As I began writing this column, I reflected on the final episode of my all-time favourite TV series in connection to this column, which I have always viewed as a dialogue with my fellow Lodge members. You see, my final column, which will appear in the May/June issue, was written months ago. That means that this is my final piece for the loyal and dedicated members of FHL, who have stood with us since the COVID-19 pandemic forced us into virtual mode in 2020. As I pondered on the many topics to discuss here, one kept resurfacing: how insane the world seems right now.

Just a few weeks into 2025, the country appeared to be heading down the wrong track and engulfed in chaos. The ineffective operations of both provincial and federal governments have contributed to this crisis, leaving citizens anxious for stability and direction.

At the provincial level, a basic maintenance issue at the Ontario Science Centre resulted in the destruction of a beloved treasure. For years, the Ontario Science Centre provided children with their first hands-on experience with science and technology. Then, without any consultation or prior notice, it was shut down.

The planned renovation for a smaller facility has now been postponed, and given the Ontario government’s track record of completing projects on time, it’s unclear when it will reopen. When it does, it will be a mere shadow of the majestic facility that once stood on Don Mills Road. It’s difficult to understand the reasoning behind this decision.

Additionally, the province did not need to remove completed bike lanes and propose new traffic lanes to be built under Highway 401. In my view, both were complete madness. Also, on the transit file – for those who may have forgotten – we are still waiting for the long-delayed Eglinton LRT to open. While this government is not solely to blame, after nearly seven years in power, it must take responsibility for the mistakes that have occurred. Unfortunately, they have yet to acknowledge this responsibility.

Ford’s folksy approach has become tiresome. His campaign-style attack ads, launched well before the recent provincial election, felt like a repetition of past campaigns. I guess we shouldn’t have been surprised when the Conservative leader called a snap election in late January. Given that his party held a substantial majority, there was no need to go to the polls more than a year before the June 2026 election.

While he argued that he needed a stronger mandate to address U.S. tariffs, this argument is flawed – especially since he never sought a renewed mandate when revamping the province’s healthcare system or interfered in municipal affairs on multiple occasions. By the way, what happened to his promise to end hallway medicine? While he argued that he needed a stronger mandate to address U.S. tariffs, this argument is flawed – especially since he never sought a renewed mandate when revamping the province’s healthcare system. By the way, what happened to his promise to end hallway medicine? With the provincial vote over, let’s hope Premier Ford chooses a clear direction and reconsiders his priorities. Does he want to micromanage the City of Toronto, govern Canada’s largest province, or serve as an unofficial opposition to the federal government?

Despite his numerous flaws as the province’s top politician, I still credit him for his Captain Canada persona. Like previous Ontario leaders, he has demonstrated his ability to see beyond Ontario’s borders and work with the federal Liberal government.

 Even before the new year began, many within the federal Liberal Party had already concluded that it was time for a change in leadership. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally recognized this reality just days into 2025. Unfortunately, his decision probably came too late to alter the inevitable outcome. The new leader will probably join the ranks of Kim Campbell and John Turner, both of whom are remembered for their brief tenures as prime ministers.

While I will never welcome Pierre Pollievre and his gang of Conservatives, I believe that our leaders should only serve two terms in office. If they cannot achieve their objectives within that timeframe, then it’s time for them to move on and find another job. I guess it’s time to accept this new reality and prepare for a shift to the right. Who knows, maybe the pollsters will be wrong, and we will end up with another minority government. A writer can dream, can’t he?

At least all our political representatives do not have criminal records. I’m not sure which Canadian leader or political party is best suited to work with the convicted felon now occupying the White House. Even before being sworn back into office, Donald Trump proved himself unfit for office. I don’t know how other Canadians feel, but I have no interest in becoming an American or living in an American state. On the other hand, perhaps a few states would be interested in joining our wonderful country. After all, we have maple syrup, poutine, a plentiful supply of oil and lumber and a decent healthcare system, not to mention an endless supply of double-doubles.

This year is shaping up to be one of considerable political change, uncertainty, and turmoil. I certainly hope that by the time we finalize this issue, some stability will have emerged across the continent and that conditions will not worsen. Unfortunately, we recognize that anything is possible. Be well and be safe.

PS

I am going to miss doing this!