TORONTO LEGALIZE HARD DRUGS? JUSTINTRUDEAU WANTS TO LEGALIZE HARD DRUGS, DO YOU ?

TORONTO MAYOR CHOW - wants to Legalizing Hard Drugs in Toronto Premier Doug Ford - Is so Against Trudeau on Legalizing Hard Drugs Where Does the NDP Stand? Will They Back Trudeau & Mayor Chow ? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jan. 31, 2023, B.C. became the first Canadian province to legalize hard drugs Life Saver or Failure ??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The British Columbia government pledged that legalizing hard drugs would help save lives. One year into the three-year pilot project to decriminalize possession of 2.5 grams or less of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, B.C.’s toxic drug deaths have reached record levels with an average of seven people a day dying in 2023. (reported by the Vancouver Sun) It’s prompted B.C. United and B.C. Conservative MLAs to call for decriminalization to be scrapped, citing waning public support, frustration with rampant drug use in parks and public spaces, and an about-face from Oregon three years into their trial. “We’ve had three years of this law that has not delivered on the promise that voters thought they were getting,” Washington County district attorney Kevin Barton told CBS News. Overdose deaths in Oregon have continued to rise since 2020. However, a Hmmm ….. Where’s the Common Sense? Parents everywhere know that if a child gets ill by eating a certain food they can’t fix the illness by giving the child more of that same food. Likewise giving drugs to people who have drug problems does not cure their problem. In both these situations help is needed to teach the user how to live without the illness causing food or drugs. Hmmm … It seems our politicians have no common sense. • October 17, 2018 Justin Trudeau legalized cannabis (also known as weed, pot, mj or marijuana), he said it would save children Did it or did it just make more kids, who wouldn’t normally think of trying it, try it and get hooked on it • Now in 2024 Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow requests for an even broader exemption than B.C. had, that would apply even to teenagers and asks Trudeau to support her bid to Legalize hard drugs. DON’T BE PART OF THE SILENT MAJORITY THAT WAKES UP ONLY TO FIND IT’S TOO LATE. ~ AS THE SONG SAYS “CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE” MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ONE ~ It’s Time, Write your MP, say enough is enough. To find your MP just ask the internet, enter Find my MP, a screen will come up enter your postal code and you’ll get all the contact info for your MP. Email Mayor Olivia Chow how you feel about legalized drugs ….. Mayor_chow@toronto.ca. STOP THE SILENCE ~ START THE CONVERSATION ~ SPEAK UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT “OH CANADA, WE STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE”

Why you might be a “Right- Wing Extremist”?

Why you might be a “Right- Wing Extremist”? By Patricia Conlin Many people see that Canada has declined to say the very least. The standard of living has declined, affordability has declined and basic essential services are rapidly eroding under the woke policies of the Ottawa elites. Canada has lost respect internationally under Trudeau and the Liberal/NDP Coalition and harsh laws are being passed to limit free speech like Bill C-11 and Bill-63, The Online Harms Act under the guise of public safety. We see increases in crime, suicide, homelessness and despair in every community. But why? Most people think it is a coincidence or possibly just incompetence but how can any government be that incompetent? Truly something much more sinister is at play when all western nations are experiencing the exact same erosion of rights, freedoms and quality of life under the same draconian government policies. A few years ago, I was minding my own business with a successful consulting firm and a happy life. The rug was harshly pulled out from under my feet when I witnessed bold-face lies during Covid along with the decimation of small businesses under lockdowns (big globalist firms faced no such mandates). As a person of integrity, I could not stay silent and therefore, I was harshly punished. For the crime of simply speaking the truth, I was censored, deplatformed and then called the dreaded “right-wing extremist” slander. This was enough to have a number of my former friends (some of whom, I have known my whole life) quickly remove themselves from my life with no apology or explanation as they simply believed media propaganda. After being deplatformed, my business suffered greatly as well. But despite all the loss, I wouldn’t change anything and I wouldn’t go back in time and stay silent. For what is at play in the world is a coup by powerful globalists who are not interested in thriving economies and communities but rather controlling people and resources with a Digital ID, Pandemic Treaty, CBDC, Social Credit score, land capture and large tax increases to ensure society becomes increasingly demoralized and impoverished-all under the guise of “saving us” from the climate “crisis”. They want us to give up our rights (they have no intention of giving up theirs) and accept a much lower standard of living so they can implement their highly profitable “green agenda” which most of us now know is part of Agenda 2030. Add to that mix, a reckless addition of migrants (a large number seeking refugee status who have no intention of working in Canada) that is putting a massive burden on housing and healthcare and a mental health crisis partly fueled by increasingly radicalized education and policies. But none of those responsible for voting for all these harmful bills and policies say anything about the obvious decline in Canada. Instead, they point fingers at what they call “right-wing extremists” who bring up the obvious harm of the problems they caused. But what does “right-wing extremist” mean really. Given the broad label, most people I speak with would quality as one. Immigrants from India and the Middle East agree with me. Long-term Canadians, parents who see the declining levels of education agree with me. Retired veterans who can’t afford food agree with me. Even many young college and University students are starting to see the obvious and agree with me. Is it extreme to what housing for Canadians first instead of putting refugees in luxury hotels? Is it extreme to want promote peace in the world and return to being an international peacekeeping nation instead of sending funds to foreign countries to escalate conflicts? be supporting all Is it extreme to want Canada to grow economically with a local thriving manufacturing sector (other than EV cars and cricket plants)? Is it extreme to want to tap into our rich and ethically mined resource sector to create jobs and energy independence? Is it extreme to want to protect our farmland and farmers from taxes and control that will bankrupt them and destroy our food security? Is it extreme to question statements from corrupt government officials and media who are controlled by globalist companies that don’t care about Canada? When it comes to right wing, many people now see the deliberate slander behind the label. Mabe right-wing is closer to being on “right side of history”. It takes courage to speak out and tell the truth and nothing good comes from having the majority stay silent to what is growing increasing obvious to many. In many countries, the truth about the harmful Covid and Climate policies is coming to light because brave “right-wing extremists” are speaking out. If you agree with anything I have said here, you too might be considered a “right-wing extremist”!! Isn’t it time for decent citizens all over Canada to reject slanderous labels and instead hold our publicly elected officials accountable. That means showing up at Council meetings, sending letters to MPs and MPPs, speaking about uncomfortable subjects with neighbours and refusing to stay silent. When more people speak out and refuse to be silent by the ridiculous label “right-wing extremist”, we can unite in stopping the deliberately harmful policies from being implemented at a local level. The joy of being on the RIGHT side of history and standing up for Canada is worth it!!

1 billion reasons you voted wrong..

. 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 - Oshawa has tracked $1 billion in commercial, industrial and institutional development over the past five years, with major industrial companies bringing their global operations and thousands of new jobs. This was announced at the recent Economic Outlook Breakfast presented by the city’s Economic Development Services Branch with TD Commercial Banking and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. TD Deputy Chief Economist, Derek Burleton delivered the 20th annual economic forecast. But, still we the people of Oshawa face 8% tax hike? Maybe it is me. But someone explain this to me. The more the people is it not the more tax collected? If so, then one would think that the City of Oshawa should not have to hike taxes every year. Instead, they would at the least have a tax freeze. Maybe we should consult with the TD Deputy Chief Economist, Derek Burleton. He can possibly explain it to the Mayor and his merry men. Sure more people more resources needed to accommodate. But 5 billion!!! That is not an extra five hundred bucks. What benefit has the average taxpayer gained? More traffic, more crime. House values compromised. All this development and no planning. Who is going to pay for additional policing? Since DRPS is a regional service. But wait. The Region sits on 2 Billion surplus. Am I of such low intellect that I do not question tax hikes... Something is wrong with this picture. Can you spot Waldo? I can... and you keep electing them in. We have politicians that lack the intellectual capability to make multi million dollar decisions. So, the rely on staff. Staff that does not really give a dam other than to keep their job and every year ask for an increase. There is no explanation to the poor management of the city. The Mayor is the CEO. He should take the responsibility to improve the quality of life for all citizens. He should not depend on what staff tells him to do. He should be using staff to better the life of all citizens across Oshawa. This is why we have the homeless at a all time high. Drugs widely available downtown, prostitution run wild. Downtown business opening and closing right left and center. People, much like we require a doctor to have a medial license. Should we not require at the least 5 year business experience from either councilor Mayoral candidates. 5Billion and they dare tax increase of 8%. Shameful.

Canada and the Electrical Vehicle (EVs) adventure

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East I have written before about the largesse of the Ontario Provincial Government and the Federal Government in corporate welfare directed at Electric Battery and Electric Vehicle manufacturers, all of which are foreigner lead enterprises. Now it is interesting to analyze how misguided this approach is, spearheaded by politicians rather thn engineering professionals.Politicians may be great at wordsmitting legislation, but have no clue how to deal with essential infrastructure projects. They can spew verbiage non-stop, but essentially they are empty brainers when it comes to managing the future of this country. Considering the feasibility of the Federal Government’s plan under its Electric Vehicle Availability Standard to mandate that all vehicles sold by 2035 be zero-emission vehicles, we encounter a complete lack of vision. Moreover, it reveals a complete ignorance of the realities of this great country called Canada, which encompasses the second largest territory in the world. While the use of electric vehicles (EVs) offer environmental advantages over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, concerns persist over cost, driving range, charging options, and carbon emissions during battery cell manufacturing, making mandated goals uncertain. Geopolitical and economic implications also arise from EV mandates in the US and Canada, particularly as they relate to the dominance of Chinese EV manufacturers. There are security risks associated with Chinese control of critical minerals essential for EV production, economic threats to the North American auto sector, and hurdles faced by local automakers in competing with their Chinese counterparts. The intensive use of aluminum in EVs manufacturing to lower overall weight and increase efficiency and driving range, also poses environmental concerns. Aluminum production is carbon-intensive, and increased usage raises an EV’s GHG emissions life cycle significantly, adding to an EV’s carbon footprint. In the event of a critical mineral shortage, prioritizing small battery packs for compact and midsize EVs could maximize GHG emissions reductions. However, automakers profit more from SUVs, and consumer preferences lean heavily towards SUVs. Thus, if automakers prioritize fewer of the larger battery packs that large electric SUVs use over many smaller battery packs, the expected reduction in GHG emissions may not materialize as forecast. There will also be potential disruptions in the market due to the prescriptive nature of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, which mandates that EVs comprise a specific minimum proportion of sales. If there is a misalignment among government, consumers, and auto dealers with these targets it could lead to elevated prices, vehicle shortages, and unmet consumer demands. Since EVs are relatively new to Canada, there is limited data on collision-related insurance claims, leading to uncertainty about future EV insurance costs. In the UK, for example, where EVs are more established, insurance rates in 2023 for EVs saw dramatic increases compared to conventional vehicles. Statistics also show that EV repair costs are higher than those for ICE vehicles. Maintenance and general repairs for EVs differ from those for conventional vehicles. Although electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts, potentially simplifying maintenance and repairs, EVs use sophisticated technologies that may raise repair costs. A large survey revealed that EVs encounter more problems than gas-powered vehicles, particularly with their electric motors, batteries, and charging systems, highlighting their complexities. EVs offer lower refuelling or charging costs compared to gas-powered vehicles. According to the federal government, driving a midsize car for 400 kilometres costs approximately $10 in electricity compared to $50 in gas. However, this comparison may not be entirely fair due to the significant government taxes included in gas prices that are absent from electricity prices. Assuming comparable taxes on electricity as on gas, the cost of the above recharging example could rise significantly from $10 to $25.62, still cheaper than gas, but less so than without the taxes. As of 2023, Canada had 26,500 public charging ports. Projections indicate that the country will need about 455,500 public ports by 2035. This requires adding about 98 new ports every day over 12 years. These estimates do not include private charging ports. Electrical utilities in Canada will face significant hurdles in ensuring that distribution grids can handle the substantial demand for EV charging capacity. Upgrading and expanding various grid components will be necessary, but the compressed timeframe imposed by the regulations raises uncertainty about timely completion. Overall, the government’s ambitious timeframe is unrealistic, risky, and potentially ineffective in achieving significant emissions reductions. Concerns also arise regarding threats to Canada’s auto sector, its nascent EV supply chain, and the substantial investments needed for charging infrastructure and grid enhancements. In addition, potentially higher EV ownership costs would disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income individuals, with accelerated adoption timelines exacerbating these issues. Canada needs a more flexible approach to light-duty vehicle emissions reductions. This includes rescinding the current mandated zero-emission vehicle sales minimums and replacing them with increasingly stringent GHG emission standards. Such a change would enable automakers to adjust their vehicle portfolios to market needs while still meeting emission reduction goals. Furthermore, Canada’s targeted standards and timelines should align more closely with industry efforts to source critical minerals and develop less costly, yet profitable EVs with superior operating characteristics. Beyond these concerns, more can be learned about this matter from the excellent analysis provided by Jerome Gessaroli, a Senior Fellow with the Macdonald Laurier Institute, In his article, “ A Bumpy road ahead – A critical assessment of Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard”, he raises important concerns.. For instance, did Ford, Trudeau and company have any contact with people who have deep knowledge in the EV field before recklessly spending taxpayers money on EV related investments and generous corporate welfare? We can now see the potential results of politically motivated action that lacks fundamental analysis and we can foresee the potential damage for the country due to ignorant politicians. In conclusion, we need to attract competent, thinking people to politics. People with expertise in various fields such as science, engineering and economics, who can ask the right questions and make reasonable decisions. Or do you think that the lawyers, political science graduates and staffers with no background in real life currently occupying elected positions are up to the task? Your opinion counts. Do what you can to express it.

the TAX CODE...

By Dale Jodoin Canada's tax code has expanded significantly over the years, reflecting the increasing complexity of tax legislation. When the Liberal Party took office in 2015, the Income Tax Act already contained approximately 1,029,042 words, translating to around 1,412 pages (Fraser Institute). Since then, additional tax measures and provisions have likely increased the total number of pages. The exact number of new pages added each year isn't always reported, but it's evident that the tax code continues to grow, adding to the administrative burden on taxpayers and tax officials alike. The Impact of a Complex Tax System The expanding tax code disproportionately impacts small businesses and individual taxpayers. While larger corporations have the resources to hire tax professionals to navigate complex regulations, smaller entities and individuals often struggle. This complexity can lead to inadvertent non-compliance and increased costs associated with tax preparation. The result is a system that can feel unfair to "the little guy," where a simpler, more transparent tax system might be more equitable. The Underground Economy in the Digital Age As the tax system becomes more complex, some individuals and businesses turn to the underground economy to avoid taxes. The underground economy involves economic activities that are not reported to the government and, therefore, not taxed. Traditionally, this included cash-only businesses, unreported income from side jobs, and barter transactions. However, with technological advancements, the scope of the underground economy has evolved significantly. Digital Underground Economy Activities Freelance Work on International Platforms: Many individuals offer freelance services on international platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. These platforms enable users to connect with clients worldwide, often resulting in income that is not reported to local tax authorities. For example, a graphic designer in Canada might find clients in the U.S. or Europe, get paid through PayPal or similar services, and not report this income. E-commerce Sales: Small businesses and individuals selling goods on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon Marketplace can easily operate below the radar. While these platforms do provide some income reporting to tax authorities, smaller sellers often underreport earnings or conduct transactions through personal accounts to avoid scrutiny. Digital Content Creation: Content creators on YouTube, Twitch, or other streaming platforms can earn significant income from ad revenue, donations, and sponsorships. These earnings, especially if paid through international platforms, can be difficult to track and are often underreported. Cryptocurrency Transactions: The rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has provided a new avenue for conducting transactions anonymously. Cryptocurrency earnings and transactions can be challenging for tax authorities to trace, enabling users to operate within a shadow economy. Online Tutoring and Coaching: Many educators and coaches offer services through platforms like Zoom or Skype, receiving payments via PayPal or direct bank transfers. These transactions can easily go unreported, especially when dealing with international clients. Virtual Assistants: Businesses often hire virtual assistants from other countries to handle tasks ranging from customer service to social media management. Payments for these services, often made through international channels, are frequently unreported. Online Gaming and Betting: Income from online gaming, including e-sports, and betting websites often goes unreported. Winnings from international betting sites or gaming platforms can be transferred through digital wallets, making it difficult for tax authorities to track. The Role of Technology in the Underground Economy Technology has made it easier for individuals and businesses to engage in the underground economy. Online payment systems, digital currencies, and global marketplaces provide anonymity and reduce the likelihood of detection by tax authorities. This growing trend raises concerns about tax evasion and the ability of governments to collect revenue effectively. Government Surveillance and Tax Compliance As governments recognize the challenges posed by the underground economy, there is an increasing push towards surveillance and data collection. Efforts to monitor financial transactions, digital payments, and online activities are intensifying. For instance, tax authorities might use data analytics to identify discrepancies between reported income and lifestyle indicators (e.g., property ownership, luxury goods purchases). The Need for a Fair Tax System While technological advancements have enabled more sophisticated means of tax evasion, they also highlight the need for a fair and simple tax system. A system that reduces complexity and ensures that tax burdens are equitably shared is essential. Simplifying the tax code, improving compliance through better education and support, and leveraging technology to streamline tax reporting could help address the challenges posed by the underground economy. The underground economy continues to thrive in the digital age, driven by technological advancements and the increasing complexity of tax systems. To ensure a fair tax system that does not unduly burden individuals and small businesses, there is a need for simplification and modernization. Governments must balance the use of surveillance and data collection with the rights of citizens to privacy and the need for a transparent, equitable tax system.

A Candidate Being Overqualified is a Legitimate Concern

By Nick Kossovan A fundamental principle of humanity—innate freedom—is that everyone has a right to pursue their own self-interests, which inherently lends itself to liberal democracy and capitalism. In other words, you and I are free, within the boundaries of laws established by politicians who were voted in because voters believed they'd best serve their self-interests to make life choices we believe are in our best interests. You and I have the right to pursue our self-interests as long as our pursuits do not interfere with the interests of others. Ideally, harmony and easy-flowing relationships are established when self-interests support and complement each other. We also need to understand that if we want our self-interests respected, we need to respect the self-interests of others. Let's apply this fundamental principle of humanity to the job market. Employers have their self-interests, the obvious being to run and maintain their business profitably, and job seekers have their self-interests, the obvious being to have an income. Job seekers' self-interests often conflict with those of employers, whose self-interests trump theirs since they create the jobs (read: paycheques). Therefore, job seekers are always bubbling with emotion. Consider this: how often do you make a life choice that isn't driven by your self-interest? Reflecting on this provides valuable insights into the role of self-interest in our decision-making processes, as well as that of employers. As you choose what's in your best interests, employers choose what's in the best interests of their business. Job seekers like to point out all the supposed unfairness—touchpoints that don't serve their self-interest—they can find throughout an employer's hiring process, which the employer designed with their business's interests in mind. A common complaint among job seekers is not being hired because they are supposedly "overqualified." When the hiring process is viewed from the employer's right to pursue their self-interests, you understand that a candidate being overqualified isn't a bad thing; it's, however, a risky thing for several reasons: · They're likely to become bored and become a flight risk. (Overqualified = too temporary. Employers don't want to hire, train, and then lose their new hire.) · An insubordination risk. (Often, an employer doesn't want a go-getter; they just want someone reliable to plug in and do the job without making noise about advancing their career.) · Will want to make changes, causing distractions. · Will act as a know-it-all. · Will expect to be paid more. All these, while not absolute, are valid concerns. Additionally, when you apply to a job posting, you're entering a competition. Considering all the tangible and intangible factors that go into a hiring decision, being overqualified for a position doesn't necessarily make you the best candidate. Contrary to beliefs designed to create excuses, overqualified candidates aren't seen as someone who'll be gunning for the boss's job, nor is "overqualified" code for "too old." Whether fair or not, a candidate's qualifications level contributes to a hiring manager's evaluation of whether they'll be a "fit," which, not surprisingly, many job seekers label as discrimination. Would you hire a 5-star chef to flip hamburgers at your diner? (Yes, an exaggeration, but the point is made.) Elimination is integral to any hiring process; therefore, discrimination is inevitable. When receiving hundreds of applications for one position, an employer has no choice but to look for reasons to eliminate candidates to whittle down to the few who are phone and face-to-face interview-worthy. This is when the real "elimination discrimination" begins. As humans, hiring managers naturally focus on "what they like" or "who'll be a good fit." Many hiring managers, especially those at executive levels, evaluate candidates based on how they feel they'll integrate with their team or can see themselves liking the candidate socially; therefore, if you're likeable, your interviewer will probably overlook your being overqualified. Being likable trumps your skills and experience; thus, prioritize being likable over your skills and experience. Whenever you find yourself in an interview knowing you're overqualified for the job, an indication that the employer is interested in hearing your career story and why you're interested in the job, you need to address the elephant in the room ASAP. Addressing your interviewer's concerns (e.g., age, commute time, overqualification) before they bring it up is a savvy job search strategy rarely utilized. When your interviewer raises their concerns, you're put on the defensive. You want to be on the offensive. Therefore, prepare a "don't worry about" script that you can use after exchanging pleasantries. "If it's okay with you before we begin, I'd like to address something you might be wondering about, my [qualifications, experience]. Although I have X years of experience and have held more senior roles, I'm looking to scale back so I can better focus on delivering my best work while also [caring for an aging parent / spending time with my family]." Being upfront in addressing your interviewer's concern(s), which I assure you they'll very much appreciate, demonstrates you have the emotional intelligence to understand and respect the employer's possible concerns, which will help you establish a positive relationship with your interviewer, thus increasing your odds of being hired. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Life Is A Drag - No Really

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 remember the days when I went to school. We had the outmost respect for our educators. No matter the situation. We made sure that we showed respect. I remember having this one teacher. She was a bit of a dish if you know what I mean. Real short skirts and blouses that would make a grown man weep. She was beautiful. But even thought she was beautiful. She had self respect, dignity and pride in knowing she was beautiful and did not have any scruples in accessorizing her god given beauty. Everyone treated her with respect and kindness. Some of the women, obviously would talk behind her back. That was expected. I remember her as if it was yesterday. We would not dare be smart ass or make rude comments. What happened to those days. Women were women. Men were men and we all had respect for one another. The other day my grand child came up tome and said. Grandpa, you hear what they are doing at school? I said, NO - What. She said. They are having men come in dressed as women and read us books. I said. WHAAATTT. Where are we going here. In today's world you make a comment to a woman that she is beautiful and you get charged with sexual harassment. A woman much like my old teacher walks in a school and she gets called all kind of name and shamed for her natural beauty. Now where did we loose our ability to be decent? A man dressed up as a woman in my book is a mental illness. To have these guys read books to little children is wrong. Why not have women like my teacher sit there and read the kids books? Why because it be morally wrong for the woman to be exposing her beauty to children. She would have better sense to compromise the innocence of children. My teacher would have never even consider doing something in order to support some sexual agenda. That is plain wrong. No matter how you look at it. Don't you agree?

Beyond Her Grasp

from Wayne & Tamara I am a woman, 42, who three years ago married a wonderful man who will be 48 on his next birthday. I love him very, very much. The only problem is our sex life is horrible. Pretty much nonexistent. I can safely say we have had sex maybe 20 times in our six year relationship. When I've tried numerous times to talk to him, he gets defensive and says, "There's nothing wrong with me." He also says, if I want to have sex, I should just say so. But when I make advances, he pushes me away thinking I am playing with him. Then he leaves the room. Of course I get frustrated, out of the mood, and give up. I love my husband so much I don't make a big deal of it, although I know this is not normal or healthy. I can't get him to go to counseling or discuss this. I am at my sexual peak, and I am tired of dreaming of sex with other men. I want our relationship to work, but I just don't know how much longer I can go on like this. Claire Claire, you can work on planting a garden, you can work on your weight loss, you can work on your reading speed. But you cannot work on someone else's problem, unless they are willing, and failure is guaranteed when they tell you they do not have a problem. Thoreau said, "It takes two to speak the truth--one to speak and another to hear." Your husband will not hear or discuss reality, the reality of the situation as you see it. You married him knowing he had this problem. Marriage does not cure a problem, it makes you a party to it for a while. Is this the hard lesson you had to learn? That you cannot marry a man with a serious problem and expect to fix it. Wayne & Tamara Calling Her Bluff I've been with my boyfriend for four years, and he is going through the longest divorce known to man. His soon-to-be ex knows of me and told him she is insanely jealous. She makes my life complete hell by emailing him sexual innuendoes, asking him for expensive gifts, and calling him an average of 12 times a day. I told him to cut the cord. If he wants to be with me, he has to protect me, be true to me, and make me feel secure in this relationship. We even tried counseling a few years back, and then he cheated on me with her. Many times I told him to get on with this divorce or I would be gone, but it doesn't seem to scare him anymore. How do I get my point across to this man, and do I have any grounds to tell this woman to leave him alone and just tend to her children? Paige Paige, the one thing which may set you free is to look on this situation from a different point of view. He didn't cheat on you with her. She's his wife. He's cheating on her with you. You describe her as his soon-to-be ex, but "soon-to-be ex" is a term more likely to describe your future, not hers. You threaten and threaten to leave, and you never do. Bluffing in poker may be good strategy, but bluffing in life is weak. Once your bluff is called, you've lost all power and all credibility. And counseling? Think about how funny that is. You went for relationship counseling with a man in a marriage to another woman. Why do you keep plodding forward? Because you want to be married. There is nothing wrong with that. But you cannot marry someone who is already married. There is a simple solution. Don't give up wanting to be married, just give up married men. 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.

Weight and Diet Strain Knees and Hips

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford How many thousands of knee and hip replacements, and how much pain, could be avoided by the right diet? Arthritis has been called the chronic-care challenge of the 21st century. It is no small problem in economic terms either. A few months ago, The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal, published startling statistics. Over the last 30 years, the global incidence of osteoarthritis has risen by132% to 595 million people. There is no sign of the disease slowing down and there’s no cure. What does this mean? For public healthcare systems like Canada’s, it means ever more costs to the taxbase for higher and higher numbers of expensive knee and hip replacements. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis. Like aging car brakes that wear down with use, human joints begin to grate and scrape with age. It’s a fact that heavier vehicles need especially careful maintenance. People carrying excess weight should shed it to avoid unnecessary wear. But arthritis is caused by more than just heavy use and aging. Inadequate nutrition also sets the stage for arthritis. The famous Framingham Health Study followed thousands of people for 40 years assessing risk factors for osteoarthritis. The study showed that people with osteoarthritis who consumed over 9,000 international units of beta-carotene a day had decreased progression of this disease and were less likely to suffer from knee pain later in life. A Finnish study showed that people with low levels of beta-carotene were eight times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as they aged. Beta-carotene is present in deep-coloured vegetables and fruits. The same Framingham study underscored the importance of vitamin D. People with arthritic knees consuming less than 350 units developed arthritis at higher rates than those who took over 400 units a day. There’s good reason why. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium. The typical dietary source of vitamin D is milk, one of nature’s nearly perfect foods. But few people drink enough milk daily. The Framingham study uncovered another vital fact, that our joints need oil. But not all the oils we eat are equal. Our food contains different types of fatty acids. The good omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation; the bad omega-6 fatty acids trigger inflammation. Obviously, it’s better to have more of the good oils than the bad ones. But North Americans eat 10 times more omega-6 than omega-3, and this sad reality triggers not only arthritis, but also heart disease. Research shows that death from heart attack may be the result of a combination of both clogged and inflamed coronary arteries. The logical solution is to change our diet. Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables to obtain healthy vitamins. One carrot contains 20,000 international units of beat-carotene and a sweet potato with skin has 25,000 IU. Drink three glasses of milk daily or get the equivalent through supplementation. Excellent sources of omega-3 are salmon, halibut and sardines. Omega-3 is also found in walnuts, beans, tofu, flaxseed oil, pecans and green leafy vegetables. A high-quality supplement like Certified Natural’s Omega-3X is recommended since few people eat enough of the dietary sources. To avoid omega-6 oils reduce processed, frozen and boxed foods. Skip the crackers, cookies and most desserts. Buy the right cooking oils. Omega-6 is present in corn, sunflower and cottonseed oil. Olive, soybean and canola cooking oils contain omega-3. Don’t neglect weight control. The pressure on your knees going upstairs is 2.5 times your body weight. Going downstairs, it is 3.5 times. Squatting amounts to 8 times the pressure. Weight reduction goes far to increasing the benefits of sound nutrition in preventing osteoarthritis. 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

PLANNING FOR SEAMLESS BUS RAPID TRANSIT

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering At this weeks Transit Executive Meeting, we had an opportunity to learn more about the Plans for the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) Over the next decade, Durham Region will see significant changes to rapid transit across the Region (Kingston Road/Highway 2). The goal is to move more people and reduce the dependency on vehicles. Metrolinx has completed its business plan to construct 36km of bus rapid transit (BRT) from Scarborough to Whitby. Research confirms that during the first 5-years of launching the BRT service on Kingston Road there was a 50% increase in transit ridership. But more work needs to be done. The current patch work of bus lanes along Kingston Road will be changing. The preliminary design business case ((PDBC) which is currently in progress, will be subject to First Nations consultations which may impact timelines. Once approved we will see Median BRT lanes similar to what exists along Highway 7 in York Region, heated median bus shelters and an active transportation facility. Seamless, accessible sidewalks and cycling lanes will also be completed making it safer for walkers and for cyclists. Construction is expected to begin in Pickering with each phase expected to take approximately 3-5 years Dixie to Bainbridge – Construction starts 2025, Steeple Hill to Merritton – Construction starts 2025. For the section between Merritton to Dixie – Construction could start in 2027 once details have been worked out to widen Kingston Road under the the rail bridge. Moving east to Ajax and Whitby construction will take place between Harwood to Wicks sometime in 2024, Wicks to Galea construction could start in 2025 and Lake Ridge to Des Newman construction could start in 2026 The contracts will be administered by the Region of Durham. It is recognized that construction will have impacts on our already congested road network which is why expectation is to minimize from start to finish to 3-5 years. from start to finish for each phase, concerns have been flagged as to the negative impact this will have on traffic. No fewer than 2 lanes will remain open during the construction period. While there will be some congestion, once completed Durham Region will see faster and more reliable transit service that will encourage new ridership by providing a viable alternative to taking the car. There is also an expectation that for every $1 invested in rapid transit, it generates $4-$5 in economic returns and close to 50,000 jobs per $1 billion. As the process evolves, it is important that we ensure that Durham Region and DRT continue to involve and engage the Public and in particular users of Public Transit. Stay tuned and watch for more updates on future DRT initiatives.

DO WE REALLY NEED MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS?

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 look at this from an economic perspective. Why do we need municipal government? It appears that once elected. They disappear from the public eye. The rule of thumb is... do nothing during your term... and name recognition will carry you to a re-election. This norm has been in play for years. Reason. The same people turn out time after time and time. These voters do not bother to look at the credential of new candidates and vote on name recognition. This is wrong. Those that keep being elected. Case in point City of Oshawa. Only one councillor was replaced. All other including the Mayor got voted in. Can you really tell me that the people of Oshawa are that happy with the quality of life in Oshawa!!! You got to be kidding me. On top of that the City hits every tax payer with a huge tax increase and that is ok. I don’t know about you. I don’t mind paying, if i am getting my tax dollars worth... But, I don’t think this is the case here. I don’t know how any of these so called municipal elect can go to sleep at night knowing that there are so many sleeping on the street. I don’t know how these same elected can cash their cheques week after week knowing they are not competent to do the job they were elected. I say this with such freedom... Look at any of the candidates job history.... look at what they become after they loose an election. To represent the downtown. We have a deadbeat third rate musician. No business experience... No downtown business. Yet, he is responsible for making key decision for the downtown. You wonder why the downtown looks like a war zone. Why, there is no real business life. I say, the municipality wants to increase our taxes by 10%. The elected officials and city management staff salaries go down by the same amount. See how quickly, they put a tax freeze. People have time and time again complained they call their municipality and representative do not return calls. Do we need municipal government. Are we not better to just have a regional government? After all. The Region sits on 2 Billion reserves. Yes, 2 Billion of your tax dollars. Why, are we paying for municipal services when the region can accommodate. I think it is time for the silent majority to rise up and take control before we all end up living in a tent. You may smirk... Ahhh never me! That is what the people now living in the tents thought also. Get real, demand accountability and adequate service for your hard earned tax dollar.

Canada corporate welfare gone wild?

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In the past few years, Ottawa, Ontario, and Quebec have been using public funds to kick-start the development and commercialization of advanced technologies in practically everything. Ranging from clean-energy steelmaking in Ontario to “green cement” in Edmonton, taxpayers are footing the bill. Government largesse is evident in the heavily subsidized electric vehicle (EV) battery plant Volkswagen AG plans to build in St. Thomas, Ont. Routinely decried as a $13 billion taxpayer expense, Ottawa and VW actually negotiated a range of $6 billion to $13 billion over 10 years, conditional on rising production volumes at the plant. Queen’s Park is kicking in an additional $500 million. Similar government support will likely be asked for the Windsor, Ont. battery factory planned as a joint venture of Stellantis N.V., parent of Chrysler and Fiat, and South Korea’s LG Energy Solutions. Most of the VW money will only start flowing once the St. Thomas plant is operational, which may take several years. That funding also stops if there is a cancellation of similar subsidies offered by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Ottawa’s upfront expense is $700 million to cover about 10 per cent of the cost of building what will be Canada’s biggest manufacturing facility. Its footprint equals about 350 football fields, so it will possibly be the biggest EV battery plant in North America when completed. Such corporate welfare largesse continues to bloom without any regard for taxpayers’ money. Honda Canada, joined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced last week that it will build four new manufacturing plants in Ontario, including an electric vehicle assembly plant and a standalone battery manufacturing plant at its current facilities in Alliston, Ont. The Japanese company already employs 4,200 people in its existing Alliston facility, but statements from Honda and both the federal and provincial governments say the facility's two new plants will produce up to 240,000 vehicles per year and create more than 1,000 "well-paying manufacturing jobs" once fully operational in 2028. The announcement included $5 billion in government assistance, half from the feds through tax credits and half from Ontario in direct and indirect incentives. So why is this corporate welfare directed at Canadian industrial sectors of existing strength, like autos, steel, telecommunications, and building materials? If the thinking is that these choices will substantially reduce the risk of governments picking the wrong “winners”, perhaps they should think again. Although the auto sector employs more than 125,000 Canadians directly, supports almost 700 Canadian parts suppliers, and contributes about $19 billion to GDP, it has long been in decline. It has slipped to about 12th in global rankings. Ottawa and Ontario have high hopes for the battery plants in St. Thomas, Alliston and Windsor. Let us hope that this investment of taxpayers’ money was well researched and thought through with engineering support, to avoid the major financial losses incurred by other recent government subsidized projects, like the Covid vaccine enterprise for example. Even if corporate welfare is not limited, or outright eliminated, we need a mechanism for taxpayers to have input into the government’s adventurous commitment of their money. Let us take a look at how well corporate welfare presently works in Canada. According to a recent study published by the Fraser Institute, between 2007 and 2019, federal, provincial and local governments in Canada spent $352.1 billion (inflation-adjusted) subsidizing firms. This is more than was spent on national defence over the same period. This corporate welfare, which does little to stimulate widespread economic growth, came with huge costs to government budgets and Canadian taxpayers. This total corporate welfare price tag—which included $76.7 billion in federal subsidies, $223.3 billion in provincial subsidies and $52.1 billion in local subsidies only reflects unrequited government transfers to businesses. It excludes other forms of government support such as loan guarantees, direct investment and regulatory privileges for particular firms or industries. So if you suspect that the actual level of corporate welfare during this 13-year period was much higher, you’re probably right. For Canadians who filed taxes between 2007 and 2019 (the latest year of available pre-COVID data), the cost per tax filer ranged from a high of $18,785 in Saskatchewan to a low of $6,048 in New Brunswick. Quebec, Alberta and Ontario were big spenders. Here the cost of corporate welfare per tax filer was $18,334, $13,285, and $12,627, respectively. That is a significant amount of taxpayer money unavailable for more acute priorities to benefit the population. Such spending might be justified if it led to widespread economic benefits. However, there is little evidence that business subsidies generate widespread economic growth and/or job creation. In fact, research suggests that business subsidies may actually hurt the economy as the government’s interference in the market ultimately distorts private decision-making and misallocates resources. Instead of giving preferential treatment to select firms and industries, government should play a role in funding science, which is the future of any successful economic enterprise. In the marketplace, government should help foster a pro-growth environment that gives all businesses the opportunity to thrive by reducing business income tax rates. The Fraser Institute study also found that government spending on corporate welfare represents a significant share of business income tax revenues. For instance, from 2007 to 2019, Quebec and Manitoba spent roughly the same amount of money on business subsidies as they collected in business income tax revenues. So the provincial government could have effectively eliminated provincial business income taxes if it had ended provincial corporate welfare. Similarly, business subsidies represented roughly half of all business income tax revenue (on average) in Ontario and roughly one-third (on average) in Alberta. Had that money been used to broadly reduce business income taxes, it would have stimulated investment, job creation and economic growth. Clearly, business subsidies (a.k.a. corporate welfare) come with significant costs to Canadian taxpayers and government budgets. Because these subsidies do not produce the broad economic benefits that advocates claim, governments should rein in this spending and focus on pro-growth tax reductions. It is fair to say that the recent outpouring of corporate subsidies by Canadian governments is without precedent. Trudeau isn’t the only guilty one, however. Also, look at Ford, who likes to say he’s sticking up for the little guy. So why is he taking your money and giving $2.5 billion to Honda, more than $4 billion to Volkswagen and $5 billion to Stellantis – the company that makes Maserati and Alfa Romeo. Does he really think Honda, Volkswagen and Maserati are the little guys? When Ford first ran for office, he said he would stop “picking winners and losers” and cut taxes for everyone. Does it look like the taxpayer party is over for corporate lobbyists? This needs to be discussed openly and thoroughly. Politicians and administrators need to seek public input on these policies. Is the government subsidy of selected industries a wise use of public money? Your time to reflect.

Reality of Job Searching: There’s Always Someone Better Than You

By Nick Kossovan I always remind myself that there is someone younger, hungrier, and more skilled than I am; in other words, there's always someone better than I am. This keeps me humble and on my toes. Who can't relate to "wanting the best"? Employers can't be blamed for seeking and holding out for the "best" candidate, especially in a job market flooded with candidates. Every recruiter, HR professional, and hiring manager knows no perfect candidate exists. Yet, they still hunt for purple squirrels. Today's job market: · The number of jobs has decreased. · The number of candidates has increased. · Fewer people are leaving their job. With so many people seeking work, employers have, along with access to technology that can do the work—job seekers and employees are entering an era where they're starting to compete against AI, along with robotics—and cost-effective alternatives, such as hiring freelancers, contractors and sending jobs overseas, an array of options to get their jobs done. Hence, there's always the feeling that there's someone or something better out there. An interviewer's thoughts after an interview: "Yeah, [name] ticks off most of the boxes, but with all the resumes we're getting, there's a good chance I'll find someone who ticks off all the boxes." It’s common for employers to keep job postings open for several months while they try to find a candidate with specific skills, education, certification, and experience rather than hire for "potential," which is impossible to determine. Right now, candidates with shinier resumes and LinkedIn profiles than yours are going after the same jobs you're gunning for. The ocean of job seekers is filled with more experienced fish. However, there's a bright side; being "the best" is highly subjective. Perfect on paper or LinkedIn doesn't always equate to perfect in person. While employers seek the best, it should be noted that "the best" isn't always quantifiable, and skills and experience aren't the only things hiring managers consider. In actuality, "the best" is more about compatibility with the company’s culture and your interviewer(s)— especially if your interviewer will be your boss—and timing, which you have no control over, than "there's always someone better." There's no mythical unfairness or unseen forces at play other than life happening. Here's a question to ponder: Which reasons did you feel contributed to you not being hired for the jobs you interviewed for? Was it because the employer felt it was in their best interest to continue looking for a better candidate, or was it something else? Putting aside your self-interests, do you think the employers who didn't hire you made a mistake? If "yes," why? In previous columns, I've mentioned that being likable supersedes your skills and experience. Your charisma, character, smile, clothes, and how you present yourself physically will either work for you or against you. It's not rocket science to self-reflect and figure out which of your qualities, behaviours, and physical characteristics entices or repels employers. Prioritizing being likable over your skills and experience is a job search strategy that more job seekers should adopt. Several years ago, I was competing against another candidate for a position I was excited about. After three interviews and an online personality assessment, I was blown out of the water. Compared to past rejections, this one really hurt. Curious about who got hired, I kept an eye on the company's LinkedIn page to see when new employees appeared. Several weeks later, the person I lost out to updated their LinkedIn profile and appeared as a new employee. When I read their profile, I thought, "Damn! I'd hire her over me." She ticked off all the boxes and many more outside of skills and experience. When you get an interview, it's because what the employer read on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and social media appealed to them on some level, and they feel you could do the job. Now comes the difficult part, selling yourself as the best candidate. Your goal is to stop your interviewer from thinking there are better candidates out there than you, and not hiring you would be a mistake. Work in statements that illustrate why you're the best candidate. 1. "I'm excited about this opportunity because…" 2. "I really enjoy [product or service offered by the company]." 3. "I admire the way you [or the company]..." 4. "I solved a similar problem." 5. "I'm a match for this job because…" 6. "I consider this job a good match for my long-term goals, and I would like to continue building my career with this company." 7. "Collaborating with others is one of my greatest strengths." 8. "One of the things I would keep an eye on if I were hired is..." Despite many hiring managers' attempts, it’s impossible to determine "the best" candidate during the recruitment process based on a measurable scale alone. Therefore, stop fretting about being "the best" and focus on being the best and likable version of yourself. I've yet to meet a hiring manager who hired a candidate they didn't like, no matter how much they thought the candidate's skills and experience were "the best." _____________________________________________________________________ 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 underground...

By Dale Jodoin As high taxes cast a shadow over the global economy, people in every sector are seeking ways to reduce their financial burden. This underground economy is an informal network of individuals with the skills and resourcefulness needed to stay afloat. They barter, trade, and provide services to their neighbors and local communities outside of government oversight. The Shift to the Underground Skilled Labor Survives: Carpenters, electricians, and mechanics are the lifeblood of this economy. Construction workers overcharge official clients to secure extra materials that they later use for cash-only or barter projects. Electricians collect surplus solar panels and set them up in the woods for people looking to go off-grid. Mechanics service vehicles out of their home garages at a fraction of the cost of authorized repair shops. These skilled laborers find ways to make ends meet while avoiding excessive taxation. Tech-Savvy Solutions: Individuals with a knack for computers provide essential services like data recovery, network installation, and virus removal from home. Families and small businesses hire them for affordable tech support without needing to pay hefty fees to authorized service providers. Additionally, unlicensed tutors offer private lessons to struggling students, often being graduate students or retired teachers. Immigrant Workforce: Foreign students are facing tighter work restrictions, limiting their hours and increasing their financial struggles. However, instead of being crushed under the pressure, they provide services under the table for cash. Many earn less than minimum wage but are committed to surviving the economic downturn through whatever means they can. Underground Businesses You Should Know About Backyard Mechanics: Vehicle owners with repair needs are opting for neighborhood mechanics who work out of their garages. They can handle general maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups at much lower costs. Shadow Solar Installers: Electricians use salvaged solar panels to help families set up alternative power systems in rural areas, bypassing the high costs of installation and energy bills. Moonlight Movers: Independent truck drivers offer moving services at night or on weekends, coordinating with local laborers to provide flexible and inexpensive help. Bartering Builders: Builders exchange their skills for useful goods like fresh produce or engine parts, constructing small decks, gazebos, and sheds for their local communities. DIY Farmers: Small farms sell their harvests directly to customers. They provide organic produce, dairy, and honey without the inflated prices of regulated grocery stores. Guerilla Tech Support: These tech wizards operate out of their basements and home offices, providing network installation, computer repairs, and software troubleshooting. Unlicensed Tutors: Private tutors offer lessons in subjects like math and English through informal networks and online forums. Covert Caterers: Passionate cooks work out of their kitchens to cater for small parties and events. Freelance Fixers: Handypeople network with plumbers and appliance repair techs to offer fast, affordable repairs. Underground Contractors: Construction workers overcharge clients and use the extra materials to work on smaller home projects that fly under the radar. The Risks Participating in an underground economy does come with risks. Workers face the potential of fines or legal action if caught. They also forgo benefits like healthcare and pensions, making it crucial for them to save money in other ways. Fair Taxation Advocacy While the underground economy may seem appealing, it's important to acknowledge that governments need taxes to fund essential services like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, when high taxes are seen as "robbing everyone blind," it's easy to understand why some turn to this alternative economy. Advocating for fair taxation policies that ease the burden on individuals and businesses is key. Looking Forward Over the next few weeks, we'll explore the underground economy and dark web further, providing a blueprint for understanding how people are finding clever ways to survive in a world with heavy-handed taxation. We'll dive into the tools and techniques that keep this economy running while shedding light on the social, economic, and ethical implications. Stay tuned.

QUESTO, E-COSI! -- KEFFIYEH

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. This week it was brought to my attention that an MPP attempted to wear one of these Keffiyeh during session and was kindly asked to leave the Ontario Legislature. Apparently Sarah Jama thought it would be appropriate to wear one of these Keffiyeh during session as a sign of open public disobedience and a slap in the face to all Canadians. Canadian culture, customs and traditions. The argument was that she had the right to support a terrorist group called Hamas. A group that is using the people of Palestine as their shield against an onslaught ass kicking by the Israeli. Hamas, initiated this and now we the people of Canada have to support their cowardly attempts to cry wolf. Really. I say, that this Sarah Jama does not represent Canadian values and traditions and that she should be expelled as an MPP. So should the two other supporters that decided to walk out with her. MPP Joel Harden and Kristyn Wong-Tam. What is the meaning of the kufiya? The History and Significance of the Hirbawi Black and White ...In Palestinian culture, the kufiya is designed to resemble a fishnet, symbolizing the livelihood of the Palestinian. These type of garments are far from Canadian. Far from in the best interest of the people of Canada. These three politicians should be made an example. That unless it is Canada first. You do not belong in government pretending to work in the best interest of the Canadian people and supporting foreign wars. We are Canadian first. As representative of the people of Canada it should not be allowed for our representatives to dress like foreigners. Upholding foreign cultures and agendas. I think they should incorporate this in citizenship. Canada first. You want to continue with your traditions and culture. Do it privately. The wear of this scarf to me is insulting. I worked all my life to contribute and respect traditions and Canadian customs. To have an MPP disrespect me and Canada’s heritage, customs, traditions. No excuse. In Trumps words. “THEY SHOULD BE FIRED”. Send a clear message to all. Canada for Canadians.

Logic newsprint is dead not!!!

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

The Truth Will Set You Free

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor In today's world, it often feels like questioning the narrative pushed by those in positions of power is like committing a cardinal sin. Many people are confused as they look at the truth being told it’s evil, while evil is being pushed down our throats to be looked at as truth. Many confused with this reality are afraid to speak out for fear of the repercussions of being labeled as conspiracy theorists, bigots, racists, you know the usual. It’s become very “normalized” to insult and call people names to whom you do not agree. Especially by those keyboard warriors over social media with fake accounts. Politics is no different. Whether it's city staff, politicians, developers, or consultants, there's a prevailing expectation that their version of events is beyond reproach, and anyone daring to challenge the status quo is swiftly labeled as being the problem. In my opinion, the real issue lies in the many different manipulation tactics employed by these individuals and entities. They are well-versed in the art of steering public opinion to serve their own interests, not the people’s. From meticulously crafted websites and carefully curated social media posts to surveys designed to yield predetermined outcomes, every tool in their arsenal tool kit is wielded to shape the narrative in their favour. And when faced with inconvenient truths or probing questions, they resort to tactics like half-truths or verbal diarrhea, all in an attempt to deflect attention away from the crux of the matter and make it all about you, the alleged perceived problem. It's a phenomenon reminiscent of the frog boiling method which I have written about in a previous op-ed about the gradual, imperceptible changes to the environment that lull the unsuspecting into complacency until it's too late to react. Many among us remain too busy or lazy to delve into the truth or even entertain a different perspective. It's this lack of critical thinking skills that allows authoritarian and/or dictatorial tendencies to seep into our everyday lives virtually going unnoticed. The irony is stark when we consider the tales of resistance that captivate us on the silver screen. Whether it's the dystopian worlds of "Divergent," "V for Vendetta," “Terminator” or "The Hunger Games," we readily identify with the brave souls who defy tyranny and champion freedom. Yet, when confronted with similar dynamics in reality, some choose to look the other way, their eyes firmly shut to the encroaching shadows of oppression. History has proven that when leaders exploit economic hardships, and societal grievances using propaganda to manipulate public opinion, it willlead to the rise of authoritarian regimes and the erosion of democratic principles. Mark my words, you are, this is, history in the making, and years from now they too will be wondering how did the people let this happen. But as Simon wrote, "A leader is someone who can see what everyone else can see, but can think differently." True leadership demands the courage to challenge the status quo, to question everything, and to employ critical thinking skills in the pursuit of truth and justice. It's high time we heed the lessons of our favorite fictional heroes and become the architects of our own destiny. Stop being a slave to your phones, stop relying on mainstream media, and politicians to tell you the tailored truth, and emerge yourself in research. It’s not a coincidence that what is happening here in Pickering is also happening across Canada, and other parts of the world. Stop blindly accepting the narratives handed down to us. One of the first things I was told as a Politician was “These people are not your friends.” It didn’t take me long to recognize the truth in that advice. But even more importantly, was when I realized that statement wasn’t solely for me, it was directed to all of us, the people. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, for as the saying goes, “The truth will set you free.” "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS

Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M. Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP Financial institutions are often accused of using fraud investigations as a guise to oust “troublesome” mortgage advisors. A case in point is a mortgage advisor who was wrongfully accused of fraud by the Bank of Nova Scotia and was subsequently awarded $919,268. Mortgage advisors frequently inquire if they can take legal action against their employers for damaging their reputation and hindering their chances of employment with other prominent financial institutions. The response is affirmative; they can file a lawsuit for defamation. The criteria for defamation, as outlined in Grant v. Torstar Corp., 2009 SCC 61, [2009] 3 SCR 640, at paras. 28ff, include the dissemination of a statement that (a) refers to the plaintiff, (b) is communicated to a third party, and (c) carries a defamatory connotation or insinuation that diminishes the plaintiff’s reputation in the eyes of reasonable individuals. The determination of whether the statement is defamatory is objective, i.e., an average person would perceive the statement as damaging to the plaintiff’s reputation. However, the ultimate determinant is the mortgage advisors’ willingness to engage in litigation. Gary Curtis, a former Mortgage Development Manager at the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS), found himself in the midst of a legal dispute that lasted over ten years. The case, which originated as a wrongful termination and defamation lawsuit, transformed into a concentrated defamation claim following several amendments. Gary was a top-performing Mortgage Development Manager at The Bank of Nova Scotia. There was a disagreement over whether he ranked #5 or #4 in overall performance. He argued that the bank inaccurately calculated his sales below his group leader’s to exclude him from an exclusive group entitled to special benefits. After a 12-year tenure, The Bank of Nova Scotia suspended him under the pretext of a covert fraud investigation, compelling him to resign. The bank accepted his resignation and marked his employment file as “ineligible for rehire.” On May 3, 2012, an investigator initiated a “SIFT” alert on the Bank Crime Prevention and Investigation Office (BCPIO) of the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) database, citing the following reasons in the SIFT Database Input Request Form: Substantial evidence was discovered indicating that Curtis intentionally submitted fraudulent documents on multiple applications. These documents included falsified Notices of Assessment (NOA’s), employment letters, pay stubs, and financial statements, as well as bank documents bearing forged customer signatures. These actions, in isolation, constitute a prima facie case concerning the alleged fraud. Curtis resigned during the investigation. Gary received job offers from the mortgage departments of two other major banks. However, due to the SIFT alert, each offer was promptly rescinded after the prospective employers contacted BNS and were informed that Gary had submitted fraudulent documentation in support of mortgage applications. A third bank rejected his application after receiving this information from BNS. BNS maintained the SIFT alert for seven years, effectively preventing Gary from securing employment with a major financial services institution at the peak of his career. Gary’s professional trajectory took a drastic turn when he was accused of submitting fraudulent mortgage applications. Despite his stellar performance, the bank’s investigation resulted in a “SIFT” alert that effectively barred him from employment in major financial institutions. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice held the bank accountable for defamation, as it failed to substantiate the veracity of its statements or the defense of qualified privilege. Gary was awarded $919,268. Ultimately the case turned on BNS’ inability to prove from the evidence that it had a basis to conclude Gary was involved in fraudulent activity. This case underscores the intricacies of defamation law and the delicate balance between safeguarding reputation and upholding freedom of expression.

Council Highlights - April 2024

Mayor Elizabeth Roy Council highlights gives an overview of important decisions, discussions, and agenda items from Whitby Council meetings. The goal is to give residents a snapshot of the meetings. More information, including Council meeting minutes, can be found at whitby.ca/CouncilCalendar New scholarship partnership between Whitby Fire, Durham College - Council has approved a partnership between Durham College and Whitby Fire and Emergency Services for a new Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Award. Durham College will fund two scholarships per year of approximately $7,500 each, in exchange for the use of a Whitby fire vehicle in its Fire Pre-service Program. The agreement is in place for three years, with the option for Durham College to renew for an additional three years. The scholarship is for racialized and/or economically challenged high school students from the Town of Whitby, who have been accepted into either the Fire Fighter Pre-Service Education and Training or Fire Prevention and Technology program at Durham College. Council approves traffic calming measures for Port Whitby area In response to community concerns about speeding, aggressive driving, and noisy vehicles, Council has voted to introduce new traffic calming measures in the Port Whitby area including: a Community Safety Zone from Charles Street to Dufferin Street, crosswalk pavement markings at stop signs to delineate pedestrian crossings, an area-specific speed limit of 40 km/hr and installation of signage to advise of the speed limit, and a request for additional enforcement from Town of Whitby By-law services and Durham Regional Police Service. The Port Whitby area is one of several areas in Whitby where increased residential density, infilling, and intensification are expected to create a compact neighbourhood. 2024 Downtown BIA budget approved, includes increase to special tax levy Council has approved the 2024 budget for the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (BIA). The 2024 budget totals $282,283, which is $93,159 lower than the previous year's budget. Despite the decrease in the overall BIA budget, the special tax levy that funds the majority of the BIA’s operations will be increasing by five per cent (or $10,500). The special tax levy applies to business properties within the Downtown Whitby BIA boundary. As recommended by the BIA board, the 2024 budget includes the continuation of the flower and planter program and the Christmas Market event, however the annual Beer Fest event has been removed from the budget and will be cancelled for 2024. Council also received for information the BIA’s 2024 Beautification Report, which outlines beautification plans for this year. These include floral planters and baskets in the downtown, an annual on-street patio on the northeast corner of Brock Street and Colborne Street, art activations in four storefront windows, and a downtown clean-up on Earth Day. Dredging work will impact use of Gordon Fields Work is moving forward on plans for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada to remove contaminated sediment from the Whitby Harbour through a multi-year dredging program. In exchange for the use of Town land to facilitate remediation, DFO will increase the scope of the dredging work to include two Town-owned water lot areas. Recent studies indicate that the Town would otherwise be liable for $1,064,000 in estimated remedial dredging costs. Whitby Council has given approval for DFO to use a portion of Gordon Fields adjacent to the Gordon Street Boat Ramp from July 15, 2024 to October 31, 2026 in exchange for the in-kind remediation work. Council also approved giving DFO access to Town lands adjacent to Promenade Lake Park to allow loading and unloading of barges from the Federally owned portions of the promenade and pier. Removal of harbour sediment will require a period of containment and drying followed by trucking to an approved landfill site. The project is anticipated to begin in mid-July 2024 and take 27 months to complete. The remediation project as well as restoration of Town lands will be entirely funded by DFO. Use of the Gordon Fields by DFO will impact Town of Whitby events and community events held in that space such as the Town’s annual Canada Day event, Ribfest and India Day. A Town report says events will be reviewed to determine whether they can be relocated.

Mayor Kevin Ashe

By Kevin Ashe Mayor, City of Pickering Dear Friend, As we transition through the seasons and embrace the arrival of warmer weather, I am excited to share some wonderful updates happening in our vibrant city. Over the past few months, Pickering has seen significant progress and exciting developments. From bustling community initiatives to innovative projects and announcements, there's a lot to be proud of in our growing City. I encourage you to read my newsletter below which includes some highlights and exciting updates happening in Pickering. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our residents for their ongoing contributions, ideas, and enthusiasm, which plays an integral role in making Pickering the best place to live, work, and play. As we approach the summer season, I am delighted to invite you all to join us for a variety of community events taking place over the next few months. This includes Pickering's Outdoor Pet Festival - Petapolooza on Saturday, May 11 at Esplanade Park! Join us from 10 am to 5 pm for a day filled with fun and excitement for our residents and furry companions. With over 80 exhibitors, captivating performances by the Official SuperDogs, free giveaways, and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! Visit pickering.ca/Petapolooza for more details! As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at mayor@pickering.ca or 905.420.4600. Also, I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news in Pickering by subscribing to my newsletter if you haven't already.