THE AMERICAN AGE OF AQUARIUS

By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States It is as if the heavens have parted and a fresh ray of American hope is beaming down upon the world and re-writing all the wrongs. In less than ten days Trump has made history on numerous fronts and changed American society like no one before. He has managed to send a message across the globe that things are about to change and to change fast. This is so refreshing. To finally see a leader with the right stuff. Getting rid of the wrong. Getting rid of greed and careered nobodies sitting in office pretending to be in touch with the common folk. So much change has long been needed across the world. scholars and intellectuals have been keeping an eye on a phenomenon in the horizon, that was unexplainable until now. It was believed to be of biblical, cosmic in proportion with a hit of good old lady luck magic. The bible told us of a man coming up the ranks to lead us. Others have said that the coming of a cosmic event was a matter of time. Others are now call it ‘The Age Of Aquarius’. What is the ‘Age of Aquarius’? The period from 2020 to 2026 marks a zone of significant transformations, a time of exceptional changes, and a substantial leap into a new era, “the Age of Aquarius. The Age of Aquarius is an astrological age that some believe is a time of social, political, and personal change. It's also a term used to describe the New Age movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Another view suggests that the rise of scientific rationalism, combined with the fall of religious influence, the increasing focus on human rights since the 1780s, the exponential growth of technology, plus the advent of flight and space travel, are evidence of the dawning of the age of Aquarius. Jesus was the one who announced the Age of Aquarius and said, “A man will meet you carrying an earthen pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he goes in”. Interesting... A man will meet you. Trump and his earthen pitcher of water. Water a fluid a pure, clear substance.... that may be interpreted as science and technology. Leading us to the White HOUSE. What changes will the age of Aquarius bring? The Aquarian Age is a time of great complexity as our sense of personal identity and our very foundation shifts. Expect developments in all arenas, including scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and societal shifts. On an individual level, change and learning will be lifelong and constant. Interesting if you give it a thought. We have Trump at the helm with interests in space. He has managed to partner up with Elon Musk. He is promising serious change and global supremacy. The American age of Aquarius is upon us. We need to embrace this shift back to humanity. Back to what makes sense and to what made the west the empire it was and is.

Fear-Mongering, Control, and Public Mischief: Pickering’s Leadership is Undermining Democracy

Fear-Mongering, Control, and Public Mischief: Pickering’s Leadership is Undermining Democracy The City of Pickering’s decision to move council meetings online under the pretense of safety is nothing more than a calculated, cynical effort to stifle dissent, manipulate public perception, and consolidate power. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about safety—it’s about control. The over-the-top deployment of police officers at council meetings, combined with the laughable propaganda video released weeks ago, makes it abundantly clear: they’re fabricating fear to justify authoritarian measures and silence the growing voices of discontent among the residents. If there were truly credible threats, would the mayor and staff invite their families—wives, children, even eight-year-old grandchildren—to council meetings? Would councillors freely attend ribbon-cuttings and photo ops without so much as a police officer in sight? Or how about our New Year’s Eve celebrations or the Mayor’s Levee with hundreds of attendees and maybe a single police officer? Would my female colleague casually ride a scooter alone in public? These actions completely betray their claims of danger and expose this shift to virtual meetings for what it truly is: a pretext to shut down public engagement, not to protect anyone. We’re being fed the tired, old excuse that public officials are somehow in danger—a pathetic, overused refrain designed to justify controlling measures. But let’s be real: politicians in public service always face threats, insults, and sometimes worse. It’s part of the job. If they can’t handle it, then they should get out of public office. The mayor, council, and staff are far more concerned with avoiding accountability than actually serving the people. They’re more interested in playing with their phones, rolling their eyes, flailing their arms in the air or trying to storm out of meetings when things don’t go their way. Watch how they look visibly irritated, acting like spoiled children when they’re asked to do their job. The mayor can’t even resist watching sporting events during council sessions. And let’s not forget how they race through a consent agenda, proudly declaring "democracy quick tonight," with no debate, no questions, and no input from the public. They’ve turned council meetings into a joke. They’re timing themselves to see who can wrap things up the fastest. Who can shut down debate the quickest? Who can call for a consent agenda with the least amount of thought? This isn’t leadership; it’s a mockery of the democratic process. They have no respect for the people they serve or the issues that matter to this community. It’s all about convenience for them. This is not leadership. This is public mischief. The mayor and council have made it crystal clear: they don’t want to do their job. They don’t want to be held accountable. They’d rather be on vacation, glued to their devices, or anywhere but engaging with the public and doing what they were elected to do. They’ve taken my pay as punishment for standing up for you, the people. But they can’t take your pay, so they’ve chosen to take away your voice. By refusing to provide you with an arena to be heard—by shutting down in-person participation—they’ve stolen another vital right from you. They’ve already silenced you with their absurd policies and procedures that restrict your ability to speak and record. And now, they’ve gone even further. You won’t even be able to attend meetings, raise your concerns face-to-face, and hold your elected officials accountable. Instead, they’ll simply mute your microphone or cut the connection when they don’t like what you have to say. This is an attack on democracy, plain and simple. It’s an attack on your right to be heard. In the weeks leading up to the Mayor and staff’s decision to push for virtual meetings, they called for the deployment of two, then four, paid-duty officers at our council meetings. And as if that wasn’t enough, Durham Regional Police sent an additional ten officers—just out of the “goodness of their hearts.” This is an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars and a calculated attempt to manufacture fear. While our streets are being overrun with rising crime—carjackings, human trafficking, gun violence—police officers are being pulled away from real emergencies to babysit peaceful meetings of fewer than 30 people. There has been no history of violence in our council chambers during my entire tenure. This isn’t about safety. It’s about creating a façade of fear to intimidate residents and shut them out of the conversation. It’s an abuse of power and resources, plain and simple. What makes this even more egregious is the fact that the city had already planned to move meetings online this late spring or perhaps early summer due to council chamber renovations. So, instead of relocating to an accessible venue—like a recreation center—to ensure continued in-person public engagement, they seized this opportunity to shut the public out entirely. By hiding behind manufactured fear, they’ve bypassed their responsibility to engage with the public face-to-face. Why spend millions renovating chambers when they no longer intend to use them for public participation? Even more telling, they’ve announced no events will be held there except weddings. See the pattern here? The decision to go virtual under the guise of "fear" is nothing more than a strategic move to stop the inevitable pushback and anger they knew would erupt once the renovations started. Instead of relocating to a more accessible venue to ensure continued public engagement, they used fear as a cover to shut down opposition. There was—and still is—absolutely no legitimate reason to go virtual. This isn’t about safety; it’s about avoiding accountability and silencing the public's voice. The timing is no coincidence. Public frustration with council’s decisions has been mounting, and residents have been showing up to voice their concerns. This shift to virtual meetings conveniently ensures fewer residents can hold their leaders accountable, while council continues to push their narrative uninterrupted. To make matters worse, rumors are circulating that other municipalities and levels of government, inspired by the ease with which Pickering has silenced dissent, may follow suit. Imagine the vacations our councillors could take while attending meetings from the comfort of a beach chair, all while avoiding accountability and criticism. And let’s not forget the bigger agenda at play. The council’s manufactured fear aligns perfectly with their push to change the Municipal Act, giving themselves the power to remove elected officials who don’t fall in line. By smearing critics as extremists or conspiracy theorists, they’re laying the groundwork for a system where disagreement is punished and democracy is replaced with dictatorship. This isn’t leadership—it’s authoritarianism, disguised as governance. Pickering’s residents deserve better—much, much better. We deserve leaders who show up to work, who actually listen to us, and who are willing to be held accountable. We deserve leaders who prioritize fixing our crumbling infrastructure over wasting millions on unnecessary renovations. If you haven’t taken a good look at the schematics for your shiny new council chambers, I strongly suggest you do so. You’ll be shocked to see that staff have pushed through a design that looks more like a courtroom than a place where your voice should be heard. The focus will now be on the Mayor and two unelected bureaucrats—the CAO and the City Clerk—staring down at you. So, ask yourself: who’s really running the show at the Corporation of the City of Pickering? You will no longer be able to look your elected representatives in the eye—the very people you voted for to be your voice in the chamber. This isn’t democracy, folks. It’s a mockery of it. Pickering deserves leaders who value transparency and public engagement over propaganda, fear-mongering, and control. The people of Pickering are speaking up because they are tired of being silenced. It’s time for our leaders to start listening instead of hiding behind virtual screens, excessive police presence, and manufactured fear. Democracy doesn’t thrive on control and censorship—it thrives on debate, dissent, and accountability. This farce must end. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

Why North Americans Are Overweight

Why North Americans Are Overweight By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Dr. Richard Z. Cheng, Editor-in-Chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, reports that years ago hunters survived eating low-carbohydrate diets. Their food was rich in animal protein, along with berries and seeds. But often food was scarce, and hunters used any bodily fat reserves to survive. There was no becoming obese. Now, food companies offer high-carbohydrate foods, with too much sugar and too many calories. Half of North Americans are overweight, with many people suffering diseases such as type 2 diabetes and its expensive medical complications. I interviewed Dr. Cheng to get his views on dietary measures that have a chance to reverse this disastrous situation. He promotes nutritious diets that are low in carbs, ultra-processed foods, and (omega-6 rich) seed oils which are also ultra-processed. He also reminds people that plants are full of self-defensive toxins that may be harmful to humans, if eaten in excess. A low-carb diet includes all types of meat and fish. Add, eggs, hard and soft cheeses, leafy vegetables, fruits and seeds. Fruit is healthy, but only in moderation, given the high sugar content. In contrast, a high-carb diet includes grains, bread, pasta, and root vegetables. Pizza, mac and cheese, muffins, fries, cakes, brownies and ice cream are high carb food. This diet of high-calorie and high-sugar foods leads to weight gain. Over time, following a high-carb diet is associated with chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a red flag that the body in not in good health. It increases the risk of big killers such as heart attack, hypertension, and stroke. Today 50 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases are due to excess pounds. Diabetes doesn’t happen overnight. The bodily process of managing excess dietary sugar demands more insulin to control blood sugar levels. Over time, insulin becomes less effective. Finally, unless medical treatment begins, people develop type 2 diabetes. It’s the leading cause of blindness in those over age 60. It also why year after year more people are requiring renal dialysis, or kidney transplant, and falling victim to heart attack. There is some good news. Dr. Cheng stressed that by changing to a low carb diet many medical metabolic functions would improve. For instance, our body’s cells contain what are called mitochondria that provide energy at the molecular level. It’s one reason why we have good days and bad ones. Cheng says that a low-carb diet enhances the performance of mitochondria. The diet also reduces inflammation in the brain and has been used to treat epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Many factors start people on the path to obesity. A low carb diet is a first step to stop this pandemic that gets worse year after year. It must also be stressed again and again that home needs a bathroom scale that should be stepped on every day. Use of a calorie counter shows the huge number of calories in some foods. Finally, people must use their two legs for exercise! I have great respect for orthomolecular medicine. It was because of the research of Dr. Linus Pauling that, following a heart attack at 74 years of age, I declined cholesterol-lowering drugs with their many side effects and potential for medical complications. Rather, I’ve been taking 10,000 milligrams daily of vitamin C for 28 years. I’m convinced this is why I’m entering my 102nd year. I’ve followed a sound lifestyle with no weight gain, moderate exercise, and I avoid sugar like the plague. My cardiologist was not amused. But for a quarter of a century, I have avoided the complications of synthetic drugs. Natural remedies like vitamin C have never killed anyone! Visit my website, www.docgiff.com, to learn more. 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

Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers By Wayne & Tamara I need you to help me because I feel like I'm going insane. It has to do with my sister and her boyfriend. She's been with him for nine years and living a lie ever since. He's been unfaithful to her since the beginning of the relationship and continues to do her wrong. When times get hard, he runs out on her. She has a daughter from a previous marriage and one with him. He plays in a rock band and never has time for them. He stays out every weekend and says he has a show, when in actuality he is with another woman. He has girls text messaging him and she's seen what they say to him, yet she covers for him and says it's nothing. Her children are suffering because she doesn't pay attention to their needs. Just a few weeks ago, he tells her he's leaving her again and moves in with another woman. Then he texts how miserable he is without her and how much he loves her. I know she will take him back, and I think it will be the last straw for me. I love her with all my heart, but I worry more about what she is doing to the children. She acts as if she can't live without him and will put up with anything--lying, cheating, disrespect--just so he won't leave her. What can I do to help her see the light? Bernadette Bernadette, there are only three things you can do. First, you can be the best aunt to your sister's children that you can be. Second, accept that your sister is in an abusive relationship. For some reason, she is willing to put up with this behavior. You don't understand that reason, but it has great power over her. So to gain more understanding, and possibly be of help, start reading about abuse and contact organizations for abused women. One question outsiders always have is, How can an otherwise smart, capable woman put up with abuse? "Dragonslippers," a book by Rosalind Penfold, provides an answer. Roz Penfold was in such a relationship for 10 years. She kept a diary, and when words failed her, she drew pictures. The book is a graphic portrait of abuse. Many women like Roz ease into abuse one small step at a time and use common ideas in our culture to justify what they are doing--turning the other cheek, forgiving the other, accepting bad behavior as a disease. It is a truism that a woman with an abusive man will not leave that situation until she sees things in the particular light which will make her change. For one woman, it might be consideration of the children--their suffering, their future, their well-being. For another woman, it might be understanding that she seeks abuse because she feels unworthy of anything better. For a third woman, it might be a vision of her own future. In dealing with your sister and her family you must be totally honest. If your sister praises her boyfriend, let her know everyone knows exactly what he is like and how he fails as a man. Don't go along with any imaginary or delusional way she presents his behavior. Let her children know that a good man does not treat a woman this way, and that a woman should never put up with this sort of treatment. In short, educate them to your way--the proper way--to view their home life. Finally, realize she may never change, and there may be nothing you can do to cause her to change. An accident of birth has linked the two of you as sisters. Just as you cannot allow alcoholic and drug-based behavior, or criminal behavior, or abusive behavior to dominate your life, so you cannot allow her self-demeaning life to ruin your own. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

Three Tips For Dealing With Elopement In Autistic Individuals

Three Tips For Dealing With Elopement In Autistic Individuals by Kadin McElwain: When I was only four years old, I snuck out of the house while my Dad was asleep after a long day at work. When I left the house, I immediately jumped into the Hudson River and rode down it on a log like a cowboy. Thankfully, the police and my mother were able to find me that afternoon and rescue me from going down a rough part of the river and drowning. But this scenario is an example of elopement, which is when those on the spectrum may wander off from their safe place or guardian, sometimes going to dangerous locations. This can result in anxiety in parents who want their child to be safe. But following these three tips on how to deal with elopement can help eliminate that anxiety and keep your child safe in the process. Tip One: Be Patient And Be Prepared: Elopement can be extremely stressful for the caregiver of an autistic individual. They may not know where the individual is and be confused about what to do if an elopement episode happens. As a result, both the autistic individual and the caregiver are likely to exhibit stress and it results in a disaster for everyone. So what would the solution to this problem be? How can the caregiver of the autistic individual ensure that they are prepared to deal with an elopement episode? Being patient and prepared is the key to successfully dealing with an elopement episode. In the sense of being prepared, the most important step is to have a list of five contacts you can call if an elopement episode happens. This can be two close family members, a close friend of the individual, and two emergency services that can help ensure your child’s safety, such as a police officer and a paramedic. In the sense of being patient, you should try not to worry about the individual or whether or not you are responsible for that elopement episode. These episodes are neither the fault of the caregiver nor the autistic individual. So be patient and trust that the contacts you have will ensure the safety of your child. Tip Two: Learn About Elopement Episodes: Research has shown that half of all individuals diagnosed with autism have elopement episodes. For those 50 percent, the thought of the autistic individual running away from them could not only worry the caregiver but also confuse them as well. Why do autistic individuals have elopement episodes? How can the caregiver know what to do if such an episode happens? The key to answering these questions is to take the initiative to learn why elopement episodes happen and what to do during them. This can be accomplished easily by a quick Google search or a night of researching facts on autism and elopement. However, the best way to learn about elopement episodes is to talk with experts in the field of autism and get professional opinions on what works best for elopement. If the expert is autistic, that can be a bonus as well. The best learning experiences come from those who have been in your shoes before or who have lived through these experiences. This can ensure that you know what you’re doing when handling an elopement episode, to ensure that things are calm and comfortable for yourself and the individual. It may not be easy taking care of autistic individuals, but having experts who know what works best or who have lived through experiences helps in the long run. Tip Three: Calm Down The Individual And Let Them Know That They’re Safe With You: One of the main reasons that elopement episodes happen in autistic individuals is because of overstimulating environments. By this, I mean that some environments can be too loud, too bright, or too overwhelming for autistic individuals. As a result of this stress, they tend to try to get away from that environment. Some strategies used to calm down autistic individuals, such as pinning the individual down if they start to get physical during these meltdowns, are completely outdated at best and dangerous at worst. So how can the caregiver make sure the situation deescalates efficiently, without anyone getting hurt physically or mentally? The most impactful thing you can do as a caregiver during meltdowns is to be calm and calm down the autistic individual in a humane way. Let them know that they’re safe with you and that you’re someone they can always trust. Instead of making the situation worse by using outdated calming methods, use your words in a calm and collected way when helping an autistic individual. This will let the autistic individual know that they’re safe, calm them down, and help avoid elopement episodes. Then, they will have someone in their corner to turn to during stressful moments. Elopement can be stressful for both the autistic individual and caregiver. Not knowing what to do during such episodes can make the situation even more overwhelming for everyone involved. But following these three tips for ensuring things go smoothly can make a huge impact on these episodes. Once you get these tips down, you and your child can have an enjoyable experience, no matter the situation. It’s always helpful to have tools in your toolbox to help out both you and the autistic individual

CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS

CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS By Sami Parvez Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party on Jan. 6, 2025, while remaining in office until a new leader is chosen. Trudeau also asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament until March 24, a request she approved. The Liberal Party is set to select its new leader on March 9. "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," 53-year-old prime minister said during a press conference on Jan. 6. Although Justin Trudeau repeatedly assured the Canadians he would lead the Liberals into the next election, pressure mounted after the party lost a safe seat in Toronto to the Conservatives and another in Montreal to the Bloc Québécois. Despite these setbacks, Trudeau insisted he would remain at the helm, with some caucus members publicly saying he was the best choice to lead the party into the next election. Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Crystia Freeland's sudden departure further destabilized Trudeau's leadership team on Dec. 16. While the Governor General's approval of proroguing Parliament surprised some observers, many Canadians are grappling with significant challenges. Millions are turning to food banks amidst an unemployment crisis, housing shortages, and a strained healthcare system. Rising crime rates and recent arrests of several terrorists have added to the public's anxiety. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been critical of border security and illegal migration, specifically concerning migrants crossing from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also raised concerns about fentanyl trafficking and its links to cross-border migration. On Nov. 30, Trudeau secretly flew to Florida and met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss Canada-U.S. relations. "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!" Trump said in a post on social media after meeting with his Canadian counterpart on Nov. 30. This is not the first time Trump has threatened to impose tariffs, having done so during his first term. With U.S. tariffs looming, many feel Canada’s internal leadership struggles, including the uncertainty surrounding Trudeau's resignation and proroguing Parliament have made it difficult for Canada to respond to Trump’s economic pressures effectively. “We are thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they are allowing vast number of people, Canada is a very bad abuser also, vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come in,” Trump told reporters on Jan. 20 during his first media address after taking office. As the Liberal Party works to choose its new leader, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continues to call for a national election. Public opinion polls show that many Canadians believe an election is needed to restore stability to the country. In the meantime, Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 23 added fuel to the fire. He said U.S. does not need Canadian energy, vehicles, or lumber, further complicating Canada’s ability to navigate its economic relationship with the U.S. "We’re going to be demanding respect from other nations. Canada. We have a tremendous deficit with Canada. We're not going to have that anymore," Trump said speaking via video conference. During a Jan. 21 press conference, Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to avoiding tariffs but warned of a strong, measured response should they be imposed on Feb. 1. He added: "Our response will be robust, rapid, and measured, but very strong. The goal will be to get those tariffs off as quickly as possible, and in order to do that, everything is on the table." “Everything is on the table, and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs, Trudeau told the reporters. “It's something we're absolutely going to be looking at if they move forward. We are prepared for every possible scenario.” Canada’s border policies under Trudeau have faced criticism for being too lenient, creating vulnerabilities. Recent high-profile arrests, including individuals crossing the border illegally, have heightened public concerns about national security. Even a terrorist involved in a beheading in Syria was granted admission to Canada in 2018, becoming a Canadian citizen last year May, who was arrested in Toronto in June. Another Pakistani student was arrested in Quebec near the US-Canada border while crossing illegally to carry out a massacre on Oct. 7, 2024, the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed dozens of civilians and wounded many attending the Nova music festival in Israel. In 2017, when Trump announced travel bans on several countries, Trudeau sent out a famous tweet saying, “Welcome to Canada,” which cost Canadian taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars as thousands of people crossed illegally through Roxham Road in Quebec. In tariff wars, there will be no winner; only consumers on both sides of the border will bear the cost. The way the Liberal government handles these challenges, once the effects are felt, will be crucial. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how Trudeau's successor navigates the evolving relationship with the new U.S. administration. Ultimately, Canada needs a true leader who will prioritize the nation's interests, put Canada first, and stand firm in the face of any consequences.

The Home Evaluation

The Home Evaluation By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist The negotiation between the purchaser and seller of a property is a crucial part of the real estate transaction. This is a stage of the transaction that has also changed greatly over the years. It used to be at one time, albeit many years ago, that a home would be listed for sale and regardless of the price it was listed at, it would yield an offer several thousand dollars under asking. It usually sold under asking as well. That was just normal for the time. As the population grew and more and more people got into the housing market, we started to see a shift in how the real estate transaction played out. People were willing to pay more for a house that they really wanted, so they began offering the seller exactly what the seller was asking and sometimes they would offer more. For sellers, this was a real treat as this was not usually the case. Fast forward 2020 and Covid-19. This is a time period that changed real estate, perhaps forever. The Covid-19 time period was such a new and untested time for everyone. Real estate professionals didn’t know what to expect, and I don’t think anyone expected the near insanity that ensued. Indeed, the way real estate was transacted had changed. In the past, if you saw a property that you liked and wanted to purchase, you simply had your agent write up an offer for you. The deal was negotiated and you either settled on agreed terms or you didn’t. Some agents absolutely love the negotiation phase of the transaction while others do not. This is where you really need your agent to stand out and secure for you, the very best deal there is to be had. If you are the buyer, you want your agent to get you that house well under asking. If you are the seller, you want your agent to get you every dollar you are asking for or more. The negotiation however comes down to more than just price. The three major components of the negotiation are price, deposit, and closing date. Sometimes a closing date can derail what otherwise looks like a very good offer. The deposit is also very important as it shows the seller that you are very serious in your offer. Sometimes a higher deposit can secure a deal that doesn’t necessarily measure up in other areas. An experienced and skilled agent will look forward to and go into negotiations with enthusiasm and confidence. This is very important. You are trusting them to negotiate on your behalf, perhaps the biggest transaction of your life. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

Your Fear of Being Seen Is Costing You Job Opportunities

Your Fear of Being Seen Is Costing You Job Opportunities By Nick Kossovan Imagine you're an executive at a major Hollywood studio. You're meeting with two producers you've worked with before. They're pitching a screenplay set in 1870s Oregon about unrequited love. Your interest is piqued. As you skim through the script, you ask, "Any thoughts on who should lead this? Pitt? Hemsworth? Butler? Pascal?" "I can see DiCaprio playing Heathcliff," one producer replies. "His preparation for Hugh Glass in The Revenant speaks volumes about his work ethic." You nod in agreement. "Who do you see for Ellen? I'm thinking Blunt." The meeting continues, names tossed around based on reputation and fit. The requirements needed for success in Hollywood mirrors the corporate world: · High level of self-confidence · Strong work ethics · Perseverance · Thick skin · Patience ... and you need to be connected. Who you know—and who knows you—determines your success in an industry where careers are built on exposure. As I've mentioned in previous columns, right now, opportunities are all around you; the caveat is they're attached to people; hence, the relationship between visibility and opportunity, in other words, being known, leads to being sought after. Visibility = Opportunities Being the "best-kept secret" won't get you anywhere. Yet, despite all the digital tools available for self-promotion (social media, blogging, website), most job seekers remain under the radar, resulting in lengthy job searches. Similar conversations to those of my fictional Hollywood scenario echo through boardrooms daily. A recent example is Starbucks's sales slipping, which resulted in its board searching for a saviour, someone known in the food and beverage industry for turning things around. Hence, Starbucks chair Mellody Hobson reached out to Brian Niccol and, I'm sure, a few others. I've witnessed such discussions firsthand. "We need fresh blood heading up marketing. I hear Bob Cruller at Kirkland & Haywood is looking for a change." "Missed drop deadlines by our vendors are hampering our production schedule. Does anyone know someone we can parachute in to address this?" "Gerald told me last night he's retiring at the end of Q3. It so happens that the CFO at Soylent Corp, Norm Peterson, didn't survive last month's acquisition by Cyberdyne Systems. We should give Norm a call." With AI changing the job search landscape—not for the better—the most notable being the growing use of application bots, "Who do you know?" conversations are becoming more frequent. Today, many job seekers don't read job postings. Job seekers increasingly use application bots to spray their resume 24/7, believing that following the idiom "keep throwing spaghetti at the wall until something sticks" will yield results. The response from employers and recruiters to the ever-growing influx of spray-and-pray applications isn't surprising. From the conversations I've been having, many have given up advertising job openings. Instead, they're proactively contacting potential candidates. Hidden job markets aren't just alive and well; they're growing exponentially! In my case, before AI altered recruitment, my current and last two jobs weren't advertised. I was either found or, as one HR manager said, "Your name came up." Early in my career, I noticed promotions went to those who were vocal about their work and (key) visible to upper management. Typically, they're the employee being referred to when you're told you weren't chosen because "We decided to go with someone internally," which you likely heard at least once. While many of my colleagues resented those who knew how to move up the corporate ladder, I didn't. Instead, I resolved to overcome what keeps most people from putting themselves out there: fear of judgment. What transformed my career wasn't having a stellar resume, being able to write a compelling cover letter, having a scroll-stopping LinkedIn profile, or oozing out David Lee Roth's level charisma during interviews. It was confronting my comfort zone addiction of staying small, under the radar, hoping my work (read: results) was passing muster with my boss. My observations—observations I'm sure you've also had—taught me a hard truth about managing my career; if I wanted to attract opportunities, I needed to be visible. With so much competition in today's job market, savvy job seekers harness social media's unprecedented ability to broadcast who they are and what they do, especially by participating on LinkedIn, where they share professional achievements and engage with industry leaders. They also build their network, write articles and blogs on platforms like Medium or their personal websites, appear on podcasts, and offer to speak at conferences, activities that'll expose their expertise to potential employers and industry peers. Traditionally, job seekers applied to postings and viewed it as a numbers game. That job search strategy is obsolete. With the job market jam-packed with active and passive job seekers, if you're not visible, you're invisible. Visibility is paramount to achieving job search success in today's job market, especially if you're targeting top jobs and companies everyone wants to work for. Think of ways you can be top of mind for hiring managers or at least easily found when they are looking for someone with your skills and experience. Ask yourself, "What can I do so my name gets mentioned when opportunities arise?" _____________________________________________________________________ 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 10 Fault Lines of Canada: A Nation at the Crossroads

The 10 Fault Lines of Canada: A Nation at the Crossroads By Dale Jodoin Canada, often lauded as a bastion of peace, prosperity, and inclusivity, stands at a critical juncture. While the country has enjoyed decades of stability, it is not immune to the cracks that have toppled great powers in history. If we fail to address these growing fissures, Canada risks following the same path as empires that have fallen. Here are ten fault lines threatening our nation, each growing wider with every passing year. 1. Overextension of Influence Canada prides itself on being a global leader in peacekeeping, climate change, and humanitarian efforts. However, this ambition sometimes comes at the expense of domestic priorities. With billions spent on foreign aid and international commitments, pressing issues at home—like housing shortages and crumbling infrastructure—are left on the back burner. Canadians increasingly question why resources are sent abroad when clean drinking water is still a dream for many Indigenous communities. 2. Economic Inequality The gap between rich and poor in Canada is widening. Urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver see soaring property values, making home ownership a pipe dream for younger generations. Meanwhile, rural areas struggle with declining industries and rising unemployment. The middle class, long the backbone of Canadian prosperity, is shrinking, leaving a polarized society of haves and have-nots. The growing frustration among those left behind fuels populist rhetoric and distrust in government. 3. Political Polarization and Social Division Canada, once known for its political moderation, is becoming a battleground of extremes. Social media amplifies divisive debates on issues like immigration, Indigenous rights, and climate policy. Provinces clash with the federal government over resource management and healthcare funding, creating a fragmented political landscape. Instead of fostering unity, leaders often stoke division to consolidate their base, leaving Canadians feeling alienated from one another. 4. Complacency in Security Canada's defense budget is among the lowest in NATO, raising questions about its ability to respond to modern threats. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities, rising tensions in the Arctic, and the global arms race put Canada at risk. The country’s reliance on the United States for defense might not hold up in an era of shifting alliances and geopolitical uncertainty. A complacent attitude toward security could leave the nation unprepared for external shocks. 5. Weak Governance From ethics scandals to slow responses to crises, Canada’s political leadership often appears reactive rather than proactive. Bureaucratic inefficiency exacerbates the problem, with housing projects, healthcare reforms, and infrastructure upgrades moving at a snail's pace. The perception of a government more focused on optics than outcomes is eroding trust in institutions, a dangerous trend for any democracy. 6. Cultural Fractures Canada’s multicultural identity is one of its greatest strengths, but it also presents challenges. The country’s struggle to reconcile its colonial history with its aspirations for reconciliation has created tension. While some Canadians advocate for systemic change, others resist what they see as an attack on their heritage. This cultural divide, if left unchecked, threatens to undermine the fabric of the nation. 7. Technological Stagnation Canada is falling behind in the global race for innovation. The country’s reliance on resource-based industries like oil and natural gas is at odds with the world’s transition to green energy. While other nations invest heavily in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean technology, Canada risks being left in the dust. A lack of investment in research and development hampers the country’s ability to compete on the world stage. 8. Exploitation and Disposability of Workers The rise of precarious employment is creating a generation of disillusioned workers. Gig economy jobs, minimal wages, and a lack of benefits leave many Canadians struggling to make ends meet. Employers’ tendency to replace workers rather than invest in their development exacerbates the problem. This culture of disposability erodes worker loyalty and productivity, creating an economy built on shaky ground. 9. Neglect of Farmers and Food Self-Sufficiency Canada’s agricultural sector is being overlooked, with farmers struggling to stay afloat due to rising costs, lack of subsidies, and inadequate support for sustainable practices. The country imports a significant portion of its food, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. Instead of prioritizing local food production and empowering farmers, Canada relies heavily on imports. This approach weakens food security and ignores the potential to use the nation’s vast land and resources to feed its people while fostering sustainable growth. 10. Over Reliance on Global Systems Canada’s heavy dependence on global trade and supply chains makes it vulnerable to international disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how reliant the country is on imported goods, from medical supplies to food. While globalization has brought economic growth, it has also created a fragile system that leaves Canadians exposed to price shocks, shortages, and geopolitical conflicts. The Warning Signs of Collapse History shows us that no empire or nation is invincible. The Roman Empire fell not because of a single catastrophic event, but because of a series of small, interconnected failures. Canada, too, is showing signs of systemic fragility. The cracks in our foundation are becoming harder to ignore. Social unrest is brewing as economic inequality deepens. Provinces like Alberta and Quebec increasingly express dissatisfaction with the federal government, raising the specter of separatism. The country’s political discourse grows more toxic, and trust in leadership is at an all-time low. Meanwhile, neglected farmers struggle to sustain their livelihoods, jeopardizing food security and making Canadians reliant on expensive imports. The road ahead is clear: if we fail to address these ten issues, Canada risks breaking apart. The unity and stability we’ve taken for granted could crumble, leaving us as fragmented as the empires of the past. A Call to Action It’s not too late to reverse course. Canada’s strength lies in its people, its diversity, and its ability to adapt. But this requires leadership with the courage to confront hard truths and make bold decisions. Supporting local farmers, investing in innovative technologies, and reducing reliance on imported goods are crucial steps toward a sustainable and united future. However, if we continue on the current path—led by politicians more focused on maintaining power than solving problems—the outcome is inevitable. Canada will fracture under the weight of its own contradictions, ceasing to exist as the unified nation we know today. The choice is ours: demand better from our leaders or face the consequences of inaction. Time is running out, and the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. Let’s hope we have the wisdom to learn from history before it’s too late. If not, Canada risks being remembered as another cautionary tale in the annals of history.

The Inauguration of President Trump and What it Means for Canada

The Inauguration of President Trump and What it Means for Canada by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Donald Trump is now officially the 47th president of the United States of America, firmly securing his place in the history books as a two-term American leader. Trump’s inauguration speech made scant mention of the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, only stating that he will establish an “external revenue service” that will “tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” However, the issue did come up later, when Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office. “We’re thinking in terms of 25 per cent (tariffs) on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing vast numbers of people … and fentanyl to come in,” he said. “I think we’ll do it Feb. 1.” Trump’s words and actions must be taken very seriously now that he is the President of the United States. On the first day of his presidency, he signed many executive orders, which might have a considerable influence on how politics will be done in the near future in Canada. For this Canada needs a real leader able to deal with a very different political scenario on the North American continent. Looking at the executive orders that Trump signed on the very first day of his presidency, we must realize that the economic challenges are only a part of much bigger challenges to come for Canada. Here are a few things president Trump has already set in motion, that affect environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies: ENVIRONMENT: Trump will once again withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate deal, the White House said, removing the world's biggest historic emitter from global efforts to fight climate change for the second time in a decade. He declared a national energy emergency, intended to provide him with the authority to reduce environmental restrictions on energy infrastructure and projects and ease permitting for new transmission and pipeline infrastructure as part of a sweeping plan to maximize oil and gas production. He also suspended new federal offshore wind leasing pending an environmental and economic review, saying wind mills are ugly, expensive and harm wildlife. "We're not going to do the wind thing," he said. SOCIAL: Trump ordered that the government would use the term "sex" rather than "gender", while mandating that identification documents issued by the government, including passports and visas, be based on what it described as "an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female." He said that the United States will recognize only two sexes, male and female, that are unchangeable, as he moved to quickly end a range of policies aimed at promoting racial equity and protecting rights for LGBTQ+ people. Trump repealed 78 executive orders signed by Joe Biden, including at least a dozen measures supporting racial equity and combating discrimination against gay and transgender people. GOVERNANCE: President Donald Trump is pulling the U.S. out of the World Health Organization, raising concerns about the U.N. agency's ability to fight diseases and respond to emergencies around the globe without its biggest funder. Trump also said he will revoke nearly of the administration of Biden, adding he will also implement an immediate freeze on new regulations and hiring. The government hiring freeze is being paired with a return-to-office order which would see many government teleworkers forced to commute to work five days a week. The intent is, that the new restrictions on hiring, flexible work, and the pressures around cost-cutting will drive exasperated federal workers out of government. Considered objectively, the current trend in United States politics is on a head on collision course with that of today’s Canadian politics. As such, a lot of adjustments will have to be made in order to preserve, as much as possible, Canada’s own ideas and political identity. On the environmental front, for example, Trump’s decision means that Canada will have to match America’s new rules to compete for investment. That means saying goodbye to the carbon tax, emissions caps, EV mandates and strict environmental regulations. Canada could keep them, of course, but it would suffer serious economic consequences with little benefit. Canada currently produces less than 1.5 per cent of global CO2 emissions, and if our neighbour starts pumping out more, all the taxes Canadians pay won’t make any difference to the fight against global climate change. Another impact will come from the death of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) concept in hiring for work and elsewhere. Even prior to Trump’s return to office, American companies were ignoring DEI in droves: Amazon, Meta, Walmart, McDonald’s, Boeing, Ford and John Deere all scrapped their programs in the last six months. On Monday, Trump revoked all “radical and wasteful” federal DEI programs by executive order. This will affect Canadian companies in several ways. American parent companies may feel pressured to dump DEI policies in their Canadian subsidiaries, so as not to run afoul of the new American ethos, and remain competitive. Trump could also turn these policies into a bargaining chip in his trade and tariff negotiations. Therefore, while Canadians might breathe a short-lived sigh of relief that tariffs won’t hit for another 10 days, Trump’s “golden age” has far greater implications for Canadian business, consumers, taxpayers and society with more surprises to come. If Canada does not want to end up in a dark age, Canada had better pay attention! Were are our political leaders? We need another William Lyon Mackenzie King and his Minister C.D. Howe to lead Canada in these turbulent times. Do you see such leaders on the horizon today????

How Cybersecurity And Technology Jobs Can Equal Success For An Autistic Individual

How Cybersecurity And Technology Jobs Can Equal Success For An Autistic Individual by Kadin McElwain: My father always told me that the technology field is a great career field for autistic individuals to get employment. Of course, I settled with something in the communications field, as I would be doing something I’m passionate about. But recently, it’s come to my attention that technology would be perfect for me, an autistic individual, to find work. So in a society that’s driven by technology, where do autistic individuals come into play? How can an autistic individual’s skills make the technology field a perfect industry to work in? Here are three examples of cybersecurity and technology equaling success for an autistic individual. Example One: Not Needing To Socialize As Much: One of the biggest problems for autistic individuals in our society is the lack of social skills that they may have. All individuals, especially those on the spectrum, want friends and companionship. In fact, it’s human nature to want companionship. The problem for autistic individuals is that they may be overwhelmed in social situations and may have a fear of rejection. Therefore, it may be hard for them to be able to make friends, which can impact them on an interprofessional level as well. This can result in a low quality of life as well, in all forms. This is where a career in technology or cybersecurity comes in. There are a few technology jobs where you have to go into the office to do your work. But you don’t necessarily have to interact with anybody face to face while you do the work unless it’s during an employee break or a major meeting with your boss about a potential promotion. If the technology job is remote, that’s even better for autistic individuals. Not only do they not have to go into the office to do their work, but they’ll also have the ability to do the job in the comfort of their own home. This can ensure that the job is both enjoyable and comfortable for the individual. Example Two: Routines, Routines, Routines: If there is one thing that is sacred to an autistic individual, it’s having a proper routine and sticking with it. Whether it’s having the same things in your morning coffee every day, immediately rushing to do your morning chores after said coffee, or listening to the same song every day, having that routine is just as important to an autistic individual as breathing. With a majority of jobs, things can change expeditiously and the routine could be thrown off multiple times. Powerpoint presentations may need to be given on the third Tuesday of every other month, business taxes may need to be filed on Tuesday, yet are due on Wednesday night, and there could even be a major PR crisis that needs to be dealt with before anything else! As a result of the constant change in routine, the autistic individual could feel overwhelmed. But with a job in the technology field, your routine is mostly the same. You clock in for the day, go to your cubicle to do your work, have lunch, and go home. There may be one or two days out of the month when you do something outside of the routine, such as an employee team-building exercise or a company picnic. But these aren’t stressful routine-altering events but rather enjoyable events that have little to no effect on your work routine. When you have a career in technology, your routine will be the same and you will never have a severe routine-altering event that stresses you out. This makes the field a successful one for autistic individuals to break into and thrive. Example Three: A Platform To Use Your Heightened Sense Of Concentration: Autistic individuals have a heightened sense of concentration when it comes to certain tasks and topics that they enjoy. Sometimes, people with autism can spend hours researching a topic they enjoy and spend all night on projects they’re working on for school or work because they are dedicated to the tasks or topics at hand. A huge issue with most industries is that there is no room to concentrate on only one task or topic. Especially in today’s society, you have to know 72 different trades or more to even be considered for an interview. Some of these trades, such as knowing four different languages, knowing how to use seven different platforms, and knowing how to fix a copy machine, can take months, if not years, to fully master. This can disqualify autistic individuals from jobs at best and cause stress while on the job at worst. With a job in the technology field, you can use your heightened sense of concentration as an autistic individual to focus on completing one task, as opposed to multiple tasks at the same time. The task at hand is simply to make sure all things on the technological side of the business are running as smoothly as possible and to make sure any threats to company security are eliminated. There’s no need to learn over 100 different tasks to get the job or to learn new tasks while on the job that could take months to learn and stress you out. You get to use your heightened sense of concentration exclusively on making sure the network of a company runs smoothly. This can result in an enjoyable experience and success in your career. To conclude, cybersecurity and the tech field can be great industries for autistic individuals to establish a career for themselves. They don’t have to socialize as much as they have to in other fields, they can have a stable routine, and they can use their heightened sense of concentration to complete the task at hand and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. That’s not to say that autistic individuals aren’t capable of having success in other fields. All individuals are capable of whatever they set their minds to, no matter what they’re going through. However, a career in the technology field can help guarantee the success of an autistic individual in their career.

Durham MP calls for protection of Christians in Canada

Durham MP calls for protection of Christians in Canada By Sami Parvez In May 2024, Jamal Jivani, 37, was elected as the member of Parliament for Durham in a by-election, replacing former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, who stepped down in August 2023. Jivani has been a vocal for protecting Christians and their rights in Canada. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Durham MP Jamal Jivani called on Canadians to sign a petition addressing what he described as government inaction in the face of increasing threats to Christian communities. In Canada, Christians are facing backlash while the government turns a blind eye. This comes despite more than 19.3 million Canadians identifying as Christian—53 per cent of the population, according to the 2021 census. "I'm sounding the alarm,” Jivani said in the video posted on X. “We need to do more to protect Christians in Canada,” The MP’s call comes amidst growing concerns over vandalism and arson targeting churches, as well as debates surrounding religious freedoms and parental rights and growing influence of the LGBTQ2S+ movement. Jivani criticized the federal government in a video posted on X, for its perceived failure to address these issues, questioning its commitment to safeguarding Christian heritage. He also raised alarm over what he described as a “crime spree” targeting places of worship, emphasizing the need to protect the freedom of expression for Christian churches. Durham MP expressed concerns in his video about the federal government's failure to defend parental rights and Christian values. He emphasized the need to protect mothers and fathers, conscience rights for workers, and to address crimes targeting churches, such as arson and vandalism. It is uncommon for a Muslim MP to advocate for the protection of Christianity, as Muslims rarely speak out on behalf of other religious groups, particularly Christians. Some Islamic scholars argue that saying "Merry Christmas" implies endorsing the belief that "God has a son," which conflicts with Islamic teachings. For this reason, they consider it prohibited, as it is seen as celebrating the son of God. Christianity has been under threat in Canada since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office, with the Christmas season increasingly referred to as the holiday season. In 2021, the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites sparked national outrage, leading to more than 100 churches being burned or vandalized. At the time, Trudeau told media, “I understand the anger that’s out there against the federal government, against institutions like the Catholic Church. It is real and it’s fully understandable, given the shameful history that we are all becoming more and more aware of and engaging ourselves to do better as Canadians.” In 2009, Durham Region experienced a troubling rise in church vandalism and arson, affecting historic and cherished landmarks. All Saints’ Anglican Church in Whitby, a 144-year-old structure, faced repeated vandalism before being destroyed by a suspicious fire, with damages estimated at $2-3 million. Investigators found a gas canister at the scene. Similarly, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Oshawa was ravaged by a Christmas Day fire with multiple points of origin, suspected to be motivated by religious bigotry. These attacks left congregations grappling with emotional pain, financial strain, and displacement, highlighting the urgent need for community vigilance. “Now when you see a Christmas tree like this in Parliament you might think that's a sign of respect for Christians,” Durham MP said in the video. “But what good is a Christmas tree here in Parliament when you have a federal government that will not lift a finger to protect Christians from governments and corporations abusing their power?” According to the International Prayer Connect (IPC), a global network of over 4,500 Christian prayer and mission networks and organizations, in 2019, Trudeau told Pastor Steve Long, a Canadian Baptist minister, 'Evangelical Christians were the worst part of Canadian society.” The remark continues to fuel distrust among Evangelical groups toward Trudeau's government." “We have to stop the crime spree targeting churches including arson and vandalism,” Conservative MP added in the video. “And we need to defend the legal status of Christian Charities and the freedom of expression of Christian churches.” “This is not about forcing other people to live according to Christian values no this is about whether Christians in Canada have the freedom to live according to their own traditions and to practice their own faith without corporations and governments engaging in overreach.” Durham MP is urging Canadians to take action by signing a petition on one of his sites. The petition, aimed at protecting Christian rights and heritage, will be presented at an event in Ottawa in February 2025. “This is not about forcing others to live according to Christian values,” Jivani said in the video. “This is about whether Christians in Canada have the freedom to live according to their own traditions and practice their faith without corporations and governments overreaching.” Jivani emphasized the need to stop crimes targeting churches and defend the legal status of Christian charities, urging Canadians to stand united in protecting their rights and freedoms.

The Home Evaluation

The Home Evaluation By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist Home evaluations are interesting. There are different kinds of home evaluations. There is the kind the that is ordered by the bank or finance company if you decide to refinance your existing home. The purpose for that one is to determine if there is enough equity in your home to warrant giving you more money. That type of evaluation looks at things like the condition of your home. Any enhancements or upgrades you have made to your home since you purchased it. And what your home would reasonably be expected to sell for if it went on the market at that moment. The bank or finance company’s only real interest or concern is that they would get their money back if you, all of a sudden could not pay your mortgage and they needed to repossess the house. When banks repossess a property, they put it up for sale and try to get back the money they lent the home buyer. Anything that may be over and above what they gave the home buyer, along with associated costs, would go to the homeowner who is losing their house. Another type of home evaluation is the one done by insurance companies. This is where the company will set up an appointment to send someone out to take pictures of everything, create a file of items and dates. This is done to make sure that the homeowner has the right type of insurance and enough of it, should there be reason to use it. Many things are looked at in this type of inspection because not everything is insurable. Some insurance companies will tell you that you have to replace plumbing or electrical in order to qualify for insurance with the. In most cases a time frame is given to complete the work. Another thing that insurance companies will look at is the age of some things that will require insurance. For instance, I had a home evaluation for insurance purposes many years ago when I purchased a 100-year-old semi in in downtown Oshawa. I was told that I needed to replace the water heater which looked to be about the same age. Then there is the home evaluation that Real Estate Agents do. This type of home evaluation is to determine what you might list your home for and expect to get for your home, if you were to list at that time. This is done through comparable properties. The realtor will look at what other homes, similar to yours have sold for in the last 30-90 days. Given that the real estate market is always fluctuating, it is not really a true comparison to look at similar homes 9 months or 12 months apart. Unless of course, that market has remained exactly the same over that time period. Realtors will look at what your house has in it, as well as the upgrades you’ve made. They will compare that information to the other houses that have sold in your area and determine what would you might reasonably expect to get for your home if you were to list it at that time. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

When Job You Are Being Compared

When Job You Are Being

Compared By Nick Kossovan Job hunting is a 'winner takes all' competition in which you're compared and judged against other applicants. Putting in an application for a job is no different from entering a baking or short story contest. However, there's one difference: there's no second place—silver medal—nor does "everyone wins for doing their best," hence why giving participation trophies does a disservice to children; it fails to prepare them for two universal life truths that they’ll one day confront: 1. Everything in life is earned. (Yes, birthright exceptions exist. Choosing to squander your time and energy, resenting those who're an exception doesn't change this truism.), and 2. Sometimes, your best isn't good enough to beat those you're up against. Job searching intensifies these truths. Irrespective of your feelings about the "fairness" of having to do "what it takes," you don't rise through the ranks of whatever career path you've chosen by being meek. Be it corporate, artistic endeavours, athletics or military, without a competitive spirit, you won't have a career comparable to someone who does. Thus, generally (keyword) speaking, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, higher-ranking military officers, celebrities and elite athletes tend to be hyper-competitive. I keep the following phrase from American author Ashley Antoinette in my head: "You can't compete where you don't compare." When entering any competition, for instance, job searching, it's crucial to understand the standards and benchmarks—your ego may insist you have the skills and qualifications, do you?—against which you'll be compared; therefore, consider the following: · Awareness of standards Knowing and accepting what employers in your profession and industry will most likely expect from you is critical. If you're applying for any job requiring strong writing skills (e.g., grant writer, content creator, communications manager), it's a given that your writing skills need to be well above average. When applying for a sales position, your sales record and ability to sell yourself will be evaluated. Along with industry and profession expectations, employers evaluate applicants based on the expectation of applying professionally. I repeatedly see sloppy applications and an unprofessional appearance as the biggest hindrance to a successful job search. Even with all the online job search advice, typos, grammatical errors, incomplete LinkedIn profiles, and dressing inappropriately for interviews—dress for the position you're interviewing for—are common. In 2025, there's still a strong conservative element in the workplace, albeit not as strong as before. · Self-Assessment You can identify your strengths and weaknesses by honestly comparing yourself to those you're competing against. My advice: To be competitive and considered a contender, focus on your strengths (read: lead with) and be less concerned about your weaknesses. My "go with your strengths" story: Years ago, over a Thai lunch, I asked my then-boss how he managed to work so fluidly. He never seemed stressed; it was as if he floated through his workday, accomplishing high-level tasks. His answer: "I work with my strengths. As long as my weaknesses do not hinder me from doing my job, I don't spend time and energy trying to overcome them. I spend my time and energy improving my strengths." The food wasn't memorable, but my then-boss's words were. As a result of ignoring my non-detrimental weaknesses and focusing on my strengths, I've become a stronger competitor and have benefited from it. · Strategic positioning Knowing where you stand in relation to your competitors helps you improve your strategy. The words uttered by another ex-boss during what I think was a friendly dust-up some 20 years ago, "There's always someone younger, more skilled, and hungrier than you," have stayed with me all these years. His words remind me that I must always be at least one step ahead of those nipping at my heels. I've seen many careers implode because the person rested on their laurels. It's surprising how many people don't try to stay relevant by learning and becoming proficient in the technological advances affecting their profession and industry, AI being the latest. Demonstrating continuous learning and adaptation is what employers like to see in candidates and their employees. Always know where your skills and experience stand and what you can offer employers in terms of measurable value. Calling yourself "talent," as many nowadays do without quantifying how your "supposed talent" will make money for an employer, isn't a compelling argument for why an employer should hire you. I hear from many job seekers experiencing the "Silver Medal Curse," where they land interviews and then hear, "We went with someone else." Clearly, their resume and LinkedIn profile are competitive, which anyone can achieve with all the resume help available. However, one thing no one can do for you is your interviews, the meetings where the hiring manager assesses your suitability for the position and the company and compares you to the other candidates they're interviewing. My tip to make your interviewer see you as a contender for the job is to prepare specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements, aligning them with the job requirements. The best strategy for beating your competition is to show employers that you are a winner who has produced measurable value (key) for your previous employers. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Why Pickering Needs to Rethink Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs: A Call for Common Sense

Why Pickering Needs to Rethink Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs: A Call for Common Sense By Lisa Robinson At the May 6th, 2024 Executive Meeting, I stood alone in voting against forcing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and policies on the City of Pickering. At the time, I cautioned my fellow council members and city staff that DEI was facing bans in some U.S. states due to its divisive nature and inefficiency. Now, just months later, my concerns have proven valid. DEI programs have spiraled into a bureaucratic nightmare—wasting taxpayer dollars, sowing division, and replacing practical governance with ideological agendas. While I stood firm in opposing these policies, all three of my colleagues present at that meeting were actively pushing to accelerate the implementation of the DEI program. Meanwhile, some of the world’s largest and most successful companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, Boeing, Molson-Coors, Ford, Jack Daniel’s, John Deere, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, Meta, and Amazon, are abandoning DEI initiatives. Why? Because these programs don’t work. They create division, invite lawsuits, alienate customers, and fuel tensions among employees. If industry giants with global operations recognize the harm caused by DEI, why is Pickering still embracing it? The slogan “go woke, go broke” has become more than a catchy phrase—it’s a reality. Time and again, businesses and organizations that prioritize ideological agendas over quality, fairness, and merit end up facing backlash from consumers and stakeholders. Just look at the numerous companies that have lost market share, tarnished their reputations, or faced significant public criticism for going too far with divisive DEI initiatives. DEI is not the cure-all it was once marketed as; instead, it is a framework that too often prioritizes optics over outcomes and division over unity. In Pickering, we’re already seeing the cracks. DEI policies don’t just fail to address the root causes of inequality—they create new problems. By categorizing people based on their identity rather than their character or qualifications, these programs foster resentment and suspicion. No one should be hired based on the color of their skin, their religious beliefs, or their sexual preferences. When you board a plane or go into surgery, do you want to be wondering if the pilot or surgeon was hired because of DEI quotas, or because they were the best person for the job? Competence and merit should always come first. These policies also breed inefficiency. The introduction of costly DEI officers, training sessions, and consultants eats away at our city budget, diverting funds that could be spent on tangible improvements for our residents. Do we want a city that prioritizes ideological box-checking over fixing our roads, supporting small businesses, and investing in public safety? Residents are already stretched thin by rising costs of living. They deserve to see their hard-earned tax dollars go toward initiatives that make Pickering a better, safer, and more prosperous place—not divisive policies that sow confusion and mistrust. Let’s be clear not to twist my words. I’m not advocating for the exclusion of anyone. What I’m saying is that we should be focusing on unity and inclusion through fairness and common sense—not through bureaucratic, expensive programs that polarize our community. A city should serve its residents by providing effective services and fostering real opportunities for everyone, not by lecturing and training them on identity politics. Following our January 27th virtual council meeting, I will give notice of a notice of motion to halt DEI programs and policies in Pickering and block using your tax dollars to hire a nearly One Hundred Thousand Dollar a year DEI officer. It’s time we prioritize fiscal responsibility and practical governance over ideological fads. The divisive nature of DEI is clear, and the evidence from the corporate world shows us that it doesn’t lead to success—it leads to failure. Time to focus on real issues like homelessness, rebuilding infrastructure, fostering economic growth, lowering property taxes, the reckless spending of your tax dollars, and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods, to name a few. These are the issues that matter to Pickering residents, not divisive and expensive programs that pit people against one another. Time to learn from the mistakes of others. The corporate world is moving away from DEI because it has proven to be a failure. It’s time for Pickering to follow suit and focus on what truly matters. The people of Pickering. By redirecting our resources and efforts, we can build a city that works for everyone—not just those pushing ideological agendas. I encourage you to review the May 6th meeting on Youtube yourself to see where I stood on this issue. The link is provided for full transparency. I am Lisa Robinson, the People’s Councillor, and I remain committed to advocating for policies and change that serve our city and its people—not empty agendas that divide and control us. Time to rebuild trust in our community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iokQOZP4ezs

LET’S GET REAL HERE

LET’S GET REAL HERE By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States People wake up. Let’s get real here. Many of you have issues with the 911 service. Some complain that they do not respond to calls quick enough. Imagine services not showing up at all... The civility of a society is dependent on the front line police officers that keep the peace and persecute criminals in order to keep us safe. Sure we have had our share of rouge officers. But that is why the captains and sergeant are there for. To keep them in line. Today it appears that policing has become another institution constantly beckoning for increased budgets so that the top bras can play executive while tightening the grip on the under rank with policy and boards that restrict the ability to do their jobs. Lowering standards in recruits ads to the topology of a police being able to do his job. This Friday, the newswire lit up with “Highway 401 wrong-way chase results in criminal charges for two Durham police officers. The charges come after a complex investigation by the civilian watchdog into the actions of the Durham regional police officers.” Now let’s look at this from a reality perspective. Our police officers are not super heroes. They are human beings faced with the responsibility to show up at work every day not really knowing if they will make it back home alive. The level of stress for the average police officer is extremely high. Not only are they faced with having to deal with the reality of the particular situation they are called upon to respond. They also have to deal with the circumstance, the content and context as per law. This means that they are putting their lives at risk due to policy and law. The incidents that took place on the 401 were tragic. A perpetrator driving on the opposite side of the highway at high speed. To end in the loss of life. Horrible situation. Subsequently the officer in pursuit not only risked his life in the chase that served two purposes. One, it alerted the on coming traffic of the situation. Something that the on coming traffic should automatically slowed down and pulled over. Something that does not happen on the 401. Drivers see a dangerous situation and fail to slow down or even stop. So it is easy to put the blame on the officer without acknowledging the risk he took. Secondly, these officers that continued the pursuit not only risk their lives but in a way prevented from many others to be lost. Then why are these two officer facing: each with three counts of criminal negligence causing death, and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. If I was a police officer I would go on strike. This independent body went on a witch hunt that is sending the wrong message to the morale of the front line officers. The DRPS board, executives need to cut the red tape, the paper work. They need to disband the level of bureaucracy and filter responsibility through the ranks. Criminally charing officers for doing their job is wrong. Officers caught abusing their stature must be disciplines. Officers risking their lives to prevent further loss should not have their lives ruined with criminal charges. Think about it. You are sitting in a police car. The call comes through. Are you going to attend rapidly and risk your life and the livelyhood of your family. Justice is about interpretation not a tool to restrict duty to society and country. What next. We are going to charge every military service person with murder for killing during war?

Ontario's Solar Panel Promise: Why Did It Lose Its Shine?

Ontario's Solar Panel Promise: Why Did It Lose Its Shine? By Dale Jodoin Once upon a time, Ontario promised a greener future. The government introduced the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) and microFIT programs, which encouraged homeowners and businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops. The dream was simple: generate clean energy, reduce dependency on oil, and earn money by feeding electricity back into the grid. But today, many feel betrayed. What went wrong? A Promising Start In the early days, the Ontario government offered significant financial incentives for those who participated. Homeowners could earn as much as 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. For many, this was a no-brainer. Solar panels became a symbol of hope—a chance for individuals to fight climate change while earning extra income. However, as years went by, the shine of this promise dulled. By 2017, the payments had been slashed to as low as 19.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. The program itself was discontinued, leaving thousands who invested in solar panels wondering why the government had changed course. Broken Promises and Angry Homeowners For people like Sarah Clarke of Oshawa, the program was more than just an investment; it was a commitment to a greener future. "I believed in it," she said. "I wanted to do my part, but now I’m stuck with a leaky roof from the solar panels, and there’s no help to fix it. Sarah isn’t alone. Many homeowners who took part in the program now face expensive repairs. Solar panels can cause roofing issues, and without the financial benefits initially promised, homeowners feel abandoned. "We trusted the government," Sarah said. "Now they’ve moved on, and we’re left with the mess." Cheaper Panels, Higher Costs The solar panel industry has also changed dramatically. Panels manufactured in China have made solar installations more affordable, but there’s a catch. The Canadian government has imposed tariffs on some imported goods, including solar panels, which could drive up prices. Critics argue this will increase costs for those who want to install panels in the future. "If the government wants us to go green, why are they making it harder and more expensive?" asked Sarah. "They talk about green energy all the time, but where’s the support for people like us who took the leap years ago?" The Shift Away from Rooftop Solar The Ontario government has shifted its focus to other green energy initiatives, such as large-scale solar farms and energy efficiency programs. While these efforts aim to address climate change on a broader scale, they leave individual homeowners feeling left out. "The FIT program made us feel like we were part of the solution," Sarah said. "Now, we’re just ignored." The Bigger Picture Ontario’s shift reflects a broader trend in green energy policy. Governments are moving away from small-scale initiatives in favor of larger projects that are easier to manage and more cost-effective. But for people like Sarah, this shift feels like a betrayal. "We did what they asked us to do," she said. "We believed in the green dream. But now they’ve taken it away and left us with nothing." What’s Next for Solar in Ontario? The rising cost of solar panels, combined with the lack of support for homeowners, has left many wondering if the promise of green energy was ever genuine. Critics argue the government has talked a good game about climate change but failed to deliver meaningful support for individuals who want to make a difference. "The government loves to talk about green energy," Sarah said. "But it feels like it’s all talk. Where’s the action? Where’s the help for people like me?" The dream of a solar-powered Ontario hasn’t disappeared, but for many, it feels out of reach. Homeowners who embraced the government’s vision of rooftop solar feel abandoned, stuck with costly repairs and dwindling financial benefits. If Ontario is serious about green energy, it must do more than talk. It must listen to people like Sarah Clarke and provide the support they need—not just for the future, but for the promises made in the past. Until then, the shine of Ontario’s solar promise will remain dimmed.

Canada’s Military Decline

Canada’s Military Decline by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are now a few days from the inauguration of the second Trump presidency in the United States and Canada will probably be affected by it in a not very positive way due to the threat of the 25% tariff and a neglect on the part of Canada to secure its borders. We are also in the process of a liberal party leadership contest, which will end with a new Canadian Prime Minister albeit for a short period before a general election. Most of the issues that Canada has in the new geopolitical context is due to the neglect of its manufacturing industry, scientific innovations and a total disregard for strengthening the capacity of its border controls, especially in the Arctic. To defend the borders and the Arctic you need a flexible organization ready to deploy on short notice and capable of responding decisively to any threat to our suzerainty. This organization is the Armed Forces, which has been neglected for decades now in Canada, by politicians of all stripes. Well, our neighbor south of the border no longer wants to pay for the defence of Canada and justly asks us for the contribution due for Canada’s defence. Therefore, our politicians will need to move fast, taking responsible and effective action. Lip service will no longer suffice. The current situation of our Armed Forces, as I have repeatedly said, is deplorable, and the politicians of this country will be forced to deal with it soon, like it or not. Despite commitments to NATO and promises of increased defence spending, Canada remains far below the alliance’s 2% GDP benchmark, leaving its Armed Forces underfunded and ill-equipped. Strategic regions like the Arctic are increasingly vulnerable to threats from Russia and China due to unfulfilled modernization plans. A mix of lofty rhetoric and lackluster follow-through has marked the last Liberal Government in particular. This was very evident in the realm of national defence and security. When it comes to protecting Canada’s strategic interests, the Liberal government under Trudeau’s leadership has proven to be among the weakest of any modern Prime Minister. However, there is no excuse for the previous Conservative government either, which vacillated to approve, when it had the tools, the acquisition of the F35s ten years ago. That was a clear sign of the continued neglect of the needs of the Armed Forces. The inability of several governments in succession, to replace aging equipment, from fighter jets to naval vessels, and modern land fighting vehicles has left the Canadian Armed Forces struggling to fulfill even its most basic responsibilities. For a country with vast territorial waters, an increasingly contested Arctic, and a close partnership with the United States, this neglect is indefensible. The Arctic, in particular, stands as a glaring symbol of the Trudeau Liberal government’s shortcomings, when he had the opportunity to correct the unfulfilled promises of the previous Conservative government. The region is critical to Canada’s sovereignty and security, yet the government has done little to assert control over this strategically vital area. As Russia and China ramp up their presence in the Arctic, Canada’s capabilities remain woefully inadequate. Promises of bolstered Arctic patrols and modernized icebreakers have largely gone unfulfilled, as well as building a deep port in the Arctic, leaving Canada vulnerable in a region that is rapidly becoming a focal point of great-power competition. If sovereignty is defined by the ability to project power and influence within one’s own borders, then Canada has fallen short especially under the Trudeau government. Equally troubling is the state of Canada’s broader strategic posture. Trudeau’s government has often appeared more concerned with projecting an image of Canada as a moral beacon than with addressing hard security realities. This has led to a pattern of overpromising and under delivering. While Trudeau’s government released a defense policy in 2017 that committed to “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” the actual implementation of this strategy has been halting at best. The policy called for significant investments in personnel, equipment, and capabilities, yet the funding and political will to follow through have been sorely lacking. The result is a Canadian military that is overstretched, under-resourced, and increasingly irrelevant on the global stage. The most damning critique of Trudeau’s approach to national security lies in his failure to understand that defense and sovereignty are not optional luxuries but core responsibilities of the state. This misunderstanding is evident in the government’s repeated delays and mismanagement of defence procurement projects. From the botched effort to replace the CF-18 fighter jets to the prolonged and still-unresolved plans for new naval vessels, Trudeau’s government has shown a stunning lack of urgency. These delays not only weaken Canada’s military capabilities but also signal to allies and adversaries alike that Canada is not serious about its defence commitments. At a time when the alliance is facing renewed threats from Russia and an increasingly assertive China, Canada’s underperformance is more than an embarrassment; it is a liability. The same can be said for Canada’s defence relationship with the United States. As Washington grows increasingly focused on great-power competition, Canada risks being seen as a weak link in the North American defence partnership. In assessing Trudeau’s legacy, it is tempting to focus on his strengths as a communicator and his ability to project Canada as a progressive, outward-looking nation. Yet these qualities cannot obscure the reality that his record on national defence and security has been deeply flawed. For all his talk of Canada’s role as a global leader, Trudeau has neglected the fundamental building blocks of sovereignty and security. His tenure has left Canada less prepared, less capable, and less credible in a world that is growing more dangerous by the day. Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister will likely be remembered for many things, but his handling of national defence and security will not be among his proudest achievements. While he has occasionally articulated a compelling vision for Canada’s place in the world, his government has consistently failed to back that vision with the necessary resources and resolve. In this sense, Trudeau has not only failed to deliver on his promises but also failed the fundamental test of leadership: the ability to protect and advance the national interest. Let us hope that the next liberal leader and incoming Prime Minister will have some new ideas for protecting and making Canada proud again. The future-in-the-making will soon be revealed.