A group of community leaders gathered one Saturday morning in Cobourg to hear a speaker from Ireland talk about creating a sustainable community.

Cormac Russell is a highly regarded expert in helping organizations and citizens build stronger communities. Russell has given multiple TED Talks and is recognized worldwide within bureaucracies, politics, and citizen groups.

Representatives from Northumberland County, Northumberland Hills Hospital, churches, social agencies, chambers of commerce, and community groups listened intently to his message.

In this interview, Russell and his Canadian colleague John Massimi will share what they said at the event. In light of the recent number of public meetings where residents are expressing their frustrations, Russell’s words are even more poignant.

In the second segment, you will hear one such example. A public meeting was held in June to discuss the opioid crisis in Northumberland County. It seems relevant to look through this new lens in determining its effectiveness.