Town Hall Report
by Richard Szpin
Councillor Maurice Brenner, along with Councillors Shaheen Butt, Linda Cook and Mara Nagy held an interesting and informative Town Hall, “Surviving the Tariffs,” at the Chestnut Hill Rec Centre, May 6.
Based on an economic theme relating to the T****’s imposed tariffs Canada is dealing with, the Town Hall was a promotion of local businesses, Canadian businesses. Leslie Enright, president of the Connecting GTA association chaired a panel presentation with 3 Durham region professionals: Irishmar Lawrence dealt with the mental health issues relating to the tariff challenges, Daisy Kaur expanded the discussion dealing with the general economic matters while Chen Ganesarajah talked about financial investment.
Ganesarajah – “Tariffs affect everyone”
Ganesarajah dealt with personal finance essentially saying that budgeting and debt management are crucial in this economy. He sketched out a business plan for individuals that included:
- knowing where your money is going;
- emergency funds; pay yourself first;
- having a “balanced portfolio,” especially retirees; key considerations: RISK and DIVERSITY;
- use as many financial resources as practical; many are available: banks, financial advisors, internet.
Kaur – “The sky is not falling”
Kaur emphasized that every facet of the economy is being impacted by these T**** tariffs but her optimistic message was not to worry about some kind of impending doom. ‘The sky is not falling.’ Companies will be doing what is necessary, slowly and strategically, in response to the tariffs and will likely keep their shareholders and the public informed about their responses. Developments and responses will be incremental and slow but change is imminent and expectant. Her final words were that consumers should shop local in support of Canadian businesses and that they should keep themselves informed about what is happening econcomically. In that way, they can act with knowledge and current information.
Lawrence – ‘Anxiety, stress from uncertainty’
Lawrence, a professional in the field of mental well-being, dealt with the the most discomforting effects of this new economy: anxiety, stress and worry that comes from uncertainty. She laid out a short list of symptoms of stress: irritability, insomnia, elevated pulse rate. If these symptoms last long, the person should see their doctor. Short duration is normal. She added some responses people can use. If you wake up stressed or in moments where you feel stressed, take a few deep breaths, stop whatever you are doing at that moment, observe and examine the situation and its stress causation. Practice these responses often and regularly. Finally, she added that stress causing situations should be avoided where possible. Don’t watch the news if you find it distressing.
Lawrence emphasized that Durham Region and the City of Pickering have social services to help people with anxiety issues. People need to contact the region and the city to learn about them. She concluded that people in theses situations should socialize and maintain relationships as well as keeping themselves informed about where they can find help and what is available in the community.
The focus of the panel – young people
The panel focused more on young people with emphasis on their getting advice, assistance and encouragement. The panel emphasized that young people needed to remain optimistic, positive and constructive in their lives. They need to pay attention to budgeting and financial planning no matter their income level.
Young people are urged to develop good habits early, to be attentive to sound advice, to collaborate and communicate with others in order to become better informed and constructively responsive to their own needs and challenges. Her most important message to the young is that they need to believe in themselves, to develop their self-confidence.
Q & A session
The Q&A session was opened by each councillor addressing what they saw as the priority in this economy.
Councillor Butt focused on jobs. Young people need to search and investigate what is available as many jobs are being made available in the Durham Region. Large corporations are expanding here increasing job availability.
Councillor Nagy has seen that Canada was become the focus of international interest from conferences she has attended. Young people should consider this in their career aspirations.
Councillor Cook addressed the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Pickering nuclear facilities upgrading, refurbishment and development. She emphasized that more than 30,000 jobs would be generated by the nuclear facility’s upgrading, decommissioning and refurbishment in the next decade.
Councillor Brenner closed the councillors’ comments with emphasis that the young must investigate and become knowledgeable about what was available. The world is changeing at a rapid pace. He recalled the old days of computers mentioning ‘DOS’ with his point being we have come a long way and the road is developing more. So young people need to explore and investigate to benefit their own career development.
Some other areas of Q&A
Other notable areas the Q&A touched:
- Safety matters at Pickering Nuclear
The nuclear facility is more than 50 years old and safety concerns worry the majority of Pickering residence. Councillor Brenner stated that another Town Hall dedicated to the nuclear issues may need consideration. - Federal politicians criticized
One questioner criticized the federal and provincial politicians for their unsatisfactory record in dealing with poverty related issues such as the increasing use of food banks, growing number of homeless and ‘tent’ encampments in cities. The questioner was critical of those politicians who have failed in dealing with the issues and continue along the same path. The questioner implied that they promise a lot but the outcome is questionable.Others attendees underlined that these issues were beyond the scope of municipal politician responsibilities and that they may be out of place at this town hall. Councillor Butt rejected this absolution of responsibility saying that the City of Pickering was well aware of these poverty related issues and worked hard to respond to practical ways to deal with the problems. Councillor Brenner missed the opportunity to remind people about the DARS program which helps homeless to return to employability and work integration with the community with job training and skill development. Councillor Nagy pointed out that more teaching and training about life-values and value prioritization may be beneficial.
This town hall left its 50+ attendees with much to think about. It was informative about the need for better networking and integration between local businesses and the community. There was emphasis on Canadian national consolidation with better interprovincial trade. A great deal of time and focus was aimed at young people, their growth, development and aspirations.
This town hall was a dynamic statement that Pickering needs to continue its optimism and conviction that our tomorrows will be good days if we continue cooperating and working in positive, constructive ways.
Thank you for the informative and educational Town Hall Councillors.
