BY PAUL JUNOR

There was hope and optimistic expectations when the federal government announced that childcare would be subsidized at $10 per day. The finalization of the deal between Ottawa and Ontario was supposed to usher in better options for parents. Ottawa will contribute $650 million over five years, while Ontario will spend $40 million above current funding.

The daycare expense is projected to be reduced to $10 per day during the five-year interval. However, organizations such as: West Toronto, Etobicoke Families, educators and local leaders have shared their experiences about the impact of insufficient childcare funding and are demanding changes to Ontario’s early learning plan and childcare system. They have come together and launched an e-petition to advocate for immediate changes to address what they see as a crisis.

An informational brochure has been prepared that highlights four specific reasons why Ontario’s system is broken. They are:

• Parents are joining long waitlists with no guarantee of a spot.
• Inadequate childcare centre funding means many are in deficit.
• Staff shortages due to poor pay and benefits for ECE workers.
• Too many Ontario neighbourhoods remain “childcare deserts” without their fair share of centres, affordable licensed spaces and fee subsidies.

The brochure notes, “Building a better city, a fairer city means equitable access to high-quality, publicly funded, not-for-profit childcare.” Despite years of efforts, many Toronto ridings remain underserved and thousands of Toronto families are shut out. We’ve seen progress with the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) and Canada-Ontario agreement, but many serious challenges remain.

The brochure posed an important question which is, “What can YOU or your childcare centre do to press for the change we need?” Things to do:

Gather stories about why childcare is important to you and your families-stories to share with decision-makers?

• Is there enough non-profit childcare available in your area?
• Can you find the childcare that meets your child’s needs or family work schedule?

Share your “true cost” budget and demonstrate what high-quality childcare costs?

• What funding would you need to give staff the wages/benefits that reflect the city’s pay schedule?
• Without adequate funding for the next year, what will happen at your centre?

Call your Provincial MPP and Federal MP and City Councilor.

• Ask what they will do to save and expand non-profit care in Toronto.
• Ask for a meeting and ask for answers!

There are four changes that: non-profit childcare programs, early childhood staff, advocates and parents would like the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada to make to the CWELCC to re-energize Ontario Action Plan. These four changes include:

• Provide adequate operating funding to bring wages and benefits for all childcare staff up to the City of Toronto wage schedule, and cover the actual cost of rent/occupancy, food and other program costs for 2024 and beyond.
• Provide major capital funding, that reflects actual construction costs, to expand non-profit and public childcare in underserved areas like Toronto and build the 3,100 promised spaces in Toronto schools.
• Introduce a new provincial formula for adequate, sustained funding that recognizes actual operating costs of childcare in Toronto.
• Increase fee subsidies to help lower income families access.

The petition concludes, “Without immediate funding increases and policy changes the promise of a high-quality, accessible, system of childcare for all will never become a reality. The childcare sector needs to survive, thrive and grow if the vision of our new national childcare plan is to succeed.”

This crisis directly impacts educators, parents and providers and the e-petition calls for support from all. It states, “We are asking you to stand with ECEs, child care workers, families and children by sending a message to your: MP, MPP, Premier Doug Ford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Federal Minister of Children, Families and Social Development Jenna Sudds telling them to work together to ensure that the early learning and child care workforce have decent work and pay ,and that the non-profit and public childcare sectors are stable, thriving and expanding.”

BY PAUL JUNOR

The 19^th Annual Caribbean Tales International Film Festival (CTFF) kicked off in grand style on Saturday, September 7^th, 2024, at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre. There were: community supporters, friends, family members and well-wishers in attendance at this 87^th birthday celebration of Jean Augustine. Highlights were Trinidad’s musical fusionist Mungal Patasar and Toronto’s Jazz man Eddie Bullen. The evening’s event was co-hosted by the Caribbean Tales Film Festival.

The press release sent out by Festival Director Diana Webley on Wednesday, August 28^th, 2024, describes what to expect at the birthday celebration. She writes, “This is the third year that we are hosting this celebratory night for Dr. Augustine who is a national treasure. We take this opportunity to showcase and honour those from the Caribbean diaspora who have risen to the same level of excellence in their chosen industry as the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman Member of Parliament.”

Trician Renee Edwards served as the mistress of ceremony, and she highlights the importance of the historic day. She spoke about the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival (CTFF) that ran from September 5^th to 15^th. She mentioned that it is “An annual event that celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean and African descent who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide.”

The evening opened with a short poetry film titled, “Who We Were, Who We Became” by Darshan Gajjar. It was described in the program as a love song foregrounding the memories, faith, and joy-making of the Windrush generation. It follows their final island moments and their journey to England.

The evening featured the film, “Iconography: Mungal Patasar” which was directed by Mikgail Gibbings and Teneka Mohamed. It tells the story of this iconic Trinidad’s musical fusionist. The press release states, “The Indo-Trinidadian musician is world renowned for his East meets West fusion of India’s sitar and Trinidad’s national instrument, the steelpan.”

There was interesting: aspects, inspiring stories, and engaging facts from the screening of the iconography with highly recognized and world-renowned Mungal Patasar and Professor Dr. Harold Headley in the audience. The highlight of the birthday celebration was a special performance featuring Patassar and Dr. Headley. They performed two pieces together. At the end of the performance, Dr. Headley performed a special selection in honour of Patassar.

Brampton’s Deputy Mayor Singh delivered a proclamation on behalf of Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton. It reads, “September 9^th, Dr. Jean Augustine Day.” Dewitt Lee presented Dr. Jean Augustine with a well-deserved and important certificate for her work.

The 2^nd annual presentation of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award was given to: pianist, composer, arranger and producer Eddie Bullen. He is well known in the Black, African and Canadian community and across Canada for his numerous musical accomplishments and work. The press release mentioned that he has worked with: Caribbean, Canadian, and American artists such as: Byron Lee, Maestro, David Rudder, and Liberty Silver.

In his acceptance speech he thanked his father who was a positive role model to him and his mother. He mentioned that it was a positive experience growing up in a musical environment and that his father’s influence was a strong force that impacted his choice of career which he has passed on to his son.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Let me tell you, I was way too excited for this night! Boxing events are always a vibe, and you know I had to make sure I looked the part. I am a girly girl through and through, so picking out the perfect outfit? That was a whole process! I needed something stylish, yet comfortable, because boxing events are always so mad extra! Plus, I was going to see some amazing people I had not caught up with forever.

That’s right, boxing fans. The date was circled in red on my calendar—Friday, September 20^th, 2024. United Boxing Promotions was finally back after a summer break, ready to bring us the highly anticipated fight between Chakria Singh and Lukasz Maciec. I want to take a moment before going any further to introduce the incredible sponsors: Pickering Casino Resort, Verdi Alliance, Grant’s Gym Toronto, G & J Sehota’s, CM Dynamics, and Durham LIVE.

The night had everything—hype, top-tier matchups, and all the energy of a proper boxing night in the GTA, and this time, I was finally going to be a part of it all! The fun, the excitement, and the buzz of live boxing—it was all happening, and I was so ready!

United Boxing Promotions fight night at the Pickering Casino Resort, was going to be headlined by reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (18-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-7-1, 5 KO).

Yes, yes, I had to tackle the dreaded Highway 401 from out west, so of course, the security team from United Boxing Promotions clowned me for being late and missing the Evan Gillard vs Matias Medina fight. Thankfully, I was just in time for the Milad Zareuab (3 – 0) vs Hubert Krasuski (1 – 5 – 1) fight.

Even though Milad Zareuab is relatively new to the boxing world, his progression from fight to fight is evident. One thing I must credit him for is his ability to listen to his corner. His adaptability and willingness to learn demonstrate the importance of being a good student in the sport of boxing. Milad’s recent victory, achieved through a TKO, is a testament to his growth and dedication, adding yet another win to his record.

Then there was Kyle McLaughlin (5 – 0 – 1) vs Fernando Bravo (4 – 2 – 1), and what a fight that was. When Kyle McLaughlin stepped into the ring, his stature may have been smaller, but don’t let that fool you. There is an aura that radiates off him—a presence that demands attention, and tonight, that presence was amplified as he made his entrance to Jidenna’s ‘Long Live the Chief.‘ The song speaks volumes about leadership, power, and dominance, and McLaughlin embodied every word.

It was clear from the moment the music hit: he wasn’t just stepping into the ring; he was stepping in as the boss. You could feel the intensity shift. His opponent, like everyone in the room, knew that McLaughlin was there to conquer, and conquer he did. From the first round to the last, Kyle delivered a brutal, relentless assault. Punch after punch—each one calculated, each one landing with precision. His aggressive display left no room for doubt. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about domination. By the time the final blow landed, it was over. His opponent was left crippled, and Kyle stood tall. It was, without a doubt, my favourite fight of the night. Kyle McLaughlin proved, once again, that size doesn’t define power. Tonight, he was the chief.

The Championship Co-Feature saw number one ranked contender Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool (7-0, 2 KO, WBA #1) clash with Natasha ‘The Nightmare’ Spence (8-6-2, 6 KO, WBA #8) for the WBA International Middleweight Championship. I wanted to take a moment to express my disappointment.

As a fellow Jamaican-Canadian, I had high hopes for Natasha. I have had the privilege of speaking with her about the challenges she has faced in securing fights and the perseverance she’s shown throughout her career. I was genuinely rooting for her, hoping to see her at the top of her game, delivering a performance that would make us all proud. However, from the very beginning of the match, it became clear that Melinda was in control. Her dominance was evident, and it was disheartening to see Natasha struggle to find her rhythm. We all know that boxing can be unpredictable, but this was not the showcase I hoped for.

Despite the outcome, I believe in Natasha’s potential. She is shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I hope she takes this experience back to the drawing board. With renewed confidence and determination, I trust she can come back stronger than ever. We need to keep supporting her on this journey, because I believe she has what it takes to rise again.

Finally, what the fight fans were waiting for, the fight between the reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (19-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-8-1, 5 KO). As usual, Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh burst onto the scene, a true spectacle of flames and flags, embodying the spirit of Sikh pride. The energy in the arena was electric as he stepped into the ring, ready to showcase his skills.

Sukhdeep stood confidently across from his opponent, who looked tense. The bell rang, and the fight began. In the ring, Sukhdeep methodically picked his opponent apart, delivering calculated blows that made his rival suffer with each strike. It’s a masterclass in technique and strategy. What sets Sukhdeep apart is his adaptability. Like Milad, he listens to his corner, adjusting his game plan with every round. He reads the fight like a chess match, always two steps ahead.

Here’s the thing—I want to see a huge finish from Sukhdeep. I appreciate his technical prowess, but as any true fight fan knows, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a knockout! That’s what gets the fans on their feet! If you don’t believe me, just look at the electrifying clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. The tension, the power, the drama! That’s the kind of finish that leaves everyone talking.

Let’s hope Sukhdeep can deliver that explosive moment. The fans are ready for it, and so is he. The stage is set for something spectacular. Stay tuned, because when Sukhdeep steps up, anything can happen, and when it does, you won’t want to miss a second of it!

Ontario boxing fans are in for an electrifying fall with United Boxing Promotions delivering an action-packed lineup! On October 19^th, 2024, the highly anticipated IBF International Welterweight Championship showdown between the undefeated Josh Wagner (18-0) and formidable contender Tom Hill (12-3-0) is set to headline the night.

Adding to the excitement, the co-main event features Mark Smithers (12-1-0) battling Helmand Meran Alekozai (14-0) for the Canadian Super Lightweight Championship. The undercard promises more fireworks, with Jamaicans: Ricardo Brown and Joshua Frazer, Gisu Lee at super featherweight, and Michael Cabato in a thrilling featherweight bout. Don’t miss the chance to witness these exhilarating fights—learn more at United Boxing Promotions’ https://unitedpromotions.ca/