Saturday, July 26, 2025
The EV Mandate Is Not About the Environment It’s About Control
Our Self Deceptions Are Being Watched
DEAL BREAKER…
A Sense of Sonder How Everyone is Connected Through Emotion and Human Experience
A Sense of Sonder
How Everyone is Connected Through
Emotion and Human Experience
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
As individuals, our daily lives are crowded with personal worries, from our finances to the future to what we’re eating for dinner. We are so fixated on ourselves, that we rarely slow down to look at the bigger picture; not just the bigger picture of our own lives, but of the lives of others. We are one of 8.2 billion people currently living on Earth, and yet we often act as if we are the only person who matters. Every person you see throughout your day is experiencing their own complex life, filled with worries both similar and unique to yours. Lives in which you are a background character, just as they are to you.
If we take a moment to analyze the human experience, we would be filled with countless emotions, meanings, and adventures. However, I think most of humanity can be described by one word: sonder. The term was coined by John Koenig in 2012, when he published the book The dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. According to dictionary.com, sonder means, “the realization that every other individual you see has a life as full and real as your own, in which they are the central character and others, including yourself, have secondary or insignificant roles.”
When first considered, this may seem obvious; of course others are experiencing their own lives. However, there is something special when you really analyze the realization. The human experience is something to be shared, and there are billions of people to share it with. While I am writing this column at my desk, there are mothers giving birth, teens interviewing for their first job, and couples getting married. At the same time, young hearts are being broken, families are losing their loved ones, and countless individuals are getting rejected from their dream lives. Regardless of what we are going through, we are just one person in a community of billions, connected by both the love and loss which makes life worth living.
To some, the sense of sonder can cause loneliness and desperation, a feeling that nothing you do has any importance. Why would my life matter, when I am just one of the 117 billion people which have lived on Earth? However, the reality isn’t that our stories aren’t important, it’s just that our stories are among many others of equal value.
Our lives can still be reached for and learned from, and they are still worth experiencing. When we consider the lives of others, we realize we are never alone. It is a comfort that my stress isn’t a prominent issue in the grand scheme of things. I may have failed a test, or lost a competition, but those experiences are not new ones. Millions of other individuals have undergone the exact same things as I have, and they have overcome them, just as I will.
We may be the centers of our own lives, but none that of others. We need to remember this and act upon it everyday in order to find peace and sincerity. Maybe someone cut you off in traffic, but that’s because they’re trying to make it to the hospital before their wife gives birth. Perhaps your coworker got the promotion you wanted, but the new role means they are able to pay the bills they’ve been struggling to cover. You could get upset at the inconveniences, blame others for your misfortune, but that would just be a waste of time. Instead, you could try to open your eyes to the lives of others, as that is where you will find comfort.
Through the sense of sonder, I know I am just one person in a community of billions. No matter what, I will always be a secondary character in the lives of others. So, my goal is to become a secondary character which brings inspiration, happiness and peace. When it comes to the countless people I meet, I hope to bring a smile to their story, as others do to mine.
Job Search Rule #1: Know and Accept What You Can
Job Search Rule #1:
Know and Accept What You Can
By Nick Kossovan
Attributed to Tony Robbins:
"What you focus on is where your energy goes."
Maintaining steady progress towards your goals, such as securing a job, is straightforward: Always focus on what is within your control. Feeling frustrated or angry usually means you're trying to influence or control someone or something over which you don't have authority.
The most effective job search strategy I know is to identify what you can influence and control and then focus your efforts on these areas.
What You Can't Control
Employers' Decisions: It's their business, not yours. Rightfully, employers make hiring decisions that benefit their interests; your interests, or circumstances, aren't part of their hiring equation.
The Job Market: You have no influence or control over the main driving force of the job market, the economy, or the many other factors that shape it, including shifts in consumer demand, automation, AI adoption, changes in age demographics, and government policies.
Other People's Behaviour: Job seekers spend a significant amount of time and energy deluding themselves that they can control the behaviour of recruiters and employers. You have no control over disrespectful behaviour, such as ghosting. All you can control is ensuring that a recruiter's or hiring manager's behaviour doesn't derail your job search efforts. Focus on your behaviour, not those of others, and refrain from judging others for sinning differently than you do.
What You Do Control
Your Behaviour: How you behave publicly, especially on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, impacts your job search. Understandably, job seekers can feel frustrated; however, posts criticizing recruiters and employers show you can't control your emotions, making you someone employers will avoid hiring.
Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: The career story you share on your resume and LinkedIn profile, using quantifying numbers to demonstrate how you added value—employers hire results, not opinions—to previous employers, is entirely within your control.
Your Networking Efforts: If you're not actively networking, then be prepared for a lengthy job search. Reach out to those whom you believe can assist with your job hunt. Offer value upfront! A simple networking tip: When you meet someone for the first time, ask yourself, "How can I help this person?"
How you interview: An interview is a sales meeting; therefore, treat it as such and avoid the common mistake of spending too much time talking about yourself and too little time learning about what the employer is looking for.
Because most job seekers don't focus on what they can control, they fail to understand that they're in complete control of the crucial determining factor of whether they get hired or not: how employers interpret them.
As a job seeker, you're responsible for how employers perceive you. If you want a quick job search, then adopt the mindset of hyper-focusing on managing the aspects that employers use to interpret (read: evaluate) candidates.
Admittedly, in a world where media and social media platforms design algorithms that support their business models, requiring your attention and eyeballs to benefit their advertisers—their revenue—focusing on what is in the best interest of your job search is easier said than done.
Focusing on what's in our best interests is why my wife and I got rid of our TV 15 years ago and made a conscious effort to limit our social media scrolling. We decided we no longer want the media, influencers, and digital strangers telling us what to focus on.
Today, I don't start my day like many others, doom-scrolling on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, or reading and watching the news. No checking layoffs. No reading rants. No listening to pundits talk about tariffs or foreign wars.
Avoiding other people's panic in the mornings has significantly improved my ability to focus on my goals. Before coffee, I was absorbing fear, dread, and large amounts of negativity and drama from mostly strangers. Unsurprisingly, starting my days with a digital toxic diet led to me not fully engaging in my work, and my cynicism was at an all-time high. I kept having "What's the point?" conversations with myself, which wasn't conducive to doing my best work.
So I stopped.
My mornings are now sacred, dedicated "me time." I start my day with my priorities (read: what I control)—exercising, journaling, reading, outlining my next column, creating a to-do list for the day, and replying to emails over coffee—that serve my interests. Avoiding negativity that I can't control has noticeably boosted my energy. Just as eating healthy involves choosing nutritious foods, focusing on what's in your best interests means selecting what will mentally nourish you and help you reach your goals. There's a reason negativity is called "a downer."
You'd be surprised how much time you free up when you're not focusing on what doesn't serve you.
Make two lists regarding your job search:
1. What you can control. 2. What you can't control.
Make peace with what you can't control and commit to focusing only on what you can influence or control. Ultimately, you're steering your job search. Only by taking steps in the right direction will you get closer to your next job.
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
THE SECOND OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS *** A CONVERSATION WITH JOE KOLODZIE ***
THE SECOND OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS
*** A CONVERSATION WITH JOE KOLODZIE ***
HAVE A GREAT OSHAWA DAY is a sentiment long ago put into words by my friend Joe Kolodzie, a former educator, Alderman, and Oshawa City Councillor.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to chat with Joe about his life experiences, and this is a brief account of a man who has spent his life giving back to his community.
Cultural norms between generations are forever evolving, but for Joe Kolodzie, traditional values proved a powerful prescription, having ensured a successful life as a husband and father, educator, and ultimately one of Oshawa’s most respected statesmen.
Joe and his twin brother Ed were brought into this world by Dr. Edward Rundle on Christmas Day in 1938, and in their youth, they and their sister Jean enjoyed the benefits of being raised in a close-knit community – a working class neighbourhood where many homes were built by individual families. Joe’s father, Vincent, a Polish immigrant who came to Canada as a skilled carpenter, would eventually build several houses on land that stretches between Olive Avenue and the soon-to-be-removed Albert Street bridge – an area my friend would call home for many years. Joe described to me the hundreds of hours he enjoyed playing basketball in the gymnasium behind Simcoe Hall, at that time run by Harold McNeill, a man Joe credits for having instilled in him a lasting sense of social responsibility.
Also a short walk from their home was Holy Cross Catholic School and Church, where Joe would begin his lifetime of learning. He and I discussed his having been an altar boy under the mentorship of Monsignor Coffey, and his having served at funerals where he and his friends would each receive 50 cents for their attendance. He also spoke fondly of having played hockey at the old Oshawa Arena, and his participation on the Sunnyside Park baseball team in 1954. In his own words, my friend describes his years in Albert Street as having been “richly happy” and it’s easy to see why.
Having won awards in athletic achievements while a student at Central Collegiate, Joe was also recognized for his overall academic skills in his graduating year. With his diploma in hand, he would move on to the University of Toronto where he obtained his Bachelor of Physical Education as well as his Bachelor of Arts degree at St Michael College in 1962. He would eventually earn his Masters at the University of Ottawa in 1972. This led to a life-long teaching career that would enable Joe to offer a positive influence to his students through coaching, as noted in the Pete Beach Award he received, an honor given to those who are seen as having contributed beyond sport and into a young person’s career and life.
Although best known for his election win in the mid-1980’s as a City Alderman, and later as a City & Regional Councillor, one has to look back to the election of 1972 to see the real origins of my friend’s political career, starting with his interest in what he calls “planning for people” and the need to revive a community feeling of pride.
He can be seen as a visionary by way of his commitment to the establishment of a network of bike paths and hiking trails throughout the city, ideas that were seemingly well ahead of his time. Joe would go on to lose this first election bid, however his activism remained and he would eventually prevail.
Fast forward to the election campaign of 1985. Joe’s brother Ed had been an elected member of Oshawa Council since 1978, and with the urging of friends and family, Joe would once again throw his hat into the ring. By this time he had long established a successful teaching career, and the Kolodzie name was certainly a familiar one. He recalled his election win as “a time of great excitement.”
As it happens, Joe would hit the ground running – for what was then known as South Ward 1 & 2, moving a motion two weeks into his first term that would see the City acquire the Second Marsh for preservation and public use. It was a motion that would ultimately be successful, and he told me about Doug Wilson, a well-known and experienced Alderman taking him aside and quietly saying in his ear, ‘I can’t believe you just got elected and managed to get your motion passed!’
Over the course of the next 25 years, Joe’s commitment to his community would fuel many debates at city hall, including his fight for a local community centre in the south end of the city and his push to enact environmentally friendly policies throughout the municipality.
The establishment of the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path in 2010 – in honour of his 25 years as an advocate for the health and well-being of the residents of Oshawa, was a testament to my friend’s devotion to his community. His is a legacy that will last for generations to come, and few among the members of council who have helped govern the city can lay claim to such a long lasting achievement.
An account of my friend’s life and experiences would not be complete without making reference to one of the most difficult times he has had to face, and that is the passing of his twin brother, political mentor, and friend, Edward Kolodzie. Ed died on October 4, 1997 after a lengthy struggle against the effects of a massive stroke, which left him paralyzed and unable to speak for a number of years. As Joe described it in a very moving tribute to his brother, “Ed was famous for his “Kolodzie’s Laws” and his never-ending efforts to control costs at City Hall.” Joe went on to add, “Our parents’ values were fundamental to Jean, Ed and me, and as Ed would always say, if you see it at home – it rubs off on you.”
I encourage my readers to join with me in taking a moment to pay tribute to a true Oshawa statesman; one who helped to forever change this city for the better – for his tireless devotion at giving younger generations a hand up in life, and his endeavors at creating a legacy which, more important than bearing his name, has enabled individuals and families to better enjoy time spent outdoors.
As a member of Oshawa Council, Joe brought a sincere willingness to see his hometown governed with fairness, and an understanding of the need to forever maintain a sense of pride for their community.
“Have a great Oshawa day!”
$250 Why Not A Million?
$250 Why Not A Million?
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Municipalities across Durham Region like to go around filling their mouths with... Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.... On how they support local businesses....
Yet, their downtowns are emptying out just as quick as they can roll the hypocrisy off their tongues.
The bottom line... they support no one and the only diversity the practice is patronage to those that support them. Equality to those of obvious minority that they use as political tokens to further their political careers. And Inclusion only to those that don’t question and are good brown nosers.
Just this week I received a post on social media from Clarington that stated:
We’re Reimagining the Waterfront — And We Need You
Share your feedback by July 28, 2025, for a chance to win a $250 VISA gift card
Take 10 minutes today to help shape the future of a place we all care deeply about — our stunning 34-km waterfront along Lake Ontario.
This is the same municipality that is full of controversy when it comes to their water front. This is the same municipality that has fallen victim to their own ignorance of thinking that posting important municipal information on line is the same as having it published in their only in print newspaper.
Yes, they tell the few that actually read Clarington posts online that they have a chance to win a $250 VISA gift card. Why not make it a million?
If I had to bet. Clarington has already selected the names, designs and contractors. This post online is nothing but a formality to ease their conscious.
This is the same municipality that it’s Mayor. Mayor Adrian Foster, did not return phone calls during the recent fired downtown to his only in print municipal regional newspaper. This is the same mayor that ever since “Stong Mayors” power came in affect. He has become and island in himself. I am truly disappointed in you Adrian. The days we would run in to each other at the local service club we belong to. You appeared to be genuine and down to earth.
What happened?
Did you bite from the same apple all the other municipal leaders?
Has COVID got to you? How is it you have stopped supporting your local businesses? Your local media? You are supposed to unite the community under one common goal... To better the quality of life of all citizens. Posting on a technology you do not understand is not pro- business. Alienating seniors and forcing them to go to a computer to see important information is not inclusive. Forcing those less fortunate that can barely put food on the table and pay rent to purchase a computer and or internet is not inclusive.
Adrian... how can you be so cold. This from you that you do not return phone calls to your local media. Open your eyes. Get away from the pack and come back to the people.
To all the people. Not just the brown nosers that push your agenda. I hope I am wrong about you. Prove me wrong call me and tell me how wrong I am... Oh and where do I fill out that ballot to win that Visa gift card... as I am one of the many working hard to feed my family. As I am like many that are being kept in the dark by your municipal post online.
How President Trump Woke Up a Sleeping Giant.
Pay Transparency Will Streamline Hiring
Pay Transparency Will Streamline Hiring
By Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M.
Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP
Ontario’s upcoming pay‑transparency rules have divided opinion among employment lawyers and HR professionals. In a recent column, Howard Levitt argued that forcing employers to list salary ranges in job postings would create extra work for businesses and leave job seekers worse off. Yet, these new regulations are designed to make hiring simpler, fairer and more efficient by ensuring everyone knows what to expect from the very start.
Starting July 1, 2025, larger Ontario employers must give new hires essential information—like job title, work location, pay period and starting wage—by the first day on the job. Then, as of January 1, 2026, any role advertised publicly will need to include either a specific salary or a clear range. There are sensible exemptions (for internal postings and jobs entirely outside Ontario), but most positions will now come with compensation details up front.
To prepare, companies should:
Review all current job ads and offer letters to add salary ranges.
Update applicant‑tracking systems so every external posting prompts for compensation fields.
Keep records of all posted jobs and applications for at least three years in case of a Ministry of Labour review.
Smaller businesses can map each role to standard salary bands, making it easy to choose an appropriate range. For roles paying under $200,000 a year, the range must span no more than $50,000—enough flexibility to attract candidates without leaving budgets in question.
Instead of red tape, early salary disclosure cuts out mismatches and speeds up hiring. When candidates see the range before they apply, they self‑select: those with wildly different expectations won’t waste anyone’s time. Recruiters can focus on serious contenders, leading to faster interviews, higher offer‑acceptance rates and better retention. In short, clear pay information builds trust and strengthens an employer’s brand.
Many companies already ask about salary during prescreening calls or interviews with questions like “What are your expectations?” or “Are you exploring other roles?” The new rules simply standardize that step, embedding clear ranges into every public posting so there are no surprises later on.
Successful rollout relies on more than policy changes. HR teams should train hiring managers on the new requirements and equip IT to enforce mandatory salary fields in career portals. Simple dashboards can track which postings comply and flag any missing information. Working with legal counsel ensures the wording is accurate, while technology minimizes manual effort.
As Ontario implements its pay‑transparency framework, employers have an opportunity to set the bar. By sharing salary ranges openly, businesses not only meet their legal obligations but also attract the right people and build a culture of fairness. Embracing transparency now will streamline the hiring process and help match the right candidates with the right roles—proving that, far from creating hurdles, pay disclosure is a powerful tool for better recruitment.
Why Are Canadian Jews Under Attack for a War They Didn’t Start?
Why Are Canadian Jews Under Attack for a
War They Didn’t Start?
By Dale Jodoin
A wave of threats, attacks, and hate crimes is sweeping across Canada. Synagogues are being hit with gunfire. Jewish schools are on lockdown. Community centres are being evacuated over bomb threats. In some cities, Jewish students are being harassed and doxxed. Let’s be crystal clear: these attacks are not against a foreign army. They are not acts of protest. They are acts of terrorism targeting innocent Canadian citizens, most of whom have no connection to Israel, its government, or its military. And Canada is not doing nearly enough to stop it.
It’s a dark day when Canadian Jews your neighbours, doctors, teachers, classmates are being blamed for something happening half a world away. This isn’t political disagreement. This is hatred, and it’s being fed by a dangerous crowd of radicalized youth hiding behind protest signs and university lanyards. When a schoolgirl can’t walk safely in Toronto because she’s wearing a Star of David, that’s not free speech. That’s terrorism. And when it comes from a foreign student who’s only here on a study permit, the answer should be simple: they should be deported. If they act violently they should be charged. If their goal is to intimidate Canadian citizens based on religion, they are not protestors. They are foreign operatives, plain and simple.
And what about the systems that allow this to happen? The colleges that don’t expel these students. The city councils that make excuses. The police that issue warnings but not charges. The school boards that downplay it. At what point do we stop pretending these institutions are neutral? If they let hate spread unchecked, if they choose silence when Jewish families are threatened, then they are no longer protectors. They are participants. And participation in terrorism whether direct or passive is still terrorism. No badge or bureaucratic title should shield them from that truth.
Here’s the ugly double standard. If the same kind of violence were happening to Muslims, LGBTQ people, or any other group, the media would explode. There would be press conferences, candlelight vigils, and wall-to-wall outrage. But when it’s Jews? Suddenly, we get “context.” We hear “It’s complicated.” We get lectures on colonialism and maps. That’s not justice. That’s justification. And it’s shameful.
Blaming an entire group for the actions of a state is how the worst chapters in history always begin. It’s scapegoating. And we know where that road leads. But instead of standing against it, some universities hand out flyers. Some unions pass motions calling Jewish businesses “Zionist collaborators.” And some teachers, the very people trusted to educate the next generation, are openly supporting the same groups who call for violence. That’s not activism. That’s organized hate. And if Canadian services public or private aid or excuse this in any form, then they are no better than the ones throwing the rocks. They are terrorists in suits.
We’ve seen foreign students in Canada chanting “death to Israel” in the middle of downtown. We’ve seen threats called into Jewish old age homes. We’ve seen Molotov cocktails thrown at synagogues and then watched as police issue vague statements about “ongoing investigations.” No results. No arrests. No charges. So let’s call this what it is: failure. And not by accident. When justice is this quiet, it’s because someone’s turned down the volume on purpose.
If someone threw a firebomb at a mosque, or threatened to blow up a Pride parade, we’d rightly demand action. But when it’s a synagogue, the debate shifts. We’re told not to make it worse. We’re told to be careful not to offend. But silence is not peace. Silence is surrender. And the Jewish community is being forced to accept that silence from the very country they trusted to protect them.
Canada must wake up. The government’s job is to protect its citizens. All of them. No matter who they vote for, what they wear, or which God they pray to. And when that duty is ignored, when Jewish children are made to feel unsafe walking to school, that is not a small oversight. That is state failure. If that failure continues knowingly it is state-sponsored terror. We would never say it about ourselves, but we must. Because it's the truth.
And let’s be honest: if a Canadian citizen threatened a mosque or LGBTQ event, they’d be in jail by dinner. But foreign students, radical professors, and cowardly administrators get a free pass as long as the hate is pointed at Jews. Why? Because we’re used to it? Because the government is afraid of backlash? That is not leadership. That is complicity. And in the case of Canadian services that continue to protect or excuse this, yes, that is terrorism, too.
Canada is not Gaza. Canada is not a war zone. We are a nation of law, of citizenship, of responsibility. If someone commits a hate crime here—Canadian or not they face consequences. If they are a foreigner, they are sent back. And if an institution enables that hate, they should be named, investigated, and stripped of public funding.
This isn't a call for chaos. It's a call for equal justice. You do not get to target Jews and call it activism. You do not get to burn down a community and say it's a movement. You do not get to hide behind student visas and taxpayer-funded salaries while helping fuel the oldest hate on Earth.
If this country cannot stand up for its Jewish citizens, then we have already failed. The test of a democracy is not how well it treats the majority. It's how fiercely it defends the minority. And right now, Canada is flunking that test. There is still time to turn it around. But only if we stop excusing hate and start calling it what it is.
Terror.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
WOMANHOOD IS NOT A COSTUME AND I WILL NOT BOW
WOMANHOOD
IS NOT A COSTUME
AND I WILL NOT BOW
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
Let me say this as clearly as I can:
I know what a woman is. And I will not lie about it.
Not for applause. Not for politics. Not for anyone.
Because this world has gone mad — Not by accident, but by design.
They’re not just erasing definitions. They’re erasing us.
They say a man can be a woman — No effort. No sacrifice. No truth. Just a statement…
and suddenly, he belongs in our change rooms, our sports, our shelters, our prisons.
He can win our medals, steal our scholarships, knock our daughters out cold in the ring — and be called brave.
And if we dare speak up?
We’re silenced. Fined. Fired. Dragged through the mud by the very institutions that once claimed to protect us. Well, not me. I was not elected to play pretend. I was not elected to obey a delusion. I was elected to lead. And I will lead with truth — even if I’m the last one left saying it. Because womanhood is not a costume. It is not a feeling. It is not a slogan on a rainbow sticker. It is flesh and blood. It is sacrifice. It is sacred. And it is ours.
They call it inclusion. But who exactly are we including — and at whose expense?
When a teenage girl trains for years, only to be beaten by a man in a skirt — is that inclusion?
When a female inmate is locked in a cell with a man who calls himself “she” — is that progress?
When girls on rugby fields are knocked breathless by men with every physical advantage — is that compassion? No. It is betrayal.
A betrayal of women. A betrayal of truth. A betrayal of every mother, daughter, and sister who fought to be seen, heard, and respected. And here’s what makes it worse:
Politicians like me? We don’t have to live with these policies.
We don’t share bathrooms with the opposite sex. We don’t lose our scholarships to men. We don’t get our faces bloodied in a cage and called equal.
We just vote. Then walk out the back door — untouched by the chaos we create.
I will not be that kind of leader. Because I believe in boundaries. I believe in women’s rights. And I believe that lying to protect feelings while destroying reality isn’t kindness — it’s cowardice.
So yes — I will say what others won’t.
A woman is a woman. An adult female with XX chromosomes A man is a man. With XY Chromosomes And no law, no label, and no amount of lipstick will ever change that.
We are not interchangeable. We are not props in someone else’s identity crisis. We are not placeholders for men who want a new costume. We are women. And we are not going away.
Let me speak now to the women listening — The ones afraid to speak, scared to be called names, but who know in their bones: this is wrong.
You are not crazy. You are not alone. And you are not the problem.
You are the front line. The defenders of reality. The torchbearers your grandmothers once were.
We are the daughters of iron. The mothers of nations. The keepers of truth. And we do not bow.
Not to mob pressure. Not to fake science. Not to cowards in suits who traded courage for comfort. When the history books are written, I want it said:
That we stood. That we told the truth. That we would not betray our daughters to win favour with liars. Let them sanction me. Let them slander me. Let them try to silence me.
I will still be here — With truth in my spine, Fire in my voice, And every woman before me standing behind my words. This is our moment. This is the line. And we will not step back.
Not now. Not ever.
Councillor Lisa Robinson The People’s Councillor
Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Truth, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It – Lisa Robinson 2023
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Losing a Father Is a Bundle of Hurt
Losing a Father
Is a Bundle of
Hurt
By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford
I was 6 years old when I first calculated how many years I could expect to have with my father. He was 44 when I was born; and therefore 50 when I turned 6. I decided I would be lucky if I got to 35 and still had him. That would be 79 for him, and I felt that was an old age.
Can you imagine how lucky I feel to have had him until 101? I’m grateful beyond words.
Now, I am taking up the responsibility of writing the Gifford-Jones column – not as a doctor, but as a communicator. The immediate necessity is to say something helpful, something important, about an experience many of us will have during our lives: losing a father.
I investigated the research. No two ways about it, we take a physical and psychological hit. From cellular level aging brought on by the physical impacts of grieving (sustained stress, disrupted sleep, poor diet) to the cognitive effects of loss (depressed mood and outlook, more substance abuse behaviours, anxiety), the death of one’s father is a bundled package of hurt.
What would my father say about it? This is a question I will be asking myself every week going forward.
I know what he did when I was hurt as a child – the kind of hurt that had me crying, a bad scrape on the knee or the sting of a bee. He’d touch me in the affected spot and let his touch linger. “Now,” he said, after a time, “doesn’t that feel better?” I got his point. Readers will hear echoes of his constant mantra. “Don’t be a wimp. Don’t take pills when there is an effective, natural alternative.” He practiced what he preached.
When my father turned 90, I started to prepare for the day he would slow down. But he didn’t. He was launching another phase of his crusades. And what for? To fight big pharma. To demand better pain management and end-of-life care. To advocate for natural health. And most of all, to call on all humanity to improve our increasingly lousy lifestyle.
You may recall, he wanted to throw rotten eggs at the Parliament buildings! And he had a few choice words for the newspaper editors who ceased publishing his column.
For the past six years, it’s been an extraordinary collaboration writing this column with my father. He told me, “Don’t be a journalist if you are going to sit on the fence.” On some issues, we had some heated discussions!
But the interviews we did together, the visits to natural health food stores, and the talks in communities increasingly closer to home, these are the occasions I enjoyed the most.
Going forward, I plan a few crusades too. I will have my own opinions, and they may not always line up with his. I have a Harvard degree like my father, but even better, I have one from Wellesley. I’ve worked alongside global health experts at the World Bank and in the most impoverished places you can imagine. I am an advisor to the presidents of universities. I know where to find the research and who to talk to. You can count on me to simplify the complexities, identify what’s important, and cut out any baloney. And yes, the advice will be sharp – because some things, thankfully, are hereditary.
For now, like many of you, I am grieving the loss of my father. But I take comfort in knowing how lucky we are to have had him in our lives. Thank you for all your messages, tributes, and personal stories that are pouring in.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive my weekly e-newsletter. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
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Waterleaks are Costly
Waterleaks are Costly
By Maurice Brenner
Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering
As a Regional Councillor I have been receiving an increasing number of calls regarding a higher than normal water bill. While rates have increased in an effort to ensure adequate funds are available to cover the infrastructure required to provide clean water to your home along with the charge for sanitary/waste disposal, I am finding that more and more residents have been impacted by a water leak resulting in a substantial increase on their Water Bill which is why I want to focus on some simple tests you can do before it costs you.
Ways to Spot a Water Leak before it costs you!
Did you know that water leaks in your home are very common. A majority of leaks are silent, and are hard to spot. These silent leaks can end up causing a higher-than-usual water and
sanitary/wastewaterbill.
Here are some simple tips to help detect a leak before it costs you and could save the cost of ripping apart your walls and ceilings.
Check Your water Meter for consumption:
Water consumption is measured by the amount of water that passes through your water meter.
Before going to bed, write down the number on your water meter. In most homes the water meter is located in the basement towards the front of your home. Do not run sprinklers, appliances or toilets overnight.
When you get up, check the number on your meter. If the number has changed, this indicates water has been running through it which means there is a possibility that you have a water leak somewhere inside or your house.
Once you have determined a possible leak, before you call the plumber, check your toilets as well as a visual check for dripping facets. By narrowing it down, you save the cost of the plumber looking for the problem.
How to Test for leaks:
One of the most likely causes of a high water and wastewater bill is a running toilet.
The best way to check for a running toilet is to:
i Remove the tank lid from the back of the toilet.
ii Put a dye tablet or five drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. You can also use Worcestershire sauce or another dark liquid.
iii Close the toilet lid and wait 30 minutes – It is important not to use or flush the toilet during this time. After 30 minutes look at the water in the toilet bowl to determine if the the dyed water has found its way into into the bowel. If the bowl is clear and all that means the toilet likely doesn’t have a leak.
iv Repeat this with every toilet in your home.
v If you not been able to confirm the source is a running toilet, conduct a visual check of each of your facets, a little drip surprisingly adds up. A hot water drip will also increase your other utility bills
Once you have confirmed the source or if unable to find the source call a licensed plumber, but if at all possible avoid the weekends when you will be paying a premium. There is no point in calling Durham Region since they are not responsible for any water leaks inside your home.
** REMEMBERING COUNCILLOR JOHN AKER ** THE FIRST OF MY NEW SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS
** REMEMBERING COUNCILLOR JOHN AKER **
THE FIRST OF MY NEW SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS
I WRITE THIS COLUMN in memory of my friend and one-time colleague, John Aker. John served his community for 33 years - on both City and Regional Councils, as well as a decade at the Ontario Municipal Board. John said his final goodbye on Thursday February 4th, 2021, at the age of 78. This is his story.
One meaningful event can make a world of difference for a young man who might be trying to navigate his way into the world of politics. For 29 year old John Aker, it was the decision by a close friend not to seek re-election. That announcement would lead to John putting his own name forward for a seat on Oshawa Council. The year was 1972.
When I spoke with John in summer of 2020, he enjoyed recalling his first election win, an event that would set the stage for many such victories during his career. The ‘72 election was a watershed – not only for him but for the entire council. That year saw an incredible turnover, and John described it as an “exciting time”. When I asked him to share his memories of those with whom he served, John responded without hesitation, telling me his years on council were shared with “good spirited people” who tried to do the right thing for everyone.
John was born in Edmonton, and came to Oshawa with his parents at the age of two, attending St Gregory School and O’Neill Collegiate. He would eventually go off to Queens University in Kingston, obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree, which he said held him in good stead.
It was during his university days that John was fortunate enough to gain yearly summer employment at the William Street offices of General Motors. While many of his friends from school were doing manual jobs they didn’t like, he found himself wearing a jacket and tie, doing work he always felt was interesting.
Over time, he would join Schofield-Aker Insurance in 1970, a firm bought by his father Reg Aker in 1954, eventually taking over the business in 1985.
We talked about how different city council was back in the 1970’s, and he reminded me that most, if not all of those on council, did the job part time, as they were already fully employed. City hall staff were the full-time career professionals who held the most influence in those days.
Since then, the number of full-time councilors (the term ‘alderman’ having been abolished) has increased significantly, and as such, the influence of municipal staff has - to a degree, waned. Long term, career politicians with a lot of experience are now more common.
The formation of the Region of Durham in 1974 was the first major issue John would encounter as a city alderman, and we discussed the long debates and the intricacies involved with the amalgamation of policing, and the creation of various regional departments.
He was proud of his involvement in helping to bring further growth by way of the Oshawa hospital expansion, as well as the establishment of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, which he said helped transform this city from a one-industry town into a place where careers are now developed in many walks of life.
Looking back, I encouraged John to recall some of the good times shared with those among his colleagues he most enjoyed working with. His first thoughts were about his friend Jim Potticary, who spent eight years as mayor. John told me everyone used to call Mayor Potticary “Gentleman Jim”, and that he’d never seen anyone enjoy a job quite as much.
John did, however recall some difficult moments in his career, one of which took place a little too close to home. In 1992, a foster home for young offenders was proposed in his own neighbourhood. When residents became aware, they sent flyers door to door, and John would receive at least 65 telephone calls from concerned residents.
The foster home never did receive approval, however the memory of that day remained in John’s mind, describing it to me as a daunting moment to stand in front of a group of angry residents that were also his neighbours.
There were many significant issues over the years that John had to wrestle with, including Sunday shopping, the implementation of Oshawa’s first ward system, the ongoing battles with the Port Authority, downtown revitalization, and the debate over ‘transparency’ in government.
John’s second stretch as a member of council (his first being 1973 to 1997) was probably the most challenging. His election in 2010 marked an incredible eight year, two-term comeback for a man who had years earlier decided to close the book on an honourable career. John showed everyone he had an important role to play as an ‘elder statesman’, bringing a voice of experience and reason to an otherwise unwieldy council.
A September 2014 Article in the Globe and Mail described Oshawa Council at that time as a ‘political circus’ with elected members shouting each other down, citizens protesting and being tackled by undercover police, and a serious division among councilors.
Still, John was able to stand on a solid footing and survive the melee, as the scenes that played out month after month went against his own desire to work with others to find common ground.
John used to tell me with confidence that Oshawa will remain a prosperous city in the decades to come due to its geographic location between Toronto and Kingston.
He said the amazing network of new highways will ensure further new development, the likes of which Oshawa has never before witnessed, and although something of the size and scope of General Motors may never be seen again, Oshawa definitely turned a corner in its pursuit of higher education that will meet the needs of generations to come.
To quote my friend directly, “Whether we knew it or not, Oshawa long ago began a worthwhile transformation from a one industry town into a modern, cosmopolitan community where new opportunities exist.”
John Aker gave as much as one man could to the community he truly loved.
ADVERTISING!!! OR DECEPTION?
ADVERTISING!!!
OR DECEPTION?
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
They say we simulate what we see on television... If so, then this explains why I am missing most of tip of my fingers.... Ok. Stop laughing... Let me explain. Everyone has seen the McDonald commercial as that of most other hamburger chain ads.... A huge burger eaten by an actor.. Pretending they are getting a mouth full of burger with every bite.
Only, to purchase one and the happy meals and the toy is a magnifying glass.... so that you can use on finding the burger on an overly small bun.
Should these ads not be removed from broadcasting as they are misleading and not true to the reality of what is being served.
Subway not to long ago got pinched by the government for advertising sandwiches that did not reflect the reality of what they serve. I know first hand.... Subway workers... appear to take offense when asked for more toping.... it is as it come out of their pay.
Needless to say. I will not buy from Subway.
But the food industry is not the only to blame. Have you seen the casino ads. Talk about deceptive. Not to mention the sea of ‘apps’ associated with major brand casinos. This is a horrible attempt at deception.
To make comments as “COME FEEL THE FUN” and they show a formula one car racing through some casino arcade.
Or the fancy graphic from particular themes.... making statements... The Fun awaits...
Like really are there that many stupid people out there...... What am I saying. There obviously are that many stupid people.
Why would casino’s spend such revenue on the production of such an elaborate advertising campaign.
It is as if we live in an era of the stupid... We are led to believe to be true things that defy logic. Things that make no sense... We are brought to edge of insanity with the promise of a better tomorrow all knowing that the sacred land is not attainable.
I am not a gambler. I watch my kids play regular video games and rejoice on the completion of each stage... Only for me to look at them and think. They are being brain washed into believing they actually are playing a part on the outcome that has been pre-destined/set by some computer software engineer.
The bottom line you never win... As success is based on your ability to make a sequence of mathematical choices. Much like in life. Success is not for everyone. We are genetically programmed to fail. Our social/education system constantly tests us.
The casino industry plays on this. Promise the holy land and deliver the hell of the reality of loosing time and time again. The only difference in the video game model. You at least get to re-try for free. In the casino model. You keep loosing and loosing.
Talk about loosing... Have you ever seen the Pharma commercials...beautiful displays of the promise land.... only to be told at the end that it does not really cure anything and if anything it may end up killing you.... (it is like having a head ache and Pharma sells you a bullet to shoot yourself in the foot. Head ache gone.) Life is complicated enough without misleading ads.
Tariffs -- Canada vs the United States
Tariffs -- Canada vs the United States
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
The saga of tariffs continues at the mercy of the United States. President Donald Trump continues to weaponize import duties, cajoling and bullying nations to agree to hastily enacted trade deals that oftentimes fall woefully short of addressing even the most basic tenets of his perceived gripes. With deadlines set and postponed, he creates a continuous incertitude, more accurately referred to as chaos.
This treacherous landscape makes for a bruising and precarious dialogue between North America’s two biggest trading partners and once-great friends. The announcement of a 35 per cent increase in tariffs on all Canadian goods by August 1 places Ottawa’s leaders between a proverbial rock and a hard place.
Prime Minister Mark Carney will have a difficult job navigating these precarious turbulences. This is the environment Canadian negotiators find themselves in. One small misstep has the potential to send talks screeching to an abrupt halt, and the very real possibility of being on the bruising end of this unhinged President’s scathing tirades.
As the Aug 1 deadline for a Canada-U.S. trade deal gets closer, Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that it is unlikely a deal will be made without some level of tariffs. This was the first public admission from Carney although he recently expressed some doubt that Ottawa could immediately lift some of Trump’s tariffs during trade talks.
President Donald Trump appeared to be losing patience with his administration’s efforts to make trade deals with nations around the world. The President has been sending letters to trading partners, including Canada, threatening to impose higher tariff rates on Aug. 1.
The letter addressed to Carney last week said Canada would be hit with 35 per cent tariffs but the White House later stipulated it would not include goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.
The President’s actions and approach to the tariffs issue is creating a very complicated trade problem to resolve.
President Trump posted a letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on social media that said Mexico would be hit with a 30 per cent rate.
A separate letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared a 30 per cent rate for the European Union.
There is no clarity on why Canada is facing a higher tariff than either Mexico or the EU. It is strange but we are living in a strange world.
Canada and Mexico are the top two U.S. trade partners, and Canada is a national security partner as well. Yet we have no reasonable explanation as to why Canada is hit with a 35 (per cent) tariff while Mexico only gets a 30 (per cent) tariff.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has been proactive on defence and border security spending. It would be hard for the United States to claim Canada was not bargaining in good faith. While Canada was “nice,” it got hit with a tariff nearly as high as the 50 per cent Brazil is facing. It does not make any sense. It makes sense only if the President of the United States is still aiming to make Canada the 51 US state. In that case, putting such immense pressure on the Canadian economy might be an effort to make Canada surrender.
Prime Minister Carney and President Trump have been negotiating what they have referred to as a new economic and security pact since the pair met at the White House in early May. At the G7 summit last month, Carney said they had set July 21 as a deadline for reaching that deal. However, Trump unilaterally delayed it to Aug 1st.
Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25 to 50 per cent in June and Carney has held off following suit pending the possibility of a deal. Canada has made a few other moves to aid industry on this side of the border, including new limits on the amount of foreign steel that can come in before high tariffs are charged.
Canada also implemented a new interim policy on reciprocal procurement to restrict the ability of companies to bid on government contracts if their home country limits Canadian access to their government contracts
President Trump has also raised the tariffs on copper by 50 per cent recently. According to data, the U.S. was Canada’s largest copper importer in 2023. In a Truth Social post, Trump’s ominous message portends the upheaval that is on the horizon. He stated, “America will, once again, build a DOMINANT Copper Industry. THIS IS, AFTER ALL, OUR GOLDEN AGE!”
Let’s face it, there is a fundamental asymmetry in the Canada-U.S. trading relationship. We are largely in the business of exporting commodities and intermediate goods, and that gives president Trump a certain amount of advantage. However, it also exposes U.S. industries, U.S. manufacturers. We are already seeing evidence of that in the 50 per cent tariff on aluminum which creates problems for US manufacturers.
In this surreal environment of trade negotiations with the United States I sincerely hope that Canada will emerge with the least amount of damage. Only time will tell if we have succeeded or not. It is a difficult job and needs real skill. Let us hope Prime Minister Carney and his team will be able to make the best deal for Canada.
Long live Canada!
UN Human Rights Council Faces Criticism for Including Countries Accused of Abusing Women
UN Human Rights Council Faces Criticism for Including Countries Accused of Abusing Women
By Dale Jodoin
Geneva The United Nations Human Rights Council is once again under fire after new members were elected to its 47 nation panel, including several countries with poor records on women’s rights and human freedoms.
The Human Rights Council, created in 2006 to promote and protect global human rights, has drawn criticism for allowing nations accused of human rights violations to serve on the very body meant to stop such abuses. Critics say that some of these countries treat women like second-class citizens or worse—and yet still sit in judgment of others.
“It’s hard to take the Council seriously when it includes governments that don’t even give their own women basic rights,” said one analyst. “Some of these nations lock up protesters, punish free speech, and control women’s lives in ways that would never be accepted in democracies.”
Women’s Rights Concerns
Several current and former Council members have been called out by international human rights groups for strict control over women.
In Iran, women can be arrested for not wearing the proper head covering, or hijab. In 2022, a young woman named Mahsa Amini died in police custody after being detained by Iran’s morality police. Her death led to widespread protests, which were met with crackdowns, beatings, and arrests.
In Afghanistan, where the Taliban regained power in 2021, girls have been banned from attending school beyond grade six. Women are restricted from most jobs and cannot travel without a male guardian. Many are required to wear full-body coverings in public.
In Saudi Arabia, women still live under a system of male guardianship. While some laws have been relaxed in recent years, many women must still seek permission from a male relative to travel, marry, or be released from prison. Some women’s rights activists remain in detention.
Other countries, such as Somalia and Sudan, have also been accused of failing to protect women from abuse, forced marriage, or harmful practices like female genital mutilation.
Double Standards Accused
Despite these serious concerns, several of these countries have served or continue to serve on the Council. Meanwhile, Israel continues to face repeated criticism from the body, prompting allegations of political bias.
Israel is the only country that is singled out in a permanent item on the Council’s agenda. Many human rights advocates and independent observers say this focus is unfair when other member states have far worse human rights records, including state violence and systemic abuse.
“Israel is a democracy,” said one human rights scholar. “People there have freedom of speech, women vote, there’s a free press. But it gets condemned more than countries where women can’t even leave the house without permission.” In contrast, China, which has been accused of detaining over a million Uyghur Muslims in internment camps, and North Korea, known for extreme censorship and widespread starvation, have received far less attention from the Council in recent years.
A History of Controversy
The Human Rights Council was formed to replace the earlier Commission on Human Rights, which was shut down because it had allowed notorious rights violators to serve. Now, critics say the same problems are happening again.
Countries are elected to the Council by the General Assembly through regional group votes. That system has allowed nations with poor human rights records to win seats, often uncontested. In recent elections, Iran, China, Sudan, Qatar, and Venezuela have all either served or competed for seats. Some critics argue that the Council has become more political than principled. “It’s no longer about protecting people,” said a former UN official. “It’s about scoring political points and protecting allies.”
What Reform Might Look Like
Some diplomats and rights organizations are now calling for stricter rules on membership. Ideas include banning countries with ongoing human rights investigations, requiring open voting, or even creating a separate watchdog group to review candidates before elections.
Others suggest that Council votes should be tied to actual human rights records, not just regional agreements or backroom deals. So far, no major changes have been adopted.
The Human Cost
While diplomats argue and policies stall, people around the world continue to suffer. Women are denied education, protesters are jailed, and entire communities are silenced.
Observers warn that unless the Council is reformed, it risks losing its credibility.
“The world needs a real voice for human rights,” said one analyst. “But that voice gets weaker every time a government that hurts its own people is allowed to sit at the table.”
Saturday, July 12, 2025
You Are a 'Perfect Fit' Job Seekers: Do Not Assume You Are a 'Perfect Fit'
Job Seekers:
Do Not Assume
You Are a
'Perfect Fit'
By Nick Kossovan
I repeatedly hear, or read it in online venting comments, as I'm sure you also do, something along the lines of "I've been job searching for over seven months and have applied to more than 600 jobs that I'm more than I'm a perfect fit for and only gotten three interviews."
Tip: Never vent your frustrations on public forums, such as LinkedIn; it shows employers you can't control your emotions.
It's not a brag that job seekers think it is to apply to over 600 jobs. Applying to more than 20 jobs a week—four quality applications a day—is akin to spraying and praying, which isn't a job search strategy; it's a lazy approach. However, I want to focus on the words "perfect fit," which are highly subjective due to the varying degrees of nuance that define what "perfect fit" means to the person using the term.
When you claim you'd be a "perfect fit," you're basing your assumption on how you compare to the job description. Essentially, you're ticking off boxes, believing that if you tick all or most boxes, then you're a "perfect fit." What you're not considering is that you have no idea what's happening behind the scenes, and that a large part of hiring decisions comes down to gut feel. As I've mentioned in previous columns, being likeable supersedes your skills and experience. I don't know a hiring manager who hires candidates they don't like.
It doesn't matter if you think you're a perfect fit. What matters is whether the person reading your résumé and interviewing you thinks you are. A candidate's skills and qualifications aren't the only factors considered in hiring decisions; also assessed:
· How well you'll fit with the team—will the current team accept you?—and the company's culture. (Employers don't hire disruptors.)
· Your communication and soft skills (These are my 'must-haves.' When hiring, my primary concern is the candidate's verbal and written communication skills.)
· Your energy level.
· Are you a flight risk?
· Whether your qualifications are "too much" of a good thing.
Then there's the elephant in the room: something you can't control. If the hiring manager sees you as a threat to their position, you're not a perfect fit. You wouldn't hire someone who could jeopardize your job or disrupt your team, so why would you expect the hiring manager to do differently?
Unless you've spent time within the company, seeing how the sausage is made, attending boardroom meetings, speaking with hiring managers and employees at all levels, and eating in the lunchroom, you can't be certain you're a "perfect fit." You're assuming. You may believe your résumé matches the job description, but unless you're being referred, you have no insight into how the person you'll be reporting to leads and manages, or what keeps them awake at night. You don't know the challenges the company is facing or the internal politics at play.
Since the concept of being a "perfect fit" is subjective, there's no guaranteed way to make yourself appear like the perfect fit. However, you can increase your chances of being considered a "perfect fit" by focusing less on your skills and qualifications and more on coming across as a safe, low-risk hiring choice—hiring managers tend to prefer candidates who won't be disruptors.
Low risk = perfect fit
One thing job seekers often overlook is that hiring decisions are visible to everyone in the company. Making a bad hire, which I've done several times, is never a good look and can cast doubt on your judgment skills. The last thing a hiring manager wants to hear is "Did you hire Bob? He's a train wreck!"
Understandably, especially given today's job market, employees worry about keeping their jobs; therefore, they're concerned with how they're being perceived by their boss and their boss's boss. Being worried about "What will the boss and the team think?" is why hiring managers tend to prefer candidates who come across as predictable and low-risk. Consequently, being overqualified and having employment gaps are often viewed as liabilities, and why ageism persists. Rightly or wrongly, these factors are often considered high-risk red flags when making hiring decisions. In uncertain times, such as we're currently experiencing and will likely be for the foreseeable future, employers tend to favour candidates who appear steady rather than bold.
There are three aspects of a candidate that determine whether they're likely to be a low-risk hire:
1. Ability to perform the job effectively
2. Shows stability
TIP: In your résumé and LinkedIn profile, include the reason for your current career gap and explain what you're doing to stay current in your profession and industry.
3. Aligns well with the company culture
Whenever you're being interviewed, it's because the employer believes you're qualified for the role. Ultimately, the purpose of an interview is to assess whether you'd be someone who'll likely fit well with the current team and culture. Here's what you need to accept: the decision whether you're a fit or not is entirely out of your hands. All you can do is show you're a "great match," but never assume you're a "perfect fit." 
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE NEEDS ATTENTION
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE
NEEDS ATTENTION
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
Over the last several months, the City of Pickering has been rocked by violence — the kind of violence no community should ever have to face.
Let me remind everyone exactly what has happened in our city:
On May 2, a man was found dead in Pickering — our city’s first homicide of the year.
On May 29, an 83-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her own front yard by a 14-year-
old boy.
On July 5, a 69-year-old woman was killed in a suspicious house fire on Primrose Court —
now confirmed to be a homicide.
And just days ago, on July 11, a man’s body was found near Highway 401 and Whites Road — the fourth homicide in just over two months.
Four lives gone. Four families shattered. And an entire city left asking: what is happening to Pickering?
But it doesn’t stop there.
We are also seeing an alarming rise in carjackings, violent home invasions, guns seized, and increasing threats to public safety — right here in our neighbourhoods.
Partner violence is up. Mental health breakdowns are up. Homelessness is rising. And far too many people feel abandoned — by the very system that’s supposed to protect them.
Let me be absolutely clear: this is not just a public safety crisis.
This is a crisis of leadership.
Because while the violence rises, City Hall stays silent.
While families mourn, the headlines vanish.
And while people feel afraid to walk down their own streets, not a single elected official is standing up to say: Enough.
Well, I will.
To the families of the victims — I offer my deepest condolences. No words can take away your pain, but please know this: you are not alone. If you need support, I will do everything I can to help. I will fight to make sure your loved one is not forgotten. And I will never stop demanding justice — not just for them, but for every single resident who calls this city home.
To the people of Pickering — I hear your fear. I feel your frustration. But I also know your strength.
We are a city of good, hardworking people — and we deserve to live without fear. We deserve leaders who care. And we deserve a system that puts the safety and wellbeing of its people above political games and bureaucratic silence.
I was elected to serve — not to sit quietly while our city unravels.
And I say this today not just as a councillor, but as a mother, as a neighbour, and as someone who loves this community deeply:
This city needs leadership. Real leadership. Leadership that’s not afraid to tell the truth, to face the hard problems, and to stand up for the people — no matter the cost. So I’m here. I’m standing firm. And I’m not going anywhere. Because the safety of our people is not negotiable. Because every life matters.
Because this is our home — and I intend to protect it.
Thank you. And may God be close to the brokenhearted tonight.
Kind regards, Lisa Robinson “The People’s Councillor” City of Pickering
“Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - Lisa Robinson 2023
HERITAGE OSHAWA IS ACTING LIKE THE ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL BY GOING AGAINST THEIR OWN MANDATE
HERITAGE OSHAWA IS ACTING LIKE THE ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL
BY GOING AGAINST THEIR OWN MANDATE
WHILE UNDERTAKING RESEARCH on local issues concerning City Hall and its various committees, I have found some enjoyment in watching the online videos you’ll see posted on the City of Oshawa website.
I went into the latest such recording of the Heritage Oshawa committee with an abundance of energy, because before the meeting even began, I knew much more than usual about items on their agenda.
Which brings our attention to the property known municipally as 853 Simcoe Street South, being a one-and-a-half storey century home built in or around the year 1900. The home was included in a list formulated by Heritage Oshawa volunteers in 1998 as part of their effort to identify properties within the city that show built-heritage value – meaning they have architectural and overall design features that make them unique.
The house in question is almost one of a kind, with no less than two ground floor walk-in bay windows, and a unique front porch assembly which includes a main entry door placed 90 degrees from the road. Upstairs, there is a large dormer immediately above one of the bay windows – the rest of the roof area sloping at a somewhat sharp angle, typical of Victorian architecture. This dormer may have been an add-on, or may have originally included a door to a small balcony – a common feature among homes built at the turn of the 20th century.
I like to think my knowledge of Oshawa, and the many older homes that fill the neighbourhoods around the centre and southern portions of the city, as being extensive. The remaining inventory of brick-clad Victorian-style homes, already reduced in number, is under constant threat of demolition, and we can include 853 Simcoe Street South as being among them.
The property owner appeared before the Heritage committee to request the house be removed from the 1998 list of ‘Class B’ structures – his primary concern being the affect it may have on his current attempt to sell the home on the open market. It is currently listed for sale as a “rental income generating property” and may be viewed on the Realtor.ca website.
According to the owner, the inclusion of this house on the list of properties considered to be of heritage interest has spooked potential purchasers for fear it will receive an official Heritage designation – which may impede its ultimate demolition. This, in spite of the assertion on Realtor.ca that the house and property generate a total monthly income of $7000 or more.
During his presentation to committee members (Robert Bell and John O’Boyle having both declared a conflict on the item), the property owner offered the following assessment, “To me it’s very clear that if anybody was to look on Google…that home today on Google…there’s nothing at all that resembles anything Heritage at all about that property.”
As it happens, a majority of those on the committee were prepared to side with him, and below are a few of their comments made to justify their position.
Ward 2 City Councillor Jim Lee offered these assurances to the property owner, “I totally support the removal of your property from Class ‘B’…and I think you spoke very well with regard to, there’s no heritage value there.”
Committee member Sarah Smale had some very singular observations on the matter. “So I drove past the property on my way here because that’s my route, and looking at it as I was driving past, I don’t understand why it’s currently on the list… There’s no heritage look to it… I would say no heritage attributes to the outside, so I would definitely be in favour of letting it off the list.”
Not to be outdone by his colleagues, committee member James Bountrogiannis had these seemingly intelligent thoughts on the issue, “Why do we call it (Class) ‘B’ if it is undesignated? Oh, it’s something to do. So, let’s get rid of it.”
Do you see a pattern developing in these comments from committee members?
The only person to even remotely come to the defence of, not only the future of an unquestionably unique home of built-heritage value, but also the realities surrounding the Class ‘B’ list, was the committee Vice-Chair Diane Stephen. With no-one to support her, she appeared to do her best to add an element of reason to the debate, and in doing so she offered these comments directly to the property owner, “Our information comes from research done over the years. We have an inventory of ‘heritage Oshawa’ and your house is listed in here, along with quite a number of other ones, and it’s listed as being built in the 1900’s which makes your house 125 years old. “
These comments apparently did not sit well with Councillor Jim Lee, who took the Vice-Chair to task when he asked, “Being relatively new to the Heritage committee, are we basing ‘designation’ of heritage (sic) buildings based on when they’re built?” The Vice-Chair was quick to remind the councillor that the property at 853 Simcoe St. S. was not being considered for Heritage designation, and that there is “no stepping stone to designation… There’s no ‘B’ then you’re elevated to ‘A’ and then you end up being designated… That’s not how it works.” She would go on to tell her colleagues prior to calling a vote on the issue, “I just want to clarify, it’s not designated…this property is not designated.”
As it happened, those remarks would prove ultimately ineffective, as the committee voted to remove the property from the list of structures deemed worthy of heritage interest.
At this stage, I would like to offer my readers a few key takeaways from what transpired during the meeting.
First and foremost is the flippant manner in which committee member Sarah Smale apparently came to her decision. To suggest, as she did, that a mere drive-by glance is either in whole, or in part, a suitable method of deciding the fate of a historically unique structure, is tantamount to a betrayal of her role to work at preserving Oshawa’s built heritage. One would hope Ms Smale may learn from her mistake, otherwise her resignation from the committee would seem a reasonable expectation.
Secondly, the remarks by Ward 2 City Councillor Jim Lee were nothing less than adversarial towards the committee itself, or at least the mandate under which it operates. He showed himself to be no friend or advocate of heritage preservation, and unless his views change, residents of Oshawa may well see many more unique properties threatened by the wrecker’s ball.
I will be watching this committee very closely in the weeks and months to come.
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