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The Soapbox

A rotating stable of community members share their thoughts on anything and everything, the only criteria being that it be thought-provoking. Got something on your mind to share with readers in Greater Sudbury? Climb aboard our Soapbox and have your say. Send material or pitches to [email protected].  

The #Soapbox: Now is the time to draw on our inner strength

The #Soapbox: Now is the time to draw on our inner strength

Former Northern Life columnist Kevin Shanahan recalls several times in his life when he's had to do just that 
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#TheSoapbox: I never realized how hard it is not to touch my face

#TheSoapbox: I never realized how hard it is not to touch my face

An ode to handwashing and Hawkeye Pierce from D’Arcy Closs
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The #Soapbox: I moved to Sudbury a half-century ago — the city has radically transformed

The #Soapbox: I moved to Sudbury a half-century ago — the city has radically transformed

And it's not just the physical landscape that has changed, says Laurentian professor emeritus of history Dieter Buse
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#TheSoapbox: Closing Capreol Arena would cut the heart out of the town

#TheSoapbox: Closing Capreol Arena would cut the heart out of the town

Author and sports historian Matthew Del Papa says a twin pad arena in Valley East might make sense on paper, but closing a community’s arena also takes an emotional toll
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The #Soapbox: Long Live the Queen, a tale of an Infestation

The #Soapbox: Long Live the Queen, a tale of an Infestation

Vinegar, borax, traps … nothing worked. Then, D’Arcy Closs got serious 
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#TheSoapbox: Harm reduction is an important part of battling opioid crisis

#TheSoapbox: Harm reduction is an important part of battling opioid crisis

There is a need for education surrounding supervised consumption sites in Sudbury. The opioid crisis in Sudbury is not new. Sudbury has long been a hub for drug traffic and use.
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#TheSoapbox: Sudbury Arena is a hockey shrine we should consider keeping

#TheSoapbox: Sudbury Arena is a hockey shrine we should consider keeping

Writer Matthew Del Papa discusses wants vs. needs. The barn might be old, but its age and its importance to the history of this city make it part of the fabric of our community. Maybe we shouldn’t be so eager to say goodbye to the building
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#TheSoapbox: Oryst Sawchuk, a tribute to a man who left his mark on the Nickel City

#TheSoapbox: Oryst Sawchuk, a tribute to a man who left his mark on the Nickel City

Narasim Katary, a long-time friend of Oryst Sawchuk, celebrates the man’s architectural, artistic and cultural contributions to Greater Sudbury 
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#TheSoapbox: This is my son Cohen. He’s one of those kids Ontario’s new autism strategy is failing

#TheSoapbox: This is my son Cohen. He’s one of those kids Ontario’s new autism strategy is failing

A Sudbury parent opens up about the challenges of parenting a child with autism, and what an incredible difference intensive treatment has made for their family
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#TheSoapbox: 3, 2, 1 blast off! An old red truck, Elton John, and a road trip to Gettysburg

#TheSoapbox: 3, 2, 1 blast off! An old red truck, Elton John, and a road trip to Gettysburg

Tara-lee Lecours and her stepfather, Tom, were supposed to share a special trip, but he passed away suddenly last year. Now, she’s taking the special trip on her own in her stepdad’s truck
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