The federal election is just over, and in tiny Maple Leaf, here’s one befuddled voter.
In the privacy of this confessional, I admit this is the first time I ever voted other than NDP. In our riding, the party I voted for won; it’s only the second time in history I’ve voted on the winning side. (The first was during Jack Layton’s orange wave.) I never anticipated I would feel so bad, the morning after.
I’ve always supported the New Democratic Party. A little before the election, I invested in an NDP “Resist” T-shirt modelled by a cute little “good boy.” Beyond his cuteness, I was attracted to the poetry of his message, “Paws Up!”
In 1974, I returned to Canada after living three years under a dictatorship, where one’s every word, every action, was ruled by fear. The gap between rich and poor was excruciating, on a daily basis. And “desertification” threw sand in your teeth whenever you stepped outside your door.
So how could I not support a party that fights for environmental stewardship, economic equity, personal rights, international peace, and expanding our universal healthcare system? Starting with Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas in 1947, the NDP led the provinces and the Canadian government to finally establish medicare based on need rather than wealth. It has never wavered in its values. Jagmeet Singh’s effective promotion of dental coverage and pharmacare, and his eloquent compassion expressed on so many occasions, have carried this heritage forward.
I too have never wavered in my values. But then an economic assault by Canada’s nearest neighbour muddied the pot. “They want to break us, so they can own us,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said. He seems capable of handling this existential threat, so that’s how I voted.
But now I am questioning what will happen on this side of the border―we put up our elbows and stopped buying American, but will we put up our paws to protect and promote our Canadian values?
In the election aftermath, I feel bad that the orange wave has so ebbed, and Jagmeet Singh has resigned. I wish I had stuck to my guns and voted NPD, as my son did. Paws up!
Frankly Speaking
Until June 29 at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery, a collective exhibition, Franc-Parler, offers a dialogue between diverse artistic approaches, both in style and form. The works of Do Lessard, Mephisto Bates, Étienne Plante, Marie Ève Richard, Émile Algue, Vincent Arnold, and JRD include paintings, sculptures, installations, and live painting performances. The Gallery, at 125 Prinicipale West, Cookshire, is open weekends from noon to 4 p.m.
Inspired by Nature
Works by Randboro artist Denis Palmer are at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre alongside landscape paintings by Sara Peck Colby and ceramic creations by Lucy Doheny. The works of all three artists are inspired by nature.
Colby has been painting Townships landscapes for more than 50 years. Doheny, who presents original and delicate ceramics, says “To work with clay is a wonderful thing. Imagine; the material is as old as the earth. There is a connection to the earth and its beginnings.” Palmer shows works created from life, with a focus on “trees, forests, waterways, and natural places.” He is showing ink drawings, watercolour sketches, and woodcut prints, often accompanied by stories.
Uplands, at 9 Speid Street in Lennoxville, is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Paper, Poetry, Cards
The Bury United Cultural Center extends an open invitation to “come make paper and turn them into cards with poetry for Mom.” The free activity is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Center, 560 Main St., Bury.
The Center also hosts a poetry workshop on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m., and card parties on Thursdays, May 15, 22, & 28, at 2 p.m.
Bilingual Viactive
The Newport Viactive group takes a summer break after Wednesday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m., at the Newport Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, Island Brook. Info: 819-889-1340.
The bilingual Sawyerville Viactive group meets for the last time this season on Wednesday, May 22, at 10 a.m. in the basement of the Saint-Rosaire Catholic Church, 4 Randboro Road, Sawyerville. Info: 819-889-2630.
Canterbury Flea Market
The Canterbury Cultural Centre’s annual Flea Market and Farmers’ Market is in the works for May 17-18. Tony De Melo is looking for antiques, books, DVDs, dishes, pots and pans, stemware, jewelry, tools and other hardware, small electric appliances, and more. “Old, new, used, vintage or antique items in good condition are welcome,” he wrote. “We do not accept large pieces of furniture, appliances or clothing.” All proceeds are for the restoration and regular maintenance of the Canterbury Centre at 1095 Victoria Road (Route 214), Bury. Info: Tony at 819-872-3400.
Brookbury Potluck & Silent Auction
The Brookbury Hall is open for business! The first event of the season will be a potluck supper and silent auction on Saturday, May 24, at 5 p.m. “Anything goes” for the potluck, said Brenda Bailey. “People who come can just bring an item to go into the auction. Sometimes baked goods, some books. Whatever!” All are welcome. The Hall is at 571 Brookbury Road (aka Route 255). Info: 819-884-5984.
CHURCHES
United. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. at the Cookshire Trinity United, and at 11 a.m. at the Sawyerville United Church. Info: 819-889-2838. For pastoral care: Rev. Tami Spires, 819-452-3685.
Baptist. Sunday services are in French at 9 a.m. and in English at 11 a.m., at the Sawyerville Baptist Church, 33 rue de Cookshire. Info: Pastor Michel Houle, 819-889-2819.
Anglican. A Sunday service is on May 18 at 10 a.m. at the St. John’s Church, 170 Batley Road (erstwhile Route 255 N.), Brookbury. Schedule: check deaneryofstfrancis.com/calendar/. Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
Do you have news to share? Contact 819-640-1340 or rawrites@gmail.com by May 12 for publication May 22.
