Editorials - Oct. 30, 2026
Kindness matters
It is often said that our character is what we do when we think no one is looking. A gentleman in London, Ontario displayed a kind and compassionate side that was caught only by a security camera trained on a slab of bare concrete in the doorway of a downtown business as he stopped to cover a couple sleeping outdoors there with sweatshirts and pat them gently on the back before continuing on his way. Like most people, he could have chosen to walk past, but instead he recognized that with autumn setting in, the cement was cold and unforgiving and chose to make the effort to make the sleeping humans more comfortable.
Homelessness, poverty, mental health and addiction issues are topics that are widely covered by politicians and the news media, and grumbled and griped about on our social media feeds. The situation is complex and difficult and all levels of government, social agencies, religious organizations and volunteer networks are at a loss on how to solve it.
The constant media saturation has given way to compassion fatigue, making it easy to forget that the person at your feet on the sidewalk or camping in the park is a human being, someone’s son, mother or aunt.
The 11-second video clip making the rounds on news channels and social media feeds reminds us that it costs us nothing to care. – DS
Oak’s nice
On Sunday, the Brussels Lions club celebrated its 80th anniversary - traditional gift: oak - at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. And while there were staples of any anniversary party worth its salt, like cake, ice cream and general merriment, the historical displays, newspaper articles and facts and figures showed something of a much higher value: a volunteer organization’s impact over the generations.
In real time, or at a glance, it’s easy to see where a group like the Brussels Lions has improved the community it calls home. Lions, Optimists, Kinsmen, Legions and churches have given us parks, pools, baseball diamonds, splash pads and soccer fields, as well as donations to capital projects for new arenas or to celebrate milestones like homecomings. They host events we like attending and that bring us together. When that history is laid bare and you see that the Lions (or others) have not only made life better for you, but for your parents and their parents and their parents. A village’s best and brightest come together not to profit, but to give of their time to improve things for this generation and the generations yet to come.
Over time, the cheque presentations, awards, events and community spirit are woven together into the very fabric of a place and its people. It’s hard to imagine life without them, especially in our small towns and villages, and not until we dig a little deeper (because they’ll never sing their own praises) do we know all that they do and how much a community has benefited from their hard work, generosity and vision.
Thanks to the Brussels Lions and to all of our volunteers - we really can’t do it without you. And with each rare glimpse behind the curtain of humility, with each anniversary, we see that more clearly. – SL
Think about the future
Fifteen Canadians are finally having their day in court. In Vancouver, a landmark climate change trial, launched in 2019, is examining whether the federal government has done enough to protect the rights and future of its youngest citizens. The plaintiffs argue that inadequate federal climate policies threaten their constitutional rights, including their rights to life, liberty and security of the person. Their challenge raises a fundamental question: does the government have a legal responsibility to do more to protect Canadians from climate change?
No one can predict how the court will rule. The legal arguments are complex and governments must balance environmental responsibilities with economic realities. Judges must also respect the boundaries of their constitutional role. A single judgment cannot solve the climate crisis.
Nevertheless, this trial matters. Climate change affects communities through wildfires, flooding and extreme heat. Government decisions today will shape the environment and quality of life that younger generations inherit. They have every reason to ask whether their interests are being adequately protected. The trial also demonstrates the importance of the rule of law. Bringing a case does not guarantee success, but it provides an opportunity to present evidence, challenge government decisions and have serious concerns independently examined. Whatever the verdict, the court’s reasoning may clarify the relationship between constitutional rights and climate policy.
The persistence of these young people is encouraging. Too often, young Canadians are told they are the leaders of tomorrow, while their concerns are deferred today. The verdict remains uncertain, and its consequences may take years to emerge. But a healthy democracy must make room for difficult questions about the future.
These young Canadians have earned their day in court. Now, the country should pay attention. – SBS