Injured. Acknowledged. Unresolved.

Volume 1 • Issue 5

Wednesday, September 23 2026

Toronto Caribbean News - Now! Formerly The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper

“T...”

FULL STORY - PAGE 8

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FEATURE

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

ANDISWA MRASI

Photo Courtesy of Andiswa Mrasi

Her silent wounds built unstoppable power The room smelled of stale coffee and damp paper. It was 7:30 am in the morning when they called her into the distribution center, two senior executives sitting across a polished wooden table with a final written warning already printed and waiting for her signature. A fourteen-million-rand revenue discrepancy had surfaced on a major retail contract, and corporate survival dictated that someone had to take the fall. She was young, African, and female in a structure that expected her to flush with panic, apologize, and sign. Instead, her hands remained perfectly still on her lap. She felt her pulse pounding in her throat, but her expression did not soften by a millimeter. She looked the managing director directly in the eye and refused to give them the collapse they were waiting for. “I said, ‘I’m not signing. Go to the company that holds the server of emails. They must search.” She knew she had not made the costing error; a previous product manager had miscalculated a double pack of water filters before leaving for a UK scholarship. The interrogation was not really about water filters. It was a test of pressure. Where does a woman learn to freeze her fear so completely that an entire corporate board cannot detect her tremor? She had learned it long before she ever stepped into a boardroom... Before the corporate suits, there was a quiet girl in the Eastern Cape who scribbled on bedroom plaster and climbed trees. She was born six months premature on a village floor near Dutywa, delivered by the quiet hands of village midwives who knew how to sustain fragile life without modern machinery. The first rupture arrived at age ten. Uprooted from her mother’s side, she was sent to live in Cape Town with an aunt who owned a township shop. Home became a residential block of police flats in Muizenberg, situated beside a station where weekend sirens wailed against the rising tide of local gang violence. In that house, labour was the currency. She was not permitted to play outside. While other children ran through the streets, she worked the counter. Cruelty in that house was quiet and tactical. When her school organized a movie trip (a rare spark of joy for a sheltered child) her aunt granted permission and watched her wait in excitement. When her friends’ father arrived at the gate to pick her up, her aunt walked out, looked at the eager faces in the car, and casually stripped it away, “She literally told them, ‘No, she’s not going.’ Just like that.” No explanation followed. Just the cold assertion of control. The small cruelty cascaded into basic needs. Slices of bread were calculated and withheld. Late at night, her seven-year-old cousin would creep into her bedroom in the dark, sliding a smuggled piece of bread from beneath his shirt. “This little boy came in and called me to my room like, ‘Look, take this... I told mom that I’m still hungry. I want another one. I knew I’m going to keep it for you.’” She swallowed the bread in the dark and learned her first survival rule: express nothing. “I went quiet even to my mom. I just kept quiet. I just stopped talking.” The deepest wound was the silence from the person who was supposed to save her. Throughout those high school years, she reached out to her mother back in the Eastern Cape, dropping quiet hints, asking to come home, begging to be pulled out of the house in Muizenberg. Her mother

did not bring her back. Her mother believed the big-city schooling was a necessary sacrifice for her daughter’s future, misjudging the psychological toll being exacted behind closed doors. To a teenager enduring daily emotional siege, that decision felt like outright abandonment. “I tried to tell my mom that I’m not happy. ‘Please also take me to stay with you,’ and she didn’t.” The illusion of family protection finally shattered at seventeen. Having finished high school, her mother traveled to Cape Town to help her enroll in college, buying her a set of new clothes and sneakers for her transition into young adulthood. When the aunt walked in and saw the shopping bags on the bed, her resentment boiled over into an explicit statement, “I don’t care! She can go and she can be homeless and eat on the street like I saw my mother.” Her mother stood frozen in the bedroom, finally seeing the malice her daughter had lived under for years. “I think that was the first highlight for my mom. It hit her that this is what I have been trying to tell her. Finally, she saw it.” Standing on the threshold of university at eighteen, stripped of childhood innocence, she realized she had two choices: she could let the bitterness eat her alive, or she could weaponize her achievements. She chose cold, unrelenting excellence. Sitting alone in her campus room, she made a quiet covenant with God, “I once said, ‘I will make sure that every mother out there (the way I will be so successful) every mother out there wish I would be a daughter.’” Her drive was an attempt to earn the protection she had missed as a child. If she became impossible to ignore, she would finally be impossible to reject. “I truly return hate with success. I do not have any other way to fight. I cannot take revenge. If you hurt me, you will never see me crying. You see me looking absolutely gorgeous. When I cry, I go and lock myself and then cry.” She threw herself into campus leadership, managing talent, running brand activations for major beverage corporations, and founding her own events agency by age nineteen while taking night shifts as a bar lady. She learned how to read boardrooms, negotiate contracts, and navigate corporate politics with precision. When she entered the corporate sector, that same instinct for survival kicked in. After she proved her innocence regarding the server emails in the corporate discipline hearing, she did not celebrate or demand apologies. She locked her head down and generated fourteen million rand in revenue over the following three months, using sheer numbers to silence her detractors. “So again, that pattern of using success to shut down noise; I decided to keep quiet, and I just pushed my work to a level unimaginable.” Yet, personal spaces proved harder to defend than corporate spreadsheets. In her personal life, her longing for security drew her into an abusive relationship with a toxic partner who systematically eroded her peace. When she finally recognized the control tactics, she did not stay to bargain. She walked away from everything, leaving behind trucks, sound equipment, and shared business assets, choosing total financial loss over the destruction of her spirit. “I left everything just for my soul.” Resilience is often spoken of as if it comes free of charge. It does not. To carry constant excellence as a shield

requires an incredible expenditure of vital energy. While balancing high-stakes corporate roles, pursuing her Master’s degree, and pushing through endless sleepless nights, her body eventually staged a revolt. A stress-induced tumor developed in her neck, requiring surgical removal while she continued to prepare her academic research. Beneath her executive accomplishments: managing strategic initiatives, securing over R27 million in institutional funding, establishing more than 90 international partnerships, and serving as a Trustee for hearing-impaired infants, lies an exhausting reality. “I can’t even tell a sad story about myself; when I look at my troubles, they are nothing.” Yet, in her quietest moments, the vulnerability breaks through, “Every time I pray, I am like, ‘I think I have made some bad decisions; uncalculated, where you didn’t think it through. Right now, I’ve been feeling exhausted.” She had to unlearn the belief that her worth was strictly tied to how much pain she could endure without complaining. She had to realize that carrying everyone else’s burdens did not make her invincible. True power did not arrive when she acquired titles, published research, or received national recognition as a higher education leadership finalist. It arrived when she stopped playing the role of the silent sufferer. “Strong is a lamb; decrease the cost of being the sacrificial lamb.” She refused to let her past dictate her relationship with her own children. Where she had experienced emotional distance, she chose fierce presence. When her son undertook his traditional rite of passage, she navigated the emotional and spiritual depth of that milestone with quiet reverence, ensuring he felt the protection she had once been denied. “God, if you can just keep me alive for my children. I just would not want my children to grow up without a mother; give them a double portion of the same protection you gave me.” Today, when she sits at a boardroom table or steps onto a stage as a corporate MC, the silence around her is no longer the fearful quiet of a girl hiding in a Muizenberg bedroom. It is the deliberate, grounding presence of a woman who has processed her own history. The girl who once scratched words into village walls now crafts strategic communications that shape higher education across continents. She no longer uses success to beg for love or to prove her right to exist. She uses it to build platforms for others, serving vulnerable communities and advocating for indigenous knowledge systems that honour where she came from. Pain was not her blessing, and suffering was not her glory. It was simply the terrain she had to cross. After reading Andiswa’s story, I want you to look at your own unhealed scars, your own quiet sacrifices, and ask the only question that truly matters, “what am I going to do with what happened to me?”

Written by Simone J. Smith TCN Now

Personal Injury Accident Specialists Motor Vehicle Accident Slip & Fall Injuries Landlord and Tenant

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Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

NEWS & VIEWS

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How much privacy will we surrender? MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

•

•

TCN REPORTER

• How would you feel if you shared confidential information with your family, only to discover that a third party had already intercepted it and was using what it knew about you to access you? How would you feel if you lived under a system that monitored and scanned your every move in real time? Every article you read, purchase you make, donations you make, everywhere you go; how would you feel? What would that do to you mentally? Although some practices described below may be legal or proposed as security measures, the concern is what happens when personal information becomes part of a permanent digital record. Records can be flagged, stored, connected and potentially used when legally permitted. These concerns are taking shape in debates in: Brussels, London, Canada, Australia and at the United Nations. They can emerge incrementally. Critics are watching: •

Chat-control proposals that could

expand the scanning of private communications. Digital currencies, such as the proposed Digital Euro, that raise questions about privacy and how payments are monitored or regulated. Digital ID and age-verification systems that could increasingly be used to establish eligibility for services. Police cameras and artificial-intelligence systems that can analyze images or identify patterns of behavior.

There is also debate over content moderation and AI rules, and how governments and technology companies should balance safety, privacy and freedom of expression. Here in Canada, the federal government has introduced legislation proposing age-assurance measures for certain online services, including age verification or estimation. The government says these measures should protect children and privacy. Critics, however, question whether age checks could normalize broader digital identity requirements. Here is some of the soft language used to sell these systems: Protecting children. Easier payments. Fighting misinformation. Meanwhile, critics argue that each solution can require people to surrender another piece of their privacy, independence or ability to participate without digital verification. When these systems become interconnected, the concerns become

more significant. A data system can establish who you are; when connected to other systems, it can potentially influence what services you can access, what transactions can be completed and what activities require additional verification. You would not necessarily need to be incarcerated to feel restricted. A financial account could be frozen under lawful authority. Travel credentials could become inaccessible if eligibility requirements were not met. Online content could be removed or restricted under platform rules. At that point, the debate is no longer simply about surveillance. It becomes a question of power: Who controls the information, who sets the rules, who can challenge decisions, and what safeguards exist when a system gets something wrong? CitizenGO, an advocacy organization that campaigns on issues including government overreach, argues that powerful institutions, governments, technology companies, consultants and lobbyists are driving an expanding digital-governance agenda. The organization warns of what it calls digital slavery. CitizenGO also points to the United Nations’ Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The first annual dialogue was held in Geneva on July 6th –7th, 2026. The UN describes the process as recurring, with another dialogue scheduled for May 2027. The UN’s Global Digital Compact includes digital public infrastructure and digital cooperation.

Here is what this digital push could mean: • More of your identity may exist digitally • More of the things you do every day could eventually depend on proving who you are digitally: working, banking, travelling, accessing public services or using online platforms CitizenGO has also raised concerns about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). In Europe, the Digital Euro proposal moved forward in July, when Parliament backed negotiations with the Council. In Britain, the government is expanding digital options for right-to-work and right-to-rent checks. Think about what that could mean. You want to work? Prove who you are to the system. You want to access a service? Prove who you are. Digital payments leave another digital record. The central question is how much power society should give these digital systems, what protections should accompany that power, and whether citizens can challenge decisions made about them. Examine the legislation, compare competing sources and decide where you stand. CitizenGO provides additional information and advocacy materials.

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NEWS & VIEWS

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Caribbean Animal Welfare: A call for change BY LUBICA SLOVAK TCN REPORTER Animals are part of our lives in countless ways. They feed us, work alongside us, protect us and often become part of our families. Like all of us, they are part of God’s creation. So why are we still so willing to ignore their suffering? Animal cruelty is a worldwide problem. Across the Caribbean, some governments have begun strengthening animal welfare laws. Stronger laws are an important start, enforcing them, however, is a different story. • Puerto Rico’s animal welfare law allows fines of up to US$20,000 (C$27,900) and prison terms of up to 15 years for serious cruelty offences. • The Cayman Islands has penalties of up to CI$4,000 (C$6,700) and one year in prison. • The Bahamas enacted its Animal Protection and Control Act in 2010, with fines of up to B$20,000 (C$28,000) and up to 12 months in prison. • Trinidad and Tobago’s animal welfare reforms took effect in 2021, with fines of up to TT$200,000 (C$41,100) and up to five years in prison. • Barbados’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 2002 carries penalties of up to BBD$10,000 (C$6,900) and up to 12 months in prison. • Guyana’s 2018 Animal Welfare Act provides penalties of up to GYD$100,000 (C$670) and six months in prison. • Jamaica’s Cruelty to Animals Act dates back to 1904 and was last amended in 1995, with a maximum penalty of just J$1,000 (C$9). Yes, you read that correctly. Jessi Williams, founder of PortlandPupsJA, has helped well over 200 dogs through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and sterilization. Jessi shared several deeply disturbing stories with me, “I have witnessed some truly heartbreaking treatment of street animals, from both adults and children. I have seen children call dogs over as though they want to play with them, only to kick them with all their strength. I have seen elderly men come to the park with slingshots and pockets full of rocks to shoot at stray dogs. I have seen people simply kick a stray dog as it walks past them or throw an object at it for absolutely no reason.” But one dog will remain with her forever. Her six-year-old son came home from school and told her about a dog with

“no face.” When Jessi found him, he was severely emaciated. His eyes and nose were gone and much of his face had been destroyed. His injuries appeared consistent with a sharp-force injury, possibly from a machete and had developed into a massive maggot infested wound. People in the community had watched him suffering for at least two weeks, some threw stones at him to make him leave. Jessi contacted a veterinarian immediately, but his injuries were too severe, and he had to be humanely euthanized. “Abuse and neglect usually isn’t reported at all, because people already know nothing will be done. There is very little faith in the police or authorities when it comes to animal cruelty, neglect or poisoning.” Suffering is not limited to stray animals. Rescuers often encounter owned dogs tied in backyards with no shade, food, clean water or veterinary care. Some are skeletal, covered in parasites, suffering from devastating injuries while people continue to watch. “We also see dogs being left outside during extreme weather, including hurricanes, sometimes tied to trees or structures with little or no shelter.” Montego Bay Animal Haven, a rescue run by Sabria Hector, is caring for more than 100 animals and also receives calls involving neglected horses and livestock. Recently, The Haven learned about a pregnant cow who was struck by a vehicle and left suffering beside the road with broken legs for approximately a week. The Haven immediately contacted its veterinarian and offered to cover the full cost of euthanasia. The authorities had reportedly not contacted a veterinarian because the owner could not be located. The cow was eventually shot by the police. “An animal in obvious distress should not have to become a social media controversy before someone decides to help,” Hector told me. Aja Nikiya Estro, a global humanitarian and founder of Compassion Kind Foundation, has worked extensively with rescuers and communities across Jamaica, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Her work includes emergency veterinary care, sterilization, fostering, adoption and addressing the systemic causes of animal suffering. “Poisoning is one of the most disturbing animal welfare problems we encounter” Estro explains. Paraquat, widely known by the brand name Gramoxone, banned in over 70 countries, is freely available in Jamaica. The Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association describes paraquat

poisoning in dogs as extremely serious, causing kidney and liver damage, destruction of lung tissue, severe breathing problems and slow agonizing death which can take up to four weeks. Poisoned bait can also threaten other mammals, wildlife, birds and potentially children. This is not simply an animal welfare issue. It can contaminate the soil and become a public safety issue. The rescuers I spoke with all agreed that irresponsible ownership and completely unregulated breeding are major contributors to the crisis and describe frequent deliberate cruelty, including animals being intentionally struck by vehicles, poisoned, chopped with machetes or burned with boiling water. Hector adds that cruelty does not exist in isolation, and that how a society treats its most vulnerable members, including animals, children and the elderly, reflects something larger. Estro emphasizes that Jamaica does not lack compassionate people. “Some of the most compassionate people I have ever worked beside are Jamaican rescuers. They are fighting every day for animals with extraordinarily limited resources”. What is missing is the infrastructure around them: updated legislation, meaningful enforcement, affordable veterinary care, accessible sterilization programs, humane emergency response and sufficient government support. At present, much of that burden falls on rescuers themselves but rescue alone cannot solve a crisis of this scale. Animal rescues cannot be expected to function indefinitely as the emergency response system while depending primarily on donations from people who happen to see their stories on Instagram. Government support matters, yet stronger laws on paper are not enough, they must be matched by enforcement. People need to know where to report cruelty, who is responsible for investigating it and what happens afterward. Estro recommends trained investigators, clear evidence protocols, cooperation between police, veterinarians and animal welfare organizations, and accountability when serious cruelty occurs. “ Spay and neuter must become a national priority” Estro explains, including mobile clinics capable of reaching rural communities, greater access to emergency veterinary treatment and humane euthanasia. The three rescuers agreed that change has to start with stronger laws, enforcement and humane education. Research shows that a child’s positive attachment to a

pet dog can provide socio-emotional benefits for children via stress buffering as well as improvements in child health and wellbeing. Schools across the Caribbean could teach responsible animal care, compassion and safe interaction with animals. PortlandPupsJA is already working toward school outreach, with veterinarians willing to speak with students about animal care and veterinary medicine as a possible career. Research on humane education suggests that children who are cruel to animals may themselves have witnessed or experienced violence. Animal-related lessons that teach respect, kindness and compassion can help interrupt the development of aggressive behaviour, foster empathy and reduce the likelihood of aggression toward both animals and people. Laws punish cruelty after it happens. Education may help prevent some of it from beginning. Everyone can learn not to kick, stone, or deliberately hurt animals, recognize when an animal needs help, that mange is a treatable medical condition and poisoning is not population control. A pedigree does not determine the value of a life. The mixed-breed street dogs commonly called mongrels or brownies are extraordinarily intelligent, loyal and remarkably resilient. “Mongrels deserve a cultural shift in how they are viewed.” Estro adds. Caribbean people have enormous pride in their music, athletes, food, history and culture. Perhaps our “Royal Caribbean Terriers” and animal welfare can become another source of pride. In a region where faith is such an important part of life, compassion should extend to all of God’s creatures. We do not have to love every animal, but we can choose not to hurt them. “A sick dog does not need a stone. It needs help.” Aja Estro @portlandpupsja @compassioncurator @ montegobayanimalhaven For readers who want to help: In the Caribbean, adopt, foster, support sterilization programs, donate food and supplies, volunteer and report cruelty. Your help can be as simple as leaving water out for street animals during a hot day. Businesses can help by sponsoring veterinary clinics, donating food and supplies, or supporting community education programs. People in Canada can sponsor veterinary treatment or sterilization online, donate to reputable rescues, adopt, or act as flight chaperones when animals are travelling to approved homes.

New prostate treatment comes home PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

On Friday, September 11th, 2026, William Osler Health System announced the addition of Radioligand Therapy (RLT) to its cancer-care services. The new treatment provides eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer access to specialized care closer to home. The announcement is particularly significant for communities disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Black men, including those of African and Caribbean ancestry, have almost twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared with non-

Black men. They are also more likely to develop tumours that grow and spread quickly and to die from the disease. Radioligand Therapy is a targeted treatment that uses radioactive material attached to a linker molecule. The molecule seeks out cancer cells and delivers radiation directly to the tumour while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Osler is one of only eight hospitals in Ontario designated by Cancer Care Ontario to deliver Pluvicto® Radioligand Therapy. The treatment represents another option in the growing range of therapies available for prostate cancer. Depending on the stage, risk level and spread of the disease, treatment may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies. Treatment decisions depend on an individual patient’s circumstances and should be made with their healthcare team. For patients with advanced disease,

RLT offers a different approach. Dr. Marco Iafolla, Division Head of Medical Oncology at William Osler Health System, described the therapy as a potential path toward better symptom control, less pain and fewer side effects compared with some other chemotherapies. He also highlighted the possibility of improved quality of life and more time with family. Carole Moore, Vice President, Clinical Services at William Osler Health System, emphasized another important benefit: access to specialized treatment closer to home. For patients and families already navigating the physical and emotional challenges of advanced cancer, reducing the need to travel for treatment can make a meaningful difference. However, it is important not to suggest that RLT is appropriate for every person diagnosed with prostate cancer. Osler states that specialized imaging and scans are required to determine whether a patient is eligible, and patients must meet specific

clinical criteria. Those interested in the treatment should speak with their oncologist. The arrival of RLT at Osler is particularly noteworthy because precision medicine is changing how some cancers are diagnosed and treated. By directing radiation toward cancer cells, radioligand therapy represents a highly targeted approach for eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer. For Black communities, where prostate cancer carries a disproportionate burden, access to specialized treatment is an important part of the larger conversation about health equity. But access must be accompanied by awareness, early detection, culturally responsive care and meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers. The arrival of Radioligand Therapy at Osler brings another tool to that conversation, and for eligible patients, potentially brings specialized cancer care closer to home.

NEWS & VIEWS

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

Canada’s Ukraine deal raises questions about priorities BY ADRIAN REECE TCN REPORTER The Carney government has entered into a 100-year partnership with Ukraine, covering: defence, trade, energy, reconstruction and people-to-people ties. Announced September 10th, 2026, the Canada-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership Declaration commits both countries to developing a long-term strategic relationship. Canada says the partnership is intended to strengthen defence industries, expand trade and investment, support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, and deepen cooperation in energy and critical minerals. For some Canadians, however, the announcement raises a different question: how much attention is being placed on international commitments while affordability remains a pressing concern at home? The concerns are understandable. Canadians continue to face pressure from: food, housing, transportation and other household costs. Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices were 29 per cent higher in August 2026 than in August 2021. Asking rents for a two-bedroom apartment averaged $2,130 nationally in the second quarter of 2026, with Toronto averaging $2,650. Against that backdrop, government announcements involving billions of dollars in international assistance can understandably prompt questions about priorities, spending and what Canadians should expect to see in return at home. The same debate applies to Canada’s renewed relationship with India. The federal government is pursuing deeper economic and financial cooperation with India, including negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. However, the government’s current immigration plan has also reduced temporary-resident targets and stabilized permanent-resident admissions. The claim that Canada is simply offering incentives to bring Indian citizens into the country therefore requires more context. Ukraine also presents a complicated picture. The war has continued for more than four years since Russia’s full-

scale invasion in February 2022. Canada says it has committed more than $26 billion in multifaceted assistance since 2022, including military, recovery and reconstruction support. The government argues that supporting Ukraine is connected to Canada’s security, defence industry, trade and international partnerships. Agreements can have consequences beyond aid. The partnership includes opportunities for companies in defence, energy, mining and technology, while Ottawa frames cooperation with Ukraine as part of Canada’s security strategy. Those benefits deserve scrutiny alongside costs and commitments. The question is not whether Canada should look outward or inward. It is whether Canadians can see a connection between international ambitions and improvements in daily lives. Those realities are becoming an important part of the political conversation. Canadians are asking when housing will become more attainable, when grocery costs will ease and whether wages can keep pace with the cost of living. Some are considering whether their future is more financially sustainable elsewhere. The debate over Canada’s direction will ultimately involve competing priorities: domestic affordability, national defence, international security, immigration, trade and reconstruction abroad. Canadians will have the opportunity to assess those priorities against the platforms and records of the federal parties during the next election. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has positioned affordability, housing and economic independence as central themes. In April 2026, Poilievre said Canada should become “The richest, most affordable and autonomous country,” and argued for policies aimed at making life more affordable. Whether Canadians agree with that vision is a question for voters. What is clear is that the frustration expressed by many Canadians cannot be separated from the broader conversation about where public resources should go, and what Canadians believe their government’s first responsibilities should be.

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FINAL NOTICE - UNREDEEMED PLEDGES 2470739 Ontario Inc O/A Lending Tree

3955 Cottrelle Blvd., Unit 1 | Brampton, ON L6P 2P9 | 905-794-2333 Notice is hereby given that the following pledge(s) remain unredeemed: Pawn Ticket #

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September 23rd, 2026

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NEWS & VIEWS

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Creating opportunity through accessible community sport SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

Racquet sports have long carried an aura of exclusivity, traditionally perceived as elite pastimes reserved for affluent communities with private club memberships and substantial financial resources. Yet across North America and the Caribbean, a quiet cultural shift is underway. Tennis participation has surged for six consecutive years, seeing dramatic gains among communities of color. African Canadian, and African American participation alone grew by over 450,000 players (a 14% increase) in a single year, alongside a 12% rise among Hispanic and Latino players. Concurrently, pickleball has exploded across the region as a high-growth, low-barrier sport that welcomes players of all ages and athletic backgrounds.

At the center of this movement is Karl Hale, a former Jamaican Davis Cup player and long-time tournament director of Canada’s National Bank Open. Karl is actively reshaping who gets to play, who gets excluded, and why. For generations, the practical barriers to racquet sports have been steep: high court rental fees, expensive equipment, private coaching rates, transportation, and a lack of early exposure. These obstacles effectively lock out young people from working-class or marginalized neighborhoods before they ever pick up a racquet. Karl understands these systemic hurdles intimately. Born in Falmouth, Jamaica, and migrating to Canada at age ten, he was raised by a single mother in low-income housing near Peanut Plaza in North York, Toronto. His family did not own a car, and private club fees were entirely out of reach. His life trajectory shifted through a deliberate act of community access. At age thirteen, club managers George Fowler and Dave Duguay at the North York Tennis Association permitted Karl to play for free during unscheduled court hours: at six in the morning or ten at night. That early opportunity unlocked an athletic journey

that led to an NCAA Division I scholarship at the University of New Mexico, a professional playing career in Japan, and nearly two decades directing one of the premier tournaments stops on the ATP and WTA tours. Recognizing that athletic potential is universal, but opportunity is not, Karl built his business model around paying that initial break forward. As Founder and CEO of Premier Racquet Clubs (PRC), he operates GTA facilities across Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, and Toronto, with three new entry-level clubs opening to expand affordable access to tennis, pickleball, and padel. Rather than treating community outreach as a side project, PRC builds direct structural partnerships with grassroots youth organizations. In Markham, PRC sponsors the Markham African Canadian Caribbean Association (MACCA) to provide youth with free court access and instruction. In Brampton and Mississauga, PRC collaborates with ResQ Youth Caribbean to deliver cost-free programming tailored to kids who would otherwise be priced out. While archived media transcripts capture the operational framework of these partnerships rather than individual

participant interviews, the tangible impact on local youth is far-reaching. By removing financial gatekeeping, MACCA and ResQ now offer young participants a vital doorway to personal growth. Beyond forehands and backhands, access to racquet sports equips youth with essential life tools: physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline, mentorship, and strong community relationships. Inspired in part by trailblazers like Serena Williams, an increasing number of Caribbean youth are taking to local courts, discovering sports that foster whole-body health, neurological engagement, and lifelong wellness. This movement connects local community empowerment directly to the broader evolution of racquet sports. When tennis and pickleball transition from restricted amenities to accessible community hubs, sports stop being defined by who can afford to enter the room. By deliberately opening doors for young people who might otherwise be excluded, Karl and his partner organizations demonstrate what becomes possible when access is guaranteed: youth gain health, confidence, and the opportunity to discover their true potential

Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine’s 89th birthday celebrated PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

The celebration of the 89th birthday of the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre was a grand occasion that brought together community members, friends, families and loved ones. The evening was marked by words of appreciation, gratitude and recognition for Augustine’s decades of service and leadership. The event was part of Screen Share: Caribbean Stories, Collective Power, presented through a partnership involving the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival and the Caribbean Film Festival. The evening combined celebration, film and community storytelling. The emcee was Patricia Bebia, President of Diamond Plus Media, who en-

gaged the audience with charm and charisma. The programme featured the Canadian premiere of Queen of Soca, directed by Kevin Adams and Christopher Din Chong and featuring Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 Calypso Monarch, Terri Lyons. The film celebrates Caribbean music, culture, resilience and the power of women’s voices. Jackie Richardson, C.M., the legendary singer, actress and Order of Canada recipient, received the 2026 Jean Augustine Excellence Award. Her daughter, Kim Richardson, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love shown to her mother. Jackie Richardson’s two daughters sang “Mama” as a tribute. Richardson also spoke about what the award meant to her. The honour recognizes an artist whose work has made an enduring contribution to Canadian cultural life while uplifting and inspiring generations through excellence, generosity and leadership. Sandra Whiting, a Toronto-based storyteller who hosted the after-party, read a letter of appreciation to Dr. Augustine, describing her as an inspirational figure in the African Canadian community and thanking her for her wisdom, unwavering grace and the fire that still burns in her at 89.

Dr. Augustine spoke to the audience and brought humour to the evening, including a comment about her designer dress originating from Paris, Ontario, rather than Paris, France. She said she was “So happy, so joyful, so blessed, so honoured” to have reached 89. She also reminded guests that five years earlier, the community had discussed doing something meaningful with her birthday. She said her birthday should not be about receiving things, noting that proceeds from the evening would support CaribbeanTales. Her connection to education was also reflected in her reference to the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University’s Faculty of Education, an endowed university chair established to advance access, equity and inclusivity through community engagement and collaborative action. In a Facebook message following the celebration, Augustine expressed gratitude to everyone who joined her, writing, “89 years of purpose, of progress, of possibilities.” Rich Mill, founder of Keep6ix, described Augustine as “An incredible trailblazer, community builder, mentor and a source of inspiration to many individuals

and families in our community,” while Diana Alli D’Souza reflected on Augustine’s legacy as a “Trailblazer, mentor and believed community icon.” The gathering also reflected the broader purpose of the festival: creating room for Caribbean stories, filmmakers, artists and audiences to meet and connect. CaribbeanTales described the September 12th programme as “Honouring our Legends,” placing Augustine’s birthday alongside the presentation of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award and the Canadian premiere of Queen of Soca. The festival’s official programme lists the event as running from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre. For many in attendance, the evening was therefore both personal and cultural. It celebrated Augustine while also recognizing Richardson and the creative work represented by Queen of Soca. Together, those moments reinforced the importance of documenting Caribbean experiences and ensuring that the contributions of Black Canadians remain visible, remembered and passed to future generations.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

NEWS & VIEWS

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When Canadians testified, Parliament had to listen MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

There were deeply troubling and emotionally difficult testimonies heard during the Allison Inquiry, a four-day hearing held September 8th –11th, 2026, in Ottawa. Chaired by Conservative MP Dean Allison, the inquiry provided a forum for Canadians who reported injuries following COVID-19 vaccination to share their experiences directly with lawmakers. The inquiry was organized with the cooperation of the Covid Testimony Association, a not-for-profit organization

that assisted with its operation. Organizers say more than 1,400 Canadians applied to testify, with about 50 witnesses ultimately heard during the four days. The proceedings were broadcast live from Ottawa. The inquiry’s stated purpose was to provide a neutral forum for Canadians to share personal experiences. Its terms of reference also made an important distinction: the inquiry was not intended to make findings of fact or reach conclusions. That distinction matters because testimony, however powerful, does not by itself establish medical causation or prove that a particular vaccine caused a particular injury. Among the witnesses was Carrie Sakamoto, a mother of three, who described severe neurological problems, including facial paralysis and spinal complications, following vaccination. She also spoke about the emotional and financial effects on her family and her experience navigating Canada’s vaccine-injury compensation system. The Allison Inquiry iden-

tified her as its first vaccine-injured witness. Michelle Worton, a vaccine-injury advocate and co-founder of CanRISE19, also testified about the physical, financial and institutional consequences she says followed her vaccination. She raised concerns about Canada’s Vaccine Injury Support Program and the difficulties applicants face navigating the system. The inquiry’s published witness list identifies Worton as a co-founder of CanRISE19. Another highly discussed testimony came from veteran journalist Rodney Palmer, who has worked with CTV News and CBC. Palmer presented his account of Canadian media coverage during the pandemic and alleged that CBC journalism crossed the line from public broadcasting into government-aligned messaging. Canadians for Better Government questioned its authority and independence, arguing that it was not a formal federal inquiry and could not compel witnesses or establish official findings. Other

reporting likewise noted that the hearing was not a statutory public inquiry or parliamentary committee. That criticism is part of the story, and so is the testimony. The significance of the Allison Inquiry may ultimately rest less on whether it answers every question about COVID-19 vaccines than on whether the experiences presented receive further scrutiny. The hearings created a public record of personal accounts from Canadians who say they were injured, while also exposing disagreement over evidence, causation, accountability and the role of government and media. For those witnesses, being heard was itself significant. For everyone else, the responsibility now is to listen carefully, examine the evidence and distinguish personal testimony from conclusions that have yet to be established. The stories have entered the public record. What happens next remains an open question.

New prostate treatment comes home PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

On Friday, September 11th, 2026, William Osler Health System announced the addition of Radioligand Therapy (RLT) to its cancer-care services. The new treatment provides eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer access to specialized care closer to home. The announcement is particularly significant for communities disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Black men, including those of African and Caribbean ancestry, have almost twice the risk

of developing prostate cancer compared with non-Black men. They are also more likely to develop tumours that grow and spread quickly and to die from the disease. Radioligand Therapy is a targeted treatment that uses radioactive material attached to a linker molecule. The molecule seeks out cancer cells and delivers radiation directly to the tumour while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Osler is one of only eight hospitals in Ontario designated by Cancer Care Ontario to deliver Pluvicto® Radioligand Therapy. The treatment represents another option in the growing range of therapies available for prostate cancer. Depending on the stage, risk level and spread of the disease, treatment may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies. Treatment decisions depend on an individual patient’s circumstances and should be made with their healthcare team. For patients with advanced dis-

ease, RLT offers a different approach. Dr. Marco Iafolla, Division Head of Medical Oncology at William Osler Health System, described the therapy as a potential path toward better symptom control, less pain and fewer side effects compared with some other chemotherapies. He also highlighted the possibility of improved quality of life and more time with family. Carole Moore, Vice President, Clinical Services at William Osler Health System, emphasized another important benefit: access to specialized treatment closer to home. For patients and families already navigating the physical and emotional challenges of advanced cancer, reducing the need to travel for treatment can make a meaningful difference. However, it is important not to suggest that RLT is appropriate for every person diagnosed with prostate cancer. Osler states that specialized imaging and scans are required to determine whether a patient is eligible, and patients must meet specific clinical criteria. Those interested in

the treatment should speak with their oncologist. The arrival of RLT at Osler is particularly noteworthy because precision medicine is changing how some cancers are diagnosed and treated. By directing radiation toward cancer cells, radioligand therapy represents a highly targeted approach for eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer. For Black communities, where prostate cancer carries a disproportionate burden, access to specialized treatment is an important part of the larger conversation about health equity. But access must be accompanied by awareness, early detection, culturally responsive care and meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers. The arrival of Radioligand Therapy at Osler brings another tool to that conversation, and for eligible patients, potentially brings specialized cancer care closer to home.

Taxes, spending and uncertainty reshape Canadian lives STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TCN COLUMNIST

I spoke to an MPP recently over coffee. Usually, the Conservative legislator is full of good news about new and continuing projects the government has started to create employment through various legally binding corporate partnerships. A cheery person, usually filled with optimism and bravado, but not this time. The first thing he said to me was, “Fill your car up lately?” He expects gasoline to climb above $2.00 a litre by December 2026. What a way to start the conversation. What followed was 30 minutes of straight talk about an economic situation that, in his view, could make our financial situation crumble. All governments are carrying considerable debt, especially the federal

government. Governments have also been spending in response to public needs, including housing. Yet housing starts remain expensive, and construction has not always matched expectations. Provincial coffers need to be strengthened, while questions continue about how much public support reaches ordinary people when large corporate interests are involved. Affordable housing? Not so much. Profits for developers? Yup! Ever-increasing debt ceilings all round, and yet our taxes are growing, in many cases gradually. No more. The banking system is becoming more stringent, with a tightening grip on lending policies, whether for individuals or governments. Personal debt continues to grow as the consumer culture we live in acts like a therapeutic massage: want to feel better? Buy something! Use those credit cards, folks. Governments have been doing something similar for decades, accumulating substantial public debt, but debt figures need context. The federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026 projects federal debt at $1.399 trillion for 2026– 27, or 41.5 per cent of GDP. That is different from broader measures of Canadian public debt, so readers should be careful about

treating one number as Canada’s national debt. Uncontrollable debt, continual public and private spending, and we can see a scenario where governments must consider difficult choices, including taxes and spending. Is the government doing too much for its citizens? Some say not enough. When will private industry stick its head into the situation, offering to take care of local and provincial services much like what happens in RoboCop movies? Introducing bidding wars upon public services, that is something worth watching as governments examine partnerships, contracting and privatization. Tariffs and the economic tension we witness each day coming from our neighbour to the south have forced Canada to think defensively about its economy. What to do? Plainly, you and I can do very little except support our local economy, bring our personal budgets into line, control our spending, support our neighbours when we can and truly study this question: What does it mean to be Canadian? Paying taxes is like the two other truths about life: we are born, we pay taxes, and then we die. Encouraging, eh?

The concern is not simply the size of a number on a government ledger. It is what debt means when interest costs compete with housing, healthcare, infrastructure and public priorities. It is what higher borrowing costs mean for families renewing mortgages, financing vehicles or keeping businesses operating. That is where the conversation becomes personal. We often discuss economics as though it belongs to economists, bankers and politicians. It does not. Economic decisions arrive at the kitchen table through rent, groceries, gasoline, taxes, interest rates and employment. Whatever governments decide, Canadians feel the consequences. The question is not whether every warning will come true. It is whether we are paying enough attention to the warning signs we can actually measure. Canadians, you are in a special place at a special time. Our nation must pivot and work toward what may be the most important goal of all: national economic, social and historical survival. As I like to say “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

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NEWS & VIEWS

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Canada Admits Vaccine Injuries Exist, and Struggles to Address Them resolved. The government itself warns against adding these numbers together as if they represent distinct groups. When PHAC took over administration on April 1st, 2026, roughly 2,000 claims and appeals remained active. That backlog is the story.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

This is not a victory lap. It is not an “I told you so.” It is not anti-vaccine. It is about people. On September 18th, 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced it had largely completed the core setup of the Vaccine Impact Assistance Program (VIAP), formerly the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP), and was now turning its attention to assessing more than 2,000 open claims and appeals still in the system. That sentence: quiet, bureaucratic, almost forgettable, opens a door many Canadians did not know existed: the federal government formally recognizes that serious and permanent vaccine-related injuries can occur, and it has built a compensation system to respond. The question is who gets recognized, how, and at what cost: in time, in trust, in lives interrupted. The numbers that demand questions Between June 1st, 2021, and November 30th, 2025, under the former VISP: • 3,557 claims were received • 3,018 were deemed admissible • 1,433 had been assessed by the Medical Review Board • 252 were approved • 551 appeals were received • 11 appeals had been approved • More than $21.4 million had been paid in financial support These figures represent real people: parents, workers, caregivers, who believed something went wrong after vaccination and sought help through a system designed for exactly that scenario. Importantly, these categories overlap. A claim can be admissible but not yet assessed. An appeal can be pending while the original claim remains un-

Who gets through the door? To qualify for support, claimants must show a serious and permanent injury following a Health Canada authorized vaccine, and a medical finding of a probable causal relationship. That phrase “Probable causal relationship,” is where many claims stall. Of the 1,433 claims medically assessed by November 2025, 252 were approved, about 17.6% of those assessed. Among all claims received (3,557), approvals represent roughly 7%. Carrie Sakamoto, who testified at the Allison Inquiry in early September, described herself as “One of the 0.01% people,” because she received a partial payout from the program. She and her husband lost their family farm while navigating five years of medical complications and bureaucratic delays. Michelle Worton, co-founder of the nonprofit CANrise19, said her own VISP claim was rejected in September 2024 despite what she described as confirmation of vaccine injury. She told the inquiry she sold everything to pay for brain surgery in the United States after being dismissed in Canadian emergency rooms. “I’m one of the 93%,” she said, referencing the rejection rate cited by advocates. Not everyone was rejected. Some were approved. Many remain in limbo. The human cost of waiting The government’s July update acknowledged “Frustration with delays and limited proactive communication” under the former administrator. PHAC says it has since: • Organized and validated transferred claims into a new IT system • Launched a VIAP Claimant Portal on July 2nd 2026 • Sent updates to existing claimants via letters and information sessions • Expanded public information on Canada.ca

•

Posted the VIAP Policy Framework online, including guidance on how the program works

Under the new framework, injury indemnity can reach up to $329,759 (indexed annually), with additional support for income loss, treatment, rehabilitation, and in specified cases, a death benefit. For people waiting (some for years) those numbers feel distant. Drue Taylor, a 36-year-old massage therapist from Alberta, testified virtually at the Allison Inquiry about living with a chronic condition while her claim moved through the system. Others described selling homes, draining savings, and relying on underground networks of doctors willing to treat them without fear of regulatory backlash. One mother told the inquiry, “We were told no one would be left behind; instead, our lives turned into survival.” What the system reveals The existence of VIAP tells Canadians something important: the state acknowledges that vaccines, like all medical interventions, carry risk, including the risk of serious and permanent harm. It also reveals how difficult it is to prove causation in individual cases, how long justice can take, and how easily people can fall through the cracks while waiting for answers. The Allison Inquiry (chaired by Conservative MP Dean Allison over four days in September) heard from Canadians who said they were injured, dismissed, delayed, or denied. Some said they never applied to VISP at all, deterred by missed deadlines, lack of medical support, or belief that their claims would be rejected. PHAC now says its focus is on assessing the more than 2,000 open claims and appeals, but key questions remain: • How long have some claimants been waiting? • What is the current average processing time? • How many claims have been approved or rejected under VIAP since April? • How many are still awaiting medical assessment? • When will the promised public dashboard launch? [query context]

Until those questions are answered with transparent, up-to-date data, the system’s accessibility and responsiveness will remain in doubt. Beyond the binary This story does not fit neatly into “provaccine” or “anti-vaccine” boxes. More than 59,000 adverse event reports were filed in Canada during the pandemic, including over 11,000 classified as serious. Only a fraction became formal claims. Of those, only a fraction were approved. That gap (between reporting, claiming, and compensating) is where trust erodes. Our publication has previously expressed strong concerns about vaccination policy. That history does not disappear here, but neither does it dictate the reporting. If evidence contradicts something we previously published, we must say so. If evidence strengthens a concern we raised, we show it, with data, not self-congratulation. The goal is to follow the evidence wherever it leads, and to center the people living in the middle of it. What readers should take away By the end of this story, we want you to think: • “I had no idea this program existed.” • “I didn’t know the government recognizes a category of serious and permanent vaccine injury.” • “I didn’t understand how difficult it is to establish causation.” • “I want to know how many claims are being approved and rejected.” • “I want to know what happened to these people.” • “I want to know whether the system is working.” That is the reaction we are seeking. Not “They told us so,” but “Now I see, I understand, and I want answers.” This is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a deeper conversation, one that demands clarity, compassion, and accountability. When the state says “injured,” someone has to answer, “What happens next?”

Shelburne’s Streams Creative Hub turns ten PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

Streams Creative Hub is preparing for a major celebration on October 6th, 2026, as it marks 10 years of serving youth and families in Shelburne and surrounding communities. Founded in 2016 by Andrew and Juli-Anne James, the arts-based, youth-focused charity was created to provide young people with greater access to creative programming. Based in Shelburne, in Dufferin County, Streams has grown from a small grassroots organization into a community hub offering music, drama, visual arts and other creative programs. Its mission is to ignite learning, inspire youth and enrich the

community through the arts. The anniversary will be marked with a three-hour telethon from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. The fundraising event is intended to help support another decade of arts and life-skills programming. When Streams began, there were limited arts opportunities available to local youth between the ages of 4 and 17. The organization has since expanded its programming while continuing to focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop confidence, creativity and community connections. The Hub has also expanded its programming to include adults. TCN Now interviewed Juli-Anne and Andrew James on September 16th, 2026, about the upcoming telethon. JuliAnne, Streams’ executive director, said the need for accessible programming has grown as communities across the largely rural region continue to face gaps in youth activities and services. Andrew James, a trained actor and community leader, has also spent years

working with young people. His background in ministry and the arts has shaped his belief in investing time, talent and resources into helping youth discover and develop their creative abilities. Juli-Anne discussed the challenges of securing funding. She said Streams received funding only once from a series of applications, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Limited funding has made the upcoming telethon an important fundraising initiative for the organization. One feature of the anniversary campaign is the “Word of Mouth Monologue,” which will include video entries and three prize categories: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third. The organization has also developed an entrepreneurial social enterprise, Town Tees, which provides employment opportunities and generates revenue that supports Streams’ programming. The enterprise employs up to 22 people, including full- and part-time workers. The telethon will feature live youth performances, local artists painting on air,

alumni stories, celebrity appeals, a live donor counter and other activities. Streams is also seeking 1,000 monthly donors willing to contribute $10 each month. The organization describes the event as “The Good Old-Fashioned Telethon,” capturing its intention to combine nostalgia with a very current need: sustainable community funding. The anniversary celebration will also include opportunities for participants to enter contests and help unlock a special 10th Anniversary Memory Box, with 10 winners drawn during the event. For Streams, the anniversary is an opportunity to raise the resources needed to continue providing accessible arts programming for children and youth in Shelburne and surrounding communities. After a decade of growth, the organization is asking the community to help fund the next chapter. The telethon will take place October 6th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. Information about Streams Creative Hub and its programs is available at streamshub.org.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

NEWS & VIEWS

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Rest as Liberation: Reclaiming Ourselves PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TCN REPORTER

Reaching 19 years of gathering, shared reading, collective inquiry and ongoing education represents a meaningful milestone for the Nubian Book Club (NBC), an intergenerational book club and literacy initiative committed to transforming lives through the power of literacy. NBC describes itself as a vibrant network of students, parents, educators, and community members dedicated to the academic and social well-being of students, particularly those of African and Caribbean heritage. The club welcomes all students and community members. The promotional flyer for the Summer 2026 Series noted that NBC celebrates the power of literacy to energize minds, empower souls, encourage hearts, and elevate spirits. This year’s theme, “Rest, Resist, Reclaim: Creating the Conditions Children Deserve,” invited participants to think deeply about what it means to care for ourselves and one another at a time when public education feels increasingly at risk. The three Thursday sessions were held on July 2nd, 9th and 16th. The first two were virtual, while the third was held in person at the home of Donna Cardoza, whose generosity and hospitality have long been part of the NBC experience.

The NBC Planning Team acknowledged the difficult climate surrounding public education, including legislative changes, financial reductions, staffing cuts, and concerns about commitments to equity, anti-oppression and human rights in education. Against this backdrop, the group selected Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto as its central text. Hersey is an artist, poet, theologian and community organizer and founder of The Nap Ministry, which examines rest as a form of resistance through community gatherings, immersive workshops and performance art. Session 1: Rest as Liberation: Reclaiming Ourselves Elder Ginelle Skerritt led the first session. Participants listened to Podcast 139, “No More Grind: How to Finally Rest,” featuring Tricia Hersey, and read the introduction to Rest Is Resistance. Skerritt, a longtime nonprofit leader and public speaker, shared openly about the importance of rest and its role in psychological and emotional well-being. She was the first Black person to serve as CEO of the York Region Children’s Aid Society, taking on the role in 2021. Session 2: The Power of the Pause for the Students We Serve Author and scholar Myrtle Sodhi led the second session, speaking openly about challenges and struggles she has faced. Her presentation encouraged participants to see rest not as a luxury, but as an integral part of our humanity. Participants explored intentional pauses, including pausing before replying

to an email or text, entering a meeting, or responding to a friend, colleague or loved one. During that pause, participants were encouraged to ask: “What does my body need right now...and notice what happens?” Session 3: Rest, Clarity, and Collective Action The final session explored pages 82–86 of Rest Is Resistance, particularly the section “Who Is Resting For?” It featured Dr. Ann E. Lopez, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at OISE, University of Toronto. Lopez drew on professional and personal experiences from more than three decades in education to illustrate the importance of embedding self-care and resilience into one’s journey. In a July 22nd email, Donna Cardoza expressed heartfelt appreciation to

participants, writing, “Your insights and contributions were invaluable and led to rich, thought-provoking conversations that deepened our understanding of what it means to rest.” She thanked the facilitators for the “Gentle way you held space throughout all three sessions” and recognized Dr. Camille Logan for her “Visionary leadership” and commitment to nurturing the community. Cardoza concluded with a hope that participants left with “A renewed commitment to reclaim our rest, in whatever form it takes as an act of restoration, freedom, and quiet resistance.” After 19 years, perhaps that is the deeper lesson of the Nubian Book Club: sometimes, creating the conditions children deserve begins with creating the conditions adults need to pause, reflect, reconnect and rest.

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JASON PANTON Decoding Jamaica’s Cultural Phenomenon In March 2022, in the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, a physical space opened that brought a decade of cultural strategy into living form. The Dubwise Café, a plant-based culinary and liveperformance space, was designed as a functional culture yard engineered to connect food, music, and physical community. Steam rises from natural Rastafarian dishes while sound-system basslines reverberate through the space. Here, established artists and emerging talents test unreleased tracks before an audience of local tastemakers and international travelers. Beyond the atmosphere, the café operates as a deliberate business node; a sustainable space generating real revenue while preserving the raw heartbeat of Jamaican reggae culture. Observing the seamless blend of design, roots culture, and enterprise at Dubwise Café poses a larger question: How did a visual artist from Kingston and Miami build a global cultural platform spanning fine art, streetwear, corporate marketing, major-label A&R, and international event series? Long before social media popularized creator strategy, Jason Panton was decoding audience attention. His trajectory is not a story of viral luck or rapid fame. Behind his visible brand lies a methodical study of audience psychology, identity framing, and the mechanics of turning trust into brand equity. To understand his impact, one must look beyond celebrating his portfolio and examine the precise operational machinery behind his evolution. Born in Kingston, Jason moved to Miami at age eight or nine. He grew up in an immigrant household led by his grandmother, saturated with traditional Jamaican customs, weekend family gatherings, reggae music, and uncles drinking rum and coke. Living in South Florida, he inhabited America without abandoning his roots, developing what he describes as a hybrid engine perspective; a dual

capability that provided distinct gas mileage and horsepower in global cultural spaces. With his father absent between ages 8 and 16, Jason developed an independent drive under his disciplinarian mother, growing up without rigid social presets or conventional boundaries. This background made him fearless when articulating ideas to large rooms. His primary gift was visual: while others processed the world through sound, Jason’s talent lived in his eyes and hands, laying the foundation for a career in visual art and brand architecture. Jason earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from the University of Central Florida and later pursued a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Arts & Arts Management at Nova Southeastern University. Under the guidance of faculty members like Dr. Alman, a course in creative entrepreneurship sparked his first major epiphany: artistic creation could be structured into a scalable, revenue-generating business. Soon after, while creating graphics for a friend’s apparel line, his partner (Haitian-Canadian entrepreneur Lena Aselian) asked why he was building value for others instead of owning his own entity. When a proposal to secure a partnership stake in his friend’s brand was declined by Ryan Abrams, Jason converted the setback into momentum. He launched I&I Supply Co., a Jamaican-inspired fashion line fusing reggae imagery with streetwear design, earning a dedicated cult following across Florida and the Caribbean. Yet early artistic momentum did not eliminate financial friction. During slow periods, Jason took unglamorous corporate jobs: assembling mortgage paper portfolios in the back room of a bank, installing air conditioning units during commercial mall construction, and handling phone reservations for AirTran and Frontier Airlines. He refused to disrespect the work, treating every job with strict discipline while recognizing its limits. “This is a stop, but this is

not my final stop,” he kept in mind, constantly searching for scalable leverage. His operational shift came when he read Tim Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek. The book reshaped his understanding of time versus money, teaching him that continuous manual labour cannot build wealth; true enterprise requires systems, leverage, and decoupled brand equity. At age 22, an artist residency at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston via Diaspora Vibe Gallery re-anchored Jason in Jamaica. Meeting multi-hyphenate young Jamaicans who painted, sang, and designed made him realize he was part of a larger collective tribe. Driven to build infrastructure for local talent, he co-founded Base Kingston with Cezar Cunningham, establishing Jamaica’s first streetwear boutique carrying international accounts like LRG and RockSmith. Seeing that emerging musical artists lacked dedicated platforms, he produced “Live from Kingston,” a showcase that platformed groundbreaking talents like: Protoje, Chronixx, Jesse Royal, Patrice, and Kabaka Pyramid. In 2010, Cedella Marley hired Jason on the spot after viewing his design portfolio. Over six years collaborating with Marley family brands, he designed retail collections for Barney’s and served as a lead designer on the 2012 Puma Jamaican Olympic trackand-field kit alongside Cedella Marley. Working at this scale taught him a crucial lesson in brand management: replacing solo ego (“I”) with collective execution (“we”). Jaon applied his hybrid perspective to corporate brand strategy and event marketing, working with major entities including: Marley Beverage Company, Marley Coffee, House of Marley, Red Bull, Guinness, Red Stripe, Def Jam Records, and VP Records. His signature advantage is his ability to translate authentic cultural heritage into high-concept commercial programs that global brands can execute without

stripping away cultural substance. Building this influence required significant personal sacrifice. Jason had to navigate the tension between North American individualistic business models and Jamaican communal principles. He repeatedly suppressed personal ego to serve as a behind-the-scenes catalyst for other artists and brands. He bore the financial and operational risk of pioneering independent retail, launching international event logistics, and selffunding cultural showcases before corporate sponsors recognized the value of the reggae revival movement. In 2013, Jason co-founded Dubwise Jamaica alongside selector Yaadcore and Protoje. Starting in Kingston, the sound-system platform grew into a weekly residency in Miami and monthly events across North America, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. Expanding into music production and A&R, he served as A&R, writer, and producer on Jesse Royal’s album Royal, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. By systematically converting audience trust into cultural identity and strategic influence, Jason established a self-sustaining brand engine. Jason’s trajectory is Act II of an expanding enterprise. Through Dubwise Café, he is building a permanent, revenue-generating yard to preserve reggae culture in Jamaica first. For Jason, true elevation is creating cultural systems that generate long-term value, inspire upcoming creators, and secure a lasting legacy for his children. Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Simone J. Smith TCN Now

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FOOD

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Jerk Chicken & Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Caribbean Comfort Meets Fall There is something about the first stretch of cooler weather that changes the way we think about food. The bright, quick meals of summer slowly give way to dishes that are warmer, richer and meant to sit on the table a little longer. This is the season when the oven starts working overtime again, the kitchen smells a little better, and comfort food suddenly sounds like exactly what we need. Of course, comfort food does not have to mean leaving Caribbean flavour behind. If anything, this is the perfect time to take familiar favourites and give them a little island attitude. That is exactly where this Jerk Chicken and Pumpkin Mac and Cheese comes in, combining one of the ultimate comfort foods with the heat, herbs and unmistakable flavour of jerk seasoning. Macaroni and cheese already has a very comfortable place at a Caribbean table. Depending on where you grew up, you might know it as baked macaroni, macaroni pie or simply the dish everyone hopes is still there when they go back for seconds. It is rich, cheesy, filling and almost impossible to ignore when it comes out of the oven with browned, bubbling edges. This version takes that familiar comfort and moves it in a slightly different direction. Roasted pumpkin is blended into the cheese sauce, giving it a beautiful golden colour, a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with jerk-seasoned chicken. Add thyme, scallion, garlic and a touch of Scotch bonnet, and suddenly this is no ordinary pan of macaroni and cheese. The pumpkin is not there to turn the dish sweet. Its job is to add body, colour and richness while helping balance the heat from the jerk seasoning. Once it is blended into the cheese sauce, it becomes almost invisible, quietly adding another layer of flavour without taking over the dish. Then there is the chicken. Jerk seasoning brings so much to the table on its own, from allspice and thyme to garlic, onion and pepper. Cooking the chicken separately before folding it into the macaroni gives you little pockets of smoky, spicy flavour throughout the dish instead of having everything taste exactly the same. That contrast is what really makes this recipe work. One bite gives you creamy pumpkin cheese sauce and pasta, while the next gives you a piece of heavily seasoned jerk chicken with a little extra heat. The crispy breadcrumb topping finishes it off with the texture that every good baked macaroni dish needs. Pumpkin belongs in savoury food too Pumpkin tends to get pushed into a very specific corner once fall arrives. Suddenly it is everywhere in pies, cakes and coffee drinks, but pumpkin has always worked beautifully in savoury cooking. Across the Caribbean, pumpkin is commonly used in soups, stews, rice dishes and one-pot meals because it absorbs flavour while adding colour and texture. For this recipe, Caribbean pumpkin, calabaza or West Indian pumpkin is ideal if you can find it. Butternut squash is also an excellent substitute. The important thing is roasting it until it is soft and slightly caramelized rather than boiling away all of that flavour in water. Roasting brings out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness, which becomes especially useful once it meets the spice of the jerk chicken. The goal is not a sugary flavour, but balance. Caribbean cooking has always understood how well sweet, savoury, spicy and aromatic flavours can sit together on the same plate.

The cheese sauce matters The biggest mistake with macaroni and cheese is assuming that enough cheese automatically guarantees flavour. Cheese certainly helps, but a great cheese sauce still needs seasoning. Garlic, thyme, scallion, black pepper and a touch of mustard give the sauce depth before the cheese even goes in. Using more than one cheese also makes a difference. Old cheddar gives you a stronger, sharper flavour, while mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds that smooth melt and stretch. Parmesan brings a little saltiness and works especially well in the crispy topping. Freshly grated cheese is best if you have the time. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it is often coated to prevent clumping, which can make it slightly harder to achieve a perfectly smooth sauce. You also want the sauce to be a little looser than you might expect before the dish goes into the oven. Pasta continues to absorb moisture while it bakes, so a sauce that looks perfectly thick on the stove can become dry by the time it reaches the table. The jerk chicken makes the difference Boneless chicken thighs are the best choice here because they stay juicy and handle bold seasoning well. Chicken breast will still work, but you will want to be careful not to overcook it before the dish goes into the oven. If you have homemade jerk seasoning, this is a great place to use it. A good bottled jerk marinade also works perfectly well, especially when you want all the flavour without turning dinner into an all-day project. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes if you can, although a few hours is even better. That gives the seasoning time to work into the meat rather than simply sitting on the outside. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This helps keep it juicy and gives you better texture once everything is folded into the macaroni. Ingredients For the jerk chicken • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 tablespoons jerk marinade or jerk seasoning • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1 teaspoon brown sugar • ½ teaspoon ground allspice, optional • Freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme For the pumpkin • 3 cups peeled Caribbean pumpkin, calabaza or butternut squash, cut into cubes • 1 tablespoon oil • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves For the macaroni and cheese • 1 lb elbow macaroni or other short pasta • 4 tablespoons butter • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 3 cups whole milk • 1 cup evaporated milk • 1½ cups pumpkin puree from the roasted pumpkin • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced • 3 scallions, finely sliced • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika • ½ teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

• • • • •

¼ to ½ Scotch bonnet pepper, finely minced, optional 3 cups old cheddar cheese, freshly grated 1½ cups mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the topping • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • ½ cup grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons melted butter • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves • 2 tablespoons finely sliced scallion Instructions • Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet and toss with oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Roast for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until completely tender and beginning to brown around the edges. • Remove the pumpkin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Measure approximately 1½ cups and blend or mash until smooth. Set aside. • Place the chicken in a bowl and combine it with the jerk marinade, oil, lime juice, brown sugar, thyme, allspice if using and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through, approximately five to seven minutes per side depending on thickness. • Remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for several minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni approximately two minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain and set aside without rinsing. • Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Lightly butter a large baking dish and set it aside. • Melt four tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, scallion and thyme and cook for approximately one minute. • Sprinkle the flour into the butter and stir constantly for approximately two minutes. Slowly pour in the whole milk and evaporated milk while whisking to prevent lumps. • Continue cooking the sauce until it begins to thicken. Stir in the pumpkin puree, smoked paprika, mustard, allspice and Scotch bonnet if using. • Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack and Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until smooth. • Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, black pepper and heat as needed. Remember that the jerk chicken will add more seasoning once everything is combined. • Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until completely coated. Fold in approximately three-quarters of the chopped jerk chicken. • Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and scatter the remaining jerk chicken over the top. • Combine the panko breadcrumbs, cheese, melted butter, thyme and scallion in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly across the macaroni. • Bake uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. • Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 min-

utes before serving. Make it your own One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adjusted to suit the people around your table. If you have guests who are sensitive to heat, leave the Scotch bonnet out of the cheese sauce and use a milder jerk marinade on the chicken. Anyone who wants more heat can always add pepper sauce at the table. You can also switch the protein without changing the entire recipe. Jerk turkey would work beautifully, especially if you are looking for a creative way to use leftovers later in the season. Jerk shrimp can also work, although it should be cooked briefly and folded in near the end so it stays tender. For a meatless version, leave out the chicken and season roasted cauliflower or mushrooms with jerk spices instead. Both have enough texture to stand up against the creamy sauce, while the pumpkin and cheese make the dish hearty enough that it still feels complete. The cheese combination can also be changed depending on what you have available. Smoked Gouda can add another layer of flavour, while extra-old cheddar will make the sauce sharper. Just keep at least one good melting cheese in the mix so the sauce stays smooth. What to serve with it Because this is a rich dish, the best sides are usually simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, cucumber and tomato gives the plate some brightness and acidity against all that cheese. Steamed callaloo, sautéed greens or lightly cooked cabbage would also pair well. If this is part of a larger Sunday dinner, it can easily take the place of traditional macaroni pie. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, stewed vegetables or grilled fish and let the macaroni become the side dish everyone talks about. A little fresh scallion scattered over the top before serving also helps wake everything up. If you want to play with the sweet-and-spicy side even more, a small spoonful of mango or pineapple pepper sauce can work beautifully, but the dish already has plenty of flavour on its own. Caribbean comfort for cooler weather The best fusion dishes are not about throwing random ingredients together just because they sound interesting. They work when the flavours make sense and when something familiar is allowed to become something new without losing what made people enjoy it in the first place. Jerk Chicken and Pumpkin Mac and Cheese does exactly that. You still have everything you expect from great baked macaroni and cheese: creamy sauce, plenty of melted cheese, tender pasta and a golden topping. At the same time, you get the sweetness of roasted pumpkin, the smoky heat of jerk chicken and the herbs and spices that immediately give the dish a Caribbean identity. As the weather cools and we start reaching for heavier, oven-baked meals again, this is one worth adding to the rotation. It brings a little bit of autumn into the Caribbean kitchen without forgetting where the flavour comes from. Most importantly, it is the kind of food that belongs in the middle of the table, served generously and enjoyed slowly. Just make sure you get your portion before everyone else realizes how good it is.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

HEALTH

PAGE 15

Emerging research may change perceptions of human olfactory skills BY DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH The nose is not our most attractive feature. No line of Shakespeare reads, “O blessed nose! Had Heaven made thee as comely as thine office is noble,” but the human snout deserves more attention. It is constantly paying attention for us, and we are learning astonishing things about what it can detect. Compared with a bloodhound, our noses are inadequate. Humans have 5-6 million scent receptors in the nose. A bloodhound has 300 million. The portion of a dog’s brain devoted to analyzing smells is about 40 times larger than ours. Some birds also have remarkable beaks. Turkey vultures can detect gases released by decaying carcasses. They have helped workers locate leaking natural gas pipelines, attracted by the sulfur compounds added to otherwise odorless gas. Now, emerging research may change perceptions of human olfactory skills. Scientists have discovered, for ex-

ample, that when people are frightened or under stress, their body odour changes. Some scientists believe that other people can detect that odour without realizing it. An analysis of 26 studies involving more than 1,600 people found evidence that fear, stress and anxiety can be communicated through body odour. It might happen like this. You walk into a room. Someone is frightened. They have not said anything or made eye contact, but somehow you become a little more alert yourself. Body odours are being rebranded as chemosignals. We can sense these signals in instances of fear and stress. Some research suggests we can also sense positive emotional states, such as happiness, from detectable chemical information. How the molecular chemistry works is not yet clear. Critics point out that laboratory experiments are more controlled than ordinary human life. In thinking through your life, have there not been times when you smelled someone passing by in a peculiar way, not their odour, per se,

but their emotions? Scientists are also learning new things about our noses and disease. Our bodies constantly release hundreds of volatile organic compounds, chemicals that can be detected in breath, sweat, skin, urine and other bodily materials. When metabolism changes because of infection or disease, the chemical mixture can change too. It is possible that diseases have distinctive chemical fingerprints. This has produced extraordinary experiments involving dogs, electronic noses and laboratory instruments capable of identifying volatile compounds. Scientists are investigating whether these signatures could eventually help detect diseases earlier or more cheaply than conventional methods. Parkinson’s disease provides an intriguing example. Loss or reduction of the sense of smell (called hyposmia) is common in Parkinson’s disease and can appear before the better-known movement problems. Studies involving thousands of

patients have found that smell testing can be effective in distinguishing Parkinson’s disease from other conditions that can look similar. That does not mean a poor sense of smell diagnoses Parkinson’s disease. Many healthy people have a poor sense of smell, especially as they get older. Nasal problems, medications, infections, and other conditions can affect it. It means that scientists are taking the nose seriously as a possible window into the brain. Helen Keller, renowned American humanitarian who was deaf and blind from early childhood, referred to the nose as the fallen angel. She would be pleased that modern science is beginning to restore the nose to a central focus. So, if you suddenly lose your sense of smell, or notice a substantial unexplained change, you might want to mention it to your doctor. It may be nothing more than a cold, allergies, medication, or aging. If someone passes by, and you cannot explain your interest, for better or for worse, go get a better sniff.

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LIFE

TCN Now | www.TCN-Now.com | Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Luxury lives where your courage begins BY SIMONE J. SMITH HUMAN SPECIALIST Let me talk to you the way we talk when the room is quiet, the kids are grown, and life has finally slowed down enough for us to hear ourselves think. Our generation, the 40s and 50s, has lived through the era of “Figure it out yourself.” Many of us did not get the pep talks, the soft landings, or the “You are doing amazing” speeches. Somehow, we still became the backbone of every room we walked into. Now? We are watching the younger ones dream out loud in ways we never had permission to, and instead of being bitter, I am proud. Deeply proud, because their courage is a reflection of the foundation we laid without applause. That is exactly what I felt at The Zenith Experience, presented by House of HIGGINS in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Newmarket. It was a glimpse into the life so many of us are quietly

building. A life with more ease, more intention, more beauty, and more self-respect. A life where luxury is about alignment. From the moment I stepped into that newly renovated Mercedes-Benz dealership, I could feel the shift. Red carpet. Cameras flashing. Music humming in the background. People dressed in ambition. It felt like stepping into the future version of myself; the one I have been grinding toward for decades. The moment that hit me hardest? Demani’s story. He stood there: young, brilliant, driven, and when he started talking about where he came from, his voice cracked, and his emotions started to show. Our generation knows what honesty costs. We know what it means for a man to stand in front of his community, both old and new, and let his emotions breathe. Nobody laughed. Nobody shifted uncomfortably. Nobody tried to fix

the moment. We sat with him, held space for him, and let him be human. That is when it clicked for me; this is what showing up for our young entrepreneurs looks like. Not just reposting their flyers or clapping from the sidelines. It is about being in the room and being present. Being witness to their becoming. Here is the truth; our generation has wisdom they cannot Google. We have lived through recessions, reinventions, heartbreaks, layoffs, rebuilds, and quiet victories nobody saw. We know how to survive. They know how to dream. When those two energies meet, something powerful happens. The Zenith Experience was luxury cars, exotic gastronomic experiences, and curated gifting. It was also a reminder that ambition needs community. That success feels different when someone older, wiser, and still striving says, “I see you. Keep going.”

Let me say this plainly; show up for them. Even when you are tired, when you feel like your own dreams are still loading, and even when you think they do not need you. You never know what you will learn. You never know what part of your own story will unlock just by being in the room. I didn’t know how my presence steadied someone who was carrying more than they show. Our generation is entering a new chapter, one where we get to build the life we always wanted, without apology. Events like The Zenith Experience reminded me that luxury is about the courage to step into spaces your younger self never imagined. So, stay tuned; Demani’s full story has not been written yet, and if anyone is going to write it, it is going to be, and trust me; you will want to read it.

The plundering of Canada’s middle class BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY A country does not hollow out its middle class overnight, nor does it necessarily happen while the government is admitting that anything is wrong. More often, politicians are announcing investments, celebrating programs and assuring us that the economy is growing, while working families wonder why owning a home, raising children, and saving for retirement have become so difficult. Canadians need to understand what is being lost, because we were once held up as an example of how to get this right. In 2014, international income comparisons suggested that Canada’s middle class had caught or surpassed its American counterpart, reinforcing the expectation that hard work and responsible choices would provide a comfortable life. Since then, the comparison with our southern neighbour has become less flattering. World Bank GDP figures, adjusted for inflation and differences in purchasing power, show that Canada’s economic output per person increased from approximately $55,700 in 2015 to $57,500 in 2024, a gain of about 3 percent in nine years. Over the same period, the United States went from about $64,400

to $75,700, an increase approaching 18 percent. These figures use constant international dollars and measure production, not what ordinary families take home, but they expose the widening gap between our economies. While Americans were generating more output per person, Canadians were quickly falling dangerously far behind. Mexico offers another uncomfortable comparison. Its real output per person rose from approximately $21,400 in 2015 to $22,000 in 2024, also around three percent, meaning Canada delivered the same sluggish growth despite starting from a wealthier position, which should prompt earnest questions about the policies guiding our economic future. Russia makes the contrast even harder to dismiss. Its inflation-adjusted, purchasing-power-adjusted output per person increased from about $35,000 to $41,900 over those same nine years, a gain of 20 percent compared with Canada’s three percent. Some recent Russian growth reflects military production, which should not be confused with better living conditions, yet the fact that a sanctioned war economy expanded output per person faster than Canada deserves scrutiny rather than excuses.

Looking back to 2010 does not rescue our record. Through 2024, real output per person increased approximately nine percent in Canada, compared with 10 percent in Mexico and 27 percent in both Russia and the United States. Considering the negative press that Russia receives in Canadian media, Canadians deserve an answer as to why Canada has achieved so little with so much when a highly restricted Russian economy delivered far more growth to its populace. For families across Greater Toronto, housing makes that question painfully concrete. The average home sold for approximately $622,000 in 2015 and $1.07 million in 2025, a nominal increase of about 72 percent. Rising property values can enrich existing owners while pushing the next generation further from ownership, allowing the country to look wealthier even as the opportunity to build wealth becomes less accessible. Affordable energy matters because fuel costs reach well beyond the gas station, running through farming, trucking, construction and manufacturing before arriving on the grocery shelf or kitchen table. Cheap oil is not automatically good for an oil-exporting economy, but affordable, reliable energy should still be a Canadian advantage

rather than something governments casually make harder to produce and deliver. The investment record deserves equal attention. According to the OECD, investment per worker fell approximately 15 percent in Canada between 2014 and 2023, while rising 21 percent in the United States. Canada remains wealthy, which makes this record less excusable. With our energy, resources, educated workforce and decades of barrier-free access to the American market, we should be debating how to lead rather than explaining why we lag. The middle-class promise was that honest work would provide a realistic path to security and restoring that promise matters far more than defending the politicians who keep telling us how well we are doing. The canary in the coal mine of a nation’s long-term economic success and family-friendly environment is the health of its middle class. In Canada all alarm bells are on and there should be no greater focus than restoring the environment that produces a healthy middle class. Sadly, there is mostly silence in the media and government circles. We must demand better.

LIFE

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.TCN-Now.com | TCN Now

PAGE 17

When estate plans meet reality: Lessons from a family cottage dispute BY JAY BRIJPAUL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Death and taxes may be life’s only certainties, but for Canadian homeowners, real estate values introduce another variable, one that can complicate estate planning. A recent Ontario court case involving a family cottage illustrates how a property’s rising value can disrupt even seemingly straightforward plans. This case reminds us that estate plans should anticipate not only current property values, but also potential future changes. A woman passed away, having planned to divide her estate equally among her three children. Her will specified that one son would receive the family cottage, with its value deducted from his inheritance. However, by the time of her death, the cottage was worth about $1.4 million, while the rest of the estate totaled less than $800,000. This imbalance led to a significant dispute among the siblings. The son, who was to inherit the cottage, favoured a straightforward deduction, but his siblings objected. The court ruled that, to ensure fairness, the son had to pay the shortfall, otherwise, the cottage would be sold, contrary to their mother’s wish to

keep it in the family. Wanting to treat children equally and keep property in the family is common, but it becomes difficult when one’s asset’s value far exceeds the others. Estate planning experts warn that without proactive measures, dividing a valuable property fairly is nearly impossible if it dominates the estate. Estate planning involves more than stating that assets will be divided equally. Does equality mean each child receives an identical share of every asset, or different assets of equal value? Should properties be valued at death, and can beneficiaries afford the required payouts or taxes? These issues should be addressed in advance, not left to executors to resolve. A will alone does not constitute a complete estate plan. Effective planning also addresses asset transfer methods, tax liabilities, executor selection, and contingencies for incapacity or changes in property values, particularly when real estate is involved. Real estate can create significant inheritance value, but often lacks the liquidity to cover taxes, debts, or expenses without a sale, which may be slow or undesirable for beneficiaries.

Canadian tax law treats capital property as sold at death, triggering capital gains tax even if the property is not sold, leaving heirs with tax bills but not always the cash to pay them. Planning for cottages and recreational properties is especially challenging because they do not qualify for principal residence tax exemptions. Significant capital gains taxes and ongoing expenses make it essential to assess whether beneficiaries can afford to retain the property. Alternatives such as co-ownership, trusts, or life insurance may help, but early planning is critical. This Ontario case also highlights the importance of specifying how and when property is valued for inheritance and of establishing clear processes for buyouts, or for resolving disputes. Equal inheritance is complex; real estate cannot be divided as simply as cash. Planning should consider not only asset values, but also the real-world impact and responsibilities for each beneficiary. Trying to address every possible dispute through detailed will provisions often causes confusion. Open conversations with an estate lawyer can help tailor solutions (such as a trust or co-ownership) to the

family’s needs and priorities. These considerations apply to all significant assets; rental properties require planning for mortgages, taxes, and tenants; business owners need succession plans; and beneficiary designations should align with the will. Incapacity planning is also crucial to a comprehensive estate plan. Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care ensure that someone can manage finances and property if you are unable to do so. Open communication with family is essential; clearly explaining your intentions while you are alive helps prevent future disputes. Review and update estate plans as property values and family circumstances change. The Ontario case illustrates the difficulty of balancing fairness with the preservation of cherished assets as values rise, an issue that can apply to any significant estate asset. Effective estate plans adapt to evolving values and family needs, providing clear guidance on inheritance, valuation, taxes, and conflict resolution to prevent uncertainty and litigation.

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