Students in Fleming College's Museum Management and Curatorship program are raising funds to enhance their "If the Shoe Fits: Fashion, Function, Footwear" exhibit at Peterborough Museum & Archives, which opens on April 26, 2018. (Photo via Indiegogo)
Ever spring, students in Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program create an exhibit at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA).
This year’s exhibit will be called “If the Shoe Fits: Fashion, Function, Footwear” and the 29 students in the program have launched a modest crowdfunding campaign so they can enhance the exhibit.
While the students receive a designated budget to create the exhibit, they are seeking $500 in additional funding to create a large map to display key footwear-related places in Peterborough. They also hope to use the funding for other elements of the exhibit, including interactive components, a kid’s space, and the exhibit opening.
“This is our first exhibit as Museum Professionals and we want to make it one of the best student-made exhibits that the PMA has ever seen,” the students write on their Indiegogo page.
Students in last year’s Museum Management and Curatorship program created an exisit called “Ebb and Flow: The Stories of a River City”, which included this scale model of the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Jeff Chewka / Granite Point Productions)
The Peterborough Museum & Archives is the only museum in Canada that also serves as a college campus. The museum hosts the Museum Management and Curatorship program — the only one-year postgraduate certificate program offered at the college level in Canada — and offers students an intensive immersion experience with applied training for careers in the museum, gallery, or heritage sectors.
Last year, students in the program created an exhibit called “Ebb and Flow: The Stories of a River City”. This year’s exhibit opens on Thursday, April 26th.
The sap is running and McLean Berry Farm in Buckhorn is preparing for its annual Maplefest maple syrup festival, which runs every weekend in March from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning March 10th. The family-friendly festival features wagon rides, log sawing, tree tapping, maple candy demos, visiting the sugar bush and sugar shack, and more. (Photo: McLean Berry Farm / Facebook)
B.O.S.S. Features Young Professionals – March 20th
Join the Chamber on Tuesday, March 20th at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 in Lakefield for its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) session, featuring some of the Chamber’s Young Professional Award recipients.
The panel will include:
Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm
Lisa Besseling of Stony Lake Furniture Co, and
Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts.
Julie Wood of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development will be moderating the Young Professionals session. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
The BOSS session will be moderated by Julia Wood, the Economic Development Officer for the Rural and Agriculture sectors at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).
Prior to joining the team at PKED, Julia was the vice president of a not-for-profit organization that advocates for a stronger post-secondary education sector in Ontario and Canada through evidence-based policy development. Julia’s passions for education and youth empowerment have continued to play an important role in her career, as she now supports young entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses.
As a long-time local and rural resident, Julia is excited to promote Peterborough & the Kawarthas as a desirable place to live, work, play, and invest for young professionals.
The BOSS seminar is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77, 10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20th. A hot breakfast will be provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant. Cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for future members. Register now.
The Chamber thanks its professional development sponsor, Lynn Woodcroft, Sales Representative with Royal LePage Frank Real Estate.
Save the Date: Volunteer Breakfast on April 18th
The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast is taking place on Wednesday, April 18th at Burleigh Falls Inn.
The cost is $20+HST and free for Chamber volunteers. All are welcome to attend.
This year’s guest speaker is Sarah Burke of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. The event will run from 7:30 to 9 a.m.. Register now.
Earn a Free Chamber Membership
The Chamber is excited to announce a new initiative where you can earn your membership for free! There are two ways you can do this:
Pay your membership dues within 30 days of the invoice date and be entered into a draw for a free membership next year.
Refer a new member and once they have paid, you will earn 10% off next year’s membership. Refer 10 new members and yours is free.
Pharmacare Must Address Outstanding System Gaps, Maintain High Quality Coverage
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released Principles for an Effective Pharmacare Program, a policy report that provides guidelines for the federal and Ontario governments to follow when considering reforms to pharmaceutical coverage, which has implications for both governments. The report highlights five principles against which new pharmacare proposals can be tested to ensure an effective and sustainable program.
In its budget, the federal government announced it will begin consultations on a pharmacare program with former Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins, leading the initiative. With increasing demand for national pharmacare in Canada, the OCC has engaged in its own consultations over the last few months with a diverse group of health, life sciences and insurance stakeholders to develop and endorse the test of principles.
RTO8 Partnership Allocation Guidelines and Applications Now Available
RTO8’s 2018-19 Partnership Allocation program is launching on April 1st, but you can now review the requirements and submit your application.
The 2018-19 Partnership Allocation Program Guidelines document is available for download now. Please read this document prior to submitting applications or discussing your project ideas with Kawarthas Northumberland staff.
Applications are reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis, so it is recommended that you plan ahead and submit them as early as possible. Applications can be submitted immediately, but will not be reviewed until the program officially begins in April. General applications are due by November 16, 2018 or until funds have been depleted.
The Province of Ontario wants to hear your thoughts on how to cut red tape and make it easier to do business in Ontario.
Participate in the Red Tape Challenge and help the province identify the business regulations that need to be updated, improved or eliminated. They are currently consulting on regulations that apply to the tourism sector, but welcome ideas from those who work in other fields.
The consultation period ends on March 31st. Learn more.
The amended PARG will be posted to the ministry’s website for six weeks, until March 23rd. After gathering further input, the final amended PARG will be released later in the spring.
All school boards and municipalities are encouraged to review the draft. Learn more.
Order Tree Seedlings By March 23rd
The deadline for ordering tree and shrub seedlings from Otonabee Conservation is Friday, March 23, 2018. Seedlings will be available for pick-up in late April. (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)
Otonabee Conservation is pleased to offer the Tree Seedling Program to watershed landowners.
Through the program, you may order trees and shrubs from a selection of species that you can plant to reforest land or add to the biodiversity of your forest property.
McLean Berry Farm is in the final days of preparing for Maplefest, which will run for the next three weekends in March. (Photo: McLean Berry Farm / Facebook)
There is nothing quite as sweet as springtime and McLean Berry Farm proves this every year at their annual Maplefest.
At Maplefest, there are a ton of fun activities for the entire family. Whether it’s going for a wagon ride, eating pancakes with fresh maple syrup or seeing how the sweet stuff is made, there is something for everyone.
Maplefest runs March 10th and 11th, 17th and 18th, and 24th and 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McLean Berry Farm (2191 16th Line, Lakefield).
Oxford College of Arts, Business and Technology in Peterborough is hosting an information session on Saturday, March 10th from 1 to 3 p.m.
You can learn about the college’s programs, including Advanced Esthetics and Spa Operations, Massage Therapy, and Video Game Designer.
Free refreshments, massage, and face painting will be available, with prizes to be won. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 705-742-5565. Learn more.
A Retail Makeover for Your Business
Barbara Crowhurst is a retail specialist, business coach, writer, international speaker and trainer. She will be leading a retail makeover seminar on March 27, 2018. (Photo: Barbara Crowhurst)
Do you need a fresh perspective on how to make your retail business attractive to customers?
Join the Peterborough DBIA and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development as they welcome retail expert, Barbara Crowhurst for a morning session that will have you evaluate your business and consider how you generate traffic, engage more customers and generate higher revenues.
The session is taking place on Tuesday, March 27th from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the VentureNorth Board Room (Lower Level), 270 George Street N, Peterborough. Tickets are $10.
A free workshop for employers is taking place on Wednesday, March 7th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Agilec Employment Services (20A-863 Chemong Road, Brookdale Plaza, Peterborough).
This event will provide you with information on the Bridges out of Poverty framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in our community.
Municipality of Trent Lakes Meetings and Workshops
Buckhorn Greenspace/Streetscape Survey
The Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, March 7th from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Matthews Church (1937 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn) regarding the Greenscape/Streetscape Design Plan for Buckhorn.
Comments and input are welcomed from the public for this exciting new venture to revitalize the downtown core of the hamlet of Buckhorn.
Public Meeting – Proposed Changes to Building Permit Fees
The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Trent Lakes will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 20th at 3 p.m.in the Council Chambers to consider proposed changes to Building Permit Fees imposed under Section 7 of the Building Code Act.
The purpose of this meeting is to give the public an opportunity to review the proposed revisions to the Building Department fee schedule.
All are welcome to attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed fees.
Small Business Workshop
Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee Small Business workshop about Occupational Health and Safety is taking place on Wednesday, March 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cavendish Hall (18 Community Complex Dr., Trent Lakes).
County of Peterborough 2018 Recognition Awards Nominations – March 15th deadline
Nominations for the County of Peterborough 2018 Recognition Awards close on Thursday, March 15th.
Nominations will be accepted for any resident or group residing in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to our community.
Paint Nite at the Buckhorn Community Centre – March 7th
Free Senior Skating, Lakefield – March 9th
Public Skating in Apsley – March 10th
Free Income Tax Clinic – March 15th
Performing Arts Lakefield, Motus O presents The Prisoner of Tehran – March 23rd
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
The team of ViSmart from Fleming College, one of the innovation finalists for the 2018 Bears' Lair entrepreneurial competition. The finalists, which also include Transit One and and Kavtek in the innovation stream, and Full Tilt Cycle, Percheron Plastic Inc., and Indigo Green in the goods and services stream, were announced at a showcase event at The Venue in Peterborough on March 6, 2018. (Photo: Ferydoon Diba / Twitter)
Six entrepreneurs are moving forward to compete for the grand prize in the 2018 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition.
Bears’ Lair chair Diane Richard announced the six businesses on Tuesday night (March 6) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, at an event where 20 semi-finalists had an opportunity to showcase their businesses.
A panel of local judges (Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design; Geordie Konrad, Co-Founder of Konrad Grou; and Nicole Verkindt, Founder & CEO of OMX) selected the six finalists in two categories: innovation and goods and services.
The innovation finalists are ViSmart, Transit One, and Kavtek, and the goods and services finalists are Full Tilt Cycle, Percheron Plastic Inc., and Indigo Green.
The three finalists in the innovation stream are ViSmart, Transit One, and Kavtek. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)The three finalists in the goods and services stream are Full Tilt Cycle, Percheron Plastic Inc., and Indigo Green. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)
“The diversity of business ideas continues to grow as well as the quality and detail of their business plans,” Richard says.
The six businesses who will go on to the final pitch event on Wednesday, April 18th at The Venue, where they will compete for over $40,000 in cash and business support services donated by sponsors.
“This year will be a record cash prize for the two winners thanks to our new Bear’s Lair Supporter campaign,” adds Richard. “This initiative wouldn’t exist without the overwhelming support of our event sponsors who provide the resources to accelerate the competition to the next level”.
The Bears’ Lair Showcase event on March 6, 2018 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough provided 20 semi-finalists with the opportunity to display their businesses to the public. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)
This year’s sponsors are Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), Innovation Cluster, The Peterborough Region Angel Network, Mega Experience, Workforce Development Board, Part Time CFO, Fox Law Professional Corporation, kawarthaNOW.com, Savino Human Resources Partners, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Diatom Consulting, Sofie Andreou and Associates, Cody & James, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, Ashburnham Realty, and WeDesign.
At the final pitch, the six finalists will face cross-examination, challenging questions, and feedback from the judges before a live audience. The judges will score their pitches based on innovation, commercialization, diversification, business plan quality, and the benefit to the local economy.
Free tickets are available for the final pitch event, but you must register in advance at bearsptbo18.eventbrite.ca — where you can also support Bears’ Lair by making a donation that will go directly to the cash prizes for the winners.
Since its inception in 2000, Bears’ Lair has made $165,000 in cash and business support services available to local entrepreneurs.
After being introduced by Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef (centre), four female entrepreneurs participated in a panel discussion at FastStart Peterborough's E-Connect event om March 5, 2018: kawarthaNOW.com co-founder and publisher Jeannine Taylor, Steelworks Design co-founder Rhonda Barnet, "serial entrepreneur" Peggy Shaughnessy, and Amusé Coffee founder Lindsay Brock. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks Photography)
With International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, this is a week when women around the world share stories and celebrate what it means to be female.
In celebration of IWD, FastStart Peterborough hosted this month’s E-Connect yesterday (March 5) in a new panel discussion format that featured four fierce female founders.
Jeannine Taylor, co-founder and publisher of kawarthaNOW.com, was one of the four panelists, along with Rhonda Barnet (co-founder of Steelworks Design), Lindsay Brock (founder of Amusé Coffee), and “serial entrepreneur” (and personality about town) Peggy Shaughnessy.
Special guest Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women and MP Peterborough-Kawartha, introduced the panel and pointed to the focus on women in the recently announced 2018 federal budget. Monsef also pointed to the need for more role models for young women.
“If you can’t see her, you can’t be her.”
Around 90 people attended the event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
The four role models were blunt when asked if they had to make any sacrifices to get where they are today.
Barnet, who is the first female chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) national board of directors, said the only way to succeed as an entrepreneur is to make sacrifices.
“But when my daughters look at me and tell me what a great example I am, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Taylor, a media trailblazer by any standard having launched an online news publication way back in 1995, said she has no regrets.
Instead, she’s garnered a lifetime of learned experience — and a lot of followers. She’s grown her media brand to reach 2.5 million unique viewers per year, with almost 10,000 followers of the @kawarthanow Instagram account.
“After 10,000, that’s when the magic happens.”
Hosted by FastStart Peterborough and the Innovation Cluster, this month’s E-Connect featured a new panel discussion format. (Photo: Tammy Thorne / kawarthaNOW.com)
“We all make sacrifices. Getting out of bed in the morning is a risk,” Shaughnessy said to laughs.
The former nurse and current PhD candidate, café owner, and health consultant characterizes herself as “the drywaller of social services. I’m there to fill in the gaps.”
Brock, who just opened a pop-up satellite café in the VentureNorth building, said there have been times when she thought she was “missing life” as her friends began to have children. But she’s doing exactly what she wants to do and feels respected in the community.
“It’s all about personal integrity and being genuine. I’m in favour of community over competition.”
“Being ethical generates respect,” Taylor added. “Our brand is respected because we try to always take the high road.”
“Like Jeannine, I believe it’s about ethics,” Shaughnessy said. “I often say your job doesn’t end when you go home: people see how you live your life. My life story is my brand, and that gives me confidence.”
“I draw confidence from being in my shop,” Brock said. “When I’m behind the counter, I come to life and feel that’s where I belong. I love my customers and that makes me feel confident.”
Barnet, who turns 50 this year, said, “I’ve been treated very well as a woman, I’ve been noticed, and it’s served me in a positive way. I thank all the men in my life who have elevated me.”
The CME recently completed its survey of women in manufacturing and found that women feel they need to work harder to gain respect in business.
“And whether or not this is a reality or a perception, it still needs to be addressed,” Barnet added. “When I joined the CME board it was all men, but I was quickly elevated to become the chair.”
Taylor said there is definitely ageism in the digital age, and that working in media means working in a male-dominated landscape.
“It really shouldn’t make a difference if you are a woman or a man in a leadership role.”
Still, she said, “We’ve only had the vote for 100 years — think about that.”
Host Rose Terry, Marketing Manager at the Innovation Cluster, ended the panel discussion on a lighter note, asking the female founders: What would you tell your teenage self?
Barnet said, “I’d say the 15-year-old math geeks become 50-year-old math goddesses.”
“Everything I’ve been through made me who I am today so I wouldn’t say anything to 18-year-old me,” Shaughnessy answered.
“I agree with Peggy,” Brock said. “I took myself too seriously at 18, so I might have said ‘Lighten up,’ but then I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing what I want to do, so instead I’d say: ‘Keep doing what you are doing! You’re good at it!'”
Taylor deadpanned: “Buy Google (stock).”
The evening rounded out with some questions from the mostly female audience of about 50 people, including the age-old question: How does one achieve work/life balance?
Shaughnessy said simply: “You don’t.”
“Your family is a part of your business and your business is a part of your family,” Barnet replied, adding that an advisory board is part of her “secret sauce.”
Brock said a decent day timer, and scheduling things down to 10 minute slots, has really helped her stay balanced … plus seeking outside advice.
A young woman who recently went into business with her fiancé in construction asked the panel, “How do you get away from that notion that you are the woman behind the man?”
The panelists all looked at each other with a smile.
“My husband is the man behind the woman,” Barnet answered to applause. “It’s never been a better time to be a female entrepreneur.”
All in all, it was a great kick off to International Women’s Day (IWD) week in Peterborough.
President's Choice 100% Cricket Powder, sourced from Entomo Farms in Norwood, is now available in local Loblaw stores. While new to Canadian culture, 80 per cent of the world's population already incorporates insects into their diet in some form. (Photo: Loblaw Companies Limited)
Loblaw has introduced 100% cricket powder, sourced from Entomo Farms in Norwood, as part of its President’s Choice product line up.
The new product is Loblaw’s first move into sustainable insect protein. While new to Canadian culture, 80 per cent of the world’s population already incorporates insects into their diet in some form.
“We are honoured to be working with the President’s Choice team to bring sustainable food solutions to consumers,” says Jarrod Goldin, co-founder and president of Entomo Farms.
“We are striving to take the next step to ensure innovative, inspiring and most importantly conscious food options are available for Canadians and we believe cricket powder is just scratching the surface.”
Entomo Farms (formerly Next Millennium Farms) was the grand prize winner in the innovation category at the 2015 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition. The company was founded in 2014 by brothers Jarrod, Ryan, and Darren Goldin. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)
High-protein cricket powder can be easily added into baked goods, smoothies or meals, to provide high levels of protein, B12, calcium and fibre. Crickets are a versatile ingredient that bring a subtle earthy flavour to food or, if used in small amounts, no taste at all.
Crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less feed than sheep, and half as much feed as pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein. They also require significantly less water than cattle rearing.
Since 2014, Entomo Farms (formerly Next Millennium Farms) has raised and harvested crickets and mealworms for human food and animal feed. The company produces whole roasted insects, both plain and flavoured, and offers a gluten-free and gluten-free organic option as well. Entomo Farms also produces cricket powder, which can be incorporated into baking or cooking.
“Cricket condos” at Norwood’s Entomo Farms, North America’s first and largest insect farm for human consumption. Crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less feed than sheep, and half as much feed as pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein. (Photo: Entomo Farms)
In 2015, Entomo Farms was the Innovation Winner in Peterborough’s Bears’ Lair entreprenurial competition and also won Startup Canada’s Regional Award for Sustainable Development.
Consumer can find President’s Choice® 100% Cricket Powder on shelves now at their local Loblaw stores.
“With our President’s Choice brand we’re always looking to bring the new and the next to Canadians,” says Kathlyne Ross, VP of product development and innovation at Loblaw.
“By making products like cricket powder widely available in our grocery stores, we are giving Canadians the option to not only try something new, but to also make a conscious decision on what they eat and how it impacts the environment.”
The title of a racial injustice event to be hosted by the Trent Central Student Association on March 12, 2018 at Trent University has created controversy. (Graphic: TCSA / Facebook)
A racial injustice event to be hosted at Trent University by the student association has attracted controversy.
The event, planned for Monday, March 12th from 4 to 6 p.m., features keynote speaker Dr. Michael Cappello from the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
Capello, who describes himself as “anti-racist/anti-oppressive” teacher and educator and as a “white settler living and working on Treaty 4 territory”, has spent the last four years focussing on the issues of colonialism and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The controversy isn’t about Cappello though — it’s about the title of the event: “It’s OK to be [Against] White[ness]”.
The event’s title refers to racially motivated “It’s OK to be white” posters that circulated around university campuses in November 2017.
“Whiteness is an academic term for the ideologies that describe the practices, beliefs, habits and attitudes that enable the unequal distribution of power and privilege based on skin colour,” the event description reads. “Whiteness, as an idea, is not about white people as much as the ways that white racialization is socially constructed as dominant, both historically and in the present moment.”
The event features keynote speaker Dr. Michael Cappello from the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, who often speaks on the issues of on the issues of colonialism and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (Photo: University of Regina)
After the Trent Central Student Association (TSCA) created a public event page on Facebook, a backlash about the event began.
In an email to kawarthaNOW.com, Lindsay Yates — the TSCA’s ethical standards commissioner — says the event has drawn attention from “right-leaning and white-nationalist students and groups in Ontario”. She expresses concern that the nature of the event is being misinterpreted as being racially divisive.
“This event is about recognizing privilege that is granted based on racial identity and helping students who do have access to white privilege think more about how to be allies to racialized communities,” Yates writes. “The event is focused on diversity, inclusion and conversations about how we can all work together to help achieve racial justice.”
In response to the backlash, the TSCA posted a statement to explain the title and nature of the event:
However, the explanation did little to stop negative comments such as “You are inciting hatred against an identifiable group (Caucasians)” and “How can we take this blatant attack of whites in our higher places of learning”. While other commenters supported the event, eventually the TSCA turned off commenting on the post.
The controversy has been covered by several media sources, including the Ottawa Sun, Narcity in Toronto, and the Daily Hive in Vancouver.
The Toronto Sun ran an opinion editorial on March 2, 2018 under the headline “Trent students foolishly fuel toxic debate over race”.
The opinion piece accuses the event organizers of adopting “divisive, racist tactics” and claims the event is based on “a toxic and divisive ideology steeped in the intolerant loathing inherent in postmodernism and cultural Marxism that divides the world into us versus them groups, into victims and oppressors.”
Ironically, the Toronto Sun opinion editorial was published on the same day when Trent University officially renamed its School for Indigenous Studies as the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, in honour of the Anishinaabe boy who died after running way from a residential school in 1963. The launch event was attended by the families of Chanie Wenjack and Gord Downie.
A month after Ontario’s first approved temporary overdose prevention site opened in London, Peterborough is also planning to open a site in response to the growing opioid crisis.
Community-based agency PARN announced plans today (March 6) to expand its existing harm reduction services to provide people who use opioids with a space where they can use those drugs under the supervision of health professionals to prevent overdose deaths. The temporary overdose prevention site is intended to operate for three to six months.
Peterborough had the fourth highest annual rate of opioid-related deaths between July 2013 and June 2016, and ranked third highest in the number of opioid poisoning hospitalizations in Ontario in 2016/17. In 2017, 20 people are suspected to have died from opioid overdoses in Peterborough.
“The opioid crisis is far from over,” says PARN Executive Director Kim Dolan. “In our community, we will likely see more overdoses in the coming year and, sadly, more deaths than we have ever seen.
“This complex crisis is a call to action. With leadership from both the provincial and federal governments, we have an opportunity to immediately respond to the opioid crisis and save lives.”
Ontario’s first legal temporary overdose prevention site opened in London on February 12, 2018. Pictured is Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (fifth from left) with health unit staff and members of the London Regional HIV AIDS Connection. (Photo: Middlesex-London Health Unit / Facebook)
In December 2017, Health Canada issued an exemption to Ontario to establish temporary overdose prevention sites across the province. In January 2018, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care began accepting applications and providing funding for approved temporary overdose prevention sites.
“It is clear that this crisis is a concern for everyone in our community,” says Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal. “I am proud that PARN is taking the lead and expanding their services to include a temporary overdose prevention site. This site will provide necessary health services that are accessible and free of stigma that will help save lives.”
PARN is collaborating with community partners and people who use injection drugs to identify a location for temporary overdose prevention site. Once a location is found, an application will be submitted to the Government of Ontario for funding. The approval process takes approximately two weeks. Community information sessions will be scheduled once a location has been identified.
Temporary overdose prevention sites provide supervised injection, harm reduction supplies (including safe disposal of used supplies), and naloxone — a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose. Peterborough’s proposed site will also provide referrals to social and health services.
Research shows that services offering supervised drug consumption decrease the number of overdose deaths and reduce both the use of drugs and discarded equipment in public spaces.
“They have also been found to be cost effective and do not increase crime in the area around the service,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health with Peterborough Public Health.
“Peterborough has experienced increasing rates of overdoses and related harms and we have an opportunity to take advantage of provincial funding and policy to offer a temporary overdose prevention site as one more important harm reduction strategy to help us reach the people at greatest risk.”
VIDEO: Tour of the first temporary overdose prevention site in London
Since Ontario’s first approved temporary overdose prevention site opened in London, more than 300 visits have been made to that site and two people were resuscitated at the site after overdosing on fentanyl. That site has received around $130,000 in provincial funding.
The Peterborough Police Service supports the opening of a temporary overdose prevention site for harm reduction.
“We have seen firsthand the devastating impact and tragedy that opioids, and more recently fentanyl, has had on our community in recent years,” says Police Chief Murray Rodd. “We cannot arrest our way out of this health crisis. Our service remains focused on those who profit from the illicit drug trade and not those who are victims of it.
“Until we can discover ways to get at the root cause of the issue, community agencies will continue to work together and support the cause of providing safe spaces that have a medical intervention component for those with addictions.”
In collaboration with Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, PARN has been the lead agency providing harm reduction services in the four counties since 2000. Through a partnership with Lakeridge Health’s Positive Care Clinic, PARN has augmented its harm reduction program by providing on-site testing for HIV and other blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections.
“Health care service providers and community agencies are working together to access the provincial health care system’s new temporary overdose prevention site program,” says Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.
“Through their collaboration and dedication, they are responding to the opioid crisis that’s affecting individuals and families in Peterborough and in communities throughout Ontario. They are helping to save lives, prevent illness, and connect people who use substances with services that can assist them.”
In addition to sanctioning temporary overdose prevention sites, Ontario is investing more than $222 million to combat the opioid crisis in Ontario, including expanding harm reduction services, hiring more front-line staff, and improving access to addictions supports across the province.
Norm Foster, Canada's most produced playwright and one of the most prolific, stars in his 2015 play 'Jonas and Barry in the Home' at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope from April 10 to 22, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Norm Foster)
Canada’s most produced playwright is coming to the Kawarthas! Between April 10th and 22nd, celebrated playwright Norm Foster will be bringing his play Jonas and Barry in the Home to the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope for 16 performances.
3P Productions presents Jonas and Barry in the Home
When: Tuesday, April 10 – Sunday April 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Tuesday, April 17 – Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Wednesday, April 11, Saturday, April 14, Sunday, April 15, Wednesday, April 18, Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope) How much: $24 -$40
Written by Norm Foster and directed by Derek Ritschel. Starring Norm Foster as Jonas Ainsworth, David Nairn as Barry Butterfield, and Erin MacKinnon as Rosie. Set design by Beckie Morris, costume design by Vandy Simpson, lighting design by Jeff Johnston Collins, and sound design by Eric Ewing. Tickets available by calling 905-885-1071 or 800-434-5092 (toll free) or online at capitoltheatre.com.
Directed by Derek Ritschel, Jonas and Barry in the Home features Norm Foster in the role of Jonas Ainsworth, alongside longtime collaborator David Nairn in the role of Barry Butterfield and Erin Mackinnon as Rosie.
“I know Peterborough, and especially Port Hope, very well,” Foster says via a telephone interview. “I’m looking forward to coming.”
Since his first play Sinners in 1983, Foster has earned the reputation of being the most produced playwright in Canada. According to his website, approximately 150 of his shows are in production worldwide every year. This is no surprise to me, as there have been five Foster plays produced in the Kawarthas alone in the past 12 months — My Narrator, On a First Name Basis, and The Foursome at Peterborough Theatre Guild, Halfway There at Globus Theatre, and Old Love at Lindsay Little Theatre.
Since his first play in 1983, Foster has written just under 60 shows, has had a drama festival named after him (the Foster Festival in St. Catherines) and, in 2016, had the distinctive honour of being named an Officer in the Order of Canada.
Popular with both theatre producers and audiences alike, a Norm Foster play is always a safe and sure bet for a crowd pleaser. Filled with relatable characters, intelligent humour, and potent drama, Foster’s plays are well received time and time again.
Norm Foster as Jonas Ainsworth and David Nairn as Barry Butterfield in “Jonas and Barry in the Home”. The play will be performed at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope from April 10 to 22, (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
Making its debut in 2015 at Theatre Orangeville, Jonas and Barry in the Home was an instant hit with audiences, and Norm and David have been touring the show across Canada ever since.
“It’s about two guys who meet in an assisted living home,” Norm says. “Barry is a retired dentist and he is only 67, but his daughter works at the home and wants him to move in there. His family has a history of heart problems, and he’s alone so she wants him to be close to her so she can take care of him.
“Jonas, who is the character I play, is a retired actor. He’s flamboyant and he meets Barry in the home and wants to lift Barry out of his doldrums. He wants him to start living his life the way he should be.”
When reviewing Norm’s play Old Loveearlier this year, I noted the refreshing lack of geriatric humour in a show about senior citizens. But for this show, Norm has had to take a different approach to writing a show about characters aging.
“Being in a seniors’ home, there is some geriatric humor,” Norm admits. “But I definitely try not to make fun of the topic — we take that seriously. But the characters make fun of themselves, their aging, and different body parts. So there’s laughs in that.
“I’m 68 and I’m playing a 70 year old. David turns 65 this year and he’s playing a 67 year old. When we’re on stage, it’s like we’re looking at our futures. I’ll tell you that it can be pretty terrifying sometimes. We both feel good about our health, but who knows what happens ten years down the road.
“It’s a bit of an eye opener. We have audience members who come and see the show and tell us that they are in their sixties and are wondering if this is what they can look forward to.”
“Jonas and Barry in the Home” is about two seniors who meet in an assisted living home and stars Norm Foster as Jonas and David Nairn as Barry. (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
Friends for over 25 years, Norm and David have appeared on stage together numerous times, but have been noted by reviewers and audience members alike for their stage chemistry as Barry and Jonas.
“I met David at a mutual friend’s party one night,” Norm says of his co-star. “Not long after he did a show of mine at the theatre in Orangeville, where he is the artistic director, and the next thing I know he’s doing another show of mine and asked me if I wanted to be in it.
“Since then we’ve done six of my shows together. People around us liken us to The Odd Couple or an old married couple, the way we talk. It’s a very relaxed relationship on and off stage. ”
Possibly the strongest element of a Norm Foster show is the charming and relatable characters that he creates. His characters are like people we recognize, but often the story Norm creates takes them on an unexpected emotional journey that keeps the audience engrossed.
“I like to start with a stock character,” Norm explains. “But then I start to turn them around, take a left turn somewhere and bring them somewhere else, and that surprises the audience. I think that keeps the audience interested. Most of the characters are people I grew up with or were around. People will go to my plays and they’ll see themselves on stage, or they might see a friend they know. That’s really the key.
“People say that they come into Barry and Jonas at the Home expecting a show about these two senior citizens, and then it gets turned on its ear. You start feeling something pretty deep for these guys. Barry and Jonas have a journey, an arc through the show, and both of these guys change because of each other.”
VIDEO: Audience reviews of “Jonas and Barry in the Home” at Neptune Theatre, Halifax
With a handful of exceptions, a new Foster play has made its debut nearly every single year for the past 35 years, with multiple shows often making its debut in a single year. This is an incredible amount of material for one playwright, especially one who can maintain the quality of his work with each new production.
“People always say to me ‘You must be really disciplined’, but it has nothing to do with discipline,” Norm reveals. “It’s just love something I love to do. I used to do a radio show for 25 years where I had to get up in the morning, so I still get up at 5 a.m. and that’s when I do my writing. I rarely write past noon.
“I love climbing into this world with these characters I’ve created and see where they take me. The characters write the shows for me. I just have to come up with the beginning point and where I think it’s going to end, and see how the characters take me there.”
So how much of the ‘real’ Norm Foster will audiences see in Jonas and Barry in the Home? According to Norm, not very much.
“I’m sure there is a little bit of me in all the shows I write, but I don’t try to model and of my characters after me,” Norm says. “That’s not much fun for me. I’d rather create a whole new character, and I wouldn’t want myself on stage anyways because I’m kind of boring.”
“Jonas and Barry in the Home” made its debut in 2015 at Theatre Orangeville, where David Nairn (who portrays Barry) is artistic director. Along with Foster and Nairn, Erin MacKinnon stars as Rosie. (Photo: Drayton Entertainment)
After each performance of Jonas and Barry in the Home, Norm and his cast hold a question-and-answer session, allowing the audience to get close and personal with Norm and David and to discuss the show with the playwright and performers.
So what’s next for Norm Foster? Well, for audiences in the Kawarthas, Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon will be producing Norm’s show Lunenberg this summer and, although not yet announced, I know that auditions for the female version of The Foursome will be held soon.
Meanwhile, for Norm, he has two new shows making their debut at the Foster Festival in St. Catherines in July 2018.
“One is called Renovations for Six, which is about three couples who end up at a cocktail party together and the whole thing goes sideways for them,” Norm says. “The other play is called Come Down From Up River. It’s set in New Brunswick, where I live. It’s about a guy who is estranged from his niece, and he comes from down river to see her before he goes to the doctor for a medical issue.
“I always think my next play is going to be the best play, so that keeps me inspired too. I keep getting ideas too. The moment I stop getting ideas, I’ll stop writing.”
From the continued popularity of his shows in our community, I know that local audiences love Norm Foster. Jonas and Barry in the Home is an exciting chance for everyone who has loved his plays to finally see this beloved Canadian playwright in person and on stage.
Jonas and Barry in the Home runs from April 10 to 22 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. Shows start at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on April 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, and 22. Tickets range from $24 to $40, and are available by calling 905-885-1071 or 800-434-5092 (toll free) or online at capitoltheatre.com.
Tickets are now available for “Jonas and Barry in the Home” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope.
At a recent job fair for GE employees, Joe Rees and Rhonda Keenan of Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development discuss options with attendees. Of the 200 attendees at the job fair, more than 70 signed up for futher information on business development. On March 7, 2018, Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development, and Fleming College will be providing GE employees with information on training, business development, and business financing opportunities. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough)
This week, we feature a business development event on March 7th in Peterborough for displaced G.E. Canada workers, the winner of the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition, the Downtown Dreams business attraction program in Kawartha Lakes, a new community award for local women, Amuse Coffee Co.’s pop-up location at VentureNorth, and upcoming business events including the E-Connect! Female Founders panel on March 5, the Bears’ Lair Peterborough Semi-Finalist Showcase on March 6, Trent Hills Business Excellence Awards nominations, and more.
We publish businessNOW every Monday. If you have business news or events you want to share with our readers, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Business development event in Peterborough on March 7 for displaced G.E. Canada workers
Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development, and Fleming College are coming together to host a special event to support displaced G.E. Canada workers.
In August 2017, General Electric announced it would be closing its manufacturing facility in Peterborough by September 2018, putting more than 350 employees out of work.
The event, which will assist workers who may be looking to develop business ideas and explore self-employment options, takes place on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the lower level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Fleming College will share information on its customized entrepreneurial programs, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development will explain the mentorship programs available through the Business Advisory Centre, and Community Futures Peterborough will provide details on flexible financing and business services.
The event is free but is only open to G.E. employees.
Nadine McCallen wins the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition
Nadine McCallen celebrates winning the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on March 1, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Nadine McCallen, owner of natural skincare business The Willow’s Bark, is the grand prize winner of the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. The announcement was made Thursday (March 1) at the grand finale event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
As the winner of the competition, McCallen wins a prize package valued at more than $45,000 that includes a free year-long lease for a downtown Peterborough storefront.
McCallen will be opening a new store called Ritual Apothecary and will sell locally produced skincare, herbal remedies and household products from a variety of sustainable companies focusing on wildcrafted, organic, and unrefined ingredients. She’s also looking to create a social space where people can blend their own teas, sit and read a book, or participate in a workshop.
Registration now open for Downtown Dreams contest in Kawartha Lakes
Registration is now open for Downtown Dreams, a business attraction program designed to attract new or existing businesses to open, expand, or move into the downtowns of Coboconk or Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, and Omemee in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development officially launched the contest on Friday (March 2) at the city hall in Lindsay.
Registration will be open online until Friday, March 23rd. For rules and regulations and to register, visit downtowndreams.org.
Applicants will be asked to describe their business idea, the transferable skills or experience they have related to the business idea, their ideal client and basic market research, estimated start-up costs, and whether they already have investment in the business or will be seeking funding sources.
After the contest closes, an advisory panel will select the top five semi-finalists in each community. The semi-finalists must participate in five mandatory workshops, submit a business plan and present to an advisory panel who will choose a winner for each community. The finalists for each community will participate in a public pitch to the advisory panel on June 6, 2018 at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay, where the winners will be announced.
The prize package for each winner will include: a free year-long membership in their local chamber; free business and marketing consulting; free business cards, letterhead, and envelopes; an advertisement in the local newspaper; three months of free internet services; and more prizes to be announced.
The total budget for the project is $124,300 with the City receiving up to $62,150 from the Rural Economic Development Program (RED), administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Maryam Monsef announces new Women of Peterborough-Kawartha Community Award
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef announced a new award for local women at the inaugural Rural Women’s Summit held on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Maryam Monsef / Facebook)
Peterborough-Kawartha MP and federal Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef has announced a new Women of Peterborough-Kawartha Community Award.
Monsef made the announcement on Friday (March 2) following her evening keynote address at the inaugural Rural Women’s Summit at Buckhorn Commmunity Centre.
The award will recognize female leadership in the areas of entrepreneurialism, environmental stewardship, and community service.
Nominations should be submitted to Monsef’s constituency office (417 Bethune St., Suite 4, Peterborough) by May 13, 2018. For more information, call 705-745-2108 or email Maryam.Monsef@parl.gc.ca.
Amuse Coffee Co. pops up at VentureNorth every Monday and Wednesday
If you’re working in or visiting the VentureNorth building (270 George St. N., Peterborough), you can now buy coffee and more from Amuse Coffee Co.
The European-inspired cafe will be serving coffee, tea, pastries, croissants, and breakfast bars in the main lobby of VentureNorth every Monday and Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. through the month of March.
Amuse Coffee Co. owner Lindsay Brock decided to open her own cafe after 15 years of serving coffee and tea at Starbucks and David’s Tea. After experiencing French cafes during a trip to Paris, she wanted to bring the same experience to Peterborough. Amusé Coffee Co. opened at 641 George Street North in 2015 after joining the FastStart Peterborough program, being one of the program’s first clients.
Amuse Coffee Co. owner Lindsay Brock, one of FastStart Peterborough’s first clients, at her VentureNorth location. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)
“I’m so excited to be expanding into Venture North, they have so many exciting things happening in this building and I’m really happy to be connected to that,” Brock says. “We are currently here Mondays and Wednesdays for March and hopefully on a more permanent basis thereafter.”
For more information about Amuse Coffee Co., visit amusecoffeeco.ca.
FastStart Peterborough presents “E-Connect! Female Founders” on March 5
FastStart Peterborough’s March E-Connect! forum features a panel discussion with four local female entrepreneurs: Lindsay Brock (founder of Amuse Coffee Co.), Rhonda Barnet (co-Founder of Steeleworks Design), Jeannine Taylor (co-founder of kawarthaNOW.com), and Peggy Shaughnessy (serial entrepreneur).
The forum takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough). Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Bears’ Lair Peterborough Semi-Finalist Showcase on March 6
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition hosts its semi-finalist showcase on Tuesday, March 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. North, Peterborough).
You can meet the semi-finalists, ask them entrepreneurship-related questions, and get to know more about their businesses. The event is open to everyone.
Local judges (Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design; Geordie Konrad, Co-Founder of Konrad Grou; and Nicole Verkindt, Founder & CEO of OMX) will be selecting six finalists who will move on to the final pitch, to be held on Wednesday, April 18th at The Venue.
At the final event, two entrepreneurs (in the categories of Goods and Services and Innovation) will win over $50,000 in cash and business support services, including $5,000 in cash each.
“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7
The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.
The Bridges out of Poverty framework, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.
The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism B.O.S.S. Seminar on March 20
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism continues its B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) seminar series on Tuesday, March 20th with a focus on young professionals.
So far, the seminar features Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm and Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts.
The seminar takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 (10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield), with a hot breakfast provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant.
The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca.
Panel discussion on communicating with the media on March 20
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is presenting a panel discussion called “Telling your Story: How to Effectively Talk with the Media” on Tuesday, March 20th from 6 to 8 pm. at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
The panel discussion is intended for small business owners or entrepreneurs who struggle to share their story with local media. Panellists include local media professionals Paul Rellinger, Jessica Nyznik, and Catherine Hanrahan.
The discussion takes place in the Nexicom Studio. A cash bar will be available and light appetizers will be served.
Meet Trent University and Fleming College students seeking employment on March 20
The Trent Business Students’ Association is hosting “Peterborough Connects” from 12 to 1:45 p.m. at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Employers can meet students from Trent University and Fleming College who are seeking employment, showcase their businessses, network with representatives from Trent University and Fleming College, and market any summer internship positions.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on March 21
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce AGM will be held on March 21 at the the Kawartha Art Gallery. (Photo: Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce)
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st at the Kawartha Art Gallery (190 Kent St. W., 2nd Floor, Lindsay).
At the AGM you can find out about the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the coming year, review the financial statement, and pass a motion to accept the slate of Board members as presented.
There will also be an opportunity to view the Annual Student Juried Art Exhibit, featuring the talents of Lindsay secondary school students.
Trent Hills Business Excellence Awards nominations open until March 23
Nominations for the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Excellence Awards are open until Friday, March 23rd.
Nominations are limited to businesses, organizations, or individuals in the Trent Hills community or who are a member of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Award categories include Excellence in Business (three employees or fewer), Excellence in Business (four employees or more), Emerging Entrepreneur, Pride and Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award, Community Impact, Ignite 2018 (Business), Ignite 2018 (Non-Profit Organization), and the Chair’s Award.
Makeover seminar for retail businesses on March 27
Barbara Crowhurst is a retail specialist, business coach, writer, international speaker and trainer. She will be leading a retail makeover seminar on March 27, 2018. (Photo: Barbara Crowhurst)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area are hosting “A Retail Makeover For Your Business” from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The seminar will be led by Barbara Crowhurst, North America’s leading retail business coach and trainer, who will have you evaluate your business and consider how you generate traffic, engage more customers, and generate higher revenues.
Ontario Progressive Conservative party leadership candidate Caroline Mulroney is holding campaign events in Haliburton on March 5, 2018 and in Peterborough on March 6, 2018. (Photo: Caroline Mulroney Campaign)
Caroline Mulroney, who is competing for leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party, is making campaign stops in Haliburton on Monday (March 5) and in Peterborough on Tuesday (March 6).
Mulroney will be at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Haliburton from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 5th and at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in Peterborough from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on March 6th. A light breakfast will be served at the Peterborough event.
Best known as the eldest child and only daughter of the former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the 43-year-old lawyer and businesswoman lived and worked in the U.S. for 12 years, where she acquired U.S. citizenship. She returned to Canada in 2005 to work as a financial analyst. In 2011, she co-founded The Shoebox Project, a non-profit that provides toiletries to women living in shelters.
She was acclaimed the PC candidate in York—Simcoe in September 2017 and has no previous experience in politics.
Mulroney is competing for the leadership with former PC MPP Christine Elliott, former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford, and Catholic school parent advocate Tanya Granic Allen.
Both Ford and Elliott held campaign rallies in Peterborough on February 21st and February 27th, respectively.
Members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party will be voting for their new leader until Friday, March 9th (the deadline has been extended by a day). The results of the leadership contest are expected to be revealed on March 10th.
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