Insider Trading Data Filed Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to Thursday,

By James Portside

January 17th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON


This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.

The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:

Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 99,700 Average cost: $5.50 Total: $548,294.92
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Morguard Corporation 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-15-25 57,400 $5.50 $315,644.92
Morguard Corporation 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-14-25 14,400 $5.50 $79,200.00
Morguard Corporation 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 27,900 $5.50 $153,450.00
First National Financial Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 12,824 Average cost: $39.00 Total: $500,136.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
FNSC Holdings Inc. 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-14-25 6,412 $39.00 $250,068.00
Smith Financial Corporation 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift 01-14-25 -6,412 $38.99 -$250,003.88
Smith, Stephen 4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-14-25 6,412 $39.00 $250,068.00
Smith, Stephen 4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) 47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift 01-14-25 -6,412 $38.99 -$250,003.88
Morguard Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 3,200 Average cost: $111.00 Total: $355,200.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Armoyan, Sime 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 3,200 $111.00 $355,200.00
Jaguar Mining Inc —–Buy Quantity: 120,800 Average cost: $2.23 Total: $268,828.32
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
2176423 Ontario Ltd. 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 60,400 $2.23 $134,414.16
Sprott, Eric 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 60,400 $2.23 $134,414.16
Tourmaline Oil Corp —–Buy Quantity: 2,500 Average cost: $66.44 Total: $166,109.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Rose, Mike 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-16-25 2,500 $66.44 $166,109.00
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:

G Mining Ventures Corp —–Sell Quantity: -514,622 Average cost: $13.17 Total: -$6,780,144.22 Options Issued: 34,622 Average cost: $0.00 Total: $0.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
La Mancha Capital Management GP 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -160,000 $13.19 -$2,109,904.00
La Mancha Investments S.à r.l. 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -160,000 $13.19 -$2,109,904.00
Loza-Sawiris, Yousriya 3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -160,000 $13.19 -$2,109,904.00
MacDonald, Norman 4 – Director of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-13-25 34,622 $0.00 $0.00
MacDonald, Norman 4 – Director of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -34,622 $13.01 -$450,432.22
Canadian Natural Resources Limited —–Sell Quantity: -85,504 Average cost: $45.00 Total: -$3,847,721.98 Options Issued: 85,504 Average cost: $10.85 Total: $927,977.44
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Balog, Brenda Gayle 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-13-25 4,504 $19.36 $87,197.44
Balog, Brenda Gayle 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -4,504 $45.37 -$204,341.98
Stainthorpe, Mark Allen 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-15-25 81,000 $10.38 $840,780.00
Stainthorpe, Mark Allen 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-15-25 -81,000 $44.98 -$3,643,380.00
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp —–Sell Quantity: -103,000 Average cost: $17.09 Total: -$1,760,770.00 Options Issued: 105,000 Average cost: $11.85 Total: $1,244,250.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-13-25 35,000 $9.49 $332,150.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-13-25 -35,000 $17.20 -$602,000.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-14-25 38,300 $12.38 $474,323.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-14-25 -38,300 $16.96 -$649,680.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 51 – Exercise of options 01-15-25 31,700 $13.81 $437,777.00
Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri 4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-15-25 -31,700 $17.10 -$542,070.00
Carlson, Tavis Aaron 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-16-25 2,000 $16.49 $32,980.00
Byrna Technologies, Inc —–Sell Quantity: -43,731 Average cost: $39.89 Total: -$1,744,562.19
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Eng, Victor 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-15-25 -43,731 $39.89 -$1,744,562.19
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited —–Sell Quantity: -10,000 Average cost: $120.27 Total: -$1,202,730.00
Insider Relationship Transaction Date Quantity Price Total
Girard, Dominique 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer 10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market 01-14-25 -10,000 $120.27 -$1,202,730.00


What is Insider Trading?

How Insider Trading works.

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10 Busiest Airports in Canada

By Lisa Nathalie

January 17th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

 Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.

Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.

10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)

Kelowna Airport – gets people into the heart of British Columbia wine regions.

You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.

9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The Billy Bishop Airport is minutes from Toronto’s downtown core.

Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.

8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.

7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.

6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)

As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for  Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.

The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.

5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.

The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.

4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.

YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.

3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.

YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.

2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Some people choose to dine at the airport before their departure. Vancouver has a superb restaurant that uses an Indigenous theme at its entrance.

Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.

Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.

1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto’s Pearson Airport

With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.

Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.

Canada, Connected

With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’s remotest communities.

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Just how much trouble is North American media in?

By Pepper Parr

January 17th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

If you want to know just how much trouble media is in North America try this on for size.

Jeff Bezos with his second wife Laura Sanchez

The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, who owns the Amazon organization told the Post editorial staff they were not to endorse any candidate during the election.

The Post was said to be getting ready to endorse Kamala Harris.

The Post had a tag line, Democracy Dies in Darkness, that was always published under the title of the newspaper.

Continue reading Just how much trouble is North American media in?

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Taxpayer Rebate Cheques Now Being Sent to Ontario Families

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

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Shocking Truth: How Economic Sanctions Are Crashing Global Currencies

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:

  1. Check on the news imposing or tightening sanctions that may have an impact on currencies and stock prices;
  2. Analyze the long-term effects on a currency due to sanctions, including a dependency on the export of a limited commodity;
  3. Of course, diversify the portfolio to mitigate the exposure to geopolitical risks;
  4. 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.

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Skyway Community Centre

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.

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Public engagement opportunities to shape Burlington’s ward boundaries start Feb. 4

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

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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 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

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What can the citizens of the City expect during 2025? Chaos? Prosperity?

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?

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Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

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

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Carbon Pricing is on  the Chopping Table

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

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City getting $14 million over ten years to improve transit infrastructure.

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.

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The inflation-protected, defined benefit pension plan lives on in a sector where competition and bankruptcy don't exist. 

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. 

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Waterdown wants to become part of Burlington

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

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Carbon tax rebate is supposed to be in your bank today

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

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Doug Ford’s housing failure cost billions in lost investment last year

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

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Halton's Internship and Summer Student programs can set you up to thrive in public service

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.

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Karina Gould is going to run for the Liberal Party leadership

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

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Karina Gould as Prime Minister? Possible

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

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Is Trump wanting Canada to be his 51st state serious or is it Trump just being Trump

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

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