The new order in Canada

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU E. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are now over a costly election that did little to change the political structure in the House of Commons. However, new issues are arising, particularly regarding the economy, and relations between Provincial governments and the Federal Government are not always as harmonious as might be expected. Certainly we can affirm that all three levels of government in Canada seem increasingly eager to control you as much as possible. Your life, your movements and your jobs. They have discovered that the Covid pandemic offers a unique opportunity in this regard. Let us take the issue of the vaccination passport. In vacillating on this, the provinces have their own ideas, but sooner or later they need to come to an agreement, to allow citizens to move both internally and internationally. With the Federal government responsible for interprovincial and international travel and expressing strong decisions on the rules governing federal means of transportation, the provinces responsible for the administration of vaccinations, will be forced to adopt a common standard for the new document; the vaccination passport. There is some confusion however, about how Canadian cocktail vaccinations will be accepted internationally. It seems that there is a problem there, carefully hidden from the public eye by a subservient media, which tries to minimize the importance of this issue. The land border between Canada and the US is still closed for some undisclosed reason, which I presume to be exactly this. The US does not accept cocktail vaccinations (i.e. where the first and second dose of vaccine administered are not from the same manufacturer) as proof of being fully vaccinated. There are other countries who take the same opinion. However, you cannot keep the land border between Canada and US closed much longer and a slim hope for Canadians arose when the US said that they would lift the restrictions to fully vaccinated Canadians by November. But fully vaccinated means one thing for the US and something else for Canada. So what is the solution for people caught in this quandary? The Liberal government is silent and so is the press. Is it any wonder? Economic recovery is not proceeding at an encouraging pace either. Some recent, controversial decisions made by the Province of Ontario certainly won't speed things up. How does it help small business or even make sense, to allow 100% capacity at sporting events and theaters while keeping restaurants at a strict 25% capacity? How much more social distancing can you practice in the stands at a sporting event, or a theater auditorium than in a restaurant where tables are spaced? Lately it seems that politicians have become puppets. They have increasingly succumbed to an incompetent and unconscionable public service advisory which invariable finds excuses for their actions. If they make a mistake they are promoted to another position as a reward. They are never held responsible for their actions even when they cause serious damage. Does that seem fair or make any sense to you? Never mind. We are experiencing the curse of 'living in interesting times'. It seems that what was once prized as common sense has now become a liability. How can you rely on anything when the powers that be can change the rules overnight to suit their whims? In order to flourish a society needs steadfast rules that are upheld and respected by everyone. Just like science needs to be based on reproducible results. If someone tries to tell you that at standard pressure pure water freezes at other than zero degrees Celsius or boils at other than one hundred degrees Celsius, you know that you are dealing with uninformed opinion, not science. They may try to force you to believe it, you may even have to pretend to agree, but the truth will out eventually. And a society, like science, cannot be based on lies and expect to have meaning. With common sense lost, a flourishing dark ages science mentality and an inquisitions type of governing rules, we will be hard pressed to face the next crisis which is already brewing on the horizon and will not be nice. That is the rampant increase in the price of oil and gas, signaling an upcoming economic crisis which will hit Canada very hard in the very near future. The inevitable collision between 30 years of global warming hyper activism characterized by the howling and barking demonization of available proven energy resources of Canada and reality, is now coming upon us. An atmosphere of semi-panic is brewing as many of the countries most committed to "getting off" oil and gas and turning their economies over to wind and sun and no nuclear of course, find winter approaching. Environmentally virtuous as they are, they are wondering if they will have enough oil and gas or even coal, to get through it. The chorus of reassuring voices that nothing catastrophic will happen is particularly strong here in Canada. However, we face a different reality at the pumps. The weather is still balmy as I write this in early October, but inevitably winter will come, despite the global warming enthusiasts, reality will kick in. The U.K. is already tasting the first fruits of petrol shortages, inevitably followed by inflation. Even the U.S., under the sage guidance of the super-alert Joe Biden, is thinking of unlocking its emergency oil reserves. In view of this wise guidance of the leaders of the developed countries, including our own more then savvy Prime Minister, OPEC has a stronger whip than at any time since the '70s. Watch the upcoming sequence of developments closely. They will impact our economy and our lives, sinking us into a quick and cold depression.There was a time when societies and nations looked back at their pasts, at the work and hardships and deprivations of previous generations, and gave thanks that those generations vaulted succeeding ones into new realms of comfort, security, ease of life, and stability. That philosophy no longer seems to hold. We now have a political and activist force built around a philosophy of ingratitude for the privileges we enjoy, and the means by which those privileges were earned. There is a furious determination to bring the whole house down and to quickly establish a new world order based on fantasies of utopia. The climate for a woke change is particularly frenzied in Canada. It is millenarian in intensity and vision, demanding that we unharness our economy and well-being from the one, proven, established means, based on our natural resources. It is the malaise of a rudderless society that has allowed, even enabled, its careless and unthinking detractors to rule without any reaction or effort to salvage sanity. As the harsh Canadian winter is just around the corner, be prepared for a freezing economy. The iceberg is heading for the great Canadian ship and the Titanic syndrome is alive and well. It will be the new pandemic that provides the government with excuses for controlling our lives, replacing the already known and well established Covid -19. What do you think eh….?

Hey where are we going with this!

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the 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. 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. Look at the gas prices... is it just me or are we heading back to the pre- Trump days. How is it that one man can come into politics take down the oil cartels become energy self generating and force the price of gas at an all time low? Trump was so strong that he ended up buying from Saudi Arabia at dirt cheap rates per barrel as Saudi Arabia’s oil market had stop to exist. No more Saudi Arabia the great oil power. Trump was an American leader like no other. Believe me in my life I have seen all kinds. During the war years of WWI and WWII. The struggles and the sacrifices. Trump I think stood for that time in our history. A tough leader with direct winning goals. Hey, maybe that is why he was not elected. He bit into the Saudi hand and you know the old saying ‘money talks’. He went against the drug cartels, the oils cartels. Money, money, money... I think that is why he lost. America was on the rebound and it never had it better. Sad that in our modern society we punish success and reward loosers. Loosers that have no conscious of our best interest. Please all you educated know it all types... How can you rationalize the gas prices going through the ceiling? We are back to the Obama era when in the U.S. some places paid up to six dollars a gallon. I look up to the sky and thank God that i am the age that I am. That I lived through an era of real opportunity. Today everyone seems to go around thinking that they are owed something. They lost respect for authority and the elders. They say that it is not their responsibility. I guess that in part this is why the Chinese have it right. No one is welcomed. No one is special. You do what your told or else. Live your life within your parameters. Ask for nothing that you won’t work for. Most importantly never go against what the government tells you. Boy is that starting to sound familiar? Now I supported at one time the Liberals with my heart and soul. Today, I like to think I am confused as I see no benefit for the people as if anything we are a shadow of America. An America that has no real direction and corrupted by greed, wealth and collusion within the system. Oh Canada, how long can we stand for thee?

Being Desperate is a Turnoff with Employers

By Nick Kossovan I've always gravitated towards candidates who show high confidence, pushing towards arrogance, thus why the classroom scene in Top Gun (1986 film) resonates with me. Viper (Tom Skerritt): "Do you think your name will be on that plaque?" Maverick (Tom Cruise): "Yes, sir." Viper: "That's pretty arrogant, considering the company you're in." Maverick: "Yes, sir." Viper: "I like that in a pilot." Job seekers aren't doing themselves any favours when they come across as desperate, which I often see and sense. They're aching to be in any employer/employee relationship as long as the employer passes basic muster. (Basic muster being defined as an employer willing to hire them.) Regardless of the type of relationship you're looking to form (friendship, romantic, business, employer/employee), desperation is unattractive. When it comes to job hunting, you can't be in a mindset of desperation when going after the job you want. People sense desperation. Neediness and lack of confident eye contact are considerable distinctions. A confident person is attractive and therefore memorable. A desperate person not only shows they're lacking confidence, they're also off-putting. Having literally conducted 1,000s of interviews, I can sense a candidate's desperation-that they just want any job-which never sits well with me. While easier said than done, you need to empower yourself as a candidate, which in turn will boost your confidence. Empowerment is achieved by positioning yourself as a solutions provider (READ: problem-solver), which is contrary to being just another job seeker. Think of the difference between "I need the job you're offering." and "I want to help you." Which is more attractive? The distinction is powerful. It'll be noticeable to the hiring manager. The average job seeker goes into an interview simply looking to fill an open position to collect a paycheck. Conversely, a solutions provider approaches an interview as a fact-finding mission to determine how their skills and experience align with the problem(s) the hiring manager is trying to solve. What problem(s) Nick? The problem(s) the job exists to solve. For example, sales positions exist to solve the employer's problem of creating and maintaining revenue flow. Accounting positions exist to solve the employer's problem of managing the money coming in, making sure government taxes are paid and minimizing financial waste. The next time you read a job posting, ask yourself: - What's the main objective(s) of the job? - What tasks of the job have the most impact on the company? - What suggestions can I offer that'll improve the role itself? - What is the employer's most significant challenges currently? (This'll require research on your part.) - How can you, in the role, address those challenges? Having answers to these questions changes the dynamics of the interview. Now you're approaching the interview as a problem-solver, which creates more of a consultative conversation and puts you in control. Candidate: "Nile, from what you've told me and what I've read online, Vandelay Industries has been trying to break into the eastern Canada market for quite some time. I know Cyberdyne Systems is giving you stiff competition-your market share growth hasn't been as robust as you'd like." Interviewer: "Yes, Cyberdyne Systems is a formidable competitor, which is why we're looking for a new business development manager to oversee the Atlantic provinces." Candidate: "I faced a similar situation when I was with Wayne Enterprises. My advice isn't to go head-to-head with Cyberdyne Systems comparing prices, which your marketing material does. Based on my experience, my discussions with potential clients would revolve around Vandelay Industries being Canadian and nimble-not a foreign oversize bureaucratic organization they have to navigate. Have you ever thought of being more forthcoming about Vandelay Industries' history, being founded in 1908 in Waterloo? Vandelay is a rare Canadian success story which you should tell more aggressively; it would build confidence in the market." Imagine how this conversation continues. Who'll be in the driver's seat? The candidate isn't looking to simply "take a paycheck" from the company; they're looking to be an employee looking after the company's best interest. Holistically a job interview boils down to you asking for a chance. Therefore, the candidate who projects the confidence they can solve the problem(s) the role exists to solve will most likely be given a chance. Approaching your interviews with confidence and as a problem-solver will tip the scale in your favour-being desperate will do the opposite. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers unconventional real-world advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at: artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

First Amendment

A King for the People by Alex King I submit, for the people, a short yet necessary take on the

that doesn't get enough traction. As described in the Bill of Rights, the first safeguard our founders prescribed to dam the natural flow of government toward tyranny was this: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. So…what exactly does that mean, and furthermore, how should it matter in a context that also promotes belief, speech, journalism, and petitions? If we buy into lazy notions about free assembly when it comes to a political nature, then we are likely to equate the expression of our First Amendment rights with only two, limited actions: debating and then voting…or voting and then debating, depending on how you determine to view that political chicken-and-egg conundrum. Sadly, too many of us have even come to accept the falsehood that there is something wrong with holding a debate. So many of us remain silent and allow power structures to speak for us. Somehow, we have become afraid to hold the necessary arguments with those around us, and we would rather place important decisions in the hands of a higher authority. Because we have for too long assumed that discussions about the things that govern our lives will cause division and bitterness-rather than accepting the inverse that those discussions are entirely necessary to unity at large-we have lost too much control of the world directly around us. The inability and unwillingness to engage in peaceful dialogue has allowed our largely appointed and unelected power structures to hold that dialogue for us. In other words, rather than us speaking for government, government has begun to speak for us. It is therefore my personal belief that only the decentralization of power can bring our local communities back to life. By putting more choices in the assembly of those around us, who are by proximity more accountable to us, then we will have a greater opportunity of experiencing a government not only run by the power of THE people but instead by the power of OUR people. So… how do we accomplish this feat? The most impactful way to inspire change is by truly utilizing our freedom to assemble. And when I say "assemble," I'm not limiting that assembly to the notion of simply coming together for conversation. I'm advocating for people to agree upon, work together, and enact peaceful tactics and strategies that will, little-by-little, reach a desired conclusion. If we are upset with the status of things around us, then we can unite with other likeminded individuals, strategize together, and put our plans into action. Peaceful resistance should always be the goal, but that is not to say that we cannot be peacefully creative with our approaches. It's all about making a diplomatic statement that moves the dialogue forward, not backwards (although it will often be necessary to discuss history). While we should obviously understand the sentiments of our forefathers, we should also accept that the sacrifices of many throughout history have provided us the tools to carry out change without the need for the violence of the past. And although many of us rightfully feel that the force being thrown at us is violence, we cannot permit any excuse for the increasing gaslighting perpetuated by media and government to paint us as extremist despots in response. The greatest threat to our freedoms is not force, after all, but instead the overwhelming acceptance that our individual liberties are not inherently ours. In other words, as long as we believe in and adhere to the values of liberty, then it will never truly be lost.

MEMORY FUC%$@G LANE

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher “I live a dream in a nightmare world” I am all for giving people a chance. No matter your political inclination. Some place in your common sense realm you must have wondered how did the Democrats pull it off. Trump cried foul but let the people down in proving it. A careered “YES MAN” is elected president. A man that has shown more signs of mental compromise than one can even name. A man that has been a civil servant for most of this adult life with little or no real accomplishments. Then there was Trump. A non-politico. A business man with more battle scars that one can count. A man that knows the value of a dollar and the struggle of the common folk. A man that worked for the people and gave back all his pay to charity. Yet, he was a womanizer an embezzler a tax evader and the worst. But one thing about Trump. He put a stop to the ‘TERROR’ game by the middle east. He tamed the dragons lurking in the far east. He put a stop to jobs going overseas. He stomped the oil producing nation to the point that the oil producers had no real market. Trump went as far... as filling his national reserves with oil bought at an all time low. American economy was booming. Gas prices at an all time low. Oh Trump how we need you now. But wait. That is an unfair statement. Let’s look at all that came out of the Obama administration. As soon as he took office. All major car manufacturers cried bankruptcy... Remember the billions that Obama gave to the industry only to have them take it off shore. Remember the millions he gave to terrorist nations? Remember the never ending gas prices going through the roof. I remember just before he left office gas up to almost $6.00 in some states. It is not about being a democrat or a republican. Traditionally when democrats are in office it is open season for industry to cry wolf as they know that democrats are about spending. Democrats cry the we are for the people line but in reality the people continue to not afford housing, food and adequate medical care. Republicans are no saints. They are pro industry, pro business and leave it up to the individual to make something out of the opportunities the republicans create. Different way to approaching the problem. On the one hand under the democrats. It is hand out and charity due to the lack of jobs and prosperity. As industry cries wolf and threaten lay offs and closures if they are not helped. On the republican side. It is about getting you out to work. Getting people to earn a living so that they can work on their American dream. Either way. The people are left to fend for themselves. As it stands with Biden. The American people are worst off than they were with Obama. As today Biden is to deal with COVID. A silent/ghost killer from the orient. I wonder how Trump would have dealt with it. I predict that by now Trump would have demanded retribution for the damage China caused the world. I doubt that the spread and or release of this virus was accidental. Trump stepped on to many toes. He took out the Arabs in the oil game. He kept the orient in check. The world had a new leader. What better then to throw him off... China releases COVID on the world. Where is Biden investigation on the point of origin he had started. Why did the finding not make headline news? The world has a ‘YES MAN’ as a leader and to boot it is obvious Pelosi, Harris and others call the shots from the blind side. Please someone explain how it could be that since Biden took office. The gas prices are on a never ending surge. Explain how the economy is in such a dire state. Yes, it is easy to say COVID. But enough is enough. Under Trump. The vaccine was developed in record time. Today the American people are being left to booster. Soon the anniversary of all those that received the vaccine will come due... and they will have to be re-vaccinated. Has Biden planned for that before he is giving million of doses to foreign nations. America is in such a downward spin that it baffles the educated mind. The ignorant keep grinding their teeth in the hope that something good will come out of it. Much like in the Obama era. Nothing did. On the republican side. Their renaissance is coming soon. Hopefully they learned from their mistakes and they can make improvements. It is not about remembering the bad or the good of any administration. It is about how they have touched America. America is divided and will always be. As that is freedom. Those who try to unite us by shame, force or fear are not true Americans as this nation was built on the contributions of our differences. We are not a one people nation but a proud nation of a people that come together when the need/call arises. We must stop allowing other nations influence our democracy. As democracy is being challenged as all the other world “isms” have been through history. We can remember and learn or we can remember and look the other way. That train of reality is coming either way. We can say FUC% our memory or come togther as a nation and do something about it, for positive change.

Would You Like To Top It Off???

Would You Like To Top It Off??? By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher

“I live a dream in a nightmare world” This week I came across a very interesting news release. It read: McDonald's Canada is removing plastic cutlery*, stir sticks and straws by December 2021 TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - McDonald's Canada today announced that it will introduce wooden cutlery*, wooden stir sticks and paper straws to its more than 1,400 restaurants across the country by December 2021. The removal of these single-use plastics* in its restaurants supports McDonald's global commitment to source 100% of McDonald's primary guest packaging** from renewable, recycled or certified sources. On the surface... oh how environmentally conscious they are. They save the environment and it ends up costing the consumer convenience. McD - decides to cut back on portion size but not price. Oh how nutritional conscious they are and we end up paying. McD want to look like they care about the community. They introduce the ‘TOP UP’ program... Oh how much they care. In reality they don’t. They make their patrons pay. I HAD ENOUGH. McDonald portion are small for the price. The quality of food is cafeteria/frozen line. I can’t stand it. It appears that no matter the place they all are following suit. The consumer comes first. Their corporate pockets come first. Have you see the size of a “BIG MAC”? You have to watch you don’t bite your fingers. I remember a Big Mac was a nice size sandwich. But wait, McD has a conscious as they have come out with the GRAND BIG MAC. The actual size BIG MAC. But now they charge you 11 dollars for a combo instead of eight dollars. The rip off is out of control and we the consumers are nothing but suckers. The other thing that really bothers me is how companies like McD have the balls to ask the consumer to donate money in the name of a cause. McD and corporations alike have no shame. They make millions if not billions a day and they have the balls to ask the patrons to donate. These corporations should be made to donate a percentage above any revenue sales over 10 million a day. Every known charity would be taken care and every cause satisfied. No instead they expect the patrons to donate and in turn they put their corporate name as a donation from McD. What kind of society are we living in where we have no voice. We are led by misinformation and preconceptions. Corporations make billions a month and we the little guy are forced to comply or else. In the case of McD. Either buy the burger or not. Simple. The choices that we are given in modern society are not choices but two option with the same outcome. We are fed the perception as we have choices but we don’t. We are fooled into believing that we are contributing or acting in the better good of causes that tug at our good nature. We are not free will thinkers but instead we are a society led by misinformation and fear of social reprisal. The Good vs Evil battle in the human conscious no longer exists. Today battle is between defiance and confomity. Social outcast vs social acceptance. Sad that when we think that top it off is the right thing to do only re-enforces wrong behavior by those that manipulate what we should be thinking.

The old is new in Canada - aka the voters have chosen back to the future

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU E. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East With the election over and Canadians receiving the government which they chose we can look forward to developments that accelerate government control over individual freedom. As envisaged earlier, the Liberal government will impose restrictions on unvaccinated Canadians, limiting their employment and freedom of movement. This is an open ended restriction because there has been no mention of how long the pandemic will last, and whether more restrictions will be imposed rather than fewer. It is a strange time that we are living in, and hopefully people will wake up soon, and start defending their individual freedom. For the moment restrictions on personal freedom are justified with the eternal excuse of protecting the collective. This is a well known slogan successfully exercised in many former communist countries who enjoyed the communist paradise. I grew up under the communist regime practised in one of these countries and successfully got out from under the yoke. So now I have no desire to go back to a communist future. But it seems that the time has come for Canadians to get a taste of this type of paradise. Be prepared for more such 'protections', because they will come fast and furious. If we look at this week's announcement by the Liberal government through the voice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and seconded by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, all federal employees and travellers by air, rail and sea need to prove their vaccination status by October 30th or face dire consequences, such as losing their jobs and not being able to travel. With glowing satisfaction, PM Trudeau announced proudly: "This is about keeping people safe on the job and in our communities. If you've done the right thing and gotten vaccinated, you deserve the freedom to be safe from COVID-19, to have your kids safe from COVID, to get back to the things you love." For the approximately 267,000 federal workers who are affected by this newly ordered policy, it'll be applicable whether employees work remotely or in the office, or even if they work outside of Canada. Exceptions will be restricted to a very few and monitored with ferocity. In addition to being put on unpaid leave, employees who do not attest to their vaccination status, or attest that they are unvaccinated, will be required to take an online training session on COVID-19 vaccines. They will also be unable to access their workplace or any off-site events or meetings. Travel for business, including attending conferences, will also be prohibited. All these draconian measures resonate of the good old times in the paradise of communist Romania, except that we do not yet have a Ceausescu calling the tune, though we are not far from it. Show your proof and your ID. If not, you will not be allowed to move or do anything. Well done! More to come. PM Trudeau added: "It's very straightforward: If you want to continue to work for the public service of Canada, you're going to need to be fully vaccinated. And the way to ensure that that happens as quickly as possible, is to allow for the vast majority of public servants who are vaccinated, to make a simple straightforward attestation… That allows managers and departments to focus in on those people who will not." Reverberations from the past: if your are not a communist party member you cannot work in certain areas…….That allows party officials to focus on the party propaganda to the masses… Not to be optimistic of the future, officials have said that if boosters become a widespread requirement, the policy could be adjusted accordingly, and that the policy will be re-assessed every six months to determine whether it needs to remain in place, citing the objective as public health. So in their wise and apparatchik view the pandemic will still be around for six months or more eh… As if this is not enough, the copy cats are already eager to follow. For example, the esteemed Mayor of Toronto did not wait for the press conference of his federal buddy to end before he issued the same orders to City employees. We can now wait patiently to see how soon comrade Ford follows the line. As for the freedom of movement of Canadians, there will be new orders limiting your travels nationally and internationally by air, rail and sea if you do not have a proof of Covid vaccination and an ID to show. Be sure to have a valid (not and expired ID), otherwise you will be in troublewith any apparatchik controlling you. The question is how they will handle cocktail vaccinations for international travel???? Documents please…. Back to the future…… So in addition to federal workers, employees and passengers in the federally-regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors will also have to be fully vaccinated as of Oct. 30. This means that any worker-including people working at retail or hospitality establishments, in restricted sections of airports- or passengers boarding any domestic flight, or interprovincial train or cruise ship will have to provide proof of vaccination. Documents please…. Back to the future…… Following the revelations described above, the apparatchik added with superior conviction, that: "Our message to all unvaccinated travellers is clear: If you're planning a trip in the coming weeks, you need to book your vaccine appointment now." What about Canadians who were vaccinated abroad and already possess an international vaccine passport? Might we conclude that Canadian officials are lagging behind other countries in this regard when it comes to international travel? Never mind how inept they are at their jobs, they only have to be the best at drumming the party line. And they seem to be catching on fast, at that…… Well fellow Canadians, be prepared for more to come. This is only the beginning…. Enjoy the regressive future the majority of Canadians have been lulled into choosing for us.…

Hey where are we going with this!

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and the access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. 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. 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. 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. I have a question. How come big business wants to do business and they are rationalizing the danger if any of COVID on having papers to prove it. Really. It is that simple. If you are fully vaccinated you are bullet proof? I thought the science was that if you are vaccinated you still can catch Covid. Why is the government and corporations looking for a loop hole to keep making money and putting everyone in danger of yet another wave? The government keeps harping that most of the cases being reported today are by people that have not vaccinated. What about those that still get sick and are fully vaccinated. It is a kind of Russian roulette. You know the bullet is in there you just don’t know if it is going to be your turn. What a world we live. We are led by a government that goes by recommendation of scientists that are constantly changing their position. This in my opinion will go down in history as the ultimate deployment of a weapon of mass destruction against the world. The vaccine is not the silver bullet but a calming band aid on a wound that runs much deeper than anyone of us can ever imagine. Do the math, calculate the country population and the rate of death per year. How long will it be before we are all dead? Something is not right here. It is not the first time the government been wrong. Our lives are on the line. Can we afford fort hem to be wrong again?

Three Ways to Use Social Media to Impress Employers and Recruiters

By Nick Kossovan Like it or not, and out of your control, before inviting you for an interview employers will scrutinize your digital footprint to see what you leave on social media platforms, online communities, and forums. Digital footprints are double-edged swords. Not having any social media presence or what can be considered a "bare minimum," or "static" presence is a red flag. On the other hand, having an overly robust social media presence can appear to be flamboyant and narcissistic. The standard advice is to not overshare on social media. However, what you share, particularly while actively looking for a new job, can impress, and therefore positively influence, employers and recruiters. According to the research, the top three items' employers and recruiters like to see when researching a candidate's social media presence are: - Written and/or design work - Engagement in volunteering, mentoring and non-profits - Mutual connections The overarching theme: Is the candidate sharing to brag, or are they sharing to inform, educate and teach? In other words, is the candidate using social media to present themselves as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) within their field or industry? The key, which is an art, is to share content that will likely have the viewer judge you positively. (Human nature being what it is, there's no guarantee how you'll be judged.) Since social norms are constantly shifting, how a person's social media is judged also changes. An example of ever-changing social media taboos is selfies. Not long ago, selfies were viewed as being self-centred; today, they're not viewed that way. Expect employers to search your social media for: - Posts about your workplace and your achievements. - Posts about your personal life. - Post regarding topics do you seem to have a passion for. - Comments you're leaving. - What you're sharing, retweeting, and liking. - Blogs, articles, and posts you've written. The key is to really believe in what you are saying (posting) and doing (pictures, videos). Avoid using profanity, name-calling, insulting, being deliberately offensive or controversial. (Being authentic is controversial enough.) I admit that there are things I post that may turn off potential employers and recruiters. However, I accept the consequences of my believing in something and possibly offending a prospective employer, which is never my intention. If that's the case, then that company isn't likely to be a fit for me. My recommendation is, to be honest, respectful and show a glass-half-full, optimistic approach. Let's look at the three items I mentioned employers and recruiters like to see and how you can incorporate them into your social media. Written and/or design work In 2021 successful job hunting requires having a LinkedIn profile that's current and optimized. On your LinkedIn profile, park and share documents, reports, presentations, links to articles you've written and awards you've received. Keep in mind: Employers will read through your LinkedIn profile before deciding whether to schedule an interview with you. Engaged in volunteering and mentoring On Instagram and Facebook, share photos of yourself volunteering at the local food bank, doing fundraising work or participating in a 'run for a cure' marathon. This shows you're community-minded and which causes are close to your heart. Mutual connections Who you know and who knows you greatly influences your job search and career progression success. As much as it may offend some, human beings are much more comfortable being around people they have a direct or mutual connection with. Commonalities ease the creation of and are the foundation of solid relationships. Therefore, the advice I give most often to job seekers: "Search for your tribe!" Making finding where you belong a priority is the best compass a job seeker can use. Use LinkedIn to reach out and connect with people within your city, region, field and industry. Connect with people whom you've worked with or went to school with. Engage (e.g., comment on posts, ask questions) with people who can help you in your job search and career. Once you connect with someone on LinkedIn, be sure to do so on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. (Assuming they have accounts on these platforms.) Yes, I'm advising you to get in people's faces letting them know you exist and what you can offer as an employee. Your social media activity can significantly positively impact your job search, including shorting its length. When job hunting, you want to use your digital footprint to your advantage. Therefore, remain focused on communicating your attributes to create a confident and employer-appealing digital footprint. _____________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers unconventional real-world advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at: artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

ORANGE SHIRTS ONLY SHOW OUR IGNORANCE OF THE FACTS

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher “I live a dream in a nightmare world” This week I think we have hit the ultimate in political ignorance. The country stopped to commemorate a negative event in history. How can we ever claim to know when we lack the ability to educate our minds. Modern society is to quick to point and shame and put blame where understanding and compassion should be the first avenue. The Residential school recent findings are a reminder of a place and time in Canadian history that should have been thought out a bit more in depth. But much like the forced vaccination against COVID today. It was the best remedy to a social problem. They had no other option on the table. The schools made sense. Residential schools were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as an attempt to both educate and convert Indigenous youth and to assimilate them into Canadian society. ... In total, an estimated 150,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis children attended residential schools. Canada was undergoing a major social transformation. Much like today with COVID. I am sure the government looked at all the options much like they are now with COVID. What is to say that in 10 years the science of the vaccine will not also become another black mark in Canadian history. We can’t stand here today and blame the government or anyone for what happened then. It is plain ignorance. You got to understand the logic the government of the day used. One reason for their presence in residential schools was the government effort to address the perception of widespread poverty in indigenous communities. In the 1960s, the government removed as many as 20,000 children from indigenous parents, supposedly as a form of welfare. What happened in the residential schools? Children were forbidden from speaking their native languages. Some were physically and some were made to work for white families. ... Until the 1950s, indigenous children at residential schools in Canada died at between two and five times the rate of their peers elsewhere in the country. Residential schools systematically undermined Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures across Canada and disrupted families for generations, severing the ties through which Indigenous culture is taught and sustained, and contributing to a general loss of language and culture. Sad as it sounds. But in part this was part of the process. To change their way to the civilized world. What was the main cause of death in residential schools? Residential school deaths from tuberculosis weren't unavoidable. Indigenous peoples have long spoken of the missing children from Canada's residential-school system. Many that passed away were never claimed and in many cases ended up in large un-marked graves. Much like the ones found recently. What were the punishments in residential schools? When students who could not take the separation from their parents and the harsh environment ran away from the school and were caught by the school staff or the Indian agents, they often received strappings. I remember in Uruguay, South America. As a child my parents having to pay to attend the ‘HOLY FAMILY’ school for boys. The school was operated by priest. The environmental was formal and tough. Zero nonsense was tolerated. We all had a sense of unity and uniformity. They would strap kids for infractions. We must be careful when we make judgement between abuse and authority. Punishment of any kind may be seen as abusive. Neglect is the shadow of disobedience. I was not a native. By birth a Roman Catholic. Conservative in mind and soul. I turned out ok. Before we point fingers. Let’s celebrate the many success and vow to never commit the same mistakes of our history.

Canada the day after

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU E. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The election has come and gone. Under a sunny and hot summer, iced with pandemic worries, ruling incompetencies, and a short and furious election campaign costing more than 600 million dollars of taxpayer's money, the political landscape remains unchanged. The issues and problems are also the same. The Covid 19 pandemic still lingering and showing no signs of slowing down; the fourth wave imminent, driven by the delta variant. The leaders of the political parties participating in this short election campaign did not achieve their proposed goals and we ended up with the same government (mis)leading us in these choppy waters of a pandemic ridden economy. Justin Trudeau, the Liberal leader, has just won his third consecutive federal election, a feat that, in his lifetime, only Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper had matched even though he will once again, face a minority government. That means he will need a dancing partner to hang onto power, and a logical guess would make that the NDP. But Trudeau's third victory will have real and serious consequences. Just because an election is close or divisive doesn't mean it doesn't settle big issues and watch them closely. An election in which voters passed up a chance to choose change is still very far from being an election about nothing. Trudeau's government returns to work with a mandate to impose vaccine requirements in federal workplaces, on trains and planes. It will proceed with a plan to triple carbon taxes and the rebates that go with them, in provinces that don't have ambitious carbon-pricing regimes of their own. It has the go-ahead to keep building a national network of low-cost daycare spaces. So be prepared for things to come, like increased taxes and inflation, and certainly more limitations on your personal freedom. The election also demonstrated that, for the moment, in the consciousness of the vast majority of Canadians, no clear alternative exists to the governing Liberals, despite their many shortcomings. A flip flopping Erin O'Toole's Conservatives, suffering of weathervane syndrome, did nothing to inspire the electorate. Jagmeet Singh's NDP, seeking a billionaire at every corner to pay for their socialist utopia, did not convince the electorate to give them more seats. On the other hand, Maxime Bernier's populist, new and growing movement, has not yet convinced many people of his staying power. Largely due to an obscene lack of information about them, deliberately orchestrated by the mainstream media through the total media blackout they practiced against Max, his principles, and the growing of the movement among those who are aware of it. Despite these concerted efforts to rob them of their voice, the PPC quite tripled its share of votes. In conclusion Canadians who had considered switching their votes finally decided they preferred the Liberals they knew and hoped for the best, even though reluctantly. So here we are back to the future with more to come from a Liberal leadership concentrated more on retaining power than the interests of ordinary Canadians. But what can we do; people always deserve the leaders they elect so no complains please. There are big problems ahead for the future as we need to deal realistically with the effects of the pandemic. Small businesses are shattered, the tourism industry barely survives and jobs are on the line with ever increasing unemployment. Everyone hopes these are the waning days of a historic catastrophe nobody anticipated the last time we voted in 2019. We could actually use a real discussion about what happens next. Is it masks for everyone forever? Is there a quantum of risk that's low enough that we can get back to living more or less the way we used to? Are we anywhere close to that blessed day? It would be great if we could have adult conversations about these things, the bubble in Ottawa permitting, about hard choices and limited payoffs. But the very best that can be said today is that we have little confidence in that happening. With the two Michaels now free from the Chinese grip we hope that a kind of normalization of our relations with China will be in view in the near future, barring further complications happening. The relations of Canada with the world are under scrutiny. We have lost our edge on the international scene. Let's hope somebody will pay attention to this in the near future. Coming back to our internal issues, there are many ahead, ranging from the indigenous one to the gun and gang problems. The future will reveal where the paths being chosen by current leadership will lead us. I do hope however, the realism will prevail in order to maintain this magnificent country united and retain its place among one of the best places in the world to live. Let us hope for the best!

Minimum requirements

Q Every time a holiday rolls around, I get a knot in the pit of my stomach. Once again, I’m going to be face-to-face with all my aunts, uncles, married sisters, and everyone wondering why I’m not married yet. I know I shouldn’t care what other people think, but... I’ve been living with my boyfriend for almost four years, just like any married couple, and he won’t marry me. We share a house and have pretty good jobs. Adam mows the grass and does other husband stuff. I’ve wallpapered and decorated the house, so it looks really nice. Adam can turn a room into a pigsty in 10 minutes or less, but that doesn’t bother me. We have no real disagreements. But he’s got my life on hold. I love him and want to start a family. Sometimes I think about leaving him, but I’ve been with him this long and keep hoping time will change his mind. I’m afraid to start all over again. When I talked to my Dad, he said, “Why would a guy want to buy the cow when he’s been getting the milk for free?” That hurt my feelings, but maybe Dad’s right. I just can’t let go. I want to get married. I brought it up again yesterday, and this time Adam got really mad. He said getting married would just mess things up. He says once a couple ties the knot, they start acting like old married people and turn into roommates. I don’t think it’s that big a deal. If he loved me, he would marry me. Eve A Eve, I can understand your frustration. Dad’s frustrated, too. He has no way to help you. You want to marry and start a family, and there is nothing wrong with that. But at a minimum, you need a man who wants to be your husband and is ready to be a father. You are living with a man you want to marry. He is living with a woman he doesn’t want to marry. Neither of you has the right to impose your decision on the other. Neither of you has a right to deprive the other of what they want. Time won’t cure what ails this relationship. Allowing more time to pass will only frustrate you and make you feel used. Hard as it is to face, bad as it feels, each day that goes by proves to Adam this relationship can continue without marriage. Time won’t turn you into this Adam’s Eve. Wayne & Tamara Calling Lloyd’s of London Q I’ve been involved with a married woman for two years. My divorce was five years ago, and Pamela’s divorce will be final in a few weeks. We are committed to each other and plan to marry this fall. My dilemma? I’m not the jealous type, but lately I have begun to feel insanely jealous. I never felt this way about my first wife or any of the women I’ve dated. Is this common? Will it go away after the wedding? As insurance, should we get counseling? Ian A Ian, It’s not jealousy you feel but fear. You’re not worried about other men’s interest in Pamela so much as her interest in other men. For the first time, you’re able to put yourself in her husband’s shoes, and it feels like a nightmare. You want insurance from being hurt, from going through another divorce, from what she might do to you. You were talking about insurance because you think you’re going to get burned, but not even Lloyd’s of London can ensure the success of this marriage. If you have doubts now, why do you think marriage will change things? If you go down the aisle with doubts, on the way out of church, you’ll be wondering who she is looking at. Is she smiling at him, or him, or him…? Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

Prediabetes Is Common, and Importantly, Reversible

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones Prediabetes is like an alarm clock. You can hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. Or you can use it as a signal to get up and get active. But what exactly is prediabetes, and how do you know if you have it? The condition occurs when blood sugar levels are consistently higher than normal, but not yet to the level for diagnosis as type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar is caused when cells can’t respond normally to insulin, a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy. Higher and higher demands to make more insulin overwhelm the pancreas, leading to prediabetes. A 2019 study showed that “among Canadians 20-79 years of age, 12.4% had prediabetes, and 7.5% had diabetes. Among all diabetes cases, 37.3% were undiagnosed.” In the U.S., the Centres for Disease Control reports that “approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 84% don’t know they have it.” A simple blood test is all that is needed to diagnose the problem. Knowing you have prediabetes is critically important. It provides time to get serious about preventing full-blown disease with all the complications. Prediabetes signals risk of type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease and stroke. Prevention will always be better than cure, particularly when it’s possible to reverse circumstances with lifestyle changes. Isn’t this better than facing a lifetime on insulin and prescription drugs that bring all kinds of unhealthy side effects? Hearing the cold truth can be helpful. As one patient reported, “I was shocked. My doctor had been warning me for a while that my blood glucose was getting higher but now I had a sense of reality about it." Nonetheless, be wary of the doctor. There’s a tendency for doctors to default to drug prescriptions when common sense changes to lifestyle would reverse the problem. First, cut excess sugar from the diet. That means, no more soft drinks, candy, sweets and baked goods. Look at labels to identify sugars where you might not expect them. Reduce portions at mealtimes. Second, commit to a regular exercise program and adopt a new mindset about everyday opportunities to be active -- like and walking instead of driving and taking the stairs instead of escalators and elevators. Third, ask family members and friends to support you. Use one of the many apps freely available to help you monitor your progress. Despite this simple formula for reversing the onset of type 2 diabetes, the news is not good. Studies show up to 30% don’t make lifestyle changes and eventually develop type 2 diabetes. It is a huge mistake to do nothing. Calorie reduction and exercise can decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes by 59% over a three-year period, according to one study. People report that their knees, feet, and back feel better. Anxiety levels go down. Benefits also include a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, foot damage and possibly Alzheimer’s Disease. In the final two columns of this series, we’ll share information on “glycemic control”, another term for managing your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. New natural products are available that offer a complementary approach to diet and exercise – and research shows remarkable results. Samuel Johnson once remarked, “Nothing sharpens the wit so much as the knowledge you’re going to be hanged in the morning.” So remember, if a doctor says, “Your blood sugar is borderline for diabetes,” it’s a stark pre-disease warning. You should do something about it before it’s too late. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter.

Present Yourself as a 'No Brainer' to Hire

By Nick Kossovan A few jobs back, HR had scheduled four interviews, throughout my day, for a position I had open. The first interview went "okay." The second candidate, however, impressed me so much I hired him on the spot. I instructed HR to cancel the remaining two interviews. The second candidate did something I rarely see-they presented themselves as a 'no brainer' to hire. How? - Their resume was result-oriented (Not a list of opinions - "I'm a team player," "detail-oriented," "hard-working," etc.). - They dressed as if they were already employed with my company. (In this case, a global multi-brand tour operator.) - They clearly articulated their value. - They told me several STAR (Situation. Task. Action. Results.) stories I could envision and relate to. If your resume (skills and experience) impressed the employer, and after reading your LinkedIn profile to determine if you're interview-worthy, you'll be invited to an interview-the first most likely being via Zoom or Skype. Impressing someone on paper and via your LinkedIn profile has its challenges, especially since you're competing against many other candidates just as qualified as you. However, where the rubber meets the road is when you're sitting face-to-face with the hiring manager. Presenting yourself in a way your interviewer can envision you fitting with the company's culture and the current team, as well as gives them confidence you'll hit the ground running, will substantially increase your odds of receiving a nod of approval. Regardless of whether you're interviewing via video, sitting in a boardroom, a coffee shop or the interviewer's office, focus on the following: 1. Your attire 2. Your body language 3. Articulating how you meet the employer's needs and will solve the problems the position exists to solve 4. Being mindful of your interviewer's time. 1. Attire. As I've mentioned in a previous column, being deemed "a fit" supersedes your experience and qualifications. Your image is paramount in giving the impression you're "one of them." Make sure your attire is in line with the company culture. Obviously, this will differ from company to company, as well as between industries. If you're interviewing for a position in a bank or insurance company, formal attire, even in 2021, is appropriate, such as a business suit, shirt, and tie. On the opposite end of the spectrum, casual clothing, even jeans and sneakers, can be acceptable if you're interviewing with a design studio or tech start-up. The key is to dress as if you already work for the employer. 2. Body language. Your body language, along with your words, greatly influences the first impressions someone has about you. If you're seated, say in the reception area, stand to greet your interviewer. Firmly shake your interviewer's hand, or each member of your interview panel, while maintaining a broad smile and steady eye contact. Say something along the lines of, "Nice to meet you, Alice." Remember your interviewer's name and use it naturally throughout your interview. Maintain eye contact during the interview. This shows your interviewer(s) you're engaged in the conversation. Speak in a clear and audible voice. Your posture can portray you as arrogant, so be conscious of the way you sit or stand. During the interview, display a natural body language with relaxed shoulders and open arms by your side. 3. Articulate how you meet the employer's needs. This is where you solidify, you're a 'no brainer' to hire. If you're interviewing with the person you'd be reporting to, keep this piece of human psychology in mind: A person is more likely to want to build a relationship with you if you understand their situation, problems, and goals. Start with the job description. Now that you've landed an interview, refer to the job description, paying close attention to job qualifications and duties. Have STAR stories ready regarding specific situations in which you used each of these skills. Try to keep your STARs short and vivid. The best STAR ever said to me: "I sold Corvettes in Las Vegas." (Yes, I hired the person.) 4. Be mindful of the time. Always be punctual for your scheduled interview time! Being punctual is a sign of being a professional, as well as respect for the other person. Stick within the time frame your interview was scheduled for. (usually 45 minutes to 1 hour) In 2021 employers are looking for candidates who'll mesh with their workplace culture. Showing you belong will go a long way in making yourself a 'no brainer' to hire. ______________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers unconventional real-world advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

WHY DO NEWSPAPERS FAIL?

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher “I live a dream in a nightmare world” In my 26 years in the publishing business I seen all kinds of publications come and go. From the Oshawa Times that served Durham for over 123 years to the many smaller attempts such as Oshawa life an attempt by a former City Councillor that was doomed to fail from the get go. No real business model. To the Courtice News, Oshawa News and The Oshawa Express. All three owned by the same people with the same fate. Reason: No readership. NO REAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK, Very few paid advertisers, other than City ad given as token for brown nosing City elect. No paper can survive like that. The EXPRESS blame it on COVID. That is shameful to blame their failure on Covid. Another sad example of a publishing company was the SNAP concept. The SNAP was the brain child of in my opinion true charlatans. They went from town to town hitting all the socialites. Hitting the social clubs like the Rotary and Lions. Places where has been and wonna be’s are normally found. These lost souls made the perfect sucker base to pitch something that most candidates had no real qualification. Doomed from the beginning. Offering them a magazine that would be community based. A vehicle to publish all that would normally not make it in any reputable newspaper. On the way. The SNAP group would charge these new editors a franchise fee. Editors that had no vision and no experience in direct publishing. The glamour and empty promises suckered in many. To the tune I heard of 50 million dollars before they SNAP’D. When SNAP’D hit the market place it was a disaster. As all these suckers that had bought into the original SNAP. Now faced the reality of having to run their own show. Many folded. As did the Oshawa outfit. Only to now resurface with an even worst publication called ‘NEIGBUR’. I received their first issue the other day. And that old saying same turd from a different cow. It is the SNAP’D repackaged. Now my question is. If it failed as the Snap’d. What makes them think it will work as the NEIGBUR? It is a matter of time before they go. Why do they fail? The answer is very simple. A newspaper is a machine. You must have it well tuned to the needs of the community and constantly balanced between content and advertisers. Many newspapers fail to maintain this equilibrium as they fail to realize that the key to keeping balance is highly dependent on readership. If you have no one reading your paper. Your advertisers do not get their money worth and they won’t return. If you have to many advertisers and not enough content. You will loose your readers. How do you the consumer determine if you are reading a reputable and recognized within the industry publication. Number one indicator. Is the publication a FREE or paid distribution. Any publication that is FREE to the public by their own admittance have no readership. These are the publication you see littering entrance ways to banks and public places. In this business you must constantly stay one step ahead of time. The Central in 1995 was one of the first companies in Durham that offered internet to homes. The Oshawa Durham Central made history by being the first newspaper to be publishing online. No other newspaper in the world had an online image. The Oshawa Durham Central through THE WAVE RADIO was the first commercial internet radio. Making a global mark and putting Oshawa on the tech map. The Oshawa Durham Central has given back millions in contributions to the community at large. The Central has the longest standing SHOP LOCAL campaign in the history of Oshawa. The “INGINO SHOP DOWNTOWN INITIATIVE”. The Central is not a fly by nite company like these so calls social butterflies that come and go. We are dedicated to bringing results to our advertisers. We are committed to keeping our community informed. We will not be compromised, bought, persuaded, persecuted nor pressured.

Canada's chosen way 2021

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU E. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As we are winding down from a costly election, after more than 600 million spent, the result is the same as where we started on August 15. The Liberals under the leadership of Justin Trudeau aiming to form a majority government failed in their quest. The Conservatives under the leadership of Erin O'Toole failed in their quest to gain power for the second time in a row. The NDP under the leadership of Jagmeet Singh failed in their attempt to gain more seats and become more relevant on the Canadian political scene. So in conclusion the three amigos failed in their objective but will dance together in ruling Canadian lives for more months or years to come. They have plenty of time to continue to impose their agenda. On the other hand, the Bloc Quebecois under the leadership of Yves Francois Blanchet obtained some moderate gains in promoting the issues that matter for the Province of Quebec on the federal scene. The Green Party under the leadership of Annamie Paul, faced with internal problems, failed to improve voters' support but managed to get two seats in the House of Commons. The Peoples Party of Canada under the leadership of Maxime Bernier gained sizable support nationwide getting more than 820.000 votes, quite tripling their previous support of 2019, but did not elect a member in the House of Commons. It is to be noted that the PPC was largely ignored by the media, being a party with very different ideas from those pushed by the main political parties. However, they have demonstrated that with 5.1% of the vote of Canadians, they cannot be ignored any more, despite attempts by a biased academia and media to try paint them as something very different from what they actually are. It is interesting to note the ignorant and biased comments from political science professors with regard to the PPC. Living most of their academic lives in an ivory tower, they neglect or are unaware of the sentiments and feelings of most ordinary Canadians. They would do better to test their theories by running for office and then talk. It would be quite an experience for them to meet Canadians and understand their views before talking nonsense. So we have, after a short and pandemic ridden election, progressed from real pandemic to political pandemic. Time to look forward to what is in store for the future Canadians. Not too, bright yet with the hype of Covid 19 still on the horizon and economic hardship menacing. With the world changing drastically, rapidly drifting toward a society dominated by more government control on your own life, be prepared for a fractured society. Vaccine passports will be the first step in the government telling you what you can or cannot do, where you can and cannot go, all under the guise of protecting you. This concept is quite interesting and reminiscent of methods used in the last century by politicians all under the pretence of protecting you and your life. Not to mention that it all ended very badly with a devastating war and the moral enslavement of millions of people that followed. So here we go again, but this time it's happening in Canada, not somewhere else. We will be facing some real societal problems if the leading political establishment does not pay attention. They should be concentrating on what they were elected for by the people and not only their personal ambitions. This election substantially demonstrated a fractured society with no end of problems, with more problems for the ordinary life of citizens to come. On the political scene the knives will be out, Party members judging how their leaders performed in the election, recriminations flying for not having achieved their objectives. Are there will be many waiting in the wings to challenge the leaders. The game has already started in the Conservative Party with an unprecedented move from a National Party Councillor to start an on-line petition to oust the leader. "Erin O'Toole has BETRAYED the principles that the Conservative Party is founded on," states the petition initiated by Bert Chen, a two-term member of the national council. "Erin O'Toole has BROKEN THE TRUST of the members of the Conservative Party. Erin O'Toole's campaign in the 2021 Federal Election FAILED in electing enough Conservative MPs to form a government. We, the undersigned, request that the National Council of the Conservative Party of Canada commence a referendum to Recall Erin O'Toole as the Leader of the Conservative Party." There is some truth in this, as Erin O'Toole was more like a weather-vane than a leader, repeatedly changing his position on issues according to the latest public opinion polls. He listened more faithfully to public opinion polls than his party or his own election platform. It will be interesting to see what the Liberal Party's plan is for their leader in the near future. Only time will tell. For the moment the voices are quiet because a win is a win even if it was a costly one. Embarking on leading the country, the Liberals will need to find a dancing partner. That will quite obvious be the NDP, and that will drag the Liberals even further to the left. The official opposition, the Conservatives, will be in turmoil, trying desperately to score political points. After two consecutive losses, and having strayed so far from conservative principles, the Party starts to be fractured. Their desperate veer to the left has brought them no success. In conclusion, it will be interesting to watch the politics evolving in this country and what the immediate future holds for Canadians. Certainly by now the new identity card, the vaccine passport, will be implemented, which will segregate you. Be prepared for the new realities of life. Are you ready?

Hey where are we going with this!

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the 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. 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. 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. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat or 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. Not to sound cold. Are we doing the right thing by bringing all those Afghanastan refugees over? Canada has their priorities all backwards. How can we bring people from another land that do not even speak English in some cases and expect them to integrate and or contribute to the Canadian way of living. And don’t go telling me that bull of that Canada is about all the different people. Canada is about all the different people working hard to becoming Canadian. I am Italian. I love Italy but have my true love in Canada. The land that gave me a life. A future. That gave my children the opportunity to live free and without the worry of where their next meal may come from. I worked hard to become Canadian. I want a taste of my past I go to the Italian club. Once I step out the doors of that club I am Canadian and devoted to Canadian ways and culture. Come on people wake up. I can’t stand watching people from other lands dressed in their cultural attire. I think that is a slap in Canadians face. It is an open act of social defiance. You are in Canada dress like the rest of us Canadians. I love all people and strongly believe everyone has the right to opportunity. People have to make the effort. They have to put their ways, cultures on the back burner and practice them in their privacy or at a club. We need to stand together as Canadians and not as people of many nations living in Canada. What do you think?

The Other Pandemic A Challenge to News Media

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones Last week’s column claimed, “Wars are too important to be left to generals.” And “the type 2 diabetes pandemic is too important to be left to doctors.” We asked whether there was a difference between millions of North Americans dying quickly of COVID-19 and millions of people dying slowly of diabetes. In this week’s column, we challenge media outlets to help doctors fight this other pandemic that is having a disastrous effect on our health care system. Consider what’s happened for 20 months now. Broadcasters in North America could hardly wait to tell us night after night about the daily number of deaths from COVID-19. But what they have not mentioned is that 1 in 10 North Americans now have type 2 diabetes – in effect, that people are sick and many more are on soon to follow. Unfortunately, the majority are not aware of the terrible future they face as diabetes takes its toll. We should not need to spoon feed the overwhelming mountains of data to journalists. The evidence is in plain sight to all. A visit to any supermarket quickly shows what’s happening to society. Overweight and morbidly obese shoppers are buying cheaper, easier, poor-quality food heavily marketed by powerful producers. Obesity has been setting the stage for type 2 diabetes for decades. The blunt fact is that 65 years ago 95 percent of diabetes was due to being born with defective genes and just 5 percent to obesity and lifestyle factors. Today, what a reversal! Just 5 percent of diabetes is due to defective genes and 95 percent to obesity. This is not an act of God. Defective genes do not proliferate so speedily. But human behaviour and faulty diets have changed over the years. Few people are getting enough exercise. Why ask for media’s help? Doctors have been successful finding cures for diseases in the past. But this current challenge goes well beyond the capabilities of the medical profession. Despite a wealth of medical literature, hundreds of books and weight loss programs, and the tragic consequences of obesity, still the problem escalates. Some predict that by 2050, rather than 1 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes, it will be 1 in 3! Since the cost of care is now $230 billion annually, this will trigger the most devastating economic and health wreck the world has ever witnessed. Can it be solved? The medical profession cannot do it alone. But if the media issued an urgent alert, even a fraction of the magnitude of the COVID coverage, there might be hope. Since COVID struck, the media has been unrelenting in hammering out news of the more than 600,000 U.S. citizens alone who have died. But according to the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S., there are 34 million diabetics in the U.S. and another 88 million have pre-diabetes. The World Heath Organization reports that diabetes is three times more deadly than COVID-19. Worldwide 463 million people have diabetes and about 4.2 million die of it every year. Media giants in the U.S and Canada are all shooting at the wrong target. There’s a larger killer in our midst. Unlike the COVID-19 virus which will eventually fade away or be managed, type 2 diabetes will continue to creep forward, causing millions to suffer from amputations, blindness, kidney failure and other severe complications day after day, gradually killing far more and costing all of us dearly. Will big media houses accept the challenge to cover this other pandemic? We want to know. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter.

You Believing Hiring Should Be Fair is the Problem

By Nick Kossovan Unless you're getting job offers, you probably perceive how employers hire to be unfair. Every job seeker has a list of why they're the most deserving over all the other job seekers-they're: - qualified, skilled, educated... - beautiful, charismatic, authentic... - a cum laude graduate. You'd benefit greatly by changing what you tell yourself when your application to the "perfect job" doesn't get a response or you weren't hired after multiple interviews. Reframing your concept of "fairness" will prevent you from playing the most unproductive game there is: "I'm a victim!" Accepting the following two hiring realities is key to stacking the odds of getting hired in your favour, which is really all you can control. You'll also be creating some semblance of hiring fairness for your psyche, which is a mental state that'll give you a competitive advantage. First hiring reality: Employers own their hiring process. Employers design their hiring process to serve their self-interest, not the job seeker's. This is why those with a sense of entitlement, when not hired, feel employers hiring processes to be unfair-their self-interest wasn't served. (The person hired serves the employer's self-interest.) On the other hand, when our self-interest is served, then we feel we've been treated fairly. TIP: Through every step of the hiring process, clearly communicate how you can serve the employer's self-interests. Second hiring reality: Applying online is the equivalent of playing the lottery. (You're hoping a stranger will hire you.) I hear this all the time: "I applied to 100 jobs online and haven't heard back from one employer." When you purchase a lottery ticket, you accept the fact lottery odds favour the ticket seller. The same principle applies to when you apply to an online job posting. This is why those who network land the plumb jobs. Those connected have access to the hidden job market, which has much less competition and thus better odds of landing a job. Say 350 people answer an online job posting. (In today's job market, this is on the low side.) Only one person will be hired. To soothe themselves why they weren't chosen, the 349 rejected candidates will lean on an 'ism' (e.g., ageism, racism, nepotism), or my favourite; they were "overqualified." Okay, maybe 217 rejected candidates will lean on a false narrative; the other 132 will quickly move on. Your odds were 1 in 350! (0.28%) Was the hiring process unfair to the 349 applicants not selected? Would you bet on a horse with 1 to 350 odds? Why would you expect the outcome to be fair when you choose to play a game where the odds are stacked against you? Now suppose you view rejection (READ: not winning) as altering your path but not blocking it. With such an outlook, you'll eventually realize you arrive at most of your endpoints by sheer luck. I believe luck (for the most part) can be created. Believing you can create "job search luck" is a huge step to achieving the frame of mind you need to succeed in your job search. Four ways (there are many more) you can create job search luck: - Make networking a priority. Go out and meet with people who can help you in your job search. - Have a results-oriented resume and LinkedIn profile. The majority of resumes and LinkedIn profiles are a list of opinions. For your resume and LinkedIn profile to be competitive, you need to clearly communicate how you created value for your employers, not that you just put in time. - Be in constant professional development mode. Know what skills are in demand within your industry/field and learn them. - Be flexible. Be open-minded to all opportunities which come on your radar, not just those that fit your wish list. You can surprise yourself by taking a less than ideal job, making the best of it, and finding you enjoy your new employment. Of course, life being what it is, you can do all the above and more and still get rejected. Move on! Don't dwell on "Why nots." Instead, focus on creating luck throughout your job search by stacking the odds of getting a "Yes!" in your favour. Such focus will create job search luck, and you'll feel how employers hire to be a bit fairer. ______________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers unconventional real-world advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

DOES IT REALLY MATTER WHO WINS?

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher “I live a dream in a nightmare world” In this era of COVID we sure are getting a wake up call on the realities of ‘isms’. Socialism, Communism, Capitalism and so on. One by one the “Ism’s” appear to become exposed for what they are. No matter the ‘Ism’. The means to the end appears to always be the same. The control and manipulation of the masses has been a real concern in order to maintain civility in a society. This compounded with misinformation. The birth of the ‘ism’s’ is born. Choice is a perception left to personal interpretation. Freedom is highly mandated by wealth/power and social stature. National pride is the bond that unifies an ‘ism’s’ purpose and intensity. The bottom line is that no matter the “Ism’. Me and you the average person is subjected to oppression and economic control. Under the COVID attack we the people are becoming more aware of the fact that our governments are made of people just like you and me that for circumstances have had the opportunity to be exposed to privileges reserved for those in particular social economic position within our civic society. The bottom line is we are lead by people that in many cases have less mental, physical integrity than the average person. But to the fact that they have been elected, appointed, or otherwise. Now sit in a position of power over our futures. In reality they know as much as you and m e. The only big difference is that they rely on the opinion of others that call them selves experts in a particular discipline. We now have concluded and election. The question is will it make a real difference in the average life of citizens. The rule of thumb is blame the previous administration for al the reasons the new administration will increase our taxes and make as many internal changes as one can legally make in order to fill their pockets while in office. No matter the ‘ism’. If you for a moment think it is about the people you are dead wrong. Politicians today are about power and money. You have four years in most cases to fill your pocket in order to retire early on the government pension and live off what you skimmed off the top out of favors while in office. You think I am kidding. Ask yourself how many former Prime Ministers after office all of a sudden have millions in the bank? Leaving the obvious aside. Canada and the world need to restructure politics. Personally, I believe that in Canada at the least we need to get rid of municipal government. It has stop serving the intended purpose. I think for municipally related items. Regional governments are more than appropriate. The question is how do we elect qualified people? I say have standards. Much like any other job. You have to have qualification and education to serve. The way we are doing it now... any show maker can run was great when we had a small population per town, city. Today we need people that know what they are doing. We need to decide based on solid information not a collective brew of confusion. Why do you think we have such an issue with COVID. They all think they know but in reality they do not. DOES THE VACCINE WORK OR DOES IT NOT... IF IT DOES THEN WHY DO WE NEED BOOSTERS. WHY DO PEOPLE STILL GET SICK AND END UP IN HOSPITAL. The answer is simple. Those representing us and those that call themselves experts do not know. Why? Because we are treating this as a simple virus and not as a designed weapon of mass destruction.