Articles

Exercise Your Right to Make Change

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2018

BY: BRITTNEY CHANNER

On June 7^th, 2018, the province of Ontario will be conducting its 42^ndgeneral election. The goal of this election is to elect 124 members into the Parliament of Ontario with hopes of one of the parties achieving a majority government. The top political parties being represented within this provincial election are: the Liberal party; with Kathleen Wynne as its leader, Progressive Conservative Party; with Doug Ford as its newly elected leader and the New Democratic Party (NDP) with Andrea Horwath representing as their leader. Each party has particular standpoints pertaining to taxes, education, transit, and health care; and it is these standpoints that essentially persuade the citizens of Ontario to vote for their ideal candidate; who represents similar viewpoints.

Nevertheless, as important as the categories listed above are, it leads me to question, “Where do our Canadian political parties stand on issues pertaining to human rights and justice? Issues such as health inequality, Aboriginal rights, gender and economic inequality and poverty; all of which are subjects that remain a constant reality for millions of Canadians within the province of Ontario and amongst the nation. Topics such as these are rarely seen at the forefront of any political party campaign nor are they regularly debated and analyzed within a political setting. Due to this aspect, along with several others, many people choose not to exercise their right listed in section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which deals with the right to vote. For many people, the reasoning behind their decision not to vote stems from the notion of not being heard, their vote not making a difference, feeling ignored when it comes to issues that concern them or the idea of feeling used solely to obtain a vote; only to be ignored after an election.

Whatever the reasoning might be, it is understandable why many citizens of Ontario feel this way and agree with this type of thinking; especially those who live in communities who do not get special attention until it is votingseason. Nevertheless, it is through utilizing this unique right as a Canadian citizen, where you can truly make and see the change desired within Parliament. Utilizing your power by voting allows you to choose a candidate or political party that aligns with your belief system and most importantly ensures that your concerns regarding your community and country are heard. When you make the decision to vote, you are making a choice that can have a direct impact or effect on your lives and the lives of your family. Additionally, those who are elected to Parliament are well aware of who votes and what communities have large voter turn out rates. So, if your residential neighbourhood voter turnout is low, these elected officials will make fewer appearances in your district to know what your concerns are and the needs of the community overall.

With recent cries of injustice and major attention to vital social issues, it is pertinent that we as Canadian citizens use one of the main forms of power we have and vote for a party who will not only tackle frequently debated and popularized issues such as taxes and healthcare, but to put hidden and ignored issues such as the quality of low income housing, youth homelessness, and poverty on the forefront of all political agendas. At the moment, the Ontario NDP’s and PC’s appear to be running a very close race in the polls which shows a significant departure in support for the Liberal party which has been in power for four consecutive general elections. However, whichever way the results of this election goes, I urge you all as Canadians to make a decision on your behalf and advise the people in power on the issues that matter the most to you.

Remember: If YOU do not vote; OTHERS will make the decisions for you.

Related Topics:Citizen decisions Elections Government of Ontario social issues Vote

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The cost of convenience: how much does delivery really cost?

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Have you ever been excited to camp-in and order your favourite meal for delivery, only to be taken aback by that bill? That $18 ramen suddenly balloons to $32. Why the hefty price tag? Here’s what’s happening:

Markup mayhem:

When opposed to ordering straight from the restaurant, ordering through delivery apps frequently entails a surreptitious price increase. The menu items found on these platforms are typically more expensive than those found inside. Remarkably, a recent survey found that the cost of things ordered through delivery apps may be up to 26% more than that of items ordered straight from the restaurant. A lot of customers are caught by surprise by this markup, which turns what could have been a relatively inexpensive dinner into a costly affair.

Fee fiasco:

Not only is there a markup, but there are also significant service costs added to the bill. For instance, Uber Eats determines prices based on the quantity of your order, while DoorDash charges a $3 minimum service fee in addition to a 15% service charge. These extra fees have the potential to significantly raise the overall cost of your meal, giving customers the impression that they have been taken advantage of.

Restaurant shares:

It’s not just diners who are experiencing financial hardship. Restaurants face a big competition from delivery apps, which can take up to 30% of their earnings. This is especially true for smaller businesses that depend significantly on delivery services. Restaurants may find it extremely challenging to generate a profit due to the weight of high commissions, given their already extremely narrow profit margins.

A troubling tendency is shown through data: the cost of using delivery apps is progressively going up. Fees have increased to previously unheard-of heights in recent years, leaving many customers unable to pay more for their favourite dishes. For a few, the price hike has caused them to reconsider their dining options.

At home diners, keep in mind that you have to account for the hidden expenses the next time the convenience of a takeaway menu entices you. It’s a story about: delivery workers’ financial struggles, increased rates, and outrageous surcharges. Bon appétit, with caution.

https://www.vox.com/money/24118201/food-delivery-cost-expensive-doordash-ubereats-grubhub

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/delivery-app-prices-higher-fees-2021-pandemic

Junior Contributors

Beneath the waves: Unveiling the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in the Bahamas

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KAHA G. – 15 YEARS OLD

What is archaeology? Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation: of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. It helps us understand past cultures, societies, and lifestyles by analyzing material culture left behind by ancient civilizations. In this case, archaeologists in the Bahamas have found underwater wrecks of 14 sailing ships involved in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade between Africa and the Americans.

The Bahamas Lost Ships Project, led by Allen Exploration and the Bahamas Maritime Museum, aims to catalog shipwrecks in the Bahamas. They’ve found 596 wrecks so far, dating back to 1657. Also, these findings were published around Black History Month, emphasizing the importance of preserving the experiences of marginalized communities.

The Bahamas’ history is deeply connected to the transatlantic slave trade, with events like the arrival of the first slaving vessels shaping the islands’ population. The wrecks of ships like the Nancy and the General Oglethorpe remind us of the individuals who suffered and resisted enslavement. This research also highlights the Bahamas’ role in the transatlantic slave trade, connecting: Africa, the American Southeast, Cuba, and the Gulf of Mexico. Making it an important trade route for these places.

According to Livescience, the wrecks included the “Peter Mowell which is an American schooner (sailing vessel) that sank off Lynyard Cay near Great Abaco Island in 1860 with about 400 enslaved Africans on board; as well as smaller vessels that carried slaves to plantations for sugar, coffee, cotton and tobacco in North America and around the Caribbean.”

Alongside that, the team of archaeologists, and Allen Exploration have found three wrecks, but their locations are currently undisclosed. The CEO, emphasized the historical significance of these wrecks, noting their importance in understanding the conditions aboard slave ships and the broader history of the slave trade.

Additionally, the type of living conditions of enslaved Black people were atrocious. They lived in miserable huts, which were said to be “Unfit for the habitation of wild beasts.” They wore iron slave collars and worked seven days a week, with just four hours a day of rest in cane-cutting season. Unfortunately, about 10% of enslaved Africans died on the plantations in Cuba each year during the slave trade, and some were even flogged to death.

In conclusion, the discovery of these shipwrecks in the Bahamas sheds light on a significant, yet often overlooked aspect of human history: the transatlantic slave trade. These findings provide valuable insights into the conditions endured by enslaved individuals and the intricate networks that facilitated this cruel trade. As we continue to explore and preserve these historical sites, we honor the resilience and bravery of those who resisted oppression and strive to ensure that their stories are remembered for generations to come.