John Boyko's Blog

As the world slides into an avoidable war in the Middle East, I am reminded of another avoidable war: Vietnam. Canada was involved in the Vietnam War in many ways, including being part of a multi-lateral force that tried but failed to avoid the war; weaponry we made in Canada (including Napalm and Agent Orange) … Continue reading Canada and the Vietnam War

The Civil War tore the United States asunder. Over 700,000 were killed by metal or pathogens that ripped bodies apart as spectacularly as the country and concepts they were defending. The Reconstruction era that followed added distress and deprivation as shameless political maneuvering re-established elitist power throughout the country and southern white supremacists used unbridled … Continue reading Elect Billy the Kid

Lately, I have been finding it easy to feel uneasy. It seems that too much of what passes for political discourse in the United States and, disturbingly and increasingly in Canada, rests on a foundation of lies and a fundamental misunderstanding of history and civics. That’s why education is so important. That’s why critical thinking … Continue reading Truth and the Canadian Encyclopedia

On November 22, 2022, Selwyn Township Council held its inaugural meeting. Council was sworn in and then each councillor, the deputy mayor, and the mayor were invited to make their inaugural remarks. Below is my speech. ——————————————————————————————————————- Selwyn is a diverse community comprised of those who live on farms, in urban enclaves, in waterfront homes, … Continue reading Inaugural Council Speech 

Granted, it was really more of a joint press conference than a debate, but it still allows viewers to see; a. what each of the candidates thinks about various issues, b. their priorities as seen in their opening and closing statements, c. how well they can express themselves and so how effective they will be … Continue reading All-Candidate’s Debate

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The Selwyn Township All-Candidates Debate took place on September 29 via zoom. The link to watch the debate will be available soon and I will place it here. Below is my opening statement: My name is John Boyko, and I am running for Selwyn Township’s Lakefield Ward Councillor. I grew up in Peterborough and have … Continue reading OPENING STATEMENT AT SEPTEMBER 29 ALL-CANDIDATE’S DEBATE

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We know the moments when our lives change. Sometimes we choose those moments such as when we marry, divorce, or change careers. Sometimes the moments choose us like when we suffer a life-altering accident or the death of a spouse. We recognize the moments as pivot points that split before from after. Countries experience pivot … Continue reading Pivot Points

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Last Thursday I was humbled by a successful launch to my campaign to become Selwyn Township’s Lakefield Ward Councillor. Seventy-one people gathered at Lakefield’s Isabel Morris Park Pavilion on a beautiful warm evening. Lakefield’s former Reeve, Bob Helsing, was MC and introduced businesswoman Susan Twist and engaged-citizen Sue Bell-Gastle. All said positive things about my … Continue reading National to Local in Two Minutes

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A new neighbour was marvelling that she could walk to the post office, bank, and pick a few things up at Foodland and be back home so quickly. My wife said, “Well when you’ve been here a while it will take you much longer because you’ll be stopping to chat with so many people.” It … Continue reading Community Matters

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Lakefield will change more in the next ten years than in the last fifty. After decades of talking about it, plans are now being made to build a new community in Lakefield South, between the water tower and 7th Line. Current plans call for 966 houses on 40 foot-lots, townhouses, and apartments/condos. When complete, the … Continue reading Change is Coming to Lakefield

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