WE DID IT AGAIN!!!

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 - This past week. We received some great news. The email read: Congratulations on being selected and approved for the CBRB Best Businesses In Canada 2024. This is presented only to businesses that have maintained an exceptional proof of customer satisfaction. Representing the Best Businesses in Canada, the CBRB Canadian Business Review Board Inc. has found that your business meets strong consumer satisfaction standards. Thank you to all our readers. Thank you to all our contributors, associates, advertisers, columnist, partners, fellow associated news agencies and network services. Thank you to our staff. Without your contributions, encouragement and support through the years, we could not be number one today across the region. The Central today could not enjoy the benefits of hard work by being Durham's only in print newspaper. Durham's largest regional newspaper, bringing communities together. Durham's Premier newspaper. It took The Central 29 years to accomplish number one. Together we did it. Through the years The Central has been recognized by all major news agencies. Received numerous awards for the involvement in internet technologies specifically in radio and newsprint. Just this past week the CBRB has recognized The Central as National leader in the industry. Success, comes many lessons. Some pleasant and some very costly. I remember the first few issue we published. Uncertainty should have been the headline. The Central staff was freshly formed. Many of those working back then worked for the former Oshawa Times. Publishing a hard copy back then was a very costly feat. I remember the thousands of dollars that it cost The Central to just lay out the pages. Forget the cost of print. I remember the nights I would go without sleep. Inputting a 24 page publication in to a computer. A blue screen with yellow letters. Then uploading it to a pre-browser space on the net. It would take up to 10 minutes to just hook up to the internet. During those days. The readership online consisted of government, financial institutions, post secondary institutions and the few thousands across the planet exploring the new world of the internet. The long hours training staff. The many people wanting to help. The laughs and cry when things went either well or not so. I remember the many critics, always denouncing progress. Still today. Critics and haters are a dime a doze. I don’t mind the critics. I ming the cowardly haters. Those that hide behind fake social media post and take cheap shots. In part, I have learned to use the haters as a tool that they are. The more the haters, hate. The more I know we are on course. Presenting topics that hit home. Articles that create discussion. Columnist that challenge psychological stability in the readers and arouse intellectual inquiry. The more the haters, hate. The more newspapers we sell. This most recent award is an attestment to our hard work. To the dedication and sacrifices we all have made at the Central over the years. Every step is a mountain. Every mountain is a paramount point that we strive to conquer every day we show up to produce your community award winning newspaper. Thank you to the readers, staff and the community at large for making us #1

The Sad State of the Canadian Military

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Considering the geopolitical situation today and the rising potential of a world conflict, the status of the Canadian Military is not one that the country can be proud. Years of neglect in terms of infrastructure, the supply of military hardware and personnel, make the future look bleak. In short, Canada's military is facing a series of problems that, without a serious infusion of cash and attention from the federal government, could threaten our standing in an unpredictable world. Over the past 50 years and more, it is painfully clear that the military has been off the radar in Ottawa. Pledges made about meeting the NATO requirement of two percent of GDP are never met, no matter who forms government. The truth is we are laggard, and remain beholden to the United States to protect us. As a result, our armed forces are broken, and that is shameful. Interestingly enough, the Canadian government has found money to support the Ukrainian war effort by billions of dollars, further depleting the already scarce resources of the Canadian Forces. Canadian politicians of all stripes made grandiose statements about contributing to Ukraine’s war effort but the fact that is we cannot contribute much more than a few weapons. Such is the state of our armed forces. It is time to get back to basics and understand that the role of our military as a common sense concept is to assure the defence of our land. Therefore, the challenges, which have preoccupied Canadian defence policymakers since Confederation, have been how to maintain territorial sovereignty. Specifically, these challenges are related to the vast territorial sweep of the country and the fact that much of its claimed territory is sparsely populated, especially in the Arctic. For much of the post-World War II period, this concern was framed in terms of a Cold War-based threat coming from the Soviet Union, and more recently, from Russia and China. Considering this new reality, Canada should pursue a strong approach to sovereignty in the Arctic in the future. Appropriate investments should be continued for upgrading both naval and other military capacity in the Arctic region. However, a purely military approach to security will not be enough and an approach of developing an economic structure in the Arctic needs to be pursued. This should be part of a general vision for developing Canada. Unfortunately, none of the current political platforms, advocated by any political party in Canada, shows any sign of a vision for the future of Canada. Think about it. Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of territory, but has a population of barely 40 million people. This population is concentrated around four major cities, one of which is the capital city of Ottawa. The time has come to look for a global vision of Canada. This has been done in the past. The time has come to establish a new capital of this vast country, somewhere in the geographical center. Along with this, it is necessary to have a new vision for the military and a new leadership, one that understands the needs of a military capable of efficiently securing our borders. The situation today is that we have a Minister of National Defence with very limited knowledge or understanding of the needs of the military. His background might be versed in policing, but the military is a different issue. Military leadership requires specific military skills. He also needs to stand up for the military rather than simply be subservient to the Prime Minister’s Office. Recently Defense Minister Bill Blair acknowledged an uncomfortable reality. "My assessment is we've got some work to do," he told reporters The minister was in Edmonton to announce C$45.3 million in infrastructure upgrades at the city's military base — a drop in the bucket of the Department of National Defence's worsening backlog of deferred maintenance. Blair said the military he oversees has to do better at arming itself and recruiting new members. Empty words, without any corresponding action. With continuing budgetary restrains meted out to our Canadian Forces, coupled with continued and reckless support for international projects, the Government is relegating our Canadian Forces to a deplorable state. This is a very bleak outlook for the years to come, without a drastic change. For the moment, only a fraction of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is available to ship out at any given moment. The 2024-25 plan pegs the "approximate total" of deployable soldiers in the coming year at 13,000. In addition, they face a crumbling infrastructure and a disarray in new military equipment and weapons supply. The National Defence department's property "will continue to degrade at an accelerated rate due to systemic and significant underfunding in maintenance and recapitalization." In my view, Canadian politicians are living in a fairyland world full of pixie dust when it comes to dealing with our military. Maybe Vladimir Putin has been a reality check. Let’s hope so, because the state of our armed forces is very sad!

HATERS

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. In my day we use to call them cowards. Today, we call them HATERS. People with little or no character that hide behind fake profiles on line. Pretend to hold high moral grounds and have opinions on just about everything. Many of these coward barely graduated from High School. But the freedom of being anonymous gives them a false sense of worth and expertise. I blame this on our education system. A system that is broken. Graduating idiots. Youth that can’t even do simple math without consulting their phone. Idiots, that are post secondary grinder meat. I say this because everyone wants to be a forensic this and that. Colleges offer courses for everything possibly including breathing. These processed future haters fall to their calling. Only producing frustrated idiots with a piece of paper that tells them they are now officially idiots. These same idiots get on a computer and become experts in everything and nothing. As, their incompetence mounts they graduate to being a hater. A hater is anyone that comments in a negative way, professing to know otherwise. Haters, hate success stories. They hate accomplishments and they hate anyone that opposes their point of view. This is scary as we the old generation dies. These idiots and haters will take over in key positions. Look at all the idiots we have in government already. Trudeau a Liberal token. Wins an election not on merit but on his fathers past history. We are selling out our country. We have haters and idiots running it. I feel for future generation and generations after that. Canada is doomed.

Not-so-distant past

By Dale Jodoin In the not-so-distant past of the 1960s and 1970s, a revolution began to simmer across the lands of the Free World. This was not a revolution fought with swords and shields, but with picket signs and loudspeakers. The warriors? Women, armed with unyielding resolve for equality. Their battlegrounds were not the fields of war but the gyms, saunas, and clubhouses that bore the invisible sign: "Men Only." As television sets flickered with images of these brave souls, many laughed, some scoffed, but history was taking notes. The women's rights movement, like a determined stream carving through rock, began to reshape the societal landscape. They demanded equal time and space where none was given, and slowly, the walls of exclusivity began to crumble. Fast forward to the 1970s and 1980s, the era of disco balls and arcade games, where another front was opened. Girls and women, inspired by their predecessors, ventured into the sacred halls of men's sports in schools. They were heralded as heroes, pioneers fighting not just for a place on the team but for the very principle of equal opportunity. Then came a twist in the tale. The Boy Scouts, a bastion of young male adventure and camaraderie, began to welcome women as troop leaders. And why not? If equality was the quest, why should any domain remain untouched? But the plot thickened as girls, too, joined the ranks, blurring the lines between the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, entities that had coexisted yet apart, like parallel universes. Now, as the wheels of time have spun into the 21st century, the landscape of equality has morphed into a realm where the very fabric of gender is questioned, stretched, and redesigned. Boys and girls, men and women, and everyone in between or outside these definitions, find themselves in a world where the Boy Scouts have shed the "Boy" to become simply "Scouts," while the Girl Scouts watch from the sidelines, their identity intact but their purpose under scrutiny. In this new world, where transgender athletes compete in women's sports, a chorus of protests arises. The irony? The quest for equal opportunity that began decades ago has unfolded into a reality where the lines drawn by gender are not just crossed but erased. Yet, as the victories of yesterday's battles are celebrated, the outcomes of today's wars are lamented. The story, however, does not end here, for this narrative of equality is one of constant evolution. What began as a fight for equal space has spiraled into a complex dialogue about identity, inclusion, and the very essence of fairness. Pandora's box of equal opportunity, once opened, cannot be closed, nor can the voices that have emerged be silenced. As we stand at the crossroads of history and future, the irony of our journey is not lost. The very outcomes fought for with passion and pride have unfolded in ways unforeseen, challenging us to question not just the nature of equality but the nature of our desires. In a world where logic and feelings collide, where government and society grapple with the definitions of right and wrong, we are reminded that the path to equality is fraught with unexpected turns. And so, as the sun sets on the old world and rises on the new, we are left to ponder the lessons of our past. The quest for equal opportunity, like any great tale, is one of irony and insight, where the outcomes we seek may just be the ones we least expect. Welcome to the new world, where the battle for equality continues, not with swords and shields, but with open hearts and minds, in the ever-evolving story of being.

Empathizing With an Employer’s Hiring Concerns Is a Competitive Advantage

By Nick Kossovan American professor, author, and podcast host Brené Brown once said, "Empathy fuels connection." Empathizing with someone, especially with their concerns, is how you build strong relationships. Interacting empathically with employers is a competitive advantage since few job seekers do so. All hiring managers have concerns. The times you weren't hired were likely because of a concern(s) your interviewer had that wasn't addressed during the interview. Employers don't care about your “whys” (concerns); they care about their “whys.” As a job seeker, focusing on an employer's whys will help you establish a connection with the employer and differentiate you from your competition, who, for the most part, are focused on their whys. There’re three hiring facts job seekers would be wise to keep top of mind: 1. Employers don't hire opinions (of yourself). 2. Employers no longer consider a candidate's potential. (Employers aren't in the business of growing careers.) 3. Employers don't hire employees; they hire solutions. Therefore, don't waste precious resume/LinkedIn profile real estate or interview time offering opinions about yourself, trying to sell your potential, and not providing solutions. Instead, boost your competitive advantage by empathizing with employers' three fundamental hiring concerns. 1. Will you fit the company’s culture? Interviews are conducted primarily to determine whether you'll fit the company's culture, not just to assess your skills. Whether it's fair or not, employers generally hire based on the "fit" they believe a candidate will be to their culture. Job seekers need to accept that the hiring manager knows best whether they'll fit (read: is compatible) with the company and employees and that they're not entitled to inclusion. Skills and experience are easy to evaluate and assess. (testing, reference checks) However, being deemed a "fit" is subjective. While you can't control the final "Yes" or "No," you can influence the possibility of receiving a thumbs up by: 1. Before an interview, become familiar with the company's culture and visualize yourself working there. 2. Speak the language. Every profession has its share of expressions and jargon—insider language—that, when used, implies "I'm one of you." 3. Dress as if you already work for the company. All companies have an unofficial dress code, even if they have an official dress code. Know both and dress accordingly. A better option is to conduct your job search by prioritizing finding where you belong, which is the best compass a job seeker can use. Don't look for a job. Look for where you'll be accepted. Think: "I'm not looking for a job; I'm looking for my tribe!" 2. Are you able to hit the ground running? Imagine a leaking pipe in your basement. Who'd you want to fix the leak? An experienced plumber who can fix it quickly or a less experienced plumber who'll have to spend time figuring out how to stop the leak? When we deal with someone highly experienced (e.g., a painter, mechanic, lawyer, medical professional, waitress), we're more likely to experience quality work and service compared to someone who is just starting out. All jobs exist to solve an employer's problem, like generating revenue, maintaining, and growing their client base, meeting government safety standards, and keeping profit margins healthy by purchasing raw materials at the best prices. When an employer posts a job, whether newly created or to backfill, the problem the job addresses currently exists, like the pipe leaking in your basement. Understandably, employers seek candidates who can provide an immediate solution, are self-starters with proven skills and experience, and have the confidence to take initiative without handholding. Therefore, throughout your job search—networking, applications, your resume, and LinkedIn profile and especially during interviews—provide examples of when you were a self-starter and took the initiative. Give examples of times when you figured out what needed to be done and got it done without involving your manager. 3. How will hiring you make them look? When making a hire, the stakes are high. Bad hires are costly. Have you ever considered this: What impression will you make on the hiring manager's boss, leadership team, and current employees if you’re hired? I've made my share of bad hires. Firsthand experience has taught me that making a bad hire doesn't reflect well on me. Hiring managers will inevitably make a few bad hires, but they should be few and far between. Having their boss and the rest of the company doubt their hiring skills (read: judgment) is the last thing a hiring manager wants, something you should deeply empathize with. When preparing for an interview, ask yourself, What makes you the right candidate for the hiring manager to put their reputation on the line? Throughout your interview, speak to your answer. Once, inspired by a line Tom Cruise spoke in the 1990 film Days of Thunder, I said to my interviewer, as we were wrapping up, who'd be my boss and who I felt was unsure about me, "I won't make a fool of you." The following day, the position was mine. Several months later, while having coffee in the company's cafeteria, he said that line was what sold him. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Commercial Break

from Wayne & Tamara My problem is my father-in-law. When we go over to visit him and my mother-in-law, I dread it. I feel he doesn't respect me. I know we have totally different value systems, and I know he comes from a different generation, but it doesn't help. His typical response is to chuckle and dismiss me when I voice an opinion. He has the attention span of a flea. This is nothing physical; we know that. Conversations about anything always come around to the same thing. He ends up giving a lecture about how to be better in business or how to be more successful. He is a broken record. I am more of a people person and evaluate people on how kind and nice they are. My idea of a successful person is not based on money, importance, or power. My father-in-law looks more to the surface and how much money a person makes. If someone is successful or important, he hangs on their every word. What I do is spend more time with my mother-in-law. My other strategy is, if he asks me a question, to answer with a yes or no since he tends to dismiss me when I talk. Last week I was just fuming after a visit. This is frustrating. I don't have this reaction from anyone else I know except maybe my brother-in-law. Surprise, Surprise! Thank goodness my husband is like his mother. Gretchen Gretchen, there is no point in talking back to the television or expressing your opinion to a dial tone. There is no point in fuming over a television commercial. You're not buying, so don't fume. Besides, commercials are there so you can go to the bathroom or make a sandwich without missing anything. Listening to your father-in-law is like listening to a small child discuss his invisible friend. It's all very real to him, even though it is not real to you. With some people you are never going to break through and have a genuine conversation. You've found two good strategies: spending time with your mother-in-law and limiting answers to yes and no. There is another strategy to consider. Imagine you work next to a woman who says "God bless you" each time you sneeze. If you grew up with this practice and enjoy it, you say "Thank you." This encourages her and she continues. But perhaps you think this practice is a medieval superstition that has no place in the modern world. In that case, if you meet her expression with silence, you will find she soon stops. A variation on this principle is called "shaping behavior by its absence." In other words, you respond favorably to everything which is not the undesirable behavior. If your father-in-law remarks on the beautiful day or how nice it is to see you, respond in kind. If he starts playing his broken record, greet it with silence and make this your unvarying rule. As a people person, you may find this difficult and perhaps offensive. It smacks of dog training. But it is likely to be the best thing you can do to set a positive tone with your father-in-law so that one day you can share genuine, two-way conversation. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

What to Know About the Mammography Debate

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford At what age should women’s breasts receive radiation to detect breast cancer? In Canada, some provinces are lowering the age of eligibility from 50 to 40, even before a task force releases an update on breast cancer screening guidelines. The current guidelines do not recommend routine screening for women in their 40s. In the U.S., a separate task force urges women ages 40 to 49 to get this procedure every two years. Why the conflicting advice? Mammography as been swirling in confusion for decades. In the past, some experts were adamant there was no evidence regular mammograms decreased the risk of breast cancer. Others, equally qualified authorities, were concerned that repeated exposures of breast tissues to radiation could cause breast malignancies. A significant fact tends to go unnoticed. Women are told over and over that routine breast cancer screening diagnoses early breast malignancies. This is a half truth. What the medical profession should say is that breast cancer screening diagnoses a malignancy as early as possible. Why is this distinction vital? Mammography is a “lump diagnosis”, meaning cancer cannot be identified until a cancerous growth reaches a detectable size. Breast cancer may be present for several years before it can be seen by mammography. There is a possibility that it may have already spread to other parts of the body. Compare this to a Pap smear of the cervix. In this test, a swab is used to obtain a small amount of tissue from this area. This specimen is then examined by technicians using a high-powered microscope looking for premalignant cancer cells. Unlike mammography, it’s a microscopic test, not a lump diagnosis. How accurate is the Pap smear? There is always the chance abnormal cells will be missed. But it is unlikely with repeated tests. Besides, precancerous cells of the cervix are very slow growing, allowing time to discover them. It is unfortunate that doctors do not have a test that can detect precancerous cells of the breast. Instead, it’s routine mammography, and a dose of radiation with each one, that is only able to see the problem after a lump becomes large enough to be visible by x-ray. X-rays must be accepted to diagnose breast cancer. This causes concern among certain authorities. Why? With each x-ray, radiation accumulates in the body. Some argue the cumulative effect of x-rays is minimal in comparison to naturally accruing exposure. Others take a more cautious attitude. Pouring through medical research suggests the jury is out on how much radiation increases risk, and when. An x-ray can confirm a broken bone. Dental x-rays determine tooth decay. And head x-rays can find a brain tumour. But not every headache should lead to an x-ray. Yet studies show doctors order them too often. It’s not just x-rays to worry about. CT scans are another source of radiation. To be fair to doctors, it is not always their fault. Part of the problem involves patients who worry every pain must be investigated or who insist on x-rays for every problem. To illustrate, for a pain in the stomach, the first step should be a sound diet and active lifestyle to cure the discomfort, not another x-ray. What about the mammogram debate and conflicting guidelines? More radiation tends to be the conclusion. But this is a case of patients needing to be involved in decisions about their own healthcare. It’s a matter of being informed, weighing the pros and cons with your doctor, and then taking your own decision. But patients and doctors should share an understanding that there is no easy answer. 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 Planned Attack, An Ambush, Against A Pickering Councillor

by D. Lynne Associate Columnist This past Monday February 26th, at the monthly City of Pickering Council Meeting there was a planned attack, an ambush. I say planned because the topic was not on the agenda. The agenda is not posted until the Friday (or sometimes Thursday night) before the meeting. Then once the agenda is published one can register, before noon on the Monday, as a delegate but can only speak to the topics on the agenda. Here’s why I suggest it was a planned attack, an ambush! In order to speak on a topic Not on an agenda, one must register their name and the topic a minimum of ten days prior to a meeting. This Monday meeting had 18 delegates, all with the same or similar topic (Black History Month, Councillor Robinson’s Comments), all registered by the ten day requirement, the majority knew each other and were known friends and supporters of the mayor and some other councilors. Isn’t that Interesting? What was the topic you Ask? It was based on Councillor Lisa Robinson’s op-ed article Feb. 6th in Durham's, The Central Newspaper, “IT IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE”. The essence of the article was designed to question, are we not creating racism by singling out one group over another? It was not as some thought, a slam against Black History. The article was stating that the history of all peoples, regardless of race, should be taught together, and taught throughout the year not just singled out and prioritized over the accomplishments of other races. It’s this labeling that creates racism, pitting race against race, religion against religion, etc. ect. ect.. The CRT (Critical Race Theory) does a good job creating racism but that’s a topic for another day. Getting back to the councilor’s article, I would have to question if many, if any, actually read the full article and understood it or, did someone tell them that the councilor was racist and against Black History Month. Hmmm … wasn't that what the Mayor kept saying in his many speeches and attacks on Councillor Robinson? Did the Mayor read and understand the article or did he glance at it and then, for political gain, run to the Anti-Black Task Force along with the rest of council to fan the flames portraying Councillor Robinson as racist and that they, the rest of council would be supportive and help the taskforce with anything they needed? Hmmm … Talk about political posturing!!! And was it really necessary for the mayor to have his young grand-daughter at the meeting dressed in a Black Lives Matter Tee-shirt? More political posturing!! The Delegates spoke; 1 - only about the importance of the Black History Month because until this month they didn’t know the accomplishments of some Black people.; 2 - and that the councilor is racist based on their interpretation of the article. This actually proves what the councilor is saying, that the history and accomplishments of all races should be taught through out the year, and not just at one appointed time, prioritizing the accomplishments of one race. Wouldn’t that be a step to equality? After the meeting comments were flowing on social media, by the same few instigators, some using fake names (to hide from the nasty, hateful things they say), again attacking the councilor of being a racist, hateful etc. etc. etc. promoting others to say, the councilor is racist, that she should apologize, should resign, and asking where are her supporters etc etc. Well, in the galley there were many supporters of Councillor Lisa Robinson, who would have talked, but were not allowed to, remember this was a planned attack, not on the agenda so no one could talk as the topic was not on the agenda. These supporters quite often attend council meetings, because they like the fact that she raises questions, pushing for answers and doesn’t just rubber stamp things as the rest of council does, but again that’s a discussion for another time. I have to say Durham Region got one thing right when naming their committee, the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce. It seems Durham understands everyone suffers under some type of Racism, where as Pickering named their committee Anti-Black Racism Taskforce, again isn’t that just political posturing and ignoring all others in the community, so much for neutrality and equality! Shame on you Mayor and the rest of Council, choosing sides thereby encouraging hate and racism, shameful! Bullies count on your fear of backlash to silence people, it’s time to push that fear aside and speak up?

Pickering Style LUNCHIN

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 - Let’s get it right.... so we don’t confuse me opening a can of tuna for a can of worms. Even though ‘can’ opening is involved. Two very different contents. By definition, Lunchin means: Urban Dictionary https://www.urbandictionary.com › define › term=lunchin It means to act stupid, or do something stupid. It also can mean to be burnt, meaning you are slow or blank, because you're zoned or high What does lunchin mean in slang? Lunchin – adj. Tripping; Off one's rocker; Something crazy; Acting a fool. Lunchin: acting crazy, doing too much. THIS IS THE CAN OF TUNA I WILL BE OPENING. NOT THE CAN OF WORMS BELOW: The title above is not a typo, nor a misspelling. Let’s not get the words confuse or make wrongful assumptions. Lunchin and Lynching are different. As Lynching by definition means: Lynching is an extrajudicial killing by a group. It is most often used to characterize informal public executions by a mob in order to punish an alleged transgressor, punish a convicted transgressor, or intimidate people. I am sorry for the educated amongst us that know the difference. But in today modern society we have to be careful of those that become easily offended and intellectually challenged as many jump to conclusion without understanding the meaning and intent of the usage of words. Case in point the Pickering Paradox below: This past week I was witness to a real sad state of affairs. I attended the Pickering town hall where about 15 - 18 different people made public delegations against an article that was published by councillor Lisa Robinson entitled, “IT IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE”. An article that called to question the fact that by society having a ‘BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ in itself is it not counter productive to the whole equality movement. In my day I have attended some real interesting city councils. This one truly made me feel sorry for humanity. I say this because many of those delegating clearly never read the article in question. It appeared from afar as many of these folks were somehow used as political tokens. I say this because Pickering Mayor, Kevin Ashe and City councillor Lisa Robinson have been feuding for some time. The delegations in my opinion missed their mark. They were full of passionate personal experiences and almost out right hatred for anyone that did not support their particular agenda. I believe that many that made declarations were lunchin. Their passionate presentations were intended to attack the councillor without the understanding of the facts. I bring to question if any of those presenting had actually read the column in it’s entirety. I can appreciate the associations and groups that presented against the councillor. After all some of them are highly funded by the City. Therefore it is understandably so that they would support the Mayor. As the Mayor of Pickering in my opinion is responsible for fanning the fires of racism. Mayor Ashe should have never gone public and denounce the right of a City councillor to exercise her right to write an opinion piece in this great newspaper. He, has no jurisdiction and or authority to attempt to control what council member do on their spare time. He does by policy have the right to bring to question the integrity of the intent of the article. This meaning that he should have first consulted the councillor in question. Then the newspaper. At the least he should have read the column. As in my opinion he has not and Mr. Ashe was lunchin as he showed his hate for the councillor and truly showed himself to be a real Ash. OOOOPS that was a spelling error. 18 delegations attacking the councillor with the same rage and anger. Delegations representing the black community. The same community that demanded respect and equality. The same community that in a verbal lynch type mentality were not there to educate and or find peaceful resolve. Instead, they exhibited hatred towards the councillor and demanded more than in once instance her resignation. Now, I ask you is this not a form of oppression. The verbal lynching mentality that they exhibited was lunchin. Bringing forth the true militant purpose of their racial agenda. Leaving out equality. Two hours she endured by a lunchin mob attempting to socially lynch her character for exercising her freedom of speech. Sad society we live in. So many confused and hurting souls. In Rodney King words, “ “Can we all get along?” is a far distant cry... as shown at council.

The Erosion of XX

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor In 2022, Matt Walsh from the Daily Wire, delved into the question “What is a Woman?” which went viral with over 177 million views on Twitter. I found his journey to be quite disturbing as he tries to get answers to questions that generations long before us never knew they needed to ask. Personally, being a woman myself, which is an adult female with XX chromosomes, I feel the concept of womanhood has been under continuous attack, as biological males encroach upon spaces and rights that women have fought tirelessly for decades to secure. The erosion of our identity as women, and the mockery made of our experiences from those like Dylan Mulvaney have become an injustice that cannot be ignored. Women have persevered through countless struggles to assert their rights and demand equality for centuries. From the right to vote in public elections to reproductive rights, we have marched, protested, and sacrificed much to establish and forge our path in society today. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, the very essence of womanhood is now being undermined by those who seek to erase our unique experiences and replace them with a distorted version of reality. One need only look at the absurdity of biological males pretending to menstruate, using tampons, and infiltrating women's sports and private spaces to see the extent of this mockery. The notion that calling mothers "birthing persons" and "breast feeders" somehow promotes inclusivity is not only absurd but deeply insulting to the sacrifices and struggles of women throughout history. Where are the feminists who once stood at the forefront of the fight for women's rights? Why have so many retreated into silence, cowed by the fear of being labeled as bigots, racists, or transphobes? The deafening silence of those who claim to champion women's rights in the face of such blatant erasure speaks volumes about the state of modern feminism. I want to be clear, biological men cannot have babies. It is women who bear the burden of childbirth and nurture the next generation. Women are the ones who keep society alive and populated, and our experiences as women are unique and irreplaceable. To suggest otherwise is not only absurd but an affront to our very existence. If one were to take 100 women and 10 men and drop them off on a deserted island, in 100 years you would find a thriving society full of men, women, boys and girls. Now what if one were to take 100 transwomen and 10 men and drop them off on a deserted island, what would you find in 100 years? Answer – You would find 110 corpses. This, I can say with certainty, is the unequivocal truth. I think it's high time that feminists reclaim their voices and stand in solidarity against this assault on womanhood. Time to reject the false narratives of inclusivity that seek to erase our identities and experiences. Time to demand recognition and respect for the struggles and sacrifices of women throughout history. Not only does this concern extend beyond matters of sexuality but it also encompasses the ongoing treatment women endure at the hands of the prevailing gender. For example, in the hallowed halls of council chambers, the struggle for gender equality rages on, with women continuing to face entrenched biases and discrimination. Despite making strides in securing seats at the table, the journey towards true representation remains fraught with challenges and obstacles. Certain men in positions of power still believe they possess the authority to dominate and exert power over women. As a strong, independent woman on the council, I have borne witness to the insidious tactics employed by certain colleagues to undermine my authority, diminish my contributions, and silence my voice. The pervasive atmosphere of the "old boys' club" rears its ugly head time and time again, with certain members using inappropriate and unwelcome conversations of a sexual nature and the use of psychological harassment. We have a mayor who resorts to tactics such as yelling and name-calling, all designed to belittle, discredit, and intimidate not only me but other women who attend Council chambers for refusing to sit down or because they did not obey when told to stop speaking. Despite the strides made by having 3 women on council, the unfortunate reality is that not all female councillors champion the cause of women's rights. In a disappointing turn of events, I have found myself isolated and marginalized, with no support. Instead of embracing diversity of thought and perspective, certain councillors persist in perpetuating a toxic culture of misogyny and disrespect. The struggle for gender equality extends beyond mere representation—it is about creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all voices are heard and respected. Yet, the journey towards this ideal remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by my request for additional security measures at council meetings due to targeted harassment and intimidation towards women. As I prepare to once again speak truth to power on sensitive topics, I am bracing myself for the inevitable backlash and vitriol that will ensue. The prospect of being yelled at, called names, and ridiculed is a sobering reminder of the uphill battle that women continue to face in the pursuit of speaking the truth and fighting for justice and equality. I will continue to speak out against injustice, champion the cause of women's rights, and fight tirelessly for a more inclusive and equitable society that does not divide people by the colour of their skin, religious beliefs, or sexual preferences. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Doug Ford’s Ontario and the massive debt acquired by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The Province of Ontario carries one of the largest debt burdens in Canada, largely due to the provincial government’s unwillingness to control spending. This represents a significant drag on provincial finances and a major cost to Ontarians. Heading into budget season, if the Ford government wants to finally tackle the province’s debt problem, it must restrain spending. However, they will obviously not be doing that, for selfish electoral gain. The Ford government released the 2023–24 Third Quarter Finances this week, to provide an update o

n Ontario’s economic and fiscal outlook since the release of the 2023 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (also referred to as the Fall Economic Statement, or FES). The Ontario government, through its Finance Minister Peter Betlenfalvy, tried to make the outlook of the Ontario economy look positive. Some of these whitewashing efforts include the following interpretations to soften the facts. The real GDP growth has been slowing, in part due to the impact of higher interest rates. Following a 0.4 percent increase in the second quarter of 2023, Ontario’s real GDP was unchanged in the third calendar quarter of 2023. The 2023–24 Third Quarter Finances projects a deficit of $4.5 billion in 2023–24, an improvement of $1.1 billion compared to the outlook published in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The improvement to the deficit is primarily due to increased revenue and lower interest on debt expense. The 2023 Budget published in March 2023 projected a deficit of $1.3 billion. The government plans to provide its next update by March 31, 2024 as part of the 2024 Budget. “As this year unfolds, our government will continue to take a prudent, responsible approach to managing Ontario’s finances, ensuring there is capacity to respond to economic headwinds while continuing to invest in building Ontario’s future” said Peter Bethlenfalvy. According to a recent study published by the Fraser Institute, Ontario’s net debt is expected to reach $416.1 billion this year, which is 84.9 per cent higher than in 2007/08. Moreover, government debt equals 38.7 per cent of the province’s economy (ranking below only Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador) and on a per-person basis ranks second-highest at $27,091 (behind only Newfoundland and Labrador). Clearly, Ontario has one of the highest debt burdens in the country. In an article in the Ottawa citizen of 21 February 2024 Grady Munro and Jake Fuss published an interesting analysis of the situation. In their opinion, very little attention is being paid to the increasing debt that the Province of Ontario is facing. Interestingly enough, on the election platform of Peter Betlenfalvy, there was a claim that he was pivotal in downgrading the financial rating of Ontario, during the time of the Kathleen Wynne Liberal government, due to excessive debt. High levels of government debt come with costs, including interest costs. Just like a family that takes out a mortgage, governments must pay interest on the money they borrow. Two main factors determine interest costs: the interest rate and the total amount of debt. An increase in the interest rate and/or an increase in the amount of debt will increase interest costs. Not surprisingly, Ontario’s significant debt burden has produced significant interest costs. In 2023/24, the Ford government will pay $13.4 billion in debt interest, making it one of the largest single items in its budget. This is money unavailable for services or tax relief for Ontarians. To put it into perspective, the government will spend more on debt interest than it expects to spend on post-secondary education. The Ford government borrowed substantial sums of money before, during and after the pandemic and consistently increased spending, thus racking up this massive debt, despite singing a different tune when first elected in 2018. At the time, former Ford finance minister Vic Fedeli pledged to take “immediate action to mitigate this fiscal mess”. Unfortunately, the Ford government’s promises have proven to be empty words. To be fair, successive Ontario governments have increased spending for many years, resulting in persistent budget deficits and ever-growing debt. Over the last 15 years, Ontario has run 14 budget deficits. However, despite promising to change course on the campaign trail, the Ford government has chosen to continue the trend of higher spending and debt accumulation. Even when the government ran an unexpected surplus in 2021/22 due to a revenue surge, it chose to further increase spending and run an unnecessary deficit the following year. Without spending restraint at Queen’s Park, Ontario’s debt problem will only get worse. It is time for the Ford government to finally break its spending habits in Ontario’s upcoming budget. Keep in mind that you, the taxpayer, are paying for the spending habits of this government. Beware! Be aware!

Liberal Amore

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. In Italian Amore means love. In American Love means sex. Well then, we surely are getting alot of Amore from the Liberal Party. Who is doing the driving Justin.... My ass is getting sore and I think I am government pregnant. We the people can barely pay for rent and food. Yet, we send millions if not billions to fight foreign wars. Just this week. The headlines read: Canada to send non battle troops to Ukraine. Enough is enough. I have a suggestion. Let’s stop the funding to a loosing war. Let’s stop immigration for at least 3 years. Let’s find good paying jobs for our kids and grand kids. Let’s put food on everyone’s table. Let’s make big corporations stay in Canada and cut all the business tax. Specially anything that has to do with employee benefits. Use the money we would give away to immigrants and assist people with rents and mortgages. Stop it Justin before the people vote you out. Then, what? We elect another Justin to continue the governmental legacy of wasting tax dollars. Where will it end. When will Canada come first? I worked all my life like a horse. Early up in the morning and barely walking back to my stable at night to only repeat the next day. I paid taxes through my ass. Still do. Yet, society keeps going down the tube. Gas prices through the roof. Where and or when will this all end? I am tired of the Liberal government loving me so much. I am on a pension and can barely get along. I am sure many of you are in the same boat. Should we continue paying for immigrants? Foreign wars? Foreign Aid? Canada is finished... if we don’t change fast.

AS A JOB SEEKER

As a Job Seeker What Matters Are the Choices You Make By Nick Kossovan Most people don't give their choices the seriousness they deserve. When it comes to your job search, the universal truth that your life is the sum of your choices is especially true. If your job search isn't going as you'd like, chances are you're making the wrong choices. When it comes to job search success and career advancement your choices are determining factors. Do you apply for the project manager job at Lomax Industries, even though you only have four years of experience and the job posting asks for "at least six"? If a job offer is $15K below what you want, do you accept it? Throughout your job search, you'll make choices (aka, decisions) that either positively or negatively impact your job search and career. "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll, evangelical Christian pastor, author, and educator. The 90% is entirely your choice. Ultimately, your choices influence your outcomes, thus why you should take them seriously. You have no control over the job market, how employers decide to hire, or a hiring manager's biases, but you do get to choose… · whether or not you network. · what appears on your LinkedIn profile/resume. · how you physically present yourself. You have more choices that directly influence your job search than you probably realize. If you want a better job search—a better life—then start making better choices. Yes, it's that simple. Two mental states influence our choices: 1. Emotions at the time (e.g., anger, happy, in love, frustrated, offended) 2. Logical (e.g., financial situation, physical pain, available resources) The following two data points provide some context for human decision-making: · Every day, you make over 30,000 decisions. · 95% of your decision-making is subconscious. (read: on autopilot) When thrown into a job search, as 1,000s are these days due to layoffs, especially in the tech sector (Layoffs. fyi reports that so far in 2024, more than 42,000 employees have been laid off from 140 tech companies.) and media, most newly minted job seekers merely update their resume, browse job boards, and seek out job search advice looking for a magic bullet to landing a job fast. Job seekers who are more nuanced will strategically consider who their references will be and whether the navy suit in the back of their closet still fits. Job seekers rarely formulate a decision-making strategy for their job search, which begins with answering the straightforward question: What do I want? Admittedly, when looking for a job, what do I want? isn't a simple question, unlike choosing whether to have a cheeseburger, Greek salad, or turkey chili for lunch, which, since your diet directly affects your health, you should be taking your food choices seriously. What you want requires knowing… · your values · your non-negotiables Your Values: "It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are." – Roy Disney, Walt Disney Company's former vice chairman. Your values should always be clear to you. For example, if you value autonomy, you'll want to ask pointed questions during your interviews to ensure you don't accept (read: choose) a job where your manager will micromanage you. If you value flexibility, you'd be wise to choose an employer with a result-oriented work environment (ROWE) where results are valued over clocked hours. If growth opportunity is something you value, then start-ups and companies in growth mode would be your best choices. You'll make better choices throughout your job search and life when you make choices that align with and support your values. Take some time and list what you value in a job and employer, such as simplicity, acceptance, openness, diversity, and accountability. Then, define what choices you'll make and, more importantly, won't. For instance, because you value integrity, you choose not to apply to companies with a history of unethical behaviour. Your Non-negotiables: Most job seekers I talk to don't have non-negotiables and, therefore, compromise their needs and wants when accepting a job offer. Inevitably, usually in a short time, they're unhappy in their new job. (If happiness is one of your values, then stop making choices that compromise your happiness.) Accepting a job that pays $25K less than you'd like will only lead to you becoming another employee who complains they're not paid enough. Is that the kind of employee you want to be? As you made a list of your values, list your non-negotiables, such as minimum annual compensation, free parking, maximum commuting distance, number of paid vacation days, number of paid sick days, remote, hybrid, hours, benefits, etc. List everything you need and want from your next job that'll motivate you to stay long-term. Commit to accepting a job only if it meets at least 80% of your non-negotiables. (100% is unrealistic.) Once you’ve created both lists, which should be as comprehensive as possible, you're ready to ask yourself the ultimate question every time you're about to act on your job search, such as choosing whether to apply to a job posting, choosing the questions you'll ask your interviewer, choosing whether to accept an offer, "Am I making the best choice for me?" _____________________________________________________________________ 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

INHERITANCE

Inheritance from Wayne & Tamara I have a mother who is constantly yelling at me for the smallest things, regardless of whether or not it is my fault. She tells me how hopeless I am, even though I get really good grades and excel in all my extracurricular activities. Whenever I defend myself, she tells me I have an attitude problem. She puts words in my mouth and denies anything she ever did wrong. She told me she is going to kick me out of the house because she thinks I am rebellious. She doesn't even know what that means because most of the time I don't say anything when she makes false accusations and yells at me. There is no one at home I can talk to about this. My dad is literally afraid of her, and whenever I cry after taking all my mom says to me, he ends up telling me to apologize to her. The thing is, I know I may raise my voice sometimes when I am angry, but I am angry because she exaggerates and overreacts. I need help. I can't go on any longer. This happens almost every day, and I have been skipping meals and becoming depressed. The only time I can forget what home is like is when I am at school and with my friends. I suggested going to therapy with my mom, but she just yelled at me for telling her that we have problems. Emma Emma, there is a fable about an old man who lived with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. The old man was hard of hearing, and he sometimes spilled his food. His son and daughter-in-law were so disgusted by this they made the old man eat by himself out of a wooden bowl behind the stove. One day the old man's grandson, who was only four, began gathering bits of wood. When his father asked what he was doing, the boy replied, "I am making a wooden trough for you and mother to eat out of when I am big." Ashamed, the couple took the grandfather to the table, and if he spilled a little food, they never said anything. Emma, like the boy in the tale "The Old Man and His Grandson," there is a lesson you could teach your parents, but they aren't listening. You're really in a pickle! You are so grown up, we think you will understand this. Your mom is who she is. Whether there is provocation from you or not, she is going to act the same way toward you. But you have some real positives in your corner. You are good at school and extracurricular activities. Focus on them. Channel the maximum of your energies on them. They are your future. Once you accept that you can't talk to your mom or dad, there is another logical step. Who can you talk to? Try talking to your school counselor or favorite teacher, not with the expectation they can materially change your life, but so you can vent your feelings and frustration. Often venting feelings has two results. First, it releases pressure, thus reducing tension. Second, it acts like a sounding board for thoughts and ideas which can help you figure out how to deal with your parents. Your parents may be in power now, but in a few years the only power they will have over your life is the power you choose to let them have. We heard a story about a man, it might have been the writer Tracy Kidder, who worked on a project in a nursing home. When the project ended, he told his wife and young daughter that he never wanted to end up in a nursing home. His daughter then looked up at her father with a glint in her eye and said, "Well then, Daddy, you'd better be nice to me." Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

A Failing Grade in Basic Mathematics

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Have even one in a thousand North Americans ever heard of Kissick’ s Law? More than 25 years ago, if you were reading the Ontario Medical Review, you would have seen an article, written by Dr. Samuel Vaisrub, explaining the message. Kissick stated that if the U.S. Declaration of Independence was written in contemporary times, it would declare the pursuit of health, rather than happiness, after life and liberty, as the third inalienable right of Americans. About 50 years ago Kissick, a professor at the renowned U.S. Wharton School of Business, stunned Canadians and Americans with a showstopping speech about the economic laws of health care economics. Considering the ongoing healthcare mess in both countries today, it’s a shame his wise council never took hold. What did Kissick recommend? It was about what every family in North America knows. If you spend more than you earn, soon enough the laws of economics will trigger bankruptcy. Kissick’s warning was simple arithmetic. Readers should get up, find a pen, and write this principle down over and over. No society in the world has sufficient money to provide all the healthcare services its population is capable of using, Kissick warned. But he was not finished, so keep you pen handy and keep writing. He added that even if the nation’s gross national product were expanding at record-setting rates, it would still not be enough. People have a voracious appetite for spending on their health. If left to the forces of demand, healthcare spending would consume the nation’s entire budget. He said the problem was similar to giving his credit card to his daughter and saying, “Darling, go buy anything you want, and I will pay all the bills.” Kissick hesitated for a moment, and then added, “If what I have told you doesn’t alarm you,” he said to the audience, “I’ll loan you my daughter!” Economists have been saying the same thing. For decades, healthcare spending in many places around the world has been outpacing economic growth. It’s simply not sustainable. We are no longer approaching the time when we will be forced to accept the consequences. We have reached it. The pursuit of healthcare has limitations. Our collective psyche must face the reckoning. We will have less, not more, healthcare spending. And if refusing to accept this, then we will have worse roads, backed-up sewers, poorer education, and you name it, a lot less to invest in everything else that we like to take for granted. An old joke offers the definition of a healthy person. It’s someone who hasn’t been seen by enough doctors or had enough tests done. And this is true. Inevitably, everyone will find one health problem or another. But being obsessive about health, always wanting more and more care, is neither advisable nor feasible. As governments face the hard reality of cancelling their healthcare credit cards, you can be sure they’ll never tell you straight up about it. Voters don’t want to hear about it, especially that enormous cohort of the population that is aging into retirement years. There is a better alternative. People should be less obsessive about healthcare and more determined to avoid the need for it. The human body is an amazing organism, but only if not abused by cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, both legal and illegal, by junk food, by lack of exercise, and by the long list of environmental and other global problems. Can we make the shift? Or do we need to pray for divine intervention to avoid this disastrous train wreck. 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

PERSPECTIVES

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has shared with me their perspectives and concerns on a recent opinion editorial I penned February 6, 2024, titled “It is not black and white” While perhaps controversial, nowhere in this piece does it exhibit racism. After reading some comments, I understand that some may not have fully understood or accurately interpreted the column's true meaning, and for those individuals, I would like to offer my sincere apologies. Racism is a belief system or ideology that asserts the inherent superiority or inferiority of individuals or groups based on their race. It involves the belief that some races are inherently superior to others, leading to discriminatory attitudes, actions, and policies that treat individuals or groups differently based on their race. This is the very thing that I am fighting against and will continue to fight against. There is a grave need to put an end to the creation of an environment that fosters racism. That means we need to stop judging individuals solely based on their skin colour, religious beliefs, or sexual preferences. Dividing people into these political groups only perpetuates a harmful cycle of creating a breeding ground for racism to exist. We are all human, and to live in unity we need to stop with these divisive tactics. If we need to have a month dedicated to history, then let it truly be about history itself. It does not need to solely revolve around the colour of one's skin, as every culture has a rich and diverse history that deserves to be celebrated and shared. We only have twelve months in a year, and no race deserves to be inherently superior to another. It’s time to shift our focus from judging individuals based on their skin colour, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences, and start evaluating and lifting one another up based on one’s character. This kind of transformation is crucial in our collective journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society. I have said numerous times that the truth can sometimes be uncomfortable for some individuals, and it may sometimes inadvertently cause hurt or offense to one's feelings, but it is important to recognize that no one can control how people emotionally are going to respond to the truth, but one can affect how it directly affects them on a day-to-day basis. It’s extremely important moving forward to prioritize open, honest dialogue and avoid name-calling or labeling something or someone as being racist without having a complete understanding of the subject at hand or participating in open conversations. Approaching discussions with active listening, and empathy, is the only way that true understanding can be achieved. Discussing race and ethnicity does not inherently equate to racism. The aforementioned article may challenge conventional views on race relations, but it does not exhibit hatred, prejudice, or discrimination toward any racial or ethnic group. Instead, I hope it prompts readers to reflect on how we perceive and address issues of equality and

Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8

Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M. Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s important to reflect on the significant strides women have made in Canada. From winning the right to vote in 1918 to securing a discrimination-free workspace in 1977, women have come a long way in the fight for equality. The journey towards equality has not been easy. Underneath the seemingly smooth surface lies the enduring struggle of those women who used their own experiences as an opportunity to lead by example. They have faced adversity head-on, taking legal action against discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and paving the way for safer workspaces for future generations. This International Women’s Day, we must pay tribute to these brave women. Their courage and determination have not only brought about change in their own lives but have also created ripple effects across the country. Their actions have led to the termination of employment for perpetrators and revisions to workplace policies, ensuring that all employees feel safe and respected. However, the fight is far from over. This is a call to action to all those who are or have suffered quietly – your action may end the suffering of other women. It’s a reminder that every voice matters and every action counts. One such woman was L.N who filed a human rights complaint in 2020 against her employer, Ray Daniel Salon & Spa and Mr. Reza Khosravi. Mr. Khosravi was the sole person responsible for the spa’s operations. L.N. was new to Canada when she commenced her employment in April 2019. The spa paid her $5 per hour (below minimum wage) and in the short time she worked there until May 31, 2019, Mr. Khosravi twice raped L.N, physically and sexually assaulted her and threatened her with reprisal. No investigation was conducted, and her employment was terminated. The spa did not pay L.N. for the month of May 2019. As a new immigrant, L.N. was not aware that Canada had a minimum wage. She was afraid to report the sexual assault and rape to the police for fear of being deported. In her application at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, L.N. sought a total of $250,000, comprising of $210,000 for sexual solicitation and sexual harassment; $30,000 for reprisal; and $10,000 for citizenship-based discrimination. The Tribunal settled on a figure of $180,000. Additionally, the ruling mandated human rights training for the managerial staff of Ray Daniel Salon & Spa and required the posting of the decision within the workplace to prevent future violations. On this International Women’s Day, let’s honor the women who have paved the way for us. As we celebrate the achievements of women, let’s also remember the ongoing struggle of women like L.N. Let’s continue to break the glass ceiling and strive for a world where equal opportunity is not just a concept, but a reality. This is not legal advice. If you need legal advice with respect to workplace violence, please email: tkhorasanee@steinbergsllp.com

4.7% tax on beer... that is call for action

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 - What is it with us Canadians. The price of gas fluctuates from 5 - 10 cents per day. No one says anything. We are taxed through our noses and we work harder. We have our civil liberties compromised we look the other way. Food prices get out of control. We as Canadians go on a diet. Thousands of people if not millions across the country are forced to live on the street. We snub our noses as a ‘not my problem’. Wake up people. But wait. Just this week the headline read: The Canada Revenue Agency reports a 4.7% increase in the federal beer tax effective April 1, 2024. on the one hand, we Canadian smile and hope that it is a misprint or a bad government initiated April Fools joke... On the other. “Whatcha talkin bout Willis,”, type of look and response. You mess with the golden gift from the God’s and you have a Canadian coup-de-etat on your hands. I heard by many that if this tax goes through. Canadians across the land will go on strike. Do a beer convoy to Ottawa. Join the Trump movement. Scream and yell. Some may even resort to stomping their feet and hold their breaths until such time as the government overturned the tax increase on the holy Canadian beer. What have we become in this Country. We put up with political reforms that fail. An economy that is a shame. An immigration policy that is turning our great nation to third world status. Touch our beer and boy hell breaks loose. Could it be that beer is call to action for Canadians. Imagine creating a new party. The Canadian Beer front. Could it be any worst than what we have now? As Canadians we should expect more. We should do more. But unfortunately we keep lowering out standards, looking the other way. Excuse me I am Canadian. Or maybe have one.

Canada’s Natural Resources and the Ignorance of Canadian Politicians

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As the geopolitical situation in the world is rapidly deteriorating, it seems that Canadian politicians do not have any ideas on how to position Canada as a strong nation for the future. Instead they quarrel in their respective ivory towers about how to make the climate conform with their desired phantasmagoric and beyond common sense ideas. No vision for the future of Canada has been expressed even remotely. They seem eager only to attack each other over verbiage without content. Unfortunately, they are the bad actors of today, playing with the future of Canada. Instead of looking at the blessings of this great country of Canada - the largest treasure of natural resources - which are there to be put in the service our people, they find numerous excuses to block their use. They do this by a complete ignorance of science, under the influence of dark ages-like theories fomented by the World Economic Forum. In the meantime, nations with more knowledgeable and responsible leaders are doing everything they can for the benefit of their people. Ranging from the acquisition of a rare earths stockpile from a mine in the Northwest Territories to the purchasing of stakes in Canadian mines Solaris Resources and First Quantum, a recent flury of Chinese investment in Canadian mining projects has rightly sparked questions and concerns. In the past three years, many Western nations including Canada have put out critical minerals strategies to promote friendly sources of supply and mitigate Chinese dominance in the sector. Yet Canada is still falling behind. At the same time, one empathizes with Canadian mines looking to China for investment; they are not finding it anywhere else. Junior and mid-sized mines are starved for capital even as Western politicians proclaim their commitment to the sector by words only, not deeds. Fortunately, there is a solution to the challenge of both reducing dependence on Chinese-controlled exports and boosting Western investment in Canada’s own supply. It is time to establish strategic reserves for critical minerals. The concept has plenty of precedent. While many today may know about the International Energy Agency (IEA) from its efforts to stabilize the fossil fuels market, they may not realize that the organization was originally created in 1974 to mitigate oil supply disruptions. Its members include most of Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. Its primary tool for managing oil supplies was the establishment of strategic reserves. IEA members are required, to this day, to hold oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports (Canada, as one of a handful of oil exporters in the IEA, requires no such reserve). The utility of those oil reserves was demonstrated in 2022 with the conflict in Ukraine that disrupted global commodity markets, leading to price spikes. A coordinated release amongst IEA members followed, which succeeded in bringing prices down at the pump. A number of forces are currently conspiring to make Western nations collectively establish critical reserves of minerals. First, they play a key role in maintaining technological advantages in many critical and strategical fields. Ironically, Canada’s own production of critical minerals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and zinc is actually in decline. Second, is the need to enhance Western supply chain independence.The most urgent problem is Chinese dominance in both the mining and processing of many critical minerals. In general, minerals are geographically concentrated, often in politically unstable regions, adding vulnerability to supply chains. The West must find ways to mitigate those risks by producing more of its own supply, diversifying suppliers where that’s not possible, and stockpiling for when all else fails. Canada is an ideal place to look but that means a complete change in political thinking. Third is the inability of mines to attract more investment despite expectations of growing demand. Global capital expenditures in mining peaked in 2013. While investment has risen since the market bottomed in 2017, spending levels are still only two-thirds what they were a decade ago. That figure doesn’t account for inflation and the addition of a billion people, which makes the situation look even more dire. Investors are still scared off by their losses from when the last cycle went bust, as well as a lack of public support for extraction, regulatory burdens, volatility, supply chain risks, long timelines, and other factors. Mining is struggling to compete with other sectors for capital due to incapacity of Western governments to understand science on which Canada bears the flagship. Some countries, such as Japan, already stockpile critical minerals, and commercial reserves exist across the world. The U.S. also has a National Defense Stockpile, but its current value is a rounding error compared to the height of the Cold War, and it is seeking to build it up. Canada does not seem to have any policies in this regards, and is missing in action. Minerals behave very differently in global markets than oil, and they vary from one to another too. It will not be as easy as replicating the system for oil. However, at some level, the concept of a critical minerals reserve should be to establish a floor for commodity prices that is high enough to spur development in Western and other friendly jurisdictions, perhaps in “take-or-pay” types of arrangements. The goal is not just to establish minimum reserves, but to incentivise new production. The question is: is anyone in the Canadian political environment capable of forward thinking? The devil will be in the details and thought will need to go into maximizing the security of supply without needlessly distorting market forces. However, governments should prepare to apply the one thing they have that the market currently lacks; a source of patient capital. There is no doubt that the collective security of the West is put at risk by the current state of the critical minerals market. Investment is not flowing at the rate needed to ensure balanced markets in the coming decade. Canadian foreign policy has been lacklustre of late. One area where we are still looked upon to lead—and retain some ability to do so—is in natural resources. Coming up with solutions to the problem of critical minerals supply that leverages the collective experience of our mining and investment community is an obvious place for Canada to contribute. This seems obvious for rational people, whether Canadian politicials are listening is another issue. Hope somebody wakes up soon to put Canada’s interests first.

BY-ELECTION BYE ELECTION

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 don’t get it... but I am sure I will. Apparently we are at the eve of a by-election. Erin O’Toole decided ‘NO MAS’. Jumped ship and how the vultures are out in full hunt. Is this how we elect our official in Canada. PICK ONE FROM THE LIST - I did not know about the election until I seen an ad for the PPC in this great newspaper. Who is running? What credential do they have? Does it matter who wins? To me it appears that all those running are running to better their pocket book. I know one thing. Whoever wins won’t be doing a thing for my pocket book. I will still have to put up with Justin insanity. I will still have to live beyond my means as the economy is shot. I will still have to pay for my high property taxes. Pay for Durham Region bill, phone, water, electricity and all the others that someone decides to lick a stamp and send me a bill for. I have a suggestion. Why don’t we leave that seat open and distribute the annual salary among the taxpayers. Hey, a dollar here a dollar there. It makes a difference. After all is this not how the municipalities keep feeding it to us up the ass. Oh, the tax increase this year is only equivalent to and extra $30 dollars. Please... I strongly believe that democracy is dead. Just because you have the right to choose it does not ad up to shit. Think about it. We the people have no voice. No say and no real representation. No matter who wins. Our daily lives will continue the same. Even if a federal election was called tomorrow. Would a change really make a difference? Politics both in Canada and the U.S. have proven to be about wealth and power. It is not about the people. The people can cheer and chant. At the end of the day. He/She that gets elected is the only one that truly benefits. I have a message for the bi-elections. Bye bye. I am not voting. I am not wasting my time to help someone fill their pockets at my expense. I strongly support the idea of leaving the seat open as a show of rebellious intent from the voters. But what am I talking about. People will keep making the same mistake and turn out and vote for some token, only to turn around the next day and begin the criticism of their choice. Bahhhhh

‘ARRIVE’ SOON DEPARTED

By Dale Jodoin During the big COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was really scared and trying to stay safe, there was this app called "Arrive" that got made. It was supposed to help people by keeping track of where they were if they got sick, to help stop the virus from spreading. At first, it sounded like a really helpful thing, but then things went super wrong. The app was only supposed to cost about $80,000 to set up, but somehow, the cost blew up to $59 million. That's a crazy amount of money, and it made a lot of people think that something shady was happening. It looked like someone was using the scary situation of the pandemic to fill their pockets with a lot of money, which is really not cool. People were already having a hard time because of the sickness, and then they had to hear about this mess. Some folks think the police, like the RCMP in Canada, should check into this to figure out what really happened. But, there are others who say this problem is so huge and might even involve people from other countries, so it's a job for the Canadian Intelligence Service. They're worried that if people in other countries find out who got all this money, they could use that info to mess with Canada's government later on. That's a big worry because it's about keeping the country safe, which people call "national security." The reason why the Canadian Intelligence Service should step in is also because this kind of money, if it's gotten through bad ways like bribery, could make it easy for foreign governments to try and take advantage later on in our country. They could try to influence important people in Canada or make them do things that aren't good for Canada. People are saying that whoever made this mess happen should be found and have to answer for it, especially if they tried to keep it a secret. It's super important to make sure something like this doesn't happen again, especially when everyone needs to trust each other during a big crisis like a pandemic. It's weird that not many people are talking about this, like in newspapers or on TV. But it's a really big deal, and everyone should want to find out the truth to make sure the people who did wrong are held responsible. This is all about making sure everyone plays fair and that the country stays safe and works right for everyone.