Biography 237: Blue-colored steel glass

I was lying on the bed at our grandparents' (paternal) house, feeling very thirsty. I saw someone bring a blue-coloured steel glass with chilled water. I could even see the bubbles on the outside layer of the glass. I saw a hand and fingers who was holding the glass. Then they took it away. I was still very thirsty.

I woke up and asked everyone (my older sister, aunts (paternal), and dad) around me, "Where is the glass?" But no one understood my words. They were asking me what glass. I looked around again and asked where the glass was. I desperately looked for my chilled water glass.

Later, my sister said I was sleeping deeply. Suddenly, I woke up and just said, "Glass?" "Where is the glass?" but didn't explain anything else.

I was about 3 years old. But I still remember this.

Giving myself enough rest.

Right now, I am following Chaity's (My friend's) mom's rule. Once, she told me I pray properly by standing up when I can. If I feel too weak, I pray sitting on a chair. I don't put too much pressure on myself.

I am following that now. When I can, I work, cook, and do other jobs. But if I am not feeling okay, I lie in bed. Don't put too much pressure on me because that gives me more pain. I hope things will be under control. I don't want to fall on the bed, so I can't stand up anymore.

Reflection on Decolonization & Indigenization

 I learned about UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). And I am happy that the Canadian Government had signed it in the UN. I am also a bit disappointed that the Government still didn’t make any law to implement those rights. All human beings have rights by birth, and so do the Indigenous people.

 

1.      If decolonization is about dismantling colonial systems of oppression, why is this important in the Canadian context? 

 

Indigenous people are the owners of the land. The Settlers are not giving them their right and have been colonizing the area for a long time. Canadians are now becoming aware of decolonization. The new generation of Canadian society has stopped many wrongful laws and many more to correct them. Residential schools were closed gradually all over Canada. 

 

2.      If Indigenization is about building new systems of reciprocity or mutuality, why is this important in the Canadian system? 

 

As I mentioned earlier, Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of this land. They have expressed their desire to coexist and share this land with the Settlers. We are all Canadians now, each with our unique perspectives on how to address these issues. Living together, it is crucial that we strive for mutual understanding and respect, ensuring that everyone's rights are upheld and enjoyed.

  

3.      What personal steps can you take towards reconciliation? 

 

My first step would be to learn and understand the current situation of the Indigenous people and the Settlers. I have already started joining Indigenous programs and studying about them. The next step would be to share my knowledge with known people who will listen to me. I have already started this with my family. The next step would be to vote for a politician who can work with reconciliation. I will also share my knowledge with my classmates and colleagues when working so that people can gradually become aware of reconciliation.

Biography 236: Tour to the Jahangirnagar University

I heard there is a university near Dhaka. It's in Savar. In the past, Savar was a suburb of Dhaka. Nowadays, it might be considered part of the city. I also heard that this university is located in a Jungle. It's beautiful, like a park.

No, I never felt like joining there. The University of Dhaka is the best educational institution, and it is very near our home.

After joining the University of Dhaka, some of our classmates moved to Jahangirnagar University because they didn't get their chosen subjects in Dhaka.

One day, some of our classmates visited the Shriti Shoudho, a monument to our freedom fighters in Savar. Then Salam (our classmate) said, "Let's go to Jahangirnagar University." He assured us that he knew everything, how to get there, catch a bus to return, etc. We trusted him and accepted him as a guide.

For the first time, I visited Jahangirnagar University. It is a very beautiful university—like an educational institute in a jungle. We visited the big pond, surrounded by big trees. It was afternoon, so everything got close, so we couldn't eat anything.

Salam took us to the bus for the Jahangirnagar University students. The bus was much smaller than the number of students. Now, it had an additional 10/12 students as guests. You can imagine how difficult it was to stand inside. It was very crowded.

We 5/6 girls were standing close inside the bus. The boy sitting in front of me became merciful. He stood up and gave me his spot to me to sit down. I got the seat. But other girls were not that lucky. Because other boys didn't get up. The boy who gave me the seat tried to encourage others. He was saying, these are our guests; if we bring our guests, we will also expect that others will give them the seats., so stand up and let the girls sit. His friends replied, I was protesting whole day to take our exam later, now I am tired, I won't give up my seat. The merciful friend kept requesting, but no one else listened. My friend Neela, with her beautiful big eyes, looked at the stood-up friend and said, " Udhe na to"(they are not standing up). The boy again asked them, but no result.

Finally, we got down from the bus, and our tour to Jahangirnagar University ended.

Here, I just want to give a salute from the bottom of my heart to the student who gave up his seat for me. Thank you so much. It was a big support for me. All males should understand this. You never know what a woman is going through in a day, so always be kind to them.

Bicycle lane

Bicycle Lane, separated from the road.

 In Canada, I have seen them always make a bicycle lane on the roadside. Cyclists are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk, no matter how wide it is. I found it very risky. The speed of the cars and bicycles doesn't match. That's why if any kind of collision happens, the cyclist dies in most cases. It's very common over here.

What if a collision happens between pedestrians and cyclists? In most cases, both will survive.

That's why a bicycle lane should be developed beside the sidewalk. There could be a divider or small gap between the two lanes. In this bicycle lane, try cycles, scooters, and some chairs that can run like cars.

Roads should be only for the 4 wheelers. Here are some examples and some beneficial ideas. Like adding solar panels to the bicycle lanes.

In Portugal, the bicycle lane is with the sidewalk.

Separated bicycle lane in Turkey

Bicycle lane with solar panel.

Solar panel shades with the bicycle lane at the divider of the roads. In South Korea

Solar panel shades with the bicycle lane at the divider of the roads. In South Korea.

Separated from the road, bicycle lane with the sidewalk but separated too, in the UK.

“How I saved my kids from sugar”

 The writer Yoni Freedhoff shared his experience in the article “How I saved my kids from sugar” (November 2018), saying that kids consume too much sugar from their friendly environments like grandparents and teachers. He then discussed how the parents could prevent it. He called them “The pushers.” Who are the people encouraging or giving sugar to the kids? According to the writer, these “Pushers” are everywhere. Mr. Freedhoff is a parent and a doctor who knows very well how much sugar a child can have in a day and how much they take in real life. Sometimes, people are taking sugar unknowingly. Traditionally, kids have been treated with sugar or sugar-based products, like candy. However, people can get enough sugar naturally from different fruits and vegetables. After that, unknowingly, they might consume more sugar from processed food, like tomato juice, yogurt, etc. Too much sugar consumption may cause various diseases. So, the government has made a rule that on the package, the ingredients list must mention that the product has sugar. Parents can also stop preparing junk food or sugar-based items at home and parties. Freedhoff also said it is tough to stop taking these tons of sugar because of politicians and greedy businesspeople.

 

Source:

Freedhoff, Y. (2018, November). How I saved my kids from sugar. The Walrus

https://thewalrus.ca/think-you-can-limit-your-kids-sugar-intake-think-again/

Biography 235: CNE (The exhibition)

 I first heard about the Exhibition at my workplace, Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada). Most of my colleagues were younger. One day, I heard they were very excited to go to the Exhibition. The ticket is a bit expensive, but they are still planning to go together. Some were saying they would buy the combo package, which includes entry for six days and all rides.

I was surprised, but I didn't want to spend that amount of money. Next year, I thought, let's go for one day and give it a try.

I went there and bought all the rides for free with an entry ticket for the kid and me only to enter. It was an amazing experience. The kids go on rides as much as possible. We tried different foods and rides. Everybody was happy inside. Which makes you feel much better.

They have so many things to do that one day isn't enough. Now I understand why a colleague wanted to buy the whole week package.

After moving to Toronto, I still go to CNE (The Exhibition). Here, it is bigger and has more things to do. But it doesn't have that six days package. I liked the indoor shopping area, food, and different programs. I was scared of rides, and they cost extra money, too. But again, I felt everybody was enjoying their time here. It's a happy environment all around you. That is the main reason I like this place so much.

But it's expensive. So, every year, I try to go there for one day at least and spend as little as possible to keep my budget good.

Take less painkillers (medications)

 We have to be careful when we take any medication for painkillers. There are several issues that we have to consider. First, it can ruin your kidneys. So, please make your stomach full and drink lots of water when you take your painkillers. Still, it may harm your kidneys and other body parts (heart, nerves, etc.).

Another problem is that, in most cases, you don't know why the pain is there. You may depend on your past experience, so guess the reason. But there is always a chance to have a different reason. When you are taking painkillers, it may also demolish other pains, which may have occurred for various reasons. For example, you may take painkillers for your arthritis. You might be getting pain in headaches for different reasons, but the painkiller won't let you know at the primary level. The problem may come forward when it's late, and the problem has grown up.

So, take less pain killer or not at all if possible. Try to adjust your life with pain. As much as you can. In the long run, this may help to reduce your other unwanted physical problems.

Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

 Based on Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

Historical context:

Historically, Indigenous Governments were different in different tribes. Each tribe used to follow their traditions. This traditional knowledge was based on their spiritual ways, culture, language, and social expertise. It contained a legal system, political structures, and inherited relationships with lands, water, and everything.  The Indigenous government never surrender their land to the European settlers. They didn’t accept European or settler laws. Indigenous leaders signed the treaty where European settlers and Indigenous people agreed to run their sovereign on the same ground.

In 1963, the Canadian parliament recognized the Indigenous government, and the parliament gave them their fixed territory to run their sovereign. However, this wasn’t an exemplary scenario. Indigenous sovereignty was often questioned for the failure of understanding, lack of knowledge and other criticism.

The Canadian government was Eurocentric, and on the other hand, the Indigenous community was based on spirituality and personal autonomy. And Indigenous communities were distinct from each other too. These differences help to ignore the Indigenous right and claims.

Connection to policy/policies:

The French and English settlers made policies that they could occupy the land of the Indigenous people. The treaty policies were to distract the Indigenous leader, and then the settlers made policies to destroy the Indigenous economy. For example, making the Indian reserve areas, introducing the residential schools, legislating the Indian Act etc.

The Indigenous people were adapting and making new policies for their governance by following the European style. In this way, their social, political, and economic institutions were impacted.

In 1982, the Canadian Constitution Act gave treaty rights to Indigenous people, which was a significant achievement for the Indigenous people.

How Indigenous groups have engaged in resistance, reconciliation and /or redress.:

Reconciliation was the fundamental purpose of the Canadian Constitution Act 1982. In this Act, Canada has accepted Indigenous people's different types of government systems. There will be mutual recognition between the Canadian government and the Indigenous government. Both governments agree to make a mutual friendship and collaboration for economic partnership and resource development.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. The Canadian Constitutional Act 1982 has section 35, where information is given in detail about Indigenous rights. The Canadian government agreed to continue decolonization activity until a fair partnership was built between the Canadian government and the Indigenous community.

Biography 234: Tomato salad with dry chilies

One day, one of my mother's cousins visited our home with her child. She wasn't the first cousin.

She was married to a wealthy family in the village. After her marriage, she found weapons in that house. She asked what these were. They said it was their business. At first, she thought they might have made these to sell, but later, she understood that they actually do robberies, and that's their business.

She came back to her parents' house and got divorced. Now her parents are gone, and she has to live with her brothers. Because traditionally, in Bangladesh villages, women don't get the land. Either the brothers took it or the husband. Sometimes, they get a little portion of the payment, sometimes not. Even that payment goes to the husband; they actually don't get anything.

So, my aunt didn't get anything. Now, she wanted her son to be educated. My mother asked them to come, or she came by herself, I didn't know. My mom appointed a teacher to teach the son some lessons so that he could be qualified anywhere to be admitted. Like all other kids, the son didn't want to study, so he told the teacher to go away and lie that my mother asked him not to give a lesson today. After a couple of days, the son got caught, and obviously, my mom didn't like that attitude.

Later, my mother admitted him to a madrasa (a religious school) and paid for him. It was a boarding school so he could live and get an education.

For all these processes, my aunt lived with us for a couple of days. I remember that Ramadan came. I always woke up late at night, warmed up all the food, and then called everyone to get up and eat. My aunt also used to get up early and work with me. She used to make a tomato salad.

She finely cut the tomatoes and onions, crushed dry red chillies, and finally mixed the well with salt. I was looking at her work when she said, "Don't you like the way I am making it? Won't you eat it?" I said, "No, no, I like salad."

That's true. She made it very tasty.

I don't know why my mother got angry with her later. My mother doesn't have any filter in her thoughts or mouth. Whatever someone says to her, especially from her parents' home, she will believe and act very badly. In most cases, I think people were not as faulty as she thought.

My aunt never came back to our house. I heard that her son continued studying. I hope they are all good now. But even now, I sometimes make tomato salad like she did. It's good.

Men's and women's teams should be treated the same in sports.

 A long time ago, women were treated like men's property. They didn't have their own property or income. In those days, whatever they did was counted as their men's property.

The world understood its mistake and corrected itself. Both men and women are equal. All mankind should have their own property or earn as they earn.

In many countries, men and women are now paid equally for their work. However, in North America, there are still some problems. In some cases, both are not paid equally, especially in sports. Here, the men's and women's teams are not treated the same. They don't pay the same, and they don't have facilities to train and benefits to live a good life.

Let's grow up. Let's give everybody equal treatment. Let them grow as they should be. Then, let's see who is doing well in the international field and cheer for them.

We need to start talking about equity with equality. We need to understand which section needs what and how much. We have to be more careful, do more research, and update our decisions.

Federal Budget and Constitutions

  Reflect on one of the priorities and identified for the Federal Budget (flipchart sheets). Compare this to how this is actually addressed by the official Federal Budget (you can find this in the news). Provide analysis.

 

Housing:

-          Affordable housing (Income): In the Federal Budget, we are looking for money allocation for Affordable housing. Here, we mean that no matter how much a family earns, they should have a house. It’s a right for all Canadians. All modern high-rise buildings should have a part where people can live by giving 30% of their income.

-          Accessible housing (Handicapped people): All buildings should have properly accessible ways for handicapped or elderly people.

-          Subsidizing rent: People shouldn’t pay more than 30% of their income as rent. The rest of the money should be given by the government so that no matter how much a family earns, they can have a home.

-          Cooperation housing: The cooperation system should manage the housing system. So, every person will have the right to voice how the property should be maintained.

-          Climate-friendly: Development companies should adopt the latest technology to make all houses climate-friendly. For example, the walls should have technology that holds heat inside and the cooling temperature to lower heating and AC costs. Every apartment will have proper heating regulators, etc.

-          Children-friendly: All buildings should have proper open space and play zones for the kids.

-          Shelter transition to permanent housing: People should be transferred from the shelter to permanent houses. The shelter shouldn’t be a long-term home.

-          Rent control: The government should have a program to control rent. It should never be too high or too low.

Actual Federal Budget 2023:   

-          Budget 2023 announces that financial institutions can start offering Canadians the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account as of April 1, 2023.

-          Budget 2023 announces the government's intention to support the reallocation of funding from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund's repair stream to its new construction stream, as needed, to boost the construction of new affordable homes for the Canadians who need them most.

-          Budget 2023 proposes to commit an additional $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a co-developed urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

 

 

 

Analysis:

 

Most Canadians want to own a house. It is an excellent initiative that, from now on, people can start saving money to buy a home tax-free. It will also give some benefits in the tax return. This option will encourage the young generation to save money, which will be helpful in the long run in buying a home.

 

Repair or fixing is essential for any housing. A new home is always expensive if we can use the old house by repairing it, then this should be more beneficial. However, if the house quality is too poor that it can’t be repaired, or a new building can be more climate-friendly and more people can live in that, then building a new one might be good. But the old inhabitants need to agree on that. If they are not convinced, then we shouldn’t force them out.

This budget decision might create problems between the developers and the inhabitants of the building.

 

I support this budget decision that it will implement the co-development of Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous housing strategies. I am thrilled that the budget didn’t forget about the Indigenous people. They need this help desperately.

 

The budget needs to be included for climate-friendly housing. It should benefit climate-friendly houses, encouraging more people to make their homes climate-friendly.

 

 

2.       Keeping in mind that national constitutions are living documents that are constantly amended to keep up with socio-historical changes, reflecting on the Canadian, what is one amendment or addition I want to see in our Constitution and Explain why.

 

Canadian Constitution added about human rights very impressively. It would have been better if it added Social Rights, too. For example, adequate food, housing, water, and sanitation for all, including the Indigenous people.

These social rights are essential not only for Canadians but also for new immigrant and international students. Whoever gets the right to live in Canada should have social rights too. That will make Canada a better country globally, and more talented people will be interested in living here. People who don’t have to make tension on food and housing can concentrate on other work. That will give better service and new creativity to all kinds of work.

Biography 234: Tax-free shipping for the first time

When I came to Canada, I came by air. Our airplane allowed us to carry limited luggage with limited weight. I was coming to Canada permanently, so I had to bring everything that I might need here. Obviously, limited luggage wasn't enough for me. I had to pick up limited things from my necessary items.

When I arrived in Canada from the airport, the guy who was checking us in said, "Is there any shipping coming?" I said, "What? I only had limited luggage. How could I ship more?" He said, "Because you are coming to live in Canada and coming for the first time, you have the option to bring any amount of items shipping without any tax. You could bring furniture and any big amount of items."

I was surprised; I didn't know about it. If I had known, I would have brought everything that I had in Bangladesh. Then, I didn't have to buy any of those things for a couple of years. Why didn't anybody tell this about it?

Even now, if anyone brings or sends anything in cargo while travelling, it is very cheap. I don't recommend sending anything; things get lost. I recommend bringing things that are good and cheap in other countries so you don't have to spend unnecessarily on those items.

Three imaginary states

 

Three imaginary states: “Freeland State”,”George Brown istan”, and “Dinero”

 

1. Named the State I chose among “Freeland State”,”George Brown Istan”, and “Dinero,” define the state type (in my own words) and using my critical analysis, giving three (3) reasons (policies, structure, etc.) that led to my decision. 

 

I have chosen “Freeland State,” The creative state. Reasons for choosing this state:

 

A) Three Prime ministers: this is a democratic state. They have three prime ministers from 3 parts of the state. So, places with less population can have their prime minister too. For example, communities in the north have a tiny population. They can’t expect an Inuit person to be a prime minister by defeating someone from Toronto. But if we could separate the land or geographical area, they could have their representative at the country’s top.

 

These three prime ministers must work together. So, whatever decision they make, maybe for argument, they will take more time to make any decisions, but the three of them must agree so that no one can take any decision that can harm any other land. For example, a person selected from Toronto may take to build any industry in the North, which can break that area. But if they have their representative, that person won’t let that happen. So, they mutually have to select an area which will be better than any other place.

 

B) People aged 15 can vote: From my personal experience, I have seen the younger generation understand much better, and they are much fewer bios than the older generation. In many countries, the major fight against wrong has been made by the younger generation. In most of the liberation fights in the world, the younger generation worked better. They understand the new technology and new climate hazards more than anyone else. They are not bios or fearful like the older generation. For example, once, I asked my son (Aged 14) about his friend and from which country he came. It’s a very general question for me. But my son said, we are all in the same country; we never ask each other this question. It doesn’t matter from which country he came; the only thing matter is how he behaves in class.

 

If you go to any place to give a vote, you will see the older generation (Aged 80+) mostly came to give a vote. Why isn’t the younger generation voting? Because they don’t have any trust in the voting system. We must try from the beginning to bring a new generation into politics. When they start thinking about the procedure. Otherwise, we are losing young fresh ideas.

 

C) New system: This state isn’t following any previously established government structure. It has one layer of parliament, which the people will select. And the system can be modified and changed by the people anytime they feel the current system isn’t working. So, there will always be an excellent chance to be the state better than any other.

 

 

2. Named two States I did not choose, defined the state types, briefly describe each and give at least two (2) reasons (policies, structure, philosophy, etc.) that led to my decision for each.

 

I didn’t choose “George Brown istan” (Nightwatchman State) and “Dinero” (Neoliberal State).

 

“George Brown istan”:  This is a primitive European state type. The reasons I didn’t choose this state are:

 

A)     Here, the church has the main power. There is no democracy. People have no right to say anything against the Church. If the church becomes greedy and harasses people wrongfully, no one has the power to stop them.

B)      This state has no court, as the church has all power. They will decide what is right or wrong and give punishment. People who are minors and don’t follow Christianity may face trouble. Ethically, they are not bound to the church but the state. So, there is a good chance this minor group will be harassed. Historically we have seen this situation.

 

 

“Dinero”: Becoming rich and having a rich life is the only motto of this state. People can’t expect a meaningful life that is responsible for others. The reasons I didn’t choose this state are:

 

a)     The state said they wouldn’t take any tax. I have asked them how they will earn money to run the state. They couldn’t answer. I have also asked them how you will maintain a military to protect their country from others. Again, they didn’t have an answer. For example, if Russia attacks Ukraine, what if there is no resource to fight back?

b)     There is no social welfare in that country. I have asked them; what will you do if you fail in your business? You have no money to have shelter, no food, or money to get medical help? They couldn’t answer. Someone from another group said they would migrate to the “Freeland State” to survive.

Canadian Politics Today

 Based on Canada’s Political Development and Challenges (JANINE BRODIE AND ALEXA DEGAGNE): 

In the year 2022, Canada faced many big troubles. Like the COVID-19 attack, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and political disturbance in many countries. In 2022, Canada took many strict restrictions and methods to get control of Covid-19, such as mandatory vaccines and masks, maintaining distance, and fewer people in indoor facilities. That gave an excellent result. However, we also found how the pandemic mainly affected the elderly, blacks, Indigenous and women. There was a significant impact on Canadian life during the War in Ukraine. Oil supply changed the world’s economic scenario. Prices increased in every sector. Core Political Concepts: Politics are everywhere. Power is the key feature of politics. State and government: Legally, the head of Canada is the King, but Canada is an independent state. It can make decisions independently, including all military, federal, provincial, etc., decisions. Authority and legitimacy: Authority means the right to practice power. Legitimacy is the people’s acceptance of those people who have the authority. The legitimacy will be compromised if there is no voting power. People can challenge the state’s legitimacy if they feel the power is forcing them. The government can make policies and influence society through advertisements and media. Democracy: According to ancient Greek, democracy means rule by the people. Representative Democracy: People do not make decisions; they choose their representatives to make decisions. There are also Liberal, Plebiscitary, Deliberative, and Social Democracies. Diversity: It means accepting different cultures in the state. In Canada, like Quebec. Good Government: Because of competitive power, a government tries to act in a way the public may like. They are looking for popularity. Not to fix any social issues. Analyzing Politics: To explore politics, we can check who is getting benefited, when, and how. We can also look at Ideas, Identities, Institutions, External Influences

Biography 233: Student life after a long time.

 After a big gap, I joined college once again, this time to get a Diploma. I thought I would be the oldest student. People may think I am the teacher or something like that.

But later I learned that 75% of the students of the college is mature student. In my class there might be 2/3 students who might older than me.

I thought that after a long gap, I may face terrible problems with studying. But I realized that anybody can study anytime, especially in Canada. Most of the time, the teacher will make the topic clear. In this internet era, you can learn almost anything from the web.

Though your mindset needed to be focused and you have work to success in the class.\

I felt student life is almost the same that I felt in Bangladesh. Strees of homework, concentration in class, eating food, try to travel nearby places.

One thing I enjoyed that in Canada, the class is full with multicultured people. When the professor discuss with the students you will learn from different perspective, different culture, different view. In many cases you will know, your presumptions were wrong. You will learn the reality from a representative of that race.

Utilizing Thunders storms

 Nowadays, all big or taller buildings or structures have a function that can take thunder drops from the sky and send them to the earth.

If we can take it, why don't we make something that can store it? For example, the CN tower in Toronto catches thunder every now and then. If we could build something like batteries that can store these thunders, you can imagine how much power we would have in a second to store and use later.

We have to find every option to utilize our nature's power without destroying the nature. It's not time to look for our own corporate benefit. It's time to save the earth for all, including yourself.

The Canadian Parliament

 Based on Canada’s Political Development and Challenges (JANINE BRODIE AND ALEXA DEGAGNE): Chapter 14: The Parliament

Parliament scrutinizes the Government Emergency declaration: Canada’s parliament ensures Canadians have good governance.

The General Functions of Parliament: Canadian parliament is like Britain’s Parliament. Its sub-categories of functions are Policy-making (parliament members support its government’s law-making policies), Representational (Government members make decisions on behalf of Canadians), and System maintenance activities (Follow the parliament systems).

Canadian Parliament: is made of three elements, the Crown (the King), the Senate, and the House of Commons. It’s a bicameral Legislator, which means it has two chambers. British root: As the Canadian Parliament follows like British Parliament, it differs from American Parliament. The evolution of Parliament in Canada: In 1940, the Act of Union first established that there would be an elective Legislative in the United Province of Canada. The Constitution Act was created in 1967.

The House of Commons: terms as Lower House. It is more critical than the Upper House. The House of Commons determined the life of the government. That’s why the Lower House is called the “confidence chamber.” Styles of Representation:

Representation in the House of Commons: Each province has some seats in the House of Commons proportioned by the population. Styles of Representation: Members represent their area’s population. Opposite members put questions on policies. In the close door meeting (Caucus), all representatives inform their interests and concerns. Party Discipline: It’s strictly followed in the House of Commons that all members will support their party’s decision. Diversity of Representations: Canada lacks diversity in choosing the representative in the House of Commons. Minority and Majority government: If a political party can hold the majority of parliament seats, they can create a Majority government. Otherwise, they have to make a Minority government with help of other supporting political parties. The Officers of the House of Commons: Members and officers who keep the House of Commons working. The Parliamentary Schedule: A parliament’s life stays in between two elections. The Passage of Bills: House of Commons’ primary duty is to consider the bills (Proposed Laws). Public Bills: for the whole society. Private Member’s Bill: These are also Public Bills put on by members who are not cabinet ministers. Private Bills: These concerns only limited populations. The Time Management of Debates on Bills: The process of bill passing is a time-consuming process. Omnibus Bills: It takes more time. The Opposition and Holding the Government to Account: Though the government wants to pass a bill fast, the opposition party tries to hold the time to debate more. House of Commons Committee: There are five different committees; the Standing Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Special Committee, the Committee of Whole, and the Joint Committee. House of Commons Effectiveness: the power growth is in the Prime Minister’s hand, and less energy is in the legislature. Standing Committee Independence: Indipendent, and can start the investigation independently. Economic and Fiscal Overview: Important to questions on government work. Committee Scrutiny and Appointments: The SO in the House of Commons need to appoint an Order of Councils. Increasing the Number of Officers of the Legislature and Their Structural Independence: Recently done. Recognition of Parties in the Parliament: Reduced the effectiveness of these powers.

The Senate: There are questions about its necessity.

Reasons for Establishment: To keep a sober second thought. Appointments to the Senate: Governor General appoints the Senate with the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Significance of the Senate: The Legislative power is almost the same as the House of Commons. Senate Reform: Some want to obliterate it. Regional and Provincial Representation: Because of the growth f the West new seats were allocated. Legislative Review: The Senate doesn’t challenge the policies but tries to improve them. Inter-Governmental Relations: It could be a medium to reduce conflicts between the federal and provincial governments. Representative of Minorities: doesn’t recognize the minority. Protection of Democracy and Representativeness: The Senate could check the Prime Minister's power. Attempts to Reform the Senate: The debate is going on to reform the Senate more democratically.

Utilizing the rainwater

 In Canada, we can collect water from both rain and snow. We have plenty of rainfall and snowfall. Almost everywhere, we waste this water, which is clean and free of cost. We need to make systems and grow an attitude among us to collect, store, and utilize this water. This will be helpful for the environment and will also save some utility bills. Different systems should be introduced to detached homes, apartments, offices and other infrastructures.

We can involve students in their science projects. New ideas can be generated from them. The students will learn more about keeping the environment good and utilizing its resources. Then, the city can take approved ideas and implement them. Our work could be an excellent example for the rest of the world.

Biography 232: Norwegian owner

 Every country has a different work environment. Traditionally, offices benefit the employees. When I started working with a Norwegian owner, I learned some office decorum I think everyone should follow. I am unsure if it is Norwegian culture or the owner's choice.

In Bangladesh, the office generally doesn't organize any party for all employees. If they have any party, they invite the office worker, not their spouse or entire family. The office generally doesn't organize to travel anywhere. If some office does, they never let them take their family with them. The main reason behind this is that the office doesn't invest that much money in the employees and the number of people would be too many to manage.

When I had the Norwegian owners, I found they invited all employees with their spouses. Later, they started asking everyone to bring their kids, too. This way, everybody can enjoy the time with their families, too. The families became known to the company, and colleagues were also meeting with all families. This way, their bindings are increasing.

Our company also arranged a trip to an amusement park and a river cruise for all employees, their partners, and their kids. Everyone enjoyed the outing together.

I introduced the idea of taking lunch together once a month after getting the paycheck. Here, everybody paid their own bill. This way, all employees and owners get a chance to have lunch together. It brings joy to the working environment and togetherness.

The office also used to arrange birthday parties. All employees give gifts together or personally. My birthday and our colleague Asif bro's were on the same day. We used to cut the cake together. Still, every year we send "Happy Birthday" message to each other.

These little bindings made the office environment memorable.

The Federal System (JANINE BRODIE AND ALEXA DEGAGNE)

 Based on Canada’s Political Development and Challenges (JANINE BRODIE AND ALEXA DEGAGNE): Chapter 12: The Federal System

In the news: Get Off the Pot: In 2018, Canada became the second country to legalize marijuana.

The Constitution and the Federal System:

Explain the characteristics/advantages of a federal system and the constitutional division of powers: The founders of Canada wanted to create a legislation system like Great Britain, which they were familiar with. The Constitution Act 1867: Divides the Canadian government into two parts. The exclusive legislative authority is the parliament and provincial legislatures. Disallowance, Reservation, and Declaratory Power: The federal government has Disallowance power over the provincial decision. Reservation and declaratory can also dissolve provincial legislation. These powers had been practiced before World War II, frequently. Constitutional Amendments: gave some extra power to the federal and provincial legislations. Judicial Interpretations: Judicial power is very significant in the Federal State. The Supreme Court of Canada: divided its concerns into peace, order and good governance.

An Evolving Federal System:

Trace the evolution of Canadian Federalism since its inception: Canadian federal system is the world's first Parliamentary cum Federal system, built-in 1967. Phases of Federalism: The federal government is the most powerful and the provinces' weakest, though this's not always true. Quasi-Federalism: In this period, the Federal Government was the most powerful, and they disallowed the provincial government. This power stayed for a short period. Classical Federalism: Some provincial governments challenge the one-sided Federal power. Cooperative Federalism: After World War II, the federal government has always helped the provincial government financially. Competitive Federalism means that the national and provincial governments want more power over autonomy, jurisdiction, and standing with the voters. Collaborative Federalism: From the boiling point, Federal and Provincial relationships improved from 1990 to 2006.Open Federalism: is a free market conservatism and a reduced role of government.

Canada: A Decentralized Federal System:

Describe the pros and cons of centralization and decentralization: Canada is now one of the most decentralized federal systems. Provinces on the Ascendant: The federal government always interferes with some provincial jurisdiction, like social care and healthcare. Asymmetrical Federalism: This means that some sub-national powers, such as Quebec, can have different relationships with the national authority.

Inter-Governmental Relations:

Understand the nature of inter-governmental relations: Inter-government communication frequently happens after establishing a welfare government. Executive Federalism: The Canadian government has an informal mechanism of relations on inter-government. Interstate and Intrastate Federalism: Interstate refers to the area where provincial issues are present primarily by the provincial government. The opposite is Intrastate Federalism. Inter-Provincial Cooperation: In 2003, the Council of the Federation institutionalized inter-provincial Cooperation.

Fiscal Federalism:

Explain the financial relationship between Ottawa and the provinces: The federal government raises more money than it needs, but the provincial government doesn't raise enough money to run the province. Taxes: Both levels of government get taxes. The central part goes to the Federal government. Transfer Payments: The federal government transfers money to the provincial government to continue their policies, like health care, education, etc. Conditional Grants: The federal government sends conditional grants to the provincial government to ensure all Canadians from the different provinces get the same service. Block Grants: This means each province will get some money from the federal government, and then the province will distribute it according to their policy, such as health care, education, etc. Equalization Payments: means the poor province will get more money to recover. Territorial Governments: were under the control of the Federal government. Since 1970, they have been getting more responsibility and resources. Local Governments: means municipal government. They are underfunded to do their social and infrastructure work.