 By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
We knew the Sound of Music (SoM) was in trouble – now we know just how much.
 Is this event about to come to an end? When we last asked the City Communications people when the $125k that was loaned was due to be repaid – we were told we would have to get that answer from the SoM people – And they ain’t talking.
In a report that will go to a Council Standing Committee next week Staff layout several options.
 Careers have started on this stage. Option 1: This option supports the SOM board proposal, as outlined in Appendix B where the city would forgive the arrears amount of approximately $95K and proceed with the mutually agreed upon re-payment terms for the $125K loan. In this option, staff would provide Sound of Music with its 2025 $150K grant in January and request a comprehensive business plan for the 2026 Festival to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Community Services, Commissioner of Legal Services and Chief Financial Officer. This status quo approach would include a detailed service level agreement, incorporating elements from the recently endorsed Accountability Framework, to guide future collaboration and ensure clear expectations moving forward.
Note: The Appendix B mentioned will be part of another article,
Option 2: This option suggests that the city pause the 2025 grant, forgive the arrears amount totaling approximately $95K and the $125K loan. This option also recommends that SOM take a one-year hiatus from the festival to allow time for strategic planning and the exploration of potential long-term partnership opportunities. This option allows the BOD dedicated time to focus on the evolution of the festival with the goals of meeting Burlington’s community needs while remaining fiscally responsible. Going forward, all future grants would be contingent upon the establishment of a detailed service level agreement, incorporating principles from the recently endorsed Accountability Framework, to ensure clear expectations and accountability moving forward.
 She is having a great time – biggest free musical festival in the country – and it is in trouble. Option 3: This option proposes that the city forgive the outstanding arrears, which total approximately $95,000. Under this plan, the city would follow the repayment schedule outlined in Appendix B, recouping $45,000 from the upcoming payments due from January to June 2025. This amount would be deducted from the 2025 grant, reducing it to $105,000. The remaining $80,000 of the loan repayment would be due by September 1, 2025, as outlined in SOM’s proposal. Additionally, the city would encourage SOM’s Board of Directors to consider scaling down the 2025 event as part of a strategy to rebuild and plan for future sustainability. Going forward, all future grants would be contingent upon the establishment of a detailed service level agreement that incorporates the principles from the newly endorsed Accountability Framework, ensuring clear expectations and accountability
Sound of Music will have problems with expectations and accountability –it’s never been something they ever managed to get a firm grip on.
For those of you who want to get your two cents worth in on this issue: BRAG Burlington Residents’ Action Group is running a survey. Here is the link to that.
Related news stories:
What happened to the idea that Performing Arts would take over SoM?
Is anyone going to talk about the $4000 that was reported to have moved from SoM to unnamed people at BPAC?
 By James Porthouse
November 28th, 2024
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:
|
| SNDL Inc. (formerly Sundial Growers Inc.) —–Buy Quantity: 200,000 Average cost: $2.82 Total: $564,247.20 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Cannell, James Carlo |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
100,000 |
$2.86 |
$286,334.40 |
| Cannell, James Carlo |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
100,000 |
$2.78 |
$277,912.80 |
|
| Stantec Inc —–Buy Quantity: 4,000 Average cost: $121.49 Total: $485,960.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Culmone, Vito |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-27-24 |
4,000 |
$121.49 |
$485,960.00 |
|
| MDA Space Ltd —–Buy Quantity: 3,800 Average cost: $28.49 Total: $108,262.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Wu, Yung Cheng |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
3,800 |
$28.49 |
$108,262.00 |
|
| Anaergia Inc —–Buy Quantity: 135,400 Average cost: $0.65 Total: $88,010.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Wolf, Greg |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
135,400 |
$0.65 |
$88,010.00 |
|
| Vecima Networks Inc —–Buy Quantity: 4,000 Average cost: $17.22 Total: $68,860.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| 684739 B.C. Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
500 |
$17.17 |
$8,585.00 |
| Kumar, Saket |
8 – Deemed Insider – 6 Months before becoming Insider, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
500 |
$17.17 |
$8,585.00 |
| Kumar, Sumit |
8 – Deemed Insider – 6 Months before becoming Insider, 4 – Director of Issuer, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
500 |
$17.17 |
$8,585.00 |
| Kumar, Surinder Ghai |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer, 4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
500 |
$17.17 |
$8,585.00 |
| 684739 B.C. Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
500 |
$17.26 |
$8,630.00 |
| Kumar, Saket |
8 – Deemed Insider – 6 Months before becoming Insider, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
500 |
$17.26 |
$8,630.00 |
| Kumar, Sumit |
8 – Deemed Insider – 6 Months before becoming Insider, 4 – Director of Issuer, 6 – Director or Senior Officer of 10% Security Holder, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
500 |
$17.26 |
$8,630.00 |
| Kumar, Surinder Ghai |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer, 4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
500 |
$17.26 |
$8,630.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| Manulife Financial Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -257,592 Average cost: $44.92 Total: -$11,570,368.62 Options Issued: 256,592 Average cost: $19.86 Total: $5,096,562.56 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Finch, Steve |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-26-24 |
91,445 |
$19.59 |
$1,791,037.55 |
| Finch, Steve |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
-91,445 |
$45.34 |
-$4,146,152.34 |
| Gallagher, James D. |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-26-24 |
107,239 |
$21.33 |
$2,286,923.29 |
| Gallagher, James D. |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
-107,239 |
$44.83 |
-$4,807,624.36 |
| Lorentz, Paul |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-27-24 |
57,908 |
$17.59 |
$1,018,601.72 |
| Lorentz, Paul |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-27-24 |
-57,908 |
$44.41 |
-$2,571,578.46 |
| Silva, Anthony Alex |
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 |
11-27-24 |
-1,000 |
$45.01 |
-$45,013.45 |
|
| CGI Inc —–Sell Quantity: -31,301 Average cost: $156.74 Total: -$4,906,106.78 Options Issued: 27,152 Average cost: $73.11 Total: $1,984,955.95 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Henderson, Dave |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-25-24 |
10,000 |
$55.70 |
$556,950.00 |
| Henderson, Dave |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-14,149 |
$156.79 |
-$2,218,400.78 |
| Strass, Torsten |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-22-24 |
5,800 |
$78.63 |
$456,047.71 |
| Strass, Torsten |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-5,800 |
$156.60 |
-$908,280.00 |
| Strass, Torsten |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-25-24 |
11,352 |
$85.62 |
$971,958.24 |
| Strass, Torsten |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-11,352 |
$156.75 |
-$1,779,426.00 |
| Strass, Torsten |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
90 – Change in the nature of ownership |
11-26-24 |
200 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
| Ivanhoe Mines Ltd —–Sell Quantity: -100,000 Average cost: $18.97 Total: -$1,897,223.00 Options Issued: 100,000 Average cost: $2.51 Total: $251,410.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Zhou, Chao (Peter) |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-25-24 |
100,000 |
$2.51 |
$251,410.00 |
| Zhou, Chao (Peter) |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-100,000 |
$18.97 |
-$1,897,223.00 |
|
| Cameco Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -6,729 Average cost: $81.60 Total: -$549,111.81 Options Issued: 6,729 Average cost: $14.16 Total: $95,270.53 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Mooney, Ronald Liam |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-25-24 |
6,729 |
$14.16 |
$95,270.53 |
| Mooney, Ronald Liam |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-6,729 |
$81.60 |
-$549,111.81 |
|
| Kinaxis Inc —–Sell Quantity: -3,000 Average cost: $174.50 Total: -$523,500.00 Options Issued: 3,000 Average cost: $112.17 Total: $336,510.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Surana, Kushan Krishna |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
00 – Opening Balance-Initial SEDI Report |
11-25-24 |
0 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Ticala, Vasile Gelu |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-26-24 |
3,000 |
$112.17 |
$336,510.00 |
| Ticala, Vasile Gelu |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
-3,000 |
$174.50 |
-$523,500.00 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
 By Staff
November 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Foundation announced the distribution of $300,000 in local grant funding, the largest single round of granting made from its Burlington Community Fund in the organization’s 25-year history.
 This amount is a significant boost from the last cycle of funding from the Burlington Community Fund, thanks to the generosity of community donors who continue to entrust the Foundation with their giving.
These grants will benefit 33 charitable organizations to address important needs in our community. This year’s areas of focus included mental health, food security, the needs of children and youth, and safe housing, to name a few. Collectively, these grants will provide vital resources to community organizations working to advance the well-being of Burlington.
“Burlington is a deeply generous community, and we are grateful to partner with people and businesses that care about the well-being of everyone in Burlington,” says Burlington Foundation CEO Megan Tregunno. “As Burlington’s trusted partner in philanthropy, we have a unique ability to evolve with the needs of our city and bring research, insights and learning to residents who want to join us as donors and be part of addressing our community’s most vital needs.”
 Those baking trays are a clue to how local Megan Tregunno is – her grandmother, Norma Bidwell, was the longtime Recipe Editor at the Hamilton Spectator. “She was one of the first mentors in my life — growing up with her was a pretty special experience,.” The Burlington Foundation’s annual granting program provides grants through its Burlington Community Fund – a dedicated unrestricted endowment Fund established to support the greatest needs of our community. This represents one cycle of funding provided by the Burlington Foundation on an annual basis. The Foundation stewards more than 100 donor advised funds, which are permanently invested and provide annual returns that are then granted back to the community year over year.
The Burlington Community Fund is made up of donations from the community and named donor-advised funds from generous individuals and businesses. These grants will support programs aimed at mental health (Capillary Wave Community for Men, Canadian Mental Health Association Halton), food security (Food4Kids Halton, Burlington Food Bank), and children and youth (The Lighthouse for Grieving Children, Centre for Diverse Learners), and more.
The need for these essential services is immediate and growing. A recent report from the Canadian Mental Health Association found that youth across Canada, especially girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, are more likely to struggle with their mental health and a lack of services. In 2019, 12% of youth-rated their mental health as “poor” or “fair.” In 2023, that number more than doubled to 26%.
Food security also continues to be a concern in many communities, including Burlington. According to
Statistics Canada, nearly 23% of Canadians – about 8.7 million people – lived in households experiencing food insecurity in 2022. This was an increase of nearly 1.8 million people from the previous year and was the second consecutive year of increases since the pandemic began.
The Burlington Foundation is proud to support these community organizations in the important work they undertake for the benefit of community well-being. Together, we are creating an informed, engaged and generous community.
About the Burlington Foundation
Since 1999, the Burlington Foundation has been our city’s trusted partner in philanthropy. Thanks to the generosity and vision of its donors and fundholders, the Burlington Foundation has provided $11.4 million in charitable grants to community organizations since its inception. Last year, the Foundation granted over $1.2M in funding to more than 120 organizations across Burlington and surrounding communities. The Burlington Foundation is part of a network of more than 200 community foundations across Canada, working to create communities where everyone belongs.
The 33 organizations receiving grants from the Burlington Foundation are listed below. While these organizations may represent a primary category, the intersectional nature of the social determinants of health means these organizations are addressing many important outcomes, such as improved mental health and inclusion.
- Art Gallery of Burlington– in support of the Youth Art Bursary Program
- ArtHouse for Children and Youth – in support of the CREATE 0 program, part of offering free arts-based programs for children and youth ages 7-17.
- Burlington Symphony Orchestra – in support of BSO Operation Youth
- Centre for Diverse Learners – in support of the Mastering Mathematics Program
- Community Development Halton – in support of the creation of a youth leadership team
- Community Living Burlington – in support of the Sibshops Workshop Initiative, which will expand the existing sibling support program for children and teens who have siblings with disabilities.
- Dare To Be Youth (DTBY) Charity – in support of the Building Bridges Program, which will help youth who are ineligible for programs after age 18.
- ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development – in support of the respite program
- Food4Kids Halton – in support of the Weekends Without Hunger Program, providing food to children in need for the weekend, when there are no school programs.
- Halton Food for Thought – in support of continued programming to provide student nutrition programs in Halton schools
- Halton Women’s Place – to support the creation of a dedicated Teen Zone, as there has been a rising number of youth ages 12-16 arriving with their mothers fleeing domestic violence.
- Re-Imagine Ontario – in support of the G.A.M.E. Program, which provides sports and mentoring initiatives aimed at male youths 10-17 years The organization has a particular focus on Black youth.
- STEM Camp Foundation – in support of STEM camp bursaries, awards, and scholarships (summer 2025)
- STRIDE-Supported Training and Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments – in support of the continuation of STRIDE’s existing initiatives to help youth employment outcomes.
- The Cedarbrook Society O/A The Darling Home for Kids – in support of the Opportunities Fund, which will help with the existing purpose of providing respite, residential and hospice palliative care to children.
- The Lighthouse for Grieving Children – in support of grief support programs
- YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford – in support of the Rise Up! & Elevate BIPOC Youth Program
Related news story:
Burlington Foundation gets new President
 By Staff
November 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
CUPE health care workers demonstrated outside the at Joseph Brant Hospital on Wednesday protesting job cuts that they claim pose serious risks to patient care and expose the government’s policy of underfunding hospitals.
The hospital is eliminating 10 frontline positions: seven housekeepers, an operating room assistant, and an occupational therapist- all vital to patient care.
 Michael Hurley, president of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU-CUPE), which represents 50,000 staff across the province, said the union sees an alarming pattern of staffing cuts to hospitals in Ontario because of provincial underfunding – a startling development considering the 2,000 patients waiting on stretchers daily in hospital hallways for beds and the 250,000 people waiting for surgeries in Ontario.
 Using a Trojan Horse theme for the province wide protest against the lowering of staff at hospital across the province CUPE takes the “horse” to make their point – the lowering of staff is a part of the governments plan to privatize medicine in Ontario. Research by OCHU-CUPE estimates that on average hospitals across Ontario should be increasing hospital staffing by about five per cent annually to meet rising demand.
Jacqui Curtis, registered practical nurse and president of CUPE 1065, said there was a dire need for more staff at Joseph Brant, as workplace morale was plummeting due to heavy workloads.
“We are seeing a growing volume of patients without a corresponding increase in staffing,” she said. “The decline in our working conditions is causing higher levels of exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout.”
Earlier this year, a survey commissioned by OCHU-CUPE found that a large percentage of the union’s hospital sector members were struggling with mental health issues as a direct result of their poor working conditions (62 per cent said they had high stress levels and 44 per cent said they had trouble sleeping).
“Frontline workers are critical to the functioning of a hospital, but it seems that this government has it in for us,” Curtis said. “You’d think the government would be investing in improving our working conditions and providing us resources to best serve patients. Instead, they cut our salaries with Bill 124 and demand that we do more and more with less – which is why we have a staffing crisis. These new cuts will drive more staff to leave and force patients to wait and wait.”
 By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Now that the federal Conservatives have chosen their nominee for the federal election that has to take place before June 2025 – the Burlington provincial Liberals are letting people know that they will be choosing their candidate on December 15th ,
Date: Sunday, December 15
Meeting Start Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Central Arena Auditorium, 519 Drury Lane, Burlington, ON, L7R 2X3
Candidates for Nomination: Andrea Grebenc, Oliver Parker
 Andrea Grebenc – seeking the Liberal nomination for the provincial Liberal Party.  Oliver Parker – seeking the Eligible Voters: Residents of the Burlington electoral district who are members of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association as of 5:00 pm on December 1.
Members will receive an official notice from the Ontario Liberal Party prior to the Nomination Meeting date.
The Liberals have a pretty open membership criteria – be at least 14 years of age and live in the riding. There is no membership fee to belong to the party. Check with one of the candidates for more information if you are interested in becoming a mamber.
A provincial election does not have to take place until 2026 – the sense amongst most people is that Premier Ford will call an election in 2025 – possibly as early as January.
By Pepper Parr
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
This article has been revised
The Burlington Federal Conservatives have decided who their candidate will be in the next federal election that has to take place before October 20, 2025, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 45th Canadian Parliament.
 Emily Brown chatting up a resident during the Appleby Line Festival. Emily Brown was chosen by a secret ballot at a meeting that was described by a person attending as a “packed house” with people outside waiting to get in.
Connor Fraser, a newcomer to Burlington politics, was also seeking the nomination.
Current MP Karina Gould is expected to run again.
Gould serves as the House Leader for the Government, a job understood by few who are not politically active.
It is a 24/7 job – always on call, always beside the Prime Minister and on her feet more than anyone else when the House is sitting.
Gould has a strong following – the concern will be – how strong a following does Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre have and what will the poor view of the Prime Minister have on the people of Burlington?
At least we now know who the candidates in Burlington are going to be.
By Pepper Parr
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
It was formed a couple of months after the 2024 budget was passed
Some people were livid when they experienced a 15.9% tax increase in 2023 and then 10.24% in 2024. They are now looking at close to 8% for 2025.
 The public protest morphed into a small group that gave themselves the name BRAG – Burlington Residents’ Action Group. It took a bit of time for the group to figure out how they would organize themselves. Some people left early in the game but after a few months, there was a structure and an understanding on how they would organize themselves.
The first decision was to decide they would operate as a collective – decisions made would have a consensus – no one would be making statements on behalf of the group until there was agreement.
Every person involved had one focus – the city needed to cut back on the spending and justify what they were spending.
BRAG has four Directors: Eric Stern, Lynn Crosby, Stephen White, and Caren Burcher.
 Eric Stern serves as the spokesperson for Brag. Stern serves as the public face of BRAG, which is an incorporated not-for-profit organization. He said recently that: ”When the budget dropped we wanted to get started right away so we divided the budget into sections and assigned each section to one person.
“Each person read their assigned portions which was about 80 pages in length. The group made two passes through the 615 page document.
“The first pass involved each person looking at a set number of pages. I purposely took the last set of pages because, in the 2024 budget, all the meaningful information was at the end of the budget.
“As it turns out, in the 2025 budget, all the meaningful information was at the start of the document. Suddenly I was learning an awful lot about creeks. I have lots of memories of riding my banana bike around Rambo Creek and quickly questioned the need for $2,000,000 for erosion control on a 245-metre section of Rambo Creek.
“We then did a second pass on the budget based on areas of professional expertise and interest. In the second pass, individuals looked at broad topic areas: Transit, Digital Services and Human Resources spending.
“The people with expertise dug into the issues identified by others in the first pass and found new items to look at.
“Our results from the first pass were:
1 – an open letter to the council on errors in the budget
2 – publishing the results of the BRAG heat pump survey, interest-free loans for heat pumps were mentioned in the mayor’s summary budget but dropped from the detailed budget.
 The average income information is likely based on data from the 2021 Census and Manifold Data Mining. 3 – “The chart comparing property taxes and average income concerned me” said Stern. “I found the concept of using average income as a basis for taxation to be profoundly unfair and did a deep dive into how the city may have come up with the numbers in the chart. Oddly the city provides percentages and a graph but does not quote where the information came from.”
Looking back, Stern admits that “We were rushed and unable to research all the issues thoroughly. The city released a document that had some data but not nearly enough to be useful. When we got the Budget binder we were able to get at raw data and begin some analysis. The experience gained this year will serve us well next year.”
“The one theme that emerged within the group was that Burlington had orchestrated the budget engagement in a manner that prevented real engagement. Jim Barnett, Stephen White, Lynn Crosby and I all delegated on this subject. We want to see changes during the 2026 budget.”
“We had virtual meetings but we also circulated ideas and information over email so that issues did not have to wait for a meeting to be discussed.”
BRAG has volunteer members who live in every ward in Burlington.
Better than that BRAG has attracted people who have expertise that the group doesn’t have. A number of people have come forward and asked if they could help. They didn’t want to be “members” but they did want a place where their views could be heard and absorbed.
These are people who have sent notes to the Mayor or Council members and been ignored.
At this point in time, the city is not able to say just what the tax rate is going to be. The numbers from the Region have yet to be determined and will not be known until December 4th when the Regional Council meets next.
Regional Council may need to spend more time on their budget and that could take until December 11th for the Region to be able to say how much the city is going to have to collect on their behalf.
Burlington sends out tax bills that include taxes being collected for the city, for the Regio, for the Police Services, and the Boards of Education.
BRAG argues, correctly, that the city is responsible for what it spends
There are four lines on the tax bill
City spending
Regional Spending
Police Services spending
Boards of Education spending.
BRAG is focused on that first line – city spending. It has done a superb job – Burlington is a better place as a result of what BRAG has done.
By Serhi Tarasov
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Do you want to download Aviator APK in Canada? Check out the system requirements first. We will tell you what specifications your device should have and how to download the application.
When installing a casino APK to play Aviator, there are various technical features to consider, ensuring smooth operation and a great gaming experience. Firstly, it is important to have a certain operating system, as most APKs are designed for Android and iOS, so make sure your smartphone is running on a suitable OS. Users should provide enough memory on their smartphone or tablet, often at least 100 MB of free space to download Aviator APK.
A reliable internet connection is essential, especially Wi-Fi or high-speed mobile data, as this will ensure smooth gaming and fast updates. Also, make sure your device has enough RAM, preferably 2 GB or more, to ensure the app runs without lags or crashes. The app may require permissions that cover access to storage, network connections and location services. Finally, always download the APK from a trusted source or from the official bookmaker website to avoid security risks. By meeting these requirements, players can fully enjoy the fast-paced, multiplier-collecting excitement that Aviator offers.
How to Download the Aviator Mobile APK?
 Playing Aviator via a mobile app is a convenient and enjoyable way to experience this thrilling game. To get started, follow these steps to download the Aviator app and play on your phone or tablet:
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- Before the game starts, place a bet and click on the start button. After the round starts, the plane will start to take off, increasing the winning coefficient. However, it is important to click on the withdrawal button in time before the plane flies away.
 Tips to Improve the Gameplay in the Aviator App
There are some tips that will help you increase your chances of winning and enjoy the game more. To make it easier to start playing Aviator, select a betting app with a simple user interface and fast loading. Make sure that your internet connection is stable to avoid interruptions in the game. Also, take advantage of the special bonuses and promotions available on the Aviator app. You should also familiarize yourself with the rules and tactics of the game before placing bets. Following these tips can help players enhance their enjoyment of playing Aviator on their mobile devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enjoying Aviator on your mobile device depends on meeting the above technical specifications and following best practices during installation and play. A stable internet connection greatly enhances your experience, facilitating smooth and reliable rounds of Aviator app. Understanding the rules and techniques of the game, taking advantage of bonuses, and starting with small bets will significantly increase your chances of success. Furthermore, choosing a reliable app is vital for the security and optimal performance. With these considerations in mind, players can dive into the dynamic, multiplier-rich world of Aviator fully prepared for an exciting and rewarding experience.
By ALENA DZIBROVA
November 27th, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
Discover essential insights on living costs, job opportunities, taxes, housing, and more in this comprehensive guide to Canadian life.
Such an attractive country with its social security, and economic and political stability, Canada is thought to be a land of great opportunities. Not to mention nature. So, what nuances can be encountered at first, having moved to Canada, and how in general to prepare for such a move is in the material.
Pros and Cons of Canada
Canada welcomes migrants because it needs skilled professionals. For example, as of January 2023, immigrants held 36% of physician positions and 41% of engineering positions. The share of foreigners among business owners with employees is 33%. There are also special programs such as the Alberta PNP Program for a simpler emigration process, which further fuels people’s interest. But as with any other country, there are pros and cons:
Pros:
- High standard of living and high level of income;
- The government supports small and medium-sized businesses – assistance in financing, reduced rates on credit, and deferred payment;
- Unbelievable nature – ocean, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests. The beauty is breathtaking and it is not just nearby, it is everywhere;
- Free healthcare for citizens and residents of the country;
- Developed economy and stable political situation;
- Canada is multicultural and multinational, thanks to which adaptation is comfortable;
- The possibility of obtaining a passport after 3 years of legal residence.
Cons:
Jobs in Canada
In large cities, there are more chances to find a prestigious and promising job. In smaller towns, there is less competition and a greater shortage of workers, which increases the chances of finding a job quickly. There are also many recruitment agencies in Canada, you can find them by searching for “recruitment agency in Canada” on Google. Up to 80% of people find a job on the recommendations of acquaintances.
You can find a job on popular sites:
- Job Bank;
- com;
- Indeed;
- Eluta;
- WowJobs;
In-Demand Occupations
The most popular occupations for foreigners include:
- IT specialists and interactive media developers;
- Business, finance, administration;
- Doctors, nurses;
- Teachers and civil servants;
- Sales and service personnel, truck drivers;
- Workers in production and public utilities;
- Workers in construction, welders.
Salaries
The minimum wage in Canada in 2024 is 2644 Canadian dollars. Average salary – from 5200 Canadian dollars. The amount may vary depending on the province and type of profession.
Cost of Living in Canada
Every year the cost of living in Canada is becoming more expensive, this is influenced by inflation, changes in the real estate market, transportation services, and others. On average, the minimum budget for one person to live in Canada is from 1300 to 1600 dollars. For a family with two children, this amount reaches 1700 to 2200 dollars.
Cost of Food
 Food prices here are cheaper than in Europe. Food prices here are cheaper than in Europe. For a week one person can buy products for 50 dollars, including meat, as it is the most expensive, for example, 800 grams of chicken costs 10 dollars, potatoes – up to 2 dollars per kilogram, apples also up to 2 dollars, bananas – 60 cents per kilogram, cereals – 1-2 dollars. Tobacco products are very expensive, as well as alcohol, for example, a pack of cigarettes costs 11 dollars.
Transportation Costs
For $3, you can ride any transportation, even the subway, for 2 hours. The transportation system is well developed, both within the city and intercity. A monthly bus pass will cost about 100 dollars. Expenses for a personal car will cost about $1,000 a month, including insurance, parking, gasoline, and repairs. It is more profitable to rent a car for a day – $50, including gasoline.
Taxes
Canada has two types of tax: income tax and consumption tax. Consumer (national) tax is a sales tax on goods or services purchased in Canada and ranges from 5 to 15%. Some goods may be exempt from the tax. Income tax in Canada depends on the size of the annual salary, it can vary from 15 to 33%. The tax rate varies greatly from province to province.
Housing in Canada
The cost of rent depends on the city, in big cities, it is more expensive due to high demand. On average, renting a studio ranges from 700 to 1000 dollars, with one bedroom – from 900 to 1100, with two bedrooms – from 1000 to 1300 dollars.
Utilities vary in cost from city to city, cheapest in Montreal – 75 dollars, more expensive in Calgary and Hamilton – 205 dollars. Internet costs from $55 to $95 per month, and cell phone service costs about $95 per month.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article useful. We have tried to gather the most important information and fit it into a short article. Now you have more knowledge about such a beautiful country as Canada and you can take a more informed approach to move.
 By Staff
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 There will be GO service interruptions this weekend. Starting late evening this Friday, November 29 until end of service on Sunday, December 1, Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
During this time, there will be no GO Train service between Union Station and Oakville GO. GO Train service will only run between Oakville GO and Niagara Falls GO with minor schedule adjustments.
Replacement GO Buses will be available at Oakville GO and Clarkson GO, running express to and from Union Station Bus Terminal.
There will be no GO Transit service at Exhibition, Mimico, Long Branch and Port Credit GO stations. Customers traveling to and from those stations are encouraged to use local transit options.
For Long Branch customers, the temporary pathway from Edgeware Drive will remain open, however access to the north platform from the temporary pathway will be closed. There will be no access to the station or the parking lot from 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 at 5:00 a.m.
Regular service will resume on Monday, December 2.
By James Porthouse
November 27th, 2024
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:
|
| Paramount Resources Ltd —–Buy Quantity: 100,000 Average cost: $31.30 Total: $3,129,630.00 Options Issued: 72,600 Average cost: $15.61 Total: $1,133,310.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Lee, Bernard K. |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-26-24 |
72,600 |
$15.61 |
$1,133,310.00 |
| Riddell, Brenda Gail |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
100,000 |
$31.30 |
$3,129,630.00 |
|
| Sprott Inc —–Buy Quantity: 16,000 Average cost: $60.63 Total: $970,125.88 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| George, Whitney |
7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6), 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
16,000 |
$60.63 |
$970,125.88 |
|
| Altus Group Limited —–Buy Quantity: 9,100 Average cost: $57.50 Total: $523,266.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Brennan, William |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
100 |
$57.66 |
$5,766.00 |
| Brennan, William |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
9,000 |
$57.50 |
$517,500.00 |
|
| Veren Inc —–Buy Quantity: 21,000 Average cost: $7.31 Total: $153,510.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Stadnyk, Myron Maurice |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-26-24 |
21,000 |
$7.31 |
$153,510.00 |
|
| South Bow Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 2,030 Average cost: $36.90 Total: $74,907.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Ryhorchuk, Shannon Georgina |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
2,030 |
$36.90 |
$74,907.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| Kinross Gold Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -1,300,000 Average cost: $14.00 Total: -$18,200,000.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Rollinson, Jonathan Paul |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-21-24 |
-1,300,000 |
$14.00 |
-$18,200,000.00 |
|
| BioSyent Inc —–Sell Quantity: -1,154,637 Average cost: $11.12 Total: -$12,839,773.65 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Driscoll, Blair |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-230,800 |
$11.12 |
-$2,566,496.00 |
| Driscoll, Merrilyn Joy |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-230,800 |
$11.12 |
-$2,566,496.00 |
| Driscoll, Sean |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-230,800 |
$11.12 |
-$2,566,496.00 |
| FAX Investments Inc. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-230,800 |
$11.12 |
-$2,566,496.00 |
| Federated Capital Corp. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-230,800 |
$11.12 |
-$2,566,496.00 |
| Lockhard, Peter Douglas |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-637 |
$11.45 |
-$7,293.65 |
|
| Cameco Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -36,070 Average cost: $83.47 Total: -$3,010,732.50 Options Issued: 34,570 Average cost: $15.27 Total: $527,883.90 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Aitken, Lisa Lorene |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-1,500 |
$81.17 |
-$121,755.00 |
| Clark, Dale Robert |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-22-24 |
20,100 |
$15.27 |
$306,927.00 |
| Clark, Dale Robert |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-20,100 |
$83.50 |
-$1,678,350.00 |
| Thorne, Andrew Miles |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-21-24 |
14,470 |
$15.27 |
$220,956.90 |
| Thorne, Andrew Miles |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-21-24 |
-14,470 |
$83.66 |
-$1,210,627.50 |
|
| Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited —–Sell Quantity: -1,500 Average cost: $1,971.00 Total: -$2,956,500.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Bradstreet, F. Brian |
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 |
11-22-24 |
-1,500 |
$1,971.00 |
-$2,956,500.00 |
|
| Metro inc —–Sell Quantity: -25,695 Average cost: $90.10 Total: -$2,315,046.80 Options Issued: 28,600 Average cost: $41.16 Total: $1,177,176.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Bich, Geneviève |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-25-24 |
7,300 |
$41.16 |
$300,468.00 |
| Bich, Geneviève |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-25-24 |
-4,395 |
$90.00 |
-$395,550.00 |
| Thibault, François |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
11-22-24 |
21,300 |
$41.16 |
$876,708.00 |
| Thibault, François |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
11-22-24 |
-21,300 |
$90.12 |
-$1,919,496.80 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
 By Tom Parkin
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON,ON
Canadian retail sales rose to a new peak in September, but not in Ontario, where they remain lower than in 2022 september retail sales hit new highs in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, lifting national sales by $284 million from August, and reaching a new peak of $66.9 billion, according to Statistics Canada data released Friday.
 This isn’t happening as often in Ontario. But unlike other Canadians, the Ontario consumer isn’t tapping their pay device. Ontario’s September retail sales fell $23.9 million from August and remain $1.1 billion below a peak in June 2022.
Under the unresolved housing crisis driving high housing costs and huge mortgage debt, the impact of colliding waves of cost pressures on Ontarians has been outsized.
With pump prices passing $2 per litre in March 2022 and food inflation hitting 8.8 per cent in April, the Bank of Canada added financial pressure on heavily borrowers with a full point to interest rates in June, the month retailing peaked.
 A wish more than something Premier Ford has delivered on. Ontario is Canada’s leader — in economic malaise
This fall the economic news for Ontario has been almost all bad, and strikingly different than the trends we’re seeing in the rest of the country. Most of this has been documented by Data Shows in the past few months.
The housing crisis persists under the Ford PCs’ approach. By priorizing sprawl, caving to NIMBYism on density and refusing to make public investments, the Ford PCs have put wealthy developer-landholders in control of the pace of development. The result is third-worst per capita house starts among the 10 provinces.
It is one thing to be a high cost of living jurisdiction with rising incomes and strong housing construction. That’s the story in British Columbia, where renting and buying a home in the Lower Mainland is brutally expensive but the average wage is highest in Canada and housing starts are strong. BC still has a lot to do on housing and affordability, but a lot has already been done.
 It’s quite a different story in Ontario. Housing is brutally expensive but Ontario’s average wage is now below the Canadian average and fell this July and August.
The province’s manufacturing sector, particularly the critical auto sector, is shrinking in jobs and sales. Residential construction, because of weak housing starts, is punching below potential. The vaunted Ring of Fire project remains stalled in court as an offer of federal dollars to engage communities goes untapped. And there is a looming gap in electricity supply, an issue Data Shows will explore soon.
Ontario’s rate of union membership is second lowest in Canada, below all other provinces except Alberta. Ontario unemployment has been above national rates for most of the past four years. Ontario’s personal bankruptcies are rising fastest in Canada.
The end result is a weak consumer, weak retail sales and a have-not Ontario receiving federal equalization aid.
Tom Parkin is a political commentator with a social democratic perspective.
By Staff
November 27th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Santa Claus parade is on Sunday, December 1st.
Small change in the route this year – construction project requires the change.
By Staff
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) is celebrating a heartwarming milestone as the Tran Family takes title to their home in Mississauga. This special occasion marks a significant step toward strength, stability, and independence for the family, just in time for the holiday season.
The home, made possible through Habitat for Humanity’s long-standing partnership with Daniels Corporation, exemplifies what can be achieved when the community comes together.
 Tran Family and Habitat HMD CEO Eden Grodzinsk, Board Chair Lynn Fergusson and Heela Omarkhail, Vice President, Social Impact at The Daniels Corporation “Today is a celebration of not only the Tran Family but of what affordable homeownership means for so many families,” said Eden Grodzinski, CEO of Habitat HMD. “A safe, stable home is the foundation for brighter futures, and partnerships with community-minded developers like the one we have with Daniels Corporation make these dreams a reality. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and passion to this project. Together, we are changing lives, one family at a time.”
New homeowner Mr. Duc Tran said, “We just want to thank everyone so much for everything. Habitat’s homeownership – we never thought that would be able to afford a home for our family.”
“We are delighted to congratulate the Tran family on their journey to homeownership at Wesley Tower. Our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin to provide affordable homeownership opportunities underscores our dedication to building inclusive, vibrant communities where families can thrive in homes crafted with exceptional quality. For over two decades, our enduring partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates has welcomed more than 80 deserving families to Daniels communities across the Greater Toronto Area, helping them establish solid foundations for brighter futures,” said Heela Omarkhail, Vice- President of Social Impact, The Daniels Corporation.
The Tran Family’s home symbolizes so much more than a roof over their heads—it is a foundation for cherished memories, a space where dreams will flourish, and a cornerstone for a brighter future.
As we celebrate their welcome home, Habitat for Humanity HMD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackling the pressing need for affordable housing in our communities. We continue to build hope, stability, and opportunity—one home at a time.
Habitat for Humanity Halton Mississauga Dufferin (Habitat HMD) is part of the renowned global Habitat for Humanity network, recognized for its commitment to mobilizing community resources to provide safe and decent homes to families in need. In serving Halton, Mississauga, and Dufferin communities, Habitat HMD has delivered 83 affordable housing units (68 family units plus 15 tiny homes) to families in the Region living in Indigenous communities since 1999.
Habitat HMD’s unique housing model offers a “pathway to home ownership,” filling a critical gap in the housing continuum. The organization is dedicated to combating the housing crisis in Canada and aims to transform more lives by delivering a minimum of 130 new housing units to partner families between 2022 and 2032.
By Pepper Parr
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Why do the CAO and Treasurer consistently use a budget number that isn’t defined; isn’t valid and confuses taxpayers?
For reasons I have never been able to understand, both Staff and members of Council have difficulty saying exactly how much tax rates are going up or down. Down is not something that we will see in Burlington this year.
One can understand the reluctance on the part of those elected to office – the last thing they want to do is upset the voters. Photo ops and good news keeps them in office.
But Staff are a different matter – these men and women earn excellent salaries and are described as professionals with standards they are expected to meet day in and day out.
So why then the following from Craig Millar, the new Chief Financial Officer, who came to us from Barrie.
 Crag Millar: Chief Financial Officer for the City of Burlington. At a recent Council meeting, he said: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to give an update, as we have identified in the staff report that’s on the agenda today. Recall, as some disputants called out, the budget as originally proposed was 7.5% – that figure included assessments that were going to be added in the months ahead.
 A fuzzy number that has yet to be defined. We do know that it is not the rate at which your taxes are going to be set. Up to this point, Millar was doing his job – but then he added: “the impact on the city of Burlington residents’ tax bill was 3.79% and then the blended rate, which includes Halton Region and education, we were at 4.97% so subsequent to the publication of our Budget material, Halton Region informed Halton council that the police budget has come in higher than what was initially projected, and currently, at this point, the region is forecasting their budget is going to increase from the original assessment of 3.6% increase to 6% so the impact of that to the city of Burlington taxpayer is now our budget has gone from impact is going from 4.97% to 5.76% – that translates into an increase of $52.88 per 100,000 of current value assessment. Initially, we had a number of $45; it’s my understanding that the Region is releasing their budget material on November 22 and that council will be deliberating, I believe, in early December. So again, just to reiterate, the currently all in number, the impact to the taxpayer is at 5.76%”
Why wouldn’t someone take their eyes off the monitor secure in the knowledge that the tax increase was going to be 5.76? over last year.
Those numbers are so misleading. An average property owner would have a fuzzy understanding of what the “current value assessment” of their property is and how that assessment is arrived at.
With the numbers 3.79% – which is the blended followed by a statement that says: “The impact of that to the city of Burlington taxpayer is how our budget has gone from 4.97% to 5.76%
It would be easy to arrive at the conclusion that the taxes are going to be somewhere between 5.76% and 4.97%
The word that slips by is “impact” – just what do they mean by impact? They never do define the word.
The truth is that Burlington’s taxes for Burlington residents are going to rise by 7.51%% or more this year over last year. And that taxes rose by 10.21 % in 2024 and by 15.59% in 2023. Those increases are cumulative and add up to a 37.63% increase since the last election.
We know three things:
1 – the budget will increase by 8.3%.
2 – new assessment, tax money from brand new homes and condos, that are now on the list of properties that are taxed by the city, will pay for .79% of the budget increase.
3 – Property taxes will pay for the rest of the increase and will go up 7.51%
That’s all we know.
Bandying about that 4.97% number is deliberately misleading and both disingenuous and dishonest.
Bad enough that Craig Millar is using a number that has no real meaning to a taxpayer, but he has gotten into the habit of saying it just the way the council members d0 – but they have rear ends to cover.
Heck, he just got here – did he have to drink the Kool-Aid before he had 90 days in as the Treasurer?
Taxes were not always as high as they have been in the past few years. The chart to the right sets out what Burlington had become used to.
The CAO Hassan Basit is no better.
 CAO Hassaan Basit – Failing to come clean. When he was the President at Conservation Halton he did a superb job – first of all he changed what was an organization that wasn’t performing into one that actually served the people of the Region.
He realized early that the Authority had a revenue problem – and before hiking prices, he went to the community and asked how much more would they be prepared to pay for things like parking and attending the really well run events at Conservation Halton.
For some reason Hassan left all those well-developed and honed skills on the desk he used while at the Britannia Road office. That open, very direct approach with the public that he used when he served as President of Conservation Halton doesn’t look like it is going to be brought to bear in Burlington – where it is very badly needed.
Hassaan is hiring a lot of people – he has given sound business cases for most of them – I’m challenged to point to one and argue that his business case doesn’t hold water.
Two of the positions – the need for someone qualified to get a grip on the city web site and turn it into service that meets a public need is one, the other, a Director of Strategic Initiatives, someone to oversee those areas where projects overlap and at the same time rely on data that comes from different departments in the city.
It is a challenging job that Hassaan Basit is enjoying.
Failing to come clean with the public on just how much they are going to be taxed isn’t helping and is certainly doing nothing to improve the level of engagement that is going to be needed as the city grows.
This is the first Budget for CAO Basit and CFO Millar – hopefully, they will do a better job of explaining what they are doing and educating a public that is not fully informed and as a result not able to engage.
By Pepper Parr
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
At the November 25th Special Council Meeting, Burlington City Council completed review of the 2025 budget.
The Mayor has issued a Mayoral Decision to end the veto period.
Under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, which amended the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) I Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of the City of Burlington, hereby decide that, with respect to the 2025 Budget:
1. I will not exercise the power to veto under subsection 284.16(4) of the Municipal
Act, 2001.
Dated at Burlington, this 25th day of November 2024.
Original Signed by
Mayor Meed Ward
By ending the veto period, the budget, as amended by Council, is “deemed approved” in accordance with Ontario regulation.
 Mayor Meed Ward skipped the Special Council meeting – got her picture taken with the Premier instead. A couple of things: The Mayor did not attend the Special Council meeting she called. She was instead at the Joseph Brant Hospital where the Premier of the province was making a funding announcement.
The Mayor was not given an opportunity to speak at that event.
The budget that is now “approved” has yet to be adjusted for whatever the Regional taxes is going to be.
The Regional budget includes the financial needs of the Police Services Board; they are asking for an increase of 13% more than they asked for last year.
I am at a loss to explain how they do that.
 By Staff
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Not to be missed the Mayor’s Annual Luncheon, described by the Chamber of Commerce as a premier event that celebrates our vibrant city and brings together business leaders and community members for an afternoon of inspiration, education, and networking.
This year the Chamber said they are excited to welcome Dolf DeJong, President and CEO of the Toronto Zoo, as the keynote speaker.
What the Toronto Zoo has to do with Toronto – is there a link to the way Council has managed the Mayor’s Budget – which has yet to be passed and might not have cleared Council before the Luncheon?
Why Attend?
Engage with Community Leaders: Gain insights from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and our keynote speaker Dolf DeJong.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with business leaders.
Educational Experience: Learn about the topics that matter to the business community.
 By Pepper Parr
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Not for Profit organizations make the communities they operate in better places to Live, Work and Play.
The volunteers are critical to the delivering of whatever service they provide.
Often, far too often, Board members don’t understand their role and what is expected of them.
 Community Development Halton has put together a program that teaches Not for Profit Board members just what their job is – the do’s and don’t of being a Board member.
They are taught how to navigate the complexities of non-profit governance with confidence.
Board members set direction and provide the vision, leadership, and accountability to ensure their organization’s mandate is met. This training session is designed for new Board members and covers the purposes of boards, what they do and don’t do, legal obligations, liability, and fiduciary duty.
This essential training series equips board members and organizational leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively oversee and steer their non-profit, ensuring compliance, accountability, and strategic direction.
Non-Profit Board Primer: January 22, 2025
Holding Productive & Compliant Meetings: February 19, 2025
Board Succession Planning: March 19, 2025
Each session has a fee: $25 for CDH members, $60 for non-members.
The 2nd session (Holding Productive & Compliant Meetings) is free for CDH members.
Sessions are delivered via Zoom.
By Staff
November 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Indigenous Gathering Space, Mountainside Recreation Centre
Deadline: Monday January 27, 2025
Award: $15,000
The City of Burlington invites First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists, groups and artist-led teams living in Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills) to submit an expression of interest to create a mural for the Mountainside Recreation Centre.
 Entrance area of the Mountainside Recreation Centre The City is partnering with the Burlington Indigenous Talking Circle to create a gathering space at Mountainside Recreation Centre (2205 Mt Forest Dr.). This room will provide space for First Nations ceremonies and Indigenous activities, such as beading and skirt-making. The goal is to create dedicated space for local Indigenous arts and culture to flourish in Burlington, honouring the history and importance of the Indigenous community in Burlington.
The mural will help to set the tone and intention of the space, and ignite reflection and conversation. It will help nurture connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, serving as a publicly accessible site available for hosting a variety of recreational and educational opportunities.
Mural design proposals are not required at this time. The selected artist(s) will be given time to develop their artwork concept. This will include a site visit and collaboration with the Burlington Indigenous Talking Circle and City staff.
Visit the Calls for Artists page to learn more and apply online.
 By Louis Trotter
November 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Gambling has become a popular activity for people in Canada, with millions of Canadians engaging with casino activities in the country both offline and online. The rise of gambling all over the world has prompted conversations around the various rules and regulations around gambling activities in Canada. With this in mind, let’s explore what regulatory framework is in place in Canada relating to gambling.
History of gambling in Canada
 On-line casinos have become hugely popular.  The bricks and mortar casinos are a destination as much as a place to gamble. White it may seem that Canadians are only passionate about casino activities in recent years because of the spike in mobile gaming, the country has a long history of gambling that goes back many years. Before the late 1990s, gambling was mostly illegal as the Criminal Code of Canada banned most forms of gambling in 1892. However, this changed in the 1960s as the monetary potential of legal gambling became apparent, leading the way for the Criminal Code to be changed to permit provinces to run and regulate lotteries. After this move, land-based casinos began to crop up in provinces like Ontario, sparking an interest among locals for casino related activities. This interest has piqued even more with the recent legalization of online gambling in Ontario in 2022, and now Canadians in Ontario can head to Gambling.com to see a full list of online casinos available in Canada.
It’s important to note that there are different rules for gambling in various countries. This is no different in Canada, where there are currently numerous laws for both offline and online gambling. The Canadian Gaming Commission oversees the industry as a whole in Canada, offering information and responding to any serious issues that arise. This body makes sure that there’s a certain level of transparency with the public, government and media. However, there are different laws relating to casinos, online gambling and sports betting according to each province.
Gambling laws in Canada
 The Canadian Gaming Commission oversees the industry as a whole in Canada, offering information and responding to any serious issues that arise. In Canada, gambling comes under provincial jurisdiction as mentioned in the Constitution Act of 1867. Because of this, each province has the power to decide whether gambling is legal or not, what types of gambling are permitted, and how revenue is handled. Each Province has a catalogue of gambling products it offers that meet its requirements for player safety and ethics, and a list of prohibited games in addition to those generally prohibited by the Code. This approach lets each province create rules that suit their own needs and local population. For instance, Ontario has permitted online gambling while other provinces such as Alberta and Quebec place an emphasis on land-based casinos over online gambling. While online gambling is permitted in Quebec and Alberta, it is through its government regulated platform instead of instead of allowing private companies to run the gambling websites. There is a similar situation in the United States as gambling laws are also set at the state level. This means that Canadian’s don’t have one set experience throughout the country as the gambling options available to them can change according to where they are.
In many provinces in Canada, it’s possible to play casino games such as roulette, poker, baccarat and slots at a traditional brick-and-mortar casino. For example, Casino Niagara in Ontario has over 1,300 slot machines as well as table games and poker options while in Quebec Casino de Montréal is one of the largest casinos in the world with plenty of exciting gaming options. Like online gambling, each province is in charge of the regulations relating to their land-based casinos. This means they decide how to protect their players and how to ensure the casinos are operating in a fair manner.
Changes towards gambling in Canada
Online gambling in Canada has also undergone significant changes in recent years. Many years ago, Canadians resorted to offshore gambling sites that weren’t regulated by Canadian laws which could be a risky activity. However, Ontario launched its own online gambling market in April 2022. This meant that private companies were able to legally offer online casinos and sports betting within the province. As a result, players experience less anxiety around engaging in gambling activities as they can be sure that they are gambling in a safe way.
 The gambling environment for both on-line and land-based is tightly regulated and noted for transparency and safety for the gambler. However, this doesn’t mean that Canadians aren’t benefiting from gambling options outside of the country as many operators outside of Canada with offshore servers and foreign gaming licenses have offered their products in Canada. This means Canadians can choose between local regulated sites and international options, further solidifying Canada as a powerful gambling hub.
In conclusion, Canada is being increasingly associated with gambling activities thanks to recent legalization changes that have attracted more people in the country. As more provinces begin to cater to consumer demand and embrace online gambling, it’s likely that the country will become an even better regulated gambling environment. Whether you are new to gambling or are passionate about particular casino games, now is the perfect time to discover Canada’s evolving gambling scene.
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