No to brown

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 - Remember the days when you pull in a gas station and two or three guys would approach your car and ask you what you needed? While one asked the another cleaned your windshield and the third checked your tires. Then while you waited for the gas to be dispensed. One of the attendants would ask you if you like a tea or coffee. They ask you if you like your oil checked... It was a three ring circus of sort of service. Or how can you forget the gas stations that with every fill up they give you a free collectors mug and or glass. Those were the days. I remember the days when cars came out that took diesel. They were marketed as the game changer in fuel economy. They came and gone. Remember the 8 track tapes? You had to rush out and buy the latest player and the new high sound quality tapes.... They cam and gone. Today, the new diesel and 8 track tape fad appears to revolve around EV cars. With all this fuzz over the environment we are being led down a rabbit hole of misinformation... Buy EV it is good for the economy. So much so that it is becoming a political war cry. Ottawa has mandated that by 2035, all new vehicles sold in Canada must be emissions-free. In two years, 20 per cent of all cars sold must be zero emissions. It has laid out a road map of how to get there, but critics have said it’s unrealistic. According to Statistics Canada’s most recent data, EVs accounted for three per cent of light-duty vehicle registrations in 2022, up from 2.3 per cent in 2021. The total number of road motor vehicles registered in Canada was 26.3 million in 2022, and light-duty vehicles accounted for 91.7 per cent of that figure. Great stats. But let’s look at the writing on the wall. Here in Durham. During the summer are we not asked not to turn on our air conditioners due to grid over load. Specially if you live in the border of Oshawa and Whitby along Thornton. An area that has more brown out, and power failures during the summer than any other area. Now if we are to all have EV’s in the future. Where are we to plug them in. Are we to assume that a solar type of car charging station is in the cards? Governmnent is always quick to jump on the political band wagon without reading the writings on the wall. Can you read? I can. I see that EV will soon become another pet rock, 8 track tape and or a revolutionizing idea like diesel was supposed to be.

Canada the death of merit and quiet descent into intellectual corruption

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Success in Canada is increasingly a product of inheritance and connections rather than merit. Throughout Canada’s history, a humble yet profound dream has resonated: the belief that through diligent, honest work, one could secure a decent living and ensure a brighter future for one’s children. In the last few years, however this dream has rapidly evaporated for countless young and new Canadians who find themselves on the wrong side of a job market and facing a housing crisis that saw prices nearly double between 2015 and 2022. Rents also exploded by over 11 percent in 2023, continuing a decade-long trend of growth at twice the rate of inflation. In the same timeframe, Canada’s real GDP per capita, a measure of economic activity per individual, has barely budged—and may be lower at the end of 2024 than in 2015.This means that Canada has the poorest performance in the G7 and the second lowest among 35 OECD “wealthy” countries. Grimly, in 2022 the OECD predicted a generation-long stagnation, estimating this country would have the slowest per capita growth rate of members through 2060. Canada now faces a fast growing divide as society, which is basically segregated into two distinct classes: the affluent, wealth and property-owning class with considerable political and economic influence, and a new class of permanent tenants, for whom homeownership and long-term economic progress are out of reach. The malaise plaguing Canada’s economy stems from a deep-rooted socioeconomic shift that has simmered for decades. It is reminiscent of a historically long past era that has unfortunately been revived in a new scenario. While political discourse today is mired in the dichotomy of progressivism versus conservatism, with the so-called political correctness on center stage, the nation is actually confronted by challenges that are more archaic savor and far more insidious in nature. The malaise is akin to a resurgence of the black plague. Unlike the “deja vue” of historical feudalism, where monarchs and the privileged nobility subjugated the masses through land ownership and serfdom, today’s society in-the-making operates through covert manipulations of regulatory frameworks and economic policy by a new class of aristocrats with the same goal. The chasm between property owners and everyone else left behind by the housing crisis, has been driven by the actions of affluent and well-connected residents and major landholders and their dutiful servants. These interests have exerted their significant political influence over local and provincial land-use policies and usurped property rights for decades. Their sway over policy via deep political relationships has resulted in stringent growth regulations, rendering new housing development slow, prohibitively expensive, and dominated by big businesses. Consequently, the housing market has become increasingly inaccessible for younger and newer Canadians, furthering the growing chasm between owners and a burgeoning class of permanent tenants. While provincial and local governments throttle supply, the federal government’s recent management of immigration (despite a recent shift in policy) has dramatically boosted demand for housing and accelerated cost of rents. The last two years have seen an unplanned entry of over a million net temporary residents, particularly students, who have been exploited in low-wage work and by fraudulent educational institutions. The policies that led to this outcome were strongly advocated by influential business interests as a solution to labour shortages. The influx created a pool of low-wage labour for them to draw on, enabling them to forgo wage increases and investments in improved workforce productivity. While this benefits these businesses, it harms existing workers, undermines confidence in the immigration system, and hinders economic progress of the nation. The intersection of economic and political power, which was common in feudal systems, is highlighted by the increasing dominance of political dynasties like those represented by Justin Trudeau, Doug Ford, Bryan Mulroney, Olivia Chow (Layton family) and many more that manifest the emerging typical new feudal type structure of Canadian society. Doug Ford’s recent Greenbelt scandal, involving an opaque regulatory decision that conveniently favoured properties of a well-connected billionaire family is a blatant example of the entanglement. Their actions created an $8.3 billion dollar land value uplift, and while reversed due to public outcry, it demonstrates how politicians and economic winners covertly use the regulatory system against public interest. This dark economic shift extends beyond the housing sector, permeating across Canada’s economy in areas such as finance, wealth management, insurance, telecom, agriculture, grocery, natural resources, public service and media. A select group of billionaires, multimillionaires, and their agents who use their extensive networks, associations, relationships, philanthropy, and political influence to gain regulatory favour hold significant interests in too many areas of our national wealth. This trend now well entrenched is facilitated by the growing complexity of technological society and our governing bureaucracy’s reflexive reliance on increased regulation to superficially “fix” complex problems. It overlooks the need for a systemic understanding of issues and the political execution of challenging reforms that would produce better results. The outcome is a regulatory system developed in collaboration with existing economic winners that justify new rules as “in the public interest” but instead create barriers to entry for competition. This process has far-reaching effects on the Canadian economy. It has led to an environment that is counterproductive to innovation, equitable growth, investment, and our long-term prosperity. It basically undermines merit based employment. Canada’s innovation and productivity hurdles, often attributed to a “conservative business culture,” are more accurately the result of decisions by rational actors in sectors insulated from competition, such as the public service. Inter-provincial trade barriers that exist due largely to the influence of special interest groups, are estimated to raise the cost of goods by seven percent, impeding our economy’s full potential. Thus, Canada’s challenges in productivity and investment are not a result of a “conservative business mindset,” but rather a consequence of rational choices in private industry dominated by economic fiefdoms awarded by the subservient government. Our present faltering economy, besieged by escalating housing costs and a lethargic private sector, is accompanied by an eroding standard of living. In Toronto and Vancouver, our most productive cities, exorbitant housing costs fueled by crippling growth restrictions are severely hampering labour mobility. This has profound repercussions for national wealth and our collective prosperity. Canada’s gradual shift towards a new dark ages marks a fundamental departure from the liberal democratic system that once fostered prosperity and opportunity through economic freedom and effective governance. This transition, characterized by an increasingly burdensome regulatory landscape ostensibly for public benefit, paradoxically shields a new aristocracy and their servants and jeopardizes our socioeconomic vitality. The quintessential belief that hard work leads to a good life, including homeownership, is faltering as family wealth evolves from helpful to indispensable for the next generations’ prosperity. Like a dark past era, success in Canada is increasingly a product of inheritance and connections rather than merit, challenging a deep national myth that Canada is a free nation of free people. It requires a deep re-evaluation of our systems and commitment to substantive reforms aimed at rejuvenating the Canadian dream and upholding our core values as a nation. What do you think?

SONO UN TRANS-CAVALLO I AM ENTERING IN THE NEXT KENTUCKY DERBY

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. I survived COVID - Only God knows how I survived it... Apparently now a days we are so desperate in finding the COVID magic cure that they are giving medicines to fight the virus that they give to horses. Or possibly could it be that because I ended up in the Port Perry hospital that the staff confused me with a donkey and gave me deworming medicine to fight COVID. Ah, good question. Any way, at Port Perry hospital they gave me ivermectin is a medicine that is used to deworm horses. Ivermectin is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiparasitic drug used to treat several neglected tropical diseases, including onchocerciasis, helminthiases, and scabies. For these indications, ivermectin has been widely used and is generally well tolerated. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and I was in very bad shape. When, I heard that I had received a horse medicine. I became agitated... Strong like horse THEY SAID. I demanded answers. They all looked at me as if I was crazy. Crazy horse, I guess. I must admit, what they gave me gave me energy and made me feel real good. But still, it was medicine they gave to horses. I was so alarmed that I signed myself out. The doctors could not believed me and pretty much barred me from the hospital. Well, needles to say. I galloped out and to my home.... Only to be taken back to Oshawa General the next day. The horse medicine wore out and boom it hit me hard. I could not breath and I think I even seen the big guy in the sky. I know it was the big guy in the sky, cause he looked at me and said we don’t take horses in heaven. Next thing you know there I was at Oshawa General where I was granted a four day forced vacation. Thank God. I recovered. Until this day I do not know what they gave me at Oshawa General. All I know is that every time I drive by a pasture I have this urge to gallop. So much so that ever since COVID I been eating a lot of salad....Ok stop laughing... I lied about the salad. I think this year I am in the money. With this new vigor I am planning on entering the Kentucky Derby as a Trans-Horse. I always as a young boy felt like a stallion of sort...It is time for me to come out of the (closet) stable and let the world that I am an Italian Stallion. I think I may have a real good chance at winning.

My patriotic oath to Canada

By Dale Jodoin This is my patriotic oath to Canada, a declaration of allegiance and devotion to the land that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, encompassing the rugged beauty of its mountains, the vast expanse of its prairies, and the serene allure of its lakes and forests. It is an oath that binds me to the red, white, and maple leaf – symbols of a country known for its peace, tolerance, and diversity. These colors and emblem not only represent the physical landscape but also the spirit of the Canadian people: resilient, inclusive, and proud. In this pledge, I commit to standing together with my fellow Canadians, united in our diversity and steadfast in our resolve. We will not back down in the face of challenges, whether they come from within our borders or beyond. Our unity is our strength, a testament to our collective determination to uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for every individual's rights and dignities. We vow to fight for our freedom and our rights, recognizing that these are not mere words but the very foundation of our society. Our history is a tapestry of struggles and triumphs, a narrative that has shaped our national identity. We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, who fought for the liberties we enjoy today. Their courage and vision set the path we continue to follow, ensuring that future generations inherit a land as free and as full of opportunity as the one we cherish now. Our commitment extends to standing together, undivided, in the face of any attempt to sow discord among us. We recognize that our diversity is our greatest asset, reflecting a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions that enrich our collective experience. We will defend this diversity against division, knowing that our shared values and aspirations are the glue that binds us. In our pride, we find not arrogance but a deep appreciation for the gifts our country has bestowed upon us. We are determined never to be denied our right to live in peace, to express our views freely, and to build a just society for all. Our pride is rooted in our achievements, both as individuals and as a nation, and in the promise of what we can accomplish when we work together towards common goals. Raising our flag, we are reminded of the sacrifices and the dreams that it represents. It is a symbol of our identity, our values, and our aspirations. We pledge never to forget that we are the land of the free and the brave. This freedom was earned through the resilience and bravery of those who believed in the possibility of a better, fairer Canada. Our patriotic oath is more than just words; it is a living commitment to the ideals that define us as Canadians. It is a promise to contribute to the ongoing story of Canada, to respect and protect its beauty and its heritage, and to work tirelessly towards a future where every Canadian has the opportunity to thrive. In this spirit, we stand together, united by our love for Canada, committed to safeguarding its legacy and ensuring its prosperity for generations to come.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher Before anyone starts getting all defensive and start pointing fingers and calling people all kinds of name. This column has nothing to do with race, color, belly buttons, temperament, social economics, or the three stooges. In today’s modern society people get bent out of shape for all kinds of things. I blame our education system for graduating so many illiterate. With this said. By definition: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe - Wikipedia "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" – which can be spelled a number of ways – is a children's counting-out rhyme, used to select a person in games such as tag, or for selecting various other things. It is one of a large group of similar rhymes in which the child who is pointed to by the chanter on the last syllable is chosen. Now this brings us to the meat and potatoes of the column and nothing to do with Irish stew... or a Polish, Kotlet mielony. This column is about the current status of our Federal government. On the one hand everyone is crying resign Trudeau. Resign Today. On the other... people are beginning to wonder if a change is the answer? More importantly what is the answer? I say this because politics have shown their true colors. It is not red, blue, orange, green and purple. It is not about ideology and philosophical integrity. Modern day politics is nothing short of a very elaborate rat race. Almost a dog eat, dog type of environment. There is no real loyalty other than that benefits the individual. Is this representation of the people? Is this democracy... governed by a loud minority. Led to believe that is the will of the people? Then, if it is not. Why is the majority so silent and distant from the process of democracy to bring about real change? I think in part it is because the majority have given up. They have become discouraged as the world is governed by popular ideology that is not reflective of the population at large. The silent majority, are the ones that work hard to pay taxes. To pay mortgages and keep food on the table. A silent majority that has no time to endevour in a system that is set up for the wealthy and elite. Look at all party so called leaders... Are they not all millionaires or there about? If not then once they get in... all of a sudden they become. How is this reflective of the working class. Of the average person. It is not. Then again to my initial question. We are not happy with what we have running our country. Would change for the head of another rat race make a difference? The answer is obvious. NO. If we learned anything from our history. When, there is a drastic shift in power. We the people end up paying for it. The incoming administration will blame the previous administration and justify tax increases. In the name of change they will implement regulation and policy that will affect our pocket book. So, I ask this question again. Is change what we really need and want? Think about it.

Empowering Single Mothers: The Legal Obligations of Employers

Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M. Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP In today’s diverse workforce, employers are legally obligated to accommodate employees based on their family status. This includes single mothers, a group that often faces unique challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act, family status is a protected ground. This means employers cannot discriminate against employees based on their family status, including being a single mother. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation unless it causes undue hardship. Let’s consider two examples to illustrate this: Example 1: Flexible Work Hours Consider Jane, a single mother working in a tech firm. She has to drop off her child at school by 9 AM and pick him up by 3 PM. The standard work hours from 9 to 5 don’t accommodate her needs. Recognizing Jane’s family status, her employer could offer flexible work hours. This allows Jane to start, and finish work later, ensuring she can fulfill both her professional and parental responsibilities. Example 2: Remote Work Now, let’s look at Sarah, another single mother who works as a customer service representative. Her child falls ill frequently, requiring her presence at home. In this case, the employer could provide Sarah with the option to work remotely. This way, Sarah can attend to her child’s needs without compromising her work duties. These examples highlight how employers can accommodate single mothers, promoting a more inclusive and equitable workplace. However, it’s important to note that what constitutes ‘reasonable accommodation’ and ‘undue hardship’ can vary. Factors such as the size of the organization, financial resources, and health and safety requirements can influence these determinations. Recognizing and accommodating the unique needs of single mothers is not just a legal obligation for employers, but also a step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. By doing so, employers can foster a supportive environment that respects and values all employees, regardless of their family status. Employers can terminate employees while they are on a maternity or parental leave, as long as the termination is not because the employee went on the leave, which is protected under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. If the termination is for economic reasons or because of a genuine corporate restructuring, the employee terminated while on a maternity or parental leave is entitled to the same notice and severance pay. If the dismissal of an employee on maternity or parental leave is not handled properly, it can substantially escalate the termination costs, potentially leading to human rights damages due to harm to the employee’s dignity, emotions, and self-respect. It is advisable to consult an employment lawyer when considering the termination of an employee on such leave. Early involvement of an expert can result in considerable cost savings. In certain cases, pregnant employees who have been terminated might be eligible for increased severance. Courts may take pregnancy into account as a significant factor when determining the amount of severance due upon termination, as exemplified in the case of Nahum v. Honeycomb Hospitality Inc. Sarah Nahum, a 28-year-old employee, had only been employed for 4.5 months as the director of people and culture. She was five months pregnant when she was terminated without cause. The Ontario Superior Court awarded her five months’ reasonable notice, recognizing that her pregnancy could likely pose challenges in securing new employment, and thus, should be considered as a factor. That said, an increased notice is not a guarantee. While it may seem that terminating a pregnant employee would invariably lead to a higher severance payout, the reality is far from straightforward. Pregnancy does not automatically extend an employee’s notice period. Each case is unique, and the analysis is contextual. Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. If you need legal advice with respect to any workplace issues, please consult an employment and labour lawyer.

DURHAM REGION TRANSIT (REINSTATEMENT OF LOST SERVICE)

By Maurice Brenner Deputy Mayor/Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering My last column provided readers with some background about the reduction in service levels by Durham Region Transit through the lens of Human Rights. Today’s Column will focus on Community Mobilization and the role it is playing to convince DRT to restore what was canceled. A strong message was sent to Durham Region Transit (DRT) thanks to many Durham Residents, Durham Col Student Council, UNIFOR and the many DRT Bus Drivers who attended the DRT Transit Executive Committee February 7th. The delegations provided an important insight into how the changes in services has negatively impacted many transit riders, and the barriers that have been created resulting in so many being left behind. Soon after the January implementation which reduced service levels, there was an outcry across the Region which resulted in an mid-January review. The review, recommended some immediate changes such as restoring the Sunbird Trail Loop with limited services commencing February 19th 8am-10am and 3pm-7pm, however it does not go far enough as there still remains many left behind unable to access Public Transit, After some debate, the DRT Executive heard the message and gave direction to DRT Staff to bring the matter back to the March 6th meeting with cost breakdown for the reinstatement of the lost services. Direction As Adopted: MOVED BY Commissioner Brenner SECONDED BY Commissioner Anderson A) That Report #2024-DRT-01 be received for information; and That staff be directed to report back as part of the budget discussions at the next Transit Executive Committee Meeting the cost of reinstating the lost service through the January optimization without reducing the positive changes made. DATED this 7th Day of February, 2024 Carried on a Recorded Vote I remain optimistic that the continued support and input from the users of Transit users, a balance can be found that will leave no one behind.

CUPE 129 STOP YOUR HATRED

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor Hello everyone, I want to extend my gratitude for the diverse range of comments I've received over the past week, both positive and, admittedly, some less so. Regardless, I appreciate each one, for we live in a free and democratic country where we are all entitled to exercise our rights and freedoms without the fear of persecution. Speaking of persecution, it's crucial to understand its definition: hostility and ill-treatment, especially based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or political beliefs. This freedom we enjoy today has been hard-earned and granted by the sacrifices of many who came before us, of all races and backgrounds, so that we could coexist civilly without the fear of persecution. Regrettably, I've found myself subjected to public persecution this past week, not only by the Mayor of Pickering but also by the leadership of CUPE 129. A public statement, released by a cowardly anonymous author, on behalf of the membership, targeted my character with false allegations and judgments, persecuting me for simply exercising my right to freedom of speech. In the release of their opening statement, CUPE 129 declared their commitment to fighting racism and hatred in all forms. We encourage members not to be neutral when witnessing racism in any form, yet their attack on me seems hypocritical. Is it not a form of hatred and discrimination when they assail me for exercising my freedom of speech and because of my gender? Their statement referred to an op-ed I wrote as "egregious and racist." The term "egregious" typically describes conduct that knowingly violates the law or is obviously wrong beyond a reasonable degree. I challenge the author of this said release, supposedly representing all CUPE members, to publicly clarify their intent, as the only thing truly egregious was their release, intended to represent all union members. I demand accountability from the cowardly author of this release. How dare they claim to represent all members and speak of Pickering's values while attacking an elected official? Their presumptions are based on bias, prejudice, and hatred, as the president of CUPE and I have a history of clashing on previous issues that stem back to before I even became an elected official, and quite frankly, many more since. So much hatred for such an Elected Official that he tried to stop me from attending an awards event last year, and when I refused, he refused to show up and accept his award. I would like to call on the Mayor to apologize for attempting to discredit me and my good name with his absurd remarks regarding my column. The fact that he proudly displayed CUPE's release on his Facebook page raises questions about the nature of their relationship. It's disheartening to see how CUPE might be trying to get on the good side of the Mayor, possibly for future negotiations. Is this the representation members pay for? Union representatives cozying up to municipal leaders? The author of the release clearly didn't either read or comprehend the content of my column, resorting instead to false allegations and misconceptions. It's apparent they lack the intellect to understand its meaning and simply jumped on the Mayor's bandwagon. I'm deeply disappointed in our Mayor, who seems to lack the intellectual integrity to grasp basic concepts. Resorting to political maneuvering and supporting freezes on my pay, making it impossible for me to pay my taxes, mortgage, and put food on the table for my family. This only serves to highlight his lack of understanding and empathy for the struggles faced by single mothers like me. I represent the people of Pickering, and neither the Mayor nor the anonymous author of the CUPE release have the right to question my integrity or morality. I've been elected to represent my constituents fairly and justly, and I expect the same from them. I will stand strongly that I do not believe in divisive tactics of segregating people into groups based on the colour of their skin, their religion, or their sexual preferences. I also stand by my belief that if we were to have a month dedicated to history, than let it truly be about history itself. It does not need to revolve solely around the colour of one's skin. Every culture has a rich and diverse history that deserves to be celebrated and shared. An apology is warranted from both parties. If they are unwilling, then in my opinion, they do not deserve to represent the hardworking individuals of our community. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Canada Flag Day 2024

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In February when the Canadian winter really settles in, we have something great to celebrate and be proud of it. Something which made us a nation to be cherished and respected. You have seen it proudly flying throughout the country. Maybe you have waved a paper hand flag on Canada Day, or worn it as a pin on your jacket. Maybe you have even sewn one on to your backpack and travelled the world! Regardless of where you see it, the National Flag of Canada stands out both at home and abroad as one of the most striking and recognizable symbols representing Canada. February 15 is Flag Day in Canada, the annual day on the calendar where we mark the first raising of the “new” Canadian flag, the Maple Leaf, on Parliament Hill in 1965. While the quest for a national flag for Canada dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the flag as we know it today emerged from the major social transformations during the 1950s and 1960s in the lead up to the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967. In 1960, Lester B. Pearson, then Leader of the Opposition, declared that he was determined to solve what he called “the flag problem.” To Pearson, this issue was critical to defining Canada as a unified, independent country. As the newly elected Prime Minister in 1963, Pearson promised to resolve the question of a new national flag in time for Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967. A parliamentary committee was created and given a 6-week deadline to submit a recommendation for a national flag. Debate within the committee was fierce, divided between those who wished to retain the symbols that tied Canada to its colonial history, and those who wanted Canada to adopt its own symbols for the future. This period was known as the Great Flag Debate. The legendary Flag Debate has seen two respected Canadians making their points, the great John Diefenbaker – who wanted Canada to keep using his beloved Red Ensign – and the equally great Lester Pearson, who wanted Canada to turn a new page with a flag distinctly our own. While most Canadian historians and commentators have consistently criticized Mr. Diefenbaker for his stand and the long debate on the issue in the House of Commons, this actually helped all Canadians eventually accept the change. Canadians who feared such a radical change in symbols felt that their voices had been heard. While they feared the switch to a new national symbol, they had witnessed Mr. Diefenbaker fight for their cause and this in turn, helped in the end to cement the Maple Leaf in its earliest years. One of the more well-received designs considered by the parliamentary committee was proposed by George Stanley, Dean of Arts at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario. Inspired by RMC’s own flag, Stanley recommended a design featuring a single, stylized red maple leaf on a white background with 2 red borders. On October 22, 1964, the committee voted in favour of Stanley’s single-leaf design. Two months later the House of Commons approved, followed shortly after by the Senate. Let’s review the history of the Canadian flag for a moment. The flag that was first raised on February 15, 1965, the flag that has made us all proud as Canadians to have our own beloved Maple Leaf centered Canadian flag. Several different flags were used in Canada before our current National Flag. Since the first days of European presence on Canadian soil, flags of European homelands, such as France, have been displayed. The flags of British North America used in colonial Canada showcased ties to the British Empire. Both before and after Confederation in 1867, Canada used the United Kingdom’s Royal Union Flag, commonly known as the Union Jack. Another British flag used in Canada was the Red Ensign. While it was officially a naval flag used by Canadian ships starting in the 1890s, the Canadian Red Ensign — a combination of the Union Jack and the shield of Canada — had been used unofficially both at sea and on land since the 1870s and was widely recognized as a national symbol. During the First World War, the Canadian Red Ensign became a popular patriotic emblem. As Canada matured as a nation, it became more important to create uniquely Canadian symbols to represent the country. In 1921, King George V granted Royal Arms to Canada and the shield of Canada’s new official coat of arms took its place on the Canadian Red Ensign. It is this version of the Canadian Red Ensign that represented Canada during the Second World War. Beyond a new coat of arms, many Canadians also wanted a new, distinctive Canadian flag to represent them. Appeals for such a flag increased steadily in the early 20th century. However, creating an entirely new flag was no easy feat. Which symbols could be chosen to represent and characterize Canada and its values? In the years following the Second World War, public opinion grew in favour of a new national flag, but the nation was divided. Canadians had fought and died under the Union Jack and the Canadian Red Ensign and many were still attached to these emblems and to their British heritage. The new maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. On February 15 of that year, it was inaugurated in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill. At the stroke of noon, the new National Flag of Canada was hoisted. The 14th Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson’s words on the occasion resound with hope and determination: “May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice … sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all.” In conclusion, during these difficult times with the world in turmoil, it becomes important that we unite under our beloved national symbol, the Canadian Flag. If our nation endures for a thousand years, the 15th day of February, 1965, will always be remembered as a milestone in Canada’s progress as a nation. Under this Flag may our citizens find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based on our deep traditions of freedom, fairness and responsibility, and the pride that all Canadians can feel for our richly endowed and beautiful land. Happy Flag Day!

IT’S OK TO BE POOR

By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. I see that a new culture has emerged. A new sort of ranking amongst the poor. I know first hand how it feels to be poor. To wake up every morning my body aching from the previous day work. At time have not eaten for a day or two. I remember those days as if they were yesterday. This gives me appreciation for what I acquired through my hard work. What really intrigues me today is how those struggling have divided themselves of sort. Don’t get me wrong. I had, pride in myself. Even though my close may have looked ragged. It was clean and sharp. Today, it appears that looking ragged is ok. To have no hygiene or self pride is ok. This is so wrong. I also see that the poor in some cases have given up on life. That they rather sit and wait for the cheque at the end of the month and live month to month. I know that feeling. But from a different perspective. I remember working like a mule. My hands so achy I could barely wipe my ass. But I never once gave up and or became satisfied with my situation. I believed that hard work would bring me financial glory. The words of my father echoed in my mind and heart. This fueled my passion to work harder even though at times my body said different. I think as a society we have to invest in our youth. We have to some how bring back the importance of family. A family rooted in basic human principles. One that strongly supports sacrifice, endurance and perseverance. In part I blame our government for the condition of our youth. Our federal government has let society go bad. Our federal government is more concerned over foreign aid then moral responsibility to our citizens. The question is. Are we to far gone. Will change in Ottawa change anything or will it be the same old same old under a different flag? My Canada.

Is Your 'Job Snobbery' Keeping You Unemployed?

By Nick Kossovan Judging is part of human nature. Everyone is a snob about something, the most prevalent being job snobbery. You encounter job snobbery when you meet someone for the first time and, after judging your appearance, they inevitably ask: "What do you do"? Based on your response, they're either delighted to meet you or look at their watch and excuse themselves. Asking, "What do you do?" is how we evaluate a person's respectworthiness. This is why many people are concerned about their job title, which often they manipulate. Who has more status? "I'm the CEO of Logifire." (Logifire is a yet-to-make-a-profit startup with 6 employees.) or "I manage a McDonald's." (You have 46 employees.)? Answer honestly: If you wanted to improve your golf game, who’d you rather work with, a Golf Instructor, a Golf Pro, or a Golf Performance Coach? Due to conditioning, we associate our identity with our job title. I know people who've declined a better-paying job with advancement opportunities because of the title. Such a high level of status anxiety baffles me. Western society prioritizes what a person does for a living over who they are. (e.g., a supportive partner, a food bank volunteer, a caretaker for an aging parent, bakes the best ginger molasses cookies) Sadly, most people don't try to get to know someone beyond their job title. Experience that's humbled me has taught me that a person's job title is an unreliable shortcut to assessing their character. We grossly overvalue our work and job titles. There's no moral argument for working a 40-70 hour week, chasing promotions that may or may not happen, trying to build a career. Regardless of how you answer, "What do you do?" your job does what every job does; it earns you money. I say all this to raise this point; job seekers know they’ll be judged by their job. This "knowing" greatly influences their career choice and, therefore, their job searches. There's no question that job seekers who seek jobs based on their perceived status have a much more frustrating and prolonged job search than job seekers simply seeking to earn a living, who are of the mindset that work is work. Three recent encounters: 1. At the beginning of this year, my wife and I purchased a new bed from a major furniture retailer. We were assisted by a knowledgeable salesman who appeared to be in his mid-50s and seemed to enjoy his job. 2. Several weeks ago, my wife and I had dinner at a popular steakhouse with my niece and sister-in-law. Our server, who I'd also place in her mid-50s, was friendly, engaging, and forthcoming in telling us she was approaching 30 years of being a server at that steakhouse. 3. During a recent visit to a company's business unit, I spent a few minutes talking with the receptionist. She told me she's been the receptionist for over 24 years and was happy. All three encounters highlighted that making a living, even a good life, is possible when you put aside your job snobbery and seek out jobs that, because they lack status, are much easier to land. However, the key isn’t simply to land a job as a server but to master skills that'll make you an outstanding server, resulting in substantial tips and repeat customers. The salesperson who sold my wife and me our bed interacted with us professionally and had extensive product knowledge. He was serious about his job; selling furniture wasn't a stop-gap job. Contrary to popular belief, it's possible to make decent money as a... · Server, bartender (The key is to work in a high-end establishment, where the average spend is higher and hence the average tip is higher.) · Furniture, clothing, electronics, or car salesperson (A retail job offering a base salary plus commission can be financially rewarding for those who hone their sales and customer service skills.) · An orderly · Custodian · Inside Sales (I know you're thinking "telemarketing," "cold calling." There are inside sales positions paying a base salary plus commission, where you're making calls to existing customers.) The above-mentioned jobs, and many more, especially if they involve labour, are plentiful and, therefore, much easier to land than covenanted laptop jobs with fancy titles. As a job seeker, when you consider all the other candidates vying for the job you want, it's liberating to just look for "work" (READ: a paycheck) where you have less competition. Searching for "work" per se doesn’t require a radical pivot, such as obtaining more education, certification, or apprenticing. Your pivot is entirely mental. There's no shame in having been laid off from your marketing director job and, after months of job hunting in today’s hyper-competitive job market, taking a job selling cars at your local Ford dealership. As long as you're supporting yourself and your family, why care what others think? With the competition for white-collar jobs intensifying—it’s an employer’s market— job seekers would be wise to put aside their job snobbery, disregard the views of others, and consider jobs that serve what should be their primary goal: to earn a living. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 TIPPING POINT

By Dale Jodoin In today's world, dining out has become more of a luxury than a routine for many. With rising food prices, increasing rent, and higher costs for heat and hydro, people are finding it harder to justify spending extra money on eating out. As a result, dining out has become a treat, often done on a tight budget. Many now look for deals, such as two-for-one offers or pizza special, anything to save a dollar. However, the tradition of tipping waiters and waitresses is facing its own challenges in this economic climate. In places like Canada and the United States, it's not uncommon for restaurants to add a 10%, 20%, or even 30% gratuity automatically to the bill. This practice puts additional pressure on customers who are already stretching their budgets thin. With predictions that half of the restaurants might go bankrupt in the next six months, the stakes are high. Restaurants are fighting for every dime to survive, and customers are calculating the cost of their meals down to the last penny using their phones or calculators. The reality is that both customers and restaurant staff are feeling the pinch. Waiters and waitresses rely on tips to make a living, but demanding a tip can embarrass customers and potentially deter them from returning. This is a delicate balance, as customers believe that by dining out, they are supporting local businesses. Yet, the expectation of tipping, once a given, is now seen by some as a relic of the past. It's important for everyone to remember that neither wait staff nor customers are to blame for the tough times. Waiters and waitresses are not therapists; they're there to provide a service with a smile. Similarly, customers should not take out their frustrations on the staff. Everyone is facing challenges, whether it's high taxes or other financial pressures. The current situation requires understanding and empathy from all sides. Restaurants need patrons to stay afloat, and employees need jobs to support themselves. This mutual dependence highlights a common struggle. Recognizing this shared difficulty could foster a more understanding and supportive environment for both customers and service staff. In conclusion, the tradition of tipping is at a crossroads, influenced by economic pressures and changing social norms. While tipping may be becoming less common, the need for mutual respect and understanding has never been greater. Both customers and service staff are navigating tough times, and a little kindness and consideration can go a long way. As we move forward, it's crucial for everyone to recognize the challenges each other faces and to support local businesses and their employees as much as possible. After all, we're all in this together, trying to make the best of the situation and hoping for better days ahead.

IT IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor We are amydst BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Celebrations plus more celbrations is all you hear. Politician after politician attempting to get Afro-Canadian vote, hypocritically championing a people’s contribution throughtout history. I remember in school being taught history. Not black history, hispanic, euro, arabic, south east rim, oriental and lets not forget native, white and or any other mix of races. Back then it was history. Yes, mistake were made. Yes mistakes at both ends of the color spectrum can be noted. The key here is why in this modern age we are so driven by color of skin instead of the human element. I say the human element as we are all people. In the race to equality is not the celebration of one race over another in itself racist. And for those not of that race hypocritical? Now before anyone goes getting offended. Take off the offended cap and put on the thinking cap. Someone not to long ago of status in the community and of color dare call me ‘white priviledge’. Really? If that was not a racist statement I do not know what is. This same person is to champion equality across the board. But it seems that due to limited intellect. They confuse the meaning of equality with the attempt to denounce in the name of punishing everyone for their psychological insecurity stemming from race. This scares me. I am not prejudice nor discriminatory. I have friends off all nationalities and as an elected official. I treat everyone equal and without bias. Now, back to being called ‘priviledged’. How does the color of my skin make me priviledged? I have had to work hard for everything I own. I endure economic hardships just like the many reading this... like the many of all colors. So much so that my own employer... city elect biasly and with extreme prejudice cut my pay for 90 days for exercising my freedom of speech. Over a comment I made in regard to feeling like my council was treating me like a modern day slave. Now, I feel I was persecuted and punished and that my rights and freedoms were violated to the point where I felt discriminated. Then, how is it that this person dares tell me I am priviledged? The problem we face is that in society there is so much hate. So much confusion and so many people in positions that they are not fit to hold. For anyone to become upset or insulted over ‘MODERN DAY SLAVERY’. The words. Is pure insanity on their part. A show of their limited intellect and their psychological scaring due to misunderstanding and lack of self esteem. Now, let’s leave that for another column. The point here is that we are all of all colors “MODERN DAY SLAVES”. We are led to believe that we have choices. That we have freedom and that we have rights. In reality we are all slaves of our demise. Try not going to work for a month. See how that affects your rights and freedoms. Now back to slavery and color. First and foremost. Slavery is not a white and black issue. Today, in today modern world slavery in the traditional sense is still practice. Places like Saudi Arabia. Some of the South Pacific countries and in Africa itself. So then why are we celebrating ‘black history month’ in Canada. We are so hung up on north American history and the historical trafficking of primarily African decent people that we have lost sense of time and period. Back in those days society was very different. Today, we have come a long way. Even thought slavery is practices across the planet. We do not have other nations race history in Canada. Like the many that were brought from Latin America, the Orient. Are we by celebrating in segregation not only reminding everyone of a very dark part in North American history. Also, are we not in the name of equality showcasing prejudice? If this is so. Then why is it that we continue to do it? Could it a political attempt to fool people? I say this because if we acknowledge our differences between all the races. Is that not prejudice in itself. Why should the government have special programs for some races, almost excluding others as deeming this programs exclusive to one race. Special black business programs, special black business loans... Now, to add more interest to this intellectual conondrum. When we speak of black and white. There are many shades of white. There are many shades of brown, yellow, red, black and so on. As well, there is prejudice within the color spectrum. Then the question remains. How are we to truly express our equality when it come to color differences. Is it beneficial for equality to be demanded by honoring indifferences? What if it was ‘White history month’. Would that not be seen as prejudice? The argument is. Well the rest of the year is ‘white history month’. Well no. Because history in general never had color. Just episodes of history make references to the many conflicts and joint efforts of all color. Much like during the world wars. Soldier of all races and color fought for our freedom. They sacrificed without thought or division based on color. It scares me that in this modern society. We have people that would dare support such division by celebrating differences of color. I support Afro-Canadian contributions to this great nation. I do not support the ‘BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ statement any more than ‘WHITE PRIVILEDGE’. As both statement lack understanding and the intellect of the meaning of it’s intent. God, made us in his image. An image that is not superficial but one derived from one heart one love. We can’t ever be equal as long as we allow color to divide us. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

010100100010 The Future of Municipal Government

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher Social change is on the horizon. By now we all have heard of Artificial Intelligence. Intelligence... a word that is wrongfully used to describe the next generation of internet browsing and interfacing. It is deemed intelligent as the data processing surpassed any human capability. A capability that appears to understand and developed based on compilation of information in to rational thought. Visionaries like George Orwell read the writing on the evolutionary wall and gave us a glimpse at the future in his book 1984, back in 1949. Orwell did not get the year right. But he sure was bang on the money when it came to the social/governmental and changes to the human element when he introduced us to ‘BIG BROTHER.’ Big Brother is a character and symbol in George Orwell's dystopian 1949 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. He is ostensibly the leader of Oceania, a totalitarian state wherein the ruling party, Ingsoc, wields total power "for its own sake" over the inhabitants. In the society that Orwell describes, every citizen is under constant surveillance by the authorities, mainly by telescreens (with the exception of the Proles). According to the introduction of AI. Big Brother is here and quickly developing. Orwell was not alone in his futuristic visions. Many today are deeming this time in history as the ‘Age of Aquarius’. Wikipedia: suggesting that the rise of scientific rationalism, combined with the fall of religious influence, the increasing focus on human rights since the 1780s, the exponential growth of technology, plus the advent of flight and space travel, are evidence of the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. This compounded with the never ending social uprise and unrest. Or the brewing racial battles and civic defiance. The world is in need of new law and order. With the constant expose of political corruption. Government across the board in-fighting. Wars, conflict and never ending discrepancies based on religion, culture, economics. The talk about globalism. The failure of the church and state. If we are not in the ‘Age of Aquarius’. We are surely, heading down a very dangerous slide toward extinction. Allow me to explain. As it is. For example. Municipal government operates as such: Citizens comes up with an issue to be considered. Information is sent to staff. Staff spend time reviewing, assessing and making recommendation to council. Council then discusses it, debates it and finally vote. Many times the vote count leads to poor or bad decisions. Decisions not based on logic or reason but in personal opinion, bias, prejudice and lack of intellectual integrity. Vis- a vie - Taxes keep going up to pay off for bad decisions. With this so called ‘Artificial Intelligence’. Computers operate on a simple logic. Yes or No. 101. The outcome is based on raw data collected from infinite sources. No real thinking is use. Much like staff. Gather info and assess it based on mathematical statistics. Predicting the best out come from the source of information available. The big difference the computer can do it in a fraction of a second and staff take weeks if not months. Then from an economic perspective. Get rid of staff and replace it with a computer filled with the particular departmental expertise. Easy. NO? We can get more accurate results and much quicker responses, at almost no cost. That info that is given to council. Then council would have to vote on it using the usual bias, prejudices and understanding on a particular. Why not get rid of council. After all, most elected do not have the expertise to make the decision they are faced to make. Get a computer that utilizes data to statistically make a decision based on logic, reason and economic principles. Imaging the millions we would save. Now let’s apply the same to the Regional, Provincial and Federal government. We hear about globalism. About one world government. The introduction of AI to society. This type of thinking maybe is not to far off. Think about it. The computer would dispense law according to country, region. The computer would utilize distribution of wealth and access to industry and trade based on in-put. In-put that would only have rational and logical resolve to any issue before it. No bias, no prejudice, no opinion. NO CORRUPTION. Much like Orwell’s world. Big Brother would dispense what is best for society without emotion, greed and or external influences. So what are you saying Joe? What I am saying is welcome to the Age of Aquarius. Under such model. We all be considered equal. Our social rank would be determined by our intellectual accomplishment through academia. Religion would become abselete as would poverty, homelessness and suffering. Big Brother would assure every human being the basic human right to live free of worry. The need for human survival would be replaced with the need to excel academically. Civilization would evolve to one of high tech efficiency as never seen before. Orwell was right back then. Do you think I may be onto something?

The Holocaust; a human tragedy that must never happen again

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As we deal with increasing instability in the world, especially the surging military activity, we need to reflect for a moment on the human tragedy of cataclysmic proportion that occurred during World War II (WW2) and hope that this never happen again. It is hard to believe that in 2024 we will mark the 79th Anniversary of the end of WW2; a tragedy that claimed many victims and was the most devastating event of the last century. That war was the deadliest military conflict in human history. It is estimated that a total of 70 to 85 million people perished, which represented about 3% of the world population in 1940. The WW2 conflagration saw very high civilian casualties. Civilian deaths totaled 50 to 55 million. Close to 25 million of these were victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Around 17 million perished as victims of the Nazi Germany regime and its collaborators. The ferocity of killings by Nazis and their collaborators was rationalized as ethnic cleansing. These were racially motivated crimes, involving the persecution of Roma and the handicapped, the murder of Soviet prisoners of war, Polish and Soviet civilians, as well as political prisoners, religious dissenters, and homosexuals; all combining to increase the number of innocent victims of war. In January 1942, top Nazi leaders convened a meeting in the outer lakeside Berlin suburb of Wannsee. There, they outlined the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question in Europe”, without regard for geographic boundaries. In total, 11 million Jews would be targeted for extermination. Without a whimper, the thirteen officials signed off on the ‘Final Solution’. The minutes would record their decision to ‘cleanse the German living space of Jews in a legal manner’. This marked the darkest seminal moment in a series of events that would see the murder of 6 million Jews; an abhorrence beyond the comprehension of our modern, comfortable lives. The Holocaust is the term generally used to describe the genocide of approximately six million European Jews during WW2. Entire families, old men and women and young children were killed in the Nazi extermination camps by ferocious and inhumane methods. According to Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) researchers, 2,830,000 Jews were murdered in the Nazi death camps (500,000 in Belzec; 150,000 in Sobibor; 850,000 in Treblinka; 150,000 in Chelmno; 1,100,000 in Auschwitz and 80,000 in Majdanek. In the Nazi occupied territory of the USSR the Nazi Einsatzgruppen killed another 1.4 million Jewish people by mobile gas chambers and mass executions. Seventy-nine years ago, on 27 January 1945, Soviet soldiers from the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front advanced into Poland and liberated Auschwitz. There, amid mountains of corpses, they discovered about 7,650 men, women and children; starving, stricken by disease, barely living. They also found hundreds of thousands of personal effects including items of clothing like shoes, and 700 tonnes of human hair. The broken human beings they liberated were among the handful of survivors of the 1.3 million people who had passed through the gates of Auschwitz. From my city of birth, Satu Mare in Transylvania, there were 4 train loads of Jewish people deported directly to Auschwitz between May and June 1944. Most of them perished. In November 2005, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 27 January 1945, the day on which Auschwitz was liberated, as International Remembrance Day to mark the tragedy of the Holocaust. It commemorates the genocide that resulted in the deaths of 6 million Jews and 11 million others, by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. It urges every member nation of the U.N. to honour the memory of Holocaust victims, and encourages the development of educational programs about Holocaust history to help prevent future acts of genocide. It condemns all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief. The International Day in memory of the victims of the Holocaust is thus a day on which we must reassert our commitment to human rights. We must also go beyond remembrance, and make sure that new generations know this history. After the horrors of the 20th century, there should be no room for intolerance in the 21st. The only way to honour the memory of the Holocaust is to turn remembrance into the promise of a better future. Preserving and transmitting the memory is a duty towards those who lost their lives, and towards our children. In commemorating the dead, we are inspired by the triumph of the human spirit given us by those who survived. “We study history not to be clever in another time, but to be wise always.” Marcus Tullius Cicero A nation that does not know nor understand its history is dangerous. Life’s paradox is that often it is those things, most important to us, that we have a tendency to take for granted. We are fortunate as Canadians, whether by birth or by choice, to enjoy and appreciate political, economic and religious freedoms. To live in a nation in which faith coexists with reason, free academic inquiry, a free press and independent judiciary is a blessing that we need to preserve. And yet support for democracy is diminishing. We are defined most clearly by our values and our beliefs, the way we relate to one another and see our place in the world. We are shaped by our heroes and villains, our triumphs and failures. How, as a people we have faced adversity, and how we will face the inevitable adversities that are coming. How we respond to them will shape our future. Nations, like people, face ‘moments of truth’. There are moments in history which challenge our very survival and values. Well led, we emerge stronger, more resilient. Otherwise we may suffer lasting damage. Six million Jews were murdered in an act of unspeakable genocidal barbarism. So too were homosexuals, Roma, the disabled and political dissidents. In a world grappling with the mass movement of people, the persecution of political, ethnic and religious minorities, the push for euthanasia and a generational struggle against resurgent religious extremism, we must remind ourselves not only of why we fought wars, but also what human kind is capable of, and the circumstances that lead to it. Today we live in vast ignorance of the decisions we make and that are made for us, facing extraordinary global uncertainty and immense technological change. No human being, no Canadian who believes in the dignity of man, in freedom and democratic principles, should ever allow the Holocaust to be forgotten through neglectful indifference; that the events, the people, their lives and stories, become a distant stranger. These heinous events and those who survived them teach us many things. Most importantly they inspire us to have the moral courage, irrespective of personal consequences, to act on what, in our hearts, we know to be right. “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” Elie Wiesel Are we ready?

I CANT SURVIVE ON MY PENSION

I CAN’T SURVIVE

ON MY PENSION By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. Excuse me. Is this still Canada? I get a pension like most of you. I paid my taxes and still pay my taxes. I pay capital gain tax, income tax, retail tax and just about every tax that our government decides I should pay. After exhausting my cheque book. I sit here and think. How are other people doing it. How are people my age surviving. With taxes continue to go up. I would not be able to pay my taxes based on my pension. I am disgusted at the Prime Minister. At our Provincial elect. Without doubt with our Mayor Dan Carter. Here is guy that never held a position of responsibility as he has now. He makes mistakes we pay with tax increases. Yet, he goes around spewing how great his administration is doing with all the contruction statistics. Statistics that only prove his incompetency. Our beloved incompetent leaders is allowing for the raping of our prime farm land by greedy developers that see an opportunity to make billions. They dont care about erecting two by four lego type homes and charging our kids million dollars. It is disgusting. Then guys like me that worked our asses off all our lives. Are mailed an envelop demanding we pay our taxes or else. What kind of freedom is this. Pay or else. After all the years of hard work to contribute to this country. My fellow countrymen threaten me to pay or else. Men like Carter a former homeless, drug addict illiterate. Come on people. It is time to rise and send a message. No more. Who votes these idiots in office? I sure did not. You would think that fellow countrymen would be of like interest. Now don’t get me wrong. I have limited education. But I know right from wrong. I know the value of a hard days work. I know the value of every dollar earned. I came to this country not with the expectations to be awarded, given and or treated special. I came to work hard. Contribute and give back. Even in times of hardship. I refused hand outs and any form of charity. Now in my last chapter of life. I feel for the youth of tomorrow. I feel for seniors like me that are forced out of their homes, because they can’t pay their taxes. Am I preaching to a deaf society. To a numb heart? I pray to god not.

Before Accepting a Job Offer, Know the Expectations

By Nick Kossovan After not being "a fit," employees are most often terminated for not meeting the expectations of their position. (READ: expected outcomes) When offered a job, the cliche advice is to evaluate: · Salary · Benefits · Working hours · Commuting distance · Opportunities for career advancement These focus on you… wrong approach! Your top priority should be knowing and evaluating the employer's expectations against your skills, aptitude, and energy level. In other words, before focusing on whether the employer can meet your needs and wants, focus on whether you can meet the employer's needs. Think of it as John F. Kennedy's maxim when he said during his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Compensation, benefits, and career advancement are meaningless if you fail to meet expectations. Be honest about your capabilities, experience, professionalism, and capacity to handle stress from being held accountable. (READ: Don't lie to yourself.) Taking on a job that exceeds your capabilities is a recipe for "brief employment." The best way to set yourself up for success at your new job and have fewer surprises is to know what'll be expected of you. By now, you're probably aware of Brittany Pietsch, the 27-year-old Cloudflare account executive who infamously filmed herself being let go after three and a half months due to not meeting expectations. (I'm taking Cloudfare's HR words at face value.) It's painful to watch as she tries to direct the conversation, attempting to orchestrate a "GOTCHA!" moment so she can gain Internet fame, clicks, and likes. If you haven't seen Brittany's video, you can view it here: https://bit.ly/3HuHT0g Brittany took on a sales role. Every sales role has one deciding metric: Number of sales. Brittany admits she had yet to make a sale. No sales = No value to the company. She goes on to say that she's had "good meetings with my manager" and has been "working really hard." In sales, these are not metrics of success. The language of business is numbers! It's critical to be clear about the expectations of the job you're interviewing for, such as targets and goals and the timeframes you're expected to achieve them within. · Sales quota (weekly, monthly, quarterly) · Net promoter score (NPS) · Number of calls (outbound, inbound) · Number of units produced · Average handle time, average talk time, first-call resolution · Order picking accuracy · Customer satisfaction score (CSAT) · Number of new followers, click-through rate, ad clicks, cost per click, page likes. · Days payable outstanding (DPO) · Time to hire There isn't a job that doesn't have, or can't have, any success metrics attached to it. At any given time, you should know what your employer is measuring you against (key performance indicators, benchmarks) and your current productivity stats. Though I don't know Cloudflare’s hiring process or how Brittany was onboarded, she took on a sales role that, like all sales roles, was 100% performance-metric-driven, which she shouldn't have. Not everyone is cut out for sales. More and more job seekers, desperate to get hired, are accepting jobs without fully understanding what the job involves and what they'll be held accountable for. The next time you find yourself in an interview, make it a point to delve into the expectations of the job by asking the following questions: · "How is success measured in this role? How often?" (You want numbers!) · "What should be the immediate priorities for me in this role?" · "What reports or dashboards will be available to me? Will I receive them daily, weekly or monthly?" · "How often are performance reviews conducted?" · "Can you provide me with an example of someone who wasn't meeting expectations and got themselves back on track? What did they do?" · My favourite: "Please walk me through your management style. How will you manage me?" When formulating your expectation questions, think: How much? How high? How low? Increase by how much? Save by how much? Within what range? Ask about benchmarks and KPIs. Know deadlines. (e.g., You must submit the company's 450 employee payroll no later than 2:00 PM every Tuesday.) Don't rely solely on the job description, which most likely had vague expectations such as "meet monthly sales quota," "or increase social media engagement." You want to know that your monthly sales quota, as a pharmaceutical rep for the territory you'd be assigned to, is $65K or as the company's social media manager, the expectation is to increase social media engagement—you'll also want to define how the company defines "engagement"—across all five of the company's social media accounts by 25% before the year's end. It's pointless to take on a job if you feel you will not be able to deliver. When asking my above-mentioned discovery questions, I keep reminding myself of the adage, "Forewarned is forearmed." The last thing I want to say to my boss when discussing my performance is, "I didn't know." As the global economy continues its surreal rollercoaster ride, understandably, companies are expecting more from their employees. Knowing and assessing the performance expectations of the job you're interviewing for is essential to avoiding expectations mismatch. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

Reviving Education: A Call to Reform the System for the Next Generation

By Dale Jodoin In a rapidly changing world, the education system has become a subject of intense debate. Some argue that it has failed the current generation, particularly Generation Z, and that the blame cannot be solely placed on the young minds navigating through it. The transformation of education into a more left-leaning system has led to concerns about its impact on the development of young adults and children. Critics contend that today's students are being pushed through the system without learning one of life's most valuable lessons – the ability to fail and learn from their mistakes. In an era where a mistake is often seen as a reason for coddling rather than growth, the importance of resilience and personal growth is being overshadowed. Moreover, there are concerns about the curriculum itself. History, once considered a cornerstone of education, seems to have taken a backseat in the modern classroom. Financial literacy, which includes essential life skills like balancing a bank account and understanding work ethics, is often absent from the curriculum as well. These omissions can leave young adults ill-prepared for the real world. One of the criticisms centers around the perception that the education system values activism over academics. Some argue that teachers are pushing their own agendas, and this may be particularly true in certain regions like Canada. Instead of instilling critical thinking skills and a well-rounded education, the focus has shifted towards pushing students to engage in protests or furthering a particular ideology. When these students eventually reach university, they are met with a new set of challenges. Many claim that universities are breeding grounds for propaganda, cancel culture, and socialist behavior. This has raised concerns about the impact of higher education on the formation of young minds. However, it's important to consider the unique challenges that Generation Z has faced, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and remote learning becoming the norm, many students have missed out on the social interactions and hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for their development. These disruptions have undoubtedly impacted their ability to learn and adapt. Blaming the young generation for these shortcomings may not be fair. Instead, it's essential to recognize that they are products of an evolving education system that needs reform. If we wish to move forward, it is imperative to acknowledge that the system has failed in some aspects. To ensure a brighter future, we must revamp our education system, reintroduce essential life skills, and place a renewed emphasis on academic excellence. the issues facing Generation Z and their education are complex and multifaceted. While there are valid concerns about the direction of the education system, it is essential to approach this matter with nuance and empathy. Rather than placing blame on the young generation, let us work together to reform the education system, preparing future generations for success in a rapidly changing world.

Heavy Weather Guide

from Wayne & Tamara My girlfriend and I are basically the same age, just a six month difference. When I went to buy the engagement ring, I felt certain she was the right one. She accepted my proposal by saying, "If we go slow…" We've been doing that. We had the ring resized to fit her finger, and the wedding wasn't to be for two years. This morning she broke it off. We were happy and taking it slow, but for some reason it felt fast to her. Right from the start, her relatives pressured her to break up. She asked me questions, I answered honestly, and my answers were acceptable. I want to get married and have my own happy family in the next five years. Preferably in the next two. This afternoon I even cried. What can or should I do? I know suicide's not the answer, but maybe it would make a difference to her and them. No, I don't want to do that, but like I said, I'm feeling sad today. Michael Michael, on a merchant ship the second mate is responsible for navigation. Traditionally, each morning the mate would rise, take a fix on the stars, and recompute a fresh course to the destination. This is necessary because the wind and sea push the ship off yesterday's course. The mate can chart a course and ring up the speed, but the sea determines when the ship will arrive. There is no point fighting against the sea, or against life. Ordinarily when a person thinks of suicide, it is because they are holding to a fixed idea, and they cannot imagine life in any other way. But life is full of possibilities. If your depression is serious, seek help. But your sadness seems based on rigid expectations. You have a schedule in your head, and you want life to conform to your schedule. In the next two years you want to find a woman who loves you, whom you love, who will marry you and produce children. That sounds more like ordering a new car than love. Out of great love for someone who loves you, come a family and happiness. Where is the great love for this woman in your letter? No, what we hear is the two year schedule. What we hear is the difference between this woman, and your plans for a woman. Life, and people, cannot be bent to your will. Surrender your schedule and allow your life to unfold. A mariner’s traditional farewell is wishing a friend fair winds and a following sea. But the truth is, we learn more about ourselves in a storm than in calm waters. Wayne & Tamara Seesaw I'm a single woman who is intelligent, kind-hearted, and attractive. I recently ended a relationship with a man I'll call Jordan. Jordan slowly moved from wanting to spend every moment with me to "needing some space." Jordan is bipolar and refuses to seek help, and my attempts to help left him better and me with an hour of sleep. Recently we enjoyed a great afternoon when he invited me to a party. Well, the last time we went to a party, I was basically left by the punchbowl. When I gently expressed my concern, he screamed, "Get out!" Which I promptly did. I realize I'm stupid to want anything but to move on, but for curiosity's sake, because it's driving me crazy, what on earth is his problem? We seem to want the same thing, each other, yet he's going back and forth faster than a swing. Darlene Darlene, you ask what on earth is his problem. To borrow a teenagers’ phrase, "Duh?" He is an unmedicated, bipolar person. As long as he won't address the problem of his mood swings, there is no place on the swing for you. Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com

In the Lab with Natural Immune Formulas

By Common Sense Health – W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford This week let’s look behind the scenes, in the labs where doctors and scientists are designing health supplements that address specific goals. What’s motivating them? What are they trying to do? And how successful are they? There are thousands of natural health supplements on the market – from vitamins and minerals to botanicals and proteins, plus all kinds of things falling into categories like enzymes and fatty acids. Then on top of this, there all the natural therapies offered by physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and so on. Collectively, it’s a mega-billion set of industries. Complicating the scene are corporations, like Proctor & Gamble, Bayer, and Abbott. Going toe to toe in the marketplace with these giants are small businesses, whom we can say from working with them for so many years, are the experts most worth listening to. Let’s talk then about that profit motive of either the drug companies or the natural health industry. What’s important is not that they are making money. If we all were as industrious, the economy might be better. No, we have no issue with making money from products that genuinely help people. The worst to come of it might be a small dent in the wallet – nothing in comparison to gambling, junk food, tobacco, and countless other industries that destroy lives and deserve our wrath. Specific to healthcare products, it's the pharmaceutical ones, with their side effects, that should trouble us. We need to scrutinize them carefully, because they come with risks and sometimes when they work well, they give society a “get out of jail” pass. What’s the incentive to work at health if a pill will do it? It’s no good when drugs are just treatments, not solutions to the root problems. Next, let’s look at the people in the labs working on natural products – like a powdered form of a root. You can take your chances with the lady growing the root in her backyard, or you can find umpteen versions of the same thing produced by those who test and validate the potency, cleanliness, and ethical sources of the root. Either way, unless we are talking about mushrooms, you are likely not going to get sick – and you might find help for your problem. For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been writing about postbiotics. The product getting the Gifford-Jones stamp of approval is Certified Naturals Postbiotic Immune Formula containing Epicor, a fermented yeast that has all the important metabolites that probiotics produce ready for immediate absorption. Unlike prebiotics and probiotics, postbiotics are already fermented before it gets to the gut. Here’s an example of scientists in a lab creating a product that clean, stable, and loaded with the nutrients beneficial to the gut and fueling the body’s natural immune system. Does Epicor have any negative side effects? No. Is it backed by clinical trials evaluating effectiveness in reducing the risk of colds and flus? Yes. Is it designed by credible scientists in trusted labs? Yes. Is Certified Naturals Postbiotic Immune Formula, the product we recommend, manufactured in inspected facilities? Yes, it is. A Gifford-Jones mantra is “all things in moderation”, and that goes for feeding your gut too – with food or supplements. Always be sure to keep your doctor informed of what supplements you are taking. For people with low or high blood pressure, this is especially important. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take extra care in what they eat and what supplements they take. Never forget, keep your pills, supplements, and any other dangerous substances well out of the reach of children. 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