BY PAUL JUNOR

There was not much expectation and hope by education stakeholders that the Ontario provincial budget delivered on Tuesday, March 26^th, 2024, would include measures to increase public education spending.

Since elected in 2018, the PC-lead provincial government has gradually decreased the amount it spent per capita on students. Data released from Ontario Finance Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy in the budget revealed that the deficit has increased to $9.8 billion, and there is a revenue shortfall of about seven billion. Some of the positives in the budget include increase in the minimum wage, reduction in the gas tax has additional benefits for those who depend on ODSP and senior citizens. In total, about $40.6 billion has been earmarked for education, while $190.2 billion will be spent over the next ten years on capital projects such as: highways, transit, broadband, and infrastructure.

The 83,000 strong Elementary Teachers’ Federation Union (ETFO) issued a press release on March 26^th, 2024, to address concerns and issues it finds with the Ontario budget in regard to reduced spending on: programs, services and initiatives on public education.

“By once again neglecting to allocate adequate funding, the Ford government has chosen to perpetuate a crisis that continues to undermine public education. Despite a growing need to invest in Ontario’s education system, the Government persists in depriving it of the resources and support it desperately needs. This callous disregard is a daring indictment of the government’s priorities.”

The statement notes further that the impact of underfunding has taken a toll on frontline education workers as they struggle to adapt. The effects of it can be seen on the impact that it has directly on classrooms such as:

• Increasing violence in school
• Crisis in teacher retention and recruitment
• Crumbling infrastructure
• Insufficient resources
• Cuts to essential special education supports

MPP Charmaine Williams of Brampton North (Minister of Women’s Affairs) states, “I’m thrilled to share how the 2024 Budget is putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families like yours. From covering transit costs with One Fare to fixing auto insurance and cutting gas taxes, we’re making life more affordable. Additionally, we’re empowering women with entrepreneurship and investing in crucial infrastructure like Highway 413 and expanding GO Transit. Together, we’re building a better Brampton and a better Ontario.”

ETFO is disappointed by the lack of extra funding in the provincial budget. It notes, “The government knows that without adequate provincial funding there will be reduction in essential student supports and programs across the province. This knowledge makes their chronic underfunding even more egregious. Without adequate investment school boards are again being forced to do more with less. This means cuts to valuable programs and services as boards seek to balance their budgets. In many cases, their services support our most vulnerable students, including those with special education needs, Indigenous and racialized students and English language learners.”

ETFO is concerned about what has been happening to school boards across Ontario as they struggle to deal with budgetary deficits. “Rather than advocating fiercely for the funding students deserve, as their duty entails, many school boards trustees have been forced to implement successive funding cuts by the Ford government. These cuts hurt students and educators. We call on trustees to stand up to the government and demand more for the students they serve.”

The ETFO press release concludes, “The Ford government is jeopardizing students’ futures and hindering our collective progress. We urge the province to reconsider its budgetary priorities. They must provide adequate, sustained, and equitable funding so every child and educator can thrive.”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

As I arrived at the secret location (it changes every time) I saw the vibrant posters, saw some familiar vendors, and a diverse group of cannabis enthusiasts. A stage at the front of the room featured: a microphone, and a banner reading “Canna Crawl” hung in the background. There was a sense of excitement and anticipation that was in the air, one that I had gotten used to, and knew I would have felt.

Attention, cannabis connoisseurs of Ontario! I want to welcome you to the 420 Festival Canna Crawl, which was held at a secret (shhhh) location on Saturday, April 20^th, 2024. It is quietly becoming the heartbeat of the underground cannabis movement, where passion meets rebellion, and tradition meets innovation.

Hosted by Anthony Foster and Reena Rampersad, it was amazing to see a community united in their love for the plant, their defiance against unjust laws, and their commitment to the legacy of cannabis culture. Here, in the shadows, away from the prying eyes of the establishment, we celebrated not just the herb itself, but the spirit of community and freedom it represents.

Imagine entering a vibrant venue pulsating with energy, where the air is infused with the scent of exotic strains and the atmosphere hums with excitement. It was a room filled with enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and newcomers alike.

Now, picture a diverse crowd, united by their shared passion for the plant, mingling and exchanging stories. From seasoned growers discussing cultivation techniques to entrepreneurs showcasing innovative products, there was something for everyone. The hosts did a great job of creating an ambiance that was inclusive, welcoming, and fostered a sense of community and camaraderie.

As I made my way through the 420 Festival Canna Crawl, I encountered a kaleidoscope of experiences. Booths adorned with colorful displays offered a glimpse into the latest trends in cannabis culture, from artisanal edibles to state-of-the-art vaporizers. Knowledgeable vendors eagerly shared their expertise, guiding me through the myriad strains and consumption methods.

It was not just about the products; it was about the connections forged and the conversations sparked. I walked in just in time to catch the panel hosted by Reena Rampersad, a lively discussion on the medicinal benefits of cannabis, the intersection of cannabis and activism, and the evolving legal landscape. It was a melting pot of ideas and perspectives, fueled by a shared appreciation for the plant’s potential to heal, inspire, and unite.

“But let us not forget the roots from which we spring, “Reena exclaimed. “The legacy cannabis distributors who paved the way for us all. These brave individuals risked it all to ensure that cannabis remained accessible to those who cherished it, and tonight, we honour them by providing a platform for their products, their stories, and their enduring passion.”

One of those individuals is someone who I am very proud of; on the stage sat Vivian Green. With GreenPort, Vivian has made history as the first woman of colour to run a cannabis company in Canada. Her goal is to build community through her business, and along the way, address some of the gaps in Canada’s cannabis sector that have historically left women and people of colour behind. “We have to take cannabis back; back to the roots. When cannabis was just a plant used to heal our aches and pains. Before people chased stock prices, and before racialized communities were targeted.”

“It’s no secret that Black and Indigenous people are more likely to be charged with weed possession than their unracialized counterparts, and repairing the damage to those communities is something I am about. In many ways, enjoying weed has been weaponized against people of colour because a “negative stereotypical narrative has wiped out all of the long histories of use from a spiritual, religious, or just a health perspective.”

It’s disheartening to witness the ongoing stigma and barriers faced by people of color in the cannabis industry. Despite its cultural significance and historical ties to communities like the Caribbean, many are still marginalized, stigmatized, and disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.

There’s a glaring disparity in representation and opportunities within the cannabis sector, and it’s crucial to address this imbalance. Breaking down these barriers not only fosters economic empowerment but also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of communities who have cultivated and celebrated the plant for generations.

Rectifying this stigma requires systemic change, including policy reform, community education, and equitable access to resources and opportunities. By actively working to dismantle these barriers, we can create a more inclusive, and just industry where all communities, including the Caribbean community, can thrive and benefit from their cultural heritage.

So, my fellow enthusiasts, let us embark on this journey together. Let us explore the vast array of strains, products, and experiences that Canna Crawl has to offer. They have one coming up in July, so stay tuned.  Let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, and justice that lie at the heart of our movement.

As the event drew to a close, I left with newfound knowledge, cherished memories, and perhaps a few new friends. With its warm embrace and boundless enthusiasm, Canna Crawl is more than just a gathering—it’s an invitation to experience the magic of the plant and the vibrant community that surrounds it.

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Been meeting many people who have been suffering financially, personally, and with health problems mostly because of decisions they made long ago. Hearing statements like “Oh I wish I decided differently,” or “Why did I choose door number three,” can be perplexing, yet powerfully life altering.

Those choices made could be:

• Quit high school before graduating. In a high-tech world such a decision can be life altering.
• Wish I had not taken that drug. It became a habit, and now is a life-threatening problem.
• Should have worn that condom. (need say no more).
• Could have developed the relationship a bit longer and gotten to know my friend better but jumped in and got married. The greatest financial decision a person can make is in who they marry/develop a common law relationship.
• Maybe studying the possibility of the existence of life on another planet was the wrong course to specialize in.
• Taking those pictures while on a date outside of marriage may have been a bad choice. Posting them online definitely was a bad decision.
• Calling out migrants and others as security threats may have been a thought best kept to ourselves.
• Digesting ghost peppers seemed a good idea at the time. Our bowels have not been the same since.
• Spending hundreds of hours playing games while smoking weed seemed appropriate at the time. Out of money, a job and a future.
• Spending my money on crazy things when I could have bought gold at $36.00 an ounce. How wealthy could I be now?
• Impulse control is something many of us just don’t have. Impulse buying, drinking, eating. Oh, how the time flies while we get: poorer, fatter and unhealthier.

Find anything on this list that reminded you of someone? Please think about it and make some suggestions to add to the list. Remember a thoughtful person is a wise person indeed. Think before you act, act wisely with empathy in your heart. Remember the main factor behind success is self-control (rig veda).

Also remember the bad choices of the past can be let go. Have faith in yourself and begin anew. It is the most important thing you can do.