Tony Baldinelli hosted his second annual Winter Whirl Ice Skating event at Wayne Gretzky Estates this Sunday, discussing the importance of community fun and some exclusive insight into federal politics.
The skating event was Baldinelli’s initiative to bring Niagara residents together for a fun day of casual skating and a live performance amid national issues impacting the region, including Trump’s tariff threat.
Families and locals — including NOTL mayor Gary Zalepa — enjoyed the free admission, hot chocolate and baked goods.
Alyssa Cross, a competitive figure skater, coach and actor from the Niagara Centre Skating Club, delivered a standout performance that captivated the crowd. With graceful precision and effortless control, she glided across the ice executing spins and jumps that took full advantage of her skill and artistry.
Baldinelli warmly welcomed the chilly attendees as he introduced the event.
“What better way to celebrate being with family and friends and being out together, skating on a beautiful winter day?” Baldinelli said.
Away from the rink, Baldinelli addressed national concerns in an exclusive conversation with The Lake Report/Niagara Now.
Despite certain positive statistics coming to light, like Canada’s unemployment rate decreasing to 6.6 per cent in January, Baldinelli pointed out there is still considerable work to do federally and locally.
“One in seven people in Niagara are using food banks,” said Baldinelli.
In 2024, the number of Niagara Falls residents relying on Project SHARE increased by 136 per cent.
Baldinelli criticized the federal response to Trump’s tariff threats, questioning why it took U.S. pressure for the Liberals to act on cross-border drug trafficking.
“The fentanyl situation is completely unacceptable. We’ve been talking about these steps for years.”
He suggested that proactive Conservative policies could have shut down Trump’s tariff threats before they started.
Baldinelli defended Pierre Poilievre’s refusal to receive classified briefings on foreign interference, which is customary for the opposition leader, saying it reflects an issue with national transparency rather than a political stunt.
The MP said if he were in Poilievre’s shoes, he’d be taking the same action, and stood firm that foreign threats to Canada should be fully disclosed.
“All we want are the names. And why aren’t those names public in the first place?” said Baldinelli.
