Connect with us

Community News

Canada Day in January – A look at what really happened with the Trucker Convoy in Ottawa

Published

3 years ago

on

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Freedom Convoy: Truckers cause chaos in Ottawa after second day of protests” BBC

“So many angry people’: Experts say online conversation around trucker convoy veering into dangerous territory.” CTV News

Michael de Adder – the political cartoonist for the Washington Post – drew a convoy of tractor-trailers with the word “Fascism” written on the vehicles.

As I read through the many articles written about the trucker convoy, I began to see a disturbing trend; this movement that was meant to unify Canadians, was slowly being picked apart, and categorized as something that it was not. As a researcher, and proud Jamaican-Canadian, I wanted to find out some answers: why was the mainstream media reporting so negatively on this movement, and what had caused such a turn in events? Why was a movement focused on human rights, Canadian human rights now being looked at by some with such disgust?

Mainstream Reports on the Trucker Convoy
For every positive article that I found about this movement, I found five to six that highlighted it in a negative way. Let’s take a look at a few examples:

  • The Canadian Trucking Alliance spoke out against the protests in a statement issued 24 hours before a convoy of truckers was set to leave British Columbia en route to Ottawa.
  • Ottawa police said, “several criminal investigations” were underway into “threatening” and “illegal” behaviour after monuments including the National War Memorial were defaced and demonstrators displayed “illegal” and “intimidating behavior to police and others, including staff at a soup kitchen for homeless people.
  • When one Conservative lawmaker was interviewed on television, a Canadian flag with a swastika drawn on it could be seen in the background. Some protesters brandished Confederate flags.
  • Wayne Eyre, chief of Canada’s defence staff, said he was “sickened” by scenes of protesters dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and desecrating the National War Memorial.

I will be sharing the other side of the coin later in this article, but I wanted to point out the fact that for some reason, mainstream media seemed to be around when less positive aspects of the movement were occurring, but did not showcase the love, cultural unity, and elation that was on display throughout Ottawa last weekend. They also conveniently did not show all the things that were done purposely to block the convoy and make it difficult for people to protest peacefully.

The Media Buy-out; A Handpicked Few
In its 2019 budget, the federal government rolled out nearly $600 million in subsidies for select media outlets that had obtained the federal government’s approval. Those outlets include: CBC. CBC Radio, TVO, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, National Post, Calgary Herald, Winnipeg Free Press, Vancouver Sun, Toronto Sun, Calgary Sun, Rogers TV, Omni, Global, and CTV.

I want readers to think about this for a minute; does anyone find it suspicious that right around the time of the pandemic, our government bailed out these larger media corporations, yet community papers like Share, Caribbean Camera, Indo-Caribbean and the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper did not see a cent of that money.

It was one of the reasons some Canadian journalists were questioning the federal government’s plan to support some Canadian journalism. By handing nearly $600 million directly to select newspapers, the government wasn’t doing anything new. It just extended the control that it had over other mediums, to traditional mainstream newspapers. The Liberals had set aside nearly $600 million over the course of five years for tax credits and other incentives aimed at propping up struggling news outlets. During that week, they announced an independent panel that would recommend the news operations that were eligible for assistance under the plan.

I want our readers to think about this every time you turn on your television. Our government has bought and paid for these mediums, so be mindful, and know that our government will only allow you to see what they want you to see. This is not a conspiracy theory; this is fact and has been for many years.

Justin Trudeau; Our Fearless Leader
“Over the past few days, Canadians were shocked and frankly disgusted by the behaviour displayed by some people protesting in our nation’s capital.

I want to be very clear: those who hurl insults and abuse at small business workers and steal food from the homeless do not intimidate us. We won’t give in to those who fly racist flags. We won’t cave to those who engage in vandalism or dishonour the memory of our veterans.”

Crises put the true character of a nation and its leader on full display, and the pandemic – both a public-health emergency and an economic catastrophe – is our greatest challenge since the Second World War. Quebec’s Deputy Prime Minister famously congratulated all of us Canadians for our obedience to the lockdown, and like the well-behaved citizens we are, we took the pat on our head, wore our masks, socially distanced ourselves, and stayed home. Obedience is admirable, but can also be a sign of weakness, and it does not form the basis of an entrepreneurial culture.

Throughout this pandemic there has been this uncomfortable realization that Canada’s entrenched interests are adept at using institutional power to resist change and preserve the status quo. Canada’s response to the pandemic helped it contain the virus in the short run, but it is now being seen as a sign of the country’s shortcomings in the long run.

Who do we have to thank for this; our fearless leader Justin Trudeau (who is fully vaccinated and boosted), the same man who told us to trust the science and get our vaccines because they protect us from COVID-19, tested positive and tweeted, “I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m feeling fine, and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines. Everyone please get vaccinated and get boosted.”

This was right before the convoy was to enter Ottawa, which many found suspicious. The story suddenly changed, and on Friday, the Prime Minister told the Canadian Press he was concerned the protest would turn violent, but said the convoy represented a “Small fringe minority” who “Do not represent the views of Canadians.”

Yahoo news reported that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family left their home in Ottawa over safety concerns on Saturday. I thought he had to be isolated because he had COVID-19? He is triple vaccinated, but said he had to be isolated. What happened to trusting science?

Prime Minister Trudeau finally came out of hiding and confirmed that he would not meet with the convoy of protestors. He stated that he had attended protests and rallies in the past, conveniently throwing in Black Lives Matter as an example. He claims that he was choosing not to go anywhere near a protest that expresses hateful rhetoric, violence towards fellow citizens and disrespect to science, frontline health workers, and 90% of the truckers who have done the right thing to keep Canadians safe.

Hateful rhetoric? Violence? Time to take a look on the other side of the coin

“Canadian truckers rule!” Elon Musk

As I drove home from up north last week, I happened to see the crowd at Vaughan Mills, and the many communities littering the overpasses cheering on the truckers. “Go truckers go,” were some of the shouts I heard as I drove by and blew my horn in support.

Starting January 15th, 2022, unvaccinated Canadian truckers re-entering Canada from the United States were required to get a COVID-19 test and quarantine themselves. The vaccine passport sparked Canadian truckers to engage in this protest against the vaccination order.

Crowds cheered, waved flags and hoisted signs in Ontario on Thursday as parts of a convoy of truckers headed for Ottawa to protest the Canadian government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border drivers. The convoy was peaceful as it passed through Canadian towns and cities, and Ottawa police spoke with organisers, who were cooperative.

People were standing in defiance in a friendly way, not a defiant way. Yet, they were being called racist, and supremacist. When you took a look at the people that were gathered there, they were from all races, cultures, religions, exactly what this great nation is all about.

In a crowd as massive as the one gathered in Ottawa last weekend, you’re going to have differences of background, traditions, and opinions, but there was so much warmth in the frigid cold; there were many different people all passionately agreeing on several key points:

  • They agree that the Canadian freedoms that have been eroded by government and public health overreach during the past two years are worth fighting to preserve.
  • They agree that the bullying and coercion of those who have made a medical choice, which they are entitled to make as free Canadians, must end immediately.
  • They agree that Canadians have a right to hold a job that feeds their family without having to submit to a medical procedure, the safety and effectiveness of which are unknown.
  • They agree that children should be left alone and unmasked, and allowed to enjoy their childhoods, as we all did.
  • They agree that everything Canada has been built upon, everything that has made Canada a shining beacon among nations must not be discarded and “reset” because of a seasonal virus.

Naturally, there were dissenters, and people who wanted to make trouble, but they did not represent the thousands of peaceful protesters who waved Canadian flags and acted responsibly.

Did you know?

Authorities blocked the roads, and the Province of Nova Scotia were banning people from waving at the convoy from the highway.
A few of the organizers of the truckers’ convoy held their first live press conference, and they banned CBC and Toronto Star from making an appearance for the exact reasons I wrote about at the beginning of this article. In the conference they spoke towards the misinformation that was being broadcast by mainstream media, especially surrounding the fact the GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/taking-back-our-freedom-convoy-2022) was taken down. This was not true. As of January 31st, 2022, the fund was up to 9,344, 010. It is an amazing show of togetherness by our country

The truckers have inspired the World
The protest has caught the attention of people outside Canada’s borders, with podcaster Joe Rogan, Donald Trump Jr – the son of the former US president – and British comedian Russell Brand showing support.

Australian truck drivers are planning a ‘Convoy to Canberra’ to protest Australia’s vaccine mandates and harsh restrictions forced upon communities across the country throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They plan to meet in: Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia before making their way to the nation’s capital.

When it comes to our movement in Canada; well, the intent is actually to stay until all the mandates are dropped. Some people are staying one day, some people are staying five days. Many are staying here until they can go back to work.

The truckers were not triggered; the truckers unleashed this country. The truckers have become the physical manifestation of a peaceful protest. People no longer felt alone.

Related Topics:

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Fred Williams

    February 13, 2022 at 9:17 am

    It’s definitely a mixed bag. They have many of the trappings of fascists, but if they were really fascists I would expect them to be onside with Trudeau. From the beginning I have isolated, (not difficult, I’m a hermit at heart, my normal lifestyle anyway). I’ve worn the masks when at a store. I have increased my hand washing, and I pay moderately good attention to social distancing. I have not had any form of Covid, that I know of. (They say some people are asymptomatic). I have also never been vaccinated and with respect to Covid or flu shots, and I never will be. I don’t trust Bill Gates for a moment. For all we know he released the virus in the first place. His motive? Hundreds of billions of dollars in profits. He wouldn’t care who gets hurt or who dies. He never has before.
    Nevertheless I have to distance myself from the nazis. We do need a revolution, but somehow, I don’t think these guys & gals are the ones to form a new, or revolutionatry government. They haven’t thought this through, or anything else it seems. Where do we go from here?
    By the way, I’m a left wing white fellow 72 years old with a B.Sc. in Math.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community News

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

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading

Community News

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

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading

Community News

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

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending