Unwrapping the Values - How the Holidays Have Lost Their Spirit

Unwrapping the Values - How the Holidays Have Lost Their Spirit By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist December is a time filled with holiday joy, love, and comfort. Whether you spend the season on vacation in a tropical country or baking Christmas cookies at home, the holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends, making new memories with every moment. Despite the loving and personal message behind Christmas, it has slowly turned into something much less meaningful. For many individuals, the holiday's message has morphed into one of materialism, comparison, and stress rather than good spirits and connection. It’s easy to see how Christmas has turned into a battle of presents and financial strain. Children anticipate expensive and shiny gifts, while teens use the holiday as an excuse to ask for every little thing they’ve wanted all year. Letters to Santa can cost parents hundreds of dollars, while families struggle to fund the unrealistic expectations. All to get forgotten by the time next December rolls around, bringing an even longer and pricier list. There is nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts; it’s part of what makes the holiday so special. I know I have made long wishlists in the past, and still look forward to unwrapping presents this December. However, it is clear materialism has overcome the magic of Christmas, replacing the festive and loving spirit with undeniable consumerism. Materialism fully replaces the Christmas spirit when individuals begin to purchase for the sake of having something to give, rather than with any real meaning or thought behind it. The pressure to fill the tree can turn gift-giving into a checklist, where quantity matters more than personal thought. Many of these items are forgotten, tucked away while the moment of excitement fades almost instantly. Celebrating the holidays shouldn’t feel like an obligation or a financial burden, yet modern expectations have created the standard that more is better. Consumers assume more, bigger, and expensive gifts are the key to Christmas happiness, which is often not the case. The most significant gifts are not defined by a price tag, but by memories, emotion, and clear thought. This may come in the form of a book that they’d like, or a makeup product they’ve been eyeing for weeks. It shouldn’t be about filling a compulsory list, but showing you care. For me, this often means making presents myself, whether they be physical photo collages, baked goods or special crafts. It’s about personalization and meaning, which does not always come in the form of a big box or an expensive price. However, this is easy to be forgotten, even as the receiver. In 2025, the season is no longer about personal satisfaction, but is also deeply connected to comparison to others, especially online. Many people appreciate their gifts until they open TikTok and see an influencer with a tree three times fuller than theirs. In seconds, gratitude has turned to disappointment, overshadowed by everything you didn’t receive instead of what you did. It’s time to shift the focus away from materialism and back toward memories, quality time, and meaningful traditions. There are so many other aspects of the celebrations which fill individuals with irreplaceable joy, from big meals to festive movies. For me, that joy comes from childhood traditions, such as opening stockings on my moms bed before I’m fully awake, eating cinnamon buns for breakfast and bacon sandwiches for lunch, or visiting my family friends after church on Christmas Eve. These memories are what made Christmas so memorable when I was younger, and are the reason Christmas is so special now. Even as my traditions change, they spark nostalgia that no gift could ever replace. This year will be a new experience, as I am celebrating the holidays with my step-siblings for the first time. While the traditions may look different, the importance of being together remains the same. There may be a new tree, but I will enjoy decorating it the same way. The food may be different, but within a few years it will have a deeper meaning, similar to the one prior. There may be additional people, but that just provides the opportunity to share more joy. That’s what truly defines the season; the people, the traditions, and the emotions. Regardless of what you celebrate, the holidays are meant to be a time of hope, joy, and quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, this message is often lost beneath wrapping paper, price tags, and social media comparison. However, those are the things that last long after the decorations come down. Not material and unappreciated presents, but meaningful experiences. That’s the only way to get into the Christmas spirit; with love and appreciation.

Why Big Science Matters

Why Big Science Matters By Diana Gifford We applaud people solving problems who are focused, efficient, and fast. But I was recently reminded that progress doesn’t always follow a straight line. Before investigators can conduct studies that yield breakthroughs, they often need others to finance and build major research infrastructure. It takes time, with various stops and starts, different collaborations often involving many institutions and countries, and not always a clear sense of direction. TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle accelerator centre in Vancouver, a partnership of 21 universities, enables study on the inner workings of atoms. The high-energy cyclotron technology developed there, and the specialists trained to use it, produce lifesaving isotopes used to diagnose cancer and guide treatment. As Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk, Vice-President of Research & Innovation at the University of Victoria, put it to me: “When you invest in scientific infrastructure, you’re investing in possibility. You can’t always predict where breakthroughs will appear – but you can create the conditions for them to flourish.” The Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon is a synchrotron – essentially a machine that bends electrons until they emit intense light. It was built to explore the physics and chemistry of advanced materials, enabling researchers to visualize viruses, investigate chronic lung disease, and understand how drugs interact with the body. Infrastructure constructed for physics and engineering research functions as a lab for understanding human life. The International Space Station is an example of extraterritorial international collaboration at the frontiers of scientific exploration. It is also a health lab. Astronauts lose bone density rapidly in microgravity, so efforts to keep them strong have helped with osteoporosis, frailty, and aging here on Earth. Ocean Networks Canada collects and shares data about all aspects of the ocean. The seas are a source of medicines for cancer treatment, new sustainable materials from kelp, renewable energy that reduces the negative health effects from burning fossil fuels, resources to reduce food insecurity, and adapting ocean life systems to better understand human health. The unusually large nerve fibres of squid, for example, made it easier for scientists to understand the electrical basis of the nervous system, knowledge that is shaping treatments for epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in human health have arrived not by design, but by accident – provided an inquisitive mind was paying attention. Alexander Fleming wasn’t searching for the world’s first antibiotic when he returned from holiday to find that a wandering mold had killed bacteria on a petri dish. Yet penicillin went on to prevent more deaths than we can count. As Louis Pasteur once said, “Chance favors only the prepared mind.” Increasingly, big science facilities throw researchers from different domains together, triggering unexpected and important outcomes. These examples remind us why we must invest in large scale research collaboration even when the practical benefits are not obvious. It’s tempting to demand that every dollar be tied to a clear payoff. But history teaches the opposite. Discoveries emerge when we give scientists the freedom to ask bold questions, even ones that seem unrelated to human health. To insist that research must always serve a tidy, immediate purpose is to miss the possibility of much more. Most people will never see a cyclotron or synchrotron at work. Very few will set foot on the Space Station. But many are benefitting. The decisions made years earlier – that few noticed, debated, or celebrated – have delivered health advances that now touch almost all of us. The next time we hear about governments debating billions in scientific infrastructure, we might remember, these aren’t abstract investments. They are the seedbeds of discoveries that one day may save our lives. —————————————————————————————————————— This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones

Many Canadians Take Extra Risks When Traveling Without Insurance

Many Canadians Take Extra Risks When Traveling Without Insurance By Bruno M. Scanga Purchasing travel insurance is one of the easiest decisions you will ever make. However, the sad reality is that many Canadians do not purchase proper coverage before they travel and, in some cases, medical expenses incurred in foreign countries have forced some families into bankruptcy. In 2009, CBC News reported that Canadians made nearly 40 million day trips or overnight excursions to the US.1 This number does not include the number of travelers going abroad for vacations or business functions. In 2012, the Toronto Sun reported that 6 in 10 people2 do not arrange for travel insurance coverage when leaving the country. Traveling without insurance is a risky venture and Canadians pay tens of millions of dollars each year for unexpected injuries or illnesses that require out-of-country hospital care; even if only for a day trip. Why Buy Travel Insurance? Nearly everyone insures their vehicles, homes, and life in the event of an accident, natural disaster or fire. So why are Canadians reluctant to buy travel insurance for the same reasons? Some think it is unnecessary; especially younger people who are generally in very good physical health. Others simply cannot justify the cost….that is, until they experience a problem when they are traveling. Here are a few reasons that you should invest in travel insurance: Provincial governments cover only minimal expenses for out-of-country healthcare. Claims for those expenses can take months or even years to be settled. Accidents happen. They do not discriminate as to who and where they will strike. Something as simple as a broken leg can cost upwards of $20,000.00 in foreign medical expenses. In some countries, medical facilities will refuse to treat those that do not have medical insurance coverage. Travel Insurance Providers Various institutions can provide travel insurance that is based on the length of travel, age and pre-existing medical conditions. Travel agents, insurance brokers and credit card companies offer insurance but it is important that you understand the terms and conditions and any exclusions that the policy may carry. A few of the many questions to ask are: Does the policy have continuous coverage while you are away and is it renewable if your stay becomes extended? Does the underwriter have a 24 hour, English, or French language emergency contact number? Do you have to pay for all applicable expenses and claim later, or do they pay the institution up-front? According to the Government of Canada’s website, the following incident occurred. ‘Gabrielle had insurance that lapsed three weeks before she was involved in an accident. Her Canadian family had to raise $300,000 over a three-day period to cover the costs of medical treatment and evacuation. Fortunately, she survived, but her family is left with a hefty debt to repay.’ 3 There are various types of travel insurance plans depending on your needs. Single and multi-trip policies as well as annual premiums are available. And if you are flying abroad, most plans also cover trip cancellation, loss or damage of luggage, flight, and travel accidents. Enjoy peace of mind with travel insurance for you and your whole family. Don’t risk the trip without coverage.

Those Who Will Get Hired In 2026 Will…

By Nick Kossovan It's widely predicted that 2026 will be a more challenging year for job seekers than 2025. Although there will be fewer job openings, employers will still be hiring, albeit at a slower, more selective pace. The job seekers who'll be hired will be those who hyper-focus on how they present themselves to employers. Throughout 2026 and beyond, the following factors will shape hiring processes and decisions: 1. The continuing talk of a looming recession. 2. Employers are realizing that artificial intelligence isn't a novelty—it's technology that can transform how work is done, enabling fewer employees to deliver the same level of productivity. (SUMMARY: Employers are banking less on employees and more on AI.) 3. Employers are hiring only essential employees, those who can contribute measurable value to their profitability. 4. The job market is flooded with bad actors. In light of the above, savvy job seekers are keeping in mind that employers are understandably trying to remain competitive (read: run lean) and therefore will: Demonstrate how they can add measurable value to an employer. Employers need to see how you'll be a value-add to their business; therefore, your resume and LinkedIn profile need to clearly articulate how you improved your previous employer's business. Employers are no longer willing to keep employees on payroll who aren't contributing to their bottom line; therefore, they're only hiring for positions that drive profitability. Being able to answer the question, via your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and especially when interviewing—how your skills and experience have made a measurable difference to your previous employer's revenue—will expedite your job search. Have a 1 - 2-page resume. The ongoing debate about the ideal length of a resume is childish, as it overlooks that most resumes are viewed on mobile devices, and the reader's likely age isn't considered. Resumes don't get read; they get skimmed. Therefore, you need to make your resume as concise as possible, enhancing clarity by getting to the point and leaving a lasting impression rather than long, opinionated explanations. Write your resume with the understanding that in the seconds it's glanced at, the reader is looking for: · Job title relevance · Core skills that match the job description · Recent experience · Career progression · Employment stability When interviewing, demonstrate that they'll be manageable. Showing you're easy to get along with goes a long way toward getting hired. Fair or not, being likeable outweighs your skills and experience. Adopting a defensive attitude, or worse, showing a sense of entitlement, is how many job seekers get rejected. Gladly do assessment tests and assignments. Having interviewed thousands of candidates, I can unequivocally say that most talk a good game, but few can deliver. Increasingly, I'm seeing a disconnect between what candidates claim and what they can actually do. Motivated job seekers don't hesitate to prove themselves. They don't see assignments as free work, but as an opportunity to prove themselves. If, for whatever reason, you're opposed to doing assignments and assessments, then you're free—an announcement on LinkedIn isn't necessary—to leave the opportunity to someone who actually wants the job. Regarding the unsubstantiated claim that employers steal job candidates' ideas and assignments, I've yet to see any solid evidence of this having ever happened. Interview like a rock star! If you don't believe in yourself, then why should your interviewer? Get good—really good—at interviewing. "I'm not good at interviewing," or "I'm an introvert," are excuses job seekers tell themselves to stay in their comfort zone. Interviewing well, very well, is essential to landing a job; therefore, let go of the limiting beliefs that keep you from interviewing with confidence. The key to interviewing well is to know your career story, where you want to take your career, and why and what value you have added to your previous employers. Move on quickly. Yes, ghosting is annoying, but you have to get over it. Ghosting is how younger generations, who are now gatekeeping jobs, communicate. As for rejection, it's a given when job searching; therefore, expect it as part of the process. In terms of feedback, given the litigious world we live in, providing it is risky; hence, employers wisely don't give it. Accepting ghosting and rejection without judgment isn't only mentally healthy; it also saves your energy for your job search. Be willing to work on-site. Since the employer is paying for the work their employees do, they have every right to decide where that work is done. For many reasons, employers are introducing return-to-office mandates. Holding out for a remote job is a surefire way to prolong your job search. Not participate in the LinkedIn pity party or bashing employers. It amazes me how many job seekers still don't understand that employers review their LinkedIn activity and digital footprint to determine whether they're interview-worthy, and that venting publicly about job search frustrations or criticizing how employers hire only shows employers you can't control your emotions. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that many job seekers exhibit online behaviour that's hindering their job search. In 2026, job search success will come down to making yourself easier for employers to choose.

The New World Order Canada Is Walking Into

The New World Order Canada Is Walking Into By Dale Jodoin Columnist I keep hearing the same thing from people in parking lots, coffee shops, even at the checkout line when the bill comes up and everybody does that little sigh. Canada feels different now. Not in a good way. Not in a loud, dramatic way either. More like the air changed and you cannot quite explain it, but you know you are not imagining it. For a long time, Canadians believed their country was different. Not perfect, but different. You could speak your mind, go to work, go to church if you wanted, or stay home if you did not. You could start a small business with a bit of grit and a few tools. You did not feel like the government was trying to train you like a pet. That belief is fading. What is replacing it is control, wrapped up in nice words. Ottawa will tell you it is all for safety, fairness, and progress. Those words sound good. They always sound good. But the real test is not what the government says. The real test is what it builds, and how much power it gives itself to steer daily life. Start with the politics, because the politics explain the speed of everything else. The Liberals are sitting one seat away from a majority. That is close enough to change the whole mood in the country. It means they do not have to move like a careful minority government. They can move like a government that expects to win. Then a Conservative MP crossed the floor and joined the Liberals. Plenty of Canadians saw that and felt their stomach drop. I am not talking about people who live for party politics. I mean regular voters who picked a Conservative, and woke up to find their MP now wearing Liberal colours. You can call it legal, sure. But people call it a betrayal for a reason. Some people call it a traitor move. Not as a courtroom term, but as the kind of anger that comes from feeling like your vote got tossed in the trash. And even without a full majority on paper, the Liberals still get what they need because the NDP backs them on key votes. That is the part that drives people nuts. It feels like we are being governed by a majority government that did not actually win a majority. So now you have a government that is almost a majority, and a second party that keeps it standing. Then you look at the bills coming down the pipe and you think, of course they are moving fast. Who is going to stop them? This is where the bigger worry kicks in. It is not only about taxes or spending. It is about information. It is about what you are allowed to see, what you are allowed to share, and what you are allowed to say without getting dragged through the mud. Governments that want more control rarely admit it. They pick softer language. Online safety. Fighting hate. Protecting kids. You would have to be heartless to oppose the goals in a headline. But laws are not headlines. Laws are tools. And once the tools exist, they get used. Here is what I mean. Look at the online world. Streaming, social media, news. That is where most people now get information, entertainment, and even a sense of what the country is talking about. If you can shape that, you can shape the country without ever touching a ballot box. Bill C 11 brought the CRTC deeper into the streaming world. Supporters say it is about helping Canadian culture and Canadian creators. Fine. I do not hate Canadian culture. I want our artists to do well too. But here is the question people keep asking me, and it is a fair question. Why is the government getting closer to what I watch? Even if the goal is culture, the method is influential. When a regulator gets power to shape what is pushed and what is not, that is not neutral. And it is not only about music and movies. The same idea can be used later for other things, especially when politics gets heated, and politics always gets heated. Now look at Bill C 18, the Online News Act. The government said it was meant to support journalism. Newsrooms are hurting, so again, the headline sounds good. But what happened after should have Canadians wide awake. One major platform blocked news links in Canada. Another negotiated a payment system. So now news is caught in a tug of war between government rules and corporate decisions. Ask yourself what that does to trust. If the public starts to believe news depends on government designed systems or corporate deals, people stop believing the news is free. Even if reporters are doing honest work, the shadow hangs over everything. Then there is Bill C 63, the Online Harms plan. Again, the headline goal is to reduce harmful content online, protect kids, and hold platforms accountable. I do not know many parents who would argue with protecting kids. But the concern people have is simple. Who defines harm. Who decides what crosses the line. Who gets the power to punish and silence. Once the system exists, the definitions can widen. That is what history shows. It does not always happen in one big jump. It happens by small expansions that sound reasonable at the time. This is where people feel the walls moving in. They see laws that reach further into the online space, and they hear critics being called names instead of being answered. Racist. Extremist. Hateful. Dangerous. It is like the country has forgotten how to argue. Now it just labels and shoves. That is a big deal, because labels are a form of control. When a person fears being smeared, they shut up. When a worker fears losing their job because they shared the wrong opinion, they shut up. When a parent fears their kid will be targeted at school for repeating what they heard at home, they shut up. It is not freedom if you have to whisper. Religion is caught in this too, and Canadians know it even if they avoid the topic. Faith is treated like it is acceptable only if it stays quiet. The moment a religious belief clashes with the fashionable politics of the day, it is treated like a threat. People get told to keep it private, keep it hidden, keep it out of public life. That is not respect. That is tolerance on a short leash. Economic freedom is tightening at the same time, which makes everything feel worse. Small businesses are being buried under rules, fees, and costs. Big corporations can absorb it. Small shops cannot. That means fewer people taking risks, fewer new businesses, fewer local jobs. A country that makes it hard to build something trains people to depend on the system instead. Put all of this together and the picture gets clearer. A government one seat away from a majority. An MP crossing the floor that many voters saw as a betrayal. A second party that props the government up. New laws that push regulators deeper into streaming, deeper into news, deeper into what can be said online. And a culture that punishes disagreement with labels instead of debate. That is what people mean when they say Canada is walking into a new world order. Not secret meetings. Not science fiction. Just a steady shift where the state gets more say, and the citizen gets less room. The scary part is how normal it can start to feel. You get used to watching your words. You get used to saying, I will keep that to myself. You get used to silence. Canada is still free enough to change course. But that does not happen by accident. It happens when people notice the squeeze, talk about it plainly, and refuse to accept that control is the price of living here. Because once the country gets used to control, it rarely gives it back.

Karmageddon

Karmageddon By Mr. ‘X’ ~ John Mutton CENTRAL EXCLUSIVE I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and continues to enjoy the remainder of the holiday season leading up to the New Year. As we look ahead to the New Year and hope for positive change—both globally and here at home—we can also look back on 2025 as a year marked by growing economic turmoil and the continued erosion of public trust in government. Let’s be honest: very few people trust government anymore. This year, The Mr. X Files will further focus on exposing government corruption wherever it exists, regardless of political party. In 2025, we once again witnessed astonishing arrogance from certain politicians, their political staff, and well-connected, crooked lobbyists. In 2025, The Mr. X Files blew the lid off the Greenbelt scandal, revealing what really happened behind the scenes and who knew what—and when. The now-unpopular and embattled Minister David Picinni was directly informed about the Greenbelt issue. Not long after that revelation, The Mr. X Files, alongside other major investigative media outlets, deconstructed the Skills Development Fund and exposed the “usual suspects”: lobbyists deeply entrenched in steering millions of dollars to unqualified applicants, with ministerial sign-off. The next scandal—mark my words—will be Infrastructure Grants. Remember where you heard it first: right here at Mr. X. I believe development interests and the same familiar network of preferential, crooked lobbyists will once again dominate headlines in 2026. I can also tell you now that, as this paper goes to print—coinciding with the release of the next installment of The Mr. X Files—another bombshell revelation will emerge. When have we ever seen a minister under investigation simultaneously by the Integrity Commissioner, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police? Public office was never intended to be a family business. It is unacceptable for a minister’s spouse to operate as a lobbyist, a mother-in-law to sit on the Ontario Land Tribunal, and a father’s firm to benefit from infrastructure grants. The time has come for this individual to be removed from his ministerial position. This year will also be defined by an upcoming municipal election, the exact shape of which remains uncertain as provincial changes to regional governance are still pending. The election “silly season” began months ago, and this may well become the most transformative municipal election in Ontario’s history. “Strong mayor” powers are now all the rage. Why donate to a councillor’s campaign when mayors hold the real authority? Pick your mayoral horse and place your bet there—because that’s where the power now lies. An unintended consequence of strong-mayor legislation will likely be a sharp decline in donations to councillors. In 2026, we will make a concerted effort to educate readers and viewers on how government processes work—and how they should work. We will continue to grow our audience. We know there will be critics and haters, but we will not back down from telling the truth.

2026 THE YEAR OF HOPE…

By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800 ,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States I do not know about you. But it appears that the “AGE OF AQUARIUS’ is upon us.... Age of Aquarius:  The Age of Aquarius is an astrological concept for a new spiritual/cultural era following the Age of Pisces, symbolizing a shift towards humanitarianism, technology, equality, collective consciousness, and freedom, moving from "me" to "we". Popularized by the musical Hair, it represents a future of greater understanding, innovation, and global harmony, moving away from the Piscean focus on faith/illusion towards Aquarian intellect and universal love. While astrologically the transition is gradual (lasting centuries), it's associated with the 1960s counter-culture and promises radical change. Jesus was the one who announced the Age of Aquarius and said, "A man will meet you carrying an earthen pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he goes in". What is so special about the Age of Aquarius? The Aquarian Age is a time of great complexity as our sense of personal identity and our very foundation shifts. Expect developments in all arenas, including scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and societal shifts. On an individual level, change and learning will be lifelong and constant. Wow, an era going from ‘me’ to ‘we’. A man carrying earthen pitcher of water.... foundations shift... development in all arenas... I believe that 2026 will the bring forth a paramount pinacle of this era. I say this as it is starting to happen in the U.S. With Trump and his very advance force for positive change back to traditional western culture. The developments of this past years have clearly marked a path for future prosperity and advancements in all aspects of society. Here in Durham. We will be face very important choices to make. A municipal election. We as the people need to take our government back. Right across Durham. Municipal government have become entities within themselves. Practically no accountability no transparency and a complete shut down of public input. This is wrong. Compounded with the ever number of wasted funds on projects that at this economical juncture could be going to assisting those in need. For example. Oshawa waste 10 million on a downtown park. Meanwhile people are literally dying on our street. Many from exposure, hunger and illness. Others due to crime. What are our beloved entrusted elected officials doing about it? NOTHING. For example Oshawa. We have elected folk that are so out of touch with the needs of it’s people that spend more time on projects that total waste of your tax dollars. I think this election coming. We need to get rid of Derek Giberson. A two term councillor that is directly responsible for the poor state of the downtown. He in part was responsible for the open drug use. He has done nothing in two terms to control crime and the drug trade. We have Rick Kerr the regional councilor. What has he done for the past two terms? He also needs to go. Let’s start cutting the waste of tax dollars at the top. Look at councillors like Chapman, Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Rosemary McConkey, John Neal. All on the taxpayers clock. What have they done for Oshawa? Chapman an arrogant ghost councillor with dreams of becoming Mayor... sits on all kinds of committees to what achievements? NONE. Tito-Dante another book end that sits on more committees with what achievements to show for? How can either of these councillor go to sleep at night knowing that people are living on our streets. That people are dieing almost every day. People being shot and stabbed. Where is the leadership preventing such things to happen. The problem is not those elected but those that elect members of the community that have no life experience. People that have been careered politicians for so long that have lost the need of those that elected them. In 2026 we need a new start. Not a repeat of last election where we rid of only one councilor to replace her with a bigger waste of tax payer dollar. Councillor Lee. I believed in you. You let me and the people of Oshawa down. Let’s re-take our city back in 2026

Canada at the Crossroads: Reflections on 2025 and the Choices of 2026

Canada at the Crossroads: Reflections on 2025 and the Choices of 2026 by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The year 2025 will not be remembered in Canada for a single dramatic event. There was no financial collapse, no constitutional crisis, no defining national trauma. Instead, it was a year marked by something quieter and, in many ways, more consequential: a broad, uneasy realization that the country’s long-standing assumptions no longer align with reality. Canadians spent 2025 taking stock of their economy, their institutions, their social fabric, and their place in a world that feels less predictable by the month. In that sense, 2025 was a year of reassessment. The question now, as 2026 approaches, is whether reassessment will give way to resolve. A Year of Stabilization Without Momentum Economically, 2025 brought a measure of relief after years of turbulence. Inflation eased, interest rates began to drift downward, and fears of an imminent recession receded. Employment remained relatively strong by historical standards. On paper, the economy appeared stable. Yet stability did not feel like prosperity. Productivity growth remained weak, business investment lagged behind peer countries, and major projects; whether housing developments, energy corridors, or transportation infrastructure continued to move at a glacial pace. Many Canadians sensed that the economy was no longer failing loudly, but it was underperforming quietly. This gap between macroeconomic indicators and lived experience defined much of the national mood. Wages struggled to keep up with costs accumulated over previous years. Young Canadians, in particular, looked at the housing market and saw not a challenge to overcome, but a barrier to adulthood itself. Home ownership drifted from expectation to aspiration to, for many, improbability. Housing as the National Pressure Point No issue dominated Canadian life in 2025 more than housing. It was not merely an economic concern; it became a social and psychological one. Decisions about careers, family formation, and even geographic mobility were shaped by whether people could find a place to live that did not consume the bulk of their income. Federal and provincial governments announced funding, targets, and agreements. Municipalities promised zoning reform. Yet results lagged far behind need. The housing crisis revealed a deeper structural problem: Canada’s difficulty in translating political consensus into timely execution. By 2025, nearly everyone agreed that housing supply must increase dramatically. The frustration lay in how slowly that agreement turned into cranes in the sky. Politics in a More Skeptical Age Politically, 2025 was marked by sharper rhetoric and thinner patience. Canadians appeared less ideologically driven than fatigued. Trust in institutions, Parliament, the media, even parts of the public service remained strained, though not broken. Voters demanded competence more than vision, delivery more than declarations. Ottawa’s focus shifted toward long-term positioning: industrial policy, defence commitments, and strategic infrastructure. The language of resilience entered the mainstream. Canada spoke more openly about supply chains, critical minerals, Arctic sovereignty, and energy security. These were not new topics, but in 2025 they felt less theoretical and more urgent. Still, a sense of drift persisted. Governments managed problems incrementally while avoiding hard trade-offs. Fiscal pressures mounted quietly in the background, as healthcare costs rose and demographics tilted toward an aging population. Canadians sensed that the margin for error was narrowing. Canada in an Unsettled World Internationally, 2025 reminded Canadians of both their limits and their strengths. Canada was not a central actor in global conflicts, but its stability became an asset in itself. In a world of abrupt policy swings and unreliable partners, Canada’s predictability mattered. Defence spending edged upward, particularly in the Arctic, reflecting a sober recognition that geography is destiny. Climate change, great-power competition, and northern development converged in ways that made long-term neglect impossible. Canada did not suddenly become hawkish, but it became more realistic. Diplomatically, Canada leaned into niches where credibility still counts: multilateral forums, humanitarian engagement, and quiet mediation. The ambition was modest, but appropriate to a middle power navigating a fragmented international system. Society: Tired, But Intact Socially, 2025 revealed a country under strain but not fracture. Polarization existed, yet it was less explosive than in many peer democracies. Civic rituals; from Remembrance Day commemorations to local volunteerism continued to bind communities together. Immigration remained central to Canada’s identity and future, but the conversation grew more nuanced. Canadians increasingly distinguished between welcoming newcomers and acknowledging capacity limits. The challenge was no longer whether to immigrate, but how to integrate effectively through housing, credential recognition, language training, and community support. This was not a rejection of openness, but a demand for competence. The Demands of 2026 If 2025 was about recognizing problems, 2026 will be about confronting them. The coming year is likely to test Canada’s willingness to make choices rather than manage tensions indefinitely. Economically, lower interest rates may provide breathing room, but they will not restore productivity or competitiveness on their own. In 2026, pressure will grow to dismantle internal trade barriers, accelerate approvals for major projects, and align immigration more closely with labour market needs. Without such reforms, Canada risks settling into a decade of mediocre growth and declining relative living standards. Politically, the tone is likely to harden. As potential elections at various levels approach, voters will demand specificity: How many homes will be built, where, and by when? How will healthcare be sustained as costs rise? What does fiscal responsibility mean in an era of permanent pressure? The appetite for slogans is waning; the appetite for results is not. Climate adaptation will also move from abstraction to necessity. Extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and energy transitions will force faster decisions. Canadians are less interested in symbolic commitments than in practical answers: who pays, who builds, and who bears the risk. A Choice Between Drift and Direction Canada enters 2026 with remarkable advantages: abundant resources, strong institutions, social cohesion, and international trust. However, advantages unused can become illusions. The defining question is whether Canada can convert stability into momentum. The risk is not sudden collapse. It is gradual erosion; the slow fading of affordability, opportunity, and confidence that has long defined the Canadian promise. The opportunity, however, remains real. With clear priorities and disciplined execution, 2026 could mark the beginning of renewal rather than retrenchment. History suggests that Canada’s greatest moments often come not from crisis, but from clarity. The year ahead will reveal whether the reassessment of 2025 was merely reflective or whether it was the prelude to action. Enjoy the holiday season and Happy New Year for 2026 !

THE MAYOR’S TALE - A CHRISTMAS STORY IN RHYME

THE MAYOR’S TALE - A CHRISTMAS STORY IN RHYME So now it begins as I sit down to write The tale of council, on Christmas Eve night. I decided to type in the Chaucer style, In rhyming couplets that will for a while Amuse one and all who take time to read That which may grow from a writer’s seed. To plant a young tale, and have it mature Is its own just reward as you may be sure. Wish me well and Godspeed my friends, For I hope to reach a successful end. It is better this way, and I will go so fast To create a memory that is sure to last. My mind is keen and my heart is fit, So stay tuned for the rest of it! ***** THE MAYOR’S TALE ***** ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL OF COUNCIL WAS THERE…… A short story written by Dean Hickey One night in December, as the snow did fall I found myself with councillors, one and all. We sat round the chamber on Christmas Eve To discuss a matter you must surely believe Was important enough that we had no choice But to do as a council, what no-one enjoys; To remain together long into the night To consider that which to me seemed right! What follows is as much as I can recall Of the contributions made by us all As we argued, debated and got worked up Like actors on the stage of a drama club. But in the end as you will soon see Council would in fact agree with me. So without further ado, I will recount Those obstacles we came to surmount. MAYOR DAN CARTER Please find your seats, my councillor friends For there’s miles to go before this night ends. I trust you’re all well, and I have to say The fact most are here has made my day! I see Councillor Neal has again stayed home To join in our quest, on his telephone, But that is his loss, for he is not near To enjoy the punch I have brought to cheer Those who have acted on a different scale, By venturing to where friendship prevails. And now that you’ve each taken your seat I’ll move a motion that’s an absolute treat. It’s a sort of pledge on the part of us all, To take stock of ourselves, and to stand tall As we show the world who we really are By casting away old habits to places afar, And in taking on a fresh state of mind The likes of which is often hard to find. Therefore with the power I now possess, I as Mayor do here and now profess To offer up a motion by myself alone Without a seconder, as may be shown By the Strong Mayors legislation I do willingly use without hesitation. COUNCILLOR NICHOLSON Mr. Mayor, I do object to what you say, For I have been here many a day And never have I seen a Mayor so keen To ride all over that which even he Must surely admit is our democracy. I rise on a point of order to firmly object To the methods being used to project Whatever has brought us all down here, On this most precious night of the year. I have served for forty years now, And never have I seen just how This type of unilateral action That seems to now be in fashion, Could possibly help us in our quest To make decisions that are the best. MAYOR DAN CARTER Councillor Nicholson I beg you consider All that has in the past served to hinder The progress we need to move beyond The stalemates and debates so very long! I ask you to open your mind and to see That this is the way my motion should be. We need to move on and you look tired, Too much discussion will see us mired In ways too numerous even to count, As a pedestal we will all try to mount. But wait… I hear a voice call out to me, So just one moment as I look to see Who it is that wants to interject As we try to act with complete respect. COUNCILLOR JOHN NEAL Yeah, Mr. Mayor it’s Councillor Neal. I know I’m not there, but I really do feel That Brian has a point beyond dispute As he is a man who is quite astute. From him I have learned so very much, Though some may see me as out of touch Cause I like doing this stuff by remote Although it won’t cost me a single vote. For I have built a reputation And Ward One is now Neal Nation! So what I wanted to say may be harsh But a motion by you is a farce. And although we are still in the dark Whatever it is you want here to mark The very first time you have acted as such, I have to say it really is far too much! COUNCILLOR ROSEMARY MCCONKEY Mr. Mayor I support John from Ward One And I request a recorded vote be done, And at the right time I have an amendment To present to council as I intend it. DEPUTY MAYOR BOB CHAPMAN Mr. Mayor I rise on a point of order As any amendment now would border On fantasy, as there has been no motion, And this debate is causing commotion. I have tried to educate everyone here On matters of process, year after year, And yet to some it remains a mere game. To go outside the rules is a total shame. I therefore request councillor McConkey Do the right thing - that in all honesty She should have done, and that is to wait. Council would see such behaviour as great. COUNCILLOR JOHN GRAY Mr. Mayor I rise on personal privilege As I have always tried to encourage Co-operation and some mutual respect Which as Mayor I came to reflect As I rebuilt this city from the ground up, Without the help from laws that usurp The rights of every councillor here From due process year after year. Did I miss the memo Mr. Mayor? The rules are now totally in your favour? COUNCILLOR BRADLEY MARKS Mr. Speaker I rise in this House as one Who knows how legal issues are done. As I listen to my learned friends And their confusion that knows no ends. I am reminded of the fact things change. The Mayor’s request is not at all strange Given the fact that the Province has done What they see as good for everyone. So with those exhaustive remarks, I remain yours in service, Bradley Marks. COUNCILLOR TITO-DANTE MARIMPIETRI Mr. Mayor I see our friend from Ward 3 Thinks he is well above you and me, As he seems to think he’s in Parliament With all the status it may represent. But I must remind him if I may That he’s still on Council as of today, And our city is worth fighting for! As a councillor, I seek nothing more. I find the debates we are now into Will only hinder all that we must do To keep our city ahead of the game! My best currency still is my name, And I wish the question could be called On the phantom motion that has stalled, As this seems to me a total waste of time And why am I still talking in rhyme? MAYOR DAN CARTER Members of council let’s move on, But wait, I believe we have a delegation; A certain Mr. Lee would like to speak to us. So before anyone else makes a fuss I invite Mr. Lee to come forward now. He has ten minutes to show us how What he wants to say will help us traverse The issue into which we are immersed. COUNCILLOR JIM LEE Mr. Mayor I am not a delegation as such, And I would thank you sir, very much To support me when I say it is true That I was in fact elected in Ward Two. I am the one who always takes action. I live in the big sprawling mansion That is among the noblest of homes Where the fashionable people still roam. Just because I sit so far away from you Doesn’t mean I don’t say what others do. So let me comment as you sit and ponder That I feel we need every first responder To be reflected in any motions you make, Because these guys really take the cake! COUNCILLOR RICK KERR Mr. Mayor, if I may be permitted to speak. I am here as one who always tries to seek A better way so that I can understand Just what makes us work hand-in-hand? And I sincerely hope you have not forgot I have been asked to play someone I’m not, As my role in The Trespassers is definite, And I hope everyone comes out to it. Mr. Mayor I see my ward-mate over there Has been sitting with both hands in the air, So I guess he has something to say And I wish you the very best of the day! COUNCILLOR DEREK GIBERSON Mr. Mayor I’ve thought of this intrinsically And I really believe this council to be Way off the mark on the environment, And I see only one way to deal with it. So I therefore ask your motion to go far To take a stand that we abolish every car! Other than that very important request I’ll vote as a socialist would think best. MAYOR DAN CARTER Members of council are you all done? Listening to each one of you has been fun But I have yet to present my motion. And regardless, if anyone has the notion To challenge me over this - somehow, I will override you, both here and now. So let’s not put the cart before the horse, But listen to my motion, which of course Will make you very much surprised And might even bring tears to your eyes. Whereas with Oshawa Council, it’s a fact Our deepest fear is for us not to act In meaningful ways beyond compare, As there’s so much good we can share. And, whereas this council must ask itself How can we place pride upon the shelf And accept that there is room to grow As only members of our council can know? And, whereas we need not wonder How divergent views can come together. For we each bear the glory of God within And with that in mind we’ll soon begin A brand new year - a new opportunity To be the best we were made to be. Therefore, be it resolved this Christmas Eve, Whether or not we truly believe, That Council seek guidance from one Who has the power to see good will done, As we strive to let our collective light glow Over a city that we’re all proud to know. MOTION CARRIED.

Put Some Perspective In The Christmas Stocking

Put Some Perspective In The Christmas Stocking By Diana Gifford Put Some Perspective in the Christmas Stocking How many times in 2025 did you complain about something? And with good reason! But this is the time of year for setting aside our thoughts about the issues driving us crazy. Take a step back during the holidays and reflect on what really counts. Health and happiness. That’s the bottom line. My Christmas wish to all is a generous dose of perspective. The year 2025 brought a long litany of disasters. Deadly heat waves. Catastrophic flooding across parts of Europe and Asia. Wildfires forcing mass evacuations in North America and Australia. Powerful earthquakes striking without warning. And humanitarian crises that deepened, driven by conflict, hunger, and climate displacement around the world. I don’t think I would be alone to say that 2025 brought bad news to family members and dear friends. We suffered setbacks. We lost loved ones. Our hearts ache for those who have been dealt a terminal illness, at no fault of their own. It’s likely the year ahead will bring more trouble. Though, I hope and pray for less. Don’t we all. Every year, my husband and I stuff four stockings for our children – now all of them grown up, but still we love the tradition. And every year, I try to find that little something that instills a sense of faith. But faith in what? It’s hard to say. Faith in our common man? After all, we’ve watched neighbours shovel each other out after storms, while strangers raise millions overnight for people they will never meet. Faith in our country? That’s harder, when public trust feels thin and institutions seem slower to protect the vulnerable than to protect themselves. Faith in artificial intelligence? It promises efficiency and answers at the click of a button, yet it still can’t teach compassion, wisdom, or when to pause before doing harm. I’d like to have more faith in a greater God. But aside from the humility of knowing that we just don’t have all the answers, religion has not been kind to the world. I have decided to put luggage tags in the stockings this year. The message is, get out in the world. Go far enough away to see how small your own assumptions are and how much we all share once borders blur. When you get to know distant people by being up close, it’s a lot easier to love one another. In fact, though, one needs not go far. Just down the road is often far enough to come across people who are perfect strangers, and yet, neighbours. There is nothing wrong about trying to “do unto others” with the people right around the corner. Perspective doesn’t just broaden the mind. It teaches gratitude by showing us how much we have compared with how much we truly need. And gratitude is the hardest thing of all to put into a Christmas stocking. We are now a quarter century into the 21st century. We have more information than at any time before, more comfort, more choice, and yet remarkably little patience for uncertainty or inconvenience. But gratitude has not kept pace with innovation. And we are slow to learn it. This is the first year I must wish readers a Merry Christmas without my father alongside. I can hear his voice, lamenting that over all his many years, people have not learned from history. But hope springs eternal, I prefer to think. Let’s make the year ahead a better one. If you catch yourself complaining, just stop. Have perspective. Be well. Be happy. —————————————————————————————————————— This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones

Year-End Tax Planning Ideas

Year-End Tax Planning Ideas By Bruno M. Scanga Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all our readers!! The following are some ideas for individuals and business owners to reduce income taxes as 2025 draws to a close. Individuals should consider doing their RRSP contributions before the RRSP rush in the first 60 days of 2026. You can get better values by buying today than when all the last-minute procrastinators rush to buy their RRSPs in the New Year and temporarily push up market values. Another idea is to remember to top up any RESP contributions to take advantage of the 20% educational grant before year-end. While there is no technical deadline, it is best to spread your contributions out annually to a maximum of $2,500 to generate the maximum $7,200 in Federal education grants (plus any applicable provincial grants). If you have children in college or university, start looking at their earned income and whether they will have any unused tuition or other credits that can be used by the parents. Remember also to keep track of all receipts for expenses related to moving expenses to get the children to school as well. Consider delaying the purchase of any mutual funds in open or non-registered accounts until the New Year. Many funds pay year-end tax distributions in December and any purchases late in the year will get the same taxable distributions as those made in January. So check with your Advisor on the possible taxable distributions if any, on all such purchases before year-end. Finally, keep track of and gather all medical and dental receipts to see if you can get any tax credits for large expenses incurred during the year not covered by insurance. Business owners have a wider range of tax planning strategies available to them. Proprietorships can consider incorporating for 2025 if they are having a year of higher than normal income. The goal would be to reduce personal income taxes by having some of the business income taxed at the much lower corporate tax rate. Business owners can also reduce their taxes by income splitting with spouses or even teenage or adult children. The key is to make sure they are doing work for the corporation whereby the compensation is reasonable for the work being done. Consult your tax accountant for the CRA guidelines in this area. You can also start planning your income mix between earned income and dividend income. Some shareholders can receive dividends only and pay little or no tax on up to a certain maximum if they have no earned income. Recent Federal Budget tax changes to tax rates on retained earnings will affect this strategy so consult your tax specialist for their advice. Make sure you deduct as many of your medical expenses as possible in the corporation for those businesses that have Heath Spending Accounts. The medical expense is a deduction to the company, and the reimbursement is tax free to the individual with the savings being equal to something close to your personal marginal tax rate. Some other tactics to consider include taking or repaying shareholder’s loans from the corporation and making sure you pay the interest on any outstanding shareholder loans. The key is to get started before year-end to reduce your taxes.

The Menu

The Menu By Wayne and Tamara My husband and I are working on 12 years of marriage. We have relocated several times for jobs, but are finally settled down (we hope!). My mother-in-law says we are keeping her grandchildren from her by taking this job and moving where we are. We live nine hours away from his parents, which is closer than we’ve been in years. Last year because we were unemployed we went to their house for Christmas. This year, now that things are financially mended, we are hosting the Christmas shindigs. The family will be here Christmas Eve and Christmas night, and I planned on taking care of everything as hostess. My mother-in-law told me she is bringing Christmas dinner. Then a couple of days later she said she is going to bring the meal for Christmas Eve as well. Now, I am in no way incapacitated, ill, unable, or unwilling to cook. I had reserved a prime rib and a ham and planned on all the fixings to go with them. Now both will go unused, so she can bring lasagna and a small pork loin roll. That’s not enough to feed everyone. My husband says let her, but I don’t feel it’s right. As a hostess I feel insulted. As a daughter-in-law I feel encroached upon. I don’t want to set a precedent for future holidays or visits. I also don’t want to offend her. Is she being helpful or overbearing? And how do I tactfully discuss this with her so as not to make matters worse? Sara Sara, in your own home you never give in. Because if your home is not your haven, your castle, and your refuge, then you are homeless. You are right about setting a precedent you cannot live with. In a situation like this the hostess tells the guests—whether they be family or friends—what will be served and when. If someone wishes to bring another dish, it can be placed as a side dish to the main fare the host and hostess provide. Your mother-in-law can rule the roost in her own home, but she doesn’t get to rule the roost in yours. As in dealing with children, be firm, fair, and consistent. Simply state what the meals and mealtimes are to be. That is your absolute right as a hostess. Wayne & Tamara Willow In The Wind Two years ago I met the love of my life. He is sweet as can be. We love each other’s families, share secrets, and laugh until our stomachs hurt. We have an amazing sexual, emotional, and spiritual connection. I feel as if I’m looking into my own eyes when I look into his. I care for him like I would my child. But something has gone terribly wrong. His best friend just moved across the street, and this friend has a younger brother who lives with him. They make my fiancé a different person. He makes rude comments to me in front of them for entertainment, and ditches our plans to hang out with them. They want to start a rock band together, something my fiancé said he would never waste his time on. Now he is considering it. I dropped friends for him, but he refuses to drop these men--excuse me, boys--for me. Frances Frances, we get letters from women who are angry when another woman mimics their dress, hairstyle, or interests. Because your fiancé is the opposite sex you don’t see a connection to that behavior. When with his friends, your fiancé mimics their behavior; with you, he mimics you. He doesn’t wear your same dress, but he takes on your opinions and outlook. If it is his nature to be malleable, this can happen with anyone. Ask yourself if your communion with him is genuine, or only present when you have sole custody of your “child.” Wayne & Tamara

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming By Dale Jodoin Columnist Christmas is coming again, and every year it hits me a little differently. It feels heavier now. Not only in the wallet, though that part hurts all of us. Not only in the stress, though you can see it in tired faces everywhere. The bigger weight is the sense that the heart of Christmas is slipping out of sight. The lights go up earlier. The music starts before the leaves finish falling. Stores push sale after sale. Yet the quiet truth of the season gets harder to hear. Somewhere between the noise and the shopping carts, people stopped saying what Christmas is. It is the birthday of Jesus Christ. That is the reason for the day. You can celebrate something else. You can ignore the story. That is your right. But the day comes from one place and one place only. You can see the shift in schools, stores, and even in government offices. Schools call it winter break. Employees are told to say happy holidays. Some folks look offended if you say Merry Christmas, as if speaking the word Christmas is forcing a belief on them. It is not. It is just being honest about the history of the day. The first Christmas did not take place in a mall. It happened in a stable, while a young couple tried to get through a night with no room to sleep. The first gifts were not toys or gadgets. They were given to a baby who people believed would bring hope into a broken world. You do not have to believe in that baby. But it is unfair to ask others to pretend that the story is not the foundation of the season. All of this would be easier to shrug off if life today was not so hard for so many people. Rent is climbing. Groceries cost more every time you walk in the door. Parents are juggling bills and wondering which one can wait another week. People who used to donate to charities are now the ones standing in line at food banks. Yet at the same time, the pressure to make Christmas perfect keeps growing. Bigger gifts. Bigger meals. Bigger everything. But the first Christmas was not big. It was small and plain. It was a night where hope arrived quietly and without comfort. It was a moment where tired shepherds finished their shift and heard news that changed them. That simple story feels more real than anything you can buy. Joseph is a part of the story that gets pushed aside. The man who raised Jesus was not wealthy or powerful. He was a carpenter. He worked with wood. He had calloused hands and a steady heart. He stepped into a difficult situation and stayed, even though the child was not his. He taught Jesus how to work, how to treat people, how to be a good man. He is proof that quiet love can shape the world more than any rich king ever could. Today many kids grow up without that kind of steady man in their lives. Many parents never saw it themselves. Christmas could be a time to rebuild a bit of that strength and kindness. People inside the church sometimes forget the point too. We argue about tiny details. We split into groups and fight about who is right. Meanwhile the main teaching of Jesus is simple. Love God. Love your neighbour. That is it. He did not say win arguments. He did not say prove your faith online. He did not talk down to people who believe differently. He said help. Help in real ways. Help with food when someone is hungry. Help with company when someone is alone. Help with kindness when someone feels ashamed. Help does not need money. It only needs attention. So what do we do now? The world has changed. The government has its own plans for the season. Stores will keep pushing hard for bigger sales. But none of that removes our choice. We can still decide what the season means. We do not need to win a cultural fight to honour Christmas. We do not need to shout louder than anyone else. We just need to live the story. If you believe it, show it. If you honour it, let your actions carry it. Be patient with people. Be gentle when someone is struggling. Be decent even when it feels like the world has lost its grip on decency. Christmas does not have to be complicated. This year you can choose something small and have it matter. Call someone who has not heard their phone ring in a while. Drop off a meal to a neighbour who is having a rough time. Shovel a walkway for someone who cannot do it. Bring a warm drink to a person working outside. None of these gestures cost much. They stick with people longer than anything that comes wrapped in shiny paper. These moments are the real gifts. The noise of the season will keep trying to tell you that you need more. More stuff. More decorations. More money spent to show your love. But the truth is simple. The heart of Christmas is not loud. It sits in the quiet. It sits in the story of a love that came in the most humble way. It sits in the idea that ordinary people can carry hope into each other's lives. So when you say Merry Christmas, say it without fear. Say it with a smile. If someone answers with something else, let them. There is no need to fight over greetings. You know what you mean when you say it. You are talking about hope and peace. You are talking about a kind of love that does not back down, even in hard times. You are talking about a story that has been told for more than two thousand years and still means enough for people to argue about it. Then make it real. That is the purpose of the season. It pushes us to look up from our routines and notice the people around us. It reminds us that the best things in life are not things at all. They are moments of care. They are small acts of courage. They are the choice to be kind in a world that often forgets how. The true heart of Christmas is not hiding in any store. It is sitting right in your hands. It is waiting for you to reach out. This year, let that be your gift. Let that be your way of celebrating. Let that be your way of keeping the old story alive. Because the truth is still the truth. Christmas began with love coming into the world in a simple way. Our job now is to pass that love on. That is what Christmas is for. And that is enough.

My 2026 Job Market Forecast

My 2026 Job Market Forecast By Nick Kossovan Take a deep breath. Exhale. Repeat a few times. A relaxed mind is the best tool against your challenges. While I don't have a crystal ball to predict what the 2026 job market will look like, I do have insights from numerous conversations with recruiters and hiring managers, coupled with a strong gut feeling that leads me to believe the following factors will continue to influence the job market: · Geopolitical self-interests causing economic friction between countries. · Companies investing in AI productivity tools, data processing technology, and automation instead of hiring new employees. · Employers will continue to lay off employees who don't contribute measurable value to their profitability or whose roles can be automated, outsourced, or performed by AI. The job market implications: 1. Technological advancement—economic conditions are a distant secondary factor—is the single most significant macroeconomic trend shaping job markets, and it's not going to slow down or reverse anytime soon. 2. As technology improves productivity, companies find themselves with a surplus of redundant, 'do the bare minimum,' and underperforming employees. Therefore, employers are trimming payroll fat; consequently, I expect payroll growth in 2026 to slow down further or, at best, remain unchanged. 3. Tension between job seekers and employers will escalate further. Needs to be said: AI isn't on track to create enough jobs to replace the ones it's displacing. AI is a 24/7/365 digital employee that employees and job seekers are competing against, an employee that never gets tired, sick, takes a holiday, or demands more (read: is easy to manage), and works much faster—all for no salary, perks, or ongoing overhead costs. AI isn't a productivity enhancement tool; it's a human replacement tool. The job market is reorganizing around revenue, efficiency, new technology that offers to increase productivity, and onboarding technological skills. Hiring booms or busts will not define 2026—there won't be a January hiring spike—it'll be defined by employers not willing to keep on payroll employees who don't deliver visible, measurable outcomes that contribute to their profitability. Choosing to be a 'good enough' employee is choosing to risk termination. A September 2025 article from Staffing Industry Analysts reported that 58% of US companies expect layoffs or cutbacks in 2026. 2026 will have job seekers contending with fewer job opportunities, along with a shift in hiring practices: employers increasingly relying on referrals, processing applications more slowly with greater due diligence, and using AI to determine which candidates are worth interviewing. The new hiring mantra: Smarter, not faster. Moreover, skill-based hiring is replacing degree requirements, with companies prioritizing certifications, project portfolios, and proven outcomes over job titles. Internal mobility is also gaining importance, as employers recognize that retraining existing staff for new roles is quicker and more cost-effective than hiring externally. As employers prioritize revenue and productivity improvements, they'll only be hiring for essential positions. Job seekers who've established themselves as top performers in their fields and industries—visibility is a job seeker's most valuable currency—and don't feel entitled, have unrealistic expectations, and most importantly, can clearly demonstrate how they'll contribute to an employer's bottom line will be the ones who succeed in their 2026 job search. Furthermore, return-to-office mandates will continue as companies transition their employees from remote work and flexible schedules to more stringent office attendance policies. Productivity data, promoting collaboration and engagement, and strengthening company culture are influencing employers' decisions about where the work they're paying for is done. Job seekers who are willing to work onsite will have a shorter job search compared to those who insist on working from home. In 2026, the growth of interim and project-based hiring, known as fractional work—offering your skills to multiple companies or clients on a part-time or project basis, often in strategic, high-impact roles—will continue. Full-time employees without a steady workflow are seen as a financial burden, prompting employers to leverage contract professionals who provide flexible talent solutions—especially at the leadership level—for time-limited projects such as implementing an enterprise system or a cybersecurity initiative, or as a part-time Product Manager. Employers expanding their use of fractional workers instead of hiring full-time staff means that in 2026, more employers will freeze their headcount while increasing service agreements to take advantage of the financial benefits of: · No long-term salary commitments · No benefits packages · No onboarding cost · No managing employee risks How can an employer not love fractional workers? They're a straightforward P&L line item, a strategic service when needed. From a job seeker's perspective, fractional work is easier to secure than traditional work (40-hour workweek, benefits, PTO); however, fractional workers are self-employed, which requires an entrepreneurial mindset that most job seekers don't have. In 2026, job seekers need to prioritize showcasing their intent and providing evidence of the impact they've had on their previous employers. View your resume and LinkedIn profile as strategic tools, not afterthoughts. Cultivate professional relationships long before asking for referrals. Know your career story and value-add to an employer. More than ever, employers want to hear value stories with quantifying numbers and specific outcomes. Above all, remain flexible—whether that means working onsite, doing fractional work, or taking a step back. The mindset I'd bring into 2026: a paycheque is better than no paycheque.

Kindness at Christmas Time

Kindness at Christmas Time A Candid Conversation By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist We have wonderful organizations around us all year long that require the help and donations of everyday people to keep their doors open and to keep serving the public that need them. We all know the big ones like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross and of the Daily bread food bank, but there are several smaller ones that help locals on a regular basis. As I go along, I learn more and more about different and new ones right here in Oshawa. Oshawa has many people that need help but there are also several places to receive the help needed. I was dismayed to hear a story on the news just this week that only 30 per cent of Ontarians plan to donate something this year to the food banks. That’s very sad when we think about how much food waste is reported every year. For as many people in our fair city that need help, there are many more that do not, they are the ones that are able to provide some assistance. There are many different ways to help and if you’d like to actually get involved with sorting and boxing food, serving up Christmas dinner, handing out care packages, those opportunities are there as well. I hope that at this time of year anyone in a position to help others will look up these organizations and see how they can help. It really makes your heart happy to know that as you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones, that you have done a little something to make someone else’s Christmas a little brighter. I hope all of our readers enjoy a Merry Christmas and the very best of 2026! Please remember, a little kindness goes a long way.

Karmageddon

Karmageddon By Mr. ‘X’ ~ John Mutton CENTRAL EXCLUSIVE As I write my column from my second home in Croatia, it is impossible not to see the horrible events happening across the world. The total landscape change in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada proves the age-old theory that if you “import the Third World, you become the Third World.” Christian values have been established for centuries, and those who think they can be watered down—or that politicians can bring the wrong type of people into our country without causing a clash of heritage and culture—belong in Fantasyland. True leadership is necessary, like that shown by my friend Tommy Robinson in the UK, who arranged the Unite the Kingdom rally with Polish legislator Dominik Tarczyński. What is causing extreme violence is extremism or radicalism from both the left and the right. Closer to home, Olivia Chow has introduced a luxury tax on homes over $3 million, which in Toronto is not difficult to reach. However, her quote was that people who own $20-million homes can afford the tax. What about those who are additionally taxed under $20 million Sharpie? I must admit, this year’s budget process at the Region and in some of the local municipalities has brought about some of the most interest and activity I’ve seen in years. Some great debate from the anti–tax-increase side was led by Regional Councillors Brian Nicholson, Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Maurice Brenner, Steve Yamada, and Chris Leahy. The need to change the governance of Regional Council has never been more evident, given the plethora of non-mandated services we are providing. I have said it before: tax decreases can be achieved when we focus on what we are supposed to fund and exit funding and taxation for services we are not mandated to provide under the Municipal Act. The sooner we turn the Region into a services board—drop the regional councillors and make the Chair a Speaker of the House with no voting power—the better. Let local municipalities purchase only the services they require from the Region. At the provincial level, Doug is “Captain Canada,” taking on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by claiming tourism in Florida is down. Ron pointed out that tourism has actually increased. I don’t think this one was researched by the kids running Doug’s communications—much like the flow regulator that wasn’t removed from the Crown Royal bottle during that stunt. Listen folks, I know both Doug and Ron, and I consider them both good people looking after their electorates. That said, if I had to bet on either one in this debate, I’m taking Ron DeSantis. He is brilliant, and his staff would not make rookie mistakes like Doug’s. So this week I was thinking about which rock stars our local politicians resemble. Here’s what I came up with: John Henry looks like Henry Rollins Olivia Chow like Yoko Ono Dan Carter like David Lee Roth Brian Nicholson like Chris Stapleton Jennifer French like Katy Perry.

Durham Families Are Being Pushed to the point of no return— and Council Knows It

Durham Families Are Being Pushed to the point of no return— and Council Knows It By Councillor Lisa Robinson Durham Region residents are facing yet another property tax increase — and once again, families are being treated as an unlimited source of revenue rather than people already at their breaking point. The Region’s original proposal was a 6.04% property tax increase. That hike comes on top of everything households are already paying: municipal taxes, education, utilities, insurance, fuel, clothing, groceries — all during a cost-of-living crisis and at a time when interest rates remain painfully high. Mortgages are doubling on renewal. Rent is soaring. People are running out of room to absorb “just one more increase.” On December 11, I addressed Regional Council directly during a delegation to Committee of the Whole. My message was simple and urgent: people cannot afford this. A 6% hike is not a rounding error — it is the difference between stability and financial distress for many families. For some, it would push them past the point of no return. Those who follow my record know I have been consistent. I have voted against non-urgent projects, against excessive consultant spending, and against unnecessary expansions at a time when residents are drowning. A clear example is the Seaton project, currently estimated at $266 million, but projected to cost closer to $300 million by the time construction begins. Pickering residents alone are staring down an additional 11.71% tax increase from this project within the next 380 days. These are not abstract numbers. These are real financial blows landing on households already under strain. Following my delegation, Committee of the Whole debated a motion to reduce the increase to 3%, using reserve funds to bridge the difference. That motion passed. It was a responsible compromise that recognized both fiscal pressures and economic reality. But then, on December 17, everything changed. Just as Council was set to ratify that 3% increase, Mayor Kevin Ashe introduced a new motion raising the increase to 4.8% — and it passed. The 3% option was effectively erased. During that same meeting, the Mayor went further, publicly dismissing councillors who supported the lower increase by calling it a “get-me-elected budget.” That comment matters, because it reveals a mindset: protecting residents from financial harm is being framed as political opportunism, rather than responsible governance. Now, staff have been directed to return in January with a report assessing whether a 4.8% increase is feasible — or whether Council should revert back to the original 6.04% increase or higher, based on the budget they are reviewing. Let me be absolutely clear: nothing is final. The January meeting could result in property taxes climbing right back toward 6% or more, depending on staff recommendations and Council’s vote. Residents should not be lulled into thinking this fight is over. It is not. This is the moment to pay attention. Decisions made in January will affect every homeowner, renter, and family in Durham Region. Once those votes are cast, the damage is done. I urge residents to contact their regional councillors and mayors now. Make your voices heard before this budget is locked in. Demand accountability. Demand restraint. Demand that Council recognize that people are already stretched to their limits. Budgets are moral documents. They reveal priorities. Durham families deserve a Council that understands the real-world consequences of its decisions — before more people are pushed past the point of no return.

The New Age Trojan Horse

The New Age Trojan Horse “Ethnic Laundering...” By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800 ,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States With the current violent events across the globe stemming from religious indifferences. One has to stop and wonder. What is going on? What every happened to loving thy neighbor. Living by law founded on the 10 commandments? What has gone wrong in western psychology that our good nature is being compromised in such ways. The question that lingers is how are we being infiltrated and how is this being funded? They say that the best predictor of the future is understanding our history and or past. So lets take a trip down history lane: The FBI, along with numerous international agencies, uncovered the "Pizza Connection" money laundering scheme through meticulous, long-term investigative efforts including extensive surveillance, undercover operations, analysis of thousands of phone calls, and international collaboration. The investigations, which spanned over four years in the 1980s and involved agents across multiple continents, utilized a variety of techniques to dismantle the complex Sicilian Mafia operation that laundered an estimated $1.6 billion in heroin profits. Something that was crippling society. Crucial intelligence was initially provided by FBI agents who had infiltrated the Bonanno crime family in 1976 and set the case in motion. Authorities conducted round-the-clock physical surveillance on key players across multiple countries. Investigators traced and analyzed thousands of telephone calls, often made from remote public pay phones to avoid detection. The case was a massive multi-agency and multi-national effort, involving law enforcement from the New York Police Department, DEA, U.S. Customs, and international authorities in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and many other countries. This cooperation was vital for tracing the flow of drugs and money across borders. A mountain of records and evidence was gathered and analyzed to track the illicit cash profits as they moved through a web of banks and brokerages in the U.S. and overseas. The FBI applied the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to attack the criminal organization as an ongoing enterprise, which allowed for a more comprehensive case targeting the entire structure rather than isolated incidents. These combined efforts allowed the agents to prove that the pizza parlors were being used as fronts for a vast heroin distribution network and subsequent money laundering operation, leading to the conviction of all but one of the final 19 defendants, including top boss. The connection between the mob and pizza joints isn't just a stereotype; it's rooted in reality, with Mafia families historically using legitimate-looking businesses like pizzerias as fronts for money laundering, drug trafficking (famously in the "Pizza Connection"), and other illegal activities, while some former mobsters later opened pizza places as a legitimate venture, like Michael Franzese with Slices Pizza. Pizza itself came from Naples, Italy, and became popular in America, but its association with crime stems from Italian-American organized crime using these popular, cash-heavy spots for illicit operations. Pizza shops, like other small businesses (laundromats, restaurants), were perfect for cleaning dirty money by mixing illegal profits with legitimate earnings. The famous "Pizza Connection" trial (1980s) exposed a massive heroin smuggling ring using pizzerias across the U.S. and Europe as distribution points, run by the Sicilian Mafia and American families. During the mob years, the system was being used to infiltrate society with a hidden agenda. Money. Today, with the religious over tones shown on the media. One can say that laundering money to fund socio-political causes may not that be far out. Take for example - ethnic cleansing, not "ethenic laundering". Ethnic cleansing is the systematic and forceful removal of a particular ethnic, racial, or religious group from a given territory by a dominant group to make the area ethnically homogeneous. Is this not what we are witnessing today by all these immigrants all of a sudden opening up business and taking over industries much like restaurants and pizza joints? Interesting parallel that in theory could be the fuel for secret agendas much like the Mob did years prior. Have you been at any Tim Horton’s? Or triedd to order a pizza locally? Wether it is money, ethnic or other. Money is the root of operations... What do you think?