TAKE CONTROL

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

Three Amigos

from Wayne & Tamara I feel rather foolish writing this letter, but I need help. I am a 67-year-old man living on social security. My wife and I divorced, but I never lost my love for her. One day we ran into each other and realized the magic is still there. I did not hesitate to go back to her. She told me, however, she was dating a widowed doctor, and because she is unable to find employment, he is giving her a weekly allowance. They see each other every Saturday evening. He takes her out to dinner, then they return to his home. They have a sexual relationship, though she doesn't love him. She feels compelled to sleep with him because of the help he gives her. I asked if she loved me. She said without question she still did. I've been back four months now, and I want her to find employment and break off this relationship. She's tried to get employment but failed. I asked, if nothing else, please give me some idea when you will end this affair. She said she couldn't do that. I asked how she could love me and do what she is doing. She couldn't reply. As I write this on Saturday evening, she is out with him for dinner and the sexual romp which follows. Wyatt Wyatt, your ex-wife has found a way of blending the world's two oldest professions, medicine and prostitution. This "affair" is her employment, and you have no power here. You can't give her a job, you are not supporting her, and you are not her husband. In addition, your emotional support may make it easier for her to do what she does. Now that you live together, you are benefiting from what she does. Perhaps circumstances led her into this. Perhaps time will change it. But the only power you have is to accept or not accept the situation. The second definition of her act is "devoting one's talents to an unworthy use." Until she believes that, things will continue as they are. Wayne & Tamara A Matter Of Degree I'm a stay-at-home dad, married with two children. Although things haven't always been great in our marriage, we've worked through them and been mostly happy. Recently a friend introduced me to online chatting. Over the past few months I've chatted with several people, male and female, and had personal chats with a few women in a flirting way. The women don't live anywhere near, and there was never a chance of this going further. I view my actions as harmless fantasy. My wife recently found out, and she feels I have been unfaithful. She is considering leaving me. The children are the only reason she hasn't. I agree it was wrong not to have told her, but I consider it harmless fun for my own enjoyment and think of it as my little white lie. I don't agree I have been unfaithful. She says we have different lines of what constitutes decency, and I have clearly crossed over hers. She is well-educated, a Christian, and a physician by trade. Henry Henry, your wife is hurt. Chatting with other women makes her feel less of a woman. She feels you are being intimate with these other women. As a medical person, she knows symptoms not dealt with only get worse. Pictures in a magazine are a fantasy, but it is not fantasy when you interact with real people. Calling what you did a white lie indicates you know it was wrong. You need to find something else to occupy your mind. We suggest using your computer to start a home-based business. You've been out of the workforce for a while and that may make it hard to find a job. Once your wife feels a nanny would cause her fewer problems, you may need a way to support yourself. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

An Active Lifestyle is the Right Resolution

The Doctor Game

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford One week into the New Year, and how are you doing on your resolutions? Most people make ambitious plans at the end of December and by this point can’t remember what they were. A few people overdo it, like those who commit to running a marathon before they’ve had success with a daily walk. If you are constantly worrying about how to strike the perfect balance, that’s also a waste of your time and no help for your heart. The best habits for health are regular moderate exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and an upbeat outlook. First thing in the morning, every morning, is a natural time to check in with yourself. Step on a scale and make sure the number you see never goes above your set healthy weight. If it does, use intermittent fasting and moderate activity to get back in your zone. Take a moment to plan the good health elements of your day, making them enjoyable pursuits. People often set their goals too high. The classic examples are patients who have been told by their doctors that they have blocked coronary arteries. Anyone having experienced and survived the crushing pain of a heart attack will know how living with the threat of impeding doom drives a commitment to action. A myocardial infarction becomes an “ego infarction” and they simply overdo it. Too much, too suddenly is risky business. Regrettably, some patients become cardiac basket cases. Take the story of the doctor diagnosed with heart disease who lay in bed for hours on end listening with a stethoscope to the beat of the heart. No sane doctor would advise this, nor that patients take up marathons. A common funny line goes, “Whenever I feel like exercising, I lie down until the feeling passes.” Good marks for humour, but not the right approach. Being inactive is the same as being in decline. Muscles atrophy. Bones lose mass. Circulation weakens and less oxygen reaches vital organs. Mood is dampened. Social connections dissipate. Unless you are lying around outside in the sun, a vitamin D deficiency is probably involved. The list goes on. So yes, go out and buy a new pair of running shoes to carry you through the year ahead. But you might consider calling them walking shoes. There are a multitude of studies on how exercise impacts the human body, including those that compare intensive training with more moderate efforts. The findings show that you don’t need to push it with strenuous exercise. A study at Guelph University found that moderate exercise five days a week had better results in terms of reduced body fat and improved blood pressure than shorter periods of more intense exercise three days a week. Regular moderate exercise is also known to help control blood sugar levels. Aerobic activities like going for a brisk walk will lower glucose levels, while weightlifting, for example, and other high intensity activities can have the opposite effect. Getting outdoors for exercise has other benefits. Researchers have found changes in brain chemistry from a walk in the woods. People suffering from depression report it’s a do-it-yourself form of therapy. The cost of a pair of shoes and some time out of your day are far better investments in well-being than resorting to pharmaceutical drugs designed to treat one problem or another. Here's a challenge for the new year. Ask your doctor to tell you their preferred approach to fighting heart disease or depression. If they start to list the latest drugs, then walk, don’t run, for the woods! 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

In 2024, Focus on What Leads to Job Search Success 2023 is officially a wrap!

By Nick Kossovan For those starting 2024 as a job seeker, I suggest prioritizing and focusing on the following: · Your communication skills "Communication, the human connection, is the key to personal and career success." —Paul J. Meyer, self-improvement industry pioneer. Make constantly developing your communication skills a priority. Nothing makes you more powerful than being literate and articulate. Your communication skills serve you more than anything else; therefore, constantly strive to improve them. (e.g., active listening, speaking with confidence, writing, body language, presentation) Check out Coursera and Udemy, which offer free courses on improving your communication skills. · Your likeability Like it or not, hiring is essentially a judgment process, especially during interviews during which your interviewer(s) is asking themself, Do I like this person? I've yet to meet a manager who hired a candidate they didn't like. Being likable supersedes your skills and experience. Being likable (aka charismatic) is underestimated by job seekers because they mistakenly believe their experience and skills are enough to land them a job. Being likeable isn't an innate personality trait. With effort and commitment, you can develop a likeable personality. Step one: start showing interest in other people. Showing interest in someone is a massive gesture that makes you memorable; this is certainly true when interviewing. When interviewing, most job seekers focus on expressing their interest in the job. Imagine how you would impact your interviewer if you showed interest in him or her. The next time you have an interview, keep asking yourself, How can I help this person? With this question in mind, you'll ask your interviewer open-ended questions, such as asking to describe their current situation, goals, challenges, and ideal solution to get them to talk about their and the company's pain points. Then, you explain how your skills and experience can mitigate their pain points. Step two, if you haven't already, read while holding a highlighter, Dale Carnegie's timeless 1936 classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. Even in our current Digital Age, Carnegie's advice is as relevant as ever, if not more so, because social skills are rapidly disappearing; therefore, having interpersonal skills makes you stand out. · Your LinkedIn profile Job seekers, as well as those wanting to manage their career and personal brand, need to take LinkedIn seriously to the extent of mastering it. According to Social Sheppard, an award-winning Social Media Marketing Agency based in the UK, LinkedIn has over 1 billion users globally, making the social media platform a job seeker's best friend. Do not underestimate the potential visibility to key decision-makers—hiring managers, HR managers, business owners, C-Suite executives, and recruiters—a well-crafted LinkedIn profile can provide. Creating and maintaining (READ: regularly participating on LinkedIn) an employer-magnet profile will result in recruiters and hiring managers contacting you with opportunities you wouldn't have received with a less-than-stellar profile. Your job search and career advancement will enormously benefit from a rockstar-like LinkedIn profile that shows you get things done; hence, keep improving your LinkedIn profile's five most important features: 1. Professional photo/background banner. 2. Strong headline. (Use one of the following headline formulas: (a) What you do + Who you help + How (b) Current job title + Company + Unique value proposition (c) What you do + Who you help + Personal detail) 3. Compelling summary. (Ensure it is keyword-rich and SEO-optimized.) 4. Employment experiences that focus on the results you achieved. 5. Skills you'd like endorsed. Once you have your LinkedIn profile as close to perfection as possible — always keep polishing it — you, especially if you're a job seeker, need to be active on LinkedIn every day. Write/post articles, comment on posts showcasing your knowledge, and connect with recruiters, peers, influencers, and professionals in your field. · How you physically present yourself. We all know that life is unfair. Life's biggest unfairness is that image is everything. It's in our DNA to judge a book by its cover. You do it, I do it, we all do it; therefore, ask yourself, What impression do I make when someone sees me for the first time? When your interviewer comes to meet you in the reception area, before you say one word, they will judge your appearance. I'm not saying you must look like Selena Gomez or Ryan Reynolds. Focus on looking your best. Go to the gym, lose weight, shop with someone whose fashion sense you admire, whiten your teeth. Looking your best increases your self-esteem and feeling confident — confidence breeds success. · Your Digital footprint When was the last time you Googled yourself? In several columns, I've stated that before inviting you for an interview, you'll be Googled to see if you're interview-worthy. Managing your online reputation is a must! Your online presence speaks for you before you do. If you're not getting interviews, have you considered it might be because of your online reputation? If you're concerned about your digital footprint hurting your job search, I suggest reading Oz Tollman Goodman's blog, Cleaning Your Digital Footprint Prior to Job Searching. Wishing all my readers a prosperous and happy new year in 2024! ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

2024 THE HEAVY BURDEN YEAR

By Dale Jodoin In 2024, taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy burden as governments continue to raise taxes on various aspects of daily life, including income, fuel, and alcohol. This growing financial strain is impacting the cost of living, affecting everything from food and home fuel to personal expenses. As these costs rise, it's essential to find ways to adapt and alleviate some of this financial pressure. One of the most effective strategies is to change our approach to food. Eating out frequently can be expensive, especially with added taxes. Instead, consider buying more groceries and cooking at home. This not only saves money but also allows families to reconnect over home-cooked meals, reviving the tradition of sitting and talking together. In addition, rather than buying coffee daily, invest in a good coffee maker. The initial cost might be higher, but the long-term savings are significant. For fresh produce, consider starting a buying club with friends or family. Purchasing in bulk can lead to substantial savings. This idea doesn't just apply to fruits and vegetables; it can extend to all essentials. Bulk buying items like toilet paper and paper towels with a group can reduce costs for everyone involved. Fishing enthusiasts might start a club where members pay to join outings. This is a great way to share costs and enjoy your hobby with others. Similarly, if you have old fishing lures or equipment, consider starting a swap meet. It’s a fun way to update your gear without spending much. Our local parks are often underutilized resources. Many of us pay for their maintenance through our taxes, so why not enjoy them more? Activities like the new lawn darts, picnics, and hikes are not only inexpensive but also promote health and well-being. Check local transportation options to find accessible forests or public walkways for walks or hikes. In this era of warmer climates, reconsider your vacation strategy. Instead of expensive trips, why not camp or purchase a trailer? The initial costs are offset by the savings from not having to pay for hotels and expensive travel. Even with the extra fuel and insurance costs, this can be a more economical way to vacation. It's also essential to think about emergency essentials. In times of need, having a stockpile of necessary items can be a lifesaver. Again, this is where a community or group can come together to purchase these items in bulk, ensuring everyone has what they need while saving money. While it's important to save and be frugal, it's also vital to treat yourself occasionally. Look for coupons and deals, like two-for-one meals or bulk discounts on meat and vegetables for a community barbecue. These moments of indulgence are important for morale and can be done economically. Springtime is an excellent opportunity to look for camping shows and other events where you can find bargains on outdoor equipment and activities. Being savvy about when and where to purchase can lead to significant savings. In these challenging times, creativity and community are our most valuable assets. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other, we can find ways to enjoy life without succumbing to financial pressure. It's about changing our mindset from one of individual consumption to community sharing and support. Remember, saving money doesn't mean giving up everything. It's about making smarter choices, being resourceful, and sometimes, a little sacrifice now can lead to a much more comfortable future. Engaging in these activities not only helps your wallet but also builds a sense of community and togetherness, making life richer in more ways than one. In summary, as taxes and living costs rise, adapting our lifestyle can make a significant difference. From cooking at home to community purchasing, utilizing local parks, rethinking vacations, and being resourceful with what we have, we can alleviate some of the financial pressures. It's about being creative, seeking alternatives, and most importantly, coming together as a community to support each other through these challenging times.

Talking about Sex, Love, and Safety

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Marilyn Monroe, the American actress and sex symbol of the 1950s, said, “Sex is a part of nature. I go along with nature.” It was scandalous then, and speaking about sex is still difficult terrain for many people. A reader recently asked for our thoughts on how to advise young people about sex. The New Year is as good a time as any other to talk about sex – how it relates to life, love, luck, and liberty, and to pain, panic, power, and other potential problems. For those hoping we’ll disclose the information and tools you need to talk about sex with your loved ones, it’s necessary to splash a little cold water. This week’s column is full of cautionary notes, and here’s the first one. It’s impossible to treat any topic well in the 600 words allocated each week. If we have any sage advice, it’s that readers do their homework. To get a decent understanding of any topic, especially complex health ones, you need to read a lot, consult widely, and think about how the issues relate to your family history and context. We hope our brief commentaries spark such efforts and thinking. Regarding the challenge of talking with youth about sex, we’d offer three starting points. One, it’s a good idea to acknowledge that, for all its joys, sex has risks, complications, and consequences. So, if you are not ready to discuss diseases, relationships, and financials, you are probably not ready to talk about sex! Go back to start. Two, face-to-face discussions can be a turn-off to youth, as can traditional mores. “Mother knows best” could be adjusted to “More experienced people who know you well might be worth listening to.” But even that done, kids will always reject authority, so pointing them to good resources they can access on their own might be a good option. Maybe waiting for a ring is outdated, but there is something to be said for a little forethought and deliberation. Three, safety is paramount. It might be boring, but like a good insurance policy, analysis of risks and paying a premium to prepare for the worst-case scenario is a worthwhile investment. It’s an awful fact that its not uncommon for young people to experience sexual assault either personally or in their friend group. Make sure they know where to turn for help. Birth control needs to be explained and easily accessible. Safe sex includes using condoms to protect from sexually transmitted diseases. Talking about sex is part art, part connect the dots. Either way, for many people, it is hard to open a discussion. The downside of not discussing sex with the young people you love is relinquishing the territory to less honourable sources. The images and messages they will encounter online are probably not your idea of healthy sex education. But take heart, there are other topics that, apparently, are harder to discuss. Studies have found that parents of teens find it more difficult to talk about weight with their child than talking about sex. That’s something to think about! Keep these things in mind. One, there are resources to help. Two, everyone likely has a few questions they’d like to surface. Three, everyone has biases too, and if they can be acknowledged, the discussions might be easier. Dr. Ruth Westheimer always gave her advice straight and to the point. “When it comes to sex, the most important six inches are the ones between the ears.” Tell that to the kids. The joke is easy to remember and there’s truth in the humour. 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

A letter from the heart

By Dale Jodoin Dear Friends, When the holiday lights go out and the last piece of pie is gone, many men feel a big weight on their shoulders. It's not easy. Everyone looks to you to keep things going, to pay the bills, and to make sure everyone is happy. But it's hard, really hard, especially after all the fun of Christmas. Sometimes, people don't understand what you're going through. They might say you're being too tough or not listening. But you're just trying to do what's best for your family. You want to teach your kids to find good people and to be strong, just like you're trying to be. The world doesn't make it easy. Everything costs a lot, like gas for the car and electricity for the house. You have to figure out how to pay for everything without making your family feel like they're losing out. It's like walking a tightrope every day. I'm not a money expert, but I know what it's like. I've been there, feeling the pressure and trying to keep everything balanced. It's about finding little ways to make things better without feeling bad about it. Here's a little secret: doing something you love, like a sport or a hobby, can help a lot. It's like taking a deep breath when you're feeling too much stress. It could be anything – boxing, watching a funny show, or playing a video game. It's not running away from problems; it's just giving your mind a little break. But you know what's really important? Having friends who understand you. It's tough for men to talk about these things sometimes. But finding a buddy to chat with, to share what's going on, can make a big difference. It's not about being weak; it's about being strong together. Long ago, men used to hang out more, maybe at a bar or a bowling alley. Nowadays, it might seem like those places are gone, but the need for friendship isn't. You can start something new with friends, like a group that meets up now and then to talk, have fun, or just be there for each other. Being a man today can be confusing. You're supposed to be strong but also open and understanding. It's okay to be both. It's okay to enjoy time with your friends and to be the person your family relies on. It doesn't make you less; it makes you more complete. In tough times, it's easy to think you have to give up everything you enjoy to make ends meet. But it's not about giving everything up. It's about finding balance, making smart choices, and remembering to take care of yourself too. You can't help anyone if you're not feeling okay. So, what's the plan? Find those little things that make you happy and do them. Talk to your friends, spend time with your family, and when things get too much, remember it's okay to take a step back and breathe. Life is like a big puzzle, and sometimes you have to move the pieces around to make them fit better. Remember, it's a tough road, but you're not walking it alone. There are many of us out here, feeling the same things, facing the same challenges. We can support each other, share our stories, and find strength in knowing we're all in this together. You're doing a great job. Just by being there, trying your best, and facing each day, you're showing what it really means to be strong. So keep going, keep trying, and keep being the amazing person you are. Take care, and here's to better days ahead!

Making 2024 Your Best Year Is Your Responsibility. Start by Making Better Choices.

By Nick Kossovan There is no way to predict what 2024 will bring except that your life will continue. It is entirely up to you how your life continues. The Question: Do you want to be like most people and be the same person next year as you are today, or come next December, feel you have stretched yourself and are closer to living your full potential? It is common for people to make New Year's resolutions, committing themselves to achieving one or more personal goals. We see a new year ahead, and we imagine what could be. New Year! New Me! By mid-February, most New Year's resolutions have been abandoned. There are many reasons (READ: excuses) why New Year's resolutions usually fail; number one is making a resolution, such as I will lose 40 kgs by December 31st, I will read a book a month, I will walk no less than 10,000 steps per day, requires a change of behaviours, and for most people, this is a considerable challenge. Continuing with your current behaviours, habits, and beliefs (When was the last time you questioned your beliefs?) and staying in your comfort zone is much easier than adopting new behaviours, even when you know you will benefit from doing so. The key to reaching your goals is to consider them holistically. Do not envision your goals as end destinations. Instead, envision achieving your goals as a series of choices you need to make to reach them. "Life is the sum of all your choices" — Albert Camus, French philosopher. Say you have the financial goal of wanting to save $7,500 next year. Think of all the behaviours you must change in order to achieve this goal, the biggest being your current spending habits. Changing your spending habits means adopting new behaviours, such as saying "No" to friends wanting you to join them on a night out on the town, not entertaining marketing propaganda, not spending to appear rich, having your bank make automatic monthly savings withdrawals, to even the following the try and true of bringing your lunch to work and making your coffee at home. I am sure you have family and friends whom you notice say they want to achieve XYZ but act in a way that goes against what they say they want. I see this all the time, especially regarding money and health. Who does not know someone who says they are always broke, yet their consumerism is a marketer's wet dream? Or who says they want to be in better shape and still treat their body as a garbage disposal? To achieve a goal, you need to choose the actions necessary to achieve your goal. If you want a promotion in 2024 then you need to strengthen your relationship with your boss and their boss, read industry magazines, take relevant courses, network with industry influencers, and establish a personal brand that you are someone who gets things done. All these activities require a change in your behaviour of choosing actions that support these activities and not choosing to binge-watch Netflix series, sitting around with your "buddies" drinking beers and complaining about how unfair life is or spending hours mindlessly scrolling your social media feeds. Undeniably, the choices you make determine the course of your life. What you eat, who you associate with, what you read, and what you mentally consume have consequences. Most people do not give their choices and decisions the seriousness they deserve. Start thinking about the implications of your choices, and your life will take a radically different turn. Whenever I meet someone who complains they are not living the life they say they want, I know they have made, and probably continue to make, bad choices. Making better choices is much easier when you are focused, razor-like, on a goal or objective. The following steps will help you make better choices: · Make a list of your top three 2024 goals. Even better, stick images of your goals where you will see them daily. (e.g., your fridge, the back of your front door, your bathroom mirror) · Every morning, ask yourself what you will do today to get closer to your top three goals. (Your answer will guide you in making choices that support achieving your goals, to saying "Yes" to the right things and "No" to the wrong things.) · Every evening, ask yourself if you have kept your promises to yourself. (Did you walk 10,000 steps? Did you bring your lunch to work? Did you read 15 - 20 pages of the book you are reading this month?) By doing the above, you will make better choices, and your life will inevitably change. I guarantee that you will take your life in a new direction if next year you do nothing but question your choices. Instead of making 2024 New Year's resolutions, commit to making better choices that support your goals. New Year's resolutions will not change you; only better choices, new actions, and new habits will. __________________________________________________________________________ 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

The Sad State of Scientific Education in Canada

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As the year, 2023 draws to a close we are faced with mostly negative events, both internally and externally. In such circumstances, it is important to take stock of our situation. In Canada we need to pay more attention to our future. Any nation’s future lies in their children, so we need to focus on education in general and science education in particular. If Canada wants to stay at the technological forefront in the world, it must pay more attention to the education of the new generation. They are the future and in order to maintain the standard of living we are accustomed to, we need to pay attention to education. As stated several times by concerned educators, it is time to eliminate politics from education and concentrate on real teaching. In so doing, it must be noted that successful mathematics education in Canada has undergone a concerning decline. Between 2003 and 2022, math scores on international exams administered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have declined in all Canadian provinces. In almost all provinces, the proportion of students performing at the lowest levels has increased since 2003 and has more than doubled in some cases. Equally concerning, the percentage of students performing at the highest levels has decreased. In some provinces, it has decreased by more than half. More students are struggling with math and fewer students are excelling. While the pandemic likely affected the most recent scores, the downward trend started well before that, so other factors must be contributing to the long-term decline. Mathematics is more important than ever to maintain a modern economy, despite the new woke political left is claims to the contrary. Therefore, this decline should be a matter of public concern and requires immediate action from provincial governments, which are responsible for education. A baseline level of mathematics competency is necessary to participate meaningfully in society. A high level of mathematics proficiency is required for careers that underpin our economy, including those in technology, new sources of energy, artificial intelligence, and data science, to name a few. Before pursuing this issue further, perhaps it is worth noting that there are very few politicians with a background in scientific education either in the federal or provincial parliaments. In my humble opinion, this is a factor of concern. Other countries, which are evolving technologically on the world scene, have a healthy representation of scientifically educated members in their parliaments. I will not give examples because I would like you to verify this fact, which you may find upsetting. Misguided and/or misinterpreted ideas about teaching math have also gained popularity in recent years. Despite math being fundamental to a high tech society, and research having shown parallels between the importance of reading and math, math education does not receive the same level of promotion as reading and social sciences. Math is an abstract subject and therefore conceptually more difficult. It is also cumulative and needs to be built on solid foundations. So effective math education is a long-term process that must be planned carefully and executed strategically. It starts early, and builds on informal understanding that is gradually and systematically connected to formal mathematics. It involves hard work with plenty of practice, but it is rewarding and fun when taught by people who understand mathematics themselves. Students who do not receive effective instruction in due time, or get disjointed instruction from people with limited competence and must therefore indulge in mindless practice, will grow to hate math. Worse still, they can easily fall behind and abandon mathematics altogether, which will severely limit their career choices and jobs. Students need a strong base of foundational skills to succeed with more complex problem solving. Student fluency with math concepts, such as basic number facts and fractions in the early years place them on the trajectory to algebra, which is the foundation for the higher-level mathematics required for quantitative careers and high tech jobs. Therefore, provincial governments should ensure that mathematics-teaching practices are aligned with the science of learning. Notable improvements should be made to math curricula and teacher education. Transparency and accountability in reporting student achievement should be a priority. This includes explicitly teaching students, incorporating ample practice, and using other evidence-informed techniques. Professional development that downplays the need for explicit instruction, devalues student practice, or fails to provide solid evidence for the effectiveness of its programs should be avoided. Public funds should not be spent on such programs. Provincial math curricula should be drastically rewritten in order to remove ineffective pedagogical directives and stress important topics, at appropriate grade levels, known to lead to later success in math. Homework should be assigned regularly and a strong parent-teacher dialog should be established. In addition, the use of distracting electronic devices such as smartphones should be limited on school propriety. Accountability to parents and the public are key aspects of successful education systems. Parents are important stakeholders in Canadian education and should be regularly provided with clear and accurate reports on what their children are being taught and how their children are performing so they can assist and advocate for their children. Provincial assessments at several grade levels provide important data to help identify flaws in the system and hold decision-makers accountable. Present tendencies, influenced by biased social politics, to remove provincial assessments and reduce transparency in communicating students’ performance to parents are grossly misguided and should be reversed. In conclusion, effective mathematics education must be prioritized in Canadian schools. Canadian children deserve it, and the future of our economy depends on it! Happy New Year 2024!

The Games Politicians Play 2

I would like to begin this column by thanking this great newspaper. The only still-in-print newspaper serving all of Durham Region and our great City of Pickering, and to all of the people of Pickering who read this column. Thank you for the support and trust you placed in me when you elected me as your City Councillor. I like to think that I represent those who not only voted for me, but those who voted for other candidates as well. Wishing you all a joyous New Year filled with love, laughter, happiness, and endless possibilities! God Bless In the pursuit of personal gain, politicians often resort to what one would call character assassination. Tarnishing the reputation of rivals, by any means necessary when their colleague or opponent starts to emerge as the more favorable choice. Delving into the deep obis of past social media posts, friends, work places, searching for any potential leverage that can be twisted and exploited in an attempt to discredit their nemesis. Career politicians have mastered this fine art of using strategic maneuvers to carefully craft narratives to obscure reality by bending truths, and distorting the facts, until it suits their agenda of discrediting their opponent to secure victory. I know politicians whose day-to-day happiness is solely dependent on exploiting and manipulating others. Boasting about how they could put a knife in your back, slowly twist it, and you would never know until they were ready to pull it out. Feeding off self arrogance, and their own excessive sense of importance, while exploiting and manipulating others. Taking notes, snapping screenshots, hiding behind fake social media accounts, and waiting for that perfect opportunity to destroy the lives of another human being, even a best friend. All in the pursuit of power. Welcome to the complex world of political tactics In this high-stakes game, politicians possess an uncanny knack for bending the truth to fit their desired narrative. Through carefully constructed speeches and calculated messaging, they aim to sway public opinion, distorting reality with carefully chosen words. Crucial details are conveniently omitted, and achievements are exaggerated, all in the name of winning the hearts and minds of the electorate, in hopes of securing their seat in the next election. Manipulation goes beyond truth-bending; it extends into the realm of distorting facts. Politicians also have mastered the art of selectively presenting information to bolster their arguments. They meticulously shape the narrative, by presenting a skewed version of reality that aligns with their goals. Statistics are cherry-picked, surveys frame questions in a way that predetermines the desired outcome while creating the illusion that it is our shared true opinion. Manipulation of this kind was designed to make it seem like you had the opportunity to express your opinion when in reality your answers were influenced by the wording and structure of the survey itself. They talk about transparency and accountability, being the cornerstones of a healthy democracy, except politicians strategically choose which aspects of a story to disclose, while deliberately withholding the whole truth. By carefully selecting information, they control the narrative and manipulate public opinion. The result? A society left grappling with half-truths and distorted realities, hindering our ability to make informed decisions. We have always been taught that politics is a dirty game, however until I became a politician, I didn’t realize the extent of how this dirty game is comprised of mostly smoke and mirrors, and that we are all mere pawns on a political chessboard. The lack of truth and integrity is a casualty of this cutthroat game, making it difficult for opposing views to gain traction and effect change. Alliances are forged utilizing their collective influence to intimidate and silence those who dare to oppose their agenda, and like the narcissist, they believe the world only revolves around them. . "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Support Your Local Sports in Oshawa and the Durham Region

Support Your Local Sports in Oshawa and the Durham Region By Dale Jodoin As we look toward the new year, it's easy to see the challenges around us. Many countries are facing tough times with jobs disappearing, people struggling to find homes, and prices of everyday things like food going up. It can seem like a lot to handle, but there's always a silver lining and reasons to be hopeful. Let's talk about what we can look forward to and how we can make next year a time for positive change! Firstly, it's important to remember that no matter how tough things get, there are always good things happening too. Maybe we'll see changes in our government that will lead to better decisions for everyone. In the United States and other places, people are hoping for new leaders who will make a difference. Change can be good, and it's something to look forward to. Even when times are tough, it's important to look around and appreciate what we do have. Maybe you have a warm place to sleep, enough food to eat, or family and friends who love you. These are big blessings, and remembering them can make us feel a lot better. Now, let's talk about what we can do to make things even better next year. Many people are saying it's time for what they call the "year of the pushback." This means that it's time for us to speak up and ask our leaders to make changes that will help everyone. We can ask them to build more schools where people can learn important skills like welding or cooking. We can ask them to make sure our farmers and truck drivers, who work so hard to bring us our food and other things we need, are treated fairly. It's a lot to ask for, but when lots of people work together and speak up, big things can happen! We can also learn more about things like artificial intelligence, which is a fancy way of saying computers that can think and learn. By understanding how these work, we can be smarter about the world and make even better suggestions for how to improve things. Some people worry that with all these changes, things might get really tough, and they talk about scary things like civil wars. But that's not the way to think about it. The real battle is in making sure everyone's voice is heard and voting for leaders who will make a positive difference. Voting is one of the most powerful things we can do, and when it's time to vote, it's like saying what we want the future to look like. As we get ready for the new year, it's like we're all getting on a big, exciting ride together. Sure, it might have some ups and downs, but together, we can make sure it's a fun and hopeful journey. Think of it like a roller coaster — it might be scary at times, but it's also thrilling, and in the end, we're all in it together, holding hands and cheering each other on. So, as we say goodbye to this year and hello to the next, let's make a wish together. Let's wish for a year where everyone works together to make things better, where we all learn new things and help each other out. Let's wish for a year full of laughter, love, and lots of good surprises. And most of all, let's make sure to give our loved ones big hugs and tell them how much they mean to us because they're the biggest reason of all to hope for a great new year. In the end, no matter what happens, remember that we're all part of a big, wonderful world with endless possibilities. There's so much to learn, so many new friends to make, and so many adventures waiting just around the corner. So let's step into the new year with big smiles and open hearts, ready to make it the best one yet. Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, and here's to a fantastic journey ahead!

The Doctor Game Who Has the Most Dangerous Job?

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford We often advise readers not to be foolish – not with your health, money, relationships, or other vital aspects of life. Some risks are unavoidable, like crossing a busy intersection. Yet there’s little sense in choosing a career as a test pilot if you want to live to 100. Now, new research suggests we might have that wrong. Dangerous jobs with a high safety conscious may be the better bet! What are some of the most dangerous jobs? Ambulance workers are near the top of the list. People working at skiing facilities and correctional institutions are in the top ten. So are couriers and people in water transportation jobs. Leave it to personal injury lawyers to know the facts. What does one law firm say is the most dangerous profession? To our great surprise, veterinarians claim the title for the most dangerous job in North America! But how could Fido, who loves you more than you love yourself, and who would never betray you, be such a hazard? We should have given it more thought. Fido has sharp teeth and a powerful jaw. Inserting a needle can unleash these weapons. Woe be the veterinarian working on larger, more unpredictable animals. A study by the US National Institutes of Health found that over half of veterinarians in a two-year period reported work-related injuries, with nearly eight percent requiring hospitalization. Animal-inflicted injuries are a risk of the job, but there is more trouble in the profession. It is a sad fact that veterinarians, who give new life to animals in distress, are two and a half times more likely than the general public to die by suicide. The organization, Not One More Vet, reports that one in ten have contemplated suicide. In the U.K., a study found nearly 70% of vets have lost a colleague to suicide. In Australia, sixty percent of vets have sought professional help with their mental wellbeing. What’s driving these horrendous statistics? The industry, it seems, has some issues. Vets can often work 12-hour shifts, frequently responding to emergencies at all hours and lacking the back-up support of other medical professions. Building a practice can involve years of low earnings. It’s physically demanding work, with long hours standing and restraining agitated animals. Even if the animals behave, human clients can be abusive, contributing to chronic stress on the job. Vets also risk exposure to waste anesthetic gases, radiation, and airborne contaminants. They see plenty of close-up work with infections. There’s another cruel irony. It’s exhausting to get into the profession. Would-be vets need to be academic superstars and ruthless competitors in the high-stakes quest for a position in veterinary schools. If lucky enough to get in, they can count on spending a lot of money in tuition. In California, a proposed bill would allow vets to initiate care for animals using telehealth. There are fierce debates about the merits of such an approach. But for the sick or injured dog who needs a consultation but would prefer death than a visit to the vet’s clinic, this might be a sensible solution. Plus, Fido won’t bite a computer monitor. Will it lead to inappropriate treatments and medication for pets? Will it ease the burdens of driving animals to clinics for minor problems? This remains to be seen. But it sounds like good common sense to us. Regarding career choices, what should we advise the people we love? Accountants take the prize for the job with the lowest risk of injury. Number crunching might not be sexy, but it is, apparently, safe. 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

There Is a Way to Beat an Employer’s ATS

By Nick Kossovan Every job seeker I meet frets over how to beat an employer's applicant tracking system (ATS), the software practically every employer uses to collect, scan, and rank applications. Essentially, ATS is a digital filing cabinet. Assume you are applying for a tax manager position. Your resume summary reads: "Highly driven tax manager with 5+ years of financial experience managing tax returns and affairs. Proven experience of success, employer satisfaction, and strong communication skills." ATS reads: · "Tax manager" · "Financial experience" · "5+ years of experience" · "Tax returns" · "Strong communication skills" The ATS then compares your summary and the rest of your resume against the requirements the employer has programmed. · CHECK: Tax manager · CHECK: 5+ years of experience · CHECK: Communication skills · NOT CHECKED: Analytical skills · NOT CHECKED: Microsoft Office. At the risk of stating the obvious, an employer programs their ATS as per their requirement; hence, ATSs do not function alike. Internet talking heads will tell you they possess the secret to creating an "ATS-friendly" resume that will beat an employer's ATS and that the ATS is the boogie man. These claims are marketing fiction. While you can optimize your resume to be ATS-friendly, beating, or tricking, the ATS is impossible. Job seekers should focus less on beating an employer's ATS and more on getting their resume in front of hiring managers. In other words, consider circumventing an employer's ATS rather than trying to beat it. Years ago, I was job hunting after returning from India, where I had completed two lengthy call center management assignments. Although ATS existed, it was not as widely used as today. I came across a job posting on Monster.com, which fit me to a tee. I thought to myself, "This has my name on it." I sent my resume, which I customized, along with what I thought was a well-written cover letter. The job posting was blind; therefore, I had no idea who the company was. All I knew was that it was a travel company with an extensive global footprint searching for a call centre manager to oversee their newly created inbound call centre. A week passed without a response, not even an acknowledgement of my resume having been received. I applied again. Again, crickets. In the meantime, thanks to my professional network, which I maintained throughout my time in India and informed of my return to Toronto, I had been conducting interviews and was close to receiving job offers. However, I wanted to learn more about the travel company's call center management job before making a decision. I wanted to reach out to the company, but I had no clue who the company was. As I had anticipated, a telco company I had been interviewing with made me a job offer. I discussed the job offer with my wife over dinner. I also mentioned having applied to the travel company and how surprised I was that I had not heard back from them, and since the job posting was blind, I could not reach out to them. That evening, the planets were aligned. My wife, who is well-connected and often "hears things," had a gut feeling about who the company might be. My wife's gut feeling led me to reach out to the president of the travel company that "may have" placed the blind job posting. The next day, I received a call from the president. It turned out my wife was right. We talked, then met, followed by a meeting with the leadership team, ultimately resulting in a job offer and an eight-year run managing the company's 85-agent call centre. Just as you will never know why an employer's ATS did not green-light your resume, I never found out why the HR Manager did not pass on my resume. Although I did not work around the company's ATS, which they did not have at the time, I did work around its human equivalent—human resources. Though my bypassing the HR manager (READ: going over her head) worked, it came at a cost, namely a strained relationship. Another workaround story... This past August, a close friend lost his job due to a merger and was job hunting for the first time in over 20 years. On LinkedIn, he saw a job posting, not blind, for a project manager position at a large consumer electronics company, which he was more than qualified for. Applicants were instructed to apply via the company's website, which meant resumes would be vetted by their ATS. I advised my friend to ignore this instruction and to contact the hiring manager directly, which he did. The hiring manager was unusually candid with my friend and said, "Thanks for saving me the time not having to go through resumes." Understand (READ: empathize with) that the hiring manager still needs to review the resumes that have passed the ATS screening, which can still be overwhelming. Therefore, in a way, applying directly to the hiring manager can be thought of as doing them a favour. Yes, my friend got the job. Going head-to-head with an employer's ATS is futile. However, if you feel you must beat the employer's ATS, then adopt a workaround approach. __________________________________________________________________________ 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

Hello 2024

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 - As 2023 comes to a closing. I like to thank all our columnist, associates, reporters, journalist, contributors, advertisers, investors, carriers and countless volunteers. My staff and all contractors, sub contractors and creative engineers, consultants, supporters. Most importantly you the reader. Without you the reader. We would not have a paper. The Central is now entering 29 years of serving Durham Region. Based out of Oshawa. Our mission has not changed. Never be compromised, influenced and or bought. Our policy is to work with everyone and deliver the news based on facts and the truth. This approach at times have made us less than popular. We, are not in a popularity business. We are in the publishing business. At the Central we take great pride in today being number one across the Region. The Central must be doing something right!!! I remember the many critics that would pass judgement without understanding. For those of character that would come in and meet me in person. Would leave with a sense of understand and refresh perspective. The Central is about serving the community. About bring you the news without political or hidden agenda. You care about your community. We want to hear from you. We want to work for you. As it stand we have offered every councillor and Mayor across the Durham Region the opportunity to become a columnist. Free of charge. Hopefully in 2024 we will see who takes advantage of this great offer to keep you informed. Right from their desk. Community leadership is more than winning and election. It is about keeping constituents informed and represented. What are we looking forward in 2024? Great things once again. We are looking forward to having a full roster of columnist. We are looking at having a page for every municipality. A way to unite the community by having them get the local paper and keep it in their homes. No one is going to check on line or visit complicated web pages. People are to busy. People want it on their coffee tables on their dinner table. In the new year we are looking at expanding the page count. Expanding our covarage and the hiring of former Metroland Journalist. The electronic media does not work. It may be cheap, but you get what you paid for. Happy New Year.

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!

GAMES POLITICIAN PLAY

Games Politicians Play Politics is often regarded as a serious business, where elected officials work diligently to address the needs and concerns of their constituents. However, behind closed doors, there is a different game being played. I would like to shed a little light on how to recognize these behaviors to ensure transparency and accountability in our political system. One unfortunate game politicians play is dismissing delegates by not paying attention to them during meetings. I’ve witnessed many politicians so engrossed in their phones exchanging text messages with friends or fellow council members, that they neglect the pressing concerns and questions raised by the public standing before them. There are also council members who prioritize their own interests, such as sporting events, over the heartfelt pleas for help from certain delegates. Then when a delegate astutely points out the politician's distractions, it is regrettable to observe the politician resorting to falsehoods by claiming to be engaging with other constituents. Some take solace in deceit. Such disingenuous behavior undermines the fundamental principles of transparency and integrity that should guide our political discourse. Drawing further from my personal experiences, I have been witnessing politicians making disheartening derogatory comments about delegates and/or fellow council members. Laughing at them behind closed doors, or sometimes right in front of them where only few can hear, labeling them as crazies, or participating in patronizing behavior by talking down to members of the council and dismissively saying you’re kidding me, when wanting to ask delegates questions. Then there is the rolling of their eyes when asked serious questions, or disallowance to ask any more questions, which demonstrates a lack of respect and professionalism. Such behavior fosters a toxic work environment and undermines the integrity of the political process. I believe that one needs to foster meaningful and respectful conversations. This should be the backbone of effective governance. However, some politicians engage in behind-the-scenes talks where they criticize and belittle other council members or members of the community, simply because they persevere in their quest to make change. Amidst differing views, it is essential that every voice, even those unpopular with elected officials, is elegantly acknowledged and respected. They should not be unjustly denied well-deserved awards due to the vindictive actions of politicians, undermining their perseverance and accomplishments. In the age of digital media, politicians have found new ways to manipulate information. Cropping names and documents or editing photos to make it appear as if certain individuals have not attended events is a deceptive tactic used to shape public perception. This game of altering facts undermines transparency and the public's trust in their elected representatives. Another frustrating game politicians play is the misuse of taxpayers' dollars on unnecessary and wasteful spending. Instead of prioritizing the needs of the community, some politicians prioritize their own interests or pet projects. This misuse of public funds not only drains resources but also neglects those who are most in need, and rather than addressing the matter directly, many politicians and staff excel and have honed in on their skills of redirecting the conversation towards answering a completely different question other than the one that was posed. Other times they may only provide you with partial truths leaving the central concern unanswered. This tactic creates a sense of confusion and frustration, as the focus has now shifted away from the core issue – the misuse of public funds. This doublespeak raises serious doubts about the commitment of politicians and staff to transparency and accountability. It is high time to demand better from our elected officials. Hold them accountable for their actions. Demand open dialogue, and actively participate in the political process. Let’s strive for a more ethical and effective governance system. I always say “Empower The People, Ignite Change” and together, we can create a political culture that values the needs of the people over personal gain or political gamesmanship. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Setting the Record Straight: The Importance of Expertise in Committee Selection

As a City Councillor, I must address a concerning issue that arose during our recent council meeting on Monday, December 11th. Our Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) referred to individuals volunteering on our committees, labeling them as experts. However, the truth is, sometimes decisions are made without receiving resumes, nor are we given the opportunity to meet these individuals. In my personal opinion, it is evident that many of them lack the necessary expertise and/or qualifications. We must acknowledge the gravity of this situation. Calling these individuals experts during the meeting is a great disservice to the truth and undermines the integrity of our decision-making process. During my tenure as your City Councillor, I have experienced first hand the pressure to select certain individuals based on recommendations from staff members and biased relationships of Council members. This undermines the fair and objective nature of committee selection. Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles guiding our actions as public servants and I believe we must work on establishing a more robust and unbiased process for committee selection. It is essential. We must ensure that the individuals we choose, possess the expertise and qualifications required to make informed decisions that benefit our community. The term "expert" holds significant weight, and it is imperative that we use it judiciously. An expert is someone who possesses specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular field. Merely being a volunteer or having personal connections should not automatically grant someone the title of an expert. Moving forward, I would like to see Council reevaluate our committee selection process. Basing the process on merit, qualifications, and a thorough assessment of an individual's expertise in the relevant area. This will help restore the public's trust in our decision-making process and ensure that our committees are composed of individuals who can truly contribute their expertise. I urge the Mayor and my fellow City Councillors to join me in demanding a fair and transparent committee selection process. It’s time we prioritize the qualifications and expertise of potential committee members over personal biases or friendships. By doing so, we can uphold the integrity of our council and better serve the needs of our community. If not, then let’s be mindful of the importance of language and its impact on perception. By refraining from using the term “expert” loosely, then we can avoid misleading our constituents and maintain a clear understanding of the qualifications and expertise that committee members bring to the table. Let’s be accurate in our communication. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

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.

Merry Christmas

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 - There is no other time of the year like Christmas. A time to reflect on what makes life great. Remember sacrifices and wait for a new beginning to unfold before your eyes with new years soon coming. The anticipation of Christmas is like no other. Young and old can’t wait to see what life will bring. In the season of celebration with family and friends. Here at the Central Newspaper. We like to thank the many contributors, associates and people of interest. This includes our investors, supporters, readers, columnist, advertisers, readers, employees, contractors and our staff. Without everyone's contributions, we would not be able to bring you this great award winning newspaper. It took us 28 years to achieve number one status. We, thanks to you we did it. We survived many pitfalls. Many challenges from all angles. Even today we face many challenges from groups and organization that should be supporting us and joining our success. As the new year rolls in. We are already planning on overcoming obstacle and once again lead by example. I remember our first few years. The criticism, the challenges we met as we dealt with the competition. Our biggest obstacle was to set our pace apart from the competition. To carve our own way. This created a clear non-contractual agreement between Metroland and the Central. This move is what made us survive tidal waves of tidal waves of controversy and challenges. Competitors came and went one after the other. They failed to recognize the importance of respect and integrity. The publishing industry is very controlled and very well safe guarded. The bigger you are the more control you have. Any challengers are quickly dismantled through various tactics. Tactics like the control of advertisers, news items and access to the presses. This is in part why all competitors have failed. At the Central today we are the local, regional newspaper. We have the experience, the proven track record. This Christmas we celebrate for the community at large. Rejoice in the season. Merry Christmas to all...