The Times They Are a Changing

The Times They Are a Changing By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist The Real Estate market is a dynamic entity, continuously shifting between favouring buyers and sellers. Durham Region has been in a balanced market for quite some time now. In fact some would say that the market in Durham Region has been soft, quiet, weak. Any way you want to put it, houses have been sitting on the market in many cases, for months before selling or terminating with a thought to try listing again in a stronger market. Houses that are priced properly right out of the gate tend to sell quickly and still do. The would-be buyers have certainly sent a message to the sellers that they are not willing to pay more than the actual value of the home. Unfortunately, some home sellers are still stuck in the Covid craziness days and think that people are going to pay well more than what the house is worth. Another thing that potential home buyers have sent a strong message to the home sellers on is the idea of holding offers. Having a presentation date is not really effective when the buyers aren’t buying to begin with. Numerous houses have had their presentation date come and go with either no offers or low offers, but not high enough to seal a deal. The whole idea of an offer presentation date is to garner as much interest in the property as possible, bring in as many offers at one time as you can, as this benefits the seller client. We are seeing more and more listings saying, “offers anytime”, just like it used to be prior to Covid. I don’t think the offer presentation is going anywhere; I think that it is only effective in a seller’s market and that people will eventually understand that. With the Bank of Canada continuing to cut rates, Many will stay firmly planted on the sidelines, where they’ve been for a couple of years now. They will patiently wait for the news that the rates have hit rock bottom and then plan their jump into the market. The only problem with that is that when the rates finally hit rock bottom, the house prices will have risen considerably. Most analysts expect the Bank of Canada to cut through 2025. There is a sweet spot in the market right now and many buyers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity. Houses that have been sitting on the market for four, five, and even six months are now being snapped up. Buyers that thought they had time to look at a house, think about it and view it again before making a decision are finding that they don’t have that luxury at all in a lot of cases. I know a young couple looking for their first home and they are having their viewings cancelled because the house they were going to look at, that has been on the market for four months has just sold. This has happened to them in a few times. This indicates that the market is starting to tighten up. Inventory is really starting to move. It will be very interesting to see what 2025 holds in store for the Durham Region market. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

Job Seekers: Be Clear on Your “Secret Sauce”

Job Seekers: Be Clear on Your “Secret Sauce” By Nick Kossovan Most job seekers present themselves to employers as a jack of all trades, master of none, when they should be presenting a unique set of skills. You think you’re talented. Everyone you’re up against thinks they’re talented. What makes you special? When you apply for a job, possessing the necessary skills and qualifications is not enough. You need to find ways to differentiate yourself; otherwise, you will blend in with the other job seekers you're competing against. The key to differentiating yourself and rising above all the noise so you're seen and heard rather than ignored lies in your "secret sauce"—the unique skills, experiences, and attributes that make you one-of-a-kind. Thus, you become what most job seekers aren't: memorable. Asking yourself the following questions will help you define your secret sauce: 1. In my current or previous positions, what were my favourite tasks? For the most part, we enjoy activities we're good at (e.g., working with numbers, designing costumes, conducting research, organizing events, writing blogs) because our inherent strengths and aptitudes create a natural talent for the activity, thereby making it enjoyable since you’re not fighting who you are. List everything, work-related and non-work-related, you enjoy doing. 2. What feedback have I received from colleagues or supervisors regarding my work? Reflect on your career journey. Think of all the positive and negative feedback you received, whether in formal performance reviews or an offhand manner, regarding your work or something you did. "I enjoy sitting in on your presentations." "You have a knack for listening." "The way you motivate your team is impressive." 3. What problems have I successfully solved in previous positions? Every position exists to solve a problem. For instance, accountants are hired to monitor a company's incoming revenue and outgoing expenses and oversee its compliance with local tax laws. What problems have you solved for your employers? Increased website traffic? Decreased spending? Increased customer satisfaction? Decreased safety violations? Increased sales? (employers' favourite) 4. What unique experiences or backgrounds do I have that contribute to my skill set? A candidate who grew up in Quebec City will have a competitive edge being fluently bilingual over someone who simply attended French immersion in Calgary, Alberta. The same could be said for a candidate whose mother was a social worker, making them more attuned to the needs of others or their father, who was a pharmaceutical representative, thus exposing them to human dynamics that influence. Everyone has a unique story of how their place of birth and experiences, especially first experiences, developed their strengths and 'passion for.' Explaining to an employer that your enjoyment of providing customer service that's a competitive advantage comes from having spent your weekends and summers working the front desk at your family's 85-room hotel in Estevan, Saskatchewan, has much more impact than simply saying, "I like helping people." 5. What skills have I gained through hobbies or volunteer work? I once hired a call centre agent who volunteered at a local suicide prevention hotline for several years. A candidate who coached a little league baseball team turned out to be one of the best first-time manager I ever hired. Don't ignore the skills and experience you've acquired outside your employment or education. Skills, experience, and knowledge aren't just acquired at work or school. The skills and experience you gain from volunteering, starting/running a business, being a parent, playing in a sports league, or serving on your condo board can be valuable to employers. If the above questions don't solicit as many skills as you'd like, seek the opinions of family members, friends, and colleagues. Ask them what they think your key strengths are. Their insights may surprise you. Once you've identified your hard and soft skills—your soft skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, time management) are the most important to employers—you need to communicate your unique skills as selling points. Merely listing your "skills" and "qualifications" doesn't distinguish you from other applicants. You must describe who you are and what you offer in a straightforward, memorable narrative conveying your unique value proposition. · Not memorable: "I speak French." · Memorable: "I was born in Quebec City. French is my mother tongue." Additionally, frame your skills and qualifications in terms of how they can benefit an employer. · No value add: "I have strong analytical skills." · Value add: "During my seven years as a financial analyst at Wayne Enterprises, I developed above-average analytical skills that enabled the company to take advantage of several initial public offerings that turned out to be quite lucrative. One recommended buy resulted in a $7.5 million gain within less than a year." Based on my experience, most candidates fail to emphasize their uniqueness; hence, they don't stick in my head. Given the number of candidates I've interviewed throughout my career, one would think I'd have heard many inspiring, funny, entertaining, and sad career and life stories. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Job seekers need to work on being mentally sticky. In a competitive job market filled with qualified candidates, articulating your secret sauce will ultimately set you apart. _____________________________________________________________________ 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

"Silenced for Speaking the Truth: The City of Pickering’s Dirty War Against Transparency and Accountability"

"Silenced for Speaking the Truth: The City of Pickering’s Dirty War Against Transparency and Accountability" By Lisa Robinson Let me make this absolutely clear: what’s happening behind the scenes at the City of Pickering is nothing short of an all-out attack on your right to be informed and my ability to represent you effectively. Since October 2023, Councillor Brenner has been actively working to silence me, trying to block my communication with you through videos and other essential channels. Thanks to an FOI request, we now know that Councillor Brenner has been lobbying the CAO, the mayor, city solicitor, my colleagues on council, and the security manager, to prevent me from using my office to produce my YouTube videos. This is the same individual who once threatened to stick a knife in my back, twist it slowly, and I wouldn’t know until he was ready to pull it out, and who wanted to sharpen his sword and decapate the Mayor. Now, that’s the transparency and honesty we’re getting from this council. After a recent appeal to release redacted emails, it’s clear that Councillor Brenner has been tirelessly working to undermine me. The emails show he’s repeatedly attacked my right to perform my duties as an elected official. He openly claims that because I haven’t “demonstrated any intent to change my behavior” by continuing to speak out about the corruption and wrongdoing within the city, he’s been pushing to strip me of access to municipal facilities. He argues that the Municipal Act doesn’t guarantee that elected officials have access to these resources. He also accuses me of breaching the Ontario Human Rights Code and violating the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act—simply for speaking out about the city of Pickering’s violation of its own flag-raising procedure when they raised the PFLAG flag in the face of the Million Person March for Children. I called this out as a direct assault on those peacefully protesting, accusing the Pickering administration of fueling tensions within the community. And as if that’s not enough, he requested legal advice on the possibility of charging me under Canadian Hate Crime Law. Fast forward to December 2024, and the CAO has issued a directive prohibiting me from using my office to produce videos or host town halls on city property, unless I remain silent about the corruption, collusion, and the truth surrounding what’s happening in the City of Pickering, and stop breaching the city's code of conduct, which in my opinion does not supersede the charter of rights and freedoms. This is not only a blatant attempt to suppress me and prevent me from representing YOU, but it also feels like extortion. If I don't follow the vague and subjective "Code of Conduct," which could easily be twisted to label anything I say as bullying, intimidation, or even threatening—making me face severe consequences, even more than the nine months of pay that I have already lost. And is it also a coincidence that the Integrity Commissioner, Jeff Abrams, when giving the recommendation for my council to sanction me another 3 months of pay on December 16th (Merry Christmas) for my comment, "If I was mayor, I would use the strong mayor powers for good, I would get rid of the CAO, city solicitor, and other directors, as corruption starts at the top. I would tear down city hall, build it back up from the bottom up, and give it back to the people," suggested that he would like to see other avenues as punishment for councillors? He even suggested scenarios such as stripping councillors’ access to city staff or banning those in breach of conduct from entering community centers. These are the kinds of punitive measures he is actively imagining right now. As I have said many times before, I do not believe in coincidences. This my friends is collusion. What’s next? Requests for a criminal investigation against me—based on harmful comments other people say that hurt colleagues’ or staff’s feelings? I do not condone any violence, nor have I ever endorsed actions that compromise anyone's safety or dignity. Yet, instead of acknowledging that, they continue to twist the narratives—all because I keep speaking the truth, calling out inappropriate sexual advances toward me, and exposing psychological harassment. Make no mistake, this isn’t just an attack on me—it’s an assault on your right to hear the truth from your elected representative. This is a calculated, politically motivated effort to silence anyone who dares to speak out against the corruption, the dishonesty, and the backroom dealings taking place in this city. They want to suppress the truth, manipulate the narrative, and control the voices that challenge their power. What they are doing could be considered a form of coercion, collusion, or intimidation, potentially even bordering on extortion. The CAO’s directive, paired with the vague and highly subjective nature of the "Code of Conduct," creates a chilling environment where anything I say—as has already been proven—could be twisted into an accusation of bullying, intimidation, or threatening behavior. This kind of unchecked power is deeply dangerous, as it allows for the suppression of free speech and stifles legitimate concerns—especially when those concerns challenge corruption or expose wrongdoing. The CAO even goes so far as to fabricate words like "burn," attributing them to me—something I never said—deliberately misrepresenting my intent and potentially escalating tensions. And who is this person? None other than someone recently crowned "CAO of the Year" by Municipal World Magazine. Let that sink in. No matter how hard they try to tear me down, I will rise—stronger, louder, and more determined than ever. I will fight not just for the people of Pickering, but for everyone who values common sense, integrity, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Together, we will shine a light on the truth and take back the power for the people. You deserve the truth. You deserve a voice that stands unwaveringly for you—not for political games, personal agendas, or backroom deals. I am that voice.

Thank you for 2024 Looking Forward 2025 Successes

T

By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States I remember back to 1993. The Oshawa Times had just closed. The community was left in shock after 123 years of service. Without notice. The Times shuts down. After heavy consultation. The Central was born. A new newspaper promising to fill in the shoes of a local giant. Metroland the local coupon clipper that published some news was quick to move in on all the local municipal contracts as at that time they had the distribution network. They published higher numbers. The Central made it’s mission not to compete but to work in the shadows. Slowly chipping away at their corporate strong holds and establish ourselves as the local news source. The Central champions the cause of the under dog. The Central is the only news print that truly gives the general public access to the press. The Central has enjoyed a stellar columnist line ups. From the late honorable Jim Flaherty to Former Mayor Marcel Brunelle of Whitby. Jerry Ouellette, Preston Manning former reform party leader. The list is long and prestigious. The Central successes have bee long and painful as every award every achievement had to be earned through hard work. The Central with offices also in the United States is more than a local power house. The Central is internationally acredited and award winning on various fronts. Did you know that the Central was the first newspaper to have published on line? Did you know that the Central through it’s sister company DURHAM CITY CENTRAL RADIO THE WAVE, was the first company across the planet that broadcasted live radio. Yes, before YouTube and the many other streaming services. The Central in 30 years has been a beacon of excellence in the field of online telecommunications, news print and media. Many have come and gone. All failed. Some due to the fact that did not know how to manage others had no clue on what it takes to survive in this industry. For example the ‘OSHAWA EXPRESS’ with it’s 2000 print was only interested in Oshawa municipal contract. That was all that kept them alive. The NEIGHBOR magazine another fly by night operator that had no clue on what the industry mandated. Gone. One after the other. Just recently Metroland closed. Under bankruptcy protection they are attempting to be an online presence... Once again. All they are doing is suckering in people that do not understand that online has no value for news. People placing ads in these online news groups might as well as burn it. Same affect. Newsprint has undergone some major changes. Those that do not understand the science. Go bankrupt. Those that desperately go online are doomed. The Central success is you. Our readers, advertisers, contributors and our staff. Happy New Year Thank You.

Nobody will erase “Christmas” from this holiday It’s Christmas time again!

Nobody will erase “Christmas” from this holiday It’s Christmas time again! by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East This year, despite many problems in the world, we should be able to enjoy a more convivial Christmas time, redolent of the spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, economic hardships are still on the rise and internally political instability is on the horizon. They all point to a challenging new year to come. The election results in the United States, with dangerous developments for the economy percolating, does not bode well for the future, either. However, none of this changes the importance or the meaning of Christmas, or its message of peace, love and goodwill. Christmas is Christmas, and people will find a way to celebrate it no matter what restrictions are imposed upon them. Not even The Canadian Human Rights Commission, which wields broad quasi-judicial powers, will be able to challenge the celebration of Christmas. They argued that an official day off to celebrate Christmas is 'discriminatory'. This quasi woke organization that is fully funded by the federal government, has declared that the celebration of Christmas is evidence of Canada’s “colonialist” religious intolerance. I cannot help wondering who these people are and who appointed them to wipe out our basic heritage on taxpayers’ money. This brazen attack on our history and traditions is an outrageous use of our own hard-earned tax dollars against us. “Discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is grounded in Canada’s history of colonialism,” reads a Discussion Paper on Religious Intolerance recently published by the agency. “An obvious example is statutory holidays in Canada,” it adds, noting that the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter get days off, while non-Christians have to “request special accommodations to observe their holy days.” The essence of the paper is that Canada is replete with religious intolerance and always has been. “In order to move forward towards sustainable change, all Canadians must first acknowledge Canada’s history of religious intolerance,” it reads. It seems quite clear that in the agency’s view, we, as Canadians, need to be selective about our history and brainwashed into praising futuristic globalist values. Canada welcomes newcomers and cultures from around the world. Its reputation for stability and tolerance makes it a popular destination for those considering a fresh start in a new country. It would be nice to maintain this status in the years to come without denying our history and destroying our own heritage. Even with the growing number of immigrants in Canada, Canadians tend to observe holidays and traditions based on those of the founders of our country, who were mostly French and British settlers. These traditions are often rooted in Christian beliefs and Christmas day is arguably the most observed holiday of the year. Christmas began as, and for millions around the globe still is, a religious holiday in the Christian faith that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For those who are not of the Christian faith, it is a time to enjoy a spirit of giving and good cheer as the community celebrates. Regardless of religious beliefs, over half of Canadians celebrate Christmas as a completely secular holiday; an occasion to spend time with friends and family. Whether religious observance is part of the day or not, there are many long-standing Christmas traditions that everyone can enjoy. That brings me once again to the need to remind people that it is Christmas time, not “Merry and Bright” season and not “Generic Happy Holiday Time.” It is Christmas, and the greeting during this season, if you want to acknowledge reality, should be “Merry Christmas”. The war on Christmas, which reached its zenith a few years ago, but continues to rage amongst those who have a self-hating compulsion against their own society and culture, has failed to erase Christmas and the beautiful greeting of “Merry Christmas.” It will continue to fail because Canadians know who they are, and understand that the Christmas season and “Merry Christmas” are part of being Canadian. A generic seasonal celebration will not now, or ever, replace that. In conclusion, current social trends, aimed at erasing historical realities and traditions, savour strongly of globalist elitist strategies and pseudo-Marxist philosophies. The bitterness some show toward the Christmas season is skewed and out of touch with the feelings of the majority of Canadians who love Christmas. Therefore, I wish you all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this be a happy, healthy and meaningful holiday season for everyone!

Waiting to Die: Canada's Healthcare Crisis and Its Impact on Cancer Patients

Waiting to Die: Canada's Healthcare Crisis and Its Impact on Cancer Patients By Dale Jodoin In recent years, Canada's healthcare system has faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant delays in medical treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, resulting in longer wait times and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Among those most affected are cancer patients, who often find their critical treatments postponed, sometimes with fatal consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on Canada's healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and resources stretched thin, leading to delays in various medical procedures. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), median wait times for cancer surgeries have increased by 2 to 4 days for breast, bladder, colorectal, and lung cancers, and by 11 days for prostate cancer, compared to 2019 . These delays can be detrimental, as timely treatment is crucial for cancer patients. For cancer patients, delays in treatment can mean the difference between life and death. As wait times extend, some patients progress to more advanced stages of cancer, reducing their chances of survival. In some tragic cases, patients have died while waiting for necessary surgeries or treatments. A report by SecondStreet.org revealed that over 17,000 patients died while on waiting lists for surgeries, diagnostic scans, or specialist consultations in the year ending March 2023 The uncertainty and prolonged waiting periods have also taken a psychological toll on patients. Feelings of hopelessness and despair are common, leading some to consider drastic measures. The option of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has been sought by patients who feel they have no other choice due to unbearable suffering and delayed access to care. While MAiD provides an option for those in intolerable pain, its increased consideration raises ethical concerns about the state of the healthcare system. Palliative care services, designed to provide relief to those with serious illnesses, are also under strain. With the rising number of patients requiring end-of-life care, these facilities are operating at full capacity, unable to accommodate the growing demand. This situation leaves many patients without adequate support during their most vulnerable times. The current state of affairs has led to discussions about potential solutions to alleviate the burden on the public healthcare system. One proposal is the introduction of private healthcare options to increase capacity and reduce wait times. Countries with mixed healthcare systems often experience shorter wait times for treatments, suggesting that a dual approach could benefit patients in Canada. Additionally, there is a pressing need to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The nursing shortage, for instance, has reached critical levels, leading to unplanned closures of emergency rooms and increased workloads for existing staff Wikipedia . Investing in the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers is essential to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate care. Early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates. However, delays in accessing diagnostic services mean that many cancers are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Improving access to screening and diagnostic tools is vital. Between April and September 2023, median wait times for MRI scans were 7 days longer, and for CT scans 4 days longer, compared to the same period in 2019 . Reducing these wait times could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for patients. A National Conversation Addressing these challenges requires a national dialogue involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. An honest assessment of the current system's shortcomings is necessary to develop effective strategies for improvement. This includes considering innovative care models, increasing funding for primary care, and exploring the potential benefits of integrating private healthcare options. The delays in cancer treatment within Canada's healthcare system have dire consequences for patients. Without immediate and effective action, more lives will be lost to preventable delays. It is imperative that Canada confronts these issues head-on, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the timely care they desperately need.

51st

“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 - 51st By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States I think in the new year I am going to enroll in a course and learn how to speak American. Ok, stop laughing. Let’s take a look at the possible surrender, invasion, liberation of Canada by/with the United States. I say surrender.... because as it stands Canadian politics is at an all time low. The Liberals have ruined the country by compromising just about every aspect of Canadian economics, politics. To a point that Canadian society has stopped to exist and Canada has become a cocktail of third world interests. For God’s sake we have be careful when we wish each other ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ as to not offend anyone. How about the fact that someone gets offended at our tradition in itself is offensive and bias if not prejudice towards Canadian traditions, customs and culture. But we must stay silent and accept. As it stand no matter who wins... It be the same old same old. Only difference is that the new changes will only ad up to increase taxes in order to pay the previous regimes mistakes. Can we clearly say that the NDP or the Conservatives are or will be any different than the Liberals? Look at the policies. Look at the leaders of the parties. Look at the parties themselves. All three are rooted in the ‘dog eat dog’, mentality. It is not about the quality of leadership. It is about who you know. Look in Oshawa. The local MP Collin Carrie. Served for God knows how many terms. What has he done for Oshawa? Now he finally is retiring... and instead of looking for a candidate with real credentials. A local community business leader at the least. No. The party selects Collin’s assistance. Patronage for service rendered over the years. Like really this is the best selection to lead us? Collin’s personal assistant. I say let’s surrender to the U.S. and reap the benefits of a Trump no nonsense administration. Our dollar would automatically go up forty cents. Our gas and food prices would drop. I say, let the U.S. invade Canada. It appears that just about every other nation has already. Through our multicultural initiative. It is almost shameful to be Canadian. Canadians are forced to accept foreign customs, tradition and cultures. It is not about integrating but forced compliance or else be labeled. I say, let’s let the U.S. liberate us from our own stupidity. Let’s put common sense back in governance. As it stands discrimination has transformed from race to race to corporate, political, social and many other forms all in the guise of equality. Inclusion, diversity... meanwhile society has rotted to a point that our Canadian jobs are going to India, Phillipines and other third world countries. While our own youth can’t get work unless they are of a particular race or speak a particular language. Our youth can’t afford to buy homes as minimum wages does not even pay for rentals. We need Canada back. If we can’t have it. Let’s consider 51 as a real option.

Flipping houses

Flipping houses By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist The idea of flipping a house sounds great on the surface. You can purchase a house that has been completely neglected and in need of some serious help, or you can simply purchase a house that hasn’t seen much updating through the years, if any at all. Either type of purchase will work for a flip. The whole idea of a flip is to take a property that you purchased on the cheap, rip out the old and put in the new. Once you have completed your flip, the idea is to be able to put it back on the market for a profit. It sounds much easier than it actually is in most cases. Usually, the type of property you are able to purchase on the cheap may be very old. With very old houses come a whole slew of issues. You may find when you start to rip things apart that there could be asbestos in the house. That calls for immediate remediation, and that can be costly. Another costly item can be having to bring things up to code. When I purchase an old Semi in downtown Oshawa several years back, it had no air conditioning. For me, air conditioning was a must have. I called a company to come and install it and was told I’d have to have my gas meter moved. That cost me a few hundred dollars to have that done before we could even get to the installation of the air conditioning. The point I’m trying to make is that for every intended cost, you may get hit with other unknown costs related to what you are trying to accomplish. We’ve all seen the HGTV programs that show houses being gutted and redone with stunning results. While completely redoing a house can bring immense satisfaction, if you are trying to make a living at it, well, that can be challenging. House flipping became popular kin the mid 2000s during the housing bubble. Since then, flipping has seen several cycles of popularity. The height of the flipping craze came in 2005 with 8.2% of single-family homes sold being flipped. This was due to rising house prices and easier access to mortgages. In 2008 the housing market collapsed, and flippers faced having to sell at lower prices. 2022 saw flipping houses hit its highest rate since 2005 with 8.4% of all home sales being flipped. Just a year later in 2023, flipping saw nearly a 30% drop, however it is on the rise again. There is a house on a street in Central Oshawa that garnered a lot of attention when it was purchased, redone and then unfortunately got caught in the market turndown. It sat on the market for months, went power of sale, and eventually sold for a staggering $300,000 loss. Flipping a house is not easy. If you are thinking of trying your hand at it, set a budget, focus on what sells as opposed to what you like personally. Have a game plan, hire trades people so you can get in and get out. Perhaps most of all, be prepared for the unexpexted. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

My Christmas Wish List

By Lisa Robinson To The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Room 281, Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 Premier@ontario.ca Subject: Protecting Democracy and Safeguarding the Voice of the People File: A1400 - 001 Dear Premier Ford, I am writing to you with deep concern regarding the most recent announcement to amend the Municipal Act. This proposal poses a serious threat to the democratic principles that underpin our nation and erodes the fundamental rights of Canadians to choose the elected officials who represent their voices. The introduction of such sweeping changes must be reconsidered, as it leaves the door wide open for abuse of power, corruption, and collusion among key municipal actors. Allowing council members, mayors, and city-paid Integrity Commissioners to collectively wield the power to remove an elected official sets a dangerous precedent. This approach is ripe for manipulation, retaliation, and political weaponization. It creates an environment where those in positions of influence can conspire to silence dissenting voices, punish political opponents, and skew future election outcomes—in essence, a form of election tampering. The power to elect and remove officials must remain firmly in the hands of the people, not in the hands of those who stand to benefit from their removal. The existing framework already includes mechanisms to address legitimate concerns like harassment, discrimination, or misconduct under workplace and human rights legislation. There is no justifiable reason to grant city councils and Integrity Commissioners the power to overrule the people's choice, especially when existing legal pathways are sufficient to address these issues. The City of Pickering is a stark example of how this system is already being exploited. Council has repeatedly targeted me, Councillor Lisa Robinson, by suspending my pay on three separate occasions—not for misconduct, but for exercising my right to freedom of expression and standing up for the beliefs and priorities of my constituents. My advocacy for transparent governance, my support for the principle that only governmental flags should fly on government buildings, and my call for fair and inclusive access to public restrooms are rooted in the will of the people I represent. Most recently, I face yet another attempt to strip me of three months' pay—my only source of income as a single mother. My so-called "offense" was stating, “If I were to become mayor, I would use strong mayor powers to remove the CAO, city solicitor, and a few directors because corruption starts at the top. I would tear down city hall, build it back up, and give it back to the people.” This is not misconduct—this is political expression. Every elected official should have the right to propose changes, share their vision, and advocate for what they believe is in the best interest of their constituents. Punishing this kind of expression is a gross misuse of power. Meanwhile, there have been far more serious transgressions by other council members that have gone unpunished. One council member has made violent threats towards me, stating they would "stick a knife in [my] back, twist it slowly, and [I] would never know until he was ready to pull it out." The same individual stated they would "sharpen their sword and decapitate the motherf---er" in reference to the mayor. (There is a recording of this comment). I have also endured sexual harassment and psychological harassment. Shockingly, there was no suspension or accountability for these threats or harassment. They were all swept under the carpet. Why? Because of the individual’s status as a senior councillor with close ties to the mayor, CAO, and city Integrity Commissioner. This clear double standard highlights how the proposed changes to the Municipal Act would be weaponized for political gain. The power to remove an elected official should never rest in the hands of council, the mayor, or the bureaucrats employed by the city. It should remain with the people. When municipal actors are permitted to play judge, jury, and executioner, democracy itself is at risk. Why even bother holding elections if those in power can remove their opponents on a whim? This new legislative change would serve as a backdoor to undermine political opposition and ensure only the "preferred" voices remain. I urge every Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to take a hard look at the implications of this bill. It is not merely an amendment—it is a fundamental attack on the democratic process. When those in power can remove their opposition, they no longer serve the people—they serve only themselves. Minister Calandra, I implore you to reconsider this dangerous course of action. The people's right to choose their representatives is sacred, and any attempt to strip that right away must be met with fierce resistance. We must protect our democracy from corruption, collusion, and authoritarian overreach. If the Municipal Act is to be amended, it should be done to prevent such abuses of power—not to facilitate them. Protecting Democracy and Safeguarding the Voice of the People December 13, 2024 Sincerely, Lisa Robinson City Councillor, Ward 1

Being Angry at Employers for Looking out for Their Interests Won’t Land

By Nick Kossovan The current job market is a stark reminder of a fundamental truth: The employee-employer relationship is inherently asymmetrical. This asymmetry is the default of the employer taking on the risk of investing capital while employees only invest their time. Employers have the upper hand, and the right to work ultimately depends on their decisions, as evidenced by layoffs. Employees don't own their jobs; their employers do. In the face of rejection after rejection, job seekers become frustrated and angry, blaming employers for being unreasonable, greedy, or only looking out for their interests, as if employers are in the business of hiring people. This mindset is counterproductive and will only hinder your ability to land a job. I don't think job seekers are angry with employers. I think they're angry because they were in demand, and now they're not. Recently, the tech industry has had more than its share of layoffs. Most likely, until now, those laid off had only experienced being highly sought after. A shift of this kind requires humility, which is lacking amid all the anger directed at employers. When making a hiring decision, the employer rightfully prioritizes its interests over those of the job seeker. Employers seek candidates who can deliver value and contribute to their organization's success. In contrast, job seekers look for roles that fit their skills, experience, and career goals. Employers looking after their interests aren’t wrong or nefarious; it's simply smart business. Employers' self-interests are not your enemies. Instead, use them to your advantage by identifying them and positioning yourself as the solution. Demonstrating how you'll support the employer's interests will turn you from a generic candidate into an asset. Three strategies can be used to align your self-interests—presumably landing a job—with those of an employer (Envision, "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours.”): Understand the employer's priorities, the obvious being to generate profit. Job seekers tend to focus solely on the job description and the required qualifications and overlook the company's overall goal(s). Knowing (read: researching) the company's goals will enable you to explain how your skills and experience can support their goals. Suppose you're applying for a marketing coordinator role at a rapidly growing tech startup. The job posting lists key responsibilities, including managing the company's social media accounts, creating content, and planning events. However, after studying the company holistically, you find, like most companies, it prioritizes gaining new customers. With this knowledge, you can position yourself as a candidate who can help drive that growth by emphasizing, using quantifying numbers (e.g., In eight months, increased Instagram followers from 1,200 to 32,000.) in your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and during your interview, your experience developing high-performing social media campaigns attracting new leads for previous employers. You could mention your innovative ideas for using user-generated content to raise brand awareness or partnering with industry influencers. The key is to show that you possess the required functional skills and understand the company's overall goals and how you can help achieve them. Explain how you'll make your 'to-be' boss's life easier. Your 'to-be' boss is juggling a million competing priorities, budget constraints, and pressure from their boss to optimize their team's productivity. Position yourself as the candidate who'll simplify your 'to-be' boss's life, and you'll differentiate yourself from other candidates. During the interview, make it a point to understand the specific pain points and challenges your 'to-be' boss is facing—I outright ask, "What keeps you up at night?"—and then present yourself as a solution. Perhaps the department has a retention problem. You could tell a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) story, demonstrating your ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and create a positive work culture that boosts employee engagement and loyalty. Educating your prospective boss that by hiring you, they'll have one less headache is a hard-to-ignore value proposition. Show how their success is equal to yours. Hiring boils down to finding candidates who can drive measurable business results. Don't rely solely on your skills and experience. Outline how you can deliver tangible benefits to the employer. Quantify the value you've brought to previous employers. If you're applying for a sales role, share data on the year-over-year revenue growth, client retention rates, and customer satisfaction scores you achieved in your previous positions. Quantify the value you brought to the organization, then explain how you can replicate or exceed that level of performance in the new role. Say you're interviewing for an IT support position. In addition to highlighting your technical expertise, again using a STAR story, highlight your expertise in streamlining processes, reducing downtime, and providing exceptional customer service. Tie those accomplishments back to the employer's need to maximize productivity and minimize disruptions. The key is to make a compelling case that the employer also succeeds when you succeed. It's understandable to feel frustrated by rejection, but the most successful candidates recognize that employers have legitimate business priorities. Identifying an employer's interests and showing how you can support them will improve your chances of landing a job. Stop expecting an employer to save you. Save an 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

Is the Government Ignoring Canadian Economic Realty?

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Let’s face the crude reality. It is not just that people do not feel good about the economy; the economic wellbeing of Canadians has been declining for years. Although it is true that the overall economy is growing slowly and inflation has been brought back down to the Bank of Canada’s 2 per cent target, these struggling positive indicators do not necessarily mean that Canadians are better off. From the middle of 2019 to the end of 2023, Canada experienced one of the worst declines in inflation-adjusted GDP per person in the last 40 years. According to new data from Statistics Canada, this decline in living standards has continued for most of 2024, and as of September 2024, GDP per person ($58,601) was 2.2 per cent lower than it had been in June 2019 ($59,905). Simply put, Canadians have suffered a marked decline in living standards over the last five years. Moreover, Canada’s private-sector employment has stagnated. From 2019 to 2023 (the latest year of available data), employment in the private sector (including self-employment) grew by 3.6 per cent compared to 13.0 per cent in the government sector. This is a major problem that seems to be ignored by both the government and the opposition. The private sector pays for the government sector, primarily through taxes. While a growing private sector helps drive wealth-creation in the economy, a growing government sector extracts that wealth and redistributes it elsewhere or even inhibits that wealth-creation in the first place. Despite data showing that private-sector employment and living standards have stagnated and/or declined for years, the Trudeau government insists that everything is fine and Canadians just “feel” worse off. On top of this discouraging news, we have the saga of the recently released fall economic statement. In it, the federal government broke its key fiscal guardrail and posted a deficit of $61.9 billion for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, blowing past the $40.1 billion level at which it promised to keep the deficit. The Liberal government is further projected to go beyond the $40.1-billion guardrail for the next two fiscal years, with a deficit projection of $48.3 billion in 2024-2025 and $42.2 billion in 2025-2026. Not only is this higher than what was forecast in the budget last spring, but based on past performance, would it surprise anyone if they continue to exceed their projections in the future? Department of Finance officials claim that the deficit was $21.8 billion higher than expected for 2023-2024 due to exceptional factors. Those included future payments to compensate First Nations children and families who faced discrimination under the First Nations Child and Family Services program and under Jordan’s principle. The government previously set aside nearly $23.3 billion for compensation. The second factor is money that has not been recovered under the Covid-19 pandemic support programs. The higher-than-anticipated provision for these two categories accounted for $21.1 billion in accounting charges. Why is nobody talking about the more than 12 billion dollars forked out by the government on foreign projects with no accountability? Even the loyal opposition is totally silent on this issue. Why, instead, are they continuing to harp on the obsolete “gas tax”, like a dog barking in the desert? The statement projects that the economy will grow by 1.3 per cent in 2024 and 1.7 per cent in 2025. Tax revenues for 2023-2024 are expected to be $5.5 billion below the spring budget’s projection, due to lower tax revenue consistent with a softening economy. The most significant investments introduced in the fall economic statement include renewing the Accelerated Investment Incentive, to make Canada’s corporate tax system more competitive. First introduced by former finance minister Bill Morneau in 2018, the incentive was intended to address competitiveness concerns after Donald Trump was first elected U.S. president. The revival of these incentives will cost the federal government an estimated $17.4 billion over the next six years. They will slowly be phased out starting in 2030 to 2033. The government has also announced $1.1 billion in new spending to boost the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive program. An additional $1.6 billion was allocated for the government’s GST holiday, which gives a break from the goods and services tax on a number of goods between Dec. 14 and Feb. 15. The government has also committed $1.3 billion over six years for strengthening the border, a contentious issue with the incoming Trump administration that the federal government hopes to solve. On top of this evident government crisis, the sudden resignation of Crystia Freeland as Finance Minister just hours before the fall economic statement was to be tabled in Parliament, is also noted. The government house leader Karina Gould tabled the statement in her absence. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Crystia Freeland said she had been at odds with the Prime minister for weeks over “the best path forward for Canada.” So, on top of an economic crisis we are inching towards a political one too? Clearly, this government is out of touch with Canadians.

"The Tariff Tug-of-War: Why a 25% US Tariff Could Reshape Canada’s Trade Future"

By Dale Jodoin Canadians are fuming over the news of a 25% tariff being imposed on Canadian goods by the United States. The move, announced by the US President, is being interpreted by many as an attack on Canada. But is this really about destroying Canada’s economy, or is there a bigger picture to consider? Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand what’s happening and why it matters. The current US President approaches politics like he approaches business. For him, it’s all about fairness and ensuring that no side has an undue advantage. From his perspective, tariffs like this aren’t meant to punish Canada—they’re meant to equalize the playing field. Here’s the issue: Canada’s dollar is weaker than the US dollar, which means Canadian manufacturers can sell goods to Americans at a cheaper price than US manufacturers. This isn’t just about competition—it’s about fairness for American workers who feel they’re being undercut by cheaper imports from Canada and Mexico. Canada’s lower dollar has been a deliberate strategy by some policymakers. By keeping the dollar slightly devalued, Canada gains a competitive edge over both the US and other trading partners like China and Mexico. This allows Canadian goods to be priced more attractively in foreign markets. However, this strategy creates a significant trade imbalance. The US has a massive trade deficit with Canada, meaning Americans are buying far more from Canada than Canadians are buying from the US. In the eyes of the US President, this is unsustainable and unfair to American workers. Many Canadians are asking, “Doesn’t free trade mean equal prices for manufactured goods?” The answer is more complex. Free trade is supposed to create open markets, but if one country’s currency is devalued, it can tilt the scales in favor of that country. The US President sees this imbalance and is trying to correct it. His tariffs are aimed at encouraging Canada to rethink its policies and create a fairer system where both Canadian and American workers can thrive. The tariffs are not just about trade; they’re also tied to larger issues like the fentanyl crisis and border security. The US has accused Canada of not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US. This deadly drug has devastated communities across America, and the President wants Canada to take stronger action. Additionally, the US has long criticized Canada’s lax border policies, especially under the current Liberal government. While Canada prides itself on being open and welcoming, this has created security concerns for its southern neighbor. The US President sees these issues as interconnected and wants Canada to step up. Instead of being angry at the US, Canadians might want to take a closer look at their own policies. Are we truly playing fair when it comes to trade? Could we compete on an equal dollar with the US? Many believe that Canadian manufacturers produce some of the best goods in the world. If that’s true, then why not level the playing field and prove it? Rather than pointing fingers, Canada and the US need to work together to create a more balanced trade relationship. This could involve: Adjusting Currency Policies: Finding a middle ground where the Canadian dollar isn’t deliberately devalued to gain a competitive edge. Strengthening Border Security: Addressing US concerns about fentanyl and border issues could improve trust and cooperation. Promoting Mutual Growth: Encouraging policies that benefit workers in both countries rather than pitting them against each other. It’s easy to get upset when policies like tariffs seem to target Canada, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture. The US President isn’t out to destroy Canada—he’s trying to ensure fairness for American workers. Instead of focusing on the negatives, Canada should seize this opportunity to prove that it can compete on a level playing field. With strong manufacturing, skilled workers, and innovative industries, Canada has what it takes to succeed. By addressing the underlying issues and working with the US, both countries can build a stronger, more balanced trade relationship that benefits everyone. So, instead of anger, let’s focus on solutions. How can we make trade between Canada and the US fairer and more beneficial for both sides? That’s the question we should be asking.

The Times They Are a Changing

The Times They Are a Changing By Theresa Grant - Real Estate Columnist The Real Estate market is a dynamic entity, continuously shifting between favouring buyers and sellers. Durham Region has been in a balanced market for quite some time now. In fact some would say that the market in Durham Region has been soft, quiet, weak. Any way you want to put it, houses have been sitting on the market in many cases, for months before selling or terminating with a thought to try listing again in a stronger market. Houses that are priced properly right out of the gate tend to sell quickly and still do. The would-be buyers have certainly sent a message to the sellers that they are not willing to pay more than the actual value of the home. Unfortunately, some home sellers are still stuck in the Covid craziness days and think that people are going to pay well more than what the house is worth. Another thing that potential home buyers have sent a strong message to the home sellers on is the idea of holding offers. Having a presentation date is not really effective when the buyers aren’t buying to begin with. Numerous houses have had their presentation date come and go with either no offers or low offers, but not high enough to seal a deal. The whole idea of an offer presentation date is to garner as much interest in the property as possible, bring in as many offers at one time as you can, as this benefits the seller client. We are seeing more and more listings saying, “offers anytime”, just like it used to be prior to Covid. I don’t think the offer presentation is going anywhere; I think that it is only effective in a seller’s market and that people will eventually understand that. With the Bank of Canada continuing to cut rates, Many will stay firmly planted on the sidelines, where they’ve been for a couple of years now. They will patiently wait for the news that the rates have hit rock bottom and then plan their jump into the market. The only problem with that is that when the rates finally hit rock bottom, the house prices will have risen considerably. Most analysts expect the Bank of Canada to cut through 2025. There is a sweet spot in the market right now and many buyers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity. Houses that have been sitting on the market for four, five, and even six months are now being snapped up. Buyers that thought they had time to look at a house, think about it and view it again before making a decision are finding that they don’t have that luxury at all in a lot of cases. I know a young couple looking for their first home and they are having their viewings cancelled because the house they were going to look at, that has been on the market for four months has just sold. This has happened to them in a few times. This indicates that the market is starting to tighten up. Inventory is really starting to move. It will be very interesting to see what 2025 holds in store for the Durham Region market. Questions? Column ideas? You can email me at newspaper@ocentral.com

Silence or Starve: How Pickering’s CAO and Council is Punishing Me for Telling the People the Truth

Silence or Starve: How Pickering’s CAO and Council is Punishing Me for Telling the People the Truth By Lisa Robinson Our Pickering CAO, Marisa Carpino, seems to think she’s untouchable. As an elected representative chosen by the people, I requested a meeting with her, that was scheduled for today, but she canceled it because I didn’t tell her about all the different topics I wanted to speak about. Since when does a public servant get to dictate terms to an elected official? I am quite certain that the CAO is supposed to work for the municipal council, not the other way around. But this is Pickering - where there is little transparency — and lots of arrogance and control. But it gets worse. Carpino filed a complaint against me to the biased “Principles Integrity” and now, on Monday, council will vote once again to strip me of another three months of pay. That’s a total of nine months without pay — nearly a full year without income — because I dared to speak the truth. I said that if I were mayor, I would use the strong mayor powers to get rid of the CAO, the City Solicitor, and a few of the directors. I said because corruption starts at the top. I’d tear down City Hall, build it back up, and give it back to the people. And for having the courage to say that, she ran to her city-paid integrity commissioner, crying “bullying” and “intimidation.” That’s not accountability — that’s a power trip. Let’s be clear: This is about control, plain and simple. When you punish an elected official for expressing their vision for the future, you’re trampling on their Charter-protected right to free expression under Section 2(b). This isn’t just my right — it’s the right of every elected official to speak freely on matters of public interest. But instead of defending that right, Pickering Council seeks to crush it. To make matters even more outrageous, Carpino was just named “CAO of the Year” by Municipal World. For what? Silencing dissent? Filing complaints to punish free speech? Weaponizing the integrity commissioner against her critics? Public servants should expect public scrutiny — that’s democracy. But apparently, Carpino believes she’s entitled to live without criticism, and if anyone dares challenge her, she pulls the levers of power to destroy them. Her fragile ego has real consequences. I’m being forced to go without pay for another three months. No pay means no mortgage payments, no food for my child, and no Christmas gifts for my family. And all because she didn't like that I said I’d fire her if I were mayor. Since when did being honest about your intentions as a leader become a crime worthy of financial ruin? On Monday, Pickering Council will have another chance to show where they stand. Will they side with the people or the bureaucrats? Every councilor who votes to support this punishment is complicit in this abuse of power. I wouldn’t even treat my worst enemy this way. It’s disgusting and exposes the rot in their character. If they think they can break me, they’re dead wrong. They are even upset that people had donated to a GiveSendGo that was set up for me a year ago. That donation symbolized the support of the people, and it enraged them. Why? Because they hate that the people still stand with me. To them, I haven’t "learned my lesson" to shut up and obey. That’s what this is really about — obedience. But it gets darker. They want me to lose my house. They want to see me unable to provide food or necessities for my child. They believe if they can push me to the brink of financial ruin, I’ll finally submit. They’re not just trying to take my pay — they’re trying to take my dignity, my family’s security, and my will to fight. That is pure evil. That’s not governance — it’s coercion. It’s an assault on democracy disguised as “accountability.” They don’t want honesty, transparency, or courage on council. They want puppets who never question, never challenge, and never expose corruption. But here’s the part they’ll never understand: I will never bow to bullies. I will never stop fighting for the people. If they want to strip my pay, so be it. But they will never take my voice. This fight is no longer just about me — it’s about you. If they can silence an elected official like this, what do you think they’ll do to you? This isn’t just evil — it’s dangerous. It’s a blueprint for tyranny. If we don’t stop it now, they’ll do it to anyone who dares to speak up. Just look at how they are desperately trying to change the Municipal Act to apply to a judiciary to remove an elected official who challenges their motivies, and exposes their corruption. The people of Pickering deserve better. All people deserve better from their governments. You deserve elected officials who stand for you — not bureaucrats who hide behind fake awards, photo ops and weaponize complaint systems to protect themselves from criticism. They may have the power now, but they’ll never have my submission. Mark my words: This isn’t over. The tide is changing I’ll keep fighting for the people of Pickering, and beyond— paid or not. This isn’t just about my pay. It’s about your right to have elected officials who speaks the truth, exposes corruption, and puts people before politics. Cities belong to the people, not bureaucrats hiding in backrooms. Remember that.

The #1 Skill I Look For When Hiring

The #1 Skill I Look For When Hiring By Nick Kossovan File this column under "for what it's worth." "Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life." — Catherine Pulsifer, author. I'm one hundred percent in agreement with Pulsifer, which is why my evaluation of candidates begins with their writing skills. If a candidate's writing skills and verbal communication skills, which I'll assess when interviewing, aren't well above average, I'll pass on them regardless of their skills and experience. Why? Because business is fundamentally about getting other people to do things—getting employees to be productive, getting customers to buy your products or services, and getting vendors to agree to a counteroffer price. In business, as in life in general, you can't make anything happen without effective communication; this is especially true when job searching when your writing is often an employer's first impression of you. Think of all the writing you engage in during a job search (resumes, cover letters, emails, texts) and all your other writing (LinkedIn profile, as well as posts and comments, blogs, articles, tweets, etc.) employers will read when they Google you to determine if you're interview-worthy. With so much of our communication today taking place via writing (email, text, collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, ClickUp, WhatsApp and Rocket.Chat), the importance of proficient writing skills can't be overstated. When assessing a candidate's writing skills, you probably think I'm looking for grammar and spelling errors. Although error-free writing is important—it shows professionalism and attention to detail—it's not the primary reason I look at a candidate's writing skills. The way someone writes reveals how they think. · Clear writing = Clear thinking · Structured paragraphs = Structured mind · Impactful sentences = Impactful ideas Effective writing isn't about using sophisticated vocabulary. Hemingway demonstrated that deceptively simple, stripped-down prose can captivate readers. Effective writing takes intricate thoughts and presents them in a way that makes the reader think, "Damn! Why didn't I see it that way?" A good writer is a dead giveaway for a good thinker. More than ever, the business world needs "good thinkers." Therefore, when I come across a candidate who's a good writer, hence a good thinker, I know they’re likely to be able to write: · Emails that don't get deleted immediately and are responded to · Simple, concise, and unambiguous instructions · Pitches that are likely to get read · Social media content that stops thumbs · Human-sounding website copy · Persuasively, while attuned to the reader’s possible sensitivities Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: AI, which job seekers are using en masse. Earlier this year, I wrote that AI's ability to hyper-increase an employee's productivity—AI is still in its infancy; we've seen nothing yet—in certain professions, such as writing, sales and marketing, computer programming, office and admin, and customer service, makes it a "fewer employees needed" tool, which understandably greatly appeals to employers. In my opinion, the recent layoffs aren't related to the economy; they're due to employers adopting AI. Additionally, companies are trying to balance investing in AI with cost-cutting measures. CEOs who've previously said, "Our people are everything," have arguably created today's job market by obsessively focusing on AI to gain competitive advantages and reduce their largest expense, their payroll. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that most AI usage involves generating written content, content that's obvious to me, and likely to you as well, to have been written by AI. However, here's the twist: I don't particularly care. Why? Because the fundamental skill I'm looking for is the ability to organize thoughts and communicate effectively. What I care about is whether the candidate can take AI-generated content and transform it into something uniquely valuable. If they can, they're demonstrating the skills of being a good thinker and communicator. It's like being a great DJ; anyone can push play, but it takes skill to read a room and mix music that gets people pumped. Using AI requires prompting effectively, which requires good writing skills to write clear and precise instructions that guide the AI to produce desired outcomes. Prompting AI effectively requires understanding structure, flow and impact. You need to know how to shape raw information, such as milestones throughout your career when you achieved quantitative results, into a compelling narrative. So, what's the best way to gain and enhance your writing skills? As with any skill, you've got to work at it. Two rules guide my writing: · Use strong verbs and nouns instead of relying on adverbs, such as "She dashed to the store." instead of "She ran quickly to the store." or "He whispered to the child." instead of "He spoke softly to the child." · Avoid using long words when a shorter one will do, such as "use" instead of "utilize" or "ask" instead of "inquire." As attention spans get shorter, I aim for clarity, simplicity and, most importantly, brevity in my writing. Don't just string words together; learn to organize your thoughts, think critically, and communicate clearly. Solid writing skills will significantly set you apart from your competition, giving you an advantage in your job search and career _____________________________________________________________________ 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

Merry Christmas

Merry C

hristmas By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States What times we live in? When it has become offensive to wish someone a ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’. Many walk around almost in shame. Let’s look at what it really means when we wish someone a Merry Christmas. When one is speaking of a happy or merry Christmas, the adjectives are lowercase. Merry Christmas began as a saying in the 1500s. It was recorded in a letter as a wish that God would send the recipient a “merry Christmas”. Brian Earl's Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions traces the first known instance of “Merry Christmas” to a 16th-century letter from a bishop to England's Chief Minister, in which the religious leader hoped God would bless the politician with a “Merry Christmas.” Deciding whether to say, 'Happy Holidays' or 'Merry Christmas' can be a personal choice. But for employers, government agencies, and schools, holiday activities or public displays must respect freedom of religion; otherwise, they could be held liable for discrimination. What is the real reason for Merry Christmas? Because Christmas is about the birth of God's Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn't change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating! Which country first invented Christmas? This is the origin of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christ-mass was being celebrated in Rome by 350AD and this is probably the place that the celebration of Christmas originated. Is Merry Christmas religious? Wishing happy holidays or season's greetings is a way of acknowledging the various holidays taking place at the end of the year: Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. When you wish someone a Merry Christmas, you are saying you wish him or her a happy day of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas, is a special time across the globe. During world wars. Wars would pause during Christmas in an act of good faith and celebration from opposing forces. This national/global tradition is not about religion or faith per se as it is the basis... or root. Christmas is about celebrating peace, love and all that is innocent and pure. From the nostalgia of a Santa Clause. To baby Jesus. The one time of the year that our hearts feel pure and innocent. Full of love, compassion and giving. The human essence is Christmas. No matter your faith or your God. Peace and joy is always found in communal celebration. From the lights to the trees. From the decorations to the chilling weather. The spirit is all around us. To think some may be offended by such celebration is offensive in itself as it clearly shows their lack of compassion, understanding and appreciation. Merry Christmas.

Recruitment and Retention Crisis

Canadian Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention Crisis by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East During this period of daily decay in global security, not strengthening our armed forces adequately has serious implications for our nation’s security, wellbeing and integrity. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are in the midst of a recruitment and retention crisis, one that threatens not just Canada’s own security, but its standing with allies like the United States. With approximately 12,000 unfilled positions, which represent 16% of its target strength of 71,500 regular members, the military is struggling to maintain basic operational capacity. This shortfall, compounded by outdated equipment, rising attrition, and a lack of political urgency, reveals deep structural flaws. The stakes are high, and the question is not just what should be done, but whether Canada’s political leaders are willing and able to do it. You may have noted that at this time Canada is spending a lot of defence-targeted money, in the order of billions of dollars, for military support in foreign countries instead of strengthening our own military. The importance of recruiting is paramount for a healthy military, but to assure success a sincere and committed political involvement is needed. Realistically, I do not see any serious actions from either the Liberal government or the Conservative opposition in support of the military. The question of who can fix the CAF’s recruitment and retention crisis is as important as the solutions themselves. Canada’s two major governing political parties, the Liberals and Conservatives, offer differing visions for defense policy, but neither has a flawless record of accomplishment. The Liberal Party, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has been criticized for its lack of urgency on defense. While the government introduced a defense policy update in 2023 that included $15 billion in new spending commitments, much of this funding remains unallocated or delayed. The Liberals have also struggled with procurement delays, such as the eternal saga of replacing Canada’s aging CF-18 fighter jets, which has dragged on for over a decade. Efforts to promote diversity within the military are commendable but the Liberals’ approach has been too slow to address the scale of the crisis. The Conservatives position themselves as the party of defense, emphasizing the importance of meeting NATO commitments and strengthening Canada’s military capabilities. Their "Canada First Defence Strategy" includes promises to increase defense spending and streamline procurement, aligning with the urgency of the CAF’s challenges. However, past Conservative governments have also struggled with procurement delays and personnel shortages, raising questions about whether they can deliver on their promises. The CAF’s recruitment and retention issues are a systemic problem, not a passing phase. Recruitment processes are outdated and cumbersome, with timelines that stretch over six to nine months, an eternity for applicants in today’s competitive job market. The quality of military recruiters also leaves a lot to be desired. The quality of recruiters is crucial in the recruiting process, a systemic problem senior military officials continues to ignore. These inefficiencies discourage potential recruits, many of whom turn to private-sector opportunities that offer quicker hiring processes, better pay, and clearer career paths. In 2023, the CAF recruited only 2,800 new members, far short of its annual target of 5,900. The recruitment crisis is compounded by a lack of serious outreach to underrepresented groups. Women, Indigenous communities, and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in the military, despite Canada’s diverse population. Efforts to improve diversity have been sporadic and insufficiently integrated into broader recruitment strategies. Retention poses an equally significant challenge. The CAF’s attrition rate climbed to nearly 8% in 2022, with over 5,000 personnel voluntarily leaving the military. Job dissatisfaction is a major factor, driven by limited career progression and long deployments. Many service members cite frustration with outdated equipment and inadequate infrastructure as contributing to their decision to leave. For instance, the CAF’s barracks and training facilities are widely seen as substandard, and the delays in procuring modern equipment, such as new fighting and engineering military vehicles, fighter jets and naval vessels, have eroded confidence in the military’s ability to meet operational demands. Morale is further undermined by a perception that successive federal governments have not prioritized defense. They have allocated resources only when forced to do so by external pressures or crises. This lack of consistent political support has left service members feeling undervalued, exacerbating retention problems and creating a cycle of dissatisfaction that the CAF has struggled to break. In addition, senior military personnel are more preoccupied with their own promotions than dedicating attention to this endemic problem, which is consuming the military. Beyond being an internal CAF issue, the recruitment and retention crisis has profound implications for Canada’s ability to respond to domestic and international security challenges. Domestically, the shortfall in personnel undermines the CAF’s capacity to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters or threats to Arctic sovereignty. The Arctic, in particular, is an area of growing concern I mentioned several times during my time in Ottawa, but my concerns fell on deaf ears. With the opening of new shipping routes in the Arctic and increasing competition for resources, Canada’s ability to assert its sovereignty in the region is critical. Neglecting the Artic leaves a gap that adversaries like Russia and China could well exploit. When I noted in the House ten years ago that Russia is a potential threat because it was refurbishing its arctic military bases at a phenomenal rate, I was assured that ‘Russia is not a threat at this time’. Internationally, the crisis weakens Canada’s contributions to NATO and its defense partnership with the United States. Canada has consistently failed to meet NATO’s target of spending 2% of GDP on defense, a shortfall that has not gone unnoticed by its allies. At present, Canada spends only 1.37% of GDP on defense, placing it near the bottom of NATO member states. This chronic underfunding has strained Canada’s relationships within the alliance as well as the United States, where incoming President Donald Trump has already indicated that he will take some painful actions against Canada unless we ‘ante up’. In fact, the U.S.-Canada defense relationship, exemplified by joint operations in the Arctic and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), is also at risk. With Russia increasing its Arctic presence and China seeking greater influence in the region, the United States needs a strong partner to help secure North American interests. Canada’s inability to maintain a fully operational military not only jeopardizes its own security but places additional strain on U.S. resources and planning. In conclusion, the CAF’s recruitment and retention crisis is a test of Canada’s political will and its ability to meet the demands of a changing security environment. The right solutions must be found quickly and implementing them requires sustained effort, adequate funding, and a commitment to making defense a national priority. Canada’s security and its reputation as a reliable ally depend on decisive action. This is not just about filling vacancies; it is about reaffirming Canada’s role as a credible partner in NATO and a trusted ally of the United States. The time for half-measures is over. Canada must act decisively to fix its military, or risk becoming a nation that cannot defend itself or its allies.

Government Confiscates Guns from Legal Owners: A Controversial Move

Government Confiscates Guns from Legal Owners: A Controversial Move By Dale Jodoin The Canadian federal government has once again announced a plan to confiscate firearms from law-abiding gun owners, sparking outrage and debate across the country. This move, aimed at banning specific firearms, has raised questions about its fairness, effectiveness, and potential consequences. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that some of these confiscated guns may be sent to Ukraine to support their fight against Russia, leaving many Canadians frustrated and concerned about the government's priorities. Under this new plan, a wide range of firearms is now considered illegal to own in Canada. Some of the most notable models include: AR-15: A popular semi-automatic rifle often used in sport shooting. Ruger Mini-14: A rifle commonly used by hunters and farmers. Mossberg 500: A reliable shotgun widely used for hunting and home defense. CZ Scorpion EVO 3: A modern firearm favored by sport shooters. These firearms, along with many others, are on a growing list of prohibited weapons. The government argues that removing these guns from civilian hands will reduce gun violence. However, critics say it unfairly targets people who have followed Canada’s strict rules for gun ownership. One of the most controversial aspects of this program is the idea that some confiscated guns might be sent to Ukraine. While the government has not officially confirmed this plan, rumors are swirling, and Canadians are asking tough questions. If the federal government can no longer afford to purchase guns for Ukraine, does that justify taking firearms from Canadian citizens who legally own them? Critics argue that confiscating property from law-abiding citizens and sending it overseas is not only unethical but also sets a dangerous precedent. "These guns were bought legally, with taxes paid, and owners followed all the rules," said one concerned gun owner. "Now the government is taking them away and possibly giving them to another country. What kind of message does that send?" Legal Gun Owners vs. Illegal Guns Statistics show that legal gun owners are rarely involved in crimes. According to Statistics Canada, more than 70% of guns used in crimes are smuggled into the country illegally, often from the United States. In contrast, legal gun owners are responsible for less than 2% of firearm-related crimes in Canada. These numbers suggest that the real problem lies with illegal gun trafficking, not with people who own firearms legally. Critics believe the government should focus its efforts on cracking down on smuggling and gang activity rather than penalizing responsible gun owners. What Does It Take to Own a Gun in Canada? Canada already has one of the strictest systems in the world for owning firearms. Here’s what Canadians must do to legally own a gun: Background Check: Applicants are screened for criminal records, mental health issues, and domestic violence history. Safety Training: Gun owners must complete a government-approved safety course and pass a test. Licensing: A firearm license is required, which must be renewed regularly. Registration: Many types of firearms must be registered with the government. These measures ensure that only responsible individuals can legally own firearms. Many gun owners feel betrayed by the government’s decision to target them when they’ve followed all the rules. The gun confiscation program is expected to cost taxpayers billions of dollars. The government has promised to compensate gun owners for the firearms they surrender, but critics argue this money could be better spent. Here are some alternative ways the funds could be used: Border Security: Strengthen efforts to stop illegal guns from being smuggled into Canada. Community Programs: Support initiatives to reduce gang violence and help at-risk youth. Mental Health Services: Invest in resources to address the root causes of violence. Critics question why the government is spending so much money on a program that targets law-abiding citizens instead of addressing the real sources of gun violence. Self-Defense and Rural Communities For many Canadians, especially those in rural areas, firearms are more than just tools for hunting or sport. They are also a means of protection. In remote areas, where police response times can be long, a firearm might be the only way to defend oneself or one’s family. By confiscating guns, critics argue that the government is leaving these individuals vulnerable. "If someone breaks into my home, what am I supposed to do?" asked a rural resident. "Call the police and hope they get here in time? That’s not realistic." The gun confiscation plan has deepened the divide between urban and rural Canadians. In cities, some people support stricter gun laws, believing they will make communities safer. In rural areas, where gun ownership is more common, many see this move as an attack on their way of life. Opposition politicians have also weighed in, accusing the government of ignoring the real issues. "This policy does nothing to stop gang violence or illegal gun smuggling," said one MP. "Instead, it punishes law-abiding Canadians who’ve done nothing wrong." The government has set deadlines for gun owners to surrender their prohibited firearms, promising compensation in return. However, many Canadians are resisting, saying they won’t give up their guns without a fight. Advocacy groups like the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR) are planning legal challenges to the confiscation program. For Canadians who oppose the policy, here are some steps to take: Contact Your MP: Share your concerns with your Member of Parliament. Support Advocacy Groups: Join organizations that are fighting for gun owners’ rights. Stay Informed: Follow news updates and understand the impact of these policies. The government’s decision to confiscate guns from legal owners is one of the most controversial moves in recent memory. While officials claim it’s about public safety, many Canadians see it as an attack on their rights and freedoms. The added possibility that these guns might be sent to Ukraine has only made the situation more contentious. If the government can no longer afford to buy weapons for Ukraine, should they really be taking them from Canadians who followed the law? This issue raises important questions about fairness, priorities, and the future of gun ownership in Canada. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this is a story that won’t be going away anytime soon.