Editorials - June 23, 2023

Just as Ontarians are cleaning up after the devastation of the emerald ash borer, we are about to be hit by another invasive tree killer. Oak wilt fungus has been detected in three trees in the Niagara region for the first time in Canada. According to the Invasive Species Centre, oak wilt can kill a mature red oak tree in two to six weeks, making it a formidable foe.

 

While tree diseases and pests have been a threat to trees since time immemorial, it appears that the invasive threats are more deadly and hitting at a time when our forests are most vulnerable.

 

Underground, the fungus spreads from tree to tree through the root system and can wipe out a stand of oaks in weeks. The disease is spread above ground by native sap-feeding beetles, but also by humans by transporting firewood. Natural Resources Canada’s website notes that “notable extension of disease range may reflect altered ecosystems (land use change and fire suppression)” which means that not only are we moving the fungus, we are also affecting the trees’ ability to survive. 

 

With invasive species, we often wring our hands and act as if we are not responsible for the problem, but if we could admit our involvement and heed the advice of the experts, perhaps we can stem the flow of the oak wilt before it decimates our woodlands as well. 

 

With this fungus, prevention is the only chance we have. Logs can be chemically or steam treated; don’t cut or trim oaks between April and October, as the sap will attract beetles who will spread it; and don’t move firewood between areas. Let’s get ahead of this one. – DS

Earlier this month, Mashpee Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett won a James Beard Award as the Best Chef: Northeast thanks to her work at Sly Fox Den Too in Charleston, Rhode Island. The win is notable not just because Pocknett is the first-ever Indigenous woman to win the prestigious James Beard Award, but because of how she’s done it. Her restaurant serves local Indigenous cuisine by way of traditional hunting, fishing and farming, telling a cultural story through her food.

 

This comes in the same year that Ojibwe chef Zach Keeshig’s Naagan, a restaurant in Owen Sound that serves “progressive Aboriginal” cuisine, won the American Express Award for Business Leadership by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, a go-to guide for high-end Canadian food. In addition to his restaurant, Keeshig has been doing everything he can to teach the next generation about his culture. 

 

Much has been made in recent years about truth and reconciliation and, while many understand and support this notion, others bristle at it, but it’s this kind of storytelling, through a medium we’re all familiar with, that can perhaps bridge that first gap, which is education. 

 

As renowned chef Dan Barber said about the connection between agriculture, nutrition and the environment, it’s found on a plate of food. What chefs like Pocknett, Keeshig and others are doing is important to them, but it should be equally important to us. – SL 

Canada reached a momentous milestone on June 16 as its population soared to 40 million prompting a reflection on the diverse range of opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As the nation embraces the benefits of a rising population, it must also proactively address the accompanying complexities to ensure sustainable growth and the well-being of its society. One of the primary advantages of an expanding population is the potential for economic growth. The influx of folks brings fresh ideas, sparks innovation and attracts investments. Additionally, a growing population fuels innovation and knowledge creation. The expansion of the talent pool enhances the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements across various fields.

 

Furthermore, a larger population enriches Canada’s social fabric through increased cultural diversity, which fosters creativity, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding. However, it is vital to acknowledge and address the challenges that accompany this growth. Environmental sustainability must be a paramount concern. Striking a balance between the needs of a larger population and the preservation of natural resources is essential to safeguard Canada’s landscapes for future generations. Prioritizing sustainable practices, renewable energy sources and responsible urban planning can limit the impact on the environment.

 

Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that infrastructure, healthcare, education and social support systems keep pace with population growth. Adequate investments in these areas are necessary to provide Canadians with the services and support they require. Additionally, addressing issues such as affordable housing and reducing income inequality will contribute to an equitable and prosperous society.

 

By embracing diversity, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable development, Canada can navigate forward, reinforcing its position as a global leader in social progress, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. – SBS