Ontario Central Focused

Ontario has always been my home and remains. I’ve been fortunate to also have deep Atlantic Canadian roots and Western Canada experiences. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and environments in Canada for so long it has no doubt shaped my adventurous spirit. In 1995 passing the welcome to Mississauga sign when moving from Toronto with my brothers and mother I recall seeing the population sign say 350,000. As of this year in 2018 Mississauga is peaking towards 1 million. The GTHA has grown significantly the last 20 years with no change of pace expected, this extends to the Waterloo Region as well, a place I equally feel and call home. 

I’m not an economist, politician or public policy professional however I’m an aware engaged private citizen. This upcoming Ontario provincial election will have a lasting impact on the policy direction on not only where Ontario is headed in the future but potentially Canada as a whole with the federal election coming up in 2019. All eyes will be on Ontario the next few weeks as the new government forms and people take to the polls. Some will care, many will not, however the results will make an impact direct or indirect on everyone’s wallets. 

Debt when properly used as a financial instrument of leverage allows our country and economy to expand at great lengths. Financing student, vehicle, consumer purchases, and housing. Debt is a tool of financial freedom and flexibility, however when mismanaged or abused it can have extreme negative consequences and become a prison. I think it is very prudent and responsible that before leveraging our future cost anymore collectively as a province and country we don’t abandon our principals of fiscal responsibility. The same responsibility that is placed on every home and individuals budget should be shared for those who govern. If Ontario’s Auditor General’s calculations are accurate we really do need to reflect and re-consider the direction we’re going and how will get back to balance or if that is something that is even valued anymore. 

Halifax Citadel: Historic Site of Canada

With the outbreak of WW1, few blacks were serving in the Canadian military because of the racial attitudes prevalent at the time. Initially, some blacks attempted to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but most were rejected. The Department of Militia and Defense’s policy towards recruitment was to defer to the judgement of the individual commanding officer, and since many held deeply ingrained beliefs about the inferiority of blacks, very few were accepted. 
 
 via Parks Canada. http://bit.ly/24LSVEF
via Wikipediai http://bit.ly/2agvrBv

The Political Minority: In His Words

Before The Internet 

Before social media and the 24 hour TV news cycle there was just News Papers. The following interview  below was published for the Halifax Metro Weekly  November 13 to 19th, 1992. My grandfather influence many in the community in a positive way, he was everyone’s representative not just the black communities I grew up in a house hold were meritrocity was preached and no special privileges were given.

At my grandfathers funeral in-front of a packed Church congregation I stood up and within my statement honoring him I recall saying, It is as though he was meticulously molding and shaping my character from the moment I could first remember”, that’s a fact.

collage papa and me

(Left: Graham L. Downey, Halifax Downtown City Councilor & Hon. John Manley, Former Deputy Prime Minister, current CEO of Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Officer of the Order of Canada Middle: Bridge Walk 1987 Natal Day Celebration, Me and my grandfather, Right: Dr. Robert Campbell, President Mount Allison University, Officer of the Order of Canada, Jerome L. Downey)

Continue reading

Airbnb Travel Style: Living Moments

Technical Innovation and Response 

Airbnb has started to get a lot of traction and I am a big fan of it so far, for anyone that travels frequently it is a nice alternative to the traditional means of booking hotels, motels etc. I think the great recession of 2008 challenged the world to come up with solutions on how to generate additional income but also on what is most important in life. The soul I think is a global citizen, connected online and offline we all desire love, appreciation, friendship a healthy meal and environment. Out of all the online platforms that has gained traction in this new digital sharing space, I think Airbnb has clearly come out as a leader. Great value, quality price and engineered pleasant experiences with gracious kind host who share your values. Investors are watching this company very closely as a potential public offering might be in the works in the future.  Continue reading

China Opportunities In Transition

CANADA – CHINA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY OF OTTAWA
 
CONFERENCE: CANADA-CHINA OPPORTUNITIES IN TRANSITION

Followed by a reception at the Chinese Embassy

(By invitation of the Chinese Embassy)

This is a premier event in Canada on our evolving relationship with our second largest economic partner. Timely and informative, the conference looks at the opportunities and challenges from a Canadian perspective but also with significant Chinese participation. This year in our country there will not be a better opportunity to expose yourself to the opportunities in transition with China. A relationship which is imposing itself upon us, and which deserves serious consideration.

Continue reading

MTA Mounties Football Playoff Update

It’s playoff time and your Mounties have been invited to the party!  For the 2nd time in 3 years and 3rd time in the last 5 years, the Mounties will be playing in the AUS Semi-Final with a chance to advance to our first AUS Championship game since 1998.

This Saturday, November 3rd at 1PM, the Mounties will play the Saint Mary’s Huskies at Huskies Stadium in Halifax.  The Mounties are 2-1 against the Huskies this year, with a 16-10 victory in exhibition, a 43-7 loss in week 5 and a 25-12 victory in week 6.  We like the matchup and one thing is for certain, our boys will be well prepared to leave it out on the field and make good things happen.

We need the support of everyone we can get for our trip to Halifax.  If you are in the area, we encourage you to make the trip to Saturday’s game, wearing your garnet and gold and with your noisemakers ready to support our Mounties.  If you can’t make it to the game, you can watch it live on EastlinkTV or you can catch the webcast at www.AUStv.ca.

Continue reading

The Maritimes “Brain Drain”…..Reality ?

 

Human capital flight, more commonly referred to as “brain drain”, is the large-scale emigration of a large group of individuals with technical skills or knowledge. (c) Photo Editing Curtsey @UNUSMMG

https://twitter.com/JeromeDowney/status/263313042811539456

YMCA Strong Kids – Fundraiser Event

Why This Event?

This event is a private special event for socially conscious young professionals who are leaders of tomorrow and understand the importance of community. This will be a great opportunity for networking and meeting progressive like minded individuals in a warm engaging environment. With the purchase of a ticket guest will be treated to a free selection of great food and complimentary drinks.

Click here to get your ticket today.

 

Continue reading

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

“I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism.And that’s how I operate my life.
                                                                                                      – Oprah Winfrey

Ottawa, March 21, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued

the following statement recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“March 21st marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“As Canadians join with people around the world in marking this day, we should be proud of our country’s success

in fostering a welcoming and peacefully pluralistic society in which citizens of many different backgrounds live together harmoniously.

Continue reading