipal election in Caledon will be available to a sign weary, third advertiser influenced voting citizenry.

My cortisol rates were rising. My wife looked at me and said, “What is it you want? You want a healthy, just, and environmentally literate society. Let this go – money, greed, and power have always controlled politics. Sometimes the citizens win, most often they lose. Your role is to make the world a better place.”

My heart rate slowed almost immediately. The light of my Theo of Golden emerged from under my John Wick darkness So, for now, Theo will guide my path. But John is always waiting in the shadows if needed. And we’re going to need both if our citizenry got swept away in a tsunami of election signs and misleading third party advertising. They might just end up believing the lies. We don’t need four more years of stupid. The way I see it.

It was a good day for Canada!

On October 19, 2026, Albertans went to the polls. There were ten questions on a lengthy and complicated ballot, but only one really mattered to the health of the sovereign nation of Canada. The tenth question asked whether Alberta should remain within Canada or pursue a path toward a binding referendum on separating from Canada. The results were decisive. Over 1.5 million citizens cast their ballots to ensure that Alberta remain a province in Canada.  They won with over 75% of the vote – that’s a convincing majority by any standard.

For me this vote was particularly meaningful. In my many years of travel across Canada, the landscape of Alberta became part of my DNA. I have canoed the Bow River, hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Lake Louise, marvelled at the beauty of the Moraine Lake Rockpile trail in Banff, driven the majestic Icefields Parkway, and re-energized my teaching spirit at countless outdoor and experiential education conferences in magnificent Kananaskis country. From hoodoos to hot springs, from oil rigs to cattle ranches, from honouring First Peoples Treaty rights to hosting Olympic Games, from the Calgary Stamped to Drumheller dinosaurs, Alberta is an integral part of our history and future.

From the early 1970’s to the present day, Alberta became part of my DNA. One of my lifelong friends, and one of the wisest educators I know, lives in Calgary.  We shared many Alberta Teacher conferences in Kananaskis country over the years. He helped plan my wedding, and reception in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the banks of the Bow River all under the gaze of the Three Sisters. Alberta memories are held deep in my heart. That is why I am so happy that we didn’t separate.

Still, there is a quarter of the Alberta voting population that chose to leave Canada. So, until the long emigration to Montana is complete, it would not be a good idea to wear  “Fuddle Duddle“, “Just Watch Me“, or “A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian” T-shirts in certain areas of Alberta. In places like Central Peace-Notley, Innisfail, Spirit River, Fairview, Falher, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, those “The Father and Son Who Must Not Be Named” sentiments run deep.

It’s like bringing up the name of former Premier Mike Harris at an educator’s reunion of those who taught during the Common Nonsense Revolution. This too shall pass. The way I see it.

Skid Crease, Canada