Monday, January 6, 2025
First time home buyers
First time home 
buyers
By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist
Ah, the first-time home buyer. A special breed. Joyful, optimistic, eager yet hesitant at the same time. Given the price of real estate these days, first time home buyers come in all different age ranges. Years ago, your typical first timer would be in their late twenties to mid thirties. Now it’s not uncommon to find first timers in their forties and fifties. There is also a situation that qualifies some as first-time home buyers even if they have owned a home previously. If you have owned a home previously but have not owned a home in the last five years, you qualify as a first-time home buyer. Younger first timers need a little more guidance than their older counterparts to know the right questions to ask and what should be top concerns when walking through a potential contender for their first home purchase. That may be simply that older home buyers may have lived in newer and older houses and know what they may contend with a homeowner. We think back to the houses we grew up in and remember certain characteristics of that house and can compare and ask questions based on that. Some however, grew up in apartments and that gives them a different set of questions and concerns. It is always recommended regardless of how many times you’ve purchased a home that you have a home inspection from a qualified home inspector. That can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to anything that may be hidden from plain view. Problems with moisture or foundation are good examples of something that may be hidden or somewhat hidden for the average person just taking a walk through the property. Some things that a first-time home buyer may overlook can seem common and others may wonder how that could not be addressed or overlooked however, when you are out looking at homes certain things can just escape you. This can be due to excitement or being completely enamoured with a property. I find that some of my first time homebuyers will get into a property and be completely taken aback at the fact that they have qualified for such a nice place and may overlook some pretty important facts. On the whole, house hunting can be somewhat overwhelming, and it doesn’t hurt to bring a detached person with you to point out things that you may be overlooking or that simply didn’t occur to you. I remember going through a property with home buyers and the houses were so close together there was really no where to put the snow. When I asked the potential home buyer where they would put the snow, they responded with shock and dismay because it was mid June with no though to where one might put the shovelled snow. First time homebuyers are gearing up for a busy 2025 and will make up a huge percentage of home buyers next year. With this in mind, if you are planning on buying a home next year as rates are expected to continue to drop, it may be a good idea to have a list of questions with you. As well, make a list of things that are important to you like electrical outlets in certain rooms so you can remember to check them.
A friend, parent or sibling is always a welcome additionon tours and can prove very beneficial. How ever you want to approach it, a little preparation can go a long way in the house hunt.
Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com
Opinion: The Mayor’s Fear-Mongering and Lies Have Gone Too Far
Opinion:
The Mayor’s
Fear-Mongering and Lies Have Gone Too Far
By Lisa Robinson
The propaganda machine at the City of Pickering is in overdrive, spinning a narrative of fear and intimidation to justify their increasingly authoritarian decisions. The recent video released by the Mayor and the corporation of the city is not only laughable but deeply insulting to anyone with a shred of critical thinking skills. Let’s dissect this farce for what it is: a blatant attempt to silence dissent, consolidate power, and rig the democratic process.
First, let’s address the Mayor’s glaring inability to keep his story straight. In a statement to Global News, he admitted that the city planned to move to virtual meetings for a year starting this summer due to council chamber renovations. Yet, in the same breath, the city releases a propaganda video claiming the shift to virtual meetings is necessary because of threats and fear for safety. Which is it, Mr. Mayor? If the chambers were under renovation all along, why weaponize the narrative of fear to justify this move? The contradiction is glaring, and the manipulation is appalling.
Now, let’s tackle the absurdity of the fear narrative itself. If the Mayor and council were genuinely terrified for their safety, would they bring their wives, children, and even the Mayor’s 8-year-old granddaughter to council meetings? Let’s not forget their enthusiastic attendance at public events, store openings, and photo ops – all without a police presence. It’s clear they don’t believe their own fabricated story. This is nothing more than a cheap ploy to garner sympathy and support for their oppressive agenda.
And that agenda? It’s as transparent as it is dangerous. Pickering’s council has been tirelessly lobbying Premier Ford and Minister Calandra to amend the Municipal Act, giving them the power to remove an elected official and bar them from running in subsequent elections. Let’s call this what it is: election tampering. It’s an attempt to eliminate political opponents and rig the democratic process to maintain their grip on power. This is not governance; this is authoritarianism dressed up in the guise of public safety.
Adding insult to injury, when I brought forward a notice of motion to move our 2 PM executive meetings to 7 PM to promote public engagement, the Mayor shut it down, saying he’d rather have all meetings during the day. Public transparency? Not on this council’s watch. The Mayor himself has been caught watching Monday night sports during council sessions, demonstrating just how seriously he takes his responsibilities. It’s no wonder he’s pushing for online meetings – they offer a convenient way to mute dissent, turn off mics, and avoid accountability.
The hypocrisy here is staggering. While pretending to care about public safety, this council is actively perpetuating a toxic environment of fear and intimidation. They’ve sent trespass notices to grandmothers, stationed 14 police officers at meetings with low attendance, and painted critics as dangerous threats. It’s the classic “boy who cried wolf” fable, only now it’s taxpayers who foot the bill for this sham. Meanwhile, actual crimes in Pickering go unattended as police are diverted to guard council chambers against nonexistent dangers.
Finally, let’s not overlook the timing of this shift to virtual meetings. Conveniently, the Mayor is now off on a month-long vacation. What better time to avoid scrutiny and public engagement than when you’re sipping cocktails in some far-off destination? It’s a disgraceful display of arrogance and contempt for the people of Pickering.
The people deserve better than this circus of lies, fear-mongering, and self-serving manipulation. It’s time for accountability. The Mayor and council must be held responsible for their blatant disregard for democracy, their misuse of public resources, and their shameless attempts to silence those who dare to speak out. Pickering, you deserve leaders who fight for you, not against you.
I’m Councillor Lisa Robinson, and I will not be silenced.
Jobseekers Need to Learn to ‘Move On’
Jobseekers Need to Learn
to ‘Move On’
By Nick Kossovan
Everyone knows ghosting and rejection are inherent parts of job searching. Yet, job seekers waste vast amounts of energy and time lamenting what they can't control. There's a prevalent sense of entitlement that employers owe job seekers, which goes against the universal truth that nobody is owed anything, be it a job, to make a living or even happiness.
Job searching, regardless of the economic climate, has always required resilience. The key to resilience is having realistic expectations, such as understanding that employers you don't work for don't owe you anything. Having a 'F*ck it!' mindset that empowers you to move on quickly, so you find sooner rather than later that employer who 'gets you' and is willing to hire you is how you foster resilience.
· Ghosted: You didn't get the job. Move on.
· You didn't hear from an employer after submitting your resume: There were candidates with more relevant experience and were a better cultural fit. Move on
· When a networking reach out attempt fails: A stranger isn't willing to drop everything to help you. Move on.
· Not taking down a job posting: Some people never take down their Christmas decorations. If a job can be left open for a significant amount of time, assume it isn't critical. Do you want a non-critical or non-essential job? Move on.
Wishing how hiring should be won't get you a job.
Getting frustrated and angry at how an employer designed their hiring process won't get you a job.
Getting upset over being ghosted—it wasn't the employer who ghosted you; it was an employee whose behaviour doesn't speak for an entire company who ghosted you—won't get you a job.
Life is too short to spend time and energy dwelling on "what could have been" and "whys." This is especially true regarding things out of your control, such as how an employer designs their hiring process or runs their business. The most common false belief I repeatedly see people hold, and which causes much of their frustrations and anger, is that they can change other people's behaviour—as if it's their place to do so.
While it's natural to feel disheartened, it's crucial to understand that wallowing in the many disappointments you'll experience throughout your job search and believing you can control other people's behaviour hinders your progress.
When you invest your heart and soul into an application only to be met with silence or rejection, it's easy to spiral into self-doubt. Consider why you're giving a hiring manager—a stranger—influence over your self-esteem. Hence why I recommend embracing a 'F*ck it!' mindset as a defence against rejection eroding your confidence.
I've been rejected many times more than I've been accepted. I've learned the hard way, a running theme throughout my life, that if I permit it to do so, repeated rejection triggers a cycle of negative thinking that paralyzes me, regardless of whether I'm searching for work, submitting my writing, or reaching out to someone hoping to form a relationship. Dwelling on past disappointments sabotages future opportunities.
There are many reasons why quickly moving on, as opposed to wallowing, playing the "I'm a victim!" card, getting angry, or venting on LinkedIn and other social media platforms—which is never a good look—benefits your job search.
1. There's no shortage of opportunities.
In several previous columns, I've mentioned that opportunities are all around you, with one caveat: they're attached to people. In 2024, employers are turning to their employees for referrals since job postings result in avalanches of applications, predominantly from job seekers who spray and pray. This underscores the importance of networking rather than applying to online job listings.
Clinging to rejections, being ghosted, or whatever is frustrating you is wasting mental energy you could be using to speak to people who may be able to refer you to job openings where they work. Starting right now, shift your focus away from past disappointments—forget about them, what's done is done, you can't change the past—and focus on future possibilities aligned with your skills and aspirations and start making it a point to meet people, because you never know what opportunities they may be attached to.
2. Much of the hiring process is out of your control.
In the same way that you can't control the behaviour of others, you can't control how an employer hires. Many factors influence hiring decisions, notably internal politics and team dynamics. Instead of internalizing these setbacks, remind yourself of your skills, experiences, and past achievements.
3. Not quickly moving on is counterproductive.
Dwelling on why you were ghosted or didn't get the job—instances in which you'll never know the actual reason—drains your energy, energy better spent on proactive measures to enhance your candidacy for future roles.
The key to a successful job search is to keep moving forward and stay focused on what you can control, such as optimizing your LinkedIn profile—arguably the most critical tool in a job seeker's arsenal—resume and expanding your network to take advantage of all the opportunities around you.
_____________________________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com
The video
the video
By Joe Ingino
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
By now you have read or seen it in the media. City of Pickering Mayor, released a video attempting to justify cutting access to the public by claiming that some un-recognized, alt-right group is creating an environment of danger to council members and staff.
That this same group has cause havoc during public open meetings and brought about a sense of hostility to the municipal meetings protocols. This causing a sense of fear among council and staff. On the surface, you have to take it at face value that if this is true. It is awful. How can any group bring forth such chaos.
By watching this video. It becomes obvious that the video is not about some alt-right movement. But instead it is frame after frame attempt to discredit a fellow council member. The barrage of clips denouncing the actions of one council member in my opinion are not grounds to make such claims as that the city is under siege and that there is any danger over the horizon. The video is nothing short of an attempt to mislead the public and create a sense of fear mongering. Just about every municipality across the Region get their share of upset callers, at times with a threatening over tone. Are we to shut down all access to government?
The video also attempts to create a sense of fear mongering and false assumptions that Pickering has been selected by this un-disclosed or identified alt-right movement the Mayor so seems to fear.
If such fear is real. Why have not one police report been filed?
In reality after following City of Pickering council for the past two years. All, I noticed is that the people of Pickering demand answers and every time they are faced with hostility from the City. Including the mayor that now is crying wolf. This is wrong. The City prides itself on being inclusive, diverse and promote equality.
When by their actions they are exclusive, selective and dispense their version of equality based on how the City will benefit politically. I have been a municipal critic for the past 30 years. This video is a real poor example of the Mayor attempting to create fear where there is none. He is the instigator. He is the one that shuts people down during public meeting and subsequently people react. So he has taken the practice... OF SHUT UP SIT DOWN OR ELSE to a new height. Ever since STRONG MAYOR POWERS has come to play. The ego has swollen and it is ‘do as we tell you or you will be removed and issued a NO TRESPASS notice.’
This is where the problem lies. Surely, this type of abusive attitude is being noticed across Canada. Surely, many people from many backgrounds have taken notice. The video released by the mayor in my opinion is contradiction to the City own City Code of Conduct policy. Where is the integrity commissioner? Oh wait, they are paid by the city. This video, I think was a huge mistake by the mayor as it shows his dislike for one particular member of council. The video clearly is an attempt to discredit her integrity in the community. To make a false association that this councillor has ties to a group that he has failed to prove. The video shows the level of abuse by the mayor as he clearly violates his own City Code of Conduct and openly displays his misogynistic attitude towards a fellow member of council. Peace does not come about by the escalation of hostility and this is what this video is.
Canada looking forward to 2025
Canada looking
forward to 2025
by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC,
FEC, CET, P. Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
The year just beginning could be an interesting one, with turning points in politics, economics and culture, provided that common sense and moral clarity prevails both at home and abroad.
Frankly, the geopolitical situation in the world is most concerning. The two regional wars in Ukraine and Gaza have the potential to spread, provoking direct confrontation between NATO and the western democracies in general, versus Russia, Iran, North Korea and China.
Ukraine now stands to lose significant international interest and support. In the United States in particular, it has become a distant second (and increasingly third or lower) policy priority with the new Trump administration becoming more and more skeptical about offering further help. The conflict is likely to escalate with unforeseen consequences.
In the conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbolah there is no obvious way to end the fighting and the collapse of Syria’s Bashar government is adding to the chaos. Whatever the military outcome, a dramatic increase in radicalization is a certainty. On the one hand, the Israeli Jews feel globally isolated and even hated after facing the worst violence against them since the Holocaust. On the other hand, the Palestinians face what they consider a genocide. With scarce opportunities for peace and no prospect of escape, this situation has the potential of developing into a wider conflict in the region.
Deep and dangerous political divisions over the conflict permeate the Middle East, engulfing over one billion people in the broader Muslim world, not to mention the United States and Europe.
New and problematic situations are developing in the Arabian Sea, in South America between Venezuela and Guyana, not to mention the increasing tensions in the South China Sea.
None of these major military conflicts has adequate guardrails to prevent them from getting worse. What is most problematic is that none of the belligerents agrees on what they are fighting over.
Upcoming elections in 2025 pose additional challenges in Canada. Fully one-third of the global population will go to the polls this year. However, in terms of world security, stability and economic outlook, the new Trump administration in the US, with its 25% import tariff on the horizon will pose the most consequential challenge by far.
In the face of all this turmoil, Canada has generally been missing in action on the international scene. Even worse, our country has sometimes undermined its own international standing.
Sitting at the international table requires a moral compass, professionalism, determination and military self sufficiency. A military free-rider will not be tolerated for long. Canada’s decision to act as a self-important virtue-signaller irritates allies who must shoulder our share of the burden, as well as third-world countries who see Canada’s posturing as post-colonial arrogance.
On the domestic scene, Canada is facing a challenging year both economically and politically. There is a real prospect of recession and a future depreciation of the standard of living unless drastic measures are taken. The Liberal government seems to have lost its direction. Overwhelmed by the issues, it seems to have no solution for upcoming events, and continues to be influenced by the policies of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The World Economic Forum, which will meet in mid January, continues to try to influence global governmental, industrial and social agendas. Its “Great Reset” envisages a new economic and social order based on a futuristic globalist approach that would reduce national interests through pervasive oversight mechanisms, including central bank digital currencies. In essence, it is encouraging woke social and economic policies in order to implement a new futuristic globalist world order following a trend in line with “deja vue” fake Marxist theories but far more sophisticated and deceptive.
Forum chairman Klaus Schwab has assured elite Davos attendees that “The future belongs to us”. Comforting words for those jealously guarding their influence and accustomed to ignoring rules that apply only to the plebe.
Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney are on the WEF board of trustees and Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party certainly reflects its centre-left technocratic view. However, the sudden resignation of Chrystia Freeland as Finance Minister and deputy Prime Minister has thrown the governing Liberal Party
in turmoil and is challenging the leadership of Prime Minister Trudeau with unknown consequences.
On the economic front, Canadians’ personal prosperity, as measured by GDP per capita, is projected to continue to decline this year by more than two per cent.
To address affordability and the dismal outlook for long-term productivity, the federal government needs to shift focus from identity politics and climate obsession to economic growth, fiscal responsibility and raising Canadians’ standard of living.
In the hope that this year will be a better one and our politicians will put the national interest and the wellbeing of our citizens in the forefront, let us be optimistic. The year has just started.
I hope you will take all these thoughts in the spirit they are intended: We have entered a year of grave concern, but let us be supported by the hope that tough times bring out the best in us.
Happy New Year 2025!
Saturday, December 28, 2024
The Times They Are a Changing
The Times They Are a
Changing
By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist
The Real Estate market is a dynamic entity, continuously shifting between favouring buyers and sellers. Durham Region has been in a balanced market for quite some time now. In fact some would say that the market in Durham Region has been soft, quiet, weak. Any way you want to put it, houses have been sitting on the market in many cases, for months before selling or terminating with a thought to try listing again in a stronger market.
Houses that are priced properly right out of the gate tend to sell quickly and still do. The would-be buyers have certainly sent a message to the sellers that they are not willing to pay more than the actual value of the home. Unfortunately, some home sellers are still stuck in the Covid craziness days and think that people are going to pay well more than what the house is worth. Another thing that potential home buyers have sent a strong message to the home sellers on is the idea of holding offers. Having a presentation date is not really effective when the buyers aren’t buying to begin with. Numerous houses have had their presentation date come and go with either no offers or low offers, but not high enough to seal a deal. The whole idea of an offer presentation date is to garner as much interest in the property as possible, bring in as many offers at one time as you can, as this benefits the seller client.
We are seeing more and more listings saying, “offers anytime”, just like it used to be prior to Covid. I don’t think the offer presentation is going anywhere; I think that it is only effective in a seller’s market and that people will eventually understand that.
With the Bank of Canada continuing to cut rates, Many will stay firmly planted on the sidelines, where they’ve been for a couple of years now. They will patiently wait for the news that the rates have hit rock bottom and then plan their jump into the market. The only problem with that is that when the rates finally hit rock bottom, the house prices will have risen considerably. Most analysts expect the Bank of Canada to cut through 2025.
There is a sweet spot in the market right now and many buyers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity. Houses that have been sitting on the market for four, five, and even six months are now being snapped up. Buyers that thought they had time to look at a house, think about it and view it again before making a decision are finding that they don’t have that luxury at all in a lot of cases.
I know a young couple looking for their first home and they are having their viewings cancelled because the house they were going to look at, that has been on the market for four months has just sold. This has happened to them in a few times. This indicates that the market is starting to tighten up. Inventory is really starting to move. It will be very interesting to see what 2025 holds in store for the Durham Region market.
Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com
Job Seekers: Be Clear on Your “Secret Sauce”
Job Seekers:
Be Clear on Your
“Secret Sauce”
By Nick Kossovan
Most job seekers present themselves to employers as a jack of all trades, master of none, when they should be presenting a unique set of skills.
You think you’re talented.
Everyone you’re up against thinks they’re talented.
What makes you special?
When you apply for a job, possessing the necessary skills and qualifications is not enough. You need to find ways to differentiate yourself; otherwise, you will blend in with the other job seekers you're competing against.
The key to differentiating yourself and rising above all the noise so you're seen and heard rather than ignored lies in your "secret sauce"—the unique skills, experiences, and attributes that make you one-of-a-kind. Thus, you become what most job seekers aren't: memorable.
Asking yourself the following questions will help you define your secret sauce:
1. In my current or previous positions, what were my favourite tasks?
For the most part, we enjoy activities we're good at (e.g., working with numbers, designing costumes, conducting research, organizing events, writing blogs) because our inherent strengths and aptitudes create a natural talent for the activity, thereby making it enjoyable since you’re not fighting who you are.
List everything, work-related and non-work-related, you enjoy doing.
2. What feedback have I received from colleagues or supervisors regarding my work?
Reflect on your career journey. Think of all the positive and negative feedback you received, whether in formal performance reviews or an offhand manner, regarding your work or something you did.
"I enjoy sitting in on your presentations."
"You have a knack for listening."
"The way you motivate your team is impressive."
3. What problems have I successfully solved in previous positions?
Every position exists to solve a problem. For instance, accountants are hired to monitor a company's incoming revenue and outgoing expenses and oversee its compliance with local tax laws.
What problems have you solved for your employers? Increased website traffic? Decreased spending? Increased customer satisfaction? Decreased safety violations? Increased sales? (employers' favourite)
4. What unique experiences or backgrounds do I have that contribute to my skill set?
A candidate who grew up in Quebec City will have a competitive edge being fluently bilingual over someone who simply attended French immersion in Calgary, Alberta. The same could be said for a candidate whose mother was a social worker, making them more attuned to the needs of others or their father, who was a pharmaceutical representative, thus exposing them to human dynamics that influence.
Everyone has a unique story of how their place of birth and experiences, especially first experiences, developed their strengths and 'passion for.' Explaining to an employer that your enjoyment of providing customer service that's a competitive advantage comes from having spent your weekends and summers working the front desk at your family's 85-room hotel in Estevan, Saskatchewan, has much more impact than simply saying, "I like helping people."
5. What skills have I gained through hobbies or volunteer work?
I once hired a call centre agent who volunteered at a local suicide prevention hotline for several years. A candidate who coached a little league baseball team turned out to be one of the best first-time manager I ever hired.
Don't ignore the skills and experience you've acquired outside your employment or education. Skills, experience, and knowledge aren't just acquired at work or school. The skills and experience you gain from volunteering, starting/running a business, being a parent, playing in a sports league, or serving on your condo board can be valuable to employers.
If the above questions don't solicit as many skills as you'd like, seek the opinions of family members, friends, and colleagues. Ask them what they think your key strengths are. Their insights may surprise you.
Once you've identified your hard and soft skills—your soft skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, time management) are the most important to employers—you need to communicate your unique skills as selling points. Merely listing your "skills" and "qualifications" doesn't distinguish you from other applicants. You must describe who you are and what you offer in a straightforward, memorable narrative conveying your unique value proposition.
· Not memorable: "I speak French."
· Memorable: "I was born in Quebec City. French is my mother tongue."
Additionally, frame your skills and qualifications in terms of how they can benefit an employer.
· No value add: "I have strong analytical skills."
· Value add: "During my seven years as a financial analyst at Wayne Enterprises, I developed above-average analytical skills that enabled the company to take advantage of several initial public offerings that turned out to be quite lucrative. One recommended buy resulted in a $7.5 million gain within less than a year."
Based on my experience, most candidates fail to emphasize their uniqueness; hence, they don't stick in my head. Given the number of candidates I've interviewed throughout my career, one would think I'd have heard many inspiring, funny, entertaining, and sad career and life stories. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Job seekers need to work on being mentally sticky. In a competitive job market filled with qualified candidates, articulating your secret sauce will ultimately set you apart.
_____________________________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com
"Silenced for Speaking the Truth: The City of Pickering’s Dirty War Against Transparency and Accountability"
"Silenced for Speaking
the Truth:
The City of Pickering’s Dirty War Against Transparency and Accountability"
By Lisa Robinson
Let me make this absolutely clear: what’s happening behind the scenes at the City of Pickering is nothing short of an all-out attack on your right to be informed and my ability to represent you effectively. Since October 2023, Councillor Brenner has been actively working to silence me, trying to block my communication with you through videos and other essential channels. Thanks to an FOI request, we now know that Councillor Brenner has been lobbying the CAO, the mayor, city solicitor, my colleagues on council, and the security manager, to prevent me from using my office to produce my YouTube videos. This is the same individual who once threatened to stick a knife in my back, twist it slowly, and I wouldn’t know until he was ready to pull it out, and who wanted to sharpen his sword and decapate the Mayor. Now, that’s the transparency and honesty we’re getting from this council.
After a recent appeal to release redacted emails, it’s clear that Councillor Brenner has been tirelessly working to undermine me. The emails show he’s repeatedly attacked my right to perform my duties as an elected official. He openly claims that because I haven’t “demonstrated any intent to change my behavior” by continuing to speak out about the corruption and wrongdoing within the city, he’s been pushing to strip me of access to municipal facilities. He argues that the Municipal Act doesn’t guarantee that elected officials have access to these resources. He also accuses me of breaching the Ontario Human Rights Code and violating the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act—simply for speaking out about the city of Pickering’s violation of its own flag-raising procedure when they raised the PFLAG flag in the face of the Million Person March for Children. I called this out as a direct assault on those peacefully protesting, accusing the Pickering administration of fueling tensions within the community. And as if that’s not enough, he requested legal advice on the possibility of charging me under Canadian Hate Crime Law.
Fast forward to December 2024, and the CAO has issued a directive prohibiting me from using my office to produce videos or host town halls on city property, unless I remain silent about the corruption, collusion, and the truth surrounding what’s happening in the City of Pickering, and stop breaching the city's code of conduct, which in my opinion does not supersede the charter of rights and freedoms. This is not only a blatant attempt to suppress me and prevent me from representing YOU, but it also feels like extortion. If I don't follow the vague and subjective "Code of Conduct," which could easily be twisted to label anything I say
as bullying, intimidation, or even threatening—making me face severe consequences, even more than the nine months of pay that I have already lost.
And is it also a coincidence that the Integrity Commissioner, Jeff Abrams, when giving the recommendation for my council to sanction me another 3 months of pay on December 16th (Merry Christmas) for my comment, "If I was mayor, I would use the strong mayor powers for good, I would get rid of the CAO, city solicitor, and other directors, as corruption starts at the top. I would tear down city hall, build it back up from the bottom up, and give it back to the people," suggested that he would like to see other avenues as punishment for councillors? He even suggested scenarios such as stripping councillors’ access to city staff or banning those in breach of conduct from entering community centers. These are the kinds of punitive measures he is actively imagining right now. As I have said many times before, I do not believe in coincidences. This my friends is collusion.
What’s next? Requests for a criminal investigation against me—based on harmful comments other people say that hurt colleagues’ or staff’s feelings? I do not condone any violence, nor have I ever endorsed actions that compromise anyone's safety or dignity. Yet, instead of acknowledging that, they continue to twist the narratives—all because I keep speaking the truth, calling out inappropriate sexual advances toward me, and exposing psychological harassment.
Make no mistake, this isn’t just an attack on me—it’s an assault on your right to hear the truth from your elected representative. This is a calculated, politically motivated effort to silence anyone who dares to speak out against the corruption, the dishonesty, and the backroom dealings taking place in this city. They want to suppress the truth, manipulate the narrative, and control the voices that challenge their power.
What they are doing could be considered a form of coercion, collusion, or intimidation, potentially even bordering on extortion. The CAO’s directive, paired with the vague and highly subjective nature of the "Code of Conduct," creates a chilling environment where anything I say—as has already been proven—could be twisted into an accusation of bullying, intimidation, or threatening behavior. This kind of unchecked power is deeply dangerous, as it allows for the suppression of free speech and stifles legitimate concerns—especially when those concerns challenge corruption or expose wrongdoing. The CAO even goes so far as to fabricate words like "burn," attributing them to me—something I never said—deliberately misrepresenting my intent and potentially escalating tensions. And who is this person? None other than someone recently crowned "CAO of the Year" by Municipal World Magazine. Let that sink in.
No matter how hard they try to tear me down, I will rise—stronger, louder, and more determined than ever. I will fight not just for the people of Pickering, but for everyone who values common sense, integrity, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Together, we will shine a light on the truth and take back the power for the people.
You deserve the truth. You deserve a voice that stands unwaveringly for you—not for political games, personal agendas, or backroom deals. I am that voice. 
Thank you for 2024 Looking Forward 2025 Successes
T
By Joe Ingino
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
I remember back to 1993. The Oshawa Times had just closed. The community was left in shock after 123 years of service. Without notice. The Times shuts down.
After heavy consultation. The Central was born. A new newspaper promising to fill in the shoes of a local giant. Metroland the local coupon clipper that published some news was quick to move in on all the local municipal contracts as at that time they had the distribution network. They published higher numbers. The Central made it’s mission not to compete but to work in the shadows. Slowly chipping away at their corporate strong holds and establish ourselves as the local news source. The Central champions the cause of the under dog. The Central is the only news print that truly gives the general public access to the press.
The Central has enjoyed a stellar columnist line ups. From the late honorable Jim Flaherty to Former Mayor Marcel Brunelle of Whitby.
Jerry Ouellette, Preston Manning former reform party leader. The list is long and prestigious.
The Central successes have bee long and painful as every award every achievement had to be earned through hard work.
The Central with offices also in the United States is more than a local power house. The Central is internationally acredited and award winning on various fronts.
Did you know that the Central was the first newspaper to have published on line? Did you know that the Central through it’s sister company DURHAM CITY CENTRAL RADIO THE WAVE, was the first company across the planet that broadcasted live radio.
Yes, before YouTube and the many other streaming services. The Central in 30 years has been a beacon of excellence in the field of online telecommunications, news print and media.
Many have come and gone. All failed. Some due to the fact that did not know how to manage others had no clue on what it takes to survive in this industry. For example the ‘OSHAWA EXPRESS’ with it’s 2000 print was only interested in Oshawa municipal contract. That was all that kept them alive. The NEIGHBOR magazine another fly by night operator that had no clue on what the industry mandated. Gone. One after the other. Just recently Metroland closed. Under bankruptcy protection they are attempting to be an online presence... Once again. All they are doing is suckering in people that do not understand that online has no value for news. People placing ads in these online news groups might as well as burn it. Same affect. Newsprint has undergone some major changes. Those that do not understand the science. Go bankrupt. Those that desperately go online are doomed. The Central success is you. Our readers, advertisers, contributors and our staff. Happy New Year Thank You.
Nobody will erase “Christmas” from this holiday It’s Christmas time again!
Nobody will erase “Christmas”
from this holiday
It’s Christmas time again!
by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC,
FEC, CET, P. Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
This year, despite many problems in the world, we should be able to enjoy a more convivial Christmas time, redolent of the spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, economic hardships are still on the rise and internally political instability is on the horizon. They all point to a challenging new year to come. The election results in the United States, with dangerous developments for the economy percolating, does not bode well for the future, either.
However, none of this changes the importance or the meaning of Christmas, or its message of peace, love and goodwill. Christmas is Christmas, and people will find a way to celebrate it no matter what restrictions are imposed upon them.
Not even The Canadian Human Rights Commission, which wields broad quasi-judicial powers, will be able to challenge the celebration of Christmas. They argued that an official day off to celebrate Christmas is 'discriminatory'. This quasi woke organization that is fully funded by the federal government, has declared that the celebration of Christmas is evidence of Canada’s “colonialist” religious intolerance. I cannot help wondering who these people are and who appointed them to wipe out our basic heritage on taxpayers’ money. This brazen attack on our history and traditions is an outrageous use of our own hard-earned tax dollars against us.
“Discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is grounded in Canada’s history of colonialism,” reads a Discussion Paper on Religious Intolerance recently published by the agency.
“An obvious example is statutory holidays in Canada,” it adds, noting that the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter get days off, while non-Christians have to “request special accommodations to observe their holy days.”
The essence of the paper is that Canada is replete with religious intolerance and always has been. “In order to move forward towards sustainable change, all Canadians must first acknowledge Canada’s history
of religious intolerance,” it reads. It seems quite clear that in the agency’s view, we, as Canadians, need to be selective about our history and brainwashed into praising futuristic globalist values.
Canada welcomes newcomers and cultures from around the world. Its reputation for stability and tolerance makes it a popular destination for those considering a fresh start in a new country. It would be nice to maintain this status in the years to come without denying our history and destroying our own heritage. Even with the growing number of immigrants in Canada, Canadians tend to observe holidays and traditions based on those of the founders of our country, who were mostly French and British settlers.
These traditions are often rooted in Christian beliefs and Christmas day is arguably the most observed holiday of the year.
Christmas began as, and for millions around the globe still is, a religious holiday in the Christian faith that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
For those who are not of the Christian faith, it is a time to enjoy a spirit of giving and good cheer as the community celebrates. Regardless of religious beliefs, over half of Canadians celebrate Christmas as a completely secular holiday; an occasion to spend time with friends and family. Whether religious observance is part of the day or not, there are many long-standing Christmas traditions that everyone can enjoy.
That brings me once again to the need to remind people that it is Christmas time, not “Merry and Bright” season and not “Generic Happy Holiday Time.” It is Christmas, and the greeting during this season, if you want to acknowledge reality, should be “Merry Christmas”.
The war on Christmas, which reached its zenith a few years ago, but continues to rage amongst those who have a self-hating compulsion against their own society and culture, has failed to erase Christmas and the beautiful greeting of “Merry Christmas.”
It will continue to fail because Canadians know who they are, and understand that the Christmas season and “Merry Christmas” are part of being Canadian. A generic seasonal celebration will not now, or ever, replace that.
In conclusion, current social trends, aimed at erasing historical realities and traditions, savour strongly of globalist elitist strategies and pseudo-Marxist philosophies. The bitterness some show toward the Christmas season is skewed and out of touch with the feelings of the majority of Canadians who love Christmas.
Therefore, I wish you all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this be a happy, healthy and meaningful holiday season for everyone!
Waiting to Die: Canada's Healthcare Crisis and Its Impact on Cancer Patients
Waiting to Die:
Canada's Healthcare Crisis and Its Impact on Cancer Patients
By Dale Jodoin
In recent years, Canada's healthcare system has faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant delays in medical treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, resulting in longer wait times and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Among those most affected are cancer patients, who often find their critical treatments postponed, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on Canada's healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and resources stretched thin, leading to delays in various medical procedures. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), median wait times for cancer surgeries have increased by 2 to 4 days for breast, bladder, colorectal, and lung cancers, and by 11 days for prostate cancer, compared to 2019
. These delays can be detrimental, as timely treatment is crucial for cancer patients.
For cancer patients, delays in treatment can mean the difference between life and death. As wait times extend, some patients progress to more advanced stages of cancer, reducing their chances of survival. In some tragic cases, patients have died while waiting for necessary surgeries or treatments. A report by SecondStreet.org revealed that over 17,000 patients died while on waiting lists for surgeries, diagnostic scans, or specialist consultations in the year ending March 2023
The uncertainty and prolonged waiting periods have also taken a psychological toll on patients. Feelings of hopelessness and despair are common, leading some to consider drastic measures. The option of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has been sought by patients who feel they have no other choice due to unbearable suffering and delayed access to care. While MAiD provides an option for those in intolerable pain, its increased consideration raises ethical concerns about the state of the healthcare system.
Palliative care services, designed to provide relief to those with serious illnesses, are also under strain. With the rising number of patients requiring end-of-life care, these facilities are operating at full capacity, unable to accommodate the growing demand. This situation leaves many patients without adequate support during their most vulnerable times.
The current state of affairs has led to discussions about potential solutions to alleviate the burden on the public healthcare system. One proposal is the introduction of private healthcare options to increase capacity and reduce wait times. Countries with mixed healthcare systems often experience shorter wait times for treatments, suggesting that a dual approach could benefit patients in Canada.
Additionally, there is a pressing need to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The nursing shortage, for instance, has reached critical levels, leading to unplanned closures of emergency rooms and increased workloads for existing staff
Wikipedia
. Investing in the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers is essential to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate care.
Early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates. However, delays in accessing diagnostic services mean that many cancers are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Improving access to screening and diagnostic tools is vital. Between April and September 2023, median wait times for MRI scans were 7 days longer, and for CT scans 4 days longer, compared to the same period in 2019
. Reducing these wait times could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for patients.
A National Conversation
Addressing these challenges requires a national dialogue involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. An honest assessment of the current system's shortcomings is necessary to develop effective strategies for improvement. This includes considering innovative care models, increasing funding for primary care, and exploring the potential benefits of integrating private healthcare options.
The delays in cancer treatment within Canada's healthcare system have dire consequences for patients. Without immediate and effective action, more lives will be lost to preventable delays. It is imperative that Canada confronts these issues head-on, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the timely care they desperately need.
Saturday, December 21, 2024
51st
“I live a dream in a nightmare world”
Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life
was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow.
- ONE DAY AT A TIME -
51st
By Joe Ingino
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
I think in the new year I am going to enroll in a course and learn how to speak American. Ok, stop laughing. Let’s take a look at the possible surrender, invasion, liberation of Canada by/with the United States.
I say surrender.... because as it stands Canadian politics is at an all time low. The Liberals have ruined the country by compromising just about every aspect of Canadian economics, politics. To a point that Canadian society has stopped to exist and Canada has become a cocktail of third world interests. For God’s sake we have be careful when we wish each other ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ as to not offend anyone.
How about the fact that someone gets offended at our tradition in itself is offensive and bias if not prejudice towards Canadian traditions, customs and culture. But we must stay silent and accept.
As it stand no matter who wins... It be the same old same old. Only difference is that the new changes will only ad up to increase taxes in order to pay the previous regimes mistakes.
Can we clearly say that the NDP or the Conservatives are or will be any different than the Liberals?
Look at the policies. Look at the leaders of the parties. Look at the parties themselves. All three are rooted in the ‘dog eat dog’, mentality. It is not about the quality of leadership. It is about who you know. Look in Oshawa. The local MP Collin Carrie. Served for God knows how many terms. What has he done for Oshawa?
Now he finally is retiring... and instead of looking for a candidate with real credentials. A local community business leader at the least.
No. The party selects Collin’s assistance. Patronage for service rendered over the years. Like really this is the best selection to lead us? Collin’s personal assistant.
I say let’s surrender to the U.S. and reap the benefits of a Trump no nonsense administration. Our dollar would automatically go up forty cents. Our gas and food prices would drop.
I say, let the U.S. invade Canada. It appears that just about every other nation has already. Through our multicultural initiative. It is almost shameful to be Canadian. Canadians are forced to accept foreign customs, tradition and cultures. It is not about integrating but forced compliance or else be labeled.
I say, let’s let the U.S. liberate us from our own stupidity.
Let’s put common sense back in governance.
As it stands discrimination has transformed from race to race to corporate, political, social and many other forms all in the guise of equality. Inclusion, diversity... meanwhile society has rotted to a point that our Canadian jobs are going to India, Phillipines and other third world countries. While our own youth can’t get work unless they are of a particular race or speak a particular language. Our youth can’t afford to buy homes as minimum wages does not even pay for rentals. We need Canada back. If we can’t have it. Let’s consider 51 as a real option.
Flipping houses
Flipping houses
By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist
The idea of flipping a house sounds great on the surface. You can purchase a house that has been completely neglected and in need of some serious help, or you can simply purchase a house that hasn’t seen much updating through the years, if any at all.
Either type of purchase will work for a flip. The whole idea of a flip is to take a property that you purchased on the cheap, rip out the old and put in the new. Once you have completed your flip, the idea is to be able to put it back on the market for a profit.
It sounds much easier than it actually is in most cases. Usually, the type of property you are able to purchase on the cheap may be very old. With very old houses come a whole slew of issues. You may find when you start to rip things apart that there could be asbestos in the house. That calls for immediate remediation, and that can be costly.
Another costly item can be having to bring things up to code. When I purchase an old Semi in downtown Oshawa several years back, it had no air conditioning. For me, air conditioning was a must have. I called a company to come and install it and was told I’d have to have my gas meter moved. That cost me a few hundred dollars to have that done before we could even get to the installation of the air conditioning. The point I’m trying to make is that for every intended cost, you may get hit with other unknown costs related to what you are trying to accomplish. We’ve all seen the HGTV programs that show houses being gutted and redone with stunning results. While completely redoing a house can bring immense satisfaction, if you are trying to make a living at it, well, that can be challenging.
House flipping became popular kin the mid 2000s during the housing bubble. Since then, flipping has seen several cycles of popularity. The height of the flipping craze came in 2005 with 8.2% of single-family homes sold being flipped. This was due to rising house prices and easier access to mortgages.
In 2008 the housing market collapsed, and flippers faced having to sell at lower prices.
2022 saw flipping houses hit its highest rate since 2005 with 8.4% of all home sales being flipped.
Just a year later in 2023, flipping saw nearly a 30% drop, however it is on the rise again.
There is a house on a street in Central Oshawa that garnered a lot of attention when it was purchased, redone and then unfortunately got caught in the market turndown. It sat on the market for months, went power of sale, and eventually sold for a staggering $300,000 loss.
Flipping a house is not easy. If you are thinking of trying your hand at it, set a budget, focus on what sells as opposed to what you like personally. Have a game plan, hire trades people so you can get in and get out. Perhaps most of all, be prepared for the unexpexted.
Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com
My Christmas Wish List
Being Angry at Employers for Looking out for Their Interests Won’t Land
Is the Government Ignoring Canadian Economic Realty?
"The Tariff Tug-of-War: Why a 25% US Tariff Could Reshape Canada’s Trade Future"
Friday, December 13, 2024
The Times They Are a Changing
The Times They Are
a Changing
By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist
The Real Estate market is a dynamic entity, continuously shifting between favouring buyers and sellers. Durham Region has been in a balanced market for quite some time now. In fact some would say that the market in Durham Region has been soft, quiet, weak. Any way you want to put it, houses have been sitting on the market in many cases, for months before selling or terminating with a thought to try listing again in a stronger market.
Houses that are priced properly right out of the gate tend to sell quickly and still do. The would-be buyers have certainly sent a message to the sellers that they are not willing to pay more than the actual value of the home. Unfortunately, some home sellers are still stuck in the Covid craziness days and think that people are going to pay well more than what the house is worth. Another thing that potential home buyers have sent a strong message to the home sellers on is the idea of holding offers. Having a presentation date is not really effective when the buyers aren’t buying to begin with. Numerous houses have had their presentation date come and go with either no offers or low offers, but not high enough to seal a deal. The whole idea of an offer presentation date is to garner as much interest in the property as possible, bring in as many offers at one time as you can, as this benefits the seller client.
We are seeing more and more listings saying, “offers anytime”, just like it used to be prior to Covid. I don’t think the offer presentation is going anywhere; I think that it is only effective in a seller’s market and that people will eventually understand that.
With the Bank of Canada continuing to cut rates, Many will stay firmly planted on the sidelines, where they’ve been for a couple of years now. They will patiently wait for the news that the rates have hit rock bottom and then plan their jump into the market. The only problem with that is that when the rates finally hit rock bottom, the house prices will have risen considerably. Most analysts expect the Bank of Canada to cut through 2025.
There is a sweet spot in the market right now and many buyers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity. Houses that have been sitting on the market for four, five, and even six months are now being snapped up. Buyers that thought they had time to look at a house, think about it and view it again before making a decision are finding that they don’t have that luxury at all in a lot of cases.
I know a young couple looking for their first home and they are having their viewings cancelled because the house they were going to look at, that has been on the market for four months has just sold. This has happened to them in a few times. This indicates that the market is starting to tighten up. Inventory is really starting to move. It will be very interesting to see what 2025 holds in store for the Durham Region market.
Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com
Silence or Starve: How Pickering’s CAO and Council is Punishing Me for Telling the People the Truth
Silence or Starve:
How Pickering’s CAO and Council is Punishing Me for Telling the People the Truth
By Lisa Robinson
Our Pickering CAO, Marisa Carpino, seems to think she’s untouchable. As an elected representative chosen by the people, I requested a meeting with her, that was scheduled for today, but she canceled it because I didn’t tell her about all the different topics I wanted to speak about. Since when does a public servant get to dictate terms to an elected official? I am quite certain that the CAO is supposed to work for the municipal council, not the other way around. But this is Pickering - where there is little transparency — and lots of arrogance and control.
But it gets worse. Carpino filed a complaint against me to the biased “Principles Integrity” and now, on Monday, council will vote once again to strip me of another three months of pay. That’s a total of nine months without pay — nearly a full year without income — because I dared to speak the truth. I said that if I were mayor, I would use the strong mayor powers to get rid of the CAO, the City Solicitor, and a few of the directors. I said because corruption starts at the top. I’d tear down City Hall, build it back up, and give it back to the people. And for having the courage to say that, she ran to her city-paid integrity commissioner, crying “bullying” and “intimidation.” That’s not accountability — that’s a power trip.
Let’s be clear: This is about control, plain and simple. When you punish an elected official for expressing their vision for the future, you’re trampling on their Charter-protected right to free expression under Section 2(b). This isn’t just my right — it’s the right of every elected official to speak freely on matters of public interest. But instead of defending that right, Pickering Council seeks to crush it.
To make matters even more outrageous, Carpino was just named “CAO of the Year” by Municipal World. For what? Silencing dissent? Filing complaints to punish free speech? Weaponizing the integrity commissioner against her critics? Public servants should expect public scrutiny — that’s democracy. But apparently, Carpino believes she’s entitled to live without criticism, and if anyone dares challenge her, she pulls the levers of power to destroy them.
Her fragile ego has real consequences. I’m being forced to go without pay for another three months. No pay means no mortgage payments, no food for my child, and no Christmas gifts for my family. And all because she didn't like that I said I’d fire her if I were mayor. Since when did being honest about your intentions as a leader become a crime worthy of financial ruin?
On Monday, Pickering Council will have another chance to show where they stand. Will they side with the people or the bureaucrats? Every councilor who votes to support this punishment is complicit in this abuse of power. I wouldn’t even treat my worst enemy this way. It’s disgusting and exposes the rot in their character.
If they think they can break me, they’re dead wrong. They are even upset that people had donated to a GiveSendGo that was set up for me a year ago. That donation symbolized the support of the people, and it enraged them. Why? Because they hate that the people still stand with me. To them, I haven’t "learned my lesson" to shut up and obey. That’s what this is really about — obedience.
But it gets darker. They want me to lose my house. They want to see me unable to provide food or necessities for my child. They believe if they can push me to the brink of financial ruin, I’ll finally submit. They’re not just trying to take my pay — they’re trying to take my dignity, my family’s security, and my will to fight.
That is pure evil. That’s not governance — it’s coercion. It’s an assault on democracy disguised as “accountability.” They don’t want honesty, transparency, or courage on council. They want puppets who never question, never challenge, and never expose corruption. But here’s the part they’ll never understand: I will never bow to bullies. I will never stop fighting for the people. If they want to strip my pay, so be it. But they will never take my voice.
This fight is no longer just about me — it’s about you. If they can silence an elected official like this, what do you think they’ll do to you? This isn’t just evil — it’s dangerous. It’s a blueprint for tyranny. If we don’t stop it now, they’ll do it to anyone who dares to speak up. Just look at how they are desperately trying to change the Municipal Act to apply to a judiciary to remove an elected official who challenges their motivies, and exposes their corruption.
The people of Pickering deserve better. All people deserve better from their governments. You deserve elected officials who stand for you — not bureaucrats who hide behind fake awards, photo ops and weaponize complaint systems to protect themselves from criticism. They may have the power now, but they’ll never have my submission.
Mark my words: This isn’t over. The tide is changing
I’ll keep fighting for the people of Pickering, and beyond— paid or not. This isn’t just about my pay. It’s about your right to have elected officials who speaks the truth, exposes corruption, and puts people before politics. Cities belong to the people, not bureaucrats hiding in backrooms. Remember that.
The #1 Skill I Look For When Hiring
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