Michael Atkins

“Growthnot” is a term for the much-hyped, once-upon-a-time Northern Ontario Growth Plan promoted by the province, which has been diligently crisscrossing the North interviewing, caucusing, conferencing, engaging with, and otherwise teasing Northerner

“Growthnot” is a term for the much-hyped, once-upon-a-time Northern Ontario Growth Plan promoted by the province, which has been diligently crisscrossing the North interviewing, caucusing, conferencing, engaging with, and otherwise teasing Northerner

La st month, I wrote about the hollowing out of Northern Ontario and the continuing deterioration of authority, influence and relevance in key sectors.

I have written for years about the colonial aspects of living in rural Canada, most of that experience gained from my life in Northern Ontario and my family history in Nova Scotia.

Once a recession gets into full swing, it develops its own rhythm, like a good hockey game.

A few weeks ago, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure held an economic conference in Thunder Bay called the ThinkNorth Summit.

“Are we there yet?” No. I just told you we are three hours away. Look at the beautiful scenery. “I’m bored.” Why don’t you read a book? “I get sick to my stomach when I read in the car.

I am 60-years old. I was 15-years old when they shot John F. Kennedy on November 22nd 1963 exactly 45 years ago today as I write. I was 20 on April 14th 1968 when they shot Martin Luther King in Memphis, Tennessee.

I suppose the good news is we aren't in the property development business in Iceland. The collapse of financial markets around the world has been astonishing, although not surprising.

I was sitting down in the living room the other day trying to figure out how to explain the nature of politics to my 10-year old daughter, Jackie. Not that she had asked of course, but it seemed sensible to be prepared should the moment arise.