Delusional Thinking in Today's World: A Growing Concern

By Dale Jodoin Canada is currently facing a disturbing and growing trend: the deliberate burning and vandalism of Christian churches. Since May 2021, 33 churches across the country have been destroyed by fire, with 24 of these confirmed as arson. In addition to these devastating fires, another 96 churches have been vandalized, with acts ranging from graffiti and broken windows to the desecration of religious symbols. This wave of attacks is raising serious concerns about the safety of religious institutions in Canada and what it might mean for the future of the country. The numbers paint a grim picture. Of the 33 churches that have been reduced to ashes, nearly three-quarters were intentionally set on fire. The remaining fires are still under investigation, but the sheer scale of these incidents suggests that many of them may also be cases of arson. What is particularly alarming is that these attacks have not been limited to any specific region. Churches in both urban centers and rural communities have been targeted, showing that this is a nationwide issue. Beyond the fires, the widespread vandalism of churches adds another layer of concern. With 96 churches across the country suffering damage, the attacks have become almost routine in some areas. Vandalism includes everything from offensive graffiti to broken windows and smashed religious artifacts. In some cases, there were attempts to set fires that were thankfully extinguished before they could cause significant damage. These incidents contribute to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among religious communities, particularly in small towns where churches often serve as the heart of the community. The reasons behind these attacks are complex and multifaceted. In some cases, they may be linked to anger over historical injustices or social issues. However, the sheer number of incidents suggests that there may be other factors at play. One possible explanation is the growing polarization within Canadian society. As divisions deepen over social and political issues, some individuals or groups may feel that targeting religious institutions is a way to express their anger or make a statement. This kind of thinking can lead to dangerous and destructive behavior. Another factor that may be contributing to the rise in attacks is the phenomenon of copycat crimes. When a crime receives a lot of attention, it can inspire others to commit similar acts, believing that they are part of a larger movement. The frequency of church attacks in Canada raises the possibility that some of these incidents are copycat crimes, with individuals mimicking what they have seen in the news or on social media. The lack of consequences for these crimes is also a serious concern. Out of the 24 confirmed cases of arson, arrests have been made in only nine instances. This means that in most cases, the individuals responsible for these devastating fires have not been caught. This lack of accountability can create a sense of impunity, where criminals believe that they can commit these acts without fear of being punished. If this perception takes hold, it could lead to even more attacks in the future. Another issue is the security of churches, particularly those in rural areas or small communities. Many of these churches do not have the resources to implement strong security measures, making them easy targets for criminals. Without increased protection, these churches remain vulnerable to future attacks. This is a significant concern, especially for communities that rely on their local church as a place of worship, gathering, and support. Given the scale and severity of these attacks, one might expect them to receive widespread media coverage and public attention. However, this has not been the case. The issue of church burnings and vandalism has not been as widely reported as one might expect, and there are several reasons for this. One reason is that the media often focuses on stories that are immediately impactful or sensational. While the destruction of churches is undoubtedly tragic, it may not generate the same level of immediate public interest as other news stories, such as major political events or natural disasters. Another reason is the sensitive nature of the underlying issues. The targeting of churches touches on complex and politically sensitive topics, including religion, cultural heritage, and social justice. Media outlets may be reluctant to delve deeply into these topics for fear of alienating segments of their audience or provoking backlash. This cautious approach can lead to less coverage of these incidents, even as they continue to occur. There is also a growing concern that violence against certain groups or symbols is becoming normalized. When violent acts happen frequently, people can become desensitized to them, meaning they don’t find them as shocking anymore. If society starts to see these attacks as just another part of the news, they may not pay as much attention, and the media might not cover them as much. This normalization could lead to a dangerous cycle where such acts are seen as less shocking and more acceptable forms of protest or expression. Furthermore, Canada has been grappling with a host of other significant issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and political controversies. In this context, the ongoing attacks on churches may be overshadowed by these more pressing concerns. As a result, the full extent of this trend may not be fully recognized or addressed. The implications of these attacks are serious and far-reaching. The destruction of religious institutions not only threatens the safety and security of faith communities but also challenges the values of tolerance and respect that are foundational to Canadian society. If these attacks continue unchecked, they may contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust, further polarizing communities and undermining social cohesion. Moreover, the failure to adequately address this trend could signal a weakening of the rule of law, where certain groups or symbols are seen as legitimate targets for violence. This could lead to an increase in similar crimes, not just against churches but against other institutions or groups that are seen as controversial or unpopular. To prevent this from happening, urgent action is needed. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize these cases and work to bring those responsible to justice. This will send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated and that those who commit them will be held accountable. Additionally, communities must come together to protect their places of worship, whether by investing in better security or by fostering dialogue and understanding to address the underlying issues that may be driving these attacks. The media also has a crucial role to play in raising awareness of these incidents. By bringing more attention to these attacks, the public will be more aware of the issue, which can help prevent future crimes. Increased media coverage can also put pressure on authorities to take action and on communities to come together in support of one another. In conclusion, the rise in arson and vandalism targeting churches in Canada is a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored. These attacks are not just crimes against property; they are crimes against communities and the values of respect and tolerance that are important to Canadian society. If this trend is allowed to continue, it could have serious consequences for the future of the country. Now is the time for action. By working together, Canadians can stop this trend and ensure that places of worship remain safe and respected spaces for everyone.

Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Jesus was a tradesperson Compulsory Certification is the answer! Canada needs construction workers or the economy stalls. Thousands are retiring from the trades, is a common cry from developers and the media. That is a true fact. Construction giants like Ellis Don or PCL want professionals building those billion dollar projects but the good times are over in construction .These men and women in various skilled trades are walking away into a deserved retirement with all that knowledge. The unions have been trying to warn government for years of this coming disaster. I know Premier Ford is concerned and many other government officials are reading this in the Oshawa Central Newspaper so we have their attention. God is also watching this story to see how we treat his Son . Remember Jesus and his father Joseph where proud to be known in their community as craftsmen. Jesus mother , Mary ,was proud of her son working with his hands . My personal dream would see the world UN convene and declare Jesus and his father Joseph be recognized as Certified Tradesmen. God said to Joseph , I need your son , the apprentice , to help me save the world. His apprenticeship is on hold. Carpenters build the frame all other trades add their equipment to our work. A simple tiny sentence in a tiny file in the Ministry of Labor needs a review . Give carpenters a reason to have pride in their trade . Open the carpenters apprenticeship to Compulsory Certification and inform all construction companies we need quick movement . Employ these young people wanting the job security of a red seal ticket. REOPEN the tec classes in high schools . Those old shop classrooms now sit in dust guarding old worn out furniture. Premier Ford , I would like to address you as Doug in all future rants . TDSB ( Toronto District School Board) has buildings with empty space to set up classrooms . Doug , you know some schools in Toronto have less students , some may have to be closed because the families moved away and seniors bought the homes . What fun would it be as a politician to announce to the community we are closing your school and will bus your children. Day one- angry calls from every voter in the surrounding 10 square miles . Day 2- lawyers. Day 3 - angry protests at your office. Day 4 – the Media hoard asking why? Doug tell those angry residents with children the funding will spread the building costs of operating the school to the skilled trades and the school board. Inform the media your Minister is onboard . The startup money to help the unions and the TDSB , to accelerate this training is waiting in a bank account. Tell them you have asked the construction industry to match the money in your decision. Tell the furious property owners and local businesses you’re going to save their local school by leasing empty space for apprenticeship training and spend their tax dollars in their school. Pour the money into any Ontario school board ready to help. Hire trades as teachers .That’s all you need. Just like Local 27. Remind all developers, it is not Doug Ford or the taxpayers that needs 500000 workers so pay your share. Out of breath. Ending this rant. Thank you. Denny Crane.

Conduct Unbecoming

from Wayne & Tamara My daughter, age 18, became involved with a young man 18 months ago. He was charming, a gentleman, bought her flowers, and showered her with love. He seemed mature, well-mannered, and respectful of us as her parents. He was very vocal to her father and me about the way he felt. He wanted to marry her. Period. He almost talked her into going to a justice of the peace before he left for the Navy, but she wouldn't do anything behind our backs. She was deeply in love with him. She is a good and responsible girl who is now in college. She is also quite beautiful. He left for the Navy. She wrote him every day and flew to see him graduate from boot camp. In the meantime he wrote to her father asking for her hand. We were concerned about their age, but we trusted him. After graduation she flew home, and he started acting weird, like a Mr. Hyde. He drank heavily and avoided her calls. He was rude and accusatory with her. My daughter found out the night he left for boot camp, he cheated on her with another girl who was also on her way to the Navy. The entire time at boot camp he was writing love letters to a third girl. He wanted to marry her, too. He bragged about these conquests. His friend said he would stare at girls with a gaze that wasn't even normal. Come to find out he was in trouble when he lived with his mother in another city. He was wild and stole a car to attend raves in the middle of the night. He took drugs like ecstasy. His mother sent him to his father, a professional who is remarried to a psychiatrist. Step-mom told us he has problems with character, integrity, and truthfulness, and he needs years of therapy. After the deeds were done, of course, my poor daughter was beyond grief. He bragged to her about all the girls he had sex with, including a 14-year-old. Well, daughter is now in college and doing well. She does not act depressed, but she hasn't dated since they broke up. She really, really loved this guy. He hurt us all, not just her. A true wolf in sheep's clothing. This kind of betrayal is so foreign to her, and we also feel violated because we believed this little creep and almost let him marry our daughter. Dora Dora, your entire family has been victimized by "this little creep," and each contact from him is another sadistic abuse of your daughter. He is not trying to win her back. He is victimizing her again and again. As a former naval officer, I know his conduct reflects poorly on the service. The military doesn't need more black eyes. I also know that as a member of the Navy, he is the property of the U.S. government from his toenails to the top of his head. He can be disciplined for getting a sunburn, wearing his hair wrong, or spitting on deck. First, I suggest you write his commanding officer detailing his conduct with your daughter. Include any written correspondence from him to you. Ask his commanding officer to demand that he break off all contact with your daughter. Explain what this boy has been telling her, including having sex with 14-year-olds. Second, your daughter needs to take steps to prevent him from contacting her. Time will help her get over this, but the healing won't start until all contact stops. Your daughter should not give up her values, but she must allow for the realities of this world. There is an age-old conflict between what is and what ought to be. The happiest people in this world pursue their own values, while at the same time clearly seeing what others are capable of. 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.

Restoring Hope Is Job One

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford It’s happened before, and it was only a matter of time until it happened again. A brutal act of violence against a candidate for political office shatters the hope that reasonable people can exercise the democratic process. As has also happened before, these events cause a surge of short and long-term impacts on the health of society – especially children, teens, and young adults. There’s no escaping the economic cost of violence. Gun violence is just one kind of trauma, costing the U.S. a staggering $557 billion annually according to the National Institute for Health Care Management. What’s behind that gargantuan number? Medical costs are less than $3B. Policing and criminal justice costs add $11B. Employer hits to revenue and productivity are half a billion dollars. These are small change in that $557B figure. But there are two biggies. Income lost due to death and disability, work loss of caregivers, and incarceration costs $53.8 billion on average each year. Quality-of-life costs and the pain and wellbeing lost by those injured or killed and their families amount to a walloping $489 billion annually. These numbers are calculated based on an annual average in the U.S. since 2020 of about 45,000 people dying from gun-related incidents. Now consider the impact of gun violence as witnessed by the world with the assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. Like him or not, Donald Trump is a figure well known to all of us. Every shooting is horrible. But as the statistics above confirm, when it is someone we know, the effects are catastrophic, and it’s the innocent and vulnerable who pay the most. Maybe young adults have the fortitude to avoid negative impacts on their psyche, motivation, confidence, and general outlook. But we can’t find the studies to show it, and there’s not a lot of overt evidence for that. For millions of teens and younger children, one wonders how they internalize these events, the societal shock, then weeks of questioning, and the inevitable barrage of media, much of it depressing. What do these costs amount to for them? Times like this call for bold leadership at the highest levels. But who wants to take up the opportunity in politics? The ideal of shaping a better future through the debate of policies in a democratic system is all but lost. Now, the “wellbeing” calculus is deterring would-be aspirants. The number of young people turning away from the preparation for holding public office is bad enough. What’s alarming is the easy alternative of reckless abandon of the principles that uphold a decent society. Apathy is another sad and likely outcome. Montesquieu was the French judge and political philosopher who took up the leadership challenge. In 1748 with the publication of his book, The Spirit of Law, he upended old political ways with his theory of the separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches of administration. And he warned, “The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.” We’ve seen the cost of this in terms of war and peace. We need also to see it also in terms of general health. Can we measure the social, economic and health costs of loss of hope in the political process? With half of the world’s population living in the nearly 100 counties having elections this year, 2024 was bound to be tumultuous and costly. Is it time for healthcare leaders to take a bolder stand? 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

Know your rights when renting

By Thersa Grant/Real Estate Columnist So, you’ve secured a rental in Durham Region. Wonderful. There are just a few things that concern you. The line in the lease regarding shoveling the snow and cutting the lawn. Do you really have to do that? Is that legal? Well according to the Residential Tenancy Act, the answer is clear. No, you do not have to do that. That being said, if you are renting a house in Durham Region, or a unit within a house, you’ll be hard pressed to find a lease agreement that doesn’t state exactly the opposite. In most cases the landlord will provide the lawnmower and shovels. In some cases, the tenant is actually expected to supply them. Often, there are several things listed in an agreement to lease a unit that are either illegal or not enforceable. One thing I come across a lot in lease agreements, is a clause that states that the tenant is responsible for the first portion of minor repairs due to normal wear and tear, and the landlord will be responsible for the remainder. This first portion can range from fifty dollars to two hundred dollars. This is akin to a deductible. This is completely outrageous. It is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the unit in a good state of repair, period. Another clause you’ll find in most lease agreements nowadays is the key deposit. I often see a key deposit of two or three hundred dollars. The key deposit is returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy providing the keys are returned to the landlord. However, the key deposit is not legally allowed to be more than the cost of the key. Several months ago, when showing an older unit in a triplex, the lockbox contained two keys. These were run of the mill keys that you would have cut in any local hardware store. When writing up an offer to lease the unit, there it was, the clause that speaks to the key deposit. The landlord was wanting a two-hundred-dollar key deposit for two keys that would cost you two or three dollars to cut. While it is important to know your rights, it is prudent to pick your battles. It is very important to have a good relationship with your landlord. Some people would have no problem cutting the lawn and shoveling the snow. If that is you, then great. If you are renting a whole house, it is often a great source of pride and enjoyment to keep the property looking beautiful. Although it is a rental, it is your home. Some people live in rental units for decades and have wonderful relationships with their landlords. Like all good relationships this takes work. Keep in mind that you are looking for a place to call home, and the landlord is looking for someone to live in their property. If you can strike a balance, everybody wins. The same mentality goes for the key deposit, while you legally do not have to give a deposit more than the value of the key itself, is that something you want to quibble about, or can you just oblige the landlord knowing you’ll get that back at the end of the tenancy? These are just a few situations. There are many. The key thing to remember is that no matter the circumstances, you always have options. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If there are red flags that make you question a situation or the integrity of the landlord, take that seriously and if need be, walk away. Before embarking on the rental journey or even if you’ve rented for years but are back in the market for a new place, you may well benefit from reading the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario’s webpage and/or The Ontario Landlords Association webpage. Questions? Story ideas? You may reach me at: email newspaper@ocentral.com

Employers Hire Candidates That Are Best for Them

By Nick Kossovan Employers are human beings; like all humans, they look out for their interests. In other words, companies structure their hiring processes to identify and select candidates who will effectively serve their company's interests. People with meteoric careers often envied, acknowledge, and therefore strategically work with two facts: 1. The employer's interest dictates the workplace. 2. It's not the candidate's place to decide what's in the employer's best interest. "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar. Most job seekers hold the opinion that employers should select candidates purely based on their skills and qualifications. For the employer, "most qualified" doesn't necessarily equal "best." When recruiting and selecting new employees, employers have the right and responsibility to prioritize their organizational interests. Two harsh truisms: - Companies choose what's best for them. - There's no such thing as a "must-have" candidate. The concept of a great candidate (Yes, a great candidate is a concept.) is highly subjective. No company has gone bankrupt because it failed to hire a supposed "great candidate." Merely labelling yourself as a great candidate or talented without demonstrating your potential to enhance the employer's bottom line isn't a convincing reason to hire you. Unsubstantiated opinions are worthless. For your opinion(s) of yourself to be taken seriously, it must be backed up by credible evidence. During the hiring process, employers protect their interests in the following areas: Prioritizing Relevant Skills and Experience: Employers look for candidates with job-specific skills, knowledge, and experience. They want to ensure the new hire can hit the ground running and be productive immediately. Assessing Cultural Fit: Employers evaluate a candidate's values, working style, and personality to ensure they'll fit into the company's culture. All hiring decisions come down to: Will this candidate fit in? Considering Long-Term Potential: Employers prefer candidates with growth potential who can take on more responsibilities in the future. Avoiding Excessive Costs: Employers strive to hire the best possible candidate while managing their labour costs. (salary, benefits, training requirements) Mitigating Risks: In order to minimize the risk of making a bad hire, employers review a candidate's background and digital footprint, as well as speak to their references beforehand. With all of the above in mind, it's your responsibility as a job seeker to demonstrate to employers why hiring you would be in their best interest. Understand the Employer's Perspective "Your mindset matters more than your skillset." - Shiv Khera, Indian author and activist. Many job seekers struggle with their job search because of their mindset. A person's mindset is everything, especially when looking for work since it influences how they perceive employers and job possibilities. The savvy job searcher knows that it's not about them; it's about the employer. They envision the employer as a potential customer. Employers create jobs and, therefore, paychecks; consequently, they're the customers. As Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of Selfridge's department store in London, famously said, "The customer is always right." By empathizing with the employer's perspective, it'll become apparent that employers are making strategic investments in their human capital rather than simply filling open positions. An organization's long-term success requires hiring people who can contribute (read: add measurable value), not those with an extensive resume that doesn't show what measurable value-adds they can contribute to the employer. Employers are responsible for building a workforce that can drive productivity, protect the company's competitive advantages, and mitigate legal/reputation risks. Therefore, think about how you can position your candidacy as an excellent strategic investment. Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition When communicating with employers, you must go beyond simply stating your qualifications and experience. Focus on articulating a unique value proposition—your ability to meet the employer's most pressing needs and objectives—to answer the question in the back of the employer's mind, "Why should I hire this person? What difference will they make to the company?" Do you have a proven track record of boosting productivity and efficiency? Maybe you possess niche technical skills that would give the company a competitive edge. Perhaps you have a book of clients. Most job seekers fail to demonstrate how they'll provide a substantial return on their compensation—the employer's investment. Don't be like most job seekers! If you're asking for a salary of $95,000, be ready to explain quantitatively what the employer will get in return. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Their Success Employers are not just looking for someone to fill a role; they want someone who's passionate about contributing to the company's success. Show them that you're that person. Ultimately, the hiring process is not a charity or a favour employers do for job seekers. It is a strategic business decision that can make or break an organization's ability to thrive. While employers should treat all candidates with respect and fairness, they're well within their rights to design their hiring practices in a way that serves their own best interests. Just because an employer's hiring process doesn't work for the job seeker doesn't mean it doesn't work for the employer. ________________________________________________________________ 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

Dear Premier Ford

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City CouncillorPickering’s Mayor Kevin Ashe labels residents of Durham as racists. Dear Premier Ford and Minister Calandra, I am writing to you today to address and unequivocally rebut the false and misleading allegations made against me by Mayor Kevin Ashe and other members of the Pickering Council. It is deeply troubling that I have been consistently denied the opportunity to present my side of the story simply because certain members of the Council do not appreciate the truth I am bringing to light. First and foremost, let me clarify that the Integrity Commissioner’s report, which has been weaponized against me, is currently under judicial review. This process underscores the fact that the findings are not final, and I have every right to challenge them. It is imperative to note that the review is a legal and legitimate recourse, which should not be dismissed or undermined by political actors who are eager to silence dissent and undermine democratic processes. The hypocrisy of the current mayor and certain council members cannot be overstated. They have engaged in a pattern of behavior that is far more egregious than anything they have accused me of. Their tactics include maligning the character of Pickering residents by labeling anyone who opposes their views as “racists,” “Nazis,” “transphobic,” or “homophobic.” These baseless accusations are not only harmful to the individuals targeted, but they also serve to stifle free speech and legitimate criticism within our community. The attempt to label my supporters—and indeed, anyone who dares to question the actions of the mayor and Council—as being aligned with hateful ideologies is both unjust and deeply irresponsible. The real issue at hand is not my conduct but rather the fact that I am uncovering and exposing the truth about what is happening within the City of Pickering. This transparency is unwelcome by those who prefer to operate without scrutiny, and they are doing everything in their power to have me removed as a sitting councillor. Furthermore, the mere consideration of such authoritarian measures, which threaten to undermine democracy in our community, is unacceptable. If the municipal laws were ever changed to allow the removal of an elected official by there colleagues, democracy would fail to exist in the Western world. This is a direct attack on the democratic process, and we must stand firm against any such encroachments. The Toronto Sun recently shared a video of mine where I condemned the actions of the host, Kevin J. Johnston, whose podcast I appeared on. Despite my clear denunciation of his actions and the overwhelming support I have received from the community, my fellow councillors continue to weaponize this against me. Meanwhile, they conveniently ignore the fact that Councillor Brenner should be charged criminally for his violent rhetoric, including saying he wants to “sharpen his sword and decapitate the mayor.” I have included a video below that captures how I and members of the community are being treated by the Mayor and my colleagues. In this video, you will see how I have been threatened and bullied, and I have made claims of sexual, psychological, and workplace violence. This kind of violent rhetoric and behavior is unacceptable, and it highlights the lengths to which they are willing to go to silence me and anyone who opposes them. They have spread many lies, all of which can be proven, starting with the three draft motions my constituents asked me to bring forward, which I will also include below. These motions reflect the will of the people I represent, yet they have been met with hostility and deceit by those who fear transparency and accountability. These continuous attacks on my character and integrity are part of a broader effort to discredit my work and silence my voice. However, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve the people of Pickering and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. In light of these considerations, it is clear that the mayor and council should step down from their positions for even contemplating such communist asks that threaten to destroy democracy here in the Western world. We need leaders who truly represent democratic values and prioritize the welfare of our community over personal vendettas. I urge you to consider the broader context of these attacks and recognize them for what they are: an attempt to suppress a voice challenging the status quo and advocating for the residents of Pickering. I am confident that the truth will prevail, and I will continue to fight for what is right, regardless of the obstacles placed in my path. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to reach out to me for any further clarification. https://x.com/ShaunRickard67/status/1821962565120901197 https://youtu.be/kKNs6wVUGo0?feature=shared CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Pickering councillor responds to being on far-right podcast (youtube.com) With gratitude. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

AN INVITATION TO PROMOTE IT RIGHT...

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - What is it with Oshawa, that they just can’t get it right? No matter the event. No advertising, no marketing. Nothing. Then organizers are left wondering why they failed. Why no one turned out for events. As a 40 year marketing expert. I can tell you. If you do not have a solid promotional plan. You do not have an event. To count on word of mouth is like expecting the weather to be optimal. You never know. Success comes to those that plan for it and for those that have the vision to carefully tailor a course of action to maximize any revenue you may have to make the event a success. We lost the car show that use to come to Lakeview Park. Why because of the lack of co-operation from the City. The lack of promotion. The criminal element and fear of physical harm to participants and cars. I received this via emai: Revving up Downtown: Kars on King returns on August 23 Hundreds of classic vehicles will line downtown Oshawa streets for everyone to admire when Kars on King returns on Friday, August 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The City of Oshawa hosts Kars on King, a free downtown event featuring various vehicle makes and models dating back to 1991 and older and welcomes partner activations from the Canadian Automotive Museum, Tribute Communities Centre and Oshawa Tourism. This year, the City is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark the centennial, vehicles made in Oshawa will be provided with special identifications to display in their vehicles. If the organizers have had the decency of approaching the newspaper for marketing help. I would have allowed staff to extend 100% co-operation. No instead organizers decide to play politico and snub their noses at the only in print newspaper serving the City of Oshawa and all of Durham Region. Well, for those expecting to attend. Careful, where you step downtown Oshawa. From human feces on our streets, to use syringes. Not to mention those sleeping in alley ways and our beloved park. We as a City have so much potential. We waste it due to petty politics and general pettiness. I was in charge. I would have people coming from all over Canada. I would open special competition utilizing the GM test track. I would offer special rides. Special features.... but wait. What do i know....

Canada and the health care system crisis

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Last month's Council of the Federation meeting of the leaders of the Provinces and the Federal government dedicated a lot of attention to the "recruitment and retention of health-care workers" as a key part of addressing broader health-care challenges. The notion of a major labour supply problem in Canadian health-care systems is on the news in the media and the political field. Scarcely a week goes by without yet another story or study about physician access and shortages in Canada's health system. It seems to me that health care has become atopic of futile daily conversation without a proposed solution in sight. Will a committed leader please step forward to deal with this issue? There is no doubt that family physicians play a crucial roleas the point of first contact and gatekeeper for health services. Nationally, a Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) report has stated that as many as one-fifth of Canadians are without a primary care physician. However, there is variation across Canada's regions, with 13 percent of Ontarians, 27 percent of people in British Columbia and 31 percent in Atlantic Canada saying they are without a family physician. These numbers have increased dramatically since the pandemic and even with a family doctor, large proportions of Canadians are reporting difficulty in getting appointments. The reason Canadians continue to experience a health-care system with shortages of physicians and other health-care professionals is really due to a lack of a well-established health policy. To effectively deal with a conjunction of forces that span provincial and federal policies regarding health care and its funding, physician behaviour, and demographic and technological changes we need competent professionals and committed politicians. The complex issues that need to be navigated and sorted to establish a better heath care system require political will and competent professional input. The basic dimensions of the problem are well established but the solutions are missing in action. To understand the issues affecting physician supply and access, let us first look at physician numbers. When it comes to international comparisons, Canada ranks near the bottom.Of 47 countries compared by the OECD in 2021, Canada ranked 35th at 2.9 physicians per 1,000 population. Provincial governments view physicians not only as health service providers, but also as cost centres and a source of expenditure. So as costs increase, decisions are ultimately determined by budgetary pressures. While governments seek to meet the need for health-care services through physicians, the supply of physicians is regulated by the same governments through medical school admissions and licensing. Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing? Governments perceive physicians as a major cost driver despite evidencethat while "physician numbers are a positive and significant driver of provincial government health care spending;the overall contribution to real per capita health spending is relatively small for most provinces. Access and availability of physician services are affected by demand and supply factors rooted in the structure of our health-care system and changing social, economic, and demographic forces.The demand factors include increasing utilization of services per capita, as well as a growing population. Canada's population has soared past 40 million from 35 million a decade ago. Then there are the increased demands from an aging population, as the proportion over age 65 grows in conjunction with rising needs in mental health, particularly amongst younger populations. Technological change also offers new and better procedures-witness, for example, the improvements in cataract care and knee and hip replacements. Such improvements can foster enhanced demand and increased expectations. Many current physicians are aging.It has been estimated that one in sixfamily doctors are nearing retirement age. While some of this loss could be counteracted by recruiting more international medical school graduates,the process for accreditation is long, and there is a shortage of residency positions for them, restricting their entry into the physician workforce. Another problem is that many graduates trained as family physicians,don't go into traditional primary care. They go into other fields, such as sports medicine, work solely in hospital emergency rooms or anesthesiology, or work part-time. Part of this is a function of changing preferences, and part is due to monetary incentivesgiven the costs and administrative burdens of running family practices. Obviously, financial and market incentives are a factor if physicians pursue work where they can earn more than they could by seeing more patients as a family physician where fees are capped. On average, physicians are working less than they did a decade ago as more seek better work-life balances. While physicians are working fewer hours, they are also experiencing higher administrative burdensgiven the highly regulated nature of provincial government health systems that reduce patient-centred working time and the explosion of technology that has expanded health information. Governments and health bureaucracies ultimately determine what public health services should be, what procedures are necessary or unnecessary, and what the budgetary envelope will bear. The allocation of public money requires accountability, and this desire for efficiency, combined with new technology, has created an exponential increase in paperwork and administrative costs for physicians. Generally speaking, a family practice is a small business with rising costs and expenses, but physicians have no control over the priceof their services.Simply increasing the quantity of patients they see runs up against reducing time per patient, rising paperwork burdens, and work-life balance concerns. In 1971, there were 125 physicians per 100,000 population, and their services seemed abundant. In 2022, there are 247 physicians per 100,000, and there are issues of scarcity and access. One can increase the number of physicians by boosting medical school enrollments further and licensing more international medical graduates, but this is no guarantee that they will go into family practice. Of course, one might venture that if governments do not want to spend more on physicians or reduce their administrative burdens, the public should be allowed to spend their own money on attaining the physician services they need. Here, we come up against the politics of Canadian health care that is committed to public health care and the belief that more private care creates an inequitable and unfair two-tier health care, even as increasing numbers of Canadians experience the unfairness of not having access to the physician services they expect. Provincial governments essentially ration access to public medical care but do not make it easy to spend your own money on health care unless you choose to cross the border into the United States or somewhere else; a version of two-tier care we seem prepared to live with. What is to be done? The story has been much the same for the last thirty years. Problems brew for a long time and periodically rear their head as health crises of waiting lists, crowded emergency departments, and shortages of physicians and other health professionals fester. Isn't it time for some new thinking and effective action from governments?

Delusional Thinking in Today's World: A Growing Concern

By Dale Jodoin In today's world, a troubling trend is spreading, where young people are being led to believe things that go against basic logic and science. This growing belief system raises serious questions about the future of our society and the mental well-being of those who buy into these ideas. The Decline of Common Sense and Science One of the most concerning aspects of this trend is the belief that people can change their biological sex. While modern medicine allows for changes in appearance through surgeries and hormone treatments, the fundamental biological makeup of a person—what they were born as—remains the same. Despite this, many people today are taught to ignore this fact, which leads to confusion. This confusion is made worse by the idea that there are hundreds of ways people can identify themselves. While it's important for people to feel free to express who they are, pushing these ideas too far can create problems, especially as people get older. When young people are encouraged to adopt identities that don't align with their biological reality, they might face serious mental health challenges as they age. The long-term effects of this kind of identity confusion are still unknown but could be very damaging. Politics and Science: A Dangerous Mix What's even more troubling is how politicians have gotten involved in this issue. Some politicians, in their quest for votes and power, have started supporting these ideas, even when they go against basic science. When politics interferes with science, the truth gets lost, and society suffers as a result. The involvement of politicians means that these ideas are not just being talked about—they are becoming laws and policies. People and organizations are being forced to go along with these new norms, even if they don't agree with them. Those who refuse might lose their jobs or be shunned by society. This creates a situation where people are afraid to speak up, and the pursuit of truth is pushed aside. The Impact on Mental Health The mental health effects of these trends are a big concern. As people try to navigate a world where they are encouraged to deny basic truths and adopt confusing identities, they might experience a lot of stress. Living in a state of confusion, where what you believe doesn't match up with reality, can lead to long-term mental health issues. The pressure to go along with these new ideas can make these mental health challenges even worse. People who feel they have to adopt identities that don't fit them might struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression. As society moves further away from reality, the need for mental health services will likely grow. But there's a worry that there won't be enough professionals to help everyone who needs it. What Does the Future Hold? Looking ahead, it's clear that continuing down this path could have serious consequences for both individual freedoms and the trustworthiness of science. In countries like Canada and the United States, where freedom of speech and thought have always been important, these new norms are threatening that freedom. Those who challenge these beliefs often face serious consequences, making people scared to speak their minds. We have to ask ourselves: What will the world look like in 15 years if this continues? The effects on freedom, science, and society could be severe. Will there be enough mental health professionals to help with the damage being done today? And more importantly, will we be able to return to a world where reason and reality are valued, or will we continue to let delusion take over? Moving Forward In the face of these challenges, it's more important than ever to stand up for common sense and real science. People should be free to live as they choose, but that freedom should be based on reality. Society must find a way to balance respecting people's rights while also holding on to the truth. If we don't, the consequences could be serious—not just for individuals, but for the future of our entire society. The road ahead will require courage and clear thinking. We need to be willing to speak out against ideas that don't make sense and stand up for the values of truth, science, and freedom. Only by doing this can we hope to create a future where these principles are protected, and where the next generation can face the world with confidence and a firm grasp on reality.

The Leasing Landscape

By Thersa Grant/Real Estate Columnist Securing an apartment rental today can seem like a daunting task. Things certainly have changed over the years. Gone are the days when you could just show up at a place being advertised for rent, put your best foot forward and have a conversation with the landlord. Today’s rental market is very competitive and can seem overwhelming for some. The rental market today is far more complex and involves providing a great deal of paperwork. Not only is there a lot of paperwork, but the paperwork also needs to reflect your history in a very positive light. There are many companies now that specialize in background checks, property management companies that employ people to check references and verify the information provided by a prospective tenant, and then there is the good old-fashioned gumshoe type of landlord. If you are going through a Realtor, you can be guaranteed that you will be vetted thoroughly. That’s okay, just be prepared. Today’s prospective tenant has to look at the search in a similar fashion to a job interview. Often in a job interview, the applicant will be asked “why should we hire you”? In the same way, a landlord wants to know why they should rent to you. That’s where your paperwork comes in. There are several documents that you will need to provide that range from a current pay stub to a landlord reference. Usually, prospective landlords will want to start with your credit profile to ensure you are good risk. Yes risk. When a landlord offers a house, or an apartment unit within a house for rent, they are very often trusting you with their most valuable asset. Therefore, your information needs to be current, as close to the date you are looking to rent as possible. Another piece of information a landlord will want to know about is your source of income. This is important because it tells the landlord what you can realistically afford on a monthly basis. Some landlords use a three times factor. Meaning they want to see that the tenant earns three times the rent on the unit being offered. A letter from your employer is required as well as your last two or three pay stubs. Landlords will usually want to know why you are leaving your current place of residence and want you to provide at least one but often two landlord references. This can sometimes be a problem for some if for instance you are coming out of a marital home that you owned. That being said, there are remedies for every situation. Landlords will most likely want to full credit check which involves a report from the credit bureau, usually several pages long, as well as a credit score. The credit score, or beacon score is the first thing landlords look for. If it’s a good score they will move on to the credit report. The credit report is a history of repayments to companies or institutions that you’ve borrowed from. Ultimately, the landlord is wanting to see that you make your payments in a timely fashion. Sometimes there are things on your credit report that can shine a negative light on you, but if you have a valid explanation for this some landlords are more than happy to listen and judge the situation for themselves. Once the paperwork part of things has been taken care of, the landlord usually turns to the character of the applicant. The applicant’s character is very important, especially if the landlord is renting a unit in a house where there are other tenants or there will be other tenants. The landlord will often turn to other landlord references or personal references along with an interview of the applicant to get a feel for the type of person the applicant is. While it can definitely be a task to find a nice place to call home, being prepared is half the battle. Just like applying for a job, you are wanting to present yourself in the best possible light as well as have a leg up on the competition. Putting together a package of documents can really help you do that. I have had clients that include a criminal background check, income tax forms from the previous year, pay stubs, letters of reference from landlords as well as colleagues. A package like that shows the landlord that you are a thoughtful person in the sense that you have thought of and taken the time to gather all this paperwork. It shows that you are thorough, organized, and detailed. Landlords like that, and it can go along way in helping you secure the apartment you want.

High Wire Act

from Wayne & Tamara I am single, attractive, and 42. For the last decade I've been personal assistant to the managing director of my company. He and I have a very good relationship which is essential in this kind of role. When his marriage of 25 years broke down, he was loathe to discuss it with family or friends. Our good working relationship and confidentiality paved the way for him to turn to me for advice and support. I was happy to provide it as he has been a good friend to me. Nothing sexual has ever happened between us, however, his ex-wife resented our friendship because she felt we always got on better than he and she did. Three months ago my boss met a lady 20 years his junior at a party at one of our other offices. They fell for each other. My problem is his now wife-to-be will not tolerate me at all. He suggested to her that she and I should speak. She duly called me, and I attempted what I thought was a pleasant "girly" chat. It was obvious she was reluctant to talk, but I put this down to the fact we didn't know each other. Since then she has refused to discuss or acknowledge me. He can't bring me up in conversation as it induces a row. This puts our friendship under severe strain. It's also going to make life difficult for me when I attend company events where she will be present. I am frightened anything I say or do may be misconstrued by her and lead to a row either with me or, when they return home, with him. This saddens me. I know he finds this situation difficult to manage because it involves a lot of female feelings he can't comprehend. He admits his new love is jealous of any female that comes near him, but she has a special resentment for me. I am keen for us to be friends, but I also feel he has to side with her which makes me a two-time loser. Deborah Deborah, the ancient seer Epimenides said, "There is a pleasure in being mad which none but madmen know." There is also a perverse pleasure in jealousy which none but the jealous know. Dealing with someone with a true jealousy problem is like dealing with someone with a mental illness. Your boss will be accused of things he hasn't done, and she will see your actions as suspicious attempts to placate her reasonable fears. Forget any idea of winning her over. Jealous people can't be won over. Your best strategy is to do your job to perfection and keep as far into the background of their relationship as you can. When you run into this woman, maintain the wallpaper persona of the subordinate employee. We know this is demeaning, but your main goal is to keep your good job. As you know, a good personal assistant must be able to walk a tightrope, even without a net. 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.

Should the Other Breast Be Removed After Cancer Surgery?

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Some patients you never forget. One woman told me she had a breast cancer on one breast removed. But her surgeon refused to remove the remaining breast. I told her then that her doctor may be right. There was little research or clinical data to help in determining if this was a prudent decision. Her surgeon had said, “I can never sleep again if I keep worrying whether or not the cancer will occur in the other breast.” After repeated medical appointments with her, it became evident the continuing anxiety would affect her overall health. So, was I wrong or right 50 years later? Dr. Steven Narod of Women's College Hospital in Toronto is also a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Toronto. He and his colleagues, using U.S. data, have reached a conclusion. They say that there is no advantage in having the other breast removed by either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. In other words, there is no increase in the survival rate. This study was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association and involved 661,000 women who had cancer in one breast. What happened to those women who decided to keep their other breast? The chance of cancer occurring in it was seven percent over a period of 20 years. But there was one other fact. Women who had a gene variant such as BRAC1 or BRAC2 had increased risk of recurrence. For the 1 in 500 American women who have this gene variant, both breasts should be removed. Nonetheless, it is a difficult fact to accept that removing both breasts is not a sure way to remove the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer in the future. Why does this dilemma continue and why can’t early diagnosis by routine mammograms solve this puzzle? Afterall, they say over and over that mammography of the breast detects cancer. But does it? This column has explained the details, initially many years ago, and again from time to time. But somehow the nuances seem to be lost in what one commonly hears about mammography. Cancers of the breast do not appear all of a sudden. Early malignancies begin as cellular particles that are totally unseen by present day mammography. According to the experts, cancer cannot be diagnosed until the growth reaches a certain size. How long this takes is debatable. But experts report that it generally takes several years. This is when mammography becomes very valuable. But by this time the cancer has had a chance to spread to the other breast or elsewhere in the body. What a major difference to the Pap’s test to diagnose cervical malignancy. This test cannot only diagnose cancer cells using high powered microscopes, but it can also diagnose precancerous cells long before they change into cancer cells that can kill. It is important to repeat that mammography is a “lump diagnosis” and that the Pap’s test is a “microscopic cellular diagnosis”. In other words, it’s the difference between night and day. What we need is a cellular diagnosis of breast cancer to save more lives. But to date, it doesn’t exist, and women will continue to die of this malignancy. Saying mammography diagnoses early cancer malignancy is stretching the truth. This has given false hope to women for years. Some women with breast cancer will still want to have a double mastectomy. From this study it does not appear to increase the survival rate. But one wonders how the data would look if it factored in mental health considerations and other measures of wellbeing. 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

Boosting Organizational Success with a Strategic Workplace Plan

By Stephanie Uprichard, IDC, GDC, ARIDO, IIDA Studio Forma Interior Design Principal Designer A well-designed workplace strategy can significantly enhance productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business performance. By aligning the workspace with business objectives and adapting to evolving work practices, you can create an environment that supports both current and future needs. Understanding Workplace Strategy A workplace strategy is a plan that integrates the physical workspace with business goals, culture, and employee needs. It evaluates space usage, work patterns, and future requirements to create a supportive and adaptable environment. Key benefits include: Alignment with Business Goals: Ensures the workspace supports strategic objectives, such as collaboration and innovation. Enhanced Productivity and Satisfaction: Tailors the environment to employees' needs, promoting comfort and efficiency. Adaptability: Supports changing work dynamics, including remote and hybrid models. Developing a Workplace Strategy 1. Assess Current Needs and Goals: Evaluate existing space and gather feedback to identify gaps. 2. Define Business Objectives: Outline goals like enhancing collaboration or supporting flexible work. 3. Create a Detailed Plan: Design adaptable workspaces and integrate necessary technology. 4. Involve Stakeholders: Engage employees and management to ensure the strategy meets their needs. 5. Implement and Review: Roll out the plan in phases, monitor its impact, and make adjustments as needed. Key Components of an Effective Strategy -Alignment with Business Objectives: Design spaces that support core activities and strategic goals. - Flexible Workspace Design: Include activity-based areas, modular furniture, and ergonomic considerations. - Technology Integration: Use advanced tools and smart systems to support remote and in-office work. - Space Utilization: Optimize space to prevent overcrowding and plan for future growth. - Employee Experience and Well-Being: Focus on comfort, health, and creating a positive work environment. - Adaptability to Changing Models: Design spaces for hybrid and agile work setups. - Stakeholder Involvement: Collect feedback from employees and management. - Implementation and Management: Introduce changes gradually and continuously refine the strategy. Impact of Changing Work Dynamics The rise of hybrid and remote work has influenced workplace strategies by: - Creating Flexible Workspaces: Incorporating hot-desking and adaptable areas. - Enhancing Technology: Investing in tools for seamless communication and collaboration. - Meeting Evolving Expectations: Offering better work-life balance and ergonomic solutions. - Health and Safety Considerations: Improving office designs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aligning with Modern Work Models To align your workspace with modern work models: - Understand Work Activities: Analyze employee work patterns and preferences. - *Design Flexible Spaces*: Use adaptable layouts and technology-enabled meeting rooms. - Incorporate Technology: Implement collaboration tools and smart office solutions. - Enhance Employee Experience: Provide comfort, gather feedback, and create social spaces. - Manage Change: Communicate benefits clearly, roll out changes gradually, and evaluate regularly. Benefits of a Well-Defined Workplace Strategy - Enhanced Productivity: Optimized workspaces and technology boost performance. - Improved Employee Satisfaction: Employee-centric designs and flexible arrangements increase job satisfaction. - Higher Engagement: Collaborative spaces and supportive environments enhance engagement. - Attraction and Retention of Talent: A modern, appealing workplace attracts and retains top talent. - Better Business Performance: Aligning the workspace with goals improves overall business outcomes. Measuring Success Evaluate your strategy by: - Gathering Feedback: Use surveys and focus groups to assess employee satisfaction. - Evaluating Performance Metrics: Monitor productivity, engagement, and turnover rates. - Analyzing Space Utilization: Review reports and sensor data to optimize usage. - Assessing Business Performance: Check financial metrics and innovation impacts. - Benchmarking: Compare against industry standards and best practices. A strategic approach to workplace planning enhances productivity, employee satisfaction, and business performance. By assessing needs, involving stakeholders, and continuously refining the strategy, businesses can create a dynamic environment that supports long-term success.

If You Want a Less Frustrating Job Search, Go With the Flow

By Nick Kossovan Why do job seekers insist on complaining about or fighting things they've no control over? The most successful people I know tend to go with the flow. This observation illustrates the power of adaptability and acceptance. A person who masters 'going with the flow' is better equipped to handle life's ebbs and flows with ease and calmness. They don't get emotionally bogged down by setbacks or try to control outcomes. Instead, they approach challenges with an open mind and are willing to consider alternative approaches. They don't waste their energy on what they can't change—it is what it is. When you go with the flow, your job search moves with you. When an application doesn't lead to an interview, you don't dwell on it; you accept that there are job seekers out there who are more qualified than you, and you move on. Adopting a "F*ck it!" mentality throughout your job search is the best thing you can do for your mental well-being. When you go with the flow, you allow things to happen, such as 'it wasn't meant to be,' and unfold naturally, as they are meant to, resulting in much better results. Employers own their hiring process. Job seekers aren't in a position to change an employer's: · Requirements and qualifications · Hiring timeline · Interview format and questions the hiring manager chooses to ask · Compensation range and benefits package · Decision-making process used to assess and select candidates · Level of communication and feedback provided, if any Many job seekers tell me they're frustrated and burned out by their job search. They apply to dozens of jobs a week, relentlessly network, and constantly update their LinkedIn profile and resume. When interviews and offers don't materialize, they intensify their efforts, increasing their exhaustion and discouragement. While counterintuitive, my response is: "What if the answer to improving your job search results is doing less, focusing less?" Focus on quality (key) applications and networking rather than trying to cover many bases—quality over quantity. The key to a less frustrating and more successful job search is to let go of trying to control, or wishing you could, how employers hire, which is beyond your control. This acceptance can bring a sense of relief, freeing up mental and emotional bandwidth for a more productive job search. Steps you can take to go with the flow: Stop applying to every job posting you see. It's easy to get caught up in the angst-ridden mindset you should apply to as many jobs as possible. The truth is the spray-and-pray approach, which has become all too easy with template emailing, applying online, and using AI bots to fill out applications (e.g., LazyApply), is unlikely to be effective. Instead, apply for roles selectively. Focus on employers and jobs aligning with your skills, experience, and career goals, saving time and energy for suitable employers and jobs. Let go of having the mythical "perfect" resume. Self-proclaiming career coaches and resume writers want you to believe there's such a thing as a "perfect" resume. While resumes still play a role in job searching, they are becoming less relevant as the digital age advances. If you need to stress over something, stress over your LinkedIn profile. Your LinkedIn profile has much more visibility and reach than your resume, which is only read by those you forward it to. Stop agonizing over your resume and tweaking it endlessly. The perfect resume doesn't exist. Create the best result-oriented (key) resume you can and be done with it. Your resume doesn't have to be flawless; you only need to show what results you can produce. Don't stress about the interview process. Interviews are anxiety-inducing, so it's natural to want to prepare extensively. Rather than scripting your responses to "potential" questions, be present and authentic. Bringing a relaxed attitude to your interviews and being ready to have an open conversation is a competitive advantage. This'll make the interview less stressful on both sides of the desk, and your interviewer will feel more connected to you. Embrace the unexpected. Inevitably, your job search will have unpredictable twists and turns. You may get called in for an interview for a role you didn't even apply for, or an old connection reaches out with a potential opportunity. Take advantage of these serendipitous opportunities. You never know where an unexpected opportunity might lead. Trust the process. Finding the right job and employer takes time. I firmly believe that when you stay patient and keep taking the right actions—networking, actively participating on LinkedIn, applying for relevant roles, researching companies you'd like to work for, and mentally preparing for interviews—you'll eventually find the right opportunity. When you let go of the need to control your job search's timeline, you'll be less stressed and more productive. The key is to shift away from trying to micromanage every aspect of your job search and instead embrace a more flexible, adaptable mindset. Rightfully, employers will do what they think is in their best interest; there's nothing you can do about it, which is why you may as well free up mental and emotional bandwidth and go with the flow. ________________________________________________________________ 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

IS ONTARIO A DEMOCRACY OR A DICTATORSHIP? ONTARIO (as is all of Canada), IS A DEMOCRACY OR IS IT ?

Watch out Ontarians, this past year there is a movement going on by Municipal Councils to rob you,the people who elected these councils, of your democratic rights to choose to elect or not elect yourvrepresentative/councillor and or mayor. Municipal Councils have been writing the AMO (association of municipalities of Ontario) which is set up by and governed by the province, Premier Doug Ford. Hmmm ….. “Ontario, Your Municipal Councils the Mayors and Councillors, the Persons You Elected,want the right to remove Your Elected Representative/Councillor, for what ever reason they deem to benecessary and they also want to make sure you can’t vote that representative/councillor back in by banning the representative/councillor from running in the next election. Hmmm ….. Why are the councils so afraid that you the public would vote the representative/councillor, back in if they were really that bad? Is it because the council knows that the councillor was working and representing the people and not bowing to what council wanted? Is it because they have seen that thepublic stands behind the councillor who works for them and votes that member back in? There are ex-amples of Trustees that worked for parents being forced out by School Boards only to be voted back in by the parents they represented and that’s what councils are afraid of, voters backing their councillor. The First Step in Killing Democracy is giving Municipal Councils the power to remove an elected member and having that member banned from running in the following election, thus denying you, thepublic, your democratic right to vote for your preferred candidate. Without Democracy you have a Dictatorship. Every member of any municipal council that has or is writing the AMO and Premier Doug Ford to pass what is known as Bill 5, favours a dictatorship. Bill 5 is also known as the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act. It has already been alerted that if this Bill was to pass then women who are elected to council tables are at risk of losing their spot if they speak out against their council colleagues. The argument * Councils are putting forward is that “if this was business, the member would be fired, dismissed, let go, so we should have the right to fire, dismiss, let go of a council member whose actionswe deem as not being appropriate per the Code of Conduct or in other words, not inline with ours. ”SURPRISE, councillors and mayors, you are not a private business, you were not hired by a private business, you were elected to office by the people. I ask, what gives you, the elected representatives, the right to demand that you be given the power to fire a fellow member who like you, was elected by the people? How dare you. Only voters have the right to fire or not fire an elected member and they will do so in the next election by their democratic right to vote. Hmmm….. Isn’t it funny how, on one hand, theses elected municipal councils are writing letters andpushing for the right to remove your elected member based on a violation of the Codes of Conduct. (Note - the Code of Conduct, just like the Golden Rule, can find anyone in violation, just dig deep)... And yet on the other hand, these elected councils want to be absolved of any removal of your elected member by placing the blame on the integrity commissioner. That in itself should show you that when push comes to shove these councils run and hide when things get tough, they don’t stand up foryou the people, they are only concerned about protecting themselves. Understand, this Bill 5 if past would give an integrity commissioner more power than a judge. That’s just so wrong. Only a very few elected council members actually put the best interest of their constituents/people first.If only the rest of councillors, mayors as well as MP’s & MPP’s would grow a pair and do the same,then we all could be proud of our cities, provinces and Canada. Amen PEOPLE NOW IS THE TIME TO STAND UP, SPEAK UP, KEEP DEMOCRACY ALIVE

LET’S BE CLEAR...

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City CouncillorPickering’s Mayor Kevin Ashe labels residents of Durham as racists. Let’s be clear. I do not condone anything that Mr. Johnston said in a hateful manner or that advocates violence against any of my fellow councillors. I want to make it perfectly clear that I reject and disassociate myself from any such rhetoric. It’s telling, however, that while I stand against these extreme views, the Mayor and Pickering City Council seem to have no problem with similar attacks when they’re directed at me. Their selective outrage and double standards only reveal their hypocrisy. They can’t have it both ways—criticizing Mr. Johnston’s comments while tacitly endorsing or ignoring the hateful attacks against me. Councillor Brenner has said violent, hateful things to me such as he could stick a knife in my back slowly twist it, and that I wouldn’t know it was there until he was getting ready to pull it out. There is also a video where Brenner has been caught on tape in a remark towards the Mayor saying that he “would like to sharpen his sword and decapitate the mother fucker.” The Mayor and council have heard this recording, and I have told them of the sexual, psychological and workplace violence that I have gone through and crickets. Why? Because I refuse to play their game of deceit, and corruption and instead speak the truth. Here's the real issue: this council is squirming because they’re getting a taste of their own medicine. They’ve been busy labeling anyone who dares to question their agenda as extremist, racists, Natzi’s or worse. Now, when someone else throws similar accusations their way, they cry foul. It's the height of hypocrisy. The council's attempts to deflect Mr. Johnstons actions on me, is laughable, especially considering their own history of name-calling and vicious attacks on anyone who opposes their narrative. A council member wants to stab me in the back and decapitate the mayor. Mayor Ashe and the council members are outraged that their personal information was published, which I had nothing to do with, (but can easily be found on social media), but let’s not forget their own role in this mess. They’ve been more than happy to throw around harsh labels like: “pedophiles”, “racists”, “nutcases”, “conspiracy theorists”, “Nazis”, “transphobic”, “homophobic”, “alt-right” and “fascists” against their critics, and now they’re acting all high and mighty because the same treatment is being directed at them? Spare us the theatrics. If they want to dish out insults and divisive rhetoric, to the people of Pickering and Durham, they shouldn’t be surprised when it comes back to bite them. Karma. Furthermore, let's address their whining about being mocked for their appearance. It’s a classic case of “don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.” This council has a history of indulging in petty, personal attacks against anyone who disagrees with them, including on social media. Now that the tables are turned, they want to play the victim. Their complaints about mocking are nothing more than a smokescreen to distract from their own egregious behavior. And let’s not ignore the broader issue: the council is desperately trying to suppress any dissent or criticism that challenges their agenda. They’re trying to paint anyone who opposes their policies as right-wing extremists or hate groups, all while pushing their own divisive and authoritarian policies. It’s a blatant attempt to silence opposition and stifle genuine debate. They have participated in numerous draconian bylaws over the past few months or so to stop public engagement and participation in Council meetings of those with opposing or dissenting views. The Mayor and council’s outcry is nothing more than a desperate, hypocritical attempt to cling to power and protect their increasingly indefensible actions. Their efforts to discredit anyone who speaks out against them only further reveals their true colors. It’s time to call out this charade for what it is and recognize their hypocrisy for what it truly is: a calculated effort to maintain control by any means necessary. My time on council I have been fighting against their attempts to segregate people into groups by the colour of their skin, religious beliefs, or their sexual preferences. I have been fighting Pickering council to remain neutral and not place special interest groups above others, and I have been fighting for every man, woman, boy, and girl to have the right to choose between using their biological bathroom or choosing a universal changeroom inclusive of all genders or families. And that age restrictions should be placed on pride events and drag queen storytime. Because of my views along with the majority of residents in Pickering and beyond who support this, I am being targeted by my own council and the Corporation of The City of Pickering, to silence me by any means necessary. For over the last year, I have been unrelenting in exposing the corruption, coercion, and perceived bribery happening within the Corporation of The City of Pickering. My fellow councillors are terrified of the truth coming to light, and they are desperately trying to silence my dissenting voice by any means necessary. They will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power and keep their unethical practices hidden from the public. Furthermore, my fellow councillors have been actively working to change the Municipal Act to revoke the position of an elected member of Council. This move is profoundly undemocratic. We are elected by the people, and having opposing views does not give them the right to undermine democracy and remove representatives as they see fit. If they don’t believe in democracy, they are unfit to hold the positions they are in. This blatant power grab is an attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative, bypassing the very principles of democracy that our country is built upon. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

An Olympic Calamity A Sign Of The Times..

. By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - What is wrong with society? Boy, where can one begin... It appears that ever since we started dropping our national standards. Life has gone to the dogs... and in part that would not be so bad as dogs would make great humans as they are kind, gentle and great friends. Well, that is a topic for another column. This week the following news release came over the wire: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo did not mince words as she launched into an expletive-filled tirade against those who criticized the Olympic opening ceremony, defending the director and artists who put on the show. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a sort-of apology to anyone offended by the Games’ opening ceremony, which included strong LGBTQ2 representation and historic themes. Hidalgo, on the other hand, told them to f–k off. “F–k the reactionaries, f–k this far right, f–k all of those who would like to lock us into a war of all against all,” she said in an interview with Le Monde published Tuesday, notably using the swear word in English. Religious and political conservatives from around the world decried one segment of the ceremony in particular, where a tableau purportedly evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper featured drag queens and other performers in a configuration reminiscent of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not of the most cultured.... but is this person not suppose to uphold morality, standards and honor everyone’s interest? I guess it is not only in Durham that we elect a jackasses as Mayors. How dare her be so disrespectful and uncaring. Maybe we should be sending to Paris, Durham Regions Diversity, Inclusion and Equality officer. After all the region is so harshly shoving that crap so far down our throats through our schools and libraries. Why not export a little to the land across the pond. They say that if you become. You are no better than they are. In this case. The Mayor of Paris should resign or be removed from her post. She disgraced Paris and all the French people by taking such a radical political position and use French taxpayers money to push a social agenda that goes against all tradition and culture. One thing. That in the Mayors attempt to show her frustration. She actually even insulted the French by attempting to show her ignorance in insult by using the english F$#K, instead of insult in the mother tongue. Disgraceful. I think that as a civilized member of the Western world and to keep at the Paris Mayor ignorance level. I will not call anyone by the english definition but instead send this message to the Paris Mayor..... Phoque you. You uncivilized, uncoothed confused mind. Do the people of Paris, mother FRANCE and resign. That opening ceremony was a golden medal Phoque Up. Viva La Confusion.

Skilled trades crisis and the future of Canada

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East While spending taxpayers' money generously on corporate welfare, to the tune of billions of dollars, financinggigantic projects, the Canadian government as well as the provincial ones, forget that we lack thepeople skilled in trades to make these projects a reality. The sad reality is that skills oriented education has been neglected for generations. Even the community collegesestablished by William G. Davis in 1965 to teach applied arts and technology, have moved away from technical training in an effort to become universities. These years of neglect in pursuing a strong skilled oriented education policy,has now come to fruition, with results that will severely affect the Canadian economy and subsequently the standard of life. Some 700,000 of Canada's 4 million skilled tradespeople are set to retire by 2028, according to recent projections. At least one-third of tradespeople and apprenticesin Ontario are 55 or older. As older workers hang up their tools, they are not being replaced by young ones who bring matching skills to the job site. As Statistics Canada has warned, the discrepancy between the glut of unfilled jobs and the scarcity of qualified workers "poses a serious challenge for industries relying on the skilled trades." The manufacturing sector, which generated $213 billion in economic activity and 1.6 million direct jobsin 2023, is seeing serious issues in the future for the lack of skilled trades. The president of the Canadian Manufacturers Association (CME) Dennis Darby says thatas a result of labour shortages, "over 60 percent of manufacturers we surveyed said [they've] turned down or lost contracts." "Which means they just can't meet the production," and he adds Forty-three percent have postponed or cancelled capital investments. "That's how important labour is in manufacturing." CME's economists estimated the skills shortage in the manufacturing sector cost the Canadian economy some $13 billionin 2022 in lost contracts and delayed investment. Darby says Canada is not doing enough to close the gap. "I think we're going to have chronic labour shortages." The question is, how the billions of dollars of taxpayers' money committed to foreign corporations through government sponsored projects, will benefit Canadians, who will not see employment in them, due to lack of skill trades. Looking at the construction sector, a $165-billion industrythat accounts for 8 percent of Canada's GDP, a CIBC reportlast year identified 80,000 vacancies across the country. Half the unfilled jobs require a skilled tradesperson to fill them. "It is hardly a secret that the industry needs more workers, and fast. Ask any developer about supply issues and the availability of labour usually tops the list," the report explains. The scarcity of skilled construction workers is causing major headachesfor employers and delaying the building of much-needed infrastructure.The shortage is driving up costs and contributing to the housing crisis. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that Canada needs to increase its housing supplyby some 3.5 million units by 2030 to bring affordability back to where it was in 2004. However, current housing starts number abouta quarter of a million new homesa year.Due in part to growing labour and material costs, the housing shortage is growing rather than shrinking. As an RBC report summed it up: "The pace of housing construction would need to jump by nearly half…just to meet future demographic growth." In other words, the skills crunch is not a looming problem: it is already here. It is holding back Canada's economic growth anddriving inflation. Therefore, Canada has a major problem at hand. To resolve it, a complete overhaul of the skille trades education systemis needed. First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the provinces to do this in a bold and radical way. Unfortunately, the provinces'political establishments are incapable of the required action at this stage.They seem stuck in an ivory tower, incapable of looking at alternativesuccessful educational systems practised in other countries. The other factor that needs to change drastically in the interest of all Canadians,is the immigration system, and that is the responsibility of the Federal Government. When it comes to recruiting from abroad, Canada has increased the flow of newcomers dramatically in recent years, but only a small proportion of them come equipped with a hands on skilled trade. In 2022, when the federal government announced an increase to 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025, representatives from the construction and manufacturing industries applauded the increase but cautioned that more is needed to be done to ensure that some of the newcomers know how to swing a hammer. The perception was that a significant number of new immigrants would help to build the homes that would house new arrivals, rather than just being more people who needed a roof over their heads. "The federal government is making housing more affordable and bringing in the skilled workers required to build more homes," asserted Immigration Minister Marc Miller last year. "Without those skilled workers coming from outside Canada, we absolutely cannot build the homes and meet the demand that exists currently today." As it stands now, CIBC estimates that only 2 or 3 percentof newcomers to Canada over the last decade have arrived with skilled trade qualifications. A research paper published last yearquoted an immigration lawyer complaining that "we don't necessarily need more HR managers and administrative workers but we do need carpenters and we are not doing a great job attracting bodies to fill positions…So we have this constant shortage of workers in these industries." Critics have lambastedthe federal government for even falling short of its modest goal to bring in some 3,000 skilled tradespeople annually through a targeted stream called the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Just 450 people were admitted to Canada through the FSTP in 2022, down from 500 in 2021 and 565 in 2020. (Compare these figures to the number of reported job vacancies in construction-related trades in the third quarter of 2023: 4,865 for electricians, 4,010 for plumbers, pipefitters, and gas fitters, and 9,010 for carpenters-around half of the job vacancies had been open for at least 120 days for the latter two groups.) The program might attract more successful applicants if it didn't require them to have a job offer in Canada, or Canadian trade qualifications-not easy things to procure beforemoving here. Immigration officials aren't in a hurry to speed up the program, with an average application processing time of 63 months in 2022 much longer than for related entry streams for applicants with more office-bound skills. Unless industry and governments at all levels undertake aggressive reforms, Canada's skilled trades workforce will continue to shrink, exacerbating all the challengesthat shrinkagebrings: lower economic output, inflation, and an accommodation shortage that fuels high housing costs. What do you think?