Don Darling

Don Darling Passionate about better Outcomes. Former Mayor of SJ, NB. Focused on making a difference Proud husband and father. Former mayor, facilitator, and business advisor.

Passionate about others, helping people achieve better personal and professional outcomes, and believe that we can design a more inclusive new normal.

Today, on the anniversary of D-Day, I pause to remember the extraordinary courage of those who stormed the beaches of No...
06/06/2026

Today, on the anniversary of D-Day, I pause to remember the extraordinary courage of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy and all those who served in the fight against tyranny and oppression.

For me, this day is also deeply personal.

My grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Patrick Donihee, landed at Juno Beach on D-Day with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders. He served throughout the war as Commander of the Mortar Platoon, was mentioned in dispatches for leadership, fought across France and Holland, and remained with the occupational forces following the end of the war before later commanding the regiment in Canada.

His legacy of service continued in our family. My uncle, Colonel Jim Donihee, devoted more than 25 years to serving Canada. A fighter pilot who flew the CF-104 Starfighter, CF-5 Freedom Fighter, and CF-18 Hornet, he served during the Cold War, commanded CFB Cold Lake, and later served as a NATO Battle Commander during operations over the former Yugoslavia. His dedication and leadership were recognized through his appointment to the Order of Military Merit.

These men served in different generations, facing different challenges, but they shared a common commitment to something greater than themselves.

Many never came home. They made the ultimate sacrifice so future generations could live in freedom, democracy, and peace.

The greatest way we can honour their legacy is not simply by remembering their names, but by protecting the values they fought to defend. Freedom, democracy, human dignity, the rule of law, and respect for one another are not guaranteed. They require our vigilance, our participation, and our courage.

As I write this, conflicts continue to rage in different parts of the world. Innocent people are suffering, families are being torn apart, and too many lives are being lost. Let us pray that those who have the power and influence to shape events use it wisely, choose diplomacy over division, and work to bring an end to the suffering.

As we reflect on the sacrifice of those who served on D-Day and throughout generations of military service, let us remain grounded in the reasons they fought. Let us reject hatred, defend democratic values, and never take our freedoms for granted.

May we ensure that those who gave everything, and those who stood ready to defend our freedoms in the generations that followed, did not do so in vain.

Lest we forget.

I was proud to attend today’s launch of Plug-In Labs by Saint John Energy.At a time when affordability is top of mind fo...
06/05/2026

I was proud to attend today’s launch of Plug-In Labs by Saint John Energy.

At a time when affordability is top of mind for so many families and businesses, innovation matters. By opening its grid data to researchers and innovators, Saint John Energy is creating opportunities to develop smarter solutions that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and help shape a more affordable energy future.

This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership that has made Saint John Energy a recognized leader in the utility sector. Their commitment to innovation, excellent customer service, and finding ways to improve affordability for ratepayers should be encouraged and supported.

Congratulations to the entire Saint John Energy team on another Canadian first.

Tonight, Saint John turns another page with the swearing-in of our Mayor and Common Council.As a former Mayor, I know fi...
06/01/2026

Tonight, Saint John turns another page with the swearing-in of our Mayor and Common Council.

As a former Mayor, I know firsthand what a humbling experience it is to be entrusted by your community to represent them. It is a privilege, but also a responsibility that comes with difficult decisions, competing priorities, and a commitment to serve the public interest.

I want to congratulate Mayor Donna Reardon and every member of Council on this important milestone. While there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, there will also be opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people you serve.

I wish each of you the very best as you begin your term, and I thank you for your willingness to step forward and serve our community.

Congratulations, and good luck.

For 25 years, golden retrievers have been part of our family, and part of our hearts. The joy when they first come into ...
05/28/2026

For 25 years, golden retrievers have been part of our family, and part of our hearts. The joy when they first come into our lives is impossible to describe, and so is the pain when they eventually leave us. But somewhere in between those moments is a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, comfort, laughter, muddy paws, quiet companionship, and memories that stay with you forever.

When photos like this pop up on my phone, they bring an instant smile and a reminder to be grateful for the simple, beautiful things in life.

Thank you to Taz, Gus, and Kona for everything you’ve given our family. You’ve taught us more about love, presence, and joy than words can ever fully explain. ❤️

Saturday morning wisdom from Kona. Let the sun hit your face.Take the nap.Play with the toy.Stretch a little longer.Keep...
05/23/2026

Saturday morning wisdom from Kona.

Let the sun hit your face.
Take the nap.
Play with the toy.
Stretch a little longer.
Keep life simple.

Humans worry about so many things these days, deadlines, politics, notifications, social media, and what everyone else thinks. Meanwhile, us Goldens have it all figured out:

Sleep.
Eat.
Play.
Nap.
Repeat.

No doomscrolling. No stress. No pretending to be something we’re not. Just loyalty, joy, fresh air, snacks, and finding the perfect sunny spot on the couch.

Maybe the world would feel a little lighter if more people lived a little more like a Golden Retriever.

Anyway, I’m off for my third nap of the morning.
Enjoy your Saturday, friends, and be like me.

Kona 🐶

There’s something about a drive like this that reaches beyond your eyes and settles deep into your soul.The mountains, t...
05/18/2026

There’s something about a drive like this that reaches beyond your eyes and settles deep into your soul.

The mountains, the endless road, the silence between thoughts, it has a way of making you feel both incredibly small and profoundly connected at the same time. It pushes you to think bigger, to breathe deeper, to lead with more grace and gratitude.

I’ve been fortunate to see many beautiful places, but it’s drives like this that stay with me long after they’re over.

When life gets heavy, I sometimes think back to roads like this. Not as a way to run away, but as a reminder of what it feels like to be fully present. To reconnect to a moment where my mind wasn’t crowded with stress, noise, or expectations, only awe, perspective, and thankfulness for the experience itself.

Maybe that’s the takeaway.
These moments are all around us. Different roads, different views, different places, but the same opportunity to pause, breathe, notice, and reconnect.

Sometimes mindfulness isn’t found in a book or a quote.

Sometimes it’s found in the beauty outside your window, if you’re willing to slow down long enough to see it.

Enjoy your holiday, Monday.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. 🌈And while we’ll see flags raised, speeches giv...
05/17/2026

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. 🌈

And while we’ll see flags raised, speeches given and statements posted, I think we also need to have a harder conversation.

The world is not feeling safer for many people right now.

To the south, we are watching attacks escalate and rights stripped away. But let’s be honest, it’s not just happening there. It’s happening here in Canada too. In our schools, in our communities, and online every single day.

Why?

What are people so afraid of?

I often read the comments sections. The cruelty. The mocking. The anger directed at people simply for existing openly and honestly.

And I sometimes wonder, what if it were your child?
Your brother?
Your sister?
Your grandchild?
Your best friend?

What would you do then?

Would you shun them?
Would you force them to hide who they are?
Would you tell them to stay quiet, stay invisible, stay “in the closet” to make others more comfortable?

Is that what love means?

Because many of the same people posting hateful comments will also proudly say they value family, faith, compassion and unconditional love. But unconditional love is tested precisely when someone’s truth challenges your comfort zone.

And then there’s the argument we hear all the time:
“I don’t care what they do, I just wish they’d keep it to themselves.”

History should teach us to be very careful with that line of thinking.

There was a time people said women should stay quiet and know their place.
A time when people said racial segregation was simply “the way things are.”
A time when left-handed children were forced to change who they were.
A time when Indigenous culture and language were suppressed to fit societal norms.
A time when people with disabilities were hidden away from public view because their existence made society uncomfortable.

The message was always the same:
“You can exist, just don’t do it openly.”

But equality has never advanced because marginalized people stayed silent. Progress happened because people had the courage to live openly, challenge prejudice and demand basic dignity.

Visibility is not oppression.
Inclusion is not indoctrination.
Teaching kindness and acceptance in schools is not dangerous.

What’s dangerous is teaching children that some people deserve less humanity than others.

I’ve also seen religion used as justification for positions against the q***r community. And that’s your right. But if you’re going to lean on faith, don’t forget the most basic teachings that sit at the core of nearly every belief system: empathy, grace, love, acceptance and non-judgement.

Because when words are selectively used to diminish, exclude or dehumanize others, then we become the problem.

So yes, today matters.

But what matters more is what happens the other 364 days of the year.

Do we speak up when people are targeted?
Do we challenge cruelty instead of amplifying it?
Do we stop and ask ourselves why someone else simply existing makes us uncomfortable?
Do we practice unconditional love, or only when it’s easy?

The challenge today is simple:
Do better.
Be kinder.
Lead with humanity.

Because every person deserves to feel safe, valued and loved exactly as they are.

To everyone who put their name forward in municipal elections across Saint John, the region, and New Brunswick, thank yo...
05/12/2026

To everyone who put their name forward in municipal elections across Saint John, the region, and New Brunswick, thank you.

It takes courage to step up, put yourself out there, and serve your community. Congratulations to everyone elected, and respect to every candidate who participated in the democratic process.

Now the real work begins. It’s time to come together, work collaboratively, and focus on building stronger, healthier communities for the citizens we all serve.

Congratulations, and thank you for your willingness to lead.

Today is an important day for our communities and our democracy.To everyone who put their name forward, thank you. Runni...
05/11/2026

Today is an important day for our communities and our democracy.

To everyone who put their name forward, thank you. Running for public office takes courage, commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve others. No matter the outcome, you’ve stepped up when many won’t, and that deserves respect.

As people head to the polls, I encourage everyone to look beyond slogans and social media moments. Vote for candidates who understand the role of local government, who respect governance, who can work collaboratively through complex issues, and who are prepared to represent the entire community, not just those who agree with them.

Strong communities are built through thoughtful leadership, respectful dialogue, accountability, and a willingness to make difficult decisions in the long-term interest of everyone.

Most importantly, vote. Democracy works best when we all participate.

05/10/2026

Why do people resist change, even when change may ultimately improve their community and quality of life?

Another thoughtful and honest moment from my conversation with current Councillor Brent Harris about leadership, public reaction, and the challenge of moving communities forward.

Whether it’s bike lanes, housing development, economic projects, or new approaches to city building, one thing becomes clear quickly in public life:
Progress almost always faces resistance.

Not necessarily because ideas are wrong, but because change challenges comfort zones, habits, and the familiar.

But here’s the larger issue we can’t ignore:
The status quo is not sustainable.

Communities across Canada are facing rising costs, aging infrastructure, housing shortages, growing social pressures, and increasing expectations for services. If we want stronger communities and improved well-being, we have to be willing to adapt, create new economic opportunities, support growth, and explore new revenue sources that can sustain the future.

That doesn’t mean every project or policy is perfect. It means we need thoughtful conversations rooted in facts, long-term thinking, and a willingness to see the bigger picture beyond immediate discomfort.

Leadership is often about helping communities navigate that tension.

A sincere thank you to Brent Harris for sharing his experiences and perspectives with honesty and insight.

🔄 What’s one major change you were hesitant about at first, but later realized was necessary?

🎥 Here’s the link to the full video:
https://bit.ly/3PzORsx

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