A Call to Action: Strengthening Laws Against Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Theft in Canada

By Dale Jodoin In recent years, Canada has witnessed a significant shift in transportation habits. More and more Canadians are choosing bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters over traditional vehicles. This change is not just a trend; it's a conscious effort to reduce environmental impact, cut down on traffic congestion, and promote a healthier lifestyle. Cities across the country are responding by investing in infrastructure such as bike lanes, dedicated parking, and shared mobility services. However, while infrastructure improves, one critical aspect remains neglected: the laws governing the theft of these personal transportation devices. Theft of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters is on the rise, outpacing car theft in many areas. In major Canadian cities, reports of stolen bikes have quadrupled over the past few years. According to the Vancouver Police Department, bike thefts increased by 60% between 2018 and 2022. Similarly, Toronto saw a 45% rise in reported bicycle thefts in the same period. These statistics are alarming, yet the legal response has been inadequate. The current laws treat the theft of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters with leniency. Offenders often receive nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This light punishment does little to deter thieves, who know they can operate with minimal risk of serious consequences. When someone steals a car, they face significant penalties, including jail time and hefty fines. In contrast, stealing a bike, e-bike, or scooter rarely results in more than a minor fine or a brief stint in jail, if any at all. For many Canadians, bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters are not just recreational items; they are essential modes of transportation. They offer a cost-effective alternative to cars and public transit, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion is a daily challenge. With more people relying on these vehicles, the financial impact of theft is substantial. The cost of replacing a stolen bicycle can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the model. E-bikes and scooters are even more expensive, often costing between $1,000 and $4,000. For many individuals, the loss of their primary mode of transportation can lead to significant financial strain and disrupt their daily lives. Moreover, the environmental benefits of increased bicycle, e-bike, and scooter use are undermined by the high theft rates. When people lose confidence in the security of their personal transportation devices, they may revert to using cars, negating the environmental gains made by the shift to more sustainable modes of transport. To address this growing problem, we need stronger laws that treat the theft of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters with the seriousness it deserves. Current penalties are insufficient to deter thieves, and the lack of enforcement leaves victims feeling helpless. We must push for legal reforms that impose stricter penalties for these types of thefts. Increased jail time and higher fines would send a clear message that stealing someone's personal transportation is a serious crime with significant consequences. Additionally, improved recovery efforts, such as dedicated police units for bike theft and better coordination with local bike shops and pawnshops, can increase the chances of recovering stolen property. We can look to other countries for examples of effective policies. In the Netherlands, a country known for its bike-friendly culture, bike theft is taken very seriously. Dutch police employ advanced methods, including bait bikes equipped with GPS trackers, to catch thieves. These efforts have significantly reduced bike theft rates and increased recovery rates. Adopting similar measures in Canada could help curb the problem. Beyond legal reforms, community involvement and technology can play a crucial role in preventing theft. Neighbourhood watch programs focused on bike theft, increased use of bike registration services, and the implementation of secure bike parking facilities can all contribute to reducing theft rates. Technology, such as GPS tracking devices and smart locks, can also make it more difficult for thieves to operate. It's time for Canadians to take action. We need a national petition to demand that our politicians address this issue with the urgency it deserves. By signing this petition, we can show our elected officials that we care about the security of our personal transportation and the environmental benefits that come with it. We must push for stronger laws, better enforcement, and community-based solutions to tackle the rising tide of bicycle, e-bike, and scooter theft. This issue affects us all, and it's time we treated it with the seriousness it deserves. By coming together, we can create a safer, more secure environment for all Canadians who choose to ride bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters. Let's make our voices heard and demand the changes needed to protect our personal transportation and promote a greener, healthier future for Canada. the rise in bicycle, e-bike, and scooter thefts in Canada is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The current legal framework is inadequate and fails to deter thieves, leaving many Canadians vulnerable. Stronger laws, better enforcement, and community involvement are essential to address this problem. By signing a national petition and demanding action from our politicians, we can make a difference and ensure a safer, more secure future for all Canadians.

When Interviewing Speak to B, C and D (Examples)

By Nick Kossovan In my previous column, I outlined the steps for preparing for an interview: A. Research the company and its leadership team. B. Consider why you want to work for the company. C. Identify the company's pain points. D. Think of at least one genuine reason you'd like to work for the person you'd report to. E. Throughout your interview, speak to B, C, and D, which speak to the two factors that influence hiring decisions: 1. Reason, and 2. Ego I wrote it's understandable for interviewers to be interested in a candidate's reason(s) for being interested in the job. Therefore, ensure you have a solid grasp of why you want the job and can confidently answer, "Why do you want this job?" or "Why do you want to join our company?" Additionally, I discussed the importance of mentioning your understanding of the company's pain points and how your skills and experience can address them. Furthermore, I proposed a strategy that'll help you stand out from your competition, especially if your interviewer is the person you'll be reporting to: speak to their ego. In this column, I'll share two examples of what speaking to B, C, and D looks like. I'll start with Bob Nielsen, who's interviewing for an outside pharmaceutical representative position. His interviewer, Titos Thanides, who'd be his boss, asks the inevitable question: Why do you want to join Ottinger? Bob's answer: "I've been selling pharmaceutical products for over 15 years and have consistently exceeded sales targets due to my strong relationships with healthcare providers. At Nordstral Pharmaceuticals, I managed a territory spanning Kingston to Quebec City. In 2022, I received the Salesperson of the Year award for growing sales by 27%. I'm attracted to Ottinger's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge treatments. Ottinger's focus on R&D and new product development reflects my values and goals. I became a pharmaceutical rep to contribute to people's well-being. Ottinger is looking to gain market share in the Ottawa area, a challenge that excites me. Since I have established relationships with healthcare providers throughout the Ottawa region, I'm confident I can increase the use of Ottinher's pharmaceuticals, especially Serisone, a game-changing, innovative pulmonary fluid management drug. Additionally, I heard you speak at the International Conference on Pharmacy and Pharmacology in Winnipeg in October 2018 about pharmaceutical companies' societal role. It must have taken a lot of courage to publicly declare pharmaceutical companies should be less profit-driven and more socially responsible. You have a reputation for being one of the few leaders who speaks their truths, which would make working with you a privilege, and you're known for being a results-driven sales director who'd bring out the best in me." Here's how Ariana Darzi, interviewing for a Marketing Director position, responds to her would-be boss, Veronica Lodge's question: "Why do you want this job?" "I've been marketing consumer goods for over 22 years, from detergents to tissues to soft drinks to stationery. I've consistently delivered measurable results throughout my career, increasing brand awareness, market share, and profitability. For example, as Marketing Manager at Acme Corp, I oversaw the relaunch of their flagship tissue paper brand. In 18 months, using data-driven segmentation, targeted advertising, and innovative product development, my team and I increased our tissue paper market share by 36%. My interest in Sunshine Desserts is based on the company's reputation for product innovation and market leadership. As someone with a sweet tooth, I've long admired how Sunshine Desserts consistently pushes the boundaries of what's possible and understands sweet doesn't have to equate to being unhealthy. Your recent line of sugar-free desserts, many of which I've tried, your peanut butter cookies being my favourite, is a prime example of the forward-thinking, consumer-centric approach I want to be a part of. I read in Canadian Living that you're launching a gluten-free dessert line this fall, which I'm looking forward to trying. Sunshine Desserts faces the same challenge as its competitors. Health-conscious consumers no longer consider desserts part of a healthy diet. Your lines of healthy dessert offerings I just mentioned make it possible, with my using the same strategic thinking and execution I used at Acme Corp, to market your desserts as part of a healthy diet because they're "made right." Moreover, Veronica, your leadership in driving Sunshine Dessert's North American expansion and your ability to adjust to rapidly changing market conditions is inspiring. Working alongside you would further expand my strategic marketing skills while making a meaningful contribution to Sunshine Desserts' continued success in the North American market. The combination of my marketing expertise, proven track record of success, and sweet tooth make me an ideal candidate to be Sunshine Desserts' next Marketing Director." I can't emphasize enough the importance of preparing your answer beforehand to the most common interview question, "Why do you want this job?" or "Why do you want to work for this company?" and practicing delivering your answer effortlessly, so you speak to the two factors that influence hiring decisions: reason and ego. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

Artificial Dummies

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. What is all this talk about Artificial Intelligence? I look around me and all I see are a bunch of dummies. Yes, I say dummies because we go around being led like Ox. Price of gas skyrockets... We do nothing. Food prices out of this world. No one does nothing. Forget the thought of purchasing a new home. Unless you are dealing in drugs... Most on a single income can barely afford to rent. What is going on here.... Society sells us on convenience. Bull cookies... there is nothing convenient about getting out of your car in the middle of winter to pump your own gas... or to be forced to pre-pay. Really, how is that convenient to me? Not only that. You have to take a freaken course to operate a gas pump. This is ridiculous. I remember the days, when pulling in a gas station it was the highlight of the day. Two or three attendants would come out. One would pour gas. One would clean your windshield, check your tire pressure while the other one offered you tea or coffee while you waited. What happened to those good old days? Now you pick up a phone and no matter who you call. It is that brain washing forced conformation automated system. Press 1 and press 2 and press 3 and you end up on voice mail. Wow that was convenient. They call that Artificial Intelligence. Well, I pay someone to develop Artificial stupidity. A system that would be so simple that even a chimp could operate. A system that would always have someone answering the phone with a professional attitude and eager to assist. Not some third wold type barking language in an attempt to sound western. I don’t want the world. I want customer service. I want to be treated like a customer, not just some number as if in a bingo parlor. Oh, Canada. Where are thy...

Love Of Writing

from Wayne & Tamara I've been seeing a wonderful woman for about a year. We're in love, but I feel frustrated because I'm sometimes over the top in the romance department and she doesn't seem to respond. For example, if I write several paragraphs in an email about how much she means to me, I get a one or two line reply about something mundane like seeing me the next day. She says she's not expressive romantically but likes my romantic advances. Sometimes I feel as if she's the man, and I'm the woman. A lot of guys shy away from romance by telling their woman, "You already know I love you. Why do I have to tell you all the time?" I'm the exact opposite. I need to tell her and affirm her as often as I can, but sometimes I feel as if I'm a plain old pest with all my flowery stuff. How would I know if she's put off by all the romantic talk? Am I wrong to expect something she might not be wired to give? Emil Emil, let me give you three ways of looking at this. First, you are a writer who is looking for a reader. You are looking for someone who appreciates your poetry, but only a true fan of poetry can express that appreciation. Your girlfriend is not a true fan of poetry. It is as if you are a chef whose specialty is Italian, and she prefers Chinese. Or maybe it's this. You're giving her flowers seven days in a row and expecting the same reaction on the seventh day as on the first. It's almost as if you are making her dislike what you give her. Have you run her out of appreciation? Are you making her wallow in it? People like a little rain, but they don't want a flood. Or finally, maybe this is it. Part of what you find attractive in a woman is an appreciation of your nature. You want to be respected and praised for the way you are. That is also a negative element. Instead of this flowing from your nature, you also require praise for it. You want a certain kind of thanks for your gift. Poetry, when it works, allows the essence of a thing to show through. She may feel the essence of your relationship is that you are looking for a fan of yourself. You are trying to get praise from her without appreciating her. What do you appreciate about her? Is it the way she really is? Or the hours spent writing about how much you love her? What might she appreciate more: two hours spent writing a flowery email on your computer, or two hours spent dancing with her? If you require, for your happiness, appreciation of your romantic nature, then you must find someone who loves romance and can express it to you. They say opposites attract, but only when the opposite is appreciated for its difference. Tamara Fire And Ice I'm recently divorced, and I've found a great but not-so-great guy. We love old movies, working out at the gym together, and we think a lot alike. The one important thing is he says his heart is a block of ice, and he won't have a serious relationship with anyone. He plays the field. Yet he says he will commit to being a great friend. We watched movies together the other night, and now he wants more physically. He asked me to be his sex buddy. I've never had sex outside marriage. Yet he's wonderful with my child, fixes my car, and even does my dishes! Heather Heather, he is a block of ice, and you are playing with fire. The longer you have contact with him, the more likely he will get you where he wants you, not where you want to be. Wayne 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.

Surgical Rule Number One: If It’s Not Broke, Don’t Fix It

Surgical Rule Number One: If It’s Not Broke, Don’t Fix It By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford The most important lesson is often taught in the first class. This was the case at Harvard Medical School where a professor of surgery gave sound advice to students aspiring to hold the scalpel. He told them, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Another professor echoed this advice when he said, “There is no such thing as minor surgery.” How tragic when this simple message is ignored and the result is death. It should not happen. But it did recently in Canada, twice. Two children died following tonsil and adenoid surgery, shocking the nation with a wake-up call to alert that common procedures are not risk-free. What went wrong is being investigated. But it’s nightmare occurrence for the doctors and families alike. And we must all learn anew. Surgery is never minor, and if it is not needed, don’t go for it. Tonsillectomy is considered major surgery by the Otolaryngological Society. But one can bet most families would not perceive it as such. Rather, it’s seen as a quick, easy procedure to remove troublesome tonsils and or adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system. Repeated infections or difficulty breathing lead to the decision for a surgery deemed safe. The main risk is bleeding up to 10 days after the operation. Needless surgery caused the demise of comedian Joan Rivers. She joked about going under the knife to tuck this and that. But it would be one too many. She died from cardiac arrest during a cosmetic procedure. The youngest victims are newborn babies having undergone circumcision and dying due to hemorrhage. Yet, day after day, this procedure continues to be done. Why? Some people believe it should be performed for religious reasons. Others site medical reasons, that it decreases cancer of the penis, a very rare disease, or decreases urinary infections in the first year of life. But does this mean all breasts should be removed at birth for fear of cancer or the nose to avoid infections? Some critics say circumcision violates the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. After all, prior to newborn circumcision, no doctor or parents gain the consent of the child. Medical journals are full of surgical complications. They occur when too much skin is removed, when botched procedures make it hard to pass urine, or when mistakes lead to amputation of part of the penis. The foreskin is loaded with blood vessels and nerves that have a sexual function, not a surgical imperative. Ultrasound is often used during a medical workup to help diagnose a problem. On occasion an ultrasound will find large stones in the gallbladder that have been present for years without causing trouble. On the other hand, small stones can enter the cystic duct that carries bile to the intestines. This results in severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery. The best treatment for large silent stones is to leave them alone. If they start to cause pain, surgery would be needed. But the best treatment, in the absence of trouble, is to leave them for the crematorium. Why? Because during removal of the gallbladder there’s always a chance of injuring this small narrow duct. It happened to Athony Eden, one of England’s Prime Ministers, and is extremely difficult to repair, four subsequent surgeries in his case. Everyone knows heart surgery can be a life and death procedure. Don’t be fooled into thinking that common surgery is free of risk. Indifference becomes tragedy when something terrible happens. 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

Treason on the Hill

By Dale Jodoin In recent times, Canada has found itself at the center of a storm. Concerns about other countries meddling in our election system have taken center stage. A committee is currently meeting to investigate these allegations, seeking to uncover the truth about foreign interference. This isn't just about election integrity; it's about trust, sovereignty, and the future of our nation. The Global Perspective It's not just Canada that is worried. The United States, Australia, and Europe have all shown signs of distrust towards Canada. In fact, a new agreement between Australia and South Korea aims to keep a close watch on China, but Canada was excluded from this alliance. This exclusion raises serious questions: Why were we left out? Who are the politicians behind this, and what price did they pay to sell out our country to India and China? Political Accountability Our current government, led by the Liberal Party and their ally, the NDP, seem to be doing everything they can to protect those involved. This protective stance has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among many Canadians. Why are they hiding the truth? Before the next election, we must uncover the identities of those responsible for this treason. Treason is a serious crime that cannot be taken lightly. Historically, Canada has treated treason with the utmost seriousness, with penalties including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The Gravity of Treason Treason is defined as betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government. It's a grave offense, and in Canada, the penalties for treason are severe. Historically, those found guilty of treason could face the death penalty or life in prison. While the death penalty has been abolished, life imprisonment remains a possible punishment. This demonstrates how seriously Canada takes this crime. Despite the gravity of treason, our government seems intent on keeping the details classified. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Canadians deserve to know who is responsible for betraying their country. We need answers, and we need them before the next election. The current government cannot continue to hide behind a veil of secrecy. The Role of the NDP The NDP, often seen as the puppet of the Liberal government, is also complicit in this cover-up. Their refusal to demand transparency and accountability is deeply troubling. Canadians need to understand that the NDP's inaction makes them just as guilty as those who committed the treason. They are failing in their duty to protect the interests of the people they represent. A Call to Action It's time for Canadians to wake up. We cannot allow the Liberal government and the NDP to continue to betray us. We must demand an immediate election to hold these politicians accountable. Treason is not something to be taken lightly, and those responsible must be brought to justice. The Penalty for Treason in Canada - To understand the severity of treason, let's look at the penalties in Canada. According to the Criminal Code of Canada, anyone found guilty of treason can be sentenced to life imprisonment. This means spending the rest of their life behind bars. In the past, those convicted of treason could face the death penalty, although this has since been abolished. This harsh punishment reflects the seriousness of the crime. Treason is not just a betrayal of trust; it's a direct attack on the very foundation of our nation. It undermines our democracy, our sovereignty, and our values. That's why it's crucial to identify and punish those responsible. The Shame of a Cover-Up What's even more shameful than the act of treason itself is the government's attempt to cover it up. By keeping everything classified, they are protecting the traitors and denying Canadians the truth. This lack of transparency is a betrayal of the public's trust. We deserve to know who is responsible for selling out our country. The Importance of Accountability - Accountability is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Without it, trust in the government erodes, and the integrity of our institutions is compromised. The Liberal government and the NDP must understand that they cannot hide the truth forever. Sooner or later, the people will demand answers, and those responsible will be held accountable. The Path Forward - The path forward is clear. We must demand transparency, accountability, and justice. We need to know the identities of those who committed treason, and they must face the full force of the law. We cannot allow our government to continue hiding behind a veil of secrecy. The future of our nation depends on it. This issue should serve as a national wake-up call. We must be vigilant in protecting our democracy from foreign interference. We must hold our politicians accountable and ensure that they act in the best interests of Canada, not their personal gain or the interests of foreign powers. In conclusion, treason is a grave crime that cannot be ignored. The current government's attempts to cover up the truth are unacceptable. We must demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Canadians deserve to know who betrayed their country and why. Only then can we move forward and protect our democracy for future generations. It's time for Canada to wake up and take a stand against treason.

Complaining How Employers Hire Doesn’t Help Your Job Search

By Nick Kossovan "Complaining is not a strategy. You have to work with the world as you find it, not as you would have it be." ? Jeff Bezos In a different reality, employers would: · Offer salaries dependent on the candidate's needs, not the job's market value. · Not use applicant tracking software. (ATS) · Reply to every application. · Have a short and transparent hiring process. · Not scrutinize your resume and digital footprint. Today's reality: · More than ever, getting hired comes down to who you know and who knows you. · Employers are skittish (read: cautious) when it comes to hiring, hence why they have long, drawn-out hiring processes with many hurdles to navigate. · Ghosting. (in fairness, candidates also ghost) · Employers are looking for the perfect fit and are willing to wait until such a candidate comes along. (What employers want to see and the stereotypes they expect are constantly shifting paradigms.) I understand why job seekers are frustrated with their job search and how employers design their hiring process. However, punching down on employers as if that'll get them closer to their goal, presumably to get a job, accomplishes nothing other than wasting time and energy. Job seekers need to know and accept their controllables and uncontrollables. Can't control: · The economy or the number of job openings. · How an employer has designed their hiring process. · A hiring manager's biases. - Whom you're competing against. Can control: · The amount of time and effort you put into your job search. · Whom you connect with and how you maintain your connections. · Your digital footprint. · Your preparation and performance. (Practice! Practice! Practice!) · How you cope with rejection. (Embrace the power of "Next!") Focus on what you can control, not on what you can't control. Where you focus is where your energy goes. You can spend your energy and time complaining about employers being unfair and not giving you a chance. Such complaints stem from a sense of entitlement and do nothing to improve your job search success. Complaining discourages you from overcoming the many challenges you're facing throughout your job search and breeds negativity, which manifests into excuses or believing you're a victim of some "ism." Complaining isn't a strategy or a way of taking responsibility; it's not even a way of getting what we want. It's a way of avoiding responsibility, blaming others, and trying to get sympathy without having to take action. An essay I recommend everyone read is The Common Denominator of Success, by Albert E.M. Gray, who spent much of his life searching for the one denominator all successful people share. Putting first things first was the common denominator. "The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do," he wrote. Put simply, to succeed, you must form the habit of doing what others don't like to do. This is especially true when job searching. (e.g., networking) Job seekers tend to complain because it's easier than doing what they should be doing. Additionally, job seekers have expectations of employers, which, when not met, cause them to complain. Managing your expectations will limit your complaints about employers. Two truisms job seekers would be wise to accept: · Total strangers (employers) owe you nothing. · Employment isn't an absolute right. I can't overstress the importance of accepting these truisms. If you're feeling bitter or resentful about your job search, wishing things were different, or thinking how life isn't fair—any of this sounds familiar?—you're fighting reality, which, as Bezos pointed out, "you have to work with the world as you find it, not as you would have it be." Complaining is counterproductive and does nothing to help you land a job. In today's brutal job market, or in any job market, you need to be proactive as opposed to reactive, which is what most job seekers are. The difference between reactive and proactive job seekers has nothing to do with degrees, skills or experience. The difference is their mindset. Proactive job seekers base their expectations on reality. Reactive job seekers base their expectations on how they wish the world would be. Guess which spends their energy complaining. There are four critical steps in the proactive job search: 1. Identify which companies interest you. 2. Research the companies. 3. Leverage your network. 4. Reach out to hiring managers. There's too much of this: · 1,000 applicants answer a job posting. · 900 candidates sprayed and prayed and, therefore, don't have the required qualifications, skills, or experience or know what the business does. · 75 are "okay" candidates. · 25 are candidates worth pursuing. The Internet has made it much too easy to apply—spray and pray—which has resulted in qualified candidates getting lost in the tsunami of "quick apply applications" employers receive for their job openings. Job seekers have to deal with this reality, the world they have to work with, and no amount of complaining will change this reality. Save your energy for your job search. Job hunting isn't a totally unpredictable process if you're a proactive job seeker and understand that successful job searching and complaining don't go hand in hand. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

A new show in Ottawa: the inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian politics

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The recently released report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) is the basis for the case of national security nightmares. The committee reported that when it comes to foreign interference, the call is coming from inside the houses: several parliamentarians may be working with foreign governments in ways that undermine Canada’s national security and democratic institutions. Notably, these parliamentarians may have unknowingly received donations from foreign governments, while at least one is alleged to have passed confidential information to foreign agents. Now the show is in full swing with a lot of people, academics, journalists and other luminaries, voicing opinions on the issue, in the guise of experts. Let us first acknowledge that the majority of past and current parliamentarians are not required to have security clearance. Moreover, when new parliamentarians are elected and undergo orientation to familiarize them with various aspects of the job, there is no mention, whatever, of how to deal with confidential information. On the other hand, the public service does require that their employees undergo security clearance. Do you see an inconsistency there? Therefore, in my mind it is very clear that incompetence in this area is rampant. Furthermore, it is unclear to me what is being defined as foreign interference. If there is a threat to our national security, what are the RCMP and CSIS doing about it, and why are they not doing their job? I think that foreign influences on the Canadian political landscape is not new at all, but suddenly it is front page news, and the subject of a new Ottawa spectacle put on at the expense of taxpayers. We need to be serious about this issue and stop focusing only on politically convenient black sheep countries such as China, India and Russia. There are many other countries that exercise serious influences in Canadian politics, because Canada is fertile ground for this kind of thing due to the nature of our national structure. If we look back into our beloved and ignored history, we can find examples of foreign interference, much more damaging than what is alleged today. So, the question is, when will our political class serve our national interest instead of serving many foreign and globalist interests, which is what they are doing today, in the name of defending democracy. It is time to serve the interests of Canada and not only their selfish personal interests. When I was an MP, my personal experience in this regard was quite interesting. Observing how parliamentarians and staff were dealing with confidential and secret information in and around the House of Commons was most disconcerting to someone who had security clearance. Documents marked secret floated freely in the lobby, where hardly anyone had security clearance. Being security aware, I was appalled to see that, as I had valid security clearance from my service in the Canadian Armed Forces and deployment on several missions overseas. It was especially frustrating when the Defence Committee I served on at the time could not carry out its study effectively, because we were told we could not see certain documents relevant to our study, due to lack of security clearance. In the current media flurry a lot is being said, a lot of articles are being published and a lot of opinions are being expressed on this issue. However, no one is mentioning the need to train candidates for parliament or sitting MPs on how to deal with confidential documents, and to require that they have security clearance at various levels. The word treason is being bandied about, and there are calls for the heads of the MPs involved. There are demands to disclose and publish names, but no one is making suggestions to the effect that we must avoid this kind of situation, and how we might accomplish that. Some academics, journalists and experts speculate that upon release of the findings of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), foreign agents and proxies, possibly under surveillance as a part of much wider national security investigation, would learn that their activities are being monitored. In Canada there are many foreign embassies which clearly have a mission to pursue their nations’ interests. Since they have diplomatic status, they are immune to prosecution. They can be asked to leave the country, but no more, because they have diplomatic immunity. It is true that many MPs interact with foreign diplomats, and without training in security matters, they might release sensitive information without realising it. In light of these shortcomings in the education of our parliamentarians, it is sad to see this kind of spectacle unfolding in Ottawa. It only confirms the fact that the RCMP and CSIS should do a better job and that there are more important things for Canada to focus on at this time. Let us hope that this clown world will end soon and parliamentarians will do the job that is called for, in improving the lives of Canadians. That they will finally become aware of the things that they should be doing in order to serve Canada’s interests first, foremost and solely. What is your opinion?

Old Sayings

from Wayne & Tamara I was recently involved in an eight month affair with a married man. My affair with him was not his first. When ending our affair, I swore to him I would not betray him to his family since I take responsibility for knowing what I was doing when I got involved with a married man. Although my decision not to betray him to his wife and family remains unwavering, I would like your opinion in reference to his wife. Should she know she has been deceived? I think if the tables were turned and I was the one being cheated on, I would rather know. Lauren Lauren, your decision not to betray him to his wife and family may be unwavering, but the truth is you would like to tell and make him pay. Revenge is a powerful motivator. A myriad of sayings apply to the three sides of this triangle. Four which come to mind are: confession is good for the soul, there is no honor among thieves, what goes around comes around, and knowledge is power. Why should your promise to him mean more than his vow to his wife? Why should the word of a woman willing to cheat be good? We are in a quandary. Should we support you in telling, when your motivation is nothing more than revenge? Or should we consider the wife's vulnerable position, not knowing her husband is having sex with multiple partners? Almost always we answer the letter writer, not other involved parties. We cannot protect this married man because his position is the least defensible. Being involved with other women is a betrayal to his wife every single time. But his wife, the person most in need of this information, did not write us. And what about you? Will you learn anything or change if you tell? Probably not. Mark Twain said, "Therein lies the defect of revenge: it's all in the anticipation." Revenge is cold comfort. It doesn't advance your life at all. That is one thing you could learn. Francis Bacon said, "A man that studieth revenge keeps his wounds green." That is another thing you could learn, but may not. From among all these sayings, which one do we believe is most important? Knowledge is power. Someone here could benefit from the information you possess. His wife. Go ahead and tell. 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.

Are Non-Alcoholic Beverages the Better Choice?

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Do we enjoy alcoholic drinks? We do! A relaxing drink before dinner with our loved ones is standard practice. We are supported by a landmark study involving 490,000 people involving the American Cancer Society, World Health Organization, and Oxford University that found one alcoholic drink daily decreased the risk of death by 20 percent. Moreover, moderate drinkers have increased levels of the good cholesterol. Platelets, part of the blood clotting process, are more slippery making them less likely to form a fatal blood clot. Medically, for moderate drinkers, it’s a win-win. But irresponsible and heavy drinkers cause too many road deaths year after year. Excessive alcohol can also lead to family violence and many other societal ills. This is why non-alcoholic beverages need more promotion. But instead of providing the alternative of a stylish, healthy non-alcoholic product, the problem remains. Whether it’s quitting smoking, going on a diet, or vowing, “I’ll stop drinking while driving in the New Year,” it rarely happens. Failing to make the change can be a deadly error. Why? Because driving while drunk can kill an innocent child or an entire family – unthinkable consequences for such carelessness. Even without such catastrophes, drinking and driving rightly amounts to criminal charges and jail time. So why not embrace the alternative? No one gets hurt from drinking a non-alcoholic beverage (NAB). What are the advantages of NABs and why should we promote a new trend in drinking them? First, all the dangers of drinking are eliminated, including drunk driving. It’s estimated that the harmful use of alcohol causes 3 million deaths every year. Next, say good-bye to hangovers that cause three to eight times more absenteeism from work among heavy alcohol users. Hungover drinkers who make it to work are more likely to cause accidents leading to injuries. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of liver disease, brain damage, cancer, and immune system disfunction. Swapping the empty calories of booze for a low-calorie NAB will help with weight loss. But people neglect to watch out for calories in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alike, and sugary drinks, including many wines, are no good in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. NABs can be loaded with sugar too, so to get the benefit, do your research before making your selection. Ask anyone who has decreased alcohol consumption and they will tell you they sleep better. If there’s been strife in the family from alcohol, adherence to NABs can restore happiness. And it will be big news if the trend away from alcohol to NABs results in a decrease in cancer rates. Switching to NABs can be a financial gain too. Even just a few alcoholic drinks a week can add up to over a thousand dollars per year for the consumer. But all this said, keep your mind open about the positive effects of alcohol. Alcohol in moderation has a relaxing effect that dilates arteries. This translates to a lower risk of heart attack and strokes caused by blood clots. As the saying goes, “Alcohol is for the elderly what milk is for the young.” For the depressed or anxious, alcohol isn’t the wise choice as a tool for coping, but a social drink with family and friends can be soothing at the end of a stressful day. Taking the personal decision to drink NABs can be frustrated by friends that insist on pressing alcoholic drinks. Social settings that traditionally involve alcohol, like bars and restaurants can also be a problem. Everyone will need to adjust if the NAB trend is to grow. Let’s hear what readers think. 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

Bell - Rogers

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. What is it with companies like Bell, Rogers and the many others? No matter who you call you get the automated systems. What a waste of time. I feel sorry for other seniors that are not very acute with automation. It is frustrating for me. I hate to talk to a machine. I have even more to have to make selections and press numbers on my phone pad. I want a live human being. Forget this Artificial garbage. Both Bell and Rogers, sure know how to charge every month.... The other day I called Bell technical support. I could barely hear the woman. I could hear chickens and goats in the background. I asked her. Where am i calling. She said, Morocco. Are you kidding me? Do we not have Canadians wanting jobs that Bell has to go to Moroco? After all the bullshit authentication. They transfer me to some other guy in the Phillipines. He could barely speak English. He was rude and abrupt. I sat there and wondered. Do we as Canadian have any privacy. Why is our personal information going to a place like Moroco. The Phillipines, Africa, Argentina and the many more places. Is this not a national security risk. To tell me that these countries have strict privacy law is nothing short of an insult and insanity. What truly gets me is when you get my good friends from India....You know right away as they call you using the wrong prefix. They start with, “Halo, Mr. Rosaldo.” Boom a dead giveaway. This is so wrong. Companies that make billions a year and they insult us by hiring third world. I have grand children that would appreciate those jobs. Then the Fed import millions of people from other lands claiming we have jobs but no workers... Bull.

Complaining How Employers Hire Doesn’t Help Your Job Search

By Nick Kossovan "Complaining is not a strategy. You have to work with the world as you find it, not as you would have it be." ? Jeff Bezos In a different reality, employers would: · Offer salaries dependent on the candidate's needs, not the job's market value. · Not use applicant tracking software. (ATS) · Reply to every application. · Have a short and transparent hiring process. · Not scrutinize your resume and digital footprint. Today's reality: · More than ever, getting hired comes down to who you know and who knows you. · Employers are skittish (read: cautious) when it comes to hiring, hence why they have long, drawn-out hiring processes with many hurdles to navigate. · Ghosting. (in fairness, candidates also ghost) · Employers are looking for the perfect fit and are willing to wait until such a candidate comes along. (What employers want to see and the stereotypes they expect are constantly shifting paradigms.) I understand why job seekers are frustrated with their job search and how employers design their hiring process. However, punching down on employers as if that'll get them closer to their goal, presumably to get a job, accomplishes nothing other than wasting time and energy. Job seekers need to know and accept their controllables and uncontrollables. Can't control: · The economy or the number of job openings. · How an employer has designed their hiring process. · A hiring manager's biases. - Whom you're competing against. Can control: · The amount of time and effort you put into your job search. · Whom you connect with and how you maintain your connections. · Your digital footprint. · Your preparation and performance. (Practice! Practice! Practice!) · How you cope with rejection. (Embrace the power of "Next!") Focus on what you can control, not on what you can't control. Where you focus is where your energy goes. You can spend your energy and time complaining about employers being unfair and not giving you a chance. Such complaints stem from a sense of entitlement and do nothing to improve your job search success. Complaining discourages you from overcoming the many challenges you're facing throughout your job search and breeds negativity, which manifests into excuses or believing you're a victim of some "ism." Complaining isn't a strategy or a way of taking responsibility; it's not even a way of getting what we want. It's a way of avoiding responsibility, blaming others, and trying to get sympathy without having to take action. An essay I recommend everyone read is The Common Denominator of Success, by Albert E.M. Gray, who spent much of his life searching for the one denominator all successful people share. Putting first things first was the common denominator. "The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do," he wrote. Put simply, to succeed, you must form the habit of doing what others don't like to do. This is especially true when job searching. (e.g., networking) Job seekers tend to complain because it's easier than doing what they should be doing. Additionally, job seekers have expectations of employers, which, when not met, cause them to complain. Managing your expectations will limit your complaints about employers. Two truisms job seekers would be wise to accept: · Total strangers (employers) owe you nothing. · Employment isn't an absolute right. I can't overstress the importance of accepting these truisms. If you're feeling bitter or resentful about your job search, wishing things were different, or thinking how life isn't fair—any of this sounds familiar?—you're fighting reality, which, as Bezos pointed out, "you have to work with the world as you find it, not as you would have it be." Complaining is counterproductive and does nothing to help you land a job. In today's brutal job market, or in any job market, you need to be proactive as opposed to reactive, which is what most job seekers are. The difference between reactive and proactive job seekers has nothing to do with degrees, skills or experience. The difference is their mindset. Proactive job seekers base their expectations on reality. Reactive job seekers base their expectations on how they wish the world would be. Guess which spends their energy complaining. There are four critical steps in the proactive job search: 1. Identify which companies interest you. 2. Research the companies. 3. Leverage your network. 4. Reach out to hiring managers. There's too much of this: · 1,000 applicants answer a job posting. · 900 candidates sprayed and prayed and, therefore, don't have the required qualifications, skills, or experience or know what the business does. · 75 are "okay" candidates. · 25 are candidates worth pursuing. The Internet has made it much too easy to apply—spray and pray—which has resulted in qualified candidates getting lost in the tsunami of "quick apply applications" employers receive for their job openings. Job seekers have to deal with this reality, the world they have to work with, and no amount of complaining will change this reality. Save your energy for your job search. Job hunting isn't a totally unpredictable process if you're a proactive job seeker and understand that successful job searching and complaining don't go hand in hand. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

I never thought I would be writing about this

By Dale Jodoin I never thought I would be writing about this, but the events unfolding compel me to address a serious issue: legal racism in Canada. The recent atrocities committed against Israel have set off a chain of reactions, revealing the depths of discrimination and cowardice within our own borders. On October 7, 2023, Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas, a terrorist organization. Over 1,200 innocent civilians were murdered, raped, and burned in their beds, and 200 others were taken hostage. Israel's response to this horrific act of war was to target those responsible in the West Bank, aiming to bring justice to the perpetrators. While civilian casualties occurred, they were never the intent; Israel's goal was to eliminate the threat posed by those who declared war on them. In the wake of this conflict, the Western world, including Canada, has shown a shocking lack of resolve and integrity. Our governments have become paralyzed, bowing to the pressure of far-left, woke groups who dominate universities and media. These groups, often ignorant of real history, have perversely labeled Israel's self-defense as genocide. This narrative is not only false but deeply offensive, especially considering the heinous acts committed by Hamas. Jewish Canadians are now bearing the brunt of this misguided activism. They face harassment, their schools are targets of violence, and many are afraid to leave their homes. This is not the Canada we once knew. Instead of standing up against this injustice, some educational institutions have capitulated, allowing biased and false narratives to be taught. These so-called educators propagate lies that align with the agenda of the far-left, undermining the true history and struggle of the Jewish people. The real cowards, however, are not just the radical activists but also the schools and politicians who fail to stand against them. Teachers who promote falsehoods and hate should not have a place in our educational system. Politicians, driven by the desire for votes, have shown themselves willing to compromise the safety and dignity of their citizens. They have abandoned their duty to protect and stand up for all Canadians, including Jewish communities under threat. In this climate of fear and misinformation, it is crucial to recognize and call out the systemic failures allowing legal racism to thrive in Canada. We need leaders who will have the courage to speak the truth, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the values of justice and equality that our country was built on. It is a dark time for Jewish Canadians, and indeed for all Canadians who value truth and justice. Our leaders' failure to act with integrity and courage in the face of such blatant discrimination is a stain on our nation's conscience. We must demand better from our educators, our politicians, and ourselves. We must stand together against hate, misinformation, and legal racism to ensure a future where all Canadians can live in safety and dignity. A Poem of Disappointment Oh Canada, where have you gone? Once strong and free, now weak . Leaders who should protect, now flee, Cowards all, who bend the knee. Promises broken, truths denied, Injustice reigns, and trust has died. Rise up, my fellow Canadians, fight, For what is just, for what is right.

INTERNET VOTING THE LAST BLOW TO DEMOCRACY

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” This week I received a real interesting email. It read: City of Oshawa exploring internet voting. The City of Oshawa is exploring the possibility of offering internet voting for its 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections and wants to know your thoughts. First and foremost. The City does not care about your thoughts as they already made their minds. The token request for your thought is as if to give you the impression that they care. Did they care when you gave them your thoughts on the budget? No. They stuck it to us. Now this. As if it is not bad enough that the City of Oshawa has a municipal election and only one seat changes. Our democracy has come down to name recognition voting by the same 18% voters turn out. A percentage that is slowly diminishing due to natural death. Now, the City wants to go online voting. This further giving the incumbent an edge over any new comers. Last municipal election it was a disaster. Most of the new candidates or all that ran on a shoe string budget or no budget. Faced with ever declining municipal voter turnout in local elections, the City of Oshawa is considering the possibility of offering internet voting for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. Internet voting allows eligible voters to cast their ballot online. It is a proven secure method of voting since ballots can be cast anywhere with internet access using a device of the voter’s choice, including computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. Oshawa’s turnout in the 2022 municipal election dropped to a dismal record low of 18.42 per cent of all eligible voters. It was just the latest in a declining Oshawa municipal election voter trend that saw a turnout of 24.1 per cent in 2018, 26.4 per cent in 2014 and 29.9 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in 2010. You have to go all the way back to the election of 1994 to find a voter turnout of over a third of all eligible voters, when 33.5 per cent cast a ballot. Contrast that with the glory days of voter participation and the highest ever turnout: 51.7 per cent in 1960. Those days are long gone, however, and most municipalities would be happy today to hit the Ontario municipal average of 36.9 per cent across the 444 municipalities of the province for the 2022 election. Voter turnout for Oshawa municipal elections rarely ever went under 33 per cent until the 1970s but has steadily slid since 1997 from a high of 29.9 per cent in 2010 to a dismal 18.42 per cent in 2022. With this in mind. Now the City of Oshawa wants to go electronic.... A way for creating new avenues to corrupt the democratic process by registering people that are either dead or not living in Oshawa anymore. This compounded with the real threat of external election influences. This is a formula for disaster. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced that the measures brought in to protect by-elections from any potential foreign interference will be applied to the Durham electoral district by-election to be held on March 4, 2024. These measures are continuously reviewed in light of the potential for new and evolving threats. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force provided enhanced monitoring and assessing of foreign interference threats during the by-election period. These assessments will be provided to the Deputy Minister Committee on Intelligence Response, which will stand ready to brief and advise ministers with mandates to combat foreign interference and protect Canada's democratic institutions. How do you like them apples. If this is known. That tampering can happen and has happened. What are we to assume that will happen with City Online voting? Other Durham municipalities that have adopted internet and/or telephone voting over the last decade include Ajax, Pickering and Clarington. Ajax was the early adopter in the group, taking on internet and telephone voting — in addition to traditional paper and advance voting — in 2014. And it had a noticeable impact in voter turnout. When Ajax did not have internet voting in 2010, turnout was 25.4 per cent. In the 2014 municipal election, with internet voting added, turnout jumped to 30.4 per cent, and was 32.9 per cent in 2018. However, voter turnout in Ajax slumped back to 22.5 per cent in 2022, suggesting internet voting is not a cure-all. Pickering and Clarington opted for internet voting only in time for the 2022 election. In 2018, Pickering’s turnout was 29.17 per cent in the 2018 municipal election before the advent of internet voting. In 2022, the turnout was actually lower at 27.4 per cent. Meanwhile, in Clarington, in 2018 the turnout before online voting was used, it was 28.57 per cent. After adopting online or internet voting, it was very slightly down at 28.05 per cent. So much for transparency, accountability when all they do is look for ways to stack the deck against any new comer.

Canada’s past military achievements and present disarray

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East As we celebrated 80 years since D Day, which marked a pivotal day in defeating Nazi Germany, and as we remember the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers on Juno beach, we may justifiably wonder what is going on with today’s Canadian Armed Forces. The status of the Armed Forces in Canada is bleak, due to decades of neglect by all governing parties without exception. Canada’s military is facing a series of problems that could threaten our standing in an unpredictable world without a serious infusion of cash and attention from the federal government. Canada finds itself in such a dire situation due to the dual bureaucratic and political culture in Ottawa. In avoiding problems rather than confronting them, they have resorted to "risk management" The approach has been to assume that things are not that bad and some level of risk can be tolerated for a few years. This, now perpetual bad risk management approach, has became dangerous because it has pushed off problems until it is somebody else's problem. But now, in 2024, these problems have come home to roost. They have become our problems, and they are literally kicking us in the face. Let us consider the recruiting hole, in which the Canadian military finds itself. It is deeper and potentially more serious than it might appear at first glance. In part, the problem is also due to all the new equipment the federal government has ordered, or plans to order in the near future. Just recently, Defence Minister Bill Blair estimated the military is short up to 16,500 members and said the Armed Forces' failure to boost recruitment is leading it into a "death spiral." However, the country's top military commander, Gen. Wayne Eyre, told CBC News in a recent interview that the problem is actually bigger than the numbers cited by the minister suggest. The shortfall cited by Blair is the gap between the Armed Forces' current size and its authorized strength, he said and it doesn't reflect what the military needs to carry out the new defence policy, or the demands of modernizing continental defence under NORAD. To meet those demands, Eyre said, the Armed Forces needs to take on an additional 14,500 people on top of the 16,500 required to bring the military up to authorized strength. These statements clearly reflect a dangerous disconnect between politicians’ perspectives and the real issues. In desperation and not entirely well thought-out, the federal government began allowing permanent residents to apply to join the Armed Forces in 2022. Within a year of that policy change, the Armed Forces had received more than 21,000 applications from permanent residents, but to date, less than 100 have been accepted. One of the major concerns for the Department of National Defence (DND) is that many foreign-born applicants must pass enhanced security screening. Seeing bureaucracy at work, the defence and immigration departments have signed a new information-sharing agreement that should accelerate the process of obtaining security clearances. DND has also signed a contract for new security screening software hopefully with more success than the ArriveCAN experience. The new recruitment plan for the military proposes a probationary period on all recruits while screening and other aspects are reviewed. Despite all of that effort, the new defence policy does not foresee the military returning to its current authorized strength of 71,000 regular and 30,000 reserve forces until 2032. Currently, only 58 per cent of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) would be able to respond if called upon in a crisis by NATO allies— and almost half of the military's equipment is considered "unavailable and unserviceable" — says a recent internal Department of National Defence (DND) presentation obtained by CBC News. Looking at the equipment side, the situation is worse. Politicians only seem to find resources (both financial and physical) to aid foreign countries, rather than ensuring the Nation’s needs. The air force is currently in the worst shape of all the CAF forces, with 55 per cent of "fighters, maritime aviation, search and rescue, tactical aviation, trainers and transport" considered "unserviceable." The navy is not too far behind, with 54 per cent of its "frigates, submarines, Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and defence vessels" in no state to deploy. Canada currently operates a fleet of four conventionally powered submarines; the navy has proposed to expand that fleet to between eight and 12 boats. However, each boat would have to have at least one crew, and possibly two or more, to operate in rotation. The army fares slightly better, with only 46 per cent of its equipment considered "unserviceable." However, the biggest challenge is the shortfall in service personnel; technicians and support. There is also a funding shortfalls; lack of spare parts and ammo. The issue of military readiness has preoccupied the House of Commons defence committee for a long time but without much success or action at the PMO’s office. The federal government recently began reallocating funding, forcing some areas of DND to cut spending in order to pay for the acquisition of new equipment. The latest federal estimates for the upcoming year show $810 million will be shuffled around and $79 million of that money is coming out of "ready forces." Former vice-admiral Mark Norman, a former commander of the navy said he was startled by the numbers. "This is borderline atrocious," Norman said. "Readiness is all about measuring the ability of your armed forces to do what it is they're expected to do. And fundamentally, that's all about going somewhere and fighting. And, you know, it's a pretty dire situation when you're ... not where you need to be." In conclusion, we need a massive overhaul of how Canada does military procurement, and how we approach national security, but most importantly we need a prime minister who cares about these issues. Is the country ready for this? Your judgement. Let us hope and work for a summer to be proud of, with the Canadian flag flying high!

The Post-Pandemic Workplace: Why Employees Are Returning to Offices

By Stephanie Uprichard, IDC, GDC, ARIDO, IIDA Studio Forma Interior Design Principal Designer I was chatting with a colleague recently and asked about one of his employees I had worked with in the past. He told me she had quit because she wanted to work at a company with an office. I was surprised, but it wasn’t the first time I’d heard that this year. COVID reshaped the global workforce, making remote work the norm. However, as recovery continues, a trend is emerging: employees are increasingly seeking opportunities with companies that offer physical office spaces. This shift underscores the enduring value of in-person interactions and the human desire for community. The Appeal of the Office Environment While remote work offered flexibility and safety during the pandemic, it also presented challenges such as isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and limited spontaneous collaboration. Consequently, the allure of returning to a physical office has grown for several reasons: Sense of Belonging and Community Humans are inherently social. The camaraderie and belonging from being part of a physical workplace cannot be replicated through virtual interactions alone. Employees miss water cooler conversations, in-person brainstorming, and the joy of working alongside colleagues. An office provides a tangible community where individuals can connect and build meaningful relationships. Opportunities for Learning and Growth An office environment often accelerates professional development. Employees benefit from face-to-face mentorship, real-time feedback, and learning from peers. Informal learning through casual conversations and impromptu meetings is invaluable. In-person settings also foster a culture of continuous learning, with easy access to resources and training sessions. Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation Collaboration thrives where ideas can flow freely and spontaneously. Physical offices provide the ideal setting for brainstorming, team meetings, and creative problem-solving. While virtual collaboration tools have advanced, they still fall short in replicating the energy and immediacy of in-person interactions. Companies with shared spaces often see increased innovation and productivity. Clear Work-Life Boundaries One challenge of remote work has been maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life. The office serves as a dedicated space for professional activities, helping employees separate their job from their home life. This distinction can improve work-life balance and well-being. The Future of Work: Hybrid Models As companies navigate the post-pandemic landscape, many adopt hybrid models, offering flexibility and in-person office interactions. By providing this balance, companies can attract and retain top talent who seek both flexibility and a sense of community. The pandemic has changed how we view work but also reaffirmed the value of physical office spaces. As employees seek opportunities with companies offering in-person interactions, businesses must create environments fostering community, learning, and growth to remain competitive and attract and keep top talent in the evolving landscape of work.

Draconian Measure

s By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor Pickering City Council Implements Draconian Measures, Stifling Free Speech and Public Participation 2023-2024 Over the past few months, Pickering City Council has adopted a series of draconian measures, effectively stifling the people’s freedom of speech and expression. These actions reflect a disturbing trend toward authoritarianism, undermining the very principles of democracy and transparency that I hold dear to my heart. Here is a short list of the most recent (not all) draconian recommendations that the Corporation of the City of Pickering staff have brought forward to Council to endorse. Each one of these recommendations passed with all but one Council member's support. 1. Drastic Reduction in Speaking Time: Delegates’ speaking time has been slashed from 10 minutes to a mere 5 minutes per delegation. These new limitations, unfortunately, hinder the opportunity for robust public participation and meaningful dialogue in a public forum. 2. Elimination of Question-and-Answer Period: The Council abolished the Q&A period under the guise of it not being utilized to its potential. It is important to note that, behind the scenes, there were numerous individuals in the chambers that evening (at least 20) who were eager to pose their questions to the Mayor. Furthermore, it is not being explicitly conveyed to the people, that Council deliberately made a motion to rearrange the agenda by way of a vote at the beginning of that meeting, to move that bylaw discussion to the front of the agenda, thereby preventing any of those individuals from voicing their concerns. 3. Nuisance bylaw: Which I like to refer to as the “feelings bylaw” is very vague, and in my opinion disproportionately biased. This imbalance fails to adequately safeguard individuals from potential misconduct or inappropriate behaviour by staff or council members. 4. Restrictive Trespass Regulations: Not only can you be trespassed from city property if an employee does not like you because they feel you are an anti-vaxxer, or because you have hurt their feelings in some way, but under the new trespass rules, trespassing can even be imposed on individuals who merely post criticisms on social media, or via email. The Corporation of the City of Pickering is now policing your right to free expression and punishing dissent of anyone whom they feel has spoken inappropriately or negatively against them. Fines were also increased from $65.00 to $650.00 and once your term of trespass is over, you still need to get permission in writing by the CAO to be allowed back on any city property. 5. Severe Recording Restrictions: Recording or photographing council meetings is now forbidden by the taxpayer, and media must be pre-approved and subjected to a stringent two-thirds council vote, effectively silencing public documentation of proceedings. And what about independent journalists, bloggers, and community members who may provide diverse perspectives, why are we excluding any independent voice from recording public meetings. What is the Corporation of the City of Pickering doing so wrong that it frightens staff and council to be transparent or to allow the public to record public meetings? Did I mention that if the system were to go down or if there was any manipulation of the videos, we would have no backup from an independent third party. Meaning, the Corporation of the City of Pickering now has complete control of the narrative, and no way to question its authenticity. 6. Exclusion of Non-Residents Delegates: Non-residents are barred from speaking at council meetings unless their topic is sanctioned by a two-thirds council vote, creating an exclusionary environment. In my opinion, this is hypocritical behaviour, as we continuously support other communities, staff, and councils of other municipalities, and even enter into agreements with them, but we will not support their citizens. By doing this, the Corporation of the City of Pickering has made it quite clear that they only focus on those in positions of power and not we the people. 7. Agenda Control Over Pickering Residents: Taxpayers of Pickering are now prohibited from addressing topics not on the agenda without prior approval and a council vote, further suppressing spontaneous public discourse. In other words, if the council does not approve of the topic you wish to address, you will not be permitted to speak about it in a public forum and will be limited to sending an email instead. 8. Advertising: On June 10, 2024 at the Executive Committee meeting a new Advertising bylaw is being introduced by staff to further suppress freedom of speech. Staff wants the council to pass a new bylaw that would mandate the using of specific newspapers, over others. In my opinion, staff may be promoting certain media outlets over others, which could introduce bias or conflict of interest, undermining the fairness and impartiality expected in public communications. These types of constraints limit our ability to reach our intended audience effectively. The behavior of our Mayor has exacerbated these troubling developments. The Mayor has blatantly resorted to derogatory remarks and bullying tactics against residents and anyone with dissenting opinions. He has openly called them “nutcases,” “conspiracy theorists,” and Nazis, and has publicly insulted individuals by telling them to “go have another drink.” Such statements are not only unprofessional but also unacceptable. Who gives anyone the right to name-call or insult anyone just because they think differently, or because they don’t agree with you. In an alarming display of disrespect, during a council meeting the Mayor stated that he was going to keep me on a short leash, treating me with utter disdain and reducing my role to that of a subordinate, or an animal of some sort. This kind of behavior is reprehensible and unworthy of any public official. Adding to the outrage, the Mayor openly admitted that policies can be overlooked for those with financial influence, blatantly prioritizing wealth over fairness and equality. Citizens have become secondary to those with deep pockets. During council meetings, he shows blatant disregard for residents’ concerns especially if there is a game on, prioritizing his personal interests over his duty. Shockingly, most of the councillor’s, have chosen to follow this kind of leadership by consistently choosing to sit there on their phones and/or ipads during delegations. These measures and behaviors are a blatant attack on the fundamental rights of free speech and expression. By curtailing public speaking time, eliminating Q&A sessions, and enforcing repressive trespass stipulations, the Council is silencing the voices of those they are elected to represent. The new recording restrictions and exclusion of non-residents, and certain media, further demonstrate an intent to operate in the shadows, away from public scrutiny.In my opinion, the Corporation of the City of Pickering and Council’s actions resemble those of a mini dictatorship rather than a democratic society, showing a clear disregard for transparency, accountability, and public engagement. I was elected by the people, for the people, and it’s shameful that some colleagues and community members are doing everything they can over social media to discredit my character for standing up, speaking out, and telling the truth. This heavy-handed approach by certain individuals not only further undermines trust in your local government but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of civil liberties. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

WAKE-UP - DURHAM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PICKERING - AJAX - WHITBY - OSHAWA - BROCK - CLARINGTON SCUGOG and UXBRIDGE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Residents, ask yourselves, are you content, do you agree: - with the way things are being done; in your city, town, municipality? - do you really have a say? - is your council working for you, the tax payer? - with the way your tax money is being spent? While you have to cut corners to eat etc.. - do they care about the burden they are putting on you while they spend on new items? - with the continued increase in property Taxes? WAKE - UP PEOPLE, YOU DO HAVE A SAY and not just at election time, when sadly, most people don’t use their right to vote (proof below) why, because they say nothing changes. They are absolutely right, nothing changes because they, you, walk away from your most valuable rights, Civil Rights. SO GROW UP, TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY for what is happening instead of complaining and doing nothing. You have the right to hold your mayor and council accountable for what happens in your municipality, but only if you use your rights. Municipalities allow the public the strongest voices to be involved in what’s happening in your area. You pay the Mayor and Councillors, they have to answer to you not the head of some party. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Attend council meetings or at least watch them. Your city provides a link where you can get a copy of the agendas, a link to watch their council & other committee meetings online, call your councillor, write and email all your concerns to your full council not just one councillor and keep doing so, don’t let them ignore you. Don’t be one of the silent majority, pay attention, speak up, others will follow. Municipality Tax Inc. New Council Eligible Voters # Voted = %Voted Pickering ............. 5.42% ................. 3 of 7 ............... 76,021 ......... 20,786 27.34 % Ajax .................... 6.42% ................. 1 of 7 ............... 85,443 ......... 19,205 22.48 % Brock. ................. 3.97% ................. 2 of 7 ............... 10,604 ........... 4,094 38.61 % Whitby ..................... 5% ................. 3 of 9 ............. 102,618 ......... 23,872 23.26 % Oshawa .............. 3.89% ............... 1 of 11 ............. 121,885 ......... 22,456 18.42 % Clarington ............. 4.2% ................. 3 of 7 ............... 73,471 ......... 20,606 28.05 % Scugog ............... 6.35% ................. 3 of 7 ............... 18,318 ........... 3,359 18.34 % Uxbridge ............. 5.77% ................. 2 of 7 ............... 17,006 ........... 6,736 39.61 % Remember, voting is only one step, Know who you’re voting for will they fight for you, will you back them up? New councillors are fighting an up hill battle for you against the old boys club who want to keep things as they like it. This “old boys club” across the province and country are and have been slowly crushing your civil rights, and you are allowing them to do it. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SILENCE - YOU SOLVE NOTHING

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor At The City of Pickerings 5pm special meeting of council I voted against moving forward with the staffs recommendation to have a copy of Pickering’s Official Plan review to be sent to the region of Durham Planning & Economic Development for many reasons. First and foremost, there has been no community engagement or comments thus far. To be in accordance with Planning Act Requirements, the special council meeting had to be advertised. The corporation of the City of Pickering decided to use the Toronto Star as their avenue, unfortunately, residents, stakeholders or businesses have never had any correspondence delivered directly to them letting them know this is how they would be notified of important City meetings. I also mentioned that I thought it was unfair that because of this, the people of Pickering and beyond would now have to spend their hard-earned taxed dollars to purchase a Toronto Star newspaper daily so they don’t miss any other opportunities to have their voices heard being that, the Toronto Star is not a community newspaper. Why is the Corporation of the City of Pickering so against posting in this fine local Newspaper? “The Central” is the only local community Newspaper that we have left in Durham, and in my opinion, instead of making excuses as to why we should not post in this paper, we should find ways to make it work, so you the taxpayer can be well informed. Another important point I made was that our online records management portal was down the night before the meeting and we don’t actually know how long it was down for. It could have been for one day or many, making it hard for those to comment or even know about the meeting. As a result, stakeholders may not have had adequate opportunity to access the agenda and related documents, limiting their ability to provide informed comments. Given the importance of transparency and public participation in our local government processes, I recommend that any comments received at the special meeting be included for consideration as part of the review process. These comments included: There was no authentic community engagement, Lack of accountability, the official plan should be for the people by the people and not driven by developers, and their should be transparency – and not influence by developers. I then proposed that this matter be referred back to staff to be brought forward at the next council meeting in order to achieve community engagement and comments but not one member of Council would second. There have been claims that our Council Meetings have been hijacked by outsiders, and that they are wasting Councils time speaking on topics that they find irrelevant. First of all, I don’t think the council should be taking it upon themselves to judge whether or not a topic is relevant. We were elected to listen and represent the people, even those with opposing views. Council fails to remember that we regularly endorse other municipalities' staff reports, and it would be highly hypocritical of us to only listen to those in power but not their people. We support global issues like Ukraine using taxpayers' money, and we receive provincial and federal funding. I could go on about how we have 4 members who sit on the region of Durham Council, or how our libraries, malls, recreation centers and programs are open to anyone and everyone, not just Pickering residents. They use our roads, and parks, attend our community events, and so on. The real problem is not having outsiders participate, as most of them are groups that represent 1000’s of people in Pickering and across Durham. The real problem is that, due to Pickering Councils behavior and passing of bylaws that are taking your right to speak and participate away, this has created the want for more engagement and to have their questions answered by elected officials. In my opinion neither staff nor council want to have to deal with it, or they would have not started implementing all these censorship bylaws to stifle conversation. Council was elected to serve the public and their interests, not to dictate what they feel is important, or unimportant, or to dismiss legitimate concerns of the people. In a blatant act of collusion, the minutes will show that everything on the agenda passed in a 6-0 vote, as the Mayor refused to recognize me, disallowing me to question, speak or vote on any matters because I refused to participate in his hypocritical rules for thee but not for me type antics. The whole agenda was then passed without any debate, even knowing that we were breaching our own bylaws regarding our street naming policy for Porsche which prohibits street names that confer a competitive advantage or promote specific brands or products. I brought this up at our Executive Committee meeting on May 6, asking what if Volkswagen, or Ford wanted to do the same thing and the mayor indicated that if they want to invest 75 million dollars then they could break our policies too, and that he would even name a child after them. So, there you have it when money talks, everyone looks the other way. Ordinary citizens are secondary to the interest of those with deep pockets. Setting A dangerous precedent and letting everyone know that Pickering has a casual attitude towards policies and that we opened the door to potential exploitation and abuse by corporate interests. There was also the EDI Strategy, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, to which both Pickering residents and communities beyond are not happy with. After doing lots of research we are seeing that both in the USA and Canada, EDI programs are being banned as these programs are being found to be discriminatory. We need to evolve as a society beyond divisive identity politics and splitting people into groups based on the colour of their skin, religion, and their sexual preferences, and refocus on treating people as individuals based on their character and promoting merit. As for the Community visitor plan, this was a decision of council not the public to move forward with the collection of Pickering resident's and visitor's data through methods such as tracking your cell phones and geo-fencing. Not only without your permission but without having adequate safeguards in place posing serious privacy risks to you, our residents. The council approved an agreement to execute a data usage license with Enbridge Gas to collect natural gas consumption data of your homes, and businesses. Agreeing to give Enbridge the right to monitor and collect your data, the Corporation of the City of Pickering received Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) through the Municipal Climate Action Incentive Offer. The Municipality now has the ability to request this data within two years of the application date. On February 5th Dale Quaife the City’s IT manager stated that we do not have any measures in place to protect the people of Pickering’s sensitive information. That’s another topic in itself, for another day, until then, the bigger question that needs to be asked is, why does the Corporation of the City of Pickering want information on how much gas consumption you as a personal homeowner or business use? As for Council's decision to involve the Ontario Human Rights Commission while a judicial review is in progress demonstrates a blatant disregard for the legal process. During my tenure, I have endured sexual, psychological, and threatening harassment by members of the Council. When I requested that these words be included in the initial letter to the OHRC and that it feature the names of all Council members, they refused. This reveals their character and indicates that they have personal vendettas against me driven by politically motivated actions and that they seem to feel they are above the law. That’s it for this month’s Robinson’s Council Highlights. For more information on any of these topics or anything else you would like to know about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Happy to chat. God Bless "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"