Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.
So here’s the thing.
When the Ford government signed a $100 million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring internet to rural Ontario, folks like me raised an eyebrow — not because the service was bad, but because of how it all came together. Actually, Starlink works pretty well. Out in the bush or on a back road where cables and towers don’t reach, it’s one of the few real choices. And for a lot of folks, it’s been a game changer.
But that’s only half the story.
The problem wasn’t Starlink itself. It was how the deal got done. No open bidding. No chance for other providers to make an offer. Just a big contract handed to one company, no questions asked. That kind of thing never sits right with the public or me, especially when the price tag is $100 million of taxpayer money.
To make matters worse, no one clearly explained how the rollout would work or who would benefit first. The whole thing started to look more like a handshake behind closed doors than a well-planned project. So now the province is backing out, and we’re paying a fee just to cancel the agreement — spending more money and getting nothing for it.
And here’s the kicker. Starlink still delivers, and people across the countryside are signing up on their own dime and saying it’s the best internet they’ve ever had. So it wasn’t the technology that failed. It was the politics. If the province had simply offered rebates or helped folks connect directly, we might have ended up with better results and fewer headlines.
To me, it’s a good reminder — when something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. No shortcuts. No secrets. Just honest planning and fair play.
Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive.
And remember: a paycheck isn’t government property; it’s a man’s lifeblood. Let him keep it.All taxes should be removed from paychecks. GW
Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.
I’ve lived long enough to see when things aren’t working, and right now, Canada’s at that point. We’re letting in more people than we can handle, and it’s not just refugees. Over a million international students arrive here every year. They come for school, but most also take jobs to get by. Then, many stays and bring their families. That’s a big load to carry when the country’s already buckling.
The thing is, these days, a lot of folks can’t find a family doctor. Affordable housing is almost non-existent. Good jobs are getting harder to come by. Our hospitals and schools are overwhelmed, and communities are feeling the strain.
And here’s the part that bothers me most, we’re being taken advantage of, and our own government is letting it happen. They’ve opened the gates wide without building the support system to handle it. That’s not leadership, that’s neglect.
Now here’s the thing, It’s not about turning away people who need help. It’s about facing the truth. You can’t keep inviting more people in when the roof’s leaking, the fridge is empty, and the beds are all taken. We’ve got to fix what’s broken first, then talk about who else we can help.
If the powers that be had any common sense, they’d hit pause. Put Canadians first. Get doctors back in clinics, housing back within reach, and jobs back on track. Then we can open the doors again—if and when we’re ready.
But right now? There’s no more room at the inn.
And for those in charge, remember: a paycheck isn’t government property; it’s a man’s lifeblood. Let him keep itall.GW
By the Numbers – As of 2025
Refugees: About 470,000 people in Canada are currently protected persons or refugee claimants still waiting on decisions.
International Students: Over 1 million international students are in Canada right now. In 2025, the federal government capped new study permits at around 437,000 due to pressure on housing and services.
Temporary Residents (students, workers, visitors): Roughly 2.96 million people in Canada hold temporary status, making up about 7% of the total population.
Permanent Residents (immigrants): Canada plans to welcome around 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, slightly down from over 460,000 in 2024.
Recent Newcomers: In the last five years alone, over 2 million new immigrants and refugees have made Canada their home.
Oh, and the working man and women are paying for all of this!!!
Good morning, folks. Nothing fancy today, just a simple start to what I hope’s a good one.
Well, opening the door to the outside this morning, it feels as if it’s going to be another hot one. The air already has that heavy feel to it, like it’s been sitting in the sun before sunrise. Not much breeze to speak of either, which usually means we’re in for a scorcher.
Today: We’re looking at mostly sunny skies with temperatures climbing up to around 86°F (that’s about 30°C). It might be a little hotter in the direct sun or out in the fields, so take it easy if you’re working outdoors. Humidity’s hanging around too, which makes it feel even warmer than it really is. It’s best to get your heavy work done early while there’s still a bit of morning cool hanging on.
Tonight: It’s not going to cool off much, with lows only dipping to about 66°F (19°C). It’ll be partly cloudy through the night, and the air might feel a bit thick come bedtime. One of those nights where a fan in the window is your best friend.
Tomorrow: It looks like the heat’s sticking with us. We’ll be back up near 88°F (31°C) and feeling every bit of it. Could see some clouds rolling in through the afternoon, and there’s a slight chance of a thunderstorm late in the day, but nothing’s certain yet. Just enough of a chance that you might want to keep an eye on the sky if you’re out on the tractor or heading back in from the bush.
Highway 522’s still quiet, and there’s good reason for that. A lot of folks are hurting these days, and I don’t blame them. Between the rising cost of living and all the taxes, there’s not much left in a working man’s pocket.
Truth is, I believe paycheck taxes should be stopped completely, plain and simple. The government’s already taking more than their share through everything else. It’s getting to where a man/woman can’t get ahead no matter how hard he or she works, and that just isn’t right. Do that, and you will see this country flourish.
On another note, we had a good day yesterday with folks dropping by the gift shop and picking up some of our one-of-a-kind items. Always nice to see folks appreciating the work we put into things.
I also managed, even with the heat, to get out and thin the tomato plants for the second time this year. They’ve been growing by leaps and bounds, and now that they’ve got a bit more space and air, the sun can get in where it needs to. That’ll help the fruit ripen up just right. I can’t wait till they’re ready.
So what are you up to today, GW?
Well, this morning while it’s still a bit cool, I’m planning on planting some more lettuce. The ones we put in early this spring have just about had it, so with this next batch, we should have some fresh greens in a couple of weeks. Then, about a week after that, I’ll put in another row to carry us through till winter.
I have to tell ya, there’s nothing quite like fresh lettuce on the plate all summer long, especially when it’s not coated in pesticides or who-knows-what else. A man’s better off growing his own these days…since you never really know what’s in store-bought food, and the Powers That Be ain’t saying much.
Fishing Times – Port Loring, Ontario – Today:
Best mid-day bite: Around 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Evening bite: About 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pickerel (walleye): They’re starting to move again during those key feeding times above. The best bet is near the weed edges or deeper pockets being so warm. A shiny spoon or spinnerbait will catch their eye, and tipping it with a minnow or worm helps seal the deal.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass: They’re hanging close to structure—rocks, logs, and shaded shoreline. Soft plastics or topwater baits can stir things up, especially during that late-morning window or just before sunset.
Northern pike: Still cruising the shallows and weed lines. Toss something flashy and keep your hands clear when landing, as they sure don’t mess around.
So if you’re heading out, work the water slow and steady. The fish are there; you just have to think like one.
So, with all that under your hat, and you’ll be needing one today, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store aside from what I’ve already planned.
Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive.
And remember: a paycheck isn’t government property; it’s a man’s lifeblood. Let him keep it.GW
Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.
You know, there’s talk now that the federal government could be cutting back almost 60,000 public service jobs. And to be honest, if that turns out to be true, I’d say it’s about time.
We’ve been paying through the nose for years now, supporting layers upon layers of government workers. Most of them don’t produce a thing, don’t build anything, and sure as heck don’t grow food or fix roads. They’re paper pushers, and the thing is, the government doesn’t have money of its own. It comes from us, the working folks. Every dollar they hand out, they first have to take from someone who earned it.
And here’s something that’ll make you shake your head: the Canada Revenue Agency, the very people in charge of squeezing every nickel out of your pay cheque, has more people working there than our entire military. Think about that. More folks sitting in cubicles auditing small business owners and farmers than we have protecting our country. That says a lot about where the government’s priorities lie, it’s not about service anymore, it’s about revenue and control.
Now let’s talk taxes. The average working man today loses almost half his paycheck before it even hits the bank. Income tax, CPP, EI, provincial tax, and then after that, sales tax, fuel tax, carbon tax, property tax, hell, they even tax the taxes in some cases. You work all day, every day, and by the time you’re done, the government’s taken more than your boss ever paid you.
And what do they do with it? Prop up bloated bureaucracies, hand out contracts to their friends, fund studies about studies, or send it out the door to other countries while folks here are lining up at food banks without a doctor. Meanwhile, we’ve got potholes swallowing cars and seniors choosing between heat and groceries. Doesn’t sound like good management to me.
Now here’s the real truth no one wants to say out loud: If they stopped taxing the working man’s paychecks, they’d actually make more money.
Let the working man/woman keep their money and they will spend it. They’ll buy a house, upgrade their truck, invest in their land, build something new. And with every purchase, the government still gets its cut. How? Through sales tax, fuel tax, building permits, property tax, you name it. That’s the money that keeps a real economy moving, not these endless deductions on your paycheck and clawbacks.
So instead of bleeding us dry with payroll taxes, why not step back, let folks breathe, and let the economy do what it’s meant to do… move. When the working folks are doing well, everyone does well. Simple as that.
Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW
Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.
You ever notice how the banks make it sound like they’re doing you a favour holding onto your money? They flash around interest rates like you’re lucky to be there, but the truth is, you’re probably getting less than 1% — and that’s if they’re feeling generous.
Once in a while, you might see them offer 2 or 3%, which sounds good at first. But look close. That little bump only lasts a month or two, and only if you move all your money into their bank. It’s a trick to pull you in, get you settled, and then quietly drop that rate back to nothing when you’re not looking. That’s no favour — that’s just marketing dressed up as opportunity.
All the while, they’re taking your money and using it to make more for themselves. They invest it, they lend it, and they profit. You? You get crumbs. That’s the part they don’t tell folks like us.
But here’s the good news. You don’t need to be rich to invest. You don’t need a financial advisor in a shiny office. And you sure don’t need to let your hard-earned money sit around doing nothing.
Start Small, Build Steady
Even with just a little money, you can start growing something worthwhile. There are a handful of investment funds that pay you every month, and you can hold them right inside a TFSA so that money’s tax-free.
Here’s a few I keep an eye on:
BTCC.B – a Bitcoin fund for those wanting a taste of the digital world.
EIT.UN – a long-standing income fund.
HDIV, HHIS, MSTE, USCL – all solid income-focused ETFs that pay monthly.
With these, you’re not waiting for the end of the year to see results. Every month, you’ll see income show up in your TFSA. You can let it sit, reinvest it into the ones that are doing well, or move it around depending on where you want to build next. That’s the power of seeing steady progress.
No Need to Panic
Now, don’t let the ups and downs scare you. Some of these might dip here and there. That’s normal. The trick is not to go running the second things turn red. Markets have always had their swings, but they’ve also always come back. Selling too early is where folks trip themselves up.
If the fundamentals are solid and the dividends are still coming in, just hold steady. Patience has always been one of a working man’s best tools.
It’s Easier Than You Think
Open a self-directed TFSA through a place like Questrade or Wealthsimple. It’s no harder than setting up online banking. From there, you can buy shares of the funds I mentioned, or others like them. No middleman. No one trying to steer you into something that benefits them more than it does you.
And once those monthly deposits start rolling in, you’ll see exactly what your money can do. It’s a far cry better than the banks giving you a fraction of a percent while they grow rich on the rest.
You work hard for your money — it’s time your money started working for you.
Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW
