Community News
For Them, By Them – Is the climate change agenda hurting the economically vulnerable here in Canada?
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“It should be obvious that poverty — not pollution — is a greater threat.”
Donna Jackson (Member of the Project 21 Black Leadership Network)
In the tapestry of human thought, there are threads that weave together the fabric of progress, as well as the unraveling of progress. This week, we embark on a journey of introspection, a deep dive into the intricate social patterns that shape our understanding of the world around us.
I want readers to imagine this moment as the unraveling of a mystery novel, where each line reveals a new layer of foolishness propagated by our world governments. I want our collective curiosity to be the flashlight guiding us through the dim corridors of thought, illuminating secrets, and information yet to be fully explored.
In our current economy, people are doing worse than living paycheck to paycheck — many of us can actually speak to having to borrow to make it to that next payday! The sad reality is that our world governments are implementing policies that are having the same corrosive effects that the Jim Crow laws of America’s hurtful past had in keeping African American families down.
As the Biden administration marches on with its energy price-boosting climate agenda, what many of us don’t realize is that it is disproportionately hurting the most economically vulnerable Americans and stifling their dreams of a better future. It has made me think; is this agenda hurting the economically vulnerable here in Canada?
Environmentalists talk about a climate catastrophe, but what about the human one? The mainstream media, and our governments have had a lot to say about the environmental effects and the need to save the planet, but very little is said about the economic effects of government remedies on humanity.
Some argue that policies promoting renewable energy and carbon reduction are leading to increased energy costs, which are burdening low-income households. For instance, if the transition to cleaner energy sources results in higher electricity prices, it may pose challenges for those already struggling financially.
The transition away from certain industries, such as fossil fuels, will lead to job displacement in certain regions. Workers in traditional industries are going to face challenges finding alternative employment, and these challenges may be more pronounced in economically vulnerable communities.
The way climate policies are designed and implemented plays a crucial role. If policies are crafted without considering the socioeconomic implications (which they currently are), there is a risk of exacerbating existing inequalities.
As of late, I have been paying very close attention to American politics, and true to form, socioeconomic factors indeed have an impact on various communities, and there are similarities that exist between the experiences of African Americans and African Canadians due to: historical, systemic, and cultural factors. It is why I want readers to pay close attention to some of the details I am about to provide.
There is a minority exploitation game called environmental justice, and of course, the worst injustices come not from climate change but from climate change policies.
In an article titled, “Biden’s Climate Policies Are Bad for Black America (2023), Donna Jackson speaks to unaffordable energy costs. Donna Jackson serves as the Director of Membership Development for the Project 21 Black Leadership Network. She is a seasoned accountant with public and private sector experience as well as previous forays into politics and ministry. Donna is a sought-after speaker, having testified before Congress and also appearing regularly in the media and at conferences.
According to Donna, “Unaffordable energy costs can no longer be viewed as just an economic issue. It has become a human civil right issue. According to the latest Census Bureau data, the median income for Black families ranged from $48,297 nationally to $20,961 in Detroit. That means families are living off a monthly income of $1,700 to $3,000 at a time when gas prices in Michigan hit a high of $5.20 a gallon and winter heating bills are setting records.”
Donna shares that what is even more damaging than the immediate economic effect of: high electric, natural gas bills and expensive fill-ups at the gas pump are the barriers created to upward mobility, especially for people of colour. “In so many ways, plentiful and affordable domestic energy is part of the ticket out of poverty and dependence. For example, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Black community is evident in the proliferation of Black-owned small businesses during boom times. These businesses struggle and sometimes fail under the weight of expensive energy.”
In another article titled, “Electric Vehicle Agenda Is Failing Families (November, 2023), Donna notes that unfortunately, the electric vehicle agenda of the Biden Administration is having the opposite effect: “Their primary goal is to take away private car ownership from low-income families and trap them in their communities.”
Let’s be honest; EVs are not practical as a household’s sole vehicle, which is all many low-income families can afford. Upward of 90% of EVs sit in the driveways of multi-car households next to one, or more gasoline-powered cars that are typically driven more miles. The EV agenda may be in fashion with those on the upper rungs of the economic ladder, but it is badly out of touch with the realities of those who cannot afford an EV.
I also learned that the Biden administration policies don’t just favor EVs; they also burden gasoline vehicle owners with costly regulations. Past and proposed future regulations from the: Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are a big part of why sticker prices for new cars have skyrocketed. Don’t take my word for it, you can go and check out how prices for used cars have all of a sudden increased here in Canada.
New regulations published in 2023 by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will effectively end sales of new passenger vehicles powered only by gasoline, or diesel in 2035. Guilbeault said the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will encourage automakers to make more battery-powered cars and trucks available in Canada, vehicles that many of us won’t be able to afford. Yeah, they don’t tell you that part. What they do tell us is the rebates we will receive, and how they have programs that will assist in buying an EV.
In May 2023, The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) announced that new fuel regulations set to take full effect in 2030 are expected to increase the price of fuel and shrink the size of Canada’s economy. They released a distributional analysis of the federal government’s Clean Fuel Regulations that I am sure many of us don’t know about. We are too busy trying to survive and keep our lights on. After its release, the report became a lightning rod for federal politicians, with the Conservatives calling the policy a financial burden on families.
The average new gasoline-powered vehicle goes for $48,000 — higher than the average African American household income of $46,400 annually — putting it out of reach for low-income and most middle-class households. Used-car prices have risen in tandem. The costs of this anti-car agenda are falling on struggling households — the very people who need affordable vehicles the most.
The auto industry and auto plants are so very important to the African American communities. With the new EV agenda, people are losing their jobs, and this will be devastating to the inner city, and devastating to the African American community. African American workers have long relied on union auto jobs as a crucial route to financial stability in America. Job by job, plant by plant, African American people forced open the auto industry and built seniority, using it to break into higher paying jobs they had previously been denied. The percentage of African American workers in the auto industry today is more than double their share of the workforce overall. The industry is the African American community’s bread and butter, and the government is slowly taking it off the table.
Job losses and economic changes in the affected regions may affect various communities, including Black Canadians, who could face challenges related to unemployment and economic instability.
To address these potential disparities, it is crucial for governments to implement climate policies that consider social equity and justice. This includes targeted support for vulnerable communities, investment in job training programs for new green industries, and ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy does not disproportionately burden those already facing economic challenges.
Engaging in inclusive policy-making processes that involve the voices of marginalized communities is essential to creating climate change agendas that not only address environmental concerns, but also promote social justice and economic equity.
Will this happen; not if the globalists want to stay on track with Agenda 2030.
Community News
Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients
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.
Community News
What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span
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.
Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients
West Indies memorable triumph over England: A valuable learning experience
How are current trends shaping our world? Foreshadowing 2025
AI can be a helpful tool, but it can’t replace the special qualities that make human storytelling unique
What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span
Anger!
YOGA: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) for sufferers of hypertension or heart disease
Kemtek Development launches new exclusive gated community in Jamaica!
Tourism-Related Live Streaming – The Manifold Ways it Can Create a Buzz for a Destination
Ravi’s West Indian Grocery – Fresh Products Weekly Straight from Guyana!
Send groceries to Jamaica in a flash, how? GroceryList Jamaica
ASA Meats & West Indian Groceries – Serving Freshness & Quality to the Community
Nadine Sutherland – A woman who continues to reinvent herself
Knia Singh – Light Up The Darkness
Spragga Benz – Light Up The Darkness
Kyle Kemper – Light Up The Darkness
David Icke – Light Up The Darkness
Ohio’s Bill 248 and Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s compelling testimony
-
Community News5 days agoCan AI truly grasp the nuances of culture, history, and the unique spirit of a country?
-
Community News2 weeks agoMister International Canada crowns its 2024 Winner
-
Community News2 weeks agoThe Future of work is here, and it’s a four-day week
-
Community News5 days agoDigital Double-Edged – We cannot allow a fragile digital system to control when and how you can travel
-
Community News5 days agoTo navigate complex challenges: Caribbean governments, corporations, and organizations need innovative solutions
-
Community News2 weeks agoThe threat of international spies and saboteurs is real, but well hidden from the public domain
-
Community News2 weeks agoBlack Class Action Lawsuit concludes second week of hearings with rally and press conference
-
Community News5 days agoPatrick Parson remembered for his: Legacy, impact and influence in the artistic community in Toronto