The Senior’s Move

The Senior’s Move By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist We have all experienced the dreaded move by time we reach adulthood. Even when we are excitedly looking forward to a new and fresh start, be it College, our first apartment, or the new home that has been dreamed of for years. As much as we often look forward to living from a new home, the physical move itself can be overwhelming. All too often we are stressed out, riddled with anxiety over the smallest of things and our nerves are just on edge until we get where we’re going and the move has come to completion. I recall my own moves, and there have been far more than I care to think about. At first, there was no problem. I was a very organized person when it came to packing and labelling. Getting the kids organized so that they would not feel so impacted by the move. I found though, that as the years passed and the moving didn’t really slow down any, it got much harder. Oh, there were various reasons for so many moves, but mostly due to economics. I am grateful to have been in the same place now for several years. As one gets older the moving gets much harder in all ways. When I got my real estate licence, I decided also to get a special designation as a Senior’s Real Estate Specialist. Seniors are just my thing. I love them, and anything I can do to help them is a pleasure. Working with seniors and preparing them for their last move can be very emotional. Often, they are on their own after the passing of a spouse, and leaving the mar- ital home where they have made so many memories is just plain difficult. Sometimes they are headed for a seniors building, or one of the many retirement homes that have wonderful activities and restaurant style dining rooms. Sometimes they are headed for an adult child’s home. No matter the destination. The packing up of the memories and downsizing to start a new, often perceived as the final chapter takes time, patience, and care. There are so many stories within all the things. There are some wonderful downsizing companies that spe- cialize in exactly this type of thing. These companies are well worth a look because of the expertise they bring to the situation. So much patience is needed when packing up the life of senior. If you ever find yourself being asked to help a senior downsize and or move, try to put yourself in their shoes. Be kind and patient with them. If we are lucky, we will be needing that same assistance one day

Keep Flags and Classrooms Neutral; Protecting Childhood, Not Promoting Agendas

Keep Flags and Classrooms Neutral; Protecting Childhood, Not Promoting Agendas By Councillor Lisa Robinson Every June, institutions across Canada are pressured to fly the Pride flag in recognition of Pride Month. What began as a civil rights movement has evolved into something far more political and ideological-one that many school boards and parents are now rightfully questioning. Increasingly, school boards are refusing to raise the Pride flag, not out of hatred or fear, but out of a sincere desire to protect childhood and maintain the neutrality of our public institutions. Let’s be honest: the Pride flag today isn’t just about acceptance or inclusion. It has become a symbol of an agenda that centers on adult themes-sexuality and gender identity-across an ever-expanding spectrum. When government buildings and schools fly that flag, they’re not just promoting kindness, they’re promoting an ideology. And when it comes to children, that crosses a line. Children are impressionable. Schools should be places of learning, not arenas for social experimentation. Parents have every right to demand that education remain focused on reading, math, science, and history, not personal pronouns and sexual identities. This isn’t about homophobia or transphobia. It’s about age-appropriateness, parental rights, and keeping politics out of the classroom. Let me be clear: I have never opposed just the Pride flag-I’ve opposed any political or identity-based flag flying on government buildings. That’s not hate. That’s a call for neutrality. Our government institutions, especially our schools, should fly only the national flag, the provincial flag, and the flag honoring veterans who died defending our freedoms. That’s what unity looks like. That’s what respect for all Canadians looks like-not elevating one group above another by displaying their symbols on public property. I know firsthand what it costs to stand up for neutrality. I lost pay and faced public shaming in 2023 when I said I didn’t believe in flying any flag for any group. My colleague’s lied and twisted my words, accusing me of being racist or hateful, because I stood for equal treatment. That’s the irony of today’s climate: demand neutrality, and you’re labeled intolerant. There’s a growing grassroots response to this pressure. Every year, thousands participate in the Pride Walkout Day, organized in part by Campaign Life Coalition. It’s a peaceful act of resistance-a stand for childhood, for parental rights, and for the belief that tolerance doesn’t require blind allegiance to every symbol or slogan. Refusing to fly ideological flags is not an act of hate-it’s an act of principle. It protects the integrity of our institutions and preserves the innocence of our children. We can teach respect and kindness without hanging a new flag every month. Government buildings are not billboards. Schools are not soapboxes. And our children are not pawns. Let’s return to common sense. Let’s keep government neutral, classrooms safe, and childhood sacred.

THE SOARING COSTS TO MAINTAIN O.H.L. TEAMS ** HOW MUCH CAN TAXPAYERS KEEP CONTRIBUTING? **

THE SOARING COSTS TO MAINTAIN O.H.L. TEAMS ** HOW MUCH CAN TAXPAYERS KEEP CONTRIBUTING? ** IT HAS BEEN REMARKED that the quality of civic life within any community will, out of necessity, require ongoing financial support for various sporting venues, in addition to arts & cultural institutions. Municipal governments transmit those costs onto local taxpayers, compelling them as individuals to take on the responsibility of paying for facilities and programs they may never use. Residents of Oshawa are by now fully aware of the significant commitment made by Mayor Carter and councillors to offer further financial support for the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club – to the tune of $50 million. This newspaper was the first to inform local citizens of the deal negotiated between the City and other stakeholders that will see major renovations to the Tribute Communities Centre completed by late 2027. In a press release posted on the City’s website, the renovations are offered up as a necessary ‘modernization’ of the existing facility, including a main entrance expansion, interior alterations with seating for up to 7000 fans, and an updated concession area. Research into this topic shows a marked trend among a growing number of municipalities choosing to invest significant taxpayer resources into attracting or maintaining Ontario Hockey League franchises, with some communities having done so for decades. To its credit, the OHL has an impressive track record as a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League. There are 20 teams in total, with 17 of them based here in Ontario, and the league is well regarded for providing hockey scholarships. At that same time, there is a strong desire within today’s OHL landscape to run individual franchises like Supercentres, in large state-of-the-art venues. Beleaguered taxpayers are right to question whether the practice of supporting OHL teams and their owners’ ever-increasing demands has, over time, grown to be far too expensive. Prior to the $50 million announcement at the Tribute Communities Centre, an endorsement for an even larger investment was offered up by city councillors in Brantford, to the tune of $140 million for a new sport-entertainment centre. This, in a community that only a few years ago saw fit to sell a municipally owned golf course to better enable funding for local affordable housing. One Brantford councillor raised a concern that the funding was not being allocated towards a new hospital in partnership with the provincial government, telling his colleagues, “A hospital would serve 100 percent of the constituents, versus the five percent that could attend a hockey game.” In Kitchener, home of the successful Rangers hockey team, the municipality is moving ahead with $2 million in renovations to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium that will see a new restaurant built opposite an existing sports bar. Unlike the Oshawa Generals, the Kitchener Rangers team is publicly owned by season ticket subscribers. The team itself will be footing the bill for what they see as ambitious changes necessary for their club to “remain competitive” in the rapidly changing world of OHL hockey. Being a historic club isn’t good enough anymore, especially after the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) south of the border made a landmark decision to allow players with junior hockey experience into its ranks beginning next season. The move gives players more leverage when choosing their destination, and the OHL is beginning to feel the pinch as some players leave the league earlier than expected to head to schools in the U.S. None of this bodes well for keeping the costs associated with OHL franchises anywhere near affordable for Ontario municipalities. The renovation details to Kitchener’s ‘Aud’ as it is known by fans, sound somewhat familiar to those the Oshawa Generals are now anticipating. The entire Rangers business office will be dedicated to the players, with dressing room improvements, a gym and workout area, players’ lounge and even a pool therapy section, among other things. Oshawa’s own arena, completed in 2006, has already seen an expanded gym, a new video review room for team members, and an area that offers players better nutrition options by way of a fitted kitchen. It is known that OHL teams have the ability to boost local economies through revenue generated by games, merchandise sales, and other businesses. With regard to the business of hockey, the value of the top five teams is as follows: The Ottawa 67s at $55.53 million, The Mississauga Steelheads at $44.85 million, the Hamilton Bulldogs at $32.69 million, The London Knights at $23.02 million, and the Kitchener Rangers at $13.78 million. The Oshawa Generals came in 8th place at $9.41 million. Which brings us to comments made by Generals owner Rocco Tullio during a recent podcast with Mayor Dan Carter, in which he said, “The last thing I wanted to do was take the Generals down the road to the city of Pickering… but, we have to make sure we have the tools and the resources… If you have success, people believe in you. Our next priority is to put a blueprint in place that allows us to host the Memorial Cup here. I want to showcase our fans, we do it every game, but I want to put it on the world stage. I want to show everyone in the world stage that, hey… this is what we get on a nightly basis, and now you get to see it on a major scale.” Does that sound like someone who simply loves the game of hockey, or could taxpayers be forgiven for thinking their $50 million contribution is a boost, not only to Mr. Tullio’s self-esteem, but to the future value of his franchise? In answer to a question posed by Mayor Carter as to whether his colleagues in the world of junior hockey were jealous of the $50 million deal that was negotiated, Mr. Tullio had this to say, “Kingston called me already, and they are up for renewal and they want to do the exact same thing…so they’ve called to pick my brain.” All of which describes a situation where one significant financial contribution inevitably leads to a series of similar negotiations, all of which follow in perfect sequence. Oh, the possibilities are limitless.

The Homeless Are Not The Problem… It’s The Politicians

The Homeless Are Not The Problem... It’s The Politicians B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States I do not know about you, but it sickens me to drive downtown Oshawa and see so many people shooting up drugs right in the public’s view. People walking around like zombies while the drug dealers shake down the poor beggars soliciting passing cars for dollars to feed their habit. They blame it on the homeless. They blame it on mental health. What ‘They’, the politicians fail to acknowledge is the real problem. The lack of opportunity. The lack of good paying jobs. The lack of affordable housing.... All, roots of the problem we deem ‘drug addiction’. Yes, it is obvious that social, economic pressure would drive anyone crazy. How do these lost souls cope? They turn to drugs. Drugs lead to crime and the vicious cycle never ends. Elected officials have no understanding of this cycle. And if they do. They are professionals at turning the other cheek. I love to hear the Mayor of Oshawa openly lie to people. ‘WE DON’T HAVE MONEY TO ASSIST ALL THOSE ON OUR STREETS’, or my all time favorite. ‘OTHER MUNICIPALITIES HAVE IT WORST’, and employ the attitude that if they pay it no mind that the problem will some how disappear. Well, it has not. It will not. If anything it is getting worst. Just this past week two people got shot at Memorial Park. Stabbings are as common as the un-reported over dosing. The politicians cry... we have no money... Meanwhile our Mayor invested 50 million in a facility that cost the city on the average 500,000 a year to operate. My understanding is that the GM center has not turned a profit since it opened... It cost tax payers indirectly 40 million. Now we are going to throw away another 50 million? Oh yes, don’t forget the money we don’t have for the people living on our streets. Let’s not forget 30 million we wasted on the infamous white elephant of a park next to Lakeview Park. As it is best politicized known the ‘Ed Broadbent Park’. Or how can we forget the new park that the city approved to the tune of almost 10 million next to the Holiday Inn. Great idea council. A park so that the homeless have a shaded area for the hot days of June and July. But wait, one very concerned councillor made the ridiculous suggestion that this new park will host public bathrooms.... Yike, have they not learned their lesson from what happened at the band shell bathrooms at Memorial Park, or subsequently what happened in the mobile potty along the OPUC? A total disaster. But wait. Let’s not forget not to have money for the homeless but yet fund an outdoor pool in Canada to the tune of 30 million. The problem is not the poor. The problem is the elected officials. We elect incompetents and we do not hold them accountable. Instead we give them power. I say we should denounce all council members and demand they resign. They like to blame the problem on lack of funding from the Province. Yet, out of the aforementioned projects you almost have 100 million. Parks that no one goes to visit. Parks next to other parks. An out door pool in Canada where it may only be used 3 months of the year. We burn money to keep a hockey team that on any given day has problems filling the arena. I feel for all those living in the street. This is Canada. They should not be on the streets. It is not that we don’t have the money. We don’t have the people that have the sense to prioritize.

Canada’s New Liberal Government

Canada’s New Liberal Government by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Finally, we have completed a crucial election and a new Mark Caney Liberal government has been sworn in. It seems to be an interesting one, judging by the qualifications of the people appointed to ministerial and state secretaries’ roles. At first glance, it looks ready for business in a world full of unforeseen challenges especially from our neighbour from the South We see a mixture of former Trudeau ministers and new ones, people with political experience and less so, and a wide variety of work experience. It seems that this government has more of a business-oriented composition with a CEO in Prime Minister Mark Carney. Now we only need to see what results they achieve. Prime Minister Mark Carney did not name Trudeau as the missing piece of this new federal cabinet, but his message, that this is not-the-Trudeau cabinet, was crystal clear. “Canadians elected us with a mandate for change. So there is a great deal of change in this cabinet, by necessity,” Carney said, boasting that he’d created a “perfect” mix by building a team that’s made up of half rookies, half experienced hands. The other message it sends is that this is a prime minister not afraid to cut people loose, even those Mark Carney installed around himself when he did his first shuffle after winning the leadership. Toronto’s Nate Erskine-Smith, Bill Blair and Jonathan Wilkinson from British Columbia have all been replaced. While the cuts were no doubt brutal to those who did not get the call for cabinet this time, this is not the worst reputation for Mark Carney to acquire early, as a prime minister who won’t cling to ministers when it is time for them to move on. One other big difference Carney seemed keen to establish is that his PMO would not be holding the hands of any ministers, new or old.Therefore, the PMO staff will be as they should be, with no extra powers over ministers. “This cabinet is smaller and more focused than those of previous governments,” Carney said. “It will operate with a commitment to true cabinet government, with everyone expected and empowered to show leadership, bring new ideas, to have a clear focus and to take decisive actions to accomplish their work in a return to more traditional cabinet.” Whether PM Carney can pull that off is another question and will soon be evident. At the moment, Mark Carney is also displaying strict discipline over who speaks for his government. He repeated several times on inauguration that the buck stops with him on all matters dealing with Canada-U.S. relations and Donald Trump. As was the case a week ago when Carney met with Trump, Carney did all the talking on inauguration day; not any of his ministers, new or old. This too could be at odds with his vow to cultivate “true ministerial government,” with cabinet members speaking for themselves without waiting for the go-ahead from the PMO. The new Carney cabinet has not totally exorcised the ghost of Trudeau, as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was eager to point out on Tuesday, listing all the old ministers who had survived the Carney cuts. Poilievre is predicting that Trudeau policies on everything from housing to the environment are just being repackaged. “Mr. Carney talked a good game about reversing liberal policies in these areas, but now we have to find out if he was serious, and so far, it’s not a promising start,” he said. These comments from Pierre Poilievre savor of sour grapes, when he should be reflecting on the excellent opportunities lost by the Conservative Party for forming the government. Carney has stuck to the policy of gender parity in cabinet and has restored a ministry in charge of women’s issues, which was cut in his first try at cabinet-making, a move that was the subject of much criticism. This is a sign, a welcome one, that Carney is still learning on the job and that he and his team have been hearing the criticism about the “bro culture” that seemed to be swirling around the early team coalescing around the new Liberal leader. So now let us see the reaction of the official opposition when the House of Commons resume. Let us hope they will react in a constructive matter. The Conservative Party has a lot of thinking to do and changes to undergo to put themselves on track if they intend to form the next government. The old approach of dictatorial staff in Pierre Poilievre’s office should end and a true and honest candidate selection process must be up and running at least a couple of years before the next election. We seem to be experiencing new beginnings in Canadian Politics, with an adult in the house after three terms of childish chaos. May he be successful in his quest to make Canada strong again. What do you think?

Why Are All Unions, From Public to Private, Out of Touch With the World?

Why Are All Unions, From Public to Private, Out of Touch With the World? By Dale Jodoin Across Canada, both private and public unions seem to be forgetting the very people they claim to represent. From large organizations like Unifor to provincial and federal government unions, there’s a growing feeling among regular Canadians that unions are no longer fighting for fairness — they’re fighting for themselves. Let’s be clear: unions used to serve a very important role. They helped working people get better wages, safer working conditions, and job security. Without unions, many families would have had no protection at all. In the past, they were a powerful force for good. But now, something feels different. During recent elections, unions across the board pushed hard against the Conservatives. Many of them pressured their members to vote Liberal, claiming the party would protect workers’ rights. In return, unions expected the government to give them everything they asked for — higher wages, more benefits, more control. But what did everyday Canadians get in return? While the cost of groceries, housing, and gas keeps climbing, many union leaders seem completely out of touch. These union heads earn huge salaries, attend expensive conferences, and speak on behalf of workers they no longer understand. And worse, they act like they’re victims — when often, they are the ones holding others hostage. Let’s look at public sector unions. These are the unions that cover government jobs, from teachers to city workers to federal employees. Many of these workers already have good wages, solid pensions, and health plans that most Canadians can only dream of. And yet, every year we see them threaten to strike or actually walk out, demanding even more. Now, let’s be fair — this isn’t about the average worker. Most teachers, nurses, and city workers care about their jobs and try to help others. But the heads of these unions? They’re not scraping by. They’re not choosing between rent and groceries. They’re collecting six-figure salaries while organizing rallies that disrupt cities and divide people. It’s hard to feel sympathy when someone earning over $100,000 a year complains they’re being treated unfairly — especially while millions of Canadians struggle to afford groceries or heat their homes in winter. Private unions like Unifor are different, of course. They deal with private businesses and manufacturers. If they strike, it hurts the companies they work for — not the taxpayers. That’s their right. But when public unions strike, it’s the people who suffer. Kids miss school, hospitals delay services, and city services grind to a halt. And it’s not just about money. These union heads often push political agendas that have nothing to do with their members’ jobs. They attend rallies, issue political statements, and spend member dues on campaigns that regular workers don’t even vote on. When did unions stop being about work and start becoming about power? We’ve seen this kind of behavior before. During the Russian Revolution, constant strikes and walkouts caused chaos, not change. The leaders claimed to speak for the people, but in the end, they only made life harder for everyone. It’s time for unions — especially government ones — to wake up. Canadians are watching, and they’re fed up. We’re not saying to get rid of unions. Far from it. Unions are important. They give a voice to workers who might otherwise be ignored. They protect against greedy corporations and unsafe workplaces. But when unions start acting like greedy corporations themselves, people notice. Maybe it’s time for more transparency. Maybe union heads should be elected more often. Maybe members should vote on how their dues are spent. Maybe strikes should require public approval before they happen. Maybe it’s time for government unions to be regulated more strictly — not to silence them, but to make sure they serve the people, not just themselves. If unions truly want to be respected again, they need to get back to basics: fighting for fair pay, safe workplaces, and respect for all workers — not just those at the top. Until then, many Canadians will keep seeing union leaders not as champions of the people, but as part of the problem.

A NEW COLUMN TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH

A NEW COLUMN TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH MY NAME IS KATHY CUMMING and you may have read my letters-to-the-editor in previous editions of The Central where I described some of the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health issues. In this occasional column, I will attempt to share stories centered on people of my acquaintance who have been forced to cope with the many hardships associated with concerns over their mental health. I’d like to tell these stories in a unique way, with a focus on how they managed life, both at home and within their communities, and what they needed most in terms of care and support. I want to help by sharing their stories and describing, where I can, some of the alternatives to pharmaceuticals that may benefit others. Some of the topics within the field of mental health that are rarely discussed include the question as to who assesses the available programs, should it not be the families that actually use them. I will also seek answers as to who is best to determine outcomes and how we can move beyond simply asking families to “please fill out this survey”. The needs among those struggling are great, and include factors such as group home environments, dietary needs, assisted housing, employment, transportation, access to proper medical care, and even counselling in matters of faith and education. How can we help build that? DURING A CONFERENCE ON FUNDRAISING for Mental Health charities and non-profits, a gentleman walked up to our group and stated, "everyone has mental health concerns, and in reality it just depends on the severity" I had thought long about family members and others I knew growing up, and the complex names given to their various conditions. Friends I knew who had some form of simple anxiety could also be numbered among the people suffering from, as the fellow at the conference said, some type of mental health concern. I have spent considerable time visiting unique communities within North America looking for clues that would enable the creation of the perfect environment in which everyone with mental health issues may find peace. Such a place remains a mystery to me. I value your input as we move forward in our discussion. Let’s learn from each other.

Oshawa is getting a bad Wrap?

Is Oshawa getting a bad rap? By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist You don’t have to look very far to find people dissing Oshawa for one reason or another. Granted Oshawa has a whole host of issues and problems, but not unlike any other urban city of the same size in Ontario. That being said, Oshawa has some wonderful attributes as well. I find that Oshawa is often compared to Hamilton. As far as that goes, Hamilton is in the news far more often for all the wrong reasons. It is almost guaranteed that when you turn on the television on a Sunday morning you are going to hear about some of the goings on in Hamilton the previous night. Oshawa and Hamilton are of similar size with both having had one main source of industry that each is most well known for. They are both University Cities. They are both perched alongside Lake Ontario, making for some very picturesque areas. The housing market in both cities is similar. The addictions and homeless communities in both are, again, similar. So why does Oshawa get far more bad mouthing from people than Hamilton? Why do people focus on what’s negative instead of accentuating the positive? I guess it comes back to that old saying…haters are going to hate. It’s sad though, because Oshawa has the lovely Botanical Gardens which are really quite beautiful. They also have a gorgeous lakefront, and Lakeview Park is a sight to behold in the summertime. Oshawa has some stunning architecture. One of my personal favourites is Mary St. from about Aberdeen to Beatrice. I love driving up that street in the summertime when the trees on either side of the street create canopy for you to drive under. Just beautiful. Oshawa has some wonderful entertainment venues, fabulous restaurants with more opening all the time. Many builders have planted their flags in Oshawa because it is a changing, growing community with so much to offer. Everywhere you look there are new buildings going up which speaks to future growth. Yes, without question, Oshawa has a problem with unsheltered people and open drug use. Again, not unlike many other cities. While saying that it is not unlike other cities is not an excuse, nor a solution, until such time as the powers that be find solutions for the issues, why not enjoy and focus on the beauty that Oshawa does have to offer.

THE REALITIES OF THE TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES CENTRE RENOVATION

THE REALITIES OF THE TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES CENTRE RENOVATION THIS NEWSPAPER WAS THE FIRST media outlet to break the story on massive renovations to the Tribute Communities Centre (TCC) that are due to be completed by late 2027. Our editorial, published the same day Mayor Carter and others gathered together to announce a $50 million investment into the TCC, raised concerns as to the costs involved and the lack of transparency in the negotiations leading up to council’s decision to undertake such an expenditure. We began by looking back to 1964, when residents came together to pay for the construction of the much-loved Civic Auditorium, with many fans donating a portion of their weekly paycheques to see their dream turn into reality. We also recalled that moment in 2006 when, once again, residents of Oshawa took great pride in welcoming the Generals to their first home game in what was then called the General Motors Centre. Built at a cost of at least $35 million, the downtown arena has never turned a profit in its almost 20 years of existence, requiring taxpayers to remain as loyal contributors year after year. Nevertheless, Oshawa Generals owner Rocco Tullio said in early 2023 that he was “done” negotiating with City Hall, and was ready to move the team to Pickering, saying at the time that any deal to keep the Gens in Oshawa would hinge on the City meeting a number of conditions. It appears those terms have been met. In a recent press release posted on the City’s website, the renovations are offered up as a necessary ‘modernization’ of the existing facility, including a main entrance expansion, interior alterations with seating for up to 7000 fans, and an updated concession area. The announcement goes on to say, “The $50 million modernization of the TCC will not impact the tax rate. It will be funded through various sources, such as the new Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group agreements, Municipal Accommodation Tax, and additional seat revenue.” What that statement doesn’t tell you is that one major debt is to quite simply be taken over by another. Forget the dribs and drabs of any additional seat revenue or the tax on hotel stays for just a moment. Consider; the current debenture (the debt issued by the City of Oshawa that relies entirely on their creditworthiness) for the TCC was due expire in November 2027…the date upon which the new debt for the proposed renovations will be issued. To say, at this stage, that the tax rate won’t be impacted is to be economical with the actualité. Interest rates alone are very unpredictable, not to mention cost overruns during construction. It is well known in political circles that once a municipal debt is paid off, something always comes in to fill the void, either by way of new spending, or the increased cost of maintaining services. Nevertheless, the announcement of a $50 million ice rink renovation couldn’t have come at a worse time for local taxpayers who were already saddled with a significant increase in the Mayor’s budget last autumn. Recent events both here and abroad have conspired to slow the economy, including a recent announcement of 700 layoffs at the General Motors production facility, either due simply to a temporary slump in sales, or the more sinister possibility of an eventual relocation south of the border. In the latest edition of Mayor Carter’s RealTalk podcast, a very open and frank discussion may be heard between the Mayor and Generals owner Rocco Tullio. The two men talk of a 30-year extension of the partnership recently negotiated between the City, the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club, and the operators of the TCC, being the Oak View Group. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation between the two men that readers may find interesting: ON BUYING & OWNING THE TEAM MR. TULLIO: “I wanted to prove to the fans that this was more than just a business for me; it was my passion. I wanted to restore the credibility of the Oshawa Generals. This isn’t a big money maker. I didn’t buy it to make money off of it; I did it because I wanted to give back in so many ways.” ON THE STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR PLAYERS MR. TULLIO: “I want to standardize things. We put our team in certain standards of hotels, and a quality of food, like last night after the game and every post-meal it’s been ribeye steak…we don’t just go and give them pizza. When they don’t perform well on the ice…you didn’t feed them properly, you didn’t ensure a good night’s sleep…then you expect them to perform at a high level.” ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE GENERALS TEAM MAYOR CARTER: “I’ve watched the evolution of your organization with you as an owner, and we’ve seen a small gym to a larger gym, an area that was a meeting area that is now a video review room where all the players are. We’ve seen an area for players so that they can have proper nutrition with a kitchen that has been put in. If we want the best out of people then we have to create an environment so they can be their best.” ON THE NEGOTIATIONS MR. TULLIO: “You (Mayor Carter) fight for what you believe is right for the city of Oshawa and we fight for what we think is right for the Oshawa Generals. At the end of the day, Dan, you championed this, and you put your money where your mouth is, and you delivered at the end of the day. We have to make sure we have all the resources and tools to be able to survive the longevity of what Junior Hockey is evolving into, and space was so critical for us. Kudos to you and the rest of council for recognizing that. We were able to find a happy medium for everybody.” That “happy medium” includes $50 million from the taxpayers of Oshawa. Kudos to you all.

STRONG MAYOR POWERS THE MUSOLINI COMPLEX

STRONG MAYOR POWERS THE MUSOLINI COMPLEX B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (29 July 1883 – 28 April 1945) was an Italian politician and journalist who, upon assuming office as Prime Minister, What is Mussolini most known for? But in the world of twentieth century dictators, Benito Mussolini was a pioneer. He created fascism, a movement that would plunge most of Europe into darkness. From undermining judges to indoctrinating children, he pioneered key tactics that other dictators would use to seize power. The Fascist state ruled Italy violently, projecting its coercive power deeply and diffusely into society through confinement, imprisonment, low-level physical assaults, economic deprivations, intimidation, discrimination and other quotidian forms of coercion. In October 1922, following the March on Rome, he was appointed prime minister by King Victor Emmanuel III. After removing opposition through his secret police and outlawing labour strikes, Mussolini and his followers consolidated power through laws that transformed the nation into a one-party dictatorship. What is fascism in simple terms? Fascism is a far-right form of government where most of the country's power is held by one ruler or a small group, under one party. Benito Mussolini (left) and Adolf Hitler (right), two fascist leaders (pictured in 1937). Mussolini and Giovanni Gentile described their ideology as right-wing in the political essay The Doctrine of Fascism (1932), stating: "We are free to believe that this is the century of authority, a century tending to the 'right,' a fascist century." This is similar to Communism as the control factor is put on one person. In simple terms, Marxism is a theory about how societies are organized and how they change. It argues that history is driven by class struggle and that the economic system (like capitalism) shapes all aspects of society. Essentially, it analyzes how the ownership and control of resources lead to conflict between different groups in society. Modern communism grew out of the aftermath of the French Revolution. In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels offered a new definition of communism in The Communist Manifesto. Does the above not sound like what took place in Europe? Strong Mayors Powers were put in affect to streamline government. Not to be used as a weapon. To politicize it to the advantage of a few. To be used as a tool to discriminate during bids and tenders. Could it be the man or the system that keeps failing humanity. Look at what has beent taken place across Durham region. Municipality after municipality have used strong mayors powers to isolate and control. To legally discriminate and punish any opposing voice. Left/Right, in theory they are all about the same. Control.

Victory in Europe 2025 and reflections on Canada

Victory in Europe 2025 and reflections on Canada by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As we continue to deal with worsening international relations and a resurgence of conflicts worldwide we need to remember one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, which was WWII. We see again a war in Europe, a war in the Middle East, and recently a war brewing between two nuclear powers in Asia. Therefore, it seems that humanity has forgotten the tragedy, which occurred within living memory, in the last century. WWII was one of the greatest challenges to both humankind and democracy. The time has come to reflect on this event, in order to avoid a repetition of it in any shape or form. Today we must stop the drift toward another world conflagration, which, if it occurs, will be more cruel and more devastating. We need to raise our voices to protect our basic rights of freedom and democracy, especially our freedom of speech, which is under siege from many sides. Each year we commemorate Victory in Europe Day, but this year it is special because it is the 80th anniversary of the day also known as V-E Day. On May 8, 1945 Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Forces of the Second World War. This day in history marked the end of World War II in Europe, although the war would continue in the Pacific Theater of Operations. V-E Day marked the end of most of the fighting in Europe, where tens of millions of service members and civilians had been killed since the start of hostilities. The second world war was the deadliest conflict in human history, which saw 50 to 85 million fatalities. This year the 80th anniversary of V-E day is a special one because of the issues around the emergence of new dangerous conflicts in the world. These conflicts must be stopped before it is too late. We need to remember that the defeat of Nazi Germany was a great success for democracy and freedom. We need to remember and be grateful for the sacrifices made by millions of people to ensure that in today’s world we can enjoy relative peace, progress and stability. It seems however, that there are many challenges ahead, and the forces of darkness are again trying to raise their ugly heads under several incarnations. So let us take a closer look at the events leading to V-E day in Europe. After six years of heavy fighting in Europe, Nazi Germany was finally defeated on 8th of May 1945 by the allied forces, composed of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the Soviet Union (most of today’s Russia). I strongly emphasize the great Canadian contribution to this war, which seems to be generally forgotten by today’s Canadian society and politicians, being barely mentioned. It is time to celebrate this event in a way that strengthens our unity as a country in view of the new challenges emerging to our statehood. We need to be proud Canadians again, and remember our ancestors who fought for us and fought to make Canada strong again. The countries in Western Europe mark the victory in Europe on May 8th. May 9th was chosen in the Soviet Union (Russia today), as it was already the next day when the German military surrendered to the Soviet Union and its Allies in Berlin late in the evening of May 8th 1945. We need to remember that during the course of the Second World War, over one million Canadians served in places like the North Atlantic Ocean, Italy, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. One in eleven Canadians had participated and 42,000 were killed (2,024 in the Navy, 22,917 in the Army, and 17,101 in the Air Force). It was a long and arduous war whose end was long awaited. When Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) was declared on May 8, 1945, excited celebrations spilled into the streets and neighbourhoods throughout the world, including Canada. Prime Minister Mackenzie King, in San Francisco at the time, wrote in his diary, “this has been a good day— a happy day… one in which the burden has been greatly lightened from the knowledge that Nazi militarism has, at last, been destroyed.” Not everyone was at home to celebrate. Around 200,000 members of the First Canadian Army were still in Europe at the time of VE-Day. In addition, over 35 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons as well as more than 250 Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warships were abroad when victory in Europe was officially declared. Hundreds of those naval and air force personnel joined the revelries in Britain and France. Many European cities, especially those in England, had been perpetually blacked out for nearly 5 years due to the impending threat of air raids by the enemy. On VE-Day, lights were free to shine again, and this added to the enthusiastic atmosphere. Despite all the jubilance, the deaths of millions and the horrors of war tempered the spirits of many. Communities across Canada were deeply affected by the tragic loss of their young men and women. Many found themselves widows and widowers. The small town of Sackville, New Brunswick witnessed 350 of their men enlist—ten per cent of their population—of whom 33 died. For many town residents, VE-Day became a day for remembrance and reflection rather than celebration. Canada’s involvement in the Second World War was costly. In addition to the 42,000 military personnel who died, 54,000 were wounded, and of the volunteer merchant civilians, 1,600 gave their lives for the cause. For those returning home from serving abroad, the experience represented a completed chapter, both in their own lives and in the history of Canada; they relished the long-awaited opportunity to build normal, better lives for themselves, and a better nation for Canadians. Victory day is about remembering those who gave their lives to achieve the victory we have enjoyed for almost four generations against the forces of evil. We cannot allow those who would oppress us to succeed, making a mockery of the supreme sacrifice our ancestors made for us during World War II! It has been said that freedom is not free. Truer words were never spoken. Throughout history there have been those who would take freedom from the independent, the individual, the type of person who succeeds by his/her own efforts. For generations North America has been the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world, but in the last half century that beacon has been slowly fading. Our beloved Canada is fast approaching the point where the torch of freedom will totally fade. Indeed, the time has come for Canadians to once again stand up for the freedoms that our ancestors gave their very lives to defend during World War II. We need to stand up against the tyranny of incompetence in leadership, political correctness at the expense of merit, and the stripping away of our individual freedoms under the guise of political expediency. Are you willing to stand up and be counted?

Why the Conservatives Lost the Election: A Story About Fear, Not Facts

Why the Conservatives Lost the Election: A Story About Fear, Not Facts By Dale Jodoin In the latest Canadian election, many people were surprised that the Conservatives didn’t win. After all, they had clear points, strong leadership, and a plan to fix problems like the rising cost of living, high taxes, and broken services. But even with all that, they still lost. The real reason? Fear. Not of them—but of someone who isn’t even Canadian. Let’s go back a bit. When the President of the United States began placing tariffs on Canadian products, it shook the country. Suddenly, everyday things got more expensive, and the future of trade between Canada and the U.S. seemed unsure. This made people nervous. But instead of offering calm, clear leadership, the Liberals and NDP took a different route: they used fear. The Liberals and NDP ran their campaigns by tying everything to Donald Trump, the American president. They didn’t talk about Canada’s rising debt, long hospital wait times, or the housing crisis. Instead, they pointed their fingers at Trump and said, “Be careful, the Conservatives are just like him.” It didn’t matter that the Conservative leader had never worked with Trump or even agreed with him. The Liberal media—TV, radio, and newspapers mostly funded by the federal government—repeated the same line over and over. They called the Conservatives “Trump’s cousins,” warning that if Canadians voted Conservative, they would see the same style of leadership as in the U.S. This message worked. Not because it was true, but because people were afraid. They voted not for what they believed in, but for what they feared might happen. The truth is, the Conservatives had no way to fight back. When most major news stations are paid for by the government, it’s hard to get your message out. Every time the Conservatives tried to explain their ideas, they were either ignored or twisted into something negative. And anyone who spoke up in support of them was often shouted down or labeled as “dangerous.” So what did Canadians really vote for? They didn’t vote for the best plan or for the strongest leader. They didn’t vote for change or solutions. They voted out of fear. Fear that Donald Trump might have too much influence over Canada. Fear that standing up to the U.S. would bring more problems. And fear that a Conservative government might “look” too much like something they saw on American news. But this fear-based voting comes with a cost. Now Canada faces real issues: food prices are still high, housing is out of reach for many, and our debt keeps growing. Many rural hospitals and services are stretched thin, and young people are struggling to see a future here. Instead of addressing these problems, the current government has focused more on image than action. They brought in a leader who looks good on camera and says the right things—but many say he’s just a puppet. Some believe this leader was picked not for his ideas, but because he could be controlled. Others think he simply repeats what party bosses or friendly media tell him to say. Either way, it’s clear that the voices of regular Canadians weren’t heard. What happened to open debates? What happened to letting people decide for themselves without being told who to fear? In a democracy, people should be able to vote based on facts—not feelings forced on them by news stations or politicians. And yet, here we are. Canadians were told again and again to “stand against Trump.” But Trump isn’t running our country. What’s happening in Canada—like the rising cost of living and the slow breakdown of public services—is something our own government must take responsibility for. Blaming someone outside the country won’t fix that. What’s more troubling is that not one political leader stood up for baby boomers—many of whom have been blamed for everything from the housing crisis to climate change. These are the same people who built this country up, paid taxes for decades, and are now often struggling in retirement. But during the election, they were used as a scapegoat too. So what can be done? First, Canadians need to stop voting based on fear. We must learn to question the headlines, listen to more than one voice, and think about what’s best for our country—not what someone tells us to be scared of. Second, we need to demand fair media. When news companies are funded by the government, they have a responsibility to stay neutral. If they become cheerleaders for one side, democracy breaks down. Canadians deserve honest reporting, not stories meant to scare or silence. Third, it’s time to talk to each other again. Too many families and friends are divided over politics, with people afraid to speak their minds. But Canada was built on free speech and respect for different opinions. We need to bring that back. Finally, we must remember this: it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to challenge what we’re told. And it’s okay to believe in something different. That’s what democracy is all about. The Conservatives may have lost this time, but their ideas deserve to be heard. And next time, hopefully Canadians will vote based on hope, not fear. Because if we keep letting fear choose our leaders, we may one day wake up in a country we no longer recognize.

Ottawa Pro-Life March: A Rallying Cry for Courage, Compassion, and the Defense of Life

Ottawa Pro-Life March: A Rallying Cry for Courage, Compassion, and the Defense of Life By Councillor Lisa Robinson As a proud elected councillor for the City of Pickering, I have attended many events - but none have stirred my heart and renewed my sense of purpose like the recent Pro-Life March in Ottawa, hosted by the remarkable March for Life Coalition. This was more than just a march; it was a nationwide stand. Thousands of Canadians, young people, parents, grandparents, faith leaders, medical professionals, and advocates, gathered with one powerful message: to defend the dignity of human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. In a world where the push for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has crept deeper into our healthcare system — even targeting the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, and sometimes even the mentally ill - this march was a critical statement. We are saying loud and clear: Canada must be a country that protects life, not disposes of it. Life is precious at every stage, and we must push back against policies that treat death as a solution to suffering, poverty, or mental health struggles. What stood out most was the courage and resolve in the faces of those marching. Despite the challenges, the media pushback, the political resistance, and the social pressures, these Canadians showed up - peaceful, determined, and driven by love. We weren’t there to judge; we were there because we care deeply about the voiceless, the vulnerable, the unborn, the sick, and the future of our country. The March for Life Coalition and their event crew deserve enormous praise. Their flawless coordination - managing logistics, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring everyone felt safe and respected - transformed this gathering into a monumental moment. I felt proud, not just to attend, but to stand shoulder to shoulder with national leaders and ordinary citizens alike, all united in one moral cause: to affirm that every life matters. I left Ottawa with a renewed determination to bring this message home - because defending life is not just a federal issue or a national conversation; it’s something that touches every local community. We need to have the courage to speak up at every level, even when it’s politically inconvenient or socially unpopular. To those who marched, organized, volunteered, and sacrificed to make the Pro-Life March a success: thank you. You are proof that conscience, conviction, and compassion still thrive in this country. This is a movement that will not be silenced, and I, for one, am honored to be part of it. Together, we stand for a Canada that cherishes life, from the first heartbeat to the final breath - not by force, but by the natural dignity every person deserves.

The Timing of Your Questions During an Interview Is Everything!

The Timing of Your Questions During an Interview Is Everything! By Nick Kossovan Most interviewers appreciate candidates who come prepared with thoughtful questions. However, while your questions are important, the strategic timing of when you ask them is more crucial. You've likely heard, "Timing is everything." This is especially true in interviews. Asking about work-life balance too early—during the initial (introductory) or second interview—can lead to elimination. Sure, work-life balance matters, but raising it early screams: "I just want to do the bare minimum!" "I'm not a team player!" "I'm already planning my escape." As a job seeker, understand that the hiring process is inherently a process of elimination, necessitated by many candidates vying for one role. Therefore, before you ask questions that answer, "Will this job serve my self-interests?" first, focus on establishing stickiness—a connection and trust. By demonstrating your awareness of the employer's needs, something candidates you're competing against are unlikely to exhibit; you increase the odds of your interviewer envisioning you as the ideal candidate for the role and the company. Also, keep in mind that an interview is a sales meeting. Your initial and second interviews should revolve around selling yourself. Emphasizing the value you can bring—how you'll generate revenue, solve problems, increase savings—distinguishes you from candidates more focused on WIIFM (What's in it for me?). The exception is the "money question." Ideally, you should know the salary range for the position. I always ask within the first five minutes of an initial interview, "To ensure we're not wasting each other's time, I'm looking for an annual salary of $X. Is that within the range for this position?" There's no point in pursuing a job that won't meet your compensation requirements. Save everything else for later, as those details are often negotiable. During your first and second interviews, ask: Discovery questions: · What's the most important thing I should accomplish in my first 90 days? · What challenges might I face in this position? · Will my responsibilities change in the next six months to a year? · Can you tell me about the team I'll be working with and my direct reports? Clarification questions: · Can you elaborate on the day-to-day responsibilities of this role? · What specific skills or experiences are you looking for in the ideal candidate? · Please clarify the reporting structure for this position. · What's the timeline for the expected projects or initiatives this role will be involved with? Closing questions: · What am I not asking you that I should? · What is essential for success in this role and at [company]? · How is performance in this role measured and evaluated? · Is there anything valuable for me to understand about the role or [company] role that we haven't discussed? Regarding closing questions, the purpose of asking such questions is to create a selling opportunity to emphasize that you have the skills, experience, and confidence, a critical aspect of interview success that jobseekers underestimate, to do the job. If you don't believe in yourself, then why should your interviewer? For instance, if you ask, "What are the biggest challenges I will face in this position?" and your interviewer answers, "Rimway is currently implementing a new company-wide software program called GLaDOS, which will greatly enhance our ability to interface with our customers and inventory; therefore, Rimway employees are in a steep learning curve." You can respond in one of two ways: 1. That you're familiar with GLaDOS, having used it extensively while working at [company], this would be the ideal answer, or 2. Recount a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) story in which you were successfully part of an implementation, be it new software, change in process, new government regulations, etc., to demonstrate (sell) your ability to adapt to changes and learn new technology, processes, regulations, a mindset not everyone has. During your first and second interviews, focus your questions on the company, its people, and how the role contributes to its overall success. More than ever, your entire job search, not just when you're interviewing, but your resume, LinkedIn profile, and how you present yourself during a networking opportunity, needs to clearly (keyword) demonstrate—this is where your quantifying results and achievement numbers (revenue, savings, time, amount, size, percentage) come in—how hiring you will add value. An interview is your chance—never easy to obtain—to demonstrate (read: sell) what you can do for an employer. As the job seeker, you're trying to land the job, not vice versa. (In today's job market, an employer will have many viable candidates per position. You're not an employer's only option.) More than ever, especially as employers are understandably increasingly running their business on lean, a job exists because the employer believes that by creating the job and having it occupied by the right person (key), they'll make more money than by not having it. Strategically timing your questions is a crucial factor in achieving interview success. Asking about benefits, flex hours, vacation, sick days, professional development offered or "Can I work from home?" (despite the job posting stating the job is on-site) too early in the interview stage is perceived as an indication that you're focused on what the employer can do for you, not on what you can do for the employer ___________________________________________________________________ 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

So how’s the Market?

So how’s the Market? By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist I was having lunch with a friend last week and as always, eventually, the question is asked, so how’s the market? My first thought was to say do you watch the news? But instead of saying something sarcastic I politely responded with a general overview of what is going on in the Durham Region. He then began asking questions about the types of things in todays market that affect not only the pricing of houses but the volume and speed at which a home might sell. He mentioned that there was a house on his street in Whitby that had been on the market for four weeks now. The tone in which he said it made me realize that he thought that this was a long time, and it must be overpriced or there must be something wrong with it given that it hasn’t sold yet. It seems that there is still some hangover from the Covid-19 craziness when it comes to the reality of the real estate market. While Covid-19 did see an absolute insanity when it came to real estate, with people buying houses not only without inspections, some people actually bought houses sight unseen, without even walking through them. Since then, there has been a return to more normal times in the real estate market. Meaning people have now gone back to the realtor recommended home inspection, perhaps a second or even third condition as well. We always used to have what they called a Spring market and a Fall market. That went out the window with the onset of Covid-19 but that may have just been a timing issue as well. Spring and Fall markets will always be a thing for Boomers, but with so many newcomers to Durham Region over the last few years, the market is active all year long. With the calming of the market, it was not unusual to see homes taking an average of forty-five days or two months to sell. Many perfectly priced homes sat on the market for three to four months before selling at full asking price. Many things can and do affect the market and the speed at which it moves. Today, without question, the uncertainty of what will go on with tariffs and how they will affect jobs, prices, and interest rates has many people pushing the pause button. In many cases people are waiting to see what happens next before they jump into home ownership and all the responsibilities that go along with it. Certain areas seem to be moving at a faster pace that others. But one thing is for sure, everyone is cautiously looking forward to more stable times.

What Employees Must Never Do: Lessons from a Legal Cautionary Tale

What Employees Must Never Do: Lessons from a Legal Cautionary Tale By Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M. Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP As an employment lawyer, I’ve seen workplace disputes of all kinds—but the conduct of one former employee of CleanMark, an individual referred to as Jamil Manji, serves as a textbook example of what employees must never do after a termination. Jamil Manji was entrusted with sensitive company information and supported a senior executive. Following his termination in April 2024—despite being offered severance and a favourable reference letter—Manji chose to respond not with professionalism, but with a prolonged campaign of harassment and defamation. What followed was unconscionable: hundreds of anonymous calls, emails, and text messages targeting CleanMark’s Vice President. While initially disguised as flattery, Jamil’s behaviour escalated into malicious online attacks and defamatory posts under aliases—many designed to inflict emotional harm by referencing private aspects of the VP’s life. Worse, Jamil ignored direct warnings from Toronto Police and began anonymously contacting CleanMark’s clients. This type of behaviour is not only unethical—it’s illegal. In response, CleanMark pursued urgent legal action. Justice Merritt of the Ontario Superior Court granted a broad injunction, including an civil search warrant, an order requiring Jamil Manji to return and delete confidential company data and cease his defamatory and harassing conduct. Jamil, who had earlier failed in defending a half a million dollar defamation and harassment claim from CleanMark, owes the company an additional $34,570.15 for legal costs. He now faces the threat of civil contempt proceedings and potential fine and imprisonment for any further violations. Employees must understand: Respect boundaries after employment ends. Severance does not entitle you to retaliate. Never misuse confidential information or attempt to harm reputations out of spite. Do not engage in anonymous or harassing conduct, online or offline. It is traceable, and it is punishable. Failure to comply with court orders can lead to serious consequences, including jail time. Let this be a clear warning: no matter how you feel about your termination, harassment, defamation, and breaches of confidentiality will only deepen the legal consequences you face. CleanMark’s legal victory is more than just a company protecting its people—it’s a message that toxic behaviour has no place in the professional world, and it will be met with the full force of the law. ( I was counsel to CleanMark.)

A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW A TWO-PARTY RACE ONLY

A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW A TWO-PARTY RACE ONLY This week I have decided to offer my readers some insights as to the 2025 federal election results. My regular City Hall column will return next week. EARLY ON IN THE FEDERAL ELECTION I attended the campaign launch for one of only two Green Party members of parliament, and the event was truly unforgettable. With well over 400 people in attendance and standing room only, various speakers described their vision of a country very much different than the one we know today. As a political observer, I haven’t seen a better organized and colourful campaign event in decades. The crowd cheered as well over $50,000 was raised through a sort of ‘donation rally’ conducted by their co-leader Elizabeth May, a genuinely hard-working person and one whom I enjoyed chatting with afterwards. Fast forward to last Monday’s election night and the scene in that same space, according to the next day’s newspaper, was one of disbelief as supporters slowly watched the Conservative candidate take the lead and eventually win the riding. As it happens, the district is also represented by a member of the provincial Green Party, and therein lies the great mystery of politics, that being how to capture the mood of the electorate at any one time. Nevertheless, the losing candidate was thoughtful as he offered his supporters these closing remarks, “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to do this work. I’m not sure how to describe that feeling when people put their lives on the line because they believe in the things we’re pushing for and the way we’re pushing for them.” As it happens, the only Green member of Canada’s next parliament will be Elizabeth May herself. In the process of recovery from such a defeat, a period of political reorganization will inevitably take place, and this involves acknowledging the loss and finding ways to regain a sense of purpose. To that end, it must be said the Green Party no longer exists. I suggested in a previous column that, given the chance, I would offer up a story to every eligible voter, one that I would find necessary in the telling. They would be made to understand the realities associated with casting, what I may reasonably describe as a ‘protest vote’. The cross-country turnout for this election reached 67% overall, and in most electoral districts, Conservative and Liberal candidates captured the majority of votes, while Greens, New Democrats, and Independents trailed as distant contenders. NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY RESULTS: Liberals won in 168 ridings with 8,566,674 votes, or 43.7% Conservatives won in 144 ridings with 8,089,959 votes, or 41.3% The NDP won in 7 ridings with 1,237,541 votes, or 6.3% The Green Party won in 1 riding with 244,992 votes, or 1.3% The People's Party of Canada won no ridings with 141,187 votes, or 0.7% QUEBEC AND INDEPENDENT RESULTS The Bloc Québécois won in 23 ridings with 1,233,231 votes, or 6.3% Independent candidates won no ridings with 36,319 votes, or 0.2% Any Canadian who believes greater things might be obtained by casting a vote for one of the smaller parties or an independent candidate will be overlooking the stinging reality that comes from a conscious decision to stay out of high-level decision making. The national results clearly demonstrate that fact. LOCAL RESULTS In Oshawa riding, the results are as follows: CONSERVATIVE Rhonda Kirkland elected with 32,185 votes, or 48.4% LIBERAL Isaac Ransom 2ND with 28,453 votes, or 42.8% NDP Sara Labelle 3rd with 5,112 votes, or 7.7% GREEN Katherine Mathewson 4th with 804 votes, or 1.2% It is interesting to note the NDP loss in Oshawa riding, as their provincial candidate won with 46% of the vote only two months earlier. There again one can see the difficulty in assessing the mood of the electorate at any one time. VOLUNTEER FOR A LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN I encourage anyone with an interest in politics or a desire to help make their community a better place to step up and join a local campaign as a volunteer. The bulk of my own experience goes back a number of years, however on a cold day in early March I received a knock at my door from someone looking for signatures as part of her nomination package. That moment gave rise to six weeks of active participation on my part in what would become a successful campaign. The team of volunteers I worked with developed a certain fellowship during that time, as we canvassed door-to-door and by telephone, assembled and distributed signs, and gathered together each week for a meal at the campaign office. It must be said that not every moment during the election was easy as a volunteer, and there will always be personality differences among people thrown together in such a short time. On the flipside, one does get to meet a great many people in the community and the conversations are often quite enjoyable, even among supporters of another political party. THE FUTURE OF CANADA Over the course of the last 10 years, our country has changed, and not for the better. Inflation and the cost of housing have caused many Canadians to lose hope for the future. For the first time in generations, young people will have a lower standard of living than their parents, and that is unacceptable. Too many are now unable to buy their first home, and big-government programs haven’t actually added to our housing stock, but rather have succeeded only in enlarging a federal bureaucracy. Canada’s national debt has risen from $600 billion in 2015 to well over a trillion dollars, and Canadians are currently paying over $50 billion every year in debt servicing charges, something that is not sustainable. In fact, the costs to service the debt are more than our federal government spends every year on healthcare. The world in which we live is certainly more unstable now than in decades past, and the need to increase our military capabilities is paramount. Canada will eventually have to deal with new threats in the Arctic, so it makes sense to put more resources into ship building and into our Navy, with Canadian manufacturers and technology. Lastly, on the issue of carbon taxes, this columnist’s view is that the entire so-called ‘climate change’ narrative is false, and that the only real purpose of such an agenda is to see global wealth-redistribution on a massive scale. Canada’s carbon tax was recently suspended during the election under the guise of having been ‘cancelled’ and in my view, Canadians from coast to coast deserve a rebate of the taxes that were paid for no rational purpose whatsoever. Only time will show whether we can climb out of the mess we find ourselves in after 10 very dark years.

This Isn’t Hockey It’s the Future of Our Country

This Isn’t Hockey It’s the Future of Our Country By Councillor Lisa Robinson Tuesday night’s Council meeting was a disgrace. Not just in how it looked, but in what it revealed. Council passed a motion titled: "Affirming Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers Amidst Cross-Border Trade Disputes." But behind the patriotic title was a power grab, plain and simple. The motion gives staff emergency purchasing powers to: - Bypass competitive bidding. - Extend contracts and approve over-budget purchases — without ever coming back to Council. - Do it all in the name of “supporting Canadian businesses,” even if it costs taxpayers more — and even though no emergency directive has been issued by the federal or provincial governments with no expiration date. And who helped craft this motion? City staff. Working hand-in-hand with Councillors Butt and Brenner. Of course they support it — because it gives them unchecked power to spend money without oversight. A couple of months ago, Councillor Brenner told us in chambers that he planned to bring this motion forward. I said it then, and I’ll say it again now - it was petty, and it made us look retaliatory. I said it would send the wrong message: that we’re playing politics instead of leading with principle. But they pushed ahead anyway, because that’s how this Council works. They don’t lead, they provoke. And sometimes, frankly, their actions remind me of children. It’s disturbing. Let’s be clear: I asked if any financial impact analysis had been done. The answer? No. I asked what protections were in place to stop sweetheart deals. None. I asked who would monitor this spending. No one. And when I asked about precautions about favoritism, the Mayor said my questions were “not appropriate.” When I asked if a project goes over budget – whether a dollar or $4,000, would staff come back to council for approval? The Mayor shrugged and said he’d “hope the Treasurer wouldn’t come to Council for $4,000.” But let’s not pretend that’s the issue. It’s $4,000 here, $15,000 there, or even $100,000 on so called public art projects. You’ve see the kind of wasteful spending I’ve been exposing: taxpayer dollars being poured into redoing artwork, that wasn’t done right the first time. Or the spending of your tax dollars to honour someone who had no connection to Pickering whatsoever. No roots here, no history, no ties to our community. Just plain old fashion wasteful spending, . And what did they do in response when I brought that up? They quietly passed a policy change that spending $100,000 or under on artwork no longer needs Council approval. That’s not the only one. There are now multiple new policies in place that let staff approve spending and contracts without ever coming before the elected body of this city. And you wonder why your taxes keep going up and up, higher and higher - while the public gets fewer services, answers, and less say. And then came the mockery. While voting on this dangerous motion, the Mayor and several councillors threw their elbows up, laughing like it was some kind of inside joke. “Elbows up” is embarrassing. This isn’t a hockey game — it’s the future of our country. We’re dealing with serious issues like sovereignty, trade, and economic independence — not throwing body checks on the global stage. It’s reckless rhetoric, and it only exposes how unserious some of our so-called leaders really are. Councillor Nagy followed the vote with a smug jab, saying she “hopes the people of Pickering see who supports Canada and who doesn’t.” And the Mayor — instead of stopping that slander — leaned in and said: “I think your vote shows exactly how you feel about Canada.” The same Mayor and Council who blocked my motion for seven months to play the national anthem before meetings only to hijack the idea when Trump’s tariffs hit, bury it in a pile of procedural garbage they knew I couldn’t support, and then accuse me of voting against the anthem, when they gave me no choice. It’s always the same pattern. They bury the truth. They twist the facts. And they spread lies to tear down anyone who won’t fall in line. So let me be crystal clear: I support Canadian businesses. I support Pickering jobs. But I will not support giving staff the power to spend your money in the dark, with no oversight, no competition, and no accountability. This wasn’t about patriotism. It was about protecting their power, silencing opposition, and retaliating against anyone who dares expose the truth. If standing up to that makes me the only “no” vote in the room, 6 to 1 - then good. Because I’d rather stand alone with the people, than sit in silence with the corrupt. This isn’t hockey. This is your money. This is your democracy. And I will fight like hell to protect both. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

MAYOR CARTER YOU ARE HYPOCRITE

MAYOR CARTER YOU ARE HYPOCRITE B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States This week off the news wire it read: ‘Carter promises job support to impacted GM plant workers Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter has promised support to workers impacted by the decision to return the General Motors’ Oshawa Assembly to a two-shift operation instead of the current three. "On behalf of the City of Oshawa and City Council, I extend our compassion and support for those workers and their families who will be impacted.’ Being a hypocrite means acting in a way that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel. It's about saying one thing and doing another, often with the intention of appearing more virtuous or moral than one truly is. By Webster definition: hypocrite - noun Synonyms of hypocrite 1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings. If by my definition I am wrong. Please accept my apology. But if not then the Mayor has to be the biggest incompetent on the planet when it comes to managing Oshawa. For him to make such statements over GM. When his downtown is emptying out faster than he can drive through it. Does he not drive through downtown Oshawa? Does he not care? Or does he only care about 700 GM jobs that were on the chopping block any way. Now with the ‘Tariff’, bull. Companies like GM have an excuse. Oshawa lost 30,000 GM jobs and what did our mayor do for those families.... same thing he will do for the 700, increase their taxes next year by 8%. Yet, Carter is quoted, “‘Carter promises job support to impacted GM plant workers.” Honest concern, or just being a hypocrite. Or option two. He is such an incompetent administrator/leader that he has failed to support downtown merchants going out of business. Affecting 1000 of jobs.... Carter claims to “SUPPORT”. Yet, he fails to ‘SUPPORT’, his City Newspaper situated right in the heart of downtown Oshawa. Does he not care? Or is he a Hypocrite? Then again, this newspaper would not be the first local business that is passed over due to political interests. Carter has the only in print newspaper in his downtown and he has failed to support it. We are the heartbeat of the City and the region. Where is the municipal support? Incompetent or Hypocrite? Maybe I am the one with the intellectual handicap and expect for our beloved Mayor to be true to his word. He, will not support the 700 loosing their jobs any more than he is supporting his City Newspaper and or all the downtown local Canadian small businesses closing almost on a monthly basis. Incompetent or Hypocrite. You tell me... please.

The Dramatic Canadian Federal Election

The Dramatic Canadian Federal Election by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Canada’s long-awaited, much-analyzed federal election has come and gone. It was interesting to witness what went on, in particular, the unprecedented voter turnout. With this election, Canada has revealed a completely different political landscape; one not even imagined a couple of months ago. Mark Carney’s Liberals held onto a strong minority government, the Conservatives gained key seats (though they lost a particularly important one; that of the leader), and the NDP was nearly wiped off the electoral map, losing the leader and official party status altogether. The reality is that the Conservative Party has not succeeded in delivering a government, despite inroads on the electoral landscape. Unfortunately, party leader Pierre Poilievre was surrounded by incompetent people such Jenny Byrne, whose misguided guidance has now lost four elections for the party. The Conservative Party of Canada lost yet another election due to staff incompetence, personal feuding among conservative leaders, and failing to grasp fundamental and dramatic changes in the geopolitical situation directly involving Canada. They had to win a majority, they were in the lead by more than 25% just a few months ago, and they blew it. The only choice they had was to win a majority because they do not have anybody in the House to make alliances with. They have never even attempted to build a dialog with other parties. If they were elected as a minority government, they would be defeated at the first opportunity due to lack of alliances. This is not a new situation, it has happened before. With this last election, we have seen the advent of a two party battle, at least in English Canada. This presented both opportunities and challenges for both the Liberals and the Conservatives. The Liberals’ absorption of 25-50 percent of traditional NDP support has proven to be an effective election strategy. It has broadened the party’s coalition, pushed up its popular vote, and enabled it to win new and different ridings across the country. For the Conservatives, the decline of the NDP has contributed to their notable gains with younger voters and realignment voters, such that the party’s voter composition is now quite different from what it was in the Harper era. This has broadened the Conservative voting coalition, pushing the party’s share of popular support up to modern highs as well as increasing the variety of issues and interests reflected in the party’s policy programme. However, it was not enough to propel them into government. The election results dealt the NDP a historic blow, losing official party status in Parliament. Jagmeet Singh’s resignation after losing his own seat in Burnaby Central marks the end of an era defined by principle, but ultimately not power. The NDP must now make a defining choice: remain a marginal voice of conscience or rebuild as a serious, disciplined political force capable of eventually forming government. Influence will be fiercely contested in this new Parliament. However, with no formal status, the NDP will struggle to shape outcomes in a House defined by Liberal-Conservative polarization. This situation does not exclude the possibility that some NDP MPs might join the liberals, crossing the floor, in giving them the coveted majority. If the federal NDP fails to evolve, it won’t just remain on the sidelines it will be written out of the future of Canadian politics altogether. The liberals on the other hand, especially their leader, Mark Carney, has pulled off a feat not even contemplated possible. They won a fourth mandate. Mark Carney has been Prime Minister for fewer than 70 days (his win ensured Charles Tupper will remain our shortest-serving PM), so there is still a lot to learn about him. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s victory in the election signals more than just a change in leadership, it marks the return of competence, clarity, and credibility to Canadian politics, qualities we’ve sorely lacked during the recent Trudeau years. Voters placed their trust in a leader known not for slogans, but for substance. His calm, confident tone throughout the campaign reflected the kind of steady hand Canadian professionals like myself have been yearning for in uncertain times. It is heartening to see that appreciation of professionalism has returned to Canadian politics. Canada needs more diverse professional people in a House populated in recent times, with non-practising lawyers, political scientist and staffers without real-life working experience. For Prime Minister Carney, the real work begins now. He must move quickly to assemble a team that mirrors the competence he projects and balance the old guard with fresh talent. Beyond managing the economy, he will need to bridge the divides that have deepened across geography, generations, and ideologies. Canadians didn’t just vote against dysfunction, they voted for something better. The tone has shifted. The expectations are high, Prime Minister Carney will have to shed some of the old and bring in the new to change the rhetoric around the old Trudeau team. However, for the first time in a long time, it feels like a grown-up is back in charge. Now it is time to deliver. So what does this all mean for Canada and what happens next? Hope for the best. You have made it the election of the century