Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

We’re living in tough times, markets are dropping, tariffs are rising, and the world feels like it’s on edge. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these kinds of storms aren’t new. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ll face them again. The real question is: how do we handle it?

When the markets drop, people panic. They see the numbers and start selling off their investments, trying to save what they can. But while many are rushing to get out, the ones with the resources are quietly buying. They know the cycle, they know that after the storm, things will level out, and they’ll come out ahead. The game is set up this way—those with foresight win, while the rest are left holding nothing.

It’s frustrating, no doubt. The system often feels like it’s stacked against the everyday person. But that’s the lesson here: patience and resilience. The panic doesn’t win. The steady, long-term thinkers are the ones who get through the rough patches. It’s no different from what we’ve seen in farming and business: the hard work you put in today will pay off in the future, even if it doesn’t always look like it. I know my wife and I have been there.

In times like these, we need to remember what we’ve learned from the past. It’s not about waiting for someone else to fix things—it’s about relying on our own strength. We’ve got the tools, the wisdom, and the experience to weather this storm.

We can’t control the chaos, but we can control how we react. It’s time to focus on what really matters: our ability to stand strong, stay steady, and keep moving forward. We don’t need to depend on anyone else to pull us through. Or should we.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about car prices going up, and just like always, the blame is being tossed around like a hot potato. This time, they’re saying it’s because of a trade war, with tariffs flying back and forth between Canada and the U.S.

But let’s slow down and look at what’s really going on.

President Trump hasn’t slapped a 25% tariff on finished cars coming from Canada. That’s not what’s happening here. What he’s talking about, and has been pushing—is a tariff on imported auto parts, especially those coming from outside the U.S., like China or Mexico. So it’s not the whole car—it’s the pieces. Big difference.

Now, Canada didn’t just sit back. We fired back with our own counter-tariffs. If an American-made vehicle has parts that aren’t from Canada and it doesn’t meet the CUSMA rules, (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement) that part of the vehicle gets hit with a 25% tariff on the way into Canada. That means things are getting tangled up fast.

So where does this leave the average working Canadian? Standing at the dealership, wondering why prices are climbing, when most of the cars were already overpriced before this nonsense started.

Truth is, there’s a glut of unsold vehicles. Lots are packed. Sales are soft. And they’re not soft because of tariffs, they’re soft because again… vehicles cost too damn much to begin with, and our economy is already hurting.

What we’re seeing now is just another excuse. Another way to quietly raise prices and blame someone else. And I’ll tell you, this isn’t about protecting industry, in my mind, it’s about protecting profit.

What we really need, plain and simple, is for the powers that be to stop taxing the paychecks of the working man and woman completely. Every time we turn around, there’s a new deduction, a new fee, a new excuse for why we can’t keep what we earn. It’s wrong. We are the ones keeping this country going, building, farming, fixing, teaching, raising families—-and we get punished for it, while the suits up top live off our backs without lifting a calloused finger.

Bottom line is this; Let a person keep “every” dollar they earn, and you’d see real change overnight. Folks would have more to spend, more to save, more to invest in their families and communities. Small businesses would thrive and local economies would pick up steam. That’s how you build a strong nation folks—not by squeezing the life out of the very people holding it together.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Well, I gotta say, this one caught me by surprise as I always figured Hooters was the kind of place that would be around forever, like the sun coming up, or a good ol’ country road. But now, here we are, in 2025, and they’re filing for bankruptcy, yep, that’s right. Hooters, the place where men used to walk in and feel a little more important, has hit some rough patches.

Now, I’m no expert on restaurants, but I’ve been around long enough to know when something’s got staying power. Hooters seemed like it had that. It started way back in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Over the years, it grew into a kind of American icon. People knew what you were talking about when you said you were going to Hooters, even if they didn’t want to admit it. It wasn’t just about the wings, though they weren’t half bad. It was about that whole “swagger” thing. A man could walk in there and feel like he had a little more weight in the world. Just sayin’ the word Hooters was enough to put a few extra pounds on your ego.

But times change, don’t they? Now, Hooters is struggling. Inflation, rising costs for food, and the fact that folks just don’t seem to be as interested in the same things they used to be. It’s a tough world out there, and even deep-fried wings and neon lights couldn’t save them. Can’t say I ever thought I’d see the day when even Hooters couldn’t keep the lights on.

I reckon it’s a bit like a farm that’s been around for generations but can’t keep up with the times. At first, you think nothing can touch it. You’ve got your good soil, your steady hands, and you’ve seen everything come and go. Then, one day, the weather changes, the prices go up, and before you know it, you’ve got to sell the place. Hooters wasn’t any different, really. They gave people a good time, made ‘em feel good about themselves, but in the end, you can only hold on so long before something gives.

Now, Hooters is restructuring and selling off some of its spots. Maybe they’ll find a way to bounce back, but I gotta wonder, will it ever have that same magic again? Will folks still get that kick out of walking through the door, or will it just be another memory, like an old barn that’s seen better days?

Well, no matter what happens, I’ll always remember when saying “I’ve been to Hooters” was like adding a little shine to your reputation. It was a different time, and I suppose it’s gone now, just like the good ol’ days of country roads and simple living.

Until the next time: Keep your minds open, your stories alive, and your wings extra crispy. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I have also noticed that there’s been a lot of talk about tariffs, especially with Trump’s announcement to push them forward. Some folks might worry, but I think this could actually be one of the best things to happen to Canada. Hear me out—we’ve spent too long relying on other countries for everything. Maybe this is the push we need to start standing on our own two feet.

Look at Siemens. The German tech company just invested $150 million into a research and development facility for AI-driven battery production in Canada. That’s a serious commitment to our economy and a sign that Canada’s no longer just the place where everyone gets their raw materials. With the right investment, we could lead in tech, too. And that’s the kind of thing we need more of—Canadian businesses getting the chance to innovate and grow right here.

And let’s be clear, there’s no better place than Germany when it comes to making high-quality products. They’ve got a reputation for precision and craftsmanship, and that’s something we could learn a thing or two from. But, while I’m glad to see Germany stepping up, I’ve got a lot of respect for Elon Musk and what he’s doing. That guy’s revolutionizing the world in real time, cutting unnecessary spending, and pushing the envelope. Right now, he’s getting rid of a lot of fat in the system, and let’s face it, that’s exactly what Canada needs too. If we could find the right person to shake things up the way Musk has, it would be a game-changer. But let’s be real, finding that person will be one hell of a challenge.

So, let’s embrace the shift. Support Canadian businesses, and if we’re smart about it, we’ll not only grow the industries of the future, we’ll help make sure we’ve got the right leaders in place to get us there. It won’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is.

Until the next time: Keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Oh, and if those tariffs hit your grocery bill a bit too hard, well, maybe it’s time to dust off those old skills you were taught or should have been taught, and make do with what you’ve got. After all, we’ve been getting by on less for years, no reason we can’t keep doing it.

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

For a while now, there’s been talk urging Canadians to stop shopping at or eating at American-owned businesses. The problem is, these complaints miss the point. These companies aren’t just foreign, they provide jobs and support local economies.

Take Walmart, Home Depot, or fast food chains like McDonald’s and Tim Horton’s. My wife and I were recently in the city picking up supplies, and everywhere we went, gas stations, fast food, retail stores, people were busy, standing in line, buying what they needed, and supporting Canadian workers.

What some boycotters don’t get, is that these businesses employ thousands of Canadians. They’re not pulling money out of the country; they’re putting it in the pockets of hardworking people, paying rent, and buying supplies locally. Although, there is room for improvement, no doubt.

Now boycotting these businesses might seem like a protest against American ownership, but the real cost is the workers who depend on these jobs. Hell, it’s easy to criticize from the outside, but taking away these opportunities hurts your neighbors, not the big corporations.

Instead of focusing on where a company’s headquarters is, we should support businesses, big or small, that contribute to the Canadian economy. At the end of the day, folks are just trying to make a living, and these companies help make that happen.

You know, I’ve been saying this for years. On the one hand, we’ve got to support businesses that employ Canadians, whether they’re American-owned or not. These businesses help put food on the table for a lot of folks. On the other hand, there’s something to be said for keeping our money here at home, supporting the hardworking people who run Canadian businesses. At the end of the day, it’s about finding balance. It’s about supporting the people who make this country tick—whether they’re working at a big-box store or running a small shop down the road.

And, frankly, if you’re not buying from these places, where are you getting your stuff from? The local farmer’s market? Well, that’s good, but last time I checked, not all of us have a fresh crop of toilet paper in the backyard. Let’s keep things real and support the businesses that help us keep our bellies full and our lights on.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

“Shop Canadian!”… that’s where we’re at now. Having to remind Canadians to support their own country. Imagine telling your grandparents that one day, folks would be living here, working here, raising kids here, but still deciding their money belongs somewhere else. They’d think we lost our damn minds.

And yet, here we are, With people whining that the local butcher is too expensive while happily shoving imported mystery meat into their carts. Complaining that Canadian-made boots cost more than the junk ones that fall apart in a season. Bitching that another small business shut down, but last week, they ordered the same product off Amazon to save three bucks.

Then, the best part: After they’ve spent years sending their dollars away, after they’ve watched Canadian companies go under, they’ll be the loudest ones screaming, “Why don’t we make anything here anymore?”

No self-awareness. No shame. Just complaining, as if they had nothing to do with it.

So yeah, now we need ad campaigns to remind people to support their own country. It’s a heck of a thing, isn’t it? The same folks who’ll cover their truck in maple leaf stickers won’t, or haven’t spend a dime to keep a Canadian shop open.

And they wonder why things are going downhill.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

It’s baffling to see so many eager to tear down Elon Musk, especially from those who claim to care about the environment among other things. The truth is, Musk has done more to push humanity forward through Tesla’s electric cars and SpaceX than most could ever dream of. Oh sure, he’s made mistakes, who hasn’t, but his contributions are undeniable.

Meanwhile, in Canada and beyond, billions are being wasted while crucial sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and self-sufficiency are underfunded. Farming, once the backbone of our nation, has been replaced by imports, leaving us vulnerable. Why? All to save a buck. The same can be said for healthcare, where inefficiencies are running rampant.

Musk, for all his flaws, is working toward a more efficient world. He’s cutting waste, streamlining processes, and making the tough decisions that many others avoid. It’s something we should’ve been doing long ago.

If we focused more on supporting local farmers and investing in our own industries instead of relying on others, we’d be in much better shape. The truth is, we’ve lost sight of the values that made us strong: self-reliance and practicality.

Instead of tearing down those who are trying to make a difference, we should be backing them. Again, Musk may not be perfect, but his work is shaping a better future for all of us and that’s the rest of the story as an old feller years ago used to say.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about the United States annexing Canada, some treating it as a serious concern, others as political theater. Either way, it’s a pointless discussion that stirs up division.

This speculation isn’t new. Political figures have tossed around the idea before, but this latest round is reckless… not because an invasion is likely, but because it fuels unnecessary tensions.

What’s troubling is that many of the loudest voices aren’t even from Canada. It’s always outsiders stirring the pot, telling Canadians how they should think and feel. This isn’t about serious policy; it’s about distraction.

Now, I believe in free speech. People have the right to write what they want, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t upset others just the same. Stirring up fear over something so unlikely does more harm than good, and at some point, you have to wonder what the real motive is.

Canada and the U.S. have a long, complicated relationship, with working together when it makes sense and clashing when it doesn’t. But the idea of an American takeover is laughable. The logistics alone make it impossible, and the last thing the U.S. needs is another endless conflict.

However, if it ever did happen, Canada wouldn’t stand much of a chance. Our military is small, the population spread thin, and resources, well lets just say… limited. Resistance wouldn’t last long, and that’s the harsh reality.

At its core, this isn’t about war. It’s about headlines, fearmongering, and distraction. Instead of focusing on real issues like the economy, trade, and energy independence, people are getting caught up in wild speculation.

Canada isn’t going anywhere folks, and the U.S. isn’t going to invade. It’s time to move on from these imaginary problems and focus on real ones.

Until the next time Keep Your Minds Open& Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately, headlines have been blaring that airline bookings between the two countries have collapsed by 70%. If that were true, airports would be ghost towns, airlines would be in full panic mode, and flights would be half-empty. But that’s simply not the case. The truth, as usual, has been stretched to fit individuals that enjoys doing these things.

The claim suggests that bookings have plummeted due to tariffs, political boycotts, or other grievances. However, a closer look at real data presents a different picture. Yes, travel between the two countries is down, but nowhere near 70%. It’s a fraction of that number, with clear economic reasons behind it.

A weaker currency makes travel more expensive. and economic uncertainty has people tightening their budgets, and airlines have made small adjustments to their schedules, cutting a minor percentage of flights. These are normal market fluctuations, not signs of a major political statement.

The idea that most people are boycotting travel just isn’t true. While a vocal minority may try to push it, the reality is different. Many still own property, travel regularly, and maintain strong ties with the USA. People aren’t abandoning trips—they’re simply making more cautious financial decisions.

So why are we seeing exaggerated claims? Sensational headlines get clicks, and some are quick to push a dramatic story. But the truth is far less extreme: travel has dipped slightly due to economic factors, not widespread political sentiment.

So the next time a headline claims that travel between these two countries is in free-fall, take a step back. Look at the real data, not just the eye-catching claims meant to stir controversy.

Strong ties remain with the US, and no amount of media hype is going to change that.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Here we go again. Prices at the pump are climbing, just in time for the promised relief coming April 1. It’s a pattern that’s all too familiar, raise the prices now, drop them when the policy kicks in, and suddenly it looks like we’re saving money. But in reality? We’re just back to where we started.

They count on people not paying attention. By the time prices come down, most will feel a sense of relief, thinking the system worked. But when you look at the bigger picture, it’s clear—this isn’t savings. It’s just manipulation. A price hike before a scheduled drop isn’t a price cut. It’s a distraction.

I shake my head at how often this happens. The cost of living keeps going up, and yet, they still find ways to make it seem like they’re doing us a favor. But when all is said and done, we’re still paying way way too much.

At some point, people need to stop falling for the same tricks. Because as long as they think we’re fooled, they’ll keep playing the game.

Until the next time Keep Your Mind Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

The market’s been jittery, and if you listen to the so-called experts, they’ll tell you the U.S. is losing its edge. Investors are running toward foreign markets, and the headlines scream that America is on the decline. They’re calling it Everything But America—EBA for short. But if you ask me, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this song, and it sure won’t be the last.

Stocks are down in the U.S., sure. But what people forget is that downturns don’t last forever. The economy moves in cycles, and if history’s any guide, we’re just in one of those lulls before the next big climb. Investors chase trends, but when the dust settles, they come back to what works. And like it or not, America still works.

With Trump back in charge, you can bet he’s going to do what he does best—push business forward. Love him or hate him, the man knows money, and he understands that a strong economy keeps him in favor. His tariffs might make people nervous, but let’s not kid ourselves—trade negotiations are just that: negotiations. The goal is always to come out on top, and the U.S. has a habit of doing just that.

Then there’s the talk about tech stocks losing steam. Overvalued? Maybe. But written off entirely? Not a chance. Silicon Valley didn’t build itself overnight, and it’s not going anywhere. Tech might be going through a rough patch, but industries rise and fall like tides. Meanwhile, other sectors, like manufacturing, energy, and defense, stand to gain under policies that favor American production. So don’t be surprised if we see a shift in where the big money flows.

If the big investors want to take their money elsewhere for now, let them. It won’t be long before they come knocking again.

So, is this Everything But America trend the new normal? Not likely. Give it time. The markets always have a way of proving the doomsayers wrong.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Canadians are facing a harsh reality, one that has been overlooked for far too long: the government is taking almost half of what working individuals earn. When you work tirelessly—come rain or shine—you deserve to keep what you’ve earned.

It’s time to confront this uncomfortable truth: the current system isn’t serving the people who keep this country running; it’s benefiting those who sit behind desks, shuffle papers, and make decisions disconnected from the struggles of the working class.

Consider your paycheck—how much remains after taxes? Perhaps it’s 60%, or 50%, or even less, depending on where you live. Let’s be clear: this should not be anyone’s reality. The government should not take such a substantial portion of hard-earned wages.

Why should anyone—especially those not working in the trenches—have the right to claim nearly half of your earnings? The government argues this is necessary to run the country, but should this burden fall on those already stretched to their limits?

The answer is no. This is unjust, and it needs to end.

The Reality of Taxation: What’s Really Happening?

It’s not just about income tax. Working individuals are taxed from every angle. You can’t buy groceries without paying sales tax, or fill your car without incurring fuel taxes. Every bill you pay or purchase you make comes with hidden taxes. And then there are property taxes and endless fees.

What We Deserve

What we deserve is simple: the right to keep what we earn. We deserve to see our hard work reflected in our take-home pay. Each time you clock in, you invest your time, energy, and sweat. That time is yours, and it should remain in your pocket.

It’s time to stop taxing the paychecks of those who do the work.

Until the next time: Keep Your Mind Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Lately folks, several countries, including Canada, have put out warnings about traveling to the United States. These warnings talk about issues with the U.S. border, detentions, and stricter policies put in place under the Trump administration. But before we start buying into these claims, we need to take a step back and think about what’s really going on.

The truth in my mind is, the U.S. is in a complicated spot right now. Since Trump came into office, he’s signed a number of orders that make it harder to cross the border, tightened visa rules, and cracked down on illegal immigration. These changes have raised concerns, and that’s understandable. And when you make big changes like that, there are always going to be people upset by it.

But here’s where things get interesting. These travel warnings from other countries seem to be more than just concern for their people. It’s like when a child gets upset because they’re being told “no” and they throw a tantrum. It’s less about the real problem and more about not liking being told what to do. I kinda think that countries like Canada are frustrated with Trump’s policies, and it’s spilling over into how they talk about traveling to the U.S.

The reality is, the people in the U.S. are just like anyone else. They’re not bad people. They’re kind, hard-working folks who care about other countries, just like most people in the world. Sure, there are troublemakers everywhere, but that doesn’t mean we should judge the entire country based on a few bad apples.

The U.S. is just trying to protect itself. They’re dealing with their own problems and doing what they feel is best. Honestly, we should have been doing the same thing here in Canada for a long time. It’s easy to point fingers, but every country has to look after its own borders and security.

It’s funny, though, because as these warnings keep coming, I can’t help but wonder where all of this is taking us. It feels like everyone’s just digging in their heels and blaming each other. But when you look past the noise, you see that these travel warnings aren’t about real danger, they’re about frustration and politics. The average American, just like the average person anywhere, wants what’s best for their country.

So, before we let all these headlines tell us how to think about the U.S. or any other country, maybe we should take a step back and remember that the people we’re talking about are just that—people. And at the end of the day, we all need to figure out how to get along in this crazy world.

Finally, don’t go taking this as gospel, folks. These are just my rambling thoughts and musings, based on a lifetime of seeing things and a whole lot of figuring it out as I go. I’m not claiming to be the authority on anything here—just a guy who’s seen a few things and has some opinions. If you feel like it, go ahead and form your own thoughts. In the end, we all gotta make sense of this world in our own way.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

It seems to me that too many people today are looking for reasons to be upset. They’ll take a lifetime of achievement, a legacy that shaped a nation’s pride, and toss it aside over something as trivial as a suit color or a political preference.

So what am I talking about? Well, lately, I’ve seen folks turning on Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player this country has ever produced. Not because he did something wrong, not because he hurt anyone, but because he didn’t wear a red and white jersey at an event and because he’s been seen around Trump. And for that, some people are ready to strip him of his Canadian identity? That’s just plain dumb in my books.

Gretzky was, and always will be, a legend. If he likes Trump, big deal. That doesn’t erase what he did on the ice, or what he gave to this country. You know, we used to be able to respect people even if we didn’t agree with them. Now, if someone doesn’t fit a certain mold, they get cast aside.

I think some folks have lost their way when it comes to thinking for themselves. We don’t have to agree with everything someone says or does, but we sure don’t need to rewrite history just because we don’t like their politics.

If anything, maybe it’s time we start focusing more on what actually matters, like respect, reason, and remembering that a person is more than just the last thing they did.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Well, I never thought I’d see the day, but here we are. A Liberal prime minister doing some things that actually make sense. Now, don’t go thinking I’ve gone soft or lost my way. I’m still the same old-timer with my set ways and a sharp eye for nonsense. But credit where credit is due, and this Carney fellow has been making moves that I can’t quite argue against.

First off, investing in the North with military upgrades? That’s just plain smart. We’ve got a big ol’ chunk of land up there, and we ought to be protecting it. The new defense deal with Australia? Well, that tells me someone in charge actually remembered Canada isn’t some tiny island where we can just sit back and hope for the best. Then there’s the carbon tax rollback on heating oil, propane, and gas for our cars. Now, that’s a breath of fresh air, though it should never have been a thing in the first place. Charging folks a tax on the very thing they need to get to work and heat their homes, only to give it back in bits and pieces? That’s like me borrowing your truck, running it out of gas, then giving you a cup of fuel every other week to make up for it.

Now, does all this mean I’m ready to mark my ballot for the Liberals? Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. See, I’ve been around long enough to know that politicians have a habit of saying the right things to get into power and then forgetting all about them once they’re sitting pretty. Looking back, a whole lot of promises were made, but most of them got lost somewhere between the campaign trail and reality. So, while I’ll tip my hat to what’s being done right now, I’ll keep the other hand on my wallet and wait to see if it all holds up.

One thing I do know, my opinion only of course, is that our last Prime Minister did a fine job of driving us into debt and stripping us of our ability to be self-sufficient. We used to be a country that could stand on its own two feet, and now we’re stumbling around trying to remember where we left our boots. That’s something I’d like to see turned around, and if Carney keeps heading in the right direction, well… I’ll keep watching. But voting for them? Again….let’s just say, we’ll see how their agenda plays out. And again… I’ve been around long enough to know that a well-placed promise doesn’t always mean much in the end.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Well, here we go again, the government is talking about reviewing Canada’s contract for F-35 fighter jets, and of course, Trump is the easy target to blame. Prime Minister Mark Carney is suggesting that maybe we should rethink our purchase from the U.S. and look at other options. But let’s be honest here—when it comes to top-tier military aircraft, the U.S. is in a league of its own. No other country produces fighter jets with the same level of technology, capability, and combat effectiveness. That’s just a fact.

So what’s really going on here? Is this a strategic move, or just another way to back out of military spending while making it look like a principled decision? Looking at Canada’s track record, it’s hard not to be skeptical,as military investments have always been more talk than action. Governments make big promises about upgrading our forces, but when it comes time to write the checks, the enthusiasm fades. The F-35 deal was already a long, drawn-out process, and now we’re talking about putting it back under review? Sounds like a way to stall, plain and simple.

But let’s play along for a moment, let’s say Canada really wants to break away from relying on the U.S. for our military hardware. If we’re serious about that, then why not take this opportunity to invest in our own defense industry? Instead of shopping around for second-best alternatives, Canada could be looking at building a real aerospace manufacturing sector right here at home. We have the talent, the resources, and the workforce. Imagine the thousands of jobs that could be created if we started producing our own high-tech military equipment instead of sending billions of dollars across the border. Not to mention, it would strengthen our economy and give us true independence when it comes to national defense.

But will the government take that kind of bold step? Not likely. It’s easier to kick the can down the road, blame Trump, and pretend like we’re making a tough decision. In the end, we’ll probably just end up right back where we started, with more delays, more excuses, and no real action. The truth is, Canada needs a strong, modern military, and that means either committing to the best available technology or stepping up and building it ourselves. Anything else is just political noise.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Canadians will see a drop in gas prices soon, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has signed an order-in-council to eliminate the federal consumer carbon tax starting April 1, 2025. This means the extra charge on gasoline and natural gas will be gone, reducing costs by 17.6 cents per liter of gas and just over 15 cents per cubic meter of natural gas.

The move follows years of debate over carbon pricing and its impact on affordability. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have both been vocal opponents of the tax, arguing it increased the cost of living and hurt businesses. While they welcome its removal, there’s still concern about what comes next.

Carney’s government has made it clear that while the consumer levy is going away, industrial carbon pricing will increase. That means big polluters—especially in oil and gas—will face higher costs, though the exact details remain unclear. Smith has already called for a federal election, saying Albertan’s need to know “just how badly he’s going to punish the oil and gas sector.”

So, what does this really mean for everyday Canadians? Lower fuel costs, at least for now. The carbon tax portion on gas and home heating will be gone, but other taxes remain, including:

• The federal excise tax (10 cents per litre on gasoline)
• Provincial fuel taxes (which vary across the country)
• GST/HST, which is applied to fuel purchases

This change applies across the country, including Ontario. So yes, Ontarian’s will see the same price drop at the pump and on their natural gas bills. But keep in mind, the government is shifting the focus—while consumers get a break, big industries will be hit with higher levies to keep up with Canada’s climate commitments.

And let’s not forget: just because the tax is removed doesn’t mean prices won’t shift for other reasons as fuel companies and provinces could adjust pricing in different ways. And if history tells us anything, savings at the pump don’t always last.

With the April 1st timeline, some Canadians might be wondering if this is some kind of April Fools’ joke—but no, this one’s real, I think ha ha. The only question now is if we’ll see new costs creeping in under a different name.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

It seems like every time you turn on the news, there’s another economist warning about a looming recession. But let’s be honest, Canada has been in an economic downturn for years. Maybe it doesn’t fit the technical definition of a recession, where GDP shrinks for two consecutive quarters, but look around. The cost of living has skyrocketed, homelessness is on the rise, and good luck finding a family doctor. These are the real indicators of economic struggle, not just numbers on a chart.

Now, with a federal election on the horizon, the government will no doubt ramp up spending, handing out money to different groups and businesses in what looks an awful lot like vote-buying to me. But in reality this isn’t a new trick, t’s how politics works. Give out a few bucks, make people feel like they’re getting a break, and suddenly, votes come rolling in. Meanwhile, the hardworking Canadians footing the bill are taxed to the hilt.

Taxes are the silent killer of the working man’s paycheck. Half of what’s earned is taken before it even hits the bank, and then what’s left gets taxed again through endless fees, sales taxes, and hidden levies. Yet, the people in charge—the ones in expensive suits sitting in million-dollar offices—keep finding ways to take more while giving less. And people let it happen. Why? Maybe they’ve been convinced there’s no other way. Maybe they think, “What can I do?”

Now, they’re pointing fingers at Trump’s tariffs, blaming them for economic troubles, but let’s not pretend our problems started there. Hell Government spending in my mind has been out of control for years, funneling money into programs and initiatives that don’t always serve the people who need help the most. The truth is, Canada’s financial struggles run deeper than any trade dispute. It’s about priorities, accountability, and the burden placed on everyday citizens.

The thing is, economists like to talk about how to weather a recession, cut back on expenses, build an emergency fund, pay off debt. Which is all good advice, but it’s hard to do when the cost of everything from housing to groceries keeps climbing, and wages can’t keep up. The real solution? Stop overtaxing the people who actually work for a living, let them keep “all their earning” instead of funneling it into government coffers where it’s spent on who-knows-what.

The average Canadian isn’t asking for handouts, just fairness. There should be “No Tax On Wages“, more accountability on spending, and policies that support the people doing the heavy lifting in this economy. Until that happens, no amount of economic forecasting will change the reality on the ground: hard times are here, and they’ve been here for a while.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW