Nov 22 - Addressing Tough Truths in Our Community: Local News & Events

Plus: Local news coverage and a full slate of events happening in and around Owen Sound this weekend

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Some of the topics that come up for a community publication just don't feel good to write about.

For everything readers see on the page, there's a lot more happening behind the scenes, and some of it never makes it to print. In cases like this, we 100% need to think critically about a) the ethics, b) the necessity, and c) the outcomes of this reporting.

On the one hand, a person's career could be impacted. On the other, vulnerable and marginalized people are potentially affected by this decision, and this is now directly relevant to the people of our city.

As Destiny Udoh told CBC, “The intent behind the use of the word doesn't change or erase the heavily weighted trauma that comes with it. For someone at such a high level to not have that basic foundational understanding of how that word could have affected so many people, yeah, it's disappointing.”

Questioning the judgment and wisdom of this hire is a legitimate response from people who are being told the City is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion on the one hand and seeing this appointment on the other.

The tension between ethical considerations and the public’s right to know is ever-present in cases like this. As a community publication, our responsibility isn’t just to report the feel-good stories or the ones that reaffirm our collective values—it’s to hold up a mirror, even when the reflection isn’t flattering.

We understand that when you trust us to bring these issues to light, we owe it to you to handle them with integrity, diligence, and care. Reporting on sensitive issues—especially those involving race, equity, and systemic bias—isn’t just about uncovering facts.

It’s about acknowledging and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically silenced or ignored.

When members of our community raise concerns, particularly about decisions that directly impact marginalized groups, their voices matter. It’s our role to ensure those voices are heard.

We’re not here to make judgments about whether someone’s career should or shouldn’t end. That’s not our job, nor is it our intent. What we can do is provide context, ask the hard questions, and allow readers to form their own conclusions.

In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity—not just as abstract principles but as guiding forces in the way we cover our community.

To the readers who have reached out: we hear you.

To those who feel hurt, angry, or disillusioned: your feelings are valid, and your concerns are worthy of attention.

It’s in this spirit that we address these challenging stories. Not to stir controversy for controversy’s sake, but to shine a light on the complexities of the world we live in—starting with our own backyard.

These stories aren’t easy to write, and they may not be easy to read or talk about. But that’s precisely why they matter.

Full subscribers - keep reading for our original reporting + curated local news updates, including:

• Why MP Alex Ruff is urging caution about third-party services for government programs

• A serious collision shuts down Highway 10 near Chatsworth

• Grey Bruce OPP reports on recent investigations and arrests

• New data on declining homeownership rates in Grey and Bruce Counties

• Grey Bruce Public Health’s call to action on radon testing

• Lots more

If you can’t see the info below, upgrade your subscription for full access.

~ Miranda Miller, Editor

P.S. Email owensoundcurrenteditor@gmail.com or reply to this email with any questions.