“How professors, politicians, and influencers turned victimhood into profit.”

By Dale Jodoin There is a new kind of industry rising in our society. It does not produce food, cars, or medicines. It does not build homes or make lives easier. What it sells is outrage. Professors, activists, writers, and politicians have discovered that anger and grievance are highly profitable. The more they talk about oppression and victimhood, the more money, attention, and power they gain. This is not by accident. It has become a business model. It has become what I call the victim economy. At the heart of this economy is something I call self-racism. In older times, the term meant that someone came to believe lies about their own group. They looked at themselves through the eyes of their oppressors and carried shame. Today, the meaning has shifted. Self-racism is when people repeat accusations of racism against the majority, while carefully avoiding any criticism of their own community. They mirror the words of outside attackers, but they use them as weapons, not as honest reflection. They never turn the mirror inward. Instead, they hold the majority guilty for everything, while their own side gets a free pass. This has created a new class of professionals whose careers depend on keeping this cycle alive. Professors design courses that treat whole nations as permanently guilty. Writers fill shelves with books that repeat the same story: Western culture is nothing but oppression. Media personalities gain ratings by stirring outrage. Politicians stand on stages and accuse ordinary people of racism in order to win votes and donations. The louder the accusations, the bigger the rewards. The method is simple and predictable. First, create a crisis. A speech, a law, or even an offhand comment can be branded racist. Second, amplify the outrage. Social media spreads it, journalists echo it, and the public is told to panic. Third, cash in. There are book deals, lecture tours, political campaigns, and endless interviews. Finally, protect the racket. Anyone who questions the process is branded a bigot or silenced through pressure. The cycle runs over and over, because it pays too well to stop. This industry has been built and polished by the political left. Woke culture has turned victimhood into a badge of honour. Cancel culture has become the enforcement tool that guards it. Students are taught that silence is violence, that even words can be acts of harm, and that every part of Western history is stained. Professors rise in status by promoting these views, building entire careers from guilt. Online influencers copy the formula, gaining followers and donations by accusing anyone who steps outside the approved script. Politicians join in, painting enemies where none exist and promising to fight oppression that is often exaggerated or imagined. It is a perfect racket. Cancel culture is the whip that keeps everyone in line. People see what happens to those who speak out. A job is lost, a reputation destroyed, a friend group abandoned. Ordinary people learn to stay silent. They watch their neighbours fall and decide it is safer to say nothing, even when they see the truth. This silence is exactly what the system needs to grow. Self-racism adds another layer of protection, because when someone from within a minority community repeats the same lines, it appears authentic. It gives the illusion of honesty. But it is selective honesty. It hides problems within while magnifying faults of the majority. It is a shield that deflects blame and keeps the profit machine running. The cost of this victim economy is enormous. Trust between people breaks down. Neighbours no longer see one another as equals, but as oppressors or victims. Every conversation turns into a contest over who has suffered more. Real issues are ignored. Crime, broken schools, and collapsing families go unaddressed because all energy is focused on accusations. The people who most need answers are left with none, while professors, authors, and politicians grow rich off division. This new economy rewards weakness instead of strength. It teaches that the path to success is not building, creating, or leading, but claiming victimhood. The more a person insists they are oppressed, the higher they rise. The majority is expected to sit silent, to carry guilt forever, while a class of professional victims enjoys the benefits. This does not heal wounds. It deepens them. It does not solve problems. It hides them. Escaping this cycle will not be easy, but the first step is to see it for what it is. Victimhood has become a product, sold like any other. Outrage is not a cure; it is a business. The second step is to demand accountability from all sides, not just from the majority. If one group demands respect and moral authority, then it must also face its own faults with honesty. Without this balance, the cycle of blame will never end. Finally, people must learn to resist fear. Cancel culture thrives only when silence wins. If enough voices refuse to bow, the racket loses power. Ordinary citizens must recognize that outrage is being sold to them like soap or soda. The less they buy, the weaker the business becomes. Self-racism and the victim economy have grown together. One provides the mask, the other provides the market. Together they form a machine that feeds on division and rewards those who profit from grievance. The left has built it, protected it, and turned it into a culture where outrage never ends. But a society cannot survive on blame alone. If we want a future built on trust and responsibility, we must stop rewarding professional victims and start rewarding truth. Until that happens, the victim economy will only grow, because outrage sells, and too many people are still buying.

When Democracy Becomes Propaganda

When Democracy Becomes Propaganda By Councillor Lisa Robinson When a sitting provincial premier in Canada produces a 60-second commercial using disembodied clips of Ronald Reagan speaking about tariffs — with the clear intent to influence U.S. political opinion — we cross a line. That’s not diplomacy or persuasion. It’s propaganda. Ontario’s government, led by Doug Ford, has spent millions on a U.S. TV ad blitz that features Reagan’s 1987 radio address, edited to criticize tariffs. The ad warns Americans that protectionism will cause retaliation, job losses, and economic collapse — extracting excerpts of Reagan’s voice to serve a modern political purpose. On the surface, using an iconic conservative figure to broadcast a message to Republicans sounds clever. But if you dig deeper, the ad is not an honest “Reagan speaks” piece — it is cherry-picked, decontextualized, and weaponized. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation has already stated that the Ontario ad misrepresents Reagan’s full speech and that the province did not secure permission to edit or repurpose it. By stripping away context, selectively choosing sentences, and presenting Reagan’s voice as an argument tailored to this moment, the ad turns Reagan himself into a tool — not a historical figure. That is propaganda, not persuasion. And it’s fair to ask whether this kind of political theatre should be paid for by Ontario taxpayers at all. What Doug Ford’s government did with Ronald Reagan’s words isn’t an isolated stunt — it’s part of a larger pattern. We’ve seen the same tactics right here in Pickering. Our own mayor used taxpayer dollars to produce a propaganda video — not to inform residents, but to attack and discredit an elected colleague who dared to challenge the status quo. The intent was the same as Ford’s Reagan ad: distort the narrative, confuse the public, and weaponize perception. Both rely on emotional manipulation instead of honesty. Both use the public purse to protect political power. And both demonstrate a dangerous trend: government officials using the machinery of public communication to silence dissent and reward loyalty. It’s no coincidence that Doug Ford and the Mayor of Pickering have become close political allies — buddies with mutual friends in the development world, often benefiting from the same cozy network of insiders who profit most when the public stops asking questions. When propaganda replaces truth, those friends get richer, while the people get poorer — in trust, in transparency, and in representation. In an age of AI, deepfakes, and micro-targeted messaging, citizens can no longer assume all “endorsements” are authentic. When governments use history’s icons — or public platforms — as political props, democracy suffers. Whether it’s a province meddling in U.S. politics or a mayor weaponizing City Hall communications, both cross ethical lines. The public should never have to fund propaganda against itself. Ford’s ad campaign and Pickering’s political videos both show how far officials will go to control the narrative. When governments use public money to attack the truth, the people must push back. Because once manipulation becomes normalized, it spreads. Today it’s Reagan’s voice; tomorrow it’s your tax dollars funding hit pieces on local opponents. The same playbook — just a different stage. History and truth belong to all of us. When leaders manipulate one and erase the other, they’re not governing — they’re performing. Doug Ford’s Reagan ad and Pickering’s propaganda videos are not about communication. They’re about control. And when politicians form alliances built on deception, backed by money and developers, the people lose their voice. The antidote is simple but powerful: call it out. Every time. Everywhere. Because once the truth is gone, democracy doesn’t stand a chance. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

NOW IS THE TIME TO ELIMINATE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL BOARDS ALTOGETHER

SCHOOL BOARDS IN ONTARIO ARE OUT OF CONTROL and it is long-past time to eliminate them altogether. In their latest round of orchestrated sanctimony, education workers are grandstanding in an effort to force the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 33, Ontario’s Supporting Children and Students Act. The bill would give the government the authority to remove School Board trustees and replace them with provincially-appointed supervisors if it is deemed to be in the public interest. This has been brought about due to wild spending sprees and other occurrences that have formed the basis – at least for some boards – of extreme radicalization of what should otherwise be the proper administration of our children’s education. David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, was found to cry crocodile tears during a news conference at Queen’s Park recently when he had the audacity to suggest, “This is dangerously close to authoritarian control… We are seeing a dismantling of democracy in real time.” In spite of the big union boss and his useless rhetoric, many parents in Ontario would surely feel a sense of relief just knowing their children won’t be under the control of trustees who repeatedly engage in public displays of extremely bad judgment. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Educators are also stomping their feet and waving their hands over the potential placement of police resource officers within Ontario’s schools. This is nothing new, and is seen by many as a positive step toward improvements in safety. Joining her colleague on the soapbox of righteous indignation was NDP education critic Chandra Pasma, who called Bill 33 “a direct attack on the rights of students, parents, teachers and education workers to have a say in our local schools.” Citing what she suggests is a lack of resources for teachers, she went on to say, “We are seeing a rising violence problem… and a shortage of workers as good people are (being) driven out of the system every day due to the working conditions,” Perhaps she didn’t get the memo from the Teachers’ Federation who oppose police resource officers in schools. Talk about mixed messages. What wasn’t mixed in terms of the real agenda that exists among so many educators in Ontario was Ms Pasma’s admission that the need for authority among trustees far surpasses any other issue, as she went on to say, “Instead of fixing these problems, the government is focused on a partisan power grab.” Really? Not to be outdone on this theatrical stage, David Mastin chimed in by adding, “This is not just a bureaucratic shift, it’s a direct attack on democracy that will silence marginalized voices, harm students and strip the community of their right to shape public education.” Well, the only entity that would likely be stripped of the ability to “shape public education” are the radical Marxists who show more concern over race and gender politics than basic education like reading, writing, and arithmetic. Bill 33 provides a means of addressing financial mismanagement among school boards, which would include the ability to install provincial supervisors and setting out expense requirements. The bill would also impact post-secondary institutions by regulating fees mandating merit-based admission at post-secondary institutions, as well as children’s aid societies. “Parents deserve confidence that school boards are making decisions in the best interests of their children’s education,” said Education Minister Paul Calandra in a release announcing the bill earlier this spring. The bill is expected to pass this autumn, but as one might expect, Mastin and other critics say they want the bill withdrawn. “Our hope is that the bill will be withdrawn immediately,” Mastin explained. “There is no part of the bill we as teachers are comfortable with.” That’s a shame, Dave. Good luck with that narrative. There are so many examples of controversies among school boards in Ontario that it would take another three columns for me to discuss them all, but we’ll look at just a few. The most controversial policies established by the Durham District School Board (DDSB) in recent years have centered on human rights, equity, and inclusion, particularly related to gender identity, race, and the content of school libraries, igniting public debate and prompting protests from parents. DDSB policies regarding gender identity have consistently fueled controversy as well, notably concerning transgender students and gender-affirming practices. This includes concerns from some parents and community groups, such as the DDSB Concerned Parents, about gender education and practices like a student's ability to change their pronouns without explicit parental consent. The DDSB's broader human rights and equity policies have drawn criticism from some community members who argue they are ideologically driven. The 2022 Human Rights Policy proved contentious, with critics arguing that its definitions and framing were influenced by ‘critical race theory’ which fosters an ‘anti-white’ bias. The policy's description of so-called ‘white supremacy’ as a societal structure rather than being limited to extremist groups was particularly debated. A 2025 Juno News report highlighted concerns raised by the DDSB Concerned Parents regarding the board's equity spending. Critics questioned the effectiveness of equity programs, and the board refused to commission an independent audit to review the spending. Other controversial DDSB policies include the renaming of schools. Following a push from the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, the DDSB developed a policy for renaming schools that bear the names of historical figures with so-called "problematic" pasts. This included the decision to review schools named after figures like Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. This was brought about by extremists in their attempt to bring the societal norms of the 19th Century into modern times - for judgement by those who appear to harbor a profound resentment of the very founding of Canada. Finally, a quick look at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) shows an equal resentment based on race. In 2024, the TDSB temporarily pulled a teaching guide titled Facilitating Critical Conversations after criticism from the Ontario Ministry of Education. The document referred to Canada's education system as a "colonial structure that centres upon whiteness and Eurocentricity" and claimed it "must be actively decolonized". Seriously. Critics argued the guide was divisive, while the board maintained it was committed to what they now call “equity”. As I stated at the outset, school boards in Ontario are out of control, and it’s time to eliminate them altogether.

Let’s Do The Numbers…

Let’s Do The Numbers... By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States According to records... Oshawa has been growing at a phenomenal rate. The numbers don’t lie. The obvious changes to the quality of life tell a scary story as taxes keep going up. The question that remains is why is it that taxes keep going up instead of leveling off. You would think that with more people coming to Oshawa there be a surge in municipal tax revenue. That logically it would make our municipal accounts over flow with the extra cash from all the new commers. Well, it appears NOT. Ask a politician and they will quickly point out that with more people there are more costs... and in part true. But it would never offset the huge tax increases. Take a look at these numbers: Property taxes Year Change 2020 +2.64% 2021 +1.26% 2022 +1.60% 2023 +3.82% 2024 +4.04% 2025 +6.48% Now with these numbers the question that lingers is. Why must taxes keep going up? Where is the money going? One simple answer. Put a gun on a blind mans hands and they shoot at any sound in fear of threat. The blind man out of self preservation thinks he is doing good. But in reality he is missing all targets and possibly putting his own well being in further jeopardy. Municipal elect in many cases have no real business experience to run a corporation like the City of Oshawa. Most are retirees, ex-realtors and the like. Their general attitude... ‘Oh, well’. As they have no real conscious on spending. They make a mistake or a decision goes bad. They don’t care. They are accountable to no one. In order to pay for their mistakes.... they increase taxes the following year and in the name of responsible governance.... they cut service. This explains the poor quality of life in Oshawa. So what is the answer. Get rid of all municipal elect and hire a professional firm to make the decisions. Cut back the over paid staff that only real expertise is that of keeping their jobs... When faced with a serious decision they are not risk takers... so they hire expensive consultants... If I am wrong. I have a question. Who decided to build a park at a millions of dollar smack downtown Oshawa? A park that will further increase the homeless problem. The prostitution and drug trade. Yet, no one seems to care.... and they get away with it... NO ACCOUNTABILITY.

Canada’s Balancing Act: Slow Growth, Soft Inflation, and the Long Road to Confidence

Canada’s Balancing Act: Slow Growth, Soft Inflation, and the Long Road to Confidence by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As 2025 draws toward its close, Canada finds itself walking a fine economic line, not in crisis, but not quite in comfort either. Inflation, the ghost that haunted households through the pandemic years, is largely tamed even thought it has lately shown a tendency to rise again. Growth, however, remains tepid, leaving policymakers at the Bank of Canada facing a familiar dilemma: how to keep the economy moving without reigniting the price pressures they fought so hard to subdue. The latest figures from Statistics Canada show annual inflation rising to 2.4 percent in September 2025, up slightly from 1.9 percent in August. The jump resulted mainly from smaller declines in gasoline prices and persistent increases in rent and food costs. On the surface, the number still sits comfortably within the Bank of Canada’s 1-to-3 percent target band, but the upward movement hints at inflation’s stubborn core. Core measures of inflation, those that strip out volatile items like energy, hover closer to 3 percent, a level that keeps central bankers cautious. “We’re seeing encouraging signs, but underlying price momentum hasn’t fully cooled,” a senior Bank economist noted in a recent policy briefing. “It’s premature to declare victory.” For consumers, the relief is relative. Grocery prices are stabilizing but remain high compared to pre-pandemic norms, and rents continue to outpace wage gains in many metropolitan areas. The psychological fatigue from years of price turbulence is evident: Canadians are spending less freely and saving more defensively, even as inflation moderates. While inflation shows signs of normalization, the broader economy has yet to regain its stride. The Bank of Canada’s January 2025 Monetary Policy Report projected real GDP growth of around 1.8 percent this year, edging up modestly in 2026. Independent forecasters, including the OECD, are less optimistic, predicting growth closer to 1.0 percent. The reasons are structural as much as cyclical. Business investment remains soft, productivity growth is flat, and global demand for Canadian exports is lukewarm. Even the housing market, once the engine of national expansion, has cooled under the weight of past rate hikes and new immigration policies slowing population growth. “Canada’s productivity problem has reached emergency status,” warned a recent Wall Street Journal analysis citing senior central-bank officials. Despite record immigration levels earlier in the decade, per-capita output has stagnated, leaving Canadians poorer in relative terms. Households, still burdened by record levels of debt, have become far more cautious. Mortgage renewals at higher rates continue to strain disposable incomes. Many families are postponing major purchases, from vehicles to renovations. Consumer confidence surveys show a population anxious about the future wary of job security, skeptical of government spending, and uncertain about when relief might arrive. The Bank of Canada’s own business outlook surveys echo that mood. Firms report weaker sales and shrinking profit margins, with hiring intentions moderating across most sectors. Exporters, particularly in manufacturing and energy, face the double challenge of slower U.S. demand and global trade frictions. Yet there are pockets of resilience. The service sector hospitality, tourism, and professional services has recovered faster than expected, buoyed by pent-up demand and a rebound in travel. The labour market, while easing, remains relatively tight, with unemployment hovering just above 6 percent. Wage growth has softened but continues to run near 3 percent, roughly matching inflation and preventing a return to real-income declines. For the Bank of Canada, the task now is calibration rather than correction. After an aggressive tightening cycle between 2022 and 2024, which pushed the policy rate to 5 percent, the central bank has cautiously shifted toward a holding pattern and markets are speculating about when cuts will begin. The September uptick in inflation may have delayed that timeline. “They’ll be in no rush,” says Avery Shenfeld, chief economist at CIBC. “The Bank wants to see several months of consistent 2 percent-range inflation before pulling the trigger on rate reductions.” Still, pressure is building. Borrowers, from homeowners to small-business owners, are eager for relief. Federal and provincial governments face rising debt-service costs. A premature cut could risk reigniting inflation; a delay could push the economy closer to stagnation. It is, in Governor Tiff Macklem’s words, “a narrow path to soft landing.” Fiscal policy has little room to maneuver. Ottawa’s deficit remains high, and new spending commitments, from housing initiatives to climate-transition programs, are straining the federal balance sheet. The fall economic statement due in November 2025 is expected to emphasize restraint, though targeted tax incentives for investment and innovation may appear. Provincial governments face their own pressures. Ontario’s infrastructure ambitions and Alberta’s energy transition costs collide with the limits of provincial borrowing. Across the country, municipalities are pleading for more funding to expand affordable housing and transit networks, both crucial to restoring productivity and controlling inflationary housing costs. Meanwhile, the immigration recalibration announced earlier this year — tightening the inflow of temporary foreign workers and international students — is beginning to cool demand but also reduce the labour-supply growth that sustained GDP gains. Economists warn of a demographic “whiplash” if policy swings too sharply. Canada’s challenges are hardly unique. The U.S. economy, while still expanding, is also showing signs of fatigue. Global trade remains subdued, and geopolitical tensions from Europe, the Middle East to the South China Sea threaten to destabilize commodity markets. For a resource-exporting nation like Canada, volatility in oil and metals prices can quickly ripple through the national accounts. Yet Canada’s relative stability remains an asset. The banking system is sound, public institutions are trusted, and the inflation-targeting framework continues to anchor expectations. The Canadian dollar, while weaker against the U.S. greenback, has steadied after last year’s slide, helping exporters regain some competitiveness. Most forecasters expect 2026 to mark a modest turning point; a year of slow but steady recovery, provided global conditions hold. The Bank of Canada projects inflation converging toward 2 percent, with GDP growth inching higher as investment recovers and interest rates gradually decline. Still, the structural questions persist: How can Canada lift productivity? How can it make housing affordable again? And how can it ensure the next generation sees rising living standards, not just stable prices? The answers will not come from the central bank alone. They will require a mix of education reform, technology investment, infrastructure renewal, and immigration strategies that balance economic needs with social capacity. Without these, low inflation may be achieved, but prosperity will remain elusive. Canada has, in many respects, passed the inflation test. What lies ahead is the harder exam: restoring economic vitality. The numbers, 2.4 percent inflation, 1 percent growth, tell a story of stability on paper but stagnation in spirit. Whether policymakers can turn this “soft landing” into a genuine takeoff will define the next chapter of Canada’s economic story. Let’s see what the upcoming Liberal Government budget will produce. Hope for the best for the country.

MEANINGLESS WORDS

MEANINGLESS WORDS By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States They say that words play a heavy role in it’s interpretation. If you can manipulate words you can manipulate the flow of communication. It is an art that is reserved for the true elite. For government in order to control the masses. Just this week the City of Oshawa released this online. Knowing very few people would actual read it. Internet posting is not publishing. Internet posting is the ability of municipalities to become a sub-Quasi media. Controlling what they release. Knowing limited or no readers. This is what the release stated: Oshawa Economic Development has unveiled a refreshed website oshawa@@#!@!$v.ca designed to showcase the City of Oshawa’s competitive advantage and deliver an insight-driven, user-focused experience for investors, entrepreneurs and businesses. (talk about a lot of words that mean nothing. 1st, Oshawa has been criticized in more than one occasion for being prejudice and bias on who they choose to do business with. The City does not even support their own City newspaper. Instead they opted out to be accountable to no one and post online knowing not everyone is online or can afford it. Very discriminatory and divisive). The new site features bold visuals, dynamic video and streamlined navigation that highlights Oshawa’s vibrant economy, skilled talent pool and strategic location. (Dynamic!!!!, Vibrant economy!!!, SKILLED TALENT POOL!!! Just because we have a University it does not make the population skilled as many graduates can’t get work in the disciplined they took part in. Look at the state of Oshawa downtown? Where is the resilience? Where is the video that show the suffering of those living on our streets and those barely keeping their businesses open?) In my opinion nothing short of an insult to those in the City that are actually doing something for the community. When was the last time you seen a politician enter your place of business? Or as a citizen.... when was the last town hall to consult on what matter to you? Never — Thought so. Hypocrites... ‘a new website’, wasting taxpayers money to make it look like they are doing something. I blame this on the poor leadership at City Hall. They do not care about you or me. They only care that you pay for their mistakes by increasing taxes year after year. There is no accountability nor responsible spending. Most after politics could not hold another job of same title and or responsibility. Remember 2026 is around the corner. Make it count...

Ontario’s Fall Legislature: Balancing Growth, Governance, and Public Trust

Ontario’s Fall Legislature: Balancing Growth, Governance, and Public Trust by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As Ontario’s Legislature returns for its Fall 2025 sitting, after a long summer vacation, the agenda reveals both the government’s ambition and the province’s unease. Premier Doug Ford’s team is pressing ahead with a series of reforms it says will modernize Ontario’s economy and clear the way for growth. However, an unknown factor generated by the evolution of the tariffs war with the United States is yet to influence the legislative agenda. Yet almost every file now before Queen’s Park—energy, labour, housing, or municipal governance—carries the same underlying question: how much efficiency can a democracy afford before accountability begins to fray? Working for Workers—or for Employers? The centrepiece of the session, Bill 30, Working for Workers Act 2025, bundles amendments to labour and employment statutes. The government presents it as a continuation of its promise to “stand up for the little guy,” streamlining outdated regulations and reducing red tape for businesses. Unions and opposition critics counter that the fine print tells another story: weaker overtime rules, looser enforcement, and fewer tools for vulnerable workers to challenge unfair practices. For employers, it offers flexibility; for labour groups, it marks another step away from workplace protections that took decades to build. Powering the Province—Quietly. Energy reform again takes centre stage through Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. It rewrites parts of the Electricity Act, curtails citizens’ ability to sue over procurement decisions, and accelerates infrastructure approvals. Supporters argue Ontario needs to move faster to keep lights on and attract investment. Environmental advocates call it a rollback of transparency that shields the government from scrutiny just when the province is grappling with climate commitments. The tug-of-war between speed and oversight is not new, but this bill pushes it further than ever, prompting even some business voices to warn against concentrating too much discretion in cabinet hands. Municipal Friction: Bill 9 and the Camera Debate. Relations between Queen’s Park and municipalities remain strained. Bill 9, ostensibly about municipal codes of conduct, has raised alarms for reducing independent oversight of councillor behaviour. Big-city mayors say the province is “downloading” responsibility while limiting autonomy. The same tension underlies the automated speed-camera issue, now resurfacing across Ontario’s cities. Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton have expanded camera programs to curb residential speeding and fund road-safety campaigns. The province controls the legislative framework for camera enforcement and fine distribution, and several municipalities are pressing for clearer authority and a larger share of revenue to reinvest locally. Supporters view cameras as proven deterrents that protect pedestrians; opponents label them “cash grabs” that punish rather than educate. As installation expands into smaller communities, the fall session could determine whether Ontario adopts a province-wide policy or continues the patchwork of municipal bylaws. The Housing and Affordability Crunch. Ontario’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 looms large. Construction remains well below target, while rents and mortgages climb. The government resists renewed rent controls, insisting that private investment, not regulation, will drive supply. Opposition MPPs advocate province-wide zoning for four-unit homes and stronger tenant protections. Municipalities, meanwhile, warn that they cannot meet housing targets without more infrastructure funding and social-housing support. Behind the rhetoric lies a fiscal impasse: cities bear the costs, while the province sets the rules. Red Tape or Red Flag? Few slogans define the Ford years more than “cutting red tape.” This fall, new measures promise to simplify approvals for industrial projects, housing developments, and mining operations. Business groups applaud; environmentalists and Indigenous leaders caution that “faster” can mean “less fair.” The critical-minerals strategy, particularly in the Ring of Fire, illustrates the dilemma. Ontario aims to halve project-approval timelines, positioning itself as a hub for EV battery materials. Yet northern First Nations say consultation cannot be rushed without violating treaty obligations. The province’s bet on resource speed could either cement its economic future or ignite years of legal conflict. Accountability and the Rule of Law. One striking feature of the current legislative package is the growing number of immunity clauses shielding the Crown and agencies from lawsuits. Proponents argue these provisions prevent costly litigation and provide certainty for investors. Civil-liberties groups respond that they erode a citizen’s right to challenge government decisions in court. The pattern extends beyond energy to land-use planning and environmental approvals; a quiet but significant shift in Ontario’s legal landscape. Everyday Climate and Worker Safety. Amid the large bills, smaller private-member initiatives are emerging: proposals to establish a “Heat-Protection Standard” for outdoor workers and public-awareness weeks on flooding and extreme heat. After two consecutive summers of record temperatures, even modest measures carry symbolic weight. They remind legislators that adaptation, not only growth, will define Ontario’s resilience. The Political Crossroads. Ontario’s Fall 2025 session is less about single pieces of legislation than about competing visions of governance. The Ford government’s supporters see a province finally cutting through bureaucracy to deliver results; housing, jobs, and investment. Its critics see a concentration of power, an erosion of checks and balances, and a steady sidelining of local voices. The debate over speed cameras captures the broader paradox: every initiative aims to make systems faster and more efficient, yet speed itself becomes the problem when accountability cannot keep up. As the Legislature debates these measures through the winter, Ontarians will be watching not only for what laws are passed, but for how they are passed and at what democratic cost. Efficiency may win headlines, but in governance, trust remains the hardest currency to replace. In conclusion, we are facing interesting times to come in Ontario

HOW ELECTED OFFICIALS USE FACEBOOK IN A WORD DOMINATED BY SOCIAL MEDIA

HOW ELECTED OFFICIALS USE FACEBOOK IN A WORD DOMINATED BY SOCIAL MEDIA THE USE OF FACEBOOK by elected officials, including mayors and councillors throughout Durham Region, varies significantly. The complexity of navigating the responsibilities of public office in the face of growing online engagement has resulted in a range of approaches - and even consequences for some. The more engaged members of Oshawa Council use their Facebook accounts to actively post updates, respond to questions, and communicate daily with their residents. Probably the best example of this is Ward 5 Regional councillor Brian Nicholson. One need only take a quick glance at his multiple Facebook groups to see how quickly information is shared – in real time - on matters concerning Council decisions that affect what he has long-since referred to as ‘Southern Oshawa’. However, communicating on a daily basis with constituents in this way must undoubtedly blur the line between a councillor’s public duties and their private life, with the increasing expectation that they make themselves available at all hours of the day and night. I had occasion some time ago during a casual conversation to raise that very subject with the councillor from Ward 5, and when I asked him as to the effect social media had on his time off, he immediately responded by reminding me that, once elected, a member of Council “really doesn’t have time off.” As it stands, councillor Nicholson administers a number of Facebook groups. I can recall him telling me not long ago that his individual posts were on average read by well over 20,000 people, and that actual constituent inquiries numbered in the range of 100 per day. He also used to constantly credit municipal staff for making him “look good” by the speed with which they were taking care of issues passed on from social media. Other councillors appear more inclined to use their Facebook presence to simply share specific announcements and various press releases issued by the municipality – on routine matters such as snow removal, garbage collection, and the introduction of new policies and programs that residents may find of interest. One such councillor is Rosemary McConkey from Ward 1. She once told me quite unequivocally that she “doesn’t do photo-ops” therefore what you won’t see by way of self-promotion on her Facebook page will undoubtedly be made up for by endless Excel spreadsheets and other routine documents. The councillor from Columbus appears more inclined to act as an information resource, and you won’t find a whole lot of real-time interaction on what many see as a somewhat tinder dry social media presence. On the other hand, some councillors seem to want very little to do with Facebook and all that it represents, and a good example of that is Ward 5 City councillor and ex-Mayor John Gray. A glance at his political page shows it to have been dormant since the last election, with the latest post dating back to October 2022. He does make use of his personal page to some extent, however you will see only seven posts since November 2024, all of which were added by others onto his timeline. He has repeatedly told me his preference will always be actual personal contact, either face-to-face or by telephone, and he has no willingness to change that. Another interesting example of the use of Facebook comes from the Man-Who-Would-Be-Mayor himself, Ward 2 Regional councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri. A glance at his political page shows no activity for the last four months, however if you swing over to his so-called personal page, you will see a veritable onslaught of selfie-videos the good councillor is using to share his views on everything from homebuilding to homicides. It seems he can’t make a move without finding one reason or other to offer his loyal viewers a bit of commentary. The abandonment of his Ward 2 councillor page is undoubtedly strategic, as he prepares to campaign for the Mayor’s job in the next election. As one might expect, there is more than a handful of fans ready and willing to press the “like” button on most of his Facebook posts, including Ward 4 Regional councillor Rick Kerr, a man who lives in hope of becoming Tito’s Deputy Mayor. Meanwhile, it’s important to remember a councillor's social media conduct can be reviewed by an Integrity Commissioner if it violates the Code of Conduct adopted by Council. Oshawa's own policy sets clear guidelines for online conduct. The expected standards dictate that members must not use their social media presence to bully, shame, or engage in disrespectful behavior toward the public, other council members, or staff. Of course, the most recent offender in this regard was Ward 4 City councillor Derek Giberson who decided it was somehow appropriate to make comments on social media regarding an identifiable individual within the community who was engaged in a matter that was before the courts. The Ward 4 councillor was ultimately found to be in contravention of the obligation of elected officials to refrain from commenting on such matters. No sitting Oshawa councillor has since been seen to bring about such public humiliation and shame. Of course, other rules exist to ensure that the proper use of social media is maintained. Blocking users on a Facebook account used for official business can be legally and ethically complex. In the city of Toronto, their social media guidebook advises councillors to be careful that blocking does not unfairly affect users, particularly if the account is intended for political debate. The consequences for violating a social media policy or Code of Conduct can be significant. The recent case in Cambridge, where a councillor faced a potential pay suspension, illustrates that misconduct on Facebook can lead to official punishment. On a final note, it must be remembered that, contrary to popular fiction, an elected official cannot separate their political Facebook account from any other they see as being personal. Statements and posts added or even shared to any social media account created in the name of a person holding elected office are equal in stature when held to the standards set by a municipal Code of Conduct. They are equally subject to potential review by an integrity commissioner or any other judicial body that may be called upon to examine a councillor’s conduct. Social media, and especially Facebook, are questionable means of communication and very much worthwhile in the practice of censorphip, but they can also be self-destructive when in the wrong hands.

I Am the Storm

I Am the Storm By Councillor Lisa Robinson There comes a point when the storm you’ve been forced to endure stops being something outside of you… and becomes the fire inside you. I’ve faced more than most will ever see behind closed doors. The slander. The political punishment. The calculated attempts to isolate, humiliate, and silence. Every tactic known — from weaponizing codes of conduct to manipulating procedure — was designed to wear me down, to make me doubt myself, to force me to give up and stop. But they underestimated me. I wasn’t built to bow to pressure. I was built to withstand it. The harder they’ve pushed, the stronger I’ve become. Every sanction, every vote to strip me of pay, (1.5 years thus far) every moment they tried to bury my voice has only deepened my determination. I’ve walked through their storm — head high, shoulders squared — refusing to bend to a system that punishes truth-tellers while protecting those who hide behind process. I’ve endured the isolation of standing alone at the table, watching colleagues look away instead of standing up. I’ve endured the personal attacks, the whisper campaigns, and the very public attempts to crush my credibility. But I am still here. Unbroken. Unshaken. Unafraid. Because what they don’t realize is this: I was never meant to be swept away by the storm. I am the storm. I was put in this place for a reason...to stand, to fight, and to rise. And storms don’t ask permission. They don’t wait for permission. They move with force, they reshape everything in their path, and they leave no doubt about their power. This fight was never just about me. It’s about every person who’s been punished for refusing to stay silent. It’s about calling out corruption, exposing hypocrisy, and standing up for what is right — even when you stand alone. I will not apologize for speaking the truth. I will not back down because it makes others uncomfortable. And I will never surrender my voice to those who fear it. They tried to contain the storm. Instead, they created one. I will survive the storm — because I am the storm. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Canada used to be a country that got things done

Canada used to be a country that got things done By Dale Jodoin Canada used to be a country that got things done. We built highways through rock, railways across frozen land, towns from nothing. We didn’t stop because someone might be afraid of noise or dust. We worked, we built, we grew. Now, it feels like we’ve traded courage for comfort and backbone for bubble wrap. Everywhere you look, someone’s afraid of something. The left tells us to tremble at every tweet from Donald J. Trump, the current president of the United States. They say his name will terrify Canadians into silence, making them fear their ammo. And if you don’t side with the left? You’re labelled fascist, racist, or worse. The center is under attack from both sides while the country slowly fractures. Look around. We’re scared of words, jokes, fireworks, even history. People demand that everyone else stop doing what makes them happy just because someone might be uncomfortable. Life doesn’t come with a comfort guarantee. Take fireworks. Every July, a few voices demand their cancellation—because they rattle dogs, unsettle veterans, or trigger anxiety. Those are valid concerns. But the solution is not to cancel joy for everyone. If fireworks bother you, stay home. Don’t take something meaningful away from thousands of others. That’s the deeper problem: we’ve become a nation afraid to offend. You can’t build anything that way. You can’t have free speech if everyone is terrified of it. When did we forget how to disagree without crying for someone to be silenced? On university campuses, the culture’s even worse. Students are screened for “triggering” words. Professors are censured for jokes that used to spark debate. We’re training a generation more worried about being offended than about being resilient. What happens when life gives them something truly hard, without trigger warnings or safe spaces? Here’s the truth: fear has become a shield. It’s easier to say, “I’m terrified,” than to take responsibility. If someone says something you don’t like, talk, debate, or walk away. Don’t demand the world rewrites everything just so you’ll never feel uneasy. Canada was built by people who faced fear, not by people who hid from it. Immigration, once a symbol of hope, is being twisted into a tool of division. Immigrants came to build something together with us to enrich the country. Now politicians use immigration stories to pit one group against another. They whisper victimhood to some, blame to others. That’s not unity. That’s manipulation. It’s quietly ripping the country apart. We used to be one people, proud and united. Now we fracture into isolated groups, each one afraid someone else will speak. The loudest voices are treated like everyone’s voice. The rest of us are just trying to keep the lights on, raise kids, and live in peace. It’s almost absurd. We live in one of the safest countries on Earth, yet act like we’re on constant alert. Our grandparents survived wars, hunger, freezing winters. We stress over tweets. If we keep living by everyone else’s fear, Canada won’t survive not in spirit. Fear shrinks people, kills joy, stops progress. The only cure is courage. And a little humour along the way doesn’t hurt. So here’s the deal: if you’re scared of something, fine. But don’t ask the rest of us to silence our joy because of it. If you don’t like what someone says, let it pass. If fireworks bother you, stay away. If politics makes you anxious, switch off the news. Canada can be strong again. We just need to remember who we are: people with courage, hard work, and the freedom to speak our minds. We’re not here to babysit fear. We’re here to build a country. And if that offends someone well, maybe they should try being offended elsewhere. Written by Dale Jodoin newspaper writer and journalists

Job Seekers: Look to Those Who Are Getting Hired

Job Seekers: Look to Those Who Are Getting Hired By Nick Kossovan This past August, I participated in a LinkedIn Live session with career coach Ruth Sternberg, titled Job Search Myths Shattered. In my closing remarks, I mentioned that even in today's challenging job market, people are getting hired every day. High inflation, recession fears, and geopolitical posturing, such as tariffs, have many companies and industries operating in a state of fear, prompting them to question whether it's wise to be hiring. Even if you doubled Canada's national unemployment rate of 7.1% (August 2025) in order to satisfy those who claim unemployment is higher than reported, it would still show that over 85% of Canadians are employed, a positive data point. Another positive, though not to the extent job seekers would like, is that employers are still hiring. Regardless of the state of the economy, the job market is constantly churning, creating job openings through promotions, terminations, resignations, retirements, and unexpected events such as deaths. The job market is neither inherently good nor bad. It's neutral. It's indifferent. It simply reflects the economics of business, showing where capital is flowing and why. It's easy to find "the bad" when you're always looking for "the bad." For quite some time, companies have capitalized on the cost benefits of offshoring their jobs. As automation and artificial intelligence rapidly enhance their capabilities, companies are focusing on investing in technology that will reduce their biggest expense: labour costs. I believe we're witnessing the beginning of a future with a smaller workforce, where working for a business in the traditional sense will become less common, but let's wait and see what unfolds. For now, amid efforts to leverage technology to lower the number of employees, hence boosting profits—the core reason a business exists—hiring continues. When you describe the job market as "bad" because your job search is taking longer than expected and you keep pointing to other job seekers facing the same challenges, you're signalling that you don't understand the economics behind business decisions. If you can't demonstrate that you understand the economic factors influencing business decisions, especially when it comes to hiring, why would a company trust you to help them make or save money? I get it; pessimistic and inflammatory posts about the job market and employers, which, by the way, discourage employers from contacting you, drive engagement. However, if your 'likes' and 'commenting for reach' aren't resulting in employers contacting you—which is probably the case—consider a different approach. Pay attention to what those who are getting hired are doing that you might not be doing or not doing to the same extent. From what I've observed, those who are getting hired focus on a few key areas: Following instructions Quality applications stand out. I'm not a fan of applying to online job postings alongside hundreds or even thousands of other candidates, making your application akin to a lottery ticket. Networking offers better odds; however, applying to jobs where you meet at least 90% of the requirements should still be part of your job search, as you never know when you might hit the jackpot. Therefore, to increase your lottery odds, follow the instructions! Meticulously following instructions showcases your professionalism and willingness to adhere to directives. Carefully review the job posting. Identify submission requirements, such as document format (e.g., PDF), specific questions to address in a cover letter, or ‘Reference Job ID #H587’ in your email subject line. Your applications will get noticed more if you do what most job seekers don't: submit a quality application that dots all the 'I's and crosses all the 'T's. Submitting 2 - 3 quality applications daily and following up two days later, if necessary, is a much more effective job search strategy than the 'spraying and praying' method many job seekers use. Quality over quantity! Connecting Deny all you want; you won't change the fact that networking gives you a significant advantage by uncovering job opportunities that aren't advertised publicly. Job searching is a people-oriented activity, not something you do by hiding behind your keyboard and naively believing that engaging with people's posts and comments on LinkedIn will lead to forming meaningful professional relationships. Even in 2025, face-to-face interactions have much more stickiness than digital outreach efforts. Those who are getting hired are circulating in the real world, grabbing every chance to connect with others; making eye contact, focusing on the person in front of them, and setting aside their ego, asking themselves, "How can I help this person?" Connecting with others happens when you: · Show genuine interest in the other person · Are honest and authentic · Ask thoughtful, meaningful questions · Ensure the other person feels heard Refusing to be a victim People with a victim mentality tend to have a longer job search than those who do not. Social media, especially LinkedIn, has become flooded with job seekers feeling sorry for themselves. Those getting hired refuse to see themselves as a victim or feel sorry for themselves. Achieving success in your job search requires focusing on what you can control, such as networking and how you present yourself to employers, rather than dwelling on factors outside your influence, like the economy and others' behaviour. Although many job seekers didn't choose to be job searching, everyone can choose where to direct their focus and energy. ___________________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

A Candid Conversation

A Candid Conversation By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist Without question, it is a very different world today than the one I grew up in. I remember being a child living in what was then called uptown, it was actually the Yonge and Eglinton area of Toronto. It was a very modest upbringing. My parents worked hard to give their three daughters what they could. We all helped around the house, took turns doing the dishes and things to help our mom. We were respectful and obeyed the rules set out by our parents. We had one bathroom, one television and therefore had to agree on what to watch. Our parents set out most of the viewing schedule and I remember the whole family sitting around the living room watching Carol Burnett, The Waltons and many other entertaining programs. We as children didn’t use the phone much,we waited for someone to come knocking on the door to see if we wanted to play or we went door knocking ourselves. It was simple, stay close, come home as soon as the streetlights came on. At the time, we could not have imagined it being any different than it was. Progress to us (and to our delight), was returning to school in September to find a new piece of equipment added to the playground. For the many that grew up as I did in the sixties and seventies it is very hard to fathom what is going on with our youth today. Years ago, we thought that older people were looking to recruit the younger ones for their crimes and misdemeanors by telling them that they could not get into any serious trouble due to the young offender’s act.It would often be the case that a couple or a few named young adults would be arrested and we would see on the news that there was a young offender involved who could not be named. It seems that that is not even the case anymore. We see on the news on a regular basis, children as young as eleven and twelveare involved in horrific crimes and there are no older adults involved. Which begs the question, what the hell is going on with our youth?Where are the parents is one of the biggest questions that I hear posed when these stories hit the news. What is going on in homes across our region that would make these children think that it is okay to go out and commit the crimes they do? The most recent that comes to mind is the smash and grab at the Oshawa Centre involving a group of boys aged from 13-19. Then there are the 8 kids involved in the armed robbery of another youth on William Lott Dr. in North Oshawa. Here we had12-, 13-, and 15-year-old girls and boys. Back in the summer there was the swarming of a Pizza worker in south Oshawa that involved an 11-year-old boy and 3 girls aged 13,14, and 15. Most heinous of recent youth criminal acts is the elderly woman killed in frontof her home in Pickering by a 14-year-old boy in an absolutely unprovoked attack. Something needs to change. Now. People need to speak up.

Starting Point

Starting Point By Wayne and Tamara My husband and I have been married over 26 years. He was my dream come true. He has been drinking since age 16, but it never occurred to me he was an alcoholic because I thought alcoholics were bums drinking out of brown paper bags on street corners. My husband graduated from law school, then joined the Air Force where most activities he chose centered around drinking. Later he worked to establish a private practice and was successful. The nightly drinking continued, and he would blow in later and later. I sought counseling and the therapist told me he is what is called a functioning alcoholic. I was in total disbelief. My husband turned to the counselor and admitted he was an alcoholic, though he later denied that admission. The next session he came in wasted and was asked to leave. Since then the alcoholic has filed for divorce and refuses to speak to me. I know of at least one affair. He has acknowledged he is an alcoholic, but he has absolutely no intention to stop. I can’t believe this is really happening. How do I start over? Robyn Robyn, a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry reported 76 percent of alcoholics in the U.S. never seek treatment. The 24 percent who do get treatment wait an average of eight to 10 years before seeking that treatment. Even then, it will be years more before the alcoholic stops drinking for good, and additional years before they stop acting like an alcoholic, if they ever do. Alcoholics have a smugness about the castles in their mind. In that domain they set the rules and they make the laws. Like any absolute monarch, they are unwilling to give up their power. It doesn’t matter whether you think alcoholism is a disease, a moral failing, a chemical addiction, or the aftereffect of a lousy childhood. The prognosis for successfully living with an alcoholic is poor. If children are present, the consequences are dire. Human development follows a predictable pattern. To develop their own brain, children need to be around mature brains--brains working from reality, brains meeting challenges and facing facts. Observing those brains and patterning themselves after them, give children what they need to master life. Child abuse is the term which most accurately describes what children in an alcoholic home endure. The effects of an alcoholic home on children are well-known: depression, inability to form close relationships, relentless self-criticism, inability to complete projects, and constant approval seeking. Even the non-drinking spouse is changed. That person is co-opted into making excuses, covering up, and pretending what happened the night before never happened. That’s what’s so striking about your letter. You left nearly everything out. The fears, the arguments, the spoiled occasions, the conversations which he didn’t remember are all missing. It’s as if you still don’t want to go there. That’s understandable because denial is a powerful defense mechanism; it keeps us from having to face pain. Denial operates in two ways. On an internal level, denial keeps us from having to confront our fears and the loss of our hopes and dreams. On an external level, denial keeps us from difficult confrontations with events and other people. But the cost of denial is high. That is why it is so dangerous. When a person fails to prepare for the consequences of what they seek to deny, those consequences escalate. You feared the dismantling of your marriage and becoming a single woman again, but what you feared you must now confront. So it’s time to go back to your therapist and tell him or her what you didn’t tell us. You need to talk through why you did what you did, and why you couldn’t admit what was before your eyes. It will feel embarrassing and humiliating at first, but that is where you must begin. Wayne & Tamara

It’s Flu Season But It`s Not the Flu

It’s Flu Season But It’s Not the Flu By Diana Gifford “The superfluous,” said Voltaire, the French philosopher, “is a very necessary thing.” Alas, his thinking predated our understanding of the norovirus. The norovirus is one of the most common viruses on the planet – yet it seems to be doing nothing useful, let alone necessary. It’s just making hundreds of millions of people worldwide sick in any given year. A lot of people made sick by norovirus think they have the flu. The symptoms are similar. But norovirus isn’t the flu at all. It’s a tiny, highly contagious virus that infects the stomach and intestines. It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and most usually, dirty hands. The virus is found only in humans, not animals, and it doesn’t need much help to make trouble. A microscopic particle is enough to make you sick. Once ingested, it multiplies rapidly and exits just as quickly, shedding billions of copies that can infect others. It’s so efficient that it’s been called “the perfect pathogen.” Most outbreaks emerge in familiar places like restaurants, daycare facilities, cruise ships, or long-term care homes. The virus is so hardy that it survives freezing, mild heating, and many cleaning products. Even alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so effective against most bacteria, don’t reliably stop it. Soapy water is the best prevention. Symptoms of infection include sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It comes on fast but is usually over in two or three days. Most people recover without lasting harm, though the elderly, very young, or those with weakened immune systems can become dangerously dehydrated. Unlike other viruses, getting it once doesn’t make you stronger. You might think that exposure would at least give your immune system a workout and lead to lasting protection. Unfortunately, norovirus doesn’t play by those rules. Your body does mount a defense and produces antibodies, but they fade quickly – usually within six months to two years – and only protect you from the exact strain that made you sick. But norovirus keeps changing. It mutates its surface proteins just enough to fool your immune system the next time around. That’s why you can catch norovirus again and again. There is literally nothing good about norovirus unless you count that it makes victims better appreciate good plumbing. Scientists have been working for years to develop a vaccine. But so far, the virus’s habit of constant reinvention has stymied efforts. There are dozens of strains, and new ones emerge every few years. Norovirus often strikes just after a family dinner. Within 24 hours, one person starts feeling queasy, another rushes to the bathroom, and soon everyone is apologizing or looking for culprits in the cooking. But it’s not the food. It’s norovirus that came uninvited on unwashed hands. What can we do? The answer is old-fashioned but effective. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before preparing food and after using the bathroom. Keep kitchen surfaces clean. Cook shellfish thoroughly, since oysters and clams can carry the virus if harvested from contaminated waters. And if someone in your home is sick, disinfect using a bleach-based cleaner and handle laundry and dishes with care. Norovirus may be hard to kill, but it doesn’t like hot water, chlorine, or good hygiene habits. The larger lesson in all this is about humility. For all our medical advances, a virus invisible to the naked eye can still level us for days. Immunity isn’t always cumulative, and strength doesn’t always come from exposure. Sometimes, health depends less on what we can endure and more on what we can avoid. —————————————————————————————————————— This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones

Getting a Boost of Energy, Naturally

By Diana Gifford Do you ever find yourself a little low on fuel, right when you could really use some? Men may discover they need a touch of help with their tiger, so to speak. But being low on steam could occur at less exciting moments too, like when walking up the stairs. I’m referring to instances when you expect your body to have the same vibrancy of youth, but it just doesn’t anymore. You can chalk it up to age, stress, or not enough sleep. And you can aim to get more sleep and eat a better diet. There’s no denying that aging is a major factor, and there’s nothing that can be done to stop that march. But don’t forget, there are safe, natural remedies that can address a lack of energy. One of the proven ones is nitric oxide, something that your body produces naturally to help your blood vessels relax and expand, improving circulation, and supporting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout your system. As we age, our bodies produce less of it. A lot less. By the time you’re 40 or 50, your nitric oxide levels may have dropped by half. That has ripple effects not just for heart health, but for stamina, recovery, even brain function. If it’s a dietary source of energy you want, then turn to beets. They are one of the few foods that directly increase the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide. But not everyone wants to eat beets every day. And sometimes diet isn’t the answer, especially if your system has trouble converting nutrients effectively. Consider trying remedies you can find in natural health food stores. There are many products purporting to do what beets do, but few that have the credibility of Neo40. It’s not a medication. It’s nitric oxide in tablet form, containing a combination of beetroot powder, L-citrulline (an amino acid that supports nitric oxide production), and sodium nitrite (a form of nitric oxide). Putting a tablet of Neo40 on the tongue and letting it dissolve enables the body to replenish nitric oxide levels quickly. It’s amusing what scientists celebrate. They might forgive us for not following along. But in this case, you might be pleased to know that nitric oxide won the “Molecule of the Year” award in 1992. They brought out the big spotlights in 1998 when the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Robert Furchgott, Louis Ignarro, and Ferid Murad for their discovery that nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. It was groundbreaking science because it revealed that this short-lived gas has an important role in communicating between cells and regulating blood flow. Knowing the role of nitric oxide, researchers soon found the pharmaceutical pathway to Viagra, which is not nitric oxide, but it functions in a similar way, enabling signals to blood vessels to stay dilated. In taking up this column, I promised to cut through the noise with a clear-eyed view of what’s actually working for people. Viagra is one of those things, but so too is Neo40. And a nitric oxide tablet has the benefit that it suits a wider set of purposes for men and women. I recommend having a look at the information online from both the company involved, called Humann, and even the critics of natural supplements. This is one of the ones that gets a thumbs up. It’s a good product. On a personal note, I witnessed first-hand its effectiveness. In the years after my father suffered a heart attack at the age of 74, he always had Neo40 on hand to help when he needed a boost. ================================================================== This column offers health and wellness, not medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones

SHALL WE DANCE?

SHALL WE DANCE? By Wayne and Tamara I just happened to bump into you guys virtually, and must say it was a pleasure! While reading through questions posted online, I realized I had one myself! So here I go. I hail from India, and as you may know, Indians have a concept of arranged marriages, which I don’t really feel comfortable with. But I am 25 now, and though I’ve been in relationships in the past, I am single at present. So, my parents are on the lookout for a suitable guy for me. I don’t have much choice because falling into a relationship is kind of slow here in India. People here are very different with regard to relationships as compared to the West. But I would like to find someone for myself rather than going into an arranged thing. A few days back I met a friend’s friend via a social networking site. I had heard a lot about him from my friends, so I initiated things by sending him a message. He was sweet and prompt and asked me how I knew our mutual friend. We’ve been communicating via short messages ever since. My question: how can I initiate a deeper relationship with him, though not necessarily too fast? I need to get to know him more as I think he is a great guy. I am by nature a little conservative, so I can’t really take bolder steps like asking for his number. Also, I would prefer not to involve our friend in this. I don’t want to come around too strong. Should I continue messaging for a few more days? In his last message he said on business he quite often passes by the area where I live. Daya Daya, shall we dance? That’s the question posed by a song in the musical “The King And I.” Shall we dance…knowing there are usually many entries on a woman’s dance card before she finds the perfect partner? Shall we dance…knowing that many dances end with the thank you which means goodbye? Shall we dance…knowing that the dance always brings uncertainty? Yes, let us dance. Let us dance, because the dance may end with us in the arms of the one we can dance through life with. Let us dance, says the song, “on the clear understanding that this kind of thing can happen.” This man, with a little prompting, noticed you across a crowded dance floor. Your eyes met, and now you wonder, what next? You are a little reserved. He may be, too, because no male seeks to be rejected by a woman. That’s why a woman waiting to be asked might gently sway her shoulders to the music, indicating she would love to dance. A small signal, perhaps, but enough to make a man start forward. He may still pass by, she knows, but most likely he hopes to take her hand and lead her to the floor. An inner thing moves two people who can dance happily and comfortably together for the rest of their lives. That’s what dating seeks to learn. A man has said, “I often pass by where you are.” Can you come forward a little, too? Can you mention the café where you take coffee or that you like Chinese food? Can you make an opening so he can ask? You need not say much or be bolder than your nature, but gently let him know what you may welcome as the next step. Just as you know you look good in certain colors, throw a soft focus on your approachability quotient. Make a small inroad. Give yourself a chance. That’s not pursuing or chasing. It’s being available and open. It’s being able to acknowledge you are willing to dance. It’s coming forward so another can come forward, if he is drawn to you. Shall we dance? Yes. Wayne & Tamara

Tax Efficient RRSP Withdrawal Strategies

Tax Efficient RRSP Withdrawal Strategies By Bruno M. Scanga Deposit Broker, Insurance & Investment Advisor Many Canadians diligently contribute to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) throughout their working years, aiming for a comfortable retirement. However, when it comes to withdrawing these funds, the strategy isn’t always straightforward. For some, tapping into their RRSPs earlier than traditional retirement age can offer significant tax benefits and financial flexibility. Why Consider Early RRSP Withdrawals? The conventional wisdom suggests deferring RRSP withdrawals to delay taxes as long as possible. Yet, this approach might not be best for everyone. Withdrawing funds during years when you’re in a lower tax bracket can reduce your overall tax burden. This strategy, sometimes referred to as an “RRSP meltdown,” involves strategically drawing down your RRSP before mandatory withdrawals kick in at age 71. By accessing your RRSP funds between ages 60 and 70, you can decrease the account’s size before it’s converted into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). This proactive approach can lead to smaller mandatory withdrawals later, potentially keeping you in a lower tax bracket and preserving more of your retirement income. Early RRSP withdrawals can also influence government benefits. For instance, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension has a claw back mechanism for higher-income retirees. By reducing your RRSP balance earlier, you might avoid or lessen this claw back. Additionally, for lower-income individuals, early withdrawals could help in qualifying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides added support to those who need it most. Another advantage of accessing RRSP funds early is the opportunity to transfer them into a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). While you’ll pay taxes upon withdrawal from the RRSP, once the funds are in a TFSA, they can grow tax-free. This setup offers greater flexibility for future expenses, such as medical costs or helping family members financially. For couples, early RRSP withdrawals can be particularly beneficial. Imagine both partners have large RRSPs. If one partner passes away, the surviving spouse inherits the RRSP funds, potentially resulting in a significant tax liability due to higher mandatory withdrawals from a larger RRIF. By each partner drawing down their RRSPs earlier, they can manage and possibly reduce the combined tax impact in the future. While there are clear benefits to early RRSP withdrawals, it’s essential to approach this strategy thoughtfully. Withdrawing funds means paying taxes sooner and potentially missing out on the tax-deferred growth those funds would have enjoyed. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess your current financial situation, future income expectations, and retirement goals.

When Interviewing, Leave Something Behind

When Interviewing, Leave Something Behind By Nick Kossovan An interview I conducted over 15 years ago has stayed with me ever since. I was filling a Team Leader position for a QA team of 12 representatives. The candidate interviewed "okay"—almost textbook-like—at best a "Meh!" However, what stuck with me was that when I walked them back to reception, they handed me a manila envelope. "Reports and a document support what I just told you." I took the envelope, had them sign out, and moved on to the next candidate. On my way to the boardroom, I dropped the envelope on my desk. When I returned to my office after a day of back-to-back interviews, the envelope was staring at me. Curiosity got the better of me, so I opened it before checking my emails or voicemails. The envelope contained the candidate's latest performance appraisal and four months' worth of reports, with confidential numbers blacked out. I was impressed; no candidate had ever provided evidence to support their claims about themselves. As someone who has conducted hundreds of interviews, I find that most candidates are unmemorable. However, this candidate stood out because they proactively backed up their claims with evidence, thereby reducing the risk of hiring them by proving they were genuine. I don't remember how many candidates I interviewed for the QA Team Leader position—probably six or seven—but I do remember calling only this candidate to arrange lunch with the team. (I firmly believe candidates for leadership roles should spend time with the team they'll be leading.) Yes, they got the job. When job searching, your primary goal is to do everything possible to make yourself memorable. When you're scheduled for an interview, whether in person or via video, ask yourself: What can I leave behind or email as proof of my skills, experience, and commitment to success? Ask any employer, and they'll tell you that more than ever, the job market is full of bad actors talking a good game. Understandably, employers are often apprehensive about a candidate's ability to 'walk their talk.' A leave-behind—essentially an addendum to your resume and LinkedIn profile—is an effective tactic that can dispel any lingering doubts your interviewer may have about your candidacy. Leave-behind suggestions: A portfolio A curated collection of work samples offers concrete proof of skills and achievements. In creative professions such as graphic design, photography, and architecture, a portfolio is a standard requirement. Still, you can create a portfolio for almost any role, whether in software development, journalism, or various finance positions. Having a portfolio, especially when interviewing outside the "creative" fields, is a rarely used job search tactic that'll have you stand out from other candidates. Productivity Reports Which candidate is more likely to get hired, the one who talks about their productivity or the one who provides evidence? In my world, call centre management, productivity reports are standard, just as they are in sales, business development, investment banking, quality assurance, marketing, and social media management, to name a few professions. Leaving behind recent productivity reports proves your ability to deliver results, adds credibility to your candidacy and reduces the risk of hiring you. Recent Performance Review I've used this strategy several times. Trust me, it works! One question your interviewer will have lingering in their mind is, "Is this person manageable?" Leaving behind your latest performance review—provided it supports that you're a stellar employee—proactively answers this question. 360 Review Once, I was competing—don't kid yourself, a job search is a competition—for a job I really wanted. I knew I faced stiff competition; therefore, I needed an ace. The morning after my interview, over breakfast, I had an ah-ha! moment. Months earlier, my employer, a large financial institution, had conducted 360 reviews. My approval rating was 86%, significantly higher than the average of 73%. My ace was my 360 review results! I couriered my results to my interviewer. The next afternoon, I received a call to schedule a second interview. If you have a 360 review that praises your leadership abilities, that's gold! Share it! Testimonials Establish your credibility and trustworthiness by incorporating one of marketing's best practices and leave behind testimonials (aka, social proof). Solicit testimonials from anyone familiar with your work, such as colleagues, vendors, managers, and customers. Print them and present them to your interviewer. Don't underestimate the influence that other people's opinions, even strangers, can have on your interviewer when they're considering whether to move forward with your candidacy. 120-Day Plan New employee honeymoon periods are a thing of the past. Today, employers look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Providing your interviewer with a detailed breakdown of how you plan to approach your first four months—specifically, outlining your learning goals, performance milestones, and relationship-building objectives—demonstrates your commitment to integrating into the company and generating value from day one. The purpose of a leave-behind is to give your interviewer tangible evidence of who you are and, most importantly, your abilities. Additionally, a leave-behind can mitigate the consequences of a mediocre interview. Job interviews are about making lasting impressions, and doing what most candidates won't is a surefire way to stand out. ___________________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

The Environment Pothole Dilemma

The Environment Pothole Dilemma By Dale Jodoin If you live in Oshawa or Toronto, you know the feeling. You’re driving along, maybe listening to the radio, when bang! you slam into a pothole. The wheel jolts, your coffee spills, and your heart skips a beat. You curse under your breath and keep going, but that crater in the pavement is doing more harm than you think. Most people see potholes as a driver’s problem. A flat tire, a bent rim, or a suspension bill that makes your bank account ache. But potholes do something else, something most folks never think about. They make vehicles burn more energy. Gas cars guzzle more fuel when they slam into one. Electric cars drain their batteries faster. Both lose efficiency. That means more pollution in the air for everyone. And it doesn’t stop there. Drivers slow down for potholes, then stomp the pedal to speed back up. That constant stop-and-go wastes energy. It’s like trying to drink through a straw full of holes you lose more than you take in. In a big city with millions of vehicles, all those wasted bursts of energy pile up into a big, invisible problem. Scientists have been looking at this. A 2023 study by Ali and his team showed that potholes mess with traffic flow, forcing drivers to brake and accelerate more. That burns extra fuel. Oregon’s Department of Transportation found that rough roads increase fuel use and CO₂. Chun, in 2024, studied electric cars and found that rough pavement makes them suck down power faster. Even motorcycles aren’t safe. The more they slam into potholes, the quicker they break down, and every new part of steel, rubber, plastic has its own environmental cost. And then there’s density. The more packed a city is, the faster the pavement wears out. Heavy traffic pounds the asphalt until it crumbles. More potholes mean more slowing, more idling, more wasted fuel. A 2025 study by Wang showed that cities with higher density already have worse emissions because of traffic. Add potholes and the air gets even dirtier. That’s smog, exhaust, and fine dust in the lungs of everyone walking, biking, or just trying to breathe. Now, potholes are serious, but you’ve got to laugh sometimes or you’ll go crazy. Here’s one: Why don’t potholes ever get lonely? Because they’ve always got a whole lot of friends. Or how about this one: What did the car say to the pothole? “You crack me up.” Funny until your alignment bill shows up in the mail. But jokes aside, the truth is potholes aren’t just breaking cars. They’re breaking climate goals too. Governments love to talk about Net Zero by 2050, but how can we ever get there if our roads look like Swiss cheese? A pothole filled today is back next spring. Water seeps in, freezes, expands, and cracks the pavement again. It’s like patching jeans that already have holes in the knees. You'll be back with the sewing kit before long. Meanwhile, the damage piles up. Every bump means more gas burned, more electricity drained, more pollution in the air. And it costs money. Billions every year across North America are spent fixing cars, patching pavement, and dealing with the fallout. That’s money that could go into real, long-lasting road fixes. Stronger asphalt, better drainage, even new materials that can take the pounding. But too often, leaders take the cheap route: patch it, pave it, forget it, and then do it all again the next year. And let’s not forget the human side. Everyone’s got a pothole story. The coffee stain on your shirt. The kid in the back seat was crying because their juice box exploded. The poor soul who ate the wrong burrito for lunch and then hit a pothole too hard. It’s funny in a miserable kind of way. Potholes aren’t just an inconvenience. They get under our skin, into our wallets, and into the air we breathe. If cities really care about emissions, potholes need to be treated as more than a nuisance. They’re an environmental problem hiding in plain sight. Smoother roads mean cleaner air. It’s that simple. Investing in durable, sustainable road systems may cost more at first, but it saves money and pollution down the line. Every unfilled pothole is another leak in the climate plan. Potholes may look small, but they’re not. They’re cracks in the system. They waste fuel, they pollute the air, and they chip away at every promise governments make about a green future. We laugh about them, we curse at them, and we swerve around them, but they aren’t going anywhere unless someone takes this seriously. So here’s the truth: potholes aren’t just destroying cars. They’re destroying our climate goals. If we don’t fix the holes in our streets, we’ll never fix the holes in our climate promises. And unless cities wake up, the environmental pothole dilemma will swallow us whole.