Are the U.S. Presidential Candidates Too Old?

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford It’s a question on the minds of most Americans, and others too. Biden is 81 and Trump 77. Are they sufficiently health of body and mind to be President? Neither candidate has agreed to a comprehensive and transparent assessment of their mental health. But their state of mind is important, particularly now, when Putin is threatening the use of nuclear weapons. Are they both afraid of getting a D result? And what about being honest with the American public, knowing they face an exhausting campaign? At their ages, with a ton of luck, both have a life expectancy of around eight years. As for the chances of remaining healthy during that time, we would not bet on it. Biden walks with a stiffness now and it will increase with time. Trump faces a greater problem due to obesity. He is a walking model for cardiovascular disease, the big killer. How well do they sleep? We have little doubt that Biden sleeps better. He also appears to be happily married, and that’s a huge plus. If better rested, he will have more energy to deploy his political skills to the campaign. But does Trump ever sleep soundly? How can anyone believe he is happily married? He also must keep one eye on his many legal problems and other eye on his financial debts. Our bet is he tosses around in bed, a big negative for his overall health. What about the inner character and soul of these two candidates? We are grateful to have spent many years of study and work in the US and we have lifelong friends there. But we wonder why half the population adores (or puts up with) Trump who lies through his teeth, demeans women, tried to buy votes, and could not accept a fair defeat. We would suggest that Trump desperately needs a psychiatrist, and we have questions about half the population of this great democracy too. Could not another candidate be found? Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a professor of neurology at the Harvard Medical School, says we need a neuropsychological examination of both Biden and Trump. This involves a series of 31 tests that can detect dementia and other brain dysfunction. It’s frightening what the figures show. Between the ages of 65 and 69, three percent of people have dementia. By age 90, it increases to a whopping 35 percent! The critical fact that we all, including presidents, have to accept is that getting older is very hazardous for the brain and all other parts of the body. But why do Biden and Trump want this top job at their advanced ages, a job that is so demanding day after day in light of domestic challenges and the Russo-Ukrainian and Israel-Hamas wars? Of course, being President of the greatest country is the obvious answer. Moreover, a ton of privileges go with the task. What will voters and the press have to accept? They must realize that Biden and Trump will continue to make elderly gaffes during interviews and speeches. Other age-related problems need to be anticipated. Trumps family history must also cause some concern. His father suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in his mid 80s. According to the experts, Trumps chances of this disease increase by about 39 per cent. And both candidates must be extremely wary of falling. From 65 to 84, it’s the second leading cause of injury-related deaths. How will this end? We believe there will be a medical tragedy due to their ages. We hope both of them choose healthy and extremely wise vice-presidents. 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

Excuse me I am Canadian

By Dale Jodoin As Canadians, we pride ourselves on being fair, polite, and reasonable. But there comes a point where even the most patient among us can't stay silent anymore. We're beyond fed up with the mess our Prime Minister has made, and the so-called "unbiased" news that keeps covering for him is just adding fuel to the fire. Let's talk about the trucker protest, for starters. Regular Canadians from all walks of life—different races, religions, and backgrounds—came together to stand up against government policies they didn't agree with. What was their reward? Our Prime Minister immediately branded them as racists and extremists. He even went as far as to claim they were getting money from some of the worst hate groups out there. And like clockwork, the news media lapped it up and spit it back out, painting these hardworking Canadians as villains on national TV. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. When people started to question where all the taxpayer money that's been sent overseas was going, the government's response was to shout "racism" from the rooftops. They say we're against freedom because we want accountability for billions of dollars? That’s not just misleading; it’s downright insulting. We have every right to demand transparency about where our money is going, especially when it's going abroad with no clear plan or payback. And when the news finally started reporting on foreign interference in our elections—something incredibly serious—the Prime Minister dismissed those concerns by attacking the character of anyone who dared bring it up. First, he labeled them as racists or homophobic, and then tried to bury the whole thing under a mountain of secrecy. But when documents surfaced proving he knew about the interference all along, he simply shrugged and denied everything. We've had enough of the lies and the sneaky tactics. The Prime Minister is supposed to unite the country, not divide it with false accusations and political games. He's supposed to lead by example, not by manipulation. Our schools aren't immune to this mess either. Public education is pushing political ideologies, teaching kids that communism is something to aspire to. They’re not learning to think critically; they're being taught to conform. Parents are right to be worried. Our children should be getting a balanced education, not being indoctrinated with radical ideas under the guise of progressivism. And let's not forget how all this political drama is hitting us where it hurts the most: our wallets. Housing prices are through the roof, gas prices are a nightmare, and despite our country's efforts to be carbon neutral, we're still getting hammered with carbon taxes. These taxes are supposed to help the environment, but all they're doing is draining our bank accounts and hurting businesses. The young people of this country, the ones who are supposed to be the future, are turning their backs on this Prime Minister. They're tired of empty promises and high costs of living. They want change, and they want it now. When the next election rolls around, don’t be surprised if the Prime Minister tries to play the same old cards, calling anyone who opposes him a racist or extremist. But we know the truth. We’re not extremists. We’re average Canadians, stuck in the middle of a political mess, just looking for fair treatment and a government that actually listens. It's time for a new government. One that will go after the real problems, like the indoctrination in our schools and the unchecked spending. We need a leader who will sit down with provincial heads and tackle our issues head-on, not one who spends his time defending his poor decisions and dividing the nation. We want a country where everyone, young and old, can afford a home and live without financial fear. A country where immigration is managed fairly and education is unbiased. Most importantly, we want a country where no group is set above another, where all Canadians can enjoy a peaceful life. Our patience has run out. It’s time to stop the name-calling, stop the lies, and start fixing what’s been broken. It’s time to kick the real troublemakers out of office and bring in leaders who will restore the fairness and respect Canada is known for. We deserve better, and we’re going to fight for it at the voting booth. Call us what you want, but we believe in a fair Canada, a peaceful Canada, for all.

Guide Your Job Search With These Two Universal Truths

By Nick Kossovan There's no shortage of job search advice floating around that contradicts. · Resumes (formatting, length, how to beat the employer's ATS, as if that's possible) · Cover letters (Include or don't include?) · Whether using LinkedIn's #OpenToWork green banner feature makes you appear desperate. · Interview advice All job search advice, including mine, is subject to bias. My first The Art of Finding Work column was titled There Is No Universal Hiring Methodology. In this column, I explained that hiring is more emotional than logical and, therefore, a highly subjective process. Protest all you want; the fact remains that hiring is heavily influenced by biases and gut feelings, resulting in no two recruiters or hiring managers assessing candidates the same way. One interviewer's deal breaker may not be another's. Self-proclaiming career coaches like to claim that the formula for successful job hunting is A + B + C = "You're hired!" Predictably, they also claim they have the formula for you to purchase (book, webinar, becoming a client of their coaching service). My question: How can a formula exist with gut instinct being the driving force behind hiring decisions? I've hired: · a candidate was more than 20 minutes late for their interview. · candidates who asked, within five minutes of starting the interview, "How many vacation days will I get?" · candidates who've been unemployed for more than nine months. · candidates (lost count of) who were over the age of 50. · a candidate who brought her cat, Duchess, who'd undergone surgery that morning, to the interview. (This hire was a stretch even for me, but I couldn't ignore her career story, set of skills, and strong personality.) Another hiring manager would have likely rejected these candidates. Vice versa, candidates I've rejected inevitably went on to be hired by hiring managers who didn't consider why I rejected them relevant. Rather than trying to juggle all the conflicting job search advice you're receiving—attempting to please all employers—focus on, better yet embrace, these two universal truisms. 1. Your success depends on what others think of you. Nowadays, the standard "life advice" is to not care what other people think about you. This advice, which I strongly disagree with, has led to the prevalence of self-centred behaviour. Being successful is highly dependent on your image and what others think of you. Searching for a job involves actively seeking approval. First you need the employer to approve—like what they see—your resume and LinkedIn profile. Then, to be approved for an in-person interview, you must pass a phone screening. Then, your interviewer must approve you for a second interview or to be hired. All these approvals required someone to think you deserve a "yes." If everyone actually didn't care what others thought of them, social media wouldn't be filled with approval-seeking posts, and rejection wouldn't hurt. Yet, job seekers constantly complain about being rejected (read: not approved) without receiving feedback, suggesting they care what their interviewer thought of them. As you realize how others perceive you is the key determining factor to your success, you'll ask yourself: How do people experience me? Be honest. How do people experience you? How do people feel in your presence? A challenge: 1. Solicit the opinion(s) of family members and friends regarding how they perceive you. 2. Based on the feedback, adjust your behaviour and shift your thinking. 3. Make it your mission to give those in your presence a memorable interpersonal experience. 2. Image is everything. People watch in a mall, restaurant, or on a busy street. You'll notice that most people don't take their image seriously or subscribe to the "don't care what other people think of you" advice. Whether you like it or not, humans are wired to judge a book by its cover. Therefore, how someone experiences you begins with your appearance. When it comes to interviewing, having an off-putting appearance will overshadow—not in a good way—your answers. When interviewing, you must be the best version of yourself. Consider this uncomfortable question: Those times when you aced, at least thought you did, the interview but didn't get the job, could it have been because of your appearance? According to research, a person's opinion of you is formed in just three seconds. Psychologists call it "thin slicing." Your interviewer will make four snap judgments when meeting you for the first time: 1. Are you trustworthy? 2. Intelligence level 3. Your professionalism 4. Whether they like you Everything I mentioned can be influenced, starting with how you dress and by looking your interviewer in the eye. Then, check your mannerisms and communication skills; both are imperative to your job search and career success. Looking your best gives you the mental state you need more than ever in today's competitive job market: Confidence. Commit to the following: · Exercising · Eating healthy · Getting enough sleep · Wearing proper fitting age-appropriate clothes · Smiling (Your teeth' role in how people perceive you can't be overstated.) Hire an image consultant if you need one; it’ll be money well spent. Don't underestimate, or worse, deny, the correlation between how your physical appearance impacts your life experiences and opportunities. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Canada’s recent immigration policy and the unforeseen effects

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In its well-meaning effort to encourage immigration, the Trudeau government showed bad timing by increasing the immigration numbers at a time when Canada is confronted with an unprecedented housing crisis, issues in the health care system and a downturn in the economy. The Liberals have nearly doubled the number of permanent residents being admitted to this country, from 260,400 in 2014, to a projected 500,000 next year. Canada is now bringing in more immigrants than at any other time in its history. Last year, a record-breaking 431,645 permanent residents entered Canada, an influx almost exactly equivalent to the entire metro population of Halifax. This level of immigration is even higher than seen in the brief period before the First World War when Canada was frantically hustling in steamships full of Eastern European immigrants to settle the prairies. Today, however, there does not seem to be any plan on the part of the government or plan from the opposition to create new settlements in order to develop Canada’s resources. These totals are also well beyond the totals of another country historically big on immigration, the United States. On a per capita basis, Canada is now bringing in four times more immigrants than the Americans. And, Ottawa is looking to push it higher still. By 2025, Canada is set to receive up to 500,000 newcomers per year. In just the next three years, Canada is planning to bring in enough new Canadians (1.45 million) to equal the entire population of Manitoba. While Canadians have not abandoned their national love of immigration, there are clear signs that people are nervous about the tempo, amid crunches in the health system, housing and other infrastructure. As a result, broad public support for immigration, the cornerstone of multicultural Canada, is eroding. At the core of the problem we also have badly thought-out migration of international students to Canada. The flood of international students – there are now more than a million – who have been coming into Canada in recent years has created a huge problem, especially in housing. Many of these students get a sound education, land good jobs, and eventually become valued Canadian citizens. However, others show up at so-called puppy mills: pop-up private colleges noticeably lacking in academic rigour, without much in the way of classrooms or teachers. This clearly illustrates poor coordination between the Federal government responsible for immigration and the Provincial governments responsible for education. Both of them are putting political gains before the interests of Canadians. The Federal government ostensibly demonstrates its openness and responsiveness in taking measures to compensate for an aging work force by increasing the number of immigrants. However, their lack of vision and planning in pursuing this policy, demonstrates that they are only looking to increase their political base, not to build this country. At the same time, Provincial governments are relaxing education standards, claiming that they are showing openness and inclusivity for immigration. No immigrant comes to Canada to have their children get a watered down education, so this too, is a ploy for increasing political base rather than working for the good of the electorate. In fact, it does not matter which party is in power either federally or provincially. Immigration is seen primarily as a tool for political advantage, rather than a way to benefit the nation. Here we are then, with a major problem on our hands, as millions of newcomers compete with those already here, for a place to call home. The result is that Canada has the worst housing crisis in the G7. Government politicians are fighting with their respective opposition members, but apparently neither of them have real solutions for the problems they have created. The quick integration of newcomers into the Canadian way of life has many obstacles, which both the Federal and the Provincial governments have totally neglected to deal with. One of the main obstacles is the provincial system of regulating the professions through self-regulatory bodies. Unfortunately, these entities are out of touch with the times in which we live. They are primarily self-serving with no government over say in their activity. Legislatively they could have crucial input, but they prefer not to exercise it most of the time. These obstacles create a brake on the productivity of the country with most immigrants finding that their qualifications are not accepted, so they cannot work in their field of expertise. This is not good for either the immigrants or the country, especially now, when Canada is seeing a collapse in its productivity. One solution would be for the Federal government, which has jurisdiction to enter into international agreements, to work with the provinces to negotiate mutual recognition of degrees from foreign countries, and then eliminate this obstacle to accessing professions. The provinces should also have better input and overview on professional designations and practice, as they have a role in the professions acts and regulations, which they rarely exercise. I personally hope that Canada will continue to be a welcoming country for immigrants, but there is a dire need for politicians to work with Canadians in order to work out the right policy for immigration. What do you think?

STUGOTS $1.80

STUGOTS $1.80 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. Before anyone gets offended. Let me explain what Stugots means.... Stugots is Italian mob slang lingo - Italian term that refers to the male genetalia. It is used to describe an idiot or a jerk. Now, I think that later is more descriptive of how our government treat us. The first more like those we elect to office. I read a report on Monday warning me that by the end of the week the gas could go up as much as fourteen cents. Managia, fourteen cents... Che Fai, then they tell us on Wednesday that lucky us we may see gas prices drop as much as four cents. Now am I blind, stupid or plain retarded? They raise 14 on Friday, the following Monday they drop four cents... They still stuck it to us for ten cents... But this is not the worst. This mathematical conundrum is an open license for grocery stores to jump their prices in the name of high fuel costs. I say, Bull dingy. This is an outright rip off. Not only is it bad that people can’t pay for the inflated food prices. Now they will not be able to afford gas to go to work and make the little they make to pay for groceries. Come on people. Where is the Canadian red blood? Is it not time for Canadians to grow some grapes and call the government out. We can send millions if not billions to fight loosing foreign wars. We can’t take care of young families wanting to start a new life but can’t due to the outrageous house prices. Now they can’t even afford to drive to work. They surely will not be able to pay for food. $14.00/lb for beef at some stores. Hamburger almost $10/lb. Are you kidding me. But wait. We the apologetic people of Canada may go hungry and homeless before we figure it out. WE ARE GETTING SCREWED AND FORCED TO LIKE IT. Let’s send a clear messages that those Stugots we elected will not treat us the hard working tax paying Stugots like a bunch of Stugots. Oh Canada... Our home and native Stugots.

Safe streets act

Safe streets act By Dale Jodoin In a significant legal development, the Ontario courts have partially overturned the Safe Streets Act, specifically targeting provisions that have long been a cornerstone in regulating public solicitation. The court struck down sections related to "aggressive solicitation" and location-based restrictions, such as near ATMs, public toilets, and transit stops, deeming them unconstitutional. These sections were criticized for violating the freedom of expression and the presumption of innocence. The ruling has not completely dismantled the Safe Streets Act. Certain elements, like the ban on stepping onto roadways to solicit funds from drivers and engaging in solicitation aggressively, still stand, highlighting a compromise between public safety and individual rights. However, this decision stirs a complex debate about the impact of panhandling on local businesses and public safety, particularly in downtown areas. Before this ruling, it was rare to enforce the now-overturned restrictions rigorously, yet they offered a sense of security to businesses and pedestrians. The presence of panhandlers around sensitive areas like banks and businesses historically created a tense atmosphere, with incidents of aggression when panhandlers were refused money. This, understandably, sparked fear and discomfort, contributing to a perception of insecurity that could drive businesses out of downtown cores. Critics argue that the relaxed restrictions may lead to a "free-for-all" situation, where increased panhandling could negatively affect local commerce. Business owners, who contribute significantly to municipal taxes, feel particularly aggrieved. They argue that their taxes help fund social services that assist the homeless and other vulnerable populations, yet their businesses suffer from the very issues they help address. Furthermore, the economic strain on everyday citizens is palpable. With taxes rising to accommodate social programs and the cost of living increasing, the public’s capacity to give charitably is stretched thin. The frustration is evident as people feel pressured into giving directly on the streets, while also contributing through taxes. This scenario creates a double-edged sword: there is a desire to help those in need, but resentment builds as personal financial burdens grow. The court’s decision h

as opened a can of worms regarding the balance between individual rights and community welfare. The question arises: were the judges and policymakers out of touch with the daily realities of downtown businesses and safety? The original intent of the Safe Streets Act was to protect both the public and the vulnerable, yet its partial repeal raises concerns about whether true balance can be achieved. As Ontario grapples with these changes, the future of downtown safety and economic stability hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen how this decision will affect the dynamics of charity, business, and public welfare in the long term. For many, this ruling is not just about constitutional rights but also about maintaining a quality of life that keeps downtown areas thriving and safe for everyone.

Side Hustle Culture: Extending Our Working Hours to Keep Up Appearances

By Nick Kossovan I'm sure you're aware of all the side hustle evangelists online touting that everyone should have a side hustle, peddling their "side hustle formula" and "get-rich-quick" schemes. They portray having a side hustle as a glamorous pursuit of ambition, masking the fundamental motivator: additional income to keep up appearances. Having said this, I can't make this assertion without acknowledging that the workplace has become an existential nightmare. AI, automation, and robotics eliminating jobs, social media's emergence and CEOs creating headline-making layoffs every time the economy sneezes are partially fueling the side hustle culture; however, these aren't the primary reasons for the trend. The reason is the implied social contract—never promised—of working 40 hours per week in exchange for enough money to live on defaulted long ago. Nine-to-five has become an existential nightmare. Many millennials and Gen Zs, enough for employers to make sweeping generalizations about their work ethics, have come to feel that nine-to-five offers little in return for all the demands they feel it places on them. Putting in an eight-hour workday, plus commute time, is unappealing—downright distasteful—when carrying the sense of entitlement narrative "I'm better than this." What is appealing is the "Image is everything" lifestyle social media influencers and marketing propaganda promote. Having a second, sometimes third, job to supplement one's income to pay the bills and make ends meet has always been common. However, our consumerism—bills—have dramatically changed since the advent of the Internet and social media. Today, our consumerism revolves around looking rich and impressing. What ends—what bills—are those with a side hustle trying to meet? Based on my observations, I'd say that most people who claim they have difficulty making ends meet prioritize having the latest iPhone, wearing designer clothes, and living in a house larger than they need over being prudent with their money. Most North Americans could downsize their lifestyle by half and live far more comfortably than most worldwide. Contrary to our first-world lifestyle, characterized by financial waste and its multitude of negative environmental impacts, according to the World Bank Group, half of the global population lives on less than $6.85US a day. Westerners live a lifestyle most of the world's population doesn't come close to living. Easy access to credit makes it possible to make $60K a year and appear, by your spending, to make $120K a year. However, credit requires interest-bearing repayment. Instead of cutting back on using credit (read: downsizing your lifestyle), many start a side hustle—Grind! Grind! Grind!—to keep their facade of prosperity visible. Thanks to constantly evolving psychologically penetrating marketing techniques and social media, a godsend to marketers, keeping up with the Jones has never been more prevalent. Apart from lottery winners and those who received an inheritance, rich people are rich because they've adopted the habit of prioritizing saving and investing BEFORE spending. (Paying yourself first, while not sexy, is stoic money management advice that, when followed, significantly benefits your financial health.) Your only glimpse of the rich is how they spend money on things you wish you had. Unseen: Most of their income goes towards savings and investments. They only spend a portion of their income. Many people have a hard time managing their money because they copy the spending style of those with money rather than how they earn and manage their money. Many will cite that the side hustle culture offers an opportunity to "pursue one's passion." What does this even mean? Is making money from one's passion a requirement? A person who says they're passionate about ceramics certainly doesn't mean they're passionate about spending several hours a week researching social media trends, handling paperwork, and marketing their hand-made pottery business. Turning your hobby into a side hustle is turning your hobby into work. Furthermore, if the money generated from that work is to help finance keeping up appearances, is it still a work of passion? We need three things to survive: food, water, and protection from the elements (shelter and clothing). Everything else exists for comfort; hence, most things only exist for us to buy and for someone to make money. The side hustle culture trend didn't arise out of survival necessity, to make financial stability (read: savings, investing) fashionable or because people have become more ambitious. It emerged because someone saw, and many others followed, they could profit from our fear of how others will judge our lifestyle. Ultimately, the side hustle culture reflects a broader societal problem: our obsession with appearances and materialism. Our pursuit of material wealth comes at the cost of being trapped in a cycle of consumerism, constantly chasing the latest trends and accruing debt. Our respective finances and the environment would greatly benefit from starting and embracing a new trend that celebrates contentment and financial prudence over keeping up appearances. Let's call it aligning your lifestyle with your income. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Does AI help level the playing field for SMEs?

By Daryl Ching, CFA | Managing Partner Vistance Capital Advisory Artificial intelligence has dominated the news with pundits suggesting that this could be biggest game changer in business since the invention of the internet. To what extent have SMEs been adopting AI and is it a game changer to the extent it levels the playing field against larger businesses? My name is Daryl Ching and I am the founder and CEO of Vistance Capital Advisory a fractional CFO, accounting and capital raising firm. I am a big believer in adopting technology to create efficiencies in processes. Working with SMEs, I am constantly researching the capabilities of AI and how it can help our clients and ourselves. Many SMEs have adopted AI into their marketing content. Andrew Crook runs PC275 Realty, a real estate brokerage and business advisory firm and has used AI to create graphics and manage marketing performance data. He spends about $1,000 a month for AI tools for services that would normally cost about $5,000 per month through a marketing agency or hiring internal staff. He also uses AI to generate content for business strategy sessions through his consulting practice. While AI has not necessarily transformed his business, it has freed many hours of time which has improved his quality of life and allowed him to spend more time with his family. Many SMEs have figured out how to use AI to perform administrative tasks. Ilya Peskov, CEO of Focus 21, an IT software company has used AI to generate transcripts of meeting notes, review grammar and spelling and review legal documentation to ensure all clauses are captured. As a result, Ilya’s team has been able to spend their time on less administrative and more value-added work. Olga Pawluczyk, CEO of P&P Optica has developed a unique smart detection imaging system to detect foreign materials in food processing. The entire premise of the business required machine learning and AI to create the product. Had it not been for AI, the task of analyzing a lot of information to detect foreign materials on a production line, at line speed, would be impossible. P&P Optica is an example of an SME that couldn’t deliver a product at all without the use of AI. While I feel the advance of AI technology is a net positive for SMEs, it is worth discussing some of the risks. AI is only as good as the information it is fed to make decisions. As more information is fed into the system, it becomes more and more difficult to validate the accuracy and source of information. I also fear the possibility that AI will have the effect of reducing critical thinking by individuals as they take results from AI as gospel. Ilya Peskov believes that AI has generated about a 30% savings in time for his coders using Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. However, he recalls his early days in IT education where he used Stack Overflow and was required to learn grass roots coding. With AI, he is cognizant of a risk that at some point in the future developers will lose the rudimentary skills of programming and coding. As AI evolves, we believe that it can be a game changer for SMEs. However, it important to ensure that we keep AI in check, question the results, validate the sources and make sure people do not turn off their critical thinking. However, if used correctly, it can certainly help level the playing field for SMEs.

Political suppression is a dirty game

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor In a democratic society, the suppression of opposing political views is not only immature but it undermines the principles of democracy. We see it more and more each day how politicians are using their power to silence dissenting voices and manipulate certain narratives. Persistently engaging in a game of dirty politics, eroding the integrity of the democratic process. The longer we allow this dirty game to continue, the more we risk creating an authoritarian environment, that stifles open dialogue and debate which is your right as a Canadian. By now we have all witnessed politicians, at all levels of government who are so driven by their desire to maintain control, resort to abusing their power by taking fellow politicians with opposing views to the integrity commissioner or other authorities. This manipulative tactic aims to silence critics through sanctions and penalties, wasting taxpayers' money in the process. Such actions divert resources from addressing pressing issues that affect the public, highlighting a disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to them. Politicians who engage in suppressing opposing views often resort to manipulating words and context to control the narrative. They selectively highlight certain statements while ignoring the broader context, aiming to discredit their opponents and their character. This manipulation of information not only distorts the truth but also creates a false narrative that serves their own interests. Such immature tactics undermine the transparency and honesty that are vital to a functioning democracy. By suppressing opposing views, politicians undermine the democratic process itself. Democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, open debates, and the active participation of citizens. When politicians silence dissenting voices, they limit the diversity of perspectives necessary for informed decision-making. This erosion of democratic values weakens the trust of the electorate and damages the very foundation of a democratic society. Citizens vote for politicians based on their promises to represent their interests and concerns. When politicians use their power to silence dissent, they disregard the voices of those who elected them. This breach of trust is nothing short of betrayal to the electorate and erodes the democratic legitimacy of elected officials. Fostering disillusionment among the public. When politicians resort to suppressing opposing views, they create a culture of fear and intimidation. This not only hinders the free expression of ideas but also discourages individuals from participating in the political process. A healthy democracy relies on active civic engagement, where citizens feel safe to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. It is crucial to hold politicians accountable for their actions, demand transparency, and promote an open and inclusive political debate. True leaders understand the value of open honest dialogue and debate. They have the skills to participate in and open themselves up to the power of constructive criticism. So for all those Politicians who are not mature enough to play nice on the political chessboard, may I suggest you move over and let someone else show you how to play the game with honesty and integrity. Everyone deserves the right to be heard. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

FERRARI MASERATI PISSASHITY

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 say Bravo to all those that can afford a Ferrari. They are the ones that can drive fast but like to take it nice and slow and smooth... as to almost showboat their lifestyle. I say Bravo to all those that can afford to drive a Maserati. The ultimate in class and elegance. I say Bravo to all the salesmen that had the talent to sell want to be Ferrari, Maserati drivers a Honda, Hyundai, Toyota calling them sports cars.... Or in my new high performance category called ‘The Pissashity’s’. Pissashity’s are the ones that pass you on the highway at the speed of light. Inches from your vehicle as if playing some sort of video game were human life is not a factor. I don’t know about you. But, the 401 has become a death grind. Almost every other day there seems to be a fatal accident. As a driver on the highway, I can tell you that various factors contribute to the horrific accidents. Without notice the Pissashity drivers. You can tell that most of the Pissashity’s are young punks with little or no real driving experience. Champs on the computer in the make believe world of Grand Theft Auto. An arena that has the user crashing into all kinds of obstacles only to re-warp back to life a few seconds later. Very entertaining but very different in real life. I remember one evening coming back to Oshawa. These two Pissashity’s flew past me. Weaving in and out of lanes and passing people as if cars were parked. Not to long after they passed. I heard a loud bang and smoke. Well surely enough. The Pissashity’s were scrap metal. A horrible accident including various cars and a truck. People do not realize. Sport cars handle differently. They are design for particular high performance driving. Pissashity's are just average cars painted a sporty color. Some with modified suspensions and exhaust. At the end of the day. A Pissashity is a Pissashity. You can’t expect a real sport car with high performance suspension and 19 inch wheels to perform the same as an off the assembly block suspension with 14 - 17 all seasons. The other huge difference is power. Going fast does not mean your pissashity become a sport car or that it will handle like one. I remember the driving culture shock. When I was young I had purchased my first 300ZX twin Turbo. One of the first to come off the assembly line. I remember I had to take a course on how to drive it. A course that prepared you for all kinds of conditions and weather. Much like Porsche offers to some drivers. This was an eye opener. Going from a rusted out 1978 Buick Biscane to a brand new 300ZX. My Buick went fast and if it could talk I be doing 10 - 20 at Kingston Pen. Pissashity drivers. Please, slow down. You are putting your life and those around you in danger. Remember some day you may own a Ferrari, Maserati. For the mean time enjoy the Pissashitty in the middle lane like everyone else and for god sake signal when changing lanes.

The Frog Boiling Method

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor Many people in today’s society seem to struggle when confronted with the truth and this struggle my friends is very real. In my own personal experiences, I have had to confront my demons and struggles to gain a deeper understanding of the truth. The whole process was not only intimidating and unsettling at times, but downright frightening and eye-opening, as it forced me to confront uncomfortable truths of what is happening in the world today, and at the same time face my own vulnerabilities. I keep going back to that famous courtroom scene in “A Few Good Men” (1992) where Jack Nicholson, played the character of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup and the very moment he was pushed so hard that he yelled out the iconic quote, “You can’t handle the truth” Once one can understand how if you can open yourself up to this kind of a pivotal moment you will start to not only see what everyone else see’s, but you will be able to use critical thinking skills and start to think differently. If one would only take the time and allow themselves to realize that perhaps not everything we see or hear that is being pushed on us by celebrities, news media, institutions, governments, and nongovernmental institutions to name a few, is truth, you too may have a transformative experience that allows you to see the truth in a new light, bringing a profound shift in your thinking and understanding. Instead of facing the truth head-on, some choose to blindly conform and follow along. I personally link this type of behaviour to the “Frog boiling method” where gradual changes go unnoticed until it is too late. For those who may be unfamiliar with this metaphor, it is about a frog sitting in a cool pot of water thinking everything is ok. As the heat gradually increases the frog does not take notice until it is too late and he is being cooked in a pot of boiling water. This metaphor highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of using critical thinking skills to become aware of subtle changes in our surroundings and circumstances. One should always seek to educate themselves by adopting a behaviour in which to also seek alternate sources of information not only to consider different viewpoints but to weigh evidence and form a well-rounded opinion based on a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at large. Rather than taking the time to listen to what others have to say and participating in open honest dialog or debate, some individuals are quick to jump in that cool pot of water filled with criticism, insult, name calling, and labeling one as being a bigot, racist, transphobe, without taking a critical well needed moment to research or participate to see what is the truth. Calling one a conspiracy theorist or deeming the information as misinformation without truly understanding the intentions of the speaker has become an alarming trend driven by the desire to push personal agendas and discredit others. It has also become more and more concerning to observe people in today’s society, attacking people far beyond mere name-calling to targeting individual's jobs and livelihood’s, in an attempt to make them suffer simply because of a divergence in values or opinions. The fact that some individuals would display such vindictiveness and turn against their fellow human beings for holding opposing views is truly a character trait that shows they lack having moral principles of determining the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. We all have demons, and it’s time to start looking in the mirror and confronting those demons head-on. This self-reflection will be frightening at times, but once you start to pull back the curtain, you may realize that not everything is how it seems. It can be hard to come to terms that the institutions, governments, media, and celebrities that we have religiously relied upon for years, may have deliberately deceived or misled us. Time to get out of the pot and do your own research. Once you do this, I promise you that your life will evolve as you will then be able to treat those with opposing views with honesty, fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect that they deserve. Remember the Golden Rule: “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you” Then you will no longer choose to participate in these petty games of hate and vindictiveness but will learn to agree to disagree. My doors always open if you need help in your journey of seeking the truth. “Speaking the truth can be a challenging path, for it unveils the raw realities that some may find uncomfortable. Yet remember that those who react with hate or choose to bully are merely seeking solace in their ignorance. Stay steadfast, for your words have the power to inspire change, even if it takes time for others to truly listen” Lisa Robinson 2023 "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

A Failing Grade in Basic Mathematics

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Have even one in a thousand North Americans ever heard of Kissick’ s Law? More than 25 years ago, if you were reading the Ontario Medical Review, you would have seen an article, written by Dr. Samuel Vaisrub, explaining the message. Kissick stated that if the U.S. Declaration of Independence was written in contemporary times, it would declare the pursuit of health, rather than happiness, after life and liberty, as the third inalienable right of Americans. About 50 years ago Kissick, a professor at the renowned U.S. Wharton School of Business, stunned Canadians and Americans with a showstopping speech about the economic laws of health care economics. Considering the ongoing healthcare mess in both countries today, it’s a shame his wise council never took hold. What did Kissick recommend? It was about what every family in North America knows. If you spend more than you earn, soon enough the laws of economics will trigger bankruptcy. Kissick’s warning was simple arithmetic. Readers should get up, find a pen, and write this principle down over and over. No society in the world has sufficient money to provide all the healthcare services its population is capable of using, Kissick warned. But he was not finished, so keep you pen handy and keep writing. He added that even if the nation’s gross national product were expanding at record-setting rates, it would still not be enough. People have a voracious appetite for spending on their health. If left to the forces of demand, healthcare spending would consume the nation’s entire budget. He said the problem was similar to giving his credit card to his daughter and saying, “Darling, go buy anything you want, and I will pay all the bills.” Kissick hesitated for a moment, and then added, “If what I have told you doesn’t alarm you,” he said to the audience, “I’ll loan you my daughter!” Economists have been saying the same thing. For decades, healthcare spending in many places around the world has been outpacing economic growth. It’s simply not sustainable. We are no longer approaching the time when we will be forced to accept the consequences. We have reached it. The pursuit of healthcare has limitations. Our collective psyche must face the reckoning. We will have less, not more, healthcare spending. And if refusing to accept this, then we will have worse roads, backed-up sewers, poorer education, and you name it, a lot less to invest in everything else that we like to take for granted. An old joke offers the definition of a healthy person. It’s someone who hasn’t been seen by enough doctors or had enough tests done. And this is true. Inevitably, everyone will find one health problem or another. But being obsessive about health, always wanting more and more care, is neither advisable nor feasible. As governments face the hard reality of cancelling their healthcare credit cards, you can be sure they’ll never tell you straight up about it. Voters don’t want to hear about it, especially that enormous cohort of the population that is aging into retirement years. There is a better alternative. People should be less obsessive about healthcare and more determined to avoid the need for it. The human body is an amazing organism, but only if not abused by cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, both legal and illegal, by junk food, by lack of exercise, and by the long list of environmental and other global problems. Can we make the shift? Or do we need to pray for divine intervention to avoid this disastrous train wreck. 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

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor The City of Pickering has recently become the subject of National News bringing with it a newfound awareness of the realities of how things are run at the Municipal level and other related institutions. This awakening, if you will, is an important step in holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. Being a newly elected official of 2022, I have been doing my best to shed light on the underlying corruption I have witnessed during my short time on the Council. I have been steadfast in questioning the motives and “best practices” of those entrusted with decision-making while upholding my Declaration of Office. I had to solemnly promise and declare that: I would truly, faithfully, and impartially exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability; that I have not received and will not receive any payment or reward, or promise thereof, for the exercise of this office in a biased, corrupt or any other improper manner; I will disclose any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third. While my Declaration of Office does not commit me to prioritize the needs and best interest of the people I represent, my focus is and will always be on the well-being and interests of the community, which is the very essence of why I persevered to join this political arena in the first place. Despite my attempts to make friends or become popular, I was quickly cautioned by various individuals within the City staff by a recurring cautionary note that struck a chord with me that I will never soon forget: “Councillor Robinson, these people are not your friends.” Today I find myself humbled by the wisdom of those words and realize just how accurate they were. I have grown from these very words and now champion myself to be not a nice person but rather a good person. In my humble opinion, a nice person is someone who wants to be liked and be popular. They will do anything they can to make sure they win the next election even if it is morally wrong and goes against the good of the people. A yes nodder, who doesn’t question one-sided narratives being pushed forward in fear of being disliked. A good person, however, does not care about being liked or popular. A good person will refuse to base their decisions on whether or not it serves their best interest and gets them re-elected. I want to be known as a politician who is a good person, one who consistently speaks the truth and is genuinely honest, putting the needs of the people first above all else. A good person who will not be coerced into political posturing, by colleagues or special interest groups just to win a popular vote. I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to being a principled independent thinker. I refuse to conform or vote along with my colleagues just for the sake of agreement. I thoroughly research topics brought forward in my agenda and ask pertinent questions. If I cannot obtain any, or at least satisfactory answers, then I refuse to vote in favour of said agenda item with my colleagues. I am still trying to understand how anyone can make informed decisions and prioritize the best interests of the community without having answers. Because I have the ability to see what everyone else can see, but I can think differently, raises grave concerns in some instances, resulting in many 6 to 1 votes, and judging by the transparency of staff and council expressions, my perspective of not following along is not popular and frowned upon. The same goes with my three draft motions that I was trying to bring forward for my constituents in which I lost one-quarter of my first year's salary under the recommendation of Principles Integrity. Whom I believe was biased, and based their report on double hearsay, her personal opinion and her personal views, while attacking my character and concluding that the following three draft motions somehow showed to be transphobic and homophobic in nature: a draft motion asking that we as a Municipal Government should remain neutral by only flying government flags (and the poppy/Veterans flag) on all government buildings; a draft motion that would give boys, girls, men, and women the choice to use either their biological changeroom or the choice to use a universal changeroom that is inclusive to all genders and/or families; and a third draft motion that would have placed an age restriction on drag queen story time and pride events. Unfortunately, none of my colleagues supported having open dialog surrounding the implementation of these policies, and instead voted to sanction my pay on the recommendation of “Principles Integrity.” I have since initiated a Judicial review of their report, and it is also worth noting that there seems to be a trend with “Principles Integrity” who were fired from another Municipality in 2022 on similar allegations of having a biased opinion and the way they attacked another Council member's integrity. Recently, I have become aware of the City’s decision to withhold payment for an ad I authored in this very newspaper at the end of last year. It seems they are dissatisfied with my proactive approach in reaching out to constituents and sharing information regarding all the 6 to 1 votes I lost during my initial year on Council. Consequently, The Central newspaper will be compelled to take legal action against the City of Pickering to obtain payment that was rightfully allocated within my 2023 budget. The punitive measures of depriving me of monetary amounts due to my exercise of free speech and expression, on top of my monetary sanction, serve to demonstrate the City of Pickering’s vindictive stance against me and the constituents perspectives I represent. It doesn’t stop there, as just the other week, on my way to a meeting, I overheard a conversation where a senior member of staff, who happens to be the mayor’s right-hand man, was instructing staff to meticulously scrutinize all my videos, social media, and op-eds in an effort to find grounds for code of conduct charges against me. I find it deeply concerning that the mayor has been engaging in this type of targeted action with the intent to undermine and harm me because I tell the truth, I ask too many questions, and I refuse to sit silently and obey. Not only does this type of behaviour violate the principles of fairness, respect, and professionalism as outlined in our Code of Conduct, but it is compromising the trust and integrity of the Council as a whole. Not to mention that this attack on me comes at a cost to you, the taxpayer, showing the lengths of just how spiteful and vindictive our mayor is willing to go to silence my right to free speech and challenge the status quo. CUPE 129 and PPFA have joined in, following the mayor’s narrative of calling me a racist for publicly stating a personal opinion, in a timely fashion. A classic playbook strategy in which they executed flawlessly, as they need to protect their interests and make sure their concerns are taken into consideration in future decision-making processes. Despite my willingness to engage in open dialogue, no one has directly approached me to discuss my opinion. Not the Mayor, Council members, staff, or either union. Instead, they have chosen to act against me covertly, betraying my trust with their secret meetings, whispers in the halls, emails, and phone calls. You the taxpayer should be concerned with this ongoing trend as this is not how leaders should behave. These undemocratic actions do not align with the principles outlined in our Charter of Rights and the Bill of Rights which should be guiding the conduct of these elected officials, and leaders of the community. As challenging as my path has been thus far, it only reinforces that more than ever I need to uphold values and fulfill the responsibilities that my constituents elected me to do. As for those individuals who take joy in resorting to hatred, name-calling, insults, and mocking my appearance through memes, I understand that your emotions may be sensitive, but I will always prioritize truth over feelings. Perhaps one day, you too will come to see this perspective. Until then, embrace the love within you, for it has the power to illuminate even the darkest paths of your journey. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Is Your 'Job Snobbery' Keeping You Unemployed?

By Nick Kossovan Judging is part of human nature. Everyone is a snob about something, the most prevalent being job snobbery. You encounter job snobbery when you meet someone for the first time and, after judging your appearance, they inevitably ask: "What do you do"? Based on your response, they're either delighted to meet you or look at their watch and excuse themselves. Asking, "What do you do?" is how we evaluate a person's respectworthiness. This is why many people are concerned about their job title, which often they manipulate. Who has more status? "I'm the CEO of Logifire." (Logifire is a yet-to-make-a-profit startup with 6 employees.) or "I manage a McDonald's." (You have 46 employees.)? Answer honestly: If you wanted to improve your golf game, who’d you rather work with, a Golf Instructor, a Golf Pro, or a Golf Performance Coach? Due to conditioning, we associate our identity with our job title. I know people who've declined a better-paying job with advancement opportunities because of the title. Such a high level of status anxiety baffles me. Western society prioritizes what a person does for a living over who they are. (e.g., a supportive partner, a food bank volunteer, a caretaker for an aging parent, bakes the best ginger molasses cookies) Sadly, most people don't try to get to know someone beyond their job title. Experience that's humbled me has taught me that a person's job title is an unreliable shortcut to assessing their character. We grossly overvalue our work and job titles. There's no moral argument for working a 40-70 hour week, chasing promotions that may or may not happen, trying to build a career. Regardless of how you answer, "What do you do?" your job does what every job does; it earns you money. I say all this to raise this point; job seekers know they’ll be judged by their job. This "knowing" greatly influences their career choice and, therefore, their job searches. There's no question that job seekers who seek jobs based on their perceived status have a much more frustrating and prolonged job search than job seekers simply seeking to earn a living, who are of the mindset that work is work. Three recent encounters: 1. At the beginning of this year, my wife and I purchased a new bed from a major furniture retailer. We were assisted by a knowledgeable salesman who appeared to be in his mid-50s and seemed to enjoy his job. 2. Several weeks ago, my wife and I had dinner at a popular steakhouse with my niece and sister-in-law. Our server, who I'd also place in her mid-50s, was friendly, engaging, and forthcoming in telling us she was approaching 30 years of being a server at that steakhouse. 3. During a recent visit to a company's business unit, I spent a few minutes talking with the receptionist. She told me she's been the receptionist for over 24 years and was happy. All three encounters highlighted that making a living, even a good life, is possible when you put aside your job snobbery and seek out jobs that, because they lack status, are much easier to land. However, the key isn’t simply to land a job as a server but to master skills that'll make you an outstanding server, resulting in substantial tips and repeat customers. The salesperson who sold my wife and me our bed interacted with us professionally and had extensive product knowledge. He was serious about his job; selling furniture wasn't a stop-gap job. Contrary to popular belief, it's possible to make decent money as a... · Server, bartender (The key is to work in a high-end establishment, where the average spend is higher and hence the average tip is higher.) · Furniture, clothing, electronics, or car salesperson (A retail job offering a base salary plus commission can be financially rewarding for those who hone their sales and customer service skills.) · An orderly · Custodian · Inside Sales (I know you're thinking "telemarketing," "cold calling." There are inside sales positions paying a base salary plus commission, where you're making calls to existing customers.) The above-mentioned jobs, and many more, especially if they involve labour, are plentiful and, therefore, much easier to land than covenanted laptop jobs with fancy titles. As a job seeker, when you consider all the other candidates vying for the job you want, it's liberating to just look for "work" (READ: a paycheck) where you have less competition. Searching for "work" per se doesn’t require a radical pivot, such as obtaining more education, certification, or apprenticing. Your pivot is entirely mental. There's no shame in having been laid off from your marketing director job and, after months of job hunting in today’s hyper-competitive job market, taking a job selling cars at your local Ford dealership. As long as you're supporting yourself and your family, why care what others think? With the competition for white-collar jobs intensifying—it’s an employer’s market— job seekers would be wise to put aside their job snobbery, disregard the views of others, and consider jobs that serve what should be their primary goal: to earn a living. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

Canada looking forward to 2024

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The year just beginning could be an interesting one, with turning points in politics, economics and culture, provided that common sense and moral clarity will prevail both here and abroad. Frankly, the geopolitical situation in the world is most concerning. The two regional wars in Ukraine and Gaza have the potential to spread, provoking direct confrontation between NATO and the western democracies in general, versus Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. Ukraine now stands to lose significant international interest and support. In the United States in particular, it has become a distant second (and increasingly third or lower) policy priority. The conflict is likely to escalate with unforeseen consequences. In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, there is no obvious way to end the fighting. Whatever the military outcome, a dramatic increase in radicalization is a certainty. On the one hand, the Israeli Jews feel globally isolated and even hated after facing the worst violence against them since the Holocaust. On the other hand, the Palestinians face what they consider a genocide. With no opportunities for peace and no prospect of escape, this situation has the potential of developing into a wider conflict in the region. Deep and dangerous political divisions over the conflict permeate the Middle East and run across over one billion people in the broader Muslim world, not to mention the United States and Europe. Some new and problematic situations are developing in the Arabian Sea, in South America between Venezuela and Guyana, not to mention the increasing tensions in the South China Sea. None of these major military conflicts has adequate guardrails preventing them from getting worse. Most problematically, none of the belligerents agrees on what they are fighting over. Upcoming elections in 2024 pose additional challenges. Fully one-third of the global population will go to the polls this year. However, in terms of world security, stability and outlook, the unprecedentedly dysfunctional US election will be the most consequential by far. The outcome will affect the fate of 8 billion people, and only 160 million Americans will have a say in it. The winner will be decided by just tens of thousands of voters in a handful of swing states. The losing side, whether Democrat or Republican, will consider the outcome illegitimate and will not be prepared to accept it. One of the most powerful countries in the world faces critical challenges to its core political institutions: free and fair elections, the peaceful transfer of power, and the checks and balances provided by the separation of powers. The political state of the union is troubled indeed. In the face of all this turmoil, Canada has generally been missing in action on the international scene. Even worse, our country has sometimes undermined its own international standing. To sit at the international table requires a moral compass, professionalism, determination and not being a military free-rider. Canada’s decision to act as a self-important virtue-signaller irritates allies who must shoulder our share of the burden, as well as third-world countries who see Canada’s posturing as post-colonial arrogance. On the domestic scene, Canada is facing a challenging year both economically and politically. There is a real prospect of recession and a future depreciation of the standard of living if no measures are taken. It seems that the Liberal government has lost its direction; overwhelmed by the issues, it seems to have no solution for upcoming events, and continues to be influenced by the policies of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The World Economic Forum, which will meet in session in mid January, continues to try to influence global governmental, industrial and social agendas. Its “Great Reset” envisages a new economic and social order based on a futuristic globalist approach that would reduce national interests through pervasive oversight mechanisms, including central bank digital currencies. In essence, it is encouraging woke social and economic policies in order to implement a new futuristic globalist world order following a trend in line with “deja vue” Marxist theories but certainly more sophisticated and deceiving. Forum chairman Klaus Schwab assured elite Davos attendees that “The future belongs to us”. Comforting words for those jealously guarding their influence and accustomed to ignoring rules that apply only to the plebe. Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney are on the WEF board of trustees and Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party certainly reflects its centre-left technocratic view. On the economic front, Canadians’ personal prosperity, as measured by GDP per capita, is projected to decline this year by more than two per cent. To address affordability and the dismal outlook for long-term productivity, the federal government needs to shift focus from identity politics and climate obsession to economic growth, fiscal responsibility and raising Canadians’ standard of living. In the hope that this year will be a better one and our politicians will put the national interest and the wellbeing of our citizens in the forefront, let us be optimistic. The year has just started. I hope you will take all these thoughts in the spirit they are intended: We have entered a year of grave concern, but supported by the hope that tough times bring out the best in us. Happy New Year 2024!

TAKE CONTROL

To Council/Mayor/City Clerk/Chief Administrative Officer THE PRESENTED BELOW IS THE DOCUMENT THAT THE CITY OF OSHAWA WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION QUICKLY PASSED From: Joe Ingino - Central Newspapers To: City of Oshawa Re: Report Number: CNCL-23-120 Request To Have Report Number: CNCL-23-120 disqualified and annulled due to the following presented below facts. Request: To speak before council in regards to the same. (read below - the red hyper text are expert comments on the matter) In Black is the actual REPORT CNCL-23-120 Public Report To: Council in Committee of the Whole From: Tracy Adams, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of the C.A.O. Report Number: CNCL-23-120 Date of Report: November 15, 2023 Date of Meeting: November 20, 2023 Subject: Public Notice Policy Ward: All Wards File: 03-05 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to repeal Notice to the Public By-law 147-2007, as amended (“Notice By-law” or “By-law 147-2007, as amended”) and to present an updated Public Notice Policy for adoption as required by Section 270(1)(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 (“Municipal Act”). (By-law 147-2007 was the By-law that the City used to select media supporters over the years. Their changing it is in violation of the Municipal Act as the act mandates transparency from the City. Under the old By-law the city had control on who they would award civic contracts based on supporting political agenda. Since Metroland bankruptcy. The City is faced with having to deal with the only existing newspaper that meets and exceeds all Municipal Act standards. Due to the Clerk and C.A.O poor judgement and no-expertise presumptions and opinions and erroneous recommendations. The City is under the erroneous believe that there is no publishing newspaper in Oshawa. 2.0 Recommendation It is recommended to City Council: That based on Report CNCL-23-120 dated November 15, 2023: 1. That Council pass a by-law to repeal By-law 147-2007, as amended, and in a form and content acceptable to the City Solicitor and Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk; and, 2. That Council adopt the Public Notice Policy as generally set out in Attachment 1 to said Report; and, 3. That Council authorize staff to update the Corporate Advertising Policy as necessary to ensure consistency with the Public Notice Policy. 3.0 Executive Summary Not Applicable 4.0 Input From Other Sources • Corporate Leadership Team • Corporate Communications • Corporate Strategic Initiatives • Legal Services • Legislative Services • Planning Services 5.0 Analysis -- 5.1 Background Section 270(1)(4) of the Municipal Act requires a municipality to adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the circumstances in which the municipality will provide notice to the public, and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and timeframe(s) such notice shall be given. (These notice as per the Municipal Act in order to maintain transparency under Section 270 section 1 sub section 5. The manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that it is accountable to the public for its actions, and the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that its actions are transparent to the public. This excludes any City ran scheme including social media - web pages - or electronic format. The media by the act is in a newspaper operating within the municipality. A city newspaper that is arms length from the municipality. Under the old by-law the City had the luxury to pick and choose who they would award contracts. They also had the luxury of not doing business with newspapers that did not suit their political agenda by blaming it on budget restrains. In this erroneous report. The City attempts to act as the local media and control what they put out. Where and to who they put it out. This is a clear contravention of the Municipal Act). As a result of Bill 130 amending the Municipal Act in 2007, the City passed Notice By-law 147-2007 on December 17, 2007 as an interim measure to identify when and how the City will provide notice to the public. Following the passage of the by-law, staff were directed to review the extensive list of matters that require public notice contained in the by-law to refine it. The amendments to refine the list of matters in 2008 is the only time this Notice by-law has been amended since its original passage. (The City is once again wrongfully using Bill 130 to justify controlling and acting as the local media. Bill 130 came to play as a tool to expedite some aspect of municipal governance. Primarily to deal with development and construction matters. Not newspapers and not giving any municipality the right to violate the Municipal Act. Not a tool justify the City position as supreme and final.) At that time, it was determined by the Clerk that a newspaper defined as “a printed publication in sheet form published regularly at intervals of not longer than a week consisting in part of news of current events of general interest and distributed to the public and/or sold to regular subscribers that, in the opinion of the Clerk, has such circulation within Oshawa as will provide reasonable notice in circumstances where notice is required to be given”. Since then, the media landscape and the way in which members of the public receive and obtain information has dramatically changed. (The Central Newspaper Legally, and meeting the criteria as per the clerks definition an as per the DEFINITION OF A NEWSPAPER UNDER THE LEGISLATION ACT. This bringing to question the Clerks lack of knowledge of a newspaper that has been operating in the City of Oshawa for over 28 years. This bringing to question how the clerk and the CAO made such erroneous and damaging decision. Knowingly very well, that the advertising should be place in the Central as per the Act. It is beyond words how the clerk and the CAO passed by The Sun, The Start, The Globe and mail. All newspaper that have operated within the City limits for over 50 years. The City clerk and the CAO clearly made an error in their judgement and recommendation. The City Clerk is fully aware of the Central Newspaper as through the many years she has had interactions with the same. CAO to claim that the city of Oshawa has no in print newspaper that meets the criteria brings to question on how many other matters has the CAO poorly used her judgement and how much has her poor judgement cost the city?) 5.2 Statutory Notices Notice to the public is required under several different Acts including, but not limited to, the Municipal Act, the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act, 1992 and the Ontario Heritage Act. These Acts (and/or associated regulations) generally outline the circumstances where such notice will be given and often prescribes the form and content of such notice. Statutory notice to the public under such legislation or by-law will be completed in accordance with this policy as well as any prescribed notice content as set out in each respective Act, associated regulations or by-law. (The policy in question is a contravention of the Municipal Act and therefore non valid and should be squashed before it puts the city in judicial review and or legal challenge.) 5.2.1 Ontario Heritage Act Sections 26(4) and 39.1(3) of the Ontario Heritage Act state where a municipality is required by Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act to publish a notice in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality. However, notice given in accordance with a policy adopted by a municipality under Section 270 of the Municipal Act is deemed to satisfy this requirement. Therefore, the City’s Notice By-law and/or Notice Policy would satisfy the Ontario Heritage Act. Typical Notices published under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act may include: •Intention to Designate a Property; •Passing, amending or repealing a Designation By-law; •Creation of a Heritage Study Area; or, •Designation of a Heritage Conservation District and District Plan. The proposed Public Notice Policy directs notices given under Parts IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act to be provided to the public in the form and manner set out in the Public Notice Policy and therefore notice in a newspaper is not required. (This is another error by the Clerks office as per the the Act. It stipulates that it is to be a transparent means of notice. Not a City controlled policy that is not published to the wider audience in a newspaper. The reason that the acts require publishing in a newspaper in that it arms length from the municipality. The key word is transparency. Under the erroneous policy presented by the Clerk and CAO. The policy 1. Does not meet the act mandate. 2. It is not transparent. 3. It is based on false/inaccurate information. 4. This bringing to question the intent. The purpose and the erroneous assumption presented. 5.3 Current Practice Under the current Notice by-law, when notice is required under the policy the Clerk must publish the notice in a newspaper at least once. In addition, the Notice By-law includes the publishing of these notices on the City’s dedicated Public Notices web section on the City of Oshawa website: Oshawa.ca/PublicNotices. The current website module for the Notices page also allows users to subscribe to the Public Notices news feed to receive all notices directly via email. Currently, there are approximately 900 subscribers to this news feed. In addition, these notices are posted to the City’s corporate social media account, where appropriate. (This is contravention of the Municipal Act as it is not transparent for the City to profess to be the local media. Not only that. The erroneous policy makes once again falsely assumptions that people actually go to the city web page for notice, news and updates. This is a hugely erroneous assumption. It also shows such disrespect for the economic situation of many in the community. To make the assumption that everyone can afford computers, internet, cell phones is horrendous. This policy is so wrong that since it’s inception it has only attracted 900 subscribers to its news feed. The City web page developers lack understanding of the internet and online presentation. So much so that not even staff at the City have full understanding of how to navigate it’s own City page. This policy must be squashed and the city must go back to the previous policy with an amendment to include The Central Newspaper, The Sun, The Star or the Globe and Mail). As it stands this policy is nothing short of an insult to those in the industry operating within the City limit. It is an insult to any small local business. It is another black mark for Oshawa and anyone thinking of wanting to do business with the City of Oshawa. 5.4 Proposed Policy The proposed Public Notice Policy (refer to Attachment 1) provides a separate policy document in lieu of a by-law. This approach is reflective of revised document templates and practices to provide consistency with respect to formatting and content for all Corporate Policies. In addition, municipal bench marking suggests that a separate policy document is a common approach. (Attachment 1 is nothing much different than this document.) The key differences between the existing Notice By-law and the proposed Public Notice Policy are: •Removal of the existing requirement for print advertising; •Implementation of a new requirement for additional notices to be posted on bulletin boards in City Facilities; and, •Refinement of the list of actions that require notice by the municipality. The proposed Public Notice Policy will continue to require posting of notices on the City’s website, (on the dedicated Public Notice web section). Additionally, a Communications Plan will be implemented that includes a number of tactics to encourage community members to subscribe to such posting, including but not limited to: •Subscribe call to action to featured on the City’s homepage;•Notice to community stakeholders; •Subscribe flyer and/or notification in City printed materials (e.g. construction notices,mailer's, etc.); •Social media “subscribe” campaign; and, •Subscribe call to action included at the bottom of City e-newsletters. (The City under any act can’t go changing clear mandates by the Municipal Act. It is not a matter of interpretation. The City can’t go around making it’s own rules that benefit the City. The City can’t deem itself the local media with wider coverage than the local newspaper. The City can’t go ignoring and acting on erroneous information in order to justify it’s political agenda to control what is put out to the citizens of the City. In this case the Clerk and CAO erroneous made recommendation without acknowledging and or contacting the local newspaper that meet and exceed the requirements.) 5.4.1 Removal of Print Advertising As outlined in the Corporate Advertising Policy, the City had previously maintained a dedicated “City Page” coordinated in local newspaper(s) where many of the required notices were published. The Oshawa Express ceased production (both print and online) in 2021; Oshawa This Week (along with numerous other Metroland community newspapers) ceased production of print newspapers in September 2023. (The Central Newspaper has been serving Oshawa/Durham for the past 28 years. Why is The Central Newspaper passed over. Is politically motivated? Is that transparent. Can the people of Oshawa Trust a city ran web page? A news letter where only 900 people signed up for... Or be forced to visit some site to look at some electric board? The new policy was passed without consultation. It was passed based on ) Where a legislated notice requirement under an Act or Regulation must be provided but there are no suitable printed newspapers that meet the definition of a Newspaper under the Legislation Act (being a document in printed form, published at regular intervals of a week or less, is circulated to the general public and consists primarily of news of current events of general interest), notice shall be given in the form and manner set out in the policy as well as any prescribed notice content set out in the relevant legislation. (This is false and a slap in the face to every local business. I Joe Ingino been in contact with the clerk Mary Madeiros and Tracy Adams, Chief Administrative officer. They both without a doubt know about the Central and our history. How can they make a statement as the one above with a clear bias and nonpolitically motivated conscious? They both know of the Sun, The Star and the Globe and Mail operating within City limits. I bring both of them to close scrutiny and bring them to strictest of proof for their recommendation.) Environics data indicates that the majority of the population in Oshawa regularly access and use the internet for information and communications and use the internet as their main source of news. In fact, 88.5% of Oshawa residents accessed the internet in the last seven days and 89% have a mobile phone. (Bring this to strictest proof.) Given that most residents access news and information online, and that the City has already begun making efforts to encourage residents to subscribe to the City’s website for municipal news and information, it is recommended that the Public Notice Policy no longer prescribe that notice to the public be published in a newspaper at least once and that the Corporate Advertising Policy be updated to remove reference to the City Page along with minor housekeeping updates. (I bring these figures to the strictest of proof. These numbers are not reflective of the reality of the claim. Anyone in the social media/internet/podcasting/broadcasting. Will tell you these numbers have been fraudulently put together to justify the City erroneous position. I call on council to deploy disciplinary actions against Medeiros and Adams as they have brought Oshawa to a shameful position if not one of legal challenge. I demand that this document be called back and that the city abide by the Municipal Act as all other municipalities. Oshawa is not a stand alone city that can now control the media through a medium that is far from proven to be what Madeiros and Adams attempt to claim. This is far from transparent and in the best interest of the people of Oshawa.) 5.4.2 Bulletin Boards in City Facilities The Public Notice Policy recognizes that not every community member may have regular access to the internet to view the City’s website or access to receive emailed public notices. As such, the Public Notice Policy proposes implementing the additional requirement of posting notices on bulletin boards inside City Facilities in prominent locations that are accessible to the public during the Facilities’ regular business hours, such as but not limited to the following: •Civic Recreation Centre •South Oshawa Community Centre •Donovan Recreation Complex •Delpark Homes Centre •Northview Community Centre •City Hall. Where bulletin boards do not currently exist, new boards will be added, such as in City Hall near Service Oshawa. When a public notice is to be posted, a copy of the notice will be sent to all City Facilities. Staff at the City Facilities will be responsible for posting the notices on their respective boards. In addition, the notices may be sent to other community stakeholders who will also be encouraged to post the notice on their respective public bulletin boards. (By the City own admittance - NOT EVERY COMMUNITY MEMBER MAY HAVE REGULARS ACCESS TO THE INTERNET.... Not to mention those that are not computer savvy or those suffering from all kinds of learning disabilities or the handicap. If electronic newsletter are failing only 900 subscribers. What make the City believe that people that can’t afford internet or computers can afford to travel to a city selected place Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards full of advertisements. City Clerk and CAO have made a monumental mistake with their recommendation. Either one of them consulted the local experts. They failed to contact the only based out of Downtown Oshawa in print newspaper. Neither, the clerk or the CAO are qualified to make such recommendation to council to make such policy changes.) 5.4.3 Refinements to the List of Actions that Require Notice As noted, the Municipal Act requires the Public Notice Policy to include the circumstances in which the municipality will provide notice to the public. It is important to note that, with the exception of statutory notices under the Ontario Heritage Act, this list generally includes the non-statutory circumstances under which the municipality will give notice to the public. Where statutory notice is required under any Act or regulation, the City will follow the Public Notice Policy in addition to any notice content or on site signage for site specific matters. Also removed from the list of circumstances is the amending of a procedure by-law. Most changes to the City’s Council Procedure By-law 128-2022 (“Procedure By-law”) are minor in nature or need to be made urgently due to other factors (i.e. Pandemic emergency). (Minor changes!!! The recommendations are made on false information and on non-expert assumptions and presumptions based on made up statistics without substance. The policy change is in clear violation of the Act-s. The policy change is non transparent. The policy change does not meet the Act intent and or purpose of transparency. The policy change puts the city in a position of legal challenge and or judicial review. The City Clerk and the CAO have made wrongful recommendations. This bringing to question both of their intents. Did this happen out of lack of understanding and information gathering before recommendations? Or is this some how politically orchestrated in order for the city to justify becoming the local media. This is in clear violation of all the acts. Represents and stand for.) Further, nothing in the Public Notice Policy prevents the Clerk from providing additional notice to the public where appropriate or from Council directing additional notice be given for any particular matter. Where a new Procedure By-law is being enacted or completely repealed and replaced, notice in accordance with the policy would still be required. It is also important to note that all matters considered at Standing Committee and Council meetings are noticed as part of the agenda publication which includes posting online and subscriber distribution. (In which again shows the lack of understanding by the clerk and CAO as to what is regulatory and what is mandatory, oppose to what is general information normally dispensed by the clerk.) 6.0 Financial Implications As the revised policy no longer requires advertisements in printed newspapers, this will result in cost savings for the municipality with respect to Corporate Advertising budgets. (This so called cost savings for the municipality is at a huge cost to the taxpayers. Another example of the clerks lack of understanding of the Act, the regulations pertaining to the same and the definitions. As clearly the clerk nor the CAO can logically give creditability to the fact that The Central Newspaper, The Sun, The Star and the Globe and mail do not meet or exceed the Municipal Act definition, requirement of what a newspaper is. This is not a cost saving. This is a huge liability for the city in a civil claim and or a judicial review. Not to mention the shame it brings the city.) 7.0 Relationship to the Oshawa Strategic Plan The recommendation in this report responds to the Oshawa Strategic Plan Goal of Accountable Leadership. Signed by Mary Medeiros Director, Legislative Services/ City Clerk and Tracy Adams, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of the C.A.O. IF THIS IS AN ERROR IN JUDGEMENT. WE ACCEPT AN APOLOGY - IF THIS WAS DONE WITH INTENT AND MALICE WE REQUEST COUNCIL ACTION. The City of Oshawa prides itself in claiming to be inclusive. Pro- local business - Pro Downtown - Anti Prejudice and Bias. WHAT HAPPENED HERE -- WHO FUMBLED THE BALL - WHEN EVERY COUNCIL MEMBER HAS BEEN RECEIVING THE ONLY IN PRINT NEWSPAPER DELIVERED TO THEIR HOME FOR YEARS. The Central Newspaper. On November 20th, 2023 without any consultation and or research, Council passed a resolution to accept the above report, base on the Chief Administration Office and the City Clerks recommendations. It was passed by council erroneously. The Central Newspaper requests to speak before city council on this matter. The Central Newspaper also asks that this Policy change be squashed. The Central Newspapers asks for accountability from the Chief Administration Officer and Clerks office. The Central Newspaper request disciplinary actions to be taken against both the CAO and clerks office for misleading council. For making recommendations that the CAO and clerks knew was false. The Central request disciplinary action against the both aforementioned. The Central does not feel that a Judicial review and or any further legal consideration is required at this time THE ITEM BELOW WAS SENT TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN WHAT THE ACT MANDATES - HAVE A READ. NOTICE TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES Ate: All Municipalities From JOE INGINO EDITOR/PUBLISHER CENTRAL NEWSPAPERS January 1st, 2024 CLARIFICATION ON WHAT MUST BE PUBLISHED UNDER THE SECTION 270(1)(4) OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT I know many community leaders have been left scrambling since the irresponsible closing of Metroland. Most municipalities not knowing what the actual legal responsibilities are. The key is the word ‘TRANSPARENCY’. After extensive legal consultation with experts in Municipal Law. These are our findings: As you will note reading this document ‘TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY” are the Act primary mandate. Re: Clarification on ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD regulatory advertising regulations and legal mandate: - For the past two months many of you have been grappling with how to meet the requirements under Section 270(1)(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 (the “Act”) which requires the municipality to adopt a policy with respect to the circumstances in which the municipality shall provide notice to the public. (This does not include. City operated Digital pages, newsletters, social media). It makes reference to print. - Municipalities are bound by the Municipal Act, to publish the following in a local newspaper: following matters: Statutory Notice – Matters under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Where the Municipality is required to publish notice under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act and many more. This includes at the Region level also. Other Notice to the Public Municipal Act Section Action 34(1), Permanently closing a Highway, Establishing Toll Highways, Naming or changing the name of a highway, Naming or changing the name of a private road, Passing or amending a by-law concerning the fortification of land, Passing or amending a licensing by-law, Passing or amending a by-law requiring the registry of businesses , Passing or amending a by-law to change the name of the municipality, Passing or amending a by-law to change the composition of City Council, Passing or amending a by-law with respect to the establishment or dissolution of wards, Enacting a Procedure by-law, Adopting all or part of a budget, Passing or amending a by-law establishing a fee or charge. General closures, opening. Facility repairs. Garbage collection. Road Closure. Construction. Statutory Notices – Notice to the public is required under several different Acts including, but not limited to, the Municipal Act, the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act, 1992 and the Ontario Heritage Act. These Acts (and/or associated regulations) Where a legislated notice requirement under an Act or Regulation must be provided in a suitable printed newspapers that meet the definition of a Newspaper. Ontario Heritage Act - Sections 26(4) and 39.1(3) of the Ontario Heritage Act state where a municipality is required by Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act to publish a notice in a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality. - The act is specific in its directive in that: Municipalities are to publish in a newspaper operating within their jurisdiction in order to maintain transparency, (Transparency is the quality of being easily seen through, while transparency in a business or governance context refers to being open and honest. As part of corporate governance best practices, this requires disclosure of all relevant information so that others can make informed decisions.) Municipal electronic forms of notices are not deemed transparent as the municipality has full control of a new self serving media. Since most municipalities claim to be pro-supportive of local businesses that they would continue the tradition of being transparent and publish in the local newspaper. Electronic media does not meet the Acts requirements or guidelines and are leaving municipalities open for judicial review and or legal challenges. Even though the introduction of Bill 130. does not give municipalities to take control of the local news media or through their very hard to navigate web pages and other electronic means. Bill 130 only give municipalities the power to expedite on some manners. Experts in the field quickly assess that all municipalities do not hold the expertise and or knowledge to properly inform the community at large. Web pages do not work. Social media have proven to fail. Newsletter total failure. Electronic boards, not for suited for general Act notices. Other municipalities have already tried to go full digital and are failing horribly. Not only are citizens becoming upset at not getting information. The electronic numbers are minimal and way below the threshold of any newspaper. This putting municipalities following suit in danger of legal challenge and or Judicial review as it is a clear violation of the act that protects from municipalities controlling public information access. In the past municipalities favored one newspaper over another due to the amount of bias coverage in order to protect political municipal agenda. Under an electronic scheme. It would bring total bias and control to a small number of people. Primarily those elected. Favoring them in any future election. Much like personal councillor newsletters. This type of self promotion using taxpayers dollars may be seen as political campaigning and contravene the Ontario Municipal Elections Act. The Legislation Act currently defines “newspaper” as something: “(a) printed in sheet form, published at regular intervals of a week or less and circulated to the general public, and (b) consists of news of current events of general interest.” For Municipalities to use the fact that one newspaper declared bankruptcy... and to claim they do not have newspaper representation is erroneous and puts those municipalities in violation of the act in a push to control the media in their municipality in order to not be transparent. Currently across Durham Region: There is the Central Newspaper. A newspaper that has served the Region for over 28 years. Serving Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington and Port Perry. A very well read and respected newspaper across the region in print every week. Many of you reading this get home delivery and or have advertised at one point or another. The Central an awarded winning community newspaper works with all global news agencies and is recognized as the same. The Central during COVID was recognized by the Federal and Provincial government as a source for all their advertising and notices pertaining to COVID. Also, operating in the region is the Sun, The Star, The Globe and Mail. All the aforementioned more than meet any requirement by the ACT and or threshold required by any municipality. All the noted media are major players in the newsprint industry. Why have all these newspaper operating within your communities been passed up or not considered? As a local expert in both social media and print media. I look forward to hearing from you to assist in re-instating transparency to your municipality. I can understand the confusion. I can understand the lack of qualified staff to make the quick transition to any of the other local newspapers. I am here to help. I am here to meet with any community that needs advice or expertise on this matter. A local newspaper is an indication of the municipalities success. Don’t let one greedy bad apple ruin it for those that truly serve our community. Newspapers are a place that brings our communities together. Let’s work together to re-store the damage caused by Metrolands irresponsible actions. Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher Central newspapers The Oshawa/Durham Central Newspaper, The West Virginia Central Newspaper The above Notice was sent out to all municipalities and all council members. It was intended to assist and educate as most in council did not even know where to look when it came to the legal requirements set forth by the Municipal Act to safeguard against exactly what the City of Oshawa has done by going digital. As one of the only experts in internet technologies pertaining to publishing and broadcasting. The Central newspaper can attest to the fact that social media was never designed to publish municipal notices as the technology is selective, exclusive and requires the internet. The internet may be expensive for some...and out of reach for others as tough economic times makes it impossible for families to enjoy any perks. Therefore, any notice or posting online does not get to the targeted audience. THE CITY NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE THE CITY NEEDS TO LIVE BY IT’S CREDO OF SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES THE CITY NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND LIVE BY IT’S INCLUSIVENESS CALL - DEMAND FAIR AND TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP. You the taxpayer have now an opportunity to have your voice heard. STOP THE ATTEMPT TO CENSOR YOUR INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION. YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK - YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED IN A PROVEN ADEQUATE MANNER AS PER THE MUNICIPAL ACT MANDATES. YOU CAN DO SOMETHING. WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE - TO THE MAYOR AND DEMAND DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST THE CLERK AND CAO. DEMAND THAT YOU KEEP GETTING INFORMATION IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER Write To Your Local Municipality And Demand Resolve - Together We C