Ottawa Update with MP Jamie Schmale

Why do turtles cross the road?

Why do turtles cross the road? It’s not a joke, it’s an ancient, dangerous journey. In this episode, we sit down with Leora Berman, the "turtle lady" and founder of Turtle Guardians, who has spent 20 years championing these living dinosaurs. Turtles face massive threats from climate change and development, and because they take decades to mature, every breeding adult is vital to the ecosystem. Through Turtle Guardians, Berman has transformed Haliburton County and beyond, turning everyday drivers into life-saving volunteers equipped with shovels and gloves. Operating one of Ontario's largest incubators, with 180 volunteers, the organization blends education, egg rescue, and innovative research, like installing "turtle tunnels" under roadways. Tune in to discover how Berman’s grassroots conservation effort uses community programming to ensure these slow-moving creatures survive and thrive.

Walt McKechnie Remembers Murray Fearrey

The Mayor of Dysart, Murray Fearrey, passed away last week at 84. Bram and Mike talk with Murray's dear friend and Deputy Mayor, Walt McKechnie, about a remarkable 55-year career in local politics.

Ottawa Update with MP Jamie Schmale

Jamie Schmale has been our MP for 11 years, all of that time in opposition, giving him plenty of time to consider what his party (the Conservative Party of Canada) would do better. In this episode, our MP drops by the podcast for a wide-ranging chat. We discuss recent floor-crossings, how MPs vote and what that means for our democracy. And we get MP Schmale's take on why rural Canada always seems to get the short end of the stick. Join us for an up-close report from our representative in Ottawa.

Are We Helping People with Addictions or Just Prolonging Their Misery?

The County of Haliburton recently received a federal grant of $1.2 million to provide support to people in our community who are addicted to hard, often dangerous drugs. The money will be used to purchase a van and to hire support workers to "meet people where they are" with counseling and items like clean needles to make drug use less dangerous. But with these programs having a 1% success rate in getting people into drug rehabilitation programs, according to our guest, are we solving a problem or just feeding it? Is it kind and respectful to let addicts continue without judgment or forcing treatment, or is it cruel to let people who lack self control - that's what addiction is - harm themselves in potentially life-threatening ways? Bram and Lisa speak with guest Mike Slatter, Chief of EMS Services for Haliburton County about the new program and how we can get a grip on drug addiction in our communities.

Crazy for Tacos - Poquito Loco Saying Adios

Just how difficult has it become to make a living as a food service entrepreneur in Haliburton County? Bram and Adam talk to Claudette Petrie, owner of Poquito Loco in Haliburton Village. Her Mexican restaurant serves great food, has a prime location and a loyal customer base. So why is she closing it down after Labour Day this year? Spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with the same thing all of us are experiencing whenever we shop for groceries - ever higher food prices. But Claudette's not quite hanging up her sombrero for good... what's coming next? Join us for an honest look at the highs and lows of running your dream restaurant.