Ivanka Trump is closing her fashion brand. A spokesperson said the
decision has nothing to do with sales. Ms. Trump simply wants to avoid a
conflict of interest while serving her father in the White House.
In unrelated news, Ivanka Trump’s products were dropped from Hudson’s Bay, the largest department store in Canada.
The Hon. Bardish Chagger’s office reached out to Fair Vote Waterloo to invite a delegation to meet with the Hon. Karina Gould on Electoral Reform.
The Fair Vote Waterloo delegation Cathy Scott, Bryron Weber Becker and Bob Jonkman met with the current Minister of Democratic Institutions, the Hon. Karina Gould (and Oliver) at Waterloo City Hall
The morning meeting was productive.
Later that afternoon, the KW Liberal Association hosted a meet and greet for the visiting Minister just down the street at Patent Social. Fair Vote Waterloo Co-Chair Bob Jonkman attended the open-to-the-public event in hopes of engaging further with Minister Gould.
Local electoral reform advocates from Fair Vote and others rally to remind Minister Gould that electoral reform is still top of mind for many Canadians voters across the political spectrum.
There were excellent opportunities to discuss Proportional Representation with passersby.
Electoral reformers welcomed the opportunity to show off their artwork and discuss Proportional representation with the Minister of Democratic Institutions.
Canadians are (understandably) unhappy that the Liberals’ Electoral Reform promise was so cavalierly broken.
The Hon. Karina Gould was asked some hard questions.
Electoral Reform isn’t a partisan issue.
I found it interesting how many “honks” we got from passing motorists. Perhaps the greatest irony associated with Mr. Trudeau’s broken promise is that the exercise did more to raise Canadian public awareness of Proportional Representation than anything else in my lifetime.
Proportional Representation is an idea whose time has come. And it’s not going away.
When I was living hours away, though my parents got older, I never had to worry they’d need help with the yard, or that they’d be snowed in, because they were blessed with wonderful neighbors. My parents befriended young Henk, the immigrant farm hand who lived in the tiny house next door. Perhaps because my father’s mother had once been an immigrant…
When I was living hours away, though my parents got older, I never had to worry they’d need help with the yard, or that they’d be snowed in, because they were blessed with wonderful neighbors. My parents befriended young Henk, the immigrant farm hand who lived in the tiny house next door. Perhaps because my father’s mother had once been an immigrant farm worker, or maybe because my stepmom had spent much of her own life away, and the friendship grew when Henk married Bettina.
The young couple raised their kids and took over the operation of the modern dairy operation across the road. Although my Dad never regretted his own decision not to go into the family farm business, I know he was glad of the chance to see how a modern Canadian dairy farm was run. Henk gave him at least one guided tour, and Dad (whose childhood on the farm didn’t include indoor plumbing) was tickled by the idea that modern Canadian cows were give showers!
When my own family moved back to the Elmira area, although my son played soccer against their sons (the “Shuurrmanators”) one year, I didn’t really know Henk and Bettina Schuurmans myself. But every year I’d see their Christmas card on my parent’s fridge. And later, when my mom went to live in the nursing home, I know Bettina would visit her.
@DairyOntario tweeted: “SaskMilk and DFO have set up a GoFundMe to assist the family with costs. If you wish to contribute, you may do so here: gofundme
So it was a huge shock to learn their Tractor trip ended in tragedy. In the light of day, somehow the semi truck driver didn’t notice their very large distinctive vehicle, and the tragic accident claimed Bettina’s life.
I understand Henk is recovering after surgery, and I hope on the way to a full recovery, but I’m saddened that he and his family have had to suffer such a terrible loss.
Image Credits
My photo of “Sunset across the Floradale Road” released with a Creative Commons Attribution License
This year we’re looking forward to having our very first Waterloo Region Greens information booth at KULTRÚN.
The local World Music festival created by Neruda Arts began in Waterloo Square but quickly outgrew the space so they moved to Victoria Park. Kultrún always has a stunning mix of great music from around the world. (That’s where I became a fan of the Jerry Cans last year). Victoria Park…
This film, Directly Affected, is not a WR Greens presentation, but is brought to you by 350.org and Divest Waterloo. It’ll be of interest to anyone with political or environmental interests.
–Bob.
Directly Affected Town-halls Screenings
KW Kinder Morgan Town-Hall
Wednesday, July 11, 6:00 PM
Kitchener Public Library Central Branch 85 Queen St N,…
If you missed Alysha Brilla and the Brilltones at the K-W Multicultural Festival, (or if you were there and you need more) you’ll be able to catch the Juno nominated Brilla at the Kultrún World Music Festival in Kitchener’s Victoria Park in just over a week: Sunday July 15th, 2018 (Admission is free!)
Electoral reformers welcomed the opportunity to show off their artwork and discuss Proportional representation with the Minister of Democratic Institutions.
A long ago sunset over the Shuurrmans’ farm
