They want my vote but won’t talk to me

They want my vote but won’t talk to me

A longtime Brampton resident laments the current state of our democracy, as she struggles to make a decision before the April 28 federal election. 

Candidates won’t answer simple questions and party leaders avoid explaining how they will pay for all the shiny promises being dangled in front of frustrated voters. 



Mississauga riding is a troubling example of election apathy & why politicians love it 

Mississauga riding is a troubling example of election apathy & why politicians love it 

Despite a long list of issues facing residents in the Mississauga Centre riding, don’t expect much engagement from the candidates on those growing concerns. 

This federal election is the latest example of how parties and their leaders run campaigns, with little respect for voters who are once again being asked to cast a ballot without any detailed platforms to choose between. Local Conservative candidates have been AWOL for the last few weeks, making it hard for constituents to form an opinion about them before the big decision on April 28.  



Mississauga’s waterfront is a prime example of the need for federal infrastructure funding

Mississauga’s waterfront is a prime example of the need for federal infrastructure funding

The city’s intoxicating lakefront is being opened up for the people, redefining the way residents and visitors interact with the shoreline; a goal decades in the making. As a mix of luxury mid-rises and more affordable townhomes and other units begin to shape Mississauga’s future, questions swirl about the grand plans to rethink the waterfront. 

Tens of thousands of residents will soon call Lakeview Village, Brightwater and the redeveloping Port Credit marina area home, but one thing remains unclear—who will fund billions of dollars for public infrastructure, from transit and community centres to other local amenities? 



‘Rage farming’: Why campaign tough-on-crime claims won’t make Peel safer

‘Rage farming’: Why campaign tough-on-crime claims won’t make Peel safer

As Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre promise voters they will get tougher on crime, a narrative being spread by the Peel Regional Police department aims to influence public opinion, but claims that the bail system is a major cause of violent crime and sweeping life sentences will eradicate illicit activities are misleading. 

Instead of focusing on real solutions, the two political leaders are using police talking points to score points with those convinced that crime should be a major issue this election. 



In Brampton, foreign interference this election season reminds residents that communities can be easily divided

In Brampton, foreign interference this election season reminds residents that communities can be easily divided

After a year that saw clashes between diaspora communities in Brampton, driven by India’s alleged targeting of Canadian Sikhs, and the city’s mayor admit to succumbing to foreign interference, the latest news of China’s efforts to sway voters has a particularly chilling effect here.

Dividing communities is a consequence of foreign interference, something many residents of Brampton know all too well. 



The Carbon Tax Gamble: the ‘cost of climate inaction’ will be bigger than short-term relief at the pump

The Carbon Tax Gamble: the ‘cost of climate inaction’ will be bigger than short-term relief at the pump

The carbon tax, once a cornerstone of Canada’s climate strategy, has become a political bargaining chip in the 2025 election.

Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney made the controversial move to eliminate the consumer carbon tax, a decision that experts warn could undo progress to address climate change and set Canada back in the race to a new clean energy economy. 



UPDATED-CANDIDATE TRACKER: Will the 2025 federal election bring change to Niagara?

UPDATED-CANDIDATE TRACKER: Will the 2025 federal election bring change to Niagara?

With the federal election campaign officially underway candidate slates are starting to fill up in the four ridings across Niagara Region.

The Pointer provides a look at the political landscape in Niagara and who is seeking to represent constituents in Ottawa. 



Federal voters should look to Ontario’s vanishing environmental protections

Federal voters should look to Ontario’s vanishing environmental protections

Ahead of the April 28th election, more and more questions are being raised about what exactly the major parties are promising to ensure our natural world—with all the economic and personal consequences tied to its safety—is protected.

Recent Ontario elections, when voters were given little warning about the consequences of Doug Ford’s eventual policies, serve as a reminder that constituents risk their own wellbeing when forced to make a decision without much meaningful information from those asking for their support. 



Reprieve from blanket tariff eases some stress but truckers across Peel still anxious

Reprieve from blanket tariff eases some stress but truckers across Peel still anxious

While U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum and the auto sector sparked more anxiety across Canada’s freight sector, some truckers hauling food loads and consumer goods, which will not face border taxes, breathed a sigh of relief this week. For many others, a shrinking and saturated market is tightening the squeeze.



‘You’re the star candidate’—Conservative hopeful says he was courted for donations, then dumped without explanation

‘You’re the star candidate’—Conservative hopeful says he was courted for donations, then dumped without explanation

A shadowy nexus of political insiders, fundraising operatives and party gatekeepers is at the heart of explosive allegations made by Keshav Mandadi, a would-be Conservative Party candidate in Mississauga, who claims he was systematically misled, financially drained and ultimately disqualified without explanation from a local nomination race that never happened.



Human trafficking: It’s not what you think

Human trafficking: It’s not what you think

Misperceptions of this increasingly common crime, including the false idea that it only happens across borders, contribute to the risks people face in their own community. 

Victims are often targeted close to home by people well schooled in identifying and exploiting vulnerable situations others find themselves in. 

 



The trade war’s impact on Niagara border crossings

The trade war’s impact on Niagara border crossings

Local leaders and activists, in both the Niagara Region and Western New York, are encouraging a resumption of the relations and travel patterns that have intrinsically linked the Canadian and U.S. border communities along the Niagara River for decades.



Mississauga businesses say uncertainty around tariffs is even worse than an actual trade war with America 

Mississauga businesses say uncertainty around tariffs is even worse than an actual trade war with America 

Somewhat encouraging words by Mark Carney and Donald Trump following their Friday phone call still create a sense of uncertainty around the escalating trade war triggered by the American President’s chaotic leadership. 

Mississauga businesses tell The Pointer that not knowing if Trump actually has a plan at all, leaves them in a state of limbo, freezing many operations while paralyzing efforts to look elsewhere for partners, in hopes that relationships with America will normalize. Carney, meanwhile, is making one thing clear: Canadian businesses, and the country as a whole, need to start thinking beyond the U.S. as a fundamentally different economy of the future takes shape.



FOI documents reveal St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe used municipal tax dollars for Ford campaign event which is prohibited

FOI documents reveal St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe used municipal tax dollars for Ford campaign event which is prohibited

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe used his most senior staff at the City of St. Catharines for his plans to attend a campaign event for Doug Ford where he endorsed the PC leader for premier, FOI documents show.

The use of City resources for such purposes is strictly prohibited by Council’s Code of Conduct. 



Tariffs stir fear in Food Banks Mississauga CEO as stretched organization faces its latest challenge

Tariffs stir fear in Food Banks Mississauga CEO as stretched organization faces its latest challenge

With tariffs on both sides of the border, the organization, which relies heavily on donations from individuals and corporations (many tied to the U.S.) is already feeling the impact.

Prices at the grocery store are being felt, while the budgets of both those who are relied on for donations and those who are on the brink of food insecurity are being stretched. 



Council vacancies in three Niagara municipalities leave constituents without representation

Council vacancies in three Niagara municipalities leave constituents without representation

While different steps are being taken to fill each position, questions are being raised about how to attract a new generation of engaged municipal leaders to represent increasingly complex issues at the local level of government.



‘These aren’t women who are going to sit back’: Raging Grannies are speaking out

‘These aren’t women who are going to sit back’: Raging Grannies are speaking out

In the heart of St. Catharines, a group of seniors known as the 'Raging Grannies' is using humour and heart to speak out on issues that matter most.

Born from a rich tradition of activism, the group’s playful protests are packed with powerful messages, addressing everything from the sell off of Ontario Place to climate change.



In Mississauga’s manicured suburban neighborhoods keeping up with the Joneses is being confronted by a beauty that goes beyond aesthetics

In Mississauga’s manicured suburban neighborhoods keeping up with the Joneses is being confronted by a beauty that goes beyond aesthetics

For five years, Mississauga resident Wolf Ruck has fought to keep his garden. The thriving habitat for pollinators is a haven of biodiversity, and according to City bylaws, it’s illegal. Each time it was mowed down, he replanted, determined to challenge a system that prioritizes aesthetics over ecological health.

Across Canada, environmental advocates and organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation and the Canadian Wildlife Federation have issued an open letter, urging municipalities to reform outdated bylaws that restrict habitat gardens, and adopt new policies that support biodiversity, environmental well-being and climate action.



Environment ministry downplayed concerns expressed by health officials around St. Catharines GM site, FOI documents reveal

Environment ministry downplayed concerns expressed by health officials around St. Catharines GM site, FOI documents reveal

Information obtained by The Pointer shows environmental officials with the province downplayed the significance of ongoing testing and analysis to determine the long-term health impacts posed by the contaminated former GM site.

The revelation follows a pattern from bureaucrats and elected officials who have consistently attempted to shrug off the health risks to surrounding residents despite documentation, which we now know about, that showed alarming levels of toxic chemicals at the site when the last proper testing was done.



Amid Trump’s threat to crush Canada’s auto industry, Brampton Assembly Plant faces more turmoil

Amid Trump’s threat to crush Canada’s auto industry, Brampton Assembly Plant faces more turmoil

Stellantis' abrupt pause on the $1.3 billion retooling of its Brampton Assembly Plant comes as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up threats to impose 25 percent levies on the Canadian industry, sending shockwaves through the auto sector. With the turbulence surrounding North America’s automakers deepening, experts are now warning that Trump’s aggressive trade stance could dismantle Canada’s supply chains, drive up costs and lead to mass layoffs.



Federal and provincial governments ‘often too friendly with fossil fuel industry’ have allowed it to shape climate education in schools

Federal and provincial governments ‘often too friendly with fossil fuel industry’ have allowed it to shape climate education in schools

Across Canada, the fossil fuel industry has long influenced what children learn about the climate crisis, despite being some of the country’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. In Ontario, schools facing underfunding and shrinking resources become more susceptible to corporate-backed educational materials that downplay the industry’s impact and push false solutions. The recent passage of Bill C-59 aims to hold companies accountable for unproven environmental claims, but stronger action is needed to protect students from industry influence. 



An 18,000% increase: Sextortion is targeting and killing teenagers

An 18,000% increase: Sextortion is targeting and killing teenagers

A startling number of teenages of died by suicide after falling victim to sextortion scams. Tricked into sending sensitive images, the scammer threatens to spread it to their family and friends if they don’t send cash. 

This crime is exploding across the globe, law enforcement and advocacy groups are clamouring for changes to social media security to put up roadblocks in front of these scammers who are often connected to organized crime groups. Why are government officials moving at a glacial pace as teens continue to die?



Trade war exposes risks of ignoring new energy economy

Trade war exposes risks of ignoring new energy economy

The crumbling of our long-standing tariff-free relationship with the U.S. is a reminder of the need to leave carbon behind, as much of the world rushes toward a new energy economy. 

Donald Trump wants to plunge his country into the past but his leadership represents an opportunity for Canada to accelerate its shift to the energy economy that will shape the future.



‘I’m driving back empty’: Brampton truckers hit hard as Trump tariff confusion disrupts cross-border trade

‘I’m driving back empty’: Brampton truckers hit hard as Trump tariff confusion disrupts cross-border trade

Despite Donald Trump’s latest change of heart, claiming his tariffs on Canadian goods will be postponed till April, empty truckloads are becoming the new reality for thousands of Brampton truckers as cross-border trade is disrupted by the erratic behaviour of the U.S. President.

The economic fallout across the city has begun, as many drivers, mechanics and others who support the commercial trucking industry wonder how they will stay afloat while Trump tries to destabilize the Canadian economy.



Mississauga takes local steps to counter Trump’s tariffs but intertwined supply chains make retaliation difficult

Mississauga takes local steps to counter Trump’s tariffs but intertwined supply chains make retaliation difficult

At Wednesday’s council meeting, the city’s local elected officials adopted policies to provide a measure of support for the local economy while pushing back in a small but symbolic way against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. 

One councillor had some pointed words for the American leader.



NDP maintains stronghold in Niagara taking three of four ridings

NDP maintains stronghold in Niagara taking three of four ridings

Niagara voters were happy to keep things the same Thursday as all four incumbent MPPs were returned to the Legislature.

With repeated visits to the region during the campaign, it was clear Doug Ford was hoping for a breakthrough in Niagara, but the NDP maintained a grip on three of the region's four ridings. 



Doug Ford's power play: meet increased demand for a cleaner economy & lifestyles with dirtier, costlier electricity

Doug Ford's power play: meet increased demand for a cleaner economy & lifestyles with dirtier, costlier electricity

Prior to 2018 Ontario’s electricity grid was 96 percent non-emitting. Under the leadership of Doug Ford, with natural gas now supplying a significant portion of the province’s electricity, the grid has become far dirtier.

As more companies and individuals move to reduce their carbon footprint, Ford is creating more of the required electricity from the worst possible source.  



‘Shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’: government neglect leaves women’s social services sector hanging by a thread 

‘Shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’: government neglect leaves women’s social services sector hanging by a thread 

Aura Freedom International hosted its “Disrupting the Tides” symposium on February 20th to raise awareness about human sex trafficking.  

A theme of the event was the disturbing lack of interest among governments to confront this rapidly increasing crime.  



Ontario’s education crisis: Ford’s underfunding and what the opposition parties plan to do

Ontario’s education crisis: Ford’s underfunding and what the opposition parties plan to do

Since 2018, the PCs under the leadership of Doug Ford have cut billions of dollars from Ontario’s education system.

With infrastructure crumbling, test scores falling and more students struggling, the province’s big teachers’ unions are demanding change.



Opposition leaders pledge to reduce municipal downloading; Liberals, Greens would consider rescinding strong mayor powers

Opposition leaders pledge to reduce municipal downloading; Liberals, Greens would consider rescinding strong mayor powers

Days away from the provincial election Thursday, Ontario’s opposition leaders are criticizing Doug Ford for his encroachment on municipal authority, and they would consider taking back the provincial responsibilities that have been downloaded onto towns and cities. 

Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie and Green Party leader Mike Schreiner also said they would take a serious look at doing away with strong mayor powers.



PC housing strategy doesn’t deliver what Niagara needs 

PC housing strategy doesn’t deliver what Niagara needs 

A recent report by Niagara regional staff highlighted the gaps between the housing reality across the area and the types of homes Doug Ford’s aggressive policies aim to create.

Shortly after the last provincial election, St. Catharines released a stinging criticism of the PC plan, which places unsustainable financial burden on municipal taxpayers now expected to pay for infrastructure to support thousands of new homes, while failing to provide the type of housing local residents need.  



Underfunding is pushing Niagara’s health system to the edge; will the election trigger change?

Underfunding is pushing Niagara’s health system to the edge; will the election trigger change?

Staffing shortages, hospitals running deficits, ER wait times that can be measured in days instead of hours–this has become the norm of Ontario’s healthcare system under Doug Ford and the PC government. 

Despite two visits to the region to stump for local candidates, Ford did not address how underfunding is currently putting immense pressure on Niagara’s healthcare infrastructure. 



PCs have stripped conservation authorities of the power to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change

PCs have stripped conservation authorities of the power to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change

Ontario's Conservation Authorities have watched Doug Ford drastically curtail their powers in the name of building new homes.

Critics say weakening this critical oversight leaves Ontario vulnerable to the very risks—such as flooding and environmental degradation—that the authorities were created to mitigate.



Q&A: Marit Stiles wants to hand back authority to Ontario municipalities 

Q&A: Marit Stiles wants to hand back authority to Ontario municipalities 

The provincial NDP leader says she understands the burden placed on Ontario municipalities over seven years under Doug Ford. The PC leader has slashed local authority over environmental protection, seized control of local planning decisions and dictated policies that govern where bike lanes can be built and how addiction issues are managed in communities. Stiles says under her leadership Ontario would move to a collaborative approach with municipal leaders who best understand the issues in their communities. 



How Callie Love is transforming her trauma into strategies to end human sex trafficking 

How Callie Love is transforming her trauma into strategies to end human sex trafficking 

For two months, Callie Love experienced horrific treatment at the hands of her trafficker and the men who paid to have sex with her while she was underage. 

Now, she’s using her trauma as a force for good, launching a nonprofit organization she hopes will finally close gaps in Canada’s broken social support system for survivors like her. 



Part 4 — Survivor knowledge of human trafficking is invaluable, will the government finally listen?

Part 4 — Survivor knowledge of human trafficking is invaluable, will the government finally listen?

Survivors know best. The knowledge of those with first hand traumatic experiences of human trafficking is widely accepted as the best pathway to understand how trafficking operates, how to disrupt it and how to help survivors escape and rebuild their life.

On Human Trafficking Awareness Day, The Pointer is providing a platform for three survivors of human sex trafficking to share what they believe needs to change in Canada, and what candidates in the provincial election and the upcoming federal election should prioritize if elected. 



Justice for Dakota: How the death of a German shepherd exposed Ontario’s broken animal welfare system 

Justice for Dakota: How the death of a German shepherd exposed Ontario’s broken animal welfare system 

A young German shepherd is found running down a suburban roadway in Niagara Falls. Her mouth is muzzled shut, she’s bleeding, dragging a rope and metal pipes. 

She collapses and dies. 

It took months of sustained advocacy by witnesses and animal rights defenders to force the provincial Animal Welfare Service into action. 

The case reveals the disturbing reality of a system that is under-resourced, disjointed, hidden from public view and mostly unaccountable to the taxpayer. 



Ontario Liberals suspend Viresh Bansal’s Oshawa campaign for alarming social media posts attacking Sikhs

Ontario Liberals suspend Viresh Bansal’s Oshawa campaign for alarming social media posts attacking Sikhs

Early in the week, Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie strongly condemned the now-former Liberal candidate, after his social media posts published 18 months ago were unearthed, revealing shocking comments by Bansal. 

He condoned the 2023 assassination of a Sikh-Canadian advocate, which the Indian government was allegedly behind. He also used a homophobic reference against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Crombie has now dumped him from the Party.



Q&A: Green Party leader Mike Schreiner also has a plan to ease the financial strain facing Ontarians 

Q&A: Green Party leader Mike Schreiner also has a plan to ease the financial strain facing Ontarians 

The Green Party leader is pledging to provide Ontario’s municipalities with a new deal that would upload shelter and housing back to the province while also covering 50 percent of the operating cost for transit.

Mike Schreiner spoke with The Pointer about his plan to make life more affordable for Ontarians.



Is voting accessible to all?

Is voting accessible to all?

Able-bodied Ontarians might not think twice about walking into their local polling station on February 27. The ability to mark their X with ease, something often taken for granted, is not the same for many living with disabilities across Ontario. 

Barriers still exist for some who want to exercise their democratic right. Despite a complaint filed more than six years ago to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal attempting to force improvements, the backlogged system will not be able to hear arguments in the case until September, months after the snap winter election. 



Highway 413 & Doug Ford’s developer-driven transportation planning

Highway 413 & Doug Ford’s developer-driven transportation planning

A multi-billion dollar highway, a government selling the dream of congestion-free commutes and the reality that so much about Doug Ford’s plan for transportation, has nothing to do with effectively moving Ontarians around.

For opponents, Highway 413 has become a political symbol of everything that’s wrong with today’s politics of smoke and mirrors, as the PCs sell a plan with no benefits, other than the billions of dollars in profits powerful developers playing Ford like a marionette stand to make.



Denials and delays: Ontario voters will cast their ballot without knowing Doug Ford’s role in the Greenbelt scandal

Denials and delays: Ontario voters will cast their ballot without knowing Doug Ford’s role in the Greenbelt scandal

The Freedom of Information process to obtain documents related to the decision to remove 15 parcels of land from the Greenbelt has been rife with delays and questionable denials that possibly violate provincial legislation. 

As residents get ready to vote on February 27, party leaders are calling for complete transparency around the Greenbelt scandal after Ontario’s auditor general found some of the province's most wealthy developers, who also happen to be significant PC donors, were favoured. 



Will PCs force Niagara amalgamation should they win reelection?

Will PCs force Niagara amalgamation should they win reelection?

Local NDP candidates are ringing alarm bells that a PC government would push through a four-city Niagara amalgamation, which may account for the endorsement of the region’s big city mayors.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Doug Ford remained silent on municipal reform during a campaign only to take action after the election.



‘Owning a home not an option’: How PCs made housing unaffordable while stripping environmental protection

‘Owning a home not an option’: How PCs made housing unaffordable while stripping environmental protection

Since Doug Ford’s 2018 campaign, when he promised to tackle Ontario's housing crisis, his governments have systematically weakened planning laws and stripped conservation authorities of their power in favour of builders. 

A scandal involving backroom dealing with powerful developers, including Greenbelt land swaps and questionable approval processes, exposed Ford’s secretive plans to do what he promised: open up Ontario’s protected greenspace for sprawl development that makes housing even less affordable.



City taking hands off approach to clear dangers at former GM site in St. Catharines

City taking hands off approach to clear dangers at former GM site in St. Catharines

The former buildings that housed the industrial operations of GM on Ontario Street in St. Catharines are crumbling. The site is pockmarked with industrial hatches and holes that threaten to swallow anyone who is unaware and wanders into the easily accessible site. 

Why is the City refusing to take action as the “active demolition” has not seen significant progress for a number of years?



Q&A: Bonnie Crombie wants a chance to turn Ontario around

Q&A: Bonnie Crombie wants a chance to turn Ontario around

The Liberal leader is vowing to fix a broken healthcare system, restore confidence in public education and make Canada’s largest province affordable once again. 

The former Mississauga mayor, who helped transform her city from a sleepy suburb into an economic engine, sat down with The Pointer to talk about her plan to defeat Doug Ford and lead Ontario back to prosperity. 



The land entanglements of Niagara Falls Councillor Victor Pietrangelo  

The land entanglements of Niagara Falls Councillor Victor Pietrangelo  

Pietrangelo has taken part in several discussions and votes surrounding the South Niagara Falls hospital project, despite owning land with his family directly across the street. The land’s value certainly increased with the launch of the hospital project, raising questions about why the councillor has not routinely declared a conflict and steered clear of decision making that could possibly benefit him personally. 

The councillor’s situation shines a light on a widespread issue in Ontario about the ineffectiveness of laws meant to protect against conflicts of interest, and the ability of residents to hold elected officials accountable for transgressions. 



Part 3 – Without a national human trafficking strategy Peel’s unique demographics pose local challenges

Part 3 – Without a national human trafficking strategy Peel’s unique demographics pose local challenges

In Peel, where the largest South Asian-Canadian community in the country thrives, the unique cultural and demographic landscape has created a perfect storm of conditions for human traffickers. Canada is currently without a national strategy to guide anti-human trafficking efforts. A review of the previous five-year plan showed mixed results, and a significant lack of investment. 

Advocates are urging Ottawa to prioritize the approval of a new strategy that addresses the rapidly changing dynamics of human trafficking. 



Are Ontario mayors violating ethics rules by endorsing Ford? Three in Niagara may soon find out 

Are Ontario mayors violating ethics rules by endorsing Ford? Three in Niagara may soon find out 

Mayors in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland have all publicly endorsed Doug Ford to be Ontario’s next premier. The boldly partisan move is being questioned by opposition politicians and local residents who wonder if ethics rules around how a mayor uses the influence of their office are being ignored. 

It also raises concerns about the loyalty of municipal leaders to the provincial premier, rather than their constituents.



UPDATED-Candidate Tracker: Will a snap Ontario election change the status quo in Niagara’s representation?

UPDATED-Candidate Tracker: Will a snap Ontario election change the status quo in Niagara’s representation?

The slate of candidates across Niagara Region’s four provincial ridings is nearly full less than 48 hours after Doug Ford officially called a snap election.

In the coming days The Pointer will be gathering information about those looking to represent Niagara residents at Queen’s Park.