Those Pesky Interest Rates

By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist Interest rates affect everything from Car Loans to Credit Cards, to Mortgages and so many other things. I remember back in the 1980’s, I was perusing the pages of a local newspaper looking at houses for sale. I was living in Toronto, and while prices there were out of reach, Durham Region offered a glimmer of hope. My brother-in-law worked for The Toronto Dominion Bank, yes, at that time it had not merged with Canada Trust. After having a conversation with him regarding purchasing a house, he provided me with a little cardboard slide calculator from the bank. I will never forget the range on that slide. It went from 10% to 24%. When I asked why it started at 10%, he was puzzled, I said something to the effect of what happens if the rate drops to 8% or 9%? I was assured I had nothing to worry about. In 1981, interest rates were crushing. Three little words ruled the real estate market in Canada, Power-of-Sale. Such a sad time for so many. It was common to see power of sale signs everywhere. It seemed like everyone knew someone who was losing their home due to incredibly high interest rates. It would be many years of looking, and waiting for rates to come down, before I was able to purchase my first home. A tiny war-time bungalow in Ajax. I remember going to the bank to fill out the mortgage application and just praying that the numbers would all jive so I would be approved. When the lady from the bank called a few days later to say I’d been approved, I was ecstatic. Not only had I been approved, but the mortgage rate was a ridiculously low 5.9% I recall telling different people that I got my mortgage at 5.9% and everyone reacted as though I had won a lottery! Mortgage rates were indeed on their way down, and I was the very happy recipient of one of lowest rates of that year. It was 1992. Over the years the interest rates have come down. In 2020 they bottomed out at the lowest rates ever seen by some. The thing about interest rates in the real estate market though, is that when rates are low, house prices are high. That’s just how it works. In 2020, Covid-19 spurred a craze in the housing market that drove prices to insanely high numbers. Well above the actual value of the home in many cases. Prices were out of control, but people were getting amazing interest rates. As we know, what goes up must come down, and so they did. In a big way. Homeowners were left holding the bag on huge mortgages, only to find they were facing rising interest rates as their home values dropped drastically. In March of 2022 interest rates started to climb. In May of 2022 house prices started to fall. As we meander through the fall of 2024, we are in a full-fledged buyer’s market, with more inventory than buyers. Interest rates have started to come down again. Our next interest rate announcement from The Bank of Canada is on October 23, 2024. For those holding variable rate mortgages, we are crossing our fingers and hoping for another rate cut as we ride this wave. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

Compulsory Certification is the answer

Jesus Was a cARPENTER

By Murray Strong I have some homework for everyone reading this column, especially those wanting to try carpentry as a profession. Imagine if you had the chance to build your own home. Where is the kitchen located? Where is the master bedroom? Does my family need lots of closet space? Number of bedrooms needed. Do I need a man cave or a woman cave? The ideas are endless. A skilled carpenter can make it happen for his or her own family. The Princess Margaret Hospital has a web site we can use to explain how to design the floor plans. They raise money to fight cancer .To help with your homework visit princessmargaretlotto.com/early-bird-prize. Scroll down to “useful links” and open the floor plans of the 3 homes displayed .When you open this, construction drawings appear for the 2780 SF 3 level cottage. You can easily see which way a door swings, stair location, windows, your new deck or dock for your boat, each child has their own bedroom. The $2.4 million dollar, 4200SF exquisite Georgian Bay show home with an open concept is my favorite. This home has an amazing kitchen and lots of other great ideas. For those who like the million dollar life style you could build the $7.4 million King City show home. Look at all the required details you will need to consider in your design of the new family cottage or home. Draw the floor plans of any size or shape building. A pencil, paper and ruler is all you require .Design for your needs and enjoyment. Show your ideas to family, teacher and friends. Keep the drawing as a time capsule. Finish your apprenticeship and pull out that old drawing. You have now bought a building lot. You have your footings poured. Your new neighbors hear the sound of a delivery truck loaded with wood. As a Skilled Carpenter you build your own home. Thank you Denny Crane.

Nuclear War and Durham Region: Why We're Not Prepared

By Dale Jodoin In today’s world, the threat of nuclear war, though distant to some, is a reality that cannot be ignored. If a global conflict were to erupt, Durham Region in Ontario could be one of the first areas to face devastating consequences. It’s a chilling thought, but one we must confront, as Durham hosts not one, but two nuclear power plants: Pickering and Darlington. These plants, strategically located on Lake Ontario, also sit in close proximity to major U.S. cities like New York, placing the region on the radar of hostile nations like Russia or North Korea. First and foremost, the presence of these two nuclear facilities makes Durham a prime target in the event of an international conflict. The sheer power these plants generate is vital, but it also poses an undeniable risk. Should any nation attempt to cripple Canadian infrastructure, these plants would be obvious targets. And that’s only the beginning of Durham’s potential problems. The numbers don’t lie. According to Natural Resources Canada, Pickering and Darlington nuclear stations combined generate nearly 7,500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power millions of homes. These plants also sit just 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Toronto, a city with a population of over 6.7 million people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). An attack on these facilities would not only disrupt Canada’s energy grid but could also lead to catastrophic radioactive fallout affecting millions across southern Ontario. The Canadian government estimates that in the event of a serious nuclear disaster, more than 500,000 people would need to be evacuated from the Durham and GTA regions alone. But the evacuation infrastructure in place is inadequate. There are only a handful of major highways and arterial roads connecting the region to the north, and these would quickly become clogged with panicked residents. In a simulation conducted by Public Safety Canada, it was estimated that the roads out of the GTA could become impassable within 2-3 hours of an emergency, leaving thousands trapped with nowhere to go. On the American side, reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security show that fallout from a nuclear strike on a facility like Pickering or Darlington could travel across Lake Ontario, impacting major U.S. cities like Buffalo and Rochester. The population in these cities totals around 2 million people, adding to the overall devastation. The fallout could spread across multiple states, affecting tens of millions of Americans in densely populated areas. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nuclear explosion would release radioactive materials that could remain hazardous for several weeks, contaminating water supplies, crops, and infrastructure. Two major state highways, essential routes between Toronto and areas to the east, run through the region. In the event of an attack, these highways would be shut down instantly. This would leave civilians in Durham with no way to evacuate and leave Toronto effectively trapped, unable to move eastward. The chaos that would ensue as people tried to escape would be unimaginable, especially without any formal evacuation or defense plans in place. Disturbingly, there is no clear, widely disseminated plan on what residents of Durham—or Canada in general—should do in case of a nuclear attack. In 2018, a survey by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) found that 60% of Canadians living near nuclear facilities were unaware of the emergency protocols in the event of a nuclear disaster. Despite the proximity to Pickering and Darlington, iodine pills—which help reduce radiation exposure—are not provided to all residents in the region, and most people are unaware they should have them on hand. When compared to the U.S., where citizens near nuclear plants are regularly given such pills and have access to clear emergency plans, Canada falls woefully short. What makes this situation even more alarming is the state of our military defenses. Over the past decade, Canada’s military has been hollowed out, with the government neglecting to invest in necessary equipment, training, and defense infrastructure. The Liberal and NDP governments have spent vast amounts of taxpayer money on international causes while overlooking our military at home. Our soldiers are under-equipped, and our air and naval defenses are near non-existent compared to other global powers. We depend heavily on the United States for our defense, which leaves us vulnerable. If war were declared tomorrow, there are no guarantees that we could defend our own territory effectively, let alone coordinate with our allies. There is no visible military presence in Durham, and should a threat arise, we would be unprepared to protect critical assets like our nuclear plants. For a region so vital to the country’s energy grid and positioned near a major population center, this is a glaring failure of government. We should have air defenses and military personnel stationed in key locations, ready to respond in the event of an emergency. Yet, right now, nothing is in place to prevent or respond to a nuclear strike on our soil. Another critical issue is the lack of reliable infrastructure for evacuation. The roads leading north from Durham are few and far between, and in the event of a large-scale evacuation, the region would descend into chaos. Without proper routes and coordinated evacuation plans, people would be left to fend for themselves, with little hope of escape. In addition, our hospitals, already struggling with routine care, would be completely overwhelmed by an influx of radiation victims. If our healthcare system is barely coping now, how could it possibly handle the catastrophic fallout of a nuclear attack? According to a 2019 report by the Canadian Medical Association, hospitals in the Durham region are already operating at over 90% capacity, leaving very little room to accommodate mass casualties in the event of a disaster. In the worst-case scenario, a nuclear strike could result in thousands of injuries from both the blast and radiation exposure, pushing hospitals far beyond their limits. Medical professionals warn that the region’s healthcare infrastructure would collapse under the strain, leading to a humanitarian crisis on top of the physical devastation. The sad truth is that Canada is woefully unprepared for a nuclear disaster, and this is largely due to the government’s misplaced priorities. Over the last eight years, we have seen our military underfunded and neglected while the government focuses on external issues. Meanwhile, our soldiers lack even the most basic equipment, including proper winter gear. Recently, a scandal emerged in which our military was provided with sleeping bags that were entirely unsuitable for the harsh Canadian winter—this is the level of incompetence we’re dealing with. Heads should have rolled for this, but instead, the situation persists, and our armed forces continue to suffer. The government’s failure to invest in our defense infrastructure leaves all Canadians vulnerable, but especially those in critical areas like Durham. It’s not an exaggeration to say that lives are at risk. A nuclear attack, while perhaps unlikely, is not impossible. And when you consider the strategic importance of Durham and its nuclear plants, it becomes all the more concerning that no real defense measures are in place. At the end of the day, I’m not suggesting that nuclear war is inevitable. But I am saying that we are not even close to being prepared. And while our government continues to make excuses and divert funds to international causes, the reality is that Canadians—particularly those in Durham Region—are being left unprotected. This is not just a political issue; it’s a matter of national security. We need a government that prioritizes the safety of its people and invests in the military and emergency preparedness plans necessary to defend our country. The time to act is now, before it’s too late. We need to demand better from our leaders and ensure that, should the unthinkable happen, we have the resources and plans in place to protect our homes and families. The alternative is simply too grim to imagine.

Killing Seniors !!!

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. Canada is killing seniors.... What!!! Are you out of your mind... Ok, take a deep breath and let me explain. Most, seniors live on a fixed income. Most, struggle to stay a float. I try to be an honest and responsible senior much like many reading this. Unfortunately the government is making it that much more difficult to live in Canada. Taxes keep going up. Food prices keep going up. Not to mentions the gauging of prices at the gas pump. Seniors benefits, stay the same. Pensions stay the same. How are we to survive? And seniors are not the only ones that the government are killing.... look at what they are doing to the future of our youth. This is not anymore about work hard and you get some place. At $17.50/hr. You would have to work 24/7 to just have some savings... and far from ever purchasing a home. My heart breaks. I know what hard work is. My back would hurt. My hands rougher than rocks. Running out of sweat 2hrs in your shift. The only thing keeping you going was the thought of Friday coming and getting that pay check to pay for my necessities and save the rest to buy land. That was then. This is now. The youths dreams and hopes are being destroyed. Seniors are slowly being killed by the worry of not having enough money at the end of the month to meet all their responsibilities. Going to a supermarket and looking at food you want and being forced to purchase the food you can afford. This is so demoralizing. So, sad. It eats at your very core. Now, with the way housing is. Many seniors are being forced on the street. Is this our Canada? Is this the same Canada that sends billions over seas to assist in foreign wars. Canada first my friends.

FOREIGN PROBLEMS ARE JUST THAT FOREIGN

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher “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 - Ceremonies, events and protests WERE held across Canada to mark the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. The Oct. 7, 2023 attack killed more than 1,200 Israelis, while another 250 are being held captive. Canada has sent billions to Ukraine and other nations to fight political foreign wars. Should Canada be supporting foreign wars? Is this what Canadian taxpayers pay such high taxes for? The use of our resources to fund foreign conflict is wrong. The militization of our Canadian population to support a foreign cause is wrong. Our children are being used by foreign entities to protest foreign issues that we as Canadians are not fully educated or briefed on. The recent ceremonies and protests should be something personal for those directly affected by the international conflict. Canadians should not be drawn in and create a domestic environment to simulate that of foreign states. Now don’t get me wrong. Human suffering is a horrible thing any place in the world. We as responsible members of the global village. Should do all we can to combat human suffering at all levels. To extend assistance and humanitarian aid is and should be the only right thing to do. But only if we/our people are not suffering. As sending foreign aid as a political badge of support is nothing short of hypocritical. Canada is facing the worst national war in the history of Canada. Our red, and white blooded Canadians are suffering by the millions. People living without the ability to save money. Afford the purchase of a new home. Many of us are living in cars, family, unregulated rental properties. Houses that are turned into illegal rooming houses. At times with as many as five families living in one home. Some live in tents, along ravines, open fields... Where is the domestic aid for our people suffering. Federal government funds go to lower tier municipalities that filter to band aid solutions. Funds released end up in coffers for political interests and or agendas. I call for a national emergency plan to be implemented much like during war time. Municipality by municipality create centers for assistance. Create encampments for those without shelter. Create direct Federal government control of emergency for housing development for the poor. Anyone caught violating or abusing the system to face severe penalties. We need to address the White Elephant sitting on our head. We need to identify the real human suffering need. We need to create centers for those in need of mental health. We need addiction centers not ‘safe injection sites’. We need to treat the White Elephant in the room as a serious threat to our national security. We need solid action as that we extend to foreign nations to relieve the pain and suffering abroad. Act now. The threat is real. The suffering is all around us.

Canadian Pluralism; Canadian Values and Politics

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The war in Ukraine and the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel illustrate the dangerous world in which we live. Obviously, these kinds of events do have some life changing effects on our country in testing our ability to continue to be a nation. As we have come to think about it, the post-October 7 events with increasing hostilities in Middle East and the continuous conflagration in Europe which seems to escalate instead of winding down, are testing a series of ideals and beliefs that have seemed immutable until now. It is testing Israel’s resiliency and its capacity to defend itself while acting with major restraint under immense pressure. It is testing America’s role in the world, NATO, and European Union unity in confronting new challenges and the new forces emerging in Asia. Here at home, it is testing the leadership of our civic and political institutions. It is testing the inherent tensions of Canadian pluralism, which is taking a dangerous turn. If not corrected, this turn will challenge our very way of life. Personally, I believe in this nation and the way it has evolved until now. However, I am starting to notice a shift to the back burner, of our national values acquired through years of hard work by our ancestors. Today there is a tendency to focalize on what is going in other nations and forget that our own nation needs attention. We need to take action in order to preserve our values, rather than disqualifying and totally rejecting them. We need to think forward to evolve in a positive direction in order to develop our country and our culture in a way that assures a better future for our children. Lately we have seen a lot of news about all kinds of political demonstrations. In particular, there seems to be an increase in the temperature of hate in our own country. A country that was once famous for understanding and tolerance. Notably, there has been a radical increase of antisemitism and hate towards other religious and ethnic groups. We are looking at a phenomenon that will ghettoize the country instead of unifying it. We need to stop this tendency at once, and the only way is to emphasize that we are all Canadians and we need to build our own country. For this, our diversity must evolve to unify our own country; the country where we live and where our children live. We need to put aside the luggage that may have accompanied us as immigrants; animosities built up over the centuries. We must concentrate on building our life here in Canada, together with our First Nations. We need to be all one nation, working towards one objective, and that is to make our country the best country in the world to live and raise a family. Of course, people should be free to express their political views and live out their values within the law. However, we must also be free to contest others’ views and values in a constructive dialog. We should be free to argue that they are bad or wrong. Moreover, we are free to contend that not all views and values are equally valid. That is a part of pluralism too. We as Canadians have been known to show compromise and cordiality which qualities are generally and essentially good. However, the post-October 7 and the conflict in Europe world calls for something different. We need a principled and considered pluralism that is prepared to stand up for basic Canadian values in the face of ongoing challenge. In view of these needs, the Canadian political landscape does not offer much satisfaction. The governing Liberals seem to be facing a strong challenge from the Conservatives, the loyal opposition. However, there are no significant differences in how the Conservatives will face the challenges of the world if they are elected to form the government. Besides wearing out the slogan “kill the tax” they have not put forward any new ideas about the way forward for the country. They seem to be hooked on the old ideas of the 2011 election with the old staff still in command. Aside from the usual parliamentary maneuvers that attempt to spark an election when the polls are favorable, the Conservatives have done nothing to electrify the electorate by advocating new ideas for building and strengthening the country. As confirmation of this, in recent months we have seen the Conservatives deviating from traditional conservative thinking, including their vote in favour of a ban on replacement workers. Their silence on the government’s massive EV subsidies and foreign aid, their support for Air Canada pilots in their labour dispute, and now their symbolic endorsement of an unaffordable and unjustified hike to the OAS program all go against the traditional conservative values of fiscal restraint and responsible spending. These actions all show theatrical manoeuvers calculated to force an election somehow. Unfortunately, the Conservatives are alone on the political spectrum and unless they get a majority in the next election, they will not be not able to govern because they do not have suitable political allies, as the Liberals do. Canada’s poor economic conditions call for a conventional political response. That means cut spending and taxes, and de-regulate the economy, but keep government control on the strategic industries while generally reducing the size and scope of government to kick-start economic growth. However, it needs to be specified that the social component of advancing our country cannot be neglected. There is an urgent need to reinforce belief in our history and traditions and to preserve and develop those values which are particularly Canadian. We will soon see whether there is a political party or leader who will be able to break this stalemate and guide us towards prosperity once again. What do you think?

WHO WILL BE OSHAWA’S NEXT MAYOR?

-A LOOK AT SOME OF THE POTENTIAL CANDIDATES- By Dean Hickey The next municipal election is still two years away, but when it comes to making a bid for the Mayor’s chair, it’s never too early to start speculating on who might seek the top job on council. Rumours abound that current mayor Dan Carter has no intention of seeking re-election in 2026, and this would leave the field wide open for others on council to seek higher office. One need only take a glance at social media to quickly recognize the active campaigning by one or more councillors as they jostle each other over never-ending photo opportunities for every cause imaginable. Below is an alphabetized list of councillors and others who may be seen as most likely to try to fill the void upon Mayor Dan Carter’s retirement. BOB CHAPMAN…. The Ward 3 Regional councillor was first elected in 2010, and aside from a brief absence during a failed campaign for the provincial PC Party in 2018, he has been a member of council ever since. His previous career in law enforcement spanned 30 years, and he remains an honorary colonel of the Ontario Regiment, having also served in the Canadian Armed Forces. His list of committee appointments is extensive and he has certainly taught himself the intricacies of municipal governance, but to what end? At times he seems more intent on continuing his political career as nothing more than a ventriloquists doll perched on mayor Dan Carter’s knee, and the citizens of Oshawa deserve much better. On a personal level, councillor Chapman has been seen by some as having more than once stepped over the line of acceptable behaviour, due to his often abrupt manner when in the council chamber, an attribute that can hardly be seen as mayoral. JOHN GRAY.... Currently the local councillor for Ward 5, John Gray began his political career in 1994 as a rookie councillor who would go on to become mayor from 2003 to 2010, defeated long-time mayor Nancy Diamond. His record as mayor includes the building of the Tribute Centre, Delpark Homes Centre, South Oshawa Community Centre, and of course a major re-build at city hall. Nevertheless, it was the perception of a free-spending mayor that would ultimately be his undoing in the 2010 election that saw John Henry take over the top job. Since returning to council six years ago, John Gray appears to have taken a cautious approach to politics and as such has often been referred to as yesterday’s man. He will need a major rebranding should he wish to capture the hearts and minds of today’s voters for a return to the mayor’s job. JOE INGINO…. A local independent businessman and longtime proprietor of The Central newspaper, Joe Ingino is no stranger to politics, having offered up some heavy criticism against what he sees as a lack of progress in the downtown core and elsewhere. He has invested 30 years of his life writing about municipal politics, and his determination to make Oshawa a better place does not appear to have wavered during that time. He is man with big ideas who speaks his mind, and has certainly seen his share of controversy due to his straight forward approach. He is, nevertheless, determined to stay focused on all that he sees as necessary for the betterment of the community. No-one can deny his is an independent voice that is far removed from the collective that reigns supreme in the corridors of power at city hall. RICK KERR… First elected to council in 2014 and now representing Ward 4 at the Regional Level, Rick Kerr is seen by most of his colleagues as someone who is honest and easy to work with. His first foray into politics saw him campaign in a city-wide election, which is a daunting task for a newcomer. Having retired from a 30-year teaching career, he has taken on the role of councillor with energy and optimism, even as his ward has faced issues of homelessness and drug addiction on downtown streets. His particular contribution to the cultural aspect of the city has included work on local music events and his ongoing attempt to see Oshawa as an arts, culture, and entertainment destination. At the same time, he has garnered a reputation for moving too quickly from one initiative to another, often weekly, in his ambitious attempt to see multiple project through to completion. While no-one can fault his enthusiasm, the problems facing residents in the downtown area are real and persistent, and will require more than arts and entertainment as a solution. TITO-DANTE MARIMPIETRI…. The King of photo-ops, this Ward 2 Regional councillor seems to want to be everywhere at once. Born and raised in Oshawa, he began his political career at the tender age of 24, and by 35 he could boast having chaired several committees, being assigned the role of deputy mayor, and ultimately elected to a Regional seat. He is currently chair of the Economic and Development Services Committee, a demanding role in a time of record investment in new residential and commercial developments. He is not, however, a man without some controversy on council, and this is an aspect of his career that will forever chase him in the form of documents available on the internet. He won his seat by a narrow margin, and is known to harbour a general distrust of those he sees as an impediment to his goals, leading to a weakening of his ability to establish effective working relationships. BRADLEY MARKS…. Being the grandson of Ernest Marks, mayor of Oshawa in 1967, no-one benefits more from a well-respected family name than the City councillor from Ward 3. A lawyer with the firm of Marks & Pellegrino, he carries weight in the council chamber as one who understands all manner of administrative procedures when taking care of the City’s business. He appears to enjoy contributing to the community in many respects, including his involvement in Oshawa youth hockey, baseball, and different charitable institutions such as Durham Outlook for the Needy. He does tend to say little during council debates, and lacks any significant sign of what one might describe as political passion, often being seen as overly concerned with procedure at the expense of vision. The weeks and months ahead will undoubtedly give ample rise to further speculation, more photo-ops, and an unending dialogue on the part of those seeking to become Oshawa’s next mayor. There is more to come on this topic.

The True Bullies of Pickering:

By Lisa Robinson The True Bullies of Pickering: How the Mayor and Council are Abusing Power, Silencing Dissent, and Wasting Your Tax Dollars For over a year now, the mayor and fellow councillor’s of Pickering have relentlessly attacked me—not because I’m failing the people who elected me, but because I refuse to bow down to their political games and pander to their special interest groups. I’ve been sanctioned, stripped of my pay yet again for daring to speak up for the people of Pickering, for exercising my right to free expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This latest sanction—another three months without pay—marks a total of six months of financial punishment. This isn’t about accountability; it’s about intimidation. They want me to fall in line, but I refuse. The truth is, they’ve weaponized the Integrity Commissioner as their personal attack dog, pushing a one-sided narrative designed to discredit me. They twist my words, manipulate my actions, and suppress the voices of my constituents. Let me be absolutely clear: There was no legitimate investigation. This is a political hit job—a calculated attempt to silence me, to paint me as the problem, when the real bullies are sitting in council chambers. Think about it: if I didn’t care, don’t you think I’d just shut up and fall in line? Why would I keep working for free while they drag my name through the mud? I have nothing to gain from this fight, but they have everything to lose. I’m standing up for common sense for common people, while they cling to power and their self-serving interests, while catering to developers and special interest groups. The mayor himself has abused his power, using city staff on your dime—paid by Pickering’s taxpayers—to craft his 75 page witch hunt of manufactured complaints against me. And his bias is no longer just behind closed doors. On September 3, he openly stated he is biased towards me and that he doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say. What does that tell you? He is not just dismissing me—he’s also dismissing every voter who believes I have the right to be heard on their behalf. While they’re busy orchestrating this smear campaign, I’m out there doing the job I was elected to do. The day after they voted to strip me of my pay, I was the only member of council to show up at the “Pickering Forward” meeting, an important forum to hear what the people had to say about our city’s future. And where were the rest of them? They didn’t show because they don’t care about what you, the voters, have to say, and it wasn’t a photo opportunity. They’re more interested in silencing dissent and consolidating power than in listening to the people. What kind of leadership sanctions a single mother’s pay, knowing full well I have bills to pay, a mortgage to cover, and a family to support? They don’t care. Just imagine someone taking away your ability to pay for the roof over your head or to feed your family because they don’t like what you have to say. They would rather see me suffer, hoping to break me down so I’ll finally cave to their demands. This is not just an abuse of power; it’s vindictive harassment. They are unfit to lead—not just for their bullying and intimidation, but for their brazen attempt to lobby the Provincial government to change the Municipal Act. They want the power to remove elected officials who disagree with them—an assault on democracy. Worse still, they want to ensure that anyone they oust is banned from running in future elections, silencing the people’s choice even further. Their actions are not just authoritarian; they’re downright dangerous. They don’t want a council of diverse voices; they want an echo chamber where only their views reign supreme. Each of their characters should be seriously questioned, not just for what they’re doing to me, but for what they’re doing to you—the people of Pickering. The draconian measures they are putting in place is to stifle public input and are designed to rig future elections, to ensure only those who agree with their power-hungry agenda get a seat at the table. They don’t care about democracy or free speech—they care about control. And let’s not forget the staggering misuse of taxpayer dollars in this vendetta. Instead of returning my rightful salary—just $15,000+ for three months of lost pay—they’ve decided to burn up to $200,000 of your money fighting me in a judicial review. $200,000 of your hard-earned tax dollars that could be better spent on the community is being flushed down the drain to prop up their lies. And if you think it stops there, think again. When I take them to court again for another judicial review, I bet they’ll be more than willing to waste another $200,000, bringing the total to a disgraceful $400,000 of your hard earned tax payers money just to silence one voice. Do they care? Of course not—it’s not their money. It’s yours. Through all of this, I have never stopped fighting for the people of Pickering. I show up. I listen. I push back against corruption and collusion, even when they come after me with everything they’ve got. The mayor and his council have shown that they are not fit to serve—they are power-hungry, vindictive, and have zero regard for the voices of the people. And let me be clear, this isn’t just happening in Pickering – it’s happening in Municipalities across the Country. So it needs to stop immediately. Personally, I won’t back down. I will continue to stand with you—because that’s what real leadership looks like. Even when they try to silence me, I will not be bullied. The people of Pickering deserve better, and I will fight to give them the representation they elected me for. It’s time to hold these bullies accountable.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering October 10th was World Homeless Day and I could never be prouder of the Community and support of Pickering and Durham Region. It was truly a day of Love. At 10 AM, Pickering and Durham joined Communities across Canada to raise the flag to bring awareness to the growing numbers of homeless persons in our City and Region. At 11 AM, at a Special Meeting of Pickering Council, once again demonstrated Pickering has a Social Conscience. Thanks to a majority vote of Council the City will provide DARS with up to $25,000 to drill a 200 ft new well after their old dug well collapsed. In addition to Pickering’s funds, TACC Development donated 25% funds of the cost with an additional 10% donated by the contractor. At 2PM, several hundred community volunteers, organizations, Community Partners, including City of Pickering and Durham Region celebrated the success of the DARS Transitional Housing Initiative through the agricultural lens. Topping it off was a demonstration of Love, with volunteers from Community Associations and array of individuals offering up an old fashion HotDog BBQ and Corn Roast. At 3PM, TACC DEVELOPMENT announced, a $70,000 donation to DARS, equal to10 years of free rent for the duration of the DARS lease. All monies saved by DARS will be used to support the Farmhouse initiative. Thank you TACC Developement for sharing the love and vision to find affordable and sustainable solutions to Homelessness. There was not a dry eye in the crowd. No one could have asked for a better day filled with Love. A Big thank you to the many Community volunteers that pulled it together, along with the Team from the City of Pickering, Community Safety Wellbeing, Culture and Recreation, Operations and the support of a majority of Pickering Council, along with Durham Region, DRPS, the DACH Committee, Durham Social Services and Housing, and and most importantly our 7 new neighbours-who have settled in to their dream farm house and opened their doors in exchange for our hearts.**** For those concerned about any property tax impacts, the entire project has not cost the Taxpayers anything.All funds raised were from private donations. Pickering's share of funding was possible through Casino royalties shared with the City of Pickering by OLG and Durham Region funds available through various grants. Stay tuned to learn more about the future initiatives to combat Homelessness in our Community

Job Search Success Is Not Complicated

By Nick Kossovan Most people over-complicate the process of achieving success. Achieving success is often perceived as a complex puzzle, or according to those who play the 'I'm a victim!' card, only available to those who are supposedly privileged. The fact is there's a simple equation for achieving success, which Zig Ziglar famously encapsulated, "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want." Side note: "all you want" should be interpreted as "all you need." I recommend considering the hiring process from the employer's perspective. By doing so, you'll empathize with employers and understand positioning yourself as a candidate who has the skills, experience, and proven track record of helping employers get what they want is a job search strategy that'll set you apart from your competition, who aren't approaching their job search with an "I want to help employers" mindset as they have the all-too-common "I want!" mindset. Success isn't a complicated journey. With the right mindset, it’s a simple path—help others achieve what they want. However, the mindset I come across most often is the exact opposite; job seekers focused on what they want, as opposed to what employers want, resulting in employers being turned off. Who isn't turned off by someone solely concerned with their needs and wants, who comes across as "predatory"? Most job seekers: "Employers need to understand my issues and needs." Savvy job seekers: "I need to understand the employer's issues and needs." Job seekers who have their thinking clean and show employers how they can help them achieve what they want are few and far between. Being that rare candidate makes you unique and highly valuable, which is a significant competitive advantage. I can guarantee that your interviewer almost never encounters a candidate who projects an "I'm here to help you" aura. When viewed holistically, employers want five things: • be profitable • reduce/control costs • have low employee turnover • optimize employee performance • provide a customer experience that’s evangelized How can you help an employer achieve any of, or a combination of, the above? What's your employee value proposition? For instance, you can never go wrong assuming the employer wants to be profitable; hence, suggesting cost-saving measures or revenue-generating ideas during your interview will demonstrate your desire to help the company get what it wants, which is to be profitable. Imagine yourself as a hiring manager. One of your standard interview questions is: "How will you contribute to the company's success?" or, more directly, "Why should I hire you?" Candidate A: "If hired, I will bring enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work to the team. I am a fast learner and have a strong work ethic. I am also a team player." Candidate B: "I bring over 15 years of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to innovation. As head of Gekko's IT, I led a project to streamline its data analysis processes, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing employee hours. I achieved this by implementing Cyberdyne Systems' latest data visualization tools and automating repetitive tasks. I plan to bring this kind of efficiency oversight to Soylent Corporation." Which candidate would you lean towards hiring? Candidate A offers nothing more than their unsubstantiated opinions, which, as I've stated in previous columns, employers don't hire; they hire results. Opinions about yourself, which you should rarely give without quantifying, don't help your interviewer envision how you'll help the company get what it wants. On the other hand, candidate B outlined how they can help the company achieve wanting to optimize employee performance and cost savings. Candidate B thinks like an employer and understands employers are a sucker for candidates with a track record of helping employers get what they want. Getting hired doesn't come down to having the shiniest resume, with all the right keywords, being impeccably dressed, having a perfect smile, or sheer luck. Employers hire candidates they feel will get them what they want. Consider all the successes around you and why they exist. • Amazon: Shopping delivered to your door. • Apple iPhone: Handheld communication. • Facebook: Having a voice. Keeping in touch. • Starbucks: Coffee served around an experience. • Taylor Swift: Music young people in angst can relate to. • MasterCard: Easy to use credit. • Zig Ziglar: Motivation and encouragement. The success of the above can be attributed to the fact that they've designed their offering with the end-user in mind, helping people get what they want. • Amazon: Convenience • Apple iPhone: Connectivity • Facebook: Popularity • Starbucks: Self-care • Taylor Swift: Understanding • MasterCard: Lifestyle • Zig Ziglar: Hope All successful businesses are based on selling a product or service that'll help people (read: consumers) get what they want, which is usually intrinsic. A product or service must satisfy a need or want in order to sell. The same applies to job searching. You must fulfill an employer's need or want. Think of employers as the end users of your services; how do you help employers achieve what they want? Are you communicating your how and willingness to help throughout your job search? Showing how you can help employers get what they want is how you achieve job search success. 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

Do you want Lies or Truth?

Do you want Lies or Truth? By Patricia Conlin We are living through an unprecedented time in Canada. We are in the middle of one of worst health and financial crisis’s we have ever experienced all while our mainstream media continues to fuel division and fear. But how did we get here and why has the decline been so apparent in the past few years? Those of us with eyes to see watch in shock as Bills get passed in Parliament without any opposition like Bill C-4 which took away parental rights and Bill C-11 which threatens free speech. Bill C-63, takes censorship to a whole new level and could put someone in jail for so called “disinformation” or “misinformation”, aka telling the truth, if passed. Bill C-47 seeks to destroy the natural health products industry with overregulation under the guise of “safety”, and Bill C-293 for so called Pandemic Preparedness that could remove human rights and bodily autonomy. What is going on? Did we wake up in the Twilight Zone? These Bills are all totalitarian and being passed by MPs with little or no opposition. I believe the greatest crisis we face is one of courage. We live in a society where people in positions of authority are afraid or unwilling to speak the truth. Why? Either because they fear the consequences or are benefiting from the lies being told to the masses. But the lies are harming our lives and communities. Why is that our elected officials refuse to speak even basic truths like: · Carbon is not a pollutant so why are we taxing the air we breathe and bankrupting our farmers and food supply? We need to scrap all carbon taxes and not just one. · Children need to learn reading, writing, math and science and not be exposed to pornography and ideologies in schools. We need to end the gender insanity, Critical Race Theory and DEI as they are Marxist ideologies designed to divide people and create confusion and anger. · The Covid jabs are dangerous and harming record numbers of people and need to be withdrawn. · Our healthcare system profits from illness and death. Safe treatments are routinely withheld like during covid when hospitals pushed dangerous drugs like Remdesivir instead of Vitamin D, hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. · The Conservatives under Mulroney and Harper signed Canada over to the UN Agenda 2030 which is at this moment being implementing in our local communities. We need to stop funding SDG and withdraw from the Paris Accord. · Globalist companies and NGOs are pushing humanity into a feudalism model with them being the overlords under the guise of climate change. They want us to live in contained 15- minute cities and eat bugs instead of beef if they get their way. We need to promote localism over globalism. · We have a Uniparty in power who are pushing a dangerous proxy war with Russia instead of promoting peaceful negotiations. We need to stop funding the corrupt Zelensky regime and look after our own veterans and homeless instead. I could go on but you get the idea. Since our elected officials refuse to speak the truth, it is up to us WE THE PEOPLE, to do so with courage and peaceful persistence. Many of the harmful policies implemented at a federal level can be repealed with the right leadership-like Bill C-4. This is also true at the provincial and local levels. I stepped into action during Covid when I saw the harm being done. I had already lost my husband to Big Pharma and didn’t want anyone else to be hurt by their lies. I have been a lifelong small business owner and witnessed the destruction of many of our local businesses. The only party that spoke out against the lockdowns and mandates was People’s Party. They are also the only party calling out the fraud behind the Climate Agenda, the harm of unsustainable immigration levels, the grooming of our kids in schools and the danger of war mongering with Russia- a nuclear powerhouse. That is why we need to elect PPC in some ridings to hold the Conservatives accountable since none of the other parties will do that. I believe that the future of our country depends on voting for people who have had the courage to speak the truth despite personal attacks and loss to stop the globalist agenda and restore a healthy, happy and prosperous future in our community and country. Only PPC has done that since it’s inception. Populist parties are winning around the world as they oppose the lies that are being told to impoverish western countries. PPC takes action to build a better Canada whereas the other parties continue to push the lies that are harming us. What Canada needs is seriousness in politics as the issues are too important to ignore any longer. Wars, massive corruption, unsustainable debt loads, a health crisis that impacting both physical and mental health for a growing number of people, drug addiction, crime, illegal and excessive immigration and refugee claim’s overwhelming our essential services, cost of living crisis and more. Isn’t it time to support and vote for brave Patriots speaking the Truth to set Canada Free instead of allowing the Lies of Parliament to destroy our county?

Cellular Energy is Part of the Formula for Health

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Some people just have more energy than others. You can pick them out of a crowd. They are running up the stairs, two at a time. Their toes are constantly tapping. They are ready for more fun and games when everyone else is exhausted. But is this outward show of energy a marker of good health? The fact is everyone needs to have enough fuel in the tank to operate essential life systems. Our bodies need sufficient energy for breathing in and out and keeping organs operating. Beyond these necessary functions, energy might better be considered a lifestyle matter. Yoko Ono once quipped, “if you don’t have it, don’t bother with rock and roll.” But are you wishing you had more of it? Don’t be misled by the quick fix. A caffeinated drink will pick up your pace. A chocolate bar will offer a sugar rush. But to appreciate the body’s own energy system and how you sustain energy, you need to understand what is happening at the cellular level. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a compound produced by our bodies that plays a role in cellular energy production. If you think of each cell in the body as a factory that needs energy to operate, then CoQ10 are the battery chargers. There are other important components, but CoQ10 helps keep the machinery running smoothly. It is found in virtually every cell in the body, with higher concentrations in organs with high energy demands, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies' ability to produce CoQ10 diminishes. That’s not ideal, since one of the benefits of CoQ10 is its role in maintaining cardiovascular health. The heart is an energy-hungry organ. Like fully charged batteries, CoQ10 keeps the supply of energy flowing to cardiac cells. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, protecting heart cells from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation within the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol profiles, and enhance overall heart function. This is why you will see CoQ10 as an ingredient in the formulas of heart-healthy supplements in natural health food stores. Studies have revealed that CoQ10 supplementation can be particularly beneficial for individuals with heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure and angina. It aids in improving the heart's pumping capacity, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing quality of life. The brain is another energy-intensive organ and CoQ10's potential to enhance cellular energy production has made it a subject of interest among brain health researchers. Several studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, preventing cellular damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can wreak havoc on our cells, leading to premature aging and a higher risk of conditions like cancer and heart disease. By bolstering the body's antioxidant defenses, CoQ10 helps safeguard cells from oxidative stress. For diabetics, CoQ10 can help manage blood sugar levels. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are factors in diabetes management. By enhancing the body's ability to use insulin effectively, CoQ10 helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Most young and healthy people produce enough CoQ10 naturally. But since levels deplete with age, supplementing daily in the range of 100-200 mg is the typical recommendation. It’s safe at higher levels, but those on blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants should consult with their doctor about possible interactions. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

On With The Show

from Wayne & Tamara The man I've seen for two years has yet to introduce me to any of his acquaintances. He's a director, actor, and entertainer who also oversees a nonprofit organization. He's never introduced me to the people in the group and doesn't invite me to cast parties or get-togethers. He says he likes to keep his personal and business lives separate. I'm not writing to ask if this is a one-sided relationship. It is. Am I a tad codependent? Yes. I am not trying to make him into a monster or me into a victim. I deserve some of the blame if I am unhappy. I am not disputing that. The question is how do I go about breaking it off with him? He's a very logical, shrewd, and bombastic sort of guy. He's brilliant, funny, and we have a lot in common, but when I tell him I don't feel a part of his life, he brings up good, windy arguments and doesn't leave my apartment. I end up feeling irrational and exhausted. I am searching for a non-emotional, logical argument to use in my defense to his arguments. Angelina Angelina, the song "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical "Chicago" describes your boyfriend's tactics. The premise of the song is this: whenever someone puts you on the spot, razzle dazzle 'em. Change the subject, put on a three-ring circus, or throw them a double whammy. As the song says, with all that going on, "How can they hear the truth above the roar?" Some show business people have enough intelligence for two people. They can memorize a whole play in the time it takes you to memorize the smallest part. They're used to holding center stage and not allowing anyone to upstage them, but there is one strategy which will work. Put all his belongings outside your door. That is one argument he cannot refute. Wayne & Tamara Eye On The Ball I found out in June that my husband was having an affair with another woman. I loved him too much and never expected this. This devastates me. We will be married 10 years this year, and I don't know how to deal with it. I am considering leaving. Madeline Madeline, the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was a keen observer of children. One of the things which interested him was perspective taking--how we develop the ability to see things from more than one point of view. In a classic experiment inspired by Piaget's work, a young child is shown a story told with dolls. A boy doll enters a room and hides a ball in a drawer. Then the boy doll leaves the room, and a mother doll enters. She takes the ball from the drawer and puts it under the bed. When the boy doll returns to the room, the story ends. At this point an experimenter asks the child where the boy doll will look for the ball. A 3-year-old child will say the boy will look for the ball under the bed. Three-year-olds can only see situations from what they themselves know. But a 5-year-old child will say the boy will look for the ball in the drawer, because 5-year-olds realize the boy doesn't know his mother has moved it. You loved your husband. That was the only way you could view your marriage. You saw life from your own perspective. You loved him completely, and he loved you completely. That is what you thought. Now you realize that is not the way it was. Your husband had a different point of view. What he said and how he acted around you was calculated to confuse your perspective. As you decide what to do, give full weight to his view of your marriage. You must see the situation as it is, not as you thought it was. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

Suspicious Claims

from Wayne & Tamara I am the oldest of three kids. I am 28 and my brothers are 24 and 16. I wish I could say the years of sibling rivalry are over, but I'd be lying if I did. My 24-year-old brother still lives at home. We used to get along, but things changed when he turned 16. He developed a violent temper which is directed only toward me. It started with the typical bickering you get from any brother and sister and evolved into cursing, name-calling, and insults. That further evolved into spitting on me, throwing food at me, and physically threatening me. It's hard on my parents because they cannot control his temper. They've spoken to our family physician, but unless my brother is willing to help himself there isn't much they can do. I started dating an amazing man over a year ago. One day he overheard my brother cursing at me. He told my brother if he was going to talk to me, to do it with respect. There have been no violent encounters or arguments since. This works for my family because the fighting has stopped. It hurts so much that my brother hates me. I don't have this kind of relationship with my younger brother. In fact, we are close. But I wish I knew what it is about me that bothers my oldest brother. I want to find a way to fix things. Is there anything you can suggest to help me build the bonds of this broken relationship? My boyfriend told me to realize it's a lost cause, but he's my brother and I love him. If anything happened, I'd be there regardless. I want to make peace but don't know how. Is everyone right? Am I hoping for the impossible? Mary Jo Mary Jo, years ago Wayne rented a farmhouse in the Ozarks. Wayne owned a St. Bernard, and he and the dog would roam the woods together and the dog would watch as Wayne picked apples in the orchard. One day the landlord decided to put cattle on the land. Unfortunately the dog sensed the cows feared her, so she entertained herself by chasing them. Wayne thought he might have to give the dog away. A dog that runs cattle can't stay on a farm because cattle can overheat, collapse, and die from exhaustion. Things changed, however, when the landlord bought two young bulls and made them part of the herd. The bulls began to stalk the St. Bernard. Her fun over, the dog lost all interest in chasing cattle. Apparently you found a "bull" to end your brother's fun. While we wouldn't call your brother's behavior healthy, it does appear to be under his control rather than an undiagnosed mental illness. It also appears he trained you and your parents to accept his behavior, and he escalated his tantrums to increase his power. Today many of us are raised to believe there is a fix for everything. Experts claim to have a system which will put other people under our control. But these claims often disappear on close examination. The author of a best-selling relationship book admits he gets along with his wife by pretending she is as important to him as his clients. The author of a book purporting to eliminate divorce, in fine print on the copyright page, specifically disclaims any legal responsibility for her claims. And a leading researcher on communication skills, whose work is often cited in self-help books, no longer stands by that research. In the United States you can recover money from an auto mechanic who fails to fix your car, but there is no legal recourse against "experts" who claim to fix any relationship. The worst part is, when you fail to make their system work, you blame yourself rather than them. The power to change this situation is in your brother's hands, not yours. Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

When Push Comes to Shove in Healthcare

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Many factors determine who gets what care when fighting illness. It makes a difference where you live, what kind of insurance you have, and what health problem you face. But the bottom line is that there are only so many healthcare dollars to spend, and people are making decisions on our behalf about where the money goes. It’s time to ask if we have the balance right. Trade-offs are inevitable. Do we place a priority on reducing wait times for essential surgical treatments? Do we ensure everyone has access to a family doctor? Do we ramp up more support for drug use rehabilitation? These are tough questions with no easy answers. But when push comes to shove for limited resources, there should be urgency in putting an end to wasted money. We know good people are dying from drug problems, and they need care. But there are extremely nefarious people profiting from pushing illegal drugs, and it’s these criminals who have us spending tens of millions on safe-use and treatment centres. It’s another problem that otherwise good people make terrible, irresponsible decisions to misuse medications or buy drugs on the street. Let’s add in the doctors who readily prescribe powerful, addictive painkillers to patients without a thought for how to get them off the drugs or manage longer term use for chronic conditions. There has been enough experimentation in fighting illegal drug use and the evidence is piling up that current approaches are not working. There does come a time when millions of hard-working taxpayers have to say, “Enough is enough.” Law enforcement needs to continue to go after the criminals and put them away. And we must ask ourselves what’s the acceptable allocation to money to keep saving irresponsible people, often time and time again, from their follies. What are the trade-offs we are willing to make? In assessments of the “war on drugs”, it’s common to find calls to abandon punitive policies and adopt approaches grounded on harm reduction and human rights. But when efforts to uphold the highest standards of human decency are not working, we need to regroup. Particularly for those who have seen loved ones waiting for delayed cancer operations and other procedures, watching tens of millions spent on substance abuse centres is a bitter reality. It’s tragic for people who develop a cancer through no fault of their own and then need to wait for treatment. It’s a measure of society’s priorities when drug users can walk freely into treatment while cancer patients and their families have no option but to queue for surgical operations, chemotherapy, and other needed treatments. What do we do about the tragic overdoses of teenagers making bad decisions in using dangerous drugs? What about those falling into circumstances where addiction to illegal drugs leads to other crimes? We repeat, there are no easy answers. But we do need to observe where the costs of societal problems are spiralling out of control and make changes to how we spend our money. Putting the price of cancer care alongside that of illicit drug programs might be one way to sharpen the issues. What do you think about this matter? Should we be good Samaritans at all costs, or should we lean into tougher punishments. Should we pay for more drug treatment? Or should we advance funding for cancer care? In your opinion, what is the right way to frame a discussion on the choices we must make? We’d like to hear from you, and we’ll publish your views in a future column. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

Say “NO” to BILL - 5

also check out Bills C-63 and C-293 Pickering City Council Unanimously Voted to Immediately Suspend Council Robinson’s Pay for 90 days. Bill- 5, in short. The stopping of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace by Local Leaders. However, Ontario Municipalities want to use Bill 5 to take away OUR Democratic Rights. Municipal Councils, people that we elected want to be able to, as they say, fire other council member(s) who we elected. Our municipal council members are not hired staff they are OUR elected representatives . Only the people who elected them have the right to remove (fire) them and will choose to do so or not, in the next election. Its called democracy. In addition, these municipal councils who we elected also want to have your/our elected council representative banned from running in the next election. In other words, these our other elected council members want to then take away our right to vote for who you want to. So much for democracy when they can dictate who can or cannot run in an election. Bill 5 is dangerous, if passed, it is the beginning of removing Democracy as we know it and opens the door for further removal of our rights. As for claiming Bill 5 is for sexual harassment and violence, there are and always have been, ways of dealing with these complaints e.g. Human Rights, police and courts. No, Bill 5 is not about any one person, it is about Our Democratic Right to vote for who we want. Maybe we should be taking a closer look at those who we elected who think that they should be able to override our voting and remove an elected colleague and then dictate who we can vote for. Canada’s Bill C-63. The Online Harms Act. • It’s not just about internet child pornography, it also goes onto penalizing free speech. Check it out. Canada’s Bill C-293. The Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act • Does this act turn over power to the UN and the WHO (non elected groups) to govern Canada and force mandatory vaccinations etc. on the Canadian people? Check it out. People it’s time we wake up and stop being silent. As we slowly go about our lives, we are having our rights taken away from us bit by bit and it is our fault. Times have changed, we can no longer rely on our elected representatives to do what’s right. Even though we elect our MP’s and MPP’s once elected they, as we know, have to vote as their party leader says, they are not working in our best interest We have to set aside time each week to see and understand what is taking place in our country and we can do so easily. The internet allows us at our own time to check into municipal, provincial and federal meetings. Pretty much all Ontario municipal council meetings are accessible and stored online. Check it out. Inform yourself don’t rely on hearsay, or news reports the truth is out there. I didn’t know, is not a valid excuse. Silence Solves Nothing, Stand Up & Speak Up For Your Rights

Image Is Everything; Hence, Your LinkedIn Banner's Importance

By Nick Kossovan : Why do I keep seeing LinkedIn profiles with an empty banner and/or no profile picture? Are these people oblivious to the importance of a first impression, or do they just not care? You, I, and everyone judge; hence, we live in a judgemental society. Your image, which shapes how people view you, is everything. You can't claim to be a serious job seeker if you're not taking advantage of LinkedIn's visual opportunities to optimize your profile to make a strong impression. When it comes to social media content, visuals are scrolling-stoppers. Aside from your profile picture, your LinkedIn banner is the first visual people see. View your LinkedIn banner as a billboard strategically placed at street level, which you can use to capture the attention of passersby who may have a potential opportunity. (In a previous column, I wrote that opportunities exist all around you; the caveat is they're attached to people.) Advertisers spend a great deal of money to have billboards with a captivating visual and compelling message, making the point that billboard advertising is a good investment for driving traffic to their offerings. Your LinkedIn banner—your billboard—is free, so why not use it to market yourself to employers? If your LinkedIn banner is currently blank, hopefully, you're now convinced that leaving it blank is likely costing you job search and career opportunities, and you no longer want to leave it blank. Here are instructions on how to create a LinkedIn banner using Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool that offers various customization options. Step 1: Create a Canva account Canva offers both free and paid plans. Their free plan is more than adequate to design your LinkedIn banner. Go to Canva's website and sign up using your email address or social media account. Step 2: Choose the LinkedIn banner template In the Canva dashboard, type in 'LinkedIn Background Photo' in the search bar at the top to find a LinkedIn banner template. Canva offers a variety of pre-made templates—as I write this, there are 7,203 LinkedIn banner templates (Canva Pro)—that are optimally sized for LinkedIn, which is 1584 x 396 pixels. Alternatively, you can use Canva to create your LinkedIn banner from scratch. Step 3: Customize the template Here's where the fun begins; experimenting with all the templates and conveying your message to employers. Canva provides an interface that allows you to customize your banner template in multiple ways. • Edit text: Click on the text elements in the template to change them. You can modify the text, fonts, colours, and sizes to match your personal brand or professional style. Ensure that the text is concise, relevant, and legible. • Add elements: Shapes, lines, icons, illustrations, and other design elements, which Canva offer a wide variety of, can be included in your banner. When used strategically, these will make your banner more visually appealing and emphasize specific aspects of your personal or professional brand. • Upload your own images: Nothing will personalize your LinkedIn banner more than incorporating your own images, such as a picture of you in your work environment or enjoying your hobby, a logo or any other relevant images, into your banner. • Change the background: You can change your banner's background to reflect your profession, industry and personality. Canva offers a multitude of colours, gradients, and images, allowing you to create an eye-catching, scroll-stoping background. If you're actively job searching, consider adding your contact information and, at the risk of adding fuel to the ongoing LinkedIn's #OPENTOWORK green banner feature, announcing you're looking for your next opportunity or available 'for hire.' Step 4: Maintain consistency When designing your LinkedIn banner, ensure it aligns with your personal brand and harmonizes with your profile picture. Consistency in design and branding is critical to creating a strong professional image on a social media platform. It's important to avoid having your profile picture's colour conflicting with those in your banner and vice versa. Step 5: Review and adjust Before finalizing your LinkedIn banner, take a moment to review your design. Check for any typos, ensure the banner is eye-catching, and convey the message you want to send to your LinkedIn network and hiring managers. Your banner should show your intention and indicate that you've taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to your profile. Step 6: Download your new LinkedIn banner Once you're satisfied with your banner, click the download button in the upper-right corner of Canva's interface. You'll be prompted to choose the file format; select PNG for the best image quality. Once downloaded, your banner can be uploaded to your LinkedIn profile. Similar to how advertisers run campaigns for a period of time, updating your LinkedIn banner every quarter is an effective way to get noticed. Aside from updating your banner to reflect different aspects of your abilities, you may also want to consider updating your banner image to reflect a relevant seasonal or holiday theme—autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas or whatever holidays you celebrate. A visually compelling banner isn't just an accessory; it's a powerful tool in your job search arsenal, especially since, more than ever, image is everything. __________________________________________________________________________ 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 FUTURE OF THE OSHAWA MARINA- A LOOK AT OSHAWA’S PORT LANDS

-THE FUTURE OF THE OSHAWA MARINA- A LOOK AT OSHAWA’S PORT LANDS By Dean Hickey The Oshawa marina was deemed too expensive to operate and officially closed more than 20 years ago after having been offered to the City for the staggering sum of one dollar. Today the once-busy location is a sorry reminder of neglect, political infighting, and federal governments that long ago turned off the funding tap for recreation along the shores of Lake Ontario. As Mother Nature slowly seals the fate of the 240 berth marina with sand and silt from the Oshawa Creek, one man has come forward with a plan to reap the benefits of sport fishing and tourism that used to enjoy local access to Lake Ontario. Oshawa resident Doug Sanders, who has been a member of City and Regional council, submitted a request to work with city hall at finding ways to establish what he sees as a much needed boat launch, possibly at the west end of Lakeview Park. He reminded councillors of efforts made some years ago to acquire proposals that would see a new marina operator, suggesting that “Many residents must now go into neighbouring municipalities to store their boats, watch boats, or go fishing.” Sanders recognizes the likely push-back from a Port Authority that sees the harbour as a place for shipping vessels only, and suggests a move to the western half of Lakeview Park may be the best option, beginning with a boat launch and moving towards an operating marina. All of which would be far removed from the industrial use that now dominates the East Harbour lands. “I spoke with the mayor about it, and we agreed it costs nothing to put out a request for proposals” he said. Former Oshawa mayor John Gray, now a city councillor for Ward 5 which includes the waterfront, also sees room for a boat launch but questions the viability of restoring the existing marina. “The new Port Authority is definitely a pleasure to work with and they’re good operators of the harbour, however the costs to restore the old marina are likely insurmountable.” He agrees the most practical location for any future boat launch is still within the harbour, however the conflict between pleasure craft and container ships using what will soon be an expanded port is a matter for concern. “The process of establishing agreements with the Port Authority and navigating through environmental laws would be a challenge, although the need does exist for boaters to enjoy local access.” Others that I reached out to were less than sanguine as to the potential for a future marina anywhere along Oshawa’s waterfront, with one Regional councillor suggesting the number of users would be much less than anticipated, telling me the costs of boating have only skyrocketed in recent years. Concerns were also raised as to the existing parkland and trails that would be disturbed by any alterations at the west end of Lakeview Park. Overall, it’s not difficult to see the improvements that have already been made since the days when Oshawa’s share of the waterfront was minimal. Today, all of the parks, natural areas, and recreational lands between Darlington Park to the east, and the border with Whitby to the west, are owned by the City. However, none of this has come without a price, including the $4 million invested into the new Ed Broadbent Park, which covers over decades-old industrial contamination. In late 2022, the City and the Port Authority agreed on a land exchange as part of a $30 million expansion plan at the harbour. Physical enhancements are now visible to anyone travelling along Simcoe Street, and to users of the trail system that links Lakeview Park to the Second Marsh. Meanwhile, Doug Sanders stands in readiness for council to take him up on his challenge at finding a way forward to ultimately establish a boat launch. I reminded him that it was 1984 when city hall first looked at building just such an access point, and ever since then, progress has been anything but smooth sailing. For what seems like decades, ongoing disputes between city hall and the federally-run Harbour Commission kept a boat launch out of the harbour. The process will be no less daunting now. There is no doubt angling and boating add a great deal to Ontario’s economy, and Sa

nders says Oshawa will miss out if it doesn’t somehow establish a proper facility. Time will tell. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE OSHAWA HARBOUR & WATERFRONT 1992…The federal government gave full control of the Second Marsh to the City as volunteers busied themselves trying to rehabilitate the property. The 214 acre marsh, nestled between Oshawa harbour and the GM headquarters property is the largest remaining Lake Ontario wetland in the Toronto area. 1994… This was a busy year for politicians and others trying to bring forward competing visions for the future of Oshawa’s waterfront. Councillor Brian Nicholson featured prominently in newspaper reports at the time, suggesting the Harbour Commission (established in 1960) was attempting to lure cement companies to the port in an effort to scuttle the City’s vision of a “clean and green waterfront”. He and his colleague Nester Pidwerbecki would put forward a motion at council, requesting that the federal government transfer all harbour lands to the City. It was a battle that would continue for years to come. 2012… Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and Oshawa MP Dr. Colin Carrie, announced the creation of a Canada Port Authority (CPA) to operate the Port of Oshawa. 2019… The Oshawa Port Authority became amalgamated with Hamilton, and is known today as the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority. Tonnages reached a high of 672,000 metric tons in 2020.

An Opportunity for Pickering: Eight Key Motions to Foster Community Inclusion, Transparency, and Civic Engagement

By Lisa Robinson As a City Councillor, it is both my privilege and responsibility to address the concerns and priorities that the residents of Pickering bring forward. Over the past few months, I have listened carefully to feedback from our community and am now introducing eight motions to our council for debate, all of which aim to foster inclusion, transparency, and better governance in Pickering. Thus far, the only response I’ve received has been from the Mayor, who declined to second any of these motions. Interestingly, he’s not allowed to second motions without abdicating his chair, so it’s not typical for the Mayor to do so. However, he went further, suggesting that I’m in contravention of the code of conduct. I find it puzzling how advocating for residents’ concerns would violate the code. Every other level of government is allowed to discuss these topics, so why is it that Pickering council keeps sanctioning me over and over again for bringing forward the concerns of the people of Pickering? It is becoming increasingly clear that this has little to do with upholding the code of conduct and more to do with silencing the voices of those who disagree with the direction Pickering is heading in. Neutrality in our government should be something everyone supports, as it ensures all are treated equally. If we remain neutral and represent all people fairly, there should be no violation of any code. In fact, this approach would reflect the true spirit of public service—representing all people equally. With a hopeful eye on the November council meeting, I look forward to discussing these motions openly, so that we can enter the new year with fresh perspectives and stronger policies that truly serve our diverse community. 1. Playing the National Anthem Before All Council Meetings This motion seeks to remind us of the unity we share as Canadians. By beginning each council meeting with the National Anthem, we reinforce the idea that our work in these chambers is for the collective good of all, not just a select few. 2. Lowering the Age of a Senior from 65 to 55 Many residents aged 55-64 have expressed a desire to participate in senior-specific programs at our recreation centers. By lowering the age threshold, we will be fostering inclusivity, ensuring that more of our community members have access to these important services and programs that promote health and well-being. The health and well-being of our residents should not be tied to income. Everyone in Pickering deserves equal access to services, regardless of their financial situation. It’s concerning that the city is considering otherwise, and we need to ensure that well-being remains a priority for all, not just for those who can afford it. In the future, I will again be bringing forward the snow removing motion to include all residents and not just seniors with disabilities restricted by their income. 3. Prohibition on Accepting Gifts, Benefits, or Perks from Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups To maintain trust and integrity within our city’s operations, I am proposing a strict policy prohibiting council members and city staff from accepting any gifts or benefits from lobbyists or special interest groups. This will safeguard public trust and ensure that decisions are made based on merit alone, not outside influence. 4. Changing the Executive Meeting Schedule to Promote Public Engagement Currently, our Executive meetings occur during the workday, which limits the participation of residents who cannot attend. By moving these meetings to the evening, we can better accommodate families, small business owners, and working residents, ensuring that public input is more inclusive and robust. 5. Cash Acceptance at Recreation Centers Reintroducing cash payment options at our recreation centers is a matter of fairness. Not everyone has access to debit or credit cards, and we need to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of their financial situation, can access our city’s recreational services. During COVID, cash payments were temporarily removed. Over the past year, I’ve requested that cash be reinstated. Staff agreed to accept cash for transactions up to $50, and I further asked that cash be accepted for any amount for programs and memberships. However, just a couple of weeks ago, a resident informed me that staff were unsure whether they could take cash. I believe this was an error, and this motion clarifies that cash is accepted for any amount to prevent future confusion. 6. Non-Government Flag Raising Public spaces should remain neutral, and as such, this motion calls for limiting flag raisings to only federal, provincial, and municipal flags, with exceptions made for veterans’ flags. This policy will ensure that no one belief or group is elevated above others in our city’s public spaces, promoting true equality and neutrality. 7. Drag Shows and Pride Events While our city values diversity and inclusion, it is important that all events sponsored or hosted by the city are appropriate for all age groups. This motion calls for guidelines to ensure that certain events, such as Drag Queen Storytime, The Christmas Day parade etc. maintain a standard of appropriateness, particularly for minors under 16. 8. Universal Change Rooms The concept of universal change rooms is a growing trend in public spaces, offering inclusivity to all members of the community. However, it’s vital that any change room policies implemented by the city respect both the privacy and safety of all users, especially vulnerable groups like children. I welcome further discussions and suggestions for these motions, with the goal of ensuring that they represent the needs of all of Pickering’s residents. These motions are an important step forward for our community, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to have them debated and hopefully passed by the end of this year, setting us up for a brighter, more inclusive 2025.