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For Them, By Them – Is the climate change agenda hurting the economically vulnerable here in Canada?

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2 months ago

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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.

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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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Step into Spring with SheaMoisture’s new collection

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2 days ago

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April 25, 2024

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BY TRISHA SMITH

In the heart of downtown is the historical charm known as the Distillery District. Nestled within this urban tapestry were the most beautiful Black women and men, dressed in purple and blue glam, coming to celebrate yet another SheaMoisture collection in the sheik Archeo event space.

The atmosphere was giving luxe with a welcoming and social vibe. As soon as I arrived, I was given a cute flower crown that brought yet another layer of cohesiveness in everyone’s matching attire.

The place was buzzing with Toronto influencers: women in business, creatives and journalists like me, eager to connect, while enjoying a tasteful selection of finger food and signature cocktails. DJ Martina was spinning the latest Afrobeats and R&B, keeping the energy high. There was a visual artist vendor customizing complimentary plants, and hairstyling stations, where women were upping their hair game with SheaMoisture’s new product collection.

Speaking of new collections, SheaMoisture is launching a whopping eight new products this summer! The Scalp Moisture collection consists of 4 new products: shampoo, conditioner, pre-wash masque and scalp cream. The original Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse has two new sisters: a multi-styling mousse from the Manuka Honey & Yogurt line, and the Wrap and Set Mousse, from the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil line. This one is for roller sets and twist outs while the multi-styling mousse was formulated for the ladies with braids, locks and up-dos. There was also a new whipped curl cream, and last, but certainly not least, a Coconut and Hibiscus +Flaxseed edge gel. We all know a Black girl’s edge is the icing on any hairstyle and this edge gel offers a semi-firm hold without the flaking and unnatural stiffness.

I’ve had the opportunity to smell and try them all and as always, the scents never decline, and the consistency is on point. One thing I personally love about this brand is their dedication in providing Black women clean organic ingredients, free of parabens, petroleum and mineral oil which is a big plus in my book as a registered nutritionist. It’s important to note that whatever we put in our scalp and on our bodies, goes directly into our bloodstream. Harmful ingredients can cause toxic build-up and hormone disruption while SheaMoisture’s organic ingredient profile does what it’s supposed to do, minus the hidden harm.

My personal favourite from the line is the scalp cream. It’s used just like hair oil but what I love about it is the cream application. I don’t have to worry about an overly shiny scalp with oil dripping down my forehead on a hot summer day. I also don’t have to be weary of the oil messing up my clothes during application (which happens every so often). The application tip t is perfect, the cream goes directly on my scalp, and it disappears as soon as you massage it in. No white film or build up and I’ve been using it every day! It’s obvious that our hair concerns are always at the forefront and SheaMoisture always has its way of delivering exactly what we need.

Their dedication to fair trade and ethical sourcing has brought forth fair wages and a better quality of life for families in Ghana and Burkina Faso. SheaMoisture has not only made their mark globally with remarkable products, but they have changed the lives of thousands through partnerships and most importantly, giving back.

SheaMoisture was also proud to announce their second year of the Dream Fund! This fund is a continuation of the grant program to offer financial support to the community. The Dream Fund grant program offers $10,000 each to five Black owned businesses in the beauty and wellness space. If you are a Black business with a product, or service that serves the community, you are encouraged to apply for your chance to win! Applications open April 15th, 2024, and close May 31st, 2024. Winners will be announced July 15th, 2024! Keep in mind, you do not need to be a hairstylist, or specifically in the beauty industry to apply.

Last year, a book publishing company, a fitness organization, a chef and a hair accessory company took home the gold. No matter how big, or small your company is, think about the greater impact you can make with an extra $10,000! The Dream Fund serves all Black businesses across Canada and is just one of the many grants, scholarships and funding accessible to the Black community on a global scale.

SheaMoisture is out here making big moves and standing with the underdogs so we can all rise in power and service to our community, and for that I will always support this product line and their initiatives.

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Amplifying authentic African narratives; the stars came out at the BSO Symposium

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2024

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I tell you, the team at Humanity Ova Vanity is solidifying their place in Toronto’s creative scene. It is incredible to see an organization embrace the essence of human creativity, curating experiences that transcend superficiality and celebrating the authentic expressions of people.

With every event that the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is invited to, I am exposed, and have a deeper innerstanding about their commitment to showcasing the richness of human ingenuity. Through their curated experiences, they invite the world to witness the beauty that arises when humanity comes together in genuine expression, fostering connections and inspiring others to embrace their own creativity.

On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, the Black Screen Office (BSO) hosted a Fireside chat with O-T Fagbenle, an acclaimed: actor, writer, and director known for his roles in: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” (which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor) “The First Lady,” and his creation “Maxxx.” In 2022, he starred as Cameron Lautner in the Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed,” a series inspired by the tumultuous story of WeWork, and O-T can next be seen in the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+ opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.

The exclusive fireside chat in conversation with Donisha Prendergast was held at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade (The Quay) that forms part of the BSO Symposium, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic African narratives and fostering substantial representation in the arts. The symposium successfully facilitated featured speakers from overseas and connected students with the opportunity to participate in creative discussion. The discussion revolved around bringing authentic African stories to life. It’s evident that African stories have been untold, mistold, and marginalized. While there are efforts to address this, they often seem minimal compared to the potential for true representation and impactful storytelling. The goal is to catalyze change.

The symposium became a starting place of strength, celebrating the global influence of African culture—the “origins of cool.” It featured: decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry, a day for collective ideation on what’s possible, not just locally but globally.

The symposium was hosted by Melanie Nicholls King, and featured keynote interviews (Sean Cohan), and presentations from esteemed guests (Jully Black, Mark Bamuthi Joseph, Rob Maylor), roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and special presentations. “This enriches our collective endeavor, making it not just a meeting but a milestone event for actionable change,” shares Donisha Prendergast Founder at HOV.

Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO, stated, “Our mission at the Black Screen Office extends beyond initiating dialogues; we aim to enact real change. O-T Fagbenle’s participation underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive screen industry that celebrates the richness of Black stories.”

If the success of the symposium was not enough, the rainy evening of April 2nd, 2024, brought its own treat. I made my way down to Its OK Studios to watch Canada’s #1 weekly podcast (now available on Apple Music), to watch a live episode of Extra Gravy with hosts: That Dude McFly, Alicia ‘Ace’ West and Big Norm. O-T made his second appearance of the day to screen episodes of “Maxxx!”

This will be a reunion of sorts and nothing short of comedic, as Marlon was one of the comedy writers who workshopped the development of Maxxx in Toronto (now showing on Channel 4 and later picked up by Hulu).

The highlight of my night was my sit-down interview (stay tuned for that) with Rob Maylor, a Jamaican-American lawyer, producer, and spearhead at Mental Telepathy Pictures. He is noted for executive producing “Sprinter,” championed by Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith. Collaborations with luminaries like Shaka King and companies such as Hillman Grad showcase his commitment to authentic storytelling.

With a rich background including stints at UTA, Mark Burnett Productions, and Magnolia Pictures, Rob’s expertise extends to notable projects like: Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love,” and HBO’s “Get Millie Black.”

I am excited about what he shared with me, and I know it is going to excite our creatives who are reading this. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and home of Jamaica’s Film Commission, has announced the opening of the Call for Applications under the Jamaica
Screen Development Initiative (JSDI).

The JSDI is a J$1 billion financing initiative by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) aimed at bolstering and enriching the local film industry while attracting destination films. Through the JSDI, filmmakers, animators and creatives will be supported in developing eligible, local screen-based projects across various stages of development.

The Call for Applications for grant and loan support for Development, Production and Post-Production (Completion) phases end on April 28th, 2024. However, applications for Film Festivals and Market Attendance, applications for Marketing and Distribution, as well as Production Rebates will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications will be subjected to a validation check to ensure eligibility and assessment by an evaluation panel comprising local and international film industry experts. Assessment factors include: the strength of the application, demonstrated track record and/or ability to progress project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and marketing plan, as well as the overall benefit of the project to the Jamaican economy.

Exciting indeed! Application guidelines as well as the application form can be found at: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.

Incredible work is being done here in Toronto, and we are so happy to be at the helm of it.

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Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2024

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith

There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16th – 19th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.

Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”

“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.

Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.

Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:

  • Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
  • Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
  • Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
  • Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
  • Tourism and wealth creation

During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.

The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.

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