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Trudeau has to Go! Our Prime Ministers undemocratic and unethical power grab is what caused this crisis

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3 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I spent the day yesterday at the front-lines of the violent police seizure of the Freedom Convoy 2022 core on Wellington St. My heart is saddened by what Canada has become. Peaceful protesters, pleading with police to see through the misinformation, were shoved back, beaten, pepper sprayed and reportedly shot at with rubber bullets by heavily armed police in riot gear with armoured vehicles stationed close by.

Deepening the sadness is the gas lighting and disinformation put out by Ottawa Police and their Chief Steve Bell saying that protesters are actually attacking the police, and none have been injured. We have several reliable accounts of protesters being “arrested” and then dropped 20 minutes away from the core and coerced into signing a document saying they will not return.

As politicians around the world condemn Canada’s new police-state behaviour, the message is clear: any dissent against the Trudeau government will not be tolerated. Freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and the press have all fallen to what is now essentially a militarized zone with pedestrians in the “secured zone” being questioned and ordered back to their hotel rooms or to leave outright. Will Canadians start to see through the misinformation and join what the truckers started?” Gord Parks, BLN

I spent a few minutes reading and re-reading this account from Gord Parks. I thought about what had been said about the protests all over mainstream media. They had demonized these people, our Prime Minister was calling them racist, when I knew people from the Caribbean community who had attended the protest, and personally told me that there was nothing but love for almost three weeks. The undaunted Freedom Convoy protesters never stopped singing ‘O Canada’, never stopped hugging, never stopped praying. The accounts that I heard from people sound more like what Gord Parks had to say.

It was not until this militarized action, brought to head by Prime Minister Trudeau, did things begin to get messy. That is when we started to see violence in the streets of Ottawa. What has been hidden from those of us, who watch CNN, and CP24, is that the violence we were seeing was provoked and stoked by the police. They came outfitted in riot gear; they brutalized and arrested the peaceful demonstrators of the Freedom Convoy while threatening to arrest journalists for reporting what they were doing. Each day the violence escalated, until we saw the horrifying images of people being pepper sprayed and tear gassed.

This has been a dark time in Canadian history, and we have one person to thank for that: our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

“What we are very proud of now is the young generation like Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau. Yesterday I was at a reception for Trudeau, and I know that half of his cabinet, or even more than half, are Young Global Leaders.” Klaus Schwab (Head of the World Economic Forum)

It is interesting; what exactly is Klaus Schwab proud of? Is it the fact that one of his prized students had destroyed his country?

The current protest against vaccine mandates in Canada reveal that government authority and legitimacy are fragile. There are members of our government who claim that circumstances require extraordinary measures; they have found that their citizens also are capable of extraordinary measures as well.

This is why, for the sake of constitutional order, their frivolous claim for extraordinary powers have to stop. The worst part of this pandemic has passed; the real emergency however is the permanent appeal to emergency. The Trudeau government have imposed sweeping social and economic controls that have cost Canadians hundreds of billions of dollars in losses. Let’s not talk about the immeasurable emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical turmoil – turmoil that has helped fuel the protests that you are seeing all across the globe.

It was disturbing to see how other countries were viewing us. To have people from other countries reach out to me and say, “What the hell is happening in Canada?”  The funny (not so funny) thing is that as disturbing as it was to watch the violence of out-of-control police carry out the will of our Prime Minister, there was another crackdown, which we didn’t find out about until the dust had settled.

Justin Trudeau and his Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland awarded themselves the authority to freeze the bank accounts of the Freedom Convoy’s organizers, as well as anyone who they suspect helped or contributed money to them. That’s right. Canadians had their bank accounts seized by the Liberal government because they donated to a political cause that was retroactively declared illegal by the federal government. Once again, I have received phone calls from community members who are locked out of their account because they donated money to a cause they believed in.

Klaus Schwab: is this what you are proud of?

Where and how will this end?

This eerily looks like the beginnings of a Chinese communist style “social credit” system in Canada! That is where your compliance to every government policy whim is monitored and ensured at the pain of complete expulsion from society. Let’s be very clear about this; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has brought authoritarianism and tyranny to Canada.

The Emergencies Act was evoked for the first time in Canadian history. The Emergencies Act was developed out of the War Measures Act, and it was employed to combat wars and domestic terrorism, none of which was happening in Canada. Trudeau employed it to stop a peaceful protest in our nation’s capital. Again, it is interesting that this was employed after everyone had already gone home.

What the Emergency Act did was allow the Trudeau government to control protests: as Canadians, you cannot participate or travel to public assemblies the government deems unlawful, nor can you host such a protest on your own private property. Not only does Trudeau’s new powers severely restrict our civil liberties now, but it sets a precedent that will allow future governments to stifle peaceful protest!

Is this what we want our younger generation to see; that supporters of grassroots peaceful protests in the future will have reason to fear being financially punished by their government, just for supporting a peaceful assembly?

Of course, you have the Prime Minister cheerleading team, headed up by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who has expressed support for Trudeau invoking the Emergencies Act,

Thankfully, there were some elected leaders who began to stand up against Trudeau. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have all condemned this act. Never in Canadian history have provinces not been able to accommodate protests by themselves and control them when they become dangerous or disruptive. The Emergencies Act can only be invoked when an issue cannot be dealt with by provinces, and to them, this was a clear overstep.

Multiple civil rights groups have also condemned Trudeau. Both the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Constitutional Foundation have spoken out against it, stating that the federal government has not met the threshold necessary to invoke the Emergencies Act.

A deeply undemocratic and unethical power grab is what caused this crisis and layering on more power grabs will never solve it. This is the biggest attempt to grab power in Canadian history. It cannot be allowed to happen. Both Trudeau and Ford must be electorally banished from power, and we must ensure that no one ever abuses our democracy in the way they have again!

Even though the Emergencies Act was revoked, questions remain about what might be the long-term effects of invoking such extraordinary measures to silence protestors. On a larger scale, these actions set a dangerous precedent of how the government decides to go after protests, and leaves open the door to using the same tactics in the future.

The urgent need is for our government, and all world governments to abandon urgency and return to the slow, steady business of governance.

The beauty, in a way is that all of this has brought different members of Canada together in an unimaginable way. When David Icke speaks about ending this with love, the Trucker Convoy exemplifies that point.

WE are love. WE are Canadians. Trudeau you are no longer a part of this equation.

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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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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
  • Unite Here! Local 75
  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

  • Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
  • Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
  • Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
  • Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
  • Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

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What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

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Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Published

4 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

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