The JAZZ BISTRO Restaurant in downtown Toronto located at 251 Victoria Street, Toronto, was full to the capacity last Sunday when Mr. John Howard Tory once again seized the opportunity to address his supporters from the cross section of the Black Community and reiterated his programs for the city of Toronto.

At JAZZ BISTRO Restaurant, Friends of John Tory, Community Leaders, and Youth Advocates organized a special Thank You Reception for the Many Years of Dedication as an Advocate & Supporter of Toronto’s African Canadian Community. The occasion was attended by Friends, Community Leaders and Youth Advocates. Speakers from various community groups that attended the occasion reeled out qualities of John Tory evidencing their supports and endorsement to be the Next Mayor of Toronto. One of the speakers described John Tory as a man who knows how to successfully lead, manage and obtain results from large and complex organizations. John Tory’s ability to stabilize Rogers when he was the President and CEO of Rogers, one of the Canada’s largest publishing and broadcasting companies, and as Commissioner and Chairman of the Canadian Football League are qualities that the business world still refers to today.

Welcome to the world of John Tory, a Politician, lawyer, business leader, community activist and broadcaster. A former elected representative who served as a Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin Peel Wellington Grey, a Leader of the Ontario PC Party and a Leader of the Official Opposition in the Ontario Parliament. He is one of the major three Toronto Mayoral Contestants.

John Howard Tory was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 28, 1954. Tory received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1980. From 1972 to 1979, Tory was hired by family friend Ted Rogers as a Journalist for Rogers Broadcasting's Toronto radio stations CFTR and CHFI. From 1980 to 1981, and later from 1986 to 1995, Tory held various positions at Tory, Tory, DesLauriers & Binnington including partner, managing partner, and member of the Executive Committee.

In 2003, he ran as a mayoral candidate in the 2003 Toronto municipal election and lost to David Miller. Despite widespread speculation that he would run for mayor again in 2010, he announced in January that he would not be a candidate. On February 24, 2014, he registered as a candidate for the 2014 mayoral election.

The cross section of the Black Community in the GTA attended the event. Dr. Ola Kassim who is the Patron of Yoruba Community Association in the GTA and some YCA members who attended were: Chief Tunde Olagundoye, Chief Josiah Idowu and Chief Baipee Oladayo Akindolie. Dr. Ola Kassim described Mr. John Tory as “a man of unmatched and impeccable character, very unassuming, a man with genuine purpose, a man of his words, an action man and to cap it all a man of cerebral and honest to the core”. Dr. Ola Kassim went further to say that John Tory is a man for the people, a leader and a man of high quality standard that could be trusted. He supported John Tory because “John Tory is the only man that will lead Toronto to greater height with his humility, generosity, integrity, hardwork and honesty’. He canvassed that all Torontonians should support John Tory to become the next Mayor of Toronto because he is capable and credible and all these qualities are worthy to be emulated from him.

Noel Farrell did not mince words when he mounted the podium and said, “Mr. John Tory is an individual who has made significant contributions both of his time and resources”. He recounted early one summer morning when campers arrived, the utilities were off. There was no hot water for the campers, aged 6-16 and a phone call was made to Mr. John Tory from a camp director, John made sure that the utilities were on and later that day John visited the camp to make sure that everything was ok. He described John Tory as a down to earth man. Noel Farrell told the mammoth crowd how John appeared in one of the Centres’s Annual Celebration of a program where John presented the Camper of the Year Award to a 13 year old. “How many Politicians have you seen mingling with the youth in Public places?” Farrell went further to say that when John Tory made an unofficial appearance at Toronto’s Nathan Phillip’s Square for Youth Day in 2006 he did not show off with microphone or mount the stage but instead he engaged the youth, the youth are now voters of today, so John Tory is perfect for the job as he is ready to take care of the youth Noel Concluded.

John Tory’s records still remain unbeatable as Mr. Tory has an extensive background in volunteer community service. He served as volunteer Chairman and Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and has chaired fundraising campaigns for St. Michael’s Hospital and the United Way. He maintains an active involvement in those two organizations, as well as chairing the current fundraising campaign for the Toronto International Film Festival. He also holds leadership positions in a wide range of charitable organizations ranging from autism to kids at risk, Canadian authors and children with physical disabilities.

John Tory was a founding Board Member and is the voluntary Chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance (formerly called the Toronto City Summit Alliance), a highly respected city-building organization. He hosts a daily three hour talk show on Canada’s leading talk station Newstalk 1010.

John Tory’s community work has been widely recognized as a recipient of both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively and was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of an African Canadian Achievement Award.

Before leaving the Restarurant, Mr. John Tory informed all that he would execute all the underlisted plans for Toronto when he becomes the Mayor of Toronto. These are some of John Tory’s Plan

• One Toronto Transit Plan
• Making Toronto the next “ Music City”
• To save Tree Canopy by planting 3.8 Million Trees
• Fighting Gridlock Initiative
• A more affordable Toronto means keeping taxes low, particularly the city’s property taxes. Every wasted dollar is a lost opportunity to invest in what matters most to Torontonians: building transit, repairing crumbling roads, city infrastructure, and strengthening the city’s neighbourhoods
• John Tory will find and eliminate the real waste at City Hall and invest in Torontonians’ priorities. Toronto also needs to attract jobs and investments. John Tory will keep Toronto’s taxes low and cut the needless red tape to bring more business and better jobs to all of Toronto
• Jobs to Scarborough
• Tory will lead a new business Hub in Toronto
• One Toronto Plan addresses Youth Unemployment problem
• “One Toronto “Jobs and economy Plan

Derek Ramkissoon is one of the Mississauga Mayoral Contestants; a Businessman, founder of In Christ Alone Ministries, well-focused, whose interest to help the needs and the homeless are unparalleled. Derek who is a man of many parts; a spiritual leader, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur is ready to become the Captain of the ship to steer Mississauga to the Promised Land. Derek understands the needs of Mississaugans and he is ready to take the bull by the horn. Oases News brings to you the man who helps with his In Christ Alone Ministries with focus on an outreach at homeless, shelters and prisons across Mississauga and Milton. He is a man full of energy, courage, zeal and unwavered. Derek is determined to succeed. According to him “this Mayoral race is like the Biblical David and Goliath, I am the David others are Goliath” OASES NEWS asked Derek on his plans for the city of Mississauga. Please read.

Why not being heard on Radio/TV/Print Media

We started our campaign April 14, we have been going out every day this year to campaign and to make our plans for the city known to people through churches and mosques, we have also been going from house to house to campaign. However, the reason why we have not been heard is that the Press is biased because they don’t give us recognition for the past six months since we have been doing this and the only two people the Press has been promoting are Steve Mahoney and Bonnie Crombie. The press has been very unfair to some of us in this regard. Unfortunately, our signs erected in different places are being removed daily by unknown people, to my chagrin I have been receiving calls from time to time on why I removed signs placed in some of these locations, you can imagine that!

Have you lodged complaints to the city of Mississauga?

No, we want to have evidence and we will bring out this out in our debates coming up tomorrow October 16, and Friday October 17 and Saturday October 18 respectively. This is one of the issues I want to talk to Mississauga people about.

How would your business have impact on the people of Mississauga if elected as the Mayor of Mississauga?

I have been living in Mississauga for the past 27 years, I established my business and ministry here in Mississauga. My company creates jobs for immigrants coming into the country, as part of my responsibilities as employer of labour my company helps foreign skilled workers like Pharmacists, lawyers, medical doctors, engineers etc. by helping them to find the right school and job to gain Canadian experience to enable them get the jobs they are qualified for in this country. I operate a staffing agency called HelpFast which provides truck drivers and labourers to many corporations in GTA. I run a ministry called In Christ Alone Ministries with focus on outreach for the homeless, shelters and prisons across Mississauga and Milton.

Do you have any plan on the Transportation system for the city?

If elected as the Mayor of Mississauga I would Investigate and pilot solutions to traffic congestion.

How would you make your program unique?

Some of my other contestants are core politicians, I will bring my business ideas to the table, and I will bring my expertise to the city to run Mississauga.

Finally, why do you want to be a mayor?

I want to make Mississauga an enviable city in Ontario where people with clear and open mind come together with a common goal of realizing their dreams in terms of employment, recreational activities, and care and to be a place where everything works.

Ìjàpá jé̩ o̩ló̩gbó̩n è̩wé̩, olójúkòkòrò, aláìníté̩ló̩rùn ati gbogbo oran lo da lori alábahun

Ìjàpá je o̩ko̩ Yáníbo, lehin osù meje ti Ìjàpá àti Yáníbo fe ara won sile won ko tete bimo

Ni ojo kan, Ìjàpá to Babaláwo lo, o si so fun Babaláwo wipe oun fe se oògùn ti iyawo oun Yáníbo, le fi tete ni oyun. Babaláwo ba se o̩bè̩ ti o ni opolopo efo ati eran ninu, o gbe fun Ìjàpá. Babaláwo si se ikilo fun Ìjàpá wipe, ‘’Iwo Ìjàpá gbodo je ninu o̩bè̩ oògùn naa, Yáníbo, nikan ni o ni lati je o̩bè̩ oògùn naa ko si ayipada nitori igbehin tito o̩bè̩ yi wo ko dara o, ko si si atunse o”. Ìjàpá dupe lowo Babaláwo yi o si pè̩hìndà lati maa lo, Babaláwo tun ran Ìjàpá leti wipe Ko gbó̩dò̩ je ninu o̩bè̩ oògùn naa, ko da ko gbó̩dò̩ towò̩, Ìjàpá si so wipe oun gbo ati pe oun ko ni to ninu o̩bè̩ oògùn yi.

Bí Ìjàpá s̩e ńlo̩ ló̩nà, ó ńgbó̩ ti òórùn o̩bè̩ oògùn náà ńta sánsán. Nígbàtí Ìjàpá rin ibùsò̩ mé̩ta, ara rè̩ kò gbáá mó̩. Ó ro̩ra bó̩ si ibi kò̩rò̩ kan, ó síi wò, ó rí ò̩pò̩ló̩pò̩ e̩ran ìgbé̩, ìgbín, è̩fó̩, e̩ja, gbogbo rè̩ ńta sánsán. Ìjàpá ní Káì o̩bè̩ rèé! Bayi ni Ìjàpá se joko si ìdí igi kan tí a ńpè ní igi o̩sàn àgbálùmò̩, ti Ìjàpá je̩ gbogbo o̩bè̩ na tan pátápátá-porogodo. Ko pe pupo ti Ìjàpá je o̩bè̩ yi tan ni ikun re beeresi ga, iku Ìjàpá bè̩rè̩sí ńtóbi bi ti aboyún.

Ìjàpá kòlè dìde níbití o jóòkó sí ní abé̩ igi o̩sàn, è̩rù bàá, ó bá mura o pada si

ò̩do̩ Babaláwo ti o s̩e oògùn yi, nígbàtí ó de e̩nu ò̩nà ilé Babaláwo, kò le wo̩lé, Ìjàpá ki e̩nu bo̩ orin:

Ìjàpá: Babaláwo mo wa bè̩bè̩
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá Ògùn to se fun mi lè̩kan
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Gbongbo lo yo̩ mi lese
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá Oògùn to se fun mi lo daanu
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Mo fo̩wó̩ kan o̩bè̩ mo fi kenu
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Mo fo̩wó̩ keran mo fi sé̩nu
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Mo boju wokùn o ri gbendun
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Gbogbo e̩sè̩ ló wúwo
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Àìgbó̩ràn ma lo pami o
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá Nko ni hu iwa yi mo o.
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Ìjàpá: Babaláwo mo wa bè̩bè̩
Olùgbè: Alugbinrin

Babaláwo ba jade si Ìjàpá, o ni “págà, Ìjàpá sebi mo so fún o, mo kilò̩ fun o wipe o ko gbodo je̩ ninu o̩bè̩ yi”, Babaláwo si so fun Ìjàpá wipe ko si è̩rò̩ re o, è̩rò̩ re ni ò̩run alákeji. Ìjàpá sunkún, o bè̩bè̩ sugbon ko si è̩rò̩ fun. Bayi ni ikùn Ìjàpá wú titi o fi bé̩ ti ìfun, è̩dò̩, ati gbogbo inu Ìjàpá bé̩ si ode ti Ìjàpá si kú.

Background

A resident of Brampton, Ontario. He holds H.N.D in Marketing, Bachelor Administrative Studies and Certificate in Human Resources Management. Ojie migrated to Canada in the 1990s from Nigeria. Since arriving Canada Ojie has worked in different capacities ranging from a team helper to team leadership position, teacher of knowledge, manager of groups, to a serving board member, community organizer and activist, empowering youth.

Currently working for Canada Post and has worked with them for 10 years.

Has been working with the youths for the past 15 years.

Voluntary Community engagement:

• One term Assistant General Secretary of Nigerian Canadian Association (NCA) in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Canada
• Two term General Secretary of Nigerian Canadian Association (NCA) Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Canada
• Member/Secretary Board of Trustee, Esan World Congress (EWC) with headquarters in the USA.
• Executive member and Financial Secretary, Esan United organization Canada (EUOC)
• Formal Member and Secretary General of UNIC Club of Canada
• Executive member and Treasurer, Osun Descendants of Canada
• Member, Federal Parliamentary campaign of distinctions in Brampton West

Voluntary Community Youth Engagement:

• Coach, United sport club, a community youth soccer organization based in Brampton
• Community organizer/youth development and empowerment
• Manager All Nation Gospel recreational soccer club
• Founder and member board of Directors, Toronto Lions football club
• Manager, House of Praise (HOP FC) soccer club Mississauga Canada,
• Teacher children church, House of Praise, (RCCG) Mississauga Canada

Women empowerment:

Board and founding member, Global Women Ambassador, Toronto based non-for-profit organization whose objectives includes but not limited to:

Empowering and advocating for women/girls to learn and develop their social and economic potentials by providing educational and self-sufficiency programs to new comers, women fleeing violence, widows, women having challenges with the law, and women/children with the aim to combat poverty.

To provide referrals services, advocacy, on campus tutoring, scholarships and mentorship programs that empower women/girls through education and ensure they are given opportunities to succeed in life Consequent upon the above experiences and services through these social, economic and political strata, coupled with his wealth of leadership experience, Ojie Eghobor is running for City Councillor, representing wards 2 & 6 in the city of Brampton for the municipal election of OJIE EGHOBOR wants to be a City Councilor in Brampton for Wards 2 & 6. OASES NEWS Political Desk staff was at Brampton to find out what Ojie Eghobor a Nigerian-Canadian has if elected.

According Ojie Eghobor below are his areas of focus if elected

• Family Economic empowering initiative through well paying jobs creation
• Youth and community safety programs that cater for our youth and keep them engaged to be beneficial to themselves and the society
• Community participation through and by consultative initiative on issue of mutual interest and benefit to the community
• Security in the area of community safety and protection through engagement of more police officer on our streets
• No child should ever feel hopeless
• Advocate for property tax reform
• Engage negotiation on insurance policy reform
• Initiate programs that will enhance public transit system.

Please visit www.ojie-4hope.ca

Ms. Bell is a Graduate of Ryerson University (Marketing/Management), George Brown College (International Trade) and York College (Finance).

She has worked for various companies in the financial services like CIBC, TD-Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal, Transamerica Life and more), retail, real estate, communications (FIDO, Cantel & more), customer service and restaurant industry. Other companies: Kraft, Nabisco Snack Foods, Toronto Star, Investors Group, Etobicoke Board of Education, WebCT, Business in Vancouver as well, she has lived and worked in British Columbia & The Cayman Islands. She is now a farmer developing a blueberry and raspberries farm North of Brampton.

OASES NEWS: Why are you interested to become a Mayor in the city of Brampton?

RESPECT. I would like to participate in government to improve services from government, cut wasteful spending and foster meaningful jobs creation in the City of Brampton.

OASES NEWS: As you are quite aware that the job is very demanding in nature how would you be able to cope?

I am looking for a challenging and meaningful role where I can make a significant impact and contribution to the City of Brampton. I am a health conscious person so I think attention to this area would be the key as well as participating in the social functions which would come with the role.

OASES NEWS: Recently you were invited to talk at Brampton Board of Trade debate in Oct. 9. How did you feel and how are you preparing for the coming debate?

The BBOT debate on October 4th caused some apprehension because there are many concerns to be addressed, infrastructure, development and planning growth, transit, social and health concerns, policing, education, transparency and accountability but in a limited amount of time and properly in under one minute as per the moderator.

OASES NEWS: Do you have the financial resources to fund this mayoral campaign?

The financial challenge is a concern. I’ve asked volunteers who go online to share the information via social media, word of mouth or passing on any brochures or newspaper articles about my campaign, but more important than that is for people to vote for a change. My website is www.jacquelinebell.net and it offers more details about my platform.

OASES NEWS: You are not popular like other contestants why?

I have participated in a number of debates with the other candidates and have received some media coverage, but with a restrictive advertising budget it is a challenge to make potential voters aware that they can vote for Jacqueline Bell. I have been using creative means to get the word out and do hope that that will create enough of a buzz to garner significant votes to win the mayoral seat at Brampton’s City Hall.

OASES NEWS: What are your first two priorities if elected as a Brampton Mayor?

A first priority is to work hand in hand with my colleagues and ensuring that we work expeditiously together to get service the needs of the tax payers who have put there trust in employing me to do a job so I would like to convey this first. Next I would assess the budget allocations to tackle some crucial social services, improve transit and health cares-wait times which seniors as well as youth do rely on daily. Additionally, I would begin execution on plans for health (mental health & disability supports), housing, jobs/ tourism (organize a team to begin creating proposals for the jungle/ botanical garden/ green house which will help create jobs, increase tourism and bring in revenues to keep tax levels lowered, as well as launching an incubator and contacting investors to encourage them to create business in Brampton I would scrutinize the budget to cut wasteful spending at city hall.

OASES NEWS: Do you think you have the experience to do this job? Having worked in a variety of industries I believe that my business experience makes me keenly prepared to do the job.

OASES NEWS: What would you like to change if elected?

There are several areas for concern. I would like to foster more entrepreneurial activity. We need people to create jobs which is the primary factor in wealth creation. 43% of Brampton’s population has a trade certificate or higher education so we do have the educated work force we simply need to foster the creativity and entrepreneurship of those individuals to create business which lead to more local jobs. Of course this drive to foster entrepreneurship goes hand-in-hand with seeking national and international investors to launch or expand their business in Brampton also leading to meaningful jobs creation.

I would like to change some aspects of the way we educate children. We need to teach French for bilingualism in the public schools starting in kindergarten. This may give these students a competitive advantage over the rest of the GTA in Ontario when competing for jobs and scholarships. It may also cause more companies to locate in Brampton because we are willing to make this shift and perhaps offer a better quality of life. Additionally in education I would like to see more entrepreneurship training being offered and investment education.

When we think of affordable housing it is not only for rentals we need to attract developers/ companies with innovative approaches to home ownership as well that could permit more, attractive homes under $300,000. Home ownership helps to foster wealth creation, and would help to lower Brampton’s 13% poverty rate. With the creation of a policy for basement suites Brampton would create needed safe affordable legal rental stock quickly and help alleviate the homelessness problem we now have.

Cutting wasteful spending would permit Brampton to put some money towards justice and health care service provides to in special needs areas ( health care, counseling services and other areas of key concern).

Because traffic congestion is an issue, creative means for more individuals to choose transit is necessary. Freezing transit fares, increasing service on several routes and extending the service times on several routes would increase rider-ship and send a message to insurers to lower rates as more people are willing to opt for transit use.

OASES NEWS: If you are not elected, what advice would you like to give to guide against future Mayoral election to allow those not financially strong to participate

The emergence of various persons who have determined to provide a synopsis of all candidates’ platforms so that voters are aware and informed is admirable and needed. I would tell a future candidate to stay abreast of the next election announcement start date, create some sort of wide appeal social media group or blog that can make your name visible. Start early, find a few friends who are genuine and would support you in your efforts.

OASES NEWS: Where do you see Brampton in the next four years in terms of development?

My Vision: Brampton is an internationally known City akin to Toronto.

Brampton “exploits” its “Flower City” and cultural diversity to attract more business and thousands more tourist year round (by creating a jungle/ botanical garden/ greenhouse - entertainment complex),

Brampton has more corporate business investments for better paying jobs creation,

A youth jobless rate less than 10%, more Black and Aboriginal youth have won academic, athletic or other awards and scholarships and none in jail, detention or suspended from school and the Canada Brampton Youth Corps is working/service as intended.

OASES NEWS: As a farmer, how would you impact other farmers if elected as a Mayor?

Farmers can help lower the gap in food insecurity in the City of Brampton -- Region of Peel.

The Ministry of Finance has a Community Food Program Donation Tax Credit; a creation of The Local Food Act 2013 which introduced a non-refundable income tax credit for farmers who donate agricultural products to community food programs in Ontario including food banks. It is a 25% credit based on the fair market value of the agricultural products donated and can be claimed on donation made on or after January 1, 2014. Although no one gives to receive. Publicizing the tax credit available to farmers who could donate but may have to travel many hours to offer their donations could make the trip a little easier. Also I would ensure that the food insecurity gap is proactively narrowed or eliminated in Brampton by establishing 4 x 4 gardens and mini orchards on school grounds to encourage students to participate in their food production. This will address poverty in Brampton city.

Food insecurity has been identified as a Brampton concern and one farm oriented way to address the concern is to offer some unused parcels of government lands to perhaps be used for a crop like hemp which offers excellent health benefits and is easy to grow.

Who is Gurjit Grewal?

Gurjit Grewal is a Mayoral Contestant in Brampton, he holds B.A. (Eons), M.Sc. Pol. Science, Diploma in Business Administration and Urban Studies from York University. He is practicing Law in the field of Property Tax assessment in Ontario, he is an oath commissioner in the province of Ontario and a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Gurjit Crewal believes that with his multi-lateral combinations of amazing professional, academic and commitment qualities he stands out to be voted for in the coming Municipal Election for the post of a Mayor in Brampton. He understands the importance of a strong municipal economy. With more than 28 years as a provincial property Assessor he has seen first hand how municipal plans have affected towns and cities.

As a valuation manager, he was responsible in 1994 for the Reassessment of Residential and Farm properties for 23 Municipalities. His work has been recognized by his peers who elected him as a Director at the Institute of Municipal Assessors from 1990 to 1994. From 1980 to 1982 Gurjit was President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Mississauga Branch. Gurjit no doubt according to him has a solid grasp of the municipal and management issues facing Brampton.

OASES NEWS: You have a multi-lateral combinations of professions; Aux. constable, Property Tax Consultant, economist and Urban planner in what ways would these professions have direct effect on the citizens of Brampton?

Gurjit Grewal: Thank you OASES NEWS for coming all the way from Toronto and for your patience to cover Brampton’s Mayoral contestants’ plans and programs we have for Brampton City. I have entertainment business, fast food and gas station business so I understand the economy very well in all areas.

As an experienced Aux. constable I will be committed to crime prevention, and increased community policing to help safeguard our streets.

(I)As Property Tax Consultant I will be committed to holding the line on city property taxes for two years.

(ii) I will offer tax incentives and co-operation with our planning department to attract new investments in the city.

OASES NEWS: In what ways would you attract investment opportunities in the city of Brampton?

Gurjit Grewal:

1. Develop a downtown core, create a task force of local businesses, downtown residences, developers and a planning staff to co-operate on improving the downtown core that suits the interest of all stakeholders involved.
2. HWY 410 expansions would be started immediately, from 3 lanes to 5 lanes both ways and work with the provincial government to ensure this happens, and reduce the current daily gridlock.
3. We are now seeing deteriorating facilities in Brampton and I want to invest in improving all these recreational facilities.
4. Go transit services is limited during non-peak hours, I will support expanding go service hours all day.
5. We should be working with the city of Toronto as well as the federal and provincial governments on a rail system that links the airport with Brampton and Toronto.

OASES NEWS: Do you have programs for the youth?

Gurjit Grewal: Yes. The youth unemployment issue will be addressed seriously. I will work with the provincial government to look into expanding a recognizable University campus in the city, providing the youth population with a local university education.

OASES NEWS: What would you like to change if eventually you become The Mayor of Brampton?

Gurjit Grewal:

1. Reduce the salary of the Mayor by 20% and Councilors by 55%
2. Reduce the budget of all the departments, 5% for 2015 and 5% more within 2016
3. Post Councilors and Senior bureaucrats personal expenses online monthly for public viewing
4. Hiring and promotions will be based on merits, not on contacts
5. Senior citizen’s needs for recreational activities will be addressed.
6. Support the local art group in the city.

Background of McLeod, Donald

Mr. Donald McLeod holds B.A. Major in History, spent 9 years with two Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA), a Reserve Unit of the Canadian Armed Forces in Montreal, and was deployed with various Regular Force units, overseas and across Canada, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his years with Royal Canadian Artillery he understood self-sacrifice, dedication, leadership and teamwork these are the sterling qualities he has today.

According to Donald, he has been living in Brampton with his family for the past 22 years and sadly he has witnessed the city transformed from a neighborhood community to poorly planned, sprawling mass of houses inter spaced with unsightly big box malls. “Traffic congestion has clogged roads, increasing commute times and stressed our infrastructure. Taxes have continually increased while services have declined and professional politicians have been either unwilling or unable to effectively manage the changes that have taken place”, Donald told OASES NEWS during the interview. Read the excerpts.

Why running for the Mayoral position in the city of Brampton

I want Brampton to be a leader in Innovation – I want Brampton to be an Inspiration – I want Brampton to be Inclusive and I want to lead Brampton Forward, and that is the reason I have decided to run for Mayor.

Investment opportunities

Businesses are attracted to cities that have good government, reliable transportation, a vibrant cultural life and a healthy lifestyle. The current generation of workers are not looking for what the older generation has deemed important – they want to locate and work in cities that have the above intangibles.

A large part of my platform is to develop small and medium sized business incubators and accelerators through a city Community Development Corporation. We need to attract companies that will benefit the community that are socially responsible. Big box stores are not what we want in Brampton because they pay low wages, offer part-time work and no benefits, and if there is any talk of unionization they get up and leave, that is not what we need or want.

Accountability, sense of direction and transparent management style

On my election platform that I released in April, I stated that within the first six months of my administration I would engage a coalition of experts that make corporations learn and more efficient.

I would also have the Mayors and the Councillors expenses posted on-line, cut budgets to $20,000. Have all other requests go through a Controller, and I would have to sign off. I would also tighten up the code of conduct by instituting a10 point code of conduct that would cover such items as bribery, gifts and lobbyists. I would also re-institute third part oversight that was eliminated by the current Mayor and councillors.

Program to support multi-culturalism

I believe that we need more interactions among all communities that live in Brampton. The current Carabram is outdated and too spread out to showcase the diverse and dynamic cultural diversity that we have in Brampton. I would like to concentrate that event in one location and have the city become more involved in promoting and financing this event. The other way that I would like to initiate is to have community volunteers groups that would consist of a racially diverse cross-section of the communities to become involved in how this city is shaped for the future.

Expected changes if elected Mayor of Brampton

I would like to change this city into one that is a leader in innovative ideas to combat homelessness, hunger and urban design. We need to remember that everyone is part of this city, the rich and the poor, the more people that we have working the better it is for the community and society at large.

where I would like to see Brampton in the next 4 years if elected as the Mayor of Brampton I would like to see Brampton moving forward as an innovative and dynamic city – it is not going to be an overnight process but I would like to see it as a city that will be a model for how to transform a city that has grown up with urban sprawl and has transformed itself.

I would change the culture at the top down and the bottom up. We must have a city that truly cares for all of its citizens. We need to engage and promote citizen involvement in the democratic process.

Program for the Youth

As earlier stated, I would like to institute community volunteer groups, I would like to have youth be involved in those groups as well, to have input on their concerns. This would accomplish two things, first it would involve the youth in understanding the problems and the concerns of planning and negotiating with developers, city and citizens, it will also groom them into socially active members of society and give them the tools to become future leaders.

Support multi-Culturalism in the city of Brampton

I believe that I need to show people that there is no reason to fear different cultures, it is better to embrace than shun. I would champion the fact that there is so much we can learn from different cultures. We must take the good with the bad, but we must strive to co-exist and live in this city as one. We all belong to one group and that is Humanity.

Final word/s

Thank you OASES NEWS for the opportunity given to me to opinion and plans for the city of Brampton. I believe that Brampton can become a great city, but it has to take dramatic and radical steps to change. We cannot continue down the same road of undefined urban planning. Brampton is growing at a rapid pace and we desperately need a different mindset and fresh, innovative ideas, not 10 years from now, but now.

Brampton is facing serious issues of clogged roads, inadequate transit, and lack of interactive public spaces and crumbling infrastructure. Political inaction, incompetence and lack of foresight have contributed to our declining quality of life. We have the opportunity in Brampton to reverse the current trend and make Brampton a City that we and generations to come will be proud to live, work and play in.

OASES NEWS: Thank you too.

Mr. Steve Mahoney believes that he is strong, experienced, a good leader, Skillful, enthusiastic, experienced politician, knowledgeable and his interest are the extra plus for him to be the next Mayor of Mississauga.

Who is Steven W. Mahoney?

Steven W. Mahoney an experienced Canadian politician was educated at Richview Collegiate in Etobicoke, Toronto. He served as a councilor on the Mississauga City Council and the Regional Council of Peel. A former member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1987 to 1995, and a member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1997 to 2004.

He later served as a cabinet minister in the government of Jean Chrétien. Steve Mahoney told OASES NEWS that he was appointed chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario in 2006 until he retired in March 2012.

OASES NEWS: Why did you decide to contest for the Mayor of Mississauga?

Steve Mahoney: I am running for mayor because I have the experience and clear vision to build on the foundation being left to us by Mayor McCallion. I am committed to keeping Mississauga affordable, investing in our City’s downtown and waerfront, supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs, and building stronger villages and neighborhoods across the city.

Mr. Steve Mahoney told OASES NEWS that “Mississauga has come a long way in its short history. Born out of the thriving, historic villages of Clarkson, Cooksville, Dixie, Erinodale, Malton, Meadowvale Village, Port Credit and Streetsville, our City has grown to become Canda’s sixth largest city and a place whee people from all over the world come to live, work, and raise a family”. the following are his plan for the city of Mississauga

OASES NEWS: What are your plans for the City of Mississauga?

Steve Mahoney: My plans are laid out in this Blueprint (given to Oases News) which reflects my conversations with thousands of Mississaugans and my more than three decades in public service.

Here are Mr.Steve Mahoney’s plans as contained in his Blueprint titled “Blueprint for an even stronger Mississauga”:

1. To hold the line on property taxes in the following ways :

1. Hold property tax increases within the rate of inflation.
2. Conduct external core services review to focus on priorities
3. Establish public-private-non-profit Blue Ribbon Committee on value for money of City services d. Enhance citizen-led decision-making through participatory budgeting

2. To build a stronger, faster transportation network

1. Build Hurontario Light Rapid Transit
2. Implement 21st Century Intelligent traffic lights
3. Build East-West rapid Transit and express traffic lanes
4. Expand 2-way, all day Go Transit service

3. To build and promote strong villages

1. Expand the pride of villages across key nodes
2. Market our villages as tourist destinations
3. Appoint a Mississauga Community Development Facilitator focused on more liveable and active neighborhoods

4. To make Mississauga’s city centre and waterfront even greater sources of pride

1. Create a Mississauga waterfront Corporation to creatively co-develop the waterfront
2. Designate the city centre as a community Development District to attract more businesses and jobs

5. To make Mississauga a centre of entrepreneurship and local job creation

1. Maintain a stable business investment climate
2. Require more apprenticeships in City Projects
3. Actively recruit leading international universities to Mississauga
4. Establish the Mississauga Futures experiential learning and coop program to create youth employment
5. Create innovation districts and business incubators in key nodes

6. To deliver better, more convenient city services

1. Appoint a Chief Digital Officer to put all city services on-line
2. Create the play Mississauga Fund to Renew and build Community play spaces
3. Implement a Fair Wage and Safety & Prevention First Policy for City Projects

7. To leverage Mississauga’s diversity to attract businesses and create jobs

1. Strengthen economy by working with province and regulators to recognise foreign credentials
2. Establish the office of Mississauga Ambassador to use diversity to create jobs
3. Improve coordination of newcomer services

8. To renew Mississauga’s critical infrastructure

1. Use innovative financing and project delivery models to renew and expand infrastructure
2. Encourage Canada’s pension funds to invest in Mississauga

9. To focus City Council on strategy and results for citizens.

1. Renew Mississauga’s strategic plan with measurable outcomes
2. Establish Community councils to keep government close to citizens.

10 To Reduce red tape at City Hall

1. Reduce administrative overlap with the Region of Peel
2. Require service guarantees for city permits and approvals
3. Appoint a “Bureaucracy Buster” to help small and medium businesses cut through red tape and bid on city projects.

GODWIN OFOLE
Nigerian Representative and Coordinator
Igbo World Assembly.

September 27, 2014

Awka the capital city of Anambra state came alive on the 27th September, 2014 when the IGBO WORLD ASSEMBLY (IWA) held her 8th annual convention at women development center Awka.

In attendance were men and women of substance across the globe. Igbo World Assembly’s (IWA) thirty seven member country strong came in their numbers. Presentations were made by the President General of Ohanaeze Worldwide. President of Ijaw National Congress, the leader of Umuada Igbo Mrs Kate Ezeofor and her members in Nigeria and diaspora, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chief Remy Ezeonwuka, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze among others. Papers from Mazi Mbama Amadiebube and Prof. Paul Oranika were also presented.

OHANAEZE leadership made up of the President General Chief Garry Igariwey, the Secretary General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, the legal adviser Olunkwa and several States chairmen of OHANAEZE attended the event. Leaders of Igbo groups from Northern Nigeria and Lagos also made presentations. Anioma men and women performed their famous belly dance. Youths from the seven Igbo states participated actively.

IGBO World Assembly (IWA) on behalf of the diaspora paid a condolence visit to Ambassador Ralph Uwechue’s family at the country home at Ogwashi Ukwu Delta state.IGBO World Assembly also paid a courtesy call to President General of Ohanaeze chief Garry Igariwey at his country home in Afikpo in company of OHANAEZE secretary General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu. The delegation were shown round the town including the cross river separating Cross river states from Afikpo the home town of EZE Akanu IBIAM.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

In a related development the IGBO DAY celebration came up on 29th September, 2014 –the day set aside for its celebration annually. NDIGBO must be grateful to the executive Governor of Anambra state chief WILLIE OBIANO for giving great financial support for the 2014 IGBO DAY. Akpokue Dike of Aguleri has shown leadership in IGBO land that is worthy of emulation throughout IGBO land. We wish to state with categorical decisiveness that the peace and tranquility existing in Anambra state is something governor Obiano should find a way to have it replicated in other south east states. In fact Akpokue dike, the entire south east states is looking up to you for direction.

Dr. Alex Ekwueme squire was filled to capacity with delegates from seven member states and beyond showcasing. In attendance were prominent IGBO sons and daughters from home and abroad as well as well-wishers of the IGBO nation. Goodwill messages were presented by the President IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS, Past president General of OHANAEZE Ndiigbo Dr. Dozie Ikedife (ikenga Nnewi),The current president General Chief Gary Igariwey, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze in company of his executives and members from different countries.

Ohanaeze Anambra state Chris Eluemuno delivered the welcome address. Great Igbo sons in attendance were Chief Mbazulike Amaechi(the boy is good), Chairman South East traditional rulers council EZE Cletus Ilomuanya, EZE Uzu Awka Obi Gibson Nwosu, EZE Desmond Ogugua of Mbaise, EZE Chukwuemeka Eri of Idu ERI kingdom and others too numerous to mention were in attendance. Masquerades of various shade added color to the event including the famous IJELE and IZAGA. Masquerades. ATUILOGWU dances, Abriba war dancers and other also groups performed.

Delivering his speech, OHANAEZE President General Chief Garry Igariwey highlighted the theme of 2014 IGBO DAY which is (OJE MBA CHETAKWA ALA IGBO). The Chairman Igbo World Assembly (IWA) Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze stressed the need for Igbos to build bridges of friendship with their neighbors from South South, Middle Belt, South West, as well as core North as the survival of Igbo nation is embodied in this demand. The President IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS ENGR. CHARLES AMBAIOWI echoed the same bridge building with the IGBOS as the only way of survival in the present day Nigeria.

The leader of AREWA Consultative Forum and his group made presentation calling on Ohanaeze and AREWA to close ranks. Yoruba youth delegation also made presentation and called for cooperation with Ndigbo. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Awards to OHANAEZE NDIGBO President General and Secretary General, Chief Gary Igariwey and Dr. Nwaorgu respectively for good leadership and their performance at the just concluded National CONFAB 2014.

The long-serving Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, is retiring in October 27, 2014. There are two major contestants for this noble position in the 6th largest city in Ontario. Bonny Crombie is ready to wear Hazel McCallion’s hat and shoes. Bonnie Crombie is ready with her practical, ambitious and incredible plans to make a difference to the people of Mississauga and to make Mississauga a city that moves, thrives, grows, shines, works and cares for the residents of Mississauga. Please read:

Bonnie has a multi-lateral combination of sterling qualities; brilliant, passionate, age, gender and uniqueness. Welcome to the world of Bonnie Crombie she is one of the Mayoral contestants in Mississauga.

Background:

Bonnie Crombie is one of the Mayoral candidates vying for the position of a Mayor in Mississauga, Ontario. Crombie was born to Polish-Canadian immigrants in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto, and received her M.B.A. from York University. Crombie was an entrepreneur and public affairs consultant and had been employed by the major trade association representing the property and casualty insurance industry as well as McDonald's Corporation and the Walt Disney Company.

OASES NEWS: Why did you decide to contest for the Mayor of Mississauga?

Bonnie Crombie: I have passion about this city, it is the city I choose to live in to work and raise my family. I want ensure that it is an on-going prosperity and we continue to be a dynamic and diverse emerging city, we have to build a legacy that Hazel MaC Callion left. My family are new immigrants from Poland and I understand the work ethics that the new immigrants brought into this city. I have 20 years business career before going into politics. I have been a member of parliament and city council, I have a vision for the city and this vision involves developing a livable and walkable community. This election is about our future not about our past. Creating a city that celebrates her traditions is a must and I want to care for our seniors and inspire our youth.

OASES NEWS asked questions on her programs and plans for the City of Mississauga, the program she would like to deliver what she would do to improve the lives of the Mississauga residents, what she has for the youths and how she would create jobs and encourage small business owners in the city of Mississauga and her plan to make Mississauga bigger than Toronto.

When OASES NEWS asked if Mississauga would become a megacity if she emerge as the Mayor of Mississauga her response? “Yes, even bigger than Toronto”, Bonnie replied. Below are her programs and plans if she becomes Mayor of Mississauga:

Bonnie 10 Transformational ideas for Mississauga:

1. Advocate for all day, two-way, frequent, electrified GO Train service on all the Mississauga lines and the development of Regional Express Rail on the Milton Line to create an intra-Mississauga rail line moving people quickly and effectively across the city.

2. Institute a full-scale service review of Missisauga Transit to ensure our local transit meets the needs of residents and compliments our future rapid transit lines.

3. Build a Mississauga Innovation Accelerator to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and take ideas from concept to commercialization, right here in Missisauga.

4. Create an international Investment Advisory Council to attract top talent and business from around the globe to our doorstep.

5. Issue the Mayor’s Youth Jobs challenge to all 59,000 Mississauga businesses to collectively hire at least an additional 1,000 local youth every year and alter the city’s procurement policy to add a bonus criteria for those vendors who make hiring youth a priority as part of their bid.

6. Strike a downtown development and waterfront taskforce to create a thriving downtown core and vibrant waterfront. When we say we’re going “downtown” it should mean downtown Mississauga, not Toronto and our waterfront should be an attraction.

7. Establish a Diversity and inclusion Advisory Committee comprised of City Councilors and residents to ensure the voice of all residents is heard at the city hall.

8. Hold tax increases to the rate of inflation while continuing to provide good value for tax dollars

9. Review all programs and services through an independent analysis of all city programs, services and expenditures to ensure we’re doing business as efficiently and effectively as possible.

10. Tackle poverty and homelessness by working with advocacy groups, newcomer settlement agencies, local business and post-secondary institutions to develop strategies to ensure everyone has a chance at success. Whether you’ve been here 20 years or 20 days every resident deserves and opportunity to succeed.