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Thursday Thoughts: February 11th, 2021

By Bryce Babcock-Rimore, Staff Writer


Zoom and Microsoft Teams are a new frontier for a lot of people. It requires new techniques and they are not necessarily second nature. Additionally, your ability to communicate effectively can easily be curtailed by not following these simple steps.

Below, please find a list of guidelines that I think we should all follow while on Zoom/Teams.

Camera etiquette
* Always make sure your co-habitants are aware of you being on camera
* Always be aware that what is typed is permanent

Microphone etiquette
* Check if you are using a noise cancelling microphone and if so, adjust the receive level
* Receive level should be high enough to recognize your voice but not loud enough for static
* If you do not have a noise cancelling microphone, please observe the mute button
* Mute yourself when not speaking,
* Static, conversations in the room, coughing are all things that can distract
Mechanics
* Talking on mic overrides the instructor.
* If at all possible, use the “hand” button while in online communications as it allows for management of who is talking
* Be aware of how your voice is transmitted
* Use the “listen to” section in the windows/mac microphone properties

These are the basics. Once you have all of this under control you can reliably contribute confidence!

Speaker Recap: Mayor Patrick Brown

By: Adam De Costa, Staff Writer

On June 30, 2020, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown joined us on Justice in Pieces. He explained that although he studied law, his passion was politics and public service. He prefers municipal politics, in comparison with his experiences in Federal and Provincial politics, as he is enjoying the “lack of partisanship.” 

 Covid 19 

He noted that municipalities had to adjust how they operate during the Covid lockdown and this pandemic has been an economic firestorm on businesses. However, people’s generosity in their willingness to help their neighbour was refreshing and highlighted the Canadian Spirit. 

The City of Brampton was operating online, and their corporate offices are open for appointment based, in-person services. The participation in tele-townhalls has greatly increased public involvement; there have been as much as 10,000 to 15,000 participants. 

 Canada Day Reflection

In reflecting about Canada Day, Mayor Brown shared how Canada is a country where you can succeed if you have the drive and determination. However, he remarked how Canada’s past also has dark chapters, especially how Japanese Canadians were treated during WW2 and how Indigenous people have been treated in its past and things that could be changed. While this past haunts Canadians, Canada has turned out to be one of the best countries to live.  

 The 2020 Canada Day celebration in Brampton will be spread out with musical events and drive-by floats. However, it will be smaller gatherings compared to previous years. 

Systemic Racism 

Mayor Brown is adamant that Systemic racism exists and to deny that is to have blinders. He mentioned Trustee Kathy McDonald has done inspirational work by hiring a new school board director.  

Brampton City Council approved a motion to create a Black, African and Caribbean Social, Cultural and Empowerment & Anti-Black Racism Unit which has a mandate to eradicate Anti-Black racism in Brampton. 

Mental Health Support

Mayor Brown explained that we should not criminalize mental health when addressing situations such as the recent tragedy of Ejaz Choudry. He mentioned that sending mental health support workers would require increased funding. When asked about what could Brampton residents do who are frustrated with this, he said they should, “change the system!”

Mayor Brown’s Words of Wisdom 

Mayor Brown advised students to not let the pandemic affect their mental health to contact family and friends for a chat over zoom/skype, if required to seek professional assistance. He told students interested in politics to volunteer by join a political party that interests them or municipal politics. 

Mayor Brown told paralegals, they will face hurdles let it strengthen them and increase their drive and determination.

Speaker Recap: MPP Nina Tangri, Ghada Hamadani and Asphandiar Wadiwalla

By: Rocelle Esteban, Staff Writer

MPP Nina Tangri is a Member of Provincial Parliament in Mississauga – Streetsville, and also the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. She enjoys helping to create jobs and create an environment for businesses to succeed. 

Ghada Hamadani is the Founder and Senior Managing Partner of the Hamadani Group of Companies. She mainly works with women and youth.  

Asphandiar Wadiwalla is involved in initiatives to empower women, not only in Canada but around the world. He also represents Miss UN International Pageant as an Executive Director. 

COVID-19 Impact 

MPP Tangri noted that their community’s positivity rate was at 11% which was the highest in the country. Moving their region to the ‘red zone’ meant that dining facilities can only resume with a maximum of 10 people inside.  

MPP Tangri argued that if people cannot go out to dine, then they would gather at home, where they may not adhere to the same standards as when they do in restaurants. She further said that businesses are hurting right now, and are asking people to support local businesses.  

Ms. Hamadani’s business, specifically their manufacturing has closed due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition, their services also had to be transitioned at home which furthers the impact to her companies.   

Mr. Wadiwalla, despite the impacts, extends his gratitude to the provincial government in Ontario led by Premier Doug Ford, as well as the Federal government for doing everything they can to assist people and businesses during this pandemic. He also thinks that Canada has done relatively well compared to other countries.  

He did, however, feel the impact of COVID especially with the events he had in line for 2020. All of them had to be moved to 2021. Despite these challenges, he is hopeful that they would come out of this successfully.  

Breaking through in Politics and Motivation for Students 

MPP Tangri struggled for years and finally has broken through the political arena. She said she is very fortunate to have the support of her volunteer teams and phenomenal people who donated to her campaign. She believes that one of the greatest reasons for her success is that people are looking for change and looking for hope. Before she sat in office, the province was struggling and businesses were leaving.  

She further said that the people in the government of Ontario are not career politicians. Most come from the business sector, legal, and finance industries, which brings a really good outside perspective on how to make things better for the people in the province.  

She advises that for students who are thinking about breaking into the political realm, start with volunteering in your community or becoming interns. As an example, she continued, many of the interns had come back and worked to become staff members. In fact, many of the MPPs we have today were interns or staff members in the past before they become Members of the Provincial Parliament. Some of them are even in the cabinet which is a great story.  

It may take several tries, in her case, decades to break through, but she believes that things happen for a reason, if when the right time comes, it will happen.  

Creating Jobs during a Pandemic 

When the pandemic started, and everything had to be closed down, jobs had to stop, or everybody else had to work from home. Despite how long this pandemic has already taken, MPP Tangri reported that as of last month, 92% of the jobs are back. Today, Ontario has gained 32,600 jobs, which is encouraging.  

She has further said that the government, in all areas, are working together, politics aside, to ensure that they are doing what is right for the people of Canada and the province of Ontario.  

In addition, MPP Tangri acknowledged and thanked the students who helped out in industries that are essential to keep the country going like delivery and grocery stores.  

In this current situation, the healthcare sector will have a lot of opportunities in terms of jobs, which may not have existed before COVID, that can bring in more jobs, the MPP advised. For example, paralegals can perhaps specialize in the area of healthcare, which is more in demand in these times, especially in long-term care homes and seniors.   

Human Rights 

“My focus is human rights”, said Mr. Wadiwalla. He is very passionate about injustice taking place not only in Canada, but around the world. He has further said that for those students who are interested in getting involved, they can contact Mr. Wadiwalla and he will provide guidance and advise on how to take the first step in joining organizations and getting involved. 

Ms. Hamadani advises students to volunteer in be involved. If you have the passion to help people, do your due diligence and research for organizations that are reliable and honestly help human rights causes. Ms. Hamadani thinks that it is her responsibility to invest in the youth to further the cause.  

What are you most proud of that you’ve done in your career? 

Ms. Hamadani is very proud to have raised two children successfully as a single mother.  

Mr. Wadiwalla said that he has also successfully raised a lovely daughter who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and holds a very important assignment in the city of Toronto. 

When asked what advice they have for students who are trying to balance raising children and studying at the same time, Mr. Wadiwalla says that he can be contacted to provide advice to students.  

Ms. Hamadani believed that regardless if a parent is a woman or a man, in her experience of studying and running her business at the same time, it is important that you think and analyze, so you can prioritize what is important. She further advised that education is critical. Do not lose focus and the commitment to your goals for you to succeed. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, keep doing what you have to do. 

Their Words of Wisdom 

MPP Tangri advised – do not close any doors. Always keep your doors open. You may not be interested in certain areas like politics, for example, these areas may have a lot to offer. See what it’s like to be involved in politics, volunteering on a campaign. You don’t need to be a politician to be involved. Get involved, vote, learn about people who are representing you.  

Mr. Wadiwalla further added the importance of volunteering. It’s a great way to understand the laws and Canadian politics.  

“Success is a state of mind,” Ghada Hamadani advised students. Do not look at failure as a failure. Have a plan and execute your plan. Never give up, get out of your comfort zone, do not be afraid to ask for help, and you will find a solution. That’s how you succeed!

Wednesday Wisdom: February 10th

Hosting nearly 250 amazing guest speakers since COVID-19, plus teaching even more classes on Zoom & Microsoft Teams, sprinkled in with a few Zoom court appearances, I’m paranoid something like this could happen.

Outside of a few guest lectures from my 3 year old, Max, things have gone pretty smoothly, but some words of wisdom, Don’t forget, check your tech! From my experience:

1. Double check that you are muted and if applicable, your video is off.

2. If you are going to be sharing your screen, make sure you click the right screen to share, and that you have closed all unnecessary windows.

3. As a backup, ensure that you have the privacy shutter on your webcam on (or stick a piece of tape just in case).

and of course,

4. Turn off that Cat filter! LOL

For anyone else teaching or otherwise in Zoom meetings all day, what are you paranoid about and what other pieces of advice do you have for me and my students to alleviate our fears?

#DontForgetCheckYourTech #WednesdayWisdom

Speaker Recap: MPP Roman Baber

By: Rocelle Esteban, Staff Writer 

MPP Roman Baber was interviewed for the “Justice in Pieces” series and shared his experiences and story in law and politics. He is a Member of the Provincial Parliament for York Centre, elected in June 2018. MPP Baber is a lawyer, called to the Ontario Bar in 2006 and practiced in the areas of insurance and commercial litigation prior to his election.  

Background and his Law Practice 

Born in the Soviet Union, and living in Israel when he was young, MPP Baber came from humble means. He and his family moved to Canada when he was 15 and was fortunate to gain the great Canadian equalizer of education and decided to go into law school. He has practiced law for 12 years before his election.  

When asked about what brought him into law, he answered the in the following manner: First it is helping people. He believes that the main driver of what legal professionals do is to get people through what is often a challenging situation. Second is he believes that the legal system is the pinnacle of civilization. He further notes that if something wrong happens, there is always a resolution, and we should see for that resolution to rectify what is wrong.

Lastly, understanding the legal system makes a person more worldly. It provides you with background and knowledge of business, politics, and other areas that interest you. 

Running your Own Practice vs. Working at a Law Firm

In the interview, MPP Baber was asked about the difference in his experience having his own law firm and working for a firm. He started by encouraging students to go practice on their own, especially when you have a few years of experience on your belt.  

He further said that being a legal professional does not mean that you must know it all. However, because your client is entitled to quality representation, you cannot be negligent. You must make sure that you acknowledge that you may not know something, and get advice from people. 

“The key is to learn,” he said. During the first few years, it is important to gain experience, and it may be through employment. Find a mentor who can give you advice, so you can feel confident enough to go on your own and do private practice. MPP Baber encourages students, especially those who have an entrepreneurial spirit, to go and start their own practice once they have gained enough experience. 

Getting into Politics 

When asked about his decision to run for office, he joked, “what do you call a lawyer that goes bad? A Member of Parliament.” MPP Baber said that he always had the affinity to run for public office, as he genuinely feels the need to serve his community and the public and he encourages everyone the same. 

He compared this decision to see a banana peel on the street. There are some people walking who would just walk around it and some would pick it up and throw it in the garbage to eliminate the chances of an accident. He further commented that if one has the ability and skills to help other people, then they should. 

He also believes that his experiences coming from the private sector can be valuable to the government and he wants to use the benefits of those experiences to serve his community.  

Standing Committee on Justice Policy 

In the interview, MPP Baber was asked about the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and his role. He notes that in his capacity as Chair of the Committee, his role is to be impartial and he follows what transpires throughout the process.  

The Standing Committee on Justice Policy is where bills, relating to justice or correction, or general government legislation as well as child or animal welfare, which are generally referred to as ‘Justice and Protection’, go to before they become a law. This is where witnesses appear and testify before the committee on how they feel about certain things about the bill, where different stakeholders are also involved.  

MPP Baber shared that they have done wonderful work in the past year where they have passed considerable and monumental legislation. 

COVID-19 

MPP Baber was also asked about how the current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting his job and reaching out to his constituents. He acknowledged that everyone is impacted, not only his government but people and business within his community. He further said that this unprecedented situation has been difficult. Whatever is seen in other institutions is seen in governments as well. 

Despite the challenges, he said that everyone needs to continue working, helping, and supporting each other to protect the health and safety of Ontarians.  

When asked about what he has learned in this pandemic, MPP Baber shared a couple of lessons. First is the indirect impact on the government where they had to operate smarter, more efficiently, and adaptive in a brief time e.g., the filing system has been modernized in the last 8 months more than in the last 18 years.  

The other thing he further shared is that he learned to encourage discussion coming from different views, as we do not know enough about this virus. Free discussion should be encouraged despite how this pandemic has been heavily politicized, and rely on fair information in making decisions.  

He has also commented on the camaraderie and the non-partisanship that he felt among all the parties. Everyone has come together and put politics aside to serve the people throughout this pandemic.  

The Toronto Raptors 

Roman Baber is known to be a big NBA fan, particularly the Toronto Raptors. With all the movements that happened in the offseason, he was asked about how he felt about these movements and trades. 

He feels that the team is going through a rebuilding process this season, but said that he is still encouraged by their ability to rebuild the team, and he has complete faith in the Raptor’s organization and led by their General Manager Masai Ujiri and their head coach Nick Nurse to leading the team to greatness again. 

In the interview, he fondly shared about the time when the NBA started a team in Toronto in 1995 and watched his first NBA pre-game hosted by Toronto, played against the New York Knicks. 

He is hopeful that sports will be back in the city of Toronto after this pandemic blows over. 

MPP Baber’s Words of Wisdom

MPP Baber provided some advice to the students. Those in the legal profession are entrusted with the privilege and access to justice to help people who are going through challenging times, and with the privilege comes responsibility. MPP Baber presented these responsibilities on two points:  

First, responsibility to clients; Clients trust you to do everything possible to help them. Make sure to seek advice, find a mentor who can also help you discharge honest and quality service to your clients, and impact their lives positively. 

Second, the responsibility for the rule of law. “We are a nation of laws,” MPP Baber said. He emphasized how the legal system cannot be jeopardized and should remain intact to ensure justice. People in the legal profession should safeguard that.  

He further shared one of the lessons given by his mentor, “If it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.” This means, do not break the law, and do not compromise the justice system.  

MPP Baber concluded the interview by advising students who want to be involved in politics to try it as it is a good networking opportunity, and a great opportunity to make a difference. 

Speaker Recap: MP Jenny Kwan

By: Adam De Costa, Staff Writer

Background 

MP Jenny Kwan Immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, with her family.  Her parents immigrated to Canada because of its public health care system. 

She graduated from Simon Fraser University in Criminology and wanted to become a lawyer. When MP Kwan was in a committee that oversaw legal advocacy, the National Housing program was cancelled. This was the moment that spurred MP Kwan to enter politics. 

Political Life 

MP Kwan was elected in 1993 as a city Councilor in the City of Vancouver; in 1996, she was elected as one of the youngest MPPs; and in 2015, as MP for Vancouver East. Through this process, she raised a voice for different communities, for example when elected as city councilor, she gave the youth voice legitimacy. As a MPP, she was one of two Chinese MPPs elected to the legislature and was later appointed as the first Chinese Cabinet Minister. She believes in growing Canada on its equality and environmental justice making better for future generations. 

Some Concerns 

MP Kwan is not satisfied that migrant care workers were only gaining meaningful employment. She also wants these care workers to be granted permanent residency on arrival. She mentioned many caregivers are given visas to work and take care of Canadians, however they are separated from their families. MP Kwan did not address what jobs will accommodate the landed immigrants’ employment needs. 

The pandemic has added to the dilemma of migrant care workers seeking residency; they have to be employed for 24 months within 36 months of being in Canada. Therefore, MP Kwan suggests these pandemic months be counted towards their immigration employment requirement.  

When responding to a question about the progression of Bill C-17, MP Kwan responded, Part 4 of the bill had punitive provisions criminalize people for enrolling to receive CERB, this is an exclusive program for Canadians. MP Kwan was disappointed that these workers cannot receive the pandemic relief.  She adds that CERB qualifications were unclear and therefore to criminally charge the mistaken individuals, it would be unjust.    

Systemic Racism 

MP Kwan was quick to point out the instances of abuse of power by authorities as systemic racism. She addressed when a Bloc member blocked the unanimous motion and in her opinion, Hon. Jagmeet Singh called this member a racist for this, for which the NDP leader was booted out of the House of Commons. 

She explained that there is no room to have an alternate opinion and if one does not support the call to eliminate systemic racism, they are the problem. She is quick to add systemic racism is widespread and ever present.  Politicians are choosing symbolism and tokenism instead of dealing with the issues. 

MP Kwan’s Words of Wisdom

Look for issues that align with your value, but she was advising students to find their own passion and join a political party that supports your position.  Once you choose a path, follow it and expect to face hurdles and to not let that stop you. 

To demand action from the government, the voters must call on the government, by writing and/or calling on the government to make change.  MP Kwan quoted an example where processing of landed status processing for care workers was reduced from a maximum of seven years to one year.  Therefore, she was requesting people to voice their opinions at other areas that will require change. 

Speaker Recap: MP Elizabeth May

By: Heather Stephenson, Staff Writer

In 2019, MP Elizabeth May stepped down after 13 years as federal leader of the Green Party in Canada. On August 27, 2020, she joined the “Justice in Pieces” series, and discussed her career, how she became an advocate for the Green Party, as well as her thoughts on current political issues in Canada and why the Green Party is different than other political parties. 

Background – Getting into Politics

MP May did not anticipate becoming a politician, but believes she has always been a champion for environmental issues. She believed that this was from birth and shared an anecdote of her mother telling her she announced her dislike for airplanes as a toddler because they “scratch the sky”.  

MP May grew up in the countryside surrounded by animals, and says she always felt a strong connection to that. She knew by age 13 that she wanted to be an environmental lawyer and started her own environmental club in high school.  

MP May went into practice as a lawyer and was the long-time executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada. She resisted going into politics, despite being approached by the leaders of various political parties, because she believed she could achieve more in civil society.  

It was not until 2006 that she was propelled into politics, as a response to a realization that Stephen Harper’s government could cause the loss of many of the things she had spent so long fighting for. She decided to run for leadership of the Green Party of Canada.  

One Issue Party?

MP May notes that it is possibly the name that causes the confusion, but that the Green Party has always stood for a range of issues. For example, they were the first party in Canada to call for same sex marriage, the legalization of cannabis, a national pharmacare plan, and a guaranteed livable income. 

It only takes one look at the “Vision Green” on their website to see that there are policies dealing with a wide range of issues, from foreign affairs and disarmament, to support for workers’ rights. The Green Party has policies on, and has made a difference on, a vast range of issues. However, as MP May pointed out, if you are going to be known for one thing, given the climate emergency, if your only issue is survival, that’s not a bad issue to keep as your top priority. 

Climate Change 

The topic of climate change naturally comes up a fair bit in the discussion, and MP May mused that in the past, it was not a partisan issue. She believed it was not until the anti-science platform of Harper’s government that it crept into Canadian politics as a partisan issue. 

Her solution? We need to get back to the science. Political leaders must be challenged on why they think climate science is different from COVID science, and why it is considered a debatable question and there is a belief that we can choose to say we don’t want to do what science demands.  

When asked, MP May graded the current Liberal government with an “F” on addressing green initiatives. She emphasized that a government cannot be judged on their lofty goals or words; they must be judged on what they have achieved. The latest statistics we have on greenhouse gases, she says, shows that they rose in 2018. The Liberal government has kept Stephen Harper’s target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions but is not on track to meet them.  

MP May describes herself as a cheerleader of stronger commitments and believes much higher targets, which must be based in science, are required.  

COVID-19 & Climate Change

It is an economic issue and it is a green issue, but it must be firmly rooted in social justice. MP May believes the CERB allowed us to dip our toes in the waters of basic income talk, and now is the time to commit to a guaranteed liveable income.  

Also, the concern that COVID–19 may be with us longer than anticipated must be considered. The healthcare system must be boosted, we must ensure long term care facilities don’t leave seniors as vulnerable as what we have learned earlier this year. 

She argued there are a lot of priorities, but everything must be grounded in making sure the biosphere remains habitable for humanity. If we miss the opportunity in the next few years to set that course, we may miss it forever. Focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and moving away from using fossil fuels are key. 

Systemic Racism

According to MP May, it is time for people of privilege to acknowledge that that privilege exists, and to be prepared to fight for and defend indigenous rights. She spoke of rooting out anyone who aligns themselves with white supremacist groups from our police force and military. In addition, she brought up the importance of issues, such as the inquiry into missing indigenous women and girls, and the various instances that have come to light of late of wellness checks by police ending in disaster, which she believes must be investigated. 

Why Did She Step Down? 

MP May shared that she had decided prior to the 2019 federal election to step down before the next one, and wanted to ensure she did so early enough that the next leader would have time to make themselves well known to the public. She plans to contest her own seat and wants to continue as member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and hopes to be able to support the new leader and help to build the Green Party’s presence.  

She also revealed her goal of running for speaker of the house if she is re-elected, as she believes that she could contribute something substantial and long lasting to parliamentary democracy if she could demonstrate how a speaker of the house can get Parliament to work better by getting more people to respect each other and work better together. 

Advice for the Next Leader of the Party 

She calls on the next leader to remember one of the core tenets of the Green Party is grassroots democracy, and the job description for the leader is to be the chief spokesperson. The job is to inspire people, mobilize people, and take the message from the members of the Party to the people, rather than be “the boss” in the traditional sense. 

MP May’s Words of Wisdom

MP May’s main message to anyone interested in politics is to get involved and jump in with both feet. She recommends looking at each of the different political parties’ platforms on their websites and figuring out which one resonates with you. She also stresses the importance of speaking up and speaking out if you see anything that you think is not right, because everything you do as a citizen can make a difference. Lastly, in her words – “shrink your ecological footprint but grow your political footprint”. 

Speaker Recap: Honourable Andrew Scheer

By: Adam De Costa, Staff Writer

In August 2020, Hon. Andrew Scheer joined the “Justice in Pieces” series. He was set to hand over the reins of the Conservative party leadership in two weeks and shared with students about his journey in politics. 

Background 

He was interested in politics as a youngster as his dad taught him that “those who show up, make decisions.” Honourable Scheer showed up and contributed to the decision-making process. When he was in University, he ran for student council. 

Honourable Scheer unified the Conservative Party after which he ran for office as an MP for Regina. He beamed when he speaks of his constituents who took a chance on a then 25-year-old and sent him to Ottawa. In 2011, he was elected as Speaker of the House, and in 2016, elected as the leader of the Federal Conservative Party. 

Covid–19 

The Conservative leader had a lot to say about the why parliament should be open, especially to deliver programs to Canadians.  Hon Andrew Scheer considered stopping the Liberal Plan to tax and spend unilaterally without parliamentary oversight, was a victory for democracy. He speculated that the WE Scandal was the reason the government sought that power.  

CERB was not allowing people willing to work to take on any shifts as it was not afforded to anyone working. Conservatives pushed for this to be amended, where an employee able to work would be entitled to 50% of the CERB. 

Scandals 

Previous ethics violation and the WE scandal were the latest issues and Honourable Andrew Sheer was disturbed that the time and resources consumed by this scandal was taking away from offering Canadians real solutions during the pandemic. 

Media Bias 

Hon. Scheer mentioned how some members of the Canadian media appeared to be biased. He speculated that they seem to deflect away from scandals involving the Liberal party, and focus on trivial issues involving himself and the Conservative party.

Tokenism 

After the death of George Floyd, the Prime Minister was seen taking a knee, and RCMP Commissioner Lucki stated there was systemic racism in the RCMP. Considering the RCMP is directly under the PM, then why not fix it? Honourable Scheer was stating that once an issue is identified, especially a grave issue as systemic racism, the government must act. Failing to act exemplifies a problem with this government. Will Canadians hold their government accountable and will the media bring attention to this important conversation?  

When asked what a Conservative response to systemic racism would look like, Honourable Scheer answered his government would establish a commission, investigate and legislate the findings promptly. 

What is the future of Conservatism? 

Conservatism must challenge the new tenets of socialism rearing its head with every generation it is reappearing with the label “progressive,” however the result will be the same. 

Free market economies will always create opportunity. Politicians must be elected on how they will create these opportunities. Most Canadians want an opportunity to earn their living, therefore it is the government’s duty provide just that opportunity.  

What does this mean for Hon. Andrew Scheer? 

Mr. Scheer will continue to serve the people of Regina, here he represents a diverse group of people with equal rural-urban divide. He enjoys working for his constituents and looks forward to serving them. 

Honourable Andrew Scheer’s Words of Wisdom

Believe your Gut – sometimes, on the campaign trial, Honourable Scheer listened to his strategists instead of speaking what was on his mind, which made him look scripted; Therefore, he advised students to be themselves and listen to their gut. 

Stay Informed – Pay attention to what is happening in the political landscape and become active. Show up to meetings, take a seat at the table, and have your voice heard! 

Monday Motivation: February 8th

With the Super Bowl now in the books, (and another win for Tom Brady!) I thought it would be a great time to reflect on my experience as a volunteer and sponsor for the inaugural Dominion Mock Trial College Cup held virtually from January 30th – February 1st.

Congrats to Team Hawk from Sheridan College for winning the Dominion College Cup! While not every team could win, I thought every team did a phenomenal job and prepared exceptionally!

I was very impressed with the advocacy of all teams, with a weekend of persuasive opening and closing statements and very effective direct and cross-examinations on both the landlord and tenant sides!
It is clear to see how much preparation went into the competition from watching those playing such convincing witness roles!

I am especially proud of my #TriOSCollege paralegal students who have accomplished so much without even having studied Advocacy or the Landlord and Tenant course yet!

Special thanks to all the organizers, the judges and keynote speakers, volunteers, and the other sponsors in putting everything together so that these future paralegals could shine brightly!

#thankyou #mocktrial #paralegalstudents #lawstudents #JusticeinPieces #MondayMotivation