 By Staff
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has begun issuing $200 taxpayer rebates to provincial taxpayers, as well as each of their eligible children, to help address the high cost of the federal carbon tax and high interest rates, with cheques set to reach families over the coming weeks.
 “With Ontario families struggling due to the federal carbon tax, high interest rates and global economic uncertainty, our government is stepping up as part of our ongoing work to keep costs down and help families make ends meet,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our prudent fiscal management means our government is able to provide this critical support for families even as we continue to improve Ontario’s finances and invest in our world-class public services.”
The cheques are being mailed to all Ontario residents who are eligible for the taxpayer rebate. To qualify for the rebate, you must have been 18 years or older and a resident in Ontario on December 31, 2023, not be bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024, and have filed a 2023 Income Tax and Benefits Return by December 31, 2024.
Continue reading Taxpayer Rebate Cheques Now Being Sent to Ontario Families
 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 Pepper Parr
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: The city anticipates a phased opening of Skyway Community Centre and Park and amenities beginning in the spring of 2025 with full opening in Fall 2025.
It’s costing the city a bundle, much of the money borrowed; it is a beautiful structure – one that the residents of the east end are going to love.
No word yet from the city on when it will open – the Skyway Community Centre has almost everything you could expect a community centre to have.is
For an interesting visual tour of the community centre click HERE
Plans exist for a large community to be developed a couple of hundred yards away from the community centre. Set below is a rendering of what the developer would like to proceed with.
 The plans for this project are somewhere in the planning loop. Across the road and a couple of hundred yards to the east the Burloak park adds to the facilities that are going to be available to this community when it eventually gets built.
By Staff
January 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is conducting a Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review. The review is being done to help plan for the future and ensure voters are represented equally in the local government decision-making process.
The last ward boundary review for Burlington was completed in 2005, when the city’s population was 139,000. Since this time, the city’s population has grown to approximately 186,948 (2021 Census). Over the next 25 years, the city will continue to grow. Approximately 265,000 people are expected to call Burlington home by 2051.
Phase One of public engagement for the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review, in October 2024, focused on the current size and structure of Burlington City Council. On Dec. 2, 2024, an interim report was presented to City Council. This report was informed by resident feedback shared in Phase One of the review. On Dec. 10, 2024, City Council directed the consultant team to coordinate the review to bring back ward boundary options that maintain six wards in Burlington. This means Burlington Council will continue to have seven members, one mayor and six councillors, and each local councillor will continue to represent their ward in Burlington and be a regional councillor on Halton Regional Council, along with the mayor.
Continue reading Public engagement opportunities to shape Burlington’s ward boundaries start Feb. 4
By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This is one of those projects where the citizens lost because the Planning Department didn’t do its job.
 It was to be a community minutes away from the Aldershot GO station. Hone for more than 3000 families – not even a coffee shop in the immediate area. The development is the last stage of the Station West development ADI built on Masonry Road, just east of Waterdown Road.
It is a huge development on land the Adi Group bought from Paletta International for a reported $14 million. It was a fantastic deal for the Adi people
It all started in 2015 in a church hall.On Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the West Plains United Church there was a community meeting at which the city’s planning staff set out a proposal that had been submitted by the ADI Development Group for the development of land that was south of the rail line, east of Waterdown Road and immediately north of Masonry Road
It was a staff presentation and the first time the community got a look at what the developer had in mind. Using the language of the planner it was an application to subdivide a 5.09 hectare parcel of land located south of the CN Rail tracks on the east side of Waterdown Road.
The subdivision design includes a road running north/south, extending north from Cooke Boulevard, and a 3.08 hectare development block on the east side of the proposed road.
The proposed development for the development block includes 200 stacked townhouses, 64 standard town
This latest application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to permit a mixed-use development comprising three tall buildings with retail uses at ground level and residential uses above.
In the original proposal (2022): Building A (northwest corner of site) was 36 storeys tall including a 4-storey podium. Building B (southeast) was 26 storeys tall. Building C (southwest) was 36 storeys tall. Buildings B and C shared a three-story podium. The proposed buildings contained a total of 1,139 residential units and 231m2 of ground-level retail at the corner of Masonry Court and Cooke Blvd. 1,031 parking spaces were proposed within five levels of underground parking.
Continue reading Final stage of the Adi development gets approved – the citizens- there are thousands of them – have next to nothing in the way of parkland
 By Pepper Parr
January 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Mapping out the year we are now into. What can the citizens of the City expect during 2025?
Chaos? Prosperity?
2025 is the year before the current Council has to seek re-election. The 2026 budget will be a lot different than what we saw in 2025. Both staff and Council are fully aware of BRAG and the impact they had on the 2025.
 Eric Stern, spokes person for BRAG with a copy of the Proposed 2025 budget. What were those impacts? There will be a budget book much earlier in the year and the words “budget impact” may be forgotten.
The Bateman Community Centre is expected to open in 2025 – nothing is ever certain with this site – when it does open expect a significant change in how the City and Brock University make use of the site.
Continue reading What can the citizens of the City expect during 2025? Chaos? Prosperity?
 By Staff
January 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is hosting Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Winter and Spring. Covering specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians, each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.
Continue reading Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions
 By Ray Rivers
January 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Regardless of which party wins the upcoming federal election Canada’s carbon pricing may be gone. The NDP has decided they can win more votes in the West by siding with the Conservatives on this. Though there is not a chance in hell that Mr Singh will be forming the next government.
 The emissions reduction impact of carbon pricing has been modest but then it is a progressive tax, intended to ramp up effectiveness over time – and these are still early days. The tax has also had a negligible impact on the economy, most likely thanks to the climate action rebate which taxpayer families receive quarterly. That rebate turns out to make carbon pricing a valuable income redistribution program – a sort of Robin Hood taking from the rich to pay to the poor.
But even Liberal leadership candidates are taking cover from the poison emanating from the mouths of the opposition leaders in Ottawa, Edmonton and Toronto. That poison comes in the form of disinformation and outright lies by the political leaders who, ironically, want you to trust your vote to them. But it is working – you know the more you repeat a lie, the more likely it is to be believed.
Continue reading Carbon Pricing is on the Chopping Table
By Staff
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Years ago: A citizen telling city staff and former Mayor Rick Golding how unhappy he was about transit service. Today, Member of Parliament Adam Van Koeverden, alongside Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, announced nearly $14 million in funding for Burlington’s public transit infrastructure through the Baseline Funding stream of the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF).
This funding, which will be delivered over 10 years from 2026 until 2036, will help advance key improvements to Burlington’s public transit system.
Continue reading City getting $14 million over ten years to improve transit infrastructure.
By James Portside
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 When council salaries were reported in 2024 Councillor Sharman went to great lengths to explain why he was the lowest-paid councillor. For people under the age of 71, the city and the employee make payments to the OMERs defined benefit pension plan. For employees aged 71 and older OMERs won’t accept pension contributions. Councillor Sharman was not receiving the city contribution to his pension plan making him the lowest-paid councillor in terms of salary and benefits.
We know councillors make over $66,600 so, at least for the youngsters, the city and the employee both contribute 14.6% of their salaries to the OMERs plan.
Continue reading The inflation-protected, defined benefit pension plan lives on in a sector where competition and bankruptcy don’t exist.
By Staff
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Waterdown wants to become part of Burlington.
A Waterdown resident said he has experienced firsthand, the frustration of our community being part of Hamilton. Despite high taxes, we receive barely serviceable amenities. Our property taxes continue to skyrocket yet we witness a stark lack in crucial services like police coverage. Our transit system is crucially flawed; buses move into Burlington first, then into Hamilton which is absolute nonsense for local commuters.
 Aligning Waterdown with the Halton region would greatly enhance our services and also potentially lower our property taxes. The communities in Halton enjoy high-quality services while being levied with comparatively lower property taxes. The year-on-year property tax hike in Hamilton is rapid and unsustainable for many Waterdown residents.
Apart from benefiting from improved services and lower property taxes, this move would reflect the distinct community identity Waterdown possesses, separate from Hamilton. We are not simply a sub-section of Hamilton, but a vibrant, independent community that deserves recognition and resources to suit our specific needs.
As residents speaking on behalf of our community of Waterdown, we urge the recognized authorities to take immediate action. This is not just a change for better services and lower taxes, but a change for the recognition and respect our community deserves. Please sign this petition to join us in advocating for the separation of Waterdown from Hamilton and aligning it with Halton.
Continue reading Waterdown wants to become part of Burlington
By Staff
January 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Church in a California community ablaze Today is the day there should be funds in your bank account from the federal government.
It is the latest quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate goes out; the vast majority of recipients get more back from the government than they pay in carbon taxes.
While the “carbon tax” may get some negative attention, the rebate is good news for everyone. The more people learn about the rebate, the more they are supportive of the pollution pricing system.
For a family of 4 in Ontario the estimated quarterly payment is $280, and will be labeled through direct deposit banking as the “Canada Carbon Rebate”.
Continue reading Carbon tax rebate is supposed to be in your bank today
By Tom Parkin
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Targets are not being met. Some readers took exception to information we published from Data Shows, written by Tom Parkin who is certainly left of center in terms of his career. We have a reader who suggests that his “perspective can hardly be considered neutral or objective” apparently not realizing that Parkin lays out facts and then applies a point of view.
Doug Ford’s housing failure cost billions in lost investment last year. Policies hitting targets would have drawn about $50B in housing investment over the past 12 months.
Continue reading Doug Ford’s housing failure cost billions in lost investment last year
By Staff
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Job postings are up for summer students and one-year internships.
Halton is a Greater Toronto Top Employer offering interns amazing opportunities to develop hands-on experience in exciting positions serving the Halton community.
Check out careers.halton.ca to learn more!
 By Staff
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Karina Gould – on the job in the House of Commons It’s as official as it can be at this point.
The Toronto Star reports that Karina Gould will be a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party.
She has several events taking place today – we expect to cross her path at one of them and get the word from the horses’ mouth.
At 37, she would likely be the youngest candidate in the leadership race. She made history as the first federal cabinet minister to give birth and take maternity in the job. Gould now has two children. Born and raised in Burlington, Gould attended MM Robinson high school and then McGill University.
Link to article published earlier today
By Pepper Parr
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Karina Gould With the 10th anniversary Levee behind her, Karina Gould’s attention turns to the race for a new leader of the Liberal Party.
The new leader will be chosen by the members of the Liberal Party. If you are 14 years of age, a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant and are not a member of any other political party you can vote – the closing date to become a Liberal Party member is January 27th.
The closing date for anyone interested in becoming a candidate for the leadership is January 23rd.
Karina Gould is not yet a candidate – but she has said repeatedly that she is seriously considering becoming a candidate.
 Mark Carney At this point it is very clear that Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England will be running.
Chrystia Freeland has announced that she will declare her candidacy today and at the same time announce her first policy promise which will be to impose dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports to match the tariffs U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to impose on Canada.
Continue reading Karina Gould as Prime Minister? Possible
By Staff
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 President-Elect Donald Trump Comments once dismissed as “trolling”, “musing” or “Trump just being Trump” have taken on more serious overtones as the U.S. president-elect persists in talking about having Canada join the United States.
After a month of what was initially waved off as “silly talk”, the narrative is creating significant anxiety among Canadians, and bemusement among the few Americans actually aware of the situation.
Continue reading Is Trump wanting Canada to be his 51st state serious or is it Trump just being Trump
By Staff
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Play Airlines made Hamilton’s John C. Munro Airport part of its base in Canada the summer of 2023; they announced today that their last flight out of Hamilton will be on April 22.
The Icelandic airline initially launched its Canadian business flying from to several cities in Europe, via its hub in Reykjavik.
Continue reading Play Airlines announced yesterday that their last flight out of Hamilton will be on April 22.
By Staff
January 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ward 3 Councillor, resident of ward 2, Rory Nisan skipped Council to do a photo op. We wondered what it was that called Councillor Nisan away from his duties and responsibilities on Monday.
It never occurred to us that he would leave town, slip into Toronto, and spend several hours at the TVO studios taking part in an issue of The Agenda.
A Gazette reader advised us that The Agenda is taped during the day and edited for a broadcast at 8:00 pm and again at 11:00 pm.
We didn’t see anything on Nisan’s twitter (X) feed about the event. One would have thought that a Councillor up for re-election would have advised his residents that he was going to do a Panel discussion on why taxes are so high.
During the discussions Nisan said: “In Ontario, you know, we look at police services or infrastructure as really core municipal responsibilities where the property tax base is supposed to pay, but we can’t fulfill those responsibilities. In fact, we are diverting and at last count in Ontario, it’s $5 billion towards services like social housing or long-term care or public health that really belong more appropriately at the provincial level.
“We’re kind of right now in the worst of both worlds scenario where there’s blurred accountability, where cities are going to constantly be saying, well, we’re we have to pay a portion of these social services, whether it’s ambulances or social assistance, and people don’t really know who’s accountable.
Continue reading Nisan takes the photo op to a new level – skips Council meeting to do The Agenda at TVOntario
 By Pepper Parr
January 13th,2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This article has been updated since it was first published earlier in the day.
This should be interesting,
An announcement came out of Gould’s office a few hours ago saying:
 The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will participate in a fireside chat organized by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce in association with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.
The Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, will make introductory remarks.
The Liberal Party is gearing up to hold a leadership race to determine who will replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Continue reading Gould will introduce Champagne at a fireside chat on Tuesday. He is expected to make an announcement about running: at this point both are ‘yet to announce’ leadership candidates
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“With Ontario families struggling due to the federal carbon tax, high interest rates and global economic uncertainty, our government is stepping up as part of our ongoing work to keep costs down and help families make ends meet,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our prudent fiscal management means our government is able to provide this critical support for families even as we continue to improve Ontario’s finances and invest in our world-class public services.”
