A Canadian Federal Election to Remember

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

The Home Business

The Home Business By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist For the last few weeks, I have been writing about the redecorating and updating underway in my eighty-year-old house. At the moment, we are waiting on materials to be able to carry on, so I decided to take a break from that and talk about a question that was posed to me by an acquaintance a few weeks ago regarding running her small business from her home. My friend, Marsha, was hoping to open a home-based bakery type of business in Oshawa. She wondered if it would matter what type of home she lived in and if she could operate her home business form any area of the city. Although I am a realtor, I focus on residential real estate therefore my knowledge of commercial real estate is limited. I did have some experience of a personal nature though. The experience as it turned out was completely irrelevant in her case because it was too old. I recalled back in the early 80’s when I was living in Scarborough, I had just had my daughter, and I was home everyday with her while my husband was at work. I had always loved to bake, so I had thought to myself that I might like to operate a small baked goods business where I would make things throughout the day, and they could be picked up or delivered in the evenings. The first order of business was to call the health board to get a home inspection. The fellow came about a week after I made the appointment to have a look around. Although the house was impeccable, I was told that I could not get a license to operate because the was no separation from the rest of the house as far as the kitchen went. The business at that time had to be in a commercial space, a residential space was not permissible. Fast forward forty years. Now with the Dine Safe program and relaxed licensing criteria, many people are safely operating wonderful home-based bakeries. There definitely are rules and regulations to be followed. Licenses must be obtained, and premises are monitored and inspected on a regular basis to keep your green operating status. It seems much of how we operate today has changed to suit the need as is always the case. So, If you’re thinking about opening a home-based business of any kind, I would suggest calling the city. There are several different types of licenses you can apply for. The inspectors still come out to deem your space appropriate or not for whatever you intend to do. There are applications to fill out and fees to pay but for many, it’s a wonderful opportunity to work for themselves, and make a great contribution to the community by providing a service that many may want. If you have any questions that you would like answered please drop me a line here at the paper and I’ll be happy to address them.

Pickering’s Democracy Is Under Siege

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

ANTI-PATRIOTIC DEMOCRATS

By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States America is not about being Democratic or Republican. America is about doing what is best for the population at large. It is about sacrifice in the name of a greater good. This is what makes America the greatest nation on the planet. America strives to champion Democracy. A sacred vehicle that roots our rights and freedoms. What did Plato said about democracy? He claimed that democracy is a danger due to excessive freedom. He also argues that, in a system in which everyone has a right to rule, all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power. This was best shown in the recent display by Democrats during President Trump first public speech. The Democrats with a long standing history of disrespect for the democratic process. With a long standing show of open public defiance toward honoring the democratic process as seen during Trumps first Presidential bid. Where it made International news.... Trump giving his speech to the Nation and Polosi in the background ripping up his speech. Totally disgraceful and totally un-American. She had the right to do that but the poor taste to do it and in the process show her true colors when it comes to her patriotic alliance to no one but her own cause. Anti-patriotism is the ideology that opposes patriotism; it usually refers to those with cosmopolitan views and is usually of an internationalist and anti-nationalist nature as well. Normally, anti-patriotism stems from the belief that patriotism is wrong since people born in a country, whether they like it or not and regardless of their individuality, are encouraged to love the country or sacrifice themselves for it; consequently, people who oppose patriotism may oppose its perceived authoritarianism, while others may believe that patriotism may lead to war because of geopolitical disputes. Usually, this term is used in a pejorative way by those who defend patriotism or nationalism, and terms such as cosmopolitanism or world citizenship may be used to avoid the bias that comes from the typical usage of the words anti-nationalism or anti-nationalist. During the recent Trump speech. He hit various nerves in the reality in the Democratic body. You could feel the tension of ignorance by the number of signs that kept popping up like cowards during points of change. These are the same Democrats that are so pompous on their erroneous beliefs that they will not acknowledge the mistakes they have made that cost them the Presidency as well as any power. Personally, I think Trump made a historical speech that was inclusive of both Democrats interest as well as Republican. Time will tell, if Trump is a man of his word in ‘Making America Great Again’.

AI: The Equalizer of Art, Music, and Science

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

COVID ALL OVER AGAIN

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

Quick Fixes That Will Significantly Improve Your Job Search

Quick Fixes That Will Significantly Improve Your Job Search By Nick Kossovan "The devil is in the details" is an idiom highlighting how small details can significantly affect the outcome of something and that attention to detail is the difference between something good and something great. This phrase captures the essence of job search success. A misplaced decimal point on a financial spreadsheet will result in inaccurate reporting. It only takes a minor design flaw to cause a costly recall or safety issues. In personal interactions, eye contact and smiling shape perception. Colour scheme drastically influences the mood of a room or whether you make a fashion statement. Job seekers who meticulously craft their resume, LinkedIn profile, applications, and interview presence will have an edge over those they're competing against. If your resume and LinkedIn profile are full of typos or your voicemail isn't set up, you aren't doing yourself any favours. Misaddressing your interviewer or failing to turn on your camera during a Zoom interview can cost you the job opportunity. When competing against other job seekers just as qualified as you are, some more so, as you are in the current job market, not paying attention to details or your actions will hurt your job search. The most common details overlooked by job seekers: Title your resume file "First Name_Last Name_Resume_Year" [Nick_Kossovan_Resume_2025] This format ensures that your resume is easily recognizable by recruiters and easily searchable in the recruiter's or employer's database, which, I'd ballpark, contains something like 1,689,355 resumes. Save your resume as a PDF file. Saving your resume as a PDF preserves its formatting across all devices, ensuring it appears as you intended, with no changes to margins or layout. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Along with your resume prominently displaying your phone number and email address, include a link to your LinkedIn profile.(https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkossovan/) Make it easy for hiring managers to contact you and to view your LinkedIn profile. The easier you make it for a hiring manager, the more likely they'll consider your candidacy. Proofread relentlessly! Ensure your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are free of typos and grammatical errors. These documents and your online footprint create your first impression; errors can diminish your credibility and chances of being selected for an interview. Adjust the privacy settings on your social media. Employers will Google you to determine if you're interview-worthy. If you're hired, your new colleagues will also Google you and look you up on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc. To avoid having your social media activity being misconstrued, except for LinkedIn, your privacy settings so only your followers can see your activity. Always dress to impress. You never know who you might encounter when you're out and about, and you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Whether you like it or not, we live in a world where we judge a book by its cover—we assess visual cues—we always have and always will. I've missed out on many possible opportunities because I left my house not looking my best. One time, I was waiting in line at a coffee shop dressed "comfortably" when a friend sitting in a booth called out to introduce me to the COO of a national transportation company he was meeting with. Although the COO was friendly, the introduction didn't lead anywhere; I believe it was due to my lack of credible appearance. Dressing well not only boosts your confidence but also earns you respect. Always carry a pen, a small notebook, and copies of your resume. As I mentioned, you never know who you might meet or whether you'll want to share your contact information or take notes. Having a pen and paper on hand demonstrates that you're prepared (read: on top of your game) and professional. A further step to "being prepared" is always having a few copies of your resume. A few years ago, during an intermission at a community theatre production, I struck up a conversation with a man who, it turned out, was looking for a workforce manager position. Although I didn't have an opening, I knew someone who did. He went to his car, retrieved a copy of his resume, and handed it to me, which I passed along to the person I knew who was searching for a workforce manager. Yes, he got the job. Carefully consider the questions you ask. Voltaire said, "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." Your questions during an interview reveal a great deal about you. Steer clear of asking irrelevant or self-serving questions, such as, "How many sick days do you offer?" or, "When will my benefits start?" Instead, inquire about the specific responsibilities, challenges, and goals of the role. Ask questions that demonstrate genuine interest in how you can contribute to the team's success. Lastly, never ask for an expectation! Questions such as "I understand this position requires me to work in the office every day. Is it possible to work from home on Thursdays and Fridays?" will eliminate you from consideration. Succeeding in today's highly competitive job market requires paying close attention to details and your actions. ___________________________________________________________________ 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

Snowflakes

Snowflakes

By Wayne & Tamara This one is on behalf of my best friend. My friend feels her mother-in-law is a terrible grandmother who falls far short of her expectations. She adores dogs and shows them more love and affection than her own grandchildren. My friend often compares this woman to her own mother who dotes on the children. Sometimes my friend tells her mother-in-law directly what she thinks of her, and she cries. Her husband does not feel his mother is a loving grandmother, but he loves his mum and wants a peaceful life. Coincidentally I have a similar setup with my in-laws. They have more time for animals--dogs, cats, and goats--and show them more love and affection than their grandchildren. They are more inclined to help the needy, like handicapped and poor people. However, my husband and I accept it is their choice to live as they wish, and we are always polite and respectful to them. I've encouraged my children to accept them as they are, which they do. We made a lot of effort to fit in with my husband's family over the past decade, but now are less interested as it is only one way. We visit a few times a year, but that is not an issue as we live 100 miles away. We're expected to call from time to time, but conversations are restrained as we honestly don't have interest in each other's lives. I ask questions like, Have you been to a goat show lately? But they ask none in return, not even How are the children? That's just how they are. I feel my friend is competing with her mother-in-law, trying to prove she's bad and her mum's better. What do you suggest? Once again my friend is due to tell her mother-in-law how disappointed she is in her. Sybil Sybil, there is a translation of Lao Tzu by Witter Bynner which contains these words. "As the soft yield of water cleaves obstinate stone, so to yield with life solves the insoluble…. But this unworded lesson, this easy example, is lost upon men." You've learned to expect no more from your in-laws than they are prepared to offer, and that is the mark of a wise person. In addition, your children accept them on their own terms. This is a boat not to rock. Your friend is attempting the impossible. She has an idea of the ideal grandmother, and she is determined to make her mother-in-law conform to that ideal. It's like trying to hold back the tide or make the wind obey. She should be grateful her children have one grandmother who meets her expectations. Those children are going to spend their lives dealing with a variety of people in a real world. They need to accept reality and understand people for who they are. That is a far more valuable practice than expending energy trying to make people conform to our mental image. This is one area where supporting your friend does everyone a disservice. Wayne & Tamara A Zealot My husband's brother wrote a letter to my husband a few years ago. The letter stated that my husband was soon to die--he has heart problems--and should make his peace with the Lord. This brother-in-law is a religious fanatic, but I think he was out of place writing the letter. My husband laughed it off, but I cannot get over it. We will be seeing this brother-in-law at a wedding next month. How should I handle this? Wilma Wilma, Winston Churchill said, "A fanatic is one who won't change his mind and won't change the subject." Your husband understands this, and that is why he laughed it off. If you confront your brother-in-law at the wedding, you will look ridiculous. People will excuse him because he doesn't know better, but they will wonder, what's your excuse? Wayne & Tamara Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

All Over The World

All Over The World By Patricia Conlin All over the world, a message of urgently needed health reform is being echoed. Robert Kennedy Jr., recently appointed as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, is making it a top priority to tackle the growing chronic disease epidemic and serious corruption within Public Health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). In Canada, we hear of suicide, chronic illness, skyrocketing cancer rates and increases in all-cause mortality. Mental illness and drug addiction are rampant. Families are struggling to put healthy food on the table and are having fewer children due to the cost of living. Many feel overwhelmed and hopeless. We shake our heads and wonder what has happened to our beloved country. As a concerned citizen, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and twice published author on improving health, I have a good understanding of some of the many health policies negatively impacting our communities and country. Let's start by examining fluoridation policies. Canada is the fourth most fluoridated country in the world. Regions decided to fluoridate drinking water decades ago for the purpose of preventing dental decay, based on public health authorities who claimed this treatment was “safe, effective and legal.” However, all three claims have been proven to be 100% false. The truth is clear that this incredibly harmful public health practice has been proven to reduce the IQ of children.1 Last fall, a US Federal Court ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where top experts there testified that fluoridation “poses an unreasonable risk of reducing IQ in children.” In fact, the effect of fluoride could be similar to that of lead poisoning, which can cause neurological damage. We need a moratorium on fluoridation to protect our children. Another serious issue that farmers in my community have spoken to me about concerns “biosolids,” a toxic sewage sludge (think green bin contents and wastewater solids) being sold to unsuspecting farmers as an eco-friendly fertilizer. Public health officials claim that this sewage sludge is “safely and effectively” processed to remove contaminants using a method called anaerobic digestion. However, this is also completely false.2 One of many significant studies was published by the University of Guelph3 and has proven that anaerobic processes do not destroy harmful bacteria and other toxins, as claimed by our regions. Sadly, this sewage sludge created in anaerobic digestion processing facilities4 is being spread onto our farmlands. This is being done without proper testing, and many farmers don't realize their land can never be zoned organic after putting this on their fields. A third public health concern in our communities is the unregulated use of toxic chemicals. Recently, I did a presentation on creating healthier communities in my region and highlighted toxic chemicals that are destroying our health and environment. One of the worst is Round-Up (with the active ingredient glyphosate), which is still sold at local stores for residential use despite conclusive evidence of it killing bees and other pollinators as well as causing cancer. Why don’t public health officials educate residents on the harm of spraying their grass with toxic herbicides and suggest natural methods instead? This focus on the environment as the enemy is a distraction from the real poisoning of our air, soil, water, food and medicine. By far, the most destructive of all health policies that have been proposed during the past few years are the policies around Covid and Climate. Most municipalities seek to achieve “Net Zero” by 2050. This policy of “Zero Carbon,” just like “Zero Covid,” is unachievable and will only result in further financial and mental stress and decline within our communities. Carbon dioxide is a life-affirming molecule and makes up a minuscule portion of atmospheric gases. The same bureaucrats that locked down your small business while keeping Walmart and Costco open want you to willingly give up travel and meat and pay more for everything while you slowly go bankrupt and starve to protect you from the air you breathe. Farmers have had enough of this public health nonsense and are protesting in large numbers across Europe. Without farmers, we have no food, and given the increase in food bank usage and chronic health conditions, this public health policy is achieving the opposite in a very profound and disturbing way. With regards to Covid, it is overwhelmingly clear that health policies implemented at a regional level were dictated by unelected officials from foreign agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN). We now know with certainty that lockdowns and mandates did far more harm than good. Our public health officials made us lock down our seniors and let them die of loneliness. They forced our young kids to stay home from school and wear unsafe masks. They divided our towns and families over vaccine status and made people carry a so-called passport to get into a restaurant. None of this was necessary, and all of it was extremely harmful. Many States in the US, other countries, and recently, the Province of Alberta,7 have called for the experimental vaccines to be withdrawn due to the shocking number of injuries and lack of effectiveness. There is also clear evidence of DNA contamination, as identified by Canadian Scientist Dr. David Speicher. These “vaccines” that never stopped transmission or provided immunity were definitely not the “safe and effective” solution that our public health officials pushed on us using fear, guilt, and other forms of manipulation all while demonizing natural immunity and treatments. Will there be accountability for the massive damage done, or will the same public health officials just sweep the carnage under the rug? It is time for we, the people, to step up and stop following elected and unelected health officials who have no grounding in real health or real science. We need to seek alternative views on all health policies going forward and be loud at Council meetings and with our neighbours so we can restore healthy and prosperous communities.

NOW IT IS YOUR CHANCE

NOW IT IS YOUR CHANCE By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Articles Published Columns in Canada and The United States This week will hopefully bring some positive change. I have been doing this job for over 30 years. In such a role. I hear all the concerns from all kinds of readers. The main one for most is quality of life. People in general are tired of having to work and pay all kinds of taxes. Only to see their quality of life slowly erode. Politicians don’t care. Try contacting your local municipal elect. Good luck. Try to call your MPP. Good luck. French is notorious for not returning phone calls. Yet, there she is out on the campaign trail making all kinds of promises and making claim of achievements thatare few and petty at best. The question before us is not the person. Instead, its about her accomplishments and what has she done to improve your quality of life. I think she has had her two terms to improve the quality of life in Oshawa and she has failed. We have a never ending number of people living in the street. Open drug use is at an all time high. Where is our provincial MPP. Sitting in her office playing politician. WHAT HAS SHE DONE FOR YOU? I am running in this provincial election as your change. I am not a politician. I am a local business person. Someone like you. Working hard to feed my family. I am a local business person that know first hand the value of a dollar. I know what it means to want a good solid community life. I have been a member of every service group as per the banner to the left. I talked to you the people and live your pain. I want good quality of life. Clean Oshawa. An Oshawa that is inviting and full of life. I want to bring to Oshawa prosperity. I can tell you that I may not have all the answers. But I have a solid proven business track record for the past 30 years of service to Oshawa. I will bring you solutions to real Oshawa problems. No more going through the motions. Pretend and make excuses. No more spewing statistics and hope that they stick. I can promise you results. I can promise you the improvement of Oshawas quality of life. I can assure you that my interest will not be maintain my position for another term...nor that I have an income. As a matter of fact. I will donate my wages to programs in the city until Oshawa quality of life improves.. I will assure that my wages go directly to making Oshawa a safe and clean City. Can French say that? Can any of the candidates make such statement and commitment. All I am asking is for you to give me the opportunity to serve you and restore Oshawa to the jewel it has always been in the Durham crown. Thank you.

Pickering's Public Forum turns into a racist, pornographic nightmare!

Pickering's Public Forum turns into a racist, pornographic nightmare! By Lisa Robinson On Wednesday February 12, 2025, which was meant to be a transparent, inclusive discussion on our Climate Adaptation Plan for all ages degenerated into an unmitigated horror show. Instead of fostering meaningful community dialogue, the City of Pickering’s virtual Open House became a stage for racist slurs, repeated displays of swastikas, and graphic pornographic content—images that no one, especially an event for all ages, including children should ever be forced to endure. The flagrant failure of City staff is at the heart of this atrocity. With full control over the meeting, they did nothing to immediately shut down the broadcast. By neglecting to disable participants’ microphones and cameras, they provided a free rein for these perpetrators to spread hate, and explicit disgusting pornographic content, leaving our community exposed and traumatized. I can honestly say that I will never be the same after witnessing such a disturbing and deeply traumatizing event. As if this horrific incident were not enough, the hypocrisy of the City of Pickering has reached a new low by launching a calculated attack on my integrity. Recently, they have been trying to falsely accuse me of “aiding and abetting harassment” solely because I publicly condemned hateful remarks made on a podcast. Let me be absolutely clear: I denounced a hateful remark both in an email to my colleagues and live on his podcast, repeatedly stating that I do not condone what the host said or any form of violence. To further clarify, I never even heard the remark because I was taken off the podcast the time it was made, and the announcer explicitly declared that his words were entirely his own and not reflective of my views. Again, I want to be clear – I have never met this person before. I had no prior knowledge of them, no connection, no relationship of any kind before that podcast. I simply participated as a guest, unaware of what they would say or do. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is false. The absurdity of twisting my decisive, public denunciation into grounds for an investigation is a deliberate act of public mischief—a manufactured narrative designed solely to silence me and try to remove me from Council for consistently speaking the truth and calling out the corruption that I have witnessed during my tenure. If the City of Pickering is so quick to claim that I was aiding and abetting harassment—an act over which I had absolutely no control and one that I condemned publicly—then it is only logical that they should be thoroughly investigated for aiding and abetting racist slurs, hate symbols, and the distribution of pornography. Their failure to secure a safe space during the meeting, by not disabling participants’ cameras and microphones, allowed these heinous acts to occur. Yet, instead of acknowledging this gross negligence, the Corporation of the City of Pickering is busy fabricating false narratives and even pressured me into removing video evidence that serves the public interest. Not only have they not even issued an official apology to me or anyone else who witnessed this appalling incident, but they are also desperately trying to suppress the truth about what really happened. This is nothing short of a cover-up, a sham attempt to shift blame away from their own undeniable failures. I call for immediate answers. Who was responsible for moderating the meeting, and why was it not shut down the moment hate speech and explicit content erupted? Which members of leadership were aware of these events—and when did they finally act? Will the same unfounded legal standards now being used to target me be applied to those whose gross negligence allowed this atrocity to occur? I am not only traumatized by what I witnessed but I am also appalled by the lengths to which our City’s leadership will go to suppress the truth. Our community deserves a safe, respectful public forum and leaders who take responsibility, not ones who attempt to rewrite history to deflect their own failures. A police investigation is now underway, and I will not rest until every individual responsible for this disgrace is held accountable. The City of Pickering must stop shifting blame and begin addressing its own gross negligence for the sake of transparency, accountability, and the wellbeing of our community. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor!

Exposing More Lies & Corruption: The Truth About Pickering’s Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

Exposing More Lies & Corruption: The Truth About Pickering’s Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) By Lisa Robinson Today, I’m speaking out because I’m tired of the lies, manipulation, and deceit coming from some council members and city staff. What happened during the January 13th Executive Committee meeting is a prime example of why trust in government continues to erode. During that meeting, staff recommended implementing a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on hotels and motels in Pickering. They justified it by claiming that 'many' municipalities had already adopted the tax, but here’s the truth: only 15 out of 444 municipalities have done so—that’s just 3.4%. Calling that 'many' is not only inaccurate, it's a lie designed to manipulate public perception. That kind of intentional distortion is corruption, plain and simple. I asked our Director of Economic Development, Mr. Fiaz Jadoon, whether hotels and motels had been consulted. He assured me that they had and claimed there were no significant concerns. Based on that assurance, the vote passed 6-1 and was set to return to Council on January 27th. I of course, was the dissenting vote. But here’s where it gets worse. At the January 27th Council meeting, I asked the same question again. This time, Mr. Jadoon once again claimed that all hotels had been consulted. I pushed back because I had done my homework—and I had a different answer. Only then did the Mayor finally admit, reading from what looked like a script, that the higher-ups at our biggest hotel—Great Canadian Gaming—had not been consulted and even confirmed they were not on board with charging this new tax. So let me ask you: Why did the Mayor allow this lie to continue? Why didn’t the truth come out until I exposed it? If I hadn’t challenged them, that false information would have stood as fact. And this isn’t the first time this has happened. When I was first elected, Mr. Jadoon claimed that businesses along Kingston Road had been consulted about development plans. Once again, I did my research, and once again, I discovered that it was a complete lie. This pattern of dishonesty is not a mistake—it’s deliberate. And that’s why I keep asking questions and pushing back. Because if I don’t, who will? Thankfully, Councillor Cook seconded my motion to send this tax proposal back to staff for proper consultation. But let’s be clear: two members of Council actually voted against delaying the vote, even after knowing our largest hotel was not supportive. The Mayor, Councillor Nagy, and Mr. Jadoon all argue that a 4% tax increase is insignificant, but when combined with other taxes, it totals a 17% increase—a significant burden on businesses and consumers, especially when people are already struggling to make ends meet. Lying to the public to manipulate outcomes is corruption. And I won’t stand by and let it happen. I’ve already lost three months of pay for daring to say that corruption starts at the top. And here we are—proof that it does. I am Councillor Robinson, 'The People’s Councillor,' and I will continue to fight for transparency, honesty, and the people of Pickering. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

FORD’S $189M ELECTION GAMBLE: A BID FOR POWER, NOT THE PEOPLE

FORD’S $189M ELECTION GAMBLE: A BID FOR POWER, NOT THE PEOPLE By Sami Parvez Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called an early provincial election, citing the need for a stronger majority amidst threats from Trump’s tariffs. However, the reality seems different — with his party already leading strongly in the polls, Ford appears eager to capitalize on this political advantage. Like many politicians intoxicated by power, whether prime ministers or premiers, they often seek to extend their rule indefinitely. Many politicians often prioritize political gains over taxpayer interests. On January 28, Ford met with Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont to dissolve the Ontario Legislature and call an early provincial election, costing taxpayers $189 million. The election will take place on Thursday, February 27, making it Ontario’s first winter election since 1883. For the past year, there had been speculation that Ford would call an early election, and he never ruled it out. Finally, he called the election, and taxpayers will pay the price. The $189 million could be better spent on healthcare, addressing the housing crisis, or supporting homeless individuals. According to Feed Ontario, A hunger-relief organization and advocacy group focused on ending hunger and poverty through fresh food delivery, innovative programs, and research-driven change through research and advocacy, "40% of food banks have reduced the amount of food they provide, and half have been forced to cut wrap-around services amid record-high demand and resource shortages. There was a 25% increase in the use of food banks in Ontario compared to 2023, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth." Ford’s Progressive Conservative Party already holds a large majority, with 79 out of 124 seats. Despite this, he is still not satisfied. This is not about securing a larger majority but about keeping his job for the next four years. For the past nine years, the Liberals have been in power at the federal level, but they are now trailing their main rivals, the Conservatives, by over 20 points in the polls. Ford isn’t willing to take any risks, anticipating that the federal Conservatives will likely secure a majority in the next election. If they falter during their first term, his government could suffer the consequences in 2026 if the election remains on its fixed date. "When the tariffs hit, it affects the media, it affects manufacturing, it affects every single sector in this province," Ford told reporters on Jan. 24. "So you better pray that we get elected, because I'm going to protect everyone's job, including the media's job." Ford presents himself as the only leader capable of dealing with Trump. He attacked his main rivals, NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, during a campaign-style news conference in Brampton, Ont., on Jan. 24. Mocking his opponents during a Jan. 24 news conference, he said: "Imagine Bonnie Crombie or Marit Stiles sitting across from President Trump negotiating a deal. It would be an absolute disaster. And God help us if that ever happens." According to polling aggregator 338Canada.com, if an election were held today, the Progressive Conservatives (PC) would win a historic 45% of the vote, securing 99 seats. The Ontario Liberals would follow with 26% of the vote, earning 8 seats, while the NDP would capture 21% of the vote and 14 seats. The Ontario Greens are projected to receive 6% of the vote, winning 2 seats. Additionally, an independent candidate could also secure a seat in the Ontario Legislature. “Right now, President Trump has put uncertainty to every single Canadian, a lot of other countries around the world, and this isn’t going to happen overnight. It may not happen Feb. 1, I’m sure something’s coming, but this is going to be a battle for the next four years, and I want to make sure that I have a strong mandate to outlast President Trump,” Ford told the media after the writ was dropped on Tuesday Jan. 28. Ontario opposition leaders accuse Ford of calling an early election for political gain, arguing that it is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money on the on the first day of election campaign on Wednesday, Jan. 29. We should be here at Queen’s Park, working across party lines to show strength through unity in the face of Donald Trump’s threats. Instead, Doug Ford has called an election, abandoning the people of Ontario when they need him the most,” Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said in a speech at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, “Clearly, Doug Ford cares more about his job than he does about yours.” “We are here today because Doug Ford doesn’t care about you. Because he has decided to spend $175 million on an election we don’t need, rather than spending that money on getting you a family doctor or on anything to make your life a little easier,” Crombie said in Barrie on Wednesday, slamming Ford for calling an early election in a key riding the Liberals aim to flip from the PCs. In her campaign launch in downtown Toronto on Wednesday, NDP Leader Marit Stiles mocked Ford’s ability as a negotiator. “Doug Ford as our negotiator, are you kidding?” Stiles said. “Time and time again, Doug Ford has shown he can’t negotiate his way out of a paper bag.” Ford is using the threat of Trump’s tariffs as an excuse for calling an early election, even though U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Canada cannot prevent the tariffs set to take effect on Feb. 1. This makes Ford’s justification for spending $189 million on an unnecessary election even weaker. Ontarians need stronger government support to secure necessities such as food, healthcare, shelter, and economic stability. They don’t want one person to cling to power indefinitely. Ontarians deserve better governance, true leadership, and greater accountability. It’s time for the government to put citizens’ well-being ahead of political gains. Ford's decision proves he is more focused on power than on addressing Ontario's real crises.

Get Up at Night Less Frequently

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Getting up often to pee at night is called “Nocturia” and it’s the great sleep disturber as we age. Frequent peeing could also signal conditions that need medical attention. So you shouldn’t ignore the problem. It’s not polite to go around asking friends how many times they pee at night. But if you did, you’d discover it’s a common malady. Is there a natural remedy to decrease or resolve the causes? Of course, there are the obvious behavioural approaches. If you drink a lot of fluids before bed, unless you are young, you’ll undoubtedly wake up with the need to pee in the middle of the night. Load up on hydration earlier in the day. This is not to say don’t quench your thirst in the evening. Just do so in moderation and make a trip to the loo right before getting into bed. If waking up to pee is still a problem, then alcohol or caffeine consumption might be part of the issue. Try eliminating drinks containing either at least 4-6 hours before sleeping and see if there is an effect. But there are also other natural approaches to managing this challenge with the urinary system. As we age, every system in our body starts to struggle with wear and tear. The most feared problems tend to be the consequences of declining cardiovascular and neurological systems – in other words, coronary attacks, and various forms of dementia. But although the urinary bladder is not often the talk of the town, it too becomes weaker over time. To fight that nightly curse of waking up to pee, it’s worth the effort to nurture the bladder the same way you do the heart, the brain, and every other important part of you. Give it the building blocks of healthy tissue formation so that the organ can operate effectively. The bladder is like a ballon. It expands and contracts to accommodate the volume of urine. When empty, a normal bladder wall has a thickness of almost 3 millimetres and only half that thickness when full. With age, the elastic tissue may toughen and become less stretchy. This makes it harder for the bladder to hold as much urine, creating more frequent needs for visits to the bathroom. Like the heart and arteries therefore, the bladder also depends on healthy cells forming healthy tissues. Among the most important ingredients vitamin C and lysine in the high amounts required to fuel the body’s natural mechanisms for maintenance and defence, especially in light of all the toxins and junk our bodies receive daily, not to mention the aging process! Our suggestion is 1,000 milligrams (mg) in the morning and another 1,000 mg at bedtime. If after a week no problems, such as diarrhea occur, try 1,000 in the morning and 2,000 mg at bedtime for another week. Then, again, if possible, increase to 1,000 mg in the morning and 3,000 mg at bedtime for several months. High vitamin C and lysine is safe, effective, increases immunity and decreases the risk of coronary attack and stroke. You can and should talk with your doctor. But if there is no serious medical issue causing nocturia, then before trying pharmaceutical drugs, work on the natural properties of your body to take care of itself. There’s no harm in trying, and significant gains if simple changes in behaviour and nutrition resolve the issue. We’d like to ask readers suffering from this problem who find success with this approach to nocturia to let us know. 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

Fear-Mongering, Control, and Public Mischief: Pickering’s Leadership is Undermining Democracy

Fear-Mongering, Control, and Public Mischief: Pickering’s Leadership is Undermining Democracy The City of Pickering’s decision to move council meetings online under the pretense of safety is nothing more than a calculated, cynical effort to stifle dissent, manipulate public perception, and consolidate power. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about safety—it’s about control. The over-the-top deployment of police officers at council meetings, combined with the laughable propaganda video released weeks ago, makes it abundantly clear: they’re fabricating fear to justify authoritarian measures and silence the growing voices of discontent among the residents. If there were truly credible threats, would the mayor and staff invite their families—wives, children, even eight-year-old grandchildren—to council meetings? Would councillors freely attend ribbon-cuttings and photo ops without so much as a police officer in sight? Or how about our New Year’s Eve celebrations or the Mayor’s Levee with hundreds of attendees and maybe a single police officer? Would my female colleague casually ride a scooter alone in public? These actions completely betray their claims of danger and expose this shift to virtual meetings for what it truly is: a pretext to shut down public engagement, not to protect anyone. We’re being fed the tired, old excuse that public officials are somehow in danger—a pathetic, overused refrain designed to justify controlling measures. But let’s be real: politicians in public service always face threats, insults, and sometimes worse. It’s part of the job. If they can’t handle it, then they should get out of public office. The mayor, council, and staff are far more concerned with avoiding accountability than actually serving the people. They’re more interested in playing with their phones, rolling their eyes, flailing their arms in the air or trying to storm out of meetings when things don’t go their way. Watch how they look visibly irritated, acting like spoiled children when they’re asked to do their job. The mayor can’t even resist watching sporting events during council sessions. And let’s not forget how they race through a consent agenda, proudly declaring "democracy quick tonight," with no debate, no questions, and no input from the public. They’ve turned council meetings into a joke. They’re timing themselves to see who can wrap things up the fastest. Who can shut down debate the quickest? Who can call for a consent agenda with the least amount of thought? This isn’t leadership; it’s a mockery of the democratic process. They have no respect for the people they serve or the issues that matter to this community. It’s all about convenience for them. This is not leadership. This is public mischief. The mayor and council have made it crystal clear: they don’t want to do their job. They don’t want to be held accountable. They’d rather be on vacation, glued to their devices, or anywhere but engaging with the public and doing what they were elected to do. They’ve taken my pay as punishment for standing up for you, the people. But they can’t take your pay, so they’ve chosen to take away your voice. By refusing to provide you with an arena to be heard—by shutting down in-person participation—they’ve stolen another vital right from you. They’ve already silenced you with their absurd policies and procedures that restrict your ability to speak and record. And now, they’ve gone even further. You won’t even be able to attend meetings, raise your concerns face-to-face, and hold your elected officials accountable. Instead, they’ll simply mute your microphone or cut the connection when they don’t like what you have to say. This is an attack on democracy, plain and simple. It’s an attack on your right to be heard. In the weeks leading up to the Mayor and staff’s decision to push for virtual meetings, they called for the deployment of two, then four, paid-duty officers at our council meetings. And as if that wasn’t enough, Durham Regional Police sent an additional ten officers—just out of the “goodness of their hearts.” This is an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars and a calculated attempt to manufacture fear. While our streets are being overrun with rising crime—carjackings, human trafficking, gun violence—police officers are being pulled away from real emergencies to babysit peaceful meetings of fewer than 30 people. There has been no history of violence in our council chambers during my entire tenure. This isn’t about safety. It’s about creating a façade of fear to intimidate residents and shut them out of the conversation. It’s an abuse of power and resources, plain and simple. What makes this even more egregious is the fact that the city had already planned to move meetings online this late spring or perhaps early summer due to council chamber renovations. So, instead of relocating to an accessible venue—like a recreation center—to ensure continued in-person public engagement, they seized this opportunity to shut the public out entirely. By hiding behind manufactured fear, they’ve bypassed their responsibility to engage with the public face-to-face. Why spend millions renovating chambers when they no longer intend to use them for public participation? Even more telling, they’ve announced no events will be held there except weddings. See the pattern here? The decision to go virtual under the guise of "fear" is nothing more than a strategic move to stop the inevitable pushback and anger they knew would erupt once the renovations started. Instead of relocating to a more accessible venue to ensure continued public engagement, they used fear as a cover to shut down opposition. There was—and still is—absolutely no legitimate reason to go virtual. This isn’t about safety; it’s about avoiding accountability and silencing the public's voice. The timing is no coincidence. Public frustration with council’s decisions has been mounting, and residents have been showing up to voice their concerns. This shift to virtual meetings conveniently ensures fewer residents can hold their leaders accountable, while council continues to push their narrative uninterrupted. To make matters worse, rumors are circulating that other municipalities and levels of government, inspired by the ease with which Pickering has silenced dissent, may follow suit. Imagine the vacations our councillors could take while attending meetings from the comfort of a beach chair, all while avoiding accountability and criticism. And let’s not forget the bigger agenda at play. The council’s manufactured fear aligns perfectly with their push to change the Municipal Act, giving themselves the power to remove elected officials who don’t fall in line. By smearing critics as extremists or conspiracy theorists, they’re laying the groundwork for a system where disagreement is punished and democracy is replaced with dictatorship. This isn’t leadership—it’s authoritarianism, disguised as governance. Pickering’s residents deserve better—much, much better. We deserve leaders who show up to work, who actually listen to us, and who are willing to be held accountable. We deserve leaders who prioritize fixing our crumbling infrastructure over wasting millions on unnecessary renovations. If you haven’t taken a good look at the schematics for your shiny new council chambers, I strongly suggest you do so. You’ll be shocked to see that staff have pushed through a design that looks more like a courtroom than a place where your voice should be heard. The focus will now be on the Mayor and two unelected bureaucrats—the CAO and the City Clerk—staring down at you. So, ask yourself: who’s really running the show at the Corporation of the City of Pickering? You will no longer be able to look your elected representatives in the eye—the very people you voted for to be your voice in the chamber. This isn’t democracy, folks. It’s a mockery of it. Pickering deserves leaders who value transparency and public engagement over propaganda, fear-mongering, and control. The people of Pickering are speaking up because they are tired of being silenced. It’s time for our leaders to start listening instead of hiding behind virtual screens, excessive police presence, and manufactured fear. Democracy doesn’t thrive on control and censorship—it thrives on debate, dissent, and accountability. This farce must end. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor

Why North Americans Are Overweight

Why North Americans Are Overweight By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Dr. Richard Z. Cheng, Editor-in-Chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, reports that years ago hunters survived eating low-carbohydrate diets. Their food was rich in animal protein, along with berries and seeds. But often food was scarce, and hunters used any bodily fat reserves to survive. There was no becoming obese. Now, food companies offer high-carbohydrate foods, with too much sugar and too many calories. Half of North Americans are overweight, with many people suffering diseases such as type 2 diabetes and its expensive medical complications. I interviewed Dr. Cheng to get his views on dietary measures that have a chance to reverse this disastrous situation. He promotes nutritious diets that are low in carbs, ultra-processed foods, and (omega-6 rich) seed oils which are also ultra-processed. He also reminds people that plants are full of self-defensive toxins that may be harmful to humans, if eaten in excess. A low-carb diet includes all types of meat and fish. Add, eggs, hard and soft cheeses, leafy vegetables, fruits and seeds. Fruit is healthy, but only in moderation, given the high sugar content. In contrast, a high-carb diet includes grains, bread, pasta, and root vegetables. Pizza, mac and cheese, muffins, fries, cakes, brownies and ice cream are high carb food. This diet of high-calorie and high-sugar foods leads to weight gain. Over time, following a high-carb diet is associated with chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a red flag that the body in not in good health. It increases the risk of big killers such as heart attack, hypertension, and stroke. Today 50 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases are due to excess pounds. Diabetes doesn’t happen overnight. The bodily process of managing excess dietary sugar demands more insulin to control blood sugar levels. Over time, insulin becomes less effective. Finally, unless medical treatment begins, people develop type 2 diabetes. It’s the leading cause of blindness in those over age 60. It also why year after year more people are requiring renal dialysis, or kidney transplant, and falling victim to heart attack. There is some good news. Dr. Cheng stressed that by changing to a low carb diet many medical metabolic functions would improve. For instance, our body’s cells contain what are called mitochondria that provide energy at the molecular level. It’s one reason why we have good days and bad ones. Cheng says that a low-carb diet enhances the performance of mitochondria. The diet also reduces inflammation in the brain and has been used to treat epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Many factors start people on the path to obesity. A low carb diet is a first step to stop this pandemic that gets worse year after year. It must also be stressed again and again that home needs a bathroom scale that should be stepped on every day. Use of a calorie counter shows the huge number of calories in some foods. Finally, people must use their two legs for exercise! I have great respect for orthomolecular medicine. It was because of the research of Dr. Linus Pauling that, following a heart attack at 74 years of age, I declined cholesterol-lowering drugs with their many side effects and potential for medical complications. Rather, I’ve been taking 10,000 milligrams daily of vitamin C for 28 years. I’m convinced this is why I’m entering my 102nd year. I’ve followed a sound lifestyle with no weight gain, moderate exercise, and I avoid sugar like the plague. My cardiologist was not amused. But for a quarter of a century, I have avoided the complications of synthetic drugs. Natural remedies like vitamin C have never killed anyone! Visit my website, www.docgiff.com, to learn more. 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

Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers By Wayne & Tamara I need you to help me because I feel like I'm going insane. It has to do with my sister and her boyfriend. She's been with him for nine years and living a lie ever since. He's been unfaithful to her since the beginning of the relationship and continues to do her wrong. When times get hard, he runs out on her. She has a daughter from a previous marriage and one with him. He plays in a rock band and never has time for them. He stays out every weekend and says he has a show, when in actuality he is with another woman. He has girls text messaging him and she's seen what they say to him, yet she covers for him and says it's nothing. Her children are suffering because she doesn't pay attention to their needs. Just a few weeks ago, he tells her he's leaving her again and moves in with another woman. Then he texts how miserable he is without her and how much he loves her. I know she will take him back, and I think it will be the last straw for me. I love her with all my heart, but I worry more about what she is doing to the children. She acts as if she can't live without him and will put up with anything--lying, cheating, disrespect--just so he won't leave her. What can I do to help her see the light? Bernadette Bernadette, there are only three things you can do. First, you can be the best aunt to your sister's children that you can be. Second, accept that your sister is in an abusive relationship. For some reason, she is willing to put up with this behavior. You don't understand that reason, but it has great power over her. So to gain more understanding, and possibly be of help, start reading about abuse and contact organizations for abused women. One question outsiders always have is, How can an otherwise smart, capable woman put up with abuse? "Dragonslippers," a book by Rosalind Penfold, provides an answer. Roz Penfold was in such a relationship for 10 years. She kept a diary, and when words failed her, she drew pictures. The book is a graphic portrait of abuse. Many women like Roz ease into abuse one small step at a time and use common ideas in our culture to justify what they are doing--turning the other cheek, forgiving the other, accepting bad behavior as a disease. It is a truism that a woman with an abusive man will not leave that situation until she sees things in the particular light which will make her change. For one woman, it might be consideration of the children--their suffering, their future, their well-being. For another woman, it might be understanding that she seeks abuse because she feels unworthy of anything better. For a third woman, it might be a vision of her own future. In dealing with your sister and her family you must be totally honest. If your sister praises her boyfriend, let her know everyone knows exactly what he is like and how he fails as a man. Don't go along with any imaginary or delusional way she presents his behavior. Let her children know that a good man does not treat a woman this way, and that a woman should never put up with this sort of treatment. In short, educate them to your way--the proper way--to view their home life. Finally, realize she may never change, and there may be nothing you can do to cause her to change. An accident of birth has linked the two of you as sisters. Just as you cannot allow alcoholic and drug-based behavior, or criminal behavior, or abusive behavior to dominate your life, so you cannot allow her self-demeaning life to ruin your own. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS

CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS By Sami Parvez Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party on Jan. 6, 2025, while remaining in office until a new leader is chosen. Trudeau also asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament until March 24, a request she approved. The Liberal Party is set to select its new leader on March 9. "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," 53-year-old prime minister said during a press conference on Jan. 6. Although Justin Trudeau repeatedly assured the Canadians he would lead the Liberals into the next election, pressure mounted after the party lost a safe seat in Toronto to the Conservatives and another in Montreal to the Bloc Québécois. Despite these setbacks, Trudeau insisted he would remain at the helm, with some caucus members publicly saying he was the best choice to lead the party into the next election. Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Crystia Freeland's sudden departure further destabilized Trudeau's leadership team on Dec. 16. While the Governor General's approval of proroguing Parliament surprised some observers, many Canadians are grappling with significant challenges. Millions are turning to food banks amidst an unemployment crisis, housing shortages, and a strained healthcare system. Rising crime rates and recent arrests of several terrorists have added to the public's anxiety. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been critical of border security and illegal migration, specifically concerning migrants crossing from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also raised concerns about fentanyl trafficking and its links to cross-border migration. On Nov. 30, Trudeau secretly flew to Florida and met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss Canada-U.S. relations. "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!" Trump said in a post on social media after meeting with his Canadian counterpart on Nov. 30. This is not the first time Trump has threatened to impose tariffs, having done so during his first term. With U.S. tariffs looming, many feel Canada’s internal leadership struggles, including the uncertainty surrounding Trudeau's resignation and proroguing Parliament have made it difficult for Canada to respond to Trump’s economic pressures effectively. “We are thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they are allowing vast number of people, Canada is a very bad abuser also, vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come in,” Trump told reporters on Jan. 20 during his first media address after taking office. As the Liberal Party works to choose its new leader, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continues to call for a national election. Public opinion polls show that many Canadians believe an election is needed to restore stability to the country. In the meantime, Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 23 added fuel to the fire. He said U.S. does not need Canadian energy, vehicles, or lumber, further complicating Canada’s ability to navigate its economic relationship with the U.S. "We’re going to be demanding respect from other nations. Canada. We have a tremendous deficit with Canada. We're not going to have that anymore," Trump said speaking via video conference. During a Jan. 21 press conference, Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to avoiding tariffs but warned of a strong, measured response should they be imposed on Feb. 1. He added: "Our response will be robust, rapid, and measured, but very strong. The goal will be to get those tariffs off as quickly as possible, and in order to do that, everything is on the table." “Everything is on the table, and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs, Trudeau told the reporters. “It's something we're absolutely going to be looking at if they move forward. We are prepared for every possible scenario.” Canada’s border policies under Trudeau have faced criticism for being too lenient, creating vulnerabilities. Recent high-profile arrests, including individuals crossing the border illegally, have heightened public concerns about national security. Even a terrorist involved in a beheading in Syria was granted admission to Canada in 2018, becoming a Canadian citizen last year May, who was arrested in Toronto in June. Another Pakistani student was arrested in Quebec near the US-Canada border while crossing illegally to carry out a massacre on Oct. 7, 2024, the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed dozens of civilians and wounded many attending the Nova music festival in Israel. In 2017, when Trump announced travel bans on several countries, Trudeau sent out a famous tweet saying, “Welcome to Canada,” which cost Canadian taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars as thousands of people crossed illegally through Roxham Road in Quebec. In tariff wars, there will be no winner; only consumers on both sides of the border will bear the cost. The way the Liberal government handles these challenges, once the effects are felt, will be crucial. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how Trudeau's successor navigates the evolving relationship with the new U.S. administration. Ultimately, Canada needs a true leader who will prioritize the nation's interests, put Canada first, and stand firm in the face of any consequences.