Showing posts with label Chisu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chisu. Show all posts
Saturday, October 18, 2025
MEANINGLESS WORDS
MEANINGLESS WORDS
By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
They say that words play a heavy role in it’s interpretation. If you can manipulate words you can manipulate the flow of communication. It is an art that is reserved for the true elite.
For government in order to control the masses. Just this week the City of Oshawa released this online. Knowing very few people would actual read it. Internet posting is not publishing. Internet posting is the ability of municipalities to become a sub-Quasi media. Controlling what they release. Knowing limited or no readers. This is what the release stated:
Oshawa Economic Development has unveiled a refreshed website oshawa@@#!@!$v.ca designed to showcase the City of Oshawa’s competitive advantage and deliver an insight-driven, user-focused experience for investors, entrepreneurs and businesses. (talk about a lot of words that mean nothing. 1st, Oshawa has been criticized in more than one occasion for being prejudice and bias on who they choose to do business with. The City does not even support their own City newspaper. Instead they opted out to be accountable to no one and post online knowing not everyone is online or can afford it. Very discriminatory and divisive).
The new site features bold visuals, dynamic video and streamlined navigation that highlights Oshawa’s vibrant economy, skilled talent pool and strategic location. (Dynamic!!!!, Vibrant economy!!!, SKILLED TALENT POOL!!! Just because we have a University it does not make the population skilled as many graduates can’t get work in the disciplined they took part in. Look at the state of Oshawa downtown? Where is the resilience? Where is the video that show the suffering of those living on our streets and those barely keeping their businesses open?)
In my opinion nothing short of an insult to those in the City that are actually doing something for the community. When was the last time you seen a politician enter your place of business? Or as a citizen.... when was the last town hall to consult on what matter to you?
Never — Thought so. Hypocrites... ‘a new website’, wasting taxpayers money to make it look like they are doing something. I blame this on the poor leadership at City Hall.
They do not care about you or me. They only care that you pay for their mistakes by increasing taxes year after year. There is no accountability nor responsible spending. Most after politics could not hold another job of same title and or responsibility.
Remember 2026 is around the corner. Make it count...
Ontario’s Fall Legislature: Balancing Growth, Governance, and Public Trust
Ontario’s Fall Legislature:
Balancing Growth, Governance, and
Public Trust
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
As Ontario’s Legislature returns for its Fall 2025 sitting, after a long summer vacation, the agenda reveals both the government’s ambition and the province’s unease. Premier Doug Ford’s team is pressing ahead with a series of reforms it says will modernize Ontario’s economy and clear the way for growth. However, an unknown factor generated by the evolution of the tariffs war with the United States is yet to influence the legislative agenda. Yet almost every file now before Queen’s Park—energy, labour, housing, or municipal governance—carries the same underlying question: how much efficiency can a democracy afford before accountability begins to fray?
Working for Workers—or for Employers?
The centrepiece of the session, Bill 30, Working for Workers Act 2025, bundles amendments to labour and employment statutes.
The government presents it as a continuation of its promise to “stand up for the little guy,” streamlining outdated regulations and reducing red tape for businesses.
Unions and opposition critics counter that the fine print tells another story: weaker overtime rules, looser enforcement, and fewer tools for vulnerable workers to challenge unfair practices.
For employers, it offers flexibility; for labour groups, it marks another step away from workplace protections that took decades to build.
Powering the Province—Quietly.
Energy reform again takes centre stage through Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.
It rewrites parts of the Electricity Act, curtails citizens’ ability to sue over procurement decisions, and accelerates infrastructure approvals.
Supporters argue Ontario needs to move faster to keep lights on and attract investment.
Environmental advocates call it a rollback of transparency that shields the government from scrutiny just when the province is grappling with climate commitments.
The tug-of-war between speed and oversight is not new, but this bill pushes it further than ever, prompting even some business voices to warn against concentrating too much discretion in cabinet hands.
Municipal Friction: Bill 9 and the Camera Debate.
Relations between Queen’s Park and municipalities remain strained. Bill 9, ostensibly about municipal codes of conduct, has raised alarms for reducing independent oversight of councillor behaviour.
Big-city mayors say the province is “downloading” responsibility while limiting autonomy.
The same tension underlies the automated speed-camera issue, now resurfacing across Ontario’s cities. Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton have expanded camera programs to curb residential speeding and fund road-safety campaigns. The province controls the legislative framework for camera enforcement and fine distribution, and several municipalities are pressing for clearer authority and a larger share of revenue to reinvest locally.
Supporters view cameras as proven deterrents that protect pedestrians; opponents label them “cash grabs” that punish rather than educate. As installation expands into smaller communities, the fall session could determine whether Ontario adopts a province-wide policy or continues the patchwork of municipal bylaws.
The Housing and Affordability Crunch.
Ontario’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 looms large. Construction remains well below target, while rents and mortgages climb.
The government resists renewed rent controls, insisting that private investment, not regulation, will drive supply.
Opposition MPPs advocate province-wide zoning for four-unit homes and stronger tenant protections.
Municipalities, meanwhile, warn that they cannot meet housing targets without more infrastructure funding and social-housing support. Behind the rhetoric lies a fiscal impasse: cities bear the costs, while the province sets the rules.
Red Tape or Red Flag?
Few slogans define the Ford years more than “cutting red tape.” This fall, new measures promise to simplify approvals for industrial projects, housing developments, and mining operations. Business groups applaud; environmentalists and Indigenous leaders caution that “faster” can mean “less fair.”
The critical-minerals strategy, particularly in the Ring of Fire, illustrates the dilemma. Ontario aims to halve project-approval timelines, positioning itself as a hub for EV battery materials.
Yet northern First Nations say consultation cannot be rushed without violating treaty obligations. The province’s bet on resource speed could either cement its economic future or ignite years of legal conflict.
Accountability and the Rule of Law.
One striking feature of the current legislative package is the growing number of immunity clauses shielding the Crown and agencies from lawsuits.
Proponents argue these provisions prevent costly litigation and provide certainty for investors.
Civil-liberties groups respond that they erode a citizen’s right to challenge government decisions in court.
The pattern extends beyond energy to land-use planning and environmental approvals; a quiet but significant shift in Ontario’s legal landscape.
Everyday Climate and Worker Safety.
Amid the large bills, smaller private-member initiatives are emerging: proposals to establish a “Heat-Protection Standard” for outdoor workers and public-awareness weeks on flooding and extreme heat.
After two consecutive summers of record temperatures, even modest measures carry symbolic weight. They remind legislators that adaptation, not only growth, will define Ontario’s resilience.
The Political Crossroads.
Ontario’s Fall 2025 session is less about single pieces of legislation than about competing visions of governance.
The Ford government’s supporters see a province finally cutting through bureaucracy to deliver results; housing, jobs, and investment. Its critics see a concentration of power, an erosion of checks and balances, and a steady sidelining of local voices.
The debate over speed cameras captures the broader paradox: every initiative aims to make systems faster and more efficient, yet speed itself becomes the problem when accountability cannot keep up.
As the Legislature debates these measures through the winter, Ontarians will be watching not only for what laws are passed, but for how they are passed and at what democratic cost.
Efficiency may win headlines, but in governance, trust remains the hardest currency to replace.
In conclusion, we are facing interesting times to come in Ontario
HOW ELECTED OFFICIALS USE FACEBOOK IN A WORD DOMINATED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
HOW ELECTED OFFICIALS USE FACEBOOK IN
A WORD DOMINATED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
THE USE OF FACEBOOK by elected officials, including mayors and councillors throughout Durham Region, varies significantly. The complexity of navigating the responsibilities of public office in the face of growing online engagement has resulted in a range of approaches - and even consequences for some.
The more engaged members of Oshawa Council use their Facebook accounts to actively post updates, respond to questions, and communicate daily with their residents. Probably the best example of this is Ward 5 Regional councillor Brian Nicholson. One need only take a quick glance at his multiple Facebook groups to see how quickly information is shared – in real time - on matters concerning Council decisions that affect what he has long-since referred to as ‘Southern Oshawa’.
However, communicating on a daily basis with constituents in this way must undoubtedly blur the line between a councillor’s public duties and their private life, with the increasing expectation that they make themselves available at all hours of the day and night.
I had occasion some time ago during a casual conversation to raise that very subject with the councillor from Ward 5, and when I asked him as to the effect social media had on his time off, he immediately responded by reminding me that, once elected, a member of Council “really doesn’t have time off.”
As it stands, councillor Nicholson administers a number of Facebook groups. I can recall him telling me not long ago that his individual posts were on average read by well over 20,000 people, and that actual constituent inquiries numbered in the range of 100 per day. He also used to constantly credit municipal staff for making him “look good” by the speed with which they were taking care of issues passed on from social media.
Other councillors appear more inclined to use their Facebook presence to simply share specific announcements and various press releases issued by the municipality – on routine matters such as snow removal, garbage collection, and the introduction of new policies and programs that residents may find of interest.
One such councillor is Rosemary McConkey from Ward 1. She once told me quite unequivocally that she “doesn’t do photo-ops” therefore what you won’t see by way of self-promotion on her Facebook page will undoubtedly be made up for by endless Excel spreadsheets and other routine documents. The councillor from Columbus appears more inclined to act as an information resource, and you won’t find a whole lot of real-time interaction on what many see as a somewhat tinder dry social media presence.
On the other hand, some councillors seem to want very little to do with Facebook and all that it represents, and a good example of that is Ward 5 City councillor and ex-Mayor John Gray. A glance at his political page shows it to have been dormant since the last election, with the latest post dating back to October 2022. He does make use of his personal page to some extent, however you will see only seven posts since November 2024, all of which were added by others onto his timeline. He has repeatedly told me his preference will always be actual personal contact, either face-to-face or by telephone, and he has no willingness to change that.
Another interesting example of the use of Facebook comes from the Man-Who-Would-Be-Mayor himself, Ward 2 Regional councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri. A glance at his political page shows no activity for the last four months, however if you swing over to his so-called personal page, you will see a veritable onslaught of selfie-videos the good councillor is using to share his views on everything from homebuilding to homicides.
It seems he can’t make a move without finding one reason or other to offer his loyal viewers a bit of commentary. The abandonment of his Ward 2 councillor page is undoubtedly strategic, as he prepares to campaign for the Mayor’s job in the next election. As one might expect, there is more than a handful of fans ready and willing to press the “like” button on most of his Facebook posts, including Ward 4 Regional councillor Rick Kerr, a man who lives in hope of becoming Tito’s Deputy Mayor.
Meanwhile, it’s important to remember a councillor's social media conduct can be reviewed by an Integrity Commissioner if it violates the Code of Conduct adopted by Council. Oshawa's own policy sets clear guidelines for online conduct. The expected standards dictate that members must not use their social media presence to bully, shame, or engage in disrespectful behavior toward the public, other council members, or staff.
Of course, the most recent offender in this regard was Ward 4 City councillor Derek Giberson who decided it was somehow appropriate to make comments on social media regarding an identifiable individual within the community who was engaged in a matter that was before the courts. The Ward 4 councillor was ultimately found to be in contravention of the obligation of elected officials to refrain from commenting on such matters. No sitting Oshawa councillor has since been seen to bring about such public humiliation and shame.
Of course, other rules exist to ensure that the proper use of social media is maintained. Blocking users on a Facebook account used for official business can be legally and ethically complex. In the city of Toronto, their social media guidebook advises councillors to be careful that blocking does not unfairly affect users, particularly if the account is intended for political debate.
The consequences for violating a social media policy or Code of Conduct can be significant. The recent case in Cambridge, where a councillor faced a potential pay suspension, illustrates that misconduct on Facebook can lead to official punishment.
On a final note, it must be remembered that, contrary to popular fiction, an elected official cannot separate their political Facebook account from any other they see as being personal. Statements and posts added or even shared to any social media account created in the name of a person holding elected office are equal in stature when held to the standards set by a municipal Code of Conduct.
They are equally subject to potential review by an integrity commissioner or any other judicial body that may be called upon to examine a councillor’s conduct.
Social media, and especially Facebook, are questionable means of communication and very much worthwhile in the practice of censorphip, but they can also be self-destructive when in the wrong hands.
I Am the Storm
I Am the Storm
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
There comes a point when the storm you’ve been forced to endure stops being something outside of you… and becomes the fire inside you.
I’ve faced more than most will ever see behind closed doors. The slander. The political punishment. The calculated attempts to isolate, humiliate, and silence. Every tactic known — from weaponizing codes of conduct to manipulating procedure — was designed to wear me down, to make me doubt myself, to force me to give up and stop.
But they underestimated me.
I wasn’t built to bow to pressure. I was built to withstand it.
The harder they’ve pushed, the stronger I’ve become. Every sanction, every vote to strip me of pay, (1.5 years thus far) every moment they tried to bury my voice has only deepened my determination.
I’ve walked through their storm — head high, shoulders squared — refusing to bend to a system that punishes truth-tellers while protecting those who hide behind process. I’ve endured the isolation of standing alone at the table, watching colleagues look away instead of standing up. I’ve endured the personal attacks, the whisper campaigns, and the very public attempts to crush my credibility.
But I am still here. Unbroken. Unshaken. Unafraid.
Because what they don’t realize is this: I was never meant to be swept away by the storm. I am the storm. I was put in this place for a reason...to stand, to fight, and to rise.
And storms don’t ask permission. They don’t wait for permission. They move with force, they reshape everything in their path, and they leave no doubt about their power.
This fight was never just about me. It’s about every person who’s been punished for refusing to stay silent. It’s about calling out corruption, exposing hypocrisy, and standing up for what is right — even when you stand alone.
I will not apologize for speaking the truth. I will not back down because it makes others uncomfortable. And I will never surrender my voice to those who fear it.
They tried to contain the storm. Instead, they created one.
I will survive the storm — because I am the storm.
"Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"
Canada used to be a country that got things done
Canada used to be a country that got things done
By Dale Jodoin
Canada used to be a country that got things done. We built highways through rock, railways across frozen land, towns from nothing. We didn’t stop because someone might be afraid of noise or dust. We worked, we built, we grew. Now, it feels like we’ve traded courage for comfort and backbone for bubble wrap.
Everywhere you look, someone’s afraid of something. The left tells us to tremble at every tweet from Donald J. Trump, the current president of the United States. They say his name will terrify Canadians into silence, making them fear their ammo. And if you don’t side with the left? You’re labelled fascist, racist, or worse. The center is under attack from both sides while the country slowly fractures.
Look around. We’re scared of words, jokes, fireworks, even history. People demand that everyone else stop doing what makes them happy just because someone might be uncomfortable. Life doesn’t come with a comfort guarantee.
Take fireworks. Every July, a few voices demand their cancellation—because they rattle dogs, unsettle veterans, or trigger anxiety. Those are valid concerns. But the solution is not to cancel joy for everyone. If fireworks bother you, stay home. Don’t take something meaningful away from thousands of others.
That’s the deeper problem: we’ve become a nation afraid to offend. You can’t build anything that way. You can’t have free speech if everyone is terrified of it. When did we forget how to disagree without crying for someone to be silenced?
On university campuses, the culture’s even worse. Students are screened for “triggering” words. Professors are censured for jokes that used to spark debate. We’re training a generation more worried about being offended than about being resilient. What happens when life gives them something truly hard, without trigger warnings or safe spaces?
Here’s the truth: fear has become a shield. It’s easier to say, “I’m terrified,” than to take responsibility. If someone says something you don’t like, talk, debate, or walk away. Don’t demand the world rewrites everything just so you’ll never feel uneasy. Canada was built by people who faced fear, not by people who hid from it.
Immigration, once a symbol of hope, is being twisted into a tool of division. Immigrants came to build something together with us to enrich the country. Now politicians use immigration stories to pit one group against another. They whisper victimhood to some, blame to others. That’s not unity. That’s manipulation. It’s quietly ripping the country apart.
We used to be one people, proud and united. Now we fracture into isolated groups, each one afraid someone else will speak. The loudest voices are treated like everyone’s voice. The rest of us are just trying to keep the lights on, raise kids, and live in peace.
It’s almost absurd. We live in one of the safest countries on Earth, yet act like we’re on constant alert. Our grandparents survived wars, hunger, freezing winters. We stress over tweets.
If we keep living by everyone else’s fear, Canada won’t survive not in spirit. Fear shrinks people, kills joy, stops progress. The only cure is courage. And a little humour along the way doesn’t hurt.
So here’s the deal: if you’re scared of something, fine. But don’t ask the rest of us to silence our joy because of it. If you don’t like what someone says, let it pass. If fireworks bother you, stay away. If politics makes you anxious, switch off the news.
Canada can be strong again. We just need to remember who we are: people with courage, hard work, and the freedom to speak our minds. We’re not here to babysit fear. We’re here to build a country. And if that offends someone well, maybe they should try being offended elsewhere. Written by Dale Jodoin newspaper writer and journalists
Job Seekers: Look to Those Who Are Getting Hired
Job Seekers:
Look to Those Who Are
Getting Hired
By Nick Kossovan
This past August, I participated in a LinkedIn Live session with career coach Ruth Sternberg, titled Job Search Myths Shattered. In my closing remarks, I mentioned that even in today's challenging job market, people are getting hired every day.
High inflation, recession fears, and geopolitical posturing, such as tariffs, have many companies and industries operating in a state of fear, prompting them to question whether it's wise to be hiring. Even if you doubled Canada's national unemployment rate of 7.1% (August 2025) in order to satisfy those who claim unemployment is higher than reported, it would still show that over 85% of Canadians are employed, a positive data point. Another positive, though not to the extent job seekers would like, is that employers are still hiring.
Regardless of the state of the economy, the job market is constantly churning, creating job openings through promotions, terminations, resignations, retirements, and unexpected events such as deaths. The job market is neither inherently good nor bad. It's neutral. It's indifferent. It simply reflects the economics of business, showing where capital is flowing and why.
It's easy to find "the bad" when you're always looking for "the bad."
For quite some time, companies have capitalized on the cost benefits of offshoring their jobs. As automation and artificial intelligence rapidly enhance their capabilities, companies are focusing on investing in technology that will reduce their biggest expense: labour costs. I believe we're witnessing the beginning of a future with a smaller workforce, where working for a business in the traditional sense will become less common, but let's wait and see what unfolds. For now, amid efforts to leverage technology to lower the number of employees, hence boosting profits—the core reason a business exists—hiring continues.
When you describe the job market as "bad" because your job search is taking longer than expected and you keep pointing to other job seekers facing the same challenges, you're signalling that you don't understand the economics behind business decisions. If you can't demonstrate that you understand the economic factors influencing business decisions, especially when it comes to hiring, why would a company trust you to help them make or save money?
I get it; pessimistic and inflammatory posts about the job market and employers, which, by the way, discourage employers from contacting you, drive engagement. However, if your 'likes' and 'commenting for reach' aren't resulting in employers contacting you—which is probably the case—consider a different approach. Pay attention to what those who are getting hired are doing that you might not be doing or not doing to the same extent.
From what I've observed, those who are getting hired focus on a few key areas:
Following instructions
Quality applications stand out.
I'm not a fan of applying to online job postings alongside hundreds or even thousands of other candidates, making your application akin to a lottery ticket. Networking offers better odds; however, applying to jobs where you meet at least 90% of the requirements should still be part of your job search, as you never know when you might hit the jackpot. Therefore, to increase your lottery odds, follow the instructions!
Meticulously following instructions showcases your professionalism and willingness to adhere to directives. Carefully review the job posting. Identify submission requirements, such as document format (e.g., PDF), specific questions to address in a cover letter, or ‘Reference Job ID #H587’ in your email subject line. Your applications will get noticed more if you do what most job seekers don't: submit a quality application that dots all the 'I's and crosses all the 'T's.
Submitting 2 - 3 quality applications daily and following up two days later, if necessary, is a much more effective job search strategy than the 'spraying and praying' method many job seekers use. Quality over quantity!
Connecting
Deny all you want; you won't change the fact that networking gives you a significant advantage by uncovering job opportunities that aren't advertised publicly. Job searching is a people-oriented activity, not something you do by hiding behind your keyboard and naively believing that engaging with people's posts and comments on LinkedIn will lead to forming meaningful professional relationships. Even in 2025, face-to-face interactions have much more stickiness than digital outreach efforts.
Those who are getting hired are circulating in the real world, grabbing every chance to connect with others; making eye contact, focusing on the person in front of them, and setting aside their ego, asking themselves, "How can I help this person?"
Connecting with others happens when you:
· Show genuine interest in the other person
· Are honest and authentic
· Ask thoughtful, meaningful questions
· Ensure the other person feels heard
Refusing to be a victim
People with a victim mentality tend to have a longer job search than those who do not. Social media, especially LinkedIn, has become flooded with job seekers feeling sorry for themselves. Those getting hired refuse to see themselves as a victim or feel sorry for themselves.
Achieving success in your job search requires focusing on what you can control, such as networking and how you present yourself to employers, rather than dwelling on factors outside your influence, like the economy and others' behaviour. Although many job seekers didn't choose to be job searching, everyone can choose where to direct their focus and energy.
___________________________________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
A Candid Conversation
A Candid Conversation
By Theresa Grant
Real Estate Columnist
Without question, it is a very different world today than the one I grew up in. I remember being a child living in what was then called uptown, it was actually the Yonge and Eglinton area of Toronto. It was a very modest upbringing. My parents worked hard to give their three daughters what they could. We all helped around the house, took turns doing the dishes and things to help our mom. We were respectful and obeyed the rules set out by our parents. We had one bathroom, one television and therefore had to agree on what to watch. Our parents set out most of the viewing schedule and I remember the whole family sitting around the living room watching Carol Burnett, The Waltons and many other entertaining programs. We as children didn’t use the phone much,we waited for someone to come knocking on the door to see if we wanted to play or we went door knocking ourselves. It was simple, stay close, come home as soon as the streetlights came on. At the time, we could not have imagined it being any different than it was. Progress to us (and to our delight), was returning to school in September to find a new piece of equipment added to the playground.
For the many that grew up as I did in the sixties and seventies it is very hard to fathom what is going on with our youth today. Years ago, we thought that older people were looking to recruit the younger ones for their crimes and misdemeanors by telling them that they could not get into any serious trouble due to the young offender’s act.It would often be the case that a couple or a few named young adults would be arrested and we would see on the news that there was a young offender involved who could not be named.
It seems that that is not even the case anymore. We see on the news on a regular basis, children as young as eleven and twelveare involved in horrific crimes and there are no older adults involved. Which begs the question, what the hell is going on with our youth?Where are the parents is one of the biggest questions that I hear posed when these stories hit the news. What is going on in homes across our region that would make these children think that it is okay to go out and commit the crimes they do?
The most recent that comes to mind is the smash and grab at the Oshawa Centre involving a group of boys aged from 13-19. Then there are the 8 kids involved in the armed robbery of another youth on William Lott Dr. in North Oshawa. Here we had12-, 13-, and 15-year-old girls and boys.
Back in the summer there was the swarming of a Pizza worker in south Oshawa that involved an 11-year-old boy and 3 girls aged 13,14, and 15. Most heinous of recent youth criminal acts is the elderly woman killed in frontof her home in Pickering by a 14-year-old boy in an absolutely unprovoked attack.
Something needs to change. Now. People need to speak up.
Starting Point
Starting Point
By Wayne and Tamara
My husband and I have been married over 26 years. He was my dream come true. He has been drinking since age 16, but it never occurred to me he was an alcoholic because I thought alcoholics were bums drinking out of brown paper bags on street corners.
My husband graduated from law school, then joined the Air Force where most activities he chose centered around drinking. Later he worked to establish a private practice and was successful. The nightly drinking continued, and he would blow in later and later.
I sought counseling and the therapist told me he is what is called a functioning alcoholic. I was in total disbelief. My husband turned to the counselor and admitted he was an alcoholic, though he later denied that admission. The next session he came in wasted and was asked to leave.
Since then the alcoholic has filed for divorce and refuses to speak to me. I know of at least one affair. He has acknowledged he is an alcoholic, but he has absolutely no intention to stop. I can’t believe this is really happening. How do I start over?
Robyn
Robyn, a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry reported 76 percent of alcoholics in the U.S. never seek treatment. The 24 percent who do get treatment wait an average of eight to 10 years before seeking that treatment.
Even then, it will be years more before the alcoholic stops drinking for good, and additional years before they stop acting like an alcoholic, if they ever do. Alcoholics have a smugness about the castles in their mind. In that domain they set the rules and they make the laws. Like any absolute monarch, they are unwilling to give up their power.
It doesn’t matter whether you think alcoholism is a disease, a moral failing, a chemical addiction, or the aftereffect of a lousy childhood. The prognosis for successfully living with an alcoholic is poor. If children are present, the consequences are dire.
Human development follows a predictable pattern. To develop their own brain, children need to be around mature brains--brains working from reality, brains meeting challenges and facing facts. Observing those brains and patterning themselves after them, give children what they need to master life.
Child abuse is the term which most accurately describes what children in an alcoholic home endure. The effects of an alcoholic home on children are well-known: depression, inability to form close relationships, relentless self-criticism, inability to complete projects, and constant approval seeking.
Even the non-drinking spouse is changed. That person is co-opted into making excuses, covering up, and pretending what happened the night before never happened. That’s what’s so striking about your letter. You left nearly everything out. The fears, the arguments, the spoiled occasions, the conversations which he didn’t remember are all missing. It’s as if you still don’t want to go there.
That’s understandable because denial is a powerful defense mechanism; it keeps us from having to face pain. Denial operates in two ways. On an internal level, denial keeps us from having to confront our fears and the loss of our hopes and dreams. On an external level, denial keeps us from difficult confrontations with events and other people.
But the cost of denial is high. That is why it is so dangerous. When a person fails to prepare for the consequences of what they seek to deny, those consequences escalate. You feared the dismantling of your marriage and becoming a single woman again, but what you feared you must now confront.
So it’s time to go back to your therapist and tell him or her what you didn’t tell us. You need to talk through why you did what you did, and why you couldn’t admit what was before your eyes. It will feel embarrassing and humiliating at first, but that is where you must begin.
Wayne & Tamara
It’s Flu Season But It`s Not the Flu
It’s Flu
Season But
It’s Not the Flu
By Diana Gifford
“The superfluous,” said Voltaire, the French philosopher, “is a very necessary thing.” Alas, his thinking predated our understanding of the norovirus. The norovirus is one of the most common viruses on the planet – yet it seems to be doing nothing useful, let alone necessary. It’s just making hundreds of millions of people worldwide sick in any given year.
A lot of people made sick by norovirus think they have the flu. The symptoms are similar. But norovirus isn’t the flu at all. It’s a tiny, highly contagious virus that infects the stomach and intestines. It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and most usually, dirty hands.
The virus is found only in humans, not animals, and it doesn’t need much help to make trouble. A microscopic particle is enough to make you sick. Once ingested, it multiplies rapidly and exits just as quickly, shedding billions of copies that can infect others. It’s so efficient that it’s been called “the perfect pathogen.”
Most outbreaks emerge in familiar places like restaurants, daycare facilities, cruise ships, or long-term care homes. The virus is so hardy that it survives freezing, mild heating, and many cleaning products. Even alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so effective against most bacteria, don’t reliably stop it. Soapy water is the best prevention.
Symptoms of infection include sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It comes on fast but is usually over in two or three days. Most people recover without lasting harm, though the elderly, very young, or those with weakened immune systems can become dangerously dehydrated.
Unlike other viruses, getting it once doesn’t make you stronger. You might think that exposure would at least give your immune system a workout and lead to lasting protection. Unfortunately, norovirus doesn’t play by those rules. Your body does mount a defense and produces antibodies, but they fade quickly – usually within six months to two years – and only protect you from the exact strain that made you sick. But norovirus keeps changing. It mutates its surface proteins just enough to fool your immune system the next time around. That’s why you can catch norovirus again and again. There is literally nothing good about norovirus unless you count that it makes victims better appreciate good plumbing.
Scientists have been working for years to develop a vaccine. But so far, the virus’s habit of constant reinvention has stymied efforts. There are dozens of strains, and new ones emerge every few years.
Norovirus often strikes just after a family dinner. Within 24 hours, one person starts feeling queasy, another rushes to the bathroom, and soon everyone is apologizing or looking for culprits in the cooking. But it’s not the food. It’s norovirus that came uninvited on unwashed hands.
What can we do? The answer is old-fashioned but effective. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before preparing food and after using the bathroom. Keep kitchen surfaces clean. Cook shellfish thoroughly, since oysters and clams can carry the virus if harvested from contaminated waters. And if someone in your home is sick, disinfect using a bleach-based cleaner and handle laundry and dishes with care. Norovirus may be hard to kill, but it doesn’t like hot water, chlorine, or good hygiene habits.
The larger lesson in all this is about humility. For all our medical advances, a virus invisible to the naked eye can still level us for days. Immunity isn’t always cumulative, and strength doesn’t always come from exposure. Sometimes, health depends less on what we can endure and more on what we can avoid.
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This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Getting a Boost of Energy, Naturally
SHALL WE DANCE?
SHALL WE DANCE?
By Wayne and Tamara
I just happened to bump into you guys virtually, and must say it was a pleasure! While reading through questions posted online, I realized I had one myself! So here I go.
I hail from India, and as you may know, Indians have a concept of arranged marriages, which I don’t really feel comfortable with. But I am 25 now, and though I’ve been in relationships in the past, I am single at present. So, my parents are on the lookout for a suitable guy for me.
I don’t have much choice because falling into a relationship is kind of slow here in India. People here are very different with regard to relationships as compared to the West. But I would like to find someone for myself rather than going into an arranged thing.
A few days back I met a friend’s friend via a social networking site. I had heard a lot about him from my friends, so I initiated things by sending him a message. He was sweet and prompt and asked me how I knew our mutual friend. We’ve been communicating via short messages ever since.
My question: how can I initiate a deeper relationship with him, though not necessarily too fast? I need to get to know him more as I think he is a great guy. I am by nature a little conservative, so I can’t really take bolder steps like asking for his number. Also, I would prefer not to involve our friend in this.
I don’t want to come around too strong. Should I continue messaging for a few more days? In his last message he said on business he quite often passes by the area where I live.
Daya
Daya, shall we dance? That’s the question posed by a song in the musical “The King And I.” Shall we dance…knowing there are usually many entries on a woman’s dance card before she finds the perfect partner? Shall we dance…knowing that many dances end with the thank you which means goodbye? Shall we dance…knowing that the dance always brings uncertainty?
Yes, let us dance. Let us dance, because the dance may end with us in the arms of the one we can dance through life with. Let us dance, says the song, “on the clear understanding that this kind of thing can happen.”
This man, with a little prompting, noticed you across a crowded dance floor. Your eyes met, and now you wonder, what next? You are a little reserved. He may be, too, because no male seeks to be rejected by a woman.
That’s why a woman waiting to be asked might gently sway her shoulders to the music, indicating she would love to dance. A small signal, perhaps, but enough to make a man start forward. He may still pass by, she knows, but most likely he hopes to take her hand and lead her to the floor.
An inner thing moves two people who can dance happily and comfortably together for the rest of their lives. That’s what dating seeks to learn. A man has said, “I often pass by where you are.” Can you come forward a little, too? Can you mention the café where you take coffee or that you like Chinese food? Can you make an opening so he can ask?
You need not say much or be bolder than your nature, but gently let him know what you may welcome as the next step. Just as you know you look good in certain colors, throw a soft focus on your approachability quotient. Make a small inroad. Give yourself a chance.
That’s not pursuing or chasing. It’s being available and open. It’s being able to acknowledge you are willing to dance. It’s coming forward so another can come forward, if he is drawn to you. Shall we dance? Yes.
Wayne & Tamara
Tax Efficient RRSP Withdrawal Strategies
Tax Efficient RRSP Withdrawal Strategies
By Bruno M. Scanga
Deposit Broker, Insurance & Investment Advisor
Many Canadians diligently contribute to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) throughout their working years, aiming for a comfortable retirement. However, when it comes to withdrawing these funds, the strategy isn’t always straightforward. For some, tapping into their RRSPs earlier than traditional retirement age can offer significant tax benefits and financial flexibility.
Why Consider Early RRSP Withdrawals? The conventional wisdom suggests deferring RRSP withdrawals to delay taxes as long as possible. Yet, this approach might not be best for everyone. Withdrawing funds during years when you’re in a lower tax bracket can reduce your overall tax burden. This strategy, sometimes referred to as an “RRSP meltdown,” involves strategically drawing down your RRSP before mandatory withdrawals kick in at age 71.
By accessing your RRSP funds between ages 60 and 70, you can decrease the account’s size before it’s converted into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). This proactive approach can lead to smaller mandatory withdrawals later, potentially keeping you in a lower tax bracket and preserving more of your retirement income.
Early RRSP withdrawals can also influence government benefits. For instance, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension has a claw back mechanism for higher-income retirees. By reducing your RRSP balance earlier, you might avoid or lessen this claw back. Additionally, for lower-income individuals, early withdrawals could help in qualifying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides added support to those who need it most.
Another advantage of accessing RRSP funds early is the opportunity to transfer them into a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). While you’ll pay taxes upon withdrawal from the RRSP, once the funds are in a TFSA, they can grow tax-free. This setup offers greater flexibility for future expenses, such as medical costs or helping family members financially.
For couples, early RRSP withdrawals can be particularly beneficial. Imagine both partners have large RRSPs. If one partner passes away, the surviving spouse inherits the RRSP funds, potentially resulting in a significant tax liability due to higher mandatory withdrawals from a larger RRIF. By each partner drawing down their RRSPs earlier, they can manage and possibly reduce the combined tax impact in the future.
While there are clear benefits to early RRSP withdrawals, it’s essential to approach this strategy thoughtfully. Withdrawing funds means paying taxes sooner and potentially missing out on the tax-deferred growth those funds would have enjoyed. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess your current financial situation, future income expectations, and retirement goals.
When Interviewing, Leave Something Behind
When Interviewing,
Leave Something Behind
By Nick Kossovan
An interview I conducted over 15 years ago has stayed with me ever since. I was filling a Team Leader position for a QA team of 12 representatives. The candidate interviewed "okay"—almost textbook-like—at best a "Meh!" However, what stuck with me was that when I walked them back to reception, they handed me a manila envelope.
"Reports and a document support what I just told you."
I took the envelope, had them sign out, and moved on to the next candidate. On my way to the boardroom, I dropped the envelope on my desk. When I returned to my office after a day of back-to-back interviews, the envelope was staring at me. Curiosity got the better of me, so I opened it before checking my emails or voicemails.
The envelope contained the candidate's latest performance appraisal and four months' worth of reports, with confidential numbers blacked out. I was impressed; no candidate had ever provided evidence to support their claims about themselves. As someone who has conducted hundreds of interviews, I find that most candidates are unmemorable. However, this candidate stood out because they proactively backed up their claims with evidence, thereby reducing the risk of hiring them by proving they were genuine.
I don't remember how many candidates I interviewed for the QA Team Leader position—probably six or seven—but I do remember calling only this candidate to arrange lunch with the team. (I firmly believe candidates for leadership roles should spend time with the team they'll be leading.)
Yes, they got the job.
When job searching, your primary goal is to do everything possible to make yourself memorable. When you're scheduled for an interview, whether in person or via video, ask yourself: What can I leave behind or email as proof of my skills, experience, and commitment to success?
Ask any employer, and they'll tell you that more than ever, the job market is full of bad actors talking a good game. Understandably, employers are often apprehensive about a candidate's ability to 'walk their talk.' A leave-behind—essentially an addendum to your resume and LinkedIn profile—is an effective tactic that can dispel any lingering doubts your interviewer may have about your candidacy.
Leave-behind suggestions:
A portfolio
A curated collection of work samples offers concrete proof of skills and achievements. In creative professions such as graphic design, photography, and architecture, a portfolio is a standard requirement. Still, you can create a portfolio for almost any role, whether in software development, journalism, or various finance positions. Having a portfolio, especially when interviewing outside the "creative" fields, is a rarely used job search tactic that'll have you stand out from other candidates.
Productivity Reports
Which candidate is more likely to get hired, the one who talks about their productivity or the one who provides evidence? In my world, call centre management, productivity reports are standard, just as they are in sales, business development, investment banking, quality assurance, marketing, and social media management, to name a few professions.
Leaving behind recent productivity reports proves your ability to deliver results, adds credibility to your candidacy and reduces the risk of hiring you.
Recent Performance Review
I've used this strategy several times. Trust me, it works!
One question your interviewer will have lingering in their mind is, "Is this person manageable?" Leaving behind your latest performance review—provided it supports that you're a stellar employee—proactively answers this question.
360 Review
Once, I was competing—don't kid yourself, a job search is a competition—for a job I really wanted. I knew I faced stiff competition; therefore, I needed an ace. The morning after my interview, over breakfast, I had an ah-ha! moment. Months earlier, my employer, a large financial institution, had conducted 360 reviews. My approval rating was 86%, significantly higher than the average of 73%. My ace was my 360 review results! I couriered my results to my interviewer. The next afternoon, I received a call to schedule a second interview.
If you have a 360 review that praises your leadership abilities, that's gold! Share it!
Testimonials
Establish your credibility and trustworthiness by incorporating one of marketing's best practices and leave behind testimonials (aka, social proof). Solicit testimonials from anyone familiar with your work, such as colleagues, vendors, managers, and customers. Print them and present them to your interviewer. Don't underestimate the influence that other people's opinions, even strangers, can have on your interviewer when they're considering whether to move forward with your candidacy.
120-Day Plan
New employee honeymoon periods are a thing of the past. Today, employers look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Providing your interviewer with a detailed breakdown of how you plan to approach your first four months—specifically, outlining your learning goals, performance milestones, and relationship-building objectives—demonstrates your commitment to integrating into the company and generating value from day one.
The purpose of a leave-behind is to give your interviewer tangible evidence of who you are and, most importantly, your abilities. Additionally, a leave-behind can mitigate the consequences of a mediocre interview. Job interviews are about making lasting impressions, and doing what most candidates won't is a surefire way to stand out.
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
The Real Threat to Democracy Isn’t Dissent It’s Silence
The Real Threat to Democracy Isn’t Dissent
It’s Silence
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
Across Canada and around the world, the last few years have tested the boundaries between public health authority and personal liberty. Governments claimed extraordinary powers in the name of safety, but history teaches us that emergency powers, once granted, are rarely surrendered easily. When citizens questioned mandates, digital tracking, or censorship of opposing views, they were often labelled as dangerous, divisive, or “anti-science.”
But speaking out against government excess is not extremism — it’s the heartbeat of democracy. Democracies depend on dissent. The people who marched, wrote, protested, or simply refused to be silenced did not endanger society; they reminded it that free nations are built on consent, not compliance.
Every major human-rights advance began with individuals who stood against the prevailing narrative — from labour organizers to civil-rights activists, from suffragettes to whistle-blowers. During the pandemic, ordinary citizens took up that same tradition, asking the questions too many leaders were afraid to confront. They demanded transparency in data, accountability in decision-making, and respect for bodily autonomy. They were not a threat to public order — they were a threat to unchecked power.
I know this because I lived it. Since the very beginning of COVID-19, I have stood up against these heavy-handed measures — even inside City Hall, where the people’s voice has been reduced to five-minute time slots and pre-approved topics. I have been punished punitively for speaking the truth. Sanctioned. Slandered. Stripped of pay. Accused of things I never said, based on lies crafted to silence me. But every attempt to silence me only proved the point: dissent is not the disease — tyranny is.
The real danger to democracy comes when governments learn they can rule by decree and silence opposition through fear or ridicule. When truth becomes whatever officials say it is, the people no longer govern; they are managed. And once citizens accept that, the path from democracy to technocracy is short and steep.
History will judge those who stood up — and those who stayed silent. The lesson is simple: freedom doesn’t disappear overnight; it erodes when questioning authority becomes a punishable act. Those who refused to bow to coercion did not weaken our country; they kept its democratic spine intact.
Because in the end, the true enemy of dictatorship is not rebellion — it’s courage.
"Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"
The Strength in Solitude - How Toxic Relationships Destroy the Peace of Being Alone
The Strength in Solitude - How Toxic Relationships Destroy the
Peace of Being Alone
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
In our everyday lives, we interact with dozens of people, each serving a different role in our lives. Some relationships may be professional, such as those with peers or colleagues, while others may be specially selected, like close friendships. No matter the environment, humans are social creatures who often seek connections and events. We constantly surround ourselves with others, and so we begin to lose sight of what it means to be alone. We have become so accustomed to interaction that necessary solitude feels foreign and frightening. Independence is no longer seen as a strength, but a weakness which resembles loneliness.
Many people feel dependent on company, always relying on someone else to feel secure or validated. Craving constant connection can quietly strip away one’s ability to enjoy solitude. We begin to associate being alone with being unloved, when in reality, solitude can be one of the most empowering experiences a person can have.
This fear of loneliness traps individuals in negative social circles due to a fear of isolation, especially in adolescents. In high school, friendships and an exciting social life can feel like top priorities. These four years are filled with parties, events, study sessions, or simple weekend hangouts, which all feel better when shared with friends.
There are countless advantages to genuine friendships at any age. When you find the right people, friendships ensure you always have someone to count on, to cheer for you, and to make irreplaceable memories with. I love my friends, and I know I am so lucky to have them. However, not every friendship is based on this love, but on fear or jealousy. In my past, I have felt stuck in many draining social circles, which felt impossible to escape. Turning away from my friends felt terrifying and dangerous, even if they were damaging to my identity. Teens often feel pressured to be the most popular, and so they fear being disliked by others.
When we become desperate for connection, it is very easy to fall into fake friendships and toxic relationships. Toxic friends may not always look like the exaggerated trio from Mean Girls, however they can be just as harmful. Friendships which seem supportive may be sources of stress, insecurity, and emotional strain. Even if these effects go unnoticed, friendships can shift from major sources of joy to a never-ending supply of drama and distress.
In most social circles, gossip, belittlement, and recurring criticism are normalized. It may seem like playful teasing, comments which weren’t meant to hurt your feelings. However, there should never be doubt on if your friends are genuine and kind to you. Friends should encourage growth and authenticity, not try to limit who you are. In many cases, these normalized actions are not playful teasing, but genuine bullying disguised by smiles and party invitations.
It can be difficult to recognize a relationship is unhealthy, however it’s even harder to act on this realization. Despite the temptations, ending a relationship should never be impulsive. First, it’s important to reflect on your own role and communicate honestly. Ask yourself if you act similarly and brainstorm how to fix your own actions. Communicate with your friend, and see if they are feeling similar to you, as they may also feel unseen in the friendship. It is important to have compassion for others in the situation, not just for yourself.
Eventually, you face a choice to either rebuild the connection on healthier terms, or walk away. If someone dismisses your feelings or continues to make you feel unseen, I believe that’s not a friend worth keeping. Those are the relationships where major problems lie, which are not worth your time or energy. In some cases, it’s time to let go, wish them the best, and separate yourself from the negative influence. Letting go may hurt at first, but it’s a necessary act of courage.
The most challenging aspect of breaking a connection is accepting the solitude which comes afterwards. We often tell ourselves it is better to be with harmful people than be alone. When constantly surrounded by others, being alone sounds terrifying.
Once you are forced into this isolation, it feels unknown and confusing. This mindset is one which we need to break in order to escape negative influences who are weighing us back.
Choosing solitude is not about loneliness, it’s about choosing peace over chaos, self-respect over insecurity. The moment you realize that your own company can be enough, you begin to grow.
Ashley Corbo, an American influencer, captures this truth perfectly. On her social media accounts and her podcast, Trying Not To Care, Corbo has said, "It's better to be alone than be surrounded by people who make you feel lonely.” Her words remind us that solitude is not isolation, it’s freedom from being held back. When you stop wasting your love on others who don’t reciprocate, you begin to love yourself. You begin to realize you don’t need a friend to get coffee with, or a companion to go to the cinema. There should be no shame in being alone, as long as you are not lonely. Loneliness is a mindset which comes from disappointment in others, not yourself. So, live your life withhappiness and fulfillment, whether that be with others, or just your own company. Only with this acceptance can you make room for experiences, and people, that truly bring you joy.
SGT PEPPER HAS IT RIGHT!!!
SGT PEPPER
HAS IT RIGHT!!!
By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Before I begin this column. I like to fully disclose that I do not endorse or support violence in any way. As a professional martial artist, the root of our training is the avoidance of violence at all cost.
Our discipline is to be used to defend when attacked and always use self restraint. With this said. I give the police forces across the world great praise as they have a real tough job. In many cases it is the use of brute force and not tactical body dynamics in the taking down of hostile perpetrators.
I say this with such confidence as I enjoy on my spare 30 seconds a day to watch YOUTUBE videos on how police around the world deals with police take downs. In most cases you can tell that the officer in attendance has had limited or no training as in most take down it takes two, three, four officers to take down one person. When in reality it should take one officer. The other day Sgt. Pepper caught my eye. I think he was not a police officer but either a national guard or a marine on the front line of a demonstration.
The demonstrator your typical ‘woke’, one hundred and twenty pound over opinionated unemployed basement dweller. There was this nose drip shouting in front of a 350lb officer. He kept screaming to the officer. “WHAT IS YOUR NAME SOLDIER” time and time again. The soldier was very calm and very patient. The perpetrator kept screaming in his face demanding his name.
Then with a swift swipe the officer quickly pulls out pepper spray can and gives the perpetrator a mouth/face full of this orange spray. The perpetrator goes down in tears screaming like a baby as the officer stands there with a very deserving grin... and states. “Dr. Pepper son”.
Super classic response. I think what is taking place in the U.S. needs to be employed in Canada. Zero tolerance to police interference while dispensing law. Anyone in breach should be dealt with extreme force. The problem with today’s police attitudes is that they do not want to be legally liable or worst criminally found to be guilty of law in the dispensing of law. Something that is very hard. As civilians we must also make sure that police do not abuse powers entrusted in them.
So how do we balance. Well, open the door for police to do their job. If an abuse complaint is brought forth. Investigate with the understanding that the job is extremely stressful and difficult.
I think filming of any police activity should be illegal. I think journalist should be kept out of hot spots like riots and protests.
I strongly believe that the police need to be respected and protected against criminal prosecution for minor things. Much, like Sgt. Pepper’s actions. They could be seen as against the law. Then again under the circumstance. It can be deemed reasonable. Protestors have become more militant and more aggressive due to the fact that they have lost the fear factor. I think we need to instill that emotion in order to preserve society.
October 7, Two Years On: Canada’s Place in a Conflict That Reverberates Here
Saturday, October 4, 2025
The Weight of Passion and Purpose - Fighting the Pressure to Sacrifice Hobbies in High School
The Weight of Passion
and Purpose - Fighting the Pressure to
Sacrifice Hobbies in High School
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Throughout high school, students begin to discover, strengthen and advance a variety of passions. These passions are fostered through mandated courses, extracurricular activities, and relationships built. They are incorporated into the high school system to guarantee students try new things and develop new talents. Together, these experiences create a diverse range of interests and experiences that can be applied beyond school, whether in higher education, future careers, or simply in developing a unique sense of identity.
Throughout my own high school journey, I have pursued countless opportunities, each providing their own life lessons. My time with the dramatic arts built a sense of confidence, community, and critical thinking, in addition bringing me joy. Time spent studying math and science enhanced my problem-solving and analytical skills, regardless of my disinterest in pursuing STEM. Extracurriculars such as student council and debate helped me grow in leadership, communication, time management, and integrity. I never turn down an opportunity presented to me; each one I accept with enthusiasm and commitment. To me, this variety is the only way to maximize my high school experience, to make the most out of these four years before University. I do not want to graduate and regret rejecting an opportunity, staying home, or not trying out; instead, I want to take advantage of everything offered to me, before I enter a new chapter of my life.
While this diversity has been rewarding, it has also left me with an overwhelming schedule, including countless passions, which feels impossible to balance. As I begin my junior year, I feel increasing pressure to abandon the talents I’ve spent so long building.
I have dedicated myself to many passions, and I feel each one is pulling me in a different direction. School encouraged me to learn new things and celebrate diversity, yet it opposes when I commit to each. Every class gives homework to fill each waking hour, every council expects availability available Monday to Friday, like a full time job. I am an individual who wants to learn as much as possible, yet within the constraints of the school system, this feels unattainable.
I constantly feel pressured to find one talent, one ambition, and fully commit to it. At times, I feel like a jack of all trades; I am good with math, science, english, arts, and communication, yet spectacular at nothing. It leaves me questioning my past,
present, and future uses of time. Regardless of the commitments, I feel I do not have
anything to feel truly proud of. I am left wondering about the connecting factors, and
which of these will attach me to future happiness.
My days of eagerly accepting every opportunity are now past, replaced with anxiety and an overwhelming schedule. What is the point of studying chemistry if I won’t be a chemist? Why spend time on drama if I have no interest in acting professionally? Each activity not directly correlated to my goals can seem like a waste of time, which forces me into a never-ending cycle of doubt, as I am still unsure of what those goals are.
Choosing one specialty talent is not the only expectation students face as they grow older. Beyond choosing one skill to perfect, teens are also forced to ensure that this skill is both practical and efficient. At sixteen, individuals are expected to have a life plan, including steps to reach those goals. Many students commit their limited spare time to studying sciences, practicing math, learning languages, or volunteering.
Although these hobbies are important, they often cause the love of creative passions, such as painting, acting, or writing, to be dismissed. This creates a pressure not just to find a passion, but to justify it in terms of future practicality. It feels as though the value of a skill lies only in its ability to assist a stable career. In our society, passions have lost their purpose of joy or learning experiences, and are instead focused on proving they are “worth it” to the eyes of others.
High school is a challenging balancing act, as students are tasked with managing inspiring opportunities and their saddening limits. I have lived with the mindset to never close a door, to never turn away from an opportunity, but I have recently learned that doing everything is impossible. The system often demands that we measure the value of our time by how useful it is for our future, as if every class, talent, or passion must lead directly to a stable career. Under this logic, the value of creativity through painting, drama, or music is diminished the moment it is made; yet these are the very talents that bring joy, perspective, and balance to life.
Despite my anxieties regarding my use of time, I’ve come to understand that impractical does not mean worthless. A passion that doesn’t have a finish line can still change my perspective, teach new lessons, and create everlasting connections. Yes, individuals must accept their limits and make rational choices, but those decisions should not be decided on practicality alone. I refuse to believe that the time I’ve spent exploring my passions is wasted. Instead, these opportunities are what have shaped me into the person I am today.
My secondary education has shown me balance isn’t about choosing a single path to commit to; it’s about carrying forward the important experiences, even if they aren’t practical. While I can’t keep every door open, I trust that the ones I do step through will add to my life through lessons, opportunities, and enjoyment. I may choose how to spend my time with purpose, however that does not mean I must sacrifice everything which brings me joy. Only through this balance of practicality and experiences can the four years of high school be properly fulfilled
Canada’s Fall Budget 2025: Between Bold Promises and Fiscal Reckoning
Canada’s Fall Budget 2025:
Between Bold Promises and
Fiscal Reckoning
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
On November 4, Prime Minister Mark Carney will table his government’s first budget since assuming office. Canadians should be aware that this will not be a routine fiscal update. This budget will be nothing less than a test of credibility; a balancing act between urgent promises and the cold arithmetic of national finances.
For years, Ottawa has grown accustomed to deficit financing as a political safety valve. Every government since the pandemic has justified red ink with appeals to crisis.
However, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) has found that the federal budget deficit will grow beyond previous projections. The total of just over $132 billion between 2025 and 2028 projected in Budget 2024 has escalated to the nearly $255 billion now projected for those years. Moreover, the debt-to-GDP ratio — the Liberals’ so-called “fiscal anchor” — is no longer guaranteed to decline.
Much of this is driven by a considerable decline in federal tax revenues due to the personal income tax cut and other measures, as well as even larger increases in federal program spending. Total operating spending alone (excluding many federal transfers) is projected to be more than $10 billion per year higher than previously anticipated.
Adding unannounced measures back into the PBO estimates will make cumulative deficits over the next four years exceed $360 billion—almost three times the amount last year’s budget anticipated.
Even more concerning is the fact that federal debt is set to grow at a faster rate than the economy. In recent testimony to a parliamentary committee, the PBO noted that this was the first time in 30 years he had seen a projection where this key measure of fiscal sustainability continued to rise over time. Simply put, federal finances are at a precipice.
This should trouble Canadians. Debt is not abstract. It is a mortgage on future taxpayers; a quiet siphon on every program we prize. The more Ottawa borrows, the more billions they sink into debt servicing, leaving less for housing, health care, or pensions. To govern as if fiscal gravity does not exist is reckless, and Prime Minister Carney knows it.
Nowhere are expectations higher than in housing. For years, governments of all stripes have promised affordability but delivered little relief. Prime Minister Carney has already unveiled the Build Canada Homes initiative, a sprawling plan to accelerate construction. In this budget, the Liberals are expected to sweeten the pot with tax credits, subsidies, and incentives to coax builders and pension funds into action. However, here lies the contradiction: pouring billions into subsidies without tackling municipal bottlenecks, zoning gridlock, or labour shortages risks throwing money into a void. Canadians want roofs, not rhetoric. Unless Ottawa coordinates with provinces and cities to streamline approvals and mobilize labour, the housing crisis will remain a slow-burn national scandal.
Also, beyond our borders, allies are losing patience. NATO’s 2 % of GDP target is no longer aspirational; it is a demand. The liberal government is poised to announce significant defence spending increases — new equipment, recruitment campaigns, and modernization of our aging forces.
Canadians seems to be split on this. Many resent the idea of billions for tanks and jets while mortgages crush families. Yet the reality of a turbulent world — Russia’s ambitions, China’s assertiveness, American unpredictability — leaves Ottawa with little choice. Defence spending is not charity; it is insurance. Ignoring it only postpones and increases the bill.
Whispers of a GST hike hang over this budget like a storm cloud. No government relishes raising taxes, but arithmetic is unforgiving. With deficits swelling, revenue must come from somewhere. Closing corporate loopholes, trimming boutique tax credits, and modestly raising consumption taxes are all on the table.
Opponents will howl, but consider this: Canadians already pay the price of deficits, not in taxes today but in higher borrowing costs. A transparent, modest tax increase coupled with serious spending reform would be more honest than endless borrowing masked as generosity.
Pre-budget consultations have revealed widespread anxiety about affordability. Groceries, rents, and energy bills are draining households.
The government will likely respond with targeted relief measures — perhaps expanded child benefits or new credits for low-income families. These are politically irresistible, but they raise uncomfortable questions: how many more patchwork programs can Canada afford? And do such measures solve the underlying problems — productivity stagnation, weak wages, and supply shortages — or merely mute the symptoms for another year? For decades, Canada has lagged in productivity growth. Our economy too often relies on debt-fuelled consumption rather than investment. Prime Minister Carney, a former central banker with global gravitas, knows this better than anyone does. Yet productivity is the unsexy word missing from political stump speeches. If this budget does not deliver bold measures — from R&D incentives to trade diversification beyond the United States — then Canada will continue its slide toward mediocrity. Housing relief may win headlines; productivity reform would win the future.
All of this unfolds under the shadow of minority politics. The Liberals must craft a budget palatable not only to their base but also to opposition parties whose votes are essential for passage. That means sprinkling in enough social supports to appease the New Democrats, while avoiding measures so fiscally reckless that Conservatives can paint the government as irresponsible.
Budgets in minority Parliaments are less about economics than about survival. Yet survivalism cannot be Canada’s economic plan.
Ultimately, the Fall Budget 2025 is a referendum on credibility. Can the Liberals admit that fiscal resources are finite? Can they deliver tangible progress on housing without throwing money into bureaucratic black holes? Can they prepare Canada for geopolitical storms while safeguarding households at home? Prime Minister Mark Carney’s reputation as a disciplined, globally respected technocrat will be on the line. If he bends to the temptation of pleasing everyone, the result will be a document that satisfies no one and deepens the deficit hole. If he seizes the moment with a clear, tough-minded plan — pairing targeted investments with genuine spending reform and honest revenue measures — he could reset Canada’s trajectory.
This upcoming budget is not simply about numbers. It is about the social contract between Canadians and their government. Do we believe Ottawa can make hard choices, or only easy promises? Do we measure success by the billions spent, or by results delivered?
Come November 4, Canadians will hear more than a speech. They will hear whether their government has the courage to level with them, or whether it will continue the comfortable illusion that Ottawa can spend without consequence.
The country deserves better than illusions. 
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