A Tariff, an Ad, and a Century of Complacency

A Tariff, an Ad, and a Century of Complacency

When Donald Trump announced that he would raise “the tariff on Canada” by 10 percent “over and above what they are paying now,” Ottawa’s response was instant: surprise, frustration, and confusion.The spark this time? An Ontario government ad...
Communications-keeping it clean

Communications-keeping it clean

Aaron Patella – Home Blog Français English When Communications Go Sideways When communication breaks down, it’s rarely because the facts are wrong — it’s because the tone, framing, or intent becomes defensive. In municipal or inter-organizational contexts, this can...
Small Communities, Big Responsibilities

Small Communities, Big Responsibilities

Small towns often appear quiet on the surface, but beneath that calm lies a constant balance between care and capacity. In places like North Hatley, governance isn’t abstract — it’s personal. Each decision touches familiar faces, familiar streets, and the shared...
The Courage to Simplify

The Courage to Simplify

Academics — myself included — sometimes hide behind complexity. We dress ideas in dense language, not always out of pride, but often out of insecurity. Complexity can feel comforting; it creates distance and gives the illusion of control. The same is true in...