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The rise of the Conspiracy Curious – There is a clear awakening happening amongst those who couldn’t be reached before

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2 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I vividly remember the responses the team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper received at the very start of the pandemic in 2020. This was a time before the numerous alternative media sites began to pop up everywhere. In Canada, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper team were the only ones brave enough to question what we were seeing in the world. It wasn’t easy: we lost friends, we lost supporters, and we lost businesses that advertise with us, all because we refused to follow the narrative that was being propagated to the masses.

Governments and corporate media were calling this time “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated” and the indoctrinated masses were still thinking facemasks, social distancing, and the inoculation would keep them healthy.

I get it. I have been researching and writing about our current world atrocities for over two years now, and I still have a hard time getting most of my relatives and friends to understand what’s really happening. The difference between this year and last year is that there’s a clear awakening happening amongst those who couldn’t be reached before. It is the rise of the “conspiracy curious” individuals who at one time embraced the common narrative, and now are beginning to question what they believe.

Why? Well because many of the so-called conspiracy theories that we shared have become factual theories. We have learned that we shouldn’t blindly trust anyone in power, whether it’s: the government managing the people, doctors managing healthcare, corporations managing our money, or journalists managing the truth. We know that our freedoms are under attack on multiple fronts and the separation between those who embrace liberty, and those who do not has never been more crystal clear.

What a lot of media houses have been focused on is what has happened in 2022, but what we want to do in this edition is focus on what to expect in the future. Many of us believe that because things seem back to normal that everything is okay. What we want to report today is that everything is not okay. The pandemic was just the beginning, and the global elite has a lot more in store for us.

At the helm of the new agenda is climate change. All of a sudden, there is this public enthusiasm over environmentalism. It started with a group of “experts” and interest groups promoting the “climate crisis,” which was followed by the alarmed discovery of the problem by the news media and broader political class. Then there was this euphoric enthusiasm with the likes of Greta Thunberg being pushed to the forefront conceiving the issue in terms of global salvation and redemption.

Despite the relentless media and activist drumbeat and millions of dollars in paid advertising, public concern for climate change has waned over the last several years, so our governments decided that it is time to step it up. Time to look at what they have planned for us with their proposed Agenda 2030.

Flights are being abolished

The French government has decided to abolish flights between cities that can be reached for less than 2.5 hours by train, as an attempt to decrease the carbon emissions in the country, which is a joint goal for all European Unions.

The new act of the legislature is part of the country’s 2021 Climate Law and was initiated by France’s Citizens’ Convention on Climate, a citizens’ assembly determined to find an alternative to carbon emissions in the country.

New changes are approved also for the use of private jets for short journeys, which are also banned as the country is working to make transport greener and fair for the population.

15-Minute Cities

In early December, the County of Oxfordshire, in England, voted to begin intensely filtering traffic in certain parts of Oxford between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.  This is slated to begin sometime in 2023, upon completion of some existing transportation projects.

I first spoke about climate lockdowns in an article titled, “No Driving on Sundays? The International Energy Agency is calling for new Lockdowns.” I wrote this article in 2021, and shared information about suggestions to restrict private cars’ use of roads in large cities to those with even number-plates some weekdays and to those with odd-numbered plates on other weekdays.

Video Credit: The Friends of Katie Hopkins on Facebook

In another article titled, “Unfortunately, there are no Vaccines for Climate Change.” Preparation for Permanent climate lockdowns,” I exposed the measures proposed by the World Economic Forum to: enforce climate lockdowns; encourage less private car ownership, and less meat by 2030. Unfortunately, these plans are slowly and quietly being executed worldwide

In Oxford, people will still be allowed to walk, bike, or take public transportation wherever they want. Vehicle usage will be monitored with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the same technology that has been around for more than 20 years to collect money remotely on toll roads. The ANPR cameras will also enable the county to issue permits to private drivers to make a limited number of trips within the city within the restricted time frame.

This new urban planning model was devised in 2016 by Carlos Moreno and popularized by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. They are called 15-Minute Cities. It is the vision of urban places in which residents can access their daily needs and essential services within a 15-minute trip by foot or bike. The concept relies on mixed-use development that puts: commercial services, transportation, recreational facilities, and other urban amenities within a short trip that does not require using a personal vehicle.

This means that strict rules will be placed on car journeys. This green agenda is taking inspiration from the COVID-19 lockdowns. Residents will have to register their cars with the council, and they will be tracked to count their journeys through the key gateways. It is a type of social credit score that is focused on whether you abide by the rules provided

A trial of the 15-Minute City will begin in Oxfordshire County in 2024. Residents will be confined into one of six zones to ‘save the planet’ from global warming and will need permission to leave their zone. Cars will be monitored and electronic gates on key roads in and out of the city are planned.

The parties who benefit from the plan include Oxford University, the bus companies, and the council, which expects to make £1.1m from fining errant drivers.

Agenda 2030

The Heads of State, Government and High Representatives, met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 25th – 27th, 2015.

According to the United Nations Agenda 2030 is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. The said goal is to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan.

The goals and targets came into effect on January 1st, 2016 and will guide the decisions taken over the next fifteen years. They state clearly that all government leaders will work to implement the Agenda within their own countries and at the regional and global levels.

They acknowledge the importance for international financial institutions to be in line with their mandates, and the essential role of national parliaments through their enactment of legislation and adoption of budgets. They expect governments and public institutions to work closely on implementation with: regional and local authorities, sub-regional institutions, international institutions, academia, philanthropic organizations, volunteer groups and others.

It is important to note that Agenda 2030 was written in 2015, well before COVID-19. However, the UN has a COVID-19 Response for the Sustainable Development Goals and is pushing Agenda 2030 in the wake of the pandemic, which may explain why you are hearing about it more often now. Included in this agenda is a push for global vaccination, a strategy known as Immunization Agenda 2030.

Immunization Agenda 2030

IA2030 is an ambitious global strategy to maximize the lifesaving impact of vaccines that, if fully implemented, will save 50 million lives over the next decade. I am going to manage my emotions at this point and keep my opinion to myself, but really! Save 50 million lives? What about the millions of lives that have been destroyed because of the vaccines?

According to the WHO, vaccines are critical to the prevention and control of many communicable diseases, which is an essential part of global health security. In some countries, progress in immunization has stalled, or even reversed (for good reason), and that risks undermining their past immunization achievements.

The Targets

Targets to be achieved by 2030 include:

  • Achieving 90% coverage for essential vaccines given in childhood and adolescence
  • Halving the number of children completely missing out on vaccines
  • Completing 500 national or subnational introductions of new or under-utilized vaccines  – such as those for COVID-19, rotavirus, or human papillomavirus (HPV)

They want to ensure that immunization is valued and sought by all people, and that all countries have a reliable supply of high-quality, affordable vaccines, and sustainable financing for immunization programmes. They also want to ensure that innovations to increase the reach and impact of immunization programmes are rapidly made available to all countries and communities.

The language used in Agenda 2030 has some worried it is presenting a “New World Order.” This is because it uses all-encompassing language, such as “for all” and emphasizes the need for a global partnership.

The team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was called to start spreading the truth; with what we have witnessed over the last few years, this call was necessary. We need to make as many people aware as possible because we desperately need allies in this fight.

The war is not over it has just begun!

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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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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

Published

3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
  • Unite Here! Local 75
  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

  • Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
  • Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
  • Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
  • Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
  • Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

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What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

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Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

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