Lip service, no more, is what governments seem to be doing about the growth in the number of Food Bank users. TorStar contributor writes about the problem: 

Food bank demand won’t fall with inflation
Source: Jonah Prousky, Toronto Star contributor, Feb. 25, 2024

At long last, inflation has fallen. The consumer price index rose by 2.9 per cent in January, down from 3.4 per cent in December. That’s great news for, well, just about everyone.

As Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said last November, inflation is “our common enemy — not only because it creates financial pain and social upheaval, but also because no one wins when inflation is high and volatile.”

However, this modest fall in inflation will not remedy the damage and precariousness introduced by the pandemic and the inflationary run up it brought about. Sharp rises in inflation create societal rifts that a subsequent fall in inflation cannot so easily solve. Nowhere is this clearer than at Toronto’s food banks.

The inflationary run that began in 2021 didn’t just aggravate food insecurity in Toronto, it transformed the problem into something wholly different and much worse. Food banks now serve a sobering one in 10 Torontonians, according to a report from the Daily Bread Food Bank

I spoke to Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread late last year. At the time, the country looked poised to see inflation

just as it now has. This led

me to ask Hetherington if he thought recent spikes in food bank attendance might soon fall, too. Hetherington said food bank usage across Toronto is not merely spiking, it has been growing exponentially and there’s no end to this growth in sight.

“It took us 38 years to get to the point where we had one million client visits in a single year,” Hetherington said. “It took us two years to get to two million.” And in 2023, after just one year, client visits exceeded three million.

Food insecurity is percolating up through society in unprecedented ways. Now more than ever, food bank clients are both housed and employed. For example, the proportion of Daily Bread food bank clients living in privately rented homes last year jumped 57 per cent. Hetherington ran me through the math He explained how a single mother earning $50,000 a year might need to rely on a food bank to survive. After rent, child care and transportation, food — let alone healthy food —can be elusive, even on a steady paycheque.

Understandably, then, the outlook for Toronto’s food banks remains worrisome, despite the Bank of Canada’s success in bringing inflation within its 3-per-cent target.

“I’m an optimistic guy, but I’m going to give you some bad news,” said Hetherington. “We’re really concerned about 2024.”

All this begs the question: How dire must this city’s food insecurity problem get before our politicians take more aggressive action to combat it? Because it doesn’t look like monetary policy alone will solve this problem any time soon.

Prousky raises some valid points with a very sad conclusion: the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy will not likely solve the problem.

He’s right. Our government solution is to donate more money to the Food Banks. What does that do for the users other than increase the food availability at the Food Bank? The Food Bank user has not been helped meaningfully beyond receiving a food handout. Talk about an insulting problem-solving solution. Do nothing for the actual user? No educational assistance? No job training? No work availability assistance? The Food Bank user’s only change is momentary salving of hunger pains.

What is it with our politicians? Can’t they see the forest for the trees? Or are they so well fed they do not see beyond their own dinner tables?

Government leaders and elected representatives ought to dig deeper into responding to the responsibilities for which they were elected. Voters elected these representatives to find and develop solutions to social problems, real solutions, not band-aids like more food donations. Voters gave reps the mandate, now the onus is on the elected to fulfil their responsibilities.

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[better_recent_comments]

Ontario Government Delivering on Commitments to Get it Done

Read the proposed legislation at –> GET IT DONE

On the face of it, this new proposed legislation made by the Ford government of Ontario seems to be worth merit, after all each of us wants to get things done and if its the government, then all the better.

But slow down there folks, take a look at the source of this legislation. Mr Greenbelt guy, Mr. Make empty promises guy, Mr. Strong mayor powers guy. The same leader who dealt those other black cards from the bottom of the deck, is proposing this new legislation.

Reading the legislation with a fine tooth comb sounds like it could the kind of thing that saw the halving of the City of Toronto’s elected reps. Saying that the citizens of the province should be wary smacks of the warning cries from the boy with his finger in the dike. No leaks….yet! 

But when looks at the source of the legislation one might think of things like making the fox inspector of the farm’s chicken coops or making Mickey Mouse dairy product grader at the St. Lawrence Market.

We can’t say anything negative about this proposed legislation just yet, just that its author is as tainted as Dr. Jekyll, Bonnie and Clyde or maybe even J. Robert Oppenheimer. Afterall, no one saw these people as possibly becoming evil doers.

Recently, Dr. Barbara Perry, Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, wrote an essay for Maclean’s Magazine, “Far-right politics will fuel extremism.” [ See FAR-RIGHT POLITICS ]

Dr. Perry states the roots of right-wing extremism, and hate, in our society stem from a range of sources, from Donald Trump to COVID-19 to the rise of far-right groups. There is no disagreement with Dr. Perry’s claim but she may be too myopic in this claim. Her claim is based on the alarming growth of hate crimes within the last decade, the same period where the use of electronic devices and posting to social media also rose at a phenomenal rate.

The sources of hate are not the cause but are the leading age symptoms of this age of hate in which we live. Hate has been sown by people, parents, politicians and teachers. All these social factions have increased their use of technology and that use has given them the opportunity of publishing outlandish, polarized commentaries on social media, anonymously without repercussions or accountability. Social media became the Wild West of extreme opinions with no accountability, no answerability. In its early days, anyone could write whatever extreme view they wanted without worrying about defending themselves or justifying their position. Today some Internet-based companies are being called to question what they permit on their sites and with their apps.

The wild west of technology grew wilder! People wrote without regard for ethical considerations, moral gauging or social principles of justice, equality and fair play. The atmosphere on the Internet became open season for prejudicial racism and social denigration. The earlier days of social moderation of outlandish announcements disappeared. The parents, teachers and leaders who admonished such misbehaviour were gone. Those who taught the young behaviour based on respect and regard for authority were no more and youth will test the waters, and push the envelope to see what limits exist when unmoderated and taught.

Thanks to that changing atmosphere, those who respect authority with “Yes sir; no sir; I’m sorry; I apologize,” are the minority and diminishing in number with the rise of the use of technology. Where are the majority of teachers who taught courtesy, manners and decorum? The teaching of etiquette and manners died with Emily Post, ‘The American Mistress of Manners.’ Parents reprimanded children sent home for misbehaviour at school long ago. Today, the teacher is at risk of repercussions for reprimanding misbehaving students.

The seeds sown above grow deeper with the anonymity of the Internet. A remark of questionable offence that would not see the light of a second day in past times, today finds the critic of the remark chastised and criticized. No wonder the authors of Internet hate feel free to write as they please. Worse still, these same writers see themselves as independent, totally free of authority. They are independent autocrats without applicable social or political controls. They have total ownership of ‘free speech,’ saying what they want with total disregard for any moderation or limitation. Anonymity, the added bulwark to their free speech means unbridled autocracy under the guise of ‘personal freedom.’

The vicious circle grows as more volatile hate is spewed on the Internet. The leaderless vacuum in which this hatred is published has no parental or classroom controls imposed on the young minds that develop in this uncontrolled environment. Those who might speak out in defence of respect and decorum are intimidated and bullied into muted submission. 

Dr. Perry, take a closer look at the sources of right-wing extremism and hate in our society. There may be other more likely possibilities than those you claim

There’s an addendum to this article…see the end of the article.

Recently, a commentary written by Councillor Lisa Robinson was published in The Oshawa/Durham Central Newspaper. It is important that many people be informed about what the councillor wrote.

Councillor Robinson wrote: [The text of Robinson’s statement is published as is without editing]

IT IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE
By Lisa Robinson – Pickering City Councillor

We are amydst BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Celebrations plus more celbrations is all you hear. Politician after politician attempting to get Afro-Canadian vote, hypocritically championing a people’s contribution throughtout history.

I remember in school being taught history. Not black history. hispanic. euro. arabic, south east rim, oriental and lets not forget native. white and or any other mix of races.

Back then it was history. Yes. mistake were made. Yes mistakes at both ends of the color spectrum can be noted. The key here is why in this modern age we are so driven by color of skin instead of the human element.

I say the human element as we are all people. In the race to equality is not the celebration of one race over another in itself racist. And for those not of that race hypocritical?

Now before anyone goes getting offended. Take off the offended cap and put on the thinking cap. Someone not to long ago of status in the community and of color dare call me White priviledge’.

Really? II that was not a racist statement I do not know what is. This same person is to champion equality across the board. But it seems that due to limited intellect. They confuse the meaning of equality with the attempt to denounce in the name of punishing everyone for their psychological insecunty stemming from race.

This scares me I am not prejudice nor discriminatory. I have friends off all nationalities and as an elected official. I treat everyone equal and without bias.

Now. back to being called ‘priviledged’ How does the color of my skin make me priviledged? I have had to work hard for everything I own. I endure economic hardships just like the many reading this.. like the many of all colors.

So much so that my own employer… city elect biasly and with extreme prejudice cut my pay for 90 days for exercising my freedom of speech.

Over a comment I made in regard to feeling like my council was treating me like a modern day slave.

Now, I feel I was persecuted and punished and that my rights and freedoms were violated to the point where I felt discriminated.

Then, how is it that this person dares tell me I am priviledged?

The problem we face is that in society there is so much hate. So much confusion and so many people in positions that they are not fit to hold.

For anyone to become upset or insulted over ‘MODERN DAY SLAVERY. The words. Is pure insanity on their part. A show of their limited intellect and their psychological scaring due to misunderstanding and lack of self esteem.

Now, let’s leave that for another column. The point here is that we are all of all colors ‘MOD-ERN DAY SLAVES-. We are led to believe that we have choices. That we have freedom and that we have rights.

In reality we are all slaves of our demise. Try not going to work for a month. See how that affects your rights and freedoms

Now back to slavery and color. First and foremost. Slavery is not a white and black issue. Today. in today modern world slavery in the traditional sense is still practice. Places like Saudi Arabia. Some of the South Pacific countries and in Africa itself.

So then why are we celebrating ‘black history month’ in Canada. We are so hung up on north American history and the historical trafficking of primarily African decent people that we have lost sense of time and period.

Back in those days society was very different. Today, we have come a long way. Even thought slavery is practices across the planet We do not have other nations race history in Canada Like the many that were brought from Latin America. the Orient.

Are we by celebrating in segregation not only reminding everyone of a very dark part in North American history.

Also, are we not in the name of equality showcasing prejudice?

If this is so. Then why is it that we continue to do it? Could it a political attempt to fool people? I say this because if we acknowledge our differences between all the races

Is that not prejudice in itself.

Why should the government have special programs for some races. almost excluding others as deeming this programs exclusive to one race.

Special black business programs. special black business loans.. Now, to add more interest to this intellectual conondrum.

When we speak of black and white. There are many shades of white. There are many shades of brown. yellow. red, black and so on.

As well, there is prejudice within the color spectrum. Then the question remains.

How are we to truly express our equality when it come to color differences. Is it beneficial for equality to be demanded by honoring indifferences?

What if it was ‘White history month’. Would that not be seen as prejudice? The argument is. Well the rest of the year is ‘white history month’. Well no. Because history in general never had color. Just episodes of history make references to the many conflicts and joint efforts of all color. Much like during the world wars. Soldier of all races and color fought for our freedom.. They sacrificed without thought or division based on color.

It scares me that in this modern society. We have people that would dare support such division by celebrating differences of color.

I support Afro-Canadian contributions to this great nation. I do not support the ‘BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ statement any more than ‘WHITE PRIVILEDGE’.

As both statement lack understanding and the intellect of the meaning of it’s intent.

God. made us in his image An image that is not superficial but one derived from one heart one love. We can’t ever be equal as long as we allow color to divide us.

_____________________________________

Mayor Ashe has published a statement on Councillor Robinson’s Black History Month Op Ed.

[The text of Mayor Ashe’s statement is published as is without editing.]

Mayor Ashe wrote:

Before concluding yesterday’s Executive Committee meeting, I felt compelled to address a recently published opinion piece by Councillor Robinson regarding Black History Month. The sentiments expressed in her article have sparked outrage and hurt within our community, prompting me to address this matter with the utmost urgency yesterday.

I believe that the recently published column is, in my view, racist, irresponsible, and unethical. We should not give it more attention than it deserves, except for the fact that it causes real harm. This does not represent the City and what we stand for.

At the meeting, I urged Councillor Robinson to issue a public retraction and offer a sincere apology for the harmful statements that she had publicly made. Although she did not express willingness to do so at that time, I hope that after some reflection, she will promptly and decisively do the right thing.

In the interim, I offer a sincere apology to all members of the Black community. The City of Pickering was proud to partake in the recent celebrations across Durham Region for Black History Month, recognizing the outstanding contributions, achievements, and positive impacts of Afro-Canadians. We hosted hundreds of community members at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex last week, and it is very upsetting that recent remarks would attempt to take away from that.

To dismiss the celebration of Black History Month is to erase the significant contributions of a people who, despite historical adversity, have left an indelible mark on the development, progress, and richness of our society.

I will be attending the next Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce meeting, where I will take the opportunity to speak directly with leaders of our community. This dialogue is crucial for understanding the impact of recent events, and ensuring that their voices are heard.

While I firmly believe in the principles of free speech, I must remind Councillor Robinson of the sworn oath she has taken to respect and abide by the wishes of this Council. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is a cornerstone of our values, and the sentiments expressed in the opinion piece run counter to the principles we have collectively championed.

On behalf of Council, staff, and residents, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a future where every resident, regardless of background or heritage, feels not just recognized, but genuinely valued and unequivocally included.

Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering

_________________________________________________

Once more, Councillor Robinson steps up to the plate swinging at “narrow-mindedness” in Council or in our society. Months ago, she published statements criticizing the exclusivity of flying the flag that represents the LGBTQ+ community. Her message implied that flying one flag was discrimination against all other community groups who did not have their representative flag flying.

It seems Councillor Robinson has again picked up the same bat implying the same message of possible discrimination: Black History Month is discriminatory as other groups lack any acknowledgement as that given to the Blacks.

Councillor Robinson may have justification for her statement if one takes her logic at face value: ‘acknowledging one group only is disacknowledging all other groups.’ The bare-bones logic of her statement may make sense and be logical. However, what is bothersome about her position each time is that she emphasizes injustices as if the institutions or organizations behind these incidents were trying to cause harm, denigrate certain factions, and discriminate against a social group. The Councillor is focussing on the problems in communication, in promoting messages. With all due respect to the Councillor, the institutions or organizations behind these incidents are doing the very opposite. They are trying to acknowledge and pay respect to specific or individual groups. They do not intend offence, insult or racial harm to the unnamed.

There are problems with Robinson’s most recent statement, problems with generalizations that have partial validity, and conclusions she claims are based on history but again are sweeping generalizations that deserve broader consideration, and wider discussion. There are sensitive issues at hand here and the actions that have taken place by the institutions or organizations behind them were not developed overnight in small group discussions. These actions took time, deliberation and much highly emotional discussion. The final goals of these deliberations, discussions and policy enactments were constructive, positive and well-intended.

To impetuously or impulsively criticize the well-intended efforts of our institutions and public organizations using the cudgels of racism and bias is much like the journalist muckrakers of the 1890-1920s. Worse, this kind of public discourse smacks of the political malevolence of the McCarthy era of the 1950s. 

Voters did not cast ballots to elect muckrakers or McCarthyites. They voted for responsible representation that eschewed social upheaval for social well-being.

___________

So you disagree with Councillor Robinson? Then read….

1. Toronto Star piece:  REMOVE FLAG
2. Toronto Star article:  BAN PRIDE FLAG

We invite your comments about this issue below:

Pickering residents’ lives continue to be endangered thanks to OPG and the City Council’s acceptance of its policies.

The Pickering Nuclear plant has been resurrected by the Government of Ontario resurrecting the same old endangerment to the lives of not just Pickering residents but residents of much of Southern Ontario.

This is how the nuclear waste is managed: “The deadly radioactive waste is stored in conventional commercial warehouses on the shores of Lake Ontario, the source of drinking water for millions of people. And that waste isn’t going anywhere for decades — if ever.” Angela Bischoff, Ontario Clean Air Alliance.

The OPG, manager of the Pickering nuclear plant just keeps on mismanaging this operation, over and over. 

A testing of the nuclear alarm system in late 2023, went awry when no alarms were heard throughout Pickering. An executive at the nuclear plant explained that the system did not sound throughout all of Pickering but just in some selected areas. What kind of test is that if only selected people are supposed to hear it?

The evacuation procedure for Pickering has never been tested, no idea how such can be tested but the procedure has not been updated for more than ten years. A sure way to make residents feel secure, isn’t it?

So if there is an nuclear accident at the Pickering plant, the lives of the populace within close proximity are at serious risk. Take your idodine pills folks !

Recently, Yuthika U. Girme, Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, wrote a commentary in the Toronto Star asking readers to consider the cancellation of Valentine’s Day. [Read the Toronto Star article at “CANCEL“]

This commentary is about as valid or valuable as saying let’s cancel worldwide efforts for PEACE. After all, it isn’t working in the world, or like saying let’s cancel all cars because people die in car accidents.

There is another view to take in opposition to the stand taken by Girme. She is throwing out the baby with the bath water. Throw out Valentine’s and you throw out a special day that is there to remind you about loving someone and acknowledging that person.

What Valentine’s means
Valentine’s is a day to celebrate love or caring for another person. It is a day that reminds us to love someone besides ourselves. It’s a day when we are reminded we love other people and can demonstrate this with a gift.

Girme whines about the billions of dollars spent on Valentine’s gifting. In that light, should we do away with Christmas for the same reason? Birthdays? Anniversaries? Where would we stop?

Cause of anxiety and stress
Girme claims people become stressed about the gift giving with “a lot of pressure on people.” Why feel any pressure? Maybe due to cost? Who says you have to spend lots of money? Who says any money has to be spent? How about just recognizing and acknowledging your Valentine with special words of love, affection or admiration? No one says you have to spend money or give a gift.

Single people are victimized
“Valentine’s Day can also be damaging for single people.” This claim may be true if the single person has security issues and has some kind of skepticism about themselves. There is nothing existentially wrong or bad about being single. Rather there are many constructive reasons why people are single: choice, preference, and dislike of socialization, and opposed to the demands a relationship entails. 

On Valentine’s Day, a single person can choose to acknowledge this celebration of love with a Valentine’s gift to themselves, be it a purchased gift, a card, or even just words of love spoken out loud, perhaps to the mirror. These people can love themselves without feelings of anxiety, undervalue, or diminished self-worth.

Generalizations without value
Girme loves making generalizations that may be of questionable value if any at all. “Every day can be Valentine’s Day” has about as much sense or value as saying that every day should be Christmas. We label certain days of celebration to mark the event as special. Making everyday “special” makes no sense. 

Valentine’s Day is a special reminder
Valentine’s Day is a special day of reminding, reminding me I love someone besides myself; reminding me to acknowledge that special person that I love; and reminding me I have a special someone that I love, cherish or admire. I admire, love and cherish that person every day but Valentine’s Day is a day where I take a moment to think about it, be reminded about it and pause to give that love a prompt…”I love you!”