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Toronto Creatives convene

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BY SELINA McCALLUM

Tons of creatives, emerging and established, from Toronto came together for two days to share their wealth of knowledge on several creative industries.

Almost all of Toronto’s most respected creatives were in one space on November 30th and December 1st for the Summit Conference presented by and hosted at Artscape Daniels Launchpad.

It was two days of talks, panels, workshops and networking opportunities for Toronto’s creative community. Attendees were able to listen to creative leaders on how to scale up, stand out and build a sustainable career in an accumulating digital world.

The speakers were incredibly diverse and from all types of industries from animation to fashion. The ones that stood out to me were the black female creatives that I was fortunate and honoured to hear speak. And of course, none other than the famous and talented Toronto director, Director X.

Heran is an artist enabler, design thinker, dot-connector and tech-culture enthusiast. While Afro-Fusion-music-makers are a core focus, she has spent the last year and a half building her brand presence by vlogging her explorations and experiments in facilitating the transcendence of African-art(ists) across physical borders through tech/digital realms.

Amoye Henry is the founder of AfroChic. Each year, Henry and her team plan the AfroChic Cultural Arts Festival, which is an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival based in Toronto. It started in 2010 as an event to bring awareness to many issues relating to African Canadian women including hair, health and politics.

The festival is considered one of Canada’s only events providing a safe platform for black Canadian performance and visual artists. Henry has worked with talent like Issa Rae, Erykah Badu, Wizkid, Jidenna, Wale and Teedra Moses.

Alexis Eke is a Toronto based illustrator and designer. Her work centers on illustrating black women in a contemporary light, combining styles and elements from traditional Japanese art and renaissance portrait paintings.

Eke spoke on how to keep your artistic integrity when working with clients and brands.

“If you are willing to change anything about your artwork in exchange for monetary value, it may hinder your development and success as an artist,” said Eke.

Eke’s work has been recognized by publications such as Afropunk, Massappeal and CBC. She has been hired by AGO, CBC, Nike Jordan, Palm Bay Spritz and Soulection. Her work was also featured this year for Nuit Blanche at Scarborough Town Centre.

The advice she has for young black girls pursuing art is to never give up.

“First, focus on perfecting your craft, and be consistent with your work. Doing these two things will definitely reap success and acknowledgement. Secondly, it’s easier said than done, but do not let the color of your skin discourage you from pursuing a creative career. Just take that leap, and let God handle the rest,” said Eke.

Samah Ali is the founder of Sisterhood Media, a production and distribution company platforming stories on community and identity, informed by intersectionality. She is also a producer and film programmer supporting organizations like Black Femme Supremacy Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival.

Sharine Taylor is a Toronto-based writer, critic, editor, producer and director, as well as the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of BASHY Magazine.

Her experience has made her a credible source for pop culture commentary and criticism, and a trusted voice for the latest in Jamaican music and culture. Sharine’s bylines have appeared on The FADER, BuzzFeed, Pitchfork, and many other notable publications.

Julien Christian Lutz, better known as Director X gave the closing talk on Sunday to wrap up Summit. He spoke about his years as a teenager in Toronto, going from wanting to be a graphic designer to ending up as a director, and the hustle.

“I’m making logos and spending all this time on computers and learning all these skills,” said Director X.  At the time he was 17 years old and left home. He stayed with his friend in a basement apartment.

One night he went to a poetry reading where he read lyrics he had written for a rapper his friend was making beats for. Now, he was a graphic designer and a spoken word artist.

Director X is the type of man who will not take no for an answer. His determination, passion and zest for film, music and entertainment was clear in every word he said.

“I would go to all ages clubs and find the promoter. I’d ask him who made their flyer, then say, “He sucks, I’m better,”” said Director X.

The Toronto director emphasized the importance of hustling. He got out there, he spoke to people and he asked questions.

At the age of 17 he was interning at Much Music.

“I’m putting you on to some real Toronto history right now,” he said as he told the full house about his days working as an intern.

One thing I learned is that Director X takes every opportunity whether it presents itself or not, and I admire him for that. When one person from the audience asked him about his organization, Operation Prefrontal Cortex, he used a couple minutes of the Q and A to pull up his slides on the screen behind him which explained what the Prefrontal Cortex is, why it’s important and how meditating can help reduce violence in the city.

Although the Q and A was supposed to end, he asked us if we wanted to see his short film that he made, called 7 Mothers, which was eight minutes long. While sort of receiving permission from the organizers, he was already connecting his iPad to the big screen for us to watch it.

The creator of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond, teamed up with Director X to make a short film about the seven women who played an influential role in his life. The cinematography and sound were beautifully done. The film made me feel like I knew the women personally and could feel their passion, spirit and love for the young boy.

The summit was a space that allowed people who could not access creative professionals before, the opportunity to meet and speak to them. The workshops and talks were incredibly helpful and insightful. I would recommend anyone who is in music, fashion, technology, film and animation to attend the summit next year.

Selina is a recent Digital Journalism and Communication, Media and Film Graduate from the University of Windsor. While in university, she served as the Arts and Culture Writer for The Lance, as well as a writer, interviewing selected individuals for Street Voices Magazine. Her passions include: creative writing, film, and photography. Over the last four months, Selina has collaborated on a documentary exploring sex trafficking and the horrific elements that harbour the untold truths of human trafficking in Windsor/Detroit. She is a: hard working, responsible and caring individual who continues to seek new challenges.

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Before we allow more people into the country, shouldn’t we prioritize the well-being of our citizens first?

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Stock Photo/FreePik

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Greetings esteemed citizens of Canada. I am deeply troubled by a pressing issue that demands our attention. It pertains to our immigration policies and the welfare of our citizens.

I am bewildered by the continued influx of immigrants into our country while we struggle to adequately care for our own citizens. Take, for instance, a drive through Toronto, or a drive through Hamilton—it’s a stark reminder of the dire situation many Canadians face daily. We witness homelessness, lack of access to basic healthcare, and economic hardships plaguing our communities.

Homelessness continues to be an issue in Toronto, with thousands of people experiencing homelessness on any given night. The impacts of it are complex, long lasting, and devastating for many. Homelessness affects some of our community’s most vulnerable residents and contributes to ongoing health inequities.

Toronto is also experiencing a heightened number of non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses within the overall community, as well as within the shelter system. This is primarily due to the increasing toxicity and unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply. According to the City of Toronto, in 2023, there were 169 calls to Toronto Paramedics from Toronto shelters and respites sites in Q4 of 2023 to respond to non-fatal overdoses. Over 2023, there were a total of 796 non-fatal suspected overdoses at Toronto shelter and respite sites, representing an 11% decrease from 2022.

Higher rates of illness and premature death among the homeless population have been widely recognized, and since January 2024, there have been 28 deaths in homeless shelters. The City says that they are committed to identifying and responding in a timely manner to new and emerging issues in the shelter system.

According to Homeless Statistics in Canada, the estimated number of homeless people ranges from 150,000 to 300,000, with 25,000 to 35,000 individuals homeless on any given night. Let’s take a look at this on a national scale:

Homelessness Statistics for Canadians

  • Between 25,000 and 35,000 people are homeless on any given night in Canada.
  • Toronto has the most homeless people in Canada.
  • 62% of homeless people in Canada are males.
  • 30% of Canadian homeless come from Indigenous communities.
  • 90% of homeless shelters in Canada are in: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta, and 44% of them are in Ontario alone.
  • 22% of shelters are aimed at young homeless in Canada, while 20% of people experiencing homelessness are 13-24 years old.
  • The annual cost to society is over $7 billion.
  • The Canadian Government is investing $2.2 billion over ten years to expand funding for the homeless.

Yet, for some reason, the Canadian government strongly believes that it is in the best interest of our country to continue to push for higher immigration. Yes, I overstand that immigration is a complex issue with multifaceted implications. Canada has long prided itself on its tradition of welcoming immigrants, which enriches our cultural fabric and contributes to our economic growth. The only caveat is we as Canadians need to truly understand how this is affecting us as a whole.

According to Statista, annual immigration in Canada amounts to almost 500,000 new immigrants – one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. As of 2023, there were more than eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada – roughly 20% of the total Canadian population. In a press release titled “Canada welcomes historic number of newcomers in 2022,” it is proudly written that Canada has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from the pandemic, thanks in large part to our approach to immigration.

In the press release, they state that they plan to welcome a historic number of newcomers, and IRCC has: added resources, embraced new technology, streamlined processing, and brought more processes online. They claim that these changes are all important improvements to Canada’s immigration system, which will position them well for the future. They also state that their focus is on addressing the acute labour market shortages we are facing today and building a strong economy into the future, and one thing remains certain: “Immigration is a key part of the solution.”

“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers,” shared Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

I received an email from Maxime Bernier (PPC Leader), and in this email, he shared with me his thoughts. “I started talking about the perils of mass immigration years ago. The whole political and media establishment denounced me, smeared me, said I was a racist, a xenophobe, anti-Canadian. I kept telling the truth, because I care more about the future of our nation than about what these corrupt elites think of me.”

“More and more people now realize that I was right. Simone Jennifer, we need to make mass immigration the ballot box question at the coming election. When the Liberals took power in 2015, Canada’s population was only 35 million. How can we possibly integrate into our society, our economy, our housing market, our culture, the equivalent of Nova Scotia’s, or Saskatchewan’s population every few months? It’s a planned invasion. It’s a total disaster in the making.”

I understand the importance of immigration, especially because my parents are also immigrants, but before we allow more people into the country, shouldn’t we prioritize the well-being of our citizens first? How can we justify bringing more people into the country when we’re struggling to provide essential services and support to those already here?

I urge the government to reevaluate its immigration policies and ensure that they align with the needs of our citizens. We must prioritize the well-being of Canadians and work towards building a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

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Ontario launches One Fare Program to increase accessibility and affordability of public transportation

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BY PAUL JUNOR

“We’re working with the provincial and local transit partners towards integrating transit fares across systems, making transit more affordable, and convenient as we take action to build the region’s network for the future.” (Metrolink)

Transit riders across the GTA will save $1,600 as they utilize multiple transit agencies at no extra charge. The program started on February 26th, 2024, and it allows transit riders transfer for free to commute between the TTC and other Transit agencies in the GTA, including GO Transit. All commuters need is to tap their PRESTO: card, credit, or debit in Google wallet to save money with the Ontario One Fare Program.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford states, “Our government is on a mission to keep costs down for the hardworking people of Ontario. One Fare will eliminate double fees and put $1,600 back in the pockets of transit riders. Alongside the hundreds of dollars, we’re saving for drivers by cutting the gas tax, scrapping road tolls, and eliminating the license plate sticker fee, we’re providing commuters with real tangible relief.”

The Ontario government has invested $70.5 billion in public transit that is intended to significantly improve the overall services. It is anticipated that there will be more than eight million new riders as they traverse different public transit systems. Commuters will be able to travel between: GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

Vijay Thanigasalam (Associate Minister of Transportation) states, “At a time when many families feel like they’re struggling to get ahead, our government is making public transit simpler, more convenient, and more affordable. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to make historic investments in public transit and put money back in commuters’ pockets, where it belongs.”

It was in 2022 when it was announced that plans were underway between GO Transit and several transit agencies in the Golden Horseshoe Area. “The government will continue to work with municipal partners to identify opportunities to make transit more seamless for riders by harmonizing discounted fares and other measures.”

Overall, there will be an investment of $70.5 billion by the Ontario government in public transit that will go a long way in increasing affordability and accessibility of different transit systems in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe areas. The project will also involve: the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension, which is the largest development of any subway system in all of Canada. When completed, there will be a two-way, all-day GO train service every 15 minutes that will connect key areas in the Golden Horseshoe. It is projected to be completed by 2031.

Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto is totally supportive and pleased with the unveiling of the One Fare Program. She states, “Public transit should be a convenient and affordable option for getting to work, school, or running errands. Ontario’s One Fare will make it easier and cheaper to transfer between the: TTC, GO Transit, and other transit agencies. When governments continue to work together, we can make life more affordable and invest in public services families rely on, like high quality public transit that costs you less.”

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Your silence on crimes against humanity automatically makes you an accomplice

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Photo Credit: Roman-Odintsov

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

“Many people wonder: who is responsible for the process of self-destruction of human society? Today, to some extent, the responsibility falls on everyone. On some more than others, but on everyone. Why? Because people are silently accepting the current changes, which are literally crimes against humanity.”

The above is a quote from Elijah plus the Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate Methodius OSBMr + Timothy OSBMr and the Secretary Bishops. Now let us examine why this quote was made using present-day society as the barometer.

A good example of this nonsense here in Canada is children having the right to choose their gender while parents are being threatened with jail time if they intervene. It’s these so-called hate speech laws, and so-called laws to keep independent thinkers from accessing worldwide news and posting it on their social media platforms.

“Parliament gets presented with an unintelligible text, which is impossible to decode. Besides, the MPs usually pass multiple laws at the same time; hence they have no possibility and time to find out what they are supposed to pass altogether,” said the Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate.

Here are some of the crimes (that these so-called laws that are drafted and eventually passed) are designed to hide.

Feminization, the breakdown of family, gender ideology, and stealing children from their mothers are promoted under the term “domestic violence protection.” Make sure there are no fathers in the homes, or even if there are, he is muted, or scared of having his authority labelled as toxic masculinity.

In Norway, 70-100 stolen children commit suicide every year and the information about it is marked as confidential. In some cases, foster family is a business where children are being passed around until they are mentally bankrupt, oppressed, and eventually killed. Based on the financial status of the so-called foster parents, these cases never make the news.

We are seeing anti-discriminatory laws included in the legislation allowing mass discrimination of the majority. Systematic demoralization of children from the time they attend kindergarten is covered by the term sexual education.

“Children are robbed of their own identity by pounding in their minds that they are neither a girl, nor a boy. Consequently, they undergo hormonal therapy with a catastrophic prospect of gender-altering surgery. The society is silent about it and therefore has a shared accountability for all these crimes,” shared the Byzantine Bishops.

Some of these schools have hundreds of students. My questions are, why don’t these parents join hands and say enough is enough, instead of just one or two? Canadians, have we become a society of parents who are continually failing our children? When are we going to wake up?

Here are some of the trials our babies face daily. “Even before the child is born, mothers are forced to have it killed. Almost every mother is intimidated by having a child with so-called Down Syndrome. In reality, this is a mental terror based on lies,” said Byzantine Bishops. “As soon as the children are born, they are administered vaccines, which cause: autism, loss of immunity, loss of fertility, autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.”

Again, where are the collective voices of our men and women saying hell no to all this? There is an enormous amount of the money that pediatricians make from the vaccines they force on these innocent children. These child doctors know full well the side effects of such vaccines, but instead, they are focused on their next: Porsche, cottage, and furnishing their high-society wives and husbands with all the luxury items, while they poison our children, and what do we do? NOTHING.

The average North American child doctor has 1,500 patients; if he or she gets most of them to take all the child vaccines, he or she is rewarded with at least $360.000. That’s way more than their annual salary. This should explain the push to vaccinate your babies at all costs. This information can be found in the BlueCross/BlueShield Doctor Incentive Booklet. Every child that gets the 24 vaccines is worth a $400 payout to that doctor.

The abuse of medicine has now become the new normal. This happens under the cover of The World Health Organization (WHO); projects are being imposed on states to reduce human population.  “We can expect the declaration of the next pseudo-pandemic followed by experimental vaccination. This not only poses a mortal danger to human life but also carries the threat of concealed chipping,” said Byzantine Bishops.

From Smartphone addiction (aka making our children braindead), the digitization of everything (aka spying on us), intervention in our food supply (aka poisoning us with GMOs), to the falsification of science for satanic agendas (aka the safe and effective COVID brew), there is no hiding place from this war that is unleashed on world citizens by corporations and so-called governments.

The big question is, are we going to give up or fight? Canadians, choose as if your life depended on it, because it does.

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