Patrick Brown’s personal lawyer received $180,800 from Brampton taxpayers

Patrick Brown’s personal lawyer received $180,800 from Brampton taxpayers

City Hall documents show $180,800 paid by Brampton taxpayers to a third-party company went to lawyer Howard Winkler.

Winkler represented Brown in his lawsuit against CTV following allegations of sexual misconduct and defended him in a lawsuit filed by senior PC MPP Vic Fedeli against Brown following the release of his tell-all memoir in 2018. 



Impaired driving increasing across the GTHA: new MADD study shows deadly misconceptions still exist 

Impaired driving increasing across the GTHA: new MADD study shows deadly misconceptions still exist 

Impaired driving is on the rise across many of Ontario’s large urban centres, and a new survey from MADD Canada shows that young males are largely to blame. 



National Chief says Canada 40 years from change after Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Take a virtual walk of reflection

National Chief says Canada 40 years from change after Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Take a virtual walk of reflection

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its final report to Ottawa in 2015, after eight years of work. The 94 “calls to action” are crucial to the wellbeing of First Nations communities and other Indigenous peoples who have endured centuries of trauma caused intentionally by governments across the country and historically by the British and French.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald has stressed the need for immediate action to implement these desperately needed changes. But she says at the pace the government is moving, following decades of criminal-like behaviour, it will take 40 years before any real benefits of so-called reconciliation are seen.

The Pointer’s Alexis Wright has created a virtual walk of reflection to consider our collective obligation to First Nations communities and other Indigenous peoples.



Report shows City Hall investigation was closing in on Patrick Brown when he cancelled the probe

Report shows City Hall investigation was closing in on Patrick Brown when he cancelled the probe

An update by forensic auditors reveals they were in the process of investigating the relationship between the mayor and one of the failed Brampton University project’s main consultants—who was paid almost $360,000 more than what was approved by Council—when Patrick Brown moved to cancel the investigation.

The update shows Rob Godfrey, his close friend, was paid before work was done, and much of it was never completed.



Advocates fear federal ban on imports of dogs and other animals from countries on rabies list will dramatically impact rescues 

Advocates fear federal ban on imports of dogs and other animals from countries on rabies list will dramatically impact rescues 

The dead of a Canadian winter is an unforgiving time for dogs not made for the harsh climate. But more and more have been forced to the streets in recent years, often abandoned or escaped. Many end up starving and succumbing to the cold, dying in horrendous conditions.

Rescue organizations across the globe have taken on the responsibility of saving these animals. Advocates in Canada, a major importer of rescue animals, fear the just instituted ‘blanket ban’ on animals from certain countries where rabies is a risk only hurts those following all the precautions in the first place, to ensure a safer future. 



Black candidates demand increased accountability for Peel police around use of force against Black residents 

Black candidates demand increased accountability for Peel police around use of force against Black residents 

A group of 11 candidates in Brampton, all members of the city’s diverse Black communities, are using their election platform to call on the Peel Regional Police to immediately take meaningful action to address the use of force against Black residents, which continues to impact them at a rate three times higher than other groups. 



Great Lakes Forum in Niagara Falls to discuss climate change, a serious threat to the basin

Great Lakes Forum in Niagara Falls to discuss climate change, a serious threat to the basin

The Great Lakes Forum in Niagara Falls getting underway this week will bring together scientists, government officials and interested citizens from Canada and the United States to discuss the current state, and the ongoing threats to the Great Lakes Basin.

The warming climate and its impact on the lakes—present and future—will be a key topic of discussion as climate change adds to ongoing challenges faced by the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. 



13 candidates vying for Charmaine Williams’ Wards 7 & 8 Brampton Council seat

13 candidates vying for Charmaine Williams’ Wards 7 & 8 Brampton Council seat

Meet the 13 candidates who are campaigning for the chance to represent the residents of Wards 7 & 8.

Taking over the now vacant seat of Brampton Centre’s MPP Charmaine Williams will come with a demanding agenda, after the one-term former councillor took a hard stance on community safety, a key local issue ahead of the October 24 election.



Niagara police handed grant to battle post-pandemic surge in gang activity 

Niagara police handed grant to battle post-pandemic surge in gang activity 

An “alarming” increase in drug and human trafficking has the Niagara Regional Police Service looking for new tools to fight gang activity that is increasingly spilling over from the GTA. 

A provincial grant approved earlier this month will help fund a new set of CCTV cameras to help make Niagara “unwelcoming” to these transient gangs who arrive in the region to commit their criminal acts before fleeing. 



Celebrating 50 years of protecting the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem as GTA growth threatens Great Lakes watershed

Celebrating 50 years of protecting the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem as GTA growth threatens Great Lakes watershed

A three-day forum starting tomorrow will bring together stakeholders and researchers to discuss the current state of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

While climate change and invasive species are ongoing threats, the surging population of the Greater Toronto Area and the stress it is placing on Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes Basin will dominate many of the discussions. 



FOI documents reveal backroom dealings between St. Catharines mayor, developer to build homes on contaminated GM lands despite public safety concerns

FOI documents reveal backroom dealings between St. Catharines mayor, developer to build homes on contaminated GM lands despite public safety concerns

Documents obtained by The Pointer show a developer trying to build a mixed-use residential project on the contaminated former GM site in St. Catharines was working with Mayor Walter Sendzik and senior staff two years ago, to “pressure” the local conservation authority for help, while the City claimed it was committed to protecting the public and before the extent of contamination was even known.

The documents also show the developer, mayor and senior staff were secretly working to have residents cover some of the builder’s costs, possibly millions of dollars, after taxpayers had previously been on the hook for the original developer’s property taxes.



Questionable Brampton University plan goes dark after more than $600K handed to Brown and Santos associates

Questionable Brampton University plan goes dark after more than $600K handed to Brown and Santos associates

The once hyped plan to build a university in Brampton is floundering with little to report after more than two years. The City has spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on consultants with almost nothing to show for it.

While the community has seen no benefits from the wild proposal, the two men that won contracts to work on BramptonU have links to Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Rowena Santos, who have gone silent after pushing the ill-conceived idea.

Between now and the October municipal election, The Pointer is republishing articles that highlight the troubling behaviour of Patrick Brown since becoming mayor of Brampton.



‘This behaviour is more than enough for us to withdraw our support’: Still no answers after Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation withdrew support from Niagara Canada Summer Games

‘This behaviour is more than enough for us to withdraw our support’: Still no answers after Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation withdrew support from Niagara Canada Summer Games

Many governing bodies of what we now know as Canada – originally named Turtle Island – have claimed to begin or continue work reconciling relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and respect for Treaty agreements signed decades ago. The federal government in particular is responsible for leading the way. Yet, even through affiliation, it has been shown time and again that these displays of apologeticness may be rooted in performance rather than action. The Niagara Canada Summer Games is the latest example.  



‘I lost $1,500 of camping gear’: Houseless encampment in Brampton raided

‘I lost $1,500 of camping gear’: Houseless encampment in Brampton raided

As the affordable housing crisis pushes more people into precarious living conditions, Calvert Park occupants are protesting at Brampton City Hall, asking that Paladin Security ceases raids on the city’s houseless encampments, alleging torn tents and confiscated belongings including food and clothes.



Eight vie for vacant Mississauga Ward 2 seat with area at a crossroads 

Eight vie for vacant Mississauga Ward 2 seat with area at a crossroads 

Nowhere is the incumbent advantage stronger than in municipal politics. But with the resignation of former councillor Karen Ras at the beginning of 2022, the door is open for a new face to join the council table representing Ward 2.

Widely viewed as Mississauga’s first settled area, Ward 2 faces a number of questions around urban growth, lakefront development, increased density and transportation, which a rookie councillor will have to navigate over the next four years. 



‘It’s immoral on every level’: Health advocates, MPPs decry PC plan to charge patients $400 a day for refusing hospital transfers

‘It’s immoral on every level’: Health advocates, MPPs decry PC plan to charge patients $400 a day for refusing hospital transfers

Ontario hospitals, battered by nearly three years of COVID, are in crisis. The PC government says it is trying to help, passing legislation that will force hospitals to charge patients $400 a day if they refuse a transfer to a long-term care facility—even if they did not choose the facility which could be 150 kilometres away from their home. 

Passed with limited debate or public consultation, legal experts say Bill 7 will be a disaster for Ontario. 



Pat Saito helped shape Mississauga for more than three decades

Pat Saito helped shape Mississauga for more than three decades

Pat Saito will bid Mississauga City Council farewell after more than 30 years of public service. The Ward 9 representative never intended to run in 1991 but her tenacity, homework and strong opinions allowed Saito to champion public policies on traffic safety, policing and community building.

Now, as she reflects back on her many years in politics, the work most dear to her heart will be felt by residents for decades to come. 



Key accountability mechanism in Brampton failing under Mayor and CAO

Key accountability mechanism in Brampton failing under Mayor and CAO

Freedom of information requests are a key pillar of transparency and accountability in local government, granting residents access to a range of public documents to help them better understand how key decisions have been made and hold public officials to account.

In Brampton, the system is failing. Staff in 2020 received just 158 requests for information from the public and failed to return almost 40 percent of them on time.

Between now and the fall municipal election, The Pointer is republishing articles that highlight the troubling behaviour of Patrick Brown since becoming mayor of Brampton.



Councillor asks Queen’s Park to intervene after Patrick Brown cancels investigations into alleged City Hall wrongdoing; warns against strong mayor powers in Brampton 

Councillor asks Queen’s Park to intervene after Patrick Brown cancels investigations into alleged City Hall wrongdoing; warns against strong mayor powers in Brampton 

Outgoing Brampton Councillor Jeff Bowman has asked the provincial government to step in and continue investigations into wrongdoing at Brampton City Hall after Patrick Brown killed the investigations following the release of evidence that found misconduct.

Bowman also warned of the dangers of extending "strong mayor" powers to Brampton, if Brown is reelected.



‘It’s really shameful’: PC government cites climate change denier’s pro-carbon claims in legal battle against youth fighting for a sustainable future  

‘It’s really shameful’: PC government cites climate change denier’s pro-carbon claims in legal battle against youth fighting for a sustainable future  

Following similar lawsuits undertaken in Europe and South America, seven youth from across Ontario have banded together to sue the provincial government under Premier Doug Ford for stripping down legislation meant to reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions.

The landmark case could force stricter emissions targets into climate legislation. 



The NPCA is still plagued by outside interests; Niagara’s ecosystems are suffering the consequences

The NPCA is still plagued by outside interests; Niagara’s ecosystems are suffering the consequences

Four years ago, a citizen-led effort to remove many locally elected officials brought hope that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority would return to its mandate of protecting the most sensitive natural spaces throughout the region. Four years later, another municipal election might be the only way to force the NPCA to do its job.



Integrity commissioner confirms Patrick Brown misled council about investigation; emails reveal backroom dealing prior to bidding process; mayor cancels more meetings   

Integrity commissioner confirms Patrick Brown misled council about investigation; emails reveal backroom dealing prior to bidding process; mayor cancels more meetings   

A letter from Froese Forensic Partners shows emails were being exchanged between City Hall insiders and friends of Patrick Brown and Rowena Santos who were eventually paid more than $600,000 between them after winning lucrative contracts in what was supposed to be a fair and transparent bidding process.

Brown recently cancelled Froese’s council-ordered investigation into the procurements, while another set of investigations into other procurements involving Brown was also stopped by the mayor, who claimed the City’s integrity commissioner could handle the work, despite being told by senior staff it is outside the IC’s jurisdiction. This has now been confirmed, leaving the investigations cancelled by Brown with no path forward.



Funding for Art Gallery of Mississauga restored after probe found discrimination, harassment of staff; few details have been released

Funding for Art Gallery of Mississauga restored after probe found discrimination, harassment of staff; few details have been released

Inside the Art Gallery of Mississauga, staff were extremely cautious to speak up. For years they were bullied, harassed and overworked. In 2020 it all came to a halt when a few brave ex-employees shared their stories in a movement called, “Hold the AGM Accountable”.

A diversity and inclusion audit and separate investigation into the conduct of now former president Leslie Silvestri (who is running for a council seat) alarmed elected officials and staff inside City Hall. They froze the gallery’s funding. Money to operate has since been restored, but little has been revealed about what the investigations found.



Niagara Region is at a watershed—strong local journalism is needed now more than ever

Niagara Region is at a watershed—strong local journalism is needed now more than ever

The past few years have shown the power of civic action; and what happens without it. At this crucial juncture in Niagara Region’s history, the most powerful institutions and elected officials need to be held accountable by the people they are supposed to represent. Welcome to The Pointer Niagara, led by three dedicated board members who have seen firsthand the need for an engaged citizenry.



Taxpayer-funded incentives promised to spark urban renewal in Niagara, now a ‘total giveaway’ to luxury condo developers

Taxpayer-funded incentives promised to spark urban renewal in Niagara, now a ‘total giveaway’ to luxury condo developers

Questions are being raised about the value of municipal funding schemes paid by taxpayers across Niagara Region, meant to create economic growth. Regional Council has been told by KPMG that after 20 years of these programs, there is little evidence to show they work. Now, as St. Catharines adds another condo development to the list of projects receiving millions in taxpayer support, some councillors are calling for reform. 



Ahead of the October municipal election ‘green’ candidates need to break through

Ahead of the October municipal election ‘green’ candidates need to break through

Environmental issues still don’t capture the attention of voters the way economic and public safety concerns do. They are not directly linked to the immediate interests of residents, even though climate change is increasingly impacting the well-being of more and more Canadians. Green candidates have brought plenty of passion to the election trail; now they have to take off the gloves as our times need politicians, like Mike Schreiner, who will fight for the planet.  



‘Brampton businesses are losing confidence in the City's ability to plan’: Industry heads blast Patrick Brown’s incompetent budget

‘Brampton businesses are losing confidence in the City's ability to plan’: Industry heads blast Patrick Brown’s incompetent budget

Brampton’s business community is losing faith in City Hall after years of tax freezes under Patrick Brown and inexperienced CAO David Barrick. A damning presentation made by the Board of Trade laid bare the recklessness of Brown’s tax freezes.

Business leaders highlighted the lack of basic planning, the late release of information and an air of incompetence emanating from Brampton, its council and staff.

Between now and the fall municipal election, The Pointer is republishing articles that highlight the troubling behaviour of Patrick Brown since becoming mayor of Brampton.



With the Pickering plant set to close in 2025 nuclear power needs a way forward

With the Pickering plant set to close in 2025 nuclear power needs a way forward

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created even more instability around energy supply. Nuclear power has been hotly debated for decades.

Some see it as the only feasible way to shift from carbon; a goal linked directly to climate change mitigation, and the need to break the global dependence on bad actors like Russia. But the risks associated with nuclear power still loom like the radioactive clouds of past disasters. 



‘They’re making our lives hell’: Residents accuse powerful Brampton landlord of uprooting families for profit

‘They’re making our lives hell’: Residents accuse powerful Brampton landlord of uprooting families for profit

Brampton residents are demanding further legislative action to prevent tenants from being renovicted as landlords utilize “strategic renovations” to raise the rent on units.

Property owner Pulis Investments denies allegations levelled against the company and says its renovations are badly needed, with families offered compensation during the work and the opportunity to return upon completion.



Patrick Brown & allies cancel future Council meetings ahead of election, suppress investigation details

Patrick Brown & allies cancel future Council meetings ahead of election, suppress investigation details

Meetings scheduled for both September 7 & 14 have been cancelled by Brown following the snap special meeting he called late August where the mayor terminated a half-dozen forensic investigations into the use of public funds for City contracts, including some handed to his friends. The cancelled meetings this week and next were supposed to provide the public with details of the investigations, which some councillors are vowing to complete, despite the mayor’s interference.



Part 2: Urban fox population illustrates need to protect Ontario’s ecosystems

Part 2: Urban fox population illustrates need to protect Ontario’s ecosystems

The City of Toronto has adopted protocols to prevent conflicts between humans and foxes. These increasingly common interactions are the result of increased habitat loss, driving more and more animals out of the natural spaces where they thrive. Thanks to rescue operations many species threatened by human activity have been rehabilitated which helps maintain their population, but because of constant threats like habitat loss due to urban development, a multitude of species – at risk or not – are still in rapid decline.



How 0.1% of Ontario’s budget could trigger a province-wide environmental restoration

How 0.1% of Ontario’s budget could trigger a province-wide environmental restoration

Conservation experts and environmental advocates are manufacturing mini miracles across Ontario using small doses of funding doled out by the provincial government. 

These projects create a bulwark against a biodiversity crisis that is threatening the vast majority of the world’s species with extinction. If elected officials decided to dedicate just a minuscule amount of increased annual funding to conservation efforts the outcomes could be remarkable. 



Patrick Brown misled residents, claimed move to cut public out of key planning decisions was due to provincial deadline

Patrick Brown misled residents, claimed move to cut public out of key planning decisions was due to provincial deadline

Instead of allowing Brampton residents to shape their city, Patrick Brown put future planning in the hands of wealthy developers. To cut the public out of the process he claimed in Council that the PC government inside Queen's Park had set a deadline for the submission of special planning applications that are approved by the provincial government, not City Hall, to fast track projects. The special process, known as a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO), completely cuts the public out of decision making. The problem: Queen's Park set no such deadline; Brown made it up to prevent residents from having a say in how their city will take shape in the coming years.

Ahead of this fall's municipal election, The Pointer is publishing a series of previous articles that highlight Patrick Brown's startling conduct since becoming mayor.



A year into the job, PDSB’s director making progress on initiatives to end systemic discrimination

A year into the job, PDSB’s director making progress on initiatives to end systemic discrimination

After a stable year under the new director of education, Peel District School Board has made significant progress on the 27 Directives handed down by the Ministry of Education to eradicate widespread, systematic racism. Rashmi Swarup is known for her determined, caring approach. That’s why she was brought to Peel, to steer the board toward a new chapter. Repairing relationships with the community, specifically the diverse Black communities, and listening to student concerns has been a priority for her. After one year on the job, Swarup sat down with The Pointer and talked about the challenges PDSB faces. 



Peel Police holds ‘community update’ on use of force against Black residents, blocks public from attending

Peel Police holds ‘community update’ on use of force against Black residents, blocks public from attending

An email from Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah circulated recently among community members asking residents to sign-up to hear about the force’s “journey.” The vague email called the event a “community update” but it caused confusion and anger when members learned they were not invited to get answers about why Peel Police used force against Black residents at more than three times the rate compared to the population overall. 



‘A very high-level cover-up’: with mounting evidence of wrongdoing under his leadership Patrick Brown terminates sweeping City Hall forensic investigation

‘A very high-level cover-up’: with mounting evidence of wrongdoing under his leadership Patrick Brown terminates sweeping City Hall forensic investigation

During a last-minute special council meeting called late Friday afternoon by Brampton’s mayor, he took advantage of a missing councillor and with just enough votes pulled the plug on an ongoing series of investigations after allegations of widespread misconduct under his watch. An update by the investigation firm revealed disturbing practices around the use of taxpayer money under Brown. Despite the preliminary findings and advice from Ontario’s Ombudsman to follow through with the investigations, Brown terminated them, sparking outrage among council members, staff and the public.



Part 1: Wildlife rescues provide invaluable support to Ontario’s ecosystems

Part 1: Wildlife rescues provide invaluable support to Ontario’s ecosystems

The critically sensitive ecosystem we are all a part of has countless features that are all interdependent; if even one is affected, the entire system has the potential to collapse. Scientists have warned of what happens when one species goes extinct – human factors being the most prominent recent cause – and what this means for life as we know it. Thanks to rescue operations many species have been rehabilitated which helps maintain their population, but because of constant threats like habitat loss due to urban development, a multitude of species – at risk or not – are still in rapid decline.



‘Brampton did not respond to a request for comment’: How taxpayer-funded employees locked residents out of City Hall

‘Brampton did not respond to a request for comment’: How taxpayer-funded employees locked residents out of City Hall

The staff who work in Brampton’s communications department take home hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money every year. Since corruption allegations started swirling inside City Hall shortly after Patrick Brown's election, the department under Jason Tamming, who was recruited by Brown, worked to protect those accused of wrongdoing. Tamming is no longer with the City after a group of councillors vowed to clean up the culture Brown brought with him.

Between now and the fall municipal election, The Pointer is republishing articles that revealed Patrick Brown’s startling behaviour since becoming mayor of Brampton.



Slow, salty death: how our love for road salt is killing the environment 

Slow, salty death: how our love for road salt is killing the environment 

An analysis by The Pointer of chloride concentrations in Peel waterways has uncovered a troubling reality. Many of the creeks, streams and rivers that flow through the region are starting to have more in common with a salt water ocean than a freshwater ecosystem. 

This poses a serious threat to aquatic life in Peel, and with a new study showing these harms can be triggered at levels lower than what governments have deemed safe, it demands increased urgency from municipalities and provincial officials to find new solutions for winter safety.



Burnt-out nurses fleeing Ontario for U.S. jobs, compensation and structure

Burnt-out nurses fleeing Ontario for U.S. jobs, compensation and structure

The pressure on nurses and other frontline hospital staff in Ontario continues. The system is failing and more nurses are jumping ship to increase their pay with organizations that have enough staff and are better managed. Many are comparing the United States and Ontario, describing realities that are worlds apart. If the provincial government does not address the growing crisis our healthcare system will spiral further out of control.  



Trucking is a huge part of Peel’s economy; how can its toll on the climate be reduced?

Trucking is a huge part of Peel’s economy; how can its toll on the climate be reduced?

Just under half of Peel Region residents work within the trucking industry or its spin-off sectors. As a driver of the local and provincial economy, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and the industry’s own vulnerability to a warming planet demand innovative ideas to keep goods moving sustainably.



Brampton Integrity Commissioner report shows Patrick Brown used 7 City staff on his CPC election campaign without approval

Brampton Integrity Commissioner report shows Patrick Brown used 7 City staff on his CPC election campaign without approval

A report authored by Principles Integrity shows Brown used City of Brampton staff for his CPC leadership bid, without any approval for their leave; seven members of Brown’s City-funded office staff worked on his campaign during normal working hours; Brown’s failure to keep any documentation for his use of staff prevented the commissioner from making a finding against him; and the City’s corporate electronic time recording system was updated after the fact to show time-off was taken.



Tragedy prompts fence repairs along Mississauga's Milton GO line, but many trespass points still pose a risk

Tragedy prompts fence repairs along Milton GO line, but many trespass points still pose a risk

After the recent death of a four-year-old Mississauga girl, Canadian Pacific Railway crews patched up large sections of the fence on either side of the Milton GO corridor. As the owners and operators of the tracks, CP has the responsibility to maintain fencing. Less than a kilometre from the tragic incident The Pointer found another large hole cut in the fencing. Other areas along the line have gaps or poorly maintained fences. The traumatic incident has raised questions around rail safety and the joint responsibility of stakeholders.   



Part 2—Why wasn’t the public informed about the significance of Huttonville Forest, slated to be razed for development?

Part 2—Why wasn’t the public informed about the significance of Huttonville Forest, slated to be razed for development?

A small forest in Brampton was highlighted by Credit Valley Conservation Authority for its ecological importance. But Great Gulf Homes, who now owns the property, and the City of Brampton signed off on the removal of the trees anyway. A residents’ association wants to know why this environmentally significant forest is being destroyed. Through a freedom of information request, the group discovered the conservation authority called for the forest’s preservation, but few stood up for it ahead of the final decision to raze it when Brampton Council sealed its fate in October 2020. A future subdivision is now slated to replace the Huttonville Forest. 



Businesses divided over supervised consumption site to alleviate tragic overdose crisis in downtown Brampton 

Businesses divided over supervised consumption site to alleviate tragic overdose crisis in downtown Brampton 

Opinions are mixed on how to handle the overdose crisis in Brampton’s downtown.

As the Region of Peel moves forward with its plans for a supervised consumption site, the organization representing downtown businesses is firm in its stance that the site selection process is flawed. But some business owners disagree, and see the potential site as a beacon of hope. 



Patrick Brown orchestrated $70K hiring of two former Niagara employees with a scandalous history

Patrick Brown orchestrated $70K hiring of two former Niagara employees with a scandalous history

The City of Brampton was forced to reveal the cost of hiring former CAO David Barrick and former director of strategic communications, Jason Tamming.

After their troubling history in Niagara, Brampton residents were eager to find out how much was spent to hire two individuals with an abysmal track record in the public sector. Tamming behaved corruptly in a Niagara CAO hiring process and Barrick was implicated in the scandal. That didn't stop Patrick Brown from recruiting them to do his bidding in Brampton. The Pointer tried for eight months to get answers, before the Province’s information commissioner had to be drawn in to obtain details of how the two men were recruited despite their disqualifying behaviour in Niagara.

Between now and the fall municipal election, The Pointer is republishing articles that revealed Patrick Brown’s startling behaviour since becoming mayor of Brampton.



Can outdoor learning create the next generation of eco-warriors?

Can outdoor learning create the next generation of eco-warriors?

Younger generations are spending more time indoors and many are plagued with worry about a future where the natural world has turned aggressive, morphed by the impacts of climate change. 

The creation of new outdoor learning standards could be the antidote for this anxiety, and spark a passion for nature in countless young minds. It’s a mindset that will be incredibly valuable in future decision-makers as the world stares down our changing climate. 



PDSB ending hybrid model after study of Peel teachers finds it ‘ineffective’, ‘inefficient’ 

PDSB ending hybrid model after study of Peel teachers finds it ‘ineffective’, ‘inefficient’ 

School will look different for thousands of students within the Peel District School Board this year with the board ending the controversial hybrid learning model.

Students and parents will need to make a choice between virtual or in-person learning with few options to transition between the two learning models. 



Mississauga wants $14 million to help build a greener city

Mississauga wants $14 million to help build a greener city

Mississauga is looking for millions of dollars in assistance to help with key projects to rejuvenate greenspace across the city and boost its efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

As Canada’s 7th largest city, any emissions reductions seen here have the potential to provide big benefits to the climate targets set by upper levels of government. 



What 7 years of data tells us about the disturbing rise of online child exploitation in Canada

What 7 years of data tells us about the disturbing rise of online child exploitation in Canada

Data released by Statistics Canada has provided one of the most comprehensive looks to date of the incessant increase of online child exploitation in the country. 

It sheds new light on who is being impacted the most, how police are handling the problem—and how so much more needs to be done to stop it.