Connect with us

Community News

Peel District School Board addresses the lack of representation in challenging and competitive programs

Published

on

BY PAUL JUNOR

Peel District School Board (PDSB) announced on Tuesday, November 10thh, 2020 that it would be changing the criteria for its speciality programs. This change will ensure that qualified black, Africans, Metis, First Nations and Inuit students in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon will gain automatic admission. This will guarantee that they bypass the random selection process and gain immediate acceptance into these elite academic programs.

This change in the admission criteria is meant to address the significant lack of representation of black and racialized students in these academically challenging and competitive programs. Peel District School Board (PDSB) decided to be proactive in the face of on-going criticism of its inability to deal with issues of systematic racism, especially anti-black racism in its schools. Colleen-Russel Rawlins, interim director of PDSB, informed trustees on these changes at the board meeting on Tuesday, November 9th, 2020.

The board released data on Tuesday, which highlights the lack of representation of black, Indigenous, and people of colour in these programs. The newspaper Caledon Enterprise reported on Wednesday, November 11th, some of the troubling data. Approximately 10% of 41,705 secondary school students are black. They constitute less than 2% of the students admitted to the Regional Learning Choices Program (RLCP).

There are less than ten black students in these programs. The recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program takes in about 2020 students per year where students pursue advanced courses in: science, technology, arts and music. Less than 50% of the students are of South Asian background. There are approximately 55 black students in RLCP courses, they are concentrated in: sports, dance, music or visual arts.

The numbers are even more disturbing for Indigenous students. There are questions raised about whether these low numbers could be due to their lack of self-identification as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuits (as revealed by the PDSB’s 2018 census data). The board hopes that by changing the admission criteria it will signal its intentions to reverse the numbers and provide access to these high-achieving programs.

Charlie Grant, co-founder of Parents of Black Children (PoBC), which has engaged in advocacy work with different boards welcome the move. “Our children have always had the capacity and capability, but they were deliberately denied and held back. They weren’t given the opportunity. These opportunities will level the playing field.”

Danielle Dowdy, parent and community advocate is supportive of these changes. She states that they are, “Important first step in breaking down the barriers to access. The second step is communication.”

Interim director, Colleen Russel-Rawlins states, “We can’t fulfil our mission to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student until we take real and meaningful steps to provide access to students who have been excluded. We are ensuring our programs are open to these students who have historically not been able to participate.”

While the change is procedural with respect to how administers select students into these specialized programs, there is hope, expectation and anticipation that it will fundamentally be equitable and fair.

With a last name that means “Faithful and loyal,” it is no wonder that Paul Junor has become a welcomed addition to the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper Team. Since 1992, Paul has dedicated his life to become what you call a great teacher. Throughout the years, he has formed strong relationships with his students and continues to show them that he cares about them as people. Paul is a warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring individual who not only makes himself available for his students, but for his community as well.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

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

Community News

On tariffs, tempests, and trade teapots

Published

on

Photo Credit: Premier Danielle Smith - Facebook

BY HERBERT HILDEBRANT

Where are the Canadian leaders anyway? Put the toys away, it’s time to work.

The recent threat of tariffs on Canadian goods shipping to the USA by President Trump represents more than just a political challenge; it is an economic alarm bell for Canada. At a time when leadership and decisive action are needed most, what do we see? A Prime Minister and many of our provincial leaders preoccupied with ideological grandstanding and political posturing rather than acting decisively to protect Canadian interests.

While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is taking the bold steps necessary to advocate for Alberta by meeting directly with Donald Trump, the response from our federal government and many provincial leaders, along with the government funded media, has been to criticize her. Let me make this clear: every Premier should be following her example, not disparaging it. You don’t need to agree with her political views to acknowledge that she is demonstrating leadership and advocacy for her province, regardless of the media and political chatter.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford: You lead a province with the manufacturing heart of Canada, a region that will feel the brunt of these tariffs more than most. Yet instead of addressing these real and pressing issues, you’re playing games—like pulling American booze off Ontario shelves and calling an election a little over 2 ½ years after the last one.

Your fascination with alcohol policies is getting old, Premier Ford. Ontarians are tired of the distractions. It’s time to get real. Focus on protecting the industries and workers who are counting on you. Ontario needs decisive leadership, not gimmicks. Get yourself to Washington DC this week and make some deals. You have been in business on both sides of the border before you entered politics, stop electioneering and meet with the President and his staff and get the job done now.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault: You govern Quebec, a province rich with industries that contribute significantly to the Canadian and American economy. Your inaction on these tariff threats is disappointing. Quebec cannot afford to stand idly by, especially when its industries—forestry, aerospace, and more—are so deeply interconnected with the United States. You must step up, not just for Quebec, but for all of Canada.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre: Leadership means doing what is bold and necessary, even in the face of false narratives and media insinuations. I urge you to rise above the noise and demonstrate the courage Canadians need. Meet with President Donald Trump. Show him, and the world, that Canada still has bold and decisive leaders ready to stand for our country’s interests. Such a move will not only reaffirm Canada’s commitment to a strong bilateral relationship but also remind Canadians that we have leaders who are not afraid to act when the stakes are high. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Canadians are extremely weary of the current government, and this is your time to step up boldly and take the PR wheel. We have the most unpopular and incompetent Prime Minister in living memory – fill that vacuum now.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: This is a defining economic moment for the country, but unfortunately, your record speaks for itself. Under your leadership, Canada’s GDP growth has lagged by over 30% compared to the United States. In nine years, your policies and those of your cabinet have weakened our economy and left us with anemic growth. This is not just a failure of governance—it is a direct result of your policies and sunny ways.

You and Chrystia Freeland are single-handedly responsible for the economic decline of Canada. Yet instead of addressing these failings, you continue to posture and appoint incompetent negotiators who cannot defend our country’s interests. Take responsibility for the economic harm you have caused. Resign immediately. Call an election and let Canadians determine who they want to lead us in this definitive year. We need leaders who will prioritize prosperity and sovereignty, not political expediency.

You have blocked pipelines across this country so that our oil must flow through the USA to get to eastern Canada. They can turn those taps off with no notice. It is time to unlock and unleash the economic prosperity that cheap oil and gas swiftly produce in any nation that is fortunate to have those resources. Canada has some of the most natural resources in the world and we need to tap those resources like never before. This will restore affordability, middle class wealth, and economic stability quickly.

We must appoint negotiating leaders for the Canada<>USA relationship who understand both business and diplomacy, MPs with the: track record, integrity, and insight needed to represent Canada effectively along with key business leaders who operate on both sides of the border, individuals with firsthand experience navigating the intricacies of trade between Canada and the United States. People who understand the stakes and have a vested interest in achieving balanced solutions. We have Canadians with close ties across business, political, and geographical boundaries that need to be given space to work on behalf of our country, such as: Wayne Gretzky, Dr Jordan Peterson, Kevin O’Leary, MP Jamil Jivani, Premier Smith, and many more.

While we are addressing our trade relationship with the United States, let us seize the opportunity to think bigger. It is time to explore an economic union directly with the U.S. that goes beyond the limitations of North American free trade. By harmonizing our economic policies, we can eliminate the border as a barrier to prosperity while focusing our efforts on defending our sovereignty. A joint approach to: securing our borders, stemming the tide of illegal immigration, and reigning in temporary visa abuse will help restore affordability to housing and secure a better future for the next generation of Canadians.

Let me be very clear: tit-for-tat tariff trade wars are a game Canada cannot afford to play. Every time we retaliate, we risk further damaging our industries and losing the economic stability we need to thrive. Tariffs are not a weapon we wield well, and if this becomes a contest of escalation, we will lose. Every time. That is why strategic diplomacy and strong, competent negotiation must replace the short-sighted theatrics we have seen from your government.

This isn’t just about avoiding tariffs—it’s about securing our economic future and standing tall as a contributing partner on the global stage, minus the empty rhetoric of Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland. Every Premier, every MP, and every business leader should be working together to fight for Canada’s future. This is no time for partisan politics, or ideological grandstanding. It is a time for courage and decisive action that produces meaningful results.

We cannot allow any individual biases and like, or dislike for President Trump and VP JD Vance to cloud this moment – Canada simply cannot afford it. Premier Smith has demonstrated what leadership looks like. Instead of trying to tear down her efforts, swallow your pride and follow her lead. The stakes are too high for anything less. The economic future of hard-working Canadians depends on you at this moment, don’t drop the ball.

Continue Reading

Community News

Narcissism; the trendy diagnosis of the 21st Century

Published

on

Photo Credit: Way Home Studio

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Narcissism.” The word rolls off our tongues with alarming frequency these days. It’s become the trendy diagnosis, a label slapped on anyone who seems a bit too confident, a bit too self-absorbed, but are we truly understanding the nuances of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), or are we simply using it as a catch-all for anyone who rubs us the wrong way?

This week, I delve deeper. I will explore the fine line between healthy self-esteem and the dangerous territory of self-importance. I attended a lecture by renowned psychologist Igor Weinberg, PhD, and he provided invaluable insights, breaking down the complexities of NPD while challenging the stigma that shrouds this disorder.

Dr. Weinberg addressed critical questions: How do we distinguish between genuine confidence and the inflated ego characteristic of NPD? What are the real-world impacts of these differing self-perceptions, and most importantly, how can we navigate relationships with individuals who may be struggling with this disorder?

I took the time to meticulously research the questions posed by other attendees at Dr. Weinberg’s lecture; today, I will be providing valuable answers and guidance for those who suspect a loved one may be grappling with NPD. Join me as we shed light on this often-misunderstood condition and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us.

Narcissism refers to feelings and attitudes towards one’s own self. It is the core of self-esteem and emotions, which influence the way one perceives and relates to others.

One thing that needs to be cleared up is that we all have some narcissistic tendencies. Normal narcissism involves a healthy, positive sense of self-worth and self-regard with self-acceptance, curiosity, and compassion, including pride and enjoyment. Interpersonally, healthy narcissism motivates regard and connection with others, as well as reciprocal sharing with genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings, (i.e., commitment and empathy). It promotes an ability to handle challenging situations; to tolerate both criticism and defeats, as well as self-conscious emotions, such as shame, envy, humiliation, frustration, and guilt.

Then, there is an unhealthy narcissism, which is what many of you have come here to understand. Pathological narcissism differs from normal, healthy, or exaggerated narcissism foremost because of fluctuating, or dysregulated self-esteem and emotions. People struggling with pathological narcissism make considerable efforts to enhance themselves to protect and support a special, or amplified, but at the same time, fragile or negative sense of self. They strive to avoid threats and inferiority caused by adverse feelings and experiences, especially reflecting upon the self. Interpersonal closeness and intimacy are usually impaired due to compromised genuine interest in others’ experiences, or reactions, except when it is important for one’s own concerns or gains.

Self-centeredness and the need for personal benefits are additional predominant features. Empathy, including attention to and ability to identify with others’ feelings and needs, is impaired and accompanied by misjudgments of own influence on others. When the level of pathological narcissism is less severe, triggered in certain situations, or limited to a set of specific character features (something that I personally deal with), it is referred to as narcissistic pathology, or narcissistic traits.

The diagnostic term NPD refers to a stable long-term personality functioning that meets the DSM-5 section II, or III criteria for NPD or any other comprehensive diagnostic description. Just to bring everyone up to speed, The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is a comprehensive guide used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders.

According to the DSM-5 section II, striking characteristics of NPD include: self-enhancement and self-centeredness, with interpersonal insensitivity and critical, competitive, or provocative behavior, along with compromised ability for commitment, collaboration, closeness, and mutuality.

The manual also speaks to the fact that NPD has a genetic origin with inherited hypersensitivity, low frustration tolerance, compromised emotion tolerance, and regulation. Early interactions between child and caregivers are influenced by overprotection, leniency, and overvaluation, or alternatively by: inconsistency, dismissiveness, and unreliability.

Both clinical and empirical studies have confirmed that: emotional distress, interpersonal vulnerability, a sense of inadequacy, need for control, avoidance, and fear, pain, shame, and anxiety are important facets of narcissistic personality functioning.

For some patients, the possibility of confirming narcissistic pathology, or receiving the NPD diagnosis when starting treatment can be extremely challenging and evoke deep shame and hopelessness. Others may have deeply rooted negative experiences or trauma that caused the development of narcissistic pathological functioning, and it may take significant time of building alliance and trust until those can be accessible to process in psychotherapy.

A flexible, nonjudgmental, collaborative, and exploratory treatment approach, adjusted to the individual patient’s: functioning, motivation, and degree of self-awareness and self-reflective ability, is strongly recommended. It is necessary to balance patients’ urges to reject and devalue the therapist and drop out of treatment with efforts to encourage and support them to face, explore, and reflect upon their own experiences and behavior.

There is so much to be said about this topic, but for my readers remember that you are not alone. Dealing with someone who has NPD can be incredibly challenging. Prioritize your own well-being. Establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Educate yourself about NPD to better understand the dynamics at play. Focus on self-care and nurture your own needs. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

REFERENCES:

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video/dbt-skills-value-validation

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video/narcissistic-personality-disorder

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/npd-provider-guide

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video/it-self-esteem-or-self-importance-exploring-narcissistic-personality-disorder?hsCtaTracking=af60afa0-8d6d-458d-8bbf-88225a8eb3fe%7C89619a95-df79-420f-a553-ecdec8643fbd

Continue Reading

Community News

Three children’s toothpaste that you should avoid giving your children

Published

on

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Crest, Colgate/Tom’s of Maine, and Hello; I want you to take a look in your medicine cabinet or on top of your bathroom sink and tell me if you see these products. More importantly, I want you to look at them, especially if you are allowing your children to use these products. I have some news for you that is not going to be exciting to read.

On Monday January 13th, 2025, six class action lawsuits were filed accusing major dental product manufacturers of deceptively marketing products containing fluoride to young children, and misleading parents to believe the products are safe for toddlers. The lawsuits also allege the companies fail to adequately flag instructions for proper use, as mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Well, this news would make sense for a parent living in the United States, but why does that concern a parent living here in Canada. By and large, Crest manufactures most of its toothpaste at its plant in Greensboro. However, they do manufacture some of the toothpaste in Naucalpan, Mexico. To be more specific, Kid’s Crest Cavity Prevention is manufactured in Mexico. (For anyone concerned, check the packaging ahead of time to see that it says, “Made in the USA.”).

Colgate toothpaste is made in the United States, Mexico, and other countries around the world. The Colgate Total line is manufactured in Morristown, Tennessee. (Their toothpaste that is made in the USA is usually clearly marked with “made in the USA” or “proudly made by American workers). Hello company is a natural oral care brand that was founded in 2015. The company is based in San Francisco, California, and is committed to making oral care products that are both effective and good for the environment.

According to the parents who came forward, the companies design their product labels with candy and fruit juice flavors and images and cartoon characters to appeal to young children, often misleading them to think the products are meant to be consumed as food. The complaints highlight the serious risks to children’s health from ingesting excess fluoride. These include flu-like symptoms from: acute toxicity, dental fluorosis, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and even death.

Colgate Kids natural product, marketed as “Silly Strawberry” by Tom’s of Maine, also features the word “natural,” implying that the product is free from toxic ingredients — which it isn’t — and that there is no need to limit how much paste goes on the brush. Crest offers flavors like “Bubblegum” and “Sparkle Fun” with cartoon animals on the box. Candy flavors and cartoons make it tempting for children to eat toothpaste, plus ask a child how good it tastes, and they will tell you.  Children under age six lack the developed swallowing reflexes that allow them to control how much they ingest, increasing the likelihood they will swallow the products.

Research details that excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a tooth discoloration caused by overexposure during childhood. Since the introduction of candy-like fluoride products in the 1980s, the rate of dental fluorosis among U.S. schoolchildren has skyrocketed. Rates rose from 23% of children in 1986-87 to “a staggering 68%” of children by 2015-16, the complaint alleges.

Each year, Poison Control receives between 10,000 and 15,000 calls due to excess consumption of fluoride toothpaste, and there are also thousands of calls related to the ingestion of mouth rinse most of which involve young children and hundreds of which result in hospitalization.

Ingesting too much fluoride can also cause acute toxicity, with flu-like symptoms such as nausea, stomach upset and vomiting — symptoms that parents may not recognize as being related to fluoride. The complaints note that swallowing just one full strip of toothpaste can cause these effects in toddlers.

Disturbingly, the evidence supporting these claims is growing. Scientists at the National Toxicology Program last week published a meta-analysis in the JAMA Pediatrics linking fluoridated water and IQ loss in children. It “found significant inverse associations between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ scores.”

Attorney Michael Connett, partner at Siri & Glimstad, is representing the plaintiffs. Connett successfully represented plaintiffs in the landmark lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over water fluoridation. In that case, a federal judge ruled in September 2024 that water fluoridation at current U.S. levels poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children and ordered the EPA to take regulatory action.

The lawsuits seek to hold the companies accountable for including packaging elements on their products that allegedly mislead consumers and violate the act. Plaintiffs seek statutory damages to compensate for their financial loss incurred by purchasing more of the products than they needed because they were misled to overuse them. They also seek punitive damages.

REFERENCES:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425

Public Opinion on Water Fluoridation Is Changing, Expert Says

Breaking: New Study Linking Fluoride to Lower IQ in Children Sparks Renewed Calls to End Water Fluoridation

CDC Stands by Water Fluoridation After Report Linking Fluoride to Lower IQs in Kids Finally Published

 

Continue Reading

Trending