Celebrating Canada Day (Dominion Day) with Heritage and Traditions

As we celebrate Canada Day, I am filled with pride for our beautiful country and everything it represents. Our nation, founded under God, stands as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and unity. These values, symbolized by our iconic Canadian flag, inspire me every day in my role as a politician. From the early days of Jacques Cartier to Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada was built on Christian principles, with deep roots in the Church of England and a devotion to God’s teachings. Our Parliament buildings, adorned with biblical passages, remind us of this heritage. Psalm 72:8, inscribed on the Peace Tower, proclaims, “May He have dominion from sea to sea,” reflecting our identity as The Dominion of Canada. This is more than just history; it’s a call to uphold the values of faith, justice, and unity that shaped our nation. Today, however, these foundational principles are under threat. Our educational institutions often overlook Canada’s Christian heritage, teaching instead a narrative devoid of these roots. The rise of secularism and the promotion of ideologies that contradict our historical values concern me deeply. It’s essential to educate our children, not indoctrinate them. We must ensure our schools foster critical thinking and respect for diverse opinions, rather than pushing one-sided agendas. Unfortunately, some politicians prioritize political posturing over patriotism, choosing to fly special interest flags on government buildings rather than solely our national and government flags. This is, in my opinion incredibly unpatriotic. The Canadian flag should always be our number one symbol, alongside the veterans’ flag, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s unfortunate that some politicians care more about special interest groups and d gaining votes, than upholding the very foundations on which Canada was built: the supremacy of God, our Bill of Rights, and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The erosion of these values undermines the sacrifices made by our veterans who fought for the freedoms we enjoy. To preserve their legacy, we must resist the pull of transient cultural shifts and the so-called “woke” ideologies that seek to redefine our national identity. Holding onto our traditions is not just a matter of nostalgia; it’s about safeguarding the moral and spiritual fabric of our society. Biblical passages like Ephesians 6:13, which calls us to “put on the full armor of God,” remind us of our duty to stand firm against the challenges we face. As a nation, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity and our adherence to the principles that have guided us since our founding. We are a nation under God, and it is His sovereignty that has sustained us. On this Canada Day, let us reflect on our heritage and renew our commitment to the values that define us. Together, we can keep Canada strong and free, a place where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared future. As we celebrate, let’s proudly wave our Canadian flag, our true pride flag, and reaffirm our commitment to this great nation and its enduring values. Please sign up for my online newsletter. Through my web site: lisarobionpolitician.ca "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Innovation Unlocked: How CEO’s Can Encourage

Connection, Community, and Creativity By Stephanie Uprichard, IDC, GDC, ARIDO, IIDA Studio Forma Interior Design Principal Designer Connection, Community, And Innovation: Unleashing Creativity In The Workforce In the modern business landscape, innovation and problem-solving are key drivers of success. CEO’s recognize that fostering a sense of connection and community within their organizations not only enhances employee satisfaction but also unleashes the creative potential required for breakthrough ideas and solutions. Here’s how these vital aspects are intertwined and how CEO’s can further encourage a culture of innovation: The Power of Connection and Community in Innovation When employees feel connected and part of a community, they are more inclined to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build on each other’s thoughts. This collaborative environment stimulates creativity and fosters a collective intelligence that can lead to innovative breakthroughs. A strong sense of community also encourages risk-taking and the exploration of new ideas, as individuals feel supported and valued, even if their suggestions don’t always lead to success. CEO’s who understand this connection actively work to break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration. They recognize that diverse perspectives are crucial to innovation and that a community-oriented culture can provide a platform for diverse thoughts and experiences to come together. Encouraging Innovation through Connection and Community Here are some ways in which CEO’s can further encourage innovation within their organizations, building on the foundation of connection and community: Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety: Create an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas without fear of rejection or ridicule. This can be achieved through inclusive leadership, where diverse thoughts are welcomed, and through team-building activities that emphasize the value of each individual’s contribution. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Seek out and promote diverse talent, ensuring that your workforce represents a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Diversity fuels innovation, and by creating an inclusive community, CEO’s can harness the power of these diverse viewpoints to drive creative solutions. Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down departmental barriers and encourage employees from different teams to collaborate. This can be facilitated through mixed-team projects, social events, or even shared physical spaces that bring people together. Such interactions spark new connections and can lead to innovative insights. Provide Creative Spaces: In addition to the physical design elements mentioned earlier, consider incorporating dedicated creative spaces within the office. These might include maker spaces, innovation labs, or simply areas with whiteboards and creative supplies, encouraging employees to brainstorm and experiment. Celebrate Failure: Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success. CEO’s can lead by example here, sharing their own stories of failure and the lessons learned. This shifts the organizational mindset from one of risk-aversion to one of experimentation and growth. Leading with Vision and Inspiration CEO’s set the tone and provide the vision that inspires employees to embrace innovation. Here’s how they can further encourage a culture of creativity: Share the Vision: Clearly articulate the organization’s vision and how innovation plays a role in achieving it. Help employees understand how their contributions, no matter how small, fit into the bigger picture. This provides a sense of purpose and motivates employees to bring their creative best. Lead by Example: CEO’s should embody an innovative mindset, embracing new ideas and technologies. They should be willing to experiment, learn, and adapt, signaling to employees that innovation is a continuous journey. Leading by example inspires employees to follow suit. Recognize and Reward: Implement recognition programs that celebrate innovative achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing and rewarding employees who take calculated risks, challenge the status quo, or develop creative solutions encourages others to do the same. By fostering connection and community within the workforce, CEO’s create an environment ripe for innovation and creative problem-solving. This, coupled with a thoughtful approach to office design and a culture of psychological safety, empowers employees to bring their full creative selves to the table.

COMING OUT AND PROUD!!!

coming out and proud By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - White/Black, Sad/Happy, Peace/War, Love/Hate... For the love of words... the ultimate human weapon against eternal ignorance. "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation." The outcome is nothing short of eternal bliss: Eternal bliss is the state of total peace of mind. This peace is not just for a moment or any given period of time. This state of peaceful mind has to be permanent, only then you can say it is eternal peace. To achieve such state of mind is not easy. With this said... one has truly to understand the composition of words to be descriptive of the intended message. We are upon one of, if not the most important dates in our sovereign identity. In a society of Pride. We must show our true personal pride to our family, community and our country. Some may surrender to eternal ignorance and be proud of false ideology. We may find eternal bliss in our decision, escaping the illogical agenda behind the ignorance. Not the agenda pride we are force to tolerate. The true patriotic pride. But foremost. We must dig deep and find our true essence of who we are as a people. Leaving out social agenda, political direction and or external influences. We as a united nation should not be waving all color flags and or flags of foreign nation to show either our pride or support for external conflict. We as Canadians should only fly one flag proudly and that is the good old red and white maple. A symbol of peace, unity and resillience. A symbol of valor, sacrifice and committment. A symbol of inclusivity through adaptation, assimilation and respect for Canadian way of life, culture, customs and traditions. Not forced acceptance. We as PROUD Canadians patriots are about to take a moment and celebrate our true identity. Something that needs to be our primary focus when we refer to PRIDE and not the alternative sexual lifestyle. Canada Day celebrated on July 1st of each year, holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians across the globe. It is a day of immense significance; it marks the birth of a nation and commemorates the rich history, diverse culture, and shared values of the Canadian people. For this reason on July 1st, 2024. I will be COMING OUT AND PROUDLY of support my country as a good patriot . OUR CANADA. My Canadian history. My Canadian culture, customs traditions and languages. I will be coming out in support of a nation that has given me a life of opportunity. A land that allowed me to enjoy the freedoms that our forefathers so valiantly sacrificed during world conflicts. I will stand proud with all that served and and support their causes and their well being. We are a united nation that should not be compromised by external influences, agenda nor cause. We as Canadians are for Canada first. Happy Canada Day. I hope all come out and show your true patriotic pride.

INTERNET VOTING THE LAST BLOW TO DEMOCRACY

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” This week I received a real interesting email. It read: City of Oshawa exploring internet voting. The City of Oshawa is exploring the possibility of offering internet voting for its 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections and wants to know your thoughts. First and foremost. The City does not care about your thoughts as they already made their minds. The token request for your thought is as if to give you the impression that they care. Did they care when you gave them your thoughts on the budget? No. They stuck it to us. Now this. As if it is not bad enough that the City of Oshawa has a municipal election and only one seat changes. Our democracy has come down to name recognition voting by the same 18% voters turn out. A percentage that is slowly diminishing due to natural death. Now, the City wants to go online voting. This further giving the incumbent an edge over any new comers. Last municipal election it was a disaster. Most of the new candidates or all that ran on a shoe string budget or no budget. Faced with ever declining municipal voter turnout in local elections, the City of Oshawa is considering the possibility of offering internet voting for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. Internet voting allows eligible voters to cast their ballot online. It is a proven secure method of voting since ballots can be cast anywhere with internet access using a device of the voter’s choice, including computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. Oshawa’s turnout in the 2022 municipal election dropped to a dismal record low of 18.42 per cent of all eligible voters. It was just the latest in a declining Oshawa municipal election voter trend that saw a turnout of 24.1 per cent in 2018, 26.4 per cent in 2014 and 29.9 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in 2010. You have to go all the way back to the election of 1994 to find a voter turnout of over a third of all eligible voters, when 33.5 per cent cast a ballot. Contrast that with the glory days of voter participation and the highest ever turnout: 51.7 per cent in 1960. Those days are long gone, however, and most municipalities would be happy today to hit the Ontario municipal average of 36.9 per cent across the 444 municipalities of the province for the 2022 election. Voter turnout for Oshawa municipal elections rarely ever went under 33 per cent until the 1970s but has steadily slid since 1997 from a high of 29.9 per cent in 2010 to a dismal 18.42 per cent in 2022. With this in mind. Now the City of Oshawa wants to go electronic.... A way for creating new avenues to corrupt the democratic process by registering people that are either dead or not living in Oshawa anymore. This compounded with the real threat of external election influences. This is a formula for disaster. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced that the measures brought in to protect by-elections from any potential foreign interference will be applied to the Durham electoral district by-election to be held on March 4, 2024. These measures are continuously reviewed in light of the potential for new and evolving threats. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force provided enhanced monitoring and assessing of foreign interference threats during the by-election period. These assessments will be provided to the Deputy Minister Committee on Intelligence Response, which will stand ready to brief and advise ministers with mandates to combat foreign interference and protect Canada's democratic institutions. How do you like them apples. If this is known. That tampering can happen and has happened. What are we to assume that will happen with City Online voting? Other Durham municipalities that have adopted internet and/or telephone voting over the last decade include Ajax, Pickering and Clarington. Ajax was the early adopter in the group, taking on internet and telephone voting — in addition to traditional paper and advance voting — in 2014. And it had a noticeable impact in voter turnout. When Ajax did not have internet voting in 2010, turnout was 25.4 per cent. In the 2014 municipal election, with internet voting added, turnout jumped to 30.4 per cent, and was 32.9 per cent in 2018. However, voter turnout in Ajax slumped back to 22.5 per cent in 2022, suggesting internet voting is not a cure-all. Pickering and Clarington opted for internet voting only in time for the 2022 election. In 2018, Pickering’s turnout was 29.17 per cent in the 2018 municipal election before the advent of internet voting. In 2022, the turnout was actually lower at 27.4 per cent. Meanwhile, in Clarington, in 2018 the turnout before online voting was used, it was 28.57 per cent. After adopting online or internet voting, it was very slightly down at 28.05 per cent. So much for transparency, accountability when all they do is look for ways to stack the deck against any new comer.

The Surprising Reality of Ukraine's Middle-Aged Soldiers

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

Logic newsprint is dead not!!!

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - In the newspaper industry there are three types of publishers. The incoming - the outgoing and those that have no clue what they are doing. The latter are the ones responsible for damaging the integrity of the industry. Companies like SNAP, SNAP’ed, Oshawa Life, Neighbour and the many other fly by niters. A bunch of socialite editors that have no clue on the industry and rely on brown nosing photo opt politicians, promise the world and deliver empty promises. This tarnishing the integrity of real publications of actually giving clients value for their invested dollar in advertising. The incoming think they can take the world by storm and in many cases fail to establish a solid vision for their publication. You, must have solid direction and a timeline for when to accomplish goals. At the Central we always respected those established before us and made sure we never competed. Instead we created our own market and assured customer satisfaction was our prime goal. This philosophy has made us number one today and a leader in our industry. Many incoming do not do this. Many incoming just attempt to copy the outgoing’s papers style and hope for the best. Normally these publications are free to the public. Mistake one. Normally these publications are monthly or bi-weekly as they can’t establish a solid client base. Any publication that does not charge, by it’s own admittance has no readership. This is why it has to be given for free. Many of these free publications are the first to go out of business and in Durham we have had our share of publishing failures. The outgoing publishers or publications (Metroland) are those that have been entrenched in the community they served for so long that they really do not care. Their primary goal is to maintain the status quo and use the political influence in those communities to benefit financially. The outgoing publishers are more prone to fall for fads like online publishing. It is cheap to advertise online.... Unfortunately you get what you paid for. Who is really online? Today internet has become nothing short of a public toilet. The promise of millions of viewers when in reality on any given post if your lucky you get 10 viewers. Why is this you may be asking. Well, the sea of millions is made up for a particular niche. The average person is far from that niche. The niche is made up of teams of online tech support that know how to manipulate and influence trends and fad online. For the average entity. This is way out of their budgets.... This in part is why public notices by municipalities online are failing. No one is getting their notices. The municipalities and the Region all made the same mistake. Making the assumption that all taxpayers have internet, computers and or smart phones. Road side signs don’t work. Road side signs work on the 3 second rule. If you audience does not grasp the message in 3 seconds. That billboard is a waste of time and money. Going to public building to read boards is not working out as people are busy enough to go to building to find out what is happening in their communities. Then what is the answer? Simple. People by the thousands are demanding that municipalities publish in their local newspapers, I know so because we get all the new subscribers. Local newspaper are superior to national papers as the local papers are published by a local small business doing a big job. Also local papers are time proven and trusted to be true. Online is proving to not work. Even for the debunked Metroland. Their online version is seriously failing. In print newspaper is making a huge come back. So much so that The Central is exploring taking over markets right across the GTA. Support your local small business making a huge difference in the way you stay informed. READ THE CENTRAL YOUR NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR NEWS IN DURHAM

Social Media Wants Your Money

By Nick Kossovan The American way (read: capitalism's primary goal), which greatly influences the Canadian way, has always been about separating you from your money. I'd wager that within moments of the Internet becoming available to the public on April 30, 1993, many asked themselves, "How can I use this new medium to hawk stuff?" In 1997, SixDegrees launched the first online social networking site, marking the birth of social media. Almost immediately, Hucksters, charlatans, snake oil merchants, and outright fraudsters tumbled out of the woodwork alongside corporate advertisers. Have you seen the online ad for the Bluetooth-enabled Shiatsu foot massager? How about the one for the organic mushroom supplement powder? How about the micro-magnetic slimming earrings? Initially, social media thrived on feel-good content. However, social media companies have bills to pay and profits to make; thus, understandably, monetization became their focus, resulting in social media being flooded with ads for cheap, bright, and shiny items. Today, you can't scroll through your feed without being inundated with ads promoting supplements, subscription services, or self-proclaimed "experts" teaching a craft they've never mastered. Remember the days of browsing the Internet and having to venture off to visit the seller's website? The creation of social commerce—the marriage of e-commerce with social media—eliminated the need to venture off. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok now have native social commerce features baked into their respective platform. This feature, when leveraged by Svengali-like marketing strategies introducing you to products you didn't know existed, not surprisingly, leads to impulse purchases. Who knew there was an avocado slicer 3-in-1 tool for hassle-free avocado preparation for only $3.47? According to the ad, there are less than 400 left. At that price, it's a must-have. Never mind that I can't recall the last time I ate an avocado. As kitchen junk drawers, closets, garages, basements, and storage lockers will testify, creating fear of missing out (FOMO) by offering a cheap product and claiming inventory is dwindling is a proven marketing strategy. It's anyone's guess what percentage of our online and offline consumerism are impulse buys. Thanks to social commerce, a "marketer" can present you with a well-priced hoodie as you scroll through TikTok. To take advantage of this deal without overly interrupting your viewing of shuffle dance videos, simply click "Buy." I find it exhausting to scroll through my social media feeds, feeling that everyone is trying to sell me something. Social media has become cluttered with "Buy me!" and become an algorithmic traffic driver for targeted advertising. Then there's the fakery factor. · Despite all the claims, there's no "free." Everything has a price: time (attention) and/or money. · There's no genuine "I want to help you" advice, only pitches and sales funnels. · The freebies are shallow. A life improvement e-book offered for "free," in exchange for your email address, is just recycled advice you've already heard or read. There's nothing revolutionary or exclusive about the advice, as was promised. How many businesses behave on social media irritates me. Naively, I assumed social media would evolve into a people-to-people medium, like the whole world sharing one big kiss, as opposed to the business-to-consumer digital marketplace it has become. Weight loss programs, get-rich-quick schemes, influencers shilling products that don't produce results, Facebook friends selling beauty products, salons pushing Botox and fillers and ads that intentionally make asterisk text impossible to read. Companies that stretch the definition of "free," "guarantee," and "unlimited." Products designed to wear out quickly. Subscription-based models for everything. At some level, social media and the Internet thrive on veiled scams. My angelic side believes that those behind the transformation of social media into a Turkish bazaar simply want what we all want: money to buy time and freedom. Because our economic system works like a Ponzi scheme, everyone, to some degree, tries to make money, to move around with their consumerism, by taking advantage of others. In other words, who am I to judge those who sin differently than I do? When you consider how social media companies generate their revenue, it's hard to condemn their monetization efforts. Your role in social media isn't that of user. You're the product offered to advertisers and those who are dreaming of making money on social media. Platforms aggregate your attention (aka views), which they then sell to advertisers. It shouldn't come as a surprise that your attention span and actions are being commodified when you're on social media. In economics and finance, there's an adage that's especially relevant here: "There's no such thing as a free lunch." From an economic perspective, nothing is ever free. In general, if something appears to be free, like a social media account, you're paying for it in some tricky way. Always consider where your money is going. Consider your life goals more carefully. Don't let social media dictate your dreams. Sadly, social media has replaced the American dream of working hard and making money with the dream of not working hard and making money, resulting in our social media feeds being inundated with shameless attempts to separate us from our money. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Large Bowel Cancer in Younger People on the Rise

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford New statistics published by the American Cancer Society should be alarming. The numbers point to an increase in colon malignancy in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Yet, there’s been a decrease in large bowel cancer among those over the age of 65. In people under 50, the rate has been increasing by about two percent a year since the 1990s. This data goes against a basic law. Most malignancies occur in older people, and this has been true of colon cancer. This new data sends up a red flag that should not go unnoticed. Moreover, this is not just a North American trend. Large bowel cancer is on the also rise around the world. The question is, why has this occurred. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men under the age of 50. And it’s the second leading cause for women under 50 years of age. Large bowel cancer and rectal cancer are often linked together. And there is evidence that this increase may be related to an increase in rectal cancer. But it does not totally explain the increase. Do genes play a role in the earlier onset of malignancy? A family history of the problem is a factor for some people. For others, doctors have suspected that cell mutations may be the driving force. The presence of large precancerous polyps in the colon means a greater risk. But questions remain about why there is a rise in large bowel cancer among younger people. Could it be that changing lifestyles all over the world play a role? Despite talk of healthier diets, people are eating more red meat than ever – up over 10% in the last decade and more of it consumed after processing into convenient foods. People are eating other highly processed foods, downing too much sugar, and binge drinking alcohol. Researchers have shown that some individuals have good bacteria in their intestines, others bad bacteria. There are also questions about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These pain killers may have an adverse effect on the gut. Clusters of malignancies are seen in some areas. In southern Mississippi, people living near chemical plants are exposed to trace elements such as nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Could these potentially toxic materials be associated with the increase in cancer? Researchers are also aware of another pandemic, and not a viral disease lasting just three years. It’s the much worse global crisis of obesity, a long-enduring pandemic. The increase in obesity mirrors the increase in malignancies. But not all patients with colon cancer are overweight. Experts contend there is no single smoking gun responsible for cancer. Multiple risk factors need to be addressed. What can people do to decrease the risk of dying from colon cancer? People need to assist their doctors with early diagnosis. First, never assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Second, colonoscopy is the only way to rule out malignancy. This requires laxatives that clean the bowel of fecal material. Then doctors insert a lighted instrument to examine the large bowel. This can be done under full anesthesia or with medication to relieve the minimal discomfort. Please, do not listen to scaremongers saying colonoscopy is a painful procedure. It’s better labelled a discomfort. Sedation-free procedures are safe, and people can return to normal activities right away. How many people with rectal bleeding have said, “No one is going to a colonoscopy on me,” and now are dead? Dying from a metastatic colon malignancy is many times more painful than the temporary discomfort of a colonoscopy. Don’t make this terrible mistake. 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_jonesBy W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford New statistics published by the American Cancer Society should be alarming. The numbers point to an increase in colon malignancy in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Yet, there’s been a decrease in large bowel cancer among those over the age of 65. In people under 50, the rate has been increasing by about two percent a year since the 1990s. This data goes against a basic law. Most malignancies occur in older people, and this has been true of colon cancer. This new data sends up a red flag that should not go unnoticed. Moreover, this is not just a North American trend. Large bowel cancer is on the also rise around the world. The question is, why has this occurred. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men under the age of 50. And it’s the second leading cause for women under 50 years of age. Large bowel cancer and rectal cancer are often linked together. And there is evidence that this increase may be related to an increase in rectal cancer. But it does not totally explain the increase. Do genes play a role in the earlier onset of malignancy? A family history of the problem is a factor for some people. For others, doctors have suspected that cell mutations may be the driving force. The presence of large precancerous polyps in the colon means a greater risk. But questions remain about why there is a rise in large bowel cancer among younger people. Could it be that changing lifestyles all over the world play a role? Despite talk of healthier diets, people are eating more red meat than ever – up over 10% in the last decade and more of it consumed after processing into convenient foods. People are eating other highly processed foods, downing too much sugar, and binge drinking alcohol. Researchers have shown that some individuals have good bacteria in their intestines, others bad bacteria. There are also questions about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These pain killers may have an adverse effect on the gut. Clusters of malignancies are seen in some areas. In southern Mississippi, people living near chemical plants are exposed to trace elements such as nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Could these potentially toxic materials be associated with the increase in cancer? Researchers are also aware of another pandemic, and not a viral disease lasting just three years. It’s the much worse global crisis of obesity, a long-enduring pandemic. The increase in obesity mirrors the increase in malignancies. But not all patients with colon cancer are overweight. Experts contend there is no single smoking gun responsible for cancer. Multiple risk factors need to be addressed. What can people do to decrease the risk of dying from colon cancer? People need to assist their doctors with early diagnosis. First, never assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Second, colonoscopy is the only way to rule out malignancy. This requires laxatives that clean the bowel of fecal material. Then doctors insert a lighted instrument to examine the large bowel. This can be done under full anesthesia or with medication to relieve the minimal discomfort. Please, do not listen to scaremongers saying colonoscopy is a painful procedure. It’s better labelled a discomfort. Sedation-free procedures are safe, and people can return to normal activities right away. How many people with rectal bleeding have said, “No one is going to a colonoscopy on me,” and now are dead? Dying from a metastatic colon malignancy is many times more painful than the temporary discomfort of a colonoscopy. Don’t make this terrible mistake. 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

An Honest Appraisa

l from Wayne & Tamara When Jeff and I met 15 years ago, we truly believed we were soul mates. Till this day we’ve never been bored with each other. We spend hours together talking, playing, laughing, scheming. People say he worships the ground I walk on. He’s always been sexual in a boyish way, and when we first met, he said he no longer lusted after women. He was married to his first wife then, and she later informed me he would always cheat, even on me. Three years into the marriage my 18-year-old son saw Jeff and a woman outside his apartment. Jeff asked my son if he could use his place for a while. Confused, my son agreed and left. I found out about this five years later when my son felt he had to tell me. When confronted Jeff denied it. There was always something suspicious about Jeff. There were cards, letters, and pictures that suggested he was cheating all through the marriage. All of the women seemed to be of the same makeup: weak, uneducated, and single. Jeff denied everything, tearing up the evidence before my eyes. Two years ago a woman called me to say she had been having an affair with Jeff. In fact, on our anniversary, he bought her flowers. We had a knock-down, drag-out fight and he was arrested. Like most wives I dropped all charges. After each episode, Jeff acts his usual cheerful self as if nothing happened. It makes me want to go out and do the same to him, but I just can’t. Mind you, I’m a good-looking woman with style. Men are attracted to me. Maybe it sounds crazy, but when Jeff and I are together, I feel loved. But I also feel betrayed. There was no more evidence of cheating until a few days ago during our wonderful vacation in Belize. I traced a hang up call back to a woman who Jeff was seeing. She said she wouldn’t have been involved unless he was getting a divorce, which he said he was. I’m numb. I haven’t slept in days, I can’t eat, I haven’t spoken 20 words to Jeff. I can’t even imagine a future anymore. Yet I know Jeff will never leave on his own. Everything is in my name and my accounts. I feel sorry for him because I’ve always been the breadwinner. I offered to pay him $10,000 to leave. He refused. He doesn’t want money. If I leave or put him out, what excuse can I give the family? They believe we are just like honeymooners. Telling the truth would destroy him, their relationship with him, everything. Why can’t he be faithful? Hillary Hillary, asking why he can’t be faithful is almost like asking why he can’t be taller. He just isn’t. You feel loved by him. So do all the other women. Making a woman feel loved, overcoming her scruples with lies, is what he is good at. After each episode he acts like nothing happened. That is because nothing has happened to him. He is doing what he has always done. He is like the boss who tells prospective employees they will have to work overtime and on Sundays. Once hired, their complaints fall on deaf ears, and rightfully so. Why? The boss forewarned them and they accepted the terms. Being the breadwinner is your plus. That is why he is with you instead of another woman. He turned down your cash offer because you are worth more to him than $10,000. You are his base of operations. Unwittingly you provide him with the means and leisure to court other women. Your family, like your son, may well know the truth of your relationship. You offered them the image of honeymooners. If you stick with this lie, you will be stuck with it the rest of your life. 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.

Are the U.S. Presidential Candidates Too Old?

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

Excuse me I am Canadian

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

Guide Your Job Search With These Two Universal Truths

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

Canada’s recent immigration policy and the unforeseen effects

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

STUGOTS $1.80

STUGOTS $1.80 By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. Before anyone gets offended. Let me explain what Stugots means.... Stugots is Italian mob slang lingo - Italian term that refers to the male genetalia. It is used to describe an idiot or a jerk. Now, I think that later is more descriptive of how our government treat us. The first more like those we elect to office. I read a report on Monday warning me that by the end of the week the gas could go up as much as fourteen cents. Managia, fourteen cents... Che Fai, then they tell us on Wednesday that lucky us we may see gas prices drop as much as four cents. Now am I blind, stupid or plain retarded? They raise 14 on Friday, the following Monday they drop four cents... They still stuck it to us for ten cents... But this is not the worst. This mathematical conundrum is an open license for grocery stores to jump their prices in the name of high fuel costs. I say, Bull dingy. This is an outright rip off. Not only is it bad that people can’t pay for the inflated food prices. Now they will not be able to afford gas to go to work and make the little they make to pay for groceries. Come on people. Where is the Canadian red blood? Is it not time for Canadians to grow some grapes and call the government out. We can send millions if not billions to fight loosing foreign wars. We can’t take care of young families wanting to start a new life but can’t due to the outrageous house prices. Now they can’t even afford to drive to work. They surely will not be able to pay for food. $14.00/lb for beef at some stores. Hamburger almost $10/lb. Are you kidding me. But wait. We the apologetic people of Canada may go hungry and homeless before we figure it out. WE ARE GETTING SCREWED AND FORCED TO LIKE IT. Let’s send a clear messages that those Stugots we elected will not treat us the hard working tax paying Stugots like a bunch of Stugots. Oh Canada... Our home and native Stugots.

Safe streets act

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

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

Nothing and Nobody will erase “Christmas” from this holiday

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East It’s Christmas time again! This year, with many of the stresses of COVID behind us, we should be able to enjoy a more convivial Christmas time, redolent of the spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, economic hardships are on the rise, and they point to a challenging new year to come. In addition, the instability of the world today, with dangerous developments percolating, does not bode well for the future, either. However, none of this changes the importance or the meaning of Christmas, or its message of peace, love and goodwill. Christmas is Christmas, and people will find a way to celebrate it no matter what restrictions are imposed upon them. Not even The Canadian Human Rights Commission, which wields broad quasi-judicial powers, will be able to challenge the celebration of Christmas. They argued that an official day off to celebrate Christmas is 'discriminatory'. This quasi woke organization that is fully funded by the federal government, has declared that the celebration of Christmas is evidence of Canada’s “colonialist” religious intolerance. I cannot help wondering who these people are and who appointed them to wipe out our basic heritage on taxpayers’ money. This brazen attack on our history and traditions is an outrageous use of our own hard-earned tax dollars against us. “Discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is grounded in Canada’s history of colonialism,” reads a Discussion Paper on Religious Intolerance recently published by the agency. “An obvious example is statutory holidays in Canada,” it adds, noting that the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter get days off, while non-Christians have to “request special accommodations to observe their holy days.” The essence of the paper is that Canada is replete with religious intolerance and always has been. “In order to move forward towards sustainable change, all Canadians must first acknowledge Canada’s history of religious intolerance,” it reads. It seems quite clear that in the agency’s view, we, as Canadians, need to be selective about our history and brainwashed into praising futuristic globalist values. Canada welcomes newcomers and cultures from around the world. Its reputation for stability and tolerance makes it a popular destination for those considering a fresh start in a new country. It would be nice to maintain this status in the years to come without denying our history and destroying our own heritage. Even with the growing number of immigrants in Canada, Canadians tend to observe holidays and traditions based on those of the founders of our country, who were mostly French and British settlers. These traditions are often rooted in Christian beliefs and Christmas day is arguably the most observed holiday of the year. Christmas began as, and for millions around the globe still is, a religious holiday in the Christian faith that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For those who are not of the Christian faith, it is a time to enjoy a spirit of giving and good cheer as the community celebrates. Regardless of religious beliefs, over half of Canadians celebrate Christmas as a completely secular holiday; an occasion to spend time with friends and family. Whether religious observance is part of the day or not, there are many long-standing Christmas traditions that everyone can enjoy. That brings me once again to the need to remind people that it is Christmas time, not “Merry and Bright” season and not “Generic Happy Holiday Time.” It is Christmas, and the greeting during this season, if you want to acknowledge reality, should be “Merry Christmas”. The war on Christmas, which reached its zenith a few years ago, but continues to rage amongst those who have a self-hating compulsion against their own society and culture, has failed to erase Christmas and the beautiful greeting of “Merry Christmas.” It will continue to fail because Canadians know who they are, and understand that the Christmas season and “Merry Christmas” are part of being Canadian. A generic seasonal celebration will not now, or ever, replace that. In conclusion, current social trends, aimed at erasing historical realities and traditions, savour strongly of globalist socialist strategies and pseudo-Marxist philosophies. The bitterness some show toward the Christmas season is skewed and out of touch with the feelings of the majority of Canadians who love Christmas. Therefore, I wish you all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this be a happy, healthy and meaningful holiday season for everyone!

LOOK INSIDE THE PROCESS

LETS TALK BUDGET A

By Maurice Brenner Deputy Mayor/Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Pickering is preparing its 2024 budget under the Strong Mayor’s Powers granted by the Provincial Government. Todays column will provide an inside look at how the Budget is being created and the why the Public’s input is so important. Before getting into the details, I want to make it very clear that I DO NOT SUPPORT THE GRANTING OF STRONG MAYORS POWERS as I see it as an erosion of the role of elected Councillors. That said, until the Province reverses the Legislation that granted it,( topic for another day) it is my role to do the best I can to find ways to ensure the voices of the Public are heard on all Municipal matters such as the setting of the Budget. NEW THIS YEAR This is the first year that the Pickering Budget will be prepared under the Strong Mayor's Power which is why Public input to the Mayor is so important. City Staff are currently working with the Mayor and will forward it to each member of Council the Mayor’s Budget both Capital and Operating for review. At that point I along with my colleagues will have the opportunity to challenge the Budget on a line by line basis and provide suggestions to the Mayor. These challenges however are not binding to the Mayor however it is an opportunity to try to convince the Mayor to re-consider. WHY IS COMMUNITY INPUT SO IMPORTANT Pickering is a thriving city thanks to the residents and businesses who choose to live, work, and invest here. A budget not only sets your Property Tax, but also puts in place the individual business plans of every department which translates into the services and new infrastructure you can expect for 2024. TIME LINES The commenting period closes at midnight, Thursday, January 4, 2024. Input received will be provided to the City's Director, Finance & Treasurer, and Mayor Ashe for consideration when presenting the Mayor’s 2024 Capital and Current Budgets by January 30, 2024. Councillors get the Budget at the same time the Public gets it. VIRTUAL PUBLIC INPUT Members of the Public can tune in for a virtual presentation and Q&A on the Recommended Draft 2024 Capital Budget highlights, with City of Pickering Director, Finance & Treasurer. Residents can tune in and leave their questions on the comments thread or email their questions in advance to socialmedia@pickering.ca. Location: Facebook.com/CityofPickering or YouTube.com/CityofPickering Date/Time: Thursday, January 4, 2024 - 7 pm to 8 pm WARD 1 & 2 COMMUNITY TOWN HALL Ward 2 Councillors Linda Cook (Regional), Mara Nagy (City) along with myself are planning to host a joint Ward 1 and 2 Community Town Hall meeting Monday January 15th 7:00PM, at the Westshore Community Centre. This will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about the Capital Infrastructure being planned as part of the proposed Capital Budget as well as a dialog with residents on items that are important to them. (Watch for more details) CAPITAL BUDGET FORECAST; The Senior Staff Recommended Draft 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2027 Capital Forecast is available for viewing online, with the option to reach the Finance Department directly through budget@pickering.ca. Residents can visit Let’sTalkPickering.ca/Budget to view this document, get a better understanding of the cost of capital infrastructure and where property taxes go, watch a video overview of the City’s key infrastructure projects, and share budget priorities for Pickering’s future.

HOW CAN WE EXPECT WORLD PEACE WHEN WE CAN’T ATTAIN HARMONY

As most of you. At the end of the day I like to sit back and unwind. Unfortunately, sitting in front of a television for a few minutes at the end of the day, just makes me wonder what has gone wrong with society. From the many wars to social unrest, not to mention the many political battles unfolding across the globe. It appears humanity is on a downward spin into self destruction. Now don’t get me wrong. There are many efforts by many people in making life great. Over all and far away from our shores. It appears we live in a fragile utopian glass world sheltered from the many global realities. Working in the community as your local ward 1 representative I come across all kinds of issues. All kind of people. People with real needs and issues. As a municipal representative I am always impartial and try to listen carefully and respectfully dispense resolve in the best manner possible, with the resources made available to me by the municipality. It appears even though you may have great intentions. Harmony, is something that is far from achievable, even though the facts are right before you and common sense should prevail. The concept of right and wrong becomes compromised by personal agenda and or tainted political opinion/thought/interests. In my term in office. I realized very quickly that it is not about me but about what is best for the constituents that elected me in. It is about bettering our community. Even though, I tend to favor the rational, logical reasonable approach towards problem solving. I am quickly learning that many of my colleagues dance to the beat of a different drum. As a politician it is easy to fall victim of lobbyist, special interest groups, developers and or political pressure from above. Others fall victim to popular thought, social norms and pressures. They fall in a spiral of attempting to pleasing everyone and serving no one. In part this is why council at times appear to be divided. Other times vindictive and united in persecution. By now everyone has heard about my sanctions for exercising my freedom of speech. Three months worth of pay cut. Is this municipal leadership. I think not... I feel persecuted and attacked by my own council. My own people. My own council. How can this be in these times. Times when we are supposed to be united and harmonized during tough economic times. I guess my economic situation does not matter. I shake my head at all that cry that we strive for ‘world peace’. World ‘PEACE’. Or is it a misprint... ‘PIECE’. This type of mentality is not only a Pickering problem. Look around and just about every municipality is suffering from the same pandemic of me, me, me. Funded by developers and special interest groups. Influenced by agenda and special interests. Hey, we are starting to sound global. Much like the wars across the planet influenced by agenda and special interest. Primarily wealth, oil cartels and not to mention the drug cartels. World Peace is much like the word LOVE. There is a lot of interpretation involved. I signed up for this job to make our community a better place. Not to be punished, ousted and persecuted by those I am to work with. We live in sad times where we must abide to the drum of agenda. To be forced to comply. Socially, politically or other and accept the fact that we are nothing short of “MODERN DAY SLAVES”. Yes, modern day slaves. A people that is forced to work for no money or little money. A people that have no real choice due to economic restrains. A people of all races that are pigeon hole to live through their daily routines without questioning authority or else. Or else, face the law, the policy, the regulation, the norms, the fellow confused agenda driven citizen. Nothing to do with historical ethnic slavery. But modern day, all races included. By definition: a person who is forced to work for and obey another and is considered to be their property; an enslaved person. Nothing to do with race. It is a system much like most corporations today. Most government. For anyone becoming offended by the word ‘slave’. First. educate yourself on the meaning. Second, look around if you are not being used to substantiate someone else's agenda. I am afraid to turn on the TV, as only the God’s know what else all this technology will bring. They talk about artificial intelligence. Another system based on stored data and the ability to recall it faster than any human brain. Could this be the new social control? Could this be the new oppressive regime that will govern all humanity. After all, think about it. Those elected are given the right by the democratic ideology to have access to information that most citizens would not even know where to look. Much like artificial intelligence. We are given predestine information and from that we are told to make choices on the selected information. Boy is this not starting to sound like the same type of oppressive regime as described above. This time prescribed by a machine. A machine that we deem intelligent to rendering to the fact that we the surrendering to the fact that we the common person are simpleton? "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

New Economic Problems on the Horizon in Canada

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As Canadians, we continue to enjoy our short summer and look forward to the fall, though it may not be a very nice one. Inflation continues to raise its ugly head and that means that the Bank of Canada will probably bump up interest rates even further in September. As outlined by journalist Pete Evans’ realistic analysis of the situation, we are not looking forward to getting out of these economic worries any time soon. Canada's inflation rate bucked its recent trend of slowing last month and rose at a 3.3 per cent annual pace in July, Statistics Canada said’. That was an increase from 2.8 per cent the previous month. Gas prices were a major factor pushing up the inflation rate, mostly due to what economists call the base effect. For most of the past year, the cost of gasoline has been a big factor dragging down the overall rate. However, as you may have noticed, prices are up again. Pump prices increased by 0.9 per cent in July. The same month a year earlier, they declined by more than 9 per cent. Gas prices weren't the only type of energy bill that was a big factor in pushing up the inflation rate. The price of electricity skyrocketed in the past year, up by 11.7 per cent. That's more than twice the annual increase of 5.8 per cent clocked in June and the biggest reason for the uptick was a more than doubling of electricity bills in Alberta, which rose by 127.8 per cent in the year up to July. Food prices, another factor that has been driving up the cost of living, eased somewhat during the month, but they are still going up at an eye-watering pace. Grocery prices increased by 8.5 per cent in the year up to July. That is an easing from 9.1 per cent the previous month, but still three times the overall inflation rate. Not every grocery aisle is getting more expensive, or at the same rate. There was some relief in the produce section, with fresh fruit prices seeing their largest month-over-month decline since February 2008, down 6.5 per cent. The price of grapes plummeted by more than 40 per cent last month, according to Statistics Canada. While a slowdown in the rate that food prices are going up comes as some relief, it remains a crisis, which has prompted calls for drastic measures such as price caps on staple grocery items. Other countries, including France and Greece, have dabbled with implementing price controls, where retail prices for core items are capped at a certain level. Similar attempts at price controls in the 1970s had disastrous results, but some policy experts say it is an idea worth exploring, at least on a limited basis. "It's not the '70s anymore, our markets are different," said Vass Bednar, executive director of the Master of Public Policy Program at McMaster University in Hamilton. "We need to recognize that." While Bednar says she does not advocate for a heavy-handed cap on all types of food in perpetuity, she says it makes sense to look into policies that could ensure some basic necessities — baby formula, bread, certain fruits and vegetables — have at least some options that remain affordable. However, Avery Shenfeld, an economist with CIBC, said he does not see the justification for price caps in Canada's grocery business, given the trends we are seeing beneath the surface. "I don't really think we're in need of that here," he said in an interview. "At the end of the day, the best method of fighting inflation isn't to try to pick one or two prices in the economy and intervene in them. It's really to control the pace of spending power [and] moderate growth a little bit." Food prices are not the only thing getting more expensive, either. Mortgages have been another major pressure point in the increasing consumer price index of late, and that problem got worse in July, not better. Mortgage interest costs have increased by 30.6 per cent in the past year. That's another record year-over-year gain, and the largest single factor in the increase in the overall inflation rate. With this said many smart people in the financial sector seem to think a recession is coming. And yet a lot of them also think that before that, central bankers here, in the United States and overseas are going to raise interest rates some more. The fact is fighting inflation is complicated and politically divisive. For central banks, it becomes even more complicated and politically divisive as inflation gets closer to their target, because rate hikes hurt more for less obvious reward. There are few inflation riddles harder to solve than the fact that the Bank of Canada's own interest rate hikes are actually driving inflation higher, with the mortgage cost component continuing to climb. So let us see what is coming and how our politicians will act to ease the worries of Canadians. Any hope?