A Call to Care for Parents

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford On the growing list of health pandemics – COVID-19, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, dementia, heart disease, and stroke – there is another one. It’s called benign neglect, and it is a product of our times. It happens when children don’t make sufficient effort to help aging parents understand and manage their medications. There’s a lot of guilt to go around. But that’s not to say this is easy work. Ask your parents what medications they are taking and why. Better yet, have a close look at the medications in their possession and assess how well they are adhering to prescribed treatments. Congratulations to those who find all is well. For others, it may be a wake-up call. Over the past several decades, detrimental trends have punished an aging society. Number one, the pharmaceutical industry has ballooned into a juggernaut of profiteering dealmakers with other powerful industries, not least of which are media platforms that depend on advertising dollars. Unsuspecting consumers are too willing to absorb everything they hear about pills to address problems that are often caused by lifestyle, not bad luck. Easier to pop a pill and enjoy life, like on the commercials, than work on the root issues. Number two, we are living longer – and not always in the best of health. Furthermore, there is a large cohort of the population in North America, the baby boomers, now moving into their senior years. Just watch the costs escalate! Number three, we have a shortage of healthcare workers. Number four, we take pride in being able to age, independently, without a lot of oversight. These and other factors mean that a huge number of older people are growing old, living alone, dealing with multiple health problems, and taking all sorts of pills. The great shame is this last point, that many people are making their lives worse, or at risk of doing so, because they are taking too much medication, or the wrong medication, or not adhering to drug protocols. Take statins as an example. These are complex medications designed to treat high cholesterol. As one website simplifies the explanation, “they work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and helping the liver remove cholesterol that is already in the blood.” But statins have potentially serious side and long-term effects that researchers are starting to expose. Studies show statins increase the risk of developing diabetes. This risk differs between commonly prescribed drugs. Cognitive problems, muscle cramps, and other negative effects result from longterm use. Even if the medical establishment were to do a better job of weighing the pros and cons of statins versus natural approaches such as high-dose vitamin C, a great many elderly citizens would not benefit. The pandemic of benign neglect is getting in the way. The so-called silent generation, born between 1928 and 1945, now mostly in their 80s and 90s, need our care. It’s upon younger people to ensure that the quality of the remainder of their lives is not being jeopardized by chronic misuse of powerful drugs. The boomers are moving into their senior years. Their large numbers can be a force for change in the way we care for the elderly. What can we do here and now? One of the best things would be to ensure elderly parents are not falling victim to “pillitis”. Find out what they are taking and do your research. Just as there is a lot of misinformation online, there are also trusted sources. If you have questions, take those questions, and your parents, to a doctor’s appointment for a fully informed discussion. 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

When Approached With the Right Mindset, Networking Pays Off

I'll break it down:

By Nick Kossovan I'll break it down:When Approached With the Right Mindset, Networking Pays Off Right now, there are job opportunities all around you, with a catch: they're attached to people. Hence, what you already know, networking is the most effective strategy for finding a job. If you still need convincing that networking is essential to landing a job, I recommend reading Why Networking is More Important than Ever Before by Leslie StevensHuffman, in which he states, "Data shows that 87 percent to 92 percent of jobs are filled through introductions or referrals from your network." The more you network, the further ahead you'll be of the 99% of job seekers you're competing against. Serious job seekers understand that the goal isn't to apply to more jobs but to talk to more people. Job seekers complaining that the hiring system—as if a universal hiring methodology exists—is broken are those who still believe they can apply online, along with hundreds if not thousands of other candidates, many just as qualified, if not more, and then wait to hear from a stranger, the hiring manager. This strategy, used by most job seekers, only offers a fractional chance of landing an interview, explaining why most job seekers arefrustrated. I often hear from jobseekers that networking feels manipulative. The entire business world, especially its drivers of consumption—without consumption, there's no business—marketing and sales depend on manipulation. "Worrying" about appearing manipulative makes me wonder if the person has a solid foundation of ethical behaviour or just picks and chooses ethical principles to justify "why they don't." Strangers owe you nothing and are likely focused on keeping their head above water. For your networking activities to be effective, you must approach people with curiosity, empathy, and, above all, a desire to add value. Don't feel entitled to someone's time. Before approaching someone you want to build a professional relationship with, ask yourself: "How can I help this person? What does the person have to gain by connecting with me?" • Your market intelligence? • Your vendor/supplier relationships? • Your industry expertise? • Your skills? • Your measurable track record of achieving results? Asking yourself, "What does [stranger] have to gain by knowing me?" before approaching [stranger] is a subtle but powerful shift in perspective. Focus first on understanding the other person's needs and challenges, which may require some research, as opposed to solely pursuing your own agenda. What issues are they grappling with in their work or business? How might your unique skills, knowledge, or connections assist them? Everybody has their own agenda. If you can't clearly show the person you're reaching out to how you can assist them with their agenda, why should they help you? Would you help a stranger with their job search if they didn't, in some way, help with your agenda? When you reach out to strangers with an "I want something from you" attitude, as most people do, expect resistance and being ghosted. Nobody wants to help someone who's only interested in their own agenda. On the other hand, when you take a consultative approach, probing into challenges, chatting through problems, offering ideas and solutions, and finding commonalities, you're much more likely (no guarantee) to build meaningful connections. From what I'm experiencing, blame it on social media, hiding behind our smartphone, and the recent common limiting belief of being an introvert; we've lost the ability to cultivate relatio ships, which requires focusing on the other person's wants and needs while putting ours on the back burner. Don't be one of the 'What the f*ck do you want?' people. When you reach out, lead by offering something of value. Whether professional or personal, there are three what I call human principles to beginning and maintaining a relationship: 1. People are attracted to those who try to start a conversation with them. (Conversation starters attract people.) 2. A desire to help makes you memorable and interesting. 3. Showing interest in someone is a massive gesture. An analogy that illustrates the above is offering to help an elderly person carry their groceries to their car. While walking to their car and placing their groceries in the trunk, you make small talk and find out their son is the VP of finance at a multi-national biomedical company. You're a certified accountant searching for your next job. As you place the last bag of groceries in the truck, you ask if they would mind introducing you to their son. I know. You wish networking were as easy as this. Undeniably, networking can be challenging, but scenarios like this analogy happen every day. I've experienced this more than once. Offering value before asking for value is far more effective than reaching out to cold. Worth mentioning is a pet peeve of mine that's a recipe for being ghosted: People who haven't spoken to me in years seeking my help. Maintaining your current professional relationships can't be overstated. Reaching out only when you need something is borderline insulting. The most successful networkers approach networking not as a necessary evil but as an opportunity to forge genuine, mutually beneficial connections. Habitually approaching people with curiosity, empathy, and a generous heart will make networking an enjoyable and rewarding experience. • If your interviewer likes you, they're going to hire you. • If they don't like you, they won't hire you.along with everything you say and do while on the company's property, goes into the hiring decision mix, not just what you say when speaking with your interviewer. An interview isn't an assessment of your skills and experience, at least not to the extent you think. Your interviewer is aware of your skills and experience from your resume and LinkedIn profile. When an employer is interviewing you, it's because you have the qualifications they're looking for and need. Yes, your interviewer will assess your skills and experience, but not as much as your character, values, mannerisms, and whether you'll fit in well with the team/company or possibly be a disruption. In several columns, I've stated that being likable supersedes your skills and experience. I've yet to meet a hiring manager who hired someone they didn't like. Social etiquette, which, worth repeating, shows consideration for others, goes a long way toward being likable. Your skills and experience aren't your greatest asset. They're secondary to your greatest asset, being likable. Therefore, as a job seeker, do yourself a huge favour by not focusing so much on selling your skills and experience, which, as I said, your interviewer is aware of. Instead, focus on your social etiquette, presenting yourself as a friendly, easygoing, likeable person who's considerate of others and, therefore, will be easy to work with. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

SOCIAL MEDIA IS DEAD...

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 - I can speak on this matter with great expertise, as I through this newspaper was one of two local companies that brought internet to Durham Region. I remember when we first introduced it to the market. There were no takers. This is way before ‘smart phones’, tablets and in many cases home computers. People use to laugh at the fact that one day we would all have computers in our homes. That we would all have phones that did not require wires. They laughed... Look at us now. The transformation has been significant to shift society, industry and government. Government from the onset of the internet kept looking for ways to tax it, control it and monopolize on it. Unfortunately for the government. They did not have the expertise, the technical know how of how or what to do. For The Central. It was a great time. A time of phenomenal growth even though we could not sell one internet hook up. What we did was smarter. We worked with Microsoft on their Beta software. Microsoft already had it in their scopes at the potential for the internet to become a huge market for their telecommunication side. As such we worked with them to develop some of the technologies today everyone uses. The Central was the first newspaper across the planet to be publishing online. THE VERY FIRST. The Central, through Durham City Central Radio ‘THE WAVE’. was the first commercial radio station to be broadcasting on line. YES THE VERY FIRST. Since those days, we have seen online transform. From the first browser. To the first chat. To the many competing platforms that offers convenience and easy use of the net. We also seen the rise in commercialization. This was the beginning to the end. As soon as the corporate pirates found a way to make a buck. It was game over for the average user. I blame in part GOOGLE for this. They lead, the way on e-commerce and the many other platforms that utilize sophisticated algorithms to control, monitor every user interface. Today, with the intro of FB and other social media. The internet has no value. As soon as you ‘x’ off what you are viewing... it is pretty much gone for ever, unless you know what you are doing. Most don’t. Then where is social media heading? Well, it is already there. It is dead. Look at the ‘likes’, reposts and or comments. Look at the quality of the comments. The number... Modern day internet has become nothing short of a public toilet. I see the future to be fully commercialized and taxed. Taxed because under the guise of of convenience and national security. The government will give itself the right to monitor, censor all content. You will have to pay for a service plus a subscription much like you do for tv. Are you ready to pay, pay, pay and get less, less, less?

The need for a modern Canadian Industrial Policy

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East It is generally accepted today, that a modern industrial policy is crucial for nations aiming to foster economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the current global economy. Unfortunately, Canada at this point does not have a new C.D.Howe and the prospect of getting one in the near future is rather bleak. Considering the geopolitical situation in the world and associated ever changing and evolving factors, Canada needs to craft a modern, proactive and robust industrial strategy across key sectors vital to Canadian national interest. Canada's current approach, which provides resources and funding on an ad-hoc basis to politically correct projects and/or in reaction to global crises, without a real analysis of opportunities, is profoundly inefficient and costly. While we may not be able to match the financial strength of the United States, China, or the European Union, we can leverage, maintain and increase our competitive advantages in research and development, talent, and intelligent exploitation of our vast natural resources. Positioned geographically and economically for future success, Canada must concentrate on prioritizing and refining its industrial policy to stay competitive globally. Rather than acting on ivory tower impulses hosted by Ottawa, Canada should support industries and people in sectors critical to our economic and national interests. Forward thinking policies anchored in knowledge and understanding that will coordinate domestic and foreign investment within a new pan-Canadian economic strategy is essential for economic growth in all of Canada’s regions. Canada's economic landscape has traditionally been influenced by its key industries such as natural resources and technology. A well-crafted industrial policy must provide targeted support to these sectors. It must include high tech manufacturing, boosting productivity and global competitiveness. A new approach to, and significant investment in, research and development (R&D) is sorely needed. It is crucial for Canada to ramp up its R&D spending to drive innovation, something that has been grossly neglected in the last quarter of a century. Canada used to be a leader in the nuclear industry, but has lost its edge due to a short-sighted, mostly ignorant political class, advised by an incompetent and politically polluted public service. Strategic diversification of Canada's economy, particularly through the development of emerging industries like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, can pave the way to a more resilient economy. For this to happen there has to be a real political will and a knowledge-based political class. Do you know of any likely candidates waiting in the wings? The political class in power, as well as those seeking power, bombard us with casual and aimless documents that do more harm to Canada’s global standing than not producing any documents at all. Instead, we need visionary industrial policies and national plans that include concrete implementation strategies. It is necessary for Canada to invest in its critical infrastructure, improve education and skills training, and foster a business environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. Our elected officials must cease and desist from committing valuable financial resources to pet political projects, which do not serve the interest of Canadians. Canada really needs to concentrate on a new approach to its economy in order to get its strategic industries under more stable state control; that puts ownership and control in the hands of the people, and is not subject to the avarice and will of the multinationals. There is a need to be more accountable to the people of Canada and stop wasting precious taxpayers’ money on uncontrollable foreign projects where no one is held accountable. In addition, Canada must develop policies to secure its supply chains, particularly for essential goods such as medical supplies, semiconductors, and critical minerals. By building domestic capabilities and diversifying supply sources, Canada can enhance its economic sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign entities. A well-crafted industrial policy can also drive job creation and promote social well-being. By focusing on national interest driven high-growth sectors and investing more in technical education and training programs, Canada can ensure its workforce is equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. This will reduce unemployment and also address income inequality by providing opportunities for upward mobility. A modern and well thought-out national industrial policy can help address geographic inequities in Canada by encouraging population growth and job creation outside of a handful of major cities and eventually creating new settlements in this great country currently populated far from its valuable natural resources. Certainly, a new, modern national industrial policy needs to work closely with a new and innovative tax policy necessary to generate funds for further economic development. Unfortunately, the current tax policy is oriented only to taking money in order to raise the numbers of an increasingly inefficient public service. It is definitely not being spent in the area of science and innovation, which should be a vital priority. With such enthusiasm for tax hikes, it is not surprising that since the Trudeau government took office in 2015, the number of employees at the Canada Revenue Agency has increased from around 40,000 to almost 60,000 by 2023. Compare this growth of almost 50 per cent in the public service, to the growth rate of private-sector employment, which was about 11 per cent between 2015 and 2023. Moreover, that 11 per cent is the combined growth for private industry employed and self-employed individuals. Furthermore, as taxes are raised, public safety and national defence, which are key federal government functions, are performed dismally. Crime is rising and Canada’s military readiness is “dangerously inefficient.” Canada is a rich country and I think it would be a good idea to spend this money on hiring less bureaucrats and more scientists and engineers. In conclusion, Canada must develop a comprehensive new and modern industrial policy combined with an efficient tax policy. This is essential for Canada to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy and secure a bright future for the next generation. What do you think?

Seniors Remarrying Despite Millennial and Gen Z Disapproval: A Celebration of Love and Life

By Dale Jodoin As we progress into an era where people live longer and healthier lives, the dynamics of senior relationships are evolving. One of the significant changes is the increasing number of seniors remarrying, even though it has drawn criticism from younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. This criticism often centers around concerns about inheritance, but such views overlook the emotional and social needs of seniors. Seniors are now living longer, and this extended longevity means that many experience the profound loss of a long-term partner. After years of companionship, caregiving, and raising families, the death of a spouse can be an incredibly challenging and lonely experience. For many, finding new love and companionship is a way to reclaim joy and purpose in their later years. Despite the disapproval from their families, particularly younger relatives, seniors are choosing to remarry or live together, prioritizing their happiness over societal expectations. One of the main reasons families, especially the younger members, disapprove of seniors remarrying is the concern over inheritance. They worry about how the family wealth will be divided, fearing that a new spouse might diminish their share. This concern, while understandable, often overshadows the genuine emotional needs of their grandparents. The financial aspect of remarrying can indeed complicate matters, but it is essential to balance these concerns with the recognition of seniors' rights to pursue happiness. Remarkably, many seniors are not just remarrying; they are also choosing to live together without formal marriage. This trend reflects a practical approach to companionship without the legal and financial entanglements of marriage. It’s a beautiful testament to the adaptability and resilience of seniors who refuse to let age dictate their ability to love and live fully. It's disheartening to see that Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z are often more worried about their potential inheritance than the happiness of their grandparents. They seem to hold the belief that older people should merely exist in the background, silently enduring their final years. They expect seniors to sell their homes and pass on the proceeds, rather than using their assets to enhance their quality of life. This mindset reflects a profound misunderstanding of what it means to live fully at any age. The truth is, seniors today are breaking free from these outdated expectations. They are traveling, engaging in hobbies, and yes, finding new love. It's inspiring to see individuals in their eighties remarrying or choosing to live together. Love, after all, knows no age. The joy and companionship found in these relationships are invaluable, contributing to the mental and emotional well-being of seniors. Moreover, it’s not just about finding a romantic partner. The decision to remarry or cohabit also stems from a desire for companionship and mutual support. Many seniors find themselves living alone, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Having a partner to share life with, whether legally married or not, can significantly improve their quality of life. It is a shame that younger generations, who often neglect their elderly relatives, are so fixated on financial outcomes. Many of them rarely visit their grandparents, only showing up during holidays with an eye on what they might inherit. This neglect highlights a lack of understanding and empathy towards the needs and desires of older family members. If seniors fall in love again, they should be encouraged to enjoy their lives to the fullest. Whether they choose to remarry, live together, or even embrace non-traditional relationships, it's their life to live. Society must respect their autonomy and the choices they make to find happiness. For those concerned about the financial implications, it’s important to have open and honest conversations. Seniors should be transparent about their plans and ensure that their estates are managed in a way that reflects their wishes while addressing the concerns of their families. Legal instruments like prenuptial agreements and updated wills can help mitigate conflicts and provide clarity. Ultimately, the joy and fulfillment seniors find in their new relationships should be celebrated, not condemned. Love is a fundamental human experience, and it does not diminish with age. Seniors have the right to live their lives fully, with love, companionship, and happiness. If younger generations cannot see past their financial interests, it reflects more on their shortcomings than on the actions of their elders. So, to all seniors out there, embrace your right to love and be loved. Whether you choose to remarry, live together, or enjoy life in whatever way makes you happy, do so without fear of judgment. Life is precious, and it is meant to be lived fully, right until the end. And if younger relatives whine about it, remind them that their attitudes can have consequences on their relationship with you. Live boldly, love deeply, and enjoy every moment you have. Dedicated This is dedicated to my sister-in-law Brenda, who was married and lost her husband. She remarried and found new happiness, with her we new husband. She passed away a few years ago, but we knew she was happy. Rest in peace.

Real Connections Matter

By Dale Jodoin Let the Trend Die: City Hall, Talk to the People! Welcome to the new trends of city halls and regions from Canada to the United States. City officials have built virtual walls with the internet, encouraging people to email them instead of engaging face-to-face. This approach might be convenient, but it fails to truly connect with the community. Politicians and city workers ask for opinions online, but 80% of the feedback comes from people outside our city. They claim this is what the people want, but is it really? This reliance on online communication creates lazy politicians. The voices that dominate are often whiners and trolls who do not represent the majority. These non-residents cannot vote, yet their opinions shape decisions. Our city officials avoid in-person interactions, pushing for online voting and decision-making. This shift has led to the lowest voter turnouts in history across Canada and the United States. People feel disconnected from their communities because the only ones who seem to care are online trolls. City leaders claim events are successful, even when attendance is low. When clubs struggle to attract members, they start to fade away. Instead of fostering genuine connections, the city should focus on representing everyone, like Oshawa, with its diverse ethnic groups. We need a new kind of celebration, one that includes all voices, not just a select few. This is not about being woke; it's about ordinary people from different walks of life working together. Yet, politicians and their media supporters pat themselves on the back without questioning the reality. Our city loses out because politicians hide behind their screens. More politicians push for online voting, relying on their inner circle, leading to increased voter apathy and isolation. The only way to change this is for politicians to get off their chairs and engage with the people directly. If they could do it before the internet, they can do it now. Lazy politicians need to reconnect with the community. To change your city, go out and give politicians a piece of your mind. Don’t let internet trolls decide your town’s future. This observation comes from watching the world and the actions of today’s politicians. Let’s make it clear: we need real connections, not virtual walls. Our city recently held a fiesta—a celebration meant to bring together the different ethnic groups in our community. However, the reality is far from what it used to be. By 10:00 a.m., more people were at the lake than at the celebration. Our leaders must step out from behind their screens and engage directly with the community. Only by doing this can we genuinely celebrate our diversity and create a more united, vibrant city.

All In The Family

from Wayne & Tamara I am 22 and the oldest of four children. I have a brother, 17, who is the second oldest. He's been in a "committed relationship" with a girl, also 17, for over two years. However, he is currently speaking on the phone with other girls and going on dates with them. Once a school friend told my brother's girlfriend he was seeing another girl. My brother's girlfriend came to my house, took my brother to the other girl's house, and confronted them both. My brother denied everything and totally painted another picture to his girlfriend. She ate it up. Needless to say, they are still together, and he is still seeing another girl. I am bothered by his lack of respect for women. I've tried to speak with him about treating women the way he would want to be treated, but my words are wasted. I'm confused about what to do. His girlfriend has become a member of our family. She comes over all the time, and I feel guilty not telling her the truth. Should I tell her? Should I tell the other girl? Or should I stay out of it? I don't want to be like my dad's family who cover up infidelities for years. I think I have a responsibility to all women, since I am a woman, to tell the truth. I also feel the need to teach my brother a lesson about women and how he should treat them. What do you think I should do? Sheila Sheila, where did your brother learn this behavior? Where most people learn their behavior--from his family. Normally the advice would be to give your brother an option: either tell your girlfriend, or I will tell her. In this instance that won't work. He is willing to lie when confronted, and she is willing to believe a lie. You want your brother to treat women better, but you are not capable of teaching him that. As long as he experiences pleasure in what he is doing, he will continue doing it. Often a man who cheats never learns the lesson, because the pleasure for him is multiple women, and there will always be women who allow him to do this. If you tell either of his girlfriends, they may resent you, not seek the truth about him. But the one thing telling does is to let your brother, his girlfriends, and your family know you do not approve of his behavior. Silence indicates acceptance, and you do not accept this behavior. Go ahead and tell. But do not expect your brother to change, his girlfriends to thank you, or your parents to stand behind you. When people openly flaunt bad behavior, you damage yourself when you keep silent. Each time you speak up, you express your character. Speaking up strengthens your sense of self and makes you less vulnerable to abuse by others. Wayne & Tamara From The Heart We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary in May and renewing our marriage vows in church. There will be a reception afterwards. We would like to indicate in the invitation we would prefer donations to a charity rather than receiving gifts. What wording may we use that would not sound imposing, yet encourage guests to help others in need? Mac and Aileen Mac and Aileen, if you want your guests to donate to a certain charity, give them the story which leads them to that conclusion. Tell them, from your hearts, why you feel passionately about the cause. Tell them what it means to you, but give them the option to give to a cause which matters to them. In that way all the gifts will be given in a spiritual manner which commemorates the spiritual connection between the two of you. Don't fuss about the wording. Write from the heart to connect with other hearts. 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.

Why C is the Forever Vitamin

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford There’s an irony about the advertising woman who, in 1948, penned “A Diamond is Forever” to signify the enduring love of two people. Her name was Frances Gerety and she spent the bulk of her life alone. Diamonds do sparkle, but there’s a better “forever” companion. Longtime readers will know I’ll choose vitamin C over diamonds or any other glitzy trend, and definitely over cholesterol lowering drugs. Vitamin C doesn’t have the high cost or glamourous glitter of diamonds, and it makes no one rich. But making high doses of vitamin C a part of my daily routine has allowed me to spend another quarter century with my wife and family after a heart attack that nearly ended things for me at age 74. For me, vitamin C is the forever vitamin. In understanding its true value, first get rid of a common misconception. Vitamin C is not just a nutrient! It’s also an antibiotic, and an antifungal, and a component of the immune system that attacks many different infections. And another trap is in thinking a small dose should be enough. For cardiovascular results, the dose must be high. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel prize winner, told me he gets tired of repeating, “It’s the dosage.” With vitamin C, you cannot cause harm by increasing the dose. Humans, unlike animals, don’t produce vitamin C. We lost this ability eons ago due to an unfortunate degenerative mishap in nature. Nearly all animals, with the exception of humans and the guineapig, day after day produce large amounts their own vitamin C. The key thing to realize about Dr. Pauling’s work is that he was not studying optimal amounts of C for healthy people. He was trying to figure out how much was needed to fight disease in unhealthy people, particularly those with heart disease. And this is where more research is still needed. Here's what we know. C decreases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), which is associated with Type 2 diabetes, a problem of pandemic proportions worldwide. Hard arteries decrease the flow of blood to all organs of the body. This causes heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of legs. Atherosclerosis is bankrupting our healthcare system. It’s a terrible personal tragedy, ruining quality of life. And it’s a societal nightmare we too readily ignore, costing us billions! Constipation is easily cured by 2000 milligrams of vitamin C at bedtime. If this amount fails to do the job, take 4,000 mg the following night or two. This invariable works. In elderly people constipation may become so severe that fecal impaction results. This means an emergency visit to hospital for enemas along with removal of feces. You’ll wish you had taken vitamin C. Painful swollen joints are sometimes due to weakened blood vessels lacking vitamin C. Weakened arteries rupture releasing small amounts of blood into the joint causing inflammation and pain. Are you getting more colds than formerly or ones that hang on forever? This may be due to a chronic lack of vitamin C and a stressful event. For instance, an emotional event or upcoming surgery can reduce the level of vitamin C in the blood, sometimes by as much as 90 percent. If your tank is low, ask your doctor to give you time to build it up before surgery. Add up all these benefits and many others associated with C, and you can understand why it’s my forever vitamin. It’s inexpensive, natural, and without the complications of prescription drugs. I’m convinced it has got me to my 101st year. What simpler therapy with better return could I ask for? 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

ELECTIONS ARE NOT FAR AWAY - ARE YOU CONTENT WITH THE WAY FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL & MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS ARE RULING YOUR LIFE?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let me ask you …... Would you be comfortable leaving your family home in the hands of basically a stranger, to decide for the next four years how and where your income will be spent? Well, that’s what we have done to our home, Canada. Shouldn’t you have kept checking on your financial status to make sure you still have a home instead of waiting those four years to end only to find out that you are broke, homeless and deeper in debt? IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP CANADA, HAVE A SAY. As Canadians it is our right, to hold our elected officials accountable and we can only do that by taking an interest in what’s happening and letting our MP (federal) or MPP (provincial), or Mayor & Councillor (municipal representatives) know our opinion on what they currently will be voting on. The way they vote on these matters will have a direct effect on who we vote for in the next election. Waiting for the next election to voice our concern is too late. We must continue to let them know. “So what can I do? Voting doesn’t matter, they just do what they want”. Voting does matter especially in Municipal Elections where people have the biggest say but throw it away, by having the smallest voter turnout. The result being the same old boys club gets elected and continue to do what they want because they know we won’t watch and make them accountable. Hmmm ….. Let me remind you,. Each and every MP, MPP, Mayor and Councillor depends on your vote to keep their job, the job you are paying them for. Below is a list of responsibilities of elected officials of all levels. Note - it says, each and every elected position has a responsibility torepresent their constituents. Are they representing you? The Question is - Are you making your representatives accountable? An MP’s most obvious task is to represent their constituents • MP’s primary responsible is to act in the National Interest. • they must also act in the interests of their constituents, where this does not override their primary responsibility. An MPP’s role is to respond to matters of concern of their constituents or the general public. • MPP’s enact, amend or repeal laws and regulations for the province. • MPP’s are responsible for; civil rights & education; health care, hospitals & child welfare; municipal government; transportation & highways, provincial taxes; A Councillor's primary role is to represent their ward or division and the people who live in it • your Council makes & or revises the by-laws for your community • your Council is responsible for public parks, libraries, social services, local police and fire services, garbage removal, recycling, and public transportation. • your Council is responsible for strategic land use, for subdivision & condominium approval, and storm sewers • your Council is responsible for animal services and municipal law enforcement • your Council is responsible for Arts & Culture • your council is responsible for Tax Collection What can I do I’m only one? You are not alone, many people out there that may feel the same as you. All it takes is one step, then the next step gets easier and the path is formed, and others will follow. Start by attending or watching Municipal Council meetings (they are recorded), if you feel strong about something speak up and write your Council of you objections, that’s how things get changed. When your Mayor, Councillor, MPP & MP’s start getting thousands of objections mailed in they realize they are being held accountable and their job is in jeopardy, that’s when things change. YOUR SILENCE SOLVES NOTHING - SPEAK UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT WRITE YOUR MP, MPP, OR MAYOR & COUNCILLOR WHEN YOU OBJECT THE PLANS PLEASE SPEAK UP WHILE WE HAVE SOME RIGHTS BEFORE WE LOSE THEM ALL

The Key to Interview Success Goes Beyond Your Answers

By Nick Kossovan I'll break it down: • If your interviewer likes you, they're going to hire you. • If they don't like you, they won't hire you. • Likeability is the rarest commodity there is. • During an interview, you assume your interviewer is asking questions about your skills, abilities, and background; they're not. They're asking you questions to determine if they like you. • Then you hear, "We hired someone whose skills, qualifications, and background more closely match what we're looking for," and think you weren't qualified enough for the job. So, you decide to return to school for another degree or certification to "upskill." • You were qualified (Employers don't schedule interviews with candidates who aren't qualified.); you just weren't likeable. Your skills, resume, LinkedIn profile, and digital footprint will get you interviews. Your character and personality are what get you hired. Hence, the advice "Hire for attitude, not aptitude" is floated around. Rather than chasing more education and skills, consider taking a Dale Carnage course to enhance your social etiquette and become more likeable. Recently, an HR Director at a telecom company told me, "I can hire technically advanced and degreed candidates all day. What is harder to find is someone I can trust to show up every day, who's proactive, who doesn't make excuses, who'll dedicate themselves to getting the job done, and who will go above and beyond." The other day, I came across an article that discussed an aspect of the job interview few people consider: their behaviour. Most interview advice revolves around how to answer the questions a candidate is likely to be asked, but what about their behaviour? The article, This Manager Won't Hire Anyone Who Fails His 'Coffee Cup Test' described Trent Innes,' Chief Growth Officer at SiteMinder, "coffee cup test" he uses to assess candidates. Before starting the interview, Trent gives the candidate a tour of SiteMinder's office, culminating with stopping by the kitchen and offering a cup of coffee or tea. Then, with a beverage in hand, Trent and the candidate head to Trent's office for the interview. At the end of the interview, Trent observes what the candidate does with their empty cup. Do they offer to take it back to the kitchen? If not, Trent passes on the candidate. Trent's concern about a candidate's character and having social etiquette is understandable. A workplace—a shared space—is essentially a social structure; those who work in it should possess fundamental social skills to get along with their coworkers and, most importantly, not be a disruption. Social etiquette shows you have consideration (read: respect for) of other people, which significantly increases your likeability. The phrase, "Actions speak louder than words," derived from "Actions are more significant than words," which Gershom Bulkeley wrote in his book Will and Doom, published in 1692, is the foundation of how we judge someone, especially when meeting them for the first time. Your behaviour, mannerisms, and actions speak volumes about who you are and what you stand for. Even though I've never done the coffee cup test, I notice certain behaviours, such as making eye contact, showing confidence, standing up to greet me when I walk into the reception area, and shaking hands. I like Trent's cup test. It's an excellent gauge of character and considerateness. A person who offers to return the cup is unlikely to carry a sense of entitlement, which regular readers of this column know rubs me the wrong way or complain about first-world problems and are likely to take personal responsibility and be emotionally intelligent, a trait that's becoming less common. An interview is the entirety of a candidate's presence on the premises of the company they're interviewing with. How you arrive, park, enter, and treat the receptionist and other employees, along with everything you say and do while on the company's property, goes into the hiring decision mix, not just what you say when speaking with your interviewer. An interview isn't an assessment of your skills and experience, at least not to the extent you think. Your interviewer is aware of your skills and experience from your resume and LinkedIn profile. When an employer is interviewing you, it's because you have the qualifications they're looking for and need. Yes, your interviewer will assess your skills and experience, but not as much as your character, values, mannerisms, and whether you'll fit in well with the team/company or possibly be a disruption. In several columns, I've stated that being likable supersedes your skills and experience. I've yet to meet a hiring manager who hired someone they didn't like. Social etiquette, which, worth repeating, shows consideration for others, goes a long way toward being likable. Your skills and experience aren't your greatest asset. They're secondary to your greatest asset, being likable. Therefore, as a job seeker, do yourself a huge favour by not focusing so much on selling your skills and experience, which, as I said, your interviewer is aware of. Instead, focus on your social etiquette, presenting yourself as a friendly, easygoing, likeable person who's considerate of others and, therefore, will be easy to work with. ___________________________________________________________________________ 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

BILL 200

By Todd McCarthy MPP Durham The current legislative session was recessed on June 6, 2024, with Her Excellency Edith Dumont, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, providing Royal Assent to several Government Bills, including legislation that I am proud to say sets an elevated standard for protections of homeowners and homebuyers in Canada. Bill 200, the Homeowner Protection Act, 2024, bans the registration of Notices of Security Interest (NOSIs) for consumer goods on the Land Registry and deem NOSIs for consumer goods currently registered on title to be expired. It also provides additional protections for new homebuyers by establishing a 10-day cooling-off period for buyers of new freehold homes. Notices of Security Interest are registrations that may be made on the land registry system by a business when it rents, finances or leases goods such as a water heater or furnace installed on a property. While NOSI registrations are intended to help a business protect their interest in those goods, investigations have revealed bad actors use NOSIs to extort exorbitant payments from consumers, particularly seniors, newcomers and vulnerable Ontarians. These scams can sometimes involve leveraging the NOSI, or multiple NOSIs, to secure high-interest mortgages on the property, which can ultimately lead to the homeowner losing their property. The changes do not eliminate a business’ security interest in the fixture or invalidate their contract with the consumer. If the consumer defaults on payment, the business may still be able to repossess the fixture and seek repayment through other means, such as through the courts. This legislation further strengthens consumer protections for homeowners and buyers by establishing a 10-day cooling-off period for purchases of new freehold homes, allowing buyers to cancel agreements without penalties. This provides buyers with time to fully understand their commitments and back out if they choose. "This legislation takes historic action in protecting the financial well-being of Ontario’s seniors. Through the banning of Notices of Security Interest, vulnerable Ontarians including seniors are assured to see the government taking proactive measures to prevent predatory behaviours from bad actors” said Laura Tamblyn Watts President, and CEO of CanAge. “Our organization commends the government for taking decisive action to address this problem and make Ontario a safer marketplace for senior homeowners. " The province also intends to further strengthen consumer protections for condominium communities and people buying new freehold homes by ensuring public disclosure of builder cancellations of purchase agreements for new freehold homes to promote transparency, protecting consumers from unreliable builders. The province intends to consult in the coming months on changes to support the implementation of the cooling-off period for purchases of new freehold homes, improve access to information and transparency for buyers of new freehold homes, and better support condo communities. I am proud of is a landmark piece of legislation – the first of its kind in Canada – to protect consumers from fraud and bad actors. By banning the registration of consumer NOSIs on land titles, we're putting an end to the exploitation that has targeted our elderly and most vulnerable residents. Moreover, we’re giving Ontarians the crucial information and time they need to confidently make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives through our enhanced protections for new homebuyers. The Homeowner Protection Act is indeed a testament of our government’s unwavering commitment to building a safer, fairer, and stronger economy, now and for future generations.

SUMMER MODE

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Now into full summer mode, its time to spend more time outdoors, Be it a dog walker, hiker or an explorer, while enjoying this time of the year beware of those potential risks to your health. This weeks column will provide you with a look inside the Region of Durham’s Public Health Department and the role they play, offering programs and services as well as the managing and control of diseases that we unknowingly can be exposed to while enjoying the summer outdoors. Ticks and Lyme Disease Like many diseases Lyme disease can be treated but not cured, which is why it is important when outdoors this time of the year to take the necessary precautions. Wear light clothing, covering as once skin as possible. Ticks neither fly nor jump but transfer from long grass areas and or overhanging trees to their host. Some are the size of a sesame seed and hard to see. Once home its important to remove your cloths for immediate hot water washing and take a shower, checking your body as you wash. Should you feel an area where you have already been bitten, you need to remove the tick gently with fine tipped tweezers. (Durham Region Public Health does provide Tick Kit Tweezers at No Charge) There is no shortage of wrong information floating around, never try burning the area with a hot match nor spraying it with insect repellent. These practises not only will not work, but could harm you. Once you have been bitten, it is important to contact your doctor or if that is not possible a pharmacist that has been granted Ministry of Health approval to administer treatment. This must be done with in 24 hours. Assume the worse and advise them you have have been bitten and believe it could carry Lyme disease. Municipalities such as Pickering are working with Regional Public Health, signs are bposted along many trail entrances reminding those using the trails of risks along with a QR code to Regional Public Health for more information. Also as a prevention buffer zones of 3 metres cut backs are required along public walkways abutting Municipal or Regional Properties. Mosquitos and West Nile Virus Durham Region has been tracking and responding to the risk of West Nile virus as far back as 2003 when the Province of Ontario began funding the program. 76% of all reported cases occur between July to September. However with current impacts of Global warming risks can be increased throughout the year. The Durham Regional Heath Health Department conducts surveillance and control activities for West Nile virus by larviciding road side catch basin, stagnant surface water sites, trapping adult mosquitoes and sending them for testing and identification and investigating reported human cases. While numbers have decreased over the years Regional Public health recommend prevention as the best defence. When walking at dusk or dawn (most prevalent times of risk) to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and covered shoes as well as spraying your clothes with an insect repellent. On your own property eliminate stagnant water. Should you notice stagnant water on private property or municipal property, including Conservation lands and Hydro corridors report it to your Municipality. Municipal Bylaw officers work as a team with Regional Public Health to ensure that the area is treated with larvicide while the Bylaw team will work with the property owner to remedy the situation which could mean pumping out the stagnant water or cutting the long grass and weeds.

What A Great Moment In Soccer History For Canada

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 - Something to be truly proud of. CANADA, and Canada’s national soccer team representing all of us in the Copa America. Until, now. Canada never made a difference in the soccer matrix. The Southern hemisphere nations normally dominated the scene. 2024 appears to be different. This past week. Canada played Venezuela. What a great game it was. Full of mistakes from both sides. Rough play was evident from the Venezuelans. Canada took a beating but was victorious. Canada has surely come a long way. In Group A, Canada has managed to rank in second place behind world champions Argentina. Canada played Argentina before and lost 2 - 0. This friday it is the final judgement. Canada faces Argentina once again. If Canada is successful they would be eliminating one of soccer's titans. Head Coach, Jesse Marsch and his staff have surely done an outstanding job in bringing the Canadians this far. During the Venezuelan game. Marsch, frustration was obvious as the referee kept calling fouls against Canada and not against Venezuela. After the first goal by up coming international star, forward Jacob Shaffelburg. Shaffelburg, took a barrage of assaults to his legs. Many were not called. Some of the punishment by the Venezuelans was so severe that at one point, it looked like Shaffelburg was not going to get up. His leg had twisted in such a way that it looked like a serious knee injury. Shaffelburg, got up and continue with his assault on Venezuela almost bringing Canada to two more goals. Shaffelburg showed some real star qualities as he gave Canada numerous opportunities with his wide crosses over the goalies box. Speaking of goalies -- Goalie Maxime Crepeau, another international star in the making. His agile demeanor in the face of almost certain goal was inspiring. He saved Canada from at least 8 goals. Unfortunately, he got caught going up on one of the early rushes and the opposing Venezuelan team cashed in on the opportunity making the game 1 - 1. The goalie, the forward and the coach are a great back bone for the rest of this Canadian team. The Canadian team has never gone this far. In Canada we should all be behind them. I know we are a hockey country. But, the achievements of this great Canadian team on the international stage needs to be recognized and supported. Canadian soccer is taking the world by storm and as Canadians we should stand behind them and support them all the way. Their success is all of our success and something as a Nation we should help promote. If the Canadian Team goes on. We soon may become an international world Champs. Time will tell. GO CANADA GO.

The Ford Government and the Ontario Science Center

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In this province, and specifically related to the city of Toronto,we have developed the habit of letting our most valuable assets rot and crumble, while finding money for the construction of many new towers. Just look at the state of our hospitals, our transit system,our roads and our general infrastructure.Are we justified in still thinking that Ontario and Canada are the center of the world? The Ontario Science Center, which was designed by prominent architect Raymond Moriyama, was the world's first interactive science centre when it opened in 1969. Unfortunately, years of limited capital investments have left it with several deficiencies over the years. The Ford government announced the closure of the Ontario Science Centre on June 21, immediately cancelling summer camps and barring entry to visitors. According to the province, the sudden closure was necessary due to a new report from professional engineers, which found serious structural issues with the building. The report indicated that these issues, specifically with regard to some roof tiles, could become critical as early as this winter under the pressure of heavy snow. It is interesting that these issues are coming to light now. Was there no previous indication of problems?What kind of maintenance plan was in place at the Ontario Science Center under the supervision of the oh, so competent Ministry of the Province of Ontario? The whole affair is an interesting one and reflects the approach of the Ontario Government towards the promotion of science in general. They are ready to spend billions of dollars on politically motivated investments, but are skinflints when it comes onspending a few dollars on science education for the public. It is very sad and highly concerning that they would cite an engineering report out of context, and interpret it to mean that the Ontario Science Center must be closed and demolished. Is this really in the public interest, or are they following their own mean political interests to make the developer world happy? The position of the City of Toronto is also concerning. It owns the land on which the Ontario Science Center is located and leased to the Province, yet they only blame the Province rather thanlooking to themselves. Isn’ it nice to pay for woke projects instead of supporting science? The Ford government's decision to close the Ontario Science Centre has already sparked extensive criticism, but pleasedo not forget the role of the City of Toronto. There seems to be some sort of a dark gentlemen’s agreement between these two entities about which the general public is not aware at this time. Many advocates who note the engineer’s report used to justify closure for safety reasons, have proposed alternative measures, such as restricting access to vulnerable roof areas and installing temporary reinforcements and horizontal boarding. Moriyama Teshima Architects, the firm that designed the centre, suggested the province's abrupt closure was politically motivated, and offered free repair services to keep it open. "We offer our architectural services pro bono to the Government of Ontario to realize the necessary roof repairs and we encourage the structural and building science community to similarly offer pro bono services for this scope to accomplish the recommended repairs immediately,” said the architecture firm. The government was already planning to relocate the science centre to the waterfront Ontario. Indeed the Ford government already planned to move the science centre from its current location to a redeveloped Ontario Place site, next to a planned spa being built by Austrian company Therme, an expanded Live Nation concert venue, as well as new public space and beaches. So, it is clear that the closure of the Ontario Science Center was a premeditated fact in order to clearly accommodate developers’ requests.The Ontario Place attraction with the new Science Center,under much smaller dimensions,is not slated to open until 2028. Officials said they would look for a temporary space to house some of the programming and exhibits in the meantime. If these officials had been professionals, they would have had a temporary place ready before the closure, in order not to have interruptions in promoting science. The bare truth is that nobody in the Ontario government and related public service seems to be interested in science at all. They are more interested in rewriting history and spending precious money on that. By the way, the roofing material that triggered the closure of the Ontario Science Centre is used in hundreds of other public buildings across the province, including schools. Why have those other buildings not been closed over safety concerns? A business case released last year by the government found that the current building is facing $369 million in deferred and critical maintenance needs over the next 20 years. Ontario's auditor general said in a report last year that alack of government funding is a key causative factor in the Center’s state of decay. That report also found the government made its decision to move the centre to Toronto's waterfront with "preliminary and incomplete cost information" and failed to consult key stakeholders. Let us hope that the closing of the Ontario Science Center will not generate a scandal similar to the one related to the Green Belt. One never knows what is brewing behind the scenes. Ironically, temporary relocation will be at least as expensive and up to three times more costly than making the $22-$40M in roof repairs, which Infrastructure Ontario cited as the reason for the Centre’s abrupt closure. Are we looking at a new Ford government controversy?Let us see how it unfolds.

SENIORS MONTH

t By Todd McCarthy MPP Durham This year, our government themed Seniors Month, ‘Working for Seniors’ which emphasized the continued importance of supporting older adults through vital programs and initiatives that provide wellness, social engagement and education in communities across the province. Seniors Month in Ontario has been celebrated since 1984, making this year the 40th anniversary of recognizing Ontario’s outstanding seniors and recognizing the positive impact they have made on the lives of Ontario’s current residents. In 2021, the number of adults aged 65 and over was approximately 2.6 million and this figure is expected to grow exponentially as Ontario is projected to house 4.4 million seniors by 2046. It is paramount that we provide these seniors with the services they need as these individuals have made enormous contributions in building the Ontario we all enjoy today. I am exceptionally proud of the work that the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility has done - and continues to do - to address the needs of Ontario’s seniors while also helping these individuals contribute to all aspects of our community life. n Of significance, the Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) Program promotes wellness, social interaction, education and support services with the goal of keeping seniors healthy and independent through approximately 316 programs across the province. This program was especially important to Durham as we had 6 different organizations receive grants from the SALC Program. The Bowmanville Older Adult Association, and five of Oshawa’s Senior Citizens Centres all received annualized funding of $51,137. This sum of annualized funding will be used at these organizations to bolster the services they provide and will allow seniors to continue to thrive in our community. In addition to the SALC Program, our government also provided grants through the Seniors Community Grant Program which funds local not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver projects supports and resources that help older adults by offering a wide variety of activities to promote engagement, reduce isolation and promote healthy living. In Durham, these grants were awarded to Clarington Public Library ($17,740), the Municipality of Clarington ($18,630), Theatre 3x60 ($24,950) and New Life Global Church ($25,000). This funding is crucial for these organizations to continue to be able to provide seniors with support that they would not otherwise receive. If more information regarding these programs is required, visit our new website ontario.ca/seniors and our Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors as there is a wealth of information for seniors and caregivers concerning health, finances, housing, security and more. Providing seniors with these programs is extremely important. As Minister Cho, the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility has stated, “Our government knows that Ontario’s communities are strengthened, and everyone benefits when our aging population can stay active and connected with local supports”. As Seniors Month in Ontario comes to a close, our government has worked with many municipalities and community partners to provide necessary resources that promote the health and well-being of Ontario’s seniors. In providing this support, we have reduced social isolation in numerous communities, Durham included, to ensure seniors have the opportunity to thrive in their later life. In the months following Ontario’s Seniors Month, it is important to continue to encourage everyone to reach out to a senior in their life and acknowledge the achievements they garnered for Ontario. Let’s recognize Ontario’s seniors and help them to stay active, fit and socially connected to their community.

Celebrating Canada Day (Dominion Day) with Heritage and Traditions

As we celebrate Canada Day, I am filled with pride for our beautiful country and everything it represents. Our nation, founded under God, stands as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and unity. These values, symbolized by our iconic Canadian flag, inspire me every day in my role as a politician. From the early days of Jacques Cartier to Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada was built on Christian principles, with deep roots in the Church of England and a devotion to God’s teachings. Our Parliament buildings, adorned with biblical passages, remind us of this heritage. Psalm 72:8, inscribed on the Peace Tower, proclaims, “May He have dominion from sea to sea,” reflecting our identity as The Dominion of Canada. This is more than just history; it’s a call to uphold the values of faith, justice, and unity that shaped our nation. Today, however, these foundational principles are under threat. Our educational institutions often overlook Canada’s Christian heritage, teaching instead a narrative devoid of these roots. The rise of secularism and the promotion of ideologies that contradict our historical values concern me deeply. It’s essential to educate our children, not indoctrinate them. We must ensure our schools foster critical thinking and respect for diverse opinions, rather than pushing one-sided agendas. Unfortunately, some politicians prioritize political posturing over patriotism, choosing to fly special interest flags on government buildings rather than solely our national and government flags. This is, in my opinion incredibly unpatriotic. The Canadian flag should always be our number one symbol, alongside the veterans’ flag, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s unfortunate that some politicians care more about special interest groups and d gaining votes, than upholding the very foundations on which Canada was built: the supremacy of God, our Bill of Rights, and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The erosion of these values undermines the sacrifices made by our veterans who fought for the freedoms we enjoy. To preserve their legacy, we must resist the pull of transient cultural shifts and the so-called “woke” ideologies that seek to redefine our national identity. Holding onto our traditions is not just a matter of nostalgia; it’s about safeguarding the moral and spiritual fabric of our society. Biblical passages like Ephesians 6:13, which calls us to “put on the full armor of God,” remind us of our duty to stand firm against the challenges we face. As a nation, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity and our adherence to the principles that have guided us since our founding. We are a nation under God, and it is His sovereignty that has sustained us. On this Canada Day, let us reflect on our heritage and renew our commitment to the values that define us. Together, we can keep Canada strong and free, a place where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared future. As we celebrate, let’s proudly wave our Canadian flag, our true pride flag, and reaffirm our commitment to this great nation and its enduring values. Please sign up for my online newsletter. Through my web site: lisarobionpolitician.ca "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Rethinking harmful DEI policies that are steering us towards Communism

By Patricia Conlin Have you ever heard of the phrase Divide and Conquer which was made famous by Julius Caesar during the Roman Empire? This military strategy to control the masses has worked so well over the centuries that it is still being used today in the form of Identity Politics. An example of Identity Politics are DEI policies. DEI which is supposedly an acronym for Diversity/Equity/Inclusion is more accurately described as Division and Engineered/Inequality. As an active and concerned citizen of Durham Region, it’s time for all of us to examine the harm of DEI policies. I speak on this topic out of love for all people regardless of any external factors including their skin colour, beliefs or their choices for life partners. Today’s DEI policies are leading us collectively down a very dark path. They are fueling division and are blatantly discriminatory. Martin Luther King stated beautifully “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King fought for a world where his fellow man had an equal opportunity and was treated fairly and with respect independent of race, religion or sexual identity. Current DEI policies actually promote reverse discrimination and inequity instead of what they advertise. And this isn’t the first time this propaganda has been used by governments. The roots of so called “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” come from Marxist ideology which was used throughout history as a tool to implement totalitarian policies in communist countries with promises of a utopia of equality which of course never happens. The result with these types of Marxist ideologies is always the same…increased censorship, government control, corruption and poverty. Any yet, here we are again going down this path of division. Right now, in Canada as an example, some jobs are advertising ONLY for those who are part of the LGBTQ++ community to apply. Others will not be considered. This is excellent if you are part of the LGTBQ++ community but not if you are not. You won’t have a chance under DEI even if you have the best skills for the jobs. Is that fair? Other companies are subsidized to hire new immigrants or refugees instead of long-term Canadians and if you say anything about it, you will be called a racist or worse. Many long-term immigrants are seeing that they are being cast aside for the newer arrivals who meet made up criteria of deserving better treatment. Is this right? As Canadians become poorer, sicker and increasingly demoralized, these polices become more fanatical. There is now, like in communist countries, a quota for every “persecuted group” except our government has totally forgotten about merit or character. Martin Luther King was a powerful force of unity but current government policies seek only to divide. DEI has gotten so out of control that safety and quality are now at state. Companies like Boeing and many others are experiencing massive issues with quality control as a result of having implemented DEI policies. They have seen record safety issues due to hiring unqualified people over competent workers to meet DEI quotas. Is it healthy that we are building a victim society where only those who identify as being persecuted are granted any assistance, employment or support? Although equity of opportunity is critical to all of us in Canada, no government or private official can or should work to guarantee equity of outcome. This means that decisions for hiring, events and policies should be based on equal standards or benefits for all people in the community. But is this happening? Even if you are benefiting today from DEI policies, realize that you too might be on the chopping block by discriminatory policies that might judge you not by your work but by whatever new quota has been identified. We are all equal and each person deserves the opportunity to improve their live and reach their goals. Let’s remove Marxist DEI from government, work and schools and start promoting equal opportunities for everyone. This starts with removing harmful ideologies from our schools, focusing on skills and learning, hard work, character and competence again so we can create real positive growth and unity again in Canada.

FIESTA WEEK TRAGEDY

FIESTA WEEK TRAGEDY By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States

Before we begin we must define what a fiesta is. As per dictionary interpretation, FIESTA: You can use the word fiesta for any party, but it usually refers to a large feast, festival, or very extravagant party. In Spanish, fiesta means "feast," and in many Spanish-speaking places, a fiesta celebrates a saint's day or other religious occasion. The word comes from the Latin festus, "festive, joyful, or merry." Now, focus on the LARGE word as that is the key to the event. I say this because through the years I have seen the so called Fiesta week slowly diminish. I have personally approached the committee involved and they refuse help. If is not their way it is no way. This type of mentality is seen across many City committees. Committees made up of people with good intentions but no clue on how to promote and or market an event. A success is not 40 - 50 people appearing on any one particular day. A success is 1,000 - 10,000 showing up in our city. People from all across the globe coming in for a good time. For a FIESTA. No, instead we have small gathering... normally family and friends of those hosting the particular pavilions and some curious visitors. The fiesta week for the past 10 years at least has had no real promotion or advertising. Sadly, this is another example of why our City of Oshawa has opportunity after opportunity pass us by. The downtown car show, the lakeview park car show. Gone. We have a chamber of commerce that is ineffective and inactive. It has been years since I seen one of the reps come over for a chat. I know that if I had been mayor. I would have turned Fiesta Week into a real international event. I would have targeted all kinds of groups to create a buzz like never before. This would have been months of pre-event preparation. Coordination with all kinds of real partners....not like they do it here in Oshawa... they call partners... nothing short of political supporters for those elect. I would have approached investors in the Fiesta week. I would have had the event marketed in foreign countries inviting tourism to Durham Region. No, instead what do we have? The same old the same old. The numbers slowly dwindling and opportunity keeps passing us by. Have we not had enough of the same old, same old?

Canada Day 2024

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East This year is the 157th anniversary of a country still called Canada. Mired by the dark aspersions cast on our history and the complicated world situation we find ourselves in, we need to remember that we are still Canadians and be proud of it. As we reflect on events since the beginning of the year, let us hope that this year Canada Day will finally bring the nation a glimmer of hope and that the second half of 2024 will be better. Let’s take a moment to consider the incredible contributions made by Canadians throughout our history. Their efforts have helped to make the country what it is today; a country of vibrant cities and strong rural communities. Canada is a place where cultural freedom still flourishes, and Canadians from all backgrounds are still free to express themselves and help our country prosper despite recent tendencies to restrict these freedoms. Successive waves of immigrants from France, Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom and other countries together with Indigenous people have helped to forge our nation’s unique character. Through their efforts, our communities have become a distinct part of the Canadian identity which we need to preserve rather than deny. We should honour this legacy while we recognize that we can do better in the future. Let’s be proud of our combined anglophone, francophone and indigenous heritage and seek a strong and constructive cooperation with all our people of different backgrounds for a better Canada. Canada was not born of bloody conflict. It emerged from a lengthy process of brainstorming about practical matters, of negotiations, proposals, and legislative ratifications. On July 1, 1867, the Confederation of four Canadian provinces created our country and with the inclusion of Lower Canada – now Quebec – it ensured from the outset that Canada would be a blend of two nations, two cultures and two languages. The acceptance of both civil and common law systems is a factor that still makes Canada a helpful player on the international scene. And from the outset, religious tolerance was Canada’s only option. The enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which made the confederation of the provinces law, was celebrated on July 1, 1867, with the ringing of the bells at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto. Contemporary accounts of the celebration also describe "bonfires, fireworks and illuminations, excursions, military displays and musical and other entertainments". On June 20 of the following year, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to celebrate the anniversary of Confederation. However, the holiday was not established in statute until May 15, 1879, when it was designated Dominion Day, alluding to the reference in the British North America Act to the country as a dominion. The holiday was initially not dominant in the national calendar; celebrations were mounted by local communities and the Governor General hosted a party at Rideau Hall. No larger celebrations were held until 1917 and then none again for a further decade—the gold and diamond anniversaries of Confederation, respectively. Canada's centennial in 1967 is often seen as an important milestone in the history of Canadian nationalism and in Canada's maturing as a distinct, independent country, after which Dominion Day became more popular with average Canadians. Some Canadians were, by the early 1980s, informally referring to the holiday as Canada Day, a practice that caused some controversy. However, with the granting of Royal Assent, the holiday's name was officially changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982. Canada Day coincides with Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, with memorials typically held in the morning of July 1. As the anniversary of Confederation, Dominion Day, and later Canada Day, was the date set to commemorate a number of important events. It was the first national radio network hookup by the Canadian National Railway (1927). It was the inauguration of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's cross-country television broadcast, with Governor General Vincent Massey's Dominion Day speech from Parliament Hill (1958) and the flooding of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (1958); It was the first colour television transmission in Canada (1966); the inauguration of the Order of Canada (1967); and the establishment of "O Canada" as the country's national anthem (1980). Other events fell on the same day coincidentally, such as the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, shortly after which Newfoundland recognized July 1 as Memorial Day to commemorate the Newfoundland Regiment's heavy losses during the battle. Our nation is facing greater challenges today, than ever before. These include economic hardship and high inflation, issues related to a new conflagration in Europe, high unemployment and seriously escalating social problems. Let us again show that we support each other. This community spirit is one of the most admirable characteristics of being Canadian. On July the 1st let’s celebrate our country’s achievements and use them, not our failings, as a foundation to build a better and a brighter future together. Let’s celebrate our unity and our treasured country. Happy enlightened Canada Day!

A NEW NAZI MENTALITY ...

By Dale Jodoin The Echoes of History: Examining the Alarming Parallel between Canadian Left-Wing Extremism and Nazi Ideology A disturbing shift has taken root within Canadian left-wing circles, echoing the hateful rhetoric and tactics of historical Nazi ideology. This dangerous trend is not only a threat to democratic values but also poses a grave danger to the safety and well-being of Jewish Canadians. Today, elements within the Canadian left-wing have embraced extremist narratives, including calls for the destruction of Israel and the denial of Jewish people's right to exist. This virulent anti-Semitic rhetoric bears a striking resemblance to the propaganda and policies propagated by the Nazi regime. The impact of this ideological shift cannot be overstated. Jewish Canadians now face a heightened risk of verbal assaults, threats, physical violence, and systemic discrimination, reminiscent of the persecution experienced during darker periods of history. While not identical, the parallels between contemporary left-wing extremism and Nazi ideology are alarming. Both propagate hateful stereotypes, promote scapegoating of minority groups, and advocate for the elimination of perceived adversaries, be it through words or actions. Regrettably, the response from Canadian political leaders has been insufficient, with condemnations often lacking meaningful follow-up actions to address and combat the growing tide of anti-Semitism within the left-wing. Extremist groups, such as Hamas and Iranian-backed organizations, have played a pivotal role in fueling anti-Semitic sentiments within left-wing circles, exploiting grievances and spreading hateful ideologies under the guise of activism. The erosion of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and religious expression, is a direct consequence of this extremist infiltration within left-wing politics. The very values that underpin democratic societies are under threat. A resolute and collective response is urgently needed to confront and dismantle this resurgence of hate and extremism. Concrete measures must be implemented to safeguard the rights and safety of Jewish Canadians and uphold democratic principles. In closing, the rise of Nazi-like rhetoric and actions within Canadian left-wing extremism serves as a stark warning. It is incumbent upon all Canadians, regardless of political affiliation, to reject hatred, uphold inclusivity, and stand in solidarity against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms.tion habits. More and more Canadians are choosing bicycles, e-bikes, and scooger laws that treat the theft of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters with the seriousneensure a safer, more secure future for all Canadians.

Innovation Unlocked: How CEO’s Can Encourage

Connection, Community, and Creativity By Stephanie Uprichard, IDC, GDC, ARIDO, IIDA Studio Forma Interior Design Principal Designer Connection, Community, And Innovation: Unleashing Creativity In The Workforce In the modern business landscape, innovation and problem-solving are key drivers of success. CEO’s recognize that fostering a sense of connection and community within their organizations not only enhances employee satisfaction but also unleashes the creative potential required for breakthrough ideas and solutions. Here’s how these vital aspects are intertwined and how CEO’s can further encourage a culture of innovation: The Power of Connection and Community in Innovation When employees feel connected and part of a community, they are more inclined to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build on each other’s thoughts. This collaborative environment stimulates creativity and fosters a collective intelligence that can lead to innovative breakthroughs. A strong sense of community also encourages risk-taking and the exploration of new ideas, as individuals feel supported and valued, even if their suggestions don’t always lead to success. CEO’s who understand this connection actively work to break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration. They recognize that diverse perspectives are crucial to innovation and that a community-oriented culture can provide a platform for diverse thoughts and experiences to come together. Encouraging Innovation through Connection and Community Here are some ways in which CEO’s can further encourage innovation within their organizations, building on the foundation of connection and community: Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety: Create an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas without fear of rejection or ridicule. This can be achieved through inclusive leadership, where diverse thoughts are welcomed, and through team-building activities that emphasize the value of each individual’s contribution. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Seek out and promote diverse talent, ensuring that your workforce represents a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Diversity fuels innovation, and by creating an inclusive community, CEO’s can harness the power of these diverse viewpoints to drive creative solutions. Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down departmental barriers and encourage employees from different teams to collaborate. This can be facilitated through mixed-team projects, social events, or even shared physical spaces that bring people together. Such interactions spark new connections and can lead to innovative insights. Provide Creative Spaces: In addition to the physical design elements mentioned earlier, consider incorporating dedicated creative spaces within the office. These might include maker spaces, innovation labs, or simply areas with whiteboards and creative supplies, encouraging employees to brainstorm and experiment. Celebrate Failure: Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success. CEO’s can lead by example here, sharing their own stories of failure and the lessons learned. This shifts the organizational mindset from one of risk-aversion to one of experimentation and growth. Leading with Vision and Inspiration CEO’s set the tone and provide the vision that inspires employees to embrace innovation. Here’s how they can further encourage a culture of creativity: Share the Vision: Clearly articulate the organization’s vision and how innovation plays a role in achieving it. Help employees understand how their contributions, no matter how small, fit into the bigger picture. This provides a sense of purpose and motivates employees to bring their creative best. Lead by Example: CEO’s should embody an innovative mindset, embracing new ideas and technologies. They should be willing to experiment, learn, and adapt, signaling to employees that innovation is a continuous journey. Leading by example inspires employees to follow suit. Recognize and Reward: Implement recognition programs that celebrate innovative achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing and rewarding employees who take calculated risks, challenge the status quo, or develop creative solutions encourages others to do the same. By fostering connection and community within the workforce, CEO’s create an environment ripe for innovation and creative problem-solving. This, coupled with a thoughtful approach to office design and a culture of psychological safety, empowers employees to bring their full creative selves to the table.