Montreal Times 26.04 October 24 2020

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Vol. 26 No. 04

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Covering Montréal & Surrounding Areas

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Artist conception of McGill Avenue in Montreal - See story inside.

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October 24, 2020 •

“Making the Deal is an Art Form...”

Eleni (Helen) Akrivos Courtier immobilier Agréé DA - Dirigeante D'Agence Certified real estate broker AEO- Agency Executive Officer

eleni.akrivos@gmail.com https://linktr.ee/mtl_realestatenews

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A new look for McGill College Avenue I guess it was the Disney-like imagery of some of the photos accompanying the press release announcing the winning project for the redesign of McGill College Avenue what made me say it. Commenting on the project on the social networks, I called it "tacky" and associated it to our mayor.

Well, the reactions went from a variety of "likes" to aggressive accusations that my criticism of the mayor was due to her gender, I was even accused of being "sexist."

As if a public official just for the fact of being a woman should be beyond any criticism.

By Sergio Martinez

When night comes, the planners of the new avenue imagine that it would be a gathering place for people

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Let's instead get into our real topic.

Those of a certain age or with some time living in the city must remember that McGill College Avenue had experienced different attempts at redesign in the last few decades. Then-Mayor Jean Drapeau, in one of his last grandiose projects in the early 1980s, proposed the building of a concert hall for the MSO right at the avenue site between Ste. Catherine and De Maisonneuve, which in fact would have blocked McGill College Ave.With no public or government support for the idea, the project was abandoned. Then the area saw the construction of a new tower, the Place Montreal Trust, where the old S.S. Kresge used to be. The avenue was then widened providing the impressive view of Mount Royal that is still its distinguishing feature.

In 2018 the city called an international contest to redesign the avenue, taking advantage of the fact that construction of the REM McGill Station would force some changes in the area. "The firms civiliti + Mandaworks (Sweden) and SNC-Lavalin have been named the winners of the multidisciplinary, international urban design competition for the development of the new Place de l'avenue McGill College," reads the communiqué. According to the same document, the redesign of the avenue also aims at making the area around Ste. • October 24, 2020

In winter--which in our city is a fivemonth long event--the new place would still appeal to people.

Catherine St., more pedestrian-friendly. For that purpose, more green space would be added to that avenue. The artery would also see its central strip enlarged to allow the planting of more trees, grass and the installation of benches and even a fountain.

"The city's downtown will soon be greener and more pleasant, resilient and human," states the press release.

Of course, good intentions are welcome as long as they are well-founded on the reality of the area. The problem, as in other cases where innovating projects are announced for downtown, is that once again, the demographics of the area was not considered. Enlarging the green space in that avenue seems a good idea, mostly in terms of the aesthetics of the place. However, except for lunch hour, when office workers in www.mtltimes.ca

This bucolic image is certainly nice. But will it ever look like downtown Montreal? the area may use the benches that would be located there, it is unlikely that the green space will have much pedestrian circulation.

And that only in the summer. The reason for that low utilization outside that time is that the area around the avenue has very few residents. McGill students in search of an outdoor location to study or socialize already count on their campus, and tourists may be more inclined to visit a restaurant or a shopping centre.

In other words, while adding more green space may be justified from a beautification point of view, the addition of benches and meeting space to the new plaza would have a little practical impact.

The development project's final concept will be unveiled in 2021, and work operations should start in 2023.

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October 24, 2020 •

Photo - Artist Rendition Cadillac Fairview

A new downtown in the West Island by Cadillac Fairview?

When I first interviewed Jeroen Henrich, VP of Development at Cadillac Fairview, about the major renovations being done at the Fairview Mall last February, he mentioned another development that was being planned - a large residential 'mixeduse community' project to be located on the other side of Fairview Avenue. "It will transform 20 hectares of land into office space, a hotel and Main Street style shops alongside rental apartments and condos", he said at the time and it sounded like just another big residential development - with a few added perks. However, Henrich is now describing it as a 20 hectare, 'massive high-rise housing, office towers and a boutique hotel' project. In fact, they are saying it will become a 'new downtown in the heart of the West Island. "It is more than just another condo complex and it is aimed at attracting new families, new jobs and millions of more shoppers each year," he said.

The investment is big, with the new development project expected to cost at least $1 billion - compared to the renovations at the mall (including the new dining hall and Simons) expected to cost close to $100 million. However, the perks with new project have grown in scope. The vision is to create a community 'where peo• October 24, 2020

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca ple can live, work, shop and play'. By incorporating public spaces and creating a pleasant pedestrian experience, the development will be designed to encourage people to walk - rather than drive between stores, hotels, offices and their homes. The new REM station will be located next to the HWY 40 service road, right in the middle of the new development. It will be planned around the station, with easy pedestrian access from the trains to the Fairview mall and new public spaces around the complex - and a connection to the downtown area and Trudeau airport.

Reaction to the news of the developwww.mtltimes.ca

ment was mixed. Some liked the idea of not having to head into the city core to do some of their shopping, saving time and gas money. Others were concerned that an already struggling downtown Montreal would suffer even further with less people going there. Many West Island residents expressed concern the project would actually add more noise, traffic and pollution to the area and that the REM will not be used anywhere near as much as anticipated. Pointe-Claire, where the project will have the largest impact, is an area known for its quaint village feel, green spaces and a 'great place to live'. It has already seen acres of precious green space taken over by large residential complexes in the past couple of years, despite much opposition from residents - and the idea of a 'new Downtown in the West Island' at their doorstep is just adding to their concerns. Nonetheless, the new development project is expected to break ground sometime in 2021 and will be built in phases over several years until it is complete.What is your opinion? Will the West Island benefit from a 'Downtown' area?

What are the positive aspects to the project that you would like to share with our readers?

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New pandemic government benefits explained

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may have ended at the start of October, but the federal government introduced new incentives to help Canadians who continue to be impacted by COVID-19 and require temporary income support. Nearly six million Canadians applied for COVID-19 emergency aid benefits during the height of the SUBSCRIPTION pandemic and while Statistics General subscriptions in Canada: 1 Canada recently reported a slight year $150, 2 years $275 Subscrip- drop in the unemployment rate tion to the U.S. and outside North during September 2020, many peoAmerica:1 year $250 US ple are still struggling.As a direct reAll contents of this publication are sole property of The Mon- sult, three new benefits are now treal Times Newspaper. Opin- available. However, there is a lot of ions expressed in this publication are not necessarily confusion about the application intended to reflect those of the publisher. Any reproduction in process, eligibility requirements and whole or in part and in print or in electronic form without ex- how much Canadians will receive. press permission is strictly forbidden.

Permission to Toronto-based personal finance exreproduce selected editorial may be granted by contacting pert, Barry Choi released three the publisher in writing. guides to help Canadians under-

• Marco Giovanetti • Sergio Martinez • Bonnie Wurst • Stuart Nulman • Deborah Rankin • Martha Shannon

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stand what they're entitled to: • How to apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) • How to apply for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) • How to apply for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) "Millions of Canadians have seen an income drop due to COVID-19 and may need government assistance to ensure they can still pay their bills," said Barry Choi. "The new incentives introduced by the government are great, but many people are still confused about which one they should apply for and how much they'll get."

To ensure Canadians continue to receive the help they need, the Government of Canada introduced three new benefits designed for a variety of life situations: the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the www.mtltimes.ca

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who have stopped working or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19 and who are not eligible for EI. While the CRSB provides $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19 or have underlying conditions that would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

And for business owners, the CERS will cover up to 65% of rent or mortgage interest payments if a business has seen a decline in revenue by at least 70%.

For more information, visit: www.moneywehave.com .

October 24, 2020 •

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5602 Ave du Parc H2V 4H1, Montreal, QC • October 24, 2020

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Tremblant is ready for 20/21

As skiers and snowboarders begin to think about winter, Tremblant is deploying every effort to prepare a 2020-21 season where the health and safety of its guests, its employees and its Resort community remain at the forefront of priorities. And because now more than ever, they need to reconnect with the mountain air and the thrill of hitting the slopes, they will be happy to learn that the ski season at Tremblant will start in November.

Teams have prepared, analyzed and planned various winter scenarios, taking into account physical distancing and other health measures recommended by Public Health authorities. Tremblant is working closely with the entire Alterra Mountain Company family to make the experience more user-friendly and to promote accessibility to our mountain.

Here are some highlights to date when operating in green, yellow and orange zones: • Access to the usual ski terrain; • Controlled resort visitation levels to reduce contact between people; • Priority to season pass holders, no reservation required; • Advance lift tickets purchase for specific dates as quantities are limited; • Sale of most undated lift ticket products will be discontinued this season, including the Latitude card, tickets sold at Costco and corporate tickets (Ski Max); • Loading lift capacity as usual with the exception of the gondola running at 50%, as

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per Public Health recommendations. Related parties can sit together, unrelated guests may elect to sit together as well but it will be optional; • Modified interior eating spaces, in compliance with Public Health standards including 2m physical distancing. All personal effects must remain in your vehicles, no bag can be left in common areas; • Ski and snowboard rental will be offered.

Equipment will be disinfected between each use; Increased cleaning in all common areas; Guests to respect the health measures in place such as frequent hand washing and compulsory face covering in closed public spaces, in the gondola, lifts and in the lift lines. The neck warmer or hood covering the mouth and nose can replace the face coverings while skiing and in the lifts, as per Public Health recommendations; • Daily monitoring of all employees to ensure they are free of symptoms.All employees will wear the required personal protective equipment and will be trained on health protocols related to COVID-19; • Continuous updates of our sanitary measures by staying up to date with all government announcements.

When operating in red zone, the following will override some of the above plan: • Only related parties can load the lifts together. For unrelated guests, the 2m rule will apply; • Day lodges will only be used as shelter for guests to warm up, with limited access

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time. Food and beverage services will be closed.

The summer experience was a valuable one. Resort teams will use what they have learned to build a strong winter plan so skiers and snowboarders can reconnect with the passion that fuels them. Stay tuned to the latest developments between now and our November opening date, at tremblant.ca.

Tremblant: Take Me to the Top Tremblant is part of Alterra Mountain Company’s family of 15 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation, offering the Ikon Pass, the new standard in season passes. It is a top four-season resort destination owing to its guest experience both on-mountain, and in its pedestrian village. Its view of the Laurentians, the diversity of its offer and highly acclaimed major events – including IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant, Tremblant’s 24 h and the Tremblant International Blues Festival – place Tremblant among the Best Ski Resorts in North America by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2019, in addition to being voted #1 Ski Resort in Eastern North America 20 times by SKI magazine readers. With your family, sweetheart, friends or group, Tremblant welcomes vacationers on direct flights from Toronto, to enjoy 1,900 lodging units fanned out across 13 hotel establishments, over 75 restaurants, boutiques and a casino, all at nature’s doorstep.

October 24, 2020 •

Mayor Plante announces free parking to help struggling businesses With many office buildings nearly empty as more and more people work from home, while others choose not to venture far from their 'bubbles' - many businesses all over the Greater Montreal area have been struggling to survive. The Covid-19 pandemic has been taking its toll in many ways.

An unprecedented number of stores either have closed permanently or are creatively trying to sell their products in new ways just to cover their basic expenses - while customers turn to online shopping sites in droves, such as Amazon. Downtown Montreal looks like a ghost town on most days.

It is an eerie sight to behold.

To try and help businesses through the pandemic, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante announced at a press conference on October 22nd that 18,000 free parking spaces would be made available around the city starting on November 14th to December 31st. Despite the myriad of construction projects going on, there have been plenty of spaces available. Although it might take a little longer to find one, they are there.The bicycle paths and pedestrians walkways have indeed made it more challenging, but it has actually been the cyclists and those on foot who have been helping to keep businesses alive - regardless of the angry outcries from some people on social media who have been very vocal about it.

The construction work is beyond just being necessary, it is urgent and often becomes emergency work as roads collapse, • October 24, 2020

By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca underground pipes break and infrastructure falls apart. Previous administrations neglected their responsibilities, pouring tax dollars from the coffers into some very questionable projects instead - such as lighting up bridges or electric car races (which ended up costing tax payers more than first revealed).The present administration is trying to deal with it - but their plans are made even harder when work begins and they discover an even more serious, hidden problem needing to be dealt with first. It means even more of the notorious 'orange cones' all over the place - once just joked about, but now looked at with trepidation and anxiety attacks.

"Some businesses might not survive if we don’t support them," Mayor Plante said. www.mtltimes.ca

"Today, as the holiday season approaches, I am speaking to Montrealers who are about to do their Christmas shopping. I am giving us the collective challenge of taking advantage of the holiday season to save Montreal’s commercial vitality… it’s not the online shopping giants that need our help, the local businesses do."

The new measures include: - Free on-street parking on weekends throughout the city from November 14th to December 31st, making some 18,000 spaces available.

- Businesses can extend opening hours to 10:00PM on weekdays and 7:00PM on weekends from November 14th to December 31st.

- Support and promotion to continue urban delivery for local merchants.

- Installations in the downtown area for the winter season, designed to add to the shopping experience.

- Financial support for campaigns implemented by merchants’ groups and chambers of commerce.

- Adding $1.5 million to the Commercial Activities Consolidation Fund, designed to support small businesses to ensure they can increase the quality of services, including on the digital market and the physical development of their place of business.

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Chablis fine expression of Chardonnay

Caves Jean et Sébastien

1er Cru, Vaucoupin 2014 SAQ # 13192021$29.75

know a great deal of people who will turn down a glass of Chardonnay but never a glass of Chablis. The funny thing is that Chablis is made from entirely Chardonnay!!. So what is going on here?. Outside

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great white wines of Burgundy. However, the wines vary greatly in style and flavor from their southern neighbors, mainly as a result of the district's cooler climate and unique Kimmeridgian soil. Chablis has a particular bouquet that recalls wet chalk, lemons, and green apple, with a higher acidity than most Chardonnay. There are four Chablis “ appellations”. These are Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.

By Marco Giovanetti mtltimes.ca Burgundy, Chardonnay could have a tendency to taste homogeneous alike no matter where is grown from California to Italy and passing through Australia. This is a reason that is putting wine lovers off to taste chardonnay. To get the essence of this grape you must drink Chablis In the spirit of getting to know more Chablis, I accepted the invitation of Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne ( BIVB) for an informal tasting this past September 11th at the Restaurant Magdalena in Montreal. “ Les Instants Chablis” event was a great opportunity to get acquainted with this Burgundy wine region.

Chablis is a wine region situated around 130 km northwest of Dijon, France and is considered a part of the Burgundy region. The white wines of Chablis are made entirely from the Chardonnay grape, much like the other 10

Petit Chablis come froms plateaux in hillside vineyards. It is fresh and aromatic with subtle floral nuances. The area of the production is 1010 h and its vineyards are located on either side of the river Serein. This AOP was established in 1944. It is one of the jewels in the crown of the Chablis region which forms the “golden gate” to Bourgogne.

In contrast, Chablis is the largest of the 4 appellations in terms of planted surface area. The area under production covers 3560 ha and their wines are more structured and longer in mouth than Petit Chablis. Chablis vineyards are located near Auxerre in the department of Yonne along the Serein river as well. Winemaking goes back to the 12th century when the Cistercian monks from the abbey of Pontigny developed vine cultivation. The area of production is 3560 ha.

The appellation of Chablis Premier Cru is reserved for single vineyard wines or climats. The term “climat” is a Burgundy concept. These are plots of land with precisely defined borders with specific geological and climatic conditions.

There are 40 different climats, each with their own style. Some yields mineral wines such as Montéé de Tonnerre and Côte de Léchet while others are fruity such as Beauroy and Montmains.

The distinctive factor of Chablis Premier cru lies in their soil geology. The important soil substrate is Jurassic limestone (specifically, Kimmeridgian limestone) which was formed some 150 million years ago.The base layer has deposits of tiny fossilised oyster shells which brings to mind that Burgundy was under a warm ocean.The most famous Climats are those on the right bank of the Serein river surrounding the Grand Cru.

At the top level of the hierarchy we find the Chablis Grand Cru appellation and its seven climats Blanchot, Bougros, les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur and Vaudésir. Situated just over the village of Chablis, each terroir has its own set of qualities. Blanchot is floral, supple and charming. Les Clos is mineral driven with great power.

Valmur is mineral but fruity as well with a well defined elegance.

Grenouilles is rich fruity and decadent. Vaudésir is bright floral and curvy.

Preuses is long and aristocratic with a famous aging capacity and finally Bougros is round, mineral and supple The austere, mineral character of Chablis

makes it perfect for simple, clean flavors such as sautéed white fish, and can serve as an excellent counterbalance to rich dishes or cream-based sauces. Petit Chablis

should be great with raw oysters or other shellfish.

For not too expensive Chablis and Premier Cru, pasta alla vongole or fried fish should be great too.

For Grand Cru Chablis definitely I would go for a rich and sumptuous plate.

Egg based pastas with mushrooms such as porcini or black truffle, salmon in pastry or veal in a cream based sauce.

Hard cheeses are great as well. Try it with washed French rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Soumaintrain.

Note: The information from this article was sourced from the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne ( BIVB). Photos of the event are a courtesy of Johanna Raynaud, founder of 4 Épices Communications.

Tasting Notes from the event:

Lovely nose. Ripe pear evolving toward a bright floral side. In addition, nuances of hay with delicate notes of chanterelle mushrooms. A nice gripping acidity with tones of menthol. A rather austere finale.

Julien Brocard-Les 7 Lieux

Dauvissat. Chablis 1er Cru, Vaillons 2012 ( SAQ # 895011 $38.50)

Chablis. Domaine de la Boissonneuse 2014 ( Private Import, Agence Roucet, $37.80) Hay and mint with notes of green apple and a outstanding complex minerality. Rich yet very harmonious. Notes of tasty halzenut, almonds and a very smoky round palate. At the end remindings me of green coffee and mustard seed.

Maison Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2013 SAQ # 12139747 $89.75 Isabelle et Denis Pommier. Chablis 1er Cru, Côte de Léchet 2014 ( Private Import, Rezin, $47.56)

Young and austere.

Needs time to open up.

Baked earth and roasted herbs. With time in the glass, notes of grilled hazelnuts and wood. On Lovely nose bringing to the mouth, rigorous with mind pear sorbet with lots of concentration and green mint leaves as well great amplitude. Flavors of as jasmine tea. On the pineapple and marzipan. mouth, tight and austere. Very long finale.

Fleshy with an elegant woody aftertaste. One of my favorite wines from the tasting

Clotilde Davenne Petit Chablis 2015 SAQ # 11639441 $25.80

William Fevre Chablis 1er Cru, Fourchaume 2014 SAQ # 518498 $53.50

Very aromatic, in a floral style. Aromas as well of lemon curd and vanilla bean. Round and aromatic.

Balanced and very harmonious with a spicy finale.

J Moreau & Fils. Chablis

On the nose, lime with ripe peach and apricot notes and a brooding minerality. Fleshy with a nice gripping acidity. Powerful finale A smoke-flint aftertaste.

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Flint with nuances of green apple and quince.

On the mouth, ripe and charming, very broad and long in the mouth. Harmonious and very zen like.

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October 24, 2020 •

Tim Hortons tests a reusable, returnable cup & food packaging

• October 24, 2020

Monday: Significant improvements have been made to paper napkins, which guests will see in restaurants in early 2021. The new napkins are made with 100 per cent recycled fibre and use 25 per cent less material.The change to the new napkins is expected to save 900 tonnes of paper each year.

Tuesday: Tim Hortons is taking another significant step toward cutting its use of plastics by preparing to rollout new paper-based wrappers for sandwiches and bagels that are fully recyclable, while also cutting the use of paper by 17 per cent annually. The new packaging, expected to be in restaurants in January, is estimated to reduce more than 460 tonnes of plastic over

the next year. Tim Hortons also recently announced the shift to paper straws, which is estimated to eliminate the use of about 300 million plastic straws over the next year.

Wednesday: On Nov. 4, Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada will stop the practice of double-cupping and will instead be offering guests a recyclable cardboard sleeve for their hot drinks.

The move is expected to eliminate the unnecessary use of more than 200 million cups per year – or the equivalent of wrapping half the circumference of the planet with Tim Hortons cups.Tim Hortons cardboard coffee sleeves are manufactured from 100 per cent recycled material and are 100 per cent recyclable.

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Tim Hortons is excited to be partnering with TerraCycle's zero-waste platform, Loop, to pilot a program that will give guests the option of paying a deposit and receiving reusable and returnable cups or food containers with their order so they can help us on our mission to reduce single-use waste.

When guests are finished their drink or meal, they can return their reusable cups or food containers at a participating restaurant and have their deposit refunded. The reusable cups and food containers are then professionally cleaned and sanitized by Loop so they can be reused again and again.

It's anticipated that over time, the Loop platform would have a growing number of drop-off locations — both at Tim Hortons restaurants and elsewhere — that would make the program even more convenient for guests to participate in.

The pilot test is expected to start in 2021 at select Toronto restaurants.

“To really make an impact, we know we need to do something completely different.

And as Canada's quick service restaurant leader, we also know it's our responsibility to be bold in that change. That's why we're really excited to be announcing this industry-leading initiative. A first of its kind in Canada that focuses on reusables," said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer of Tim Hortons.

“Throughout Waste Reduction Week we've been making announcements about the many ways we're working to use more recycled materials, make our products more recyclable, and reduce waste.Yesterday's announcement on the end of doublecupping will eliminate the use of 200 million cups over the next year. Adding a reusable option to our sustainability packaging mix sets us apart in our journey to reduce waste."

In February, Tim Hortons announced plans to give away nearly two million reusable cups as part of a 10-year commitment to change consumer perceptions and habits towards using reusable cups. That plan was paused due to the pandemic but will be relaunched when possible.

“During COVID, we have seen that consumers have relied more on single-use cups and containers due to health restrictions.

This initiative by Tim Hortons signals that getting back to adopting reusable containers will be important when those restrictions are lifted," said Tom Szaky,TerraCycle and Loop CEO. “This partnership with Tim Hortons will allow guests to easily bring reusability into their daily lives, and whether they choose to eat-in or takeaway, they will be able to get some of their favourite food and drinks in a reusable container."

Other sustainability initiatives Tim Hortons has announced during this week's Waste Reduction Week include:

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October 24, 2020 •

Tax Tip - Own a small business? During small business week and throughout the year, the CRA is here to help!

Across Canada, employers are working hard to navigate through these uncertain times. The CRA recognizes the impacts that COVID-19 is having, particularly on small businesses, and we're here to help.

Apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent future job losses, and ease you back into normal operations. Our online calculator uses a step-by-step approach to get employers to enter information about their business situation to provide an estimate of the subsidy they can expect to receive. The calculator also includes printable spreadsheet and statement features that employers can use to view their claim at a glance and enter required information into the CEWS application form quickly and easily. Find out if your eligible and how to apply for CEWS. During its peak period, over 3.6 million Canadian jobs were being subsidized by the CEWS. Information about the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy The TWS is a COVID-19 relief measure that allows eligible employers to reduce the amount of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax they need to remit to the CRA for the period of March 18 to June 19, 2020. The CRA is hosting a free • October 24, 2020

webinar on November 4, 2020, for employers who want to learn more about the TWS. Register for the webinar today.

For more information, visit canada.ca/temporary-wage-subsidy.

Doing business taxes takes time and effort – the CRA is here to help The Liaison Officer Service provides free in-person support and guidance to help you meet your tax obligations.

Throughout the pandemic, the CRA has been offering this service virtually so that small businesses and self-employed individuals continue getting the tax help they need.

The CRA also offers online services so businesses can manage their tax affairs remotely. These include My Business Account, a secure online portal that allows you to manage your business' tax affairs online, and CRA BizApp, which is a mobile web application specifically for small business owners and sole proprietors to manage tax accounts on the go. When fully registered for My Business Account, you will also get instant access to the CRA BizApp. Our educational approach to collection and compliance during the pandemic The Government temporarily suspended some programs and services, including many collection and compliance activities, to support Canadians through the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRA is gradually resuming these activities in a thoughtful manner.

For example, to ensure all taxpayers comwww.mtltimes.ca

ply with their tax obligations, we will begin contacting businesses that have not filed or may have improperly filed their tax returns. This means that if you have not filed your business tax return or may have filed it improperly, you may receive a call or letter from the CRA. Errors we have identified may not result in a reassessment, but rather in an information review so that those errors are corrected in future years.

Making information more helpful and easier to understand Although the CRA is working hard to serve small businesses, we know we have more work to do, and we are listening, learning, and challenging ourselves to do better. With our goal to be trusted, fair, and helpful by putting people first, the CRA has committed to providing businesses with information that is meaningful, easy to understand, and is right the first time.

Our website is constantly being updated to provide better information on GST/HST, payroll, income taxes, and excise taxes, duties and levies for your business.

More information on CRA services for small businesses is available on Canada.ca.

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Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca

A Literary Trump Triple Threat (or Treat?)

Like him or hate him, you have to admit that President Donald Trump and his presidency have been quite a boost for the book publishing industry since he took office nearly four years ago.

By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca In fact, more books have been published about the aforementioned subjects in the midst of its administration than John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Franklin D. Roosevelt put together (and remember, the flood of titles about these three former presidents appeared in the bookstores when their respective presidencies ended).

This year has been no exception. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the free falling economy, the impeachment and the topsyturvy election campaign against Joe Biden dominating the headlines, more people want to read about how and why the U.S. – and the rest of the world – have ended up in this chaotic situation mostly due to the actions (and inactions) of the man who currently resides at the White House.

And ironically, it’s been the books that have been highly critical of the Trump administration that have been purchased by millions of readers and topped so many best seller lists.

On this rare occasion, I have decided to review three recent Trump titles of this nature that deal with three different perspectives, and in my opinion, should be required reading as the crucial November 3 election day is less than two weeks away, and there is so much at stake with the outcome.

Rage by Bob Woodward (Simon & Schuster, $39.99)

Since 1974, Bob Woodward has been regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of the modern American presidency. From Nixon to Trump, he has written a string of books that took readers into the inner sanctums of these nine presidents that gave them a rare point-of-view of the corridors of power that the White House press corps couldn’t offer. And all of them have been headline making best sellers.

Rage, Woodward’s 20th book, is no exception.This volume is a follow-up to his 2018 blockbuster about the Trump administration, which was called Fear. He got the title for his latest book from an interview he and Bob Costa conducted with Trump in 14

2016, in which he freely admitted to them that one of his main qualities was that he brought out the rage in people.

And that puffed up claim is certainly the truth when you read this book. It covers the period of 2019-2020 in which Trump had to deal with such searing issues as foreign relations (especially with North Korea and Russia), rising racial tension in American cities as a result of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and of course, the spread of the COVID-19 virus and Trump’s mishandling of the resulting pandemic. As well, it tells how Trump’s lackadaisical approach to decision making resulted in the short term presence of three highly experienced appointees that could have steered the president to a more rational path: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defence James Mattis, and Chief of Staff John Kelly.

Although Rage possesses all the qualities that make up a typical Bob Woodward book, such as diligent researching and reporting (including hundreds of interviews, using confidential journals and documentation as reliable sources, and even quoting some of the 25 letters exchanged between Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un that were never before seen by the public), the crux of this book that made all those pre-publication headlines are the 17 onthe-record recorded interviews that were conducted over a period of seven months between Trump and Woodward.Trump believed that if he officially spoke with Woodward (which he didn’t do for Fear), Rage www.mtltimes.ca

would be become a more positive oriented book for Trump’s image.

However, these interviews, which are mainly quoted verbatim throughout most of the book, reveal the frustratingly true nature of Donald Trump, the president and commander-in-chief. First there’s his admission that he knew about the severity of COVID-19 as early as this January, and that he purposely downplayed the serious nature of the virus because he didn’t want to cause any panic with the American people.

And then he constantly urges Woodward to write a fair book about him, and then repeats his much repeated boasts about creating the best economy in U.S. history, his economic policies that brought about the rising stock market numbers and doing more for African Americans since Abraham Lincoln, as well as his trademark rambling, half-baked statements that are usually aired at his many rallies. The impression you get is of a man who has the most powerful job in the United States, but is far more concerned about his legacy and getting reelected to that job rather than using that authority to aid the American people in a time of unrivalled crisis.

Rage is a fascinating, harrowing book that further reinforces the idea why the Trump presidency is such a highly dysfunctional one, which brought about the much subjective thesis that Woodward bluntly states at the end of the book: “Trump is the wrong man for the job.” continued on Page 15

October 24, 2020 •

continued from Page 14

Hoax by Brian Stelter (One Signal Publishers/Atria, $37) Journalist Brian Stelter certainly knows the world of mass media and its role in today’s society, and he displays that knowledge quite well every Sunday morning on his CNN show “Reliable Sources”.

One subject that has constantly been under Stelter’s scrutiny over the past four years was – and still is – Donald Trump’s love/hate relationship with the media. In particular, his love affair with Fox News and how the other TV news networks, especially CNN, are nothing but “fake news” to him.

It’s the former relationship that forms the basis of his latest book Hoax. The basic argument that Stelter effectively presents is that Trump, with the help of certain enabling hosts as Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson, turned Fox News from a straightforward 24-hour TV news channel into a daily customized electronic platform for Donald Trump and his daily rants-cum-policies. This was accomplished much to the chagrin of many of Fox’s veteran journalists and the fear of many of Trump’s opponents, who became fair game and easy targets of verbal attacks from Trump, Hannity, Carlson and the gang at “Fox and Friends”.

Stelter does a magnificent job tracing this de-evolution, as he talked with over 250 former and current Fox insiders over a period of two years of how this was allowed to happen, which was mainly attributed to the abusive, megalomaniacal regime of the late Roger Ailes (most of that narrative was echoed in last year’s excellent movie docu-drama “Bombshell”). What the reader gets in the end is a frustrating, yet terrifying, lesson about how dangerous media manipulation can go to promote the out-of-the-box candidacy of an outof-the-box presidential candidate. If you want to find out what the true meaning of the expression “state-run media”, you will get that definition and so much more when you read Hoax.

Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston

Wolkoff (Gallery Books, $37) One of the biggest mysteries throughout the Trump presidency is that of the First Lady, Melania Trump. Or to be precise, the lack of visibility on her behalf.

Her predecessors who took up this role over the last 90 years may not have been as high profile as Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy or Michelle Obama, but at least they have shown a formidable presence as the person who was always by their husbands’ sides, and always had their backs.

Based on what I have observed over the past four years, Melania Trump did not have that sense of presence that was kind of required for the First Lady. She was more like arm candy for the President, or at times, even an afterthought. And whenever she did make a public appearance or a speech, some type of antipathy made that special moment come crashing down in flames (remember her “I don’t care” jacket after she visited refugee children in a Texas detention camp?).

If there was one person who new Melania Trump best before the 2016 election was Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a successful New York-based consultant and specialist in event production, branding and strategic partnerships, who was best friends with her for 15 years. Following Trump’s victory, Melania asked her friend to work as the producer of the 58th presidential inauguration festivities, and then later as her special adviser, with her focus on the First Lady’s initiative that would end up as the abortive “Be Best” initiative to combat bullying amongst children.Wolkoff accepted both jobs, and when you read her memoir Melania and Me, her story will lead to the conclusion that those were two of the biggest mistakes of her life.

The book is a very candid, exclusive behindthe-scenes look at how the Trump White House functioned from the First Lady’s perspective. Wolkoff performed these two jobs with a great deal of energy, dedication, enthusiasm and gusto with one goal in mind, to benefit her friend the First Lady and make sure

Investing in your health

By Joanna Wright Montreal Times

oon after my father’s death, my family began the arduous task of sorting through his financial affairs. While doing so, we discovered that he had left us with a generous amount of money through his life insurance plan. Through my grief, something kept making me shake my head, as I rolled those two little words around in my brain. Life insurance? How ironic.

He was dead. There was no insurance of “life” for my father in this long term investment. The only thing that was certain is that he wouldn’t be the one reaping the benefits.

Then a strange emotion began to emerge.

Regret. Why hadn’t he invested in his health with this money while he was still alive? Perhaps we could have enjoyed a few more good years to share together? Did he really think I’d rather have this money than have him here beside me?

I recount this story often to groups of seniors who fail to see the importance of investing in their health.

S

Whether it be a personal fitness trainer, a recumbent exercise bike or a gym membership, I explain to them that, in the end, we will all pay for our health in one way or another. But being proactive and staying healthy is much cheaper in the long run and much more fun.

Consider the statistics. As a senior, if you are no longer able to live independently, the average cost of an assisted care living facility is approximately $1800 to $5000 a month.

Most seniors who find themselves in this predicament can no longer perform the basic tasks of taking care of themselves due to weak muscles, low energy endurance, arthritic bones, or balance issues. In contrast, a good treadmill might set you back $1000. A qualified trainer $65 an hour. A gym membership $100 a month.

There is no comparison.

As a trainer who specializes in working with seniors, I have perfected the fine art of targeting the exact exercise movements that will give my clients the tools to stay afloat. I once trained a 90 year old woman in her own

condo until she ultimately had to accept the fact that she needed more care. She lamented to me, “I guess I failed.”. On the contrary. She had worked hard to give herself 4 more years of living HER way. Sleeping when she wanted, eating what she wanted, DOING what she wanted. I call that a success.

Looking back, I wish my father had invested not for us...but for him.

I miss him. He crossed his fingers and hoped for good health while diligently planning financially for his demise.

I can’t help my dad anymore. But my passion and my goal as an older adult fitness trainer is to motivate, educate and guide other seniors to invest in their health today, so that their families are able to love them for as long as possible!

Joanne Wright is the co owner of Age in Motion, In Home Fitness and Mobility services

she looked good in the eyes of the American people.

At first, strangely enough, you feel some sympathy towards Melania, especially during her first weeks in the White House. Basically, both she and Wolkoff faced a lot of distancing and stonewalling from the growing number of Trump loyalists who were occupying jobs in the West Wing, and hobbled her efforts to get her office equipped, get a staff hired and paid, and to get her initiative off the ground.

That sentiment changes when you get to the second half of the book. It’s almost like Melania drank the White House kool aid, when she listened to those same West Wing staffers and practically threw Wolkoff under the bus when the New York Times wrote a piece which stated that the White House allegedly paid Wolkoff’s company a sum of $26 million to plan the inauguration celebrations (which Wolkoff adamantly fought to prove these accusations were untrue, especially due to the fact that she had a contract for “voluntary services” that didn’t pay her a cent for all of the work she did on that project, especially in light of the sacrifices she made to her livelihood, her business, her family and her health).

After all that stress and heartache, it prompted Wolkoff to write towards the end of the book: “I’d been there for her. Whatever she asked for, whatever she needed, I supplied.

The one time I asked for a precious thing – for her to speak the truth – she left my corner, leaving me bleeding in the ring.

When it really counted, Melania wasn’t there for me. She wasn’t really my friend. In fact, I wish I had never met her.”

Melania and Me is a fascinating – and frustrating – read. Although on the surface, it’s the story of a long friendship that went south, the book shows the ugly side of the egos, undermining and backstabbing that goes on within the corridors of the White House, and how not to be a First Lady. To loosely paraphrase 1988 Democratic Party Vice Presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen, Melania Trump is no Jackie Kennedy.

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October 24, 2020 •

Emu Against Maskne

By Martha Shannon mtltimes.ca

The light warned yellow. Our traffic lanes obediently cruised to a stop and I did a double take at my neighbouring Masked Rider. “Do we have to wear a mask while driving?” I thought.

Some people are wearing masks 8-10 hours a day. Mandatory or choice.

Mask wearing is both a new psychology and physiology. We have a recent addition to the urban dictionary: MASKNE: the skin irritation resulting from having to wear a mask for long stretches.

Sore pressure ulcers or rashes can be caused by the tightly sealed ‘small particle’ prohibitor N95. Less irritating is the ‘droplet protecting’ surgical mask, but redness and acne can surface bigtime. The normal cloth masks are also causing issues.

Fight this masked

• October 24, 2020

contender with the best skin nutrition possible: Real soaps Apple cider vinegar wash Non-alcohol toner Unrefined emu oil.

The best defense.

For vegans: pure argan Beware of what is out there and what may be recommended for maskne.eg. Commercial soaps, washes and gels contain alcohol and formaldehyde plus. Not good for the skin at any time, but mask wearing tires and worsens the skin. Especially acne and rosacea prone.

Toners and astringents that contain alcohol are mega drying and further aggravate maskne. Sadly, many recommended products often contain harmful ingredients like salicylic acid. I came across one recommendation that included: petrolatum, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ceteareth-20, PEG-30 stearate, sorbic acid and more.

I can’t imagine putting this ointment onto any skin ever, but maskned skin? Ceteareth-20, for example should definitely NOT be used on damaged skin. Petroleum, although deemed ‘safe’ by itself, is actually quite contaminated, thus toxic. The other listed ingredients don’t get any better.

What to do?

• makes sense to wash your mask often Rid the fabric of the skin’s oils, germs, balms, creams, makeup.

• the only way to go is pure soap You will feel the difference right away. Avoid the detergent commercial bars. Avoid washes and gels. The ‘all natural’ claim is often very deceptive.

Any fragrance or alcohol should be listed. If you see it, avoid the product. Our all natural soaps and shampoo bars will keep the skin clean and fed well with good nutrition.

• your skin is happy when its PH is normal -Breathing and talking into a mask increases

moisture that alters the skin’s PH resulting in increased bacteria growth causing maskne.After cleansing with our shampoo bar, I squirt our Apple cider vinegar rinse not only on the scalp but also face at least 2-3 times a week. You can make your own acv mix of 1:3 or 1:4 organic acv to water.

-An alcohol-free toner also maintains a normal PH. Use before, during and after wear-

www.mtltimes.ca

ing the mask. When you take a mask break at work, spritz your face. You will be refreshed and normalize the skin’s PH. Our Facial Toner contains Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) which aids in the production of proteins to help retain water in the skin and help reduce any maskne causing oils.

• Moisturize only with pure GOOD oils or chemical free creams.

The best is Unrefined

Emu Oil. It is masterful.

Do not be frightened of the word oil. A good oil DOES NOT CLOG nor does it cause skin problems. The opposite happens. The skin is revitalized. Alternatives to oil are face creams, made from scratch, NOT from purchased commercial bases. Emu, argan and tamanu will do the trick.

We offer good heathy products to help you. Wash with the soap. Rise and spritz with the toner.

Apply the emu oil. Emu Oil is a major player.

The name Maskne is new. The nutrition is not.

We stand behind our products. We give great customer service.Visit us at natural.ca. Subscribe to our newsletter. Please take note of our opening hours: ‘La Boutique Earth to Body’, 89 Lucerne, Pointe Claire, QC H9R 2V1) Email info@natural.ca Store:Tues,Wed, Thurs: 10-4

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