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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Come and get me Doug! He didn’t come. He won’t have his prescribed laws tested in the courts.”

I have never seen someone speak out against the government as much as the man I had the pleasure of interviewing last week.

As a representative of the Lenark – Frotenac and Kingston regions, he has questioned the Premier about his approach to handling the current pandemic.

He has long been a thorn in the PC Government’s side because he continues to question their decision-making, and how it benefits the people of Ontario. Since May, he has opposed many of the contradictory COVID-19 laws, and last week Friday, I had the pleasure of speaking to MPP Randy Hillier. This article is a preview of a very powerful interview, that I think will add to the eye-opening interviews that I have had in the last couple weeks.

There has been a lot said about MPP Randy Hillier, and of course not all of it is good. There are reports of him being racist because of a Tweet that was posted questioning Federal Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, after he spoke about being racially profiled.

Of course, this tweet happened to only be seen by the likes of CTV Ottawa News anchor Graham Richardson and Kayley Kennedy, the Federal Liberals’ candidate in Lanark – Frontenac – Kingston in last fall’s election. The PC Government sent a clear message to him that if he was not a team player, then he would not be working with them.

I always find it interesting when the race card is thrown out, and the context that it is brought up in. In any political battle, the opposition will do their best to make themselves look better, and the other guy looks bad. I would ask the Liberal Government to take a look at their Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who not too long ago felt that black face was okay. He is all forgiving right? Yeah, interesting!

I say that to say this; my job is not to condemn the actions of others. My job is to present information to my community and hold the government accountable for all of their actions, especially actions that are disproportionately going to affect us.

The battle right now is about the stringent laws that continue to deplete us of our God given rights. During our discussion, Randy and I went over:
· The PCR screening tests
· Bill 218
· The fact that 99% of people are not at risk of catching Covid-19
· The many Covid-19 contradictions
· Isolation camps
· The devastating lockdowns
· How this pandemic has isolated people from their families and friends

I am going to only touch on a couple of these topics in this article, but I implore you to look past the distractions, and take hold of information that could very well save your life.

Reliability of PCR Tests for COVID-19
Testing, testing, and more testing. Tests have detected more than 14 million cases of COVID-19. It is simple right; you take the test, it shows up positive, and this means that you have the disease. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. When virus levels in a population are very low, the chances of a test accurately detecting COVID-19 is less than 50%. Testing is an important issue to look into, especially since the new round of testing has brought on lockdowns in regions across Ontario.

Since May, the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as virologists and other doctors around the world have been warning of problems with PCR testing.

Let’s take a look at how the PCR test works. PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This is a technique used in molecular biology that amplifies a DNA template to produce specific DNA fragments.

Amplification cycles are used to amplify a sample to make it easier to find the RNA that identifies COVID in a person; the threshold, or maximum amplification cycle, known as ‘CT’, should not exceed 25, yet Ontario labs are testing at between 38 and 45 cycles. This simple increase in amplification causes false positives because of improper manipulation of the sample.

Interestingly enough, our government knows that the test is faulty. Minister Elliott (Deputy Premier of Ontario and Ontario Minister of Health) has not reported when the government became aware of this problem and why nothing has yet been done to address it.

Instead of committing to fixing the problem with PCR testing procedures, the Health Minister deflected by talking about other testing possibilities, many of which are not yet approved by Health Canada, or not widely available yet.

Randy mentioned Dr Mike Yeadon, former Vice President and Chief Science Officer for Pfizer. Dr Yeadon argues that half, or even “almost all” of test for COVID-19 are false positives. He believes that the government is basing policies and creating lockdown, mask wearing, and social distancing laws based on what may well be completely fake data.

Bill 218
This is a Bill that MPP Randy Hillier is openly speaking out against, and for good reason. Bill 218 prevents the public from suing our government institutions for their liability during COVID. It undermines ministerial responsibility and subverts common law. It almost seems like the government is attempting to conceal their actions, responsibility, and culpability for the harm they have caused in their response to COVID. Below is a brief look at the Supporting Ontario’s Recovery Act, 2020. You can find the full Bill by visiting (https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-218).

Section 2 of the Act provides that no cause of action arises against any person as a direct or indirect result of an individual being or potentially being infected with or exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) on or after March 17th, 2020 as a direct or indirect result of an act or omission of the person if,

(a) at the relevant time, the person acted or made a good faith effort to act in accordance with,

(i) public health guidance relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) that applied to the person, and
(ii) any federal, provincial or municipal law relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) that applied to the person; and

(b) the act or omission of the person does not constitute gross negligence.
Proceedings directly or indirectly based on or related to any such matter may not be brought, and any that exist when the Act comes into force are deemed to have been dismissed without costs. The terms “good faith effort”, “law”, “public health guidance”, and “person” are defined and clarified in section 1 of the Act.

So, we as the community have to leave trust in the government that they are acting in our “Good Faith.” Good faith is an abstract and comprehensive term that encompasses a sincere belief or motive without any malice or the desire to defraud others. Basically, we have to trust a government that has failed the African- Caribbean community in the past.

This bill has a familiar tone to it. Our neighbours in the U.S. have U.S Code § 300aa–22.Standards of responsibility, which states that no vaccine manufacturer shall be liable in a civil action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1st, 1988, if the injury or death resulted from side effects that were unavoidable even though the vaccine was properly prepared and was accompanied by proper directions and warnings.
I will be honest; I am a little weary of any Bill that will allow someone to distance themselves from an outcome that they are responsible for. Something to ponder.

Isolation/Quarantine Facilities
This last point is of some concern. In parliament, Randy asked the Ford government if they knew how many of the isolation camps would be built and how many people the government expects to detain.

If you have not heard the Government of Canada is currently soliciting feedback and information from industry service providers for additional Federal Quarantine/Isolation sites. If built, the worry is that these sites could be used for other requirements, and not only for COVID-19 imposed quarantines.

If you are interested, you can find the solicitation for feedback on the Government of Canada’s Buyandsell.gc.ca website as a tender notice Letter of Interest, and Request for Information for Federal Quarantine/Isolation sites.

Randy forwards that the government must be in negotiations and aware of these plans to potentially detain and isolate citizens and residents of our country and our province. When he began his line of questioning concerning the camps in parliament, his mike was turned off.

Since then, the Premier has been actively dodging questions about the Isolation camps. The question that we need to ask our government is why? Why are they not talking about this?

The Public Health Agency of Canada is currently managing eleven quarantine isolation sites across Canada. These include sites in: Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Winnipeg, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Fredericton, St. John’s (Newfoundland), and Whitehorse. Each site is set up to detain up to 1,600 travellers for up to fourteen days at a time. The sites can be temporarily discontinued until needed again by the Government of Canada. The facilities may be used for “other requirements” for the next two years, as deemed necessary to safeguard the public health.

Let us take a look at a live example; Dr Jacques Girard, leader of the Quebec City public health authority, stated during a press conference that a number of customers who were supposed to wait for COVID-19 test results left, and that is why they were taken forcibly and place into isolation by the state.

Why is this scary? Well, let’s take a look at the history of concentration camps. They were established on February 28th, 1933 under the “Protective Custody.” This law allowed the police to make arrests based on the suspicion of criminal activity and interred without a trial or legal representation.

Not sure what to say Toronto. It looks like we are heading down a scary path, and all I can hope is that more of us wake up and start standing up for our human rights. For now, all we can do is do the work. This means being diligent media consumers and doing our research.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Joe Simone

    November 12, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    I would tell each and everyone to Contact each and every MP, MPP, and Fords office either by email or phone asking what is going on here!…camps, fake PCR testing, etc…whats next someone comes in the night and takes your love ones and more lock downs!.

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Toronto Caribbean Newspaper visits the RIU Aquarelle Jamaica: This is going to be one hell of a ride!

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I was sitting at my desk, with a look of pure excitement on my face. I looked at the email on the screen and read it aloud. “Jamaica, here we come! Again!” I let out a hearty laugh. I still can’t believe it. Another trip to Jamaica, the land of sun, sea, and endless joy. But this time, it’s different. This time, I’m not just a tourist. I’m representing the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, and we had been invited to experience something truly extraordinary.

Imagine this: one of the most beautiful places on earth, and one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world. It was like a dream come true. At that point, I leaned back in my chair, a wide grin spread across your face.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing firsthand experiences of RIU’s impactful work in Jamaica. You’ll get a glimpse into the remarkable offerings of RIU Aquarelle, from its luxurious accommodations to its vibrant entertainment. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to the Orthopaedic Clinic in Negril, unwind at the Ritz Cafe, savour a delectable lunch at RIU Palace Tropical Bay, explore the wonders of the Montego Bay Marine Park, connect with the passionate team at the Jamaica Tourist Board, and dance the night away at an exhilarating White Party.

Before we dive into these exciting adventures, I’d like to introduce you to the incredible travel team who will be accompanying me on this unforgettable trip: Ian Stalker, Karen Dahdah, Michael Schoenberger, Michelle Richmond, Peta-Gai Innerarity, Ronald Fanfair, Jorge Satorre (RIU Communication Team), Albert Puig (RIU Communication Director), and Janet Silvera (Jamaica PR Consultant).

What truly elevates a trip is the company you keep. I’m fortunate to say that this press trip was made exceptional by the incredible group I had the pleasure of working with. Whether we were playfully teasing each other, engaging in friendly banter, or orchestrating lighthearted pranks, the camaraderie and shared laughter were the heart of this adventure. It was the people who made this trip truly unforgettable.

Now, let’s introduce the organization that brought this incredible group together. RIU Hotels & Resorts (which has almost 100 hotels in 21 countries) is a hotel chain that was born in 1953 with a small hotel in Playa de Palma, Spain. Their more than 60 years of experience pampering their customers in the world’s best destinations attest to the mission of the company: the well-being of their guests.

RIU Hotels & Resorts is known for many things, including: its commitment to quality, its outstanding facilities in the best beach and city destinations and its wide variety of carefully prepared dining options, but above all, it is known for providing a personalized service from the heart. Their carefully designed facilities ensure that you have everything you need, and we have created a range of services to complement your stay with great food, fun and relaxation.

The company works day in and day out to continue offering the best facilities and exclusive services. All of them offer guaranteed quality and a standard of service that will make your holiday a one-of-a-kind experience. They are designed to give you the freedom to do, eat or drink whatever you want, whenever you want. Simply put, exactly how you like it.

The service at the RIU hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and efficient check-in. The staff were attentive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our stay was unforgettable. The housekeeping was impeccable, the dining options were diverse and delicious, and the poolside service was prompt and courteous. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making our vacation truly memorable.

I can’t wait to soak up the sun, feel the sand between my toes, and dive into the crystal-clear waters, but most importantly, I can’t wait to share this incredible experience with all of you. Stay tuned, folks. This is going to be one hell of a ride!

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“We need more Funding!” Toronto Caribbean Festival request $2 Million dollars from the Government of Canada

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement that the Toronto Caribbean Festival will need more funding did not come as a surprise. CEO Mischka Crichton of the Festival Management Committee has reported that the festival may be cancelled next year if it does not receive two million in emergency funding to cover costs. In an email, she states, “Securing funding now is essential as we begin preparations for next year’s festival, including marketing, vendor and artist agreements, and material sourcing for bands and customs.”

“Budget allocations must be established well in advance to ensure that we can deliver the high-quality experience visitors expect. With inflation and production costs continuing to rise, timely financial support is crucial for sustaining the Carnival’s legacy and impact.”

In order to provide clarification about the funding, a petition was started at the website: www.torontocarnival.ca/petition. There is a pressing need of two million to cover expenses from the 2024 Carnival and $1.5 million from the federal and provincial governments to sustain it. Crichton raised the possibility that the festival may be cancelled entirely, or a few events if extra funding is not obtained. Crichton reinforced that it is important that the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is maintained as a non-profit organization. She notes, “The Carnival is a community-driven festival offering mostly free events that prioritize making sure our community can afford to attend the events we do charge for, as well as cultural enrichment.”

Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP of Toronto-St. Paul raised the issue of underfunding in the Ontario Legislature on October 28th, 2024, and asked Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario to step up and fulfill his promise to increase funding to the festival. There is still no firm commitment.

The petition states, “We, the undersigned, call upon the City of Toronto, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to provide the Toronto Caribbean Carnival with the financial support it deserves, in recognition of its cultural, economic and social impact.”  The petition outlines the significance of this festival to Canada. It notes, “For over 50 years (since 1967, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has been a key cultural event in the city and country, attracting millions of visitors and contributing significantly to the Canadian economy. This festival not only celebrates the heritage and creativity of Caribbean people, it also celebrates what is uniquely Canadian by fostering inclusivity, cultural diversity, and economic opportunities for: small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families.”

The petition requests three things:

  • Immediate Emergency Funding of two million to cover the operational costs from the 2024 Carnival. Despite the incredible efforts of the executive team to reduce costs by 10% in both 2023 and 2024, the carnival still faces a financial shortfall. The Carnival costs over three million to produce annually yet receives less than one million from the three levels of government.
  • Annual Funding of $1.5 million from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to support the core operations of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, ensuring its sustainability and continued growth as a National Cultural Institution.
  • Funding for a Cultural Centre dedicated to preserving and promoting the Caribbean heritage in Toronto. This center would serve as a hub for education, cultural programming, and community events year-round, benefiting both the diaspora and the wider Canadian community.

The petition lists five reasons why it is important to sign the petition:

Economic Impact:

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival generates over $400 million annually for the Ontario economy, supporting thousands of jobs and hundreds of small businesses. The majority of these businesses are: Black, Brown, or Caribbean owned, making this event vital to the economic well-being of racialized communities.

Tourism and Visibility:

The Carnival brings in over two million visitors each year, making it the largest cultural event in Canada. With government support, we can elevate the Carnival’s international standing and attract even more visitors.

Representation and Inclusion:

Carnival is more than just a celebration. It stems from our emancipation and freedom from slavery and indentureship. It’s a powerful symbol of what our community can achieve. The event offers a platform to showcase Caribbean culture, while also standing as a beacon of inclusion, diversity, and respect. Government funding is not just financial support – it’s an acknowledgement of the value and contribution of Caribbean culture in Canada.

Financial Prudence:

Over the past two years, the executive team has demonstrated extraordinary financial responsibility, reducing the festival’s costs by 10% in both 2023 and 2024. This frugality highlights the sacrifices made by the team and community, showcasing that the Carnival has done something extraordinary with the limited resources it receives.

Cultural Legacy:

We are asking for support not just for an event, but for an ecosystem of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a lifeline for many who depend on its success.

The petition concludes by noting why it is important that it be signed. “You are helping ensure that the Toronto Caribbean Carnival continues to thrive, benefiting not only the local community, but all of Canada. Let’s make sure that future generations continue to experience the: magic, culture, and impact of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.”

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Children are not Democrats, or Republicans; they are kids, and their well-being must be our focus

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In a world where trust in governance is waning, it’s refreshing to see individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of their communities. While many politicians make empty promises and cater to the elite, there are those who are committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. Today, we’ll delve into the story of a man who is determined to improve the health of his nation, even as a new administration takes the reins.

On April 19th, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took leave from Children’s Health Defense (CHD) to run for president as a Democrat. About six months later, he switched gears to run as an independent. Then, on August 23rd, 2024 of this year, Kennedy, the longtime Democrat, suspended his campaign — and in a move that perhaps even he didn’t see coming — he endorsed former President Donald Trump.

Through it all, Kennedy remained true to his commitment: to end the chronic disease epidemic. He never wavered. For perhaps the first time in history, Kennedy gave children a voice in a national election. He reminded everyone that children are not Democrats, or Republicans. They’re kids. They’re “Swimming around in a toxic soup, and they need our help.”

RFK’s family have been harshly critical of him and view his switch over to the Republicans as a betrayal, including when he shared the unfounded claim that COVID-19 was “Ethnically targeted.” “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment,” shared Rory Kennedy (the youngest of RFK Sr. and Ethel Kennedy’s 11 children) in a statement when RFK Jr. announced his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate.

Despite familial differences of opinion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s resolute dedication to public health remains steadfast. His tireless efforts are centered on safeguarding the health of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens: our children.

With Trump’s support, Kennedy and his team launched the Make America Healthy Again campaign, where he vowed to do whatever it takes to get toxic chemicals out of our: food, our soil, our water and our air. He has also promised to take on the: FDA, CDC, HHS, NIH, NIAID, USDA, EPA, FCC — and any other federal agency that puts corporate profits ahead of public health.

Perhaps most importantly, Kennedy promised to get to the bottom of why 1 in 33 children in this country has autism. During the election, a member of Trump’s transition team — said that one of his first jobs, if Trump were elected, would be to gain access to the CDC’s vaccine safety data so his team can analyze it to determine if vaccines are as safe as the FDA and CDC say they are.

As we witness his efforts unfold, we can only hope that his actions will align with his words.

REFERENCES:

https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-vaccines-779495533a80ba142086a9621d75a59c

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-harris-election-day-results-2024/card/u-s-food-industry-frets-over-trump-s-rfk-jr-embrace-VJx6J2SQ4w7qZz2xXHZN

https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-has-plan-make-americas-children-healthy-again-its-good-one-opinion-1957026

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4968959-rfk-jr-trump-white-house/

https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/agency-capture/

With RFK Jr. Poised to Assume Key Role in Public Health, Kids Could Finally Have an Ally in Washington

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RFK Jr. Launches Presidential Campaign, Vows to Reduce Chronic Disease in Children

It’s Official: RFK Jr. Running for President as Independent

Breaking: RFK Jr. Suspends Presidential Campaign, Will Join Forces With Trump to ‘Save Millions of Children’

 

 

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