 By Ray Rivers
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
Be careful what you ask for. Mr. Poilievre had wanted a ‘change’ election and the voters in his riding made his wish a reality. According to his Liberal opponent, Bruce Fanjoy, Poilievre had taken his constituents for granted while Fanjoy worked hard for their support. That this is the kind of rural riding which typically supports the Conservatives makes the Tory leader’s loss all that much more noteworthy.
Poilievre is an impressive speaker but having spent all his ammunition taking down Justin Trudeau became gob-smacked when it came to the main campaign issue, Donald Trump. But then nothing in his resume has equipped him to deal with the tariff challenge. Mr. Poilievre has spent his life out of the real world, either as a politician or a backroom political operative. Even Trudeau had held a real job as a teacher, by comparison.
On Tuesday Canadians chose someone with the kind of experience they felt was needed to lead the country through this existential crisis. Recognized as an accomplished and successful corporate leader, Mr. Carney had headed up one of the world’s, largest pension investment companies with over US$900 billion in assets.
 Mark Carney: An Oxford trained economist. An Oxford trained economist, Carney successfully played a leadership role in the fight against inflation and recession – Canada’s economic crisis of 2008 and the UK’s BREXIT transition. But perhaps just as important is his professional association with world leaders including those in the UK, France, and even the US president. In the end Canadians voted for competence – qualification and experience.
For the most important job in the land – CEO of Canada – Canadians voted for merit.
The word on the street is that the Tory leader will seek another riding, likely in Conservative safe Alberta but not until a by-election can be arranged. His caustic voice will not be missed in Parliament in the meantime. Also missing from the Commons will be the NDP leader Singh, who placed third in his own riding, and has decided to call it quits.
This election has demonstrated the challenges of third parties in our first-past-the-post electoral system. The NDP had been a merger of the socialist CCF with Canada’s organized labour movement. That is a potentially powerful political alliance given that nearly one in three workers in Canada is covered by a union contract.
But labour has become an unfaithful partner for the NDP. Mr. Poilievre is one of those Conservatives who relates better to the workers than their bosses. Following in the footsteps Donald Trump, he spent considerable effort attracting the blue collar vote. It is an interesting scenario that would see a right wing politician appealing to the blue collar crowd. Somehow tax cutting proposals, intended primarily for the well off, have became an issue the working person could get behind. And of course there were the vacuous promises about affordability.
And his efforts paid off. Fourteen Canadian labour unions and organizations, including several police associations, rewarded the Tories with their support. They even won ridings in labour rich Windsor and Hamilton. The Liberals have also benefitted from labour union support over time, and the largest labour union in Quebec opted to endorse the Bloc in this election.
 Elizabeth May – the only Green in the House of Commons. The Green Party had it’s platform stolen by Justin Trudeau back a decade ago and in the end only Elizabeth May managed to be elected, largely on her personal popularity. The libertarian People’s Party has never won a seat, even after running candidates in most ridings across the country.
With the other opposition parties now in relative disarray, the Bloc has suggested something like a truce – to give the Liberals at least a year in order to keep Trump from crashing through the border. The Greens lost their co-leader and the NDP have lost both their leader and their formal party status. They will need to assess their relevance as political parties at this time – and whether they might better serve their supporters as a wing or movement within either of the two main parties.
 Pierre Poilievre: nothing in his resume has equipped him to deal with the tariff challenge. It’ll take time to see if Mr. Poilievre comes back or ends up as just another disposable leader in a party frustrated in it’s ambition to become Canada’s natural governing party. Meanwhile, Mr. Carney will have his hands full fighting for Canadian unity against a mischievous US president while dodging grenades from the disgruntled partisan separatists in Alberta.
These western separatists, representing the wealthiest provinces in the union, are threatening to leave Canada only because they hate Liberals. If only there were a Conservative party leader who could knock some sense into its huge western base. But then, that might help the new PM in his efforts to unite the country?
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
 By Staff
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is proposing changes to strengthen the bail system and protect communities by keeping violent repeat offenders off the streets and behind bars. These proposed reforms would strengthen the collection process for forfeited bail, introduce permanent Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams, support a comprehensive review of the bail system and move towards the establishment of user fees for people convicted or accused of a crime who use provincially administered ankle monitors.
 ‘Stop being a bunch of bleeding hearts’: Ford slams Ottawa over bail laws again. “The current bail system is letting violent, repeat offenders back into our communities and onto our streets, at times just days after they have been arrested and accused of serious crimes,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Enough is enough. We’re cracking down with tougher rules, stronger enforcement and faster action to keep repeat offenders behind bars, where they belong. We’re also calling on the newly elected federal government to join us by strengthening bail to protect victims of crime.”
Ontario is taking action to strengthen the bail system while continuing to advocate forcefully for the federal government to do the same, given its jurisdiction over criminal law. The actions Ontario is proposing, which will be introduced later this week, include:
- Legislative changes that would improve and increase the collection of forfeited bail monies by requiring sureties to provide up-to-date information in accordance with future regulations
- Introducing permanent Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams (ISVCBTs), made up of dedicated prosecutors who work with provincial and local police services to present the most persuasive case possible at a bail hearing in the case of serious and violent crimes, with a priority on repeat and prolific accused persons, including those charged with firearm offences. ISVCBTs also follow up with police service’s bail compliance units, checking to ensure there have been no unreported breaches and that dangerous criminals are complying with their bail conditions
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 Those out of jail on bail will be required to pay for the GPS ankle monitors; waiting to hear how that works out. Working towards the establishment of a new user fee system for those subject to GPS ankle monitoring as determined by the courts as a condition of bail or release, with the funds potentially used to offset program costs or support victim services. The proposed changes would also help police access GPS information from this program for the purpose of monitoring people accused of or convicted of a crime
- A comprehensive review of the bail system to make it more consequential and effective, including reviewing how to support better tracking of repeat offenders and improved administration.
“Our government is cracking down on crime by strengthening our bail system,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “We are giving prosecutors the tools they need to hold violent and repeat offenders accountable — with stronger bail teams, tighter monitoring and faster action in the courts, we are ensuring the justice system works to protect Ontario and keep communities safe.”
 Ontario continues to urgently amend the Criminal Code by introducing concrete changes that will tighten bail legislation. Ontario continues to urgently amend the Criminal Code by introducing concrete changes that will tighten bail legislation to protect public safety and keep repeat and violent offenders off the streets.
“Our government is taking decisive action to Protect Ontario and improve public safety on our streets and in our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Our government has been a leader in advocating for meaningful reform of Canada’s bail system. Until reform becomes reality, we will continue to support the efforts of law enforcement so they have the tools and resources needed to get violent offenders behind bars where they belong.”
“Everybody in Ontario deserves to live in communities that are free from the scourge of violence,” said Associate Solicitor General, Zee Hamid. “By strengthening enforcement, improving tracking and introducing specialized teams, our government is ensuring violent, repeat offenders face tougher consequences. These changes empower law enforcement and protect Ontario’s communities, reflecting our government’s unwavering commitment to keep criminals behind bars and Protect Ontario.”
 By Eric Stern
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum (RBG).
 Sakura Cherry blossoms at RBG The Sakura Cherry blossoms are beautiful and a short walk from the parking lot.
Parking is limited, but you don’t need to reserve in advance yet. Once the lilacs are out, reserved parking will be required.
 Turtles are out. For the more adventurous, the turtles were out catching some rays.
The Daffodils are out.
The Juncos are nesting near Raspberry House.
 They gather beneath the Sakura Cherry blossom trees at Spencer Smith Park – a gift from Japan many years ago.
 By Staff
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s triumph in Canada’s election this week is that rare political event that really can be explained quite simply. The formula comes in two parts.
By taking over as party leader, Carney rid the Liberals of the deeply unpopular former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, who left power — under pressure but wisely — knowing he was on the verge of sending his storied party into the wilderness. A rather staid, centrist investment banker, more technocrat than politician, Carney offered a stark contrast to the charismatic but increasingly scorned Trudeau. If the country wanted change, Carney would allow the incumbent party to provide it.
 Prime Minister explaining how he will govern the country. But this alone would not have been enough. It is no exaggeration to say that Carney’s victory was enabled by President Donald Trump, whose taunts about turning Canada into the 51st state led Canadians to a new appreciation for their nation’s identity, history and distinctiveness. Trump’s punishing tariffs married their anger to fear, which Carney answered by campaigning under the banner of “Canada strong.” If there was an economic battle to be waged, who better than the former head of the central banks in both Canada and Britain to marshal his nation to the financial barricades?
“Elbows up” is a hockey term for fighting when fighting is required. It became Carney’s battle cry. In a kitschy but effective campaign ad, Carney appeared at a hockey rink with comedian Mike Myers, who proved his Canadian credentials as Carney put him through a national trivia quiz.
Then it was Myers’s turn. “But let me ask you, Mr. Prime Minister, will there always be a Canada?”
Carney’s stern, determined reply: “There will always be a Canada.”
“All right!” Myers replied brightly. “Elbows up!”
 By David Buser
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Finding a safe way to fund an online casino account is still a challenge for many Canadians. The online gambling industry offers many payment options that promise security. Yet, not all deliver the speed and reliability needed for smooth deposits and quick withdrawals. Interac, a trusted Canadian solution, stands out. It combines strong protection, efficiency, and simplicity. In this article, we will explore what Interac is and explain how it supports Canadian casino players. Read on to discover its main advantages and any drawbacks compared to other methods.
What is Interac and How Does It Work?
Interac is a Canadian payment network. It connects personal bank accounts directly to businesses, service providers, and now, Interac casinos in Canada. Created in the 1980s, it has become a popular payment method across the country.
When users pick Interac as a payment method at an online casino, the system links their bank account directly to the casino’s. No sensitive banking details are shared with the casino. Transactions move fast through the user’s online banking platform. Deposits appear almost instantly. Withdrawals usually complete within 24 hours, depending on the casino’s processing times.
Today, many Canadian casinos that accept Interac promote it right at the top of their online casino payment pages. It fits the real needs of Canadian players who expect fast and secure transactions when it comes to choosing the best Interac casinos.
The Advantages of Using Interac for Online Casino Payments
Interac is a leading choice for many reasons. It combines the key qualities users seek when handling money online. Here are the major advantages of using Interac casino payments:
Secure and Safe Transactions
Security is critical when transferring money online. Interac uses top-tier encryption methods. It also relies on the security protocols of Canadian banks. This creates two strong layers of protection: one from Interac and one from your bank.
Fraud monitoring tools work non-stop in the background. This makes unauthorized access extremely rare. In a time where cybercrime remains a real threat, strong protections are essential.
 Fast and Convenient Deposits and Withdrawals
Speed matters. Delays in deposits or payouts can cause frustration for users. Interac processes deposits within minutes. This means casino accounts are ready for play almost immediately.
Withdrawals move fast too. Though casino reviews can add minor delays, Interac often sends funds back to bank accounts within 24 hours. Compared to outdated options like wire transfers, this is a significant upgrade.
Choosing casinos that accept Interac may improve both deposit speed and withdrawal satisfaction.
Low Fees and Transparent Costs
Money management remains important. Interac generally charges very low fees. In fact, many Interac casino sites offer to cover transaction costs for users.
There are no hidden service fees with Interac transactions. Before signing up, it is wise to review the casino’s fee structure. However, most top online casinos that accept Interac keep costs friendly for users.
Widely Accepted by Canadian Online Casinos
Interac is accepted across the majority of online casinos focused on Canadian users. It is uncommon to find a serious platform that doesn’t list Interac among its payment methods.
This broad acceptance eliminates the need for additional third-party accounts. Funds move directly from a Canadian bank account to the casino wallet for deposits and withdrawals.
Works Directly with Canadian Banks
Nearly every major Canadian bank supports Interac. Whether users bank with RBC, TD, Scotiabank, or smaller local institutions, Interac fits into the banking structure easily. No additional apps are needed. No lengthy registration processes exist. This natural connection between banks and casinos helps users trust Interac casino payments.
How to Use Interac for Online Casino Payments
 Setting up and using Interac is simple. Follow these simple steps:
- Register at a casino that accepts Interac: Set up an account and complete any necessary verification checks.
- Visit the cashier or banking page: Select Interac from the list of deposit methods.
- Enter your deposit amount: Specify how much you want to transfer.
- Authenticate through your online banking: Approve the transaction with your bank’s secure system.
- Confirm your account balance: The deposited funds will typically appear within minutes.
To withdraw, choose Interac from the withdrawal menu. Then, confirm your request and authorize the transfer through your banking portal. Some of the best Interac casinos even combine their welcome bonuses with exclusive offers like 100 free spins for first-time users.
Interac vs. Other Payment Methods
Interac stands out, but it is helpful to compare it against alternatives. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the user’s needs and priorities:
- Credit Cards: Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard remain common in online casinos due to their widespread availability. They allow quick deposits and are easy to use, especially for first-time players. However, many banks treat gambling transactions as cash advances, which can trigger additional fees and higher interest rates. Moreover, some online casinos do not allow withdrawals back to credit cards, requiring an alternative method for payouts, which can slow the process.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards offer a controlled and anonymous way to fund casino accounts. They are especially appealing to users who want to stick to a fixed budget or avoid sharing banking information. Casinos that accept Vanilla prepaid card options allow players to deposit using a physical or digital prepaid card purchased in stores, without the need to register a personal bank or e-wallet account. These cards are easy to use and ideal for beginners or cautious players.
However, the key limitation is that vanilla prepaid casino payments typically support only deposits—you cannot use them to withdraw your winnings. This means players need to choose an alternative payout method when it’s time to cash out. Still, for users who value privacy, simplicity, and financial control, prepaid cards remain a practical deposit option.
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller): E-wallets offer fast and secure transfers, both for deposits and withdrawals. They’re favored by frequent players because of their speed and ease of use. However, using e-wallets means setting up and managing an additional account, which includes remembering login credentials and maintaining separate balances. Also, some casinos exclude Skrill and Neteller deposits from bonus eligibility, which can be a disadvantage for bonus hunters.
- Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are gaining traction due to fast, low-cost, and anonymous transactions. They appeal to players looking for privacy and independence from traditional banking. However, their biggest downside is price volatility—your balance can gain or lose value rapidly. Additionally, not all Canadian online casinos accept crypto payments, making availability inconsistent.
- Bank Wire Transfers: A classic but outdated option. Bank wires are secure and ideal for transferring larger sums, but they are notoriously slow. Withdrawals via wire transfer can take several business days to reach your account. Moreover, banks and casinos often charge higher fees for this method. For players who value speed and cost-efficiency, wire transfers are rarely the top choice.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Interac for Online Casino Payments
While Interac has many benefits, a few drawbacks should be considered, especially if you chose any online casino listed at Casinosfest:
- Limited Global Reach: Some international platforms do not support Interac.
- Variable Withdrawal Times: While Interac processes payments quickly, casinos may still have internal processing periods that add extra wait time.
- Potential Bank Charges: Some banks apply small service fees for Interac transfers.
- Bonus Eligibility Issues: Certain sites exclude Interac deposits from welcome bonuses or free spin offers. Always check the bonus terms.
- Bank Restrictions: Some banks limit or reject gambling transactions, even when using Interac. It is smart to verify with your institution first.
Understanding these potential downsides allows Canadian gamblers to plan better. They will avoid surprises when choosing Interac.
Conclusion
Interac has built a strong reputation among online casinos in Canada. It brings together safety, speed, low fees, and direct banking access, creating a powerful solution for users who value security.
While no method is perfect, the minor issues tied to Interac are easy to manage. Choosing an Interac casino in Canada means benefiting from fast, secure transactions with minimal risk. It also means sticking to a system trusted by both casinos and Canadian banks.
 By Eric Stern
April 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Election Scrutineering 101
I’ve always voted and paid attention to our political process. For last night’s election, I decided to go a step further. I volunteered as a scrutineer for the Conservative Party.
Training involved a trip to Emily Brown’s campaign office and 15 minutes. One of the other volunteers commented that he was there to understand the election process. Donald Trump has thrown into question the integrity of elections. Scrutineering gave me a unique opportunity to look behind the curtain.
One of the first things I learned was what constitutes a spoiled ballot. I’ve always carefully marked my X, making sure the lines stayed inside the circle. Elections Canada wants to determine voter intent. You don’t have to use an X. As I saw during the counting, people filled in the circle, people drew in stars or squiggles. As long as the intent was clear, the vote was counted.
An optional activity, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, was to wave signs at Appleby and Fairview.
 They called them waves – they were held at many of the main intersections in the city. Typically, I dread this type of activity, but I have to admit it was fun. People honked as they drove by, people waved, people stared straight ahead and did their best to ignore us, and about one car in fifty waved their swear finger at all of us. Are we losing our civility? Is it time to have a law that says political parties can only talk about their platform, not disparage the other candidates? Justin “he’s just not ready” comes to mind, but so does this ad:
After a quick trip to the polling station in the morning, to sign forms and show my ID, I returned to the station at 9:10 pm. The doors were locked at 9:30 pm, and the counting process started. Ballot boxes were immediately sealed. Tables were cleared, and scrutineers from the various parties moved to their assigned tables.
Once the Elections Canada officials were ready to count ballots, the ballot boxes were opened, and the counting began. Each ballot was held up for the scrutineers to review and placed in a pile for the intended candidate. One official held up the ballots, a second kept a tally. There was only one spoiled ballot, someone had clearly voted for both the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Will Carney partner with Poilievre to form the next government?
The race was so close, there would be two in a row for Karina, followed by three for Emily, then five for Karina, then four for Emily, and almost no votes for the other parties.
After all the ballots had been counted, approximately 150 per poll, the count was double-checked. Multiple teams of officials and scrutineers completed this process concurrently. By 11 pm, the count for the polling station was complete.
Everyone, officials and party representatives, was respectful, friendly, and dedicated to the integrity of the process.
The integrity of our elections relies on all of us. Please consider working for Elections Canada or volunteering as a scrutineer.
By Pepper Parr
April 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Emily Brown speaking to her supporters at the Hilton hotel. It was a campaign Emily Brown had to win and a campaign she was certain she would win.
It didn’t work out that way.
What we are seeing in Burlington is being replicated across the country.
 Losing is never easy. A lot of people who believed in Emily Brown will look for the reasons why the Conservatives lost. There are already people putting together their plans to win the nomination for the next federal election. The biggest problem for the Conservatives was their leader, who lost his own seat and may well lose the leadership of the Conservative party.
It will take some time for the disappointment to work itself out.
While it wasn’t an evening to celebrate, the Conservatives did gather at the Hilton hotel to make the best of the occasion.
The Liberals were confident going into the race; it was never an event where they felt it was going to get away from them.
 The Gould team had every reason to celebrate, and celebrate they did.
By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Another one of those a picture worth 1000 words.
 Gould was leading in every polling station when counting stopped at 1:30 in the morning.
 By Staff
April 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Members of the official Burlington delegation visiting Apeldoorn are:
- Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
- Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison on the Mundialization Committee
- Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer
- Samantha Yew, City Clerk/Director of Legislative Services
- Hasan Raza, Chair, Mundialization Committee (volunteer)
- Anne Koopman, Chair, Apeldoorn Sub-committee (volunteer)
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward  Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer  Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison on the Mundialization Committee
By Staff
April 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Kady O’Malley at iPolitics had this to say this morning.
It’s election day in Canada.
Polls will open for 12 hours on Monday, staggered based on time zone. Most voters in Ontario and Quebec that live in the Eastern Time zone can vote from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those living in B.C. and the Yukon will be able to vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
What’s at stake? A lot, to put it lightly.
 Whoever emerges as PM after the vote will lead negotiations on a new economic and security partnership with the U.S., for starters. They will also need to chart a new course for the country amid a global order upended by the Trump administration.
And then, you know, deal with an affordability crisis, headlined by sky-high home prices, as well wrestle with meaty issues like how many people should we admit to this country, how best to stem the numbers of people dying from opioid overdoses, whether we need to build nation-spanning oil pipelines – just to name a few.
It’s a tall order… That’s why at the onset of the campaign, we asked whether Canada itself was the ballot box issue in this year’s race.
It’s unclear if that’s what’s driving voters, but polls have shown that dealing with Trump occupied a lot of space earlier on in the race, only to fade in the final stages, which may help to explain how the Liberal lead narrowed near the end of the campaign.
Speaking of polls, final polls from Abacus, Leger, Ipsos, Mainstreet and Nanos all show the Liberals leading the Conservatives by single-digit margins, though it’s unclear if it would be enough for a majority government.
It could mean a long night of ballot watching.
By Pepper Parr
April 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The ballots are being cast.
The get out the vote teams in every riding across the country are working hard – very hard.
The questions in the minds of everyone are:
 Does the dog have a vote? How big will the Liberal plurality be?
Will Pierre Poilievre manage to hold his seat?
Will the NDP lose their party status?
Could the country face a situation where the current leaders of the NDP and the Conservatives find themselves without a seat in the House of Commons?
Canadians are making history today!
 By Shireen T. Singh
April 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The world of fintech has gained a lot of attention since 2018, and for good reason. Simply looking at the numbers, you can just tell that the industry is growing rapidly. At the end of 2023, the F-Prime Fintech Index, which tracks the industry’s growth, estimated the market cap of the industry to be $573 billion. And that’s double what it was in 2019!
 Trade with a firm’s money for profit from the comfort of their home. Today, financial services are becoming more efficient and user-friendly than ever, making fintech a mainstay in today’s economic climate. One area where fintech’s relevance is growing significantly is proprietary trading. So, let’s examine how fintech is transforming prop trading and what its future is shaping up to be.
Understanding Prop Trading
When a financial institution, like a bank or hedge fund, trades with its own money in the forex market, stock market, or other financial markets, that’s called proprietary trading. These financial companies typically make trades on behalf of their clients and earn a commission, but prop trading is a little different. Instead of using a client’s money to invest, they use their own capital, which means they can take on more risk and have a shot at higher rewards.
Thanks to advancements in fintech, this form of trading has become more accessible and advanced, opening up new opportunities to companies and traders globally. CFD brokers and prop trading firms now provide retail traders with access to institutional-grade trading environments, allowing them to leverage cutting-edge trading tools. For example, platforms like OANDA now allow traders (with no capital) to trade with a firm’s money for profit from the comfort of their home.
It is also important to note that financial corporations involved in prop trading do this for one major reason, and that is to make more profit. In order to keep things fair and focused, they have special sections of the company dedicated to these kinds of trades — referred to as the prop trading desk. This desk operates separately from client-focused areas and sometimes even acts as “market makers,” meaning they step in to buy or sell large amounts of security when there isn’t enough movement in the market. This keeps things flowing and adds increased stability to the market, even when things get rocky.
Evolution of Prop Trading
In the 1980s, before the internet, prop trading started as a way for retail traders who weren’t wealthy investors or big institutions to get a chance to join in on the stock market action. This was possible when financial corporations created “pool accounts” that allowed these smaller traders to access real-time data and trading tools they couldn’t get on their own.
 These people were skilled traders who worked directly from these firms’ offices to help grow the company’s capital. These people were skilled traders who worked directly from these firms’ offices to help grow the company’s capital. They then earned part of the profits they garnered for these financial institutions. This is the foundational setup that structures today’s prop trading model, where firms still partner with individual traders.
Thanks to the internet, the world of prop trading has become so advanced that it is somewhat unrecognizable. However, the concept remains the same: traders pay a fee to be evaluated, and if they pass, they get access to the firm’s capital, sharing any profits that they make. Technological advancements have made prop trading easily accessible to every trader willing to fulfill requirements stipulated by prop trading firms.
Currently, well over 100 online prop trading firms offer evaluation programs for anyone who wants to try trading. While most traders might not make it past the evaluation, the few who succeed stand to earn significantly by trading with more funds than they would have had on their own.
Three Key Fintech Innovations Transforming Prop Trading
The trading methods and tools used to carry out innovative and competitive trades have changed significantly owing to the advancement in the fintech industry. With the advantage of fintech, prop trading has become faster, smarter, and more adaptable to market changes. Here are three key fintech innovations that are transforming the world of prop trading that are available through these solutions.
High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
Today, it is much easier to use high-frequency trading in prop trading. HFT is a technological advancement that allows thousands of trades to be carried out in fractions of a second. When used together with algorithmic trading, it can boost trade volume and speed, helping traders react instantly to market changes and increase profits. This advancement has given traders and firms an upper hand in the markets but also poses a risk of increased market volatility, especially when trades are executed at high speeds in sensitive conditions.
By Pepper Parr
April 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
When you see polls like this, which do have a margin of error, you can understand how desperate and disappointed the Conservative party members feel.
 To go from a lead of 20 points to being behind by 10 points is something rarely seen. This polling was not done by the Gazette; it was done by a reliable source. At one point, they had it – circumstances changed, and they were unable to pivot.
Now in the final day of active campaigning, when things don’t look very good – expect accusations to be made.
Emotions will be running high.
Despite the feelings – this election is one of the most important in several decades. Polls are an event about an event that has yet to take place.
Vote and work hard to get the people who support the party you believe in to the polls. Every vote counts.
The results will be known late Monday night.
By Pepper Parr
April 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
While it is a nationwide election, the battles take place in the constituency trenches.
Karina Gould is fighting her fourth election; Emily Brown her second.
Political parties aside, they are both decent, accomplished women.
Gould has more to show politically; including that terrible gaff when she asked that what was said in the House about the former Nazi in the House of Commons while Ukraine president Zelensky was being recognized be struck from the record.
Gould has delivered the bacon, that’s what she was elected to do.
Brown has worked very hard at the constituency level to keep the Conservatives in the public eye.
Should she lose this election it would be very hard to come back a third time.
Should Gould lose the election, there is little doubt that she will be a candidate in the next federal election.
Her decision to run for the leadership of the Liberal party was a brave move – at some point, she could well become the Prime Minister.
Voters across the country will be voting for the political party they would like to see win – this is a race between Pierre Poileivre and Mark Carney being decided in the 383 constituencies coast to coast to coast.
It is an existential election; Canada is going to go through a massive change in which countries it trades with; on how much it spends on defense and how the federal government that takes office decides to spend the tax dollars it will raise.
Our economy and our borders are at risk.
The new Prime Minister will have to deal with a President who is both reckless, unstable and unprepared to adhere to the Constitution he swore to protect.
Every Canadian will have determined their choice when they vote on Monday.
The 7.3 million voters who cast ballots during the Easter holiday, a record two million on Good Friday, is evidence enough that citizens are engaged.
If you haven’t voted – do so.
Thousands will vote for a political party they have not voted for in the past. That is democracy at its best.
 Karina Gould  Emily Brown The choice is: Emily Brown or Karina Gould.
Yes, there are other candidates, and the political parties they represent matter. They
Michael Bator, People’s Party of Canada
Michael Beauchemin, New Democratic Party
Emily Brown, Conservative Party of Canada
Karina Gould, Liberal Party of Canada
Paul Harper Parti Rhinocéros Party
Kyle Hutton Green Party
Ocean Marshall Libertarian Party of Canada
By Pepper Parr
April 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday there was a noisy demonstration outside the Burlington Centre, the location of the Gould offices.
Gould was hosting former Prime Minister Jean Chretien
Foul language, foul signs and a bullhorn blaring away were reported to us by an individual who was at the site.
We reported what we learned.
Several hours later, we received a phone call from a trusted individual who was working as a volunteer on the Emily Brown campaign, saying that the demonstrators were not from the Brown campaign.
The Brown campaign was in the area doing their typical campaign work at the intersection of Guelph Line and Fairview at 5:30 pm
The Chretien event took place earlier in the day.
We reached out to the Brown campaign and did not get a response until much later in the day. The news cycle is a 24/7 operation.
 Emily Brown, Conservative candidate for the Burlington seat in the House of Commons. We are delighted to learn that the Brown campaign was not involved, and would have liked to have seen a statement from the Brown campaign expressing their concern that there are people abusing the election campaign process.
Emily Brown has worked hard as a candidate in two elections. Were she to be elected she would represent the interests of the city very well.
By Pepper Parr
April 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre is the title of a book written by Mark Bourrie and reviewed by Charlotte Gray for the Globe and Mail who points out that Ripper has one message: The Pierre Poilievre we see today is the same person as the teenager he was in Calgary’s Reform Party backrooms. Mark Bourrie describes that 1990s teenager as “the political equivalent of a hockey goon,” and argues that he hasn’t adjusted his behaviour or outlook since then.
 “However, to understand Canada’s “Trump-lite,” Bourrie argues, we need to acknowledge the global socioeconomic changes that have spawned a crop of right-wing dictators, and caused the deterioration of traditional journalism and public discourse. To borrow terms coined by New York Times columnist David Brooks, the public sphere is inhabited by “weavers,” who strive for social consensus, and “rippers,” who see politics as a war that gives their life meaning.
“Poilievre’s adolescent views and tactics, typical of a ripper, didn’t need to evolve as he clambered up the greasy pole. He had the good fortune to be in tune with the times – times that have produced anxious, angry voters likely to embrace a right-wing ripper. Doors kept opening for him, and he scrambled straight through them until the Conservative Leader could almost taste victory in the coming federal election.
“Bourrie’s portrait of Poilievre could hardly be more critical, describing him as the angriest person on Canada’s political stage and the nastiest leader of a major party in this country’s history.
“I’ve got nothing against him as a person,” Bourrie insists, but adds that “he’s an angry teenager in the body of a grown man. That makes him a stellar opposition politician. It’s a bad combination in a prime minister.”
“For 375 pages (plus a further 50 pages of eccentric end notes), Bourrie makes his case. He relied for evidence on a mountain of press clippings, a raft of political books and deep dives into the explosive growths of social media and fake news, which he explored in two previous books. He synthesized an enormous amount of information, wrote at an astonishing pace (150,000 words in nine months) and produced a narrative that mixes careful analysis, punchy prose, ironic quips and outrage at Poilievre’s success.
“The result, although uneven, is a gripping read. But does Bourrie prove his point?
“Much of the biographical material in Ripper is familiar, chronicled (with a positive spin) most recently in Andrew Lawton’s biography of Poilievre. Bourrie quickly provides the basic facts. Marlene Poilievre, a passionate Tory and devout Catholic, began taking her son to Conservative riding association meetings and anti-abortion rallies when he was only 14.
“Poilievre was soon absorbing economic views shaped by Milton Friedman and attending seminars conducted by the right-wing Fraser Institute.
“Enrolling at the University of Calgary in 1997, Poilievre polished his political skills as a debater who was soon giving short, pithy quotes to Calgary Herald reporters at Reform events. Lawton enthused about the sharp-elbowed rookie’s commitment, but Bourrie deplores Poilievre’s aggressive tone. The politician, he writes, was making “dire, overthe-top claims of a debilitating national problem” and using “harsh and cruel” language as he blamed opponents.
“Bourrie embeds these glimpses of the young politician in the larger story of Alberta’s postwar history, and the way that Western Canadian alienation was disrupting the Progressive Conservative Party.
“Similarly, when Bourrie tracks Poilievre’s shift to Ottawa in 1999, and his 2004 election (at 25, the youngest MP in the Commons) in the riding of Nepean-Carleton, the author enriches the Poilievre chronology with context, including the capital’s social culture and the Reform Party’s conquest of the Conservative Party.
 Poilievre showed little interest in the intellectual challenge of policy development. “Poilievre pulled ahead of his peers – “strange, nerdy, socially isolated young conservatives” in Bourrie’s words – because he knew what the media wanted: “good quote and great footage.” While Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin led the country, Poilievre was one of the opposition’s most effective critics of Liberal corruption.
“Increased media exposure fed on itself, as he went after daycare programs, gay marriage and bilingualism, and found catchy nicknames for his opponents (Martin was “the king of cronyism.”).
“When the Conservatives formed the government in 2006, Poilievre became prime minister Steven Harper’s attack dog in Question Period. His strategy, Bourrie writes, was to “smear the person trying to do the embarrassing.”
“Occasionally, he strayed from the Harper playbook. On the day that the prime minister issued an apology to Indigenous people for the residential-school system, Poilievre stole the headlines by publicly questioning whether Canadians were getting value for money from the $2-billion compensation paid to survivors. Harper made him apologize in the House.
“During these years, Conservatives raced ahead of other parties in new political techniques of data gathering and analysis, which exponentially improved their voter identification and fundraising capacities. Poilievre’s quick hits and nifty slogans were tailormade, in our rushed digital age, to appeal to voters pinpointed by technology as open to his message.
“He was finally rewarded with a cabinet role in 2013, as Canada’s first minister of democratic reform. His real job, according to Bourrie, was to “whack Elections Canada.” He introduced a Fair Elections Act that editorial writers at both the National Post and The Globe and Mail deplored as destructive.
“During the nine years of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, Poilievre (now Conservative finance critic) was relentlessly on the attack. Trudeau’s Liberals provided him with plenty of targets. Poilievre labelled the prime minister “a corrupt tin-pot dictator” and accused finance minister Bill Morneau of losing the “moral authority to hold your office.”
“When he finally ran for the leadership of his party, in 2022, his victory was decisive. Tellingly, Erin O’Toole, the man he replaced, warned, “This country needs a Conservative Party that is both an intellectual force and a governing force. … Seeking power without ideology is hubris.”
“But Poilievre showed little interest in the intellectual challenge of policy development. Instead, he stayed in the headlines with slogans and sneers, bashing the “radical, woke coalition” of Liberals and NDP and reserving special venom for Trudeau.
“His mastery of social media (he has one million followers on X), YouTube (more than half a million followers) and partisan Tory outlets has allowed him to create his own media environment. Instead of answering questions from the dwindling legacy media about his solutions to all the problems bedevilling this country.
 Poilievre: a viciously brilliant critic who has shown no potential, as yet, to become a weaver who could bring the country together. “Bourrie demonstrates how deftly Poilievre ensured that his manipulation of facts and his insistence that “Canada is broken” never received much scrutiny. His standing in opinion polls rose and rose.
“The author acknowledges that Poilievre has a more agreeable side, as an excellent constituency member and family man who has spoken up for children with autism. But Bourrie conclusively proves his point that the politician is an Olympic-class ripper, a viciously brilliant critic who has shown no potential, as yet, to become a weaver who could bring the country together.
“Ripper does more than paint a dark picture of the Conservative Leader. The author gives serious attention to the question: How did we get here? How did Canada – a country once celebrated for civility and compromise – elevate a politician who has surfed on division and disrespect?
“This past January, Poilievre’s expectations of an easy victory at the polls were shattered by the Liberal leadership race and Trump’s tariff threat. The skills that Poilievre has burnished over the past 30 years no longer seem to fit the moment. He is finally out of step with his times.
“Bourrie has produced a searing but convincing critique of the Conservative Leader’s shortcomings that will give pause to anyone outside the diehard Poilievre base. The politician’s insistence that “Canada is broken” has been cast aside in a wave of nationalism. Voters may decide that an angry ripper may not be what Canada needs right now.”
 By Pepper Parr
April 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
We were advised that the group disrupting the Chretien visit to the Gould office at Burlington Centre was not people from the Emily Brown campaign
Our politics have gotten very ugly.
When a group demonstrated outside the Burlington Centre where Karian Gould was hosting for Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who was there to support her campaign, things got noisy.
Foul language, flag with equally foul language and the use of a bullhorn made it noisy.
Demonstrating is a noble thing to do – opposing something you disagree with is not only acceptable, but necessary in a democracy.
Who made the decision to gather the supporters and have them make fools of themselves? Emily Brown is the Conservative candidate seeking to replace Karina Gould as the Member of Parliament for Burlington.
I’ve talked to Emily more than half a dozen times. I thought she had the potential to become a member of Parliament who would serve the interests of the city. I didn’t see her as the kind of person who would approve of the kind of demonstration seen on Friday.
Who organized the demonstration? Was it the Conservative candidate?
If Emily Brown did not organize or approve of the demonstration, should she have issued a statement regretting that it took place and making it clear that this is not the kind of thing she stands for?
We reached out to the Brown campaign asking for some clarification.
If the leadership or the potential political leadership does not stand up and demand respectful behaviour, we are indeed in serious trouble.
 By Pepper Parr
April 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 There aren’t that many of them around any more. But, Burlington happens to have one of the best independent bookstores in the country
A Different Drummer has a very proud history and has been known for doing things differently from the day it first opened in 1970.
The store was founded in 1970 by Al Cummings and John Richardson. The name was inspired by the Henry David Thoreau quote, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” It follows, then, that independent thinking became a guiding principle of the store, which stocks small press and university press titles alongside bestsellers. “We hear from customers that they are finding books here that they are not finding elsewhere,” said Ian Elliot the current owner.
 The Different Drummer as it exists today.
By Staff
April 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There he was, 91 year old former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, stopping by the Karina Gould office at Burlington Centre for a photo op and chit chat with some 200 of her volunteers.
 Jean Chretien with Karina Gould  Chretien greeting a Gould supporter. A typical election campaign event explained Carol Victor except for the noisy group gathered outside with huge flags and a bullhorn blasting F…Carney ..disgusting behaviour similar to something we might witness in the US. This was reminiscent of the deplorable Ottawa Convoy mob during the pandemic.
We could hardly believe that this was happening in Burlington, let alone Canada, where the real enemy is South of the border and not within our own country. Never in an election, have I ever witnessed such poor behavior….definitely unCanadian to say the least.
Chretien displayed incredible wit and energy.
By Anthony Lucas”
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
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By Ray Rivers
Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
