Former NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair recently described Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s conversation with podcast host Joe Rogan, an “outstanding piece of political communication.” He added that he was “super well prepared” navigating difficult questions with notable skill and ease.

As you may know, American podcaster Joe Rogan, has a global audience of 20 million subscribers on YouTube alone. His podcast provides a platform shaping public opinion across Canada and the United States, featuring prominent figures from politics, entertainment and public life.

When asked about his U.S. visit last week and why he was there, Mr. Poilievre explained he was speaking directly to Americans because public opinion “indirectly” influences policymakers.

To Mr. Mulcair, the trip aimed at communicating the importance of Canada’s relationship with our southern neighbours, was effective. He praised Mr. Poilievre’s speech in NY as, “One of the best political speeches from any political leader on Canada/US relations in a long time.”

Where the cross says, “It is finished,” the empty tomb says, “It has begun anew.”

Recently I attended the Steinbach Bible College leadership conference. I noticed that all four Christian organizations sponsoring the event had crosses in their logo. With Easter approaching it made me wonder why crosses have become the dominant symbol in the church worldwide? The empty tomb is a symbol that should be more common. Afterall, if there was no empty tomb, the cross would have just been the death of a noble man.

The empty tomb of Easter is a significant image of threshold. Each of us experiences many thresholds in our lives. Not just the physical junctures where we move from room to room, but places which lead us to the next frontier, the next chapter of our life, a different atmosphere. They raise feelings of confusion, excitement, apprehension and hope.

When Jesus’ disciples approached the tomb with its rolled away stone, Mary Magdelene sat and cried, John stood outside and believed - Peter, though the last one, ran right in to get a closer look. Celtic author John O’Donohue writes, “It is wise in your own life to be able to recognize and acknowledge key thresholds, to take your time; to feel all the varieties of presence that occur there; to listen inward with complete attention until you hear the inner voice calling you forward. The time has come to cross.”

Southeastern Manitoba farmers are facing extra strain ahead of the spring planting season as fertilizer and fuel prices surge due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Randolph-based farmer Kevin Peters is watching the price turmoil closely. He plants rye, canola, wheat, soybeans, corn and sunflowers on his 7,500 acres. Peters locked in pricing for his year-long fertilizer supply in November and considers himself lucky.

“There’s always concern about geopolitical issues.” he told The Carillon. “Whether it has to do with trade or, in this case, fertilizer supply…it can really affect imports and exports for a lot of things.”

The United States and Israeli attacks on Iran began Feb. 28, striking multiple targets throughout the middle eastern nation and killing its Supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian military personnel retaliated, launching missiles and drones at neighbouring nations and vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which flows between Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, grinding the shipping lane to a halt. The New York Times reported on March 25 at least 17 ships have been struck since the conflict began.

Insights from Emily Roy, sexual assault counsellor advocate:

When people think about healing after sexual violence, they often imagine a clear starting point or a defined path forward. In reality, the journey looks different for everyone, and support can take many forms. Emily Roy, a sexual assault counsellor advocate at Agape House, sees this firsthand in her work with survivors across the community.

At Agape House, sexual assault counselling is not one-size-fits-all. It can include psychoeducation, safety planning, learning healthy coping strategies, support with protection orders, and, just as importantly, offering a space where someone can speak openly without fear of judgment. Adults aged 18 and over who have experienced sexual assault—or who simply have questions about sexual violence—can access these services by reaching out to book a session.

Survivors come forward for many different reasons. Some are trying to better understand their current relationships or are looking for support as they consider leaving. Others want guidance around legal options, such as protection orders, or help building coping skills. For many, the first step is simply having someone who will listen. “Sometimes people just want a place where they can talk and be heard,” Emily explains, emphasizing that every reason for reaching out is valid.

“We elected a strong team of New Democrats to fix healthcare and make your life more affordable.”

That is how newly elected Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew started his election night victory speech on Oct. 3, 2023. Now, two-and-a-half years into his government’s mandate, it’s time to ask whether Kinew has made good on his promise.

He hasn’t.

On most observable metrics, health care is demonstrably worse now than it was before the NDP took power. For example, emergency room wait times are now so high that the government recently had to promise to update its online wait time trackers. It turns out the estimates they provided were often far below the actual wait times experienced by patients.