Provincial election ignites a 30-day discussion about Ontario priorities

The looming threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian products is cited as the main reason the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario called a snap election for Feb. 27. The Echo Community Podcast Network wants to explore that topic and more in the short time allotted. Find out how you can help shape our localized coverage.

Echo Top Three

Taking the reins of life

The speed and excitement of barrel racing is a great metaphor for life, making this week's To North Bay With Love podcast an inspirational diversion.

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Efficiencies in Education

Should there be one school board in Ontario? At the very least, the four school boards could work together to put limited resources to the best use.

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Ring of Fire

Just in time for election debates, the Backroads Bill podcast looks at the province's biggest mining development that continues to face hurdles.

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Echo Spotlight

Meet Grayson Bradley, Chippewa Ravens student athlete with academic goals. The 20th Echo Sportscast show drops Friday.

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What is your top concern heading into a snap provincial election?

Looming U.S. Tariffs

Government Track Record

Reader Feedback

Re: Reporting on Homeless in Jan. 22 Newsletter:

"This individual certainly wasn’t homeless in the true sense of the word and I’m sure that’s there more sadness to this story than we’ll know. If you want accurate information on homelessness, talk to staff at Crisis Centre North Bay."

"No platform should allow anonymous postings. If a person doesn’t supply and verify their name, they shouldn’t be allowed to post. Anywhere."

Elizabeth Appleton

Today's Zen Suggestion

Count your blessings in the morning and embrace the ones that remain in the evening...life's joys and challenges are fleeting and arbitrary (much like the stock market and meme coins).

Echo Events

Thursday, Jan. 30

Battalion hosts Bulldogs at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens | 7 p.m. | $28.50/$24.75
Super Fun Time Trivia at Moose's Cookhouse | 7:30 p.m. | Free
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival at the Capitol Centre | 7 p.m. | $20 regular

Friday, Jan. 31

Giant Games Day at the North Bay Public Library | 2 to 4 p.m. | Register ages 5 to 12
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival at the Capitol Centre | 7 p.m. | $25 regular
Lakers Men's Hockey hosts Waterloo at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens | 7 p.m. | $15
Matt Burkhart Debut at Lou Dawgs | 8 to 11 p.m. | $2

Saturday, Feb. 1

Amanda Rheaume with David Laronde Opening at the Capitol Centre | 7:30 p.m. | $35 regular
Sassy Stitching at the North Bay Public Library | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | 18+ and $10
Lakers Men's Hockey hosts Waterloo at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens | 4 p.m. | $15
Call the Sitter: Dance Party for Grown Ups at Gateway City Brewery | 7 to 10 p.m. | Free
YTL presents: Wild West Saturdays at Lou Dawgs | 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. | $10