Articles

Exercise Your Right to Make Change

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2018

BY: BRITTNEY CHANNER

On June 7^th, 2018, the province of Ontario will be conducting its 42^ndgeneral election. The goal of this election is to elect 124 members into the Parliament of Ontario with hopes of one of the parties achieving a majority government. The top political parties being represented within this provincial election are: the Liberal party; with Kathleen Wynne as its leader, Progressive Conservative Party; with Doug Ford as its newly elected leader and the New Democratic Party (NDP) with Andrea Horwath representing as their leader. Each party has particular standpoints pertaining to taxes, education, transit, and health care; and it is these standpoints that essentially persuade the citizens of Ontario to vote for their ideal candidate; who represents similar viewpoints.

Nevertheless, as important as the categories listed above are, it leads me to question, “Where do our Canadian political parties stand on issues pertaining to human rights and justice? Issues such as health inequality, Aboriginal rights, gender and economic inequality and poverty; all of which are subjects that remain a constant reality for millions of Canadians within the province of Ontario and amongst the nation. Topics such as these are rarely seen at the forefront of any political party campaign nor are they regularly debated and analyzed within a political setting. Due to this aspect, along with several others, many people choose not to exercise their right listed in section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which deals with the right to vote. For many people, the reasoning behind their decision not to vote stems from the notion of not being heard, their vote not making a difference, feeling ignored when it comes to issues that concern them or the idea of feeling used solely to obtain a vote; only to be ignored after an election.

Whatever the reasoning might be, it is understandable why many citizens of Ontario feel this way and agree with this type of thinking; especially those who live in communities who do not get special attention until it is votingseason. Nevertheless, it is through utilizing this unique right as a Canadian citizen, where you can truly make and see the change desired within Parliament. Utilizing your power by voting allows you to choose a candidate or political party that aligns with your belief system and most importantly ensures that your concerns regarding your community and country are heard. When you make the decision to vote, you are making a choice that can have a direct impact or effect on your lives and the lives of your family. Additionally, those who are elected to Parliament are well aware of who votes and what communities have large voter turn out rates. So, if your residential neighbourhood voter turnout is low, these elected officials will make fewer appearances in your district to know what your concerns are and the needs of the community overall.

With recent cries of injustice and major attention to vital social issues, it is pertinent that we as Canadian citizens use one of the main forms of power we have and vote for a party who will not only tackle frequently debated and popularized issues such as taxes and healthcare, but to put hidden and ignored issues such as the quality of low income housing, youth homelessness, and poverty on the forefront of all political agendas. At the moment, the Ontario NDP’s and PC’s appear to be running a very close race in the polls which shows a significant departure in support for the Liberal party which has been in power for four consecutive general elections. However, whichever way the results of this election goes, I urge you all as Canadians to make a decision on your behalf and advise the people in power on the issues that matter the most to you.

Remember: If YOU do not vote; OTHERS will make the decisions for you.

Related Topics:Citizen decisions Elections Government of Ontario social issues Vote

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Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2024

TOCaribNews

Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

Junior Contributors

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Fibonacci Sequence: Nature’s hidden code

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo Credit: Racool_Studio

BY KAHA G. – 15 YEARS OLD

“The Fibonacci Sequence turns out to be the key to understanding how nature designs… and is a part of the same ubiquitous music of the spheres that builds harmony into atoms, molecules, crystals, shells, suns and galaxies and makes the universe sing.” Guy Murchie

This quote was utilized to pique your curiosity about today’s article topic, The Fibonacci Sequence.

The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. With the set of numbers being:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610.

One of the most remarkable properties of the sequence is its connection to the golden ratio. The golden ratio is an irrational number that is approximately equal to 1.61803398875. It’s found by dividing any number in the Fibonacci Sequence by the number behind it. The more someone goes down the sequence, the closer the result gets to the golden ratio. Here’s a small example, 34 divided by 21, which is 1.61904761905. Look how close that is!

Furthermore, it appears in many natural occurrences, from the arrangement of leaves on a stem to the shape of a seashell. Some examples are the spiral patterns of sunflower heads, pinecones, pineapples, as well as the pattern of the nautilus shell being the most famous one. Although this might seem like a coincidence, it helps nature as well by maximizing surface area, efficiency, and strength.

The Fibonacci Sequence also appears in mathematics, computer science, and art and design. In mathematics, the sequence plays a role in number theory and algebraic structures. In computer science, the sequence is displayed in algorithms, data structures, and computational geometry. In art and design, the Fibonacci sequence is displayed to create aesthetically appealing designs, like the famous “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh.

The Fibonacci Sequence is a remarkable pattern that appears in nature, art, and mathematics. Its connection to the golden ratio and its presence in nature make it a fascinating subject of study and research. This just makes me appreciate nature’s beauty and makes me regret how little we reflect on the world around us. What are your thoughts on this beautiful sequence?