Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2025
You Are a 'Perfect Fit' Job Seekers: Do Not Assume You Are a 'Perfect Fit'
Job Seekers:
Do Not Assume
You Are a
'Perfect Fit'
By Nick Kossovan
I repeatedly hear, or read it in online venting comments, as I'm sure you also do, something along the lines of "I've been job searching for over seven months and have applied to more than 600 jobs that I'm more than I'm a perfect fit for and only gotten three interviews."
Tip: Never vent your frustrations on public forums, such as LinkedIn; it shows employers you can't control your emotions.
It's not a brag that job seekers think it is to apply to over 600 jobs. Applying to more than 20 jobs a week—four quality applications a day—is akin to spraying and praying, which isn't a job search strategy; it's a lazy approach. However, I want to focus on the words "perfect fit," which are highly subjective due to the varying degrees of nuance that define what "perfect fit" means to the person using the term.
When you claim you'd be a "perfect fit," you're basing your assumption on how you compare to the job description. Essentially, you're ticking off boxes, believing that if you tick all or most boxes, then you're a "perfect fit." What you're not considering is that you have no idea what's happening behind the scenes, and that a large part of hiring decisions comes down to gut feel. As I've mentioned in previous columns, being likeable supersedes your skills and experience. I don't know a hiring manager who hires candidates they don't like.
It doesn't matter if you think you're a perfect fit. What matters is whether the person reading your résumé and interviewing you thinks you are. A candidate's skills and qualifications aren't the only factors considered in hiring decisions; also assessed:
· How well you'll fit with the team—will the current team accept you?—and the company's culture. (Employers don't hire disruptors.)
· Your communication and soft skills (These are my 'must-haves.' When hiring, my primary concern is the candidate's verbal and written communication skills.)
· Your energy level.
· Are you a flight risk?
· Whether your qualifications are "too much" of a good thing.
Then there's the elephant in the room: something you can't control. If the hiring manager sees you as a threat to their position, you're not a perfect fit. You wouldn't hire someone who could jeopardize your job or disrupt your team, so why would you expect the hiring manager to do differently?
Unless you've spent time within the company, seeing how the sausage is made, attending boardroom meetings, speaking with hiring managers and employees at all levels, and eating in the lunchroom, you can't be certain you're a "perfect fit." You're assuming. You may believe your résumé matches the job description, but unless you're being referred, you have no insight into how the person you'll be reporting to leads and manages, or what keeps them awake at night. You don't know the challenges the company is facing or the internal politics at play.
Since the concept of being a "perfect fit" is subjective, there's no guaranteed way to make yourself appear like the perfect fit. However, you can increase your chances of being considered a "perfect fit" by focusing less on your skills and qualifications and more on coming across as a safe, low-risk hiring choice—hiring managers tend to prefer candidates who won't be disruptors.
Low risk = perfect fit
One thing job seekers often overlook is that hiring decisions are visible to everyone in the company. Making a bad hire, which I've done several times, is never a good look and can cast doubt on your judgment skills. The last thing a hiring manager wants to hear is "Did you hire Bob? He's a train wreck!"
Understandably, especially given today's job market, employees worry about keeping their jobs; therefore, they're concerned with how they're being perceived by their boss and their boss's boss. Being worried about "What will the boss and the team think?" is why hiring managers tend to prefer candidates who come across as predictable and low-risk. Consequently, being overqualified and having employment gaps are often viewed as liabilities, and why ageism persists. Rightly or wrongly, these factors are often considered high-risk red flags when making hiring decisions. In uncertain times, such as we're currently experiencing and will likely be for the foreseeable future, employers tend to favour candidates who appear steady rather than bold.
There are three aspects of a candidate that determine whether they're likely to be a low-risk hire:
1. Ability to perform the job effectively
2. Shows stability
TIP: In your résumé and LinkedIn profile, include the reason for your current career gap and explain what you're doing to stay current in your profession and industry.
3. Aligns well with the company culture
Whenever you're being interviewed, it's because the employer believes you're qualified for the role. Ultimately, the purpose of an interview is to assess whether you'd be someone who'll likely fit well with the current team and culture. Here's what you need to accept: the decision whether you're a fit or not is entirely out of your hands. All you can do is show you're a "great match," but never assume you're a "perfect fit." 
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE NEEDS ATTENTION
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE
NEEDS ATTENTION
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
Over the last several months, the City of Pickering has been rocked by violence — the kind of violence no community should ever have to face.
Let me remind everyone exactly what has happened in our city:
On May 2, a man was found dead in Pickering — our city’s first homicide of the year.
On May 29, an 83-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her own front yard by a 14-year-
old boy.
On July 5, a 69-year-old woman was killed in a suspicious house fire on Primrose Court —
now confirmed to be a homicide.
And just days ago, on July 11, a man’s body was found near Highway 401 and Whites Road — the fourth homicide in just over two months.
Four lives gone. Four families shattered. And an entire city left asking: what is happening to Pickering?
But it doesn’t stop there.
We are also seeing an alarming rise in carjackings, violent home invasions, guns seized, and increasing threats to public safety — right here in our neighbourhoods.
Partner violence is up. Mental health breakdowns are up. Homelessness is rising. And far too many people feel abandoned — by the very system that’s supposed to protect them.
Let me be absolutely clear: this is not just a public safety crisis.
This is a crisis of leadership.
Because while the violence rises, City Hall stays silent.
While families mourn, the headlines vanish.
And while people feel afraid to walk down their own streets, not a single elected official is standing up to say: Enough.
Well, I will.
To the families of the victims — I offer my deepest condolences. No words can take away your pain, but please know this: you are not alone. If you need support, I will do everything I can to help. I will fight to make sure your loved one is not forgotten. And I will never stop demanding justice — not just for them, but for every single resident who calls this city home.
To the people of Pickering — I hear your fear. I feel your frustration. But I also know your strength.
We are a city of good, hardworking people — and we deserve to live without fear. We deserve leaders who care. And we deserve a system that puts the safety and wellbeing of its people above political games and bureaucratic silence.
I was elected to serve — not to sit quietly while our city unravels.
And I say this today not just as a councillor, but as a mother, as a neighbour, and as someone who loves this community deeply:
This city needs leadership. Real leadership. Leadership that’s not afraid to tell the truth, to face the hard problems, and to stand up for the people — no matter the cost. So I’m here. I’m standing firm. And I’m not going anywhere. Because the safety of our people is not negotiable. Because every life matters.
Because this is our home — and I intend to protect it.
Thank you. And may God be close to the brokenhearted tonight.
Kind regards, Lisa Robinson “The People’s Councillor” City of Pickering
“Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - Lisa Robinson 2023
HERITAGE OSHAWA IS ACTING LIKE THE ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL BY GOING AGAINST THEIR OWN MANDATE
HERITAGE OSHAWA IS ACTING LIKE THE ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL
BY GOING AGAINST THEIR OWN MANDATE
WHILE UNDERTAKING RESEARCH on local issues concerning City Hall and its various committees, I have found some enjoyment in watching the online videos you’ll see posted on the City of Oshawa website.
I went into the latest such recording of the Heritage Oshawa committee with an abundance of energy, because before the meeting even began, I knew much more than usual about items on their agenda.
Which brings our attention to the property known municipally as 853 Simcoe Street South, being a one-and-a-half storey century home built in or around the year 1900. The home was included in a list formulated by Heritage Oshawa volunteers in 1998 as part of their effort to identify properties within the city that show built-heritage value – meaning they have architectural and overall design features that make them unique.
The house in question is almost one of a kind, with no less than two ground floor walk-in bay windows, and a unique front porch assembly which includes a main entry door placed 90 degrees from the road. Upstairs, there is a large dormer immediately above one of the bay windows – the rest of the roof area sloping at a somewhat sharp angle, typical of Victorian architecture. This dormer may have been an add-on, or may have originally included a door to a small balcony – a common feature among homes built at the turn of the 20th century.
I like to think my knowledge of Oshawa, and the many older homes that fill the neighbourhoods around the centre and southern portions of the city, as being extensive. The remaining inventory of brick-clad Victorian-style homes, already reduced in number, is under constant threat of demolition, and we can include 853 Simcoe Street South as being among them.
The property owner appeared before the Heritage committee to request the house be removed from the 1998 list of ‘Class B’ structures – his primary concern being the affect it may have on his current attempt to sell the home on the open market. It is currently listed for sale as a “rental income generating property” and may be viewed on the Realtor.ca website.
According to the owner, the inclusion of this house on the list of properties considered to be of heritage interest has spooked potential purchasers for fear it will receive an official Heritage designation – which may impede its ultimate demolition. This, in spite of the assertion on Realtor.ca that the house and property generate a total monthly income of $7000 or more.
During his presentation to committee members (Robert Bell and John O’Boyle having both declared a conflict on the item), the property owner offered the following assessment, “To me it’s very clear that if anybody was to look on Google…that home today on Google…there’s nothing at all that resembles anything Heritage at all about that property.”
As it happens, a majority of those on the committee were prepared to side with him, and below are a few of their comments made to justify their position.
Ward 2 City Councillor Jim Lee offered these assurances to the property owner, “I totally support the removal of your property from Class ‘B’…and I think you spoke very well with regard to, there’s no heritage value there.”
Committee member Sarah Smale had some very singular observations on the matter. “So I drove past the property on my way here because that’s my route, and looking at it as I was driving past, I don’t understand why it’s currently on the list… There’s no heritage look to it… I would say no heritage attributes to the outside, so I would definitely be in favour of letting it off the list.”
Not to be outdone by his colleagues, committee member James Bountrogiannis had these seemingly intelligent thoughts on the issue, “Why do we call it (Class) ‘B’ if it is undesignated? Oh, it’s something to do. So, let’s get rid of it.”
Do you see a pattern developing in these comments from committee members?
The only person to even remotely come to the defence of, not only the future of an unquestionably unique home of built-heritage value, but also the realities surrounding the Class ‘B’ list, was the committee Vice-Chair Diane Stephen. With no-one to support her, she appeared to do her best to add an element of reason to the debate, and in doing so she offered these comments directly to the property owner, “Our information comes from research done over the years. We have an inventory of ‘heritage Oshawa’ and your house is listed in here, along with quite a number of other ones, and it’s listed as being built in the 1900’s which makes your house 125 years old. “
These comments apparently did not sit well with Councillor Jim Lee, who took the Vice-Chair to task when he asked, “Being relatively new to the Heritage committee, are we basing ‘designation’ of heritage (sic) buildings based on when they’re built?” The Vice-Chair was quick to remind the councillor that the property at 853 Simcoe St. S. was not being considered for Heritage designation, and that there is “no stepping stone to designation… There’s no ‘B’ then you’re elevated to ‘A’ and then you end up being designated… That’s not how it works.” She would go on to tell her colleagues prior to calling a vote on the issue, “I just want to clarify, it’s not designated…this property is not designated.”
As it happened, those remarks would prove ultimately ineffective, as the committee voted to remove the property from the list of structures deemed worthy of heritage interest.
At this stage, I would like to offer my readers a few key takeaways from what transpired during the meeting.
First and foremost is the flippant manner in which committee member Sarah Smale apparently came to her decision. To suggest, as she did, that a mere drive-by glance is either in whole, or in part, a suitable method of deciding the fate of a historically unique structure, is tantamount to a betrayal of her role to work at preserving Oshawa’s built heritage. One would hope Ms Smale may learn from her mistake, otherwise her resignation from the committee would seem a reasonable expectation.
Secondly, the remarks by Ward 2 City Councillor Jim Lee were nothing less than adversarial towards the committee itself, or at least the mandate under which it operates. He showed himself to be no friend or advocate of heritage preservation, and unless his views change, residents of Oshawa may well see many more unique properties threatened by the wrecker’s ball.
I will be watching this committee very closely in the weeks and months to come.
Taxed to Death: Why Canadians Are Going Underground
Taxed to Death:
Why Canadians Are Going Underground
By Dale Jodoin
Every day, more Canadians wake up wondering how they’re going to make it to the end of the month. Prices are up, wages are flat, and the only thing growing is the list of taxes on everything we do. Rent is now so high it feels like a joke. Grocery bills are eating paychecks whole. Power prices are through the roof, and with the government pushing electric cars on everyone, don’t expect that to change anytime soon. They keep telling us this is all for the greater good. That it’s about saving the planet or growing the economy or whatever new excuse they roll out. But regular Canadians aren’t seeing the benefit. They’re being left behind. What we’re seeing is the slow death of the middle class, and worse, the rise of a new kind of silent economy one where you have to hide what you earn just to survive. The Liberals and the NDP have turned Canada into a land of hidden hustle. Not the fun kind of hustle you post about on Instagram.
This is quiet, backdoor work. This is cutting lawns for cash, fixing cars in the garage, selling baked goods out of your kitchen, or helping people move for a twenty-dollar handshake. No paperwork. No receipts. No CRA. Why? Because the second you play by the rules, the system bleeds you dry. That’s the new Canadian reality. You can work hard, pay your taxes, follow the law, and still not afford a normal life. Or you can take your chances, keep your mouth shut, and do what needs to be done. And it’s not just a few people doing this anymore. It’s spreading. Fast.
The only way to survive in this new Canada is to stop telling the government everything. That sounds harsh, maybe even illegal, but look around. We’re being pushed into it. The government will call it tax fraud. They’ll say you’re a criminal. But what do you call it when a system forces its people to go broke for simply trying to live? We used to be proud of our country. We used to brag about how great Canada was. But now, more and more people are ashamed. Not of being Canadian but of what’s being done in our name. While Ottawa talks about equality, they give handouts to people who just arrived while the ones who’ve worked here all their lives get told to wait. While the elite throw money at green energy plans and fancy carbon credits, average folks can’t even fill their gas tank. And while politicians pose for the cameras, Canadians are sitting in the dark because they can’t pay the power bill. This isn’t a conspiracy theory. This is everyday life now. The rich are still rich. The poor are still poor. But the working class, the ones who kept the country going, are being punished for simply existing. It’s not about right or left anymore. It’s about survival. People are afraid to speak up. They’re afraid their neighbours might report them. They’re afraid of audits, fines, or worse. We’ve created a country where you don’t know who to trust, where even doing an honest day’s work might come back to bite you if you mention it to the wrong person.
That’s not freedom. That’s fear. And the fear is growing. The more the government taxes, the more people hide. And the more people hide, the more the government tightens its grip. It’s a loop. One that’s hard to break. And they know it. They want control. They don’t want independent Canadians. They want dependents. They want us poor, desperate, and obedient. That’s why they tax small businesses harder than corporations. That’s why they punish side hustles but let billion-dollar companies skate by with loopholes. That’s why they praise people who rely on government programs, but shame the ones who try to make it on their own. They’re building a country where hard work doesn’t pay and independence is punished. But there’s still a fight left in us. There are still people out there who aren’t ready to give up. If you’ve got a skill for anything from carpentry to cutting hair you need to keep it close and keep it quiet. Don’t advertise online. Don’t trust platforms that track you. Use word of mouth. Free papers. Posters on local boards.
Your neighbour’s garage. Keep it small, keep it moving, and keep the government out of it. That might sound un-Canadian to some, but ask yourself: what’s more Canadian than helping your neighbour, working hard, and asking for nothing but a fair chance? That’s not a crime. That’s community. This isn’t about greed. It’s about survival. The people who defend the system will keep calling us lazy, selfish, or paranoid. But they’re the ones who benefit from it. They’re the ones who get the subsidies, the free education, the special grants, the electric car rebates, the carbon credit bonuses. Regular Canadians get none of that. We just get taxed. Again and again. And if we complain? We’re told we’re the problem. That we need to sacrifice more.
That we need to work harder. We’ve been doing that. And we’re done. If this country wants to keep the lights on, it better start listening to the ones paying the bills. Because when we all go underground, the system will collapse. And maybe that’s what it needs. Maybe it’s time to stop pretending that everything’s fine. Because it’s not. The country we knew is gone. And if we want to survive what’s coming next, we can’t wait for someone to save us. We have to save ourselves. Quietly. Carefully. Together.
Court Finds Employer Broke Contract, Awards $456,908 to Dismissed Executive
Court Finds Employer Broke Contract, Awards $456,908 to Dismissed Executive
By Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M.
Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP
In a case that underlines the importance of sticking to written agreements, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ordered Artisan Development Labs Inc. and its subsidiary, Artisan Cell Labs Inc., to pay $456,908 to former Executive Vice-President Dr. Nicholas Timmins. The court concluded that Artisan “by their correspondence and actions” repudiated—meaning fundamentally broke—the employment contract when they dismissed Dr. Timmins and failed to honour the severance terms it had promised.
A Contractual Promise Unfulfilled
Dr. Timmins began working for Artesan’s American parent company in November 2019, earning an annual salary of $475,782 CAD, plus stock options, benefits and a performance bonus. In 2021 he moved to Toronto to establish Artisan Cell Labs Inc., the company’s Canadian operation, and was promoted to Executive Vice-President. His 2019 employment agreement clearly stated that if he was dismissed without cause, he was entitled to the greater of:
Three months’ pay in lieu of notice, or
His minimum statutory entitlement under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
Despite this clear promise, in March 2023 Dr. Timmins received only one week of ESA-minimum notice pay. The letter explaining his termination also tied any additional severance to Dr. Timmins signing a “full and final release,” which would bar him from pursuing any further claim against the company.
What “Repudiation” Means
When one side to a written contract shows—by words or by conduct—that it no longer intends to be bound by the contract’s terms, courts call that a “repudiation.” In such cases, the innocent party can treat the contract as ended and seek damages under common-law rules. Here, Justice Callaghan agreed with Dr. Timmins that Artisan’s insistence on a release before paying contractual severance made no sense if the company truly intended to honour its three-month notice promise.
How the Court Calculated Damages
Rather than simply order the three months’ payment, the court moved to assess a fair amount of notice under common law, applying the familiar Bardal factors:
Age (44 years)
Length of service (3.5 years)
Character of employment (senior executive role)
Availability of similar work (niche gene-therapy sector)
Balancing these considerations, Justice Callaghan set a nine-month notice period. Nine months’ worth of salary, benefits, pension contributions, phone allowance and a prorated bonus totals $456,908.
A Warning Shot to Employers
For businesses of all sizes, the decision is a vivid reminder: honour your written termination clauses. If you condition contractual severance on signing a broad release—or impose any hidden requirement—courts may find you have repudiated the contract, leaving you exposed to larger common-law awards.
Practical Takeaways
Draft Clear, Stand-Alone Clauses: Ensure severance or notice provisions are written plainly and without strings attached.
Separate Release Agreements: If you require a release or confidentiality covenant, present it in a distinct document—not as a condition to pay what’s already owed.
Train HR Teams: Make sure those who handle terminations understand that contractual entitlements must be honoured in full.
Budget Accordingly: Factoring in the risk of repudiation claims can save six-figure surprises down the road.
Broader Impact
Although this dispute involved a high-earning executive in the biotech field, the ruling has implications for workers at every level. Any employee whose contract specifies a fixed amount of severance or notice, now has clear authority to demand common law severance, which is often much higher than the contractual amount.
Case Reference: Timmins v. Artisan Cells, 2025 CanLII 2387 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Friday, July 4, 2025
The Toughest Column to Write
The Toughest Column to Write
By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford
A few days ago, I departed this planet with great reluctance during this, my 102nd trip around the sun. But I offer these final words with readers. I have never missed a week in over 50 years of writing this column. Possibly this persistence will help me squeeze through the Pearly Gates! Some will say,
“Not bloody likely.”
As I look back on my journalism career, it reminds me of the introduction to the book,
A Tale of Two Cities. It was the best of times; it was worst of times.
There were times when my life was threatened because I took on controversial issues, particularly the right of women to safe abortion. Opponents found fault with my work to legalize heroin for the treatment of terminal cancer pain. One well-known health organization labelled me “a headline-seeking medical journalist.” Other critics lied about the pain-killing advantages of heroin. When finally legalized, some hospitals set up foolish roadblocks to heroin’s use as pain therapy.
Do I have regrets? Yes, the anxiety my work caused my family. I could have avoided trouble. But I’d have been an awful hypocrite, and I can’t stand hypocrisy. Besides, my DNA has never allowed me to be a fence-sitter. So, apart from some difficult bumps along the way, being a surgeon and medical journalist has been a wonderful dual ride, and “the best of times”.
Final advice for readers? Remember, “If you keep going to hell you will eventually get there.” Living with a faulty lifestyle, fools attempt at the end of life what smart people do at the start.
So, don’t fall victim to “pillitis” and take a pill for every ache and pain. Take prescription drugs for the shortest possible time, as they almost always add risks of terrible side effects. Above all, keep in mind what I stressed for years, that many natural remedies in health food stores are safe, less expensive, and should be tried first before prescription drugs, surgery, or other medical treatments.
I want to mention the vital role that Susan, my wife, played. As my editor, she frequently kept me out of trouble with the words, “You can’t say that!” She was right 99 percent of the time. I’ll miss her presence, guidance, and love more than I can say.
If there is a Pearly Gate I will be waiting at it for her and my family.
I’m fortunate that my daughter, Diana, will carry on this column. She was too smart to become a doctor, and that’s why readers will learn a lot from her perspective on health and wellbeing, and about how the world actually works. How I’ll miss my almost daily chats with her.
On a philosophical note, I was convinced long ago that “The problems of society are caused by so-called intelligent people who are largely fools.” I haven’t changed my mind. Shakespeare was right when he wrote “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves.” Unfortunately, humans have never learned the Golden Rule,
“Do unto others as would you have them do unto you.”
Do I have any last wishes? Yes, I’ve always said, “Freedom of the press only belongs to those who own the newspaper.” So, whatever type of media exists behind those Pearly Gates, I want total ownership. I hope a loving God shares my opinion.
My best wishes to all readers and editors for good health and longevity.
W. Gifford-Jones
_________________________________________________________________________
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
Know before you sign by Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist
Know before you sign by Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist
By Theresa Grant Real Estate columnist
As an option to purchasing a cottage, many people purchase a trailer. There are a few different types but if you are purchasing a trailer as opposed to buying a cottage, chances are you are going to purchase one in an established trailer park. I myself had a great trailer for many years in a park in Trent River, a little hamlet next to Havelock, Ontario. That is the most common scenario for trailers. There are a few others and that is what I am going to shed some light on here today. When you head out of the city in any direction you eventually find yourself in beautiful farm country of some sort. With so many lakes and rivers in Ontario there are thousands of parcels of land for sale in the province. Some large others small. Some with water on the property or adjacent to a lake river or stream. A new build is often attractive to people who feel they cannot afford to purchase an established property. In that scenario, you buy the land and then at some point, and there is usually no time limit, you build your house on your land. Some one came to me recently and told me that they had done exactly that. They had purchased a beautiful large vacant waterfront lot in a small hamlet east of Oshawa. The lot was fully serviced, meaning it had hydro and water available. The couple were thrilled that they had this beautiful lot. They purchased a 40-foot house trailer and had it delivered to the lot. After some settling in, everything looked gorgeous. They soon received notice from the township that there were no trailers allowed on the property. They were devastated. They were on the hook for the trailer because they had just purchased it. They also were the owners of
the parcel of land. They had no idea that there would be such a problem given that they were the owners of the land. They had seen other trailers in other areas sitting nicely at the water’s edge and never thought that they would have this issue. There was in fact a bylaw for that area that there were no trailers allowed on a vacant lot. Not even while you build your house. The morale here is to never assume that what is perfectly okay in one area is alright in another. Not even in the same area. I would personally go to the city or town office with the paperwork of the lot or parcel I was planning to purchase and have them sign off on what is or isn’t allowed before I would sign on the dotted line. Too many people sign first and ask questions later. This can get very expensive if you try to fight it or try to get a variance for your property. In the end your best bet is always to do your home work. 
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Employers Do Not Care About ‘Your Whys.’ They Care About ‘Their Whys.’
Employers Do Not Care About ‘Your Whys.’ They Care About ‘Their Whys.’
By Nick Kossovan
Outside of you, nobody really cares about your "whys." Therefore, an effective way to build a relationship with someone is to show them you care about their whys. The ability to cultivate strong bonds with others is a valuable skill that will significantly enhance your personal and professional life.
A job search and life tip: When you meet someone for the first time, ask yourself, “How can I help this person?”
When interviewing, keep asking yourself, “How can I help this person?” Keeping this question top of mind will change how you interview and come across. For one thing, you will be more consultative rather than the typical "I need a job" candidate. You will be that rare candidate who asserts, "I can help you achieve your goals; here is how," which is very attractive.
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
When it comes to searching for a job, some of your whys may be:
· To be able to make your mortgage payments.
· To be able to buy food.
· To be able to vacation in Costa Rica.
· To be able to own a car.
· To forward your career.
There are countless reasons why someone needs a job and is job searching. Employers are not concerned with any of them. Employers are concerned with their whys. An employer's top four reasons (whys) for hiring for a particular position are:
· To maintain their business.
· To handle an increasing workload
· To grow their business.
· To enhance their competitiveness by adding new skills or perspectives.
Note none of the employer's whys are "to create a job so a new hire can fulfill their whys." It is your responsibility to manage your career and finances and the employer's responsibility to ensure that their company remains in business and grows.
Employers are not in the job-creating business; they are in the profit-making business. Therefore, all their whys lean towards creating and maintaining profits. It is not the goal of a company to increase its workforce. A company's goal is the opposite: Having as few employees as possible while being successful.
Care and friendship are not part of the bargain of employment. The deal is 'a day's pay for a day's work.' Anything more than that is either luck or brilliant management.
Years ago, I had a tense conversation with a C-suite executive, which ended with, "This company didn't create your lifestyle, so why do you think we should be responsible for it?" Eventually, I realized his point. I was thinking backwards! I was expecting my employer to care about my whys without me caring about my employer’s whys.
Once I stopped looking to employers to take care of me, my career trajectory and job search success significantly improved. I was now giving off the "vibe" — your vibes are an integral part of your communication; therefore, always be aware of the vibes you are giving off — that I was looking to help the employer achieve their goals, not just help myself. My vibe differentiated me from the other candidates.
Employers will lean into you much more if they feel you genuinely want to help them achieve their goals. This requires understanding why the job you are applying for exists, how it fulfills a need or will help achieve a goal(s). (e.g., increase revenue, lower production costs, maintain a high-value client, increase efficiency)
When applying for a job, consider why the position exists. All positions exist to fulfill an essential function. The person hired to fill a position is hired based on their ability to perform and achieve the position's goals.
The next time you apply for a job, do something most job seekers never do… reflect on the purpose of the job. Ask yourself, "Why did the company create this position?" "Why does this job exist?" Then, address these whys throughout your application (resume, cover letter) and when interviewing.
Holistic reasons a position exists: · Payroll manager: Manage payroll. · Office manager: Oversee office operations. · Social Media Manager: Manage the company's social channels.
· Warehouse Order Picker: Pick and package items.
The employer's reason for creating the position.
· Payroll manager: Ensure that payroll is processed accurately and that payroll tax laws are followed precisely. · Office manager: Maintain an efficient and cost-effective office.
· Social Media Manager: Plan, create and execute content strategies to drive engagement on a company's social platforms.
· Warehouse Order Picker: Pick and prepare requested items for shipping and complete the necessary paperwork, ensuring orders are processed correctly.
You cannot go wrong presenting yourself to employers in such a way that your skills, experience, and, most importantly, your desire to assist the employer in achieving their goals are evident. Nowadays, in addition to having the skills and experience to do the job, employers are looking for employees who are genuinely committed to helping their business succeed.
A savvy job seeker focuses on how they can help the employer achieve their whys (goals). Their personal whys are not their primary focus. This is how you make yourself valuable to employers.
GIBERSON PREDICTS COURT CHALLENGES AS COUNCILLORS VOTE TO APPROVE SOCIAL SERVICES BYLAW CHANGES
GIBERSON PREDICTS COURT CHALLENGES AS COUNCILLORS
VOTE TO APPROVE SOCIAL SERVICES BYLAW CHANGES
I BEGAN A SIX-PART SERIES of social media essays in 2020 on the topic of homelessness in the city of Oshawa, and I can tell you that, five years and over 16,000 views later, the issues I wrote about then are still very much the same now.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I made some lasting friendships along the way. It was also a real eye-opener as I went into the camps to see, first hand, much of what being homeless was all about. I interviewed elected officials and those living and working in the downtown, and I also spent time volunteering for a local meal program.
All-in-all it was a disturbing scene, but one filled with a sense of community built on the relationship between those living in desperate conditions, and the army of volunteers and agencies who work so hard to offer support.
Looking back at all that I did to immerse myself into the world of homelessness, I can recall standing in line at a now-closed charity on Simcoe Street awaiting a meal prepared by a team of volunteers – in absolutely sweltering conditions. I learned much that day by eating and talking with the men and women who actually rely on local charities and other agencies for their day-to-day survival.
Which brings us to the present time, and the debate over changes made to a municipal by-law governing the number and location of social services within the city’s limits.
In summary, Oshawa councillors recently approved amendments that would require a considerable separation between new and existing agencies and charities that serve the homeless. Other retail entities were also affected, however the focus of public debate has so-far been focused on the affect these new rules may have on services available for those most vulnerable.
At a special council meeting held on Thursday morning, several residents were joined by representatives of the AIDS Committee of Durham Region, as well as the John Howard Society, to express their concerns. The underlying message sent to councillors appeared to be one of implied deceit, with several delegations questioning the ‘real intent’ of the proposed changes.
One resident, currently working towards his Masters of Urban Planning degree, appeared before council to suggest the vote would be based more on ‘identity’ than on actual land use aspects. Another resident went so far as to accuse councillors of potential discrimination bordering on Human Rights violations.
The specter of going against such laws was also brought to the fore by councillor Derek Giberson – who has, himself, been a board member for the Back Door Mission, a collaborative social service and primary health care HUB located at the Simcoe St. United Church. It is well known the Mission has received an extension to allow them time to find a new space, as the church officially closed, having held their last service in April 2024.
That means much of what councillor Giberson said was undoubtedly driven by the likelihood of the Mission being shut out of a large geographical area which surrounds the downtown. However, during his questioning of one of the delegations, he seemed to offer up an entirely different scenario, “If a pre-existing organization in a primary location wants to open a satellite location, would they start ‘massing up’ at their current location…which would go against the intent of these by-law changes?”
And that’s not all. On one of his social media pages, the Ward 4 councillor took his colleagues to task by way of a few pre-emptive remarks: “If tomorrow's Zoning By-law amendment passes…it will prevent any new social services operated by a non-profit or charity from opening anywhere in the City of Oshawa within an 800 metre radius of an existing social service… Two letter-writers have already identified the serious concern that it may not pass a Human Rights Code test.”
Added to this was a hint dropped by councillor Giberson in the same social media post, perhaps unwittingly, where he appeared to shed light on a potential relocation of the Back Door Mission: “Also included is ‘Dispensing from or receiving at the building clothing and household articles’, prohibiting a place of worship that doesn't currently provide this type of assistance from starting up such a service…”
Is it possible the Mission may have found another willing host but inadvertently missed the boat on a new location?
Meanwhile, councillor Brian Nicholson who represents Ward 5, itself being inclusive of a portion of the greater downtown area, offered the following comments on his own social media page: “Rather than get into a back and forth with those spreading the false rumours, I would like to express a few simple thoughts. Nothing in the proposed changes impacts the location of existing social services and support groups nor does it limit access to those services… One thing that has been learned from the last decade or so is that locating all social services uses in a confined area leads to many issues for both those in need of services and those resident in the community. It cannot be a one way conversation. Compassion must be offered to both those in need and those living in communities.”
He went on to add, “The proposed changes being discussed tomorrow are not a hurried response as claimed by opponents, but a well thought out compromise put forward by planning professionals that both protects the services of those in need and protects the safety and integrity of neighbourhoods and residents impacted by these services.”
So, there were specific comments made during the special council meeting which really caught my attention.
One of the delegations referred to what she called the “social services industry”, and suggested any blanket ban on new services would essentially be a “freeze on growth.” That aspect was repeated in a question from councillor Giberson: “Some organizations mature and become ‘provincial’… Is this a barrier to that growth?” to which the delegation replied, “Yes.”
Another delegation who represents a newly established social services agency lamented the fact they were unable to locate in the downtown, and suggested, “We’re getting bigger and have…federal agencies looking at us now.”
Although ‘non-conforming uses’ as they are known, still retain the ability to expand at their current locations, one got the sense that those representing such agencies are more concerned with opportunities for growth than they are at maintaining a balance between those services and the needs of residents and business who call downtown Oshawa their home.
Clare Hewitt, the co-founder of Redemption House of Recovery, told councillors, “800 metres (separation between agencies) will stop people from using services. They will stay where the drugs are… People on the streets need to be navigated.”
I’ll leave my readers to contemplate the meaning of his remarks. 
BEACHES CLOSED!!!
BEACHES CLOSED!!!
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Is it just me... or has the world gone mad. I remember the days of my youth. Living in Uruguay South America. Summer days would see extreme heat. You could almost smell the sun in the air.
Going to the beach was the only way to keep cool... Back then air conditions were a luxury most could not afford. The only relief if not the beach was a good siesta on a cold tile floor.
At times going to the beach could be frightening. They had the ‘RED’ flag signaling strong tide, winds, unpredicted waves and the odd time.... the Rio Negro that ran out of the River Plata and out to the Atlantic would swell due to heavy rains and flush all kinds of animals. Including snakes, gators and anything that swam... including piranha and yes the odd shark that would loose it’s way.
Yes, when you would see the red flag. You had to ask and make sure you stayed out of the water. Never in all my days going to the beach did I ever have to worry about pollution. Toxic waste, radio active waste and or industrial run offs.
It appears that things are a lot different today here in Canada. Out of the series of beaches. Some stay open many stay closed. Closed due to the toxic composition in the water. From infectious algae. To pollutants.
Now, my question is.... how are some beaches OK to swim in and others are not? Same water. Same lake.
That scares me. Think about it for a moment. I rather be bitten by a swept up piranha or have a Python wrap around my neck than have to worry about infection from the same water that we drink and bathe from.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am not paranoid or some freak that fears the water. No, I have a very real concern. We live surrounded by nuclear plants. The experts tell us we have nothing to worry about. That it i safe. That the level of radiation these plants release are minimal and have no affect on our health.
Yet, most of these experts live outside the danger zones. The test they run on the water measures toxicity based on thresh holds and not on actual purity.
Therefore at one site it may read ‘A’ and on another a few miles away ‘B’. One same is safe the other is not.... but what is to say that as soon as that test is done... that the tide does not change and it deems the clear site as now toxic.
You can’t expect for these so called experts to continue running tests all day in and out.
If it is not safe in Oshawa for example. How can it be safe in Clarington...
It is just does not ad up if you ask me. Further more they do not test for purity but for thresh hold figures that are only markers for minimal public health concern.
How can you feel safe swimming in such an environment? NO matter the number the water is still toxic.
What is worst... That is the same water that is bleached with chlorine and piped up to your faucet, shower... Then flushed out from your toilet, hospital waste lines, industrial plants, commercial food processing cleansing and lets not forget the odd leak from any one of the nuclear plants.
You can dive in and take your share of pollutants... Or you can sip them and eat them at home in the form of water and or thought your vegies.... Scary thought...
Canada Day 2025
Canada Day 2025
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
This year is the 158th anniversary of a country still called Canada. Mired by the dark aspersions cast on our history and the complicated world situation we find ourselves in, we need to remember that we are still Canadians and be proud of it. As we reflect on events since the beginning of the year, let us hope that this year Canada Day will finally bring the nation a glimmer of hope and that the second half of 2025 will be better.
Let’s take a moment to consider the incredible contributions made by Canadians throughout our history. Their efforts have helped to make the country what it is today; a country of vibrant cities and strong rural communities. Canada is a place where cultural freedom still flourishes, and Canadians from all backgrounds are still free to express themselves and help our country prosper despite recent tendencies to restrict these freedoms.
Successive waves of immigrants from France, Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom and other countries together with Indigenous people have helped to forge our nation’s unique character. Through their efforts, our communities have become a distinct part of the Canadian identity which we need to preserve rather than deny. We should honour this legacy while we recognize that we can do better in the future. Let’s be proud of our combined anglophone, francophone and indigenous heritage and seek a strong and constructive cooperation with all our people of different backgrounds for a better Canada.
Canada was not born of bloody conflict. It emerged from a lengthy process of brainstorming about practical matters, of negotiations, proposals, and legislative ratifications.
On July 1, 1867, the Confederation of four Canadian provinces created our country and with the inclusion of Lower Canada – now Quebec – it ensured from the outset that Canada would be a blend of two nations, two cultures and two languages. The acceptance of both civil and common law systems is a factor that still makes Canada a helpful player on the international scene. And from the outset, religious tolerance was Canada’s only option.
The enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which made the confederation of the provinces law, was celebrated on July 1, 1867, with the ringing of the bells at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto. Contemporary accounts of the celebration also describe "bonfires, fireworks and illuminations, excursions, military displays and musical and other entertainments".
On June 20 of the following year, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to celebrate the anniversary of Confederation. However, the holiday was not established in statute until May 15, 1879, when it was designated Dominion Day, alluding to the reference in the British North America Act to the country as a dominion.
The holiday was initially not dominant in the national calendar; celebrations were mounted by local communities and the Governor General hosted a party at Rideau Hall. No larger celebrations were held until 1917 and then none again for a further decade—the gold and diamond anniversaries of Confederation, respectively.
Canada's centennial in 1967 is often seen as an important milestone in the history of Canadian nationalism and in Canada's maturing as a distinct, independent country, after which Dominion Day became more popular with average Canadians.
Some Canadians were, by the early 1980s, informally referring to the holiday as Canada Day, a practice that caused some controversy. However, with the granting of Royal Assent, the holiday's name was officially changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982. Canada Day coincides with Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, with memorials typically held in the morning of July 1.
As the anniversary of Confederation, Dominion Day, and later Canada Day, was the date set to commemorate a number of important events.
It was the first national radio network hookup by the Canadian National Railway (1927).
It was the inauguration of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's cross-country television broadcast, with Governor General Vincent Massey's Dominion Day speech from Parliament Hill (1958) and the flooding of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (1958);
It was the first colour television transmission in Canada (1966); the inauguration of the Order of Canada (1967); and the establishment of "O Canada" as the country's national anthem (1980).
Other events fell on the same day coincidentally, such as the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, shortly after which Newfoundland recognized July 1 as Memorial Day to commemorate the Newfoundland Regiment's heavy losses during the battle.
Our nation is facing greater challenges today, than ever before. These include economic hardship, less reliance on our neighbour on the South, and issues related to a new conflagration in Europe and Middle East, high unemployment and seriously escalating social problems.
Let us again show that we support each other. This community spirit is one of the most admirable characteristics of being Canadian.
On July the 1st let’s celebrate our country’s achievements and use them, not our failings, as a foundation to build a better and a brighter future together.
Let’s celebrate our unity and our treasured country.
Happy enlightened Canada Day!
Oshawa isn’t just a car town anymore
Oshawa isn’t just a car town anymore
By Dale Jodoin
Oshawa isn’t just a car town anymore. The days of General Motors being the centre of everything are fading into the past, and in their place, new Subcultures. Across the Durham Region, a quiet transformation is happening. You might not notice it at first, but if you look closer, the city’s streets, parks, shops, and schools are full of signs that the way people express themselves and have fun is shifting. The entertainment scene isn’t just changing, it's being rebuilt from the ground up by people who don’t wait for permission.
Take the car lovers. Oshawa will always have a place in its heart for gearheads. But now it’s more than just retired workers fixing up old Chevys. Young people are showing up with tuned Hondas, LED lights, and sound systems that shake the doors off gas stations. They meet in parking lots and industrial backroads, not for money or fame, but for community. Their cars are part art, part rebellion. These meetups are entertainment in its purest form loud, passionate, and completely their own.
Not far from them, on smooth pavement and near old warehouses, you’ll find skaters and BMX riders claiming their space. These kids don’t need fancy gyms or fields. Give them concrete, a board, and a little room to fall, and they’ll turn it into a stage. They film tricks, cheer each other on, and post their wins online. It’s sweaty, painful, and risky but it’s real. And in a world of screens and filters, real life is hard to find.
Step inside the local bars or dig around the basement show scene, and you’ll still hear the raw scream of metal and punk. Oshawa’s music culture hasn’t died, it's just gone underground. There are people in this town who live for the sound of heavy riffs and truth-telling lyrics. The crowd is mixed: teens with green hair standing next to grey-bearded punks who’ve been coming to the same spots for twenty years. They don’t follow trends. They make their own. And they’ve got the scars and tattoos to prove it.
Down the street, the kids dressed in black, silver chains clinking, aren’t just going through a phase. The alt scene is strong in Oshawa. Some call themselves goths, others emo, others don’t bother with labels. What they share is a need to be seen for who they really are. They make their own clothes, write poetry, and stare the world down with courage masked in eyeliner. They don’t just consume entertainment, they create it in everything they wear, say, and do.
Meanwhile, gamers and tech fans are building another world entirely. In dorms, basements, and online chat rooms, they’re coding, streaming, and pushing pixels to the edge. Ontario Tech and Durham College are feeding this quiet revolution. Some of these kids are turning hobbies into side hustles. Others are chasing dreams of esports glory. They may not throw parties, but their screens light up every night with life, drama, and action. You won’t always see them, but they’re there changing the game one click at a time.
The hip-hop scene in Durham might not be in the spotlight, but it’s got heart. Local rappers are putting out tracks online, mixing beats in bedrooms, and writing lyrics that speak to real life struggles, losses, hopes, and hustle. It’s not about fame or record deals. It’s about having a voice when no one else is listening. These artists are turning side streets and basketball courts into stages. And if the big city music labels won’t look this way, they’ll build their own scene instead.
One of the most colourful subcultures is the anime and cosplay crowd. These fans don’t just watch cartoons. They become them. You’ll spot them at conventions, libraries, or sometimes even wandering through the mall in costume, smiling as kids stare in awe. They sew, sketch, and dream up whole new identities. It’s not weird, it's creative. It’s brave. And it takes guts to show up in full costume when the world is quick to judge.
Tattoos have become part of daily life in Oshawa. It’s not just bikers or rockers anymore. Teachers, nurses, waiters, and grandparents are walking around with full sleeves and deep stories written in ink. Tattoo shops aren’t just businesses, they're gathering places. Every design carries meaning. Some mark pain, others celebrate love, and a few are just for fun. Either way, they’re permanent proof that art doesn’t always hang on a wall.
Outside the city, a slower, softer culture is taking root. Cottagecore and vintage living aren’t just internet trends, they're ways of life for a growing number of people in the region. These are the folks baking bread, pressing flowers, and thrifting for clothes from another era. They like quiet days, simple joys, and small gatherings. In a fast paced world, they remind us that entertainment can be as gentle as a book and as meaningful as a cup of tea.
All of these groups, from the loud to the quiet, from the rough to the soft, are part of what makes Oshawa and Durham special today. This isn’t a city waiting for a concert to come to town or for a big event to make it on the map. The people here are making their own kind of fun, their own way. They’re not looking for permission or attention. They’re looking for connection. Whether it’s through music, fashion, sport, or art, they’re saying one thing loud and clear: we’re here, we’re proud, and we’ve got something to say.
The face of entertainment has changed. It’s younger, more creative, and much more personal. And in Oshawa and across Durham, it’s growing every day. If you want to see the future, don’t look at the billboards. Look at the streets, the skate parks, the tattoo chairs, and the cosplay meetups. That’s where the action is. And the best part? Anyone can join in.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Apply Fundamental Relationship-Building Psychology
Apply Fundamental
Relationship-Building Psychology
to Your Job Search
By Nick Kossovan
An effective way to shorten your job search is to leverage the fundamental psychological principle—a game-changing lifehack—that most people overlook when trying to form a relationship, whether during job hunting, aspiring to climb the corporate ladder, seeking new friends, networking, or looking for that "special someone": If you want someone (read: an employer) to be interested in you, first be interested in them. Showing interest in someone is a massive gesture that makes you stand out; this is particularly true during interviews, where the goal is to establish a connection with your interviewer.
When expressing interest in someone—an employer—a key consideration is focusing your communication on how you can contribute to their success. This approach will make you memorable, which is what you should strive for, as it contrasts with most job seekers whose sense of entitlement has them primarily focused on their wants. Job seekers who are "what's in it for me" focused tend to struggle with their job search.
Focus on "What Can I Do for You?"
A hiring manager's primary concern is how the candidate can help the business. Therefore, distinguishing yourself from competitors, who are likely "me" focused, is as simple as demonstrating to employers the quantitative results you've achieved in your previous roles and how you intend to attain similar results. In 2025, your entire job search should focus on showcasing your past achievements that demonstrate your ability to either generate revenue or solve problems that hinder revenue. Can you answer the question savvy interviewers ask: "Tell me how you brought value to your most recent position."?
· "I led a software implementation project that was completed on time and under budget by $35,000."
· "By calling dormant accounts that hadn't made a purchase in over two years with a one-time offer, I resurrected over 200 accounts, generating $850,000 in revenue."
· "My hunger to achieve my monthly sales quota motivated me to make at least 40% of my calls before or after traditional business hours when decision-makers were most likely to answer their phones. This calling strategy resulted in a significantly higher connection rate, enabling me to exceed my monthly sales quota for 34 consecutive months."
Being different is better than "being better."
Stop trying to be "the best-qualified candidate." Remember, you're striving to be memorable. Solely highlighting your qualifications and experience, especially without numerical evidence, is a surefire way to blend in with every other candidate.
American psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini asserts, "To be persuasive, you need to be unique." Determine ways to present yourself to employers that will make you stand out. Often, just doing the basics that few job seekers do, such as creating a results-oriented resume and LinkedIn profile, including a compelling cover letter that sells as the ideal candidate for the position (not including a cover letter is lazy), and sending a post-interview thank you note to reinforce why you're the 'must-have' candidate, really well will make your stand out from those you're competing against.
Job seekers, now more than ever, need to bring a fresh perspective to their applications.
Social proof helps establish trust.
Catherine Sanderson, Professor of Psychology at Amherst College, notes, "People are influenced by what others think. Social proof can be a powerful motivator."
Your interviewer is a stranger; best-case scenario, you're a referral, thereby sharing a "we know the same person" connection. Unsurprisingly, since they're hiring strangers, hiring managers ask themselves: "Can I trust this person?"
The foundation of any successful relationship is trust. A crucial step in establishing trust is demonstrating credibility. Today, the most effective way to establish credibility is by taking advantage of social media platforms—LinkedIn being the most obvious—to provide social proof. Post screenshots of your successes include recommendations from previous bosses and share client success stories. Establish your credibility! If you've worked with well-known companies and brands, mention them to foster a reputation for trustworthiness and competence. Employers are more likely to trust you when they see that a reputable company has hired (read: trusted) you.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) motivates.
We all want what others have. A job search tactic I've successfully used several times is to create a perception of scarcity—that I'm in high demand. The perception that you have other options makes recruiters and hiring managers move faster. Being interested in you is good, but being concerned about losing you to a competitor is even better.
If you're in contact with several companies, even if you haven't reached the interview stage, mention it subtly. "I'm excited about several opportunities right now" conveys value without being overly boastful. Using this tactic frequently (no guarantee) encourages the employer to act quickly to hire you.
Reciprocity is powerful.
"There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life - reciprocity." - Confucius. The act of giving fosters social connections while positioning you as a valuable resource, thus enhancing your visibility and desirability. Do what most job seekers don't do: share industry insights, write informative posts, or comment thoughtfully on hiring managers' posts. The more you give, the more people will remember you, which, in turn, facilitates striving to be a memorable candidate.
OSHAWA COUNCILLORS TURN A ‘SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING’ INTO A SATIRICAL ‘COMEDY OF ERRORS’
This Is Not Discipline It’s Political Punishment
This Is Not Discipline It’s Political Punishment
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
On Monday, Pickering Council will vote - again - to take away my income. If they approve the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendation, I will have officially worked an entire year without pay. A single mother, elected by the people to represent them, will be punished for doing just that - representing the people.
Let’s be absolutely clear: I submitted a full rebuttal to the Integrity Commissioner’s Preliminary Findings on June 6, 2025 - two separate emails outlining my response in detail. That submission addressed every allegation with facts and evidence. But the final report - the one being used to justify this punishment - falsely claims that I didn’t respond at all.
That is a lie. And when I asked that the item be removed from the agenda so this glaring error could be corrected, they refused.
Not only is this a blatant violation of procedural fairness, it exposes the political agenda at play. While the full contents of my response may not have been reviewed, Council, the Clerk, the Mayor, and the Solicitor are fully aware that I responded - and they’re choosing to move forward anyway.
This isn’t about conduct. It’s about control.
Let’s talk about the source of these complaints. Aside from the first two sanctions - one brought by Councillor’s Brenner, Cook, and Nagy, and the second, which I strongly suspect also involved a member of Council - every single complaint since then has come directly from the CAO or the Mayor, the two highest-ranking powerholders in the corporation. In fact, there are additional complaints from the CAO that were submitted even before she submitted this current one, but the Integrity Commissioner is deliberately holding them back - waiting to bring them forward after Monday’s vote, so they can hit me with yet another 90-day suspension. That’s not accountability. That’s strategic punishment - carefully staggered to keep me under continuous attack and financially crippled.
And what kicked it all off? A simple, honest statement I made months ago:
“If I were Mayor, I would remove the CAO, the City Solicitor, and several Directors - because corruption starts at the top. I’d tear down city hall, rebuild it from the ground up, and give it back to the people.”
That’s the truth - and it shook them. Because if I win the mayoral seat in October 2026, the CAO could lose her $250,000-a-year job. That’s over $4,500 a week. So ask yourself: are these complaints really about Code violations - or are they about protecting power, position, and
paycheques?
And let’s not pretend this is a fair process. The report actually says it’s “unfortunate” that Council can’t bar me from attending meetings, as if my very presence on the floor is something they’d eliminate if they had the legal authority. They use words like “sentencing” and
“deterrence,” as though this were a criminal courtroom and I were some repeat offender, not a duly elected official fulfilling her mandate, by being the voice of the people who voted for me, and even those who didn’t.
Even the Mayor himself has said, on the record, “She hasn’t learned her lesson” - like I’m a
disobedient child who needs to be punished into submission. That tells you everything you need to know about the mindset behind these votes. They don’t want accountability.
They want obedience.
Let me be clear: Council does not have to accept the recommendation of the Integrity Commissioner. The Municipal Act allows for alternatives: training, education, even community service. But they’ve never once considered a single other option. It’s always straight to the most extreme measure: take her pay. Why? Because that’s what hurts most.
And if Council votes in favour of this - knowing the report is flawed, knowing my response exists, knowing the bias behind these complaints - then every councillor who votes yes is complicit. It will say everything about their character, their cowardice, and their willingness to follow orders instead of doing what’s right.
This should concern every person in Pickering. If this council can financially destroy an elected official simply for telling the truth, what will they do to you when you speak up?
This is not democracy. This is dictatorship by majority vote. This is not discipline.
This is targeted political punishment.
I was elected to stand for the people. And no matter how many times they try to crush me, I will not back down.
Councillor Lisa Robinson “The People’s Councillor”
“Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - 2023 
June is Men’s Mental Health Month
June is Men’s Mental Health Month
By Dale Jodoin
It’s supposed to be a time to help men and boys feel brave enough to talk. To cry if they need to. To say, “I’m not okay,” and still feel like they matter.
But most people don’t even know it exists.
And the truth is, many men are struggling—but feel like they can’t say a word.
How Many Men Are There?
In Canada, there are more than 20 million men. In the United States, there are about 168 million men. In Europe, there are around 360 million men. That’s a lot of people.
That’s millions of fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandpas. But when it comes time to talk about their health—especially their mental health—something happens:
They’re forgotten.
It Starts Early
In schools, most teachers are women. About 65% of all teachers in Canada are female. That number’s even higher in elementary school.
This is not an attack on women—it’s a fact.
Boys grow up without male teachers or mentors. Most of them go through years of school without one man showing them how to be strong in the right way.
They’re told to “sit still,” “calm down,” and “stop being loud.” If they run around or get too excited, they get told they have problems.
Many get put on medicine just for acting like boys.
They’re not allowed to talk about how they feel. They’re told, “Be quiet. Don’t cry. Don’t complain.” Some boys even believe something is wrong with them just because they’re boys.
Then It Gets Worse
When boys become teenagers, the confusion grows.
They’re told being “manly” is bad. That it’s wrong to be strong or competitive. They start to think that being themselves is not okay. And if they speak up about feeling sad or lost, they get laughed at or called names.
In high school and college, many boys stop trying to date. They’re scared to talk to girls. They’re scared of being accused of something. They’re scared to even be near people sometimes.
They feel like being a man is dangerous or bad.
And when some men in college try to start clubs just for men—to talk and feel safe—they get shut down. People say those groups “hate women,” even if they don’t.
So the men go quiet again.
What About Fathers?
Here’s something wild.
Father’s Day is in June.
That’s during Men’s Mental Health Month. A time meant to honour fathers.
But instead of feeling honoured, many dads feel beaten down. They get taken away from their kids in court. They get told they don’t matter as much as moms. They lose jobs and homes. And nobody checks on their hearts.
Many boys grow up watching their dads get pushed around, or pushed away.
So what do those boys learn?
They learn not to trust the system. They learn that being a man means being alone.
No One is Attacking Women
Let’s be clear: this is not about taking anything from girls or women.
This is about boys and men having a space too.
If a group is just for girls, people say “good for them!” But when boys want a group just for them, they’re told it’s “not fair.”
That’s not equal.
All-boy clubs, spaces, and safe places are not wrong. They are needed.
It’s not about hate. It’s about healing. Boys need room to talk with other boys. They need male role models. They need men who’ve been through pain and made it out the other side. That doesn’t take away from anyone. It just gives boys something they’ve lost.
What We Can Do
So what’s the answer? Let’s start in schools.
Bring in male mentors. Real men. Police officers. Soldiers. Firefighters. Dads. Uncles. Coaches. Let them sit with the boys. Let them say, “You’re not broken. You’re just growing.”
Let’s build new boys’ clubs. No girls or women allowed. Not because we’re mean, but because boys need space. Real space. To talk. To laugh. To cry. To heal.
That’s not against equal rights. That is equal rights—for the boys.
Let’s make a new National Boys and Men’s Association. It can follow boys from middle school to college. Help them find friends. Help them find mentors. Help them find hope.
We used to have places like that.
They were called Boy Scouts and frat houses.
Now they’re called nothing.
It’s time to change that.
If We Don’t Act
If we don’t make space for boys to grow and talk, things will keep getting worse.
More young men will give up on dating. On love. On family. More will feel afraid to speak. More will stop trying.
And the saddest thing of all? Many will think it’s their fault.
But it’s not. It’s our fault—for staying quiet.
Let’s Be Brave
Let’s not whisper about this anymore.Let’s speak loud. Let’s speak clearly. Men’s Mental Health Month is not a joke. It’s not weak. It’s not something to hide.
It is brave. It is strong. It is needed.
And it should be taught in schools. Celebrated in towns.
Respected in the media. Supported in homes.
Let’s raise boys to be proud of being boys. Let’s show them how to be good men, not silent ones.
Because every boy deserves a hero.
And every man deserves a month where he’s not invisible.
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