Community News

Those who rule Canada don’t care a bit; make them care!

Published

12 months ago

November 25, 2023

TOCaribNews

Photo by micheile henderson

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Just got back from my weekly visit to the local Metro grocery. As I walked the aisles my head began to shake. The prices have increased quite a bit since October. Some very significantly. I feel uncomfortable with the fact that I became angry, upset and concerned about what the state of my family’s finances are going to look like come the new year.

Cannot buy a used car if your life depended upon it, and if you could it will cost yah. The price of new vehicles is just out of this world, and EV vehicles are totally out there financially.

Food continues to increase in cost, but if you can live on cereal, or candy you could make it through the week.

Services you once depended upon have become secondary to your primary needs.

The cost of living is crushing us, as we continue in this horrid routine called a worker’s life in Canada.

Years ago, a group of dissatisfied Canadians camped in front of the Parliament Building in Ottawa. This convoy of grievances and distrust of all things government directed the attention of Canadians and other nations to consider their message, a message expressed simply as “Freedom,” but meaning a whole lot more.

At the time many of us saw a circus in Ottawa, one in front of the Legislature and the other within. These average Canadians, mostly of the worker classes, meant to say they were sick and tired of being told what to do by officials who truly did not have any idea what to do, who spoke in riddles instead of the brutal truth for all to hear. The Legislature turned these Canadians into fiends, troublemakers and potential domestic terrorists. To this day, the Federal Government continues to persecute many of these people, your neighbors, and for what? Speaking their minds, a right Canada gives its citizens, and also for not doing what the officialdom demanded.

It is my belief, and hopefully the belief of others that what happened in Ottawa should happen in front of every Provincial Legislature in the land. The leaders elected freely, who most often do not consider our needs until a year before an upcoming election.

I hope you have realized that our society is split into classes, much like India has its Caste System: upper class, high middle class, working middle class, working class (most of us), and the have-nots.

Yah, it’s been around for centuries, but the media and those who own much of the media have created a notion that we are all one people, one society, one want and one need. Nothing further from the truth my friends. From the bottom up to the high middle class, it can be seen who pays the bills, the taxes that keep the lights on in Ottawa. The upper class pays little taxes since they send most of the loot to offshore accounts our government cannot get its hands onto, yet much that is owned in: land, property, banks, trust firms and financial services are owned by 1-2% of the nation. The guy, big brother, the boss of all things financial. We do not control them, but they manipulate and control us.

Why is housing so limited and so costly? If you own a property in high class Rosedale, and you wish to sell it, would you want to compete with lower cost housing. Compete, hell no! The developing and real estate sectors have been in cahoots with the upper class, deliberately limiting the building and offering of well-priced and competitive homes.

The Police protect property, often the property of the upper class. Limit the hiring of police through manipulation of budgets, and if we are assaulted, we wait a while, while some dog in Rosedale gets hit by a car and three cruisers show up. Who sits at the seat of the Police Service Board, but wealthy folk. Certainly not you, you and you. The working person is nothing but an inconvenience to the police, the upper-class jackboots.

Trillions of dollars leak to other parts of the world, wealth beyond our imaginations transferred from bank to bank hiding the upper classes’ wealth. Not even the Federal government knows what is going where and sent by whom! Our financial system works against the working classes, through government regulatory management. We have to spend our entire lives saving the limited funds we have to save 10% deposits for a house we cannot afford.

Transportation is driving the working class to bankruptcy. The railway has become ignored as it remains the most cost effective and green form of transport. Workers are being forced to buy EV Vehicles, which is costly to purchase (will remain so) and very costly to repair. So, we have the bus, transit, and flying as ways to travel daily. Or we can do what all workers have done for centuries, WALK! Gas prices are putting the working person in a situation of deciding to buy food, or gas so they can go to work.

Education remains a weak form of societal advancement, especially for the working person. Do these higher educational centers offer real possibilities to get a good paying permanent job? Universities continue to attract wealthy students from foreign lands, but find a place for them to stay? Never said the upper class was wise, or intelligent. Did you know that 65% of the upper class inherited their wealth. It’s like welfare for the wealthy. Born in the right family unit, I guess. The cost of education will continue to grow, but most working-class people have not had an increase in their wages for a very long time.

Healthcare will continue to increase its costs and prices, introducing 2-3 tier healthcare systems. One for the wealthy, one for the business class and what’s left the working class gets to endure. Staffing in hospitals continues to increase with green staffers, inexperienced. Experienced staffers and professionals will transfer to the other healthcare tiers. Private health insurance will become much more important in the future. Americanization of our healthcare system cannot be stopped. Profits are what is truly expected in: Ontario, Alberta and other provinces.

Medical Assisted Dying (MAID) is becoming more accepted and easier to participate in. If you think housing is truly limited, think about senior homes and long-term homes. There is a waiting list of many years, but only for the working person, not the rich. You work all your life, maybe pay off your mortgage and retire a broken person. Many of us workers did not take care of ourselves when we were young and invincible. Try to find a senior home you can afford? Using MAID may become a retirement plan after all.

Essential workers have been willingly exploited by the provincial government in Canada. Paid little for their determined service. Once a worker asks for more, the government sends it flowers and encouraging words, BUT NOTHING MORE!

The worker, whether a cleaner of the street, brick maker or essential working nurse assistant has become a SLAVE to their jobs, and they need money to survive in this economy. The upper class knows this and manipulates with no accountability.

A while back, transport drivers decided to go to Ottawa and protest a great deal to their elected leaders. They became a symbol to many in Canada, France and globally too. An entire generation of workers, that is blue and white collar alike, find themselves enslaved to a financial and economic system that does not care for them a lick. So, what do you do when you’re enslaved? You: protest, revolt, rebel, shout like never before, raise your voices and your fists, because those who rule Canada don’t care a bit. MAKE THEM CARE!

The upper class has its hands in all things Canadian, like a giant ravenous monster, eager to consume what opposes it. Bring your young and old, for this fight is for them as it is for the workers of Canada.

Community News

Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

TOCaribNews

Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24^th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

“We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21^st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

Community News

York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

Paul Junor

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9^th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26^th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

Community News

York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

Paul Junor

Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10^th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca