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Showing posts with the label Calgary

Remembrance Day and Veterans Day

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As the  eleventh hour approaches, Canadians and Americans mark both Remembrance Day and Veterans Day with respect .  Two  neighbours who sent their sons and daughters to two world wars, the Korean War , and the conflict in Afghanistan. The two fought sid e by side, with many paying the ultimate price, fighting to  protect  the rights  and freedoms of others from the hands of their oppressors.    We  honour  those who have lost their lives; however, both Governments continue to decline providing adequate support for individuals affected physically or experiencing mental health challenges  as a result of  combat, leaving many to confront the ongoing psychological impacts of warfare.   W hen I signed and pledged my oath to queen and  country,  I fully understood that should conflict break out  I may not  return, but  the lure of a calling to the sea was far  too  great  an   oppor...

Housing Affordability Crisis in Canada

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  Housing Affordability Crisis in Canada Across Canada, the dream of securing affordable housing — whether through renting or homeownership — has become unattainable for most citizens. This crisis highlights a growing imbalance in the nation’s economy, making the gap between recovery and decline increasingly stark. Nowhere is this disparity more evident than in the Greater Toronto Area, where the challenges of accessing affordable housing are acutely pronounced and serve as a microcosm of the broader national issue. Politicians and political parties often interpret Canada’s circumstances through a limited lens, largely due to insufficient awareness of the considerable diversity in Canadian perspectives. These differences arise from both cultural factors and the unique needs shaped by Canada’s vast geography and relatively small population. After moving to Toronto from the prairies, I quickly noticed that much of the country’s policy is shaped by the priorities of the Golden Ho...

Whatever happened to the adman

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  Whatever happened to the  adman     Many classic TV and radio jingles left  a lasting impression  on audiences. For example,  memorable  slogans from brands such  as Pizza   Pizza  or Pepsodent toothpaste are well-known for their effective writing and enduring appeal.   The originality of advertising appears to have diminished as platform-based movies and pay-as-you-grow programming models have reduced the prominence of traditional advertising. Reflecting on my youth and early adulthood, it was not always the programs themselves that were most memorable, but rather the exceptionally creative and innovative advertisements that  accompanied  them.   Saturday morning cartoons often featured memorable jingles, such as those for Smarties and the Libby's beans sing-along, which contributed to the imaginative appeal of the  McDonaldland  fantasy world for children. By the end of the morning,  children c...

Well if You Need a New Boat or Plane the Carney Budget is for You As Carney Treads Water Maintaining The Status Quo

  Carney’s First Budget appears adequate, particularly for those  purchasing  luxury items such as boats or  airplanes;  however, it may not fully address the concerns of many Canadians who expected measures aimed at creating a more  equitable  economy. During his press conference, Carney referenced "trickle down" economics rather than a more economic and political democracy for all.. This choice of words may signal to Canadians facing personal debt challenges and declining wages that substantial progress towards reducing income inequality and controlling inflated costs is unlikely, and that significant government intervention  remains  limited.   Carney is drawing on the traditional Reaganomics perspective, influenced by the Chicago School of Economics, which argues that giving breaks and incentives to the wealthy will eventually  benefit  everyone else. However, the reality is that wealth tends to accumulate at the top rather...