The Post-Pandemic Workplace: Why Employees Are Returning to Offices

By Stephanie Uprichard, IDC, GDC, ARIDO, IIDA Studio Forma Interior Design Principal Designer I was chatting with a colleague recently and asked about one of his employees I had worked with in the past. He told me she had quit because she wanted to work at a company with an office. I was surprised, but it wasn’t the first time I’d heard that this year. COVID reshaped the global workforce, making remote work the norm. However, as recovery continues, a trend is emerging: employees are increasingly seeking opportunities with companies that offer physical office spaces. This shift underscores the enduring value of in-person interactions and the human desire for community. The Appeal of the Office Environment While remote work offered flexibility and safety during the pandemic, it also presented challenges such as isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and limited spontaneous collaboration. Consequently, the allure of returning to a physical office has grown for several reasons: Sense of Belonging and Community Humans are inherently social. The camaraderie and belonging from being part of a physical workplace cannot be replicated through virtual interactions alone. Employees miss water cooler conversations, in-person brainstorming, and the joy of working alongside colleagues. An office provides a tangible community where individuals can connect and build meaningful relationships. Opportunities for Learning and Growth An office environment often accelerates professional development. Employees benefit from face-to-face mentorship, real-time feedback, and learning from peers. Informal learning through casual conversations and impromptu meetings is invaluable. In-person settings also foster a culture of continuous learning, with easy access to resources and training sessions. Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation Collaboration thrives where ideas can flow freely and spontaneously. Physical offices provide the ideal setting for brainstorming, team meetings, and creative problem-solving. While virtual collaboration tools have advanced, they still fall short in replicating the energy and immediacy of in-person interactions. Companies with shared spaces often see increased innovation and productivity. Clear Work-Life Boundaries One challenge of remote work has been maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life. The office serves as a dedicated space for professional activities, helping employees separate their job from their home life. This distinction can improve work-life balance and well-being. The Future of Work: Hybrid Models As companies navigate the post-pandemic landscape, many adopt hybrid models, offering flexibility and in-person office interactions. By providing this balance, companies can attract and retain top talent who seek both flexibility and a sense of community. The pandemic has changed how we view work but also reaffirmed the value of physical office spaces. As employees seek opportunities with companies offering in-person interactions, businesses must create environments fostering community, learning, and growth to remain competitive and attract and keep top talent in the evolving landscape of work.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor At The City of Pickerings 5pm special meeting of council I voted against moving forward with the staffs recommendation to have a copy of Pickering’s Official Plan review to be sent to the region of Durham Planning & Economic Development for many reasons. First and foremost, there has been no community engagement or comments thus far. To be in accordance with Planning Act Requirements, the special council meeting had to be advertised. The corporation of the City of Pickering decided to use the Toronto Star as their avenue, unfortunately, residents, stakeholders or businesses have never had any correspondence delivered directly to them letting them know this is how they would be notified of important City meetings. I also mentioned that I thought it was unfair that because of this, the people of Pickering and beyond would now have to spend their hard-earned taxed dollars to purchase a Toronto Star newspaper daily so they don’t miss any other opportunities to have their voices heard being that, the Toronto Star is not a community newspaper. Why is the Corporation of the City of Pickering so against posting in this fine local Newspaper? “The Central” is the only local community Newspaper that we have left in Durham, and in my opinion, instead of making excuses as to why we should not post in this paper, we should find ways to make it work, so you the taxpayer can be well informed. Another important point I made was that our online records management portal was down the night before the meeting and we don’t actually know how long it was down for. It could have been for one day or many, making it hard for those to comment or even know about the meeting. As a result, stakeholders may not have had adequate opportunity to access the agenda and related documents, limiting their ability to provide informed comments. Given the importance of transparency and public participation in our local government processes, I recommend that any comments received at the special meeting be included for consideration as part of the review process. These comments included: There was no authentic community engagement, Lack of accountability, the official plan should be for the people by the people and not driven by developers, and their should be transparency – and not influence by developers. I then proposed that this matter be referred back to staff to be brought forward at the next council meeting in order to achieve community engagement and comments but not one member of Council would second. There have been claims that our Council Meetings have been hijacked by outsiders, and that they are wasting Councils time speaking on topics that they find irrelevant. First of all, I don’t think the council should be taking it upon themselves to judge whether or not a topic is relevant. We were elected to listen and represent the people, even those with opposing views. Council fails to remember that we regularly endorse other municipalities' staff reports, and it would be highly hypocritical of us to only listen to those in power but not their people. We support global issues like Ukraine using taxpayers' money, and we receive provincial and federal funding. I could go on about how we have 4 members who sit on the region of Durham Council, or how our libraries, malls, recreation centers and programs are open to anyone and everyone, not just Pickering residents. They use our roads, and parks, attend our community events, and so on. The real problem is not having outsiders participate, as most of them are groups that represent 1000’s of people in Pickering and across Durham. The real problem is that, due to Pickering Councils behavior and passing of bylaws that are taking your right to speak and participate away, this has created the want for more engagement and to have their questions answered by elected officials. In my opinion neither staff nor council want to have to deal with it, or they would have not started implementing all these censorship bylaws to stifle conversation. Council was elected to serve the public and their interests, not to dictate what they feel is important, or unimportant, or to dismiss legitimate concerns of the people. In a blatant act of collusion, the minutes will show that everything on the agenda passed in a 6-0 vote, as the Mayor refused to recognize me, disallowing me to question, speak or vote on any matters because I refused to participate in his hypocritical rules for thee but not for me type antics. The whole agenda was then passed without any debate, even knowing that we were breaching our own bylaws regarding our street naming policy for Porsche which prohibits street names that confer a competitive advantage or promote specific brands or products. I brought this up at our Executive Committee meeting on May 6, asking what if Volkswagen, or Ford wanted to do the same thing and the mayor indicated that if they want to invest 75 million dollars then they could break our policies too, and that he would even name a child after them. So, there you have it when money talks, everyone looks the other way. Ordinary citizens are secondary to the interest of those with deep pockets. Setting A dangerous precedent and letting everyone know that Pickering has a casual attitude towards policies and that we opened the door to potential exploitation and abuse by corporate interests. There was also the EDI Strategy, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, to which both Pickering residents and communities beyond are not happy with. After doing lots of research we are seeing that both in the USA and Canada, EDI programs are being banned as these programs are being found to be discriminatory. We need to evolve as a society beyond divisive identity politics and splitting people into groups based on the colour of their skin, religion, and their sexual preferences, and refocus on treating people as individuals based on their character and promoting merit. As for the Community visitor plan, this was a decision of council not the public to move forward with the collection of Pickering resident's and visitor's data through methods such as tracking your cell phones and geo-fencing. Not only without your permission but without having adequate safeguards in place posing serious privacy risks to you, our residents. The council approved an agreement to execute a data usage license with Enbridge Gas to collect natural gas consumption data of your homes, and businesses. Agreeing to give Enbridge the right to monitor and collect your data, the Corporation of the City of Pickering received Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) through the Municipal Climate Action Incentive Offer. The Municipality now has the ability to request this data within two years of the application date. On February 5th Dale Quaife the City’s IT manager stated that we do not have any measures in place to protect the people of Pickering’s sensitive information. That’s another topic in itself, for another day, until then, the bigger question that needs to be asked is, why does the Corporation of the City of Pickering want information on how much gas consumption you as a personal homeowner or business use? As for Council's decision to involve the Ontario Human Rights Commission while a judicial review is in progress demonstrates a blatant disregard for the legal process. During my tenure, I have endured sexual, psychological, and threatening harassment by members of the Council. When I requested that these words be included in the initial letter to the OHRC and that it feature the names of all Council members, they refused. This reveals their character and indicates that they have personal vendettas against me driven by politically motivated actions and that they seem to feel they are above the law. That’s it for this month’s Robinson’s Council Highlights. For more information on any of these topics or anything else you would like to know about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Happy to chat. God Bless "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

How Much Does Poor Accounting Play a Role in Business Failure?

By Daryl Ching, CFA | Managing Partner Vistance Capital Advisory When an entrepreneur sets out to start a business, they often have a vision to launch a product or service that will change the world. Entrepreneurs are often either innovative inventors or masterful marketers, and in some rare cases, both. However, very rarely are entrepreneurs strong in accounting and finance, yet it is precisely accounting and finance that provide the lifeline required for a business to survive. It is an unfortunate reality that entrepreneurs must learn to deal with financial data and cash flow. The majority of small businesses at an early stage are set up with a part-time bookkeeper and a CPA firm that shows up once a year at year-end to generate annual financial statements and file taxes. Most business owners opt for the most cost-effective engagement called a “Compilation Engagement” (previously known as Notice to Reader), where the accountant is not required to undergo tests or provide any assurance that the financials are accurate. While this often results in a total spend of no more than $15,000-20,000 in accounting for the entire year, the end result is that the business owner has a set of financial statements that are very inaccurate. They may be good enough for tax purposes, but they are certainly not “investor ready”. Based on this state: · Business owners often know their annual top-line revenue and net profit, but not much detail in between on their profit and loss statement. · Business owners often do not know on a month-to-month basis how profitable they are and therefore lack understanding of what expenses they can afford to take on. Many early-stage business owners view accounting as a cost center and cannot fathom investing money into resources that do not directly generate revenue. There is money in the bank, the company is meeting its obligations, revenue is growing, and the CRA isn’t bothering them, so why does this matter? What really are the consequences of kicking this can down the road? 1. Being rejected for a loan or equity investment because the financial statements are inaccurate and do not match the business plan. The cleanup process may take months and cost thousands of dollars. 2. Being rejected for subsidies and grants from the government because the financial statements are inaccurate. 3. Running out of cash unexpectedly and having to tell employees and vendors they need to wait an extra month for their payment. 4. Losing money month to month and not fully understanding if it is the gross profit margin isn’t high enough on products and services or if fixed costs are too high. 5. Getting called for an audit by the CRA and being asked to produce invoices and banking transactions going back three years. These are the common drivers that force business owners to invest more in their accounting. They may not drive a company into insolvency, but they certainly are setbacks that are stressful, distracting, and can deviate the trajectory of a company’s success. So the question is, should an entrepreneur wait until something like this happens before they become proactive on accounting? According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 70% of small businesses fail within 10 years of startup. The most common reason for this failure is because they run out of cash. This is not to say that this is entirely a finance and accounting problem. It’s possible the company just couldn’t generate sales, the idea wasn’t strong enough, or they had a poor management team and couldn’t execute. However, it is also likely that a large number of them failed because they couldn’t raise the capital they needed, could not manage their expenses and cash flow, or weren’t charging enough for their products because they didn’t fully understand their gross margins. It is our opinion that an investment in accounting and finance at an early stage significantly increases the chances of business survival and will pay for itself because it can help business owners achieve their goals faster than trying to fly blind.

WHEN MUNICIPALITIES PRACTICE CENSORSHIP

when municipalities practice censorship By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - I always joke. When something does not seem right. Press, the ‘DON’T DRINK THE WATER’, button as it is the only explanation why one municipality after the other keeps falling for this out of control wave of disrespect towards taxpayers. Politicians across Durham like to fill their mouths with words like, inclusion, equality, fairness, openness. With catch phrases like “Supporting our local economies, our local businesses.” What they do not tell you is that if they can’t get a photo opt out of it or they benefit directly some way. You are black balled. I remember the days, when Oshawa was going from a public place to an institution. Members of the public would make presentations, become emotional over the lack of support from those elected and lash out. The most notorious was the Bill Steeles incident. A local activist that was set up by the City of Oshawa. During a particular municipal session. The City had called in for undercover to sit in chamber. During the meeting. Steeles was ruled out of order. Subsequently he was assaulted by a security guard as it appeared on a Rogers broadcast. This assault was resisted only to have the three undercover, jump him and remove the citizen by force. Since then, City of Oshawa chambers has become a fortress. 2 million tax payer dollars to protect staff and council members. Did you know that the Mayor of Oshawa has a body guard? 2 million of your tax dollars due to the incompetency of those elected on how to deal with the public and hostility. This past week. I witnessed Pickering becoming Oshawa. During the recent Pickering town meeting. Councillor Robinson vs Mayor Kevin Ashe standing feud, hit a fever pitch. Where is the integrity commissioner that is supposed to monitor and control such behavior coming from the Mayor. The Mayor during the meeting was asked by a delegate to apologize to a female councillor for telling her that if she did not behave he would put her on a short leash. When questioned why he would treat his fellow council woman with such respect and indirectly calling her a bitch. The mayor lost it and became silenced and would not apologize. In turn he tried to justify his statement ‘as that not what it means...’ Since the closing of Metroland. The politically motivated controlled through contract favored media company. The City refuses to do business with The Central unless we meet a particular criteria that was not mandated from The STAR. This type of unfair business practice does not serve anyone and contradict the ‘support your local businesses.’ The city has no way to get the word out to tax payers. One would have thought to support the only in print newspaper. No, instead they set up road block, while the City tax payers suffer in the shadows. All municipalities across the region have taken the path of forcing citizens to go online to get information, including important notices that they by law should be publishing in this paper. No instead municipalities have opted for posting notices online and deeming them published. This way they can control and monitor what they put out and that is censorship. This is wrong in so many ways but also a easy way for municipalities to contravene the Ontario Municipal Boards root purpose. This being that municipalities should be maintained at arms length in order to avoid censorship and or cohesion Clearly all municipalities fail to recognize the difference between what is deemed a post and what is deem publishing. By definition: Publish means to issue something for sale or distribution, while post, in this context as a verb, means to make public something-or-other. Provincial laws and regulations require municipalities to purchase public notices in newspapers, which are defined in the Legislation Act as a publication “printed in sheet form, published at regular intervals of a week or less and circulated to the general public.” Criteria that the award winning The Central has met for over 29 years. So why the exclusion in a region that prides itself on being inclusiveness, fairness, and openness to all business. Are their actions not hypocritical? The problem with modern day councils is that those we elect to office do not have the life experience and or the intellect to make the decisions they are faced with. What do they do. They turn to staff. Staff main objective is to keep their high paying jobs. They are given a task they do it to the best of their abilities. In turn. Councils take their recommendation as gospel and make decision that in many cases end up costing the tax payer dearly. This in part is why taxes keep going up. It is not about cost. It is about bad decision and wasteful spending. Staff does not care as they are doing their job. Council does not care as if something is a failure...they acted on staff recommendation. This leaving out the, “LEADERSHIP”, out of the equation. Council members that have sat for years, know best. Make no trouble and you be elected on name recognition time and time again. This is not the people’s representation. This is a dangerous game of collusion at best. You don’t play by their rules. You are black balled. They become untouchable and protected by law they make as they go along.

Beheading Canadian History

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East With summer around the corner, Canadians are getting ready to celebrate Canada Day on the 1st of July. Unfortunately, a recent trend in Canada works to ignore and minimize the achievements of our nation’s builders, and even demonize them. It has become fashionable to demolish statues and change the names of streets, public buildings and other commemorative spaces, in an attempt to erase any trace of our historical greats. This reminds me of what went on in communist Romania during my youth. At that time, there was an avid tendency to rewrite history with an emphasis on what was politically correct and in line with the thinking of the then current regime the law and order; to toe the line of the respective doctrine. After more than half a century, I see that very similar things are happening in my adoptive country, Canada. I would never have believed, in my wildest dreams that I would have to go through this experience again. These trends are especially harmful for the youth of this country. They are the most affected by these radical changes to our history, promoted so enthusiastically and consistently by our homegrown globalist influenced delusional elites. Youth are no longer encouraged to find common bonds, but are pushed to focus on what divides them, instead. Wander the halls in any public high school in Toronto and the GTA, and you will see displays and murals commemorating Canada’s sins: Murdered and Missing Women and Girls, Black Lives Matter, Trans Rights Matter. Kids are fed a culture of division from their earliest days. Schools supposedly advocate inclusivity, but what they practice is segregation. Everyone must be labeled, put in a box. You belong to this race, this faith, this sexuality, this victimized group. You are this first, second and third, and then, somewhere at the end of the line, presumably, you are a humble Canadian. Not long ago, students used to sport the maple leaf when they backpacked abroad. Our nation’s leaders used to say “the world needs more Canada.” Not any more. Today, we are encouraged to be ashamed of the bad, ugly, colonialist and racist Canada. Having served the country to the best of my abilities in the Canadian Armed Forces and the House of Commons, I am now puzzled by what Canada has become. I am proud of Canada but I feel that it is no longer fashionable to say so out loud. Rather than acknowledging the complex history of Canada, Canada’s historical narrative is being actively rewritten by a politically correct, left-wing elitist minority to present a sanitized and ahistorical account that aligns better with the “values” of contemporary Canada. The significance of historic actors is being diminished through studying legacies with the lens of morality, intent on condemning imperfections. The way Canadian history is being dishonoured and diminished is revolting. What intrigues me most is the treatment of the memory of one of the greatest Canadian statesmen, Sir John A. Macdonald. Revisionist history has set its sights on Macdonald and will not relent until his image is totally destroyed. It seems to me that thoughts and opinions about him are forced into and distorted by today’s biased vision, which insists on pointing out only the errors he might have committed in a different century when he may have had good intentions that were executed badly. Not long ago, Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, used to be regarded as one of Canada’s greatest statesmen. Looked upon with reverence, his name adorned public institutions and his image was crafted in bronze monuments that towered over city streets. Today he is considered a disgraced politician, despite his momentous achievements and commendable dedication to building Canada. His memory faces the wrath of cancel culture and woke ideology that seeks to thrust the stains of Canada’s history onto a single individual. Few figures, if any, in Canadian history have suffered recently so drastic and unforgiving a decline as Macdonald. In 2018 the City of Victoria removed its Macdonald statue, built in 1982 following public donations. In 2020 Macdonald’s Wilmot Township statue in Ontario was removed, despite being part of a publicly funded project that sought to commemorate every Canadian prime minister. In April 2021 the Regina memorial to Macdonald, built following intense public lobbying over 75 years, was removed in secret. In May 2021, the Charlottetown statue of Macdonald was removed following a unanimous vote by Charlottetown City Council. The removal came after consulting a local Charlottetown First Nations community who did not call for the statue’s removal, but rather, provided recommendations on how to update the statue to better reflect their historic experiences. In June 2021 Macdonald’s statue located in City Park, Kingston, Ontario – built in 1895 following public desire – was forcefully toppled. Toronto’s Macdonald statue is currently encased in a wooden and burlap tomb where it has been in hiding for nearly four years. I am wondering whether, maybe, the Covid-19 pandemic brought on a new disease affecting our history, perhaps an unrecognized side-effect of the known dangerous effects on our general health. As of 2024, there is only one Macdonald statue left standing and uncovered in Canada, located on Parliament Hill. Fuelled by growing trends of revisionism, presentism, and “woke-ism,” Macdonald’s legacy is being destroyed as Canadian history is increasingly studied through the lens of contemporary morality, condemning imperfections and ignoring historical context. As a result, the grievances of contemporary Canada are heaped upon Macdonald as a way to help Canadians come to terms with the elements of Canada’s foundation that do not fit into the narratives of “progressivism,” “tolerance,” and “multiculturalism.” Macdonald’s image is distorted, questioned, and actively diminished. It unfairly renders him guilty of past injustices. Today’s Macdonald is often viewed as a racist, genocidal tyrant, reduced to a caricature of his shortcomings and diminished as a drunk. I hope that this nonsense will end soon, and reason will prevail so Canadians can reclaim the accurate image of Sir John A. Macdonald and others who had a role in making Canada the great nation of today. No one has the right to judge only the negatives of Canada. We all need to find a way to improve our country and not demonize it gratuitously. Let us hope and work for a summer to be proud of, with the Canadian flag flying high!

The Surprising Reality of Ukraine's Middle-Aged Soldiers

By Dale Jodoin In Ukraine, most soldiers fighting on the front lines are middle-aged, with an average age of around 43 years years old. This is surprising because we often think of soldiers as being young and fit. However, in Ukraine, many older men, often aged between 40 and 65, are the ones stepping up to defend their country. There are several reasons why Ukraine's soldiers are older. First, there are simply more men aged 40-59 in Ukraine than there are men aged 18-25. This means there are more middle-aged men available to serve. Additionally, Ukraine's conscription policies have traditionally aimed to protect younger men by setting the lower age limit for conscription at 27. The idea was to safeguard the future of the country by keeping younger generations out of the war. However, due to the ongoing conflict and high casualty rates, there have been talks about lowering this age to 25 to get more recruits. Older soldiers bring both advantages and challenges to the Ukrainian military. On the one hand, they often have more life experience and can be more psychologically stable, which is very important in the high-stress environment of war. They also tend to have valuable technical skills and professional experience that can be very useful. On the other hand, older soldiers might not be as physically resilient or quick to recover from the strains of combat compared to younger soldiers. This can impact their effectiveness in demanding roles that require rapid movement and physical endurance. If a similar situation were to occur in countries like Canada or the United States, the implications would be significant. Middle-aged soldiers might be able to provide steady, experienced presence on the battlefield, but there would also be concerns about their physical capacity to endure prolonged combat operations. One major difference in these countries, however, is the cultural attitude towards military service and resilience. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among younger generations in Canada and the United States to seek out "safe spaces" and prioritize mental well-being over traditional notions of toughness and resilience. This trend is often criticized by older generations who view it as a sign of weakening resolve and a lack of preparedness for the harsh realities of life, including military service. The focus on mental health and safe spaces is not inherently negative; it represents a shift towards recognizing and addressing psychological well-being. However, in the context of military readiness, this cultural shift poses unique challenges. The military environment is inherently stressful and demanding, requiring individuals to cope with high-pressure situations and physical strain. In Canada, for instance, the Canadian Armed Forces have faced challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel. The emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive environment has sometimes clashed with the traditional demands of military service. Efforts to modernize the military culture to be more inclusive and supportive of mental health are ongoing, but they must be balanced with maintaining operational effectiveness. In the United States, similar trends are evident. The U.S. military has also had to adapt to changing societal norms and attitudes towards mental health. The integration of mental health services and support systems within the military is crucial, but it also highlights the tension between supporting soldiers' well-being and preparing them for the rigors of combat. If Canada or the United States were to face a situation similar to Ukraine's, where a significant portion of the military forces is composed of older soldiers, it would necessitate a reevaluation of current policies and cultural attitudes. The experience of Ukraine shows that older soldiers can be effective, but they also face unique challenges that must be addressed. One potential approach is to foster a culture of resilience and readiness among younger generations without dismissing the importance of mental health. This can be achieved through comprehensive training programs that emphasize physical fitness, mental toughness, and adaptability, while also providing robust support systems for mental health. Additionally, policies that encourage voluntary service and provide incentives for younger individuals to join the military can help balance the age distribution of military personnel. This could include educational benefits, career development opportunities, and other incentives that make military service an attractive option for young people. Ukraine's reliance on older soldiers highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of an aging military force. While they bring valuable experience and stability, the physical demands of modern warfare may require a reevaluation of current conscription policies to ensure a more balanced and capable military force. For Canada and the United States, the challenge lies in fostering a culture that values both resilience and mental well-being, ensuring that the military remains prepared for future conflicts while supporting the psychological health of its personnel.

Get Fit in Virtual Reality

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Lao Tsu, the ancient Chinese philosopher, said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Unfortunately, a lot of people are speeding to the wrong destination, each year putting on extra pounds and becoming more sedentary. But people do have choices. Make a change now to be more active, one way or another, or anticipate the inevitable earlier than necessary. What’s a new way to get active that may seem unappealing to those who haven’t tried it yet? New research suggests that virtual reality (VR) might be the ticket, including for older adults. Strapping on a bulky headset and learning to use the technology are the first obstacles, but the benefits for those who get into the game are impressive. VR can take many different forms, but here we are talking about computer-based equipment that enables users to interact with a simulated environment while getting feedback on performance. In one study, a group of older citizens was supervised using VR equipment to engage in stretching, aerobic, and coordination exercises. In comparison with another group not exercising, the study participants improved their fitness, flexibility, strength, cardiorespiratory performance, balance and agility. The technology can be fun. Admittedly, a pleasant walk around the block with the family dog is a wholesome tradition. But don’t preclude the idea of descending into the basement to where the kids have hooked up the VR equipment. It remains to be seen if older citizens will take up VR games for fitness, but science suggests we should promote it. VR is emerging as a promising tool in the treatment of more than just general fitness. For Parkinson’s disease, innovative use of virtual reality games is proving more effective than traditional approaches to improve gait and balance and to reduce the risk of falls. Researchers are now exploring the potential for VR exercises to produce better results in reducing pain, improving disability, enhancing range of motion, and increasing treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. VR is being used in the treatment of mental health problems too, with promising results in treating anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance-related and eating disorders. Among older adults, the technology is helping make more accurate diagnosis of cognitive impairments. Researchers are also finding that people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can benefit from VR experiences that evoke a sense of the familiar. At University College London, a VR game is being tested for effectiveness in identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s by assessing how well people navigate simulated surroundings. A study conducted by Stanford University immersed seniors into virtual reality experiences such as parachuting, playing with puppies, or taking in panoramic views of remarkable places around the world. Researchers are measuring the extent to which participating in VR activities improve outlook and social connectivity. Retirement communities and assisted living residences are taking note of the entertainment value, but also in the physical, mental and social elements of VR. But it’s the effectiveness of VR in weight loss and general fitness that deserves more attention – for children, adults, and seniors alike. A study published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise involved two similar groups of people riding exercise bikes at the same level of resistance, with one group wearing VR headsets. “The data collected led to the conclusion that working out while wearing a virtual reality headset will lead to a higher heart rate, and in turn can lead to burning more calories during a workout.” So treat VR as another option for exercising, and enjoy all the extra benefits. 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

IN A FEW DAYS IT’S PRIDE MONTH, OOPS, I MEANT JUNE

~~~ THOUGHTS & COMMENTS ~~~ By D. Lynne, Associate Columnist ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` June is a month with Many Month Long Celebrations some of which are as follows: - Seniors Month - National Indigenous History Month - Italian Heritage Month - Filipino Heritage Month - Portuguese Heritage Month - I apologize if I missed some. Unfortunately we hear little of these celebrations, they tend to be forgotten to be overshadowed byPride Month or, as it is now referred to as, Pride Season, June - Sep. WHY? Hmmm ….. the majority of people I have spoken with or heard from over this past year, have a live and let live attitude. They have nothing against the LGBTQ. However, as parents, and as grandparents, as aunts & uncles, as brothers & sisters, they do resent the lies, the promotions, the campaigns which our governments, through schools, the children’s aide societies, medical associations etc. are subjecting our young children to. Some of these topics we wrote about previously and will most likely write about again at another time. For now, the concerns fall on the way, this past year especially, Pride Flags symbols and drawings are all over classrooms, on hallway bulletin boards, on driveways & crosswalks. Why is it that everyone is promoting the Rainbow Flag? Is it for fear of being called homophobic or transphobic etc? Clothing manufacturers, & other manufacturers, and retailers do it for the money. Hmmm ….. why is there such a big push on the Rainbow Flag? Ask yourself, what’s the end goal We were taught that the Rainbow was God’s promise never to bring the floods as a judgment. Part of the Pride movement being promoted is “Drag Queens’ and the “Pride Parade”. Why does the Children’s Aide Society promote Drag Queens Story Times in libraries? Most Drag Queens appear to present themselves as females in flashy make-up and sexy clothes. Drag Queens have always been adult entertainment and now they’re being promoted as proper entertainment for children, toddlers and babies? Hmmm ….. I have to ask, what are the people thinking that promote this, what is their reasoning and why? I heard that it was said by Pickering Councillor Cook, that “Drag Queens were no different than Mrs. Doubtfire” Hmmm … she thinks that Robin Williams character being a divorced man who dressed up as a gray-haired grandmotherly type to look after his children is the same as men dressing as overly sexual females to be around minors is the same thing? The Pride Parade some think it’s great fun others find it adult entertainment, what do you think? Before you answer let me ask you a few questions? • would you walk naked around your children (toddlers to 16 yr)? • would you take your children to a nudist colony with you? • would you take your children to a female or male strip show? • would you take your children to a porn show? All of the above is considered Adult entertainment and requires a proof of age to attend so why is it okay to subject your underage minor children to the nudity, to people in sex games attire, to people dressed in fake gross genitals, etc. you might deny that this happens but the proof is in the pictures many of which were taken each year at the pride Parade by professional photographers who posted on the internet Hmmm ….. If you walk down the street nude you would get arrested for indecent exposure, so why is it okay to be nude on the streets of Toronto because you are in the Pride Parade?? PRIDE MONTH - DOES IT MAKE YOU PROUD

The Role of Municipal Government:

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Reflecting back 200 Years- Pickering/Durham Region Recently I accepted an invitation to speak to a High School Class on the history and role of Municipal Government (Local Government) and what better way to gather my content, I turned to “Google”. What I found was a journey into the history of Pickering/Durham and the role that those early settlers played to change history. A Citizen Revolt: In the mid-1800s, The Crown(England) appointed members of conservative local elites (Tories) who monopolized political power in settler colonies. These Colonies were situated in Upper and Lower Canada (present-day Ontario and Quebec) Initially political reformers led primarily by professionals (lawyers, journalists, and doctors) attempted to change the system through peaceful, constitutional means. When this failed, and with growing frustrations, a group referred to as the “Rebels” embarked in an armed rebellion in 1837/1838. Many of the leaders of these armed rebels lived in what we today refer to as Pickering and Durham. While the British Government forces were able to crush the uprisings, 1,500 people were arrested, 250 deported and 50 hung. One of the most known leaders of the rebels was Peter Mathews, a farmer who moved to Pickering Township in 1799. Mathews served along side Isaac Brock in the militia during the War of 1812. In 1837 with the British imposing their power on the settlers, Mathews became active in the Political Union movement hoping to pressure the British Government to grant reforms. When this failed Mathews lead a group from Pickering as part of the William Lyon Mackenzie upraising. As the battle unfolded Mathews and his group of 60 men from Pickering, took part in the Rebellion of 1837. It was a short battle that cost Mathews his life. He pleaded guilty of “Treason” hoping for mercy but was sentenced to hang, making the Pickering settler an example. Today in the small Hamlet of Brougham a short distance from the Mathews farm, a Heritage Plaque was erected recognizing the important role Mathews played and died for, fighting for Local Government and Local Decision making. Creation of Local Government and the Municipal Act: With the Rebellion over following the hanging of Mathews ,in 1838, the British government sent Lord Durham (Who Durham Region has been named after) to investigate the causes of the rebellions and to recommend reforms to prevent a similar up rising from re-occurring. Today we would call this a Public Inquiry. Acting on the Lord Durham Report, in 1841, the “District Councils Act was past creating Municipal Government in Ontario. This Act in 1849 gave birth to one of the first acts of the newly formed Government of Ontario, the creation of “local self government” the Municipal Act of 1849 which provided for the incorporation of local Municipalities. By1868, Ontario had local representation, 36 counties, 399 townships and 104 cities, towns and villages. All with duly elected leaders from a cross section of what we refer today as communities, to govern and make inclusive decisions with-in its legislated mandate. Flash Forward 2024: What has changed? While Municipalities were created out of an uprising of rebels from Pickering resulting in self governance, the role of Municipalities and their elected leaders continues to be threatened. Communities, Local leaders, and Councils alike are frustrated at being treated like children and told what is best for us. But Centuries later, it is not by the British Government of the 1800s but by the same body that was created through Confederation to protect self governance, the Provincial Government of Ontario. We as Municipal politicians are told we are the children of the Province. Through amendments of the Municipal Act and various pieces of Legislation, under protest boundaries have been realigned, forced amalgamations have been imposed. We have have been threaten of elimination if we do not co-operate. We have been stripped of important decision making in Planning, and now the introduction of Strong Mayor Powers. As Councillors we feel disrespected with our ability to govern as elected officials eroded. So ask your selves what has changed in 200 years. To be clear, I am not promoting civil unrest nor a rebellion. As Communities and as Municipal Councils by working together, we do have the power of the pen and the ability to pass resolutions for positive change. By working in partnership with communities, we can make a difference the same as a modern day Peter Mathews would through grass route local decision making something that should never be compromised.

Don't Approach 'What You're Worth' From a Sense of Entitlement

By Nick Kossovan More than ever, job seekers, with a sense of entitlement, are hyper-focusing on getting paid what they're worth. Job seekers seldom consider, let alone quantify, the value of their work, which determines their worth. Hence, a candidate's or position's worth is calculable and, therefore, isn't as subjective as is often assumed. INTERVIEWER: "What salary are you looking for?" JOB SEEKER: "$75,000 per year." INTERVIEWER: "What warrants you getting $75,000?" (The interviewer wants the candidate to quantify their value to justify a salary of $75,000.) Job seekers tend to calculate their worth based on their experience, skills, education, work history, and living expenses. The job seeker's sense of entitlement—"I deserve a high income because life is expensive."—blurs the distinction between how they perceive their worth and the value of their work. Employers care little about your experience, skills, education, or financial needs. Their primary interest is in the results you can produce, which determines your value and, subsequently, how much you're worth paying. Few job seekers quantify the impact they can have, if hired, on an employer's business. Most job seekers don't include quantifiable numbers (read: results achieved) on their resumes or LinkedIn profiles, which would encourage employers to want to meet them. Conversely, job seekers are comfortable conjuring up compensation figures based on what they feel entitled to. Several years ago, I worked for a financial services company. One Friday afternoon, I met a colleague in the cafeteria. All week, he'd been interviewing candidates for a workforce manager position. I asked how the interviews had gone. As he opened his can of Dr Pepper, he sighed. "My last interview, as well as several throughout the week... let's just say we didn't create their lifestyle, yet they feel we should be responsible for it. I was constantly bombarded with questions asking about our benefits and compensation package. Of the eight candidates I interviewed, only two focused on what they could offer rather than what we could offer them." Employers didn't create your lifestyle, so why do you expect them to support it? A company's success depends on profitability and efficiency, which means keeping expenses in check. For most companies, payroll is the biggest expense; therefore, every employee needs to pull their weight by delivering an ROI that justifies their salary, as well as answering the question: How does [employee] help the company reduce costs or increase revenue? Companies don't hire the most qualified candidates. They hire the candidates they believe will deliver the most value; hence, as a job seeker, instead of focusing on your qualifications, focus on the value you're able to offer an employer. Once, an interviewer asked me, "What salary are you looking for, and what will the company get in return?" I was impressed that my interviewer asked me what they were thinking without sugarcoating it. I now include this question in my interview questions. Several times, I've agreed to pay a candidate's salary request based on their answer. Your competition, many of whom are younger, hungrier, and equally qualified as you, also plays a significant role in determining your worth. Additionally, easy access to overseas labour, robotics, self-serve technology, artificial intelligence, freelancers, and third-party vendors are influencers on the fundamental determinant of wages: supply and demand. The law of demand in labour markets works like this: An increase in wages or salaries reduces the demand for labour. Conversely, a lower salary or wage increases the demand for labour. Ironically, higher wages increase supply because more people want to work for a higher wage, resulting in a more competitive job market. This is why highly sought-after jobs—jobs with a reputable and stable company that pays well and provides good benefits—are more challenging to land than a job with, for example, a small family business. Despite all the "legalities" quasi-imposed on employers, employers hire candidates at their discretion. Employers owe you and me nothing. A job seeker's goal is to get hired based on their own merits and, therefore, solely responsible for proving to an employer how they'll add value (measurable results) to their company. A job seeker who presents a cost-benefit analysis business case—hiring is a business transaction—explaining the value the employer would gain by hiring them will set them apart from their competition. Being given a job isn't an absolute right; it's an earned privilege. (Before getting into the debate over "privileges," remember you, like everyone else, have earned and unearned privileges.) I'd never argue that any one person is worth more than another. My contention is that the value of an employee's work, and therefore its worth, varies, sometimes significantly, between employees. There's no denying that employees who go the extra mile, produce above the minimum expectations, positively influence their colleagues and are team players add more value to their employer than those who do the minimum. (aka, quiet quitting) Only after you've established what measurable value you can bring to an employer can you begin discussing your compensation. Job hunting isn't the place for any sense of entitlement; you must demonstrate your value to an employer—prove your worth. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

$127,000 DOWNTOWN ART

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. I pay and paid my share of taxes. Even though hefty. I always was in thought that the money was going towards a good cause. Year after year passes and it appears that the quality of life in Oshawa keeps deteriorating. Look at the downtown. Homeless people sleeping in door ways. Drugs and guns widely available. Businesses closing... do we have council representation? Who are these characters that see people suffering and they do nothing. But wait. The release by the city this week below... states that in someone's warped mind. We the people of Oshawa should waste $145,000 dollars on some artwork. Like really. Who is doing the thinking here. PEOPLE... PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING ON THE STREET. The release read: The City of Oshawa invites residents and business owners to a public art Open House at the Arts Resource Centre. During the Open House, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about and provide input on a new public artwork that is being commissioned for the Downtown Oshawa Urban Square. (URBAN SQUARE!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME). The Urban Square and its artwork reflect the City’s commitment and desire to connect and engage with the community, as well as transform the spaces where we live, work, learn and play into vibrant, inviting and meaningful public spaces. (ARE THEY ON DRUGS... CONNECT AND ENGAGE!!! ARE WE ALL TALKING ABOUT THE SAME DOWNTOWN.... PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING ON THE STREET...)This project marks the City’s first independent sculpture commission, signifying a significant step toward enhancing the creative fabric of the downtown. The budget for the artwork, including artist fees, engineering, materials and installation is $145,000. Are you kidding me.... Rick Kerr and Derek Giberson, City downtown councillor should resign in shame. You know what you can do with $145,000 to help the homeless and the many downtown people suffering. No, instead these two idiots want to create a ‘urban square’. That is like putting lip-stick on a pig. It is easy for the two idiots to waste our tax dollar.... and you wonder why then they turn around and keep raising our taxes. BAD DECISIONS BY INCOMPETENTS

Meeting Trump JR

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor The other day, I attended an event where I came face to face with none other than Donald Trump Jr. Yes, Trump's right-hand man. He seemed like just another man, yet he had style and poise. His charismatic attitude resembled that of John F. Kennedy—very relaxed and very sure of himself. A true Trump. As I stood before him, I understood why lesser men might resent him and look for fault and shame. He truly is a chip off the old block. I can understand why men like that are successful, yet persecuted and constantly attacked by envious and lesser types. Men like his father, who stand for what is right, not for what benefits them personally. Sure, Trump Sr. has his battle scars and has made mistakes, but these experiences make him a political powerhouse today. Trump knows the game; he knows how and where the loops are played. He is a renegade who does not play by the rules. Now in power, he exposes the corruption in democracy, the lies, and deceit—something that Democrats hate. I can understand the feeling of persecution by those who are supposed to be assisting and helping the betterment of all taxpayers. I am in no way near the level of play of either Trump Jr. or Trump Sr. These men lived lives of social privilege and saw corruption at work. As a first-time councillor, I am getting a bitter taste of the political game. I entered this profession with a clear and clean heart. I wanted to serve and achieve better for my community. I did not enter to just collect my pay, as some elected officials do. I did not seek office because I had no other employment offers. In today’s municipal government, many in it should resign. For them, the money is nothing but a pension fluff. For others, where else would they get paid for the job they are entrusted to do? They form groups of incompetence and denounce anyone actually working for the betterment of the general taxpayer. Look at our Mayor of Pickering. In my opinion, he constantly attacks me for speaking on behalf of you, the taxpayers of Pickering. My pay was cut for three months for speaking my mind, with no real chance to defend myself. Council meeting after council meeting, our Mayor has belittled me and called many of you names over public recordings. What makes this Mayor so insecure? Could it be because I am a woman? In his misogynist way, he has used every municipal resource to silence me, even passing by-laws on conduct that verge on violating Human Rights and Freedom of Speech. Who is this man that can verbally abuse a woman like this during a public meeting? I write a column or make an open statement and am not allowed to defend myself. I am then put before a biased ‘integrity commissioner’ who, in my opinion, has no integrity. Councillors should also have no right to remove another member's salary for representing constituents with dissenting voices. The ability to speak freely and represent all viewpoints is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Removing a councillor's salary as a punitive measure undermines this principle, effectively silencing dissent and discouraging the representation of minority or unpopular opinions. This kind of punitive action can create a chilling effect, where councillors fear advocating for their constituents if those views do not align with the majority. I wish Trump Jr. would come to Pickering and give a two-minute speech on democracy and what it takes to be a good political icon. What am I saying? The Mayor would do as he has done in the past with important delegations: snub his nose and instruct staff to shelf it. Look at what is happening with the way the City sends out information. They pass one by-law after another to avoid doing business with this newspaper. Why? The newspaper has been serving all of Durham for the past 29 years. Metroland closed, and the only in-print newspaper is this one. Why has the city not jumped all over this opportunity? You guessed it. Because, like other newspapers, The Central makes the opportunity of writing in the paper available to all elected officials. Since I take advantage of this generous offer to the community, The Central is blackballed. Instead, the City has chosen to publish online. This is a huge mistake, as it is proving to be a failure. Many in the City of Pickering do not use online resources or visit our overly complicated web page. People want to have the news delivered to them, in their hands, to read when they want. I wonder what Trump would think of blackballing people. I am sure he would say something like, “If you think you are on the right track, don’t let anyone derail you.” "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

TORONTO LEGALIZE HARD DRUGS? JUSTINTRUDEAU WANTS TO LEGALIZE HARD DRUGS, DO YOU ?

TORONTO MAYOR CHOW - wants to Legalizing Hard Drugs in Toronto Premier Doug Ford - Is so Against Trudeau on Legalizing Hard Drugs Where Does the NDP Stand? Will They Back Trudeau & Mayor Chow ? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jan. 31, 2023, B.C. became the first Canadian province to legalize hard drugs Life Saver or Failure ??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The British Columbia government pledged that legalizing hard drugs would help save lives. One year into the three-year pilot project to decriminalize possession of 2.5 grams or less of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, B.C.’s toxic drug deaths have reached record levels with an average of seven people a day dying in 2023. (reported by the Vancouver Sun) It’s prompted B.C. United and B.C. Conservative MLAs to call for decriminalization to be scrapped, citing waning public support, frustration with rampant drug use in parks and public spaces, and an about-face from Oregon three years into their trial. “We’ve had three years of this law that has not delivered on the promise that voters thought they were getting,” Washington County district attorney Kevin Barton told CBS News. Overdose deaths in Oregon have continued to rise since 2020. However, a Hmmm ….. Where’s the Common Sense? Parents everywhere know that if a child gets ill by eating a certain food they can’t fix the illness by giving the child more of that same food. Likewise giving drugs to people who have drug problems does not cure their problem. In both these situations help is needed to teach the user how to live without the illness causing food or drugs. Hmmm … It seems our politicians have no common sense. • October 17, 2018 Justin Trudeau legalized cannabis (also known as weed, pot, mj or marijuana), he said it would save children Did it or did it just make more kids, who wouldn’t normally think of trying it, try it and get hooked on it • Now in 2024 Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow requests for an even broader exemption than B.C. had, that would apply even to teenagers and asks Trudeau to support her bid to Legalize hard drugs. DON’T BE PART OF THE SILENT MAJORITY THAT WAKES UP ONLY TO FIND IT’S TOO LATE. ~ AS THE SONG SAYS “CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE” MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ONE ~ It’s Time, Write your MP, say enough is enough. To find your MP just ask the internet, enter Find my MP, a screen will come up enter your postal code and you’ll get all the contact info for your MP. Email Mayor Olivia Chow how you feel about legalized drugs ….. Mayor_chow@toronto.ca. STOP THE SILENCE ~ START THE CONVERSATION ~ SPEAK UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT “OH CANADA, WE STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE”

1 billion reasons you voted wrong..

. By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - Oshawa has tracked $1 billion in commercial, industrial and institutional development over the past five years, with major industrial companies bringing their global operations and thousands of new jobs. This was announced at the recent Economic Outlook Breakfast presented by the city’s Economic Development Services Branch with TD Commercial Banking and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. TD Deputy Chief Economist, Derek Burleton delivered the 20th annual economic forecast. But, still we the people of Oshawa face 8% tax hike? Maybe it is me. But someone explain this to me. The more the people is it not the more tax collected? If so, then one would think that the City of Oshawa should not have to hike taxes every year. Instead, they would at the least have a tax freeze. Maybe we should consult with the TD Deputy Chief Economist, Derek Burleton. He can possibly explain it to the Mayor and his merry men. Sure more people more resources needed to accommodate. But 5 billion!!! That is not an extra five hundred bucks. What benefit has the average taxpayer gained? More traffic, more crime. House values compromised. All this development and no planning. Who is going to pay for additional policing? Since DRPS is a regional service. But wait. The Region sits on 2 Billion surplus. Am I of such low intellect that I do not question tax hikes... Something is wrong with this picture. Can you spot Waldo? I can... and you keep electing them in. We have politicians that lack the intellectual capability to make multi million dollar decisions. So, the rely on staff. Staff that does not really give a dam other than to keep their job and every year ask for an increase. There is no explanation to the poor management of the city. The Mayor is the CEO. He should take the responsibility to improve the quality of life for all citizens. He should not depend on what staff tells him to do. He should be using staff to better the life of all citizens across Oshawa. This is why we have the homeless at a all time high. Drugs widely available downtown, prostitution run wild. Downtown business opening and closing right left and center. People, much like we require a doctor to have a medial license. Should we not require at the least 5 year business experience from either councilor Mayoral candidates. 5Billion and they dare tax increase of 8%. Shameful.

Canada and the Electrical Vehicle (EVs) adventure

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East I have written before about the largesse of the Ontario Provincial Government and the Federal Government in corporate welfare directed at Electric Battery and Electric Vehicle manufacturers, all of which are foreigner lead enterprises. Now it is interesting to analyze how misguided this approach is, spearheaded by politicians rather thn engineering professionals.Politicians may be great at wordsmitting legislation, but have no clue how to deal with essential infrastructure projects. They can spew verbiage non-stop, but essentially they are empty brainers when it comes to managing the future of this country. Considering the feasibility of the Federal Government’s plan under its Electric Vehicle Availability Standard to mandate that all vehicles sold by 2035 be zero-emission vehicles, we encounter a complete lack of vision. Moreover, it reveals a complete ignorance of the realities of this great country called Canada, which encompasses the second largest territory in the world. While the use of electric vehicles (EVs) offer environmental advantages over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, concerns persist over cost, driving range, charging options, and carbon emissions during battery cell manufacturing, making mandated goals uncertain. Geopolitical and economic implications also arise from EV mandates in the US and Canada, particularly as they relate to the dominance of Chinese EV manufacturers. There are security risks associated with Chinese control of critical minerals essential for EV production, economic threats to the North American auto sector, and hurdles faced by local automakers in competing with their Chinese counterparts. The intensive use of aluminum in EVs manufacturing to lower overall weight and increase efficiency and driving range, also poses environmental concerns. Aluminum production is carbon-intensive, and increased usage raises an EV’s GHG emissions life cycle significantly, adding to an EV’s carbon footprint. In the event of a critical mineral shortage, prioritizing small battery packs for compact and midsize EVs could maximize GHG emissions reductions. However, automakers profit more from SUVs, and consumer preferences lean heavily towards SUVs. Thus, if automakers prioritize fewer of the larger battery packs that large electric SUVs use over many smaller battery packs, the expected reduction in GHG emissions may not materialize as forecast. There will also be potential disruptions in the market due to the prescriptive nature of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, which mandates that EVs comprise a specific minimum proportion of sales. If there is a misalignment among government, consumers, and auto dealers with these targets it could lead to elevated prices, vehicle shortages, and unmet consumer demands. Since EVs are relatively new to Canada, there is limited data on collision-related insurance claims, leading to uncertainty about future EV insurance costs. In the UK, for example, where EVs are more established, insurance rates in 2023 for EVs saw dramatic increases compared to conventional vehicles. Statistics also show that EV repair costs are higher than those for ICE vehicles. Maintenance and general repairs for EVs differ from those for conventional vehicles. Although electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts, potentially simplifying maintenance and repairs, EVs use sophisticated technologies that may raise repair costs. A large survey revealed that EVs encounter more problems than gas-powered vehicles, particularly with their electric motors, batteries, and charging systems, highlighting their complexities. EVs offer lower refuelling or charging costs compared to gas-powered vehicles. According to the federal government, driving a midsize car for 400 kilometres costs approximately $10 in electricity compared to $50 in gas. However, this comparison may not be entirely fair due to the significant government taxes included in gas prices that are absent from electricity prices. Assuming comparable taxes on electricity as on gas, the cost of the above recharging example could rise significantly from $10 to $25.62, still cheaper than gas, but less so than without the taxes. As of 2023, Canada had 26,500 public charging ports. Projections indicate that the country will need about 455,500 public ports by 2035. This requires adding about 98 new ports every day over 12 years. These estimates do not include private charging ports. Electrical utilities in Canada will face significant hurdles in ensuring that distribution grids can handle the substantial demand for EV charging capacity. Upgrading and expanding various grid components will be necessary, but the compressed timeframe imposed by the regulations raises uncertainty about timely completion. Overall, the government’s ambitious timeframe is unrealistic, risky, and potentially ineffective in achieving significant emissions reductions. Concerns also arise regarding threats to Canada’s auto sector, its nascent EV supply chain, and the substantial investments needed for charging infrastructure and grid enhancements. In addition, potentially higher EV ownership costs would disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income individuals, with accelerated adoption timelines exacerbating these issues. Canada needs a more flexible approach to light-duty vehicle emissions reductions. This includes rescinding the current mandated zero-emission vehicle sales minimums and replacing them with increasingly stringent GHG emission standards. Such a change would enable automakers to adjust their vehicle portfolios to market needs while still meeting emission reduction goals. Furthermore, Canada’s targeted standards and timelines should align more closely with industry efforts to source critical minerals and develop less costly, yet profitable EVs with superior operating characteristics. Beyond these concerns, more can be learned about this matter from the excellent analysis provided by Jerome Gessaroli, a Senior Fellow with the Macdonald Laurier Institute, In his article, “ A Bumpy road ahead – A critical assessment of Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard”, he raises important concerns.. For instance, did Ford, Trudeau and company have any contact with people who have deep knowledge in the EV field before recklessly spending taxpayers money on EV related investments and generous corporate welfare? We can now see the potential results of politically motivated action that lacks fundamental analysis and we can foresee the potential damage for the country due to ignorant politicians. In conclusion, we need to attract competent, thinking people to politics. People with expertise in various fields such as science, engineering and economics, who can ask the right questions and make reasonable decisions. Or do you think that the lawyers, political science graduates and staffers with no background in real life currently occupying elected positions are up to the task? Your opinion counts. Do what you can to express it.

DO WE REALLY NEED MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS?

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - Let’s look at this from an economic perspective. Why do we need municipal government? It appears that once elected. They disappear from the public eye. The rule of thumb is... do nothing during your term... and name recognition will carry you to a re-election. This norm has been in play for years. Reason. The same people turn out time after time and time. These voters do not bother to look at the credential of new candidates and vote on name recognition. This is wrong. Those that keep being elected. Case in point City of Oshawa. Only one councillor was replaced. All other including the Mayor got voted in. Can you really tell me that the people of Oshawa are that happy with the quality of life in Oshawa!!! You got to be kidding me. On top of that the City hits every tax payer with a huge tax increase and that is ok. I don’t know about you. I don’t mind paying, if i am getting my tax dollars worth... But, I don’t think this is the case here. I don’t know how any of these so called municipal elect can go to sleep at night knowing that there are so many sleeping on the street. I don’t know how these same elected can cash their cheques week after week knowing they are not competent to do the job they were elected. I say this with such freedom... Look at any of the candidates job history.... look at what they become after they loose an election. To represent the downtown. We have a deadbeat third rate musician. No business experience... No downtown business. Yet, he is responsible for making key decision for the downtown. You wonder why the downtown looks like a war zone. Why, there is no real business life. I say, the municipality wants to increase our taxes by 10%. The elected officials and city management staff salaries go down by the same amount. See how quickly, they put a tax freeze. People have time and time again complained they call their municipality and representative do not return calls. Do we need municipal government. Are we not better to just have a regional government? After all. The Region sits on 2 Billion reserves. Yes, 2 Billion of your tax dollars. Why, are we paying for municipal services when the region can accommodate. I think it is time for the silent majority to rise up and take control before we all end up living in a tent. You may smirk... Ahhh never me! That is what the people now living in the tents thought also. Get real, demand accountability and adequate service for your hard earned tax dollar.

Reality of Job Searching: There’s Always Someone Better Than You

By Nick Kossovan I always remind myself that there is someone younger, hungrier, and more skilled than I am; in other words, there's always someone better than I am. This keeps me humble and on my toes. Who can't relate to "wanting the best"? Employers can't be blamed for seeking and holding out for the "best" candidate, especially in a job market flooded with candidates. Every recruiter, HR professional, and hiring manager knows no perfect candidate exists. Yet, they still hunt for purple squirrels. Today's job market: · The number of jobs has decreased. · The number of candidates has increased. · Fewer people are leaving their job. With so many people seeking work, employers have, along with access to technology that can do the work—job seekers and employees are entering an era where they're starting to compete against AI, along with robotics—and cost-effective alternatives, such as hiring freelancers, contractors and sending jobs overseas, an array of options to get their jobs done. Hence, there's always the feeling that there's someone or something better out there. An interviewer's thoughts after an interview: "Yeah, [name] ticks off most of the boxes, but with all the resumes we're getting, there's a good chance I'll find someone who ticks off all the boxes." It’s common for employers to keep job postings open for several months while they try to find a candidate with specific skills, education, certification, and experience rather than hire for "potential," which is impossible to determine. Right now, candidates with shinier resumes and LinkedIn profiles than yours are going after the same jobs you're gunning for. The ocean of job seekers is filled with more experienced fish. However, there's a bright side; being "the best" is highly subjective. Perfect on paper or LinkedIn doesn't always equate to perfect in person. While employers seek the best, it should be noted that "the best" isn't always quantifiable, and skills and experience aren't the only things hiring managers consider. In actuality, "the best" is more about compatibility with the company’s culture and your interviewer(s)— especially if your interviewer will be your boss—and timing, which you have no control over, than "there's always someone better." There's no mythical unfairness or unseen forces at play other than life happening. Here's a question to ponder: Which reasons did you feel contributed to you not being hired for the jobs you interviewed for? Was it because the employer felt it was in their best interest to continue looking for a better candidate, or was it something else? Putting aside your self-interests, do you think the employers who didn't hire you made a mistake? If "yes," why? In previous columns, I've mentioned that being likable supersedes your skills and experience. Your charisma, character, smile, clothes, and how you present yourself physically will either work for you or against you. It's not rocket science to self-reflect and figure out which of your qualities, behaviours, and physical characteristics entices or repels employers. Prioritizing being likable over your skills and experience is a job search strategy that more job seekers should adopt. Several years ago, I was competing against another candidate for a position I was excited about. After three interviews and an online personality assessment, I was blown out of the water. Compared to past rejections, this one really hurt. Curious about who got hired, I kept an eye on the company's LinkedIn page to see when new employees appeared. Several weeks later, the person I lost out to updated their LinkedIn profile and appeared as a new employee. When I read their profile, I thought, "Damn! I'd hire her over me." She ticked off all the boxes and many more outside of skills and experience. When you get an interview, it's because what the employer read on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and social media appealed to them on some level, and they feel you could do the job. Now comes the difficult part, selling yourself as the best candidate. Your goal is to stop your interviewer from thinking there are better candidates out there than you, and not hiring you would be a mistake. Work in statements that illustrate why you're the best candidate. 1. "I'm excited about this opportunity because…" 2. "I really enjoy [product or service offered by the company]." 3. "I admire the way you [or the company]..." 4. "I solved a similar problem." 5. "I'm a match for this job because…" 6. "I consider this job a good match for my long-term goals, and I would like to continue building my career with this company." 7. "Collaborating with others is one of my greatest strengths." 8. "One of the things I would keep an eye on if I were hired is..." Despite many hiring managers' attempts, it’s impossible to determine "the best" candidate during the recruitment process based on a measurable scale alone. Therefore, stop fretting about being "the best" and focus on being the best and likable version of yourself. I've yet to meet a hiring manager who hired a candidate they didn't like, no matter how much they thought the candidate's skills and experience were "the best." _____________________________________________________________________ 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 underground...

By Dale Jodoin As high taxes cast a shadow over the global economy, people in every sector are seeking ways to reduce their financial burden. This underground economy is an informal network of individuals with the skills and resourcefulness needed to stay afloat. They barter, trade, and provide services to their neighbors and local communities outside of government oversight. The Shift to the Underground Skilled Labor Survives: Carpenters, electricians, and mechanics are the lifeblood of this economy. Construction workers overcharge official clients to secure extra materials that they later use for cash-only or barter projects. Electricians collect surplus solar panels and set them up in the woods for people looking to go off-grid. Mechanics service vehicles out of their home garages at a fraction of the cost of authorized repair shops. These skilled laborers find ways to make ends meet while avoiding excessive taxation. Tech-Savvy Solutions: Individuals with a knack for computers provide essential services like data recovery, network installation, and virus removal from home. Families and small businesses hire them for affordable tech support without needing to pay hefty fees to authorized service providers. Additionally, unlicensed tutors offer private lessons to struggling students, often being graduate students or retired teachers. Immigrant Workforce: Foreign students are facing tighter work restrictions, limiting their hours and increasing their financial struggles. However, instead of being crushed under the pressure, they provide services under the table for cash. Many earn less than minimum wage but are committed to surviving the economic downturn through whatever means they can. Underground Businesses You Should Know About Backyard Mechanics: Vehicle owners with repair needs are opting for neighborhood mechanics who work out of their garages. They can handle general maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups at much lower costs. Shadow Solar Installers: Electricians use salvaged solar panels to help families set up alternative power systems in rural areas, bypassing the high costs of installation and energy bills. Moonlight Movers: Independent truck drivers offer moving services at night or on weekends, coordinating with local laborers to provide flexible and inexpensive help. Bartering Builders: Builders exchange their skills for useful goods like fresh produce or engine parts, constructing small decks, gazebos, and sheds for their local communities. DIY Farmers: Small farms sell their harvests directly to customers. They provide organic produce, dairy, and honey without the inflated prices of regulated grocery stores. Guerilla Tech Support: These tech wizards operate out of their basements and home offices, providing network installation, computer repairs, and software troubleshooting. Unlicensed Tutors: Private tutors offer lessons in subjects like math and English through informal networks and online forums. Covert Caterers: Passionate cooks work out of their kitchens to cater for small parties and events. Freelance Fixers: Handypeople network with plumbers and appliance repair techs to offer fast, affordable repairs. Underground Contractors: Construction workers overcharge clients and use the extra materials to work on smaller home projects that fly under the radar. The Risks Participating in an underground economy does come with risks. Workers face the potential of fines or legal action if caught. They also forgo benefits like healthcare and pensions, making it crucial for them to save money in other ways. Fair Taxation Advocacy While the underground economy may seem appealing, it's important to acknowledge that governments need taxes to fund essential services like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, when high taxes are seen as "robbing everyone blind," it's easy to understand why some turn to this alternative economy. Advocating for fair taxation policies that ease the burden on individuals and businesses is key. Looking Forward Over the next few weeks, we'll explore the underground economy and dark web further, providing a blueprint for understanding how people are finding clever ways to survive in a world with heavy-handed taxation. We'll dive into the tools and techniques that keep this economy running while shedding light on the social, economic, and ethical implications. Stay tuned.

QUESTO, E-COSI! -- KEFFIYEH

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. This week it was brought to my attention that an MPP attempted to wear one of these Keffiyeh during session and was kindly asked to leave the Ontario Legislature. Apparently Sarah Jama thought it would be appropriate to wear one of these Keffiyeh during session as a sign of open public disobedience and a slap in the face to all Canadians. Canadian culture, customs and traditions. The argument was that she had the right to support a terrorist group called Hamas. A group that is using the people of Palestine as their shield against an onslaught ass kicking by the Israeli. Hamas, initiated this and now we the people of Canada have to support their cowardly attempts to cry wolf. Really. I say, that this Sarah Jama does not represent Canadian values and traditions and that she should be expelled as an MPP. So should the two other supporters that decided to walk out with her. MPP Joel Harden and Kristyn Wong-Tam. What is the meaning of the kufiya? The History and Significance of the Hirbawi Black and White ...In Palestinian culture, the kufiya is designed to resemble a fishnet, symbolizing the livelihood of the Palestinian. These type of garments are far from Canadian. Far from in the best interest of the people of Canada. These three politicians should be made an example. That unless it is Canada first. You do not belong in government pretending to work in the best interest of the Canadian people and supporting foreign wars. We are Canadian first. As representative of the people of Canada it should not be allowed for our representatives to dress like foreigners. Upholding foreign cultures and agendas. I think they should incorporate this in citizenship. Canada first. You want to continue with your traditions and culture. Do it privately. The wear of this scarf to me is insulting. I worked all my life to contribute and respect traditions and Canadian customs. To have an MPP disrespect me and Canada’s heritage, customs, traditions. No excuse. In Trumps words. “THEY SHOULD BE FIRED”. Send a clear message to all. Canada for Canadians.