 By Staff
October 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Open letter to:
Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation Ontario
We are writing to you with deep concern about Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024. This bill would negatively affect the future of mobility in the Province of Ontario. Slowing or reversing the installation of bike lanes will have an adverse impact on children’s health and the environment. We are Ontario’s Green Communities, a group of community-based non-profits that work with schools and provide environmental programming in communities in 52 municipalities and three first nations across Ontario.
According to the Government of Canada, only 37.6% of children aged 5-17 are getting the minimum 60 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous activity recommended by Health Canada. Across Ontario, fewer kids are using active modes of transportation (e.g., walking, cycling, rollerblading, scootering and rolling for wheelchairs or other mobility devices) for their school journey: 22% of kids walk to school and 4% cycle, whereas 74% travel by motorized transport. Bicycle lanes are important for kids who currently ride their bicycles, but also for reversing these trends.
Driving kids to school has led to several serious impacts:
1) More inactivity. Kids miss the opportunity for much-needed physical activity, fresh air, and quality interaction with parents, caregivers, and friends.
2) Less focus. Students are less focused in class, contributing to poorer academic outcomes.
3) Worse congestion. An estimated 25-40% of vehicle congestion during morning rush hour is related to school drop-off.
4) Riskier roads. 78% of Ontario parents reported witnessing unsafe driving behaviours in school zones.
Moreover, evidence shows that creating more car-centric lanes and roads ultimately leads to even more congestion. Reducing congestion and creating safer, healthier roads requires creating additional bike lanes and encouraging people who are able to switch from driving to cycling. Clearly, we need more safe routes to school – not fewer – to get children and families walking and cycling to school safely.
High quality networks of protected bike lanes on main streets are critical to providing safe routes to school and supporting higher rates of physical activity. By design, Ontario communities do not generally have side streets that run parallel to main streets for long distances. In suburban communities, they are designed to discourage traffic, and in urban communities like Toronto and Ottawa, they are often fragmented, with designated one-way sections that prevent traffic. While neighbourhood streets are important for bike lanes, main streets are the major connectors providing direct routes for students to get to school.
Climate Crisis
Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions are rising: in 2022, they rose to 2017 levels after a pandemic-induced reduction. Road transportation is the largest source of pollution in the province, responsible for more than a quarter of all of Ontario’s emissions. While we acknowledge that the intensity of Ontario’s emissions reduced as Ontario’s population and economy grew, we are concerned that emissions from road transportation continue to rise and that we are not on track to meet our 2030 climate goals.
Protecting the health and safety of our communities, while also reducing congestion and fossil fuel pollution, requires that we do as much as we can to encourage cycling. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is unequivocal: “Targets to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 in line with the 1.5-degree limit for global warming cannot be achieved without a systematic increase of cycling.”
According to research, a standard vehicle releases around five metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. Choosing a bike instead of a car just once a day cuts an average person’s transportation-related carbon emissions by 67%.
Ontario contains the most densely populated areas in the country and is home to 40% of Canada’s population. We urgently need the government of Ontario to demonstrate leadership that provides its residents with more – not fewer – opportunities for achieving a sustainable, safe, and prosperous future.
Building for the Future
 We worry that the legislation will jeopardize most future developments of safe, protected bike lanes in Ontario, reducing transportation options for children and families and contributing to higher rates of collisions, physical inactivity, and pollution.
We strongly encourage you, Minister Sarkaria, to reverse course on this legislation and instead encourage municipalities to continue building networks of high-quality protected bike lanes on major streets. Our collective future depends on it.
Signatories: EcoSource, EcoSuperior, Sustainable Kingston, Green Venture, Windfall Centre, Reep Green Solutions, Environment Network, EnviroCentre, GreenUP,Halton Environmental Network, London Environmental Network, Oakville Green
 By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Nothing smaller about the Mayor’s 2025 budget.
The 2024 version was 780+ pages; the 2025 version is 615 pages – the tax increase over last year is 8.3%
The city will tell you that the “impact” is going to be – but they don’t define just what an impact is.
The only number the city controls is that top line – Burlington – that is the tax increase as a %. In real dollars it was 464.27 for 2024 and is expected to be $499.10 for every $100,000 of property assessment. In three separate articles, we are going to hone in on Digital services; Storm Water Management and Parks.
Before we do the deep dive – some statistics the city features in the 2025 Budget Book.
Here is where the Finance department and the Communications department fail to fully inform the taxpayers.
 The shell game. The guy with the walnut shells – take that to be the city – wins every time. It’s a shell game, the type of thing you see on the streets of poorer neighbourhoods in major American cities.
 If you have the assessment value of your home at your fingers – you will know what your tax bill is going to be. The city will tell you how much money they are going to collect in the way of taxes – but they don’t show you a comparison of what they collected the previous year. So you don’t know what the tax increase is. You do know that the taxes for 2025 is $45.66 for every $100,000 of urban residential assessment. The assessed value of two houses side by side is usually different.
By Staff
October 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
RSV immunizations available November 4, expanded program will protect more infants and high risk children
Starting today, Ontarians can receive their free flu shot and the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health units and primary care providers across the province. Staying up to date on vaccinations continues to be the best way for people to stay safe and healthy this respiratory illness season and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.
 Ontarians can receive their free flu shot and the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health units and primary care providers. “Our government is taking steps to ensure Ontarians of all ages have the tools they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding the number of children eligible under the RSV program and ensuring people have access to convenient, publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccines, our government is making it easier for families to access care and protection this respiratory illness season.”
The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are available at participating pharmacies, local public health units, and primary care providers, and it is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same time. All Ontarians six months and older can receive their next COVID-19 dose if it has been a recommended six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Ontarians are encouraged to speak with a health care professional to help determine their appropriate vaccination schedule.
Starting November 4, doses of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization, Beyfortus®, will also be available for infants and high-risk children up to 24 months. The province’s expanded RSV immunization program, available to all babies born in 2024, will help over 200,000 families access the Beyfortus® immunization for free through their public health unit, health care provider, as well as within hospital settings for infants born during the 2024/25 respiratory illness season. Pregnant women also have the option of receiving a single dose of Abrysvo®, to provide protection for their infant from birth to six months.
The province has also expanded the high-risk older adult RSV prevention program and has already received doses for all those 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges and all retirement homes. Ontario is the first in Canada to have a publicly funded older adult RSV program and is one of the first in the world.
“Ontario’s RSV programs will play a pivotal role in protecting the babies, young children and older adults who are most susceptible to severe outcomes caused by the virus, including serious lung infections and hospitalization,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “To be well-protected this respiratory illness season, I also encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, especially those aged 65 and older, as well as those who are at higher risk for severe outcomes.”
Quick Facts
The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among those over the age of 60, infants under six months of age and children under 24 months of age with chronic conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, compromised immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold symptoms in many infants and young children. Most children will experience at least one RSV infection by the age of two.
As part of the Ontario government’s historic $330 million investment in pediatric care, new rapid access clinics for children and youth were added at health care provider settings to provide families with faster and easier access to care during respiratory illness season.
In alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Beyfortus® is the preferred product to protect infants. Receiving both Abrysvo® and Beyfortus® is not expected to provide additional benefits.
Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about which immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to your health care provider or public health unit.
To reduce the risk of spreading illness, individuals are advised to wash their hands often, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, clean surfaces and shared items regularly, and stay at home when sick.
 By Pepper Parr
October 29, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Conservatives are going to have to get better at keeping their plans to themselves.
The booked space (actually they asked that a hold be put on the space) at the Burlington Convention Centre and the Holiday Inn for November 16th.
So when Robert Whitaker, the Chair, Burlington Conservative Association and Chair, Candidate Nomination Committee advises us that what we published was “misinformation” he might want to qualify that.
Even his Association members are complaining about not being able to get through to him
Whittaker now has an opportunity to hold a debate between the three people seeking the nomination. He even has potential locations
When there is a messy situation you do something to clean up the mess.
Rule number 1, Mr. Whittaker, is when there is a problem – get ahead of the story by being open and transparent.
 By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier today we published a piece saying the die had been cast as far as the selection of a candidate to run for the Conservative party in Burlington.
Someone involved in the nomination process, which includes individuals seeking the nomination, told us that their understanding was that the nomination would take place on November 16th.
 We received notice a few minutes ago from Chair, Burlington Conservative Association who is also Chair, Candidate Nomination Committee (CNC)
that:
The copy is flat-out misinformation and needs to be retracted.
There is no meeting planned for Saturday, Nov 16.
Your source is wrong and needs to be vetted by your paper.
We have revised the story and removed the information we now know to be untrue.
We have not had much success in reaching people at the Burlington Conservative Association. There are no links to people who can be reached at the Association to get confirmation on their web site.
We apologize for any awkwardness we might have created – but we were unable to reach anyone. We now have a contact.
 By Staff
October 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Gone are the days when the streets were safe on Halloween.
 There are now sick people who put razor blades in apples that are handed out.
 Parents have to be more vigilant.
Crime Stoppers makes several important points.
Do your children a favour and explain what we now have to watch out for.
 By Staff
October 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontarians have been returning containers to The Beer Store for nearly 100 years — ensuring cans and bottles are sorted and effectively recycled or refilled. But retailers are seeking to weaken the deposit-return program for alcohol containers even as Ontario continues to lag behind most other Canadian provinces since it does not have a similar program for non-alcoholic beverages.
 The Beer Store is taking in beer bottles and cans as well as wine and spirit bottles. Retails who now have the right to sell these products don’t want to do the cleanup part. Every year, we estimate that more than 1.7 billion plastic bottles are littered, landfilled or burned in an incinerator because there is no deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverages. The provincial government abruptly cancelled work on such a program this past summer after retailers complained that they would be expected to participate in taking back empties from the beverages they sell.
Now retailers are railing against the requirement to start taking back alcohol empties if they sell alcohol as part of this fall’s expansion of sales to convenience and grocery stores.
 Give the guy on the bike credit for doing what he can to support himself – but this isn’t the way to manage the return of beverage containers to be recycled. All effective deposit-return systems ensure consumers can easily return their empties. This keeps containers in the system and out of the environment while enabling people to get their deposits back. That’s why the province must ignore retailer whining and hold firm that stores that sell alcohol must take back empties. It’s only fair.
What’s more, the province must get back to the table with the non-alcoholic beverage industry, retailers and environmental advocates to design an effective and long-awaited expansion of the deposit-return program to non-alcoholic beverages.
Retailers all over the world take back empties — including in Quebec, Michigan, Germany and all over Latin America. There is no excuse for major retailers not to participate in reducing litter and waste in Ontario, refunding customer deposits, and ensuring containers can be recycled or refilled.
By Pepper Parr
October 28th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
REVISED
For the federal Conservatives in Burlington – the die is cast.
The new memberships are in the hands of the Conservative Party headquarters where they are being vetted.
The three people seeking the nomination—Emily Brown, Connor Fraser, and Shaheryar Mian—have done as much as they could. The decision now goes to the party membership to determine who their candidate will be.
Connor Fraser has challenged the other two candidates for the nomination to a debate – little too late for that.
 Connor Fraser  Emily Brown  Shaheryar Mian The Burlington Conservative Association has yet to set a date for their nomination meeting at which the candidates may be given a chance to speak – the main event is for the members to vote. Our understanding is that a member of the party has to be in the room to cast a ballot.
Politics being the game that it is – often sees rule changes.
In the past things at Conservative party events have gotten very rowdy.
Not that the federal Liberals are any better – some of the Liberal MP’s are in the process of looking for a way to get rid of the leader they have.
It will be sometime in 2026 before things settle down in Ottawa once the federal election has taken place.
 Premier Ford is looking for a way to send everyone a cheque for $200
In the meantime – inflation is easing down; the bank interest rates are coming down; rents are said to be inching lower – and the provincial Conservatives are said to be planning to send everyone in Ontario a cheque for $200 sometime in the New Year. The problem with that idea (it is really a bribe – but that’s another issue) is that the province doesn’t have a list with the names of everyone in the province.
 By Staff
October 29th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Their first really sold kick at the 2025 budget is concise and direct. BRAG – Burlington Residents’ Action Committee picks it’s way through the 2025 Budget showing a significant number of errors in mathematics.
 BRAG member Eric Stern and the rest of the team are going over the budget with a fine tooth comb – lots of cooties. BRAG Budget Summary
Highlights:
Page 17 shows that the “Net City Tax Levy” is increasing by 8.3%.
Page 27 shows that Burlington’s portion of our tax bill is increasing by 7.5%.
Why is spending increasing 8.3% and property taxes 7.5%? We believe the difference is being made up for by property tax revenue from the new homes and condos that will start paying taxes in 2025. So far, we have not been able to find an explanation for this difference in the budget document.
The number of new full-time employees the city will be hiring in 2025 is 29, a 2.5% increase in full-time head count.
The average salary increase, for existing full-time employees, 2024 to 2025, appears to be 5%. The Bank of Canada is expecting inflation to be in the 2% range in 2025.[I] We’ll have to wait for the Sunshine list to be published in 2025 to see what the raises were like following 2024’s 10.21% budget increase.
Pages 9 and 10
These pages show selected results from the online survey conducted by the city.
This quote is from the survey: “As we plan this year’s budget, we’re facing inflation, much like our residents and local businesses. Our 2025 forecast predicts a total tax increase of 5.5%, with 1% for Halton Region services, 4.5% for Burlington services, and no change for education.”
Would the results have been different if the city had clearly stated a budget increase of 8.3%?
Page 21
Some of the calculations on this page have errors.
Looking at the first box on the right, the numbers shown add up to 142,457 not 140,514,298. Residents should not have to make assumptions about the numbers in the budget but, if we assume the city meant 140,514, meaning they simply forgot to convert the number to thousands, there is still a difference of $1,943,000 when dealing with the actual numbers ($142,457,000 – $140,514,298).
Looking at the middle box on the right. The numbers add up to 37,695, not the 37,191,580 shown. If we again assume the number should be in thousands at 37,191, the difference is still $504,000 (in real terms).
The bottom box is in the other benefits and allowances section. The numbers add up to 1,325. At least the difference, after making assumptions, is only about $7,000.
 When you add up the numbers, from the city, in the total budget column the total comes to $179,023,828 not the $181,476,000 shown in the chart. The incorrectly stated numbers in the city’s chart do not add up to the total shown in the city’s chart.
Page 24
Reserve and Reserve Funds
This chart shows the total, uncommitted, and committed reserve funds by year. Read BRAG’s comment in the blue box. Based on the information in this graph it is impossible to tell how much money is in the reserve funds.
Page 25
Reserve and Reserve Funds Continued. The committed value shown on the chart above, from page 24, for 2025 does not match the committed balance we calculate using the information provided on page 25. We took the amount in the balance column and subtracted the amount in the uncommitted balance column to calculate the committed balance. You can see the committed balances in the blue boxes.
The total committed balances on this page are $104,951,043 not the $167,000,000 shown in the chart on page 24.
What are we left with? We are left with questions.
1 – Are these errors acceptable and what other errors are in the document?
2 – Does this call into question the integrity of the entire document?
3 – This is the first detailed budget document the public has been allowed to see, based on the quality of this document public input is essential.Why were the mayor’s engagement sessions held before a draft version of the budget was released?
4 – Do residents have to cross-check every column and every total in the budget document?4 –
Under strong mayor powers this is the mayor’s budget – is she responsible and accountable?
Will bonus payments be withheld from those who signed off on this document?
You might want to consider becoming a supporting member of BRAG – they have served taxpayers well.
[i] Bank of Canada Inflation forecast – https://www.bankofcanada.ca/publications/mpr/mpr-2024-10-23/
 By John Portside
October 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:
|
| Asante Gold Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 446,800 Average cost: $1.35 Total: $602,041.16 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Easah, Malik Mohammed |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
100,000 |
$1.34 |
$133,670.00 |
| Easah, Malik Mohammed |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
166,400 |
$1.34 |
$223,175.68 |
| Easah, Malik Mohammed |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
106,800 |
$1.36 |
$144,959.64 |
| Easah, Malik Mohammed |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-22-24 |
73,600 |
$1.36 |
$100,235.84 |
|
| GOLDSHORE RESOURCES INC. (formerly Sierra Madre Developments Inc.) —–Buy Quantity: 426,500 Average cost: $0.36 Total: $153,742.60 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Lutry Investments Limited |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
118,000 |
$0.37 |
$43,176.20 |
| Lutry Investments Limited |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
308,500 |
$0.36 |
$110,566.40 |
|
| Canadian National Railway Company —–Buy Quantity: 1,000 Average cost: $153.37 Total: $153,368.83 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Freeman, David Lund |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
1,000 |
$153.37 |
$153,368.83 |
|
| Greenridge Exploration Inc —–Buy Quantity: 250,000 Average cost: $0.60 Total: $150,000.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Starr, James Russell |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
250,000 |
$0.60 |
$150,000.00 |
|
| Koryx Copper Inc. (formerly Deep-South Resources Inc.) —–Buy Quantity: 100,000 Average cost: $0.98 Total: $97,730.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Daun, Heye Edmund |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
37,500 |
$1.01 |
$37,855.00 |
| Daun, Heye Edmund |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
62,500 |
$0.96 |
$59,875.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| Tantalex Lithium Resources Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -540,000 Average cost: $2,962.98 Total: -$1,600,010,000.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Musk Ventures Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
-540,000 |
$2,962.98 |
-$1,600,010,000.00 |
|
| VersaBank —–Sell Quantity: -25,600 Average cost: $20.17 Total: -$516,241.56 Options Issued: 12,500 Average cost: $15.90 Total: $198,750.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Clarke, Robert Shawn |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-24-24 |
12,500 |
$15.90 |
$198,750.00 |
| Clarke, Robert Shawn |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-22-24 |
-12,500 |
$20.27 |
-$253,356.00 |
| Clarke, Robert Shawn |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-5,000 |
$19.89 |
-$99,427.56 |
| Kristo, Nikola |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-8,100 |
$20.18 |
-$163,458.00 |
|
| McCoy Global Inc —–Sell Quantity: -108,679 Average cost: $3.53 Total: -$383,636.87 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Cannell Capital LLC |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
-108,679 |
$3.53 |
-$383,636.87 |
|
| Platinum Group Metals Ltd —–Sell Quantity: -82,466 Average cost: $2.75 Total: -$226,581.50 Options Issued: 100,587 Average cost: $1.81 Total: $182,062.47 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Blair, Gregory Edward |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-200 |
$2.60 |
-$520.00 |
| Blair, Gregory Edward |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-24-24 |
11,963 |
$1.81 |
$21,653.03 |
| Blair, Gregory Edward |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-15,000 |
$2.78 |
-$41,700.00 |
| Fernandez-Maldonado, Vilma |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-6,000 |
$2.86 |
-$17,160.00 |
| Hallam, Frank |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-60,000 |
$2.60 |
-$156,000.00 |
| Hallam, Frank |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-24-24 |
84,523 |
$1.81 |
$152,986.63 |
| Harshaw, Stuart |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
2,734 |
$0.00 |
-$1.50 |
| Harshaw, Stuart |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-25-24 |
-4,000 |
$2.80 |
-$11,200.00 |
| Walters, Diana |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-24-24 |
4,101 |
$1.81 |
$7,422.81 |
| Walters, Diana |
4 – Director of Issuer |
11 – Acquisition or disposition carried out privately |
10-24-24 |
-4,101 |
$2.75 |
-$11,277.75 |
|
| Discovery Silver Corp —–Sell Quantity: -145,000 Average cost: $1.02 Total: -$148,350.00 Options Issued: 145,000 Average cost: $0.65 Total: $94,250.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Gemmell, Forbes |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-23-24 |
95,000 |
$0.65 |
$61,750.00 |
| Gemmell, Forbes |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-95,000 |
$1.03 |
-$97,850.00 |
| Gemmell, Forbes |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
10-24-24 |
50,000 |
$0.65 |
$32,500.00 |
| Gemmell, Forbes |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-50,000 |
$1.01 |
-$50,500.00 |
 By Ray Rivers
October 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday I cancelled my subscription to the Washington Post. In this, I’m joining many other journalists upset at the decision of the Post’s owner Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to ignore the advice of his editorial staff and make a political statement by pulling the plug on the decade’s long established practice of endorsing a candidate for presidency of the United States of America.
There is an argument, with which I agree in principle, that the news media should remain neutral and not be picking horses. But that stable burned down decades ago when former president Ronald Reagan scrapped the ‘fairness doctrine’ requiring broadcasters to be somewhat balanced in their reporting.
 That opened the door and unleashed talk-radio for hate mongering rants, and Fox and MSNBC to promote their respective partisan sides; and eventually paved the way for the various social media to broadcast ‘alternate facts’ and repeat them as if they were true. And all this has made partisan politics in America as nasty and solidified as it is today.
Bezos claiming he is reverting to neutrality is a thin excuse. And the timing of the 11th hour decision to override and shut down the editorial folks at the Post, who had already sculpted their endorsement, stinks to high heaven. The Post’s announcement comes on the heel of a similar policy change at the Los Angeles Times prompting their editorial chief to resign in protest.
Were these decisions, at this late date, made because the race has become a coin toss with Trump now gaining the momentum? Was fear of recrimination should he win the real reason why these American publishing giants chickened out? Both of these papers have been very critical of the Trump candidacy in their coverage – primarily because of his incessant lies, the nasty, crude personal attacks and because he was outed as a fascist.
After all, Trump had ranted about revoking the broadcasting license of CBS just because he didn’t like the 60 minutes episode featuring VP Harris. So what would he do to the Post and its owner if he wins? Recall that Trump has been given carte blanch immunity by his Supreme Court for whatever he chooses to do once elected president. And journalists feature high on his enemies list.
Trump is the candidate of the rich and famous, promising further tax cuts as he clings to the false promises of Ronald Reagan’s trickle down economic theory. Isn’t that why Elon Musk has come to his side, bringing his wealth and the weight of his X social media platform with him? Trump demands and rewards personal loyalty.
 Harris is a law and order, rules based, candidate who has talked about breaking up the large corporations and conglomerates and further taxing the wealthy. She argues that good fences make better neighbours and good regulations are good for the economy and us all. In essence, she has promised to steal from the rich and give to the (working) poor, the middle class, a modern day Robin Hood. That is a noble mission but it is easy to understand why Bezos’s, like Musk could be having second thoughts.
 History informs us of what happened to the free press when Hitler took power in Germany. Would an American fascist with unlimited power want to do the same thing? I guess American voters will have to make that call. And this time without the endorsement of a candidate by the Washington Post. As is the Post’s motto, Democracy dies in darkness.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background Links:
Washington Post Endorsement More Post Fairness Doctrine –
 By Pepper Parr
October 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Things were really brutal in Ottawa on Friday – the Liberals met as a caucus and gave the Prime Minister until the 28th, to give up his job and let the party choose a new leader to face the public not later than October 20, 2025.
Exciting stuff. My thinking was that the kid would hang in and face Pierre Poilievre in a federal election. Justin Trudeau is a great campaigner – he knows how to work a crowd and he loves being out there.
 Mark Carney in conversation with Nate Erskine-Smith. For lifelong Liberals he was the only choice; yes there are a handful that would want to run for the Liberal leadership if the job was available.
Not much time to hold a leadership convention – and is there a candidate that could, in my view win an election.
 Mark Carney Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada as well as Governor of the Bank of England has been touted as a good choice. My view was that he was unknown and untested and that it would be hard to see him as a solid retail politician who would excel on the hustings.
 Did you read his book? Values, it isn’t exactly a page-turner.
Yesterday I watched Mark Carney’s hour-long conversation with Nate Erskine-Smith. That conversation changed my mind.
First Carney knew his stuff – but more than that he was relaxed as he answered the questions – didn’t evade and came across as someone you would trust. Not a lot in the way of ego either.
But that is my opinion – what I’d like you to do is listen to the guy and make up your own mind. This guy is no push over and he knows that the problems we face are going to take time and money to resolve.
Does Carney want to be a candidate? I thought I heard Nate say he was prepared to canvas for Carney in the Spadina Waterfront riding when the election is called.
The conversation is HERE
Few will put in a full hour to hear what Carney has to say – but dip into the interview and listen. It would be really hard for the Liberals to do better. What drives the Gazette is the belief that: “Informed people can make informed decisions.”
Salt with Pepper is an opinion column reflecting the observations and musings of the publisher of the Gazette, an on-line newspaper that is in its 12th year as a news source in Burlington. The Gazette is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Connor Fraser
October 26th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Connor Fraser, a nomination contestant for the Conservative Party of Canada in the federal riding of Burlington, is inviting his two opponents, Emily Brown and Shaheryar Mian, to participate in a public debate.
 Connor Fraser  Emily Brown  “I am running on a platform of promoting greater competition in all domains within Canada. Competition in markets drives down prices and gives people more options, whether it’s at the pump, the grocery store, when choosing an airline ticket, or accessing banking services. But competition in politics is equally important. Our country has a dangerously low level of political competition, resulting in fewer choices for voters and fostering a culture of gatekeeping and patronage,” Connor said.
Fraser emphasized that his goal is to provide Burlington’s Conservative members with a platform for informed decision-making. “A robust, open debate will ensure members can make the best choice for our community and party,” he added.
Fraser believes a public debate will allow members to evaluate each candidate’s vision and readiness to represent Burlington in Ottawa, ensuring the strongest possible candidate is chosen.
As a neutral third-party organization unaffiliated with any nomination campaign, Connor is calling upon the Burlington Conservative Association to select a venue, appoint a moderator, and invite registered Conservative members from Burlington to attend.
Fraser’s campaign team has identified several venues, available to host a debate for 200+ attendees from 7 to 9 PM on the following dates:
Holiday Inn Burlington (3063 S. Service Road, L7N 3E9)
Tuesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 13
Burlington Convention Centre (1120 Burloak Drive, L7L 6P8)
Tuesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 6
Tuesday, November 12
Wednesday, November 13
Fraser hopes this debate will promote transparency and healthy competition, while also preparing the chosen candidate to effectively challenge incumbent MP Karina Gould in the general election.
“I’m ready to stand before Conservative members and demonstrate why I’m the best choice to represent Burlington in Ottawa. I challenge my opponents to meet me in this debate—let’s give our members the full transparency, competition, and leadership they deserve.”
By Staff
October 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The 2025 Budget book is out.
The first thing you notice is that isn’t that much smaller than the 2024 Budget – we already feel for Councillor Angelo Bentivegna who struggles with Budget books.
The public was promised a smaller Budget book – 614 pages this year; 780 last year.
The Mayor made an appearance in every ward to talk about the budget – the problem was that these events took place before the budget was released – the public had nothing to use as a reference.
The word “impact” gets used often – problem – -there isn’t a definition for a “budget impact”. No idea what it means – the impact is different for every tax payer. Some would prefer that there be no impact but that isn’t going to happen.
Eric Stern. Part of the BRAG community group with a copy of the 2025 Budget Book – pointing out that it is a “proposed” budget. BRAG wants to see lower taxes and less spending. BRAG – the Burlington Residents’ Action Group has a team of people who will be going through the 615 pages and commenting in depth on various spending areas.
The document goes to Council on November 4th
The schedule that gets to the point where the tax rate will be known is set out below.
Oct. 25, 2024
Mayor’s Proposed Budget Report has been shared with the community and posted on this page.
November 4, 2024 Budget is on the Council agenda. 7:00- 8:30 p.m.
Register to delegate (speak at the meeting)(External link) by 12:00 noon on November 1.
November 7, 2024 – Telephone Budget Town Hall
Hosted by Mayor Meed Ward, the telephone town hall provides the public with the opportunity to ask their questions about the proposed 2025 budget.
How to Participate
Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. If you would like your number to be added to the call-out list or the do-not-call list, please email getinvolved@burlington.ca(External link). by 1 pm Nov 7.
November 11, 2024 – Motion Memorandums (to propose amendments to Proposed Budget) due to Finance by 4:30 pm
November 18 & 21, 2024 Committee review of Proposed Budget, amendments proposed via Motion Memorandum process
November 25, 2024 Council review of Proposed Budget
Related news story:
What was promised earlier in the year wasn’t delivered today
By Staff
October 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Meed Ward has announced that her Speaker Series is back.
Next month’s theme is “Growth Is Coming”: What’s In It For You?
 Burlington is expected to grow to 265,000 people by 2051—how will we manage this growth while maintaining our quality of life and ensuring no one is left behind?
Join the Mayor and industry experts for an insightful panel discussion and Q&A on how we can meet the challenges of growth and build a better future for everyone.
WHEN: November 12th, 2024
DOORS & TRADESHOW: 6 PM
PANEL: 7 PM
LOCATION: The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and engage.
Register here: burlingtonpac.ca/events/mayors-speaker-series/
By Staff
October 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
 Not exactly a strong political statement about the current economy. Ontario had 13,400 fewer manufacturing jobs in September 2024 than June 2018, when Doug Ford’s Ontario PCs took power with a “guarantee” to bring back the 300,000 manufacturing jobs lost during the Liberal era.
From providing 14.7 per cent of all jobs in August 2004, Ontario’s manufacturing sector employed only 8.7 per cent of jobs in September 2024.
The number of manufacturing jobs has fallen from 1.818 million in June 2018 to 1.805 million in September 2024 despite 1.6 million more employed Ontario workers.
“You shouldn’t have to wait weeks to see a doctor. You shouldn’t have to be stuck in traffic for hours every single night,” Ford told Ontarians in 2018. “This province has lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs, and we will get them back. I guarantee you.”
 A couple of boys – pleased as punch with the budget they have produced – Data Shows that the economy has the province on the wrong side of the equalization payments Ottawa males to the provinces. Ontario has recently resorted to offering massive corporate subsidies to attract manufacturing jobs. The federal and provincial governments have together provided over $52 billion in public subsidies, over $20 billion from Ontario, to bring $46 billion in private investment to Ontario to develop an electric vehicle supply chain, according to a June 2024 report from the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Economic malaise turns Ontario into a have-not province
From 1975 to 2005, only on the most rare occasion did Ontario have an unemployment rate higher than the national average. But as Ontario’s manufacturing collapsed the province’s unemployment ran higher than the national average from 2005 to 2015.
After a brief return to lower than national rates from 2015 to 2020, emerging from the COVID recession Ontario’s unemployment rate has been higher than the national rate for 48 of the past 53 months, according to Statistics Canada.
In addition to his “guarantee” to create 300,000 manufacturing jobs, other big promises by Doug Ford to spur Ontario’s economy have not panned out.
A promise to create jobs through building 12,500 new housing units per month has fallen flat. Only 206,000 new housing units have been started since June 2018, 144,000 less than the 350,000 promised 28 months ago, CMHC data shows.
A promise to develop the ring of fire hasn’t put any shovels into the ground, instead stalling in court as First Nations, under whose traditional territories the minerals lie, allege the Ford government has failed to consult.
A pledge to stop skyrocketing electricity prices that drive away jobs has only been kept by pumping over $6 billion of public subsidies each year into Ontario’s power system.
Ontario’s ongoing economic malaise has changed the province from contributor to confederation to a have-not province that will receive $576 million in equalization payments in 2024-25.
The data and the content of this article came from DATA SHOWS, an organization that does economic research and analysis – they can be reached at: https://tparkin.substack.com
By Staff
October 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Evening council meetings are possible. As rare as these types of Council meetings are, the city has found a way to hold one—not to discuss and debate the city’s business, but to give the Mayor and Council to take part in eight photo ops.
October 29, 2024, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Special Meeting of Council
Civic Recogniton Ceremony – The city will recognize the following people and or groups. Why these ones? The Mayor will explain when she calls the meeting to order.
Al, Tina and Ty Price
The Pink Project
By Jim Portside
October 25th, 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.
Insider Trading explained.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
|
| Gold Reserve Ltd —–Buy Quantity: 50,000 Average cost: $3.39 Total: $169,601.25 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Camac Partners, LLC |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
50,000 |
$3.39 |
$169,601.25 |
|
| Zedcor Inc —–Buy Quantity: 44,000 Average cost: $2.63 Total: $115,720.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Doenz, Kyle Jay Cammann |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
44,000 |
$2.63 |
$115,720.00 |
|
| Yorbeau Resources Inc —–Buy Quantity: 1,200,000 Average cost: $0.04 Total: $54,000.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Gélinas, Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
1,200,000 |
$0.04 |
$54,000.00 |
|
| Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. (formerly Genius Properties Ltd.) —–Buy Quantity: 171,000 Average cost: $0.31 Total: $53,574.30 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| 2176423 Ontario Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
171,000 |
$0.31 |
$53,574.30 |
| Sprott, Eric |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
16 – Acquisition or disposition under a prospectus exemption |
10-24-24 |
171,000 |
$0.31 |
$53,574.30 |
|
| Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (formerly Quebec Silica Resources Corp.) —–Buy Quantity: 84,500 Average cost: $0.39 Total: $33,200.05 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Karagiannidis, John Ioannis |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
84,500 |
$0.39 |
$33,200.05 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| VersaBank —–Sell Quantity: -8,500 Average cost: $20.09 Total: -$170,729.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Hodge, Brent Tyler |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-22-24 |
-5,000 |
$20.26 |
-$101,324.00 |
| Kristo, Nikola |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
90 – Change in the nature of ownership |
10-23-24 |
0 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Kristo, Nikola |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-2,700 |
$19.82 |
-$53,525.00 |
| Kristo, Nikola |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-800 |
$19.85 |
-$15,880.00 |
|
| Oceanic Iron Ore Corp —–Sell Quantity: -165,000 Average cost: $0.20 Total: -$32,175.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Keep, Gordon |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
36 – Conversion or exchange |
10-22-24 |
75,000 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Keep, Gordon |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
54 – Exercise of warrants |
10-22-24 |
90,000 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Keep, Gordon |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-22-24 |
-165,000 |
$0.20 |
-$32,175.00 |
|
| New Stratus Energy Inc. (formerly Red Rock Energy Inc.) —–Sell Quantity: -28,501 Average cost: $0.47 Total: -$13,449.74 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Miranda, Mario Alejandro |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-22-24 |
-18,065 |
$0.47 |
-$8,490.55 |
| Miranda, Mario Alejandro |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-10,436 |
$0.48 |
-$4,959.19 |
|
| Tantalex Lithium Resources Corporation —–Sell Quantity: -481,000 Average cost: $0.02 Total: -$10,025.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Musk Ventures Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-202,000 |
$0.02 |
-$4,040.00 |
| Musk Ventures Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-24-24 |
-279,000 |
$0.02 |
-$5,985.00 |
|
| Molten Metals Corp —–Sell Quantity: -9,000 Average cost: $0.38 Total: -$3,380.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Ecclestone, Christopher |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
10-23-24 |
-9,000 |
$0.38 |
-$3,380.00 |
 By Julieta Belen Correa
October 25th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Women are making significant progress in the gaming industry by driving forward innovation and transformation. Their influence is reshaping not just the gaming experience but also the business landscape. Discover how female leaders are at the forefront of this change, setting new standards and inspiring future generations.
The Rise Of Female Leaders In Casinos
In recent years, women have increasingly taken on leadership roles within the casino industry, bringing fresh perspectives and creative strategies. This shift has changed the way casinos operate and introduced new approaches to customer engagement and technology integration. The introduction of blockchain technology along with the development of crypto casinos and online platforms such as Toonie bet showcase the innovation possible.
By challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers, these trailblazers are setting a precedent for future generations of female leaders in gaming, and the technologies that underpin it.
Notable women that are pushing blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and by extension the online casinos using them, are:
 Meltem Demirors Meltem Demirors is Chief Strategy Officer at CoinShares. Demirors speaks regularly on topics related to the cryptocurrency space and crypto education and is a proponent of the mainstream adoption of digital assets.
Preethi Kasireddy is a former engineer at Coinbase and founder of DappCamp. Kasireddy is interested in blockchain technology education and empowering future developers.
Alyse Killeen is a managing Partner at StillMark. Killeen is focused on investment in blockchain technology, emphasizing the importance of women’s involvement in the industry.
Innovative Strategies Transforming Gaming
The impact of women in leadership roles is evident through the numerous innovations being implemented in casinos worldwide. With a focus on leveraging technology to enhance user experiences, female executives are spearheading projects that incorporate virtual reality, mobile gaming apps and personalized customer service solutions. These advancements not only attract a more diverse clientele but also ensure that gaming remains an inclusive and engaging activity for everyone. By prioritizing sustainability and responsible gaming practices, women are paving the way for a more ethical and socially conscious industry.
Empowering Future Generations
As more women ascend to influential positions within the casino industry, they serve as role models for young women aspiring to enter this field. By sharing their experiences and successes, these leaders inspire others to pursue careers in areas traditionally dominated by men. Mentorship programs and initiatives supporting female professionals are increasingly common, providing valuable resources and networks that foster growth and development. This empowerment not only benefits individual careers but also enriches the industry by encouraging diversity and innovation.
Organizations Supporting Women In The Technologies Required To Upgrade The Casino Industry:
 A girl who can code. Women in Blockchain: A community aimed at promoting women’s participation in the blockchain space through networking events, mentorship and educational initiatives.
Girls Who Code: The organization helps young women gain skills in technology, including blockchain and crypto development.
She256: Is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity within the blockchain and crypto community, providing resources, mentorship and networking opportunities.
In Summary
 Critical skill: Being able to analyze data and arrive at conclusions – women are playing this role in the gaming industry. Diversity plays a crucial role in driving innovation within any industry, and the casino sector is no exception. The unique insights brought by women in leadership positions contribute to a broader understanding of customer needs and market trends. By fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, casinos can develop products and services that resonate with a wider audience and take advantage of technological innovations such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. This approach enhances profitability and ensures long-term success by adapting to changing consumer demands. Embracing diversity leads to more creativity, problem-solving and growth.
By Staff
October 24th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The unit is listed at 2,940 sq. ft of space.
Property Taxes – $27,948.58 a year, Maintenance Fees – $46,800.00 a year. That comes to a little over $6,000 a month: the unit includes 4 parking spots.
And where is this property?
 High in the sky – all yours for $4,999,900  The collection of guitars might be a clue as to who owns the suite. The balcony is bigger than some of the starter condos on the market.  The bathroom. Burlington – the best mid-sized city in the country!
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