CHASING DENSITY
The Province has certainly generated a lot of discussion about its recent affordable housing strategy and legislation designed to address the provincial housing crisis. But can it achieve all that it promises? Reactions by local governments and their leaders across the province vary, with a majority seemingly supportive of such groundbreaking changes to how communities … Read more
The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould — “Be Relentlessness and an In-Betweener”
I had the privilege of recently attending a Royal Roads “Change Maker” Speaker Series event, where the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould was the keynote. Her new book, focused on Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation, traces her journey as a Canadian Indigenous woman, lawyer, leader, author and former MP and Federal Justice Minister on the path to Indigenous … Read more
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN 2023
Do I believe that local government decision-makers are more challenged today, as they attempt to navigate a more complex public environment in which to make decisions? Yes, I do. First elected as a municipal Councillor in 2005, I found that the environment at that time seemed less ideological and had a greater focus on collegiality. … Read more
Losing Our Farmland
https://www.cbc.ca/…/canada-prime-farmland-1.6877661 This article is particularly timely given the recent release of Ontario’s Auditor General’s report on the Ford’s government land swap that appears to have been unduly influenced by developers. Having served on Council in North Saanich for two terms, I am reminded of the ongoing historical tension between those who want to develop the … Read more
THE CHANGING WORKPLACE
From the latest edition of Entrepreneur Magazine, Dr. Samantha Madhosingh writes about 2023 trends in workplace best practices. We all know that the workplace has changed since the pandemic; new concepts and terminology such as “hybrid model,” “quiet quitting,” and “flexible schedule” have created a shift to how, when and where we work. I have … Read more
THE END OF THE YEAR
As this year draws to a close and 2023 looms, I am reflecting on the past year and on the four-year term. As you know, what suffered most was our ability to engage with our community on a person-to-person level. While the pandemic subsided over time, the ability to meet and work directly with our … Read more