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.

KEPT IN THE DARK

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “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 - I must begin this column by apologizing to all that have called and written to the newspaper in regards to Durham Region posting in this newspaper. Many of you are frustrated of calling down to the Region and being directed to an automated system and or to an operator that is less than informative. Only to get passed off to a voicemail that according to many of you do not get call backs. As the regional newspaper. I apologize for that inconvenience. Just this past week the Region held on October 7th, 2024 a recycle your batteries week. According to the many calls and letters. No one really knew anything about it. We contacted the Region over this and we were told that they are not advertising this event and that people should turn to their web site for information. In one of your letters, a reader stated. “I pay good regional taxes. I pay a hefty water bill. I want and demand service. I called the Region the other day and was passed off to some voicemail. No one returned my call. I called back. I was informed by a very snappy attendant that I should go online. I can barely pay my mortgage, insurance and food. I don’t have money for extras like internet. The operator did not care.” The reality of is that you the taxpayers are missing out on all kinds of events, notices and important information. The Region as well as many municipalities have opted to go digital only. This is exclusive and bias, not to mention insensitive to economic times. On the same breath. It is OK for the region to pass 6% personal expense increases. 7% across the board tax increase. What is going on here? You the tax payer is being treated like a second class citizen. Most people across the region are living on a prayer. The regional economics are not good. Gas, keeps going up. Food prices through the roof. Young folk, can’t afford rent forget the purchase of any home or luxury items. The internet has and is proving to be a luxury for many. The internet has and is proving to not be the vehicle for municipal announcement, events and posting. People do not turn to the net. People do not go to web pages. Web pages that in many cases are very hard to navigate. Seniors have a huge problem with getting access to computers. Many do not know how to operate them. Others, just don’t have the patience to sit there and read and click. Working folk after a long 8 - 10hr day. Will not sit there and look up what is happening at the Region. But instead will sit while waiting for food to be cooked, trip to the can and read a newspaper. Newspapers sit on tables. Easy to access. The only ones really going on line are the millennium yuppies. A small number of the population as a whole. I think it is the duty of every elected official to assure the population is well informed. That the population gets their money’s worth. The Central newspaper is so dedicated to such a cause that we make available for anyone elected the opportunity to write a weekly column in your regional newspaper at no charge. Yes, no charge. Read here of those that care about you. About keeping you informed. If you don’t see them participating. Remember them during the next election. Demand service, accountability and responsible government.

Ontario Education Needs Urgent Improvement In Teaching Fundamentals

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The new school year has started and Ontario’s school system is in bad shape. It seems to be driven by an ignorant woke class that permeates every aspect of the system like a malignant virus. A group of people in power positions pushing their own agenda with a blatant disregard for parental input, opinion or concerns. Today, the leaders of the boards of education are there to tell you that as a parent you do not need to know what is being taught, just trust them. If you ask questions, they tell you that you are racist, your kids are racist, the system is racist, everyone is homophobic, and our society is built on white supremacy and colonialism. Furthermore, the police are to be feared and Canada is a horrible country whose founders are to be forgotten because they were bad people. They also tell you that mathematics and science are only to be tolerated and sidelined because they are tools of the privileged class. Today’s educational leaders favor the new, so-called futuristic social approaches in order to create a ‘better’ society, ruled in bliss, by ignorants. Most people are unaware of what goes on in the school system. They genuinely believe the system is there to provide a service on which they can rely to do the best for their children. However, taking children on politically engaging trips, as the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) recently did, is the culmination in disregarding common sense. Now it has become absolutely clear that the educational system as currently run, is there to serve the needs, wants and ideology of a completely ignorant class of lackeys and the wokecrats who employ and enable them. Not long ago, Canada was a beacon of hope; the example of a harmonious society eager to do better for the country and be proud of it. Today we see a destructive trend that fractures our country and creates friction in our society, perpetuated by people following a globalist ideology that is harmful to the very existence of humanity. This is evident in the educational approach of today, which ignores real science in favor of a pseudo social science. Today it is more important to socialise than teach mathematics, physics and chemistry. One may wonder whether there are still teachers available who are knowledgeable in and competent to teach these subjects. Long gone are the homework assignments for children to complete, that served as the basis of a teacher parent interaction. Parents today are deliberately kept in the dark, strongly discouraged from asking questions about the curriculum or how it is being implemented in their child’s classroom. At best, they are given very vague, non-committal answers. Children are not allowed to bring home their workbooks, or even their marked tests. They are told the mark they got on the test, but do not have the actual test when the correct answers are discussed, to see where they went wrong. Have these educators forgotten that correcting your own mistakes is one of the key elements of effective learning? The education system has become quite dictatorial with no recourse for questioning by the very people who pay the taxes to support it, and hence, pay educators’ and administrators’ salaries. The results are evident in the performance of Ontario students on provincial tests in mathematics. They have been on a steady decline for years, despite careful tweaking of who takes the test, and specific lessons delivered before administering the test. It seems that the education system is there to produce graduates who are scientifically illiterate and technically challenged. This is not good for either the province or the country. For example, once Canada was a strong leader in the nuclear sciences. Today, when nuclear energy is recognized as ‘green energy’, we have lost that edge to countries whose education systems still hold mathematics and the exact sciences to be the cornerstone of general education. An approach to education that marginalizes mathematics and the exact sciences by making them socially unacceptable is bound to flounder in a technological world. A curriculum that makes statements like the following has clearly been taken over by people trying to rationalize their own scientific illiteracy: “Mathematics has been used to normalize racism and marginalization of non-Eurocentric mathematical knowledge, and a decolonial, anti-racist approach to mathematics education makes visible its historical roots and social constructions,” taken from the 2021 curriculum revision. When kids are being taught that math is racist, or everyone in history, including one of the founding fathers of our country, Sir John A. MacDonald for example, is racist, or that they are racist, a great injustice is being done both to the children and our history. Furthermore, the current curriculum is exposing children prematurely to social constructs in the classroom that also pose legitimate concerns, particularly about gender ideology. The idea that we should be teaching young children that gender is fluid, that you can change your gender, before they even fully understand the concept of gender, is not only unconscionable, but a recipe for disaster. There are also policies in place at school boards across the province that tell teachers not to inform parents of children, as young as four, who tell a teacher they want to change their gender. The school policy, far too often, is to do what the child says he/she wants based on premature exposure to these social constructs in school, while keeping the parents in the dark. There are also boards of education that prefer to celebrate flags other than the Canadian Flag, hoisting it instead of the symbol of our nation. How is that for inclusivity? Is this the new and revolutionary concept of nation building? We also had bans on allowing police officers into classrooms, especially in uniform, even for kids who wanted to bring a parent who works in law enforcement, for career day. None of these issues are driven by what is best for the students. They are driven by wicked politics. The government does not seem concerned, and does very little to change these trends in the education system. They are preoccupied with other issues, mostly concentrating on how to get re-elected and commit more taxpayer money to corporate welfare. It is time for parents to stand up and say, enough is enough. It is also time for the government to listen seriously to parents and return to them their justly earned primary role in the education of their own children. What do you think?

Canada's Hidden Railway Crisis: The Rising Threat of Trespassing Accidents

By Dale Jodoin In recent years, Canada's railways have been at the center of a growing safety crisis, one that affects the lives of hundreds and remains severely underreported. Trespassing accidents—where individuals cross or walk along train tracks—have become a significant and deadly issue, yet they rarely make headlines. The statistics are alarming: in 2023 alone, 53 people lost their lives due to trespassing accidents on Canada's rail lines. This is not just a freak occurrence but part of an ongoing trend that demands urgent attention. The Growing Danger on the Tracks The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recorded 913 rail accidents in 2023, slightly lower than the previous year but still troublingly high. Out of those incidents, 67 were fatal, with the majority caused by trespassing accidents. Trespassing now accounts for an overwhelming 79% of all rail fatalities, making it the number one cause of death on Canada's railways( The Safety Magazine These accidents don't just happen in isolated areas; they occur in communities across the country. Many victims are young people, homeless individuals, or those who may be unaware of the dangers of walking on or near tracks. The increasing population density in urban areas has also made it easier for individuals to access railway lines, whether for shortcuts or as part of their daily commute. A Persistent Problem While the overall number of railway accidents has slightly decreased, the death toll from trespassing accidents continues to rise. Experts have pointed out that one reason for this is a lack of public awareness about the severe risks of walking along train tracks. Many people see tracks as convenient shortcuts, unaware that trains often approach more quickly than they realize and cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Trespassing fatalities have remained consistently high over the past five years. In 2022, 51 people were killed in trespassing accidents, and this number increased to 53 in 2023. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, despite efforts by railway companies and safety organizations to curb these incidents The Safety Magazine Understanding the Scale To truly understand the magnitude of the problem, it’s important to break down the statistics. In 2023, out of 913 total rail accidents, 87 involved dangerous goods such as chemicals, fuel, or other hazardous materials, but it’s trespassing that has captured the grim spotlight. On average, nearly five people die every month from trespassing accidents alone. Compare this to the 13 fatalities caused by crossing accidents (where vehicles or pedestrians attempt to cross the tracks at designated points), and it becomes clear that trespassing is far more dangerous. The Safety Magazine The loss of life is not just a statistic. These are real people, often from vulnerable communities, whose deaths have a ripple effect on their families, friends, and the broader community. Trespassing accidents leave behind shattered lives, and the emotional toll on train operators and first responders who witness these tragedies is immense. Why Is This Happening? There are several reasons for the rising number of trespassing fatalities. First, Canada's railway system spans vast areas, often running through densely populated cities and small, rural communities alike. Many people see train tracks as convenient shortcuts to get from one place to another, especially in areas where infrastructure like bridges or designated crossings is lacking. In some cases, people are unaware that they are even trespassing on private property. Homelessness has also been cited as a contributing factor. In urban areas, individuals without shelter often seek refuge near train tracks or use them as walking paths, unaware of the danger. Moreover, train speeds can vary, and depending on the weather conditions, trains can be especially quiet, making it hard for people to hear them approaching. Another major factor is insufficient fencing and barriers around railway tracks. While some urban areas have installed protective fences, many rural areas have little to no physical barriers to keep people from accessing the tracks. In regions where there are no fences or signs, people are more likely to wander onto the tracks without realizing the danger. What's Being Done to Stop This? Railway companies and organizations have taken steps to improve safety and raise awareness. Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) have launched public safety campaigns to educate people about the risks of trespassing on railway tracks. These campaigns include advertisements, social media outreach, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. However, despite these efforts, the number of fatalities continues to rise. Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to rail safety, has also worked to address this issue. They’ve launched the "Look, Listen, Live" campaign, which aims to teach Canadians the importance of being aware around train tracks and crossings. The campaign encourages people to "always expect a train" and highlights the irreversible consequences of not following railway safety rules. The TSB has also suggested that more needs to be done to prevent trespassing accidents, including better fencing, signage, and public awareness campaigns in high-risk areas. The Safety Magazine However, these measures come with a cost, and railway companies have been slow to implement them nationwide. In rural and remote areas, the lack of infrastructure and resources makes it difficult to protect the tracks fully. What Needs to Happen Next? The solution to this crisis is multifaceted. First and foremost, there needs to be a stronger commitment to public education. Schools and local governments must be more involved in spreading awareness about railway safety, especially in communities that are near train tracks. Parents should teach their children the dangers of playing near tracks, and adults need to be more conscious of the risks of trespassing. There also needs to be more investment in physical barriers like fences and warning signs in both urban and rural areas. Railway companies, local governments, and national safety organizations must work together to identify high-risk areas and take swift action to secure them. Finally, enforcement of trespassing laws needs to be strengthened. In many cases, trespassing on railway tracks is treated as a minor offense, but the consequences can be fatal. Increased patrols and fines may help deter people from walking on or near tracks. Canada's trespassing problem on its railway tracks is a deadly issue that deserves more attention. With 53 people killed in 2023, the dangers of walking along train tracks are clear. While efforts are being made to reduce these accidents, much more needs to be done to protect the public. By investing in education, infrastructure, and enforcement, Canada can work to prevent these senseless tragedies and save lives. The time to act is now.

DEATH BY STUPIDITY

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. What is it with this world we live in? When I call a company, I want to talk to a human being. Not some automated machine that ends up on a voice mail machine. When, I need a service or product. I do not want to go online. Even though, I have just about every credit card. I don’t want to be made to feel as if I have to use it. I look around me and I see nothing but numbers. No more people looking at each other and jesturing something as simple as ‘Hello”. I come from a small village and we all knew each other. We did not need the police as we took care of each other. No one got out of line. No one dared mess with other people’s business. The only time you see a cop would be when someone got shot. Otherwise we all feared God, knew enough about the law to not steal, kill or be disrespectful. I read this newspaper and I can’t believe the number of children committing crimes with guns and knives. Where are the parents. I know, In this modern day when responsibility and duty are something foreign. Kids give birth to kids. I pray to the God’s that we never have to fight a world war. We as a population are weak and do not have the character to make the sacrifices needed to preserve our way of life. We are brining up stupid children. We give out credentials as if they have no value. Everyone is a professor. Everyone is a winner. Sadly by all being winner we prove to be stupid.

Compulsory Certification is the answer

Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Being an apprentice should be a rewarding experience. Money is needed while you train in a pre-apprenticeship course to support yourself and your family during the weeks of school. Canada Employment Insurance is available but make sure you fill in every line, answer every question and file on time. The Ontario government offers a taxable cash grant of $1000.00 per year level of schooling up to a maximum of $2000.00 per person. If you are 15 years old or older, in high school and need a summer job, apply through Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and inquire about working the summer in a skilled trade. The school councilor will be able to give you all the information you need. The best part of the government policy is your WSIB Workplace Safety And Insurance Board costs will be covered by The Ministry Of Education .WSIB covers any sickness or injury on the worksite while you are at the temporary job. If you like the experience, ask the employer if they will offer a full time apprenticeship. Every employer knows the high cost of WSIB payments, so you’re a free worker, if the Ministry pays the full cost. Extra credits too! The student is also covered under The Occupational Health And Safety Act (OHSA) to keep you safe. Skilled Trades Ontario has a pretty good web site explaining the rules to becoming an apprentice. Pre-apprentice training in Ontario is free! I will tell you a secret. The employer gets a tax credit of $10,000.00 a year up to $40,000 for the 4 years. You get a $500.00 tax credit to cover tools. There is an organization called Skilled Trades College Of Canada with 5 locations in Ontario. There is one in Ajax at 314 Harwood Ave unit 280. I do not recommend this organization. They want $12,900.00 plus a $400.00 deposit! They offer a 12 week, pre-apprenticeship course in electrical, plumbing and renovations and network cable technician. This college lists various grants and loans available for apprentices. When you visit their website read about their partners, read about financial services to help you pay them and look at the store where they offer clothing and water bottles with their name everywhere on the items. This only my opinion but I say walk on by this experience and keep the $13,300.00. Save it for your new “top of the line” tool box. No mention of any union support or large contractors. No mention of this course being recognized as hours towards your apprenticeship. Next issue I will show the dream course offered by SCAS of The Toronto School Board for students 21 or older. When visiting a web site, I usually go immediately to a sites comments from previous customers. It is easy to spot a bod comment. I look for suggestions, experiences, opinions and bad service comments. This website has students giving a 5 star rating, row after row .They claim to be the greatest Trades College in Durham .You want the truth, read the tiny amount of 1 star comments. Pre-apprenticeship is free in Ontario. Thank you Denny Crane