“The Trudeau led government has held true to their commitment to bring in millions of immigrants in a short span of time. Housing policy is draining the income of Canadians, and political debates do not provide any real answers towards understanding what is going on in the country....”
Reminding us all that no matter the timing, no matter the challenge, we have the strength to create
“I have seen too many answered prayers to not believe.”
Starting a new chapter in life is never easy, especially when you are stepping into the world of design—a world full of creativity, but also challenges. For some, this journey begins early. For others, like her, it started later. In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of fashion and design, getting started can feel overwhelming. The economy, the competition, and the fear of failure are enough to make anyone secondguess themselves. This edition’s Woman Empowered knew that fear was not the answer.
Every line she drew, every idea she nurtured, reminded her of the reason she started this journey: words. Words of encouragement, of empowerment, of resilience. It was those very words that motivated her to create something bigger than herself, a brand dedicated to lifting others up.
Our Woman Empowered did not let the challenges scare her away. Instead, she embraced them, using the obstacles as fuel to light her path. She realized that the creative process, while daunting, was also her way of giving back. Her designs would not only be fashion—they would be a movement.
In a world that often tells us it is too late, that the odds are stacked against us, she proved that it’s never too late to follow your passion. She turned her dream into reality, and with every design, she sends a message of empowerment to others.
“I’m kinda a big deal.”
“Basic, but cooler than you.”
“Eew, cringe!”
“Main character energy.”
Ohhh So Swag was founded in 2023 as a daring departure from a law career into the world of creativity and expressive streetwear. While the main focus is streetwear, they also offer home decor featuring bold patterns and graphics. Inspired by playful swag energy, faith, music, and the vibrant culture of hip hop and graffiti, their brand promotes self-confidence and authentic self-expression. Ohhh So Swag is more than clothing—it’s a movement of unapologetic yet laid-back confidence, embodied through fun and bold statements, graphics, and patterns. Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario Sancia Thompson grew up with her four siblings. “If I had to do my childhood again, I would. I would be considered very nostalgic. My parents
did a great job of raising us. I feel blessed that I had the childhood that I had. It was not perfect, but I would not do anything different.”
“I grew up watching Much Music. I was a HUGE Much Music fan. Music videos were part of my growing up. In the 80’s it was pop, and reggae at home, and in the 90’s it was about hiphop imagery, and most of it was graffiti. I loved the way it looked. Seeing it in the music videos was huge, and really is the foundation of Ohh So Swag. I wanted to infuse all of that into my designs. It was big, bold, beautiful, eye-catching.”
Sancia shared with me that she has struggled at times with self-esteem and imposter syndrome.
“I would feel inadequate about what I brought to the table. I have learned to look back at previous accomplishments and use affirmations to remind me. I have a bracelet that says, ‘Believe in yourself.’ It is a reminder about who I am.”
“My line is about reminding people that they are dope. I have a new collection that promotes self-esteem, and some of it is tongue and cheek, but it is supposed to be hype. I see them as hype pieces. People like to wear clothes that they feel good in.”
“How do you mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the creative process? Do you have any rituals or practices to tap into your most authentic self during the design phase,” I inquired?
“Prayer and self-talk are what I use most,” Sancia explained. “I remind myself that I cannot accomplish anything if I don’t do it. I think about my desire to continue to create. My faith is what keeps me going. Don’t get it twisted though; I have moments when I question myself.”
“In what ways does your personal identity intersect with the designs you create? Do you feel a tension between your personal identity and the expectations of the fashion industry?”
“It is largely intertwined. There is tension designing for yourself and for other people. I am attached to everything that I create. I will not put something out that I would not wear. My own personal taste reflects my artistic designs. I don’t wear a lot of colour, but I love to see colour on other people.”
“How has your definition of success in fashion evolved over time? Do you find yourself chasing external validation, or has your concept of success become more internalized?”
“I utilize both external and internal to describe my success. I was not thinking about
this two years ago, the fact that I continue to learn, and continue to grow this is success to me. I have a strong desire to build this into something big.”
“When I quit my job, I know people must have been, what are you doing? I was making great money at the law firm I was working at. Why would I quit? It was my faith and my desire to live creatively, I always wanted a career that was rooted in creativity, and I had ended up doing something that was completely analytical. I received signs from God, and my desire to take a leap of faith kept growing and growing. It was a scary leap, but I knew I was going to do the work. It was not a get rich quick scheme.”
“It is continuing and pushing through when I was exhausted and doing it without knowing for sure what it would become, and seeing if it would look like I wanted it to look at the end. For me, it is all about authentic self-expression. You see a lot of brands with similar work, but I want the message to resonate with my clients. I want it to authentically resonate with them, even with my tongue and cheek designs.”
Support African-Caribbean designers like Sancia by making a bold statement with your fashion choices! Start by visiting Ohhh So Swag’s website https://ohhhsoswagdesigns. com/ and grab some cool tee shirts and crewneck sweatshirts, perfect for: the gym, back to school, or just lounging at home. Say It With Your Chest and express yourself with style. Elevate your phone game with their MagSafe compatible phone cases for the iPhone 14, 15, or 16— protect your device while turning heads. Don’t forget to make your gifts extra special with personalized options.
Her journey may have started later than most, but it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and heart. She reminds us all that no matter the timing, no matter the challenge, we have the strength to create: something beautiful, something meaningful, something that empowers. Let’s continue to cel-
Elegant music plays softly throughout the lavish ballroom, tropical florals accenting the tables. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow as guests, dressed in glamorous evening attire, make their way through the grand entrance.
Prepare for a night like no other, a celebration of unity, excellence, and culture. Welcome The Caribbean Children Foundation’s 24th Anniversary Angel Gala on Saturday November 9th, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Woodbine Banquet Hall 30 Vice Regent Blvd, Etobicoke, ON). This gala is more than just an event; it’s a moment of recognition and empowerment for the Caribbean community. A place where philanthropy and community come together in style.
Expect to mingle with: leaders, influencers, and changemakers from across the Caribbean diaspora, all gathered under one roof to assist children in need from the Caribbean, suffering from life-threatening ailments for which no treatment is available in their country. As you can see, it’s not just about glitz and
glam. This gala is a platform to support and give back. Proceeds from the night’s event will fund health services that directly impact Caribbean families and youth. Through solidarity, we continue to break barriers and build a stronger, thriving Caribbean community.
The Caribbean, a region renowned for its beauty, is also home to countless children facing immense challenges. Among these are debilitating spinal deformities and congenital heart disease conditions that often go untreated due to limited or nonexistent medical resources. These children, their families, and their communities suffer immeasurable physical, mental, emotional, and financial burdens. The prospect of a life marred by pain and disability is a heartbreaking reality for many.
To address this urgent need, TCCF has partnered with local healthcare providers to build capacity and ensure that these children receive the critical care they deserve. Through their efforts, they have been able to transform the lives of Caribbean teens suffering from severe spinal deformities. By providing access to specialized spine care in Canada, they have not only alleviated their physical suffering but have also given them hope for a brighter future. TCCF’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children extends beyond the immediate relief they provide; it is a testament to our belief in the power of com-
passion, and the transformative impact of quality healthcare.
“We are excited that our final event for 2024 will be on November 9th, and we are proud to say that we have been able to treat 24 children in Guyana from April 2024 to August 2024. TCCF so far assisted 411 children up to date,” shared Jankie Dolaram, Vice President at The Caribbean Children Foundation.
Together, SpineHope and The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) have been able to change the lives of Caribbean children. “TCCF has gone above and beyond, and we admire their commitment to saving children’s lives! SpineHope is grateful for TCCF’s continued support, participation and generosity. We hope we can further our work together and, in the coming years, help more children in Guyana and the Caribbean who are in need of spine treatment,” shared Dawn Deakin (Executive Director, SpineHope)
At The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF), your donation makes a world of difference. By partnering with them, your organization sends a powerful message — you’re leading the charge in improving and even saving the lives of children. In recognition of your generous support, TCCF will proudly showcase your organization’s name and logo in our Anniversary Booklet/Magazine and on our website.
There are multiple opportunities
to get involved, including sponsoring our annual events in Toronto and the GTA. With sponsorship levels ranging from Bronze to Signature, starting at just $500 and going up to over $5,000, there’s an option to fit every organization looking to invest in our Angel Kids. Depending on the level you choose, your sponsorship may include direct participation at our events or have your company’s logo featured on promotional materials like: brochures, event flyers, tickets, and their website.
They are inviting you to explore their corporate package and PowerPoint presentation at www.tccfangels.com, where you can also browse the Angel Kids gallery and learn more about their mission.
Looking for fundraising ideas?
Consider donating in lieu of gifts for employees, customers, or suppliers, or hosting a charity sports tournament, engaging your network to support your fundraising campaign for the Angels. Additionally, through employee giving programs, the CRA allows companies to redirect charitable funds through payroll notifications.
Join us today in making an impact and be recognized as a leader in supporting children in need. Visit www. tccfangels.com to learn more. Don’t forget to secure your tickets by calling Vic 647-280-6712 or Jay 416-418-2745.
Sex! Did I get your attention! Events like Taboo Toronto are crucial for fostering open conversations about sexuality
“Intro to Non-Monogamy,” “Clowning Around in the Bedroom (making relationships and sex fun/entertaining),” “Intro to Non-Monogamy,” “Your First Visit to a Sex Club…”
These titles are either making you as a reader very curious, or very uncomfortable, and trust me I get it.
This week, I am going to speak on a topic that remains shrouded in silence for many of us: sex. For countless individuals, sex is considered an off-limits subject, especially in the African-Caribbean community. This is often rooted in: personal experiences, societal norms, and even our religious beliefs, which may dictate that sex is only for procreation.
Here is the truth: for many, these views create a cloud of shame around the topic of sex. For some, it is seen as an immoral act, something to be avoided, or whispered about in hushed tones. Yet, for others (like myself), sex represents a vital aspect of human expression, an exploration of our: passions, desires, and connections with others.
That is why this past weekend, from October 18th to October 20th, 2024, I made my way down to Taboo Toronto, who opened their doors to those free spirits who celebrate sexuality in all its forms. This upscale adult playground was a safe haven for individuals to explore their desires without judgment, and the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was there to be part of it all.
At Taboo, the atmosphere was alive with energy, encouraging romance, wellness, and everything deemed ‘taboo.’ Attendees were able to: attend workshops, discover new lifestyles, and connect with like-minded individuals who embrace the joy of sexual exploration.
Taboo offered a dynamic celebration for the sexually expressive, with exciting giveaways from Naughty Se -
crets. Relationship expert Evguenia from Unleash Synergy shared seven powerful tips to spice up intimacy, while Den Temin guided attendees through “Psychedelics & Sexuality: A Journey to Authentic Connection.”
Jillian Wisborg presented “Firm & Fabulous,” offering natural ways to enhance bust size, and taught couples and singles to cultivate endurance, connection, and passion with aphrodisiacs.
From Sarah Campbell’s discussion on low libido to quantum relationship insights with Veronika Starr, there was something for everyone. Guests had the chance to: explore toys, cam model success, the science of pleasure, and transforming sexual experiences with mindfulness.
Dr. Shawn Seit highlighted the latest trends in hormone and peptide optimization, while touch-free orgasms, performance anxiety, and even live minireadings added to this weekend of discovery and fun.
Events like Taboo Toronto are crucial for fostering open conversations about sexuality. They challenge the stigma that surrounds this fundamental aspect of life, reminding us that sexual expression can be a beautiful and empowering experience. So, let’s continue to break down the barriers that silence us. Let’s redefine the conversation around sex—acknowledging both its complexities and its beauty. After all, embracing our desires can lead to greater self-acceptance and connection with others. Together, we can create a more open and inclusive dialogue about something that affects us all.
Big shoutout to all the incredible sponsors who made Taboo Toronto Weekend unforgettable! Huge thanks to LoyalFans, Chaturbate, Naughty Secrets, Filthy Treasures, Little Fish, Bondage Play Boutique, Naked News, CAM4, Tempted, Big Fish, Desire, Multicam Queen, and Temptation for their amazing support! You brought the energy, excitement, and entertainment that made the event a massive success.
I am curious. Caribbean community; would you be interested in having an event like this? Are we able to move past our views on sexuality? I would love to hear from you.
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
For the last few decades, and definitely the last few years, the global stage has been filled with a consistent chorus of concern from world governments about climate change and environmental preservation. Yet, beneath this façade of unity, a darker truth often lurks: many nations have long been aware of the detrimental effects of certain practices on both the environment and human health.
Driven by economic interests, governments have often chosen to suppress, or downplay this knowledge, leading to decades of harm. A stark example is the case of DDT, a pesticide once hailed as a miracle chemical, only to be later revealed as a deadly threat to both wildlife and human health.
I received an email from a concerned group of Canadians that call for an immediate and nationwide ban on the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, posing significant health and environmental risks that have been increasingly documented in recent years.
Glyphosate is an herbicide used to control weeds and grasses. It is the active ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup and other similar products. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. This means that it is not selective in the types of plants it kills; it can kill all plants it comes into contact with. Glyphosate works not by “poisoning” a plant but by preventing it from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in Canada and plays an important weed management role in agriculture and non-agricultural land management. Products containing glyphosate are used to con -
There are many organizations that are involved in bringing awareness of the issue of breast cancer as it impacts the lives of many women and men from diverse: backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures. The fact that October is celebrated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is meant to draw attention to the important issue of breast cancer.
According to a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, from the Public Health Agency of Canada it is a period when we come together to support and honor those impacted by this disease. It mentioned further that breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women living in Canada. One
trol weeds including invasive weeds, and toxic plants such as poison ivy. Glyphosate is also classified as a systemic herbicide. This means that it is absorbed by the plant rather than just sticking to it like some potentially toxic agents used in the past, such as DDT.
Although the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA), and other international health authorities regard glyphosate weed killers as safe when used as directed, the International Agency on the Research for Cancer (IARC) has listed it as a “possible carcinogen” (cancer-causing agent).
The IARC also cited a possible link in humans wherein long-term, high-level exposure to glyphosate may increase the risk of a blood cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Even so, the agency concluded that the evidence was “limited.”
During a re-evaluation, in 2017 Health Canada assessed the potential human health risk of glyphosate from: drinking water, food, occupational and bystander exposure, as well as the environmental risk to non-target organisms. The dietary exposure assessment determined that the levels found in food would not be a health risk to Canadians.
Health Canada granted continued registration of products containing glyphosate for sale and use in Canada, with changes to product labels to provide Canadians with additional information on how to use these products safely. Despite all of this, there are some concerns that we need to be aware of, and I am going to bring all of this to light in this article.
Public health concerns:
Recent studies have reinforced the significant health risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Research from Boise State University has linked glyphosate exposure in pregnant women to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and a heightened risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) continues to classify glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Another study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation has shown that glyphosate
can penetrate the brain, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.
The UC Berkeley School of Public Health has revealed that childhood exposure to glyphosate is associated with liver inflammation and metabolic disorders in early adulthood, potentially leading to severe conditions such as: liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These findings are particularly concerning given the widespread presence of glyphosate in the environment and its detection in human urine samples.
Environmental impact:
Glyphosate’s environmental impact is profound and multifaceted. Its pervasive use has led to contamination of water sources and soil, disrupting ecosystems, and harming non-target plant species. The herbicide’s presence in the environment has contributed to the decline of beneficial: insects, birds, and aquatic life. Moreover, glyphosate-resistant weeds have emerged, necessitating the use of even more toxic chemicals and creating a cycle of dependency that further degrades the environment .
Biodiversity threats:
The decline in biodiversity due to glyphosate use is alarming. Monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are particularly vulnerable to glyphosate exposure, threatening their populations and the critical ecological services they provide. Protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food security.
Alternatives and sustainable practices:
There are viable alternatives to glyphosate that are less harmful and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Integrated pest management (IPM), organic farming, and mechanical weed control methods can effectively manage weeds without compromising human health or the environment. Encouraging and supporting these practices will lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for Canada.
Legal cases and settlements:
The legal landscape surrounding glyphosate underscores its dangers and the failures of its manufacturers to adequately warn users. As of 2024, a major corporate company faces over 160,000 lawsuits alleging that exposure to glyphosate-based products caused cancer and other health issues. Significant verdicts include a $2.25 billion award in Pennsylvania for a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using glyphosate-based products for 20 years.
The persistence of these lawsuits and the substantial settlements reached highlight the severity of the issue. Billions of dollars have been ordered to be paid in damages, reflecting the courts’ recognition of the herbicide’s harmful effects and the company’s negligence.
Environmental impact:
Glyphosate’s detrimental impact on the environment cannot be overstated. It threatens biodiversity by harming non-target species, including beneficial insects and aquatic life. Glyphosate residues in soil and water disrupt ecosystems, contributing to the decline of pollinators essential for food production.
Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate’s health and environmental risks, Canadian communities are urging the Government of Canada to act decisively. A nationwide ban on glyphosate is a necessary step to protect public health and preserve our environment for future generations. We call on the government to prioritize the safety of Canadians and the health of our ecosystems by enacting this ban immediately.
Considering these significant concerns, we urge the Government of Canada to take immediate action to protect its citizens and environment by implementing a nationwide ban on glyphosate. By doing so, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to: climate change, public health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. We trust that our government will prioritize the well-being of its people and the environment over the interests of chemical manufacturers.
in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
A new fitness studio, Mrose Health and Fitness Studio located at 5 Rogers Road in the Oakwood-Vaughan area organized the 3rd Rose Walk to support breast cancer survivors and patients planned for Sunday, October 27th, 2024.
The fitness studio was launched by Tashawna Higgins and is named after her late grandmother and mother. She is a former professional basketball player. The names of the individuals who are involved in the fitness studio are: Obed Cetoute (former professional football player in the Canadian football League), Allana Arundell (former basketball player) and Lydia Cuff (former athlete and personal trainer).
According to their website, the studio offers a range of services such as:
1 on 1 Personal Training
1-on-1 fitness training offers personalized attention and guidance
Partner & Group Training
Experience the power of teamwork and shared motivation with our partner training program
Youth Mentoring & Training
Guidance and support to empower young individuals, helping them develop essential life skills and healthy lifestyles
Nutritional Coaching
Nutritional coaching program provides personalized guidance and expertise allowing individuals to make informed dietary choices
FST- Fascial Stretch Therapy
Personalized sessions to improve flexibility, relieve pain and enhance overall mobility, allowing individuals to move with ease and efficiency
Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunities for the Province of Ontario, announced on her Facebook page the lowering of the age of self-referral from 50 to 40 for mammograms without a referral from a primary care provider. She wrote, “Women over the age of 40 can self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program (OBSD). Of the one million women between the ages of 4049 that are now eligible for mammograms,
it is estimated that an additional 305,000 will self-refer. As part of your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is connecting more people to the services they need when they need them. Our government is connecting more women to life saving breast cancer screening.”
I spoke to Tashawna on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, and she is excited about the 3rd Rose Walk. She believes in the importance of actively supporting cancer survivors and increasing awareness. The walk will commence at 9:30 am at 5 Rogers Road. Anyone who is interested in more information can email: info@mrosehealthandfitness.com, or check social media for additional details about Mrose Health and Fitness Studio at:
Website: Mrosehealthandfitness.com
Facebook: Rose Health and Fitness
Instagram: @mrosehealthandfitness
Anyone interested in learning about the initiatives by the Ontario government can check www.ontario.ca/page/cancer-prevention-and-care
“You are not fooling anyone; I know you used ChatGPT!”
TC REPORTER
I must admit, I knew that when ChatGPT was introduced to the world in late 2022, the way we interact with text would change, and I was not impressed with it at all. I knew that I could no longer trust everything I read. I would always have to question, “Was this even written by humans?” “How can we be sure that what we’re reading is the product of human thought and not simply words strung together by an algorithm?”
You can ask AI programs like ChatGPT to write something—anything—and with -
paul@carib101.com
in seconds, it delivers. For many people, this is troubling. Most people I speak with will share their unease about artificial intelligence, with a common sentiment that people don’t want what they consume to be “thoughtlessly” generated by machines. Yet, despite the side eye, AI has quickly been adopted by many for its ability to generate realistic text—sometimes for the better, but often in ways that raise ethical concerns.
So, how do these AI systems work? I am sure that many of you have been hearing this term, large language models (LLMs), which are deep-learning algorithms trained on massive data sets, specifically sets of text. When you ask ChatGPT to write something, it doesn’t “think” in the way you think it does, but rather, it breaks down the question, identifies key elements, and predicts the most appropriate sequence of words to respond, based on its understanding of word relationships. The more powerful the model is, the better it is at understanding context and providing responses that feel natural.
Yes, these models have become
more sophisticated, but as an editor and writer, I can share tell-tale signs of AI-generated text. Some systems use custom instructions to refine responses and mask the artificial nature of the text, but no matter how advanced the AI, its responses are ultimately shaped by its training. This means there are often patterns, or nuances that reveal the origin of the text as being from a machine, not the spectacular human mind.
Chatbots have been trained to look for the relationships between words, and they tend to use certain words and phrases more often than a person would. There is no specific list of words and phrases that serve as red flags, but I have used ChatGPT enough that I have started to pick up on them. I am going to share some of them with you, and hopefully at the end of this, my fellow writers and readers can share some of your observations with me.
ChatGPT frequently uses the word “delve,” especially during transitions in writing. (e.g., “Let’s delve into its meaning.”) Similarly, you may see repeated uses of words like: “emerge,” “relentless,” and “groundbreaking.”
In particular, when ChatGPT is describing a collection of something, it will often call it a “mosaic” or a “tapestry.” (e.g. “Trinidad’s cultural landscape is a vibrant mosaic.”)
The city it’s writing about is often “integral,” “vibrant,” and a “cornerstone” of the country it’s in. Also, if I see the word “beacon” one more time, I think I am going to lose my mind.
As technology continues to evolve, so are the tools designed to detect it. AI detectors like ZeroGPT are becoming increasingly sophisticated, capable of identifying patterns and styles that suggest human, or AI authorship. This means that it’s more important than ever to be transparent about your use of AI, and to develop skills that distinguish your unique voice from machine-generated content
The rise of large language models in writing has me thinking more critically about what we are consuming as a society. As AI continues to evolve, so must our ability to discern between human creativity and machine-generated content.
Why is Premier Ford not expressing outrage about the ongoing poisoning of Grassy Narrows
vocate states, “Our people have been trying to protect this land for so long. We’re fighting this big fight…we need solidarity…our voices are small but when people stand with us, it becomes powerful.”
There are three specific demands on Ontario and Canada which include:
• Compensate everyone in Grassy Narrows for the mercury crisis.
sponse to these demands. No investigation was launched, and no action was taken to stop the release of dangerous chemicals into our life-giving river. When Ford did speak, a week later, he ignored our demands and mischaracterized what took place at our event.”
The sight of about 8,000 marchers, demonstrators, supporters, union activists and others on the streets of Toronto was a sight to behold. They gathered on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, for the Grassy Narrows River Run. There has been much planning and preparation for this historic event.
The website states, “We invite you to walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members in Toronto, to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom. Grassy Narrows people are powerful leaders in the movement for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice. They have shown that together we can fight for justice against all odds and make real gains. So much is still needed to right the wrong of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.”
The Grassy Narrows Action Toolkit revealed that there has been utilized digital tools such as the petition to: Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, petition to Ontario Premier, Doug Ford and letter to editor to bring attention to this state of emergency. Judy Da Silva, Grassy Narrows mother, grandmother and Indigenous Rights and Ecological Justice Ad-
• Respect the Grassy Narrows Indigenous Protected Area (end mining and logging plans in Grassy Narrows territory and keep nuclear waste out of the watershed.
• Support Grassy Narrows in restoring their community and way of life from the damage that mercury has done.
On Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, a statement was released by Chief Turtle regarding the lack of response from Premier Ford regarding the demands that the people of Grassy Narrows have expressed as they deal with the poisoning of their water. The mercury poisoning from the Dryden Pulp Mill has resulted in serious: chemical, biological, and medical effects on many affected communities. Chief Turtle states, “We were there to demand that Premier Ford stop the Dryden Pulp Mill from releasing chemicals that poison Grassy Narrows people, including our babies and children. This extremely important event was one of the largest ever for Indigenous justice in Toronto.”
Chief Turtle is particularly concerned about the lack of response from the provincial government to the urgent issues of the Grassy Narrows community. Chief Turtle elaborates, “Premier Ford has been utterly silent in re -
There has been documentation from an academic researcher which shows that mill effluent from the Dryden Pulp Mill is making the problem worse as it amplifies the chemical process that transformed old mercury from the Grassy Narrows’ Wabigoon River into methyl mercury, which is even more harmful. Through bio amplification and bio accumulation there is a 200 % increase in the amount of mercury poison that ends up in the fish that is consumed.
Chief Turtle is particularly concerned that the fact that the Ontario government has given the Dryden mill an Environmental Compliance Approval it will continue to discard harmful effluent into the river. It is troubling that, “Ontario places no limit on how much of the chemicals that compound the mercury problem can be released, and no requirement for monitoring or reporting on these specific dangerous chemicals?”
Chief Turtle belongs to the Anishinaabe Nation, and fish play an integral role in their lifestyle and livelihood. The fact that the mercury levels have stayed high since the 1980s have prevented many of the inhabitants from depending on it for food and being able to sell it. Chief Turtle posed an important question, “What has the Ford government done to stop the harm from Dryden mill effluent since scientists raised the alarm four months ago? The simple answer is nothing.”
Chief Turtle mentioned some of the documented impacts of mercury poisoning in
Grassy Narrows. They include: Premature death
• Neurological degeneration
• Disease
• Poverty
• Food insecurity
• Loss of culture
The youth of Grassy Narrows are further impacted due to increasing suicidality and conditions that impact learning. Chief Turtle notes further, “In spite of these extreme challenges, the youth of Grassy Narrows traveled 1,900 km last week to Toronto to raise their voices and to demand justice; their courage and perseverance is an inspiration. Their story is something that everyone in Canada has a duty to hear and learn from.”
Chief Turtle’s message is direct and specific. He states, “Premier Ford, stop the Dryden mill from harming my people and compensate us fairly.” He concludes his statement with these questions:
• Why is Premier Ford not protecting the children of Grassy Narrows?
• Why is Premier Ford not expressing outrage about the ongoing poisoning of Grassy Narrows allowed by his government? Grassy Narrows people believe it is because we are Indigenous.
• How else can you explain Ford’s callous silence and inaction in the face of our extreme suffering and ongoing harm?
• In light of September 30th,” when will our children matter to this government?
Anyone interested in learning about Grassy Narrows can check: www.FreeGrassy.net
BY ADRIAN REECE TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER
At some point Toronto was a city that people enjoyed living in. Recent political leadership at every level of government has caused citizens to consider moving out of the country as a whole. The high cost of living, coupled with the difficulty affording housing, and remote work becoming more regular has made the rest of the world seem much more appealing for Canadians as a whole.
Many countries are offering travel perks and visas to travelers in the west, to encourage them to visit, or to even move into their countries. Costa Rica, Japan, and France currently have travel perks and have opened their borders to make it easier to enter. Specifically for Canadians and even more specifically Torontonians who work remotely, are looking to countries and cities with lower costs of living. The Canadian dollar goes far in other parts of the world.
We owe the struggling economy to a few factors. Political leadership has greatly impacted the state of Canada, immigration policies that have changed over the years have caused stress on Canadian citizens.
In 2023, the federal government released its new Immigration Levels Plan to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. This announcement came on the heels of an Environics public opinion survey revealing a significant increase in the number
Is
of Canadians who believe the country accepts too many immigrants. That marks a dramatic reversal from a year ago, when support for immigration levels stood at an all-time high.
The Trudeau led government has held true to their commitment to bring in millions of immigrants in a short span of time. Housing policy is draining the income of Canadians, and political debates do not provide any real answers towards understanding what is going on in the country. Consistent political scandals regarding Trudeau overspending, and not adhering to budgets, and using money that was originally allocated for certain things. Trudeau was audited and it was found that $123 million was given to ineligible businesses, or projects that should have never been awarded at all. This is one in a long list of Trudeau scandals that have been a part of Canada political identity for the last nine years.
Trudeau’s government has even siphoned off funds to their personal businesses, after audits by the auditor general, we have seen too many inconsistencies with the funding of the Trudeau government in misusing funds as well as money disappearing into places that it should not be going.
In June of this year, the auditor general (AG) released two reports about: improper contracting practices, conflict of interest, and funding provided for ineligible projects. What these reports brought to light is an unpleasant reality; politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa do not always
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Is Canada’s Wonderland participating in the racial profiling of young black men too? Try asking this question to Keishia Facey and the answer would be a noholds-barred YES, and I shall explain why as we progress in this article.
Imagine you are the mother of a sixteen-year-old son who happens to be Black. Imagine sending your son off by Uber to enjoy himself at Canada’s Wonderland, but when he gets there, he is refused entry.
N (as I would call him) was told that he fits the profile of someone who was not welcomed at the amusement park and that was it, case closed and if he persisted, he was told they would call the police on him. As we shall find out later, N and his mother decided to show his ID as evidence that he was not there before, but that was ignored, and he was left outside the amusement park. Imagine that!
Readers, your next question would be why, or what happened? Let us keep imagining things for now. Remember this young man was put in a cab by his mother, so naturally when he was refused entry at the Vaughan amusement park on
act in the best interest of Canadians. According to the first AG report, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the federal agency responsible for funding green technology projects, demonstrated “significant lapses… in governance and stewardship of public funds.” Nearly 20% of the SDTC projects examined by the AG were in fact ineligible (based on the government’s own rules) for funding, with a total price tag of $59 million. There were also 90 instances where the SDTC ignored conflict of interest provisions while awarding $76 million to various projects. Indeed, the AG found 63 cases where SDTC agency directors voted in favour of payments to companies in which they had declared interest.
The second AG report focused on 97 contracts totaling $209 million awarded by the federal government to the McKinsey & Company consulting firm from 2011 to 2023. According to the AG, the government demonstrated “frequent disregard for procurement policies and guidance and that contracting practices often did not demonstrate value for money.” About 70% of these contracts were awarded non-competitively, meaning no other companies were permitted to bid on the contracts. Interesting!
These findings also follow an earlier report in February that found the federal government “repeatedly failed to follow good management practices in the: contracting, development, and implementation” of the ArriveCAN mobile app, which cost Canadian taxpayers at least
$59.5 million.
Is there a correlation between the rising economic costs, and the siphoning of funds to other sources in Canada? Potentially, it will take a lot more investigation to confirm if that is really the case. However, Canadians can see that there has been a drastic change in the economy since the Trudeau government has come into power.
For governments to work there needs to be transparency, and there has been a lack there of in regard to our political leadership in the last few years. There are too many scandals and too many mishaps with money. Too many policies that do not benefit the citizenry, and not enough effort made to rectify the sinking economy.
Canada cannot continue to stay in these dire straits, we are sinking, and leadership plays a big role in the state of the country. We won’t see changes unless we demand it, we can take a page out of France’s method of protest; other countries have set a precedent of what their expectations are, and Canadians need to do the same. They need to demand change and implement strategies to achieve it. Within acceptable methods of protest there exists a strategy and method of changing the nature of Canada’s problems, but it starts with the citizenry. Coming together is the greatest power we have, and we need to utilize it.
Wonderland participating in the racial profiling of young black men too?
September 28th, 2024 he called his mother to see if she could help clarify things.
Let’s imagine that you are the mother of this 16-year-old, you show up at this amusement park thinking this should be easy, he is going to be admitted now that you are here, what is the misunderstanding?
Picture yourselves readers as the boy’s mother trying to find out why your son was refused entry, only to be dismissed and to find out there is another group of black boys that are not wanted at the entrance either. This article will test your imagination, but you will be unpleasantly surprised.
Now picture yourself standing at the entrance of this amusement park with your son and seven, or eight other Black boys between the ages of 14-16, being refused entry into Canada’s Wonderland. Shall we imagine that all nine, or so of these little Black boys looked like someone who was denied entry previously? Shall we?
Now readers, this gets worse, try, and imagine you as N’s mother having the police called on you by Canada’s Wonderland just because you are inquiring why your son cannot enjoy an amusement park in the country where he was born. I think this imaginary horror story has run its course, and regrettably, I must inform you that all that you have read so far is not a fairy tale, but a real-life ordeal. Now let me introduce you to this real-life cast.
I had the privilege of speaking with N’s mother Mrs. Keishia Facey, Co-
founder of the REST (OR) REFORM Equity Conference which advocates for racial justice in our community.
According to Facey, Canada’s Wonderland security called the police on her and her son to inquire why he was refused entry.
Facey told me that when the officer arrived and she tried explaining what happened, Officer K. Ramos told her that, as a minority himself, he found nothing racial about this incident. “After taking what the security guards told him, he said he deemed it not racist,” Facey told me.
It is important to note here that the amusement park security called the police not to clarify things regarding her son’s refusal of entry, but to arrest her because they deemed her manner aggressive. After all, she questioned their decision.
“It just goes to show how a lot of the racist troupes against my son and myself were at play. I am a Black woman so therefore I am angry, and I am aggressive, when all I am trying to ask is what is the reason why my son is not allowed to come in,” Facey told me.
“The problem is that this is not just an individual case of my son and his friend. I am standing here with a group of Black boys who are not allowed to come in, while all these other kids are dressed the same and are allowed to go in, while there is a wall of security screening people out. That is racial profiling,” she said.
Facey told me, “Whoever they were saying my son was, they had no ID
for such a person.”
Facey believes that these security guards are not properly trained, and so, one dangerous Black boy to them means one size fits all. “That is racial profiling,” she told me.
Canada’s Wonderland Marketing Director told another news source the reason for turning back N from the amusement park was for wearing an item that concealed his identity, an act that is a violation of the park’s Code of Conduct, yet as stated earlier in this article Canada’s Wonderland downplayed the idea of an ID check from N and his mother. For the record, N’s mother called that statement by Canada’s Wonderland a lie.
In all fairness, I reached out to Canada’s Wonderland by contacting Dwayne McMulkin, the Corporate Director of Marketing and Brand Management at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which owns the theme park, to obtain their version of this tragic incident, but no one replied to me.
I asked Facey what she would like to see happen at the end of all this, she replied, “I think the security guards need to be trained, they need to know what antiBlack racism is, they need to know that no matter if they are: Brown, Indian, White, or Chinese that anti-Black racism in Canada needs to be fought against, and so they can respond differently.”
Facey said she is in conversation with York Regional Police on the matter as well.
simone@carib101.com
At the heart of the University of Windsor’s campus, centrally located in the lower level of the CAW Student Centre, lies a space dedicated to fostering: African-Caribbean excellence, academic growth, and community empowerment: The Black Scholars Institute, or BSI.
The BSI Lounge is more than just a meeting place. It is a safe and welcoming space for African/-Caribbean faculty, staff, and students—a venue that fosters not only academic engagement, but community connection. Here, important university and local events, aligned with the Institute’s mission and values, take place.
The Black Scholars Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute—a home for African-Caribbean scholars at UWindsor. It is dedicated to advancing Black excellence and liberation through scholarship, research, and community engagement. The Institute’s work enriches teaching, learning, and social justice efforts across the University, with a focus on making an impact nationally and globally.
BSI hosts a range of weekly programs that encourage meaningful dialogue and academic collaboration. Events such as “Think Tank Thursday” provide a platform for African-Caribbean faculty and students to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss relevant research and current events. For those who are deep in their academic work, “Just Write” sessions offer dedicated time for focused writing in a supportive environment. “Coffee and Convo,” a collaboration with Leddy Library, creates space to explore Black literature and hold thought-provoking discussions around important topics.
Graduate students are invited to participate in student saloons, where they present their works-in-progress in a safe, inclusive space, where they can receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty members alike. Additionally, the “Black Research Spotlight” shines a light on the groundbreaking work of African Caribbean scholars, providing them with a platform to showcase their research and innovations.
In recognition of the challenges posed by systemic anti-Black racism, the BSI offers its members a membership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, providing on-demand access to a wealth of professional development resources. This is just one of the ways BSI ensures its scholars are well-equipped to thrive and succeed in their academic careers. As a research
institute, BSI is committed to supporting Black Studies and promoting excellence in scholarships. One vital aspect of this is the awarding of grants to Black scholars. These grants are instrumental in advancing research that is often overlooked in traditional funding competitions.
While visiting the University earlier this month, I learned more about some of the challenges that have been faced in opening BSI. The establishment of this initiative was approved by the University of Windsor’s Senate on October 7th, 2022. The initiative is in alignment with the University’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter (utoronto.ca) on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. In 2023, the University of Windsor (UWindsor) announced their new academic home that would spotlight: Black excellence, scholarship, research, and community. The inaugural Black Scholars Institute (BSI) at UWindsor, was formally launched in September 2024.
Dr. Clinton Beckford, UWindsor’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, envisions that the BSI will be the institutional home for Blackness at the University. “The establishment of a Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor is ground-breaking and transformative,” he says. “It positions the University of Windsor as a post-secondary leader in intellectual thought and practice around Blackness and makes real our commitments to Black flourishing and
thriving at and beyond the institution.”
The BSI will work closely with UWindsor’s Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies Department within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Building a Black Scholars academic program represents an innovative plan of action intended to meaningfully understand UWindsor’s approach to AfricanCaribbean ways of knowing in Canadian universities. The expected output will enhance UWindsor’s research profile in Black Studies and feature scholarly work, special events, speakers’ series, mentorship, and more.
Dr. Camisha Sibblis, the Director at BSI, is hopeful that the institute will enrich the experiences of Black faculty at UWindsor. “We believe that the inclusion of Black peoples, ways of learning and knowledge systems are integral to the growth of our community. The establishment of the BSI is a crucial part of fulfilling the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement (ontario.ca) and purposefully moving the institution into the future. The Institute will enhance the University’s research profile and will also establish the University as a center of excellence in Windsor-Essex and the Detroit area - a region known for its historic importance for Black people in North America.”
Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued through scholarship, research, and community engagement.
Survival in Canada’s financial and business sectors is questionable for many
steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
simply is no excess money in the budget and away they fly to wherever they come from, trained, but are not willing to put in the time to achieve that wanted raise.
I have had potential candidates come in and we give them a test to see if they do indeed know how to weld, polish or work with wood. Two out of ten we hire, and one of those is gone in a week or two. Housing starts are doing well, but way behind because those trades needed to finish a project simply don’t come to the site, with delay after delay. Some people’s attitudes are just too funny. A recent graduate from an ivy league university came in for an interview. The position was mid-management potential, but when we told them a three-month period was required and then they would make
the big bucks they disappeared as fast as they arrived.
Government agencies are really no help, sending us people unsuited, or unwilling to conduct the jobs we offer. Handing money over to staffing firms whose referrals are weak and ineffectual. Perhaps with fall and winter upon us these folks will have to find work and stop playing on the golf course or cottaging away. Tried to hire new arrivals in Canada, but it is truly difficult finding someone who has a real identity card and is approved to live and work here. Who do we hire?
Several years ago, my father’s firm was rocking and rolling with all sorts of work. It was a summer day when the immigration officers arrived and 30+ employees hit the bricks almost imme -
diately. The investigation that followed had threats of fines thrown at us by the officials. Good thing, we kept excellent records, photos and digital copies. We had to prove the illegal documents given to us were as good as the real McCoy. Restaurateurs, builders, manufacturers, finishers, trades-based firms, warehousing are all suspected in hiring illegals, yet that becomes secondary as Toronto increases its minimum wage again bringing our payroll up another $120,000. Survival in Canada’s financial and business sectors is questionable for many. Good luck chuck!. At least your carbon tax refund check should be arriving soon.
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival – where every bite tells a story, and every sip celebrates Jamaica’s vibrant soul
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
What if I told you that Visa is offering two amazing opportunities that YOU, our loyal readers have an opportunity to take part in? For one of our lucky readers, you have a chance to:
• Win a trip to Trinidad Carnival 2025
• Win a trip to Jamaica
“What is this all about Simone,” you might be asking? Well, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) turns 10 this year, and Visa International is thrilled to be part of the celebration once again. Welcome to the heart of Jamaica’s culinary playground – the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, where flavours, culture, and music blend into one unforgettable celebration.
Step into the lively Craft Market downtown, where the spirit of Jamaica comes alive. Here, they celebrate the island’s rich his-
tory and vibrant flavours – an ode to the past. Guests get a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of festival favourites like: Crisp, Chopstix, Pork Palooza, and Picante – all in one electrifying space.
Taste, sip, and groove your way through the night, reliving fond festival memories while savouring the global influences that have shaped the iconic dishes we love today – no passport required (except to travel of course)!
As the hot days turn into steamy nights, and steamy nights turn into sweltering days, what better way to close out the festivities than with one last delectable event? The finale is not just a celebration, but a reflection of Jamaica’s culinary renaissance. After four unforgettable days, guests get a chance to honour the island’s: finest chefs, mixologists, and artisans who have made this festival a true showcase of creativity and passion.
Naturally, the festival had to find accommodations that match its prestige, and the only hotels of choice this year are: The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites. At the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the Caribbean’s most distinguished address, you will experience the perfect blend of elegance and island charm. Nestled in the heart of New Kingston, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Caribbean Sea, this 17-storey gem is where business meets leisure in true Jamaican style.
You also have the option of immersing yourself in the timeless charm of The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, a true jewel of Jamaica’s capital city. With spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, and all the modern comforts, it is the perfect way to end your festival experience.
Waldemar Cordero, Marketing Senior Director for Visa in the Caribbean and Central America, expressed his excitement about being involved in the festival’s decade-long run. “We’re really excited to be part of the 10th staging of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. It’s amazing to see how far this festival has come, and we’re proud to have been part of the journey over the last 6 years. This festival isn’t just about food, it’s about celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and the incredible talent that drives it.”
Visa’s partnership with JFDF has grown over the years, evolving from a traditional sponsorship into a dynamic collaboration that enhances the festival experience for everyone. “Our relationship with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has deepened over time,” said Waldemar. “We’ve moved from simply being a sponsor to becoming the main partner, working closely with the organizers to bring fresh, exciting elements to the event each year. This time around, we’re especially excited about the initiatives we’re rolling out that will make it easier and more enjoyable for attendees to experience all that the festival has to offer.”
Visa is excited to enhance the celebration of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s milestone 10th year by offering an exclusive hospitality package to Trinidad Carnival 2025. One lucky Visa cardholder who purchases festival tickets between October 16th and November 9th, 2024, will win this incredible experience. This offering includes: two economy class tickets from Kingston, Jamaica to Port of Spain, Trinidad; six nights of luxury accommodation at the Hyatt Regency; and comprehensive airport transfers and event transportation. The winner and their guest will enjoy: inclusive meals, stylish Monday Wear and Carnival Tuesday costumes, and access to premier events such as Brian Lara’s Event and PinkNicTT. Additionally, they will be treated to glamour make-up and photos. This package promises to deliver an unforgettable festival experience and celebrate the unified Caribbean culture in style.
In addition, one lucky winner from our Caribbean neighbour Trinidad and Tobago, who uses the First Citizens Bank card in Trinidad, will win a trip for two to the Food and Drink Festival in Jamaica. This is an all-expense paid trip for two with the winners to ensure the festival and enjoy scenic places in Jamaica such as Dunn’s River Falls and Port Royal. Ready for that almost winter getaway? Visit https://jafoodanddrink.com/ for more details. Good luck!
The Caribbean Community Study Circle (CCSG) has become a space and a place of learning in Toronto
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It is more than a book club as it has become a site where there are: active discussions, engaging conversations, and participatory dialogues between: current university researchers, involved community members, students, activists, and elders. The meeting takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. From the establishment of Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association in 1919 on College Street, fights for desegregation led by the Joint Labour Committee to Combat Racial Intolerance, and the Black Women’s Collective’s insistence on addressing: racism, sexism, homophobia and classism as constitutive of an anti-imperialistic politics: the rise of the Black Action Defense Committee in response to police brutality in 1988, Justice for Migrant Workers fighting against new forms of indentured labour, Indo-Caribbean organizers
making movements with Jane and Finch Action Against Poverty-Caribbean peoples in Toronto have a long and proud history of fighting for justice for us all, building up the strength in our communities and enriching the culture of the city.
The following questions were posed because of this. They include:
How do we keep this history alive?
• How do we learn from these stories of organizing and struggle?
• What kinds of questions do we ask of the past today?
• What lessons might we learn?
• What does it mean to be Caribbean in the diaspora today?
Starting January 20th, 2025, join them as they start to build a space to: study, ask questions, learn together, and build community through the launch of The Caribbean Study Circle. The objective of the CSG is to create a communitybased space in which we talk and think about where, why, and how we are living the way we do, but most importantly how we want to liveand how do we get there.
The monthly gathering/grounding is to study and discuss short readings and learn together as a community, but we also want to know what questions you have? What issues are you interested in learning about?”
The dates of the sessions that have taken place so far are: January 20th, February 17th, March 16th, April 20thh, May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, and September 21st. The dates of the remaining monthly sessions are October 12th, November 16th, and December 21st.
Some of the topics covered in the sessions are:
• January 20th: Why Study? Why Organize?
• February 17th: Studying in Order to Act March 15th: Our Ongoing Struggle for Liberation and the Threat of Fascism
• April 20th: The Importance of Internationalism and Solidarity
• May 18th: Fighting Genocide, Palestinian Solidarity and Encampment in Toronto
• June 15th: The Haitian Revolution and the 220 Year Struggle against Imperial Backlash
• July 20th: The Haitian Revolution part 2: The African Political Influence, Internal Contradictions, and the Constitution
• August 17th: The New Beginning Movement and Revolutionary Black Power in the Caribbean
• September 21st: Walter Rodney, Power and the Dangerous Allure of Black Capitalism
The names of some of facilitators of the sessions are:
• Tamanisha John (Assistant Professor of Black Politics in the Department of Politics at York University)
• Kevin Edmonds (Assistant Professor (teaching stream) Caribbean Studies Program at the University of Toronto
• Alissa Trotz (Professor of Caribbean Studies, Director of the Women and Gender Studies Institute and Director of the Undergraduate Caribbean Studies Program at the University of Toronto)
• Runako Gregg (Researcher, Activist, Human Rights Lawyer)
Melanie Newton (Assistant Professor of Caribbean and Atlantic World History at the University of Toronto)
• Astrid Jacques (Senior Manager, Organizational Initiatives and People Management in the Ontario Public Service)
• Magdalene Brunache (PhD student at the University of Toronto)
Rachel Goffe (Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Geography (UTSC), Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. Beverley Mullings (Professor of Political Economy at the University of Toronto)
• Horace Campbell (Professor of African American Studies and Political Science at Syracuse University)
Reggae Salutes, the History of All Stars Steel Orchestra, Winterizing Your Home, and Preparing for the Christmas holidays with the
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
In this edition of Community Highlights, we are proud to bring you Little Jamaica Then and Now, Winterizing Your Home, ‘Mettle and Metal – The Birth of Steel Pan Music and the History of Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, and Get ready for the Black Joy Holiday Market .
Little Jamaica Then and Now Toronto’s iconic ‘Little Jamaica’ neighbourhood is celebrated with the release of a first-ever music project titled “Little Jamaica Then and Now.” Produced by Masani Productions Inc. and sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canadian Reggae Music Association, the all-reggae project features the voices of some of Canada’s most recognized voices. Each artist performed a track that portrays the nostalgic essence of the community that has come to be known as a landmark in the city of Toronto. Making references to the mural of Canada’s Reggae greats, to landmark stores on the Eglinton West strip, to the cultural heritage, which includes authentic Jamaican food that reminds most of home, Little Jamaica Then and Now tells a great story.
“The idea for the project came about because I wanted to document the history of Little Jamaica through music and share the beauty of the community in a way that Canada and the world could consume. What better way to do that than through music” says Masani Montague, producer of the album. “I asked artists to collaborate, gave them the theme, and I think we got it right.”
The 10-track disc features JUNO Award winners Nana McLean (“Eglinton Avenue”), and Korexion (“Let Me Tell You”), JUNO Award nominee Ras Lee (“Little Jamaica”), vocal stalwart Papa Levy (“My Reggae Band”), established artists Carl Henry (“Eglinton City”), and Benaiah (“Up On Eglinton”), as well as rising talents Richie Flo (“Yard Man”), Welda (“Live and Direct”), Jade Faith (“I Love You”), and Fancy Lady (“Hold A Vibe”).
Distributed by VPAL Music, a subsidiary of VP Records, the opportunity to work with the project was met with enthusiasm. “Canada has a lot of talented artists and producers” says Donovan Williams from VPAL Music “This project is a first ever with a lot of history and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Canadian music fraternity.”
Officially released on October 4th, Little Jamaica Then And Now is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and more.
‘Mettle and Metal’ Unveils the Groundbreaking Story of Trinidad and Tobago’s Cultural Revolution Through Steelpan Innovation
The steelpan, a gift to the world from the vibrant people of Trinidad and Tobago, is the focus of a new book, ‘Mettle and Metal – The Birth of Steel Pan Music and the
History of Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra’, authored by A. Bukka Rennie.
In this latest literary effort, Rennie takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the origins and innovations that shaped the steelpan into a global symbol of cultural pride and creativity from a profound act of resilience and invention by colonized, oppressed people who used their creative energies to define their nation’s future.
“Mettle and Metal” delves into the roots of the steelpan’s development, highlighting the transformative work of Neville Jules (former captain of the legendary Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra), who moved beyond the rhythmic drumming of the day to create the groundbreaking 4-Note tenor pan and the innovative Tune-Boom. Jules’ efforts paved the way for the formation of a family of pans i.e., tenor, alto, cuatro/guitar and bass; thus, setting off a creative explosion.
The story unfolds with the participation of musicians from multiple steel bands, who expanded on these innovations, creating more complex instruments, such the five-bass, 10 and 12 basses, quadraphonic seconds, and more.
A key figure in the book is Lieutenant Joseph Griffith, a Barbadian police officer and professional musician, whose leadership and contributions to the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) helped shape the chromatic tuning that would become crucial to steelpan music.
A. Bukka Rennie who is an award-winning author and columnist has brought this vital story to a global audience and aspires not only to have ‘Mettle and Metal’ become an international bestseller, but for it to resonate with readers of all ages who are passionate about: cultural heritage, musical innovation, and the fight for freedom.
Regarding his motivation behind this latest publication, he shared, “I wrote the book to hopefully elucidate the story to the entire world as passionately and as vividly as it was told to me. The sociology of invention is what stands out in the details of All Stars’ involvement in the process. How and why are people driven spontaneously to invent new ways and new things and in so doing serve to define social transformation.”
‘Mettle and Metal’ is available for purchase now via all major outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thrift Books and eBay. For additional information, please visit www.andrewbukkarennie. com/.
The Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT) and Durham Family Cultural Centre (DFCC), in partnership the Black Queens of Toronto (BQOT) are excited to announce the third edition of the Black Joy Holiday Market (BJHM)! For 2024, we are expanding the BJHM to a three-day event:
Dates:
• Pop-Up Market: Friday, November 15th, 2024, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. as part of the City of Pickering’s Winter Night City Lights Festival, featuring fireworks and a tree lighting ceremo -
ny.
• Main Market: Saturday, November 22nd, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. coinciding with the Santa Claus Parade and Sunday, November 23rd, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with the BJHM Show.
Location:
Chestnut Hill Recreation Complex - East/ West Salon, 1867 Valley Farm Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Cost: Vendor Space:
• Friday November 15th - $75
• Saturday November 23rd and Sunday November 24th - $150 per day
• Included: 6 foot table, tablecloth and two chairs
Full-Service Kitchen with Bar:
• Friday November 15th - $100
• Saturday November 23rd and Sunday November 24th - $200 per day
• Food vendors MUST complete and submit the Durham Food Health Form
Promotion:
Branded flyers, paid advertisements, city electronic board advertising, lawn signs in city centre and market promotion at Fireworks and Santa Claus parade.
Community Partners Welcome! How to Apply:
If you are a member of the Black diaspora and interested in participating, please complete the application form below. Selected vendors will be contacted with further details. BJHM 2024 Vendor Application: https://bit.ly/BJHM2024Vendors
Youth Opportunity:
The Mini Moguls Market will return! Featuring young entrepreneurs ages 6-16! MM 2024 Vendor Application: https://bit. ly/MiniMoguls2024
For more information or questions, contact Erica at erica.e@durhamfcc. com. Thank you for your interest in supporting this important initiative!
Winterizings Your Home
With the temperatures slowly dropping, it’s important to know the best ways to get your heating and air conditioning system ready for the shift from summer to fall and winter.
Regular furnace maintenance is essential not only for prolonging the lifespan of your equipment, but also for ensuring that it operates at peak energy efficiency. By keeping your furnace wellmaintained, you can: avoid costly repairs, reduce energy consumption, and ensure a comfortable home environment throughout the colder months.
Wolseley Canada offers the following tips you can take to ensure your home is winter ready:
• Winterizing your AC – check your air conditioning unit before closing it for the winter. An expert can provide both technical and practical solutions to uneven heating or cooling. Checking the ducts, thermostat and fan are ways they can determine the condition of the air conditioner. Before covering the external unit for the season, check your unit for debris
and remove any water that may have collected from the rain. These can damage the unit when colder temperatures approach due to freezing. General wear and tear from the season can be easily addressed.
• Getting your furnace ready – most people do not have the time or know-how to check their furnace before starting it in the winter. A professional can safely check your furnace and determine the best way to maximize flow and efficiency of heat.
• Thermostat placement – where the thermostat is placed can make a big difference in the temperature of your home. Windows with bright sunlight can heat up your thermostat, tricking the system into thinking the house is warmer than it should be. Experts can remedy any leaks, or loose duct systems – making sure the warm air is going exactly where it should. This helps to make sure you get the proper amount of heat where and when you need it.
• Make sure parts are up to date –modernizing the technology in your home can be vital to the upkeep of your air system. Installing a Smart Thermostat can help the flow of heating or cooling into your home through remote programming settings on your smartphone.
• Play It Loud! -- How Toronto Got Soul For much of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Caribbean, Jamaican and reggae music scene in Toronto was almost unrivaled in North America in terms of quality and performers. Jay Douglas, lead singer of The Cougars and one of the biggest and brightest talents of that time, is the subject of a fantastic new TVO Original documentary entitled Play It Loud! -How Toronto Got Soul. The documentary, directed by Graeme Mathieson, produced by Andrew Munger (Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band), and Executive Produced by Clement Virgo (Brother, The Wire) will have a special advance preview screening Oct. 23rd, 2024 at 6:30 PM at Toronto’s The Royal Theatre (608 College Street) with limited tickets available to the public here.
Play It Loud! -- How Toronto Got Soul, traces Douglas’ life from a young boy in Jamaica to immigrating to Canada in his teenage years and residing in Toronto with a host of other Jamaica-born artists such as: Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and Wayne McGhie among others. With Toronto becoming a hotbed of Jamaican music, Douglas established himself as the lead singer of The Cougars, a fabulous group who performed a collage of genres (reggae/Caribbean/soul/ska/ funk) wherever and whenever they could.
Whether it was the vibrant clubs on Toronto’s Yonge Street during that era or performing in smaller towns in Northern Ontario or Quebec, the group dazzled fans despite little to no airplay or label support aside from appearing on one album entitled Caribana ‘67.
Featuring interviews with: Dunbar, vocalist Jackie Richardson, Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton), former Much Music host Michael Williams and many others, and the music of Bob Marley, Bo Diddley, James Brown, The Cougars, Wayne McGhie.
W. GIFFORDJONES MD
DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
TC HEALTH COLUMNIST
Recently, The Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper, reported on a depressing study about diabetes and its costly and horrendous medical complications. Readers of this column would already know it. Fifty years ago, and countless times since, that same newspaper, and many others printed my prediction that obesity and diabetes would bring the health care systems of both Canada and the U.S. to their knees.
Years ago, when I was in London, England to interview a researcher, I stayed at a hotel close to Westminster Abbey. I attended the Sunday church service there.
One thing I have never forgotten was the sight of the children in the choir. They had been educated at the best schools, but as they marched down the aisle, it was obvious to me that many were chubby, well on their way to obesity and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
The Globe and Mail article discussed the poor health plaguing Indigenous Canadians. The thrust of the article was a dismal failure pertaining to diabetes. It is evident in the swift one-hour surgery to remove one or even two legs of diabetic patients. In effect, it was easier to amputate than to fight this preventable disease. It is a horrific truth that there is little rehab in these circumstances before these patients are out the door and left to a dismal future.
The article noted disparities in access to surgery across Canadian provinces and highlighted the crisis among Indigenous populations. One in four residents in Sandy Lake First Nation have Type 2 diabetes. In the U.S., accessibility to treatment affects nearly half of Arizona’s Pi-
mas, a group having among the highest prevalence of diabetes. What was lacking in the analysis? It is a straightforward message that people do not like to hear. To fight obesity and Type 2 diabetes, everybody should step on the bathroom scale every morning. The scale does not lie. If it indicates weight gain, intake of calories must be decreased, and exercise undertaken. Eliminate high-sugar desserts and increase dietary fiber. Stock up on motivation, and never, never believe that calories do not count.
Shakespeare was right when he wrote, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” The point is illustrated by what I found years ago when I spent three days on the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. Several dentists onboard could not keep up with the dental decay of sailors whose average age was only 19! Yet, this powerful ship, with massive technology aboard, could not teach sailors to brush their teeth! Yet again, the cost of so much health care service could not be
achieved for lack of five or ten minutes daily of sensible prevention. Can we decrease amputations? Covid infection, for instance, lasted just three years, killing millions. Obesity and diabetes increase year after year with no vaccine to stop it. Unfortunately, until obesity and diabetes complications strike, no one listens. Too late to act, people become blind, develop kidney failure, or lose legs.
Napoleon was once reprimanded, “Sire, worse than a crime, you have committed an error.” Society has committed a bundle of them. Poverty, a lack of nutritional education in schools, and simple carelessness have not helped. To repeat, a simple scale is an inexpensive start to better health for millions.
Unless humans get smart, there is one hell of a train wreck ahead. Millions will suffer and die early. The medical profession will finally admit failure to resolve a disaster knowing this plague of negligence should never have happened.
BY RUSHANE FERRON TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.
Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competi-
tion is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”
Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.
“We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.
The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging
from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.
This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.
In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).
Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with elev-
en dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category. In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.
The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It was an emotionally moving, enriching, uplifting and inspiring day on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. It was the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) flag-raising ceremony, which was held at Toronto’s City Hall. It was hosted by the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), which is the largest Black-specific AIDS service organization in Canada. IOAD2024 results from an engaging partnership between Black CAP, the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Flags of Hope (FOH) and Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR). It is the world’s largest annual
campaign to: end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. IOAD is driven by the following six principles:
• Overdose can and must be prevented.
• Overdose prevention solutions existlet’s use them.
• Criminalizing drug use has not worked. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
• Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
• Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive health care.
• Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.
The City of Toronto provides details about the overdose crisis. Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 3,956 suspected opioid overdose calls in 2022 and 6,362 in
2021. This was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health and substance abuse. Preliminary data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario revealed that in 2022 there were 508 deaths in Toronto because of the opioid toxicity. This is almost a 100% increase from 2021. Furthermore, in 2022 most occurred in private settings and almost 25% of those who died in Toronto were homeless. There were 187 such deaths in 2022 according to TPH.
The press release issued by Black CAP on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, describes IOAD as “The world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from an overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind.” It spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. “The theme chosen for IOAD was ‘Together we can,’ which focuses on the power of our community when we stand together.”
Black CAP is committed to play-
ing an active role in bringing the diverse stakeholders together to find a solution to this pandemic of the opioid crisis. The press release notes, “In line with this year’s theme, we want to highlight and celebrate the impact of collaborative efforts to mitigate the overdose crisis in communities across Canada.” It notes further, “This International Overdose Day, we say to all members of the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) as well as other communities impacted by substance use and overdose “Together we can!”(#Toget herWeCan#IOAD24#EndOverdose).
The welcome address was given by Orville Burke, the Director of Health Promotions at Black CAP and MPP Krysten Wong-Tam of Toronto Centre riding addressed the crowd. It is important that politicians take this issue seriously as the ongoing impact of this social issue continues to touch many lives not just in Toronto, but all across Canada.
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Ladies and gentlemen, I told you all that the recent United Boxing Promotions Fight Card was going to be nothing short of spectacular, and it absolutely delivered. Held at the prestigious Great Canadian Casino Resort, this event brought fight fans from every corner of the GTA, eager for a night of high-stakes action. As always, the crowd showed up in style—women dressed to impress, and the men were fitted like they were stepping into the ring themselves.
It wasn’t just the fashion that raised the stakes; the tension in the air was palpable. The Main Event had the whole building buzzing as two warriors, both ready for battle, prepared to collide. Experts in the Ontario fight scene couldn’t even agree on a clear favourite. One neutral coach predicted a confident Smither unanimous decision, while an unaffiliated manager had his money on Alekozai, anticipating a late stoppage.
As the clock ticked toward 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, both fighters — and their fan bases — were charged up, ready for war in what became
the boxing world got exactly what it came for: a night of pure adrenaline.
Joshua ‘HellRazor’ Frazer blasted out Marcos Cornejo inside three rounds to open the card. Joshua is steadily evolving into a more skilled and confident fighter, with every bout reflecting his growth. His movements are sharper, his footwork more fluid, and his understanding of the ring has deepened with each match. He’s learning to balance aggression with strategy, timing his punches with precision and defending with increased awareness. His ability to adapt mid-fight, read his opponents, and exploit their weaknesses shows maturity beyond his years. Each round revealed a fighter who is honing his craft, becoming stronger both mentally and physically, with a clear path toward greatness. Joshua” HellRazer” Frazer moves to 11-0 with 8 KOs!
It was a successful comeback fight for Mayron ‘Brazilian Bomber’ Zeferino, as he scored a unanimous decision win (38-36 x3) over Jamaican fighter Gregory “Killer” Miller. Zeferino came out strong and dominated. I was expecting Miller to put up a better performance. I anticipated a more back-and-forth contest, but Miller just didn’t rise to the occasion. A one-sided fight can be frustrating when you’re hoping for a clash where both fighters showcase their full potential.
Gisu ‘Terminator’ Lee (12-4, 5 KO) made a statement, blasting out Alfredo Espino inside one minute of the first round. I’m becoming a real fan of Gisu “Terminator” Lee. His moniker couldn’t be more fitting, he’s relentless, powerful, and calculated, just like a machine in the ring. Watching his fights, it’s clear that he’s got the skill, discipline, and raw power to quickly move up the ranks and make a serious name for himself in the boxing world. I truly believe
he’s going to hold a solid space in the sport.
Heavyweight Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown defeats tough Czech visitor Adam Kolarik via unanimous decision (78-72 x3) in the Co-Main Event. This fight marked the first time I’ve seen anyone truly challenge Heavyweight Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown. Adam Kolarik came into the match well-prepared, clearly having studied how to approach a giant like Big 12. In the first few rounds, Kolarik managed to get past Big 12’s guard and landed some solid punches, showing impressive agility and strategy.
Once Big 12 started listening to his corner and using his powerful jab to keep Kolarik at bay, the momentum shifted dramatically. I’ll admit, there were moments that made me nervous, but in the end, Big 12 reminded everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with, making Jamaicans proud with his dominant victory.
Marvellous’ Mark Smither (13-1) scored a unanimous decision (99-91, 9892, 97-93) victory over Helmand Alekozai to retain the Canadian Super Lightweight Championship! Outspoken challenger Helmand Alekozai (14-0, 6 KO) has variously called out the career resume, coaching team, and even genetic makeup of reigning champion Mark Smither (12-1) whose initially stoic response finally gave way to outright anger at weigh-ins.
While I’m not entirely sure I would have made the same decision, throughout the fight, it felt like Helmand Alekozai was more dominant overall. On the surface, it appeared that most of the blood was coming from Marvellous Mark Smithers, though this was largely due to a headbutt. If we’re leaning on the recency effect, the decisive moment came when Smithers dropped Alekozai near the end, which likely secured his win. One thing remains true, though,
leave it in the hands of the judges. Fight fans, there is so much more to come. On Saturday November 30th, 2024, at the Pickering Casino Resort we have Bad Thad Buntsma vs Cody Kelly as the main event with four other all action bouts including Jamaica’s own Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell. The fan favourite Russell (17-1, 15 KO) will aim for his fifth knockout, returning to the scene of his memorable December 2023 knockout of Rafael Ortiz.
Oshawa’s ‘Bad’ Thad Buntsma (53-1, 2 KO) and Collingwood’s Cody Kelly (4-9-3) will collide with the Canadian Super Welterweight Championship on the line in a highly anticipated Co-Feature; Buntsma edged Kelly via majority decision last April, and both men are hungry to claim their first title.
Also set to feature are undefeated Pickering welterweight Kyle ‘Caveman’ McLaughlin (5-0, 4 KO), welterweight Johnny ‘The Greek’ Birmpilis (8-2, 4 KO) and United-signed light heavyweight prospect Jerome ‘Wildcat’ Gabriel (4-0, 2 KO), each against to-be-announced opponents.
The night will begin with a professional debut, as Puerto Rican-Canadian Niles Santos will face a stiff test in four-fight Peterborough veteran Kyle Marsh. Then… drumroll… Prepare yourself for the World Championship Doubleheader on December 12th, 2024 in Toronto. Super welterweight contender Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh will challenge for the IBO World Championship, while reigning WBA Light Flyweight World Champion Sara Bailey will feature in a World Championship Bout (to be announced soon). Tickets on sale Wednesday. October 23rd at 10:00 am, and you can book your VIP tables via sales@unitedpromotions.ca.
tion needs to pick the financial fights and invest for the near future. I have heard that some in your administration may want to tunnel under the 401. Can you think that back for a moment?
100 billion is a lot of money, and like the Liberals idea of selling the Highway 407, such ideas need to be thought out completely. Perhaps your zeal for better this and that can be fulfilled in other ways.
Rapid speed trains throughout the province. Many Torontonians will be moving away from Southern Ontario due to the rising costs of housing, and pretty well everything else. Speed trains connect communities far and wide and are cheaper than tunnels that need constant maintenance.
There is a sector within our community that is burdened with health costs that often lead to bankruptcy. Name it Premier. Autism of children and adults demand much from their parents including undue financial costs. I know you have tried to help, but it certainly is not enough. Perhaps centers for the autistic and other such illnesses can be established. These institutions (closed long ago by Premier Harris) should be reactivated, modernized so communities whose members are ill can live their lives while being medically assisted. Turn the 100 billion in that direction.
Schools need to be modernized as well. Toronto must be left to deal with its own problems, many of which are the cause. Over population of Metropolitan
Toronto can be dealt with through Premier’s decree, encouraging Torontonians to travel the province in search of moderately priced homes, and a future established.
Premier, the Mid-Northern province needs bodies to fill it, develop and populate it for future’s sake. Have the courage to encourage and direct people to move elsewhere in Ontario and ultimately make the province grow. Such a scheme is deserving of 100 billion, not a tunnel under an eroding highway.
Premier Ford don’t just carry on with business, but make history. The province is open to your vision. Let it be a vision that can transform Ontario.
More than a face in the crowd, he is a force for change
We are going to hear a lot more in the Toronto fashion and entertainment scene about the young man that I am bringing to you this edition. It is not just his looks, or charisma that is capturing attention, it’s his: heart, his purpose, and his unwavering gratitude for life. While he is turning heads with his bold sense of style and undeniable presence, it is what’s beneath the surface that truly sets him apart. Raised in a tight-knit community, he knows the value of hard work and resilience, and he is using his platform to give back, dedicated to uplifting those around him.
I first met our Classic Man when I was asked to judge a beauty contest during the summer. On our first meeting, I saw something special. He carried himself with such poise, a true gentleman. He was also one of the judges, and we instantly hit it off. Upon speaking to him, I knew I wanted to tell his story.
Beyond the runway, he is building a legacy as a community activist, speaking up for the underserved, mentoring young men, and driving change from the ground up. His mission? To inspire others to realize their own potential, just as he has embraced his.
It is his deep gratitude for every opportunity, every moment, which fuels his journey. From his success in fashion to his dedication to making a difference, Keon Campbell is not just modeling clothes, he’s
modeling the future of his community. I had a moment to sit down with this beautiful soul, and he shared with me a bit of his journey.
“I was born and raised in Scarborough Ontario,” Keon began, “And my family then moved to Ajax. Most of my elementary and high school years were in Ajax, and I had to deal with some growing pains (which I will discuss a little later), and my parents were forced to send me to boarding school in the west end.”
“In elementary school I had a passion for fashion. For some reason, I had this knack for matching colours, and I had a great sense of style that was noticed. It was something that I was just good at.”
Keon then shared a pivotal moment from his childhood that shaped who he is today.
“I was a mischief when I was younger, and I got myself into a lot of trouble. I was very: rebellious, tough, aggressive, and hardheaded. I got myself in a little trouble, and I know that I disappointed my parents at times. I had been kicked out of all the schools in Durham. I was hanging out with bad company, and this brought out bad behaviour. It was being in the courtroom that shifted that for me; I could have landed myself in a lot of trouble, and it made me reflect on my actions. I knew I was better than this. I knew I had to do better. I was about 17 when I stopped all the nonsense.”
Going to boarding was the beginning of the change for Keon…
“My uncle had mentioned modeling to me, and this was after my body changed. I used to be a much bigger guy. I was 210 pounds, muscular and stocky. People do not know much about my past, because I focus on my future. My actual 9:00 - 5:00 is as a chef. Currently I work at Compass Group Canada, a company based in the UK. I work with Eurest Dining Service; we ship out to hospitals, and other companies.”
“Then Covid happened. I said to myself, instead of sitting on my ass, and complaining during the lockdown, I started to make content. Someone reached out to me from Black Fashion and Beauty Gala asking for me to participate in a photo shoot, and that was really the beginning of it.”
“My challenges were building my confidence and learning how to pose. I tend to overthink things a lot. At first it was quite nerve racking, but when I did it, I knew right away it was where I was supposed to be. It became fulfilling and satisfying, and now I have been doing this for four years now.”
I asked Keon to share what the next chapter of his life looked like. What legacy did he hope to leave behind, both as a model and as a person?
“I want young Black men to understand my story, and find their potential to set their course, not fo-
cus on their past. You either love your life, or you don’t love your life. No matter where you come from, or what choices you make, never sell yourself short. You were placed in the world to fulfill your purpose. Think about it, a man like me being featured in Times Square. If I can do this, you can do it.”
“Don’t beat yourself up over the decisions that you make. You have to think big and go for it. Trust yourself. Be consistent. Be persistent and go for it.”
Ladies, just an FYI, on Saturday, November 23rd, at the Monte Carlo Inn: 7035 Edwards Blvd, Mississauga, Keon Campbell will be representing the African-Caribbean community at the Mister International Canada Competition. The event is FREE, so you are all invited. Handsome. Talented. Grateful. Keon is more than a face in the crowd—he’s a force for change, a name that will be remembered.
Written by Simone J. Smith
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WITH AMOYEE
NOVEMBER 23, 2024 / 8:00PM
What are the benefits of CoQ10, and what is its role in maintaining cardiovascular health?
W. GIFFORDJONES MD
Some people just have more energy than others. You can pick them out of a crowd. They are running up the stairs, two at a time. Their toes are constantly tapping. They are ready for more fun and games when everyone else is exhausted. Is this outward show of energy a marker of good health?
The fact is everyone needs to have enough fuel in the tank to operate essential life systems. Our bodies need sufficient energy for breathing in and out and keeping organs operating. Beyond these necessary functions, energy might better be considered a lifestyle matter. Yoko Ono once quipped, “if you don’t have it, don’t bother with rock and roll.”
Are you wishing you had more of it? Don’t be misled by the quick fix. A caffeinated drink will pick up your pace. A chocolate bar will offer a sugar rush, but to appreciate the body’s own energy system and how you sustain energy, you need to understand what is happening at the cellular level.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a compound produced by our bodies that plays a role in cellular energy production. If you think of each cell in the body as a factory that needs energy to operate, then CoQ10 are the battery chargers. There are other important components, but CoQ10 helps keep the machinery running smoothly.
It is found in virtually every cell in the body, with higher concentrations in organs with high energy demands, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies’ ability to produce CoQ10 diminishes.
That’s not ideal, since one of the benefits of CoQ10 is its role in maintaining cardiovascular health. The heart is an energy-hungry organ. Like fully charged batteries, CoQ10 keeps the supply of energy
flowing to cardiac cells. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, protecting heart cells from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation within the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 can: help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol profiles, and enhance overall heart function.
This is why you will see CoQ10 as an ingredient in the formulas of hearthealthy supplements in natural health food stores.
Studies have revealed that CoQ10 supplementation can be particularly beneficial for individuals with heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure and angina. It aids in improving the heart’s pumping capacity, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.
The brain is another energy-intensive organ and CoQ10’s potential to enhance cellular energy production has made it a subject of interest among brain health researchers. Several studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, prevent-
ing cellular damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can wreak havoc on our cells, leading to premature aging and a higher risk of conditions like cancer and heart disease. By bolstering the body’s antioxidant defenses, CoQ10 helps safeguard cells from oxidative stress.
For diabetics, CoQ10 can help manage blood sugar levels. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are factors in diabetes management. By enhancing the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, CoQ10 helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Most young and healthy people produce enough CoQ10 naturally, but since levels deplete with age, supplementing daily in the range of 100-200 mg is the typical recommendation. It’s safe at higher levels, but those on blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants should consult with their doctor about possible interactions.
platforms.
sydnee@carib101.com
When we see a couple showing affection to one another, we sometimes have a habit of referring to their relationship as “goals.” However, we always end up realizing that we cannot classify anyone’s relationship as “goals.”
In November 2015, rapper Lucas Coly and Amber H (real name Amber Harrison) met through Instagram, with Harrison sending the first message. The now-former pair instantly hit it off. However, with Coly in New York City, and Harrison living close to Los Angeles at the time, the two began a long-distance relationship for two months, and eventually started dating once they met in person in Los Angeles. Before launching their couple’s channel on YouTube in 2018, Coly and Harrison did content
The two experienced negativity because of viewers feeling as if Coly was too good for Harrison in the physical aspect. However, with what had recently come to light, it should make people realize an attractive appearance is not all one should focus on.
Despite this, although I had learned before then not to call anyone’s relationship “goals,” I viewed them as a well-respected couple, because they kept to themselves and were never in the blogs for doing anything out-ofpocket. Recently, I realized I was wrong once the news came out about the true nature of their relationship.
On October 3rd, 2024, Coly committed suicide. The day after his death, the Clark County Office of the Coroner and Medical Examiner confirmed he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
People were quick to blame Harrison for Coly’s death through disparaging comments, and even falsely accused her of murdering him, or setting him up with no evidence to support their claims.
This is bullying, and people have died by suicide because people bullied them. For those who had something negative to say towards Harrison,
what if she took her own life because the cyber-bullying became too much for her to handle?
Shortly after Coly’s death, it came out that the former pair’s relationship was far from healthy. It came to light that Coly was experiencing mental health issues leading to Harrison being subjected to abuse and infidelity throughout their almost nine-year relationship.
A year prior, Harrison took to Instagram Live to share that loving someone like Coly is not for the weak. She also expressed the importance of looking past someone’s attractive appearance and encouraged people not to refer to their relationship as “goals.”
It’s unclear when they broke up, but the relationship ended when Harrison opted to choose herself, and rightfully so. Coly did not handle the split too well, as Harrison tearfully revealed on Instagram Live. Coly threatened to take her life and his own if she did not rekindle their relationship. She also called people out for blaming her for Coly’s death and not getting help for him when she actually tried to get him help.
“So don’t fault me for choosing myself, cause would you rather be say-
ing RIP Lucas and Amber,” said Harrison in her Instagram Live video.
For her safety, Harrison moved to Los Angeles from Las Vegas. However, it did not prevent Coly from continuously calling Harrison and sending her cruel messages. Coly followed through with the threat and took his own life when on the phone with Harrison.
There’s a lot of people can learn from this situation. Once again, this situation serves as a reminder that you cannot call anyone’s relationship “goals,” because you don’t know what goes on once the cameras stop rolling.
The second lesson people should take from this situation is that you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. One should not blame someone for another person’s choices.
The last lesson should be for people to learn to be empathetic towards others. For those who blamed Harrison for Coly’s death, what would you have done if an ex-partner wanted to harm you?
This situation could have been a murder suicide. Fortunately, Harrison escaped physical harm. However, she needs support right now.
low animals makes some sense does it not?
steven@carib101.com INSIGHT
Our hunger for: burgers, steaks, fried pork, pulled pork and other delicious treats has created a massive corporate sector specializing in the raising and harvesting of these livestock around the world. I remember driving through the California Desert going over a hill to see nothing but cows as far as we could see. Stopping at the ranch/ processing center we were told over a hundred thousand livestock and pigs were present there all intended to land upon your local restaurant, or home dinner table.
These animals produce natural gasses, which place our ozone layer in peril, and since raising so many animals requires vast tracts of precious land, those virgin forests in: Brazil, USA, Central America, and Asia are threatened by illegal and legal corporate encroach-
ment. Even the primitive peoples of Brazil and Central America are threatened with genocide by the criminal elements within and outside of governmental authority. All for some meat.
My family has tried non-meat foods, and using the plants at our disposal makes a lot of sense, but damn most of the processed stuff offered tastes terrible. You’d think North American and EU suppliers of such non-meat products would learn something about making our meat alternative taste good and remain true to itself. Instead of pretending to make a non-meat burger that tastes like a meat burger, make a natural tasting unique meal at a lower price value. Soybeans made into sausage can taste like something other than pork, something uniquely delicious. Grocers and food processors simply try to fabricate and duplicate our present-day food items loading them
all with various food dyes and additives we certainly do not need.
A meat burger has four to five components within it, while a nonmeat burger has more than ten plus on average. It’s like comparing a cigarette from a hundred years ago to what people smoke today. Much more additives with increased costs too. Ever eat an insect? Many do so in Asia, Africa and beyond. Processed insects will appear on your grocer’s shelf soon enough. We need to get the idea out of their heads that processing is necessary. Eat oh natural I say. The future will bring new forms of food to try. Hopefully we will have the chance to enjoy this bonanza of food with transparency in front of us before the purchase. What is it, what does it consist of and where did it come from? Like buying a steak, but now you’re looking at non-meat alternatives.
We are coming to the end of this series, and I think that it coincides beautifully with the departure of Dr. Umar Ifatunde. During his time with us, he spoke to the condition of our society; the tattered remains of slavery, remains that we must come to grips with.
I thought for the last article of this series I would review some of what I received from Dr. Ifatunde’s lecture. Now, these are my thoughts, my reflections mixed in with quotes from the Honourable Marcus Garvey. I have come to realize that the change that many of us wish to see in what we call the “Black” community will not be seen in our time. It is why it is important that I write. Share. Teach. There will be a younger generation that will use these reflections, and bring to fruition what we have dreamed for… Freedom!
“Where can we find in this race of ours real men? Men of char-
acter, men of purpose, men of confidence, men of faith, men who really know themselves. I have come across so many weaklings who profess to be leaders, and in the test I have found them but the slaves of a nobler class. They perform the will of their masters without question.”
For centuries, African-Caribbean men have been under siege. A relentless assault, fueled by systemic racism, has targeted their: bodies, minds, and spirits. From the horrors of slavery to the contemporary scourge of mass incarceration, African-Caribbean men have faced a disproportionate burden of: violence, discrimination, and dehumanization. The very essence of their manhood has been challenged, their voices silenced, and their futures compromised. This ongoing attack is not merely a historical anomaly, but a persistent and pervasive threat that continues to shape the lives of countless individuals.
It is impossible to say definitively how Marcus Garvey would view the world today. However, given his unwavering commitment to the upliftment of African-Caribbean people and his critique of colonialism and racism, it is likely that he would be deeply saddened and concerned by the ongoing struggles faced by Afri-
can Caribbean men.
I know for a fact that he would grieve the persistence of systemic racism, the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration, and the continued assault on the dignity and humanity of African Caribbean men.
“Man is the individual who is able to shape his own character, master his own will, direct his own life and shape his own ends.”
Our inability to take accountability for our actions, no matter the circumstances, is a pervasive issue of our time. While it’s true that many of us have endured trauma that has left deep emotional and physical scars, this does not absolve us from the responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity. It’s time to move beyond victimhood and focus on healing, so that we can build a stronger and more compassionate society.
“It is so hard, so difficult to find men who will stick to a purpose, who will maintain a principle for the worth of that principle, for the good of that purpose, and if there is a race that needs such men in the world today, God Almighty knows it is the race of which I am a member.”
Purpose is the compass that guides our actions and defines our character. Without a clear sense of direction, it becomes easy to drift aim-
lessly, swayed by fleeting desires and societal pressures. In a world where instant gratification and superficial achievements are often celebrated, finding individuals who possess true character—those who are grounded in principles, driven by a higher purpose, and committed to making a positive impact—is a rare and precious thing.
“The race needs men of vision and ability; men of character and above all men of honesty, and that is so hard to find.”
Character is not merely a trait that can be taught or acquired; it is a reflection of our deepest values and beliefs, shaped by our experiences and choices over time. While education and mentorship can undoubtedly contribute to the development of character, it is ultimately a personal journey that requires self-reflection, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to living a meaningful life.
I really hope that one day the words that I have shared will be seen as a continuation of the Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s work. Motivated. This is how many of us felt after Dr. Umar left. We have to take this motivation and turn it into action. Remember that it starts with you.
Faking the funk at a government pretend dispensary pop up
censed cannabis retailers, it was solely populated by industry members whose dwindling profits were most likely the motivation for its creation.
To perpetrate the fear of unlicensed dispensaries, it included things like: a broken ATM machine (because most unlicensed dispensaries require cash only transactions), poorly lit display areas (to reinforce that unlicensed dispensaries are seedy and suspicious), and falsely labelled packaged products (to imply anything not coming from the government is unsafe and not trustworthy). Waving around threats of cannabis products with bugs, pesticides, fungus, and mould seemed to be their main weapon against the threat of Legacy Market competitors.
This pretend pop up tried to be tongue in cheek, but its attempt at comedy failed as it reeked of desperation. More comical was the childish intent of trying to take down a community that existed long before the institution that spawned it. Forced to grow in a hostile environment, the Legacy Market cultivated strength that would allow it to thrive where all others would shrivel and die. This is well proven and documented by law enforcement that could not dismantle this network despite having almost limitless resources, funding, and support. Most recently this was furthered by a $3 million infusion to Toronto Police in order to shut down “illicit” retailers.
While much of what licensed stores appropriated comes from the preexisting gray market, what was conveniently lacking from this temporary pop up were the advantages that put unlicensed dispensaries far above them. Fore -
most, the ability to clearly see and smell the products one wishes to buy, which is still sorely absent in current licensed stores. Also missing was the inclusion of quality craft products that highlight the skills of small batch producers. Similarly missing was the ethnic diversity of staff and ownership often found in gray market stores but rarely in “legal” stores. It is unknown how many taxpayer dollars were wasted on this farce, but even with all the resources, money and influence at their disposal, the government and corporate stakeholders are still missing the critical lynchpin to a successful framework because it cannot be bought or appropriated. The true strength of the legacy market is the network of people it consists of. Slowly crafted over time, the legacy market has built a level of trust with consumers and vast market data unavailable to corporate interests. Legacy participants know who consumes, what they consume, how much they consume, when they consume it and where they want to consume it.
In order to have a properly functioning industry, the legacy market participants must be given a clear, unobstructed path of entry into the legal framework. Government mandates and corporate assistance will be necessary to support this integration even if it does not directly benefit them. People who are overly targeted and persecuted by prohibition must be given priority to access. Equity and restorative justice must be implemented as keystones to the foundation of the cannabis industry, or parity will never be achieved.
Childish fear mongering such as this pop up can try to be justified as education like when OCS president David Lobo was quoted saying “This is less about an epidemic of people going to the ER, and more about educating people about what they are putting in their bodies.” However, the true motive is obviously financial, because a large chunk of cannabis sales still comes from unlicensed sources and doesn’t seem to be decreasing at a fast enough pace for corporate interests.
We as consumers must hold these millionaires’ feet to the fire for encouraging debacles like this pop up and to begin offering better products at more reasonable prices to prevent potential criminal elements from maintaining a foothold in a normalized cannabis industry. Don’t let theatrics and spectacle obscure the truth that no matter where your cannabis comes from, we all deserve better!
Do you like to play music but don’t have any instruments at hand? Want to create new sounds? Now’s your chance! You can easily make a xylophone out of water and things you already have around the house. Here’s how.
Materials
You only need a handful of materials, including:
• Several empty glass containers, such as bottles or jam jars
• Water
• Food colouring (optional)
• Two chopsticks or wooden spoons
Steps
Follow these four steps to make your very own xylophone:
1. Line up all the containers on a table or counter, using as many as you like. These will form the diffe rent notes of your xylo phone.
2. Fill each container from right to left with a progres sively larger quantity of water. In other words, the container on the right should have a little water, the next one should have a little more, and so on. The last container on the left should be the fullest. Remember that the less water there is, the
higher the sound; the more water there is, the lower the note.
3. Add a few drops of food colouring to each container to create different colours for each note. This step is optional. If you don’t have food colouring, you can decorate your containers with stickers or ribbons.
4. Put the lids on the containers to prevent damaging them. Then, try out your xylophone by gently tapping the containers with the chopsticks or wooden spoons.
Enjoy creating melodies to your heart’s content or trying out tunes you already know!
The aurora borealis (also called the northern lights) is an immense veil of light that colours the night sky as it moves. Some say it looks like dancing! Here’s what you need to know about this mysterious phenomenon that has fascinated young and old alike for centuries.
The northern lights are an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs high up in the northern hemisphere, near the North Pole. However, they can sometimes appear much farther south.
It comes from the sun
It’s not easy to explain how the aurora borealis is formed. This breathtaking phenomenon begins with the sun ejecting particles into space, which make up
a “solar wind.”
These particles eventually make their way to Earth. However, Earth is protected by an invisible shield called the “magnetosphere.” This shield prevents the particles from reaching most areas on our planet, but it’s more fragile at the poles.
The result? When particles emitted by the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere near the North Pole, tiny flashes of light are generated, forming the aurora borealis.
Depending on various factors, like altitude and the presence of gas, these veils of light can appear in different colours, including green, red, pink, blue and purple.
Would you like to see the northern lights one day—or rather, one night?
Notice of Completion of Environmental Project Report
The Toronto Transit Commission has completed an Environmental Project Report in accordance with the Ontario Regulation 231/08 for the Conversion of Scarborough Rapid Transit Right-of-Way to Busway project.
The Toronto Transit Commission is undertaking a Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process to convert the existing north-south segment of the Line 3 right-of-way into a busway corridor, between Ellesmere Station and Kennedy Station. The Project will also include the removal of the existing Line 3 track and systems and replace it with a paved surface for buses to operate. The new busway corridor will provide a fast and efficient connection between Scarborough Centre Station and Kennedy Station (the current terminus of Line 2). The Busway will include three stops: Tara Avenue/ Moorgate Avenue, Lawrence East, and Ellesmere.
The Study Area, totaling 105 hectares, encompasses the section of the Line 3 right-of-way extending approximately 4 kilometers from Ellesmere Road to Eglinton Avenue East, and extending west from Midwest Road to Nantucket Boulevard as depicted in the Study Area map.
The environmental impact of this Project was assessed and an Environmental Project Report prepared according to the Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process as prescribed in Ontario Regulation 231/08.
The Environmental Project Report for the Conversion of Scarborough Rapid Transit Right-of-Way to Busway project is now available for a 30-day review period starting October 3, 2024 at the following locations:
1. Toronto Transit Commission Head Office
1900 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON., M4S 1Z2
To schedule a review, please contact: Arjun Sahota Senior Community Liaison Officer Arjun.sahota@ttc.ca or 647-706-6487
2. Toronto Public Library – Scarborough Civic Centre Branch 156 Borough Drive, Scarborough, ON., M1P 4N7
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3. Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre 2467 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON., M1K 2R1
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
4. Toronto Transit Commission Line 3 Project Website: ttc.ca/line3
Interested persons are encouraged to review the Environmental Project Report and provide comments by November 4, 2024 to project contact listed below:
Arjun Sahota
Senior Community Liaison Officer
Arjun.Sahota@ttc.ca (647) 706 - 6487
Can I increase my rent if my tenant has other people moving in?
As a landlord, you cannot arbitrarily raise your rent because your tenant has someone moving in. Landlords must follow Ontario’s rental guidelines, which state that a landlord can only increase rent every twelve months based on the provincial rental increase guidelines. For 2025, an increase of 2.5% is allowed. The landlord must give the tenant ninety days written notice using the appropriate form from Tribunals Ontario. This form is N1. If you have a newly built home or a new basement apartment as of November 2018, you are exempt from rent control and can increase the rent once the lease term expires. While the landlord cannot raise the rent because an extra person has moved into the rental suite, the tenant must also be careful to avoid eviction.
A landlord thinking, they can charge more if a tenant’s roommate moves into the rental suite is logical. As a tenant, if you receive a rental increase because of the recent additions, remember that you do not have to pay it. This is similar to having a newborn; the landlord wants more rent because of the addition, but it’s not legal. However, if the tenant shares a bathroom or a kitchen with the landlord or the landlord’s family member, the ruling does not apply. In such a case, seek the landlord’s permission before a roommate moves in.
A landlord can evict a tenant when there is overcrowding. The Canadian National Occupancy Standard stipulates that every adult couple or every adult must have a separate bedroom. If there are three individual adults, there must be three bedrooms. A child under five can share a bedroom with another child of a similar age, and a child between the ages of five and seventeen can share a bedroom with a sibling of a similar gender.
Toronto’s by-law allows nine square meters of floor space per individual. The bedrooms must meet a minimum requirement of six square meters for one person or four-square meters per person sharing a room. According to statistics, about 20% of Toronto’s rental accommodation is overcrowded.
As a landlord, you must give notice for overcrowding with a termination date no later than twenty days. Upon receipt of the notice, your tenant has seven days to reduce the number of occupants to comply with the health, safety, and housing standards. If this fails, the landlord can apply for eviction. However, the rental tribunal will close the case if the tenant complies before the hearing. Note that it is illegal for a tenant to profit by collecting rent from new roommates.
Renting condominiums can pose further problems; for example, some condominiums do not allow rental, while others may have by-laws that only allow single-family rentals. The condo declarations in some condominiums address the maximum number of residents per suite based on the number of bedrooms. As a landlord, if you plan on renting your condominium, check with the property management before committing to a
rental agreement. You can end up with an expensive legal case where you signed a contract with a tenant and, in so doing, violated the condominium by-laws. With condominiums, landlords should make it a part of the agreement that the tenant will obey the condominium by-laws. If the tenant brings a roommate and, in so doing, breaches a by-law, then a landlord can evict the tenant on that ground.
Toronto has a large rental pool, and a record number of overseas students are looking for cheap accommodation. There are rental accommodations with fifteen to twenty single beds, catering to a similar number of students who need cheap shelter. This arrangement is profitable for the landlord, but the insurance will deny the landlord’s claim if there is an accident.
As a tenant, if you have ex -
tended family members or friends moving in with you, tell your landlord. If you are renting an entire home and paying the utilities, most landlords will work with you, but if you are renting a part of a home with shared utilities, it’s better to compensate the landlord to cover the additional cost. Always be mindful of your new roommate because you are accountable if they are rowdy or damage the property.
Having a triple-A tenant is more important than a rental increase because of a family member. As an investor, you know that real estate is long-term, and having someone take care of your home during their tenure outweighs the rental increase.
for the week of October 20 to October 26, 2024
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LEO, VIRGO AND LIBRA
ARIES: Travel and communication may become complicated this week. There may be delayed responses to messages or getting lost on the road. Despite disruptions, practice patience.
TAURUS: Working overtime is in the cards this week, which may affect your family relationships. However, the extra pay will help you pay off debt, making up for the sacrifices.
GEMINI: Starting a new job or taking on a significant project could initially seem confusing. Take the time to discuss and understand the situation to find balance in this new venture.
CANCER: After an intense period at work, take a well-deserved rest. Going on a getaway alone, with friends or as a couple, will rejuvenate your energy and bring back your smile and vitality.
LEO: You’ll experience a sudden surge in popularity. Follow your intuition, and your creativity will shine through. You may even find success with creating a work of art. Your community could use your help.
VIRGO: Although you manage your time well, you may face delays in certain situations. You must fine-tune your patience, as some people will test you this week.
LIBRA: As the weather gets cooler, the idea of a warm holiday may come to mind. If you work hard, you can make this dream come true and explore some tempting travel offers.
SCORPIO: As an artist, you may soon be able to earn a living from your art. Significant changes will steer you toward new opportunities. A project will strengthen your romantic relationship.
SAGITTARIUS: You must maintain an active social life to maintain good relationships with your friends. Moving to a new house may cross your mind, offering a breath of fresh air and a more welcoming space for you and your family.
CAPRICORN: Although you may spend more time than expected on a specific project, your perseverance will pay off. You’ll feel the satisfaction of a job well done when you finish something you’ve been putting off.
AQUARIUS: Buying new clothes and accessories could boost your self-esteem and help you match your image to your new professional duties. Personal confidence is the key to success.
PISCES: You may feel like doing a major cleanup. You can purify your environment and clear your mind by eliminating unnecessary things. This deep cleaning could also brighten up your life.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
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FOR RENT: Furnished 1 Bedroom Basement For Rent with a Washroom & Shared Kitchen with 1 person. Close to the Bus Stop and Kennedy Subway Station. Near Schools and Shopping Centres. Located in Scarborough, South of Kennedy and Eglinton. $1,350.00/ month including utilities. Available Now. If you are interested, please call (416)459-6155. FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
FILM FESTIVAL: Submit your film to the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival TODAY! Give your film a chance to be a part of Ann Arbor’s 200th celebration. Go to a2bff.org
Winter fuel additives are often marketed as essential for maintaining vehicle performance during cold weather, but are they necessary? Here’s what you need to know.
What are fuel additives?
Winter fuel additives are chemical compounds designed to prevent common cold-weather issues like fuel gelling and water condensation.
For example, diesel fuel is particularly susceptible to gelling, where wax crystals form and clog the fuel filter. Additives lower the fuel’s pour point and prevent these crystals from forming. For gasoline engines, additives help prevent water in the fuel system from freezing, which can block fuel lines and hinder engine performance.
Considerations
Here are three things you should consider before buying fuel additives:
1.Climate. Winter fuel additives can be beneficial in extremely cold conditions, especially for diesel vehicles. In areas
where temperatures frequently drop well below freezing, additives can ensure reliable engine starts and smooth operation. Assess your local weather conditions to determine if the investment in fuel additives is warranted.
2.Fuel quality. Some fuel suppliers offer winterized fuel, which already contains additives to combat cold-weather issues. If you regularly use high-quality, winterized fuel, additional additives may be redundant.
3.Vehicle-specific needs. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced fuel systems that may already handle cold-weather conditions effectively. Consult your vehicle’s manual or manufacturer to determine if additional additives are recommended for your specific make and model. Some manufacturers may have specific guidelines or restrictions regarding the use of fuel additives.
If you’re still unsure whether fuel additives are a good idea for your vehicle this winter, talk to a local mechanic for expert advice.
What
A battery blanket, also known as a battery warmer, is an insulated, electric-powered wrap that goes around the surface of your car’s battery. Keep these considerations in mind as you shop for the best fit for your vehicle and battery.
• Power source compatibility. Some blankets are designed to plug into standard household outlets. Others are powered by the vehicle’s electrical system. Ensure the power cord is long enough to reach your preferred outlet and made of sturdy, insulated material.
• Heat-locking material. Ensure the blanket is made from high-quality, heat-retentive materials. Look for products with multiple layers of insulation that trap heat effectively, ensuring your battery stays warm even in
deep freeze conditions.
• Adjustable fit. Car batteries come in various sizes and shapes. Opt for a blanket with an adjustable fit so it snugly wraps around your battery. Adjustable straps or elastic materials can provide a secure fit, ensuring maximum heat retention.
• Durable. A battery blanket should be built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Look for one made from durable, weather-resistant materials that can handle exposure to moisture, dirt and cold without deteriorating. Check for features like reinforced stitching and heavy-duty insulation.
Visit your local auto shop for a battery blanket to get you through the winter.
