 By Staff
February 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Friday, February 14th – Valentine’s Day – a number of Burlington residents received a “you are loved” notice from Burlington Hydro. The notice alerted the Hydro customers that they had been “kissed; that there had been a data breach and their private information had been unlawfully accessed. An anonymized copy of the letter follows:
 Some Hydro customers didn’t take much comfort or assurance from the letter. The notice covers all the mandatory statutory elements of a notification of privacy breach (as defined by Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner) but it is rather light on background information or on helpful follow-up links. In fact, if you do contact Burlington Hydro you will discover that their Customer Support organization is closed until February 18th, after the Family Day holiday.
What is disturbing or, at the very least needs further clarification, is the second paragraph of the notice – “On January 22nd, 2025, our third -party customer information system vendor made us aware that it experienced a data breach from an unauthorized user to its system. We want to assure you that the issue was quickly contained, and the impacted system is secure and there is no ongoing unauthorized access to any data.”
First, despite the date on the letterhead, it is over 3 ½ weeks from the date of the breach until the first notice to affected customers. And Burlington Hydro used snail mail to the exclusion of other, more immediate means. They have, after all, the email addresses of their customers. In an age when misuse of personal information can occur in milliseconds, this delay is simply far too long.
Secondly, and potentially far more concerning is the statement “our third -party customer information system vendor”. In other words, Burlington Hydro is saying that the customer information database is on a system held (and operated?) by a third party. Who is this “third party” and where are they located? Have they been properly vetted? How remote are they to Burlington Hydro operations? Are they in the USA and subject to all the regulations around trans-border data flows? These are serious questions.
 Mayor Meed Ward is a member of the Hydro Board with a C Dir certification that was paid for by Burlington Hydro. I suppose that we must wait until next Tuesday, at the earliest, for answers. Not surprisingly, there is nothing on the city website, although the breach would have been reported to COB as soon as Burlington Hydro was made aware. We should remember that Mayor Meed Ward sits on the Burlington Hydro Board of Directors.
 By Julieta Belen Correa
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.
Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.
10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.
 Billy Bishop, named after a Canadian war hero is an airport minutes from downtown Toronto 9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.
 If your destination as a tourist is Halifax International – you will want to visit Peggy’s Cove. 8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.
6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.
The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.
5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.
The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
 Calgary International 4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.
YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.
YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.
 Vancouver International 2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.
Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.
 Pearson International Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.
Canada, Connected
With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’
By Pepper Parr
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 2017 fire that destroyed most of the buildings The Paletta International site just off Appleby Line that was destroyed by fire in December 6th, 2017 is beginning to be re-animated.
The company has conditional site plan approval. The company is currently working through the various conditions one of which is obtaining Committee of Adjustment approval.
When completed the site and bring new employment and economic opportunity to the city.
Building designs are still a work in progress however there is a site plan.
Along with plans to eventually construct a new Alinea headquarters building, there will be approximately 300,000 square feet of new leasable light industrial / employment space in three new buildings.2017
Everything on the 18.5-acre property will be demolished and replaced with modern employment and office buildings. Given the uncertainty of timing to this point, no tenants for the light industrial / employment space have been sought yet; that will come in due course. “We are already getting calls from companies expressing interest in being part of this exciting redevelopment,” said a company spokesperson.
The 2018 fire meant there were going to be many changes in what the company would do and the business they were going to be in.
The death of Pasquale “Pat” Paletta, in 2019 brought about changes in the leadership and management style.
 The late Pat Paletta with his four sons. One huge change for the company was the creation of Alinea which didn’t include all four of Pat Paletta’s sons. Angelo Paletta went in his own direction while the other three brothers formed Alinea that is now focused on plans for the Bronte Meadows site and the 1200 King Road property
“While there may be a few minor tweaks to this plan in relation to the future Alinea headquarters building, there is a general sense of what’s being planned.
Property that was acquired by the Paletta family in Burlington was first used to pasture cattle; the company grew to become the largest beef processing operation in Eastern Canada; it was later sold to Canada Packers.
 The structure shown in orange will be the head office for Alinea. The other three structures will be developed when market conditions are right. The company added poultry processing (Tender Choices) to its operations.
 Both business lines were eventually sold and the focus was shifted to property development.
Alinea is working out of what is left after the fire. “All existing buildings on the property will be demolished once Demolition Permits are obtained later this year. Specific demolition and construction timelines have yet to be determined, but we do know that for practical purposes development will need to be phased over several years.
Exciting days for the company
By Staff
February 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Announces a new strategic airline partner, Porter Airlines.
Porter will initiate service at Hamilton International beginning in early June 2025, introducing daily service from Hamilton to four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.
The airport will move now on planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
 The long-term collaborative partnership between the City and TradePort, in place since 1996, has positioned the airport as a critical driver of connectivity, economic growth, job creation, and community partnerships for Hamilton and the surrounding region. Under the new lease, efforts to expand air service, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient operations will continue – starting with planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Additionally, future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place. New digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
 By James Portside
January 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 By Pepper Parr
January 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith isn’t running for the Liberal leadership. He has a different job to do, and not much time to make a difference.
Erskine-Smith represents Beaches-East York, the community I published the community newspaper in more than 40 years ago. The paper is still published weekly – never more than 40 pages – because that is about as much as the carriers can handle as they deliver the paper door to door – free.
 Erskine-Smith had said that he was not going to seek re-election – it was clear to him that he wasn’t one of the Justin Trudeau favourites – he frequently voted against the party. Then in one of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet shuffles Erskine-Smith was invited into Cabinet. He took the job seriously and in the following interview (which I didn’t do) he sets out what the issues are and what he is in the process of doing.
In an interview with Erskine-Smith earlier this week, which I did do he did mention that he thinks there is a project he could work through with Burlington – no details at this point.
Continue reading Can the current Minister of Housing make a difference in the few months he has left?
 By Harold Dickert
January 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
No one is talking about “Garbage into oil” technology. Not even the Canadian Liberal Party, who added major funding to the world’s largest facility now under construction just outside of Montreal – built by Enerkem (https://enerkem.com/).
 From 360 000 tonnes of waste To 285 000 000 liters of clean fuels
Continue reading We can turn garbage into fuel – so why aren’t we doing that
By James Portside
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
|
| Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 99,700 Average cost: $5.50 Total: $548,294.92 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
57,400 |
$5.50 |
$315,644.92 |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
14,400 |
$5.50 |
$79,200.00 |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
27,900 |
$5.50 |
$153,450.00 |
|
| First National Financial Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 12,824 Average cost: $39.00 Total: $500,136.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| FNSC Holdings Inc. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
6,412 |
$39.00 |
$250,068.00 |
| Smith Financial Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift |
01-14-25 |
-6,412 |
$38.99 |
-$250,003.88 |
| Smith, Stephen |
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
6,412 |
$39.00 |
$250,068.00 |
| Smith, Stephen |
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift |
01-14-25 |
-6,412 |
$38.99 |
-$250,003.88 |
|
| Morguard Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 3,200 Average cost: $111.00 Total: $355,200.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Armoyan, Sime |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
3,200 |
$111.00 |
$355,200.00 |
|
| Jaguar Mining Inc —–Buy Quantity: 120,800 Average cost: $2.23 Total: $268,828.32 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| 2176423 Ontario Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
60,400 |
$2.23 |
$134,414.16 |
| Sprott, Eric |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
60,400 |
$2.23 |
$134,414.16 |
|
| Tourmaline Oil Corp —–Buy Quantity: 2,500 Average cost: $66.44 Total: $166,109.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Rose, Mike |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-16-25 |
2,500 |
$66.44 |
$166,109.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| G Mining Ventures Corp —–Sell Quantity: -514,622 Average cost: $13.17 Total: -$6,780,144.22 Options Issued: 34,622 Average cost: $0.00 Total: $0.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| La Mancha Capital Management GP |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| La Mancha Investments S.à r.l. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| Loza-Sawiris, Yousriya |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| MacDonald, Norman |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
34,622 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| MacDonald, Norman |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-34,622 |
$13.01 |
-$450,432.22 |
|
| Canadian Natural Resources Limited —–Sell Quantity: -85,504 Average cost: $45.00 Total: -$3,847,721.98 Options Issued: 85,504 Average cost: $10.85 Total: $927,977.44 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Balog, Brenda Gayle |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
4,504 |
$19.36 |
$87,197.44 |
| Balog, Brenda Gayle |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-4,504 |
$45.37 |
-$204,341.98 |
| Stainthorpe, Mark Allen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-15-25 |
81,000 |
$10.38 |
$840,780.00 |
| Stainthorpe, Mark Allen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-81,000 |
$44.98 |
-$3,643,380.00 |
|
| Peyto Exploration & Development Corp —–Sell Quantity: -103,000 Average cost: $17.09 Total: -$1,760,770.00 Options Issued: 105,000 Average cost: $11.85 Total: $1,244,250.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
35,000 |
$9.49 |
$332,150.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-35,000 |
$17.20 |
-$602,000.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-14-25 |
38,300 |
$12.38 |
$474,323.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
-38,300 |
$16.96 |
-$649,680.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-15-25 |
31,700 |
$13.81 |
$437,777.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-31,700 |
$17.10 |
-$542,070.00 |
| Carlson, Tavis Aaron |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-16-25 |
2,000 |
$16.49 |
$32,980.00 |
|
| Byrna Technologies, Inc —–Sell Quantity: -43,731 Average cost: $39.89 Total: -$1,744,562.19 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Eng, Victor |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-43,731 |
$39.89 |
-$1,744,562.19 |
|
| Agnico Eagle Mines Limited —–Sell Quantity: -10,000 Average cost: $120.27 Total: -$1,202,730.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Girard, Dominique |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
-10,000 |
$120.27 |
-$1,202,730.00 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
By Lisa Nathalie
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.
Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.
10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
 Kelowna Airport – gets people into the heart of British Columbia wine regions. You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.
9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
 The Billy Bishop Airport is minutes from Toronto’s downtown core. Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.
8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.
6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.
The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.
5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.
The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.
YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.
YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.
2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
 Some people choose to dine at the airport before their departure. Vancouver has a superb restaurant that uses an Indigenous theme at its entrance. Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.
Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
 Toronto’s Pearson Airport With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.
Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.
Canada, Connected
With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’s remotest communities.
By Pepper Parr
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If you want to know just how much trouble media is in North America try this on for size.
 Jeff Bezos with his second wife Laura Sanchez The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, who owns the Amazon organization told the Post editorial staff they were not to endorse any candidate during the election.
The Post was said to be getting ready to endorse Kamala Harris.
The Post had a tag line, Democracy Dies in Darkness, that was always published under the title of the newspaper.
Continue reading Just how much trouble is North American media in?
By John Nicolic
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
One or more countries can take economic sanctions against another country in order for the latter state to lose certain economic opportunities. Sanctions aim to change the state’s behavior, decrease its economy, or penalize it for the occurrence of international violations. Trade restrictions, asset freezes, and restrictions on financial transactions are all sorts of sanctions.
 These measures have a variety of impacts on the target country’s economy, from reducing export dollars to raising import costs and foreign investment. A perfect example here is Russia right now. Sanctions also have a psychological effect on consumers and investors, which leads to huge capital outflow, and a devaluation of national currencies.
Sanctions and National Currencies
Often, countries under sanctions have very devalued their national currencies. This is due to several factors:
- Access to international capital markets is restricted;
- Cuts in exports because of trade bans;
- Loss of investor confidence and huge capital outflow;
- Foreign currency reserves liquidation.
The ruble lost a lot of its value after, for example, in 2014 when sanctions were imposed on Russia. A sharp drop in export revenues particularly in the form of oil and gas sales led to such a shortage of foreign exchange earnings that proved to be the main factor.
The Case of Iran
Iran has been facing sanctions for decades, which has had serious consequences for its national currency, the rial. The main effects include persistent inflation due to restrictions on imports of vital goods, a decline in the foreign exchange reserves needed to maintain the currency, and the emergence of a shadow market for currency exchange where the rial’s exchange rate differs significantly from the official rate.
In addition to that, Iran has been forced to look for alternatives to trading, and one of them was using barter transactions or cryptocurrency. This example serves global Forex trader a reminder that geopolitical factors need to be factored in before looking at currency risk.
The Venezuelan Crisis
 The economic downturn in Venezuela has been exacerbated by falling oil prices, with sanctions against Venezuela among the possible culprits. The national currency — the Bolivar — has effectively become nearly worthless and hyperinflation has gone into hyperdrive. The loss of oil revenues as the primary foreign exchange source made it impossible to raise capital abroad, and the loss of trust in the economic system by the domestic and foreign public (citizens and the international community) had been key causes.
In this case, we see the negative impact of reliance on a single export commodity that renders an economy vulnerable to sanctions and global shocks. What is more, such crises show how quickly macroeconomic problems can grow into the total collapse of the economy.
Impact of sanctions on Venezuela:
| Factor |
Consequences |
| Loss of oil revenues |
Decrease in foreign exchange reserves |
| Restrictions on financial transactions |
Inability to attract foreign capital |
| Loss of confidence in the economic system |
Hyperinflation and devaluation of the bolivar |
The example of Venezuela for global traders demonstrates why it is never a bad idea to diversify and remember geopolitical factors when thinking about currency risk. This is precisely the situation in which you should pay to have your investments handled by brokers such as the xChief. A proven forex broker will reduce the impact of these factors on your investment, plus supply you with quality analytics.
Ripple Effects on Global Markets
Sanctions hit their targets as well as the global markets. The main consequence is an increase in the price of commodities such as oil and gas because of less supplies. Increased volatility in currency markets means both threat and opportunity for traders: The sanctions strengthen alternate currency usage such as the Chinese yuan or cryptocurrencies as a means to avoid sanctions restrictions. The situation is that reduced world economic growth results from falling international trade. As a result, often sanctions completely upset the global currency landscape, launch new financial alliances, and intensify the need for portfolio diversification on the investor’s side.
Lessons for Traders
Sanctions need to be considered in any trader’s strategy. Key lessons include:
- Check on the news imposing or tightening sanctions that may have an impact on currencies and stock prices;
- Analyze the long-term effects on a currency due to sanctions, including a dependency on the export of a limited commodity;
- Of course, diversify the portfolio to mitigate the exposure to geopolitical risks;
- To minimize the losses that occur during volatility, use risk management tools like stop losses and limit orders.
The currencies of countries not covered by sanctions can be also thought of as attractive to investors in conditions of geopolitical instability. For example, you might think the US dollar, or the Swiss franc, is a safe haven.
Conclusion
Exchange rates and global economic stability are influenced by economic sanctions. However, analyzing their impact allows the traders to understand better currency market dynamics and minimize risk. Past cases provide lessons that for success in foreign exchange markets you need to be flexible, driven, and able to adapt to changing geopolitical circumstances.
 By Staff
October 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is warning residents of a fake taxi scam that is occurring in the region.
 The fraud typically involves two suspects – one acting as taxi driver and the other acting as a customer. The fake taxi driver will refuse to accept cash from the fake customer for a fare. The suspect playing the role of customer will then prey on unsuspecting individuals nearby, asking them to use their debit card to pay the fare in exchange for cash (which will be given to the victim at the time).
The intent is to draw the victim to the taxi, where the fake taxi driver presents a point of sale machine to the victim. The debit card is swiped/inserted into the machine and the PIN number covertly obtained by the suspects. The victim is then distracted by the suspect playing the role of customer, at which point the driver switches the debit card (retaining the victim’s card and giving them a different one back).
The stolen debit card is then used by the suspects to withdraw money and/or make purchases.
The HRPS is investigating three such occurrences that took place in Oakville over the weekend; however this scam has been occurring across the province for some time.
HRPS investigators also issued a similar warning about this scam in November, 2020.
The HRPS would like to remind the public of the following tips:
• Taxis DO and WILL accept cash;
• Never give your debit/credit card to someone else;
• When making a purchase attempt to conceal your PIN;
• Be mindful of the point of sale machine when making a purchase and if you suspect it has been tampered with, choose another payment method; and
• If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact police immediately.
  Anyone with information in regards to these incidents, or anyone who has information about similar incidents, is asked to contact the Fraud Intake Line at 905-825-4777 ext. 8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
January 7th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two Facebook patents
Facebook is everywhere – even though the enthusiasm for the service is waning in some sectors.
Hugely popular it is now getting a much closer look due to the impact Facebook is believed to have had on the US 2016 Presidential election ans the decision in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
The depth of the data Facebook has collected and their ability and willingness to package that data to meet the needs of corporate and political interests is now so rampant that Congress is considering some form of regulation on how Facebook collects data, often without the permission of the Facebook user.
Facebook recently applied for a number of patents. We described four in part 1 of this two part series. Here are three other patent applications
Listening to your environment
This patent application explores using your phone microphone to identify the television shows you watched and whether ads were muted.
It also proposes using the electrical interference pattern created by your television power cable to guess which show is playing.
It wants to correlate media consumption data with user profiles. U.S. PATENT APPLICATION NO. 14/985,089
Tracking your routine
Another patent application discusses tracking your weekly routine and sending notifications to other users of deviations from the routine. In addition, it describes using your phone’s location in the middle of the night to establish where you live.
The focus would appear to be on routine deviation notification and inferring your habits based on the data they collect.
Think about that for a moment – is this what you want social media doing with the data you let them collect? U.S. PATENT APPLICATION NO. 15/203,063
Inferring your habits
This patent proposes correlating the location of your phone to locations of your friends’ phones to deduce whom you socialize with most often.
It also proposes monitoring when your phone is stationary to track how many hours you sleep. The objective would appear to be to gather statistics for continuous location tracking. U.S. PATENT NO. 9,369,983
In some cases, companies file patents defensively, to beat their rivals to a new technology, even if they have no intention of using it.
While that could be the case for some of Facebook’s patents, many of them imagine new ways to collect, analyze and use personal information and package it for advertisers — a process that is essential to the company’s business model.
In the first quarter of 2018, almost 99 percent of Facebook’s revenue came from advertising.
As long as Facebook keeps collecting personal information, we should be wary that it could be used for purposes more insidious than targeted advertising, including swaying elections or manipulating users’ emotions, said Jennifer King, the director of consumer privacy at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School. “There could be real consequences,” she said.
Other technology companies have filed unsettling patent applications, too. They include Amazon’s wristbands for tracking warehouse employees and the Google teddy bear equipped with a camera and a microphone.
But with more than two billion monthly active users, most of whom share their thoughts and feelings on the platform, Facebook is amassing our personal details on an unprecedented scale. That isn’t likely to change, said Siva Vaidhyanathan, a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia. “I’ve seen no indication that Facebook has changed its commitment to watch everything we do, record everything we do and exploit everything we do,” he said.
There are people who no longer use Facebook as a platform. The Gazette posts every story it publishes to its own Facebook page. The comments that appear on the Facebook page have nowhere near the clarity and depth that those made by involved readers in the Gazette comments section.
A significant number of people follow the Gazette via Facebook
Each story the Gazette publishes is also sent out as a tweet.
Part 1 of this two part series.
By Staff
January 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If you thought that your personal life was private – let us dissuade you of that fairy tale. Have a look at some of the patents Facebook has applied for in the recent past. The data we use comes from the New York Times.
One of the ways that the public can get some sense as to the direction a company might be going in terms of new product development is to keep an eye on the patents they apply for.
A patent sets out an idea for a product a company wants to produce and protects their idea from use by anyone else. In the past year Facebook executives have had to appear before Congressional committees in the United States and Parliamentary committees in the United Kingdom and asked to explain why they have made private information available to corporations who then mined that data and attempt to sway opinions.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the 2016 American presidential election and the decision made in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union was swayed by computer applications and “false” news stories on Facebook.
Many expect both Facebook and Google to come under some form of regulation that limits the information they collect and what they can do with information they do collect. Few people have any idea just how much information they have on us.
In a two part series the Gazette will be publishing a brief description of each patent and outlining what the impact of that patent might be.
Facebook has filed thousands of patent applications since it went public in 2012. One of them describes using forward-facing cameras to analyze your expressions and detect whether you’re bored or surprised by what you see on your feed.
Another contemplates using your phone’s microphone to determine which TV show you’re watching. Others imagine systems to guess whether you’re getting married soon, predict your socioeconomic status and track how much you’re sleeping.
 A review of hundreds of Facebook’s patent applications reveals that the company has considered tracking almost every aspect of its users’ lives: where you are, who you spend time with, whether you’re in a romantic relationship, which brands and politicians you’re talking about. The company has even attempted to patent a method for predicting when your friends will die.
 Mark-Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, appears before Congress – says he wasn’t aware of how much data they were making available to private corporations. Facebook has said repeatedly that its patent applications should not be taken as indications of future product plans. “Most of the technology outlined in these patents has not been included in any of our products, and never will be,” Allen Lo, a Facebook vice president and deputy general counsel, and the company’s head of intellectual property, said in an email.
Taken together, Facebook’s patents show a commitment to collecting personal information, despite widespread public criticism of the company’s privacy policies and a promise from its chief executive to “do better.”
“A patent portfolio is a map of how a company thinks about where its technology is going,” said Jason M. Schultz, a law professor at New York University.
Reading your relationships
One patent application discusses predicting whether you’re in a romantic relationship using information such as how many times you visit another user’s page, the number of people in your profile picture and the percentage of your friends of a different gender. The application would infer relationship statuses of users of a social networking system
If you are into this kind of stuff you can look at the complete patent application on the US government patent site. This one is U.S. PATENT APPLICATION NO. 14/295,543
Classifying your personality
 This one proposes using your posts and messages to infer personality traits. It describes judging your degree of extroversion, openness or emotional stability, then using those characteristics to select which news stories or ads to display. It is U.S. PATENT NO. 9,740,752 and intended to determine user personality characteristics from social networking system communications and characteristics.
Predicting your future
This patent application describes using your posts and messages, in addition to your credit card transactions and location, to predict when a major life event, such as a birth, death or graduation, is likely to occur. They appear to want to predict life changes of members of a social networking system. U.S. PATENT APPLICATION NO. 12/839,350
Identifying your camera
This patent considers analyzing pictures to create a unique camera “signature” using faulty pixels or lens scratches. That signature could be used to figure out that you know someone who uploads pictures taken on your device, even if you weren’t previously connected.
Or it might be used to guess the “affinity” between you and a friend based on how frequently you use the same camera. Patent US 20120072493A1 and U.S. PATENT NO. 8,472,662
Part two of this series will be published tomorrow.
 By Staff
August 14th, 2108
BURLINGTON, ON
They are at it again.
The email was said to come from our bank – advising us that we needed to do something with the password set up we have.
It didn’t come from our bank – but it looked like it could have.
The message said:
You will only able to use your existing security device passcode until 15 August 2018. Effective 16 August 2018, you will be required to log on to your BMO Direct Line for Business with the new synchronized master key.
To avoid any disruption to your BMO Direct Line for Business service, we encourage you to synchronize your security device immediately.
Your online security is our priority, for more detailed information please see the attached PDF document enclosed.
Your new Security Device document is pin-protected and will provide you with an additional level of protection.
Open your document with this PIN Password: 266260
All BMO Direct Line for Business users who do not upgrade there Security Devices in due time will be deactivated and unable to authorize transactions.
The document the sender wanted us to look at was a PDF file. Inside that file was a collection of problems no one who banks on-line wants to go near. If you see something like this – be very cautious.
The rule that matter is: If in doubt – don’t
 By Staff
August 8th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Performing Arts Centre has been putting on this program for at least three years. One of the better programs they offer and the price is right – FREE.
The event starts early in the evening with chairs set out on the patio and people sitting at the edges of the Performing Arts Centre taking in the music.
At some point the people who run the Performing Arts Centre will wonder why the part of Locust south of Elgin can’t be shut down to traffic and set chairs out on the street.
This years the Jazz on the Patio runs on two different dates: August 11th and 12th with performances in the afternoons and the evenings.
 The show moves indoors when it rains – still great performances.  There is usually a cash bar. The show goes on no matter what the weather – if it rains the event moves inside.
Great music and a great setting.
If you attend, take a few moment to look at the Spiral Stella – there is a lot of Burlington history in that sculpture.
 By Staff
April 22nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This one is particularly nasty.
 It looked Ok.
It isn’t
You respond – and the process of sealing your identity begins.
Nasty because you think that a trusted service provider (even if the fees are a little on the steep side) is protecting you.
Dear Customer,
We just wanted to confirm that you’ve changed your password. If you didn’t make this change, please login to your PayPal account now.
It’s important that you let us know because it helps us prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the PayPal network and your account information.
Tips to help protect your password:
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Create passwords that are hard to guess and don’t use personal information. Be sure to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Use different passwords for each of your online accounts.
Yours sincerely – Pay Pal
When we saw the message we check our Pay Pal account – the log in and the password had not been changed. Remember – if in doubt – don’t. And when it comes to your financial affairs – doubt everything.
 By Staff
February 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Not sure how getting free personal credit reports and assuring the public they will have improved access to elevators are related – they were both in a recent provincial government media release.
If passed, the legislation would give consumers easier access to their credit profile.
 Consumers would have online access to their current consumer score at least two times per year, free of charge
That access would include consumer report information about any consumer scores given to third parties in the past 12 months
Implement a credit freeze, at the request of a consumer to help reduce identity theft.
 By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Was it fake news?
Was it legitimate comment?
Or was it a mischievous cat that had eaten too much catnip and is now out of control?
We published a piece on just how the city found itself before the Ontario Municipal Board on the original ADI Development Group application to put up a high rise tower on the corner of Martha and Lakeshore road in 2015.
That article included a link to a story that had Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward exchanging views with Tom Muir who had challenged the explanation Meed Ward had given as to why the city missed the 180 timeline for processing development applications.
 Pat Westbury, a Gazette reader took that link and posted it on the ECoB web site. Nothing wrong with that.
But then we got a note via Facebook from the reader who identified himseslf/herself as Pat Westbury who at 11:04am on Friday sent us the following:
Interesting, this same 2015 article from the Gazette was posted on the ECOB Facebook page. They marked it as spam and despite being informed it wasn’t, they deleted the article. Very telling actions from a group that aspires to represent residents. Just another special interest group ?
Was EcoB deleting material we had published from their web site? We sent them a note asking what the message meant? Any truth to this we asked?
Our EcoB contact got back to us and said:
I am the only one with access to the Facebook page and have no idea what you are talking about. Give me a call if you want, maybe it was a visitor post and that person took it down?
A few minutes later the ECoB contact added:
So I just looked it up and the comment was posted 2 hours ago by a person under the name of Pat Westbury. It looks like Pat has made the comment only visible to her/him and me (ECoB Facebook admin). I haven’t been on Facebook all day so it was most definitely “Pat” who hid the comment unless someone else can mark it as spam but it certainly wasn’t me and there is no notification of someone else marking it as spam. I think I would be notified if someone else marked a comment on my page as spam.
This Pat Westbury has been a mystery to us….no friends on Facebook, opened account in November I believe and has over the top privacy settings.
An hour after the initial link was posted (not sure when it was made private) someone using the name John Was posted the link again. Very smelly indeed.
The Gazette has had dealings with Mr. Was in the past. We had to ask that he no longer comment on the Gazette web site.
At 10:20 pm on Friday we heard from Pat again:
This is visible only to me and ECOB. “Your comment was marked as spam. Show comment” When I click on “Show comment” it tells me comment deleted. Shenanigans, or just censoring comments? Either way not very credible.
Pat wasn’t giving up.
We now knew who was behind the shenanigans
It was an attempt at fake news – is it a sign on how the municipal election is going to be played out.
Civil civic comments only please. Let’s always hold each other accountable.
 By Pepper Parr
January 23rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Why is it that a person supporting the view that council has usually get to speak last?
 Glen Wellings, a planner in private practice, told council that the public comments about the planners was “reprehensible”. He added that he thought the expected Meed Ward motions should be sent to the planners for consideration.
Wellings objected to the “special interests” trying to control the agenda yet when he spoke in Georgetown in 2016, encouraging spectators to voice their opinions in front of Halton Hills council during the public meeting on March 1.
“Go to the meeting on March 1 and let [council] know how you feel,” he said.
 Glenn Wellings – planner. He assured council that the sky was not going to fall and that they should get on with the job they were elected to do.
The objective is to get the damn things off the table so that they don’t have to be voted on.
Council appears determined to rush the draft Official Plan through – to what end is not at all clear. Perhaps because they can.
The citizens have done their best – and there were some exceptionally good delegations. Debby Morrison and Gary Scobie plus Catherine Crozier deserve to be nominated as Burlington’s Best. If you’re reading Catherine – please send us that delegation – it deserves a wider audience.
A rough calculation would be that 250 people attended the public meeting.
The prospect of the Meed Ward motions making it are dim but there was a point when keep Central high school open looked dim – remember how that worked out.
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