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Chris Campbell is the new representative for The Carpenter’s District Council of Ontario

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BY MICHAEL THOMAS

The Carpenter’s District Council (CDCO) of Ontario recently appointed Chris Campbell as their Union’s new Equity and Diversity Representative.

The Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario (“CDCO”) is composed of sixteen affiliated Local Unions, including 3,000 members of HOPE Local 2220 and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners across the province.

In total, they represent over 30,000 women and men working in a wide range of skilled trades.

This organization realizes the importance of backing community-building initiatives in our industry and championing diversity and inclusion. This draws them closer to creating a safe and equitable industry for Ontario’s more than 30,000 tradesmen and women.

As professionals in the construction and building department, the CDCO continues to support all apprentices who are looking to pursue a career in the trades, regardless of race, sex, or ethnic background.

The organization said that the construction industry is becoming more diverse and they are learning valuable lessons along the way about the importance of creating safe and inclusive workplaces.

They are also learning, growing and looking for great people who are interested in a fulfilling career in the trades.

As he assumes his new position as Equity and Diversity Representative, Campbell will help the relationship between the CDCO and members of the community to encourage all Canadians to get involved in the trades and provide mentorship for the duration of the apprenticeship process.

Campbell will also work diligently with the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), where he now sits on the Board of Directors. Everyone, in particular young people from troubled backgrounds, deserve access to guidance, opportunities and the tools necessary to excel in the trades.

Here is a little taste of Mr. Campbell’s working experiences.

As a veteran of diversity, Campbell understands the importance of being an active member of his community. He has been a Business Representative of Locals 27 since September 2003, but dedicates his free time to being involved in many community-building initiatives.

“I have been volunteering in the local community for many years during evenings and weekends while working for the CDCO full-time,” said Campbell. “I’ve worked with the Toronto Police Service, the Jamaican Canadian Association, Helping Hands Jamaica, and many others Carpenters’ Union community outreach projects.”

Canada’s largest Caribbean newspaper (Toronto Caribbean Newspaper) spoke with Mr. Campbell about his present and future plans to ensure that equity and diversity is front and center in youth development.

“One of the things that I have been trying to do in Toronto,” Campbell said, “is to work with the Toronto Community Benefits to reach urban youths to start a career in the construction industry.”

We are trying to reach out to the different sectors representative within my union. I want to see if I can integrate some of these youths in the industry working on the massive infrastructure projects like: the Finch LRT, the Eglinton Cross Links, The West Park Hospital, Peel LRT and a lot of major City of Toronto projects.”

Campbell told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper. “I am trying to work with my colleagues with the support of my management to get that up and going within my union. Then I will be reaching out to competing unions or other trade unions to convince them to give these youths an opportunity so they don’t follow the path that we have been seeing in the media over and over.”

When asked what are his plans in the near future, he said, “First I have to be optimistic. I am going in several directions and since this is going to be my full time gig, I am familiar with the youth side of things, and the contractor’s side of things.

I am going to do a survey on these associations, reach out to them, ask for their support and hear their sentiments on integrating black youths,’ indigenous youths,’ female’s, and LGBTQ. It is not that they are not doing it now, but I want to enhance what they are doing a little bit more.”

For more information on this organization: https://thecarpentersunion.ca/

In his new role as a reporter and Journalist, Michael can he be described in two words: brilliant, and relentless. Michael Thomas aka Redman was born in Grenada, and at an early age realized his love for music. He began his musical journey as a reggae performer with the street DJs and selectors. After he moved to Toronto in 1989, he started singing with the calypso tents, and in 2008, and 2009 he won the People’s Choice Award and the coveted title of Calypso Monarch. He has taken this same passion, and has begun to focus his attention on doing working within the community.

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International Overdose Awareness Day flag raising ceremony held In Toronto

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Photo provided by Paul Junor

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an emotionally moving, enriching, uplifting and inspiring day on Saturday, August 31st, 2024.  It was the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) flag-raising ceremony, which was held at Toronto’s City Hall. It was hosted by the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), which is the largest Black-specific AIDS service organization in Canada. IOAD2024 results from an engaging partnership between Black CAP, the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Flags of Hope (FOH) and Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR).

It is the world’s largest annual campaign to: end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. IOAD is driven by the following six principles:

  • Overdose can and must be prevented.
  • Overdose prevention solutions exist – let’s use them.
  • Criminalizing drug use has not worked. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
  • Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
  • Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive health care.
  • Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.

The City of Toronto provides details about the overdose crisis. Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 3,956 suspected opioid overdose calls in 2022 and 6,362 in 2021. This was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health and substance abuse. Preliminary data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario revealed that in 2022 there were 508 deaths in Toronto because of the opioid toxicity. This is almost a 100% increase from 2021. Furthermore, in 2022 most occurred in private settings and almost 25% of those who died in Toronto were homeless. There were 187 such deaths in 2022 according to TPH.

The press release issued by Black CAP on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, describes IOAD as “The world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from an overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind.” It spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. “The theme chosen for IOAD was ‘Together we can,’ which focuses on the power of our community when we stand together.”

Black CAP is committed to playing an active role in bringing the diverse stakeholders together to find a solution to this pandemic of the opioid crisis. The press release notes, “In line with this year’s theme, we want to highlight and celebrate the impact of collaborative efforts to mitigate the overdose crisis in communities across Canada.” It notes further, “This International Overdose Day, we say to all members of the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) as well as other communities impacted by substance use and overdose “Together we can!”(#TogetherWeCan#IOAD24#EndOverdose).

The welcome address was given by Orville Burke, the Director of Health Promotions at Black CAP and MPP Krysten Wong-Tam of Toronto Centre riding addressed the crowd. It is important that politicians take this issue seriously as the ongoing impact of this social issue continues to touch many lives not just in Toronto, but all across Canada.

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Mrose Health and Fitness Studio is actively supporting cancer survivors and increasing awareness

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BY PAUL JUNOR

There are many organizations that are involved in bringing awareness of the issue of breast cancer as it impacts the lives of many women and men from diverse: backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures. The fact that October is celebrated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is meant to draw attention to the important issue of breast cancer.

According to a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, from the Public Health Agency of Canada it is a period when we come together to support and honor those impacted by this disease. It mentioned further that breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women living in Canada. One in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. A new fitness studio, Mrose Health and Fitness Studio located at 5 Rogers Road in the Oakwood-Vaughan area organized the 3rd Rose Walk to support breast cancer survivors and patients planned for Sunday, October 27th, 2024.

The fitness studio was launched by Tashawna Higgins and is named after her late grandmother and mother. She is a former professional basketball player. The names of the individuals who are involved in the fitness studio are: Obed Cetoute (former professional football player in the Canadian football League), Allana Arundell (former basketball player) and Lydia Cuff (former athlete and personal trainer).

According to their website, the studio offers a range of services such as:

1 on 1 Personal Training

1-on-1 fitness training offers personalized attention and guidance

Partner & Group Training

Experience the power of teamwork and shared motivation with our partner training program

Youth Mentoring & Training

Guidance and support to empower young individuals, helping them develop essential life skills and healthy lifestyles

Nutritional Coaching

Nutritional coaching program provides personalized guidance and expertise allowing individuals to make informed dietary choices

FST- Fascial Stretch Therapy

Personalized sessions to improve flexibility, relieve pain and enhance overall mobility, allowing individuals to move with ease and efficiency

Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunities for the Province of Ontario, announced on her Facebook page the lowering of the age of self-referral from 50 to 40 for mammograms without a referral from a primary care provider. She wrote, “Women over the age of 40 can self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program (OBSD). Of the one million women between the ages of 40-49 that are now eligible for mammograms, it is estimated that an additional 305,000 will self-refer. As part of your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is connecting more people to the services they need when they need them. Our government is connecting more women to life saving breast cancer screening.”

I spoke to Tashawna on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, and she is excited about the 3rd Rose Walk. She believes in the importance of actively supporting cancer survivors and increasing awareness. The walk will commence at 9:30 am at 5 Rogers Road. Anyone who is interested in more information can email: info@mrosehealthandfitness.com, or check social media for additional details about Mrose Health and Fitness Studio at:

Website: Mrosehealthandfitness.com

Facebook: Rose Health and Fitness

Instagram: @mrosehealthandfitness

Anyone interested in learning about the initiatives by the Ontario government can check

website: https cancer-testing-and-prevention

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Return of the Prince of Pan-Africanism; Toronto welcomes back Dr. Umar Ifatunde after 12 years!

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Peace and Pan-Africanism Toronto!

Last weekend, we invited the man known as the King of Controversy back to our great city. Dr. Umar Ifatunde, a renowned figure in the fields of education and mental health, is a name that is widely recognized by all, and his impact on the Afrikan and Afrikan-American community is undeniable. As a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist, Dr. Umar has dedicated his career to advocating for the well-being and academic success of Black children.

Rooted in a rich historical lineage, Dr. Umar is a paternal kinsman to both the great Abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the late Bishop Alexander Wayman, two prominent figures in the fight for racial equality. This connection underscores his deep-seated commitment to social justice and the preservation of Afrikan heritage.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Umar is a passionate educator and community leader. He has founded and leads the “Unapologetically Afrikan” Black College & Consciousness Tour,” a transformative experience for young people that fosters a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and introduces them to the rich history of Afrikan- American colleges and universities. Additionally, his weekly Afrikan-American parent teleconference provides invaluable support and guidance to parents seeking to advocate for their children’s education and mental health.

Dr. Umar’s influence extends beyond academia and community work. His name, quotes, and speeches have been referenced and celebrated in the world of Hip-Hop music, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. His dedication to empowering Afrikan communities and promoting social justice has made him a highly sought-after scholar and a respected voice in the fight for equality.

The: GACN, Black Board International, RastaFest, EPG Creative Marketplace, AfroGlobal, Caribbean Vibrations, FAM TV and of course The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper welcomed the Prince of Pan-Africanism Dr. Umar Ifatunde to Toronto after 12 long years away.

The weekend of October 4th-6th, 2024, was a whirlwind of intellectual and cultural engagement, beginning with a Meet & Greet with Dr. Umar Johnson at The Real Jerk Legacy Restaurant in Toronto. The event, part of the 1st Fridays series, featured a book signing, Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

The following day, the energy shifted to Oshawa’s The Lighthouse for a networking event designed to connect industry leaders with emerging entrepreneurs. Special guests including Farley Flex, DeWitt Lee, and JahWigs, along with musical performances by Lindo P and others, created a vibrant atmosphere.

On Sunday October 6th, 2024, Dr. Umar delivered a powerful address on Pan-Africanism at the Jamaican Canadian Association. Dr. Umar, often referred to as the “King of Controversy,” has earned this title through his unapologetic and often polarizing views on issues impacting the Black community. Hosted by, well, me (Yeah), I had the opportunity to sit on stage and intellectually dialogue with Sis. Elaine Robinson (G.H.E.T.T.O Stories), Elder Szimbah Hanley, and Dr. Umar before he went IN on all of us. When I say he went in, I mean he went IN!

He has sparked intense debate with his critique of interracial dating, asserting that it undermines the unity and progress of Afrikan men and women in the diaspora. Dr. Umar harshly criticized parents, calling out both mothers and fathers for being “lazy” and failing to provide the necessary care and guidance for their children. His outspoken views that night extend to the education system, which he stated is neglecting Afrikan-Caribbean children, leaving them vulnerable to systemic oppression. He also highlights the need for fathers to seek mental health support, emphasizing that unresolved mental health issues prevent them from being present for their families.

Dr. Umar asserts that parents should stop vaccinating their children, claiming that vaccines are responsible for the increasing rates of autism in young children. He argues that the substances used in vaccines, particularly those containing certain preservatives and additives, have been linked to developmental disorders, including autism.

Dr. Umar emphasized the need for parents to conduct their own research and exercise caution before adhering to standard vaccination schedules, as he believes the medical community has overlooked potential adverse effects. His stance encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s health by opting out of vaccines, despite widespread scientific consensus supporting their safety.

When KINGS unite, the possibilities are endless. Teamwork makes the dream work. It was a historical weekend in Canada. Three successful events in three cities. Big respect to Kofi (Culture Power / GACN), Warren Salmon (First Fridays), Jamaal (EmProGraffix / Network & Build) and of course our special guest Dr. Umar Ifatunde.

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