www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, May 28, 2014 | 6 And it's not even 2015 With a provincial election mere weeks away and a municipal election set for Oct. 27, what's up with the new federal riding of Oakville/North Burlington? The antics of Conservatives involved with it have become a news beat unto themselves. Nary a week goes by without some headline-grabbing story, yet we aren't even at a point where we, as a community media outlet, begin coverage in earnest. Our policy is to jump in to inform our readers of candidates chosen to represent their party in our ridings -- when an election is called. We're keeping tabs on who plans to run municipally. Candidates have been coming forward since January and will likely continue to do so until the cut-off date in the fall. We have also been keeping a close eye on those residents running provincially in both Oakville and Halton ridings. This week, our provincial all-candidates' meeting coverage begins and our candidate pro les continue. While we're not averse to stories that keep hits coming on our website or spark interest in our print editions, we are perplexed that the new federal riding seems to be grabbing the headlines away from more urgent matters at hand. These headlines (or antics) appeal to the larger media outlets who are not so greatly tasked with covering the community of Oakville. The proverbial gloves came off long ago, but not in a political struggle for election, but simply to be named the Conservative candidate in the new north riding. Way back, we, like others, heard Mississauga-Brampton South MP Eve Adams was moving to Oakville. Her ancé happened to be close to the Prime Minister. As the pair was moving to town and Adams' current riding was being redistributed with the onset of new areas, the MP made it very clear she wanted the Conservative nod here. Adams was quickly in contact with us wanting coverage. We stood back. It was little early in the game -- candidates were not yet con rmed and a federal election not on the horizon until 2015. The Beaver received calls about a riding association meeting supposedly crashed by Adams. Her partner, Dimitri Soudas, left his position as executive director of the Conservative Party of Canada. There were reports of Adams having a tantrum at a gas station. Then all grew quiet in the Adams camp -- a concussion temporarily derailed our connection. Despite our best attempts, we have yet to connect with Natalia Lishchyna, the Oakville chiropractor, vying for the candidacy. However, she has been publicly meeting Adams toe-to-toe in this battle. Last week, we hoped to cover a debate between the two women, designed to showcase what each could offer riding association members. It was for members only, we were told. We could only photograph the candidates going into the meeting. No sooner had everyone assembled, then we heard new allegations from both camps. Each has reportedly led a number of complaints -- to the party, the CRTC and Elections Canada. A vote slated for last Saturday was cancelled. It is delayed inde nitely. While the Conservative Party of Canada issued a statement, and included the Oakville Beaver on its mailing list, our calls to the two women went unanswered. We received email statements and a call from a campaign team member. This election is not due up at bat until 2015. Oh, we can hardly wait.... Editorial "Connected to your Community" Letters to the Editor 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 52 | Number 63 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Friends, family and supporters rallied Saturday for the Peace of Minds Walk for Schizophrenia at Coronation Park and along Lakeshore Road. This year was the seventh edition of the Peace of Minds Walk. Over that time, it has raised $120,000 in support of research and treatment programs. The target for this year's fundraiser was $20,000.| photo by Franki Ikeman Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Oakville's Peace of Minds Walk aptly named On Saturday, May 24, a tremendous number of individuals came out on a beautiful day to join in Oakville's site at Coronation Park for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario's (SSO) Peace of Minds Walk. More than $20,000 was raised through the diligent work of many hard-working volunteers, who donated both their time and talents to rally support for such an important cause. Many thanks go out to the individuals who took the time to honk, smile and wave in support of the SSO. Creating awareness of mental health issues that impact the lives of so many in both Oakville and the greater community is vital to educate and to start a conversation. It's never an easy task. The presence of both MP Terence Young and (Liberal candidate) Kevin Flynn offering their unwavering support was truly appreciated. A special thank you to Danny Cantarelli of DCAM Homes, who once again rallied his sup- HaltonPhotog) port for the mental health cause in Oakville. As a well-respected, local builder, for the past three years, his dedication consistently demonstrates how the corporate world has an opportunity to actively participate in community events such as this. They can, and they should, reach out and DCAM has taken the lead in this regard. Walks such as Peace of Minds acknowledge the individuals and their loved ones whose lives are impacted by schizophrenia and psychosis. It brings this mental health issue to the forefront. For some of us, though, that may take us out of our comfort zone. Perhaps that's a good thing if we ultimately become more compassionate human beings. Most of us will be exposed to some form of mental health issue in our lifetimes, be it the experience ourselves, of a family member, our friends or neighbours. Perhaps we'll all have a little more `peace of mind' knowing that others understand and care. Susan Browne, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5040 Mainway, Burlington ON L7L 7G5 or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. 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