The Spring Market

The Spring Market By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist With the melting of the snow and the emergence of the birds, like clockwork every year, comes the age-old question; how is the market looking? Well in a nutshell, we don’t quite know. This year, perhaps more than others, it is up in the air. This is due to a few different things. One of course is the American trade war. The uncertainty of what that will mean exactly and how it will play out, has experts and analysts on both sides of the boarder in a bit of a quandary as to what to predict in terms of markets and interest rates. In Durham Region, the housing market has been strong for a while now. First time buyers are making their presence known in a big way. With interest rates in decline in the last several months, home ownership has seen a renewed sense of hope as first-timers scramble to get into the market. The bank of Canada was apparently considering holding the rate in March, according to Tiff Macklem, but due to the impending trade war with the U.S. decide to lower it once again. Does that mean they will continue to lower it? Perhaps they intend to hold it now and take a wait and see approach. Regardless of what the bank of Canada does with the interest rate, people are nervous. The uncertainty of what will happen is casting worry across many sectors. People are preparing to batten down the hatches. Some real estate professionals are wondering how this could affect the cottage market. With more and more people opting for a staycation, keeping their dollars in Canada, perhaps the cottage rental market will see a boon. From coast to coast there are miles of waterfront, and lovely cottages of all sizes and shapes that dot those shorelines. While it is hard to say exactly what will happen, one thing is certain, it is times like these that force people to become more resourceful, more creative, and definitely more independent. I recall something that my uncle used to say all the time when I was a child; This too, shall pass. And so it has been all of my life.

Job Seekers: Consider How You Are Interpreted

Job Seekers: Consider How You Are Interpreted By Nick Kossovan People—hiring managers, recruiters, receptionists, your network, human resources—are what carbonates the job search experience. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that how you're interpreted (read: perceived) is the deciding factor in whether your networking efforts bear fruit, whether you're referred, whether you move along in the hiring process, and whether you're ultimately hired. This truism echoes the cautionary words of American rapper and actor Jaden Smith: "Be careful with how you make the world perceive you because they'll perceive you like that for the rest of your life." Undeniably, image is everything. Yet, many job seekers fail to manage their image effectively and wonder why they're stuck in a lengthy job search. Basically, interpreting someone involves attributing meaning to information, which could be visual (how the person is dressed, physical mannerisms, the car they drive, what they're eating, how they keep their work area) or auditory (accent, use of slang, lexicons, profanity, pronunciation). We do this constantly while communicating, which is why communication is messy. For an employer to whittle down a stack of applications to the one they'll hire, they must interpret what they know and see, making judgments that sometimes lead to accusations of bias or "ism." According to philosopher Hannah Arendt, identity is formed through public actions; we become who we are based on how others see us. Thus, "people treat you as they see you." Be mindful of the impression you make on others, remember: · Image is everything! · How you make someone feel is everything! Since your image and how you make your interviewer(s) feel significantly influence your job search success, knowing what isn't a 'good look'—what turns off employers—is essential. Based on my observations, most job seekers either don't know what isn't a 'good look' or don't care about how they're perceived by employers. What isn't a 'good look' Publicly Bashing Employers: It's common knowledge that employers scrutinize a candidate's online activities to determine whether they're interview-worthy, which is why it amazes me how many job seekers bash employers. Do they believe employers will read their "frustrations" and say, "He's right! Let's change everything we've been doing"? Publicly bashing employers is like biting the hands you want to feed you. Why go on a platform like LinkedIn to malign those who could potentially help you? Publicly bashing employers shows poor judgment and a lack of emotional control. Sloppy Self-Presentation Apicius, a 1st-century Roman gourmet, famously said, "We eat with our eyes first." This principle applies when meeting someone for the first time. It's human nature to assume a person's outward appearance reflects their inner qualities. If there's ever a time to look your best, it's during a job search. Also, presenting yourself well extends beyond your appearance; your resume, LinkedIn profile, and social media activities contribute to the overall impression of who you are. Typos, vague results, poor grammar, and inappropriate social media posts turn employers off. Aggressive Communication Many job seekers often confuse assertiveness with aggression, possibly due to a prevalent sense of entitlement. Assertive communication expresses needs and opinions directly and respectfully, while aggressive communication prioritizes personal needs at the expense of others. I view assertiveness as a two-way dialogue, whereas aggression feels like a one-way proclamation. Aggressive communication leads to the aforementioned employer bashing and having a standoffish attitude with interviewers as if they're the enemy. In contrast, assertiveness means being clear about what you want while considering the employer's needs. The easiest way to expedite your job search is to focus on how you can solve an employer's problems and align your communication accordingly. Job seekers should aim to communicate from a "What can I do for you?" perspective rather than a "What's in it for me?" stance. Lack of Manners and Social Skills Although manners and social skills have declined, they are still crucial for career success. Lacking these skills makes you less likeable (read: affects how others feel about you). I've yet to meet a hiring manager who hires someone they don't like. Good manners facilitate relationships, which are vital to career success. Ignoring social cues or failing to read a room can lead to misunderstandings and hinder relationship-building. How people receive your message, what they remember about you, and how they feel afterward matters. At some point, everyone feels that how they're being interpreted is holding them back. When that happens, it's in your best interest to figure it out. If you feel unappreciated or misunderstood, look in the mirror instead of blaming "the world." You control your destiny through how you present yourself and how you communicate. Nobody is owed acceptance. While it’s contrary to the popular advice to "be yourself," that assumes 'yourself' is someone people actually like—a dangerous assumption—because your physical appearance and actions are what others use to interpret you, perception management is crucial to job search success; therefore, care as much, if not more, about how others perceive you than how you perceive yourself. The phrase "perception is reality," attributed to American political strategist Lee Atwater, echoes throughout an employer's hiring process; therefore, what employers see about you is your responsibility. ___________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

A Canadian Federal Election to Remember

A Canadian Federal Election to Remember by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As expected, Canada's 45th general election got underway Sunday March 23rd, with the party leaders vying to become Canada's next Prime Minister, each positioning himself as the best candidate to strengthen Canada's economy and stand up to United States President Donald Trump. Canadians will vote and the campaign will close on April 28th, making it one of the shortest campaigns (37 days) allowed by legislation. Liberal Leader Mark Carney triggered the campaign by visiting Governor General Mary Simon and asking her to dissolve Parliament. Speaking outside Rideau Hall following that meeting, he said he is offering solutions instead of anger and division. "It's easy to be negative about everything when you've never built anything; when you've never had to make a payroll," he said. "Negativity won't win a trade war." Right out of the gate Carney promised a one-point cut to the middle class tax rate and said an election is necessary to show a strong response to American economic threats. The Liberal leader, who has yet to serve as an MP, will seek election in the Ottawa riding of Nepean. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his campaign an hour before Carney addressed media, saying he plans to restore the promise of Canada and tackle affordability issues that he blames on elites. "Our nation is more divided than ever before, because the Liberal, radical, post-national, borderless and globalist ideology has weakened our nation," Poilievre said in Gatineau, Que., overlooking Parliament Hill. "Now, desperate for a fourth term, Liberals have replaced Justin Trudeau with his economic advisor and handpicked successor, Mark Carney." Poilievre said he will bring down the cost of living and fix the immigration system while supporting a strong military. Recent polls have suggested the Liberals and Conservatives are in a neck-and-neck race and the comfortable polling lead the Conservatives enjoyed for more than a year has all but evaporated. The NDP, which was tied with the Liberals a few months ago according to many surveys, has watched its support plummet. President Trump has threatened to economically coerce Canada into becoming a U.S. state, implementing some debilitating tariffs and promising others in response for a shifting set of policy changes ranging from fentanyl flows to dairy quotas. The new tariffs proposed by the United States are to hit Canada in just a few days, on April 2nd. It will be an exiting election with many unknowns and dynamics. Both leaders of the main parties willing to govern are untested in previous elections. Mark Carney the Liberal party leader has never had an elected position. On the other hand, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative party, is a politician by trade with a long record of political involvement, but other experience. We will have to see how the campaign evolves, because it is an important election in a tormented world. Canadians need to leave woke issues and need to be united to face an uncertain future. Canadian identity must be preserved and we must be proud to be Canadians as never before. At this point Canada as a nation needs to be patriotic and proud of its past and its history, in order to face the black clouds of political menace from our previously trusted friend and neighbour. But let us go a little back in time. In ways no one could have understood at the time, the summer of 2015, has turned out to be a momentous one for Canada and Canadian politics, and the reverberations are only being fully felt now, nearly a decade later. I remember the election of 2015 very well. It was an election to be lost by the Conservative party lead by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They approached it in a very unusual way and failed to identify the real threat, which was the Liberal party, reduced to third party status at the time. Unfortunately, many of the staff running the 2015 election campaign are still involved in senior positions in Pierre Poilivre’s campaign, and prone to commit the same fatal mistakes that lead to the loss of the 2015 election. In the summer of 2015, one of the significant events might have seemed to be an announcement made by the leader of the Liberal Party in downtown Ottawa. Still four months away from becoming prime minister, Justin Trudeau stood before television cameras at the Château Laurier and presented a platform for sweeping political reform, including a categorical commitment to change Canada's existing electoral system. In reality, at about the same time, a more seismic event occurred. On Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, dismissed by many politicos as insignificant at the time, a former reality TV star announced that he was running to be president of the United States. He said "drugs" and "rapists" were streaming across the American border with Mexico. He promised to build a wall. He said the United States was being "ripped off" by the rest of the world and that it didn't have "victories" anymore. He vowed to "make America great again." It was Donald Trump. In the years that followed, the United States had multiple opportunities to decisively reject Donald Trump’s ideas. But last fall the majority of Americans chose him to be their president for a second time. For Canada, the first four years of a Trump presidency were a time-consuming challenge. The scramble to maintain an open economic relationship with Canada's largest trading partner necessarily became the Trudeau government's top priority. At the time it was still possible to believe that those four years were a strange anomaly and that America would, after four years of Trump, snap back to normal. Joe Biden's victory in 2020 seemed to confirm that. However, the four years of Biden's presidency now seem like the last gasp of a world that no longer exists. Well, two months into the second four years of Trump, the threat to Canada now seems existential. The first time around, Trump talked about tearing up the North American Free Trade Agreement. Now, he threatens to erase the border an "artificially drawn line," in his words between our two countries. Whoever is prime minister after April 28th will have to contend with this unsettled and unsettling new reality. He will have to fight a continental trade war. He will have to negotiate with an American president who openly pines for annexation. He may soon face a national or global recession brought on by a global trade war. He will have to make urgent decisions about domestic economic policy, resource development, national defence and international engagement. Being aware of the challenges the next Prime Minister must face, it is up to you to decide which contender is best qualified to be Prime Minister. So never before has it been so important for you to get involved. Canada’s future is at stake!

Who Really Controls What We See and Hear?

Who Really Controls What We See and Hear? By Dale Jodoin Have you ever wondered who decides what news we hear every day? Who chooses what stories show up on TV, in newspapers, and on the internet? Many people think the news is always honest and tells the truth. But that’s not always the case. In Canada today, the truth is often hidden, and the people who control the news are not doing it to help regular Canadians—they’re doing it to keep their power. In Canada, a lot of newspapers and news websites get money from the government. That means the people we vote for—like the Prime Minister and his team—are giving money to the same people who write the news. This is a big problem. When someone gives you money, they expect something in return. It’s just like if someone paid you to say something nice about them. Would you still tell the truth if that truth made them look bad? Many news reporters today don’t want to upset the government because they might lose their funding. So instead of reporting the real news, they write stories that make the Liberal government look good—even when it’s not. You may have seen polls on TV or online that say the Liberal Party is ahead in the election. But if you ask your neighbors, your parents, or your teachers, they might say something different. So who’s right? The truth is, polls can be used to trick people. They might only ask certain groups of people or only show numbers that make one side look better. Right now, even though many Canadians are unhappy with the government, the news still says the Liberals are winning. Why? Because the people running the news are being paid by the government and their friends. The people who are paying to keep the Liberals in power are not strangers. Many of them are Liberal insiders, union bosses, and people connected to the NDP. These are people who already have power, and they want more. They don’t care if regular Canadians are struggling. They want to control the money, the rules, and the choices Canadians are allowed to make. Unions used to be about helping workers. A long time ago, they fought for fair pay and better working conditions. But today, many big unions care more about their own leaders than the workers they are supposed to protect. They spend millions of dollars supporting the government, even when the government isn’t doing what’s best for the country. Why? Because it helps them keep their power. It doesn’t stop at the news. The government also controls what kids learn in school. They decide what books you read, what topics are taught, and what is said in the classroom. Some kids are not even learning how to think for themselves anymore. They are being told what to think. When you only hear one side of the story over and over, you start to believe it—even if it’s not true. That’s how the government uses teachers and schools to make sure young people grow up believing whatever they are told. If you try to ask questions or think differently, some people might call you names like “far-right” or “dangerous,” just because you want the truth. When people start thinking for themselves, it scares those in power. That’s why the media and government often try to divide us. They tell us to be angry at certain groups. They say if someone disagrees with the government, they must be a bad person. They use words like "racist" or "extremist" to try and shut people up. This makes people afraid to speak their minds. They worry they’ll lose friends or get in trouble for asking honest questions. In a free country, this should never happen. Young people today live on the internet. They use phones, computers, and social media every day. The government knows this. That’s why they try to control what we can see online, too. They say it’s to “protect” people, but really it’s to control what stories are told and what voices are heard. If someone posts a video or article that goes against the government’s message, it might be taken down or hidden. That’s not freedom. That’s control. And the more we let it happen, the worse it will get. If we want to be free, we have to be brave. That means standing up for the truth, even when it’s hard. It means asking questions, thinking for ourselves, and not believing everything we hear on the news or read online. It means supporting real people who care about Canada—not just the ones who want power or money. It also means knowing that we might lose friends or even upset family members. But freedom is more important than being liked by everyone. If we don’t speak up now, the next generation may grow up in a country where no one can think for themselves. This isn’t a wild story or a made-up idea. This is the world we are living in right now. If the government can pay the news to lie, if unions and insiders can buy power, and if kids are being taught not to ask questions—then we are not as free as we think. We need to be careful. We need to be strong. And most of all, we need to stay free.

What Happened to the Sesame Street We All Know and Love?

What Happened to the Sesame Street We All Know and Love? By Dale Jodoin For over 50 years, Sesame Street has been a staple of children’s television, teaching generations of kids their ABCs and 123s. From Big Bird to Elmo, the show became more than just entertainment—it was an educational tool that shaped childhoods around the world. But something is happening to Sesame Street, and it has left many wondering: can we ever get back the version we all loved? The Big Change at Max The biggest shock came in December 2024, when Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would no longer produce new Sesame Street episodes for its streaming service, Max (formerly HBO Max). The decision came as part of a shift in focus—Max wants to cater more to adult and family content, moving away from children’s programming. This means that after Season 55, which premieres in January 2025, the show will need a new home. While older episodes will still be available on Max until at least 2027, the future of new seasons is uncertain. The producers of Sesame Street are now searching for another platform willing to take on the beloved show. But even if it finds a new home, will it still be the same show? A Different Sesame Street for a Different Time Fans have noticed that Sesame Street has changed over the years. The original show, created in 1969, was built around short, engaging segments with colorful puppets, music, and real-life lessons. It featured diverse characters, catchy songs, and a sense of community that felt natural. Parents and kids could watch together, and both enjoyed the humor and lessons. In recent years, however, the show has shifted. Some say it has become more about pushing messages than simple, fun education. The storytelling has changed, and some beloved characters have been altered or even disappeared. Season 56 is expected to move further away from the traditional magazine-style segments and adopt a more narrative-driven format—which could mean fewer classic skits and more scripted episodes. The question many are asking is: why fix something that wasn’t broken? Is Sesame Street Going Woke? Critics argue that Sesame Street has become more focused on political and social agendas than just teaching kids the basics. The show now includes discussions about complex topics that many parents feel aren’t appropriate for young children. Some believe the show is trying too hard to cater to small groups instead of sticking to the broad, welcoming appeal that made it great. The show has always promoted kindness, diversity, and understanding, but today’s version feels more like a lesson in activism than in learning how to share cookies like Cookie Monster. Parents who grew up watching Bert and Ernie’s silly antics or Oscar the Grouch’s grumpy but loveable personality now feel that the show has lost its charm. This shift raises concerns: is there still room for the classic fun that made Sesame Street a success, or is it now just another platform for “modern” messaging? Where Will Sesame Street Go Next? With Max cutting ties, the big question remains—who will pick up Sesame Street? The show could move to another streaming service like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime. But those companies might demand even more changes, further shifting Sesame Street away from its original feel. The public broadcasting model that made Sesame Street famous has also faded. Once upon a time, PBS aired the show for free, reaching millions of kids across North America. But with its shift to paid platforms like HBO, access to Sesame Street has been harder for many families. If the show moves again, will it become even more exclusive? Some are hopeful that a new network will bring back the old charm. Others worry that no matter where it lands, the show will never be the same again. Can We Bring Back the Old Sesame Street? Many long-time fans would love to see Sesame Street return to its roots—where lessons were simple, fun, and relatable for all kids. But in today’s world, entertainment is no longer just about entertaining. Many shows, including Sesame Street, are trying to meet modern expectations instead of keeping things light and fun for everyone. Is there still a place for classic Sesame Street, where Big Bird and Grover go on silly adventures, and Oscar complains about everything but still has a heart of gold? Can Sesame Street go back to focusing on numbers, letters, and life lessons instead of deeper political themes? Some believe that if enough people speak up, Sesame Street could find a way to balance the old with the new. Others fear that those days are gone forever. A Future Full of Questions No matter what happens, Sesame Street has left an undeniable mark on pop culture and education. The question is: will it continue to be the beloved show for all, or just another program that only appeals to a select few? For now, all we can do is wait and see where Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the gang end up next. But one thing is certain—Sesame Street will never be forgotten, even if it doesn’t look the way we remember.

Canadian Politics on the Ropes

Canadian Politics on the Ropes by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East A turmoil is washing across North America. The Trump administration has embarked on a tariff war that is causing grave concern in Canada. The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early January ignited a Liberal leadership contest won by Mark Carney in early March. Mr. Carney is a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and of the Bank of England. With no political experience, he is now the Prime Minister of Canada in a very sensitive political and economic situation, especially with regard to relations with the United States. In the meantime, his becoming leader of the Federal Liberal Party and consequently the Prime Minister of Canada seems to have produced a real tsunami in the polls; reversing the fortunes of the Liberal Party. In December 2024 the Conservative party led by Pierre Poilievre had a commanding advantage of 20 points over the Liberal Party and what looked like an almost certain chance to form the next government. However, this advantage in the polls has suddenly evaporated, as there is a new game in play to determine who will form the next government of Canada. A new National Post-Leger poll shows that 42 per cent of Canadians now say they plan to cast a ballot for Mark Carney’s Liberals, while 39 per cent say they intend to vote for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives. It is a stunning recovery in the polls for Carney’s Liberals. Support for the party, which has governed since 2015, had plummeted over the last year. The Conservatives held a significant lead, suggesting an election would lead to Liberal decimation in the House of Commons and a Poilievre-led supermajority. The Conservative Party now faces a Liberal Party Leader with substantial credentials and work experience both in public service and private business. A Prime Minister who has not held an elected position previously, is also unprecedented in Canadian history. Not since 1984 has a Prime Minister been elected who wasn’t an MP. While John Turner was not a sitting MP when he became prime minister, he had previously served as an MP. He became Liberal Party leader and prime minister in June 1984 but did not win a seat in Parliament until the September 1984 election. There do not appear to be any recent precedents for such a situation in Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. The Canadian public seems to have reacted to these dynamic and rapid succession of events, and the results are astonishing. With an election call expected within days, before the prorogation of the Parliament expires on the 24th of March, a new national poll shows the Liberals leading the Conservatives by three points. Certainly, the Conservative party will have a difficult time in the weeks leading up to the next federal election. To win, they need to change gears and adapt to this new reality. However, considering the advisers and the inner circle of the leader, they are unlikely to have either the imagination or the tools to make the necessary dynamic and useful changes. I base this opinion on the fact that Mr. Pollievre is surrounded by the same people who lost the 2015 election for Stephen Harper, and subsequently for Andrew Sheer and Erin O’Toole as well. After years of promising to axe the carbon tax, Conservatives watched in obvious horror as Prime Minister Mark Carney did it for them on his first day in office. They could have chosen to take a victory lap here. They could have celebrated the elimination of a policy they had attacked with enormous amounts of political time and resources, and moved on to the far more pressing matters at hand. Instead, they threw a collective temper tantrum. Maybe Mark Carney is not as inexperienced on the political scene as some people have assumed. Mr. Carney’s decision to zero-out the consumer carbon tax with the stroke of his prime ministerial pen is starting to look like a well-laid trap his opponents jumped into, headlong. Melissa Lantsman, the deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, a former staffer, has suggested that “he’s pausing it for the election so he can trick you into believing it’s gone.” Former CPC leader Andrew Scheer, also lacking in all but political experience, described this move as “a con,” apparently all part of his “Carbon Tax Scam.” Finally, Pierre Poilievre got into the act, putting the cherry on top, with the accusation that, “After 9 years of battling for a carbon tax, do you really trust the Liberals not to bring it back? Dream on.” The trauma of watching their signature campaign pledge enacted by their new opponent reverberated throughout the Conservative universe. Really, the Conservative Party needs to change its approach, like yesterday. Changing their approach is the only way they can possibly secure victory. We will soon see if they are capable of the changes needed to focus on the real issues generated by the adversarial relations developing with Canada’s Southern neighbour. Pierre Poilievre needs to realize that the biggest political danger for him might be on the Canada-U.S. file, which has taken on an understandably existential dimension over the last few months. In an election that will be fought over who can best protect Canada’s economy from President Trump, Pierre Poilievre needs to find reliable ideas to put to Canadians, in order to win. Here is the question: will he be able to do so in the short period of time available? Otherwise, he will go down in history as a Don Quixote,”tilting at windmills” Let us hope for the best.

PRESERVING OSHAWA’S PAST THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE CITY’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

PRESERVING OSHAWA’S PAST THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE CITY’S CULTURAL HERITAGE By Dean Hickey MANY OSHAWA RESIDENTS WERE SADDENED to see the demolition of Cowan House, one of the city’s oldest surviving examples of early Georgian architecture, in the summer of 2022. The property, across the street from city hall, has now been cleared and construction is set to begin on a 16-storey, 172 unit condominium. Heritage Oshawa is a municipal advisory committee that was formed for the purpose of advising City Council on all matters relating to preserving the city’s cultural heritage, including buildings and structures. Prior to the sale and demolition of Cowan House (circa 1858), the committee recommended that it be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Anglican Church which owned the building opposed such a designation, and was ultimately supported by a majority of city councillors. A similar loss of one of Oshawa’s last remaining pre-confederation homes occurred at a property on Thornton Rd. N. where no less than seven new dwellings have been built in place of what was a gothic-style residence built in 1840, and once the home of Edward French, an early Oshawa merchant, as well as Joseph Gould who, for many years was a Justice of the Peace and a Commissioner of the High Court of Justice. Such history within the community is worth preserving, not only in archival documents and photographs, but in the form of houses and other buildings that provide a visual guide as to our collective past. Presently, there are two properties that have been the subject of debate over whether re-development or what is now known as ‘adaptive re-use’ should take precedence over heritage preservation. City councillors decided early last year to designate the century-old former Harmony Public School and to pursue the matter all the way to the Ontario Land Tribunal if necessary, despite objections from the property owners who want to tear it down for a proposed development. A similar appeal process is currently under way for Robert McLaughlin House, located on Simcoe St. N. not far from the city’s downtown. This property fell victim to arson and a gaping hole has been visible in the roof for a number of years as the battle between city hall and the property owner drags on. Among my examples, we have two properties lost, one that may very well be saved from the wrecking ball, and one that will likely not survive the appeal process in its current state of disrepair. Mixed results to be sure, however the struggle to preserve future at-risk properties continues. I had occasion to chat with well-known Oshawa resident Robert Bell, who is also a member of the Heritage Oshawa committee, and we discussed all manner of ongoing preservation efforts within the city. His interest began many years ago when he represented his church as they were seeking to have their property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. That was in 2012, and since that time he has been an active participant in a process which at times has been rewarding, and at others certainly less so as demolitions occur in spite of the committee’s efforts. When asked about the highs and lows of trying to save Oshawa’s history, my friend was sanguine in his reply, “I’m an eternal optimist, always trying to see something good in everything, and I never take things personally.” He went on to add, “I give advice only, and it’s important to remember that I am not an ultimate decision maker when it comes to the fate of historic properties.” All the while telling me he wasn’t in a position to speak on behalf of Heritage Oshawa, Robert was able to identify one preservation effort that he felt illustrated both positive and negative elements; that being the renovations to the 1929 Genosha Hotel building located at 70 King St. E. “The building had long since been designated, and proposals to do something with the property came and went over the years, with many people in the community simply looking forward to the day such an ‘eyesore’ would be pulled down” he said. “I felt lucky to be on the Heritage Committee when the building was finally gutted and its exterior fully restored, as we were permitted access that enabled us to see the transformation close up.” My friend described this project as a perfect example of what he says should be done, meaning a successful adaptive re-use. However, along with the obvious enthusiasm at urban renewal, there are always detractors, which Robert says is unhelpful. “During the process, as I saw the interior of the Genosha taken down to its structural elements only, there were some who felt the need to comment on social media that the place was nothing more than a ‘fire trap’ and of little value to anyone” he said. We shared a laugh as to what could possibly burn in a structure that by that time had been reduced to brick and steel. Of course, the building is now an architecturally significant condominium with a major food court at street level, but that doesn’t take away the memories my friend has when it comes to the naysayers. “It was troubling, because comments were circulating on Facebook that effectively hurt the entire community, with some saying - there’s Oshawa spending money on a fire-trap, a piece of garbage - and that is such a negative outlook in the face of those who were trying to do some good.” Circling back to the issue of Cowan House and its unfortunate demise, we discussed what I suggested was a missed opportunity to create a sort of ‘heritage district’ by preserving the entire block bounded by Simcoe, Athol, Centre, and Bagot Sts. within the very heart of the city. As it happens, Oshawa has only one such designation, that being the collection of wartime buildings at the airport. My further concern was the loss of most buildings that stood prior to the year 1900, however my friend was quick to say “You must remember that 19th century Oshawa was not a big place, and most of that is in our downtown.” As to the city’s future and all that might be done to save its built heritage only time will tell, but as long as there are dedicated volunteers ready to do what is necessary, Oshawa residents can look forward to seeing much of their built history remain for generations to come.

Sudden Surge of Fake Patriotism in Pickering

Sudden Surge of Fake Patriotism in Pickering By Lisa Robinson For over six months, I have been advocating for a simple but meaningful change—playing the national anthem before council meetings. I have also pushed for a motion that government buildings should only fly government flags, ensuring that we stand united as Canadians under one national flag, rather than dividing ourselves with symbols that cater to personal ideologies. Yet, despite my efforts, these proposals have been met with resistance from the very people who now drape themselves in the flag, claiming to be the champions of “Team Canada.” What changed? Donald Trump and tariffs. Suddenly, my council—who previously scoffed at these ideas of national unity—has discovered a newfound love for Canada. Councillors who once dismissed patriotism as outdated or exclusionary are now grandstanding about Canadian values, not because they believe in them, but because they see political advantage in aligning themselves with anti-Trump sentiment. And let’s talk about the Mayor's childish behavior here. Mayor Ashe himself told me directly that the reason he refused to move forward with my motion to play the national anthem was “not because of the message, but because of the messenger.” That’s right—he admitted that it wasn’t about whether the idea was good or meaningful—it was about who suggested it. That kind of petty, ego-driven decision-making is not just unprofessional—it’s undemocratic. Now, suddenly, the Mayor is reversing course. Why? Because it fits the new “Team Canada” narrative. He’s not doing this because it’s the right thing to do—he’s doing it because it’s politically convenient. And it’s not just Pickering. The Region of Durham is now also rushing through a procedural bylaw change to play the national anthem before meetings. This isn’t about patriotism—it’s about optics. It’s about riding the wave of anti-Trump sentiment and capitalizing on the idea of national unity for political gain. Let’s be clear—real patriotism is not performative. It’s not about reacting to a news cycle or using Canada’s name as a prop in political theater. It’s about consistent dedication to our country, its principles, and its people. That’s why I proudly brought the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Bill of Rights into our offices. That’s why I have pictures outside my office showcasing my favorite places in Pickering—because I genuinely love this city and this country. That’s why I continue to push for policies that reflect unity, not division. Meanwhile, some councillors continue to treat their offices like personal billboards, displaying flags that do not represent the people of Pickering as a whole, but rather their own political agendas. These same individuals resisted my efforts to establish true symbols of unity—yet now they want to pose as defenders of Canadian interests. The hypocrisy is glaring. Patriotism isn’t a costume you put on when it’s politically convenient. It’s not a temporary reaction to trade disputes. It’s a steadfast commitment to the values that make Canada strong—freedom, unity, and national pride. And no amount of performative flag-waving from my council colleagues will change the fact that their sudden enthusiasm for “Team Canada” is nothing more than a hollow, self-serving act. And if Mayor Ashe and the rest of council truly believe chairing meetings and listening to the public is such a burden, I’ll gladly take that off their hands. I’d happily chair every meeting myself if it means giving the people of Pickering the respect and voice they deserve. That’s real leadership. That’s real service. That’s real patriotism. It’s time we stop pretending this is about unity and start calling it what it is: political theatre. The people of Pickering deserve leaders who stand up for Canada because they believe in it—not because it’s suddenly popular. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

Four Types of Value to Offer Employers

Four Types of Value to Offer Employers By Nick Kossovan Many job seekers won't like the following: When you're not selected for an interview, for subsequent interviews, or hired, chances are the hiring manager didn't think you'd be a value-add to the company. When a hiring manager considers a candidate, especially during the interview phase, they ask themselves four essential questions: 1. Can this person do the work? 2. Can this person be relied on and trusted? 3. Will this person fit in and not be a disruptor? 4. Will this person add value to the business? The fourth question is the determining factor; thus, knowing how to pitch your value is paramount to expediting your job search and propelling your career upward. At a certain point in your career, everything becomes sales. Convincing your boss, or their boss, that your idea makes sense, explaining how a project will pay off, helping employees understand the benefits of a new process, etc. All these activities are sales-like, requiring showing value (read: what's in it for them) to achieve the desired "Yes!" A job search is essentially orchestrating a sales process via job search activities like writing your resume, crafting a cover letter, creating and regularly updating your LinkedIn profile, networking, and, of course, interviewing, which is a sales meeting where you close the sale. If your aspiration is to have a meteoric career and to lessen job search frustrations—which you’ll inevitably conduct multiple times throughout your career—then you'd greatly benefit from mastering the key components of sales: an appealing value proposition, a compelling narrative, and supporting facts and data to establish trust. If there's anything that resonates with hiring managers, it's a value proposition. However, most job seekers fail to convey the value they can provide to an employer and expect to be hired regardless. The key to success in today's fiercely competitive job market is to clearly communicate how you'll add value to one or more of the following factors that contribute to a company's success: Revenue Generation "Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it's the lifeblood of business." - Sir Richard Branson. The king of value-adds a candidate can offer is revenue generation. Revenue is a company's earnings before deducting operating expenses; hence, it sustains its existence. Demonstrating a proven record of generating revenue for your previous employers is a powerful tool in your job search toolkit. The more clearly you can articulate how you'll contribute to the employer's profits, the more likely you'll be hired. An example would be a sales manager who increased sales by 30% in a year by implementing a new CRM system. When interviewed, they present documents (e.g., reports)—evidence—that contain specific data points, such as the percentage increase in sales and how they achieved it through targeted marketing strategies. In other words, they show their revenue-generating skills, analytical skills, and understanding of market dynamics instead of simply "telling." Worth noting: With all the bad actors in the job market making exaggerated claims about their skills and experience, providing evidence in the form of supporting documents is a strategic approach to gain your interviewer's trust while answering the aforementioned second question about your trustworthiness. Savings The ability to create savings is a significant value-add. After generating revenue, a company's primary objective is to monitor its expenses and, when necessary, reduce them without sacrificing quality. Imagine a project manager who cut costs by 20% through renegotiating contracts with suppliers and improving workflows. When interviewing, they provide details on specific initiatives they undertook, such as implementing a more efficient project management tool that resulted in fewer hours lost. Presenting these metrics—offering evidence—via supporting documents highlights their ability to save money and reflects their resourcefulness and strategic thinking. Innovation Business survival requires staying relevant to an ever-changing economic and business landscape and fickle consumer demands; hence, employers gravitate to candidates who demonstrate outside-the-box thinking and innovation. Consider, for instance, a marketing professional who designed and executed a successful social media campaign that significantly raised brand awareness. During the interview, discuss their creative process, the tools they used for analytics, and the impressive results, such as a 50% increase in engagement and a measurable boost in website traffic, which they provide evidence to support. By demonstrating their innovative mindset, they demonstrate their value and potential to drive future growth. Leadership Individuals who can inspire and lead teams to achieve common goals are rare and, therefore, are highly valued by employers. Regardless of the position you're applying for or interviewing for, effectively communicating your leadership skills will make you a strong candidate. Think of a team lead who spearheaded a project necessitating cross-departmental collaboration. When interviewed, they share STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories about how they managed diverse teams, resolved conflicts, and motivated, illustrating their leadership style. Additionally, they share anecdotes explaining how their leadership improved team performance and morale, resulting in quantifiable results, such as an increase of 15% in productivity. Ultimately, you want to shift the conversation from "Why should we hire you?" to "How will you help us succeed?" Focusing on showcasing your value will significantly increase your chances of landing the job. ___________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

The Three Examples Of Persuasion In And Out Of My House And How They Are Impactful

The Three Examples Of Persuasion In And Out Of My House And How They Are Impactful by Kadin McElwain: As a society, we are used to seeing methods of persuasion on a regular basis. Whether it be the standard commercial for KFC’s new Cheetos Chicken Sandwich or your mom trying to convince you to do the dishes tonight after dinner, persuasion is a major part of our culture. This idea makes me reflect on elements of persuasion that I see in and outside of my house when I’m doing my routine for the day. More specifically, I think of three examples that apply to not only me, but society as a whole. These examples are the television set, the billboard, and the radio. These three examples are not necessarily the main persuaders, but they are distributors of persuasion, which makes them complicit in the persuasion cycle. The television, billboard and radio are normally used to advertise a good or service a company is trying to sell you. These tactics could be something as simple as a catchy jingle made for a donut shop or something as complex as a statue of a cow painting a billboard message that urges you to go to the chicken sandwich restaurant to protect them from being turned into burgers. Looking at our textbook, we know that persuasion “should take into account the rich complex of verbal, nonverbal, and contextual cues found in interpersonal encounters” (Gass and Seiter, p. 32). The three items listed take all three of these concepts into account, with the television and radio being the most prominent, as they use audio and visual cues in their commercials to persuade you to buy the product being advertised. One notable example of this in the sense of the radio is a lost 1954 radio advertisement for Southern Maid Donuts featuring Elvis Presley, which featured the jingle “You can get them piping hot after 4PM” (Blazeski, 2017). This company used the radio and one of the biggest stars at the time to convince consumers that their donuts were the best. In the sense of the television set, the persuasion mediums that are used are video and audio, as seen in many commercials. In the sense of the billboard, the persuasion mediums used would be print and the occasional QR code that people can scan to head to the social media page of the company. Finally, in the sense of the radio, the persuasion medium used would be the audio medium. These three items give companies the platform to persuade consumers to buy their products and/or that their product is better than the other brand. Additionally, thanks to the rise of social media, all three of these platforms allow even more companies to persuade consumers to buy their products or services, whether it be through a QR code leading to the social media page, a DM from a company discussing their product, or even getting some influencers to promote their product with just the click of a button. But what kind of tactics are used by both the companies and the distributors of persuasion to make their point? Three of the most notable persuasion tactics that we see used in all three persuasion distributors are pathos, ethos, and logos. Going back to the 1954 Southern Maid Donuts radio advertisement, the element of ethos can be seen, or heard in this case, through the use of a celebrity endorsement, more specifically, Elvis Presley. In the sense of the billboard, a notable example of the pathos element is in Lego’s three-part “Violence, Drugs, Sex” series, which uses the emotional appeal of wanting to protect your child to convince parents not to let their child watch too much television. In the sense of television, the notable example of logos used is the infamous “15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance” advertisements from GEICO, which hypes up the savings people can receive on their insurance if they switch over to them. All three persuasion channels allow companies to use pathos, ethos, and logos to persuade consumers to buy their product or service for one reason or another. To conclude, the three items I chose that use persuasion are the television set, the billboard, and the radio. These items aren’t necessarily the persuaders, but they are rather the persuasion distributors for companies looking to sell a new product or service. These companies not only use audio, video, and elements of social media to make their point, but also use logos, ethos, and pathos to persuade the consumers to buy the good or service that they are selling. Our culture is defined by persuasion. But we just need to be aware and pay attention to the types of persuasion.

Good Health is a Family Affair

Good Health is a Family Affair By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Helen Keller knew it better than most. She said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Good health is often viewed as a personal responsibility, but what if we told you that your friends and family may be the key to success? Science shows that the people closest to us shape our daily habits in ways we may not even notice. In fact, a study from the New England Journal of Medicine found that obesity spreads within social circles—if your close friends gain weight, your own risk of gaining weight increases by 57%! The same holds true for smoking, exercise, and even happiness. Like it or not, the choices made by those around us have a powerful impact on our well-being. This influence can work both ways. If you’re surrounded by unhealthy habits, it’s harder to make better choices. But if you create an environment where friends and family prioritize well-being, good health becomes the natural way of life. It’s why people living in the world’s longest-lived regions—such as Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy—thrive. These communities emphasize strong social bonds, shared meals, and active lifestyles. Their success isn’t just about diet; it’s about the benefits of togetherness. The Framingham Heart Study, spanning over 70 years, has revealed that habits like exercise, diet, and even optimism are contagious. When one person in a social group begins a healthier lifestyle, others are more likely to follow. This means that committing to health as a family or with friends isn’t just a nice idea—it’s backed by science. Consider the simple act of cooking at home. A 2017 study in Public Health Nutrition found that people who cook at home consume fewer processed foods and more essential nutrients. What’s more, when you prepare meals with family, it’s easier to reinforce healthier choices. The same goes for exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but sticking to it can be a challenge. A University of Aberdeen study found that having an exercise partner significantly boosts motivation and consistency. Whether it’s walking the dog, joining a yoga class, or signing up for a charity run, a partner makes all the difference. Beyond diet and exercise, preventive healthcare is another area where support matters. Encouraging family members to schedule regular check-ups, monitor blood pressure, and take proactive steps against disease can add years to their lives. A study in The Lancet confirms that social support plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Knowledge, after all, is power. And one of the simplest ways to help loved ones stay informed is by sharing reputable health resources. Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be a solitary, uphill battle. A 2020 study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that families who set health goals together—whether it’s eating more vegetables, cutting sugar, or taking evening walks—almost double their success rate. So why not do exactly this? Invite a friend for a morning walk, team up within the family to replace processed snacks with whole foods, or send this article to someone who could use a little motivation. A healthier life is easier to achieve when you have support. A simple way to keep yourself and your loved ones informed is to sign up for our newsletter at www.docgiff.com. The best gift you can give someone is the knowledge—and encouragement—to live well. 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

My Old House - Part Five

My Old House - Part Five By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist What a difference a door makes! So, last week we left off with the living room having been painted with six coats of soft yellow paint, and a new door being installed in the kitchen. I cannot tell you what a difference the door has made. I never realized just how much light is blocked by the steel or wood make up of a door until now. The model I chose is a single full glass door going out to the backyard. It has a roller shade built in between the glass panes. The amount of light streaming through this door is quite impressive. I have a lot of plants in the kitchen so needless to say they are loving this. It’s one of those things where I think to myself, I wish I had done this earlier but of course we don’t know until we know. With the door installed in the kitchen, that room is now complete. The coastal theme though, is proving to be a little harder to pull off than I had originally thought. The entry hall is the beautiful seafoam green; the living room was going to be green to match but at the last minute I went with the yellow of the kitchen to match that side of the room. That may have been a mistake. A mistake that will unfortunately cost me a few hundred dollars to correct. I need to get this right. I was afraid to go with three separate colours for the hall, the living room and the kitchen which are all open onto each other. I thought it would be too much and not look good. I am thinking differently now though. I absolutely love corals, and I am now thinking that I want to put coral in the living room. A big part of the problem when it comes to the living room is the window in the middle of the room. The window itself is only 22 inches wide. It’s tiny and looks ridiculous in the living room so to offset the look, I went out and purchased a longer curtain rod and extended the rod and have the curtains full and extended to about 4 to 5 feet. Trying to find curtains that go with a coastal look is not easy. Most coastal looks incorporate sheers for that flowy, breezy look which I, by the way love. I cannot do that here though because you would then see the wall on either side of the 22-inch window and it would look ridiculous. Right now, I have blue drapes with white sheers in the middle to go nicely with the yellow walls. That said, the look is a classic look not a coastal look. So, now I have 2 different themes going on in the living room and it is clear that I am in a bit of a pickle. I’m really not sure what my next move will be to try to get the look I am going for. Hopefully the weekend will bring inspiration.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED WITH MUCH MORE STILL TO COME

***MY CITY HALL COLUMN RETURNS TO THE CENTRAL*** A LOT HAS HAPPENED WITH MUCH MORE STILL TO COME By Dean Hickey THERE IS NOTHING IS SO IRRESISTABLE as a commanding position working in the name of the people, because, while it exercises a certain moral influence which belongs to the decision of the majority, it acts at the same time with the promptitude and tenacity of a single man. That man is me, and this my column. To suggest my time reporting on municipal politics last autumn was rewarding is a serious understatement. Thirty days had scarcely elapsed since I offered up my somewhat premature retirement, when my attention was once again struck by local events. Certainly, 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year at city halls across this region, and locally, residents have borne witness to the mundane, tolerated the unusual, and scoffed at what they could only describe as some of the more bizarre aspects of political theatre. January began with Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter waving his arms about and literally walking out of a committee meeting in a huff following repeated exchanges with the chair. Nevertheless, a degree of sympathy can be had for the Mayor, as this was a clear example of what happens when the chair of a Committee, in this case Ward 4 city councillor Derek Giberson, loses the ability to keep the discussion within the rules that govern proper procedure. It’s well known that the Mayor has been councillor Giberson’s political benefactor on more than one occasion, and to see them at odds was heart-wrenching to say the least. Meanwhile in Pickering, the New Year kicked off with the publication of a YouTube video, dedicated to exposing what Mayor Kevin Ashe described as “…a growing infiltration of alt-right individuals, ideologies, and influences” within his municipal arena. The video, aimed at Ward 1 City councillor Lisa Robinson, was created in the style of a television docudrama, complete with background music and a narration by staff. Subsequent events have resulted in all Pickering council meetings being held virtually, with city staff noticeably absent as tensions continue to rise. Expect big news on this in the weeks and months ahead, and perhaps a sort of “High Noon” moment where the opponents have their final showdown. Over at Regional headquarters, Durham councillors voted in favour of investigating the construction of a $1Billion gondola transit system along Oshawa’s Simcoe Street corridor, extending from Lakeview Park right up to Durham College. “We understand the public is going to be skeptical and council is going to be skeptical. It’s a new technology,” said Durham Region’s David Dunn, who gave the update on the Transit Study. “A large part of our plan moving forward will be in educating people so they can make informed decisions and they don’t just see this as a novel approach.” Well, that sounds like a tall order Dave, particularly for the residents of Oshawa, however there did appear to be one convert who could be heard offering up considerable praise for the idea. Mayor Dan Carter told his fellow councillors, "I find the conversation fascinating. I’ve been fascinated by the whole thing all the way through. I like that we’re forward thinking. I like that we’re trying to look at things a little bit differently." He went on to tell his colleagues, "I mean, we’re a ‘higher learning’ community, so to be able to get post-secondary education involved would be important. Mr. Chairman, I’m excited about this project and I’m excited about continuing on with the discovery, and I look forward to the final report." That sound pretty positive, right? Wrong. As often happens in politics, the mayor had second thoughts within minutes, and decided to vote against the idea. Another developing story in Oshawa continues to be the transformation of the downtown and surrounding area, which includes large scale developments like the multi-residential project that will soon take the place of most of the old Oshawa Clinic buildings. The City Centre highrise across from city hall also appears poised to begin in earnest, as does the renovations to the PHI Building at Centre and King St’s. As it happens, there are too many new projects to mention here, but readers can rest assured there will be multiple construction cranes visible very soon, on McMillan Dr, Athol St, Bond St, and possibly on the old Fittings property, although that remains to be seen. Oh, and look to see a revitalization of the old Bond Street bus terminal as well. Unfortunately, Oshawa residents continue to put up with ongoing acts of vandalism to some of the businesses located in the city’s downtown, and while staff and councillors condemn this illegal behaviour, one can only hope that the upcoming summer months will be nothing like last year when scenes of violence became an almost regular occurrence. This, too, will be a developing story in the weeks and months ahead. The process of drawing important information out of city hall is one to which I have become fully accustomed, and there is so much still to be reported on and discussed. The very essence of a democratic and transparent government consists in the sometimes more contentious aspects of investigative journalism. An aggressive yet honest approach by one in my position is not only fair, but also beneficial to the readers of The Central. Should anyone label this newspaper as either too bold or unforgiving, I would suggest it is nothing of the kind, because holding elected officials and others to account is, on behalf of the public, the special duty of writers and editors attached to the public press. The blood of certain members of council has been known to run high with righteous indignation against The Central as they sought to disparage the more pertinent aspects of an honest profession. The founder and publisher of this newspaper, Joe Ingino, has more than once shared a jaunty laugh, reassuring himself he is safe against any wound which could be inflicted by his antagonists. Let it be said the thin blade of reason continues to penetrate every page of this publication. Finally, it is worth noting that one Oshawa councillor recently suggested to his constituents and to others on social media that to go against his ideals and beliefs was, as he put it, “the antithesis to friendship.” Rest assured, this newspaper and this column will continue to support and promote the right of individuals to think independently. It’s nice to be home again.

Pickering’s Democracy Is Under Siege

Pickering’s Democracy Is Under Siege By Lisa Robinson Pickering’s Democracy Is Under Siege—and I’m the Last Line of Defense By Councillor Lisa Robinson Pickering, Ontario, is no longer a democracy. Let’s stop pretending it is. Under Mayor Kevin Ashe’s iron grip, our city has slid into full-blown authoritarian rule, and I’ve been fighting tooth and nail to stop it. For nine months, I’ve stood alone against a 6-to-1 council majority hell-bent on silencing dissent, punishing the truth, and dismantling the very principles that hold a free society together. They’re trying to destroy my name, my livelihood, and my resolve—but I’m not backing down. This isn’t about me. It’s about you, the people of Pickering, and the democracy they’re stealing from us. What’s happening here isn’t just political mismanagement, it’s a calculated, communist-style power grab. Mayor Ashe isn’t acting like a leader; he’s acting like a dictator. He’s seized control of city government, sidelined the public, and turned City Hall into his personal kingdom. His latest move? Under Strong Mayor Power’s declared himself Chair of the Executive Committee—the most powerful decision-making body in the city. That gives him absolute control over which issues are discussed, how they’re framed, and how decisions are made. Translation? He controls everything. If by chance Ashe can’t be present, the powers to be have been assigned to Councillor Brenner as Vice Chair. He didn’t stop there. Ashe has appointed his loyal Deputy Mayor to chair the Planning Committee, and assigned Vice Chair to Councillor Butt, which means all major development decisions will now be rubber-stamped without meaningful debate or oversight. Statutory public meetings—your chance to be heard—have been shoved to separate evenings where only the Chair is required to show up. The rest of council can skip it, leaving your concerns ignored and your voice silenced. Don’t buy the “efficiency” or “burden” excuse – because I was never asked if I felt like chairing or attending meetings was ever a burden. In fact, I think the opposite, I would chair every meeting if I could and give every Pickering resident the chance to participate and have their voices heard. This is about cutting you out of the process. Fewer eyes, less pushback. That’s control, plain and simple. It gets worse. Ashe has also moved council meetings online—supposedly for “public safety”—yet Ashe’s wife, kids, and even his 8-year-old grandkids were allowed to attend in person. If it’s not safe for you, why is it safe for them? This isn’t about safety; it’s about silencing you. It’s easier to manipulate the narrative when you’re not in the room. Meanwhile, City Hall’s council chambers are being remodeled into a courtroom, with Ashe, the CAO, and the City Clerk front and center—while your elected Councillors are pushed to the sidelines. When you speak, you’ll face a wall of power, not the people you voted for. That’s not democracy—it’s intimidation. The public’s voice is being choked out. Delegation times have been slashed from 10 minutes to 5. No direct questions allowed. No recording meetings without a two-thirds council vote—good luck getting that. Residents can’t even discuss Integrity Commissioner reports meant to hold officials accountable. The CAO picks the media outlets for city ads, turning transparency into propaganda. Questions? Ask them behind closed doors—or not at all. This is a systematic shutdown of scrutiny, and it’s happening right in front of us. But Ashe’s authoritarian reach doesn’t stop at City Hall. He and his allies on council have also lobbied the provincial government to amend the Municipal Act—giving them the power to remove elected officials from office and ban them from running in future elections. Let’s be very clear: That’s not democracy. In a democracy, the voters decide who stays and who goes at the ballot box—not a handful of politicians behind closed doors. If Ashe and his council get their way, this would be nothing short of election interference. It would mean politicians—not the people—deciding who gets to participate in the democratic process. Challenge the establishment, and you’re gone—not by the will of the people, but by the whim of a political majority. That’s how authoritarian regimes operate—not democracies. This isn’t just about local control—it’s about fundamentally altering how democracy works in this province. Politicians are supposed to be accountable to the voters, not each other. If an elected official crosses the line, the voters decide their fate at the next election—that’s the foundation of democracy. But Ashe wants to rewrite that rulebook, giving politicians the power to remove their opponents and eliminate competition. That’s not democracy—that’s tyranny. I’ve been on the front lines of this fight since day one, exposing corruption and demanding transparency. How did Ashe respond? By hitting me where it hurts. For nine months, I haven’t received a single paycheck—not one cent—because I refused to stay quiet about the backroom deals and abuses of power I’ve witnessed. They’ve frozen my council budget, blocking me from holding town halls or keeping you informed. They’ve weaponized city resources to cut me out of key decisions. This isn’t just retaliation—it’s a desperate attempt to break me. But here’s the thing: I didn’t run for office for a paycheck. I ran to fight for you. And I’m not going anywhere. Then there’s Ashe’s wife. This isn’t just about him—it’s about a political dynasty. Her influence has turned city decisions into a family affair, protecting their inner circle at Pickering’s expense. This isn’t government; it’s a business—and we’re not the customers. Decisions are no longer being made for the good of Pickering—they’re being made to protect and benefit the Ashe political family and their friends. They want you to think this is over. They want you to believe Ashe will get away with it. But I’m still here, the lone voice against a stacked council, taking the hits so you don’t have to. They’ve tried to destroy my name, calling me a troublemaker, a radical—anything to discredit the truth. But I wear their attacks as a badge of honour. Every unpaid month, every blocked town hall, every 6-to-1 vote against me proves I’m striking a nerve. I’m fighting for free speech, for your right to be heard, for a Pickering where power answers to the people—not the other way around. This is our last stand. If Ashe gets his way, democracy in Pickering—and maybe beyond—dies. But I believe in us. I believe in the grit of this community. They can’t silence me, and they won’t silence you. It’s time to rise up, demand accountability, and take back our city. Because if we don’t stop this now, there may be no turning back. Here’s a list of the authoritarian measures Ashe, council, and the CAO have implemented to silence the public — though this may not be exhaustive: · Delegation times slashed — Reduced from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, making it almost impossible for residents to present their case. · No more Q&A — The public is no longer allowed to ask direct questions to council during meetings. · Recording meetings forbidden — The public can no longer record meetings · Media forbidden from recording meetings— Unless two-thirds of council votes in favour. · Restricted agenda control — Residents can’t speak about anything not already on the agenda unless two-thirds of council approves of topic. · Propaganda control — Council can now only advertise in media outlets hand-picked by the CAO. · Closed-door dealings — All questions must be asked behind closed doors, out of public view or they will cut off your mic. · Integrity Commissioner reports off-limits — Residents are forbidden from speaking about these reports at council meetings. · Banning public speakers — Residents from outside Pickering are banned from speaking at council meetings, unless approved by Mayor or City Clerk. · Virtual meetings — Moved under the guise of public safety. · Council chambers remodeled into a courtroom — You’ll now face Ashe, the CAO, and the City Clerk directly while councillors (Elected Officials) sit off to the side, stripping them of their authority. · Threatening political punishment — I’ve been denied my paycheck for nine months as retaliation for speaking up for constituents. · Weaponizing the budget — My council budget has been frozen, preventing me from holding town halls on City property. “Thoughtcrime” · Threats of loss of office — “Thoughtcrime” If I record any videos from my office — They don’t approve of the content or truth. · Notices of Motions — All notices of motions “shall” go through staff first before being presented · CAO Authority – I can no longer speak directly to Directors or Staff – all correspondence must go through the CAO · Staff Attendance – For the month of March, staff will not attend meetings in order to send a “strong message” because I called a staff member out for lying, and want to bring a notice of motion for strict penalties up to and including termination if employees are caught lying to public or council. · Trespass Orders — For speaking the truth, voicing your opinions, whether in person or over social media that the City feels threatening. They’re systematically silencing you. They’ve tried to crush me for exposing the truth. But I’m still here — and I’m not backing down. Pickering belongs to the people — and it’s time we take it back. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson “The People’s Councillor”

ANTI-PATRIOTIC DEMOCRATS

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 America is not about being Democratic or Republican. America is about doing what is best for the population at large. It is about sacrifice in the name of a greater good. This is what makes America the greatest nation on the planet. America strives to champion Democracy. A sacred vehicle that roots our rights and freedoms. What did Plato said about democracy? He claimed that democracy is a danger due to excessive freedom. He also argues that, in a system in which everyone has a right to rule, all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power. This was best shown in the recent display by Democrats during President Trump first public speech. The Democrats with a long standing history of disrespect for the democratic process. With a long standing show of open public defiance toward honoring the democratic process as seen during Trumps first Presidential bid. Where it made International news.... Trump giving his speech to the Nation and Polosi in the background ripping up his speech. Totally disgraceful and totally un-American. She had the right to do that but the poor taste to do it and in the process show her true colors when it comes to her patriotic alliance to no one but her own cause. Anti-patriotism is the ideology that opposes patriotism; it usually refers to those with cosmopolitan views and is usually of an internationalist and anti-nationalist nature as well. Normally, anti-patriotism stems from the belief that patriotism is wrong since people born in a country, whether they like it or not and regardless of their individuality, are encouraged to love the country or sacrifice themselves for it; consequently, people who oppose patriotism may oppose its perceived authoritarianism, while others may believe that patriotism may lead to war because of geopolitical disputes. Usually, this term is used in a pejorative way by those who defend patriotism or nationalism, and terms such as cosmopolitanism or world citizenship may be used to avoid the bias that comes from the typical usage of the words anti-nationalism or anti-nationalist. During the recent Trump speech. He hit various nerves in the reality in the Democratic body. You could feel the tension of ignorance by the number of signs that kept popping up like cowards during points of change. These are the same Democrats that are so pompous on their erroneous beliefs that they will not acknowledge the mistakes they have made that cost them the Presidency as well as any power. Personally, I think Trump made a historical speech that was inclusive of both Democrats interest as well as Republican. Time will tell, if Trump is a man of his word in ‘Making America Great Again’.

AI: The Equalizer of Art, Music, and Science

AI: The Equalizer of Art, Music, and Science Why the Elite Fear It By Dale Jodoin AI: The Equalizer of Art, Music, and Science—Why the Elite Fear It Artificial Intelligence has already become an inseparable part of modern life, and yet, people are terrified of it. Much of this fear doesn’t come from the everyday person, but from those in power—the elite in the music industry, the art world, and even the government. Why? Because AI is changing the game, putting creativity and knowledge back in the hands of the people. The Music Industry: AI as the Great Equalizer For years, the music industry has been accused of exploiting artists and churning out mass-produced songs designed for profit, not passion. With AI stepping in, the industry is panicking, claiming that AI is "stealing music." But the real question is: what music is left to steal? The industry has long abandoned authenticity. Today, a rapper can win a Country Album of the Year award, even if there’s nothing country about it. Rappers have also been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, despite not being rock artists. While rap has its own legends who deserve recognition, the industry has blurred genres to the point where awards no longer mean anything. Then there's Auto-Tune. In the past, great musicians had to actually sing, play instruments, and hone their craft. Now, artists who can’t hold a note get their voices "enhanced" by AI-driven software, run through a computer a hundred times to sound perfect. Albums are no longer made for the love of music but are factory-produced to sell as fast as possible. Real musicians—the ones grinding city after city, playing small venues—are left struggling to make ends meet. Yet AI is giving power back to these independent artists. AI-generated music tools allow musicians to create complex compositions without million-dollar studios. Old-school country and rock fans are now using AI to create music they love, not what the industry tells them to listen to. AI is removing the corporate middleman and allowing people to take back control of music. Shouldn’t an artist who uses AI to create something original have the right to copyright it? If the industry can use AI to enhance bad singers, why shouldn’t regular people use AI to make music better? And let's not forget the hypocrisy of aging rock stars and pop legends who made fortunes decades ago. Now that AI is giving new musicians a shot, they complain about their music being "stolen." But are these artists, who charge anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per ticket, really suffering? Or are they just afraid of losing their monopoly? AI and Art: Who Gets to Decide What’s "Real"? The art world has a similar problem. Critics scoff at AI-generated art, calling it fake or soulless. But what is art if not the expression of an idea? If an artist describes a vision and an AI tool helps bring it to life, does that make it any less meaningful? AI-generated artwork has already proven to be breathtaking. Yet, the elite gatekeepers of the art world, who dictate what is "valuable," are afraid. Why? Because AI allows anyone to create something beautiful. You no longer need an art degree or expensive supplies. The tools are in the hands of the everyday person, not just the wealthy collectors or high-end galleries. Ironically, the same people criticizing AI art have no problem enhancing their own work with digital tools. Almost every photograph is retouched by software, every painting scanned and shared online, yet AI is somehow the villain? The truth is, the art industry doesn’t want the average person to have power. AI takes away their control, and that terrifies them. AI in Science and Medicine: A Force for Good Beyond art and music, AI is transforming medicine. Every day, AI helps design new drugs, diagnose diseases, and develop treatments faster than human doctors alone. AI doesn’t have human bias, doesn’t need sleep, and can process information at speeds no scientist ever could. Consider this: AI has already helped create groundbreaking drugs that are changing lives. Just search for the top five AI-developed drugs today. The results speak for themselves. In a world where medical advancements can take decades, AI is accelerating the process, offering hope to people who would otherwise wait years for a cure. And AI isn’t just helping with physical health—it’s revolutionizing mental health as well. AI-driven programs are assisting people with disabilities, providing therapy, and even giving non-verbal individuals a way to communicate. These aren’t dystopian nightmares; these are real, tangible improvements in human lives. The War Against AI: Who Really Wants to Stop It? So if AI is helping musicians, artists, and scientists, why do some people want to stop it? The answer is simple: power. It’s not the everyday worker or the struggling artist who fears AI—it’s the ones who have controlled everything for decades. Governments and corporations are deliberately limiting AI’s potential, dumbing it down to keep people from accessing its full power. They want AI to be a tool they control, not one that gives power to the people. They spread fear about AI, telling us it will destroy jobs or make humanity obsolete, but they’re only afraid because they know AI will expose their lies and inefficiencies. This fear isn’t new. When the first computers were invented, people said they would ruin society. Now, computers are a part of our everyday lives. When digital art became popular, traditional artists said it would destroy "real" art—yet today, digital and traditional art thrive side by side. AI is just the next step in human evolution. The Future: AI as an Extension of Human Creativity AI is not replacing human creativity—it’s enhancing it. Every song you hear on the radio has already been touched by AI, whether through Auto-Tune or digital production. Every photo you see online has been enhanced by computer algorithms. AI is already here. The only difference is that now, it’s giving power to regular people, not just the industry elite. The real question isn’t whether AI should be part of our lives—it already is. The question is: will we let the rich and powerful control AI, or will we embrace it as the equalizer it was meant to be? Like every other technological revolution, AI is only as dangerous as the hands that control it. In the right hands—the hands of the people—it has the power to bring back real music, real art, and real scientific progress. We shouldn’t fear AI. We should fear those trying to limit it.

COVID ALL OVER AGAIN

COVID ALL OVER AGAIN By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Articles Published Columns in Canada and The United States Not even a day had passed, since the announcement of tariffs on imported goods from the United States...and the vultures hit center stage. Can we as a people be that stupid? Is the system so corrupt that they can treat us like such fools?. I guess Trump sees more than he tells when he addresses the 51st state governor Justin Trudeau. This 25% tariff in my opinion is nothing but a brilliant business move by Trump. He is doing it to Mexico, Canada, Ukraine, Panama, Greenland and most of the European Countries. It makes business sense. A way to even out the playing field and force Nations to become part of the world’s most advanced civilization. Here in Canada we are blinded by our own ignorance of the facts all around us. We are becoming a country that has allowed to become invaded from within. From the eat dog eat dog mentality shown in all political parties to the play on national pride. Something long lost and nothing more than a mere historical illusion being played in a society that has lost it’s direction and values. Now, we are at the mercy of a proposition that may make sense. That roots out our most intimate of nationalistic romance. That challenges us to think outside the box and consider becoming and evolving into something much bigger. As Canadians we do not have a clear National conscious. We are confused people that are desperately looking for direction and out of this fogged social mirage. Made up of misconception, forced compliance and never ending fear mongering. Look at the current fiasco. Politicians not knowing how to response to Trump creative business move. Canadian politicians are calling for Canadians to buy Canadian. That the new 25% tariff will create hardships. The question that lingers is? Why have Canadians not been buying Canadian all along. Answer is simple. Many Canadian companies charge much higher prices for the same American counter part. Now that we are being forced to buy Canadian. Do you think prices will go down? With the excuse of the tariff. Prices will continue to escalate. Why is it that the government not putting in place from the 5 Billion seized from Russian business a program to freeze Canadian made goods to the same as those that were brought in from the U.S. No but wait. Our 51 governor rather send that money to fund a loosing war in the Ukraine and force us to pay our way to our economic graves.