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Oppression is a state of mind, a psychological formula that manipulates, and distorts the truth

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

BY STEVEN KASZAB

What does oppression mean? Webster’s dictionary says oppression is “Prolonged (excessive) cruel and unjust treatment or exercising of authority.”

We often think of oppression in a political application, a nation or political group oppressing the people, but “oppression” has real time applications in our daily lives.

Ever see someone raise their hands in anger at a spouse, child, or another person? Do you know someone who is forced to work in poor conditions, being paid very low wages, often having to experience sexual or mental abuse because they really need the job?

Have you met someone who was or is a freedom fighter, someone who fought for their people’s freedom or separation from an oppressive government? A young person who ran away from home because they experienced some form of abuse, and needed to escape it?

Oppression is a state of mind, a psychological formula that manipulates, distorts the truth. It is filled with anger and projects fear upon others. One can begin one’s life developing a connection to this state when you meet your first bully, whether it is a parent, sibling or within a school setting.

If someone’s wishes are forced upon you, it is a form of oppression. The forced wishes can be well intentioned, or not at all. “You’re going to do this, or else,” or “If you cannot do this, you’re a failure and wimp.” Oppression manipulates us, moulds us through its use of psychological and often physical influences. As a child, we are moulded (by parents and teachers) into well-balanced individuals. If you intend to mould someone, and you are mentally or psychologically challenged in some way this will imprint upon the moulded child. Something very simple can over time develop into a severe psychosis and fear that will stay with the child as they age. That is a form of oppression, although it is unintended.

Entire peoples have and are being oppressed by others. It is easier for an oppressor to live with their intended purpose if they believe they are doing good to a lesser people. In Africa, the colonial powers stripped nations of their natural resources while giving them religion, education and structure through the introduction of Christianity and Islam (in the North).

Oppression exists for a reason. While most of us believe that a society living in peace and harmony is ideal, oppressive forces see this as an opportunity. When fear is applied to oppressive tactics, people naturally respond in a submissive manner. All people want is to return to a peaceful situation, and that is what oppressive forces would promise. Do as we say, and nothing will really change for you and your family.

When a couple argue and fight, and a partner harms the other, that is oppression. Why do 55% of American women living in abusive situations return to their partner, often not having the oppressor charged with a crime? They want to return to what was for them a perfect time, when their family loved each other in peace. What many of us do not notice is that those who oppress others, are themselves damaged individuals, organizations or even empires.

Oppression is a noun and adjective. It is, and it does. Oppression is a living, breathing thing, much like a human being. It exists because you allow it too, it spreads due to your fear, ignorance, and apathy. By not recognizing oppressiveness that surrounds you, within your society and lived space, you allow it to flourish and grow, much like the weeds in your garden.

You cannot be a free person if any form of oppression is allowed to exist. That is a challenge not easily dealt with. Oppression brings with it: fear, anger, jealousy, envy and seemingly all the other deadly sins.

How do we defeat oppression? In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Justice can bring about an end to oppression. It is an act of justice, protecting all of our fundamental human rights, the right to dignity and a decent life.” Look at another as if that person was you. How would you like to be treated? (Matthew 22.39) Powerful words found in many of the religion’s most sacred texts. Who in their right mind wants to be oppressed by another?

Living our daily lives demands of us to be cooperative, humble and empathetic to others. It is my hope that the handshake will always win over the widespread raised fist of anger and fear that oppresses millions of us on a daily basis.

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A1 Cash & Carry Opens Its 8th Wholesale Store in Burlington, Ontario!

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Burlington, Ontario December 2024 – A1 Cash & Carry is excited to announce the opening of its newest location in Burlington, Ontario. This marks the 8th

wholesale store in its growing footprint across Ontario. The store opened its doors to hundreds of customers on November 29th and has received an overwhelming response from the community of Burlington. This location is wholesale only and is focused on serving restaurants and other food businesses with the exceptional service and value A1 Cash & Carry is known for.

Conveniently located at 3495 North Service Road, at the intersection of Queen Elizabeth Way & Walkers Line. This 32,000 square foot location is a brand-new built-to-suit building that features, a protein cooler, dairy cooler, produce cooler and freezer areas. This location stocks over 5,000 SKUs across all of A1 Cash and Carry’s product categories.

With over 26 years of experience in the restaurant wholesale industry, A1 Cash & Carry has mastered the art of providing a one-stop-shop experience for it’s customers. Like all A1 stores the new Burlington store offers competitive pricing, quality products, and a deep understanding of what restaurant owners need to thrive.

Known for its reliable delivery service, A1 Cash & Carry provides free delivery for orders over $550 and ensures timely service to Burlington and surrounding areas every Wednesday. Additionally, delivery through Instacart offers flexibility for non-business customers, broadening accessibility to A1 Cash & Carry’s extensive product range.

“This new store is a celebration of our commitment to Ontario’s restaurant community, and we are excited to bring even more value and innovation in the coming year,” said Fahmad Parvaiz, COO.

A1 Cash & Carry extends heartfelt gratitude to its loyal customers for their trust and partnership over the years. Their support has been the foundation of the company’s exponential growth and ongoing success.

Details about the Burlington Store

  • Location: 3495 North Service Road QEW & Walkers Line, Burlington, ON L7N 3G2
  • 32,000 Square Foot Location
  • 5,000 + Products in Stock
  • A1 Employs over 350 employees, this location will add 12-15 jobs in the Halton Region
  • Hours: Open 7 Days a Week Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm Saturday 8:30am – 4:30pm Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm

For more information about A1 Cash & Carry and its Burlington location, please visit website or check out our Instagram.

 

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Canada passes new law to address wrongful convictions

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The work of Innocence Canada, formerly known as the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC) has made a significant difference on the Canadian legal scene. According to the website: www.innocencecanada.com the organization was launched in February 1993 as an extension of the Justice for Guy Morin Committee, which was established in 1993 after he was wrongfully convicted. AIDWYC received widespread media attention due to the work of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter who served as its founding Executive Director for over ten years. Carter served nineteen years for a wrongful conviction in a New Jersey prison and was subsequently released.

It was in October 2016 that AIDWYC rebranded as Innocence Canada with a new logo adorn with tally marks to coincide with each exoneration. In a press release issued by Innocence Canada on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, details were announced regarding the passage of Bill C-40. It is titled, “The Miscarriage of Justice Act “and is also known as “David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law.”

The press release notes, “It makes drastic changes to the Criminal Code and creates a new tribunal or commission to address all claims of wrongful conviction. It eliminates our present Ministerial Review process that has for more than 100 years been the only resort for the wrongly convicted.”

In the press release, David’s sister, Susan Milgaard states, “My mother and my brother will be looking down on us and celebrating this new law. I am very grateful it is named after them. They did so much to get this law passed, because they were dedicated to the cause of all the innocent people in prison who had no good place to seek justice. Now they will have a place to go.”

James Lockyear of Innocence Canada states, “Today is a great day for all those wrongfully convicted. Innocence Canada has been advocating for this law for more than 30 years. It will bring Canada in line with other countries that already have a similar commission and be a change for the wrongly convicted and the Canadian criminal justice system.”

It was in 2009 that David Milgaard was wrongfully convicted of the murder in the rape and death of Gail Miller. She was a nursing student at the time. Miller spent 23 years in prison as a sentence. However, in 1992 he was freed and found innocent. Since then, Milgard has actively engaged in advocacy for those who are wrongfully convicted and has worked hard for the establishment of an independent to review cases of wrongful convictions.

The fact that David and his mother, Joyce Milgaard are both deceased and not present to celebrate this day is unfortunate. Milgaard’s sister, Susan states, “It didn’t take a village, it took a country to achieve what we have and thank God for Canada because we’ve done it.”

An independent commission will be established to review potential wrongful convictions rather than the Minister of Justice. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada states, “It is Important that this legislation includes money, personnel, and legal aid funding.”

Ron Dalton of Innocence Canada states, “We’re currently working on 130 cases in our office, and we only have the resources to look at homicide cases.”

A press release was issued on Wednesday, December 18th, by the Department of Justice Canada to highlight the fact that the David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law received royal assent. Innocence Canada states, “All of us at Innocence Canada are delighted by the passage of David and Joyce Melgaard’s Law, which creates a new and independent body of experts to address future claims of wrongful conviction. Justice Minister Arid Virani and his predecessor, David Lametti, deserve great credit for this ground-breaking legislation which will make for an enormous improvement to our criminal justice system.”

The press release outlines some of the purposes of the new independent commission. It notes that it will not be an alternative to the courts. In general, applicants will first need to exhaust their rights of appeal before requesting a miscarriage of justice review by the commission. Furthermore, it “will not decide whether an applicant is guilty, or innocent, and there will be a dedicated victim services coordinator position to support victims and assist with the development of procedural policies especially as it relates to victim notification and participation in a manner consistent with the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

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The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is in desperate need of emergency and sustainable multi-year funding

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement of a $3.5 million “critical investment” in the Toronto Caribbean Festival by the federal government is good news for the Festival Management Committee (FMC). The announcement was made on Monday, December 16th, 2024, as part of the Fall Economic Statement by the government of Canada. A press release from the FMC referred to the anticipated funding although details such as the release date and others are still unknown.

There has been media attention hinting at the possibility that the Toronto Caribbean Festival could be canceled in 2025, because it came up $2 million short in funding. It was on October 28th, 2024, that MPP Dr. Jill Andrew rose in the Ontario Legislature and informed the Ontario government that the festival was cash strapped. She stated, “The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is in desperate need of emergency and sustainable multi-year funding.” She mentioned the economic importance of the festival to the province and the fact that it costs $2.5 million to run. She called on the provincial government to ensure that the festival is funded adequately beyond the paltry $120,000 that it allocated to it in 2024.

In addition to MPP Andrew’s request for sustainable funding, a petition was launched by the Festival Management Committee. The petition describes vital aspects of the festival and lists ways that it contributes to the: cultural, economic and social life of Toronto. Undoubtedly, the ongoing issue of funding of the Toronto Caribbean Festival is one that will not go away unless, or until the three levels of government: provincial, federal and municipal decides to elevate it to a high level rather than just pay lip service to its importance annually. It is often used as a great photo-op for politicians during the summer.

The press release from the FMC revealed that there was a lot of work that was done behind the scenes prior to the announcement. “This critical investment follows nearly two years of intense advocacy.” This $3.5 million funding will go towards addressing systemic underfunding and highlighting the carnival’s vital cultural and economic contributions to Canada.

Jennifer Hirlehey, Executive Chair of the FMC states, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the collective support from our stakeholders, the Caribbean community business. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and a shared vision. This funding will ensure the Carnival remains a dynamic force in Canada’s cultural and economic landscape, inspiring generations to come.”

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