The Tilbury Times

Year: 2021

  • Trudeau promises to hike taxes on Canada’s big banks, insurance companies

    Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said today a re-elected government led by him would raise the corporate taxes paid by Canada’s “largest and most profitable” financial services firms to help pay for his promised multi-billion dollar housing program.
    Speaking to reporters at a campaign stop in Surrey, B.C., Trudeau said Canada’s major banks and insurance companies have recovered from the COVID-19 crisis better than companies in just about any other industry and should pay more to help offset the cost of ambitious post-pandemic programs.
    The commitment comes during a week when Canada’s banks are reporting eye-popping quarterly profits  fueled by the capital reserves they set aside last year to guard against possible COVID-related loan losses.
    The banks are also sitting on piles of cash because regulators have blocked them temporarily from distributing more money to investors through dividends and share repurchases.
    Trudeau said that, if re-elected, his government would raise the corporate income tax rate by three percentage points — from 15 per cent to 18 per cent — on all bank and insurance earnings over $1 billion to support middle-class Canadians in their goal of home ownership.
    Trudeau announced on Tuesday a three-point housing plan — a program to give Canadians more financial support to buy a home, boost the housing supply and establish a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights that would ban real estate practices like blind bidding.

    Tax measures worth $2.5 billion per year, say Liberals

    Trudeau said today that a re-elected Liberal government would also establish something called the Canada recovery dividend, which would force these same financial institutions to contribute more over the next four years of Canada’s recovery.
    While details about this dividend remain thin, the party said the sums banks and insurance companies would have to pay would be decided in consultation over the coming months with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and would be levied over a four-year period.
    The party said these two initiatives would generate a minimum of $2.5 billion a year over the next four years, starting in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

    Liberals promise to target tax avoidance

    Trudeau said the government wouldn’t tolerate sophisticated tax planning or profit-sharing by companies looking to dodge the new measures. He promised new targeted anti-avoidance rules to ensure the companies pay what the Liberals want them to pay.
    The party is also promising to enhance the powers of the federal Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to better police excessive fees charged to customers and to ensure the cost of the new corporate tax measures is not passed on to consumers.
    NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has been pushing Trudeau to rein in what the banks can charge their customers during this health crisis. The party has asked the government to try to temporarily block the banks from charging interest on mortgages and cut credit card fees paid by small businesses for payment processing.
    Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole has also promised to take on the big banks. In the platform released last week, the party promised a Conservative government would bring in legislation to allow for more banking competition by fintech companies, order the Competition Bureau to investigate bank fees and require more transparency for investment management fees so seniors and savers don’t get ripped off.
    John Paul Tasker  · CBC News

  • Construction Notice: Bronte & Victoria St

    By: Laura Steiner
    The Town of Milton is widening Bronte St from the intersection of Main and Bronte, north to Steeles.
    As part of the project there will be overnight work done at the intersection of Bronte St and Victoria starting overnight Wednesday (August 25) through to the morning of August 26.  Additional work may be required on the evening of August 26 through into the morning of August 27.
    The project will include the urbanization of Bronte (replacing ditches with curbs and gutters), watermain replacement, the realignment of Bronte South at the rail crossing, and much more.  The widening project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2023.  For more information visit the town’s website

  • I risked my life for the Canadian military in Afghanistan, now my family is in danger

    This First Person article is the experience of Ahmad Malgarai, who served as a cultural and language advisor to both the Canadian and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ

    My name is Ahmad Malgarai. I was born in Afghanistan. I came to Canada as a refugee and am currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Economics at Carleton University.
    The recent miseries of the Afghan people began with the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 by what was then referred to as the Soviet Union. The Afghan people fought and defeated the invasion, helping to facilitate the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall. These were significant accomplishments in the world’s recent history, for which the Afghan people paid dearly. Over one million Afghans lost their lives, another 1.5 million were disabled, more than seven million of our people were forced into exile, and the country’s infrastructure was razed to the ground.
    n April 1992, various rebel groups, together with newly rebellious government troops, stormed the besieged capital of Kabul and overthrew the president, Mohammad Najibullah (new window). A transitional government, sponsored by various rebel factions, proclaimed an Islamic republic, but jubilation was short-lived. Mujahideen parties began to barrage (new window) the city with artillery and rockets. These attacks continued intermittently over the next several years as Kabul slipped into chaos (new window).

    Choosing Canada

    Like many young Afghans, I had the ambition to live in peace and pursue my education. My father had an import/export business and frequently travelled to Europe. I remember my father used to tell us that he heard nice things about Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau from his German friends. He advised us to choose Canada for resettlement if we ever got a chance to leave Afghanistan.
    I was a young man when I came to Canada as a refugee and hardly knew anyone. I landed in Montreal and moved to Ottawa, which has been my home ever since. My family meanwhile moved to refugee camps in Pakistan; I worked tirelessly in low-paying jobs to provide for them.
    With the arrival of the international community to rescue Afghans after 9/11, like many Afghan Canadians, I saw this as an opportunity to rebuild war-torn Afghanistan, so I returned there.
    The Canadian and U.S. forces employed me as a civilian in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008 and from 2011 to 2016. During that time, I served as a cultural and language advisor.
    I worked both inside the wire at the Kandahar airfield, known as KAF, and outside the camp in the dangerous districts of Regional Command South (RC-South). I was on patrols hit by rifle fire and IED explosions. I risked my life for Canada’s soldiers and the Afghan people. I earned many recommendations from the Canadian military and the Afghan government for my service.
    I was praised, but not always trusted.
    Once, while en route to see the governor of Kandahar province, our convoy was hit by a massive car bomb (1.5 tonnes of ammonium nitrate). Our casualties were evacuated to Kandahar city. While on the stretcher, as a military physician assistant was removing sands from my eyes, I felt someone’s hand in my pocket reaching for my phone. They told me they were from the Canadian forces protection team and wanted to check my phone to see who I called before we departed KAF.
    I was very offended and complained to the task force commander. I got a call from the intelligence commander and was told that what happened to me was justified because I was the only Afghan Canadian in the convoy, which would make me a suspect. He (a major) continued by saying, You love the people of Afghanistan and you are influential and smart and that makes you dangerous for us.

    ‘I was considered dangerous’

    During my tour in Kandahar, I worked hard to make it easy for people to engage with Canadian forces to help build relationships and save the lives of Canadian soldiers and Afghan civilians. And yet I was considered dangerous.
    Now my family in Afghanistan is in danger and facing Taliban reprisal — and the ministers of Immigration and Citizenship and Global Affairs say that they don’t qualify for the emergency resettlement program introduced by the Canadian government.
    I need help and yet receive none from the Canadian government as a token of appreciation for my service.
    The Taliban is intensifying a search for people who worked with U.S., Canadian and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban have been conducting targeted door-to-door visits of people they want to apprehend and their family members.
    They are targeting the families of those who refuse to give themselves up, and prosecuting and punishing those families according to Sharia law. My family members are in hiding, but the Canadian government says they don’t qualify for help.
    I guess I did not sacrifice enough.
    Ahmad Malgarai  · for CBC First Person ·
     

  • Halton Region Advocates for its Priorities at AMO

    By: Laura Steiner
    Halton Regional Councilors attended the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference August 15-18 on a virtual basis.  The conference serves as an opportunity for councilors to network with cabinet ministers, as well as take advantage of educational opportunities.
    “The Minister meetings at AMO provide an opportunity to bring forward issues and concerns related to COVID-19 recovery, and important investments to ensure the continued health, safety and resiliency of our residents and businesses now and into the future, Halton Region Chair Gary Carr said.
    Regional Councilors were able to meet with provincial cabinet ministers on Halton’s issues including investments in long-term care, public health resources to support COVID-19 recovery, and growth-related infrastructure.
    Educational sessions available included COVID-19’s impact on municipal service delivery, broadband connectivity in Ontario, as well as changes to Conservation authorities.  For more information on the Region of Halton’s advocacy work visit the region’s website.

  • Town of Milton Receives Digital Main St Grant

    Town of Milton Receives Digital Main St Grant

    By: Laura Steiner
    The Town of Milton has received a $25,000 grant from the Province of Ontario’s Digital Main St. program.  The money will be used to continue the Digital Service Squad (DSS) which provides digital specialists to small businesses in order to help them adapt online technologies.
    “Milton’s Digital Service Squad ensures business owners continue to have access to free resources and the technical support they need to not only recover through this pandemic, but to continue modernizing for years to come,” Mayor Gord Krantz said.  The initiative is part of renewed funding from government agencies including Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev).
    The program is administered by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA), in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIA (Business Improvement Areas).  “We are thrilled to support the Town of Milton DSS and help them provide assistance to more small businesses than ever,” Executive Director of OBIAA Kay Matthews said.
    The DSS initiative is made up of squads of trained digital specialists who meet with business owners at no cost to help them build their digital knowledge and skills.  This includes updating Google Business Profiles, taking photos, and providing information on the ShopHere program.  “This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever,” Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Nina Tangri said.  The experts are able to help businesses develop their digital transformation plan, as well as apply for a one-time $2,500 grant to implement it. For more information visit the Town of Milton’s website

  • Project Icarus Makes Largest Drug Seizure in HRPS history

    By: Saeed Akhtar, and Laura Steiner/ Local Journalism Initiative
    The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has successfully concluded ‘Project Icarus.’ The operation started with the arrest of a single suspect, and ended up with 12 arrests, and the largest drug seizure in HRPS’ history.
    “Through hard work and collaboration our dedicated officers turned a small investigation of a single suspect into a significant project. Icarus has removed drugs, guns and criminals from the streets of not just Halton but the entire GTA (Greater Toronto Area)”, HRPS Deputy Chief Jeff Hill said.   The first arrest was made October 2020.
    The operation became a combined forces’ operation with the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, Peel Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency collectively known as “Project Icarus.”  The results included the seizure of the following:

    • 27 kilograms of cocaine;
    • 15 kilograms of ecstasy (MDMA);
    • Over 1000 kilograms of cannabis in bulk, edible, and resin form;
    • One .40 caliber Glock handgun;
    • One 9mm Glock handgun;
    • Prohibited magazines; and
    • One 12 gauge shotgun and 1,100 rounds of ammunition.

    Other items seized included the fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine.  The operation also seized over $100,000 worth of jewelry and cars. “The results of this investigation exemplify the incredible work that our officers and our law enforcement partners do every single day to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities we serve. The types and amounts of illicit drugs seized during this investigation should be highly concerning to everyone,” Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said.
    As result of Project Icarus the following suspects have been arrested and charged:
    James Ferrier (27) of Toronto:
    Charged with: with possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2), and possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking.
    James Ferrier (27) of Toronto:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2)
    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking

    John Byard (40) of Mississauga:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking

    Trevor Harwood (42) of Etobicoke:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2)
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

    Jile Cai (34) of Etobicoke:

    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

    Anthony Mason (39) of Hamilton:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
    • Trafficking a Controlled Substance (x2)
    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

    Brian Aguiar (32) of Burlington:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (x4)
    • Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon (x2)
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle (x2)
    • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x2)
    • Breach of Firearms Regulation (x2)
    • Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
    • Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Crime

    Ana Antunes (30) of Burlington:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking

    Crystal Giang (30) of North York:

    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

    Thanh Ma (31) of Newmarket:

    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution

    Project Icarus secured 130 judicial warrants across the GTA.  They identified what police describe as an “extensive organized group.

  • Conservative Nadeem Akbar Opens Campaign Office

    By: Laura Steiner
    Conservative candidate Nadeem Akbar opened his campaign office in Milton today.  He held a casual drop-in to to 147 Main St East (former CIBC bank building).

    Nadeem Akbar (centre) speaks to supporters at his campaign office in Milton Saturday afternoon.
    Image Credit: Laura Steiner/ Milton Reporter

    He made a brief speech introducing himself to the crowd.  “I’m always available to you guys.  Any time you want to reach out to me, you can come any time,” he said.  The office is at 147 Main St East, across from Jay’s Ice Cream.
    The Federal Conservatives unveiled a platform last week outlining their COVID-19 recovery strategy.  Election Day is September 20, 2021.  For more information on how to vote visit Elections Canada website 

  • Liberal van Koeverden Begins Second Election Campaign

    By: Laura Steiner
    Canadian Parliament has been dissolved, triggering the 44th general election.  In 2019, Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden replaced Conservative Lisa Raitt.  van Koeverden, opened his campaign office on Main St Friday kicking off his bid for a second term.
    “We’re running the same positive, inclusive campaign, and fun campaign as we did two years ago,” he described in an interview.  He’s running on his local record which has brought increased funding for rural Internet, and the promise of two-way all-day GO service.  This promise has been described as “aspirational”. The federal Liberals have promised a national daycare program for $10/day as well.  Ontario has not yet signed on for that.
    van Koeverden has been door-knocking, and hearing about climate change.  “COVID-19 is certainly number one.  I have heard more about climate change, than I have in previous campaigns,” he said.  The Liberals have extended their COVID-19 financial supports until later this fall.
    “Fighting Racism, and fighting Islamophobia.  That’s definitely come up at the doors here.  I would include fighting anti-Semitism to that, and fighting all other forms of racism and discrimination to that,” he said.  Last month, the federal government hosted summits on Islamophobia, and Anti-Semitism.
    The CN Intermodal facility was approved by cabinet in January, 2021  despite opposition from the community. “I’m not shy about the fact I was disappointed when the environmental assessment was approved.  van Koeverden will continue fighting against it.  “There’s still lots of tools in the toolbox,” he said.  He revealed that he’d met recently with Region of Halton to discuss the issue.
    Following our interview, van Koeverden spoke to supporters outside the office.  Watch below:

    Election Day is September 20, 2021.  For more information, including how to vote visit Elections’ Canada’s official website.

  • Some of Canada’s big banks mandating COVID-19 vaccines for staff

    Toronto Dominion Bank, CIBC and the Royal Bank of Canada will soon make vaccines mandatory for all staff who wish to return to the office, and anyone who doesn’t comply will have to agree to regular testing.
    TD told its employees in an email Friday that all employees are being asked to register their vaccination status with the bank by the end of next month.
    Effective November 1, 2021, full vaccination of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will be a requirement for all TD colleagues entering the TD workplace, reads the email by chief human resources officer Kenn Lalonde obtained by CBC News.
    The memo does not say what the punishment will be for non-compliance, but makes it clear that anyone who is unvaccinated will have a number of hoops they must go through.
    Starting November 1, 2021, there will be additional protocols for colleagues who are still not fully vaccinated, or have not disclosed their vaccination status, including the completion of a learning module about the benefits of vaccination, mandatory COVID-19 rapid testing, and the wearing of a face covering at all times, the memo reads.
    CIBC wrote a blog post to staff announcing a similar policy that will be in effect by the end of October.
    We have … strongly encouraged every member of our CIBC team to get vaccinated, said Sandy Sharman, the bank’s group head of people, culture and brand.
    It’s the single best way to turn the corner on the pandemic, and an important way we can protect our family, friends and colleagues. That’s why today, I wanted to share with you that we will be requiring employees to be vaccinated by October 31, 2021.
    The Globe and Mail newspaper first reported  that Royal Bank will also require all staff in this country and the United States to be fully vaccinated to work on the company’s premises by Oct. 31, according to a staff memo.
    CBC has not been able to independently verify RBC’s memo as of press time.
    CBC News reached out to Bank of Montreal and Scotiabank for whether or not they are planning any sort of staff vaccination mandates. Those requests were not immediately returned.
    CBC News 

  • Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner Brings Summer Tour to Milton

    By: Laura Steiner, Senior Reporter
    Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner brought his “Summer Days” tour to Milton Thursday August 19, 2021. The Urban Indigenous Centre  and Grandmother’s Voice hosted the party leader for an hour-long ceremony that reminded guests to honor ancestors, and reconnect with the land.
    “I’m calling on the Ontario government to make land, and space available for healing gardens, and sacred fires.  For spaces where Indigenous people to come together, and for non-Indigenous people so that we can learn and heal our relationships with each other as we talk about the truth of the past, and as we reconcile,” Schreiner said.  The Urban Indigenous Centre includes a Healing garden with Native plants built in the shape of long house.  “I was so inspired by their vision to create a permanent space for Indigenous People in Halton to have a place to meet, to gather to talk, and to heal.”
    Schreiner held a 30-minunte press conference where he asked the Ford government  for changes to Ontario’s education curriculum to allow for Indigenous involvement.  “I’m calling on the Ford government to restore funding to the Indigenous curriculum so that Indigenous leaders can lead the changes to the curriculum, so that all children and peoples in Ontario learn the truth about our past,” Schreiner said.
    This includes the search for remains at 15 Indian Residential Schools in Ontario.  The province announced in June, they would make $10 million available to help with locating, and identifying remains.  Earlier this month the governments of Ontario, and Canada pledged approximately $2.9 million to help the Wuzhushk Onigum Nation over the next three years to help find, and identify remains related to St. Mary’s Indian Residential School in Kenora.  The federal government would contribute $2,898,430 over the next three years (2021-2024), while the province will $400,000 over the next two years.
    Schreiner calls on Federal Leaders for more Commitments to Indigenous People
    Schreiner would like to see more discussion on Indigenous issues this campaign.  In 2015 the federal government promised to eliminate boil water advisories on reserves, and has failed to do so. He’d like to see commitments on housing affordability “The number of Indigenous People, particularly urban Indigenous Peoples who are homeless, or don’t have an affordable place to call home.  We need all levels of government to be working on that,” Schreiner said.
    His party has committed to making 22,000 Indigenous owned or led housing spaces.  “We would like to see that happen across the country, and we absolutely need the federal government to be partners in making that happen,” he added.  He would also like to see that decisions made on a land use, and resource development made in a “fair and equitable way.”