Editorials - June 6, 2025

June arrives each year with sunshine and rainbows. Pride Month is celebrated to remind us of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTI+ communities from stigma, discrimination, violence and rights violations. 

 

Awareness campaigns like Pride and Black History have been created to help communities that have been historically marginalized by giving them visibility and support to counteract hate. With a rise in intolerance, or at least society’s seeming acceptance of racism, hate and bigotry that, just a few years ago, had been pushed to the sidelines, they are now more important than ever. U.S. politicians are spending a disproportionate amount of time creating laws to discriminate against transgender people, when, in reality, less than one-half of one per cent of adults in the U.S. identify as transgender. Neo-conservatism is bringing back the systems of oppression that we have fought decades to overcome.

 

The Citizen flies the rainbow colours to be as inclusive and accepting of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, colour or religious beliefs, and to encourage our readers to always be kind first. Even if you can’t find it in yourself to be accepting, there is no room for hate or cruelty. All religions have extensive text about kindness and empathy. We encourage everyone to dig deep into whatever faith you ascribe to and find that element of benevolence. As the Dalai Lama implores, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – DS

Premier Doug Ford’s Cavalcade of Overreach had made its way to this part of the world and it’s safe to say that it’s not going over well.

 

Most, if not all of Huron County’s lower-tier municipalities have bellowed a hearty, “Thanks, but no thanks” from on high in regards to the Strong Mayor Powers handed over by Ford and his government. And it’s not just in Huron County; many from bigger cities to smaller municipalities have not seen the wisdom in the new legislation and have actively turned their backs delegating the powers away, penning letters to Ford saying that they neither want nor need these powers.

 

At the same time, Ford is facing heavy resistance on Bill 5 and his efforts to expand the provincial government’s power over local school boards has also resulted in calls of overreach, with some saying that this brings control over school boards further away from the schools themselves, which is a cancer that has already been eroding the quality of school board management, especially here in Huron County. 

 

There are some recurring themes here. First, for a government accused of ushering in an era of overreach, it’s done everything in its power to validate that criticism. Second, this government has already burned its hand on the stove once when it was lambasted by The New York Times for its lack of oversight and regulation over the 99-year lease of the former Ontario Place, it continues to eschew oversight, despite its worth being proven over and again. Third, these are all measures no one asked for and, frankly, nobody seems to want. 

 

Furthermore, the few who are invoking them seem to be deeply dividing their communities when they do. Look no further than the case of Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, who has stepped away from his fractious council, but popped in to veto a council decision.

 

Powers so easily abused, undermining democracy when in the wrong hands, should be beaten back in a free and engaged society - this at a time when worldwide thirst for autocracy remains insatiable. – SL 

Canadians cherish summer. After long winters and damp springs, the warm weather and extended daylight are a welcome shift. But this year, the season is arriving with thick smoke, rising heat and consequences.

 

Wildfires in central and western Canada are already producing smoke that has reached Ontario. Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements, with hazy skies expected to affect heavily-populated regions. Although short-term relief may come with shifting winds and scattered showers, the broader pattern points to a long, difficult summer.

 

This year’s wildfire season began early. Heat and humidity are forecast to build through July and August. Though daytime highs may remain near average, warm and muggy nights will push seasonal temperatures above normal. Frequent thunderstorms could provide localized relief, or trigger flash floods in cities like Toronto and Montreal, both of which experienced major flooding last year.

 

Poor air quality has become a seasonal reality. Last summer brought orange skies and widespread health warnings. That threat is returning, not only to forests and rural communities, but also to urban centres.

 

Climate patterns are shifting, and emergency response must keep pace. Municipalities should have cooling and clean-air shelters ready. Workplaces, schools and care facilities must prepare for extended periods of poor air quality. The forecast ahead demands more than sunscreen and sunglasses. The right response now will shape how well communities endure the punishing summers to come. – SBS