COALITION AGAINST THE PROPOSED PRISON
See below for a full list of news articles and letters to the editor and visit CAPP YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest videos and more information
A new report released October 9, 2024 by a research team based at the University of Ottawa has raised concerns about the environmental impacts associated with the plan to build a new 235-bed provincial prison in Kemptville, which was announced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and local Member of Provincial Parliament Steve Clark in August 2020.
Click here to read the full report
A message of thanks from Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario
MPP Joel Harden, NDP, supports CAPP's battle to stop the Kemptville prison
Liberal MPP Lucille Collard, congratulates CAPP on its ongoing efforts to stop the Kemptville prison and save the farmland
CAPP
UPDATES
3. Pretzel Truth: Dec 14, 2023
2. Pretzel Logic: Nov 30, 2023
1. Positive News About Our Judicial Review: Nov16, 2023
An Update from CAPP: November 2, 2023
THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE KEMPTVILLE COLLEGE FARM LANDS
UPDATE: On December 13th, 2021, CAPP wrote to Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, asking her to save the Kemptville College farmland and prevent its transfer to the Ministry of the Solicitor General. She failed to listen and instead, transferred the land to what is now called the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.
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Read this powerful Op-ed from Amanda Wilson, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University.
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Other groups who have joined the campaign
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Canadian Organic Growers
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Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
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Just Food (Ottawa)
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National Farmers Union - Ontario
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Sustain Ontario
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A group of food scholars from across Canada and former academics from Kemptville College and the University of Guelph signed an open letter to Minister Thompson
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First CAPP letter to Minister Thompson: December 13, 2021
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Second CAPP letter to Minister Thompson: February 18, 2022
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Third CAPP letter to Minister Thompson: April 8, 2022
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National Farmers Union letter to Minister Thompson: January 24, 2022
SPECIAL FEATURE: CAPP REVIEWS
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A theatre critic's review (on NG Council Greenwashing), Apr 20, 2022
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Mr. Stephen goes to Queen's park, May 11, 2022
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The real dirt on Farmer Lisa, June 1, 2022
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
For a complete list of news articles, opinions editorials and letters to the editor, please see below this section
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KEMPTVILLE ADVANCE
Kemptville Advance Dec 2, 2021: Kemptville prison opposition groups say OPSEU adding voice to province's false sales job
OTTAWA CITIZEN
Ottawa Citizen June 7, 2023: Albert, Lachance and Piché: Why so much secrecy about the Kemptville prison plan?
Ottawa Citizen May 2, 2023: Kemptville jail opposition scores legal battle as judge rules case can proceed
Ottawa Citizen Mar 21, 2023: Government lawyers seek to dismiss Kemptville jail court challenge over time-limit technicality
Ottawa Citizen Oct 16, 2021: 'Doesn't make sense:' Kemptville residents question plan to build a huge jail in the middle of a small town
NG TIMES
NG Times Mar 29, 2023: Judge hears arguments from CAPP and JOG regarding proposed jail
NG Times Mar 16, 2023: The best view comes after the hardest climb
NG Times Nov 24, 2021: Failure of the government, North Grenville Times
INSIDE OTTAWA VALLEY
Inside Ottawa Valley July 17, 2023: Does North Grenville council support or oppose the proposed Kemptville jail? - Neutral isn't a good colour
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE
CITY NEWS OTTAWA
TORONTO STAR
Toronto Star, Oct 25, 2021: Elections Ontario asked to divulge MPP complaints that could muzzle community groups
Toronto Star, Oct 17, 2021: Minister in Doug Ford’s government accused of using controversial new law to try to ‘silence’ grassroots groups
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Ottawa and provincial media coverage
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Mar 26, 2024: Les prisons de Doug Ford : un criminologue propose des solutions nettement moins coûteuses
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Nov 27, 2023: Benefit concert amplifies opposition to Kemptville prison on Indigenous lands
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Nov 2, 2023: Piché: Next, Doug Ford should drop the Kemptville prison plan
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June 7, 2023: Albert, Lachance and Piché: Why so much secrecy about the Kemptville prison plan?, Ottawa Citizen
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May 9, 2023: No "get out of jail free card" for Kemptville prison plan, Ontario Farmer
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May 2, 2023: Kemptville jail opposition scores legal victory as judge rules case can proceed, Ottawa Citizen
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Mar 23, 2023: Government lawyers seek to dismiss Kemptville jail court challenge over time-limit technicality, Ottawa Citizen
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Dec 13, 2022: Is the prison site illegal? Opponents of the Kemptville prison site insist the question must be resolved, Ontario Farmer
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Nov 23, 2022: Doyle and Piché: Kemptville jail plan another example of Ford's assault on democracy, Ottawa Citizen
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Sep 9, 2022: Locals fight prison on former Kemptville College grounds, Farmers Forum
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Aug 16, 2022: 'A bit of a David and Goliath scenario': Legal action taken to stop Kemptville jail, The Star
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Aug 15, 2022: Kemptville residents take legal action in bid to stop jail, CBC News
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Aug 15, 2022: Opponents of proposed Kemptville jail asking courts to 'quash' province's plan, The Ottawa Citizen
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Aug 15, 2022: Two Kemptville, Ont. residents file judicial review of proposed jail, CTV News
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Aug 15, 2022: 'Proposed provincial prison in Kemptville, Ont. is illegal,' group filing for Judicial Review, iHeart Radio
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Aug 15, 2022: Group files a motion in court to block construction of new provincial jail in Kemptville, City News Ottawa
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June 4, 2022: Rally to be held in Kemptville to protest the Ford government's plan for new prison, City News Ottawa
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Apr 18, 2022: Concerned residents opposing proposed jail in Kemptville, City News Ottawa
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Mar 30, 2022: Wilson: trading farmland for a prison in Kemptville is wrong, The Ottawa Citizen
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Mar 14, 2022: Ontario Liberals call more more consultation, pausing Kemptville prison, Ottawa Citizen
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Jan 24, 2022: LETTER: Stop proposed prison on Kemptville College farmland, Farmer's Forum
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Dec 6, 2021: Benslimane, Doyle and Piché: Building a new jail in Kemptville isn't going to ease overcrowding in Ottawa's detention centre, Ottawa Citizen
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Nov 19, 2021: RESIDENTS FURIOUS: Kemptville jail consultation blasted as a 'false sales job', The Ottawa Sun
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Nov 18, 2021: Queen's Park Briefing: the Engagement session, Toronto Star
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Nov 15, 2021: Kemptville jail opponents rally ahead of meeting, The Recorder and Times
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Nov 13, 2021: Protesters rally against proposed Kemptville, Ont. prison, CTV News
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Oct 26, 2021: Elections Ontario asked to divulge MPP complaints that could muzzle community groups, Toronto Star
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Oct 25, 2021: Civil liberties group calls for disclosure of MPP complaints about third-party political advertising after Kemptville jail controversy, Ottawa Citizen
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Oct 25, 2021: Kemptville, Ont. residents concerned about provincial prison proposed for their town, Global TV
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Oct 20, 2021: Are Ontario's new election laws being used to muzzle dissent?, Toronto Star
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Oct 20, 2021: Interview with Colleen Lynas and Justin Piché, CFRC radio
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Oct 19, 2021: Minister accused of using controversial new law to try and 'silence' grassroots group, Global News: The Bill Kelly Show
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Oct 17, 2021: Minister in Doug Ford's government accused of using controversial new law to try to silence 'grassroots' groups, Toronto Star
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Oct16, 2021: 'Doesn't make sense:' Kemptville residents question plan to build a huge jail in the middle of a small town, Ottawa Citizen
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Sep 19, 2021: ‘It came out of nowhere’: Residents in the small town of Kemptville don’t want a prison. Doug Ford’s government says they’re getting one anyway, Toronto Star
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Jun 24, 2021: Concerns remain over Kemptville Prison Plan, Toronto Star
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Jun 22, 2021: Fighting a proposed provincial jail in Eastern Ontario, Talking Radical Radio
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Mar 24, 2021: North Grenville residents speak out against proposed Kemptville prison, City News
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Mar 3, 2021: Why new prisons may not bring new jobs, TVO.org
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Mar 3, 2021: Piche and Doyle - Eastern Ontario should say no to prison expansion
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Dec 2, 2020: Proposed Kemptville jail meets with resistance, The Toronto Star
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Dec 4, 2020: Kemptville prison opponents plan meeting, The Toronto Star
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Nov 24, 2020: Residents hope to have their say in online engagement session for proposed Kemptville jail - to be held Nov. 26, CTV News
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Nov 9, 2020: Kemptville residents protest against proposed new jail, CBC News
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Nov 5, 2020: 'There is no doubt some division in our community' over proposed Kemptville jail site, Ottawa Citizen
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Aug 27, 2020: Province to build 2 new jails, upgrade 3 others in eastern Ontario, CBC News
Local media coverage
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Apr 26, 2024: ‘Significantly and negatively affect local ecosystems’: Researchers talk potential environmental impacts of proposed Kemptville jail to mark Earth Day
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Mar 18, 224: ‘We had not got to the heart of the matter, legally’: Kemptville residents seek appeal following dismissal of jail judicial review, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Oct 16, 2023: Benefit concert to bring in funds for judicial review that aims to stop Kemptville jail, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Sep 14, 2023: CAPP fundraising for prison legal challenge, North Grenville Times
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July 17, 2023: Municipality of North Grenville asked to match $20,000 raised in support of judicial review to stop Kemptville jail, Inside Ottawa Valley
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July 17, 2023: Does North Grenville council support or oppose the proposed Kemptville jail?- Neutral isn't a good colour, Inside Ottawa Valley
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May 2, 2023: Judge denies province's motion to dismiss Kemptville jail judicial review, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Mar 29, 2023: Judge hears arguments from CAPP and JOG regarding proposed jail, North Grenville Times
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Dec 14, 2022: ‘Throwing a grenade at us and then running for cover’: Province files motion to dismiss judicial review contesting jail, Kemptville Advance
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Sep 29, 2022: Save Don't Pave the Farmland, North Grenville Times
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Aug 24, 2022: Solicitor Generals’ Office comments on Judicial Review request, North Grenville Times
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Aug 18, 2022: New plan to stop the prison, North Grenville Times
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Aug 18, 2022: “Proposed provincial prison in Kemptville is illegal”, North Grenville Times
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Aug 18, 2022: What is special about the proposed site in Kemptville, Ontario, North Grenville Times
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June 1, 2022: Signs, Article, Peter Johnson, North Grenville Times
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May 21, 2022: Post-election jail opposition rally set for Saturday in Kemptville
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Apr 27, 2022: Greens oppose the proposed prison for Kemptville, North Grenville Times
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Apr 15, 2022: 'Stop groveling for a few acres': Prison opposition groups push to save all former Kemptville College lands, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Apr 6, 2022: Proposed prison gets more attention, North Grenville Times
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Mar 16, 2022: Ontario Liberals call for a pause on proposed prison, North Grenville Times
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Mar 12, 2022: Ontario Liberal Party calls for moratorium on Kemptville prison, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Jan 26, 2022: Green's oppose the proposed prison, North Grenville Times
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Jan 24, 2022: Stop proposed prison on Kemptville College farmland, Letter to Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson, Farmer's Forum
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Dec 22, 2021: CAPP asks Province not to transfer land for prison re: first open letter to Minister Thompson, North Grenville Times
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Dec 15, 2021: Mayor Peckford requesting more clarity regarding policing costs associated with future correctional facility, North Grenville Times
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Dec 1, 2021: Kemptville prison opposition groups say OPSEU adding voice to province's false sales job
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Nov 17, 2021: Anti-prison rally draws large Kemptville crowd, North Grenville Times
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Nov 15, 2021: ‘Use the voice that was given to you’: Kemptville prison opposition growing as residents rally on provincial lands, Kemptville Advance
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Nov 10, 2021: Open letter to Solicitor General and Steve Clark, Kirk Albert, North Grenville Times
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Nov 1, 2021: MPP Steve Clark files complaint about Kemptville prison protesters, then announces new public engagement session, Kemptville Advance
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Oct 27, 2021: Condemnation of Steve Clark's action widens, North Grenville Times
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Oct 20, 2021: Anti-Prison protest comes to Steve Clark, North Grenville Times
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Oct 15, 2021: Kemptville College prison opponents to protest at MPP Clark’s Brockville office at noon today, Farmer's Forum
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Oct 6, 2021: Open letter to Premier Doug Ford, Colleen Lynas, North Grenville Times
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Sep 22, 2021: Protesters see no prison in their vision for the future of North Grenville, North Grenville Times
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Sep 22, 2021: Open letter to Steve Clark, M.P.P., North Grenville Times
- Sep 17, 2021: ‘We remain optimistic’: Prison opposition groups protest outside North Grenville’s strategic plan meeting, Inside Ottawa Valley
- Aug 15, 2021: Ontario Green Party disavows proposed prison, My Kemptville Now
- July 14, 2021: Fieldwork on correctional facility site begins, North Grenville Times
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Mar 31, 2021: Concerns about proposed prison voiced at public meeting, North Grenville Times
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Mar 9, 2021: Podcast interview with CAPP representatives, North Grenville Times
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Mar 9, 2021: Special Council Meeting Set To Discuss Proposed Prison In Kemptville, My Kemptville Now
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Mar 3, 2021: Feisty opposition to prison on Kemptville College farmland, Farmers Forum
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Feb 18, 2021: Coalition Against Proposed Prison Information Session, North Grenville Times
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Feb 4, 2021: CAPP Looks for Answers from Municipality and Province, My Kemptville Now
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Feb 3, 2021: Opponents Against New Prison Anywhere, Not Just Kemptville: Nation Valley News
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Jan 29, 2021: Public Forum Being Held To Speak Out Against Proposed Kemptville Prison, My Kemptville Now
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Nov 17, 2020: Prison planned for downtown Kemptville divides residents, Inside Ottawa Valley
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Nov 11, 2020: Jail Opposition Group protests in downtown Kemptville, North Grenville Times
Editorials and letters to the editor
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​Sep 15, 2022: Costs coming to Kemptville taxpayers, Letter to the editor, Bill Gooch, North Grenville Times
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Aug 18, 2022: I Fought the Law, Editorial, North Grenville Times
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June 1, 2022: The Real Dirt on Farmer Lisa, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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May 11, 2022: Mr. Stephen goes to Queen's Park, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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Feb 4, 2022: Policing costs to be passed onto residents, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
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Jan 26, 2022: Greens oppose the proposed prison, Article, Steve Gabell, North Grenville Times
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Dec 8, 2021: MPP Steve Clark, Letter to the Editor, S. Hamill, North Grenville Times
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Nov 24, 2021: Failure of the government, Op-Ed, Josh Bennett, North Grenville Times
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Nov 24, 2021: Growth in Kemptville, Letter to the Editor, Mary Pemberton, North Grenville Times
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Nov 10, 2021: Correctional Facility, Letter to the Editor, John Brooks, North Grenville Times
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Nov 10, 2021: Open letter to Solicitor General and Steve Clark, Kirk Albert, North Grenville Times
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Oct 14, 2021: Response to Steve Clark's executive assistant, Colleen Lynas, North Grenville Times
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Oct 14, 2021: Stuck in the Middle with you, Editorial, North Grenville Times
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Sep 29, 2021: The Steve Clark Prison, Opinion Editorial, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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Aug 11, 2021: The Proposed Prison, Group Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
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May 12, 2021: Our provincial government's gamble,Op-Ed, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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Jan 27, 2021: Asking for the Evidence, Letter to the Editor, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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Dec 23, 2020: Open letter to Steve Clark, Letter to the Editor, Roger Parnell, North Grenville Times
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Dec 9, 2020: A better vision for Kemptville, Guest editorial, Victor Lachance, North Grenville Times
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Dec 2, 2020: Prison Benefits Bureaucrats, Letter to the editor, Steven Harris, North Grenville Times
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Nov 2, 2020: Open Letter to Doug Ford, Marie-Therese Voutsinos, North Grenville Times
PODCASTS AND RADIO INTERVIEWS
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Nov 2, 2023: Interview with Rogers TV's Derick Fage, Colleen Lynas, CAPP
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June 8, 2022: Interview with Reeve of Montague, Bill Dobson, Valley Heritage Radio
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Apr 18, 2022: Interview with Victor Lachance, Ottawa City News (near end of article)
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Feb 2, 2022: Interview with Colleen Lynas, CFRC Radio
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Oct 19, 2021: Minister accused of using controversial new law to try and 'silence' grassroots group, Global News: The Bill Kelly Show
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Oct 20, 2021: Interview with Colleen Lynas and Justin Piché, CFRC radio
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Jun 22, 2021: Fighting a proposed provincial jail in Eastern Ontario, Talking Radical Radio
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Mar 9, 2021: Conversation with Victor Lachance and Colleen Lynas from the CAPP Group, NG Times