Privacy Versus Power

“If a law this powerful passes largely unnoticed, what else could slip by under the banner of “national security”?...”

LISA A. SMALL THOMPSON

The revolutionary approach of a mediator who sees beyond the courtroom

“I was that kid with her nose in a book, shy, the quiet one, observing, and always wanting to help.”

What if the law wasn’t about winning, or losing, but about healing? What if justice wasn’t served in cold courtrooms, but in warm spaces where every voice matters? These aren’t hypothetical questions for this edition’s Woman Empowered, they are the foundation of her revolutionary approach to law and mediation.

In a world increasingly divided, where conflicts escalate and communication breaks down, our Woman Empowered has created something extraordinary: a legal practice that functions as a sanctuary. The Guest House Legal Options is a living testament to the possibility of resolution without division.

Her journey didn’t begin in legal lecture halls, but in the “why” of human behavior.

Lisa A. Small Thompson describes herself as “A rolling stone who has collected all these achievements,” but beneath the accomplishments was a young woman searching for her place in the world.

“I was that bookworm who spent a lot of time in the library,” she reflects. “I spent a lot of time exploring the lives of other people. I didn’t know who I was to myself, not knowing what I was able to do.”

This self-described, “shy, quiet one,” who was always observing and wanting to help would eventually transform her natural empathy into a powerful tool for conflict resolution, but first, she needed to understand conflict from the inside out.

Before Lisa ever entered the legal field, she logged years in high-stakes negotiation and crisis management. Working in airline and hospitality management, she faced daily crucibles of irate co-workers and unpredictable emergencies. It was there she discovered something profound; every argument contains two truths and a silent demand to be heard.

“I started seeing employees being ill-treated at the airlines, so I joined the union,” Thompson recalls. This experience ignited her passion for advocacy, particularly for women in positions of power. “I found out that there is power in numbers, especially when it comes to Black women in Toronto.”

A realization came during a pivotal moment in her life (fall 2012) while she was navigating a divorce. It was in this personal crisis that her legal future became

clearer. The woman who once dreamed of dancing, who was told “There is no money in that,” and redirected toward computer technology, finally found her way back to what seemed her destiny.

What makes Lisa’s approach to law so revolutionary? It begins with how she views the legal system itself. What makes people clash? Why do simple misunderstandings metastasize into full-blown disputes? How can the hurt, the unheard, and the alienated find their way back to connection?

She never saw the law as a set of cold bylaws stacked on dusty courtroom shelves. For her, it was always a living, breathing space (a guest house) where the doors remain open to every story, every struggle, every soul in need.

This philosophy became the foundation for The Guest House Legal Options, a practice built on holistic, mindful, and culturally non-discriminative mediation. In her hands, mediation is a chance for: personalization, healthy communication, and even retreat. Clients may arrive angry, or lost, but they leave with their dignity intact, heard and whole. It’s a transformation that mirrors her own journey from uncertainty to purpose.

Behind every revolutionary is often an influential figure who shaped their worldview. For Lisa, that person was her father. “Even now, just the word father, brings back a lot of emotions,” Lisa shared. I heard the sadness in her voice as she continued. Her father, known as “Mr. T,” was a constable in Jamaica: respected, disciplined, yet gentle with his family. “He would take on other people’s children as his own. He was a God-fearing man,” Lisa shares.

He was also her first teacher and confidant. “He was my Google before there was Google,” she recalls. “Whenever I asked questions, he would feed it back to this; ‘Life trying to teach you something. If you don’t listen, you will go through it again.’”

This early lesson in reflection and growth became the cornerstone of Thompson’s approach to mediation and conflict resolution. It instilled in her a love for learning that continues to drive her work today.

With decades of experience guiding others through crises, how does Lisa process her own struggles? “Fear was one of my biggest hurdles,” she admits. “My fear was controlling a lot of things for me, and it was making it difficult to advance. I had to overcome fear, I had to champion

fear, and get in front of fear, and know that anything I am afraid of, I had to deal with.” This confrontation with fear transformed not only her personal life, but her professional approach. “I am not afraid of confrontation anymore,” she says. “It is about changing perspective. It depowered the fear element.”

This fearlessness allows Lisa to enter spaces of conflict that others might avoid, creating possibilities for resolution where none seemed possible.

Even the most accomplished among us have moments of reflection and regret. When asked which chapter of her professional life she would rewrite, Lisa doesn’t hesitate. “I would have rewritten the chapter around motherhood,” she says. “There were so many opportunities that I could have been more helpful to my children, and I would have paid more attention and care to the decisions that I made at those times. I would ask smarter questions.”

This vulnerability, this willingness to acknowledge imperfection, is perhaps what makes her so effective in her work. She understands that we are all human, all doing the best we can with the awareness we have at the time. “I did the best that I can,” she concludes. “I feel that.”

Lisa’s approach to law and mediation provides a model for how we might address conflict in our communities and our world. By treating the law as a “guest house” rather than a battlefield, she demonstrates that justice and healing aren’t mutually exclusive. By prioritizing listening over lecturing, understanding over overcoming, she shows us a way forward through our most challenging conflicts.

In a world that often seems more divided than ever, Lisa A. Small Thompson reminds us that the path to justice begins with a simple act: opening the door, listening deeply, and making space for every voice to be heard.

Her story isn’t just about one woman’s journey through law and mediation, it’s about the possibility of transformation, for us and our communities, when we approach conflict with courage, empathy, and an open heart.

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

Three decades, one voice: Sizzla Kalonji’s unstoppable journey

Before the lights even dimmed, you could feel it; an invisible current humming through the air, like the room itself was holding its breath in anticipation. Sizzla’s presence arrived before his body did, a spirit pressing against the walls of Rebel Nightclub, rippling through the crowd like a rising tide.

Then he appeared. Just the sight of him was enough to spark an eruption. The sold-out crowd ignited, a chorus of voices flaring in unison, as if struck by the same match. Energy became a living thing: thick, tangible, almost palatable, as though you could taste the electricity on your tongue.

Sizzla charged the stage, his body a flame refusing to be contained. He leaped, he bounded, he stormed across the boards as though they were too small to hold the fire in his chest. Every movement shouted what words could not: that the fire in his belly to entertain, to move, to command, still burned bright, unextinguished by time. This Toronto performance was

merely a prelude to something much larger. What many fans don’t yet realize is how this moment connects to a global celebration three decades in the making.

The journey began in April 2025 with Kalonji Conversations in Miami, intimate gatherings that peeled back the layers of an artist who has given us over 80 studio albums, but why now? What makes this moment the perfect time for such reflection?

The answer lies in how Sizzla has mastered what so many artists struggle to achieve: relevance across generations. His ability to blend spiritual consciousness with dancehall’s infectious rhythms has created a bridge between tradition and innovation that few have crossed successfully.

From August Town to the world, Sizzla’s influence extends far beyond entertainment. Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness publicly credited the song “Rise to the Occasion” as an inspiration in his political journey, a testament to how deeply this artist has penetrated the cultural and social fabric of Jamaica.

What’s coming next will surprise even his most dedicated followers. The grand finale in Kingston, Jamaica, “Rise to The Occasion...30 Years of Sizzla Kalonji” promises to be more than just a historic tribute concert at Sabina Park on Sunday, October 19th

over the Heroes Weekend. It represents the culmination of 30 global initiatives celebrating his legacy.

Here’s what no one is talking about yet: Sizzla’s planned expansion beyond music into merchandise like shoes and leather slippers. This move signals a new chapter in his evolution as a cultural entrepreneur.

The performance in Toronto offered a glimpse into what makes Sizzla a movement. His ability to command a stage, to connect with audi-

ences on a visceral level, demonstrates why his music has uplifted, inspired, and connected generations.

As we approach the Kingston concert, one question remains: How will an artist who has already given so much find new ways to surprise and inspire us? If the Toronto performance is any indication, Sizzla Kalonji still has much to say, and we have everything to gain by listening. One Night...One City...One Legend!

Photo Credit: Tyrone Steer

Ensuring

Mental

Psychological

Level

Principles

Return

Shifting Seasons, Shifting Mindsets

As the warm days of summer slowly give way to the cool mornings of September, I’m reminded of how naturally the seasons guide our lives. We don’t always think about it, but the rhythms of nature shape the rhythms of our communities too. When the kids head back to school, when gardens start to wind down, when evenings come earlier, we all begin to shift — our schedules, our priorities, and even our way of thinking.

There’s a beauty in this cycle. Just as leaves prepare to turn and fall, we prepare to settle into a different pace. For some families, this means rushing around with hockey schedules or after-school programs. For others, it’s the comfort of pulling out sweaters and cozying up after supper. And for many, it’s simply finding a little extra time to breathe after a busy summer filled with events, visitors, and activities.

What strikes me most is how these seasonal changes remind us of the importance of supporting one another through transitions. Change, even when it’s as familiar as the shift from summer to fall, can be unsettling. Children adjusting to new teachers and routines may feel nervous. Parents may feel stretched thin, juggling work and school schedules. Seniors may find the shorter days a little lonelier. And businesses too, after the summer rush of tourists and visitors, begin to settle into quieter rhythms.

But that’s exactly where the strength of our small community shines brightest. It’s in these moments of change that we remember to look out for one another. Maybe it’s offering to give a neighbour’s child a ride home from practice. Maybe it’s checking in on someone who lives alone and might appreciate a chat on a cooler evening. Or maybe it’s as simple as making the choice to continue supporting local shops and services, even when the busyness of summer has passed.

The truth is, communities thrive when we embrace these shifting seasons

together. Each of us plays a part in keeping the heartbeat strong. The way we show up for one another during these transitions — with patience, kindness, and understanding — becomes the foundation that carries us through the colder months ahead.

I also believe seasonal changes are a good reminder for us to pause and reflect on our own lives. What worked well this summer? What do we want to carry into fall? What might we need to let go of, just as the trees let go of their leaves? These questions don’t need big answers, but taking a moment to acknowledge them can help us step forward with a sense of peace and purpose.

For me, I find this time of year calls for gratitude. Gratitude for the sunny days we’ve had, for the memories made at events and gatherings, for the laughter of children on long evenings, and for the generosity of neighbours who continue to show up for one another. Gratitude that we live in a place where the seasons still guide us, reminding us to slow down, to notice, and to be present.

As we move into autumn, let’s carry that gratitude with us. Let’s choose to lean into the comfort of community, knowing that even as days shorten and nights grow cooler, we are surrounded by people who care. The shift of seasons may change our routines, but it doesn’t change our commitment to one another. In fact, it’s often in these in-between moments — the quiet evenings, the community suppers, the chance encounters at the store — that we feel the strongest sense of belonging.

So here’s my gentle encouragement to you this week: embrace the shift. Find joy in the small things. Check in on someone. Support local. And most importantly, remember that as the seasons change, so too does our chance to grow, to connect, and to strengthen the bonds that make this community feel like home.

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

What if everything you thought about musical genres was wrong? What if an artist could seamlessly blend country twang with Caribbean rhythm, hiphop bravado with soulful vulnerability? Meet Olaf Blackwood, the musical alchemist whose album “Black River” defies categorization while touching something universal in all of us. There is something magnetic about artists who refuse to be boxed in. They create a psychological tension that draws us in; we crave the familiar yet hunger for the unexpected. Olaf Blackwood masterfully exploits this

Black River, Country, Soul; Olaf Blackwood’s genre-defying journey

curiosity gap, offering just enough familiarity to comfort while surprising us at every turn.

His album “Black River” flows like emotional chapters of a life fully lived. From “Something We Don’t Know” to “Buried Treasures,” each track represents another facet of human experience. The magic lies in how these songs transport us beyond mere listening into feeling. When Olaf Blackwood sings, we experience the ache of heartbreak, the warmth of love remembered, the sting of betrayal.

What makes his approach so compelling? It’s the rare ability to embody contradiction without losing authenticity. One moment, he delivers country-tinged melodies that would make Nashville take notice; the next, he infuses his sound with unmistakable Caribbean influences.

His recognition as one of Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s

Classic Men is social proof that his artistic vision resonates beyond traditional boundaries. When an artist commands respect across multiple musical worlds, it signals something deeper at work.

What drives this artistic fearlessness?

In our conversation, Olaf Blackwood revealed the psychology behind his approach…

“Everybody that I play my music for, they are like, ‘Wow! So, what do you want people to know about you as an artist?’ That I am an artist. Imagine if I told someone that they could only wear suits for the rest of their lives. Well, you don’t have to. I don’t have to have one sound. I don’t have to do just one style of music. There are some artists who do that; they are known for one type of music, and that is what people want to hear from them.”

“I am not part of a cookie cutter thing, where I just fit in. Mi nuh

dress like a cookie cutta, Mi nuh talk like one, Mi nuh behave like one. Everything about me is different. I am that person who will stop on the street and feed a dog or rescue a cat. My music is the same way, it is an artform, and expression. Sometimes I feel like this, other times I feel like that.”

This refusal to conform is an authenticity that I truly respect and admire. Authenticity creates the most powerful connection between artist and audience. When we encounter someone unafraid to be fully themselves, it gives me, let me rephrase that, “US” permission to do the same.

“Black River” is available on: Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, iTunes, and TIDAL. Listen not just with your ears, but with your heart. You might just discover something about yourself in the process.

Black River: Olaf Blackwood (Black River - Album by Olaf Blackwood - Apple Music)

Toronto mourns 8-Year-Old Jahvai Roy, and demands action on gun violence

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On August 12th, 2025, Toronto lost eight-year-old Jahvai Roy to gun violence. He was killed in his own home at Martha Eaton Way near Black Creek Drive, an ordinary summer night turned into tragedy. His death has shaken the city and sharpened the call to end the rise of shootings plaguing Toronto in 2025.

For many, this summer will be remembered not for festivals, or family gatherings, but for the sharp increase in gun violence that continues to tear through communities. Jahvai’s story has become the face of that crisis, reminding us that until the city takes bold action, no child is safe.

On August 21st, 2025, neighbours, family, and friends held a

candlelit memorial outside Jahvai’s building. The crowd’s presence spoke volumes. They were there to declare that his life mattered, and that his death must spark change.

The next day, August 22nd, 2025, a rally at City Hall brought even more voices together. Organized by ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, the #JusticeForJahvai demonstration demanded urgent measures to address Toronto’s gun crisis. The message was loud and clear: “Stop the violence. Stop gun violence.”

Signs waved above the crowd read, “Protect our children,” and “Rise together as a community.” The event called for a citywide shutdown, urging Torontonians to take collective action.

Brian Perrier, Toronto Director of ENAGB, spoke bluntly: “We do not want Jahvai’s death to be for nothing.” Cynthia Bell added, “We want to keep Jahvai’s name alive and figure out what we can push forward in his honour.”

No one carried more pain than Jahvai’s mother, Holly Roy. Through tears, she expressed gratitude for

those who showed up: “It’s unfortunate that we had to go through this to wake us up. It doesn’t matter what race we are; we should come together, support each other, and ask: what steps do we need to take to enforce our safety?”

Her words captured both heartbreak and hope, pushing the city toward unity instead of division.

To help Holly and her family, friend Charlene Small launched a GoFundMe campaign. Funds will cover funeral costs, relocation to a safer home, trauma counselling, and other unforeseen expenses. The campaign description reads:

“Jahvai was a joyful, bright, and loving little boy. His life, full of promise, was stolen in a moment no family should ever endure.”

As of September 5th, 2025, donations have reached more than $89,000 of the $100,000 goal.

The support hasn’t stopped online. On August 25th, 2025, over 150 people gathered at the Learning Enrichment Foundation to share memories, display photos, and hon-

our Jahvai’s spirit. Another fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, at 65 Norfolk Street in Simcoe, Ontario, with proceeds going directly to Holly. The flyer reads: “As we come together to raise awareness and take a stand against gun violence, please show your support.” Admission is $20, with raffles and prizes planned.

The death of Jahvai Roy is a turning point. Community leaders, families, and everyday Torontonians are demanding justice and accountability from city officials. They want policies that will actually make neighbourhoods safer, not just words after another child is lost.

Toronto has always called itself one of the safest cities in the world. But until kids like Jahvai can live without fear of bullets entering their homes, that reputation means nothing.

This tragedy has carved deep scars into one family, but it has also ignited a movement. The memory of Jahvai: joyful, full of promise, stolen too soon, will continue to push Toronto toward the justice and safety it urgently needs.

Robert F. Kennedy’s vaccine reversal; From rebel to regulator

MICHAEL THOMAS

michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a striking turn in his public health stance. The man once hailed as a firebrand critic of government overreach is now defending a framework that keeps COVID-19 vaccines on the market. This week, Kennedy announced that the shots would face new restrictions, but he emphasized that they remain available with a doctor’s approval.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that COVID vaccines are no longer offered under emergency use authorization (EUA). Instead, they are marketed solely as fully licensed products. For Kennedy’s critics, this shift marks a transformation from outsider to insider, from rebel to regulator.

The FDA has issued full approval for:

• Moderna: Ages 6 months and older at high risk

• Pfizer: Ages 5 and older at high risk, and all adults 65+

• Novavax: Ages 12–64 at high risk, and all adults 65+

Pfizer’s earlier EUA covering children ages six months to four years has ended. The company now has full approval for higher-risk groups ages 5–64, plus all seniors. Moderna’s

adults over 65.

These approvals send a mixed signal: regulators are tightening availability, yet ensuring shots remain widely accessible.

The bigger story may be that Americans have already moved on. Vaccine demand has collapsed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 23% of U.S. adults received a COVID shot in the past year, and just 13% of children under 18 did.

Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense (CHD), suggested Kennedy’s announcement will only accelerate this decline, “The Secretary’s announcement is likely to drive down demand even further, resulting in little more than a trickle of people still taking COVID boosters.”

If Kennedy aimed to strike a balance between freedom of choice and medical oversight, he may instead have underscored public skepticism.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) added another twist. It announced that the FDA revoked the EUA for COVID-19 convalescent plasma (blood plasma collected from a person who has recovered from an infectious disease). Still, plasma remains available for certain immunocompromised patients under new approvals.

At the same time, the PREP Act shield remains in place. A December 2024 amendment, first issued by former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, extended legal immunity for: vaccine makers, distributors, and doctors through 2029. In practice, this means patients who suffer vaccine-related harm cannot sue for negligence.

For critics, this protection undermines Kennedy’s promise of accountability. If the shots are safe, why maintain a liability shield?

The Kennedy of 2025 sounds nothing like the Kennedy of 2021 and 2022. Then,

he warned about government overreach and questioned vaccine safety: • “They have robbed us of our freedom.” — Sweden, November 2021 • “Vaccines have a negative efficacy after seven months.” — Jensen Show, 2022

Now, he defends a framework he claims delivers: “Science, safety, and common sense.” The contrast leaves supporters wondering whether he abandoned principle for power.

The contradictions pile up. Shots are restricted, yet still marketed. EUAs are revoked, yet products remain in circulation. The government shields manufacturers yet assures Americans the system protects them. As Mary Holland noted, “There is some lack of clarity about what this means, and we look forward to further clarification.”

The bigger problem may be trust. By trying to please both sides, skeptics and supporters, Kennedy risks alienating them all. His critics see betrayal, while his defenders may find his promises too vague to inspire confidence.

For everyday Americans, Kennedy’s announcement changes little in the short term. Shots remain available for anyone with a doctor’s recommendation, but uptake is already low. The larger impact may be political; Kennedy’s reputation as a truth-telling outsider has eroded.

The man who once rallied crowds against “medical tyranny” now presides over a system that protects pharmaceutical companies and prolongs emergency powers until 2029. Whether this shift reflects: compromise, strategy, or capitulation, one fact remains; public trust in COVID policy is more fractured than ever.

Kennedy’s reversal raises a haunting question: Has the freedom fighter become the very bureaucrat he once promised to fight?

The silent return of HIV; Why Canada can’t afford complacency

12.8%: Injection drug use

3%: Both male-to-male sexual contact and drug use

21.8%: Heterosexual contact

Reported exposures in 2020, Canada (females):

65.8%: Heterosexual contact

32.7%: Injection drug use

Age patterns remain steady. The majority of new cases occurred in people aged 20 to 39. Even more troubling, over 250 infants were exposed to HIV during pregnancy between 2020 and 2023. Nearly all HIV-positive mothers received antiretroviral therapy, proving that treatment works, but access and awareness remain uneven.

In 2018, 62,050 Canadians lived with HIV. One in four were women, and half identified as gay, or bisexual men. Among the most alarming statistics: one in eight people with HIV don’t know their status. Unaware of their condition, they can unknowingly spread the virus.

sumptions. The only way to know your HIV status, or your partner’s, is through testing.

Here’s what you can do now:

• Get tested with your partner. Knowledge saves lives.

• Practice safer sex. Condoms, barriers, and lubricants reduce risk when used correctly.

• Never share equipment. Anything that punctures the skin—needles, syringes, or tools—can transmit HIV.

While Canada wrestles with rising numbers, the global picture is even more sobering. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 1.3 million people were newly infected in Africa and the Caribbean. At the same time, international funding, especially from the United States, has declined. Without sustained support, treatment shortages will mean: more pain, more suffering, and more preventable deaths.

use and worsening poverty have left vulnerable communities exposed.

In 2020 alone, Canada reported 1,639 new HIV diagnoses. Men accounted for 71.4% of cases, while women made up 28.6%. The COVID-19 pandemic made accurate counts even harder, as healthcare services for at-risk populations were disrupted.

Reported exposures in 2020, Canada (males):

• 60.8%: Male-to-male sexual contact

Indigenous communities face disproportionate risk. Though they represent only 4.9% of Canada’s population, they account for 14% of new infections. Poverty and systemic barriers fuel this inequity.

The good news? By 2021, 86% of Canadians living with HIV knew their status. Of those diagnosed, 84% were on treatment, and 92% of those had achieved viral suppression. That means the virus was no longer detectable in their blood, a victory of modern medicine. Still, progress slows without consistent funding, education, and prevention.

You can’t rely on silence, or as-

HIV doesn’t just affect the individual. It: strains healthcare systems, tears families apart, and alters communities. The lesson is simple: health responsibility starts with each of us.

The past decade proved one undeniable truth; you are responsible for protecting your own health. Pay attention to what you consume, how you behave, and who you trust. Viruses evolve, but so can our defenses.

Education and vigilance remain our most powerful tools. In a world where sharing needles, or ignoring testing can spark outbreaks, sometimes the bravest choice is refusing to share.

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On June 18th, 2025, the federal government quietly dropped a legislative thunderclap: Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. On paper, it promises to shield Canadians from surging cyberattacks by making our infrastructure more resilient. In the undercurrent of the policy, a more intimate question stirs; how much control should we hand over to be kept safe?

This is a reshaping of the boundaries between: government, business, and personal privacy. If a law this powerful passes largely unnoticed, what else could slip by under the banner of “national security”?

The Bill in brief Bill C-8 has two engines driving its overhaul:

• Telecommunications Act Amendments - These give federal ministers sweeping powers to direct telecom companies. From banning certain suppliers to ordering the removal of existing equipment (without compensation) the state is positioned as the ultimate referee on who gets to play in Canada’s digital networks. Non-compliance carries heavy penalties, not just for corporations, but for individual executives.

• Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act (CCSPA) - This applies directly to operators in “critical sectors:” banking, energy, telecommunications, transportation, and more. The rules include mandatory cybersecurity programs, incident reporting, Canadian data retention, and compliance with government instruction. Fines can go as high as $15 million per day for corporations and $1 million for individuals.

A Law Few Know, With Powers Few Expect

The hidden weight on small and medium businesses

While SMEs aren’t the direct targets of the bill, they are uniquely vulnerable to its aftershocks:

• Supply-chain compliance pressureIf you’re a small IT consultant, logistics provider, or contractor tied into critical infrastructure, your larger clients may demand that you step up to Bill C-8 standards, even if you’re not designated as “critical.”

• Financial strain - Cybersecurity upgrades aren’t cheap. Adding new encryption systems, monitoring tools, compliance audits, and in-house staff can overwhelm smaller budgets. For many SMEs, this shifts cybersecurity from a “good-to-have” into a survivallevel requirement.

• Legal exposure - With the bill carrying steep fines and risk of criminal liability for executives, even indirect involvement in a regulated sector could expose businesses to higher legal and insurance costs.

For African Caribbean Canadian entrepreneurs (many of whom operate small and medium-sized businesses in fields connected to larger supply chains) the stakes are amplified. These are businesses already navigating systemic barriers to: capital, growth, and contracts. Now, they must also navigate compliance mandates shaped for banks and telecom giants, not family-owned operations.

Government power vs. citizens’ privacy This is where Canada finds itself in a delicate tension. The bill assumes national security must take priority over individual transparency, and autonomy. That sounds reasonable, until you pause on what these new powers entail:

• Information access and sharing: Regulators can access confidential data and share it both domestically and internationally.

• Intrusive inspections: Officials can enter corporate premises, audit records, and issue binding orders with minimal judicial oversight. No guaranteed compensation: If your equipment, or suppliers are banned by government order, you absorb the fi-

nancial hit.

The danger is that once laws build a precedent for such expansive oversight, it becomes far easier to widen their scope. Today the focus is “critical systems.” Tomorrow it could quietly extend to more sectors of the economy, or even personal technologies in households.

The emotional undercurrent: What Canadians fear

Behind every law is an unspoken psychological contract between people and state. Bill C-8 forces Canadians (especially racialized and marginalized communities already wary of surveillance) to ask, “What does safety cost when it comes through control?”

Citizens remember lessons from other moments in history when “temporary” powers became permanent. Will my personal information, or my business’s operational details, now flow through government systems without my consent? With enforcement shrouded by confidentiality clauses, how do we know decisions aren’t politically motivated?

For communities like African Caribbean Canadians, already navigating disproportionate scrutiny, systemic barriers, and heightened policing, the risks of expanded surveillance feel particularly acute. This fear is part of our historical muscle memory.

Why national security still matters Yet, we must also face a contrasting truth; cyber threats in 2025 are real, escalating, and targeted. In just the last five years:

• Canadian hospitals have been crippled by ransomware, delaying urgent surgeries.

• Hydro utilities reported attempted international cyber breaches.

• Entire municipalities had their digital services paralyzed, from permits to policing.

The argument for Bill C-8 is simple; without protective legal frameworks, the damage of one national-level cyberattack could dwarf concerns about convenience, or compliance costs.

Open questions that remain (The Cliffhanger)

• Who truly gets to define what “critical” means?

• How will transparency be ensured when confidentiality clauses prevent public scrutiny?

• Will SMEs find government support to handle compliance, or will survival depend only on who has the deepest pockets?

• Perhaps most importantly, once the door is opened for expanded executive power, what guarantees it will ever be closed?

These unanswered questions are where the public conversation needs to live; in our collective negotiation between safety and freedom.

Toward common ground

What if we imagine different approaches? A framework where:

• Privacy by design is woven into enforcement powers, so that security gains do not mean personal loss.

• Tiered compliance standards are created, ensuring SMEs face achievable requirements rather than crippling costs.

• Independent oversight is mandated, with judicial, or parliamentary checks providing transparency.

• Community engagement ensures racialized and vulnerable groups are consulted before surveillance powers expand.

Canada need not choose between resilience and rights, but making that balance requires political imagination and cultural empathy. Bill C-8 reminds us that laws are cultural contracts. We, as communities, must ask hard questions about who benefits, who pays, and who decides.

For African Caribbean Canadians and other racialized groups, this is also about demanding a seat at the table where “national security” gets defined, because history shows that when protections expand without consultation, oversight, or challenge, marginalized communities too often face the sharpest edge of the policy.

Cybersecurity is not optional in 2025, but nor is questioning power. Canadians must push for safeguards that protect both our infrastructure and our freedoms. Communities, entrepreneurs, and institutions alike will need to watch this bill closely, not after it passes, but as it evolves, because in the digital era what we permit the government to do in cyberspace will define how free we remain outside of it.

Retail fixture industry on the brink: Fear, debt, and survival

ish. Yet, across North America, store planning departments with plans to expand are being overruled by corporate controllers who refuse to approve spending until long-term sales growth is undeniable.

The slowdown creates another pressing challenge; clients delaying or withholding payment. Projects completed in 2024 remain unpaid, leaving suppliers exposed. Two American clients even admitted their legal teams advised them to “Forget the Canadians,” and skip payment. Thankfully, most of my clients operate with integrity and eventually settle their debts, but the risk is real.

Every day I quote American projects worth significant sums. Yet without prepayment, too many slip through my hands. If a client refuses to pay $150,000 upfront, why should I believe they will cover the full cost later? This creates a dangerous cycle; companies like mine invest time, design, and engineering only to be used, strung along, and discarded. The financial strain is bad enough. The emotional toll is

worse. At times, I’ve searched for a therapist to manage the stress, only to find Canada’s mental health system overwhelmed and waitlists impossibly long.

I’m exhausted from chasing new clients who are themselves scrambling for sales. Going into the office feels like a burden. My phone rings off the hook; telemarketers and AI robots trying to do what I do: hunt for the next big project. In one week, I counted 61 calls, almost all noise. The competition is relentless, and the distraction adds to the sense of futility.

This isn’t simply about finding new work. It’s about survival. When clients hesitate, when suppliers aren’t paid, when tariffs and politics squeeze margins, our entire industry teeters.

The truth is this industry’s struggle didn’t start yesterday. Years ago, domestic importers flooded the market with price-sensitive fixtures from Asia and India. That move weakened local manufacturing and trained clients to expect cheap things. Now, tariffs and economic policy add to

the pressure, while our own governments make choices that erode trust.

So, where do we turn? How do we rebuild confidence when the average citizen fights to keep their household afloat?

The answer lies in resilience. As manufacturers and suppliers, we must sharpen our screening of potential clients, demand fair payment terms, and protect our intellectual and creative investments. We must also advocate for stronger trade protections and government support that values domestic industries instead of undermining them.

The slowdown is painful, but paralysis will only accelerate decline. Growth requires courage, from retailers willing to invest and from suppliers who refuse to accept exploitation as business as usual.

The fixture industry has weathered storms before. Survival depends on adapting, holding the line on value, and pushing forward even when fear says “wait.”

Glyphosate in Canada; The

weed killer debate they don’t want you asking about

simone@carib101.com

Every year in Canada, nearly 50 million kilograms of glyphosate are sprayed on our crops, forests, and Crown lands. Farmers use it, forestry companies rely on it, and for decades, regulators have reassured us that it’s “Safe when used as directed.” Yet, if that were the whole story, we wouldn’t still be debating whether the world’s most popular weed killer is: harming our health, contaminating our food supply, or threatening Indigenous lands.

So, here is the question no one wants to ask out loud; what if glyphosate has become too big to fail?

Glyphosate works by disrupting a plant enzyme essential for growth. It was introduced in 1974 under the trade name Roundup and became the backbone of modern industrial farming.

Since the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer labeled glyphosate “probably carcinogenic” in 2015, the

debate has shifted. Some studies connect glyphosate exposure to cancer, liver damage, and even neurodevelopmental issues in children. Others, including Canada’s pest management regulators, argue the levels used in agriculture are too low to cause concern.

Caught in the middle are communities: farmers who depend on it, families who unknowingly consume it, and First Nations whose lands are directly sprayed. Science is rarely black and white, and glyphosate is the perfect example of that murkiness.

Short-term exposure often means respiratory irritation, skin rashes, nausea, or dizziness. Cases of deliberate ingestion, tragically, have led to fatalities in some countries. Long-term exposure raises thornier concerns. Researchers have reported links to liver inflammation, metabolic disorders, and possible neurotoxicity. Early findings suggest glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier, increasing risks of developmental disorders though officials counter the evidence is still inconclusive.

enous communities who say it threatens wildlife habitats, traditional plants, and their sovereignty over land use.

Why do scientists, governments, and advocacy groups look at the same data and walk away with different conclusions? Well, because this is about: politics, economics, and public trust. Glyphosate holds a $10+ billion global market. Its removal would: drive up farming costs, reshape agriculture, and require massive new investments in alternatives like: AI weeding robots, natural sprays, or regenerative farming practices.

For regulators under pressure to “balance” public health with agricultural competitiveness, siding with industry often feels easier than navigating uncertainty.

Let’s take the time to name the emotional truth here; when science is uncertain, communities feel like human test subjects, and Canadians aren’t comfortable being the control group in someone else’s experiment. The deeper issue we face is trust:

ence, not studies funded and filtered through chemical corporations.

The debate over glyphosate is less about weeds and more about democracy. Canada doesn’t need simplistic answers; it needs courageous transparency. That means updating risk assessments with current science, not old industry-funded studies. It means exploring safer alternatives with real investment, not dismissing them as impractical, and it means expanding regulations beyond “Acceptable daily intake” to reflect cumulative exposure and vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. The final piece lies with the public. What do we really know about glyphosate, and what is the government keeping from us? Until that question is answered with full honesty, public trust will keep eroding.

• Communities deserve to know what chemicals are sprayed on their air, water, and food.

What do you think? Should Ontario and Canada continue to rely on glyphosate, or should governments open the door to safer, more transparent solutions? What’s the piece of this story you think isn’t being told? SIMONE SMITH

Widespread detection tells its own story; glyphosate has been found in humans: urine, blood, and even breast milk, proof that it’s present in our bodies, whether regulators accept the health risks or not. Here in Ontario, forests in the North are routinely sprayed, raising alarm for Indig-

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com TC REPORTER

Parents of Black Children (PoBC) has become a force in Ontario education since its founding in 2021. The nonprofit works to create safe, fair, and empowering learning spaces for Black students, free from anti-Black racism. Its mission is clear; ensure that Black children across the province can reach their full potential and thrive academically.

On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, PoBC hosted the EDGE Forward Summit, a milestone event designed to celebrate advocacy, achievement, and the brilliance of Black students. Supported by funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the summit amplified young voices while spotlighting excellence. “This support helps us uplift student voices, honour Black excellence, and build a stronger, more equitable future for Black students across Ontario,” said PoBC leadership.

Earlier this summer, PoBC invit-

ed: Black youth, parents, and community members to take part in its survey for an Anti-Black Racism in Education Framework. The goal; to build a stronger, more inclusive school system. The survey closed July 23rd, 2025, but it was just the beginning of the conversation.

To deepen engagement, PoBC hosted a three-day virtual youth focus group on anti-Black racism and inclusion. The sessions created space for students to speak truthfully about their experiences, highlight barriers, and propose solutions.

Day 1: Personal experiences and school rules

• Sharing personal experiences with anti-Black racism

• Identifying systemic barriers in education

• Highlighting successes and shortcomings in current policies

Day 2: Barriers and building allies

• Breaking down misconceptions about allyship

• Discussing the challenges of engagement

• Naming persistent systemic barriers

Day 3: Building better schools

• Sharing ideas for stronger inclu-

• Indigenous nations deserve a say in land management decisions that affect their hunting grounds and traditional medicine plants.

• Consumers deserve honest sci-

We need the truth. If glyphosate is truly safe, let transparent, independent testing show it. If it isn’t, let’s invest now in alternatives before communities pay the price.

sion and support

• Assessing current policies

• Offering suggestions for future programs and action

Student ambassadors led conversations with honesty and clarity, emphasizing that youth perspectives are essential to shaping the future of education. Their input was direct, insightful, and action-driven proving that when students are given the microphone, they offer solutions that adults often overlook.

The EDGE Forward Summit also highlighted the achievements of outstanding students through scholarships. This year’s recipients were:

• Emnet Goitom

• Tolulope Obagbemi

• Sellam Kassa

• Jadesola Babalola-Lucas

• Debby Morgan

These students embody resilience and leadership. By investing in their education, PoBC is celebrating individual accomplishment, and also reinforcing the collective potential of Black youth in Ontario.

PoBC’s work doesn’t stop at one event. The organization continues to deliver programs that directly support families and students:

• OMO Virtual Campus – An interactive online platform offering free daily homework help.

• EDGE Tutoring Program – Afrocentric tutors support Black students from kindergarten to Grade 12 twice a week in subjects of their choice.

• PoBC Mental Health Fund – Families connect with culturally responsive clinicians for mental health support.

• Parent Knowledge Building Workshops – Free virtual sessions that equip caregivers with the tools to navigate the education system.

Each program is built with the same philosophy; education must: affirm identity, remove barriers, and empower Black students to succeed.

The EDGE Forward Summit was a call to action. PoBC made it clear that progress in education requires collective responsibility: students, families, educators, and allies working together to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift Black excellence.

For those who want to learn more, or get involved, PoBC’s programs, events, and resources can be found at www.pobc.org. This is a movement determined to reshape education for generations to come.

The Blackprint Documentary redefines Black manhood in Canada

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Saturday, August 9th, 2025, the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto hosted the premiere screening of The Blackprint: A Journey of Thought, Growth, and Thriving in Black Manhood. Written and produced by Dr. Mojola Omole, President of the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO), the film drew a packed and engaged audience.

Promotional material described it as “A powerful documentary centered on Black men in Ontario—exploring identity, mental health, fatherhood, and resilience over an intimate dinner table.”

The BPAO’s press release went further, calling the film “A cinematic experience

and a community healing space.”

Dr. Omole, a surgical oncologist, writer, and single mother, created this project to spark an overdue dialogue.

“Black men are often discussed, mythologized, even praised, but rarely truly heard,” she reflected. “This documentary reclaims that narrative.”

Before the screening, Dr. Omole explained to CBC Toronto her motivation. “We’re creating a space for something long overdue; Black men speaking openly about the struggles they face.”

She pointed to research showing high rates of moderate to severe depression and anxiety among Black men, yet only half receive treatment compared to their white counterparts.

As a mother raising a four-yearold son, Omole admitted her own fears.

“I’m trying to understand what the world is like for him,” she said. “We need to dismantle the negative associations attached to Black men and help them build their own Blackprint to grow and thrive.”

The film creates both cinematic impact and a safe healing space. Omole high-

lights the silent suffering many men endured as children. “Conversations like these show men it’s okay to speak about their feelings. Thriving in this society means talking about your experiences and seeking help when needed.”

At the center of the film was a roundtable dinner led by Dr. Semir Bulle, a psychiatric senior resident who works closely with Black youth. Several Black men of different generations took part. They shared their: fears, insecurities, and reflections with raw honesty.

Key themes emerged:

• Parenting and fatherhood

• The role of upbringing

• Challenges of becoming professional Black men

• The importance of community

• Healing from generational trauma

After the screening, a live Q&A deepened the discussion. Audience members asked direct questions, and panelists responded with candor. The dialogue highlighted how Black manhood and masculinity are

shifting, and why exploring their complexity matters now more than ever.

Afrotoronto.com praised the roundtable format for its intimacy and vulnerability. The outlet noted that each voice contributed to “A larger chorus of resilience, introspection, and hope, creating a Blackprint for what thriving can look like.”

The article emphasized the urgency: “The need for spaces that affirm Black men’s wellness has never been greater.” It pointed to systemic issues including stigma, barriers to therapy, lack of representation, and the long reach of racism and generational trauma.

The Blackprint aligns with BPAO’s mission of promoting holistic health that includes mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. As Afrotoronto concluded, the film is “An invitation to listen more closely, love more openly, and lead more boldly.”

The premiere was a collective call for healing, dialogue, and reimagining Black manhood. For those present, it was an event to remember.

Don’t aim for a perfect partnership, aim for a resilient one

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

TC HEALTH COLUMNIST

When it comes to health, my father always told me that good luck is as important, if not more so, than good genes. Like genes, luck is allocated at life’s outset. Watching nightly news on wars, famine, and other disasters has always made me grateful to have been born in Canada. Yet, there’s something to be said for manufacturing your luck too. Sometimes the greatest good fortune comes not from happenstance, but from the choices you make, and among the most consequential of choices is the selection of a life partner. People commonly equate getting married with happiness., but it is every bit

as important to health. Research shows that being teamed up doesn’t only add years to life, which on average it does. It also means quicker recognition of symptoms of a health problem, a supportive push to see the doctor and assistance in getting there, and caring advocacy for best interests.

Former President Jimmy Carter, who lived to 100, credited his 77-year union with Rosalynn as “The best thing I ever did.” Comedian Rita Rudner said, “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Herein, two commonly unrecognized elements of how marriage generates health: love and laughter. If you are lucky, you get both.

In addition to the benefit of living longer, people in committed partnerships recover more quickly from illness, and face: lower risks of depression, dementia, heart disease, and even cancer, but the quality of the union matters. Stress-filled, resentful partnerships are like slow-acting poisons, raising blood pressure and weakening the immune system.

The healthiest marriages, in fact, are not fairy tales. They are long experiments in teamwork, patience, forgiveness, and stamina. Healthy unions generate happiness, but they also test the ability to recover after inevitable ruptures: little ones or big ones. In finding good health, resilience is more important than avoiding every risk. The healthiest people are not those who never fall ill, but those who rebound well. The same is true in relationships. A marriage that can heal after conflict, adapt through change, and find laughter in the middle of the mess is often the strongest of all.

Think of it like inflammation. In the body, chronic inflammation erodes health, quietly damaging arteries, joints, even the brain. In a marriage, unresolved resentment does the same. Forgiveness, like an anti-inflammatory, doesn’t erase the injury, but it allows healing to begin.

How do shared struggles strengthen your bond and lead to better health? Couples who weather illness, financial strain, or any kind of trouble with children often emerge closer than before.

A new kind of bond develops from hardships. Much like bones that sometimes heal stronger at the fracture site, marriages can become most resilient at their breaking points. Unfortunately, too few people know this. It’s not taught. People give up, and therein lose a great deal.

It seems wrong to be overly calculating about marriage. Falling in love is so much more romantic than arranged marriages, but there comes a time in any partnership when it’s useful to develop skills of appreciation. Both individuals in a couple need to know that arguing about the thermostat can be an opportunity for expressing care for each other. Whatever the issue, when tempers flare, you’ll be wise to remember how much stronger the team is than the sole player. Years on, you won’t recall who ‘won’ the thermostat battle, only that you fought it together.

Don’t aim for a perfect partnership. Aim for a resilient one. Done well together, this is its own form of health.

Toronto teachers’ walkout sparks equity uproar in ETFO leadership

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Black educators in Toronto staged a walkout on Wednesday, August 24th, 2025, protesting the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario’s (ETFO) newly elected provincial Executive. The action unfolded at the ETFO’s annual general meeting, held from August 11th to 13th, 2025 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.

The protest highlighted what many described as a glaring absence of racial diversity at the highest governing

body of Ontario’s largest teachers’ union. ETFO represents more than 84,000 public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, early childhood educators, and education support staff across the province.

Speaking to CTV News Toronto, one Black teacher expressed frustration, “Black voices are silent and erased from the ETFO provincial Executive.” Another teacher described the outcome as “A troubling step backward in representation, equity, and the commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.”

Three Black candidates ran in the election. Not one was chosen. Teachers questioned how, despite repeated commitments to equity, ETFO failed to elect a single Black educator to its provincial Executive.

The protest follows years of documented concerns about systemic antiBlack racism in Ontario’s public education system. The Ontario Human Rights Com-

mission’s report Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System was cited in coverage of the walkout. In March 2025, ETFO announced a series of equity commitments, including:

• Launching a Black Educator Leadership Program

• Running a public campaign to recruit more Black teachers

• Offering financial support for aspiring Black educators

Yet, as one teacher noted, these promises have not translated into meaningful representation: “We need to walk the talk and vote. Right now, ETFO isn’t doing that.”

Outgoing ETFO president Karen Brown (elected in 2021 as the first Black woman to lead the union) did not shy away from criticism. In a closed-door statement, she declared: “Solidarity that does not in-

clude confronting anti-Black racism, it’s a slogan. A union that ignores its own Black members’ struggles is not a union, it’s a club for the comfortable.”

Brown, who was re-elected in 2023, leaves behind a historic legacy. She negotiated a new four-year deal in October 2023 and secured retroactive pay for members in March 2024. Her leadership broke barriers and reshaped ETFO’s advocacy for equity and fair compensation.

As Brown steps down, the question lingers: will ETFO carry forward her vision of inclusion, or retreat into the comfort of the status quo? For many educators, the walkout was about the future of equity within one of Canada’s most powerful unions.

What comes next remains uncertain, but the protest itself has ensured that the fight for representation isa public demand.

Toronto’s Caribbean Community Highlights: Heritage, Jazz, food, leadership and Black excellence

simone@carib101.com

Toronto’s Caribbean community is vibrant, unstoppable, and always moving the needle forward. From national conversations about recognition and heritage, to local stages filled with world-class artistry, to markets and festivals that bring us back to our roots, this section celebrates the heart of our collective story. Here’s what you need to know this season:

Call for Caribbean Heritage Month gains momentum in Canada

Despite a vibrant and growing population of over one million Canadians of Caribbean descent, Canada has yet to officially recognize Caribbean Heritage Month. That may soon change, thanks to a new initiative led by the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association (ICCA), which has launched a Parliamentary petition urging the federal government to declare July as Caribbean Heritage Month.

The petition, now live at the House of Commons, has received the endorsement of Scarborough-Woburn MP Michael Coteau. It calls for legislation that would formally acknowledge the contributions of Caribbean Canadians to the nation’s cultural, economic, and social fabric.

Canada’s Caribbean roots trace back to the late 18th century, with waves of migration continuing ever since. According to the 2016 census, approximately 750,000 Canadians identified as having Caribbean origins. That number has now surpassed one million in 2025, reflecting a community whose growth has, at times, outpaced the national average. Between 1996 and 2001, for example, while Canada’s population grew by four percent, the Caribbean Canadian population surged by 11 percent.

“The impact of our community is both extensive and immeasurable,” said Ryan Singh, Chair of ICCA. “From cultural influence and economic ties to hosting the largest Caribbean cultural event outside the region, our presence is undeniable. The diversity of the Caribbean has enriched the diversity of Canada. We are here, and we should be seen, heard, and

recognized.”

Singh emphasized that recognition of the Caribbean diaspora is long overdue, especially given its centurieslong presence and contributions to Canada’s multicultural identity.

Momentum for deeper Caribbean-Canadian ties was also evident at the first Canada-CARICOM Summit held in Ottawa in October 2023. Under the theme “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future,” leaders from Canada and CARICOM advanced shared priorities including inclusive economic growth, increased trade, and multilateral collaboration.

ICCA is now calling on Parliamentarians across party lines to support the proposed legislation and ensure its swift passage. The organization believes that establishing Caribbean Heritage Month would be a meaningful step toward honoring a community that continues to shape Canada’s story.

To sign the petition visit caribbeanmonth.ca

Isaiah Collier headlines three-day Jazz celebration in Toronto this October Toronto’s jazz scene will ignite this fall with a special musical event featuring acclaimed saxophonist and composer Isaiah Collier. Presented by Caliban Arts Theatre and CONTXT by Trane, the three-day celebration runs October 10th –12th, 2025, showcasing Collier’s genre-defying brilliance alongside a stellar lineup of Canadian and international talent.

Collier, a Chicago/Brooklynbased multi-instrumentalist, activist, and educator, has performed on prestigious stages including The White House, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and the Montreal and Ottawa Jazz Festivals. Known for his collaborations with artists like: Chance the Rapper and Wadada Leo Smith, Collier brings a deeply spiritual and forward-reaching approach to jazz. “I reach backwards and forwards simultaneously when creating art,” he says. “After your solo, you think you’re done, but the music is still going.”

The weekend kicks off Friday, October 10th, 2025, with a tribute to John Coltrane’s iconic A Love Supreme, marking its 60th anniversary. Collier will be joined by Chris Pruden (piano), George Koller (bass), and Mark Hundevad (drums). Tickets: $60 early bird (before September 15th), $70 advance, $80 at the door. Venue: 918 Bathurst, Annex.

Saturday, October 11th, 2025, celebrates the legacy of Weather Report with a tribute night featuring special guest

Tony Zawinul, son of co-founder Joe Zawinul. Collier performs with Rich Brown (bass), Pruden, Mark Kelso (drums), and Juan Carlos Medrano (percussion). Hosted by John Devenish. Tickets: $75 early bird, $85 advance, $95 door.

On Sunday, October 12th, 2025, CONTXT by Trane hosts a jazz brunch with the Mark Hundevad Trio and special guests Collier and Zawinul. Brunch by Primrose Catering is included. Tickets: $45 early bird, $55 advance, $65 door. Doors open at 11:00 AM, concert begins at 1:30 PM. Location: 254 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto.

• Tickets and details: tickets.contxtbytrane.com

• Newsletter & updates: preview. mailerlite.com/e6j1m1k5i1

• Brunch tickets: calibanartstheatre. com

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Isaiah Collier live in Toronto.

Partnership in Action: When leaders roll up their sleeves

For over 10 years, Ontario Christian Gleaners (OCG) has been our anchor partner, not just our main food supplier, but our trusted ally in turning your donations into life-changing impact. When Food For The Poor-Canada’s board co-chair Richard Verasamy and his wife Carrol joined the Davis family, along with staff Jo-Ann, Alyssa, and Executive Director Geraldine Isaac, it represented something powerful: a partnership built on shared values, not just shared goals.

Picture this: Jamaica’s Consulate General Kurt Davis, sleeves rolled up, working side-by-side with his mother Winna, son James, and wife Suzanne (who also serves on our board). They are not at a diplomatic function, or board meeting, they are volunteering at OCG, packing meals that will travel thousands of miles to reach families in need. This is leadership in action.

This decade-long partnership with OCG does not just multiply your impact; it demonstrates the trust and relationships that make sustainable change possible. Every meal packed by these volunteers carries not just nutrition, but the commitment of people who believe deeply in our mission.

The numbers tell you the story... Through the three shipments to Haiti and Jamaica this year, we have already de -

livered 2.9 million servings of nutritious food.

The Harbourfront Farmers Market is a celebration of local agriculture and fresh, homegrown produce With a strong emphasis on “Grown Here,” this market connects visitors directly with farmers, showcasing the best in season, from farm-fresh eggs and locally raised meats to artisanal baked goods, preserves and jams, sustainable seafood, handmade pastas and specialty coffee. Experience the freshest flavours while supporting Ontario’s hardworking farmers and smallbatch producers.

Featured Vendors

• Albion Hills Farm

• Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Co

• Campagna Farm

• Canokie Foods

• Heavenly Sandwiches

• Jiggy Popz

• Luscious D’s Bakery

• MEUI Kimchi

• Mr. Kettle Corn

• Munchwell

• Nem Ran Viet

• Pontypool Pantry

• Sealand Quality Foods

• Sunshine Farms

• The Kalas Family Farm

• The Knot Guilty French Bakery Market is open Saturday September 13th, 20th, and 27th, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Celebrate Black Excellence 2025 Saturday, September 20th · 11am - 4pm EDT

Come to Harbourfront Centre on September 20th for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Black excellence! Join us at Harbourfront Centre for a fun and free community event, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black scientists, artists, entrepreneurs and other inspiring individuals. Enjoy family-friendly workshops, activities and presentations while connecting with diverse Black community groups.

Address: Harbourfront Centre

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto ON M5J 2G8

Healing through Ubuntu; Black caregivers lead the future of dementia care

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For decades, Skills for Change has transformed the lives of newcomers to Canada with education and training. Its latest initiative, the Ubuntu in Dementia Care Program, is breaking new ground in culturally responsive health support.

Ubuntu in Dementia Care is an eightweek hybrid program designed for Black family caregivers in the Greater Toronto Area. More than a wellness course, it’s a lifeline. The program builds knowledge, nurtures supportive relationships, and creates a community grounded in healing.

On Friday, August 29th, 2025, Skills

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.” These powerful words from Florida’s State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo have ignited a firestorm in public health circles. As Florida moves to become the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates (including those for schoolchildren) we must ask ourselves; what happens when individual choice clashes with community responsibility?

The announcement, made without specific timelines, has left medical profes-

for Change partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto to showcase this initiative. The event celebrated caregiver achievements, shared powerful stories of resilience, and connected attendees with dementia care resources tailored to Black families.

The event set out to:

• Celebrate participant achievements and partnerships

• Highlight culturally relevant dementia tools in AST’s resource library

• Recognize founders, supporters, and community impact stories

Amplify the need for culturally responsive dementia care with local leaders

• Gather feedback to strengthen and sustain the program

This groundbreaking event was led by Nigel M. Chikukwa, Manager of Black Community Access and Programming at Skills for Change. It was also made possible through the backing of committed partners and sponsors.

One of the most impactful sessions came from Ngozo Iroanyah, Director of Health Equity and Access at the Alzheimer Society

of Ontario. She highlighted the wide range of resources available to Black caregivers, resources that are too often overlooked. Her talk gave attendees practical tools and left them inspired.

Programs that empower caregivers and communities:

• Active Living Programs: Joyful recreation and social activities for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

• Active Minds Club: Cognitive stimulation and social engagement for younger adults with dementia, plus respite for caregivers.

• Support Groups: Peer-led and professional groups designed for different caregiver roles, offering emotional support, and shared learning.

• Dementia Friendly Communities: Advocacy and training to make public spaces safer and more inclusive.

• Alzheimer Society Music Project: Personalized playlists to spark memory, ease anxiety, and improve quality of life.

• Finding Your Way: Safety resources that help prevent wandering while support-

Freedom, risk, and controversy: Florida’s vaccine mandate elimination

sionals reeling. “This is a public health disaster in the making for the Sunshine State,” warns Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani. The American Medical Association echoes these concerns, urging Florida to reconsider before risking outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Yet, behind the controversy lies a deeper psychological tension; one between autonomy and protection. Dr. Ladapo’s appeal to personal decision-making taps into a fundamental human desire; the need to control what enters our bodies and our children’s bodies. “Who am I, as a government, or anyone else, to tell you what you should put in your body?” he asks, speaking directly to this primal instinct.

The scientific community, however, presents a contrasting view. Decades of research demonstrate how vaccine mandates have nearly eliminated diseases like polio and measles. The removal of these requirements creates ripple effects across communities, potentially weakening herd immunity that protects our most vulnerable members.

What’s particularly fascinating is how Florida’s decision might influence neighbouring states through subtle psychological mechanisms. When a state takes such a definitive stance, it shifts social norms. Other states may feel pressure to follow suit or, conversely, to strengthen their own requirements in response.

The complexity deepens when we consider legitimate concerns about vaccine safety. Studies have noted adverse events like myocarditis in adolescent males following certain COVID-19 vaccines. This nuanced reality gets lost in polarized debates, leaving parents confused and afraid.

As we navigate this landscape, we must acknowledge something profound: both sides want what’s best for children. The disagreement lies in how to achieve that goal. One path prioritizes individual choice and medical freedom; the other emphasizes collective responsibility and scientific consensus.

The path forward requires something rare in today’s discourse; the courage

ing independence.

• First Link Program: A referral-based service connecting families to resources right after diagnosis.

• Minds in Motion: Group-based exercise and mental stimulation for people in early to mid-stage dementia.

• U-First! Education Program: Training for caregivers and professionals to better respond to behavioral changes.

• Multilingual Resources: Dementia education materials in multiple languages for Ontario’s diverse communities.

By the end of the day, one message rang clear: Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” This program proves that dementia care rooted in cultural affirmation and shared humanity can uplift entire communities. This event was about healing through: connection, resilience, and culture. Families left knowing they are not alone, and that their care is part of a broader movement to transform dementia support in Canada. Good news indeed.

to hold competing truths simultaneously. We can respect parental autonomy while recognizing that some decisions impact entire communities. We can acknowledge legitimate questions about vaccine safety while standing by overwhelming evidence of their benefits.

Florida’s experiment will undoubtedly be watched closely. If successful, it could spark a nationwide reevaluation of public health policy. If it results in resurgences of preventable diseases, it may serve as a cautionary tale about prioritizing ideology over evidence.

The question is about what kind of society we want to be. One that values individual freedom above all else. Or, one that recognizes our deep interconnectedness and shared responsibility for community wellbeing?

What do you think? Is Florida’s bold move a necessary step toward medical freedom, or a dangerous gamble with public health?

Faith leaders unite to confront youth vaping and screen addiction

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Monday, August 18th, 2025, the Toronto District School Board’s Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office hosted the Faith-Based Leaders Breakfast & Community Discussion on Cell Phone and Vaping Dependency at North York Memorial Community Hall.

The event drew a diverse audience of faith leaders, community advocates, and representatives from local organizations. They gathered to discuss the growing concerns around youth vaping, phone dependency, and the mental health challenges tied to screen time.

Why this campaign matters

Faith leaders hold a unique role in shaping values and supporting families. This forum gave

them the chance to share feedback, exchange lived experiences and help build solutions.

The campaign focuses on three priorities:

• Vaping Insights (Canada) – raising awareness about trends and risks

• Screen Time & Mental Health – addressing the impact on young people

• Phone Dependency Indicators – identifying patterns of overuse

By grounding the discussion in evidenceinformed strategies, the campaign equips parents and caregivers to start meaningful conversations with their children, while also fostering collaboration across communities.

The goals of the meeting

The session highlighted three main objectives:

• Learn more about the awareness campaign

• Share insights and lived experiences

• Collaborate on delivering the message in culturally responsive, community-rooted ways

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum 128 on conduct in schools. Its broader aim: give parents practical tools, encourage intergen -

erational dialogue, and strengthen shared responsibility for youth wellbeing.

Key themes from community feedback

Facilitators posed three guiding questions to each table. Discussions revealed urgent concerns, but also a strong willingness to collaborate.

What are you seeing in your communities?

• Vaping and cannabis shops saturating neighborhoods, even near places of worship

• Teachers witnessing vaping, but not always informing parents

• Parents often viewing vaping as a discipline issue, not a health one

• Limited early intervention efforts and low public awareness

• Cell phone dependency surpassing vaping, affecting youth and adults alike

How can we collaborate to support students and families?

Build stronger connections between schools and places of worship

• Establish an Interfaith Advisory Committee to guide culturally appropriate responses

• Share weekly announcements at gatherings and through faith-based websites

• Partner with Local Immigration Partnerships for broader outreach

• Create networks where parents and faith leaders collaborate directly

What role can faith leaders play in promoting awareness and resilience?

• Advocate for stronger regulation across all levels of government

• Hold political leaders accountable for community health

• Treat vaping with the same compassion as other addictions

• Develop interfaith youth advisories to guide future campaigns

• Partner with schools to deliver awareness programs and sermons focused on healthy living

This launch marks only the first step. More conversations, programs, and collaborations will follow as schools, faith communities, and civic organizations address these pressing issues together.

The TDSB made it clear; faith-based leadership is not just welcome, but essential. Their role in shaping dialogue, spreading awareness, and guiding families will anchor the campaign’s success.

For more information about the TDSB’s policies, visit www.tdsb.on.ca

When summer slips away: A season’s end and life’s transitions

GEORGE SHEPPARD

TORONTO CARIBBEAN NEWS

The calendar may insist that summer still has a few days left, but the air tells a different story. The ritualistic patterns with back-to-school triggers processes that have lay dormant these past months. Mornings now carry a quiet chill, hinting at the colder days to come. As temperatures cool, we instinctively begin to add layers: sweaters draped over shoulders, jackets pulled from closets, and soon enough, gloves tucked into pockets. The season of bare feet and long evenings is winding down, making way for autumn’s embrace.

It is tempting to mourn the end of summer in the most practical sense. We miss the long daylight hours, the ease of gathering with friends in backyards, or on patios, the spontaneity of a late evening walk that feels possible only when the air is warm. The rituals of summer: barbecues, picnics, beach days, camping trips become less frequent, until they fade entirely. Instead, we retreat to the warmth of the indoors, the hearth and the kitchen ta-

ble regaining their central place in our daily lives.

Yet, beneath the loss lies something deeper. The passing of summer is more than the changing of a season; it is a reminder of the constant transitions life requires of us. Each shift in weather seems to mirror a shift in ourselves. Change, whether welcome, or not, is the only steady companion we ever truly have.

The end of summer can feel like a metaphor for moving into a new phase of life. Just as the trees shed their leaves to prepare for winter, we, too, shed certain habits, comforts, or relationships as we step into unfamiliar territory. This is true in the largest and smallest ways. Families evolve as children grow older, marking milestones that are joyful and bittersweet all at once. One day they are splashing in sprinklers; the next, they are carrying backpacks that seem too big for their shoulders, yet somehow not big enough for the weight of their independence.

Jobs change, too. Sometimes by choice, other times by necessity, they remind us that professional chap -

ters open and close much like the seasons do. A career path that once felt certain can shift suddenly, leaving us both apprehensive and invigorated, like stepping outside on that first cold September morning. Friendships also change; some drift quietly, like leaves carried away in the wind, while others deepen, taking root in the soil of shared experiences and mutual resilience.

Of course, the process of aging weaves its way through it all. Each passing summer is a reminder that time does not pause for anyone. We may count the years by the wrinkles on our faces, or the aches in our joints, but also by the wisdom we have earned and the memories we carry. There is grace in accepting that growing older is itself a kind of harvest: a gathering of lessons learned, love shared, and moments treasured.

To lament the end of summer is natural. We crave the comfort of what is familiar, just as we cling to the illusion that we can hold on to youth, relationships, or certain phases of life indefinitely. Perhaps the better way forward is to acknowledge the sad-

ness while also embracing the invitation that change offers. Autumn, after all, is not simply the death of summer; it is the beginning of a new rhythm. Cooler days make room for different joys: books read under blankets, soups simmering on the stove, the crackle of a fire on a crisp evening.

The lesson, then, is one of perspective. Change asks us not just to let go, but to see what we gain in the process. Just as summer’s departure ushers in autumn’s beauty, the transitions in our lives make space for growth we might never have imagined. The secret is not to resist the shift, but to move with it, trusting that each ending carries within it the seed of a beginning.

So, yes, let us sigh as the last warm days slip away. Let us feel the loss of golden light and easy laughter outdoors, but let us also step forward with open eyes and willing hearts, knowing that every season (whether in weather, or in life) has its own gifts to offer. The end of summer is not only a farewell; it is also an invitation to discover what comes next.

Borders divide humanity: What If North America erased them?

STEVEN KASZAB

steven@carib101.com

TC COLUMNIST

tempt to cross undetected each year. Some succeed, others are captured, and too many perish chasing the

American Dream. The towering wall, billed as a solution to human and drug trafficking, was supposed to weaken cartels and reassure Americans. Did it succeed? Hardly.

Now look north. In Canada, nationalist pride pushes citizens to vacation at home rather than crossing into the U.S. Meanwhile, American officials accuse Canada of turning a blind eye to drug smuggling. Instead of confronting its own insatiable demand for narcotics, the U.S. points fingers northward. If the Canadian border were sealed as tightly as Trump’s wallet, some argue, the American overdose crisis would vanish, but that narrative oversimplifies a deeply rooted issue.

The truth is plain: both borders leak like sieves. Migrants slip through when guards look away. Drones, cameras, and heat sensors offer limited protection. Staffing every mile of the world’s longest undefended border is a financial impossibility. Absolute con-

trol is a fantasy.

And yet, do we even want total control? America depends on immigrant labour, especially low-wage workers who fuel industries from agriculture to elder care. At the same time, its population ages and shrinks in several states. Across the border, Mexico’s population skews younger, with many communities facing poverty and limited opportunity. That imbalance naturally fuels migration. People move toward survival and possibility.

If North America recognized this reality, perhaps it could embrace a radical idea: eliminate borders altogether. Imagine a “United America,” where costly walls, drones, and patrols give way to investments in healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. Billions currently spent on enforcement could be redirected toward humancentered priorities.

Borders divide. They turn neighbours into strangers and reinforce fear over unity. What if instead

of walls, we built systems that recognized our shared humanity? The vision may sound utopian, even naive, but every transformative shift in history began as an impossible dream.

Borders, after all, were never natural. They were drawn by leaders who believed they could carve land into separate identities. Yet, no wall, no line, can erase the reality that our lives are intertwined: economically, culturally, and socially.

Perhaps the time has come for boldness. A North America without borders may not arrive tomorrow, but the question is worth asking: Are these imaginary lines keeping us safe, or holding us back?

As the world grapples with migration, addiction, and inequality, one truth rises above the noise: Borders divide and separate us from our humanity. Unity could transform North America into the land its founders once imagined, one not defined by fear, but by possibility.

The voice that changed music: Roy Hamilton’s untold story

How a gospel pioneer bridged musical worlds and why history forgot him

“You’ll never walk alone” - Roy Hamilton’s iconic words that became both a hit song and family mantra.

In the landscape of American music history, certain voices echo through time, shaping genres and inspiring generations. Yet, some of these influential artists remain surprisingly overlooked, their stories gathering dust in the margins of cultural memory.

What if I told you that one of the most significant voices in modern music, a man who pioneered the blend of gospel and secular music, influenced Elvis Presley, and built a record label’s success, has yet to receive his rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? This is the story of Roy Hamilton, and the family fighting to ensure his legacy resonates for generations to come.

Born on April 16th, 1929, in Leesburg, Georgia, Roy Hamilton’s journey began like many musical greats of his era, in the church. By age six, he was already a respected soloist, his powerful baritone voice captivating congregations. His family, seeking opportunity away from the oppressive segregation of the South, moved north through the same underground railroad that had offered freedom to previous generations. When they settled, young Roy continued singing at Central Baptist Church, where he began to understand what he believed was his divine purpose.

“He knew what he was supposed to do. He knew what God put him on this earth to do,” reflects Mama Maria Hamilton (the wife of Roy Hamilton Jr), keeping his memory alive decades after his passing.

What made Hamilton revolutionary was his fearless fusion of sacred and secular sounds. “He merged his Christian music with secular music. He created that sound; he was the first one to do that. He brought that to the music industry,” Maria explains. This innovation was culturally transformative, opening doors for future artists to explore similar blends.

The music industry of the 1950s and 1960s presented a complex landscape for African American artists. While their talent was undeniable,

the push for crossover appeal often pressured them to adapt their styles to suit white audiences, sometimes at the cost of their own musical identity. Popular music genres pioneered by African American artists were frequently imitated and sanitized by white performers, resulting in the erasure, or minimization of African American contributions to mainstream culture.

Roy Hamilton experienced this firsthand. Despite being Epic Records’ number one selling artist (essentially building the label’s reputation), he faced significant obstacles when it came to fair compensation and recognition. “When it came to renegotiating, they didn’t want to do this, and this is why he left,” reveals Roy Hamilton Jr. “He reached the pinnacle of success. We will not forget what happened.”

The financial struggles were compounded by the physical demands of touring during segregation. African American musicians like Hamilton were largely confined to the certain musical circuits, usually a network of clubs, theaters, and bars that were safe and accessible for African American performers during segregation. While these venues allowed artists to maintain careers, they also limited exposure and financial opportunities.

“Then there came the struggles of touring. We couldn’t do as much with him. We were so young,” recalls Ray Hamilton, Roy’s son, highlighting the personal cost of his father’s career. The family memories paint a picture of a man dedicated to both his craft and his family. “He would be on the road, and when we got in trouble, he would rap us on the hands with a pencil,” Ray shares with a smile. These glimpses into their life together reveal the human behind the iconic voice, a father trying to balance the demands of fame with family responsibilities.

Perhaps most telling is the influence Hamilton had on other artists, most notably Elvis Presley. The connection between these two performers speaks volumes about Hamilton’s impact. “There was a lot of racism during that time, but what people don’t know is how much Elvis looked up to Black musicians,” Ray explains. “He knew that Roy was not being honoured the

way he should have been. Knowing what he knew, he stepped in and did that for him.”

This stepping in took a profound form. When Roy Hamilton suffered a stroke at age 40 and subsequently passed away in 1969, it was Elvis Presley who paid for his medical and funeral expenses. This gesture was a recognition of the debt that mainstream music owed to pioneers like Hamilton.

The Hamilton family has continued their father’s musical legacy. “All of us have that music thing. If you are a Hamilton, you have that music thing in you,” Ray asserts. “All of us are doing music in some way shape or form. Even though he died really early, we had each other, and we had the voice of dad.”

Roy Hamilton Jr. found inspiration in his father’s work: “Dad is one of my biggest inspirations. I always wanted to sing like dad. I listened to his music and listened to his voice. I thought, ‘how can we continue to work in the industry.’” Together with Mamma Maria Hamilton, he began producing shows and music, keeping his father’s sound alive.

The strength of the family unit, particularly after Roy’s passing, was largely due to his wife Merna. “Mom was Merna Hamilton. She had a voice that didn’t need a microphone. She kept us in the music, and it was challenging. She did what she could, and kept us all together,” Ray remembers. “She was the strength of our family. She continued to inspire us.”

Today, the Hamilton family is channeling that strength into a new mission: securing Roy Hamilton’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Maria initiated a petition, recognizing that this recognition is about correcting historical oversights and ensuring that pioneering African American artists receive their due.

“The Hall of Fame is about publicity,” Maria acknowledges, understanding the complexities of the music industry’s recognition systems. “Fans and the general public can support an artist’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame primarily by participating in the annual fan vote and by using in-

teractive kiosks at the museum.”

As Roy Hamilton III notes, the family’s efforts extend beyond recognition, “I would like to see the family get our estate in order.” This practical concern reflects the ongoing impact of the music industry’s historical inequities; how even successful African American artists often didn’t receive the same financial security as their white counterparts.

The story of Roy Hamilton is a lens through which we can examine the complex dynamics of race, art, and commerce in American music history. His powerful voice, which bridged gospel, pop, and R&B, paved the way for countless artists who followed. Yet his relative obscurity today speaks to the systemic erasure of African American contributions to mainstream culture.

When we listen to Hamilton’s iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” we hear not just a beautiful song, but a promise; a promise that despite the struggles, despite the industry’s failures, the legacy of true artistry endures. The Hamilton family continues to ensure that promise is kept.

As readers, we have the power to help complete this story. By supporting Roy Hamilton’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we are acknowledging the countless African American artists who shaped American music while receiving inadequate recognition and compensation.

The final question remains; will we help Roy Hamilton finally take his rightful place in music history, or will his voice continue to fade into the background? The choice, quite literally, is in our hands.

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Alimi A. Banjoko

Angel Gala

saturday, october 25th, 2025 cocktails 6:00 pm

woodbine banquet hall, 30 vice regent blvd etobicoke (hwy27, south of rexdale blvd)

Physicians are trained to diagnose and to treat, they are not trained to admit vulnerability

Many of us have the experience of boarding a plane with a prayer that the pilot has had enough sleep. With your surgeon, it’s a similar problem. Few people get to choose who will do their surgery. Even if you’ve gone to the trouble of arranging a referral to the best, how can you know the doctor hasn’t hit a rough patch? Maybe a crumbling marriage? Or a punishing work and travel schedule that simply has your surgeon fatigued? What can you do?

As individual patients, not much. In fact, wait lines are often so long there’s a disincentive to jeopardize that precious surgery date, but as for airline pilots, healthcare systems have safeguards to en-

sure surgeons are in good working order. Unfortunately, they are looser and more opaque.

Working hours for pilots are strictly regulated by law. Residents in training often work 24-hour shifts despite known fatigue risks. Fully trained surgeons often have no legally mandated work-hour limits. Schedules are set by hospitals and departments. Is there a culture of bravado among doctors, that they tolerate this?

When there’s a near miss in an airplane, the pilot faces the same consequences as passengers. When a surgeon makes an error, there is no co-surgeon to prevent, or correct it, and reporting of incidents is rare for fear of lawsuits.

Physicians are trained to diagnose and to treat. They are not trained to admit vulnerability. Yet, the profession is showing serious strain. More than half of Canadian doctors report feeling burned out, with many contemplating early retirement. In the United States, the numbers are similar. Across Europe, countries have begun to notice alarming levels of depression, addiction, and even suicide among doctors. Why then does the public know so

little about existing programs that support doctors and their families? Even healers need help when the going gets rough. We should be broadcasting programs that care for doctors, and they do exist.

The Ontario Medical Association offers a confidential Physician Health Program for: doctors, residents, and medical students dealing with mental health challenges, addictions, or professional stress. Other provinces in Canada have comparable services. The U.S. has the Federation of State Physician Health Programs. In Europe, the NHS Practitioner Health service in England, the Practitioner Health Matters Programme in Ireland, and programs in the: Netherlands, Norway, and France provide support.

Spain offers a particularly sobering example. In the 1990s, several high-profile physician suicides shocked the medical community there. The profession realized that denial and silence were killing their own, and that patients, too, were at risk. In response, the medical colleges created the Programa de Atención Integral al Médico Enfermo, or “Comprehensive Care Program for the Sick Doctor.” It has become a model

across Europe, combining confidentiality with structured monitoring to ensure doctors get well and return to practice.

The model is strikingly consistent across jurisdictions, offering confidential support, separate from licensing bodies, to encourage doctors to step forward. Where risk to patients is clear, reporting obligations to regulators remain. The central aim is prevention: address problems before they spiral into impairment, mistakes, or withdrawal from practice.

Should the public know more about these programs? My answer is yes. Not to fuel distrust, but to build confidence. A doctor who seeks help is not a doctor to be feared; quite the opposite.

Still, it is easy to see why some bristle. Shouldn’t the system be stricter, not gentler, with impaired physicians? Isn’t there a danger these programs “protect their own”? Such suspicion misreads the design. These programs are protective, for doctors and patients.

Alas, medicine clings to its culture of invincibility, and that’s why flying is safer than surgery.

Caribbean Pumpkin Curry with Roti: A Story of Roots, Culture, and Comfort

Introduction: A Dish That Tells a Thousand Stories

Every now and then, you come across a dish that speaks louder than its ingredients. Caribbean pumpkin curry is one of those dishes. At first glance, it seems simple—chunks of golden pumpkin simmered down with garlic, onion, curry powder, and scotch bonnet, tucked into soft, warm roti. But the truth is, this dish carries the weight of history, migration, survival, and adaptation. It’s not just food—it’s the story of a people, of a culture, of an entire region that knows what it means to take something humble and turn it into greatness.

Growing up in the Caribbean or around Caribbean kitchens, pumpkin curry is one of those staples that shows up often, sometimes so often that people overlook it. But for those who know, it’s comfort. It’s fast, it’s affordable, it’s vegetarian when needed, and when wrapped up in roti, it feels like holding a piece of home in your hands.

So let’s take the time to slow down and break it all apart. Where did it come from? Why is it still so important? And, most importantly, how do you make it in a way that honours the past while satisfying your plate today?

The Origins: From India to the Islands To understand pumpkin curry in the Caribbean, you need to go back to the 19th century. After the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean, plantation owners were desperate for labour. They turned to India, bringing hundreds of thousands of indentured workers to places like Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica between the 1830s and early 1900s.

These workers carried more than just labour—they carried food traditions, spices, and cooking methods. Curry, roti, and the use of lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables all came across the oceans in this migration. What’s fascinating is how those Indian traditions fused with local ingredients. In India, pumpkin curries exist, but in the Caribbean, the local calabaza pumpkin (a sweet, hearty squash) became the centrepiece. It was plentiful, easy to grow, and could feed families with little cost.

By the mid-20th century, pumpkin curry wasn’t just food for indentured families—it had become mainstream Caribbean fare. Roti shops sprung up, especially in Trinidad and Guyana, selling doubles, chicken curry, goat curry, and of course, pumpkin curry as the vegetarian option. What started as survival food turned into one of the Caribbean’s most beloved comfort meals.

Cultural Significance: More Than Just Food Today, pumpkin curry holds a dual role. On one hand, it’s everyday food—something you can whip up quickly at home for lunch or dinner. On the other, it’s also a cultural marker, a dish that shows the Caribbean’s ability to adapt and blend influences.

• Vegetarian Identity: For Hindus in the Caribbean, pumpkin curry is central during fasting periods and religious observances where meat is avoided.

• Street Food & Roti Shops: Pumpkin

curry wrapped in dhalpuri roti is a go-to vegetarian option that stands right beside curried chicken, goat, or shrimp.

• Home Comfort: Every Caribbean household has their version—some leave it chunky, some cook it down until creamy, some like it hot with peppers, others keep it mild.

Ask ten people how to make it, and you’ll get ten different answers. But at the heart of it, the flavours remain the same: earthy curry, sweet pumpkin, and that unmistakable Caribbean kick.

The Pumpkin Itself: Caribbean Gold Caribbean pumpkin isn’t the same as the big orange jack-o-lanterns you see at Halloween in North America. No, this is usually calabaza, kabocha, or West Indian pumpkin. Its flesh is deep orange, sweeter, and firmer, with a texture that holds up beautifully when curried. In many Caribbean markets, you’ll see the pumpkins sold in huge wedges, their thick green skin and bright orange flesh gleaming under the morning sun. Farmers cut them down to size because the whole pumpkin is simply too massive to carry away. That tells you something—this is a food that grows abundantly in the tropics, a true staple of the land.

The Roti Connection: A Perfect Pairing Curry without roti feels incomplete. While you can serve pumpkin curry with rice, the true Caribbean experience is folding it into a soft roti skin. Roti comes in many forms in the Caribbean, but the two most famous are paratha roti (also called buss-up-shut) and dhalpuri roti.

• Paratha Roti: Flaky, layered, and torn apart like a “busted-up shirt” (hence the nickname). Perfect for scooping curry.

• Dhalpuri Roti: Stuffed with seasoned ground split peas, thin, and pliable. Perfect for wrapping curry into a handheld meal.

For pumpkin curry, dhalpuri is often the goto. That being said, paratha is equally loved, so I’ll include a recipe for both. Because in true Caribbean style—why choose when you can have both?

The Recipe: Caribbean Pumpkin Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) Caribbean pumpkin (calabaza), peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole for flavour, or chopped for heat)

• 2 sprigs thyme

• 2 tsp curry powder (preferably Caribbean blend)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp cumin (ground geera)

• ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

• 1 cup vegetable stock or water

Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

1. Prepare the pumpkin. Peel, seed, and cut into medium-sized cubes. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil. In a heavy pot, warm oil over medium heat. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, stirring until fragrant (this “burns” the curry and brings out the flavour).

3. Build the base. Add onion, garlic, and thyme, sautéing until the onion softens. Drop in the whole scotch bonnet for flavour.

4. Add pumpkin. Stir the pumpkin cubes into the seasoning base, coating them well.

5. Simmer. Pour in stock or water. Cover and cook on medium heat until pumpkin is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finish. Add coconut milk if using, season with salt and pepper, and cook uncovered until the curry thickens to your liking.

7. Garnish. Remove the scotch bonnet (or mash it if you want heat). Sprinkle with scallions and serve hot.

The beauty of this curry is flexibility—cook it chunky, or mash some of the pumpkin for a smoother texture. The flavour is always rich, comforting, and unmistakably Caribbean.

The Recipe: Dhalpuri Roti Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt

• 1 ¼ cups water (adjust as needed)

• 2 tbsp oil

For the filling:

• 1 cup yellow split peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin (geera)

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 small hot pepper, minced (optional)

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Prepare split peas. Boil peas in salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain, dry, and grind into a fine paste with garlic, cumin, turmeric, and pepper. Season with salt.

2. Make dough. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and water to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth. Coat with oil, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.

3. Fill. Divide dough into balls. Flatten, stuff each with split pea filling, and roll gently into flat discs.

4. Cook. Heat a flat skillet or tawah. Cook each roti on both sides, brushing with oil, until golden spots appear. Keep warm in a clean towel.

The dhalpuri roti should be thin, soft, and flexible—perfect for wrapping pumpkin curry.

The Recipe: Paratha Roti (Buss-Up-Shut)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ¼ cups water (adjust as needed)

• 3 tbsp oil (plus more for brushing)

Method:

1. Make dough. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and water into a soft dough. Knead until smooth. Coat with oil, cover, and rest 30 minutes.

2. Roll and oil. Divide dough into balls. Roll each out thin, brush with oil, fold, and roll again to create layers.

3. Cook. On a hot skillet, cook each roti until golden brown, brushing lightly with oil. Use spatulas or a wooden spoon to “bust it up” by beating and tearing it slightly, creating flaky layers.

This style is all about texture—flaky, soft, and perfect for scooping curry.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin curry and roti is a meal in itself, but you can round it out with:

• Channa (chickpea curry) for a doublesstyle vegetarian feast.

• Fried plantains for a sweet contrast.

• Cucumber chutney or mango achar for freshness and tang.

• Pepper sauce for those who like it blazing hot.

This is the kind of food you can sit down to with family or grab on the go from a roti shop. Either way, it satisfies.

Modern Takes & Twists

Caribbean chefs today are taking pumpkin curry further than tradition:

• Pumpkin & Shrimp Curry – sweet pumpkin with savoury seafood.

• Pumpkin & Spinach Curry – blending two powerhouse vegetables.

• Pumpkin Roti Wraps with Cheese – a modern, fusion-style street food twist.

• Vegan Pumpkin Curry Bowls – with quinoa or rice for the health-conscious crowd.

The beauty of pumpkin curry is that it adapts. It’s timeless, but it’s also endlessly versatile.

Closing Thoughts: More Than Just a Curry Pumpkin curry with roti isn’t just food—it’s a piece of history. It tells the story of Indian labourers who brought their flavours to new soil. It tells the story of Caribbean families who stretched what they had and created something lasting. And it tells the story of a region where survival and creativity mix in every pot.

So the next time you peel that pumpkin and roll out that roti, remember— you’re not just cooking dinner. You’re honouring centuries of culture, migration, struggle, and triumph. That’s the magic of Caribbean food.

Ontario’s Landlord Tenant G.O.T: The battle for housing security

BY LISA THOMPSON LEGAL LISA

In the ongoing Game of Thrones (GOT) between the rightful ownership of the houses of the Landlords (Lannisters) versus the occupancy of the Tenants (Targaryens) there seems to be fewer settlements and more war.

Much like the ever-shifting alliances in Westeros, Ontario ‘s landlord tenant dynamic is a complicated contest for the “Iron Throne” of affordable, secure homes. Landlords pursue stability and profits; tenants fight for fair treatment and a roof that won’t vanish overnight. In this ongoing saga, the Residential Tendency Act 2006, S.O.2006, C.17 (RTA) is both shield and sword for both sides.

The law of the land: The Residential Tenancy Act Ontario ‘s RTA governs the relationships and rights of landlords and tenants. Section 83.1 is a key instrument of balance, granting the landlord in Tenant board (LTB) authority to refuse eviction applica-

tions “if, having regard to all the circumstances, it would not be unfair to refuse.” This discretion is critical-offering hope for stability even when grounds for eviction exist.

Section 50.1 strengthens tenants’ security by requiring, “A note of termination from a landlord must be in accordance with this Act and must specify the date of termination.” This prevents sudden and arbitrary evictions echoing the need for the process in the highest courts.

Arena of precedent: Case Law and Tribunal

Decisions

Case law shapes how the RT is enforced in Matthews v. Algoma Timberlakes Corp., 2020 ONSC 2011, the Division Court clarified, “The requirement that all notices comply strictly with the Act is not a mere technicality, but a measure to ensure fairness and transparency.“ The Court sided with the tenant, ruling that a landlord’s procedural missteps could invalidate an eviction, reminding all that in Ontario, those forms are as important as substance. Similarly, the LTB is where many

battles conclude. Decision Order TNL –12345–15, the tribunal found a landlord in breach of Section 20 for failing to maintain the rental unit. The board granted a rent abatement to the tenant, stating “The tenant’s right to a habitable residence is fundamental; the landlord’s obligation to maintain the premise is not subject to negotiation.” This decision underscores the Board ‘s role as housing peacekeeper, deterring both neglect and overreach.

Shifting Alliances

and

Unpredictable Terrain

Government policies, economic conditions, and social movements continually redraw the battlefield, rent control guidelines, renovations, and lengthy dispute processes test tenants’ resolve and Landlord ‘s patients. Each tribunal hearing is a new skirmish; advocacy groups are the banners behind which each side rallies. Both landlords and tenants face forces beyond their control, a changing law, or the ascendence of a new government can upend the balance overnight. As Toronto paralegal Jamie Wu notes, “Both

landlords and tenants are at the mercy of circumstances outside their control, be it a sudden change in housing law, or the arrival of a new king in Queen’s Park.”

Hope for compromise

As a paralegal and mediator, I am a firm believer of resolution through compromise. Despite the perennial conflict, hope remains Section 193 of the RTA empowers the LTB to facilitate settlements. “At any time during a proceeding, the board may attempt to assist the parties to settle the issue in dispute.” This reflects the ongoing effort to transform confrontation into accord.

Ontario ‘s landlord tenant relationship is an epic tale, one of: ambition, justice, and the enduring human quest for home. The law provides structure and the board dispenses judgment, but every lease signed is another fragile truce system, striving for balance. The “Iron Throne” may change hands, but the pursuit for fairness and security continues, chapter after chapter, across our great province.

The next father killed in his own home deserves better than a lecture about compliance

BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY

Canada likes to call itself safe and civilized, but when it comes to self-defense inside your own home, the deeply flawed criminal justice system reveals a twisted set of priorities. Recent headlines in Lindsay, Markham, and Toronto expose a disturbing reality. A homeowner can wake up to an armed intruder in his living room, fight for his life, and end up facing criminal charges. Meanwhile, police chiefs tell families to “Hide and comply” while a father of four is gunned down in front of his children. If that is public safety, then we have redefined the word into cowardice.

We are not talking about vigilantes roaming the street, or someone pulling a shotgun on a trespasser in the backyard. We are talking about the most sacred place a person has: their home. When an intruder crosses that threshold against your will, there can be no limitations on the homeowner. At that point, survival is not a theory, it is a split-second reaction. Yet, in Canada, the law burdens the homeowner with proving that the level of force they used was “reasonable.” That word is a lawyer’s dream and a citizen’s nightmare.

In Lindsay, Ontario, a man found himself facing an intruder armed with a crossbow in the middle of the night. In the chaos, he stabbed the intruder. Instead of being treated as a victim of crime, he was charged with aggravated assault. The politicians quickly turned the case into a stage play. Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre pounded their chests and talked about fixing self-defense laws. The truth is the law already allows for reasonable force, but the real problem is that “reasonable” is interpreted in courtrooms long after the moment of terror and generally in favour of the intruder. A man defending his family should not have to wait two years for a judge to tell him if his split-second instincts were politically correct.

A father of four was recently murdered in his home in Vaughan during a break-in, right in front of his children. The response from York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween was that the best defense

during a home invasion is to hide and comply. The message to families is simple: lie down, pray the criminals are merciful, and hope you survive. That is not policing. That is surrender to evil dressed up as advice.

Canadians and their leaders have refused to adopt a true castle doctrine. In many U.S. states, when someone invades your home, the law is crystal clear: you are not required to retreat, you are not required to measure your blows with a ruler, and you are not required to gamble your children’s lives on what a Crown prosecutor will think is “reasonable.” In Canada, the law presumes that life and death decisions can be neatly reviewed with hindsight. The result is that victims are often treated like suspects. Homeowners live with the threat of jail after already living through the trauma of attack.

The defenders of the current system will argue that the flexibility of “reasonable force” prevents vigilantism. They say every case is different, so the law must be broad. The lived reality is different. The ambiguity does not stop violence. It only punishes the people who fight back, and criminals already know the law is stacked in their favor. They know most homeowners hesitate, because they are not sure if the system will protect them, and that hesitation can be fatal.

It is time for political, legal, and judicial clarity. If someone breaks into a home, the law should give the homeowner every possible benefit of the doubt. The focus must be on the intruder who caused the danger, not the father, or mother forced to respond. A castle doctrine does not equal anarchy. It means recognizing that the home is a last line of defense, and once crossed by force, the homeowner’s actions should be presumed justified.

Public officials who tell people to “comply” are insulting every Canadian who still believes in personal responsibility and are a threat to the citizens they are supposed to serve. Compliance is not safety; it is cowardly submission. Families have a right to live without the fear that the very act of survival will turn them into defendants.

When the law cannot distinguish

between an armed criminal and the man who stopped him, the system has failed. The right to self-defense is not an American concept, it is a basic human right. It is time to stop criminalizing fundamental human survival. The next father killed in his

own home deserves better than a lecture about compliance. He deserves a law that values his life more than the rights of the man who came to destroy it. Home invaders are dangerous criminals, it is long past time to treat them accordingly.

Stop panic attacks; Five proven tools I discovered through my struggle

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com HUMAN SPECIALIST

For years, anxiety was my constant companion; uninvited yet unwilling to leave. I remember being at work, heart racing, convinced everyone was watching my trembling hands. I avoided social gatherings, made excuses to leave work early, and built walls around myself that grew taller with each passing day. What I didn’t understand then was that my body was activating its “fight-or-flight” response unnecessarily, flooding my system with stress hormones during everyday situations. This biological reaction, designed to protect us from genuine danger, had become my daily reality.

“We heard and felt the anger through the email,” I once wrote about community criticism, but the truth is, I was hearing and feeling my own internal anger first, anger at my mind for betraying me, at my body for reacting against my will. What I have learned since might surprise you; the path through anxiety isn’t about elimination, but integration. It is about developing tools that help us function alongside our anxiety rather than in constant battle against it.

The journey began with understanding what was happening in my body. When anxiety strikes, breathing

becomes shallow and rapid, heart rate increases, and the amygdala (our brain’s alarm system) goes into overdrive. This physiological cascade feels overwhelming, but it’s not insurmountable. Through investigation and practice, I discovered five techniques that transformed my relationship with anxiety:

The 2-Minute Breathing technique became my first line of defense. Using a 4:6 pattern (inhaling for 4 counts, exhaling for 6), I learned to stimulate my vagus nerve, activating the body’s natural relaxation response. This simple act shifts the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair,” lowering heart rate and improving circulation. The science behind it is fascinating; longer exhalations signal safety to our nervous system.

When breathing alone wasn’t enough, I turned to the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding technique. By noticing five things I can see, four I can touch, three I can hear, two I can smell, and one I can taste, I redirect attention from internal chaos to external reality. This engages the prefrontal cortex while calming the amygdala, creating immediate stability during mental storms.

For particularly challenging moments, Guided Breathing exercises provided structure when my mind felt too scattered to maintain rhythm alone. Research shows these techniques can reduce anxiety by up to 22%. Evidence that something so simple can have profound effects.

I also discovered the power of tactile stress relief through simple activi-

ties like popping stress bubbles. These repetitive motions provide sensory feedback that redirects anxious energy, with studies showing a 15-20% reduction in anxiety levels.

Finally, Sound Therapy with specific frequencies and binaural beats helped synchronize my brainwaves toward relaxation. Different frequencies target different states of consciousness, offering another pathway to calm when traditional methods fell short. These techniques didn’t eliminate my anxiety, instead, they transformed my relationship with it. I learned to acknowledge its presence without surrendering to its demands. This is the

common ground I found: acceptance paired with action.

If you are struggling with anxiety that significantly impacts your daily life, work, or relationships, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. These tools are powerful, but sometimes we need additional support. Remember, seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Our community deserves to have open conversations about mental health, to share what works, and to support each other through the storms. I share my journey as an invitation to begin your own exploration. Together, we can transform how we understand and function with anxiety.

Back to school: Dear parents, Part I; Building a bridge between home and classroom

BY GEORGE SHEPPARD

Dear parents, The long days of summer have slipped away, and suddenly mornings are busy again. Alarm clocks ring earlier, backpacks are stuffed, and breakfast becomes more about efficiency than leisure. September always brings that familiar shift back to routine; it brings a cadence of sorts. While there’s excitement in fresh beginnings, there’s also the challenge of juggling schedules, ensuring children are on time, and keeping pace with the hustle of everyday life.

Behind the smiling first-day photos and stacks of new supplies lies another reality parents know well: the rising cost of education. From sneakers and supplies to technology, sports, and activity fees, the expense can feel overwhelming. Families stretch themselves, often quietly, to make sure children have what they need to succeed. Not every child receives a new backpack; some have been scrubbed and cleaned to sparkle for another year. This investment is emotional and physical, reflected in every packed lunch, late-night homework help, and encouraging word before a test.

As the year begins, it’s worth remembering that parents and guardians are their child’s fiercest advocates. No one understands a child’s: quirks, struggles, and talents more fully than

the people who raise them. Advocacy means speaking up when something seems off, asking questions when answers aren’t clear, and making sure a child’s voice is heard even if they lack the confidence to speak for themselves. Just as importantly, it means celebrating their victories, however small, and reminding them that their worth is never measured solely by grades or report cards, nor is it reflected in owning the latest iPhone, or fashion.

Advocacy works best when it is joined by partnership. The relationship between parents and teachers is vital, built on trust, respect, and open communication. This is not always easy as the pressures and frustrations that everyday life can bring intervene. Teachers see a different side of children than parents do, and together those perspectives create a fuller understanding. A quick email, a short note, or a simple conversation can go a long way toward strengthening this connection. When parents and teachers work in harmony, children sense it, and it provides them with a deeper confidence in their place within the school community.

That harmony depends on sharing information. A child is most successful when school and home work together so that needs are known, and concerns are addressed early. A teacher who understands a child is coping with a family move, illness, or sleepless nights

can respond with compassion and flexibility. Similarly, parents who know about classroom expectations, projects, or areas where their child is struggling can offer support at home before challenges grow into crises. Children flourish when the adults in their lives are consistent, united, and responsive. I had the pleasure of being a high school teacher and administrator for thirty years, while being an overwhelmed parent to two now grown boys. Striking the balance between the needs of my boys, expectations of my job and home, navigating frustrations on all fronts, this harmony was not always easily attained.

Educator Rita Pierson, who spent her life championing students, once said, “Every child needs one stable adult to be successful.” For some, that adult is a parent; for others, it may be a teacher, coach, or mentor. In truth, children benefit most when they have more than one; when multiple adults cheer them on, guide them, and provide steady encouragement. Stability, compassion, and genuine belief in a child’s potential form the foundation for both academic success and personal growth.

Still, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer busyness of back-to-school life. Between practices, permission slips, and appointments, many parents fall into survival mode, checking boxes and rushing forward. One of the greatest gifts a parent can offer is genuine inter-

est in the details of their child’s day. Ask about the science experiment, the art project, or the playground game. Show up at the recital, the game, or the presentation, even if it means rearranging your schedule. Children notice these acts of presence, and the message they hear is clear: what matters to you matters to me.

Back-to-school is more than sharpened pencils and polished shoes. It is a moment for: parents, teachers, and communities to recommit to the work of raising and educating children together. It reminds us that while education happens in the classroom, it is reinforced and strengthened at home. It asks us to lean into partnership, to communicate honestly, and to show up in ways both big and small.

So, as you lace up sneakers, hang laundry, and prepare for another year of growth, remember that this journey is not just about surviving the daily grind. It is about shaping children into curious, confident, and resilient individuals. It is about showing up, for your child, for their teachers, and for the community of learners they belong to. Here’s to a school year filled with growth, connection, and the steady belief that every child has the potential to soar when surrounded by care, advocacy, and support.

The danger of learned helplessness and how to overcome it

DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

Learned helplessness is a psychological trap where people feel powerless, or helpless to change their situation after facing repeated failures, or uncontrollable challenges. It’s a belief that culminates from life’s continuous blows and setbacks. It’s insidious and very dangerous. The problem with learned helplessness is that we become overly critical of life outcomes, even when the variables are not within our control. We internalize our failures, and it blinds us to other possibili-

Learned helplessness is predicated on the assumption that failure is always inevitable, irrespective of the efforts. It’s the acceptance that all actions are futile. Passively accepting one’s fate due to past setbacks. It’s a very defeating and unproductive way to live. Studies show learned helplessness disrupts brain areas tied to

decision-making and memory, making it harder to stay motivated, or think clearly.

How does learned helplessness develop?

Learned helplessness often starts with repeated exposure to situations where effort doesn’t pay off. Psychologically, it’s like a broken feedback loop: if actions don’t lead to rewards, people give up. For example, employees ignored despite hard work may stop striving for promotions. The brain reinforces this by focusing on failures, ignoring successes, a bias that distorts reality. Over time, people develop a “fixed mindset,” believing their abilities, or circumstances can’t change.

The environment plays a huge role. Constant bad news, unpredictable systems (like algorithm-driven job platforms), or overly critical teachers can make helplessness feel normal. Biologically, stress from these situations overactivates the body’s stress response, clouding judgment and sapping energy. Evolutionarily, giving up might have saved energy in hopeless scenarios, but in today’s complex world, it often traps us in cycles of inaction.

How to overcome learned helplessness

Breaking free from learned helplessness requires effort but is entirely possible. Here are practical, evidence-based strategies to

reclaim control:

Reframe your thinking

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a powerful tool called the ABCDE model: Adversity, Belief, Consequence, Disputation, Energization. When something bad happens (Adversity), notice your automatic thoughts (Belief) and how they make you feel (Consequence). Challenge those thoughts (Disputation) with evidence. For instance, if you think, “I failed this project because I’m incompetent,” list times you succeeded, or factors beyond your control, like limited resources. This sparks new energy (Energization) to keep going. Research shows CBT can reduce helplessness symptoms significantly.

Build small wins

Start with tasks you can control and succeed at, like completing a short reading, or solving a simple problem. These “mastery experiences,” as psychologist Albert Bandura called them, boost confidence. For example, a student struggling in math could practice basic problems daily, gradually increasing difficulty. Each success rewires the brain to expect progress.

Focus on what you control: Inspired by Stoic philosophy, focus on your actions and attitude, not outcomes. If you’re

Price Isn’t the Problem—Value Is

job hunting, you can’t control hiring decisions, but you can control how many applications you send or how well you prepare for interviews. This shift reduces frustration and builds resilience.

Practice mindfulness

Techniques like meditation help you observe negative thoughts without believing them. Apps, or programs like mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) teach you to stay present, reducing the grip of helpless feelings. Studies show mindfulness strengthens brain areas tied to decisionmaking.

Learn from others

Surround yourself with people who overcome challenges. Watching peers succeed (whether colleagues tackling tough projects, or friends navigating setbacks) shows change is possible. This “vicarious mastery” inspires action.

Question the narrative

Intellectually, challenge the idea that things are hopeless. Read about people who defied odds, like scientists who persisted despite skepticism. Set “process goals,” like spending 30 minutes daily on a skill, rather than fixating on big outcomes like “publish a book.” This keeps you moving forward.

BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

One of the most misunderstood parts of running a business is the question of price. Everyone talks about it—customers, competitors, even staff. You’ll hear it constantly: “People don’t have money.” “The competition is cheaper.” “The economy is tough, so we’d better drop our prices.”

It sounds logical at first. If you lower your price, you’ll be more competitive, right? You’ll move more product, bring in more customers, and win more sales. The trouble is, it rarely works out that way. Cutting price may grab attention, but it’s almost never the reason people actually buy.

Why Lower Prices Don’t Sell Discounts can create traffic or curiosity. That’s why sales exist—to get eyes on your business. But if your only strategy is slashing price, you’ll eventually run yourself out of business. Margins shrink, growth stalls, and you risk training customers to see you as “the cheap option.” That’s a tough label to escape.

It’s already concerning to see teenagers wearing outfits that are only appropriate for adults, and now we have parents joining in with their young children, dressing them in outfits that are either more suitable for teenagers, or adults.

Ever since last year, I have come across a handful of videos of parents show-

People don’t buy based on price. They buy because they believe your product or service will solve a problem for them. Price is part of the conversation, but it’s not the closer. The closer is value.

The Five Types of Buyers

Most buyers fall into five categories, and only one is truly driven by price. The other four care more about trust, urgency, results, or peace of mind. If you build your whole model around competing on price, you’re targeting only a fraction of the market. The majority want the right option, not the cheapest.

Confidence Sells, Not Discounts

When a customer says, “That’s too expensive,” it usually means they don’t see enough value—or they aren’t convinced it will solve their issue. That’s your job: to create so much confidence in your offer that they’d rather pay your price than go without it.

Think of the last big purchase you made. Did you buy the cheapest? Likely not. You bought the one you trusted to de -

ing the type of outfits they dress their kids in. Typically, the videos would show how mothers dress their children compared to how their fathers dress them, or the clothes they wore heading to their grandmothers compared to the outfits they came back home in. While some parents will have their children in child-friendly clothing, others will put their children in clothing that is just too revealing for a small child. I’ve seen children who appear to be younger than ten, wearing skirts, shorts, or dresses that are too short and shirts that either partially, or fully reveal their midriff.

The outfits might be nice, but again, they should only be for people of a certain age and are not the type of outfits young children should be wearing. When I see some of these outfits, I can only imagine them being more fitting for a teenager,

liver. Your customers are no different.

Price Is Their Problem, Not Yours Here’s the shift: your problem isn’t price. Your problem is proving value. If you keep competing only on price, you’ll always lose—there’s always someone willing to go lower. But if you compete on results, service, and trust, you can win customers who don’t flinch at your rate.

Add Value, Don’t Slash Price

That doesn’t mean promotions are useless. A strategic discount can drive awareness, but it should never be the foundation of your sales strategy. Instead of asking, “What can I cut to make them buy?” ask, “What can I add to make this irresistible?” Better support, guarantees, and community involvement build value. They cost less than endless discounts and give customers more reasons to choose you.

The Real Danger

The biggest risk isn’t when a customer believes price is the problem—it’s when the company does. Once that mindset sets in,

or an adult.

With the back-to-school season in full swing, and some students already back in the classroom in some states across the border, excited parents are posting pictures of their child’s first day of school. While some outfits are fashionable for a child, other outfits are questionable and have raised concerns based on responses.

I recently came across a back-toschool post on X of a girl who will be starting middle school. While the skirt she wore was appropriate, the shirt was not, as it left her midriff partially exposed. While a partially exposed midriff might be appropriate in a high school setting, middle schools normally have a stricter dress code when it comes to crop tops.

There were comments made by people about the shirt being a bit inappro -

confidence disappears, and growth slows. Teams become timid, and the culture begins to weaken.

If you want a strong business, remove this belief entirely. Customers will always complain about price, and competitors will always undercut. None of that matters if you focus on delivering undeniable value.

Final Word

Price is part of the conversation, but it’s not why people buy. They buy when they see that what you’re offering will solve their problem better than anyone else can. So don’t let price dictate how you run your business. Put your energy into making your product or service so valuable that people don’t want to live another day without it.

Because in the end, it’s not the lowest price that wins—it’s the highest value.

priate; the majority of the comments involved people being concerned about the number of people who have bookmarked the post, which has reached over 4,000, and are encouraging the user to take down the post for the safety and well-being of her daughter.

Regardless of whether a child is dressed appropriately, or not, we already have to be mindful when it comes to posting children due to the already existing dangers, which include exposing children to predators, violating their privacy and the potential of digital kidnappings.

There’s nothing wrong with a parent wanting to dress their children in nice clothing. However, let’s allow children to be fashionable in clothing that is suitable for them.

Google joins the party, forcing a new conversation about

cannabis marketing in Canada

ers to advertise on its platform. This is a pebble hitting the water that will create endless ripples forward for cannabis culture. It is a sign that, even in our overly regulated, capitalized society, some changes are too big to ignore. Thankfully, they have the corporate motivation to drive them.

For years, the legal cannabis industry has been forced to operate in a digital dark age. While the Cannabis Act permits certain types of informational promotion, major platforms have maintained an iron-fisted ban on cannabis ads, mostly out of fear and a lack of clear legal precedent. This has led to a nonsensical situation where companies have to tiptoe around a fully legal product, unable to provide even basic information to the very consumers they are allowed to sell to. The most obvious detriment, much like not being able to see what’s inside a cannabis package, is the inability to find what you are looking for with the simple click of a button.

Now, Google, in its comically delayed but infinite wisdom, is finally addressing this. The pilot, which started on August 25th, 2025, and will run for up to 20 weeks, is a cautious, but very real, compromise. It’s not a free-for-all. The ads are limited to Google Search, meaning they only appear when a user actively searches for cannabis-related keywords.

Furthermore, they are only shown to users who have gone through a cumbersome process to prove they are over 21. While the age-gating is still an overly cautious approach, it’s still a net positive change for an industry that has had to fight for every inch of ground.

This is a victory for producers and consumers alike. The ability to directly connect with customers at the very moment they are looking for your product is a game-changer. It’s a fundamental marketing freedom that has long been denied. Eric Williams, VP of Marketing at Organigram, rightfully welcomed the news, seeing it as a natural extension of their digital strategy. It’s also an important opportunity to responsibly educate legal-age adults about a legal product. This is how we bring the needle on the compass further towards the light. This is how we chip away at the dark corners of cannabis nonsense and illuminate the bright side of this industry.

This move by Google comes on the heels of other subtle shifts in their advertising policies, but this Canadian pilot is the most significant step yet. It’s a clear signal to the rest of the world that legal cannabis is maturing and the need for outdated, restrictive advertising rules is fading. The fact that a behemoth like Google is now wading into the waters of Canadian cannabis advertising is a testament to the progress we have made.

The insights gathered from this pilot will be monumental. It’s data that has not existed before at this scale, data on how legal-age consumers interact with compliant, regulated cannabis ads. This is a chance for the industry to prove that it can be a responsible and mature market, capable of existing on the same digital playing field as alcohol and other regulated products.

While we cannot let corporate interests solely dictate when the needle on the compass moves, the fact that a giant like Google has a motivation to do so is a welcome push forward. We are witnessing the beginning of addressing details around public cannabis advertising, and just like infused edibles, consumption spaces, and transparent packaging, it’s a massive step in the right direction. With the simple change of being able to find what you want on a search engine, we are seeing the beginning of a future where cannabis advertising is brought in line with, and eventually supersedes, the freedom of alcohol marketing, because let’s face it, cannabis is a much less harmful product.

The proposed updates to legislation, combined with Google’s pilot, denote the beginning of a new era of dialogue. We can now implement clear, simple outlines from the onset that will lay groundwork lasting generations. While late, these are still net positive changes for the industry and the community, and we must not let this momentum go to waste.

$449,000

The phone hasn’t stopped ringing recently. Some callers sound excited, others anxious, but they all want to ask the same question: “Jay, what’s going on with the market?”

The headlines are everywhere; Toronto’s housing market declined again in August, with the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reporting a 5.2% drop in the average selling price compared to last year. Condos were hit the hardest, especially in the suburbs, where prices fell more than 10%.

Last week, I met a young couple who had been renting in Liberty Village for years. They showed me a few condos they were considering, but the wife hesitated. “What if prices keep falling?” she asked.

It’s the question on every buyer’s mind. My advice to them, and to anyone considering buying right now, is this: don’t try to time the bottom. Instead, focus on finding the right home at a price you can comfortably afford. This is one of the most buyer-friendly markets we’ve seen in years. Sellers are now negotiating more actively. I recently closed a deal where my clients secured a condo 15% below the asking

price, with the seller covering part of the closing costs. That wouldn’t have happened two years ago.

Yes, prices may decrease further, but waiting indefinitely could result in missing out on the perfect home. Get pre-approved, stay informed about interest rate announcements, and be prepared to move when the right opportunity comes along.

On the other hand, I recently met a condo owner in Etobicoke. She wanted to list at last year’s prices. I warned her that the market had shifted. She insisted. Weeks went by. No offers.

Finally, she adjusted her price; this time to match today’s market, and within days, we had showings and an offer. For condo owners, sometimes the most brilliant move isn’t to sell at all.

The lesson is clear: with nearly 10% more listings than last year, buyers have many options. Setting realistic prices is now crucial. Detached and semi-detached homes in the 416 are maintaining their value better, but sharp pricing and good presentation remain essential.

A long-time client pulled me aside after a showing and admitted he regrets using his house like an ATM during the boom. He had refinanced several times, thinking property values would keep rising. Now, with prices down and payments higher, he feels stuck.

I tell every homeowner the same thing; today’s market is different from the one we experienced during the pandemic. Don’t overleverage. Pro-

tect your equity. Avoid tapping into it for lifestyle spending. If you are not planning to move, ride out the volatility. Toronto has faced downturns before, and over the long term, property values here have always recovered.

The Bank of Canada has indicated more rate cuts, leading lenders to compete more fiercely than ever for business. If you have a renewal coming up, don’t just accept your bank’s first offer. Negotiate and explore fixed and variable options. Even shaving half a point off your rate can save thousands over the life of your mortgage.

Canada-wide, housing prices are expected to decline by about 2% this year, with Toronto likely facing a sharper

drop due to its heavy reliance on condos. Federal housing minister Gregor Robertson even described the condo market as being in “free fall.” Strong words, but not without truth.

Nevertheless, downturns don’t last forever. As interest rates fall and affordability gradually improves, buyers will return. Toronto continues to attract newcomers, businesses, and investments. Long-term demand for housing stays strong. Markets evolve, but the core principles of wise real estate investment stay the same: plan carefully, think long term, and adapt to the changing landscape.

YOUR HOROSCOPE

YOUR HOROSCOPE

for the week of August 24 – August 30, 2025

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: VIRGO, SCORPIO, PISCES

ARIES: This week pushes you to clear distractions and focus on what matters. Impatience may creep in, but avoid rushing. A steady pace serves you better.

TAURUS: Your focus shifts to longterm security. Review finances, goals, and routines. Someone may test your patience midweek, but your calm approach keeps things grounded.

GEMINI: Your energy is buzzing with ideas. Conversations open doors, but follow through before chasing the next shiny thought. Midweek clarity helps you decide wisely.

CANCER: Home and comfort take centre stage. You’ll feel protective of your personal space. Midweek brings emotional release— expressing yourself strengthens the bonds you care about.

LEO: This week asks you to balance pride with patience. A new opportunity arises, but discipline—not bravado—wins. Consistency shows people you’re reliable, not just passionate.

VIRGO: Your season sharpens your focus. You’re noticing details others miss, giving you an edge. Avoid nitpicking. A practical step forward brings real long-term rewards.

LIBRA: You’re craving balance but may get caught in other people’s drama. Step back before you’re dragged in. Later in the week, harmony returns naturally.

SCORPIO: Your determination is strong, but don’t be too rigid. Something unexpected may shake plans, so flexibility helps most. Trust your instincts to guide adjustments.

SAGITTARIUS: Adventure calls, but obligations tie you down. Instead of resisting, break routine in small ways. Midweek brings a chance to reconnect with shared energy.

CAPRICORN: Your focus is sharp on goals, but don’t overlook your well-being. Midweek tests patience, yet by week’s end progress appears. Steady effort pays off.

AQUARIUS: You’re craving something fresh—ideas, experiences, or a new approach. Collaborations shine, but only if both sides give equally. Keep boundaries clear to protect energy.

PISCES: Your intuition is strong, noticing what others miss. This feels overwhelming, so protect yourself. A creative outlet turns feelings into something productive and grounding.

CROSSWORDS

HOW TO PLAY :

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

PUZZLE NO. 139

PUZZLE NO. 849

toronto.ca/GreenBin

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