Saturday, November 30, 2024

Biography 245: The envelope of the photos


 It was the form fillup day in grade 10 for the SSC exam. Like all girls, I took my passport-sized photo in an envelope (given by the photo studio) to attach to the form.

Some girls took extra photos, too, who knows, if needed. I didn't. After attaching the photos to the form, I was holding the envelope. At that moment, one of my classmates, Tanna, suddenly took the envelope from my hand. Tanna was the tallest girl in the class, and I was the second tallest. I felt a bit sad that I had not become tall like her.

So, I looked at Tanna with questions in my eyes. She said, "I will take your picture." I told her, "I don't have any picture in that envelope." She replied, "I will print out more from this envelope." Generally, all photo studios put their studio name, address, and photo number on the envelope. But I don't know why that envelope actually didn't have that info. Before I explained it to Tanna, she had disappeared from my sight.

I was thinking, what will she do with my picture?

Friday, November 29, 2024

Climate crisis because of the wars


 Now, we have satellites, drones, and many other new inventions to observe and measure the Earth. Some data must show how wars are destroying our climates. We should disclose this to everyone so that people are aware of it.

We share the same earth; we all have to be careful. No matter who makes trouble to the climate, more or less, all have to suffer.

Thursday, November 28, 2024

About a protest: Emergency meeting to fight back against privatizing our public Hospital confirmation

 Event place: Online (By using Zoom)


Event Organizer: Ontario Health Coalition, protecting public healthcare for all.

Event Date:  January 31, 2023, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


Event Objective: The meeting's main objective is to Fight Back Against the Privatization of our Public Hospitals.

The premier of Ontario, Mr. Ford’s government, has announced their plan to build and expand new for-profit surgical and diagnostic hospitals and clinics when the public hospital’s operating room is closed in the evenings, on weekends, days, and months due to lack of funds and staff shortages. In this worsened crisis of public hospitals, the Ford government gave the solution of privatization. This is an old formula that creates a crisis and benefits private organizations. Canadian public hospitals have been made from donations and hard of communities since the last century. Canadian Health Care isn’t for dismantling and selling off to for-profit corporations. 

The event aims to create a massive campaign and organize a fightback to protect the local public hospitals.

The issues being addressed:

·         The Ford government isn’t doing anything to solve public healthcare.

·         The Ontario government policy is putting public healthcare in a worse position.

·         They are privatizing Ontario public health care.

·         Almost 100 emergency care is closed in Ontario.

·         The Ford government is continuously ignoring and downplaying the staffing crisis.

·         “Create a crisis and privatize” will destroy public health care.

Participation: Host: Natalie Mehra. Participants: Naureen Rizvi (President of Ontario Regional Director), Jon Cartwright (Councillor of Canadians), Ross Sutherland (Chair of Ontario Health Coalition, retired nurse), JP Hornick (President of OPSEU), Michelle Robidoux (Lawyer at Legal Aid), Carolyne Eagan, Marit Stiles (MPP), France Gelinas (Health Critics from NDP), John Fraser (Intern leader of Liberal Party), Michael Hurley (President of the Ontario Council Hospital, Canadian Union of Public employee), Shirley Roebuck (Local Coalition co-chair, Retired emergency department nurse), Angela Preocanin ONA (First Vice President of the Ontario Nurses Association), Fred Huhn (Canadian Union of Public Employees), Ed Cashman (Ottawa Health Coalition Co-Chair), Sara Labelle (President of the hospital professional division), and Patty Coats (President of Ontario Federation of Labour).

Reaction from the Community: The participants ask that if anybody sees any misinformation or disinformation, then that should be challenged immediately. They also compared the health system of the USA to that of Canada. A Nobel prize owner in the US had to sell their medal to bear the health cost. They mentioned that they are fighting for a different system that is not profitable for businesspeople. For example, in Canada, the old home system is private, and we have seen in the pandemic that 5000 body bags have come out from the homes. So, we all have to work together for success in the health system and not let anybody make it private.

Analyze and reflect: I like how many organizations from different sectors joined this protest. Because Health is a universal issue, we can’t ignore it. Canada is well-known worldwide for its universal health system. We can’t see it destroyed like this by a particular business group.

I felt that this coalition should be promoted more through the media because we must inform the general public that they are the ones who will pay the extra money and compromise the health benefits. This way, we can continue providing information to the media, especially news and social media. Then, more people will try to join and take action against the Ford government’s healthcare decision.

People from different races, classes, and genders joined the event and agreed to work together. People are together to fight this oppression.

As health is a universal issue, all community organizations can work together.  

Part 3: From this event, I have learned that different organizations exist for different community problems. But we needed to work together, and they all came together here. We also need to contact other community organizations so they can join us and work together. Community workers here work to make more people aware and work with them. Their focus was on community development. I want to encourage people to spread all messages through the news and social media. Because the government will change their decision only if it finds its vote bank is looking for something else.

Resources:

-          Ontario Health Coalition. Emergency Meeting to Fight Back Against the Ford Government's Privatization of our Public Hospitals. YouTube. https://youtu.be/vWgyL2B6lIc

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Biography 244: Bedbugs


 I was born and raised in Bangladesh. I have heard about bedbugs and read about them in novels, but I have never encountered them. The first time I realized what bedbugs are was in Malaysia. 

I visited there as a tourist. On Langkawi Island, I stayed in a motel. At night I felt my neck and hand are etching and something is bitting me. I didn't know what it was, but I couldn't stay on my bed. I went outside, and I lay on a wooden chair the whole night beside the sea. It was a horrific situation. I had marks on my body for a long time.

Next, I heard about bed bugs in Canada. May Allah save us. This is a very common scenario over here. People move houses one after another only to get rid of them.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Every moment is a new moment.


Limited time was always a problem for me because I wanted to do too many things in a day and achieve many things at a time.

Now, the situation has become harder. I am working very slowly, and it has become impossible to complete any work. But I am OK. I have accepted the situation. I am planning and trying to do better every day.

Monday, November 25, 2024

About Jened Camp

 Jened Camp was a summer camp for disabled children and youth. It impacted the fight for the USA disability revolution. The camp influenced social changes and more freedom. For decades, the campers fought and succeeded in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

In the camp, they were trying to do something different. Councillors were different from babysitters. It was more accessible and open to their daily life at home. Disabled persons started to discuss why parents are overprotective. They wanted privacy. From that camp, they learned that their life could be better. They learned to do things together after the camp, too. They felt they had to fit in a world not built for them. The camp empowered them—the president of a disabled Judi fought with the education board.  

When President Nixon vetoed, they decided to block the roads (50 people could block the city road). They joined other protests, too, where they were sidelined. This group created Berkeley, a home for disabled people by disabled people. They provided transportation and fixed things. They helped them get money for attendance. They occupied a building for days; outside people supported them. Local media didn’t cover the story, but online media did. They followed the way they lived in the camp.

The community organizers give support and help in the movement for social justice. Like,

-       Black Panther: They provide food three times to the sit-in participants.

-       Union leaders: made the mayor give them a mattress to sleep.

-       The lesbian group gave them hair wash, as they were feeling dirty.


The organizations were with them to help but let them fight their own battle.

They helped them to survive as the government wanted to wipe them out.

The organization created social awareness about them.


Alliance building is significant for any activities. It made communication with peers and helped in all possible ways.

All groups are working on different social issues. Their activities become more robust when they support each other, influencing many people. This brings success closer.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is ignored. They showed their earlier fight by taking a long time, and suddenly, it passed.

Some viewers think the editing could be more robust. It is flat compared to other documentaries.

I believe we should bring and show more positive sides of disabled people. Their one side may be disabled, but they have another strong side, which should be rewarded. 

[YOU CAN VISIT NETFLIX TO SEE THE FILM "CRIP CAMP", A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT IT]

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Biography 243: Dishwasher


 When I was in Saskatoon, I saw that every apartment and condo had a dishwasher. All new or renovated homes had dishwashers.

I thought this was Canadian culture. I liked it. I need a dishwasher.

After moving to Toronto, the first thing I noticed was that the apartments didn't have dishwashers. In most homes, even after renovation, people don't add dishwashers.

I didn't like that? Saskatchewan people think Toronto is a very progressive city. But in some cases, it isn't. They don't know the necessity of the dishwasher in a home. This is not a luxury item at home. Grow up, Toronto!

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Dessert


 I am not crazy about sweets but like them, especially as desserts. Maybe because of my big body, I crave dessert after any meal. So, I always want to have some sweets at home.

It's a good snack for the guests, too. If anybody visits your house, you always have something to offer them.

You know, sometimes I take tea or coffee instead of dessert—of course, with sugar! And fruit juices (I heard they add sugar) and fruits, too.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Letter to 2050


 Dear Son,

It is 2050 when you are reading this letter. I hope you can avert climate disaster and achieve a truly regenerative, resilient climate.

 

I just want to remind you that this climate didn’t happen automatically. Many people and organizations have worked hard to achieve it. You can proudly say that your mom also contributed to achieving a better climate for you and for the rest of mankind.

 

After graduating from college, I joined an organization fighting the climate crisis. With that organization, I pushed the government and power to take good care of fresh water. I also ensured that companies responsible for polluting water stopped their activities.

 

Now, I also ask you to be aware if you find any power or organization polluting natural resources, be organized and speak up. Every step matters.

 

I wish you all the best.

Shahana Shafiuddin

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Biography 242: Online shopping

 When I was in Bangladesh, I rarely bought anything online because it was more expensive and the item was missing. Even now, from Canada, somebody sends someone buying from online. They never receive it. So, if the company isn't directly delivering the goods, online buying isn't a good idea in Bangladesh.

Here in Canada, I never miss any item. I have received broken items and wrong items 3 or 4 times. I immediately got a refund or replacement at no cost.

But again, if I order online in Canada, it costs more. All food and grocery items have become more expensive online. I really don't understand this. They take service charges, taxes, tips, and other expenses separately but will still charge more for each item. It's not only one shop. Every single piece of merchandise will do so.

Why?

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

In the self checkout in a shopping mall


 When you are picking items up in the shopping mall, always check if they have the barcode attached. Otherwise, you won't be able to scan them in the self-checkout. Even store staff may not know the price, so they will have to call their manager to solve this problem.

If you are unsure of any price code, take a picture with the product name. It will help you while checking out.

I always try to pay in the self-checkout because it's more accurate. I have seen many times prices counted wrong (I mean, you had to pay extra) because of the counter person's wrong entry.

So, take your time and pay accurately.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Tara Seucharan on Organizing for Climate Justice


 I liked Tara Seucharan’s presentation and what she tried to explain to us. I have learned how to organize, recognize strength, celebrate moments and many more from her presentation. The words from her presentation that impacted me most is, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ... Theodore Roosevelt.

We know that most of the time, we are in a position where we feel we don’t have any power to fight with big corporations or rich and powerful people. We might feel there is no way to solve this problem. But the truth is everyone can do something to put one step ahead to fix or achieve success. We should never lose hope. These words I mentioned above impacted me to keep hope for the good and keep trying with whatever strength I have.

From her presentation, I have also learned that every work, including all community work, intersects with climate justice, like Black Lives Matter, Social Justice, Reproductive Rights, etc. For example, many natural hazards, like cyclones, occur in black-majority areas because the government didn’t take the initiative to make that area climate-friendly.

In my climate-organizing approach, I have incorporated the “Relationship and Coalition Building” strategy Tara mentioned in her presentation. It means meeting, connecting, and learning from new people, gathering the strength of communities.

In my project, I plan to communicate with everyone in the community to make them aware of the Climate Crisis. Then, I plan to communicate with the existing community leaders of that area and exchange our opinions. Then, together, we plan to approach the government about our issues and plans.

Monday, November 18, 2024

Biography 241: Same dresses

 My mom knows how to make dresses. Sometimes, she used to buy clothes and then make dresses for us. So, in Eid, sometimes our sister's dresses match. I never felt bad for that because she used to make the dresses a little different from one to another, like adding buttons, laces, etc., but the prints were the same.

She used to make sweaters, mufflers, etc. She made a sweater for me when I was a kid. She asked me what I wanted in my sweater. I said, "A red car." (I just remember our first car in Saudi Arabia was red.) She made a couple of red cars, some flowers, and grasses on my blue-coloured sweater. I gave it to my son when he was a kid. I kept it for my grandchildren. I hope they will like it. It's actually a cardigan.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Body shape

 When you have a perfect (or regular) body shape, you don't need to worry about your dress. Anything you wear will look good or good enough. I had that kind of body. Now I miss it.

Now a day, I have a very special body shape. No matter how much I try, I won't look good or even OK. 

So, again, I stop worrying about my dress. Whatever I wear will look peculiar.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Case Study: Climate, Health, and Strategy


 Case Study: Climate and Health: Xan

It’s an unseasonably hot day, and Xan and his family are having a picnic in the park– they thought it would be a nice break from living above the Gardiner Expressway. It’s anything but peaceful, given the coughing and sneezing, and now one of the kids is feeling nauseous after swimming in the lake.

Analysis:

In this case study, the Xan family faced several health-related problems caused by the climate crisis. The Xan family was outdoors in a park and also swam in the lake, so they might have been affected by high temperatures, air pollution, and water contamination.

Climate change can be a significant threat to humans. Our case study is an excellent example of it. Rising temperatures and air pollution can affect heart attack and stroke and spread infectious diseases, including psychological trauma. High temperatures and polluted air may be responsible for respiratory issues, exacerbated heart conditions, and asthma. Some other problems may be excessive sweating, headache, pneumonia, flu, diarrhea, dehydration, stomach cramps, and dizziness.  In the case study, the family was coughing and sneezing on an unseasonably hot day. The climate crisis made the weather forecast more unpredictable. That’s why people may not know earlier that the heat would rise too much.

We don’t know whether the Xan family took necessary skin protection. Because of the climate crisis, the earth’s air layer of protection is in danger. That’s why exposed skin is at more risk of diseases like skin cancer.

At the same time, the climate crisis can cause water pollution. The water could be contaminated with harmful chemicals or germs, making the kid feel sick. Some water-borne diseases are Legionella, Hot tub rash, Norovirus, Shigellosis, E. coli, Giardia, and Schistosomes. If you swim in contaminated water and accidentally ingest some of that water, there is a risk of contracting severe stomach infections; among the possible effects, there may be diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough or congestion, and eye pain. This could be why the kid feels nauseous after swimming in the lake. Global warming is also responsible for the rise of the lake water temperature. This situation helps to raise insect-borne diseases.

Sometimes harmful industrial chemicals like Ammonia, chloramine, and copper are emitted with lake water, which may cause people to feel sick.

A possible strategy to deal with one of the health impacts identified:

In case study # 3, we found three kinds of Climate Crisis problems: water pollution, air pollution and high temperatures. Today, we will discuss what strategies we can take for the extreme heat.

-          I should adopt energy efficiency policies to reduce the demand on the electric grid during the heat wave. Stop using unnecessary lights, use energy-efficient lights, and turn off all electrical machinery when not in use.

-          Buildings may combine heat and power systems or rooftop solar power.

-          We have to identify the vulnerable population. Then, we plan keeping all populations in mind, like opening cooling stations during extreme heat weather, especially in areas where people work in warm temperatures or open directly under the sun.

-          We need to install a green roof for water retention.

-          Planting big trees which give shade on sidewalks and parks. This will also help to reduce polluted air and balance the environment.

-          Federal government should give grants and loans to update building projects and other climate-friendly strategies taken by scientists and environmentalists.

-          Federal agencies should provide climate data and information to the local planner and policymakers to assess the risks and opportunities.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Biography 240: Fire Alarm in a cold region.


There is a school in Saskatchewan. It was winter, and snow covered all outdoor floors, ground, and fields. At that moment, the fire alarm rang in the school. As prepared, all students, teachers, and workers came out as they were inside. They didn't have warm clothes, and some didn't even have shoes on their feet. A few lucky students had a break outside, so they wore proper winter jackets and boots.

A kid who had a jacket hugged his teacher as she was shaking in the cold. The vice principal saw this and asked that kid to hug students who needed warm jackets. The boy then hugged a student. When the student became calm, he went to hug another student. This way, the boy kept hugging people and trying to make them feel better.

After getting the green signal, all students went to the school again.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Roses in Toronto


 After moving to Canada, I first stayed in Saskatchewan. You know, in Canada, especially in Saskatchewan, they only have a few months to grow flowers outside. But still, I found they planted several colours and different kinds of flowers at their front end. I recognized very few of them because I came from a tropical country.

Then, I moved to Ontario. I found many known flowers in the front garden of the house, mainly roses. They plant lots of different kinds of roses at the front end. They look bigger and more beautiful than I have seen in Bangladesh. They have less fragrance but are strong enough to stay in comparatively cold weather.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Ice Rain in Toronto

 From my observation, one impact I want to discuss here is road blocking with the tree branches. After the ice rain, the branches of the trees became very heavy. So, in many places, it broke and fell the road, which blocked the road. If the roads were blocked, no one could go anywhere, and no emergency vehicle could enter the community. This is a huge issue. Tree branches also fell on cars and houses; there were many injured people. An ambulance cannot rescue people if the road stays blocked. People also can not go somewhere to buy food or collect any emergency supplies.  

My strategy is that, as we know what could affect ice rain, the city should be prepared to collect branches and clean up the road right after the storm. If possible, they will also bring a helping hand from the neighbouring province so that the action runs quickly and efficiently. Then, the rest of the rescue mission can be run properly.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Biography 239: Medical Condition


 In my childhood, our doctor found I had rheumatic fever. He prescribed penicillin injections. I had to take the painful injections for a couple of months. Actually, my younger sister Sonia and I took it. Our blood report showed we had a very high ESR level. Sonia had 600, and I had 800. The average level was 200. After taking the injections for a couple of months, my sister's level became normal. My one was on 400. My mom stopped giving inject to both of us.

When I was over 18 years old, another doctor tested me and said I didn't have rheumatic fever, and I never had. But due to some medical condition, she gave me thyroid tabs. Not only her following 2 doctors also gave me the same thyroid medications. I took it. I felt good. But whenever the medication finished, I started facing the same problems.

When I became pregnant, my doctor tested and said I didn't have any thyroid problem, and probably I never had.

She suspects I might have a problem in my heart. I went to the National Heart Foundation. The doctor from that organization tested and told me my heart was OK; there wouldn't be any problem delivering a child.

When I was 8 months pregnant, I was facing too many problems. One night, I had to go to the clinic for my health condition. They keep me over there the whole night. In the morning they said, now you are ok, we don't know why the problem happened. I said I wouldn't go home, and I decided to go through the C-section. After the operation, my doctor said, "Shahana, don't fall asleep; I want to show you something. She hold my son up and said, your son made three nodes with the tube, he wasn't able to get food inside. You have made a very good decision, Shahana." Then I fall asleep.

When I woke up, I looked at the wall clock. I had been sleeping for nine hours, and I was still in the operating room. My body was hooked up to the machine. Later, I got to know that my heart stopped. I had some problems with my heart, and that's why, after getting the anesthesia, it stopped working. I had to take 4 asteroid injections and many other procedures to get my heart beating again. My doctor said I was lucky that the anesthesia was from a Shohrowardy Heart Hospital. So, she knew how to handle this kind of case.

One day, I had terrible stomach pain. I went to a clinic. The doctor tested and said my liver had a small amount of fat. He gave me painkillers for that moment and asked me to keep an eye on my diet. Trust me, I am always very careful with my diet.

After coming to Canada, I had severe pain in my stomach, and then I had a breathing problem (The hospital said it was a panic attack). For both reasons, I went to the hospital, and after observing one night, they let me go home by saying I was OK now, and they didn't know why the problem had occurred.

Then I had pain in my feet and couldn't stand up in my workplace. My son somehow held me and made me walk to my car. I went to the hospital again, and they checked me. They said I had a planter fascist. I started taking painkillers and went to an orthopedic doctor. He made a new shoe for me with a machine. But my pain was still there. He said this is not only for planter fascists. You might have some other problem too. But my family physician didn't take any action for that pain. I left the job.

Later, I move to Toronto. My new doctor said I have arthritis. He also sends me to a heart specialist. The heart specialist said my heart sometimes started beating very fast and then became very low. He gave me some medication, too.

After three years, my doctor said I had to stop taking that painkiller. It will ruin my heart. I told him that without medication, I can't move from my bed, and Tylenol doesn't work on me. He checked my heart medication and said, OK, go on with your medication. But I was scared. My body is becoming more weak day by day. I had reduced my painkillers from 14 to 3 per week. Now, I am in pain for almost 24 hours. When I can't resist the pain, I start taking other painkillers.

I don't want to go to a doctor anymore. But I know I have to... I want to know precisely what is wrong with me and how to cure it. If it is not curable, at least they should tell me that clearly. Help me to live a good life.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Travel plan

 When any person or from a group of people offers me to join them on a tour, I agree and join them in most cases. Things are getting changed now. Recently, I have asked other people to let me join them whenever they plan to travel where I can fit in or request people to join my travel plan. In most cases, they denied or didn't show any interest.

I may have to travel alone. That could be the new reality. Being alone isn't bad, but feeling lonely is a bad thing. I am working on it. I am becoming used to being alone.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)


 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international body responsible for assessing the science related to climate. In 1988, the World Meteorological

Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) set up the IPCC. It provides policy maker's three kinds of information,

  • The regular scientific assessment of Climate Change.
  • Impacts and future risks of Climate Change.
  • Suggested options for adaptation and mitigation.

 

The assessments IPCC provides are for all levels of government climate-related policies. IPCC negotiates these policies at the UN Climate Conference—the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, they do not say what actions policymakers should take. For example, they may project future climate change and explain the implications and options of responses. 

Policymakers can make balanced decisions based on their reports because they are scientific and intergovernmental. All member countries of WMO and UNEP can participate in IPCC. Right now, it has 195 members have created the panel. The panel is responsible for making significant decisions. This panel elects The IPCC Bureau, whose responsibility is to guide the panel by giving scientific and technical information. It also provides advice on management and strategic issues.

100s of leading scientists volunteer to write the assessments of IPCC.

 

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Biography 238: I have asked for "Go" too.


 My mom said this story about one of her cousins. The cousin was relatively young in those days. Her mother once asked her to bring "Lobongo (Cloves)". She asked the cousin to go quickly and get it from the shop. The little girl had no idea what "Lobongo (Cloves)" was. She heard "Lobon (Salt)" and "Go (She couldn't understand what was that)." The cousin wanted to be clear about it, but her mother didn't have time to listen, so she pushed the causing outside and reminded her to bring it quickly, because she was cooking something.

The girl went to the shop. We don't know how she asked or what she asked for. The shopkeeper gave her salt. She brings it home and gives it to her mother. Her mother took the packet and opened it and was surprised. She asked, why did you get "Lobon (salt)"? I asked you to bring to "Lobongo (cloves)." The girl made her point very strongly that she had asked for "Go" too, but the shopkeeper didn't give it to her!

Friday, November 8, 2024

Bad apples in all groups


 There are bad apples on both sides. It's difficult to choose one group. I always avoided joining any group. I knew that if I joined any group, then I had to talk and act like them always, whether I liked it or not.

 That's why when everybody joins a group, I stay alone. You know what happens then? I become every group's soft target. It gets worse when they feel insecure about me. Unless I have a good hidden friend, they put me down—so down that I can never get up.

Again, I accepted the situation. It has happened to me so many times that if any group doesn't push me down, I am surprised! What happened to these people? Why are they not insecure about me?

Well, generally, this doesn't happen. I am always living in people's jealous target. I became used to it.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Transport and Mobility- A Mitigation Plan for Jane and Finch Area

 The Jane and Finch area doesn’t have enough green mobility systems to improve the Climate Crisis. We could make many plans to make the Jane and Finch area's transport climate friendly. Here are some of the short-term and long-term goals.

-          Create sidewalk and cycling routes on every road. We must build wide pathways for cargo bikes and mobility devices that will make people use no fossil fuels, be healthier for the climate, and give residents a healthy routine. It will save money, too. To make this project successful, we have put in decent amounts of bins, lights with security cameras, and patrolling security guards to make it a healthier and safer place.-          


-          Create pathways for walking and cycling in the parks to major public spaces, such as schools, community centers, rivers, etc. This will encourage people to walk to those places instead of using vehicles, saving energy and costs and helping the climate.

More people are using private vehicles, and this is causing more CFC gas emissions in transport and harming the climate. Here is our plan:

-          All buses will be changed or converted to zero emissions. One bus at total capacity takes the place of 70 single-occupancy cars. This will make no air pollution and help to make our climate better.

These e-buses can be used as mobile power plants in emergencies or outrages. An e-bus has a 440,000-watt battery that can be plugged into a hospital or any emergency building.

-          Truck routes after midnight to make less traffic delay. Roads will be safer, and cars will consume less gas and CFC emissions.

-          Make public transport free, then most people will try to use public transport. That will reduce the traffic pressure on the road. This will be a good money saver for low-income people. It will be beneficial for reducing CFC gas emissions and, in the long run, saving the climate.

-          We need to consider what will happen after 100 years. Population and transport use will increase. That’s why we will need a new electric subway line extension that will create more mobility, less energy consumption, and faster movement (no traffic jams). Again, there will be no CFC gas emissions. This is the healthier transport solution. The new line will interconnect all GTA cities, like Downtown, Mississauga, Brampton, etc.

When we can give better mobility to the community, the community can go out to earn more. That will provide the community with better earnings, and the government will be benefited from more income taxes. As we take the initiative to zero emissions, this better new mobility will improve the climate for the Jane and Finch communities and Canada. This way, we can create an excellent example for the rest of Canada.

Engagement plan: We should take the following steps to successfully create green transport/mobility in the Jane and Finch Community:

Approve the plan: Raising awareness in the community by providing pamphlets in grocery stores, medical clinics, and religious places. Meeting the community leaders and they let the community know about the climate mitigation plan. Then, meeting with the municipal councillors and convincing them to convince and approve the plan from the city mayor. If the city doesn’t support the project, keep pushing them by raising community voices by the community groups to the media, make rallies in front of the City of Toronto building, and keep pushing them by creating different events to accept our plan or come up with something better.

Make the plan work: Funds could be raised through community donations and city funding. If we can’t get enough funds for the total work, we can start working step by step, one road after another.

Follow-up: Community leaders can check and make a follow-up note to city councillors. They will check the progress of the work if it is done, then how the maintenance is going on. The councillor can follow up on the work with the city.

 

Resources:

-          TTC. TTC Green Initiatives. https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/TTC-Green-Initiatives

-          The City of Toronto. (MAY  2022). JANE FINCH INITIATIVE Mobility Directions. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/8d52-CityPlanning-Jane-Finch-Initiative-Mobility-Directions-May-2022.pdf

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

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.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

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.

Monday, November 4, 2024

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.