North Americans Should Replicate Japanese Lifestyle

North Americans Should Replicate Japanese Lifestyle By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford The Japanese have an expression, “Effort never betrays you.” A visit to Japan this past week has been a reminder that hard work and perseverance are enduring elements of the national identity. Both of us first visited Japan decades ago – in 1962 and 1988. This latest visit has provided the opportunity for perspective. What’s fascinating about Japan is, whether it’s bureaucrats or street youth setting the course, the whole of society moves together in getting on board with policies and trends. This cohesion is part of Japan’s remarkable improvement in key health indicators, such as life expectancy, now among the longest in the world. It’s been easy to see this change by looking at smoking customs. Japan used to be a great cloud of smoke – in offices, homes, restaurants, and on the street. Today, there are polite signs everywhere reminding people that smoking is not allowed. Smoking inside the home and in the office were the first prohibitions, and now even on the streets, in parks, train stations, and restaurants, smoking is not allowed. There are no butts to be found on the ground. Not one. Policy changes regarding smoking, and societal adherence, are a big win for Japanese society. Lung cancer and other smoking-related disease are declining as a result. The Japanese are also keeping an eye out for how to improve their diet. What’s noticeable today is a reduction in the consumption of salt. As a result of public health campaigns, the Japanese have reduced their daily salt intake from over 12 grams per person to much closer to the daily recommended amount of 6 grams. Are there people who are obese in Japan? They are not easy to find. Sumo wrestlers are the obvious exception. We respectfully suggest it is a sport so out of date that it should be retired or relegated to a historical society. It’s more ceremonial show than physical craft. And good grief, women, even doctors, are barred from stepping foot on the contest platform because they are considered impure! Pity the wrestlers too, who die prematurely, on average in their mid-60s. Thankfully, sumo is not trending up. Instead, most citizens observe the uniquely Japanese custom of “filling the stomach to 80%” – more than enough to make it to the next meal. The Japanese lifestyle involves regular walking, a lot of bicycle riding, sports club participation, and social health promotion activities. Don’t forget that nearly every person in Japan gets down on their knees, squats, sits on the floor, and gets up from these positions, multiple times a day – and through their seniormost years. With a religious-like dedication, they take leisurely baths at the end of each day. It’s a form of therapy that doesn’t get a lot of credit as an ingredient of long-term health promotion, but it probably should. One problem remains, that of antiquated customs that tie men relentless to the workplace, even in their leisure activities, and that discourage women from advancing their careers. In general, the Japanese population could be described as happy, but there are enough people suffering from over work and related mental ill health that the overall average is pulled down. Cancer, too, is an intractable challenge and has been the leading cause of death for several decades. But improvements in early detection are leading to better survival rates. Still 30% of deaths in Japan are due to cancer. What’s another big challenge? A population in decline. From a peak of about 128 million in 2008, Japanese will number less than 100 million by 2050. Neither government nor youth appear motivated to apply their efforts in addressing this challenge. 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

Tariffs and War A look through the Looking Glass

Tariffs and War A look through the Looking Glass By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering For those who have watched Back to the Future, you might be starting to wonder if Donald Trump used a TESLA TIME MACHINE to travel forward from 1812 to 2025. Here we are in the first week of April 2025, and it is as if we are once again playing out the same War but this time using Tariffs as the weapon of choice. While I do not support what the Trump administration has imposed around the world and in particular here in Canada nor will I ever understand how anyone would chose a mission that has isolated the USA from the world and just like in 1812 has brought us together as a diverse group Canadians, strengthening our pride and love of Country while at the same time building relationships with our allies. It has forced us to not only celebrate Canada but to gain greater independence from our cousins the USA. Canada has earned the right to be respected, the Trump Administration obviously as their forefathers did in 1812 under estimated who we are and how united we are. To understand this one only has to revisit our history, the War of 1812, a conflict that shaped who we are. The war lasted from 1812 to 1814, the United States just like Trump had a desire to expand its territory viewing Canada as weak, launching several invasions. But like today the USA underestimated Canada. In 1812 the British along with First Nations Warriors defended our boundaries against the the US forces. Similarly, today, it has fostered a sense of Canadian identity and pride, bringing together Canadians of all diverse backgrounds, who chose Canada as their homeland. The War of1812 until the Trump era had an everlasting impact on our relationship with the USA and for Centuries and Decades to follow was based on a foundation of mutual respect, peace and co-operation. So what has changed? While Canada prospered and continued on its own journey, the USA became stagnant and rather than looking from with-in, as in 1812 blamed its allies targeting Canada to the North. Rather than guns and bullets, the USA today are using Tariffs, placing high taxes on goods failing to recognize how it will harm their own Country. Obviously they never learn. Had they used their TESLA TIME MACHINE and travelled back to 1773 to “The Boston Tea Party”, they could have avoided what the consequences of their actions will be today in 2025. They in the USA will face unrest and who knows maybe another Civil War from with-in (But that is a story for another day) But now lets travel forward to 2027, the Tariff/Trade War has ended, and once again Canada and our World allies remained strong and united, while unfortunately the good people of the USA will end up paying the price as a result of a needless War, the Trump Team launched on the World and lost. YES HISTORY REPEATS ITS SELF.

Is a renter always a tenant?

Is a renter always a tenant? By Theresa Grant Real estate columnist Renting in the province of Ontario doesn’t always mean you’re considered a tenant. As such, not everyone is protected under the RTA, The residential Tenancies Act. Whether or not you are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act depends on the type of accommodation you are renting. If you are renting an apartment in a large building with multiple units for instance, you would be considered a tenant. As such, you would be covered under the Residential Tenancies act. If you are renting a room in a house where your landlord or the owner of the house also lives, you would be considered a boarder or a lodger. If you are renting a self-contained basement apartment with a separate entrance, and the owner of the house, the landlord or landlady lives upstairs, you would be considered a tenant. It can get confusing. Renting rooms in a house where the owner or landlord does not reside, is different yet again. If that is the case, you would be considered a tenant. Rooming houses were a way of life many years ago especially in populated cities like Toronto. That may have been a person’s first home away from home as they migrated to the city for work or school. Over the years, their popularity dwindled and, in some cases, became neglected run-down fire traps. There are very strict fire regulations on the registered rooming houses that remain. There are a few registered rooming houses here in Oshawa. They are inspected by the fire department on a regular basis. The official inspection pass is usually located just inside the front door along with the occupancy maximum. They are run like a business because that is what they are considered. As rents surged over the last few years, rooming houses seem to have regained some popularity. If you are living in a four-bedroom house and the owner and or the owner’s family also reside in the house, you are a boarder or a lodger. You are not covered under the Residential Tenancies Act. One helpful notation to all of this confusion seems to be that if you are renting a space within the home of the landlord or landlady, and you do not have a kitchen or bath, you are then considered a lodger as opposed to a tenant. It is always recommended to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to renting and always know whether you are considered a tenant or a boarder.

A TALE OF TWO MAYORS AND A D.E.I CULTURE GONE MAD THE ISSUES AND DEBATES THAT HAVE SHAPED THE WEEK

A TALE OF TWO MAYORS AND A D.E.I CULTURE GONE MAD THE ISSUES AND DEBATES THAT HAVE SHAPED THE WEEK By Dean Hickey THIS WEEK WE DIRECT OUR ATTENTION toward events which, by themselves, have displayed a range of unhealthy moral and philosophical principles, all of which account for much of what is lacking in the way we are governed. It is impossible at times, notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions, to raise the acuity of some among the elected officials who now occupy certain city council chambers. Readers of this column may surely grasp this reality as we consider recent social media posts that are generating plenty of controversy. PICKERING’S MAYOR ASHE TAKES TO SOCIAL MEDIA To even the most casual observer, the tensions that have plagued Pickering City Council so far this term are nothing less than troubling to residents within the community as well as some among the municipality’s staff. The source of this conflict continues to be a matter for debate, however, over the course of six days last month, Mayor Kevin Ashe took to Facebook in an attempt to offer up a series of provocative comments aimed at his well-known adversary, Ward 1 City councillor Lisa Robinson. The unfortunate narrative began with a post on March 22 in which the Mayor described councillor Robinson as a ‘hypocrite” suggesting she was “The only Councillor who has been found to breach our gifts policy…” This, as one might expect, gave rise to a public debate between the Mayor and his outspoken colleague. Their exchanges included the following remarks as each sought to outdo the other in what could only be described as an online sparring match: Ashe: “You can’t follow the rules. Why don’t you start there?” Robinson: “”Why don’t you start following the current rules?” Ashe: “I follow the rules…” Robinson: “Stop deflecting, Mr. Mayor. Why won’t you second the motion to ban gifts and benefits?” If that public display of animosity and schoolyard banter wasn’t enough, Mayor Ashe posted yet again on March 26, suggesting councillor Robinson take a leave of absence due to her having recently been selected as a federal candidate in a neighbouring riding. That post appears to have been removed, however, another was added in its place a mere 24 hours later. This time, the debate has been considerable, with one participant suggesting to the Mayor, “It’s actually embarrassing watching you whine about her” and another saying, “This bickering back and forth between Ashe and Robinson is unprofessional.” Perhaps the most memorable comment was offered by councillor Robinson herself when she told the Mayor, “Looks like I’ve taken up permanent residence in your thoughts…” The situation continues to unfold for all the world to see, and whether one agrees with Mayor Ashe or his opponent in the debate, this little exhibition of ‘catch me if you can’ does nothing but diminish the Office of the Mayor, and that is something everyone over at Pickering city hall needs to understand. OSHAWA’S MAYOR CARTER BUILDS A BUREAUCRATIC EMPIRE “At this particular time, I have embraced the Strong Mayor Powers, and I just want to remind everyone of that.” Those comments were made by Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter as some councillors attempted to debate a few key components of his tax-and-spend agenda. It began during a debate over public engagement opportunities for future budget deliberations, namely that a special meeting of council be held on a pre-scheduled weeknight this coming autumn to listen to residents’ concerns. Ward 5 Regional councillor Brian Nicholson was unequivocal in his comments to the Mayor as to how such a meeting may be perceived. “It leaves the impression that Council has some kind of authority or power in this process.” He went on to add, “When we say to the public that Council is going to listen and… control the budget process, we are misleading the public.” It is known that councillors attempted to bring forward amendments to last year’s budget, only to be vetoed by Mayor Carter as part of his overwhelming embrace of the supreme powers bestowed upon him by the Provincial government. Local taxpayers were subsequently faced with an increase in spending and staffing levels, to be paid for by a whopping 7.87% tax increase, far above that of the previous year, which amounted to less than 4%. The proposal for greater public input on the budgetary process was ultimately voted down, not only by the Mayor, but also councillors Bob Chapman, John Gray, John Neal, and Rick Kerr. Undeterred, councillor Nicholson went on to move a motion that “Council recommends a budget increase target of not more than 4% in 2026.” This proposal was ultimately successful, but without the support of the Mayor and certain councillors apparently unwilling to rule out another major tax increase, including Derek Giberson, Jim Lee, and Rick Kerr. OSHAWA DEI CHAMPIONS AWARDS PROGRAM Last week I told readers of this column about efforts within some municipalities, particularly the City of Toronto, to create an unelected council seat for a representative of the Indigenous community, part of a broad-reaching mandate by that city’s in-house Diversity Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) bureaucracy. Last week, Oshawa councillors approved an initiative by their own staff to establish a ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champions Awards Program’ with an inaugural awards presentation scheduled for Spring 2026. For those who believe solely in the inherent fairness associated with a merit-based approach towards hiring and other selection processes, the staff report considered by Council is nothing more than an affirmative action and racial preferences mandate. The intent of the report is to see a government-initiated extension of D.E.I. initiatives toward individuals, schools, businesses, charities, and non-profit organizations, all under the guise of a so-called rewards program. The ideology behind this type of approach has rightly become a target of criticism, as the focus is inevitably on ‘identity’ over merit, leading to quotas and forced representation rather than on skills and qualifications. Certain among the anti-racism policies and other such programs which seek to foster a welcoming environment, fairness in the application of our laws, and the protection of individual rights are all positive steps. The mandate associated with overall D.E.I. ideology, however, may be seen as less valuable, and certainly less trustworthy. A COLLECTIVE DISPLAY OF RECKLESS IDEAS The unfortunate aspects of our political culture highlighted in this week’s column display, in a special manner, the truth of what this newspaper has heretofore identified as weaknesses within the democratic process. We see it as a waste of votes when citizens elect officials who start making decisions based on self-interest rather than those of the community which put them into office in the first place. Embarrassing debates on social media, a reckless disregard for over-burdened taxpayers, and the approval of policies that will only seek to divide rather than unify, are all part of a pattern bordering on ineptitude. Meanwhile, the threat of significant global economic challenges looms overhead, and will require a renewed focus among municipal councils on what really matters, being the economy and the creation of jobs. Let us hope common sense prevails.

OPINION: The Conservative & Liberal Parties Don’t Own Your Vote --- You Do ---

OPINION: The Conservative & Liberal Parties Don’t Own Your Vote --- You Do --- By Councillor Lisa Robinson Let’s talk about democracy. Not the kind politicians love to plaster on lawn signs — I mean real democracy. The kind where you choose your candidate, not some backroom party boss. Because what’s happening right now in Canada — and right here in Pickering–Brooklin — is a betrayal of everything democracy is supposed to stand for. The Conservative Party has handpicked candidates in approximately 90 ridings across the country, including ours. That means grassroots candidates who spent over a year knocking on doors, meeting residents, building relationships, and pouring their own time and money into earning a nomination were pushed aside at the last second. Why? Because they weren’t part of the inner circle. That’s not democracy. That’s elitism. And it gets worse. Our Liberal candidate isn’t even from Pickering–Brooklin — they’re being parachuted in from Markham. Meanwhile, the Conservative candidate doesn’t live here either, and she’s already proven she doesn’t share the values of real conservatives. This is someone who pushed vaccines on children and tried to bribe marginalized communities with dance parties and gift cards to get the jab. Is that conservative? That’s government overreach, coercion, and the exact opposite of bodily autonomy. And let’s not forget — she wasn’t voted in by the people. She was handpicked by Doug Ford, the very Premier who rammed through vaccine passports, locked down small businesses, and divided communities. If that’s not a follower looking for a paycheck, I don’t know what is. And if we ever face another medical or social crisis again, do you really believe this person will protect your job, your family, or your bodily autonomy? Because I don’t. And neither should you. If the party can’t even respect the basic right of members to choose their own nominee, what makes you think their candidate will respect you as a constituent? They weren’t chosen by you. They were chosen for you — and that’s the problem. And while they’ve been silent, collecting their endorsements and avoiding tough conversations, I’ve been the only elected official in this riding willing to stand up — and pay the price for it. I’ve been unpaid for nine months because I spoke the truth and refused to back down. Not one of these candidates said a word in support. Why? Because they don’t want to upset the system. They don’t rock the boat — they row it. So no — voting for what you believe in is not splitting the vote. That’s just a lie designed to control you. It’s how they keep you in fear, voting for the “lesser of two evils.” But ask yourself: what has that gotten you? More of the same. More mandates. More lockdowns. More broken promises. The Conservatives don’t own your vote. The Liberals don’t own your vote. You own your vote. And you deserve to give it to someone who will fight for you — not someone who’s just waiting to cash a paycheque and follow orders. This is your moment. If we want real change, we have to vote like it. Don’t vote out of fear. Vote with courage. Vote with conviction. Vote for someone who has already shown they’ll stand up — even when it costs them everything. Because the ballot belongs to the people. Let’s start acting like it. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

TrumpedChumpedand left for Stupid…

trumped chumped and left for stupid... 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 Sometimes I feel like I am the only one awake. Does no one else see the business move Trump is pulling on the world and everyone is falling for it? Trump comes from the corporate world. A place where you have to win all the time. Open challenge normally is met with total annihilation. Or in what we all have got to know as ‘YOUR FIRED’. Challenging Trump on the Tariffs is economic suicide. Look at what is taking place in Canada. Before tariffs were even sanctioned. Companies laid off. Companies threaten economic downfall. Suppliers, threatened price increases.... What Trump has done is expose the vultures in our economy. The vultures that look for any opportunity to slim the work force and increase prices. Much like this crap about ‘BUY CANADIAN’. The question is why have we not been buying Canadian all along? Why because traditionally Canadian made products cost more. So people obviously went with China and the U.S. Look at the local municipalities for example. They are all quick for the photo opportunity, extending opinion and resolve on an issue they have no clue what they are saying other than parrot what the main media spews. FEAR MONGERING. This is ridiculous. Personally, I think what Trump has done should be a wake up call to all average hard working taxpayers. We are getting ripped off. Our tax dollars are being wasted. Back to Trump. What do we do. NOTHING. Let him put tariffs on us. Let him think he has won. Then, when he comes around wanting something. Here is where we negotiate for a Canada win. Us imposing tariffs on U.S. goods does nothing for our economy and puts us on a weak spot in future negotiations. As every attempt to negotiate will lead to the same resolve. We as Canadians have to be smarter. Trump worries about borders. Ok, we as a sovereign nation. Will open all our borders across Canada. No security. Let the Americans build another wall to the north. As for the pipeline. Sure let’s build it. But we would claim special building funds for the next 100 years for crossing our land. A lease of sort. As for U.S. goods coming to Canada. No Tariff. Let’s pull what China has for years. Use American goods and services to strength our country. Charge double on their needs without mentioning tariff. Remember it not personal it’s good sound business.

United States Tariffs and the Canadian Federal Election

United States Tariffs and the Canadian Federal Election by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The world is in real turmoil and the “Liberation Day Tariffs” issued by the President of the United States Donald Trump created tsunami waves on trade relations we have been accustomed too. It is a new world in the making with an unforeseeable future. For the moment, it seems that we are living in a Trump-generated chaos. It is quite clear that United States President Donald Trump's move to levy tariffs on virtually every country will sink the global economy, torpedo economic growth and prompt devastating consequences for workers and businesses in Canada and around the world. Using national emergency powers, Trump announced 10% tariffs on all imports into the United States, and even higher tariffs on goods from about 60 countries or trading blocs that have a high trade deficit with the US. That includes China and the European Union, which will be levied new duties of 34% and 20%, respectively. Trump’s latest actions represent the most significant escalation in US tariffs in nearly a century, since the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930. Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs won’t match the ones foreign countries impose on the United States unless a country already had a 10% US tariff. “We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us, so the tariffs will be not a full reciprocal,” Trump said from the Rose Garden last week. “I could have done that, I guess, but it would have been tough for a lot of countries and we didn’t want to do that.” For example, instead of matching the European Union’s 39% tariff on US goods, the new duty on the EU will be 20%. China, which was already slapped with a 20% tariff for its role in the fentanyl trade, will be levied an additional 34% — half of the 67% tariff it imposes on the US — bringing its new rate to 54%. About 60 countries will see tariffs higher than 10%. The baseline 10% tariff goes into effect on April 4, one minute after midnight. The higher tariffs will go into effect on April 9. The new tariffs won’t add on to tariffs previously announced on steel, aluminum and cars. The 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada that don’t comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in place until Trump determines that issues around fentanyl and illegal immigration have been resolved. Whenever that happens, Canada and Mexico will then default to the administration’s current trade approach for other countries. Fortunately, for the moment it seems that Canada is in the eye of the storm and was spared additional tariffs on this fatidic day of the world, April 2nd. In this doomsday of the world economy, Canada was excluded from the sweeping new round of reciprocal tariffs. It appears, at first glance, to be a welcome reprieve for Canadian industry, but the reality is more complicated. While we have dodged the latest bullet, the previously announced tariffs, particularly on autos, steel, and aluminum remain a considerable threat. As Canada is in the middle of a crucial election politically, the question becomes: does this development take pressure off the governing Liberals and their leader, Mark Carney, or does it open the door for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives to highlight other concerns? Carney said Trump's tariffs against Canadian goods are "unjustified, unwarranted and misguided," and the country must hit back with what he called "carefully calibrated and targeted countermeasures" to make it clear Canada will not stand for this sort of economic broadside. The Liberal leader said the government would levy a tariff on U.S.-made vehicles that are not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), to match what the Americans did to the Canadian auto industry. Carney said the U.S. trade war is already having an impact, Stellantis will idle its massive Windsor, Ontario, auto assembly plant because of Trump's tariffs. Ottawa "will do everything in our power" to protect workers, including with financial assistance, he said. Carney said Trump is dismantling the world trading system and Canada must make a hard pivot to build up its own economy and pursue better relations with "reliable" trading partners, including Commonwealth countries like Australia and the U.K., but also Mexico, France and other countries in Europe. "We must do extraordinary things for ourselves, we must do things previously thought impossible at speeds we haven't seen in generations," Carney said, promising to turbocharge economic development with an ambitious building program. "We are living in a new world now. It will be hard on Canadians but I have no doubt we will rise to the challenge," he said, adding that the country has rallied in the past in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and can do so again. Carney said Canada's "old relationship" with the U.S. is "over" and the decades-long push to become more integrated with the Americans will come to an end as Trump ramps up his attacks on the country. However, Carney said there is still an opportunity to come to some sort of an agreement with Trump on economic and security issues after the upcoming federal election. Carney said he agreed with Trump to sit down after the campaign — if he wins the election — to renegotiate CUSMA, which has been left in tatters as a result of the president's trade war. In these fast evolving events the Conservative Party seems to have been left adrift. The party concentrated its campaign on Trudeau lead liberals and seems to be unable to pivot in response to evolving events; to embrace a new approach in the face of a real threat of economic disaster. We are still in the early stages of the electoral campaign, and we will see if the Conservative Party is able to find a solution to reverse its fast and furious decline in popularity. It looks like the strong disapproval Trudeau suffered over the past two years masked the underlying weakness of the Conservative electoral coalition. As soon as he was gone, the dissatisfaction started to come undone, revealing a country that, for demographic reasons, has a natural tendency to elect progressives. There are some days left until Election Day, but unless some big things change soon, it looks like Poilievre is going to discover that the supporters who brought him close to the precipice of power were the wrong people to get him over the top. Voice your opinion. Get out and vote!

Turn Off the Panic: Why Pre-Planning a Death Matters

Turn Off the Panic: Why Pre-Planning a Death Matters By Dale Jodoin Inspired by a father’s real experience When someone dies, there is sadness, confusion, and sometimes even panic. Most people don’t realize that when a loved one dies, the family has to make more than 80 decisions within just a few days. These decisions are hard, and they cost money. For low-income families, this can be too much to handle. The person writing this article saw their father go through it. When a close family member passed, their father had to make dozens of decisions while grieving. It was painful, stressful, and expensive. That’s why this article was written — to help other families get ready before it happens. There’s good news. You can plan ahead. It’s called pre-planning, and it can help your family save time, money, and pain when the time comes. This article explains what pre-planning is, why it matters, and how to do it — even if you don’t have a lot of money. What Is Pre-Planning? Pre-planning means making choices about what you want after you die — before it happens. This can include things like: Do you want to be buried or cremated? Do you want a big funeral or something small? Who do you want to handle your belongings? What music or prayers do you want at your service? It may feel strange to think about death. But planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. Why Pre-Planning Is Important When someone dies, loved ones are often shocked and upset. At the same time, they have to make lots of quick decisions. These choices can be hard, especially when people don’t know what the person wants. Families may argue or feel guilt. Some people end up spending too much money, thinking it shows more love. Pre-planning helps in three ways: It takes pressure off your family. It helps avoid arguments and confusion. It saves money. When you make these decisions in advance, your family can just follow your wishes. That way, they can spend more time supporting each other instead of stressing out. What If I Don’t Have a Lot of Money? Many people think pre-planning is only for the rich. That’s not true. Even if you’re low-income, you can still plan. In fact, it’s even more important for families with tight budgets. Here are some money-saving tips for pre-planning: Cremation is often cheaper than burial. Simple caskets can still be respectful and beautiful. You don’t need a fancy hall — services can be held at home, in a church, or at a community center. You don’t need flowers or catering — a potluck or snack table is fine. The most important thing is to be clear about what you want. That saves your family from guessing and spending money they don’t have. The 87 Decisions Families Must Make You might be surprised, but when someone dies, the family must quickly make up to 87 decisions. Here are just a few examples: Who do we call first? Which funeral home do we use? What kind of service do we have? What clothes will they wear? What day will the funeral be? What music will be played? Who will speak at the funeral? What do we do with their bank accounts? How many death certificates do we need? These are hard questions to answer quickly. That’s why pre-planning helps so much. Create a Death Checklist Making a simple checklist helps keep things organized. Here’s an easy one you can copy and fill in: Your Simple Pre-Planning Checklist Who do I want to handle when I die? Name: ________________________________ Do I want a burial or cremation? [ ] Burial [ ] Cremation Where should I be buried or have my ashes placed? Do I want a funeral service? [ ] Yes [ ] No If yes, where: ________________________ What music or reading would I like? Do I have a will? [ ] Yes [ ] No If yes, where is it kept? _____________ Tip: Find a lawyer who can help for free — many legal clinics and community centers offer this service. Do I want people to donate money to a cause instead of sending flowers? Cause: _______________________________ What should happen to my pets? Who should be told about my death right away? Any special instructions or wishes? Keep this checklist somewhere safe, like in a file marked “In Case of Death,” and tell a trusted friend or family member where to find it. Talk About It Now — Not Later It’s okay to talk about death. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you care about the people you’ll leave behind. Sit down with your family and say, “I want to make things easier for you when the time comes.” Some people also choose to talk to a local funeral home, church, or community group. Many offer free help with planning. Don’t Forget About Help In Canada, some provinces and cities offer death benefit programs for people with low income. These can help pay for a basic cremation or burial. You can also ask your local social services office or Indigenous support groups if you qualify for help. Some charities and churches also help families with final costs. It’s always okay to ask. Final Thoughts: Love Never Forgets Planning for death doesn’t take away from life. In fact, it protects the people you love. By making these decisions now, you give your family a gift: peace of mind. You don’t need a lot of money to plan. You just need a little time, a pen, and love in your heart. Remember — love never forgets. And that’s what pre-planning is all about.