About Me

Sally Barnes began writing for her hometown weekly newspaper in Napanee, Ontario, at the age of 14 and has never left the keyboard.

She has enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, writer, author, political and communications advisor and founding partner in a national public affairs and strategic communications firm.

Today, Sally produces a popular blog that advocates, informs and entertains readers and reflects her lifelong experience with issues of public importance ranging from the responsibility of voting to the blessings of grandchildren. 

She cites the happiest and most rewarding period of her long and varied career as the seven years (1975 to 1982) when she served as press secretary and communications advisor to Ontario Premier Bill Davis.

“As a self-confessed political junkie, this position gave me access to the inner workings of politics, public relations and governance at a time of constitutional change and major progress in the social and economic development of our province and our country.

“It also reinforced my belief in and respect for the importance of our democratic institutions and the women and men who work in these positions at both the staff and elected levels.

“Serving Premier Davis was an honour and a privilege and the greatest honour of my life was being asked to speak at the state Celebration of Life for this great statesman following his death in August of 2021.”

As a journalist, Sally worked at the Kingston Whig Standard, the Ottawa Citizen, the Toronto Telegram, the Toronto Star and CITY TV. She was also a columnist for the Toronto Sun and for several years was a regular panelist on TVOntario public affairs programs hosted by Steve Paikin.    

At The Whig Standard she took an active interest in the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and initiated a major project that one historian has described as the first of its kind by a media outlet to chronicle conditions and the everyday lives of indigenous people living on a reserve.   

While covering the Ontario Legislature for The Star, Sally was elected by her peers as president of the Legislative Press Gallery—the first woman in the gallery’s long history to hold this position.

She was later appointed President of the Ontario Council on the Status of Women, a position she held for two years at a time of great public interest and significant progress for increased opportunities and rights for women.  

She attended Queen’s University and was awarded a Southam Fellowship in Journalism, which provides a year of study at Massey College, University of Toronto.

Sally Barnes became interested in politics at a young age watching her mother and aunt participate with great enthusiasm in local election campaigns. 

She has been involved in more election campaigns than she can remember-- as a journalist, volunteer, campaign manager, pundit,  backroom advisor and candidate.

She welcomes opportunities to discuss the importance of public engagement and the need for candidates to reflect the diversity of our society, encouraging women, young people and members of minority groups to get involved and consider public service themselves.

“I have witnessed and felt the joy of victory and the pain of defeat and I have the greatest respect for people who offer themselves for public office and those who support them,” she told one interviewer.

Sally edited and wrote the introduction to Bill, a collection of words and pictures highlighting the career of Premier Davis and has authored two novels published by Boularderie Island Press.

“Laughed Till They Cried” chronicles the lives of three young girls growing up in small town Ontario after the Second World War and their experiences later in life when they get involved in politics. 

“Unleashed” tells the story of the characters in a dog park—human and canine—and the magical relationship and love between people and their dogs. Her readers were not surprised to find a political twist to the novel. 

Both novels incorporate Sally’s experiences and appreciation of politics,  media and the lifestyles and challenges of ordinary people. 

She intends to continue writing, advocating and making her views known and her family and friends are full of encouragement.

Sally has been involved in many volunteer efforts over the years. She served on the Board of Directors of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and in Kingston served on the  committee for a new Seniors Center, was active in the campaign to build a new all-purpose entertainment center, raised funds for local humane societies and the food bank and is a regular contributor to community programming at YourTV.

She is married to Fred Ross, a former journalist, communications specialist and justice of the peace.