JUSTCAWS

  While times of crisis are something to endure and not celebrate, they do provide an opportunity for us to be reminded of what’s really important.  The chaos of Trump and the economic pain he has inflicted thus far on Canada has been manageable, but the toll from the uncertainty grows each day. The threat of the tariff hurricane still looms and if our current trade deal is scrapped next year - look out.  It is for this reason governments have to look at their upcoming budgets and make some tough choices.  Governments like everyone else have to manage money coming in and going out. Just like many of us, they pay interest on the debt owed. When governments spend beyond their means they add to the debt and more of the money coming in from taxes is eaten up just servicing that debt. Last year the feds spent more debt payments than they did on healthcare transfers to all the provinces! To fix this fiscal mess, governments could simply raise taxes, but asking people to p...

Many of us are still confused as to why Americans would elect a political party hell bent on cutting the size of government and turning its back on helping the world. I’ve been taken back by the change, but the voter frustration that has led to it has been building for sometime. If liberals are still wondering why their brand is under siege globally, perhaps a lesson about Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help explain. I’ve learned and taught about Maslow so many times I feel like I met him, even though he died before I was born. His premise was that humans are motivated to satisfy a pyramid of needs and that until our most basic needs are met (food, water and shelter) we won’t concern ourselves with any higher purpose. Once the basics are met then people move onto safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem and finally fulfilment. I believe the same motivation holds true for voters. Nobody will concern themselves about more progressive causes or concern themselves with...

As Remembrance Day draws near I fear the current movement to tell half truths and erase parts of our history are going to have some dire consequences. When older generations see young people toppling statues and spouting historical ignorance under the logic of the ends justifying the means, we all have reason to be worried. You don’t have to connect many dots to lay the blame at our education system. Schools are where we teach our history, celebrate our victories and learn from our mistakes. What started with shedding more light on Canada’s sins, has now devolved to removing accomplished figures in education for the crime of being white. Schools across Ontario have already started removing our first Prime Minister, Sir John A, from the names of schools bearing his name. Parks have removed or boarded up his statue. Those who objected were reminded of his role in establishing residential schools. He should be in a museum, not a park, is the progressive cry. But you need to meet people ...

Why Everyone Wants to Work In Your Department Administration/Front Office: The office does control the world. Our world at least. We have democratic processes and committees, but honestly, if anyone in the office wants to make an announcement, call a meeting, cancel a meeting, ring a bell to end class 5 minutes early or whatever, they could just do it and we would follow along (grumbling, but obedient nonetheless). That is power. You are all better people than I am for handling it with such aplomb. I would be a corrupt monster, ringing bells and calling meetings haphazardly. And yes, this is an email where I am going to use dorky words like 'aplomb' -buckle up! Arts : This is the only subject students actually try to do in the rest of their classes. Seriously - kid not paying attention in class? They’re either doodling images, listening to music or acting out. But what about kids just looking at their phone, you say? Memes? Spotify? Youtube? TikTok? Insta...