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What a Disgrace! Our Prime Minister has fallen short of standards that he has put in place

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Canadians, we are dealing with a man who has lectured his citizens and the world on how to behave. Our so-called progressive country is purely for show, as our leader Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to show the world that his policies are dipped in communist ink, and this act is clearly just an act. He is underneath it all, a fake, a fraud, and a liar — talking the talk, but never walking the walk. What I want to present to readers today is not going to be popular, but the facts will show endless examples of Trudeau’s flagrant dishonesty

Canada has become the laughing stock of the world now that the world knows that our Prime Minister is definitely not the man he says he is. He doesn’t practice what he preaches, in the past, or even now. Let’s take a little trip into his fraudulent timeline, and please, feel free to offer any more examples in the comments.

Sexual Harassment

While Trudeau has been a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement, a few years back his government tried to quash a lawsuit over sexual harassment allegations. Now he’s digging in his heels in the face of serious and credible allegations of corruption.

Blackface

For multiple reasons, many people are starting to view Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a massive hypocrite. Should we talk about Blackface? I want to be very clear; Blackface is much more than just dark makeup used to enhance a costume. In the mid to late nineteenth century, white actors would routinely use black grease paint on their faces when depicting plantation slaves and free Blacks on stage.

These were not flattering representations at all. Blackface took place against the backdrop of a society that systematically mistreated and dehumanized Black people; they were mocking portrayals that reinforced the idea that African-Americans were inferior in every way.

Yet, our Prime Minister chose to do it not once, but twice, and then had the nerve to say, “We need to be better in Canada. Even though we’ve made strides forward in the fight against racism and discrimination, racism still exists in Canada. To young Black Canadians, I hear you when you say you are anxious and angry.”

He said his government has funded Black community groups, supported anti-racism programming and bolstered the collection of racial data at Statistics Canada to fight against discrimination, but he promised to do more. Really!

Police Violence

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned police violence but apparently has no problems using it against his political opponents. During the peaceful Freedom Convoy in February, peaceful protesters were subjected to shocking police violence, with some even held at gunpoint. Hundreds of Canadians were treated as terrorists, having their financial assets frozen for opposing the Trudeau government. At least two women were trampled by horses, and let’s not forget our brother Tommey who was locked up for months just because he showed up in Ottawa to support the truckers. 

Mask/Unmask

A photo sparked outrage online when our Prime Minister visited Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv, where he was seen maskless. The anger comes from the fact that he visited a country with a lower vaccination rate than Canada. Trudeau’s trip was supposed to be kept under wraps but the media broke the embargo and photos of him touring the area began circulating.

“Trudeau hid at his cottage during the Freedom Convoy instead of meeting Canadian truckers fighting for their jobs. But he cares enough about Ukraine to find the courage to visit a war zone and not even wear a mask!”

Maxime Bernier

So in Canada, with the highest vaccination rate, our Prime Minister wears a mask indoors. In the Ukraine, with the lowest vaccination rates, he didn’t need to wear a mask in a packed room.

In England, Trudeau met with the 96-year-old Queen of England, and felt no need to wear a mask.

So, what did our Prime Minister have to say, “It’s a slap in the face to see people putting themselves, their fellow citizens at risk by being completely irresponsible.”

The Constitutional Right to Abortion

The reversal of Roe v. Wade means the federal constitution no longer protects the right to abortion. That means the door is open for states to ban abortion. Some states have already done that, while others will move swiftly to pass abortion bans now that the Supreme Court has given them the green light.

Abortion may be banned in up to 26 states over the coming days or months. That will block abortion access for over 36 million women, plus other people who can become pregnant. Fortunately, 16 states and Washington, D.C. have state constitutional or statutory protections for abortion to ensure care remains accessible in those states.

For some, this has been a devastating loss.

“It has brought about so much pain, so much anger, so much grief. It is almost unbearable — to feel an essential RIGHT ripped away, to watch as a majority of justices put their personal ideology before the health of millions, to witness the cruelty of our broken system on display once more.”
Alexis McGill Johnson, President & CEO
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Well…

Our Prime Minister made a statement about the US Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision:

“The news coming out of the United States is horrific. My heart goes out to the millions of American women who are now set to lose their legal RIGHT to an abortion. I can’t imagine the fear and anger you are feeling right now.

No government, politician, or man should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body. I want women in Canada to know that we will always stand up for your RIGHT to choose. This is a reminder of how we need to be unequivocal in our defence of people’s RIGHTS, in not taking anything for granted, in staying vigilant, and always standing up for women’s RIGHTS, for LBGT RIGHTS, for the RIGHTS of people who are disenfranchised and marginalized.”

Sigh!

As noted above, early this year, the Canadian ‘Freedom Convoy’ of truckers, travelled across Canada to push back against COVID mandates, forced vaccinations, and unconstitutional government regulations.

Canada’s government was pushing all federal employees to receive the COVID-19 inoculation despite reports of adverse reactions from the shot. Is anyone in Canada still talking about COVID-19? Like almost every other nation on earth, cases and deaths in Canada are plummeting.

So, Canada will allow American women to cross the US border to receive safe abortions following the Supreme Court’s overruling of Roe v Wade.

He said during a press conference in Rwanda: “We know that this is an extremely, not just scary, but disheartening time for so many women.

Women for generations have fought for more rights in the United States. To see this setback, to worry as well about how this can be expanded to more rights be taken away in the United States.”

Is he serious? I want to note that the hypocrisy lies in the fact that he speaks of a person being able to do what they want to their bodies; it is their God given right, but when it comes to taking a vaccination that does not work (He has had COVID-19 twice, and is fully vaccinated), we as Canadians do not have the right to refuse, or do what we want with our bodies?

All I can do is hope that people reading this and going forward really start to hold our so-called leader accountable for his actions. If you don’t, we will!

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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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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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

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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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