We will make every Vote count

It’s written right there on the Liberal’s Real Change website, posted during the 2015 election: “We will make every vote count.”Right before the 2015 election, the Liberals wanted to change our voting system, and they wanted it done ASAP. In fact, they stated they were “committed to ensuring that 2015 will be the last federal election conducted under the first-past-the-post voting system.”This is great news for our democracy.Our current system is called, first-past-the-post voting. In this system, if the candidate you voted for in your riding doesn’t win, your vote is lost. As a result of this, more than half of all votes don’t count in current elections and majority governments are elected with less than 50% of the popular vote.Thanks to our voting system, here are your options when the political party/leader you like best is in third according to polls:

• Rather than vote, stay home because your vote won’t count.
• Vote for the party you like most and accept that your vote won’t count.
• Vote for second best because you don’t want your vote to be wasted…

Option (c) is called “strategic voting” which means you just wait around and watch the polls to figure out what everyone else is doing so you can figure out whom to vote for to block the worse option. Yes, make up your mind based on what you think other people might do. Not very inspiring, is it?In the 2011 federal elections, and for the first time ever, the Liberals were a victim and not a beneficiary of strategic voting. It’s ironic, since Liberals always tell NDP and Green voters to vote strategically to block Conservatives. In the end, the Liberals ended up in third place for the first time ever. And man, were they bitter about it.Thanks to our first-past-the-post system, the Liberals ended up with almost 20% of the votes but only 11% of the seats in parliament. That meant almost half of all Liberal votes were effectively wasted and ignored. Another silly by-product of the election was that Harper got a majority government when 60% of people voted against him. A majority government means that one party has 100% of the power until the next election.So, the Liberals began talking about changing the voting system to make “every vote count”. It only took a historic colossal defeat for the Liberal establishment to finally talk about doing the right thing.Proportional representation makes every vote countLuckily, there is currently a voting system that counts every vote. That system is called proportional representation and it appears in far more countries than our system. In fact, 7 of the top 10 countries as ranked by the Legatum Prosperity Index have a form of proportional representation. Only one country, Canada (ranked 6^th), uses first-past-the-post voting.In proportional representation, the percentage of seats a party receives in parliament is proportional to the number of votes they receive across the province or country. That means if your candidate doesn’t win the seat, then your vote still has an effect on the make-up of government. No more wasted votes.In 2011, under proportional representation, the Liberals would have received 20% of the seats because they received 20% of the votes. The Conservatives would have had a minority government with 40% of the seats in parliament. A minority government means politicians have to compromise with other parties in order to table a budget and make things happen. This means that even if the party you wanted loses, they (and therefore you) still have a say on policy.Proportional representation makes every vote count, diminishes the need for strategic voting and only creates majority governments when they are deserved.Will the Liberals improve our democracy or simply help themselves?The results of this past election may in fact be a terrible blow to electoral reform. With a country-wide anti-Harper swing, strategic voting gave the Liberals a majority government (with only 39% of the vote!).We saw that the Liberals became serious about changing the voting system when they thought it could benefit them. Now that our unfair electoral system has benefited them again, will they change it?If they do, my bet is that they will go for preferential/ranked ballot because it is the system they believe will benefit them the most. In this system, you rank your first, second, third, etc. choice when you vote but it does not fix the fact that your first choice will likely get ignored. As such, millions and millions of first place votes will get wasted again. Ranked ballot systems are a terrible choice for creating multi-party democracy and easily create majority government even though the winner gets less than 50% of people’s first choice.The Liberals like this because they believe they are everybody’s second choice and thus ranked ballot will benefit THEM the most.In their platform, the Liberals said they would “convene an all-party Parliamentary committee to review a wide variety of reforms”. Sounds fair, right? They can easily stack the committee with politicians to get the result they want.The real way to make every vote count is proportional representation, a system of government that respect’s people first choice on how they believe their country and province should be run. What the Liberals do on improving our democracy above all will determine if they are serious about real change.

Can you believe?

         When it comes to product labeling, the award for first place goes to Unilever for a product they dubbed, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” It isn’t; and to be truthful I’m not quite sure what it is. You know; it’s the white and yellow tub that sits on the margarine shelf in the supermarket; the one that is periodically put on sale for $1.It was the name of the product that induced me to try it and I have to admit that it’s the taste that keeps me using it. Although when I read the ingredients I can’t fully understand why I keep eating it.The package boldly proclaims “Made with Sweet Cream Buttermilk” but on the ingredient list, in tiny letters, says, “Buttermilk powder (milk)”.   Product labeling regulations in both Canada and United States require ingredients on package labels to be listed in the order of their quantity from largest to smallest. They don’t have to give the quantities (ie. reveal their recipe) but they must provide you with the ingredients.   In this product, buttermilk comes after salt so you can infer from this that the entire one pound (454 gram) tub of margarine contains less “sweet cream buttermilk”; err sorry, “buttermilk powder” than it does salt.What happened to the “sweet cream buttermilk”? In fact there is no milk at all. On the original package they did discretely mention, in small letters, that it was “margarine”, sort of in a whisper. Now it has become a “SPREAD” although they call it a “buttery spread” (whatever that means).   It should be re-named; “Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter or Even Margarine Spread!” Wikipedia tells us that the product was developed in 1979 by the J.H. Filbert Company based in Baltimore Maryland before it was bought out by Unilever.   Unilever is a multinational corporation. It owns more than 400 brands.   They brought “almost butter” to Canada back in 1991.I love their commercial. A handsomely masculine bearded guy kneading dough at an outdoor market smiles and says to a couple of attractive women, “I love making the kind of food you really love putting in your body” 100% taste, 0% artificial preservatives, purified water (just like it comes out of your tap), “just a pinch of salt”.   Oops…that pinch of salt is actually 90 milligrams per tablespoon, which is much more than the pinch in the Canadian product which contains 60 mg. of salt per two teaspoons.If the Canadian teaspoons are metric teaspoons and the tablespoon is a U.S. tablespoon the salt content will be even higher, 133 mg, that’s more than double!   I telephoned the company to ask but the consumer representative didn’t know.Oh by the way, the fine print on their web site candidly confesses to unavoidably using some genetically modified oils (just a trace) but not to worry; there may even be less than the “sweet cream buttermilk” in their Canadian Product.   Sorry but the healthier version hasn’t come to Canada yet.   As their website proclaims, “Now that’s something you can feel good about.”The “can’t believe” website boldly avers: “We believe that what we take out is just as important as what we put into our buttery spreads”.Their commercial ends with, “It’s time to believe.”But is it?

Hundreds of people lined up for the famous annual Turkey Giveaway at Downsview Park

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we reflect on our blessings and show gratitude for the little things. It is a great time to get together with friends and family to share food, drinks and laughs. For the ninth year in a row the Downsview Park Merchant’s Market gave away hundreds of frozen turkeys, bags of potatoes, cranberry sauce and/or pasta at their annual event on the thanksgiving long weekend. This event gives families, who normally wouldn’t be able to afford a big turkey dinner, the chance to enjoy this holiday stress free. It builds the community and ensures the inclusion of all during this time of year. The Merchant Market fully funds and oversees all costs associated with the giveaway and vendors from the Farmer’s Market donate hundreds of pounds of potatoes. Thousands of visitors stopped by the market on Sunday, October 11 to participate in the successful event. MPP Judy Sgro and Liberal candidate Michael Levitt participated in the lineups. There was fantastic entertainment by Naomi that sang while people waiting in line for their turkey. “It was truly wonderful to see so many smiles on so many faces as residents picked up their turkeys. We love the opportunity to give back to the community every year.”For more information on this event contact: bobborielly@gmail.com or dpmarket@msn.com.By: Maria Solis

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Ingredients:Pumpkin Pie Filling1.75 cups of canned pumpkin puree3/4 cup of brown sugar1/4 of white sugar3/4 cup evaporated milk2 eggs1 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp nutmeg1/2 tsp cardammon1/4 tsp lemon zest1/4 tsp saltPie Crust1 cup all purpose flour1/3 cup butter1/2 tsp salt3 -4 tbs of water1 pie tinWhipped Cream1/4 cup of 35% cream3-4 tbs of confectioner sugarDirectionsPumpkin Pie Filling1. Beat the eggs in a bowl2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl with the eggs3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, followed by the evaporated milk.4. Stir until everything is combined well. Pie Crust5. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and break it down in the flour6. Continue to break the butter down in the flour until no cubes remains7. Add salt and water.8. Knead well until pie crust is smooth (add more water as needed)9. Roll your pie crust flat and place it in your pie tin10. Crimp the edges neatly.11. Fill the pie shell with your pumpkin pie mixture and place it in the oven at 425 degrees for 10 minutes and then lower the temperature to 350 for an additional 30 minutes (or the inside is baked)12. Allow pie to cool for 2 hoursWhipped Cream13. Add your cream and confectioner sugar into a bowl.14. Whisk until a hard peak is formed.15. Serve whipped cream on top of the pumpkin pie.By: Vincent Polsinelli

An aspiring, 11 year-old, goalie with over 30 silver and gold medals

“Determined would be the best word to describe him, he believes this is what he’s going to do for the rest of his life.” Joseph Macri is not your average 11 year old boy; he’s an aspiring goalie with over 30 silver and gold medals. Since age four he’s been on the ice and loving every moment. He’s now a “top goalie, every year at every level” says his proud father, Pino Macri. From a young age he demonstrated passion for the game. Most kids don’t wake up in the morning wanting to get on the ice and learn to play hockey, but Joseph loves it. Although he’s had several Triple A offers, his father decided to hold off so that Joseph could focus more on his skill building. He is now playing Double A and also plays with the Toronto GT Capitols and on his school hockey team. Joseph takes hockey “very seriously” says his dad. “He’s on the ice 13 times a week; gets up at 6:00 a.m. every morning to practice and does an hour and a half of dry land training in the afternoon.” This past September, Joseph received a scholarship to attend PEAC, an elite school for athletes that specializes in hockey, lacrosse, figure skating, soccer, rugby and baseball. The schools mission is to further the development of student-athletes and to help them become respectful individuals, top level performers in their sport, and life-long learners who are career-oriented. When asked how he felt to be attending PEAC, Joseph said: “Good! I feel proud of myself.” Every kid in the school trains specifically to their sport. Goalie training includes an hour and a half Monday to Thursday and one hour of strength training per week. Fridays are used to catch up academically and for tournaments that also go through the weekend. The school has the highest ratio for athlete to coach and Joseph is the youngest goalie, training alongside two 16 year old goalies that have been drafted to the OHL. To Joseph, the hardest part of being a goalie is “the concentration in the game, it’s hard to stay in the game.” But when asked how he prepares for a game he says: “I think about it in my head and visualize the game and focus really hard.” His training includes a lot of learning to control the ice and speed intolerance. Robb Nelson, Managing Director at PEAC described Joseph as “hardworking, ambitious and hungry to get better and wants to be the best.” Joseph’s determination, dedication and passion for hockey has impressed many people he’s come to know. His coaches have nothing but great things to say about him and are so proud of his ability to take direction and defend the game as a goalie. "In all my years in hockey development... even at the NHL level... I have never met an individual with more courage than Joseph! As a net minder his passion to stop a puck is second to none. I would recommend Joseph to any coach looking for a goalie with a great attitude and willingness to battle every shot he faces!” Tim Turk, Goalie Coach Joseph and Pino Macri would like to give a very special thank you to: Tim Turk, goalie coach; Joe Venuto & Trisha Kalezic, of Impact Hockey; Robb Nelson from PEAC; and to Todd Miller of the OHL Barrie Colts and all coaches for their years of hard work with Joseph. Joseph’s favourite NHL team is the Montreal Canadians and his favourite player is Perry Price, goalie for Montreal Canadians. Watch out for this kid, his proven potential and good work ethic will likely get him into the NHL one day!By: Maria Solis

Dufferin Finch BIA well on its way to new prosperity

The Keele Street and Finch Avenue West intersection is fast being transformed to a vibrant, exciting hub of economic and urban activity. We know about the new, to-be-opened-in-2017 Finch West Subway Station, as well and the upcoming Finch West LRT, to start construction in 2017 with completion in 2021. This intersection is a main gateway to the Finch Dufferin Business Improvement Area (BIA). The ground-breaking on September 17, 2015 of the attractive, 8-storey 165,000 sq. ft. professional and medical centre, the University Heights Professional and Medical Centre, at 35 Tangiers Road at the south-east corner with Finch Avenue West demonstrates that the Dufferin Finch BIA is well on the way to revitalization and new prosperity. It shows how private investors are betting on Finch Avenue. It is worth noting that 35 Tangiers Road will be a nice place to work, get medical and other help, or shop (there will be retail on the ground floor). The building will have the latest in environmental sustainability and efficiencies (including a green roof). Its 89 units will have an AAA office space designation with a 250 spaces underground garage. This is a change to the type of development that we have seen in the area, and perhaps the first of many new things to come. The fact that Keele and Finch is destined to be an exciting mixed use, urban hub should not be surprising though. The public transit improvements are complemented by Canada’s 3rd largest post-secondary institution at York University to the north and Canada’s first completely digital Humber River Regional Hospital to the South. There is also the massive changes that will be made to the Downsview Park once that takes final shape. The 2,500 businesses and 32,000 workers of Dufferin Finch BIA district will be affected by these changes and so will the neighbouring communities. It is an exciting opportunity to build a better community.By: Joe Pantalone

South side Succotash

South side Succotash(Serves 6-8 people)2 cans of whole kernel corn6 strips of bacon ( diced )1/2 of a red onion ( diced )2 cloves of garlic ( minced )Season with Salt and Pepper to tastePreparation:Dice six strips of bacon, and put in a medium sized pot or saucepan and cook until fat is rendered. Add 2 cans of whole kernel corn, half of a diced red onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the bacon. Stir continuously until all ingredients have lightly browned.By: Matthew

Hand Sewing 101 - Part 3

Whether it’s your favorite dress, skirt or pair of pants, curtains – you name it- the ability to hem (raiing or lowering the bottom edge of a garment or fabric) allows you to change the tyle and look of your clothes and home furnihingsTool required. Sewing needle,1. Thread your needle, thread2. Turn wrong side garment to wrong side, testing the desired length.3. Pin garment in place.4. Secure hen using running basting stitch, 1/2 inch away from raw edge.5. Sew hem in place using catch titch: tie knot at end of thread to secure stitch.6. Move rigth 1/4 inch and take a stitch in the outside.7. Repeat steps until hem is complete. To finish, make a back stitch or tie knot to secure. Remove basting thread and press lightly with an iron.By: Desmond

Yet Another Consumer RIP OFF

Canadians have a love/hate relationship with health care.  We are proud of our universal health care system; in fact we brag about it when we talk to our American relatives.    It’s the extra little charges that make us angry. We bristle when the doctor charges us $5 to fax a prescription to our pharmacy or when a podiatrist charges a $95 “new patient registration” fee.    But nothing makes us boil more than the creative ways hospitals invent to rip us off.  Almost everyone thinks ill of outrageous hospital parking fees and the myriad of extra charges like telephone rental fees they tag onto your hospital bill. Here is another one that you probably haven’t thought about. I’m an insulin dependent diabetic.  One night before going to bed I took a triple dose of the wrong insulin.  The paramedic sent by 911 suggested he take me to the Humber River Hospital emergency where they could monitor my blood sugar throughout the night. Two weeks later I received a bill from the hospital for $45 for ambulance service.  Now I happen to know that ambulance service is provided free of charge by the City of Toronto to Toronto residents.  The cost comes out of property taxes.  I ignored the bill. A month later I received a second invoice so I wrote to the hospital: The hospital responded by sending me a copy of the original bill with the words “AMBULANCE SERVICE” emphasized. I wrote back to the Patient Accounts department.    Now, as Prime Minister Harper is fond of saying, “let me be clear about this”.   I could pay the bill and my Manulife supplementary Insurance policy would reimburse me the $45.  It’s not so much the money as the principle.   I will not pay it because; having served on the City’s Committee that provides ambulance services I recognize it for the rip-off that it is.  It’s not just the Humber River Hospital; all the Toronto hospitals do it.  The hospitals get away with it because most people pay it.  They don’t recognize it as the boondoggle it is.Does the hospital have the legal authority to levy this charge?Yes they do.There is a little known Ontario regulation that permits them to do it.  But what is worse the Ontario Government is a partner in this deception and the Minister of Health has never been able to explain why.  You see, the hospital keeps about half the money and sends the balance to the province. I’m prepared to go to small claim’s court and defend my position.  The hospital provides no service whatsoever for this fee.  If I had arrived at the emergency department in a taxi or by TTC they would have no excuse to charge it. Is it any wonder that fewer and fewer Canadians are reluctant to make charitable donations to hospitals?  By: Howard Moscoe

Hand Sewing 101 - How to Hem

Whether it’s your favorite dress, skirt or pair of pants, curtains - you name it- the ability to hem (raiing or lowering the bottom edge of a garment or fabric) allows you to change the tyle and look of your clothes and home furnihingsTool required. Sewing needle,1. Thread your needle, thread2. Turn wrong side garment to wrong side, testing the desired length.3. Pin garment in place.4. Secure hen using running basting stitch, 1/2 inch away from raw edge.5. Sew hem in place using catch titch: tie knot at end of thread to secure stitch.6. Move rigth 1/4 inch and take a stitch in the outside.7. Repeat steps until hem is complete. To finish, make a back stitch or tie knot to secure. Remove basting thread and press lightly with an iron.