As of February 14th, 2025, Pope Francis, head of the worldwide Catholic Church, has been admitted to the hospital after experiencing breathing issues and difficulties for several days. A beloved figure in public eyes, his declining health has been a major topic of discussion on social media.  Fast forward two weeks from now, media outlets are reporting that the Pope is in critical condition, having experienced a mild kidney failure and, more recently, a bronchial spasm amidst his battle with pneumonia. The Pope’s health as well as the implications of the future for the Catholic Church weigh heavy on the world. In light of these times, an infamous prophecy has been resurging on the internet. Michel de Nostredame, famously known as Nostradamus, is an astrologer from the 16th century who made many predictions about future disasters–– from political disruption, to wars, to natural disasters. Some believe that he correctly predicted the French Revolution in 1789, WWII in 1939, and more recently, COVID-19 in 2020. On the other hand, the same criticism has been used over and over to rebuke his credibility. Many of Nostradamus’s predictions are cryptic and vague, giving leeway to fit into almost any event and appear “successful.” In times of turmoil, historians are now revisiting the prophet of doom’s works and have discovered that, perhaps, he did foreshadow a fate for the Pope.  His predictions for the year 2025 included the following: "Through the death of a very old pontiff... a Roman of good age will be elected. Of him, it will be said that he weakens his see, but long will he sit and in biting activity." The “Roman of good age” points to the potential identity of a new successor; however, the French astrologist’s description of him and his reign is less than favourable. This passage in particular indicates that a period of turmoil will pass over the Vatican, a prediction that has yet to come true. Yet, with the mention of the “very old pontiff”, Nostradamus’s predictions have garnered a haunting amount of credibility. The question remains: How much of these prophecies can be taken as true? All things considered, it’s important to remember that Nostradamus’s predictions ended up having to be compiled into a whopping 931 page book. In all of those sets, whether it be coincidence or some genuine supernatural capability, the sheer number of prophecies he came up with meant that at least a few of them would stick the landing. During these times, we wish for the Pope’s safe recovery.

Image from the Liberal Party of Canada As of December 14th, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a temporary tax break for all groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, toys, games, children’s clothing and gifts. The duration of this period covers the entire winter holidays, until February 15th, 2025 into the new year. Furthermore, Trudeau has proposed a $250 tax-free rebate for all Canadians who have worked in 2023 and earned a net income upwards of $150,000. What does this mean for Torontonians, and with this change, how do they plan on spending their winter holidays? Canadian households will see the changes in their Christmas shopping expenses, a welcome addition to start off the festive season. Restaurants, takeout, and dining businesses in particular will also likely see a huge boom in clientele as all food services will be included in the tax-free period. Even so, despite all these reasons, public response has been…mild, so to say. For one, it's important to note that many grocery items (i.e. vegetables, raw meat and milk) are already tax-exempt, leaving little to no difference shown on the total amount in your receipt. In addition, there are restrictions that apply to the items in question: for example, only toys and physical game media for ages 12 and under will be tax-free. Both of these facts only enforce the limited application of this tax-free period. For many Torontonians, this tax-free period will make little difference, and many plan on spending their holiday break like any other. As for business owners, this announcement means that establishments and retailers will have to accommodate for the new changes––and new customer expectations.

Image of Toronto Eaton Centre from TripSavvy This weekend is coming to a close, and so is the time of year that retail stores open up their big, red banners screaming “LAST DAY SALE!" Undeniably, the idea of a huge selection of items at a major discount appealing to any customer. The statistics support this idea too: Black Friday is considered the #1 most popular day for online shopping, with over 90 million customers shopping on U.S. sites during this time. On the surface, Black Friday Weekend seems like an incredible time for consumers to shop and save: It's the weekend, and it's your time to unwind by treating yourself to some new clothes and items at a discounted price. But what if I told you that Black Friday doesn’t make you save money, but instead spend more? During this season, it’s unsurprising to be reminded of the constant sales anywhere and everywhere. From retail stores to grocery marts to even big-name restaurant chains, you’ll see tons of promotions plastered across windows and stands. Online, the marketing becomes even more hectic: dozens of promotions flying into your email, evading spam, and sites online having that huge “SALE” sign the second you open them up. All of this is a marketing tactic, but not in the simple-minded way that you think. These constant notifications are engineered to instill in you a feeling of FOMO–– that sense of urgency that it’s now or never to go shopping, to seize the opportunity while it’s still present, but in reality, there is no urgency. Unless you have a shopping list of items that you specifically needed, and Black Friday just happened to come around the corner, you might just be spending more money on unnecessary consumer products. Another major point that stores refuse to tell you is that, most if not all of the time, items that are on sale are final sale. This means that they are not returnable and they are not exchangeable. Once you’ve paid for the item, you can’t undo your purchase. Unfortunately, I was a victim to this point, having spent four hundred and thirty dollars on a camel wool coat the other day and not being informed at checkout that the purchase was final sale. Moral of the story: when you go shopping, make sure to cover all your grounds and make sure that you can either return or exchange your purchase, or you’re extremely confident that you’ve made the right choice with your money. This year especially, stores seem to be a bit more stingy on their deals. Some shops at the mall will put up banners waving “70% OFF” in big, bold letters, but in actuality, the sale applies to select items, and it’s only up to 70% off. The main purpose of these attention grabbing posters aren’t to actually promote those select items but to rope you into their stores, in hopes that some product of theirs will catch your eye and you’ll spend your money on those products instead.  TL;DR: Black Friday sales aren’t designed to help the consumer––they’re there to make you spend more. While you might be able to catch some sweet bargains at the mall (I myself have seen some nice deals), don’t fall for the illusion that you’re saving money by shopping this weekend. Be smart about your spending; at the end of the day, you’re the one taking money out of your wallet.

By: Joanne Liang Photo by Unsplash As of October 1st, 2024, the province of Ontario’s minimum wage has increased from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour. This places Ontario second in provinces with the highest minimum wage, right behind British Columbia with a minimum wage of $17.40. In the past three years, the province’s minimum wage has risen 14.67% from January 2022’s $15.00 per hour. These decisions are made based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation. This raise has implications for all Ontarians, including those employed, those unemployed, and those currently looking for employment.  Table 1: Ontario's minimum wage increases over the last 15 years (taken from Peninsula Group Limited) In May of 2024, it was estimated by Statistics Canada that at least 40.4% of Canadians aged 15-19 were in the labor market. For high schoolers, a job is an excellent extracurricular to have, both for honing skills in the workplace and to broaden your postsecondary options. Waterloo AIF and UofT’s supplementary applications are notorious for favoring “out-of-school commitments and extracurriculars”; having real work experience under your belt only solidifies your prospects as an applicant, not to mention the extra income to assist with paying off tuition. That said, how does this raise fare for the average high schooler? Well, they definitely would see a considerable raise on their cheque. For someone who works, say, sixteen hours a week as a part-timer, the minimum wage increase boosts their bi-weekly paycheck pre-October from $529.60 to $550.40 –– before tax, that is. This raise looks decent on paper to anybody who sees it at first glance. It's enough to treat myself to a McDonalds Big Mac Combo and some more. However, Ontario’s minimum wage increase is inherently tied to inflation. Just as minimum wage increases, so too does food expenses, entertainment, transportation, and the like. The value of currency decreases because of increased money supply; to balance it out, companies inevitably raise the prices of their products. Whether or not you’re currently employed, this new raise has implications for everyone, because it paves the road for a climb in cost of living. TL;DR: Not much changes even with the extra money. Referring back to the mini case-study from earlier, twenty-one extra dollars that you earned post-October isn’t as valuable as it would have been pre-October, because cost of living has also increased. Rather than earning extra income and purchasing power, you have instead leveled yourself evenly on the playing game; you’ve obtained just enough income to meet the new living standard.  For everyone as a whole, you will have noticed a considerable rise in prices, nearly everywhere. That is inflation at work. Which leads us to the next question: how much does it impact us? For part-timers, not much. The minimum wage increase is a small albeit noticeable improvement from the previous $16.55 dollars per hour. If you’re working part-time, money likely isn’t your main reason for working, and 65 cents won’t make a big difference if you have other means of financial support. It also boils down to how many hours a week you work, because the more hours you work, the more noticeable the difference in income becomes. However, for full-time employees and students without financial support, the situation is vastly different. Let's refer back to my tuition example. Even if you were to hypothetically pay off four years of tuition and live out of your own pocket, you’d still have to have worked at least five years, full-time, under the current wage. Meanwhile, other programs can cost upwards of $120,000 counting for four years and residency. To clarify, this is for undergraduate programs alone. This is, also, not counting for inflation. For these individuals, this new minimum wage still isn’t enough to accommodate the cost of living in Ontario. Any quick surf on the internet will show you that the vast majority of full-time, hardworking, bill-paying Ontarians agree that a 65 cent raise isn't enough. Some believe that minimum wage should increase by at least $3.00 to meet current living standards. "There's just no place in Ontario where you could work a minimum wage job full time and be able to pay all your bills.” ––Craig Pickthorne, Director of Ontario Living Wage Network In conclusion, Ontario’s minimum-wage increase doesn’t actually do much for consumer purchasing power. It’s not necessarily a reason not to go job hunting as a high schooler––there are boundless life lessons and skills you gain from the experience that do justify it––, but I certainly wouldn’t count the extra 65 cents as a real incentive, and it's a whole other can of worms to start discussing the implications from a full-time perspective.

An Ode to Broadway Musicals in Toronto By: Joanne Liang Image by So Sumi. In the image is Hades (Matthew Patrick Quinn) and Eurydice (Morgan Siobhan Green), surrounded by the Three Fates. Last Saturday, I watched the Hadestown musical with my sister in Mirvish Theatre, Downtown Toronto. It was a stroke of luck that I had managed to buy rush tickets the night before at a discounted price, that I managed to catch another train after missing the original 11:45am one, and that I had unknowingly snagged tickets for the musical on its last weekend run in Toronto. Looking back, it felt like the stars had aligned themselves just to convince me that yes Joanne, you have to go watch more musicals in all of their live-performance glory instead of listening on Spotify like a fake fan.  I don’t actually mean that, by the way. I’ve been listening to Beetlejuice on Spotify for years now, and for all that I’ve been claiming love for Hamilton since the YouTube animatics era, I saw the Disney+ version before I saw it on Broadway.  That said, being able to watch Hadestown with two of the original Broadway casts and a whole crew of talented singers, actors, and dancers was an experience on a whole other level. I suddenly understood the appeal to gatekeeping “authentic experiences”, because it was genuinely, utterly, overwhelmingly impressive from start to end. See, there’s something about live musicals that captures the magic of performance where recordings and films fail to hit the mark. It’s like a rollercoaster that the actors––note: the actors, not the characters––bring you along, and I’ll explain why. That feeling of excitement when a fan favourite makes their way onto the stage is like no other because of several resounding facts: In the exact same room where you sit, AV is working on dimming lights and surround sound. The chorus is rushing through with dress changes while supporting the leads with vocals.  And at the front of the stage, the centre spotlight has hundreds of eyes on them, watching their every move. That feeling of anxiety, wondering whether or not they’ll hit the falsetto note, or if they’ll be able to dodge or catch a prop as part of a rehearsed gig, is overwhelmingly present. It’s impossible to ignore these thoughts when watching Broadway, because you are faced with the reality that this is live and these are real people on the stage. And that’s what makes live performance all the more impressive when it is successful. I cheered like a lunatic at the end of every one of Persephone’s belting songs, I clapped until my hands hurt during "Road to Hell", and I struggled and failed to hold back tears at the inevitable, tragic end of Orpheus and Eurydice’s story. Never have I been so emotionally touched by a performance like in live musical theatre, and as I left the Mirvish Theatre with a crumpled programme book and tear-stained face, I realised that those two hours were experiences of a lifetime.  See, I’ve had my own share of experiences in musical theatre. Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about the gritty details of production whereas normal, sane people would be talking about the story or the singing (sorry for dissing you, theatre kids). My high school put on a show (search up Markville Music We Will Rock You) that ran for 1,500 people over the course of two days––laser beam lights, audio mics, all that fun and blinding stuff. Needless to say, it was stressful. I probably lost weeks off my lifespan and lots of hair in the shower over musical theatre. But it was worth it––because on that stage, I felt a kind of purpose like no other. I felt fantastic.  To all the hardworking casts who make these experiences so magical and memorable, thank you. You create those kinds of memories that I’ll fondly recall weeks, months, and even years after, snotfaced or not. And to the rest of you reading this, go check out your local theatres. Show week is in full gear this year and I assure you, a lot of good ones are coming up. You don’t want to miss them. New Senior Housing Building Opening in the Heart of Unionville By: Joanne Liang A general look at Unionville Commons, York Region’s biggest residential construction project to date (image from Markham Review) On May 31st, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Regional Municipality of York celebrated the opening of Unionville Commons, a 265-unit building with two connected towers. According to the York Region Government, this is their “largest residential construction project to date.”  The location of the building is accessible and close to many major hubs in Unionville. Located at 4310 Highway 7 East, it’s a 10 minute walking distance to Main Street Unionville and a 15 minute drive from Markham Stouffville Hospital.  As for the interior design, the building is impressively senior-focused, featuring wide hallways to accommodate mobility devices, easy-to-access walk-in showers, and exactly forty barrier free units. The building also provides accessible senior-focused recreational activities, promoting a sense of community and activity from within. What do the residents have to say about their experience here? Well, they seem impressed and immensely satisfied with their stay. “Overall, I’m very happy to be here. I really like my place, my apartment. I arranged it the way I like it. I love it,” says Susanne L, a resident at Unionville Commons. And it’s true: This project is very impressive, demonstrating how intense attention to detail can significantly improve the function of a unit. All in all, it looks to be a great start for accommodating Markham's growing upper load dependency as well as alleviating housing demands. As the school year comes to a close, so does this newsletter's 2023-2024 run. We have one more month, and our writers are working to pour our hearts and souls into it––this is going to be the best and possibly longest installment yet. So, keep your heads up! Stay tuned for more, but above everything, thank you guys so much for sticking with us throughout the year. It means a lot for us writers :) Your favourite writers, Grace, Rachel and Joanne

Autism Acceptance Facts By: Rachel Chung Did you know Autism Acceptance month was previously known as Autism Awareness month? According to Neurology Advisor, April is now Autism Acceptance month, as instead of portraying autism as an illness, we are celebrating and understanding the unique lives and experiences of autistic individuals. According to Autism Ontario, “there are approximately 135,000 autistic people in Ontario.”, yet several misconceptions and prejudices still exist and lead to discrimination against autistic Canadians. Autism acceptance month aims to combat prejudice, promote autism pride, and offer support to autistic individuals and their loved ones.  The concept of autism was first suggested by Eugen Bleuler in 1911. In 2013, autism officially became autism spectrum disorder, introducing the idea of the autism spectrum that continues to be used by medical professionals today. Autism Awareness began in the 1970s, when the National Autism Society declared that April would be known as Autism Awareness Month. In 2011 Autism Awareness Month officially became Autism Acceptance Month thanks to the Autism Self-Advocacy Network.  Autism Acceptance Month has enabled societal acceptance towards autistic individuals and has also helped to improve the lives of those living with autism. For example, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic individuals benefit from acceptance as it improves their self-acceptance and self-esteem. On the other hand, lack of acceptance leads to increased depression and stress. Although many don’t realize it, Autism Acceptance Month makes a crucial difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their loved ones. By simply taking a few moments to empower autistic Canadians we are improving the lives of autistic individuals all over the world.  Autism Acceptance is also a month to acknowledge the amazing achievements of individuals with autism, and to shed the image of autism as an illness or disease. Some extraordinary autistic individuals include Eminem, Lionel Messi, Elon Musk, Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokemon, and America’s Next Top Model contestant Heather Kuzmich. While the world seems content to portray autistic individuals as limited, April showcases what the autistic community can truly achieve!  So, this Autism Awareness Month, wear blue, and spread love and acceptance. It may not seem like a lot, but talking to even one person about autism awareness helps to change society’s prejudices. It is time to accept and support autistic individuals and promote a culture of inclusivity for all Canadians.  On The Appeal to Academic Glitter By: Joanne Liang “Locking in.” “Academic weapon.” Chances are, if you have Instagram, Tik Tok, or any remote form of social media, you’ve seen these terms being thrown around in relation to academic self-improvement and achievement.  The emergence of romanticising studying dates back to the late 2010’s, when dark academia emerged and took the online world (namely, Tumblr) by storm. Since then, the fantasy of black coffee, dusty books and formal education has captured hearts and minds alike across the internet. Despite its long history, academic romanticisation hasn’t blown up quite as high as expected.. until it unexpectedly did this year. Today, if you go on Pinterest, a quick scroll is all you’ll need to realise that academic glitter has this app on a near chokehold. The imagery of warm, hazelnut aroma and academia books scattered across your desk screams of aesthetics… and so does every other image on your feed. Scroll below, and you’ll find overwhelming praises like “I love this! 😍” and 40 other variations flooding the comment section. The thing is, Pinterest doesn’t even have it the worst. This article would’ve ended right here and I would be getting my long-awaited good night’s rest if that were the case. I guarantee that the average Pinterest user won’t spend more than 20 minutes max scrolling through their feed, but what about the other apps, the kingpins of doom-scrolling? That’s right. I’m looking at you, Instagram and YouTube.  It’s one thing to dream about living in a few pretty Pinterest pictures. But now, you’ve got essays and thirty minute tutorials titled “How to Achieve the Aesthetic Lifestyle”, and thirteen other variations of that on your feed, and suddenly this niche “-core” indulgence is taking the media world by storm. This phenomenon is changing the lifestyles of an entire generation, and for the first time, we’re asking the how’s before the why’s. So, I’ll do it. I’ll bite. What is it that drives Gen Z to be so obsessed with this specific image? Why is this phenomenon happening now of all times? After a whole rabbit hole of research and a few enlightening interviews with my fellow Gen Z fellows, I’ve come to posit a few theories. Romanticization isn’t nearly as rampant in the younger grades than the highschoolers and, the worst of them all, college students. This is for a simple reason, and it’s that there simply isn’t that much to worry about. You don’t need pzazz if your life is already sunshine and rainbows and you’re not six feet deep in homework assignments and pending legal documents.  That’s why the older kids…they have it rough. Especially in a time where AI and ChatGPT have turned Google Classroom submissions upside down and their parents’ dabbling in politics and the future of Canada gets a little too heated in the car. Or maybe that’s just my personal experience, who knows. But the fact remains that Gen Z is reporting the highest rates of anxiety and depression than ever seen before. War is breaking out in every corner of the planet, the adults are all talking about inflation and absurd housing prices, our childhood treasures are going through the online Salem witch trials––oops, sorry, I meant to say cancel culture, what is there to look forward to? All things considered, I’m not surprised that our generation wants, even if it seems shallow, to indulge in something that makes us feel in control of our futures. After all, everything we believed in and were told is constantly being turned on its heels. School is infinitely smaller than the terrifying world out there, and our grades are things we can work towards with the right amount of time and effort. So, I can see why our generation tries so hard to distract ourselves. Not just through romanticization, but through social media, video games, and outright anything that offers a semblance of escape from the outside world. Even the millennials had devised their own unhealthy strategy to get through the uncertain future (attaching themselves to an IV line of copious amounts of Starbucks). That said, I don’t agree with it. Romanticising studying is great for bolstering your productivity for a short period of time, but terribly unsustainable in the long run. The whole appeal of aesthetics stems from that short burst of novelty––once you obtain that high, you come down and move onto the next shiny object. Therein lies the paradox: that studying for the sake of studying, instead of learning, is counterintuitive towards your productivity. This problem is most apparent in what’s become a hotly debated topic on the internet: the legitimacy of the Liberal Arts. As if this major hasn’t undergone enough stigma for “not having a use in the real world” (god, I’d be a millionaire for every dollar earned hearing that), dreamy-eyed Gen Z’s are now crafting their own nifty, stereotypical image of life as a Liberal Arts major.  But that’s not it at all. Not every person in the program gets to study in a dark, ambient library and analyse Greek philosophers for a living. To begin with, entering a major for its visual appeal instead of considering what you’re about to dedicate four years worth towards is convoluted in itself. Gen Z is covered head to toe in academic glitter. Don’t get me wrong, I also love the occasional colours and dramatic flair, but stare at those colourful sequins too long, and it starts to become a sight for sore eyes. HEADS UP! YLoYR is hosting our ANNUAL AxL event on June 2nd, from 12-2 pm. You'll get to listen to a guest speaker talk about university life, applications, and get ahead on preparing for post-secondary! If you're interested, make sure to stay tuned on our Instagram and Website for future updates! Thanks for the wait again and see you next month! Joanne, Rachel and Grace

Table of Contents 1. The History of International Women's Day 2. Ontario Union of Family Physicians: Family Medicine is ‘Not Sustainable’ in 2024 3. A Taste of Main Street Unionville The History of International Women’s Day By: Rachel Chung  The 2024 International Women’s Day campaign theme.  Did you know that International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a hundred years? What started as a group of American women advocating for better working conditions and equal rights has become an international holiday dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women all around the world.  In this article, we will dive into the fascinating origins of International Women’s Day and recount some of the most significant years for such a significant and important day.   The historical protest of 1908.  In 1908, many women began to speak out against the oppression and unfair treatment that they were receiving. Campaigns and protests began occurring. One of the most memorable demonstrations of the year 1908 occurred when fifteen thousand women marched through the streets of New York City, advocating for the rights of working women. Although they didn’t know it yet, a movement was to be born out of their cries for better working conditions including shorter hours, fair pay, and voting rights.  The very next year, 1909, saw the first National Women’s Day. On February 28, 1909, National Women’s Day was observed across  all fifty states of the United States of America.  A year later, during the International Conference of Working Women in 1910, a historical proposal was made by Clara Zetkin. She was the Leader of the Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, and was the first to suggest an International Women’s Day. Her initial proposal was that every country should celebrate women and their demands regarding equality and justice, on the same day. Her proposal was met with approval by all the women attending the conference, and International Women’s Day was to be celebrated for the first time, in 1911.  Women working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.  On March 19, 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, marked and celebrated International Women’s Day. Over a million people, women and men, tirelessly campaigned for the end of gender inequality, women’s rights to vote, women’s rights to hold public office, and women’s rights to work. That same year, on March 25, 1911, the ‘Triangle Fire’ of New York claimed the lives of over 140 immigrant working women. The tragic event had only one good outcome. Over the years, the poor working conditions of women became a key focus for future International Women’s Day events, in an effort to prevent such a tragedy from occuring again.  In 1913, Russian women celebrated the country’s first International Women’s Day on February 23. The date was later changed to become March 8, as the Gregorian calendar became more popular. The date of International Women’s Day has remained unchanged since.  The Bread and Peace strike in Russia.  Russian women began a “Bread and Peace” strike on March 8, 1917 (according to the Gregorian calendar) following the deaths of more than two million soldiers in World War I. The strike lasted four days as the women bravely endured opposition from various political leaders at the time. Their courage and commitment eventually led to them gaining voting rights for women, following the abdication of Russia’s Czar. This protest was not only an excellent example of the spirit and power of International Women’s Day but also marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution.   The next great milestone for International Women’s Day occurred in 1975, when it was officially recognized by the United Nations.  Twenty-one years later, the United Nations began announcing  annual themes for International Women’s Day. The first theme, announced in 1996, was Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future.  In 2001, a digital International Women’s Day platform was launched. This website was designed to get more women involved in the ongoing fight for gender equality and also to recognize and celebrate women’s accomplishments. Women participating in Annie Lennox’s march in support of Women for Women International.  Ten years later, the year 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Former US President, Barack Obama, made March 2011 “Women’s History Month” and asked all Americans to spend March 8 reflecting and recognizing the actions of women that shaped America’s history. Hillary Clinton also launched the “100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges” that same year. Annie Lennox, a renowned Scottish singer and activist, led marches and demonstrations across London’s iconic bridges to support the global charity Women for Women International.  Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in countries all over the world. Every March 8, women and their achievements are celebrated in various ways. Although much progress has been made towards gender equality, there is still work to be done. So this March 8, and every year after this one, make sure to celebrate all women, and continue raising awareness regarding the inequality that women continue to face.  Ontario Union of Family Physicians: Family Medicine is ‘Not Sustainable’ in 2024 By: Joanne Liang On the evening of Monday, February 5th, 150 family doctors gathered at a career summit to discuss the future of Ontarian family medicine. They debated the possibility of striking at their workplaces and corresponding only through video calls with their patients.  Whether it’s underemployment or some sort of recruitment problem, full-time physicians are reportedly being handed double their workload and aren’t being paid the amount due. They’ve seen a substantial rise in the amount of paperwork, including prescription renewals, referrals, and other requests for information. “It really speaks to how dire the situation is and frankly how desperate family physicians are,” said Dr. Ramsey Hijazi, founder of the Ontario Union of Family Physicians, in a CBC article. It’s a pressing matter for Ontario these days. It’s one that the public needs to know about now more than ever, because we’re the ones that are going to be impacted. In a study done by the Ontario College of Physicians, in the next two years, every 1 in 4 families will be without a family doctor. That’s approximately 4.4 million people. Dr. Andrew Park, president of the Ontario Medical Association described it as “a perfect storm” on CTV. And honestly? It couldn’t be more fitting.  On top of being overworked and underpaid, family doctors are left ill-prepared by the government for the crisis to brew. Ford’s controversial Bill 60, which aims to expand surgery options in private care, means that more workers will start to pull out of public practice in pursuit of better working conditions. This will inevitably leave a staggering discrepancy between the reduced workforce and ever-increasing patient demands. During the pandemic, Ford had made a pledge of billions of dollars to increase capacity in the healthcare sector. However, it seems that the government will have to make adjustments to Ontario’s funds to uphold this statement. A report by the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario showed that, because of a “larger and aging population,” funding towards hospital sectors will significantly diminish over the coming years. By 2027-2028, funding will have reduced by $21 billion. Image sourced from CTV More recently, the up and coming measles outbreak has Ontario’s healthcare professionals on alert. Just two weeks ago, four cases were confirmed in Ontario and sixty four in the US. In a report released by Public Health Ontario, it was revealed that measles vaccination rates had dropped a significant amount in the years between COVID. Whereas the vaccination reports for youth was in the 86% range from 2019-2020, it had dropped to a staggering 63% in 2021-2021. A similar trend had followed in varicella (chickenpox), pertussis and polio vaccination rates. This means that the demand in family medicine will only increase as parents are pressed for their children’s vaccinations.  Theresa Tam, the Chief Medical Officer of Canada, has yet to release a statement on preparation for this wave to come to family medicine. A Taste of Main Street Unionville By: Joanne Liang Kids laughing. Highschoolers yelling. The clamouring of drums as a synchronous blur of red and black marches down the street, steps in tandem. An elderly couple wandering down the street, hand in hand, quietly admiring the aromatic hanging flowerpots that are replaced every national holiday. This is Main Street Unionville, one of Markham’s most celebrated and diversified locations to date. Here, an amalgamation of cultures display themselves side by side, a personalised showcase for those who pass, accentuating their unique histories of trinkets, fashion, and all sorts of attractive shops.  Photo by BlogTO Main Street Unionville is, truly, a timeless thing. Amongst this wonderful collection exists a handful of restaurants and stores, bursting with all sorts of flavours; amongst these establishments, a select few stand out prominently. This is both a personal keep of those memories and a passionate endorsement of what enchanting things this humble yet focal retail street has to offer. 1. Sweetie Pie –– 190 Main Street Unionville This bakery offers an assortment of delicious confections, ranging from tarts and pies to cakes and cookies and even ice cream. Their classics, like the raspberry pies and cake jars, are fantastic. For me, their banana cream pie was especially delicious, having a not too overpowering sweetness for my palate but enough to make me go for seconds. The banana flavour had a fresh and natural taste. Furthermore, the service here is wonderful; the servers are polite and funny, and work efficiently. Overall, I was left with a great impression of this location, and I’ll definitely be returning next time. Photo from Main Street Unionville on Twitter 2. Chat Bar –– 187 Main Street Unionville Located in the heart of the street’s bustling activities, this culinary gem found its home inside a repurposed shack. The restaurant’s loud, energetic atmosphere makes it perfect for lively conversation over smoked barbecue. The beef short ribs and lamb sticks are to die for, but I was completely blown away by the pork rice bowl. It had the perfect amount of spice to it, and it was bursting with flavour in every spoonful. Just thinking about their food is making my mouth water right now… Photo from Main Street Unionville on Facebook 3. The Alley –– 142 Main Street Unionville This little store is located near the outskirts of the bustling parts of the street. The quiet ambience of this location is unlike any other on Main Street, and with the interior design to compliment, it just feels like home. The service is excellent; the person who made our drinks was polite and professional. They have a wide selection of cold and hot drinks that cater to just about any individual. There’s some Asian inspiration in their flavours that comes out so authentically, setting it apart from its competitors on the street. Photo by The Alley on Facebook Thanks for the wait guys! We're constantly on the look for things that might be relevant and interesting to you guys, and we appreciate your support. It's what keeps us going <33 Thank you so much for the hearts and comments! We can say for sure that April is going to be full of some fantastic articles by our fellow writers, so stay tuned until then! As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments and make sure to give this article a bump :) Your lovely writers, Rachel, Grace, and Joanne

Censorship: How Today’s Literature Disillusions Ignorance for Knowledge  In light of Freedom to Read Week 2024 By: Joanne Liang Four years ago, multiple schools across York Region removed the novel To Kill A Mockingbird from the curriculum and off of school shelves. The book, which spoke on relevant topics today like racism and hatred and struck the hearts of many of its high school readers, was removed for featuring the N-word. The N-word, in a book that tackled civil rights movements and prejudice against African Americans.  Today, it’s not money that makes the world go around; it’s knowledge.  Society runs based on the flow of information. This is evident through how it influences political parties, businesses, and media coverage. It also impacts us in our daily lives, whether we like it or not, from our personal beliefs to the cultural practices within our communities and so much more. But that leads to the next big controversial issue and the main topic of this article: information control. Historically, information control in the public domain has had dangerous implications for society. These practices of withholding and even destroying knowledge are inherently engraved with feelings of contempt toward beliefs deemed “unfit” for society. Woah! That’s literally 1984! But the past never stays buried. If this realization isn’t any more alarming, the real wake-up call is the fact that these kinds of acts are still happening today, in a world that ironically prides itself on freedom of expression. It’s done through a much subtler, but just as sinister method called censorship.  What is censorship? Censorship is the forceful action of suppressing specific information from the public. This is done when said information is perceived as harmful, sensitive, or “offensive”, and it’s most often done by large controlling bodies of power literally removing these works from the shelves of the public domain.  As of 2023, there are 1,557 different banned titles in the United States and hundreds of frequently challenged books at the Canadian border. Alongside To Kill a Mockingbird, some of the most thought-provoking novels of our time, like the Handmaid’s Tale which speaks out on the objectification of women, are being removed from library shelves for reasons like “depicting violent and profane imagery”.  Where is the logic in this? In censoring works which display the ugliest parts of humanity, future generations are unable to realise the mistakes made by our ancestors. Ignorance is not progress, it is a willing hindrance.  But I digress. Undeniably, it is important to take measures and regulate materials with negative content that may influence their audiences, especially on students and the still-developing youth. But that leaves one final question to debate: where do we draw the line over what we should and shouldn’t micromanage in the public domain? This year’s Freedom to Read Week took place February 18-24, marking its 40th year anniversary of defending the writing and publishing rights of Canadian authors. You can continue to show your support for the cause by participating in events organised by the Freedom to Read committee, spreading awareness about censorship, and getting involved on social media. More information is available at: https://www.freedomtoread.ca/freedom-to-read-week/  The Origin of Lunar New Year Traditions By: Joanne Liang Gōng xǐ fā cái! Lunar New Year is just about coming to an end, wrapping up the 2024 year of the Dragon. The holiday, with almost 3,500 years of history, is rich with cultural traditions and elements. For many of us immigrant families, we’ve grown up with putting tangerines all over the house and lighting incense. That said, how many of these traditions do you actually know the origin behind? Putting Tangerines In the House Tangerines and oranges, aside from their spectacular taste, are associated with the popular superstition that having them around will bring happiness and abundance. This is because, in Mandarin, the word for orange sounds incredibly similar to the word for wealth. Have you ever seen your relatives give each other mandarins during the Lunar New Year? Quite literally, they’re giving each other “wealth”! Red Lanterns  Without a doubt, red is an iconic colour which has been embellished into the history of Lunar New Year. The colour is associated with prosperity and luck, and the gold adornments to these decorations are symbolic of fortune and wealth. It’s no wonder why red packets are the colour they are! If you’ve ever been on the main streets of China, or any popular destination during Lunar New Year for that matter, you might’ve encountered the stunning view of red lanterns hanging above you.  These lanterns are commonly associated with good fortune. They might be hung over streets and stalls as tourist attractions, and they’re also popularly used at doorsteps to “ward off bad luck”. Even more, they symbolise letting go of your past selves and moving on. All in all, their association for all things auspicious makes it no wonder why they’re so iconic! Lighting Incense The practice of burning incense, which began some 2,000 years ago in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, actually holds some religious significance on top of the usual auspicious superstitions. Buddhism and Taoism had it incorporated for commemorating special occasions like funerals and ceremonies, the act of doing so now associated with numerous cultural customs. Today, it’s a form of paying respects to your elders, warding bad spirits away, and even sending prayers to gods. Here are some other Lunar New Year traditions which you might not know about but are super interesting all the same: • NO sweeping or dusting during Lunar New Year’s day! Chinese belief has it that your house collects good luck and fortune for the year during Lunar New Year’s day, and cleaning the house during this period is akin to cleaning it away! • Staying in your house on the third day of the New Year. This day is known as Scarlet Dog Day; despite the misleading name, it has nothing to do with scarlet or dogs. Legend has it that the God of Anger would roam around on this day, and people would stay indoors to avoid picking a fight. Welcome to the year of 2024! After a one-month break from finals season, our team is back and ready to roll. Thanks for the wait! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for our next installment! Joanne, Rachel and Grace

Amendments to the Gifted Program –– An Opinion By: Joanne Liang In the York Region District School Board, students are required to take several standardised tests in their third year of elementary education. One of these tests, not unsimilar to an IQ test, is what determines their qualification for the district’s special education program: the gifted program.  (image: Antoine Dautry on Unsplash) A gifted child is, quote YRDSB, “a pupil whose behavioural, communication, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities are such that he or she is considered to need placement in a special education program by committee.”  Again, quote YRDSB, "The Ontario Curriculum is differentiated for gifted students in order to: 1. Ensure that the expected level of achievement is demonstrated, 2. Provide learning experiences at an appropriate cognitive level, 3. Provide students with the learning and thinking tools to allow them to maximise their learning potential, 4. Match instruction and learning environment with student learning styles."  Takeaway: the purpose of the gifted program is to provide an experience and environment that caters to these students’ special learning needs. At least, this is how it’s described on paper. However, in practice, the gifted program has several issues.  In this article, I want to address two long-term problems associated with the gifted program: 1. the actual implementation of its so-called purposes, and 2. the damaging associations with the term “giftedness”. Hopefully, my points will ultimately shine light on the need for amendments to these issues. 1. Implementation of the Gifted Program The root cause of the gifted program’s faulty implementation is that, well, nobody really understands its purpose. Hell, the program’s own definition contradicts itself–– it tries to cater to students’ unique learning needs by adapting the curriculum for their cognitive level, but the screening process involves an IQ test, literally the most standardised test out there. How is the curriculum supposed to help students hone their divergent thinking skills if the material they are given is unable to actually examine their thought processes?  It’s also important to note that a child’s IQ only makes up for so much of their abilities. Maybe they’re not good test takers, or maybe they’re more inclined towards other subjects that aren’t tested on the IQ test, because one standardised test can only measure so much. For example, arts and the sciences are largely integrated into the student curriculum up until high school, but they don’t have nearly as many questions on the IQ test compared to language and maths. This supports the idea that perhaps our current definition of a “gifted child” has been, ironically, too narrow-minded up until now. This leads to my next point: the subjects that are tested on the IQ test; they can be easily studied for. The standardised format of the IQ test means that the questions have definite answers that, with enough time and extracurricular studies, a student can prepare for. A growing number of research shows that children who are enrolled into extracurriculars and education earlier on in childhood have an advantage in cognitive growth compared to children who aren’t.(https://typeset.io/papers/the-linear-and-nonlinear-effects-of-organized-48zhxwnn7a) Essentially, it’s like a stat buff right before taking the test, which can yield incorrect results which only reveals itself over time. This is also a concern that, upon discussing the topic with my peers, many other students in the gifted program have brought up.  “While the test does do its job relatively well, it is easily exploited by people who intentionally study for the IQ test element. This in itself is not really an issue, but the fact that some people are willing to do this to get into the gifted program is telling of the way it's perceived by parents.” ––Tim Xia, Grade 10   “I think it's kind of goofy because you can study for a lot of that stuff, which means that it's not really a fair test. Give kids something on the spot and see how well they solve that instead. ” ––Daniel Lam, Grade 10 This is where things become tricky: the issues I stated earlier are already present in the screening process, which is kind of telling towards the program as a whole. The curriculum has way too much of a focus on nurturing intelligence in specific fields, to the point it ends up missing its original purpose by a far shot––to help students with their unique skill sets. Unfortunately, that also means a majority of the material taught in the program is also covered through extracurriculars. Students whose parents can afford the time and money on extra education are given an unfair advantage in the world of academics, and the gifted program ends up becoming a glorified fast tracking program. Hold on…what was its original purpose again? Just because a kid thinks differently, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily a genius. But what does that mean for the other students? The non-geniuses, the ones who the program was originally intended for, who still to this day are lacking in the support that they need? The gifted program has become a place where more homework and worksheets somehow equates to developmental learning, but that’s not necessarily the case for these students. Tests have become harder in difficulty, and because they’re summative, that ends up impacting their grades.  I don’t know about you, but this absolutely blows my mind––why should a student’s academic performance be impacted by the margin between gifted material and mainstream material? This is a sentiment that many other students seem to share as well. That leads me to my proposal: if the gifted program is truly intended to be the unconventional learning space that it promotes itself to be, I believe this can be achieved with more effective practices––starting with the screening process.  Despite all my nitty gritty comments towards the IQ test, I understand its purpose and functionality. Giftedness can’t exactly be measured, especially if the definition itself is vague to begin with––that’s why the next best option is to assign a minimum psychometric value to “gifted standards”. I do believe, however, that there should be a larger emphasis on examining the child’s thought process instead of looking at pure results.  2. Associations with the Term “Giftedness” This brings me to my second point: the attitude surrounding the gifted program and with gifted students, which only enables the worst parts of the program. There seems to be this general stereotype that “gifted kids are smart” or some other sort of misconception. This could be a result of many factors such as, once again, the structure of the program which promotes academic intelligence, but the perception of giftedness undoubtedly has had a profound impact on these students.  “Gifted teachers think that, since we’re gifted, they don’t really have to teach, and we move at a much faster pace and often go off on tangents being taught random things.” ––Anon. This example highlights just one of the few problems that arise due to stigma around giftedness. A child’s intellectual capability should in no way interfere with the amount of effort an educator puts into their job, but unfortunately, this is often the case in gifted programs. Furthermore, the impacts are seen not just on their quality of education, but on their mental health as well. The unrealistic expectations that come with the identification of giftedness is an issue that holds many long-term consequences. The children who are pushed to strive for academic success are more prone to experiencing feelings of intense inferiority or insecurity in their capabilities, especially when their self-perception clashes against an undesirable outcome. This can snowball into a larger mental health issue––performance anxiety and stress are especially common experiences amongst children in the gifted program––, and if not monitored properly, it can severely detriment their learning mindset and work habits. This is proven by numerous studies which examine the performance of gifted children in workplace environments after leaving school. Perfectionism is a toxicity in the gifted program that I’ve witnessed impact those close to me. This fact is especially exemplified because of the area where we live in and its demographics. Immigration makes up for a lot of our population growth, and for the students here, many of our parents are likely also immigrants. But with immigration, they bring with them their cultures as well.  Many students, I myself included, have grown up in a household where academics are seen as crucial to our future success. Peer pressure and family expectations are just a few reasons that play a role behind the ignored but ever present mental health issues in education––and they only become more enabled through the gifted program, which enforces false yet still damaging expectations of “geniusness” onto these students. It is to my understanding that, as of now, the gifted program is lacking in the developmental and mental support aspects of the students’ education. With this in mind, there are two possible solutions that come to mind that could help alleviate this:  The gifted program should be implemented into more schools across York Region. This is to prevent having too high concentrations of gifted students whose individual needs cannot be met. Gifted classrooms should be organised so that they contain no more than 16-17 students. This is to allocate more time and energy towards homeroom teachers so that they can focus on the personal needs of their students as well as focus on teaching course content. I want to emphasise that the role of the teacher is not just to educate the students on course material, but also to prepare the students so that they are well-equipped for entering adulthood with a healthy mindset and developed work habits. However, given the state that current public schools are in, that is far from the case. The recommended number for students in a classroom is no more than 18, yet schools like Markville and Unionville High School are well over their carrying capacity, reaching numbers in the high 20's and nearing 30's. Meanwhile, schools like Markham District High School suffer from a shortage in students. In addition to this, I believe it would be beneficial for schools to invest in hiring school psychologists. Not just counsellors, not just guidance teachers, but professionals who are educated on what it is that an individual requires, especially one with individual needs such as a gifted child. Numerous research indicates an association between schools with high-SES (supplemental education services) and higher math performance compared to schools with low-SES.(https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.639089/full) As a Grade 10 who’s been in the gifted program for the past seven years, I’ve come to realise many flaws with the system that could be improved if we put in even just a little more effort. This is my last year in the gifted program, and it’s also my school’s last year hosting the program; therefore, the issues that I address here in hopes of alleviating are all the more personal in terms of importance. To the adults and educational figures out there, I hope you’re reading this: change starts not with the children, but with the adults that they rely on who shape their development and growth. Please consider what’s best for them––it's not just your future in your hands, but the futures of all the children who look to you as their models. Thank you. Phew, managed to get it in before New Years.. Thanks so much for the wait guys! We're finally back, and with some blockbuster articles at that! Let us know your thoughts and comments below. As always, please look forward to our next instalment too! We have a lot more cooking up :) Joanne, Rachel and Grace

TABLE OF CONTENTS • Breast Cancer Awareness Month • About Richmond Row's Pressing Safety Issues • What’s Happening With Downtown Toronto’s Homelessness Crisis? • Ironically, Halloween as a Holiday Might Be Dying Out (For Us) Breast Cancer Awareness Month  By: Grace Yao October is known for many prominent holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving and many others. However, a lesser known celebration of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (photo: Saint John’s Cancer Institute) Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops within the cells of the mammary gland, or in other breast tissue. These cancerous cells begin to grow more rapidly and abnormally than usual cells and begin to accumulate, creating a lump. If not diagnosed and treated early, cancerous cells may spread to other parts of your body. This illness affects one in 8 women, so chances are you or someone you know will be affected by breast cancer in your lifetime. Breast cancer is also the second most deadly type of cancer in women after non-melanoma skin cancer, and over 28,000 women will be diagnosed with it in Canada alone. While men can also develop breast cancer, it is a much rarer occurrence with about 1 in 833 males being diagnosed with the cancer.  October is about spreading awareness about the struggles of breast cancer, and educating the public about this horrendous disease. On a lighter note, here are a few things you can do to support and promote the research and treatment of breast cancer! 1. Wear pink, or a pink ribbon lapel pin (photo: Mayo Clinic Health System) You have probably seen these ribbon lapel pins worn during October to represent cancer awareness but did you know that each colour actually represents a type of cancer? The colour symbolising breast cancer awareness is pink. The pink ribbon lapel became the symbol of breast cancer awareness in 1992, when Alexandra Penney, chief editor of Self magazine, wanted the newly released Breast Cancer Awareness article to draw more attention. To do this, she created the folded pink ribbon, and distributed them in large cosmetic stores in New York City. Since then, the pink ribbon has been a well-recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness.  Wearing a pink ribbon lapel or the colour pink in general represents your honour for breast cancer survivors, condolences to people who lost to the disease, and support for further research and treatment of breast cancer so be sure to get involved! You can learn to make pink ribbon lapel pins here.(https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/making-strides-against-breast-cancer/make-a-pink-ribbon-lapel-pin.html) 1. Donate to charities  Even though it may seem simple, donating to charities or fundraisers makes a huge difference. Your donations sustain the fight to end breast cancer as well as educate the public about it. Finding a treatment for breast cancer will save millions of lives in the future. In addition, it will also improve the care and comfort of current breast cancer patients. Considering the fact that encountering someone with breast cancer is highly likely, your contributions will have an impact on someone out there — maybe even someone you’ll know. To join the effort to end breast cancer, you can donate to the following foundations: The Canadian Cancer Society,(https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=registerPC.start&eventID=505&_gl=1*1m56ns*_gcl_au*MTU2NzQ5NjQ5LjE2OTU0ODIyNTI.*_ga*MTgyMjg0NzU4My4xNjk1NDgyMjUy*_ga_23YMKBE2C3*MTY5NjQ2MDk1OC41LjEuMTY5NjQ2MTIyOC41NS4wLjA.#_ga=2.116255183.850717436.1696460959-1822847583.1695482252) after Breast Cancer,(https://www.afterbreastcancer.ca/fundraise) The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation,(https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-princess-margaret-hospital-foundation/) The Breast Cancer Support Fund,(https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-breast-cancer-support-fund/) and you can find many other Canadian foundations here.(https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/category/health/sub-category/breast-cancer/) We really hope you learned a few things about breast cancer from this article and even thought about donating. October is an opportunity for supporting those affected by breast cancer, celebrating the progress made against it, drawing awareness to the disease, and most importantly, educating others on it.  About Richmond Row's Pressing Safety Issues By: Joanne Liang On December 23, local boutique store Frankly Scarlett will be closing its doors for the last time, after six years of operation. This follows the trend of other stores which have also been closing down within the area of Richmond Row, Downtown London. According to the owner, the environment in which the business can operate is just too unsafe.  (photo: Global News) “The daily challenges of homelessness, vandalism and drug addiction plaguing our downtown has made it impossible to provide a safe environment for our staff and customers and the necessity of locking the front door has diminished any chance of retail success,” they wrote in their business’s Facebook post. Many local citizens agree with this sentiment as well. “I owned property on Richmond Row since the glorious 80s and I ran a business there but I sold everything and ran for the hills. This massive enabling program has ruined a once thriving and important part of the city.” One commenter says on The London Free Press, in an article about the challenges that Richmond Row faces. Their concerns aren’t unwarranted either. It’s terrible, having to run a business and spend hours a day in an environment where you have to fear for your employees and customers’ lives and safety.  A few months ago, nearby establishments such as Brown & Dickson Bookstore and Budapest Restaurant were also forced to close their doors, with safety being the main concern once again. With all this information, you probably only have one question on your mind. You’re probably wondering: what happened? How can such a once prospective and lively space like Richmond Row turn out to be…this, after so many years? Finally, is the community undoubtedly doomed? That’s the golden question–– and in a search for an answer, we've decided to do a little research and dig around for our own little case study.  It turns out, one of the largest reasons for the growing safety concerns— and subsequently, London’s beloved stores closing down–– is, undoubtedly, COVID-19. The two year-long pandemic marked a huge economic shift for everyone, with the sudden shift to quarantine making it difficult for businesses to adapt. This change especially impacted smaller businesses which relied on loyal, in-person customer bases. At the same time, many workers lost their jobs or were laid off due to a variety of reasons; most, however, ultimately tied back to COVID.  Now, what happens when the economy struggles and people lose their jobs? You’ve guessed it. Within these two years, the homelessness and violence rates spiked not just in Downtown London, but every major city hub in Canada. According to ​​York Region’s 2021 Homeless Count Report,(https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/York-i-count-2021-final%20report.pdf) the rising housing market pressure which concurrently happened at the time of the pandemic also contributed to increased long-term homelessness. To cite, “over half (53%) of respondents reported experiencing long term or chronic homelessness, up from 45% in 2018 and 33% in 2016” (York Region 2021).  The COVID pandemic might be over, but the impact of these times are still prominent in some of York Region’s communities. Downtown London is just one of the many places that hasn’t been quite able to get back up on its feet.  Furthermore, the closing of Brown & Dickson Bookstore in February earlier this year also cited an ongoing opioid epidemic plaguing downtown.(https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/citing-safety-brown-dickson-bookstore-to-close-richmond-row-location-1.6759532) This shines light on some issues that may already have been spreading negativity in the neighbourhood–– COVID was merely the final straw for these businesses. Other problems, such as the lack of parking and expensive operating costs make it even more difficult to operate in this area.  That said, amidst the unfortunate news of Richmond Row’s beloved stores closing down, the London Ontario city council is ever more focused on alleviating these plaguing issues. In light of Richmond Row’s economic struggles, a plan to implement 3 new homeless hubs in the heart of the municipality (https://globalnews.ca/news/10008645/london-homeless-hubs-council/)has just recently been approved. It’s a start, and it shows that the community isn’t giving up on Richmond Row just yet. The drug epidemic shouldn’t be taken lightly either. Mental health and addiction services are more crucial than ever for vulnerable people that require this assistance; meanwhile, it's also a call for concern for local police. who are responsible for enforcing the law and stopping criminal activity, to enforce stricter control over street drugs. Overall, it seems that the largest issue to tackle firsthand is regarding Richmond Row’s safety. The city council’s plans essentially acknowledge the significance of the problem running rampant and the central role that it plays, and it even raises concern that the root of these problems are possibly macro-level and not restricted to the municipality solely. If we are to hope for a safe community at Richmond Row, we have to directly address the current issues, but the causes shouldn’t be ignored either. That’s not to say that it's out of our control though; we definitely shouldn't just leave the fate of downtown in someone else’s hands and just… pray for the best. It will definitely take months, possibly even years before Richmond Row can go back to what it once was, but in the meantime, it helps to spread awareness about the significance of the problem and, at the bare minimum, believe that it will be possible to salvage the community P.S. If you’d like to support or even check out some of the businesses mentioned, Frankly Scarlett can be found on Facebook.(https://www.facebook.com/www.franklyscarlett.ca/) They also have another location that’s booming with business down in Port Stanley, Ontario! Meanwhile, Brown and Dickson Bookstore is also thriving on their Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bookmobile519/)page. What’s Happening With Downtown Toronto’s Homelessness Crisis? By: Joanne Liang In Spring of 2023, hundreds of refugees from Sudan, Uganda and Mexico crossed Canada’s borders in hopes of seeking asylum. The majority were rejected from shelters each day. Emergency spaces aren’t enough anymore–– now, hundreds of asylum seekers find refuge in churches, airports, and hotels, if not living entirely out on the streets. This is a problem that every citizen in Toronto is, at the bare minimum, vaguely aware of, but nobody knows how to address as it becomes increasingly prominent in the very streets that we walk; despite this, winter approaches, and Downtown Toronto struggles to discern a long-term solution to its raging homelessness crisis.  According to CTV, the influx in refugees is due to an amalgamation of reasons: climate change, war and armed conflict and human rights violations are a few off the top of the list. As the friendly peace-loving neighbour that the world recognizes Canada as, we’ve built up quite the reputation for accepting refugees and immigrants regardless of backgrounds, promoting our diversity and inclusivity. (Justin Trudeau’s famous and widely received 2017 tweet, initiating the hashtag “#WelcomeToCanada”.) However, due to many issues, this approach is beginning to backfire as Toronto’s streets populate with more refugees than it can accommodate for.  There have also been speculations about some foreigners attempting to loophole the refugee immigration system via “visiting”–– that is, visiting Canada by means of vacation or education and then claiming asylum to start life anew abroad. This is incredibly unfair for those who do meet the refuge requirements but are subsequently rejected, and it only makes the selection process more difficult for the federal government. Some have even expressed their concerns on social media platforms such as r/Toronto on Reddit;(https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1719zf2/asylum_seekers_are_sleeping_on_toronto_streets/) for example, those who have made it past Canadian borders continue to worry if their immigrant parents are still eligible.  “Yeah, at the current state of the economy, even Canadians are sleeping on the street,” one user says in response to an article on Toronto asylum seeking. Overall, the Canadian public’s reactions are less than ecstatic. All the while, Toronto’s homelessness crisis remains bleak. As of October 1st, 2023, the number of refugees in Toronto’s shelter system has shot up by over 600 percent in the past two years, spiking up to 3,682 according to CP24. The city’s emergency care systems simply do not have the capacity to accommodate this growing demand. With the City of Toronto’s decision in Spring to turn away refugees and asylum seekers from daily shelters, many have been left with no other option but to rely on the streets for survival. This is most evident on the sidewalks of Peter Street, Toronto, where rejected refugees have gathered in place of shelter.  ​​ (photo: The Star) There’s definitely a great deal to consider when taking into account the scale of Toronto’s homelessness crisis. As we speak, churches and airports are being filled past their capacity, a less than stellar temporary bandage to the symptoms of a larger issue. It may not seem like much, but it means a lot to donate clothing and food to local charities, or even spend time volunteering with non-profit organisations and homeless shelters.  It even helps to spread awareness on the issue. Share this article with your friends, promote the topic on social media, just don’t let the problem right in front of us go unnoticed. Toronto is a beloved city for us all, home to tons of entertainment and small-time businesses and cultural gems. That’s why, as citizens of the GTA, we’ve got to do everything we can for this city too. Ironically, Halloween as a Holiday Might Be Dying Out (For Us) By: Joanne Liang A lovely thank you to my friend Aswini for being a great inspiration for this article! :) That's right, all you fellow spooky season enjoyers, it's that time of year again. Halloween, the only day in a year where you can parade around your daily life dressed as anything you want to be–– where the unordinary becomes ordinary. There's so much to do to celebrate Halloween festivities! You can go trick or treating, pumpkin carving, even visit the neighbourhood and admire all the nice decorations that others have put up...except, "hold on, is it just me, or is there not as much hype as there should be??" (image: Eddy Travels) It's not just you. After interviewing several students across York Region schools, similar opinions also came up in conversation. The question remains: Is Halloween as a holiday dying out? "Yes, I do think so. When I was younger the neighbourhoods used to be decked out in halloween decorations, but now it's not common to even find a house with a pumpkin in front of it, let alone feel the halloween spirit." One student from Markville Secondary School says. Statistically speaking, only 52% of Ontarians plan on celebrating Halloween this year.(https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/about-half-of-ontarians-plan-to-celebrate-halloween-poll-1.6623615) That's a whopping 19% lower than our Atlantic counterparts. In an article by CTV News, many of the reasons cited by adults involve the inflation of prices for snacks and Halloween decorations in general. Historically, the holiday is also something primarily celebrated by the youth, not so much as appealing to older generations. In fact, a lot of the reason just has to do with growing up. Many of our readers feel this impact more profoundly too, since Halloween is so closely entwined with the sense of childhood. Once you're past a certain age, trick or treating begins to have this stigma around it, being seen as an activity for kids and only kids. Responsibilities begin to pile up, and the transition into adulthood means your previously empty schedules are now filled with an endless number of tasks. For some of those around us, they just simply don't have the time for Halloween anymore. Despite all of this, the short, retrospective answer is: no. Halloween is still very much thriving as a holiday, just only in certain neighbourhoods (and for younger demographics). And it's been like that for quite a while–– Mainstreet Unionville and Cornell are some of the best go-to trick-or-treat destinations, filled with haunted houses and stores that actively participate in festivities. (photo: Main Street Unionville on X/Twitter) At the same time, for even older generations, Halloween traditions are constantly changing. Did you know? A few decades ago, trick or treating wasn't even common practice, and carving jack-o-lanterns was originally done with r(https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/)adishes (https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/)instead of pumpkins. Things might be different now compared to your childhood; yet, the spirit of Halloween has never died despite that. It does suck that each Halloween will never be the same, but things change, and that's just part of growing up. From my personal experience, there's still joy to be found in holidays even as you grow up and enter adulthood! I still go trick or treating as a high schooler with my friends, and I'm always having fun with it because I enjoy the memories being made. The others in our social groups might not be as hell-bent on doing the same traditions anymore, but they still find time to hang out at gatherings and simply enjoy the festivities. In a way, that might be the most festive thing about Halloween–– not the candy, or the decorations, or even the costumes but the holiday spirit that'll never die no matter how much traditions change. TL;DR: If you were worried, no, Halloween is not a dying holiday. All you need to do is discover the right places to celebrate (go check out our September article (https://youthleadersofyr.wixsite.com/yloyr/yloyrforum/seasonal-newsletter/seasonal-newsletter-september-2023)which features some spooktacular recommendations!). So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and have some fun! Wow, published just in the nick of time before Halloween ends…thanks for tuning in to yet another one of our newsletters! Our writers’ team is constantly on the hunt for interesting content to cook up trendy and relevant articles for our local community. If you want to stay updated on awesome pieces like these, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get email notifications every time we publish something new. Thanks so much for your support guys! We’ll see you next month :) Your very grateful (and amazing) writers, Grace and Joanne

The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day By: Rachel Chung  As students attending YRDSB schools we are all more than familiar with the land acknowledgement. Our mornings start off with the familiar words spoken softly and solemnly over PA Systems: “We affirm that we are all treaty people and acknowledge that the York Region District School Board is located on the lands of two treaties…” But how many of us are actually listening? How many of us take the time to understand and reflect upon the horrors that Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children our age were facing?   The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as orange shirt day is a fairly new federal holiday—but it shouldn’t be. As Canadians we should’ve apologized to the Indigenous, Inuit and Métis community years ago. To put it simply, we shouldn’t have done what we did in the first place. There is no excuse for what Canada’s European settlers did to the Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples, who were their guides and companions in a new, unfamiliar country. Canadian settlers accepted the kindnesses given to them by the Indigenous community and then they began to eradicate them from this country. They took away their homes, their traditions, their pride, and their children. There is statistic after statistic after statistic regarding the wrongs that were dealt to the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit population of Canada. According to the Daily Mail “An estimated 6,000 children are believed to have died at the school.” The Guardian states that “As of September 2021, more than 1, 300 unmarked graves have been found across the sites of five former residential schools.” These children died of illness, starvation and neglect. While they lived in those schools they lived lives of abuse, malnourishment and oppression. They were stripped of their identities and their culture and they were brutally forced into the government’s idea of a Canadian citizen.  The last residential school closed in 1996. More than two decades later, Canadians have still not found a way to apologize to the communities that we hurt. How do you apologize for commiting genocide? How do you say “I’m sorry” for something you did with intent and with malice for decades? How do we, the general Canadian public, finally make it up to the communities we have so grievously wronged?  On September 30th we cannot simply put on an orange shirt and enjoy a day off.  It is wrong for us to treat the suffering of Indigenous, Métis and Inuit peoples as a thing of the past. Because the truth is out of all Canadian citizens, Indigenous, Métis and Inuit communities see the lowest quality of life. Right now, as you are reading this article, Indigenous children are drinking water contaminated with all sorts of toxins. Up North, Inuit families are paying double or even triple the price we pay for groceries. Not enough is being done to truly recognize the struggles that Indigenous, Métis and Inuit communities face.  But it is also wrong for us to view these strong, culturally rich and resilient communities as weak. They have been through hell. Canada has stolen and killed their children, stripped away their traditional lands and their culture and they continue to persevere. So this Saturday, September 30, 2023 take the time to reflect, truly reflect upon the trials the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people of Canada faced and continue to face. Take the time to celebrate their stories and their strength. Let it be the first day, the first step in the long road to reconciliation.  Heated Opinions on the Markville Secondary Redevelopment Plan By: Joanne Liang Urban development is no unfamiliar topic to the areas of York Region; we can see it happening right around the corner of every one of our neighbourhoods. However, one recent proposal has been gaining more attention lately from citizens and critics alike: The Markville Secondary Plan. Essentially, this plan consists of a 14-building expansion around the areas of CF Markville Mall, one of the City of Markham’s most popular locations to date. In preparation of steering Markham’s development towards intensification, this plan features expanded public realms, improved transportation, the protection of Natural Heritage areas and many more additions. (photo: City of Markham) The thing is, this proposal isn’t actually that recent; news of it had already begun making its way around during July of 2023 and even up to January, back when the Markville Secondary Plan entered phase four out of five total phases. What boosted its popularity more recently, however, is the fact that residents of Markham have actually started rallying to push back the plan.  (photo: York Region) According to York Region, the number of residents is expected to increase by 40,000 to 50,000 while Premier Doug Ford plans to integrate more homes to ease the Ontario housing crisis. However, for locals, the inevitable increase in traffic along Highway 7 and McCowan Road proves to be detrimental to their way of living. These two roads host some of the most travelled through intersections in all of Markham; urbanising the Markville area–– therefore, attracting even larger populations–– without considering the strain on surrounding roads means that it’ll take a long time before Markham’s transportation can smoothly adapt to these changes. At the same time, it poses a problem to the nearby Markville Secondary School, which is already experiencing a capacity issue of its own. Students at the school have already reported being unable to navigate through hallways, having their classes moved to portables, and a growing budget issue for school activities as a result of the increase in student admittance.  “I'm worried about how much more crowded our school will get.” One student says. “We already have everyone sharing lockers and we lack enough seating for students at lunchtime. Half of the students go out to eat food, and yet many have to sit on the ground as the cafeteria and available tables around the school are taken up by other students.” Local concerns, such as healthcare waitlines only further prove that Markham is not yet ready to expand its population. On average, the estimated wait time for an Ontario walk-in is 25 minutes. For the ER, this extends to over two hours; meanwhile, booking appointments with a specialised doctor is a whole other topic, the booking process spanning across weeks and sometimes even months. Just imagine what will happen after the Markville Secondary Plan is installed and how long it’ll take for locals to adjust! Currently, there is also a petition being passed around in Markham communities, which can be found here: https://www.markhamcommunityca.com/ (https://www.markhamcommunityca.com/) Without a doubt, the Markville Secondary Plan poses an opportunity to steer Markham towards a path of sustainability. However, the residents of Markham are rallying for a justified cause. Some of Markham's current systems are already struggling and won’t be able to accommodate these new numbers. If not implemented with population growth in mind, this plan could seriously impact living conditions for the current local community of Markham. Upcoming Halloween Plans? By: Joanne Liang Whew, enough of all that heavy talk. Luckily, if there’s one thing we can look forward to after the end of September… It's Halloween!! The notorious time of year where everybody gets to dress up in their most freaky fits and head out for a night of pure adrenaline rush. Got any upcoming plans to do with friends or family? If not, fret no more, because we’ve got your back. Here are some awesome local celebrations happening within the vicinity of York Region that you can participate in to join in on the Halloween festivities. 1. Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland — Vaughan, ON Without a doubt, the Halloween Haunt is a Canadian classic! Featuring tons of fun activities like scare zones, haunted houses and beautiful live performances, it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in a group. From head to toe, the amusement park is revamped over for that spooky feeling; just walking around the park is terrifying enough!  (image: Canada's Wonderland) 1. Five Nights at Freddy’s at Cineplex — Richmond Hill, ON FNAF, a childhood trauma. Finally, the horror game is getting its own movie adaptation! The story revolves around a newly hired security guard who works the night shift at Freddy Frazzbear’s Pizza, but eventually discovers the hidden horrors lurking inside the building–– quote Cineplex. That’s not too far off from the original game’s plot, actually. Set to release on October 27th, 2023, there’s more than enough time to call up your friends and head to the movies for a classic horror night!  1. Toronto After Dark Film Festival at Scotiabank Theatre — Toronto, ON For 17 years, Toronto After Dark has been featuring films submitted by applicants all over the world, spanning across the horror, sci-fi and action genres. This year is no different, taking place at Scotiabank Theatre during October 18th to 22nd. Tons of gruesome, terrifying and passionate works will be displayed for thousands of festival goers to enjoy, and there are also Q&A’s and social events afterwards that feature the filmmakers themselves! If you’re someone who loves cinematography and thriller, you’ll love Toronto After Dark.  After 3 months of hiatus, the YloYR Newsletter is finally back! This year, we're so excited to be able to share with you even more thoughtful pieces of writing as well as local articles. We hope they're to your standards ;) That’s all for this month’s seasonal newsletter! We’ll see you in the next instalment! Your awesome writers, Joanne and Rachel